Radio vs. the Martians! Commentary Track – Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace [CLIP]

Every generation has a legend. Every journey has a first step. Every saga has a beginning.

Now this is podcasting! This Christmas Eve, we’re back with a gift, exclusive for our Patreon supporters!

In our first Retcon vs. the Martians!, Casey has ambushed Mike with an impromptu commentary track screening of George Lucas’ much-maligned science fantasy prequel that has been talked to death on every podcast and YouTube channel for the better part of two decades, Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace!

In the waning days of the Galactic Republic, a pair of Jedi Knights are sent to negotiate an armed trade dispute, only to become pawns in an elaborate plot to undermine democracy and position a senator from a remote system (and secret evil wizard) to the biggest chair in space politics. Along the way, the Jedi battle an army of hapless robots, rescue a queen, and discover a young slave boy who may just be a long prophesied Chosen One, destined to bring balance to the Force.

To unlock this episode in its entirety — and many episodes more! — just support us on Patreon with at least one measly dollar a month!

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Fun Size Episode 72 – Highway to Heaven, Except He Breaks Peoples’ Fingers [CLIP]

We’re back with a second Fun Size episode this month, exclusive for our Patreon supporters!

This time, we’re talking about our undying love for the Denzel Washington Equalizer movies, and how they can be a strangely bloody salve for our woes in these trying times.

We dive into the often-morally iffy world of middle-aged action revenge fantasies, and what the targets of those films’ righteous violence says about the people who make them. What separates a justified cathartic experience from right-wing reactionary paranoia?

Plus, we explore the messy, contradictory, and morally confused Black Adam, and try to figure out who the hell that movie wants us to root for.

Also: come out to our special movie screening on December 8th in Seattle and support the PNW Starbucks Workers United labor union relief fund!

To unlock this episode in its entirety — and many episodes more! — just support us on Patreon with at least one measly dollar a month!

Join us!

Fun Size Episode 67 – When Did I Become an Old Man?

We’re back with Dave Brouillette to speak in defense of cinema’s great unsung wet blankets. The long-suffering adults left to pick up the pieces when the reckless hot shot protagonist with a disregard for human life blows up half of downtown or nearly starts World War III while they were saving the day or just looking cool.

Is there an age where your empathy naturally starts to gravitate to these people over the bad boy hero?

We also dig into the complicated emotions of watching popular media with jingoistic or reactionary politics — from Top Gun to 24 to Death Wish — both overt and implicit. Even the stuff we like can be a bit harrowing to watch at times.