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Tower of Babble

Discussing the goings on in geek news with a focus on film and television. We're talking about the things you care about. Characters, places and events that aren't real... but are.

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ToB Interlude - Uncharted (2022)

Julian Meush February 24, 2022

Julian and Jeremy go waaay back with ‘Uncharted’ as a series. So much so that one might say the game series was formational in their understanding of narrative in the gaming space. For years people have been calling for a film adaptation of ‘Uncharted’. So long in fact, that the movie has gone through countless directors, writers, and actors attached to the project. It took time, but it’s finally here, a true live action representation of everyone’s favourite band of misfit thieves and adventurers. Does this it live up to the years of hype or is it just another stale video game adaptation? Join Julian and Jeremy as they explore that question and dissect the film from two perspectives; how it works as an extension of the games, and how it holds up on it’s own as a movie.

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In ToB Interlude Tags Uncharted, Review, Naughty Dog, Sony, Tom Holland
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ToB Interlude - Spider-Man: No Way Home

Julian Meush December 20, 2021

Spider-Man in the MCU has seemingly always been a rollercoaster ride. From his first underoos appearance in 'Civil War', through to his dusting in 'Infinity War', and more. The ride continued off the off the screen as well, with Sony and Disney doing the impossible (working together) to keep it all going. And now here we are, at the end of his very own MCU trilogy. We all remember how the last Spidey trilogy ended (existential crises indeed), and the fact that the 'Amazing Spider-Man' series didn't even get it's 3rd movie. Combined with the bonkers premise the marketing was pitching for this entry, it's understandable if you were concerned if they'd be able to pull it all together. Well allow me to be the first to put those concerns to rest. 'No Way Home' is able to stick the landing with all the grace of the web-head himself. It's able to balance complex and emotional storytelling masterfully, while still being super fun and funny. Despite it's nearly 3-hour run time, it never feels long, and will make you want to jump right back in when it's over. This is a true event film that deserves to be seen on the biggest screen possible. Run, don't walk, to your nearest theatre.

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In ToB Interlude Tags Spider-Man: No Way Home, Spider-man, Marvel, Sony, Review, Tom Holland
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ToB Interlude - No Time to Die & Venom 2

Julian Meush October 21, 2021

Jeremy and Julian got together over the weekend to take in DC Fandome (find our coverage in the podcast feed), and they used some of that time to sit down and discuss the two biggest movies of the last few weeks; 'James Bond: No Time to Die' and 'Venom: Let There be Carnage'. As a huge Bond fan, Julian spills his guts raving about how Craig's final outing as the character brings back some of the more "fun" Bond elements that have been missing for a decade. On the 'Venom' side of things, the guys grapple with accepting the movie for what it is (a romcom with an alien symbiote) and their history with the character from other mediums. The consensus? It's bad? But it's also good? Either way, the real question is; what's up with that final scene?!?!

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In ToB Interlude Tags James Bond, No Time to Die, Daniel Craig, Venom 2, Venom, Marvel, Sony, Spider-man, MGM, Bond 25
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ToB Interlude - Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings

Julian Meush September 10, 2021

Although Shang-Chi as a comic book character may be fairly obscure, the pressure to deliver on a film for the character is immense. Bringing the first Asian lead to MCU is no small feat, and the path is laid with many traps, but Feige and team were undeterred, and managed to deliver yet another winner. The film is fast, fun, and the action is stunningly choreographed, all of which is executed with precision and style. The fight scenes, which are heightened by amazing scores, are worth the price of admission alone. But most of all, ‘Shang-Chi’ tells a compelling story about family and what it means to grow up, all while mixing in the fantastical. It feels right at home in the MC.

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In ToB Interlude Tags Shang Chi, Marvel, MCU, Kevin Feige, Review
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ToB Interlude - The Suicide Squad

Julian Meush August 11, 2021

In these COVID times, it's rare that we get to review a big-time blockbuster, but with the release of James Gunn's 'The Suicide Squad' we do just that this week, and boy does it feel good. The movie out-performs almost all expectations, despite carrying the baggage of Gunn's firing, and subsequent re-hiring by Disney, the critical flop that was the 2016 film (and its miraculously massive box-office haul), and the R rating. It's focused, not concerning itself with tying into a larger world (though that larger world does exist in the periphery). The dialogue is sharp and the performances are top tier, giving additional credence to the power of Gunn's writer/director talents. It's amazing what can happen when you give a talented filmmaker the ability to make the movie they want and not just a piece of a poorly designed puzzle. Overall, the movie is an absolute blast and a hell of a ride. If you have the chance to see this in theatres safely, do yourself a favour and indulge yourself in the weird and wacky world of James Gunn's 'The Suicide Squad'.

