ToB Interlude - Batman vs Robin Review

Julian Meush June 29, 2015

The guys review the DC animated film Batman vs Robin and examine WB's creative strategy for its animated features. Are they making a mistake in adapting too many recent comic stories? Should they go back to some more original ideas and diverse animation? Does Bruce Timm's answer those questions? All of that and a short discussion on what is happening with the live action DC movies.

ToB Interlude - Jurassic World

Julian Meush June 27, 2015

In this weeks ToB Interlude the guys discuss the blockbuster phenomenon that is Jurassic World. We break it down from every angle and try to understand how it grossed over half a billion dollars on its opening weekend. We try to grasp what makes a summer blockbuster work, asking the question; is it OK to love a movie when you know it has all sorts of flaws? Of course we cant help but to make some comparisons to the first film in the series, one of our favorite movies of all time, Jurassic Park. We also debate where Jurassic World fits into the timeline and if they are trying to secretly retcon the series to ignore the events of the second and third films. We finish off, of course, spending a little time geeking-out over some of the best and worst moments in the series.

ToB Interlude - Daredevil and Mad Max: Fury Road

Julian Meush June 25, 2015

The whole ToB Crew has gotten around to watching the rest of Daredevil on Netflix, which means we can finally review the damn thing. To make up for the late review we've included our take on the craziest action movie of the year with our review of Mad Max: Fury Road as well as a short discussion about the sci-fi thriller Ex-Machina.

Game of Thrones S5E10 "Mothers Mercy": ToB Breakdown

Julian Meush June 17, 2015

It has come to that time once again, another season finale for Game of Thrones. Season five has seen its ups and downs but the tenth episode really left us with a sour taste in our mouths. Julian and Daniel sit down to discuss all the major plot points this week as well as give our take on what we think might come in season six. The show left enough loose ends that the speculating and theorizing for the next ten months will be excruciating. Last but not least, we delve deep into the major event that concluded the season and talk about how it effected us as viewers (or in Daniel's case, a reader) and whether it was the right note to end a season on.

Episode 55 - News Catch-up, Witcher 3 Review and E3 Preview

Julian Meush June 12, 2015

Its been awhile since a proper Tower of Babble Podcast has been released and for that, apologies. With that being said, the wait is over! The whole ToB Crew returns as Julian, Daniel and Jeremy do their best to catch up on all the news they've missed over last several weeks.

Game of Thrones S5E9 "The Dance of Dragons": ToB Breakdown

Julian Meush June 10, 2015

Julian and Daniel sit down to discuss the penultimate episode of the season. Typically Game of Thrones saves some big moments for their ninth episodes but did they do enough to top last weeks snowy showdown beyond the wall?

Game of Thrones S5E8 "Hardhome": ToB Breakdown

Julian Meush June 1, 2015

Tyrion and Jorrah make their case to Dany, Arya becomes someone else, Sansa learns a secret, the Boltons strategize, Cersei is asked to confess and Jon arrives to Hardhome just in time to face off against the army of the dead.

Game of Thrones S5E7 "The Gift": ToB Breakdown

Julian Meush May 27, 2015

This week Jon leaves for Hardhome, Sam grieves a death of a friend, Stannis weighs a tough decision, Sansa asks for help, Bron and Jamie are caged, Jorrah and Tyrion reach their destination, Dani indures the fighting pits, Ollena and Littlefinger do some more scheming and Cersei gets some comunpance.

Game of Thrones S5E6 "Unbowed, Unbent, Unbroken": ToB Breakdown

Julian Meush May 19, 2015

Game of Thrones brought some controversy this week, and as is typically the case with any controversy, made for a great discussion. Julian and Daniel sit down to discuss all the outrage and vitriol as well as the rest of the events of the episode, which included; Arya delving deeper into the world of the Faceless Men, Tyrion and Jorrah running into a bit more trouble, Jamie and Bronn reaching Myrcella, Cersei's schemes in Kings Landing and Sansa's wedding in Winterfell.

