ToB Interlude - Oscars Preview

Julian Meush February 25, 2016

In anticipation of the 88th Academy Awards we were able to record a special ToB interlude discussing the various Best Picture nominations. This year includes everything from the intimate and psychological, to large scale conspiracies, to outrageous post-apocalyptic war zones, and, having run the gamut, we were able to examine them at length. With films like The Revenant and Mad Max: Fury Road taking cinematography to new heights, this year certainly provided a spectacle in theatres; while some less visually stunning like The Big Short and Spotlight invoked a poignant social outrage. Each of the Best Picture nominations was successful in creating an emotional connection, and maybe we're just growing up, but this sentimental quality is why we go to movies.

Episode 66 - The Great Battlefront DLC Debate

Julian Meush February 3, 2016

This week we get back to our regular format and discuss the latest in geek news. Starting off with all things DC, we break down everything that came out of the "Dawn of the Justice League" TV special that aired on The CW. From the Suicide Squad trailer to the Wonder Woman footage we examine every detail. After a little more movie news we transition into some TV talk giving our review of the Legends of Tomorrow pilot episode and ask if a Supergirl/CW crossover is getting any more likely. Finally, after catching up on the latest game news we have a great discussion the current use of DLC within the industry. All of which spawned from the news of what exactly the Star Wars: Battlefront season-pass would contain.

ToB Interlude - Star Wars: The Force Awakens Review Follow-up

Julian Meush January 23, 2