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In ToB Interlude Tags James Gunn, The Suicide Squad, DC, DCEU, Guardians of the Galaxy, Review, Suicide Squad 2, Suicide Squad, Superman
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ToB Interlude - Now on Wednesdays

Julian Meush June 27, 2021

With Dan out of town, Julian and Jeremy sit down for a casual news catch-up that takes the guys through a myriad of different topics, including: Disney+ moving their original content premiers to Wednesdays, ‘Transformers: Rise of the Beasts’ announcement , Jensen Ackles Batman voice, James Cameron’s Avatar, the value of physical media and the role of “special features” in 2021, and much, much more!

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In ToB Interlude Tags Transformers, Beast Wars, Star Wars, Marvel, DC, Avatar, The Suicide Squad, James Gunn, James Cameron, Batman, Flash, Loki
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ToB Interdude - Mortal Kombat

Julian Meush April 26, 2021

With more and more video games being adapted into movies or TV shows, it’s about time that we looked to our roots and revived one of the OG video game movies; ‘Mortal Kombat’. The movies from the 90’s hold cult status, and with the game franchise as strong as ever, WB felt like the time was right to bring Sub-Zero and Scorpion back to the big screen (or I guess small screen on HBO MAX). Julian sits down with Dan and Jeremy, both of whom bringing decades of MK history and knowledge with them, to dissect the film. Will this version become a cult hit like it’s forebearers? Will it do well enough to kickoff a whole new series? All these questions and more are tackled in this week’s episode of the Tower of Babble Podcast.

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In ToB Interlude Tags Mortal Kombat, Warner Brothers, Review
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ToB Interlude - 2021 Oscars Preview Show

Julian Meush April 20, 2021

With less than a week left before the Oscars, it’s time for the annual ToB Oscars Preview Show! Last year, pre-covid, the festivities were much more formal (with some of the hosts even wearing fancy jackets!), but this year things are a bit more subdued. It’s just Julian and Dan this week (subbing out Jeremy) as they look forward to what should be a memorable Academy Awards celebration. Or so they tell us! With covid impacting every aspect of Hollywood, they discuss what that will mean for the broadcast. With names like Steven Soderbergh taking the reins expect things to be a dit different. According to Soderbergh himself, they want the show to “feel like a movie” (whatever that means), and don’t call the stars on stage “presenters”! No they’re cast members nows. Either way, it’s shaping up to be something interesting. After that, we move into our “main event” as the guys discuss each of the “Best Picture” nominees before moving on to predictions for the winners in the biggest categories (sorry “Costume Design”).

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In ToB Interlude Tags Oscars
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ToB Interlude - Zack Snyder's Justice League - Spoilercast

Julian Meush March 22, 2021

The original release of 'Justice League' hit theatres all the way back in 2017. To say it was poorly received would be an massive understatement. It was a disappointment in almost every sense. To make matters worse, the whole production was mired in studio meddling in its most incompetent form. During those turbulent times, tragedy struck. It was during that time that Zack Snyder stepped away from the project and was replaced by Joss Whedon. A decision that has been widely criticized since. When Snyder left the picture, his original vision was discarded. Replaced by something tonally similar to what Joss had brought to the MCU. Almost immediately following the theatrical premiere in 2017, fans starting calling for the "Snyder Cut" to be released, spawning the infamous hashtag. At the time, the existence of Snyder's version of the movie was considered to be a myth. But slowly over time, more evidence of the existence of the infamous directors cut began to surface. Fuelled by support from Snyder himself, as well as stars like Ben Affleck, the push for the release of the “Snyder Cut” reached a fever pitch. Warner Brothers took notice, and when they needed flagship content for their fledgling streamer, HBO Max, the dream became a reality. ‘Zack Snyder’s Justice League’ would premiere in its full, uncut, 4 hour runtime (and even get a black and white version) to home viewers everywhere. The ToB Crew has spent those 4 long years since Whedon’s version discussing the nuances and discourse surrounding the “Snyder Cut” (for better or for worse), but the time has come to now discuss the film itself. Julian, Dan, and Jeremy break it all down and discuss what worked and what didn’t for what is, in many ways, an unprecedented piece of entertainment. Be warned, full spoilers ahead!

