We're hitting the ground running as we attempt to get back to a regular cadence this week with one of the biggest stories in Hollywood right now. If you've been listening to this show for awhile you know that we've paid close attention to the troubles that have beset Warner Brothers over the last few years. My have the tables been turned. Variety has put out a pretty scathing article (hit piece?) on the current state of Marvel Studios that didn't hold back in its indictment of the management (mismanagement) by Disney for what was, up until very recently, a nearly unblemished brand. Julian and Jeremy unpack how they got themselves in this situation and ponder what moves they can make to bring people back into the world Stan built. Meanwhile, of course, WB still manages to find it's way into the limelight with it's latest attempt to burry a film for tax credits, so of course that is touched on as well.
Read More
Episode 177 - Not All Sunshine and Rainbows
The era of shady business practices continues it seems in the Hollywood world. This time it's not just WB involved, but their own "distinguished competition", at Marvel that's up to no good this week. Rolling Stone released a piece on the Snyder Cut movement, identifying 13% of the online activity being attributed to bots. This on it's own is not big news, as it was largely known, but it's the timing of the piece that's most questionable. Over at Marvel, they're up to their usual tricks of not properly compensating comic book creators, now being accused of "bait and switch" tactics to stiff writers and artists when their characters appear on the screen. Julian and Jeremy break down both stories, while also diving into a plethora of more lighthearted fare, including: news on 'Mortal Kombat 2' and 'Top Gun 3', a Powerpuff Girls animated reboot, a fun "Agree of Disagree" segment, and much more on this week's Tower of Babble Podcast!
Read More
Episode 166 - Execute Order One-Hundred and Sixty-Six!
Despite (what I think to be) the very clever title for this episode, the ToB Crew actually spend much of their time discussing a wide variety of topics this week. Including an in depth review of 'Batman: The Long Halloween Pt 1', which is the latest entry in the WB Animation DC line-up, but only the 3rd with the new art design. Julian and Dan (welcome back!) give a spoiler free review of the first Marvel movie in what feels like forever, 'Black Widow'. There is also SOME Star Wars discussion, as Julian does his best to "sell" 'The Bad Batch' to Jeremy and Dan, with mixed results. Plus, the guys touch on some of the Emmy nominations, and much more on this week's Tower of Babble Podcast!
Read More
Episode 151 - The Snyder Cut Is Real
Some people thought it was a myth, others assumed it was only an eventuality, the rest just got bombarded with the hashtag for 2 years, but against all odds, the “Snyder Cut” of Justice League is real, and it’s coming to HBO Max. Julian, Jeremy, and Dan discuss the exciting news and debate over how to process it all while trying to considering it in context of the vocal minority that made it happen (not as easy to do as you might think). The guys also dive into the latest Tennent trailer and ponder if it’s the last best hope to save movie theatres in a post COVID world. Speaking of which, AMC vs Universal Pictures is also discussed before moving onto to some less depressing news from the galaxy far far away, with the announcement of Taika Waititi taking on a Star Wars feature film of his own. All that and so much more in the latest Tower of Babble Podcast!
Read More
Episode 142 - Spider-Man: Returning Home
After weeks of “Slow News Day” podcasts the the floodgates have finally opened and there’s almost too much too talk about. The main story of course is Spiderman’s triumphant, albeit temporary, return to the MCU; the guys discuss both the implications for the MCU as well as potential Sony Universe concepts. From there we transition to Star Wars with news that Kevin Feige may be bringing his Marvel experience to Disney’s other cinematic universe, also, the Obi-Wan series has found a director and J.J. Abrams opinion on Emperor Palapatine’s inclusion in the Episode IX. All this plus some crazy trailers and a couple “Agree or Disagree” segments.. feels good to have a real show again.
Read More
Episode 141 - A Return to Middle Earth
On this week’s Tower of Babble Podcast the guys ask the timeless question; are there too many trailers when you go to the theatre? That’s right, it’s ANOTHER slow week, but there’s still a few fun stories. Not the least of which being the impressions of the Jurassic World short film, “Battle at Big Rock”. Plus, Amazon’s Lord of the Rings series announces it will be filming in New Zealand, and James Gunn reveals the full cast of The Suicide Squad. Finally, Julian and Jeremy review Titans S2E2!
Read More
Episode 137 - Spider-Man: Homeless
What. A. Day! It’s not often this much jaw dropping news hits all at once. Even more rare, is having a podcast scheduled to record that same day. Luckily all those stars aligned for Julian, Dan, and Jeremy to get behind the misc and discuss the breaking news. The most pressing of which being a dispute between Disney and Sony that has Spider-Man hanging in the balance. Early reports were suggesting that Spider-Man was on his way out of the MCU as the two giant movie studios couldn’t come to terms on a new co-financing deal. If that wasn’t enough, mere moments later, Warner Brothers announced that they were bringing the gang back together for a new Matrix sequel that would include the return of Keanu Reaves and Carrie-Anne Moss, with Lana Wachowski directing! Plus, there’s news about a potential Obi-Wan Kenobi series at Disney+ and a new title for Bond 25. All that, and so much more on this weeks Tower of Babble Podcast!
Read MoreEpisode 136 - San Diego Comic-Con 2019
It’s Christmas in July! Nerd Christmas that is. San Diego Comic-Con is upon us once again and Julian, Dan, and Jeremy are here to unpack all the major news from this year’s con. Including, but not limited to: Star Trek: Picard, new Superman DC animated movies, Top Gun: Maverick, and The Witcher! Then the guys dive deep into the what became THE story from this year’s show; Marvel Studios’ Phase Four slate. From Doctor Strange to Black Widow, and The Mighty Thor to an Oscar winning Blade announcement, Marvel held little back as it revealed it’s plans for the next 2 years. All this and so much more (including a heated Funko Pop debate) on this week’s Tower of Babble Podcast!
Read More
ToB Interlude - Avengers: Endgame
ToB is back to breakdown the latest, and biggest, Marvel film! Avengers: Endgame is finally here; the culmination of 3 phases, 11 years, 21 movies, and countless interweaving character/story arcs, all leading into the biggest superhero film in creation. This movie continues Marvel’s streak of near-perfect team up films, and manages to maintain the humour, heart, and jaw-dropping action sequences that fans have come to expect. Following the events of Infinity War and the snap heard around the world, how do the remaining heroes pick up the pieces? How do they handle their first true defeat? They couldn’t save the world, now will they be able to avenge it?
Read More
ToB Interlude - Captain Marvel Car-Cast
Hello Marvel Fans! It feels like an eternity since our last adventure in the MCU. I mean, Ant-Man and the Wasp was all the way back in July of last year! Luckily Carol Danvers is here to get your comic book juices flowing. It couldn’t come soon enough either; what with Avengers: End Game just around the corner. It’s nice to get back in the mood before the whole universe is in danger again. To help break it all down, Julian and Dan are here with the latest ToB Car-Cast fresh from the theatre. Full spoilers here people so be warned… and trust no one!
Read More