Game of Thrones S5E5 "Kill the Boy": ToB Breakdown

Julian Meush May 12, 2015

This week Julian and Daniel discuss how Daenerys' deals with the attack on Grey Worm and Ser Barristan, Jon's plans for the Wildlings, Stannis finally leaving Castle Black, Sana's old/new home and Jorrah and Tyrion's voyage into Old Valeria.

July 30, 2026

Bonus Episode - ToB Film Club - The Warriors (1979)

Another cult classic, 'The Warriors' brings a distinctly unique sense of style and grittiness that feels right at home on the grimy streets of 1970's New York City. The gang-centered heightened reality of the film feels almost Shakespearian in nature, as if you're watching an mythological journey fraught with peril of all kinds - violence, temptation, and the law. This movie was selected as a double-feature of sorts with Nolan's recently released 'The Odyssey' and the comparisons between these stories feels apt. At the end of the day it's just people trying to get home and doing their best to overcome the challenges the world throws at them. The stakes are clear, and while the nature of good guys vs bad guys is more than a bit muddied here (Ajax... dude, wtf?) the thrilling chases, bombastic action sequences and the long awaited final confrontation are all working at a high level (despite some pretty flat performances and lackluster dialogue). While there are certain elements of the movie that DO NOT age well (looking at you gender politics), the core of the film remains strong and executed well. Plus, as an added bonus, the soundtrack for this movie absolutely slaps! This is a fun ride and it's easy to see why it's endured over these many years.

July 23, 2026

Episode 207 - Avengers: Doomsday Trailer + News Roundup

We're into the full swing of blockbuster season. With 'Obsession' breaking box office records, 'The Odyssey' now filling IMAX theatres, and 'Spider-Man' right around the corner, movies feel very "back" right now. Plus, with Comic-Con next week Marvel released their first full-length 'Avengers: Doomsday' trailer. Julian and Matt try to decide if the hype is there, which feels crazy when considering it's an Avengers movie after all, but that might speak more to the situation Marvel currently finds themselves in. Meanwhile, DC doesn't want to be left behind, releasing a new trailer for 'Clayface' , which is shaping up to be a sneaky hit in the body-horror space (despite still not Batman). This all leads to Matt's idea that comic book movies should be treated like jury duty. Plus, a news rundown covering the passing of Sam Neil, Netflix updates (they're bad), some box office updates, and more!

June 25, 2026

Episode 206 - Shrek 5 or Austin Powers 4?

Time marches on and we all feel old. This week, 'Toy Story 5' hit theaters, and while reviews have been positive, it's crazy to think we're onto the fifth installment in that franchise. In a similar vein, we recently learned that Mike Myers is interested in returning to 'Austin Powers', on the heels of his appearance in the trailer for another fiver, 'Shrek 5' (which already has people in it's own tizzy). Matt and Julian debate the merits of either prospect, and then turn the page to stare into the abyss that is AI invading Hollywood. Plus a grab-bag of entertainment stories covering odd popcorn bowls, a Knicks documentary, a scrapped Palpatine show and much more! Finally, to wrap things up, a brief discussion on 'House of the Dragon' season 3 premiere, 'Obsession', 'The Furious', and 'Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring' (both in and out of concert).

May 27, 2026

SSSW - The Mandalorian and Grogu

It's hard to believe it's been so long since the last Star Wars movie hit theatres. After years of announcements, failed projects, and even a change in leadership at Lucasfilm, the first movie in nearly a decade is a follow-up to the first ever live action Star Wars show. Maybe that's fitting for a new era, under new management. The film itself is a fast paced, action-packed, adventure that hails back to the old serials that George Lucas loved. While it is certainly a fun time at the movies, with exciting set-pieces, characters inclusions from across the lore, all of which set on planets with diverse biomes (i.e. some of the things Star Wars does best). Unfortunately, the movie lacks compelling stakes, character depth (where's Din's arc?), much of any plot to speak of, or even a sense of real "importance" - and while that may be a bit intangible, it prompts the question: why was THIS movie the first to bring Star Wars back to feature films in almost a decade? Julian and Rachel try to answer that question and dive deep into all the nerdy details.