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In ToB Interlude Tags DC, DCEU, HBO Max, Justice League, Zack Snyder, The Snyder Cut, Batman, Ben Affleck, Superman, Henry Cavill, Gal Gadot, Wonder Woman, Flash, Aquaman, Cyborg, Review
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ToB Interlude - DC Fandome 2020

Julian Meush August 25, 2020

With no San Diego Comic-Con (or any comic-con for that matter) this year, the big comic companies are turning to alternate means to get their message out. DC decided the best way to spread the word about their latest projects, was to host their own comic-con, completely online. With intimate panels to massive reveals across their TV, film, and print, properties, the goal was to replicate the feeling of being in the San Diego Convention Centre, but from the comfort of your own home. By all estimations, they largely succeeded in that endeavor. Their 24-hour stream was chock-full of major announcements and reveals. Not the least of which being the first teaser for Matt Reeves “The Batman”, which largely stole the spotlight. Though the trailer for the Snyder Cut of “Justice League” was also exciting (especially for Jeremy). That is without even mentioning the details we got about “Black Lightning” (JSA whaaat!), “The Flash”, or “The Suicide Squad” (gotta love that cast!). Speaking of the Suicide Squad, the latest game from Rocksteady “Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League”, was also announced along with “Gotham Knights” a co-op Batman game. Long story short, there’s plenty of content to fill you ears as the ToB Crew break it all down in excruciating detail.

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In ToB Interlude Tags DC, DCEU, DC Comics, Wonder Woman 1984, Wonder Woman, Flash, Flashpoint, Batman, The Batman, Suicide Squad 2, Suicide Squad, Joker, The Snyder Cut, Justice League, Black Adam, Titans, Harley Quinn, Aquaman, Shazam, Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League, Gotham Knights, Rocksteady, DC Universe, HBO, HBO Max, DC Fandome
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REcent Episodes

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SSSW/ToB Film Club - Rogue One: A Star Wars Story
May 22, 2025
SSSW/ToB Film Club - Rogue One: A Star Wars Story
May 22, 2025

It's hard to believe that 'Rogue One' premiered nearly a decade ago. At the time, it was fairly well received, considered to be a decent first step into the standalone Star Wars movies, if not a bit messy. As the years passed, we learned more about the production. Gareth Edwards, who retained sole directing credit, was assisted by Tony Gilroy to "fix" the project. Tony went so far as to call it a "corpse" when he came aboard for rewrites and reshoots. It was Tony's inclusion that brought us some of the movies most memorable moments, and ultimately led him to leading the charge on 'Andor', a prequel project that flew under the radar as hits like 'The Mandalorian' hogged the spotlight. With 'Andor' now complete, considered by many to be a masterpiece in storytelling, not just in Star Wars but on television in general, now is the most appropriate time to reexamine the movie that spawned the Cassian-centered prequel series with fresh eyes. 'Andor', which leads directly into the events of 'Rogue One' recontextualizes much of the film, creating a unique viewing experience that pays off a multitude of threads that are brilliantly laid over the two seasons of 'Andor'. It takes the movie, which was already pretty good, and makes it great. Now existing as part of a whole that weaves a cohesive narrative from the nascent moments of the Rebellion all the way through to the destruction of the Death Star in 1977 (the seed that begat ALL Star Wars, and what we appropriately align our Star Wars BBY calendars to). It all feels wholistic and considered when viewed from the broader perspective - an accomplishment that should set a shining example of what Star Wars can and should aspire to.

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After only 4 weeks - the blink of an eye - it's all over. The best Star Wars story since the Original Trilogy has graced our screens and left us in awe. These final three episodes weren't able to reach the emotional highs of last week's arc, but that wasn't the goal. Instead, it provides time to look back at what brought us here, and sets the stage for the climax of the story to take place not in this moment, but within the now recontextualized film that birthed all of this in the first place, 'Rogue One'. And while the show may carry Cassian's name on the title screen, it's been the cast of characters we've met along the way that truly elevated this experience. Not to pick favourites, but in particular, Luthen and Kleya, who get an episode all to themselves this week are the standouts. And what an episode it was, as their story which shepherded much of the series came to an end, as we all expected it would have to. Embracing those feelings of closure, in the final moments of the series, as Cassian flies off into 'Rogue One', we are treated to our last glimpses of our heroes and villains. From Dedra to Vel and even Perrin, we are left to consider their fates as the story marches with inevitability into what begat all of this way back in 1977. Will we ever see Kleya, Vel, Wilmon, or Bix again? One can only hope - and rebellions? Well, they're built on hope.

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I'm sorry to tell you all, but we're already halfway through this final season of 'Andor'. Fortunately, the quality hasn't dipped one bit as we accelerate into the finish. Join Julian and Rachel as they savour every minute of this 3-episode arch that takes us to Ghorman for the first time on screen. Tony Gilroy and the team at Lucasfilm outdid themselves yet again in crafting every detail. The size of the set alone is impressive, but they take it a step further by developing a unique culture and even language different from anything we've seen in Star Wars before. It all fits seamlessly into this next chapter of the story that has a heavy emphasis on spycraft as the pressure ramps up for both the Rebellion and the Empire.

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Tower of Babble Podcast

We're a podcast network talking about the things you care about. Characters, places and events that aren't real... but are. Three friends chat about the goings on in geek news. Film and television are the focus with a variety of shows that also concentrate on gaming and comics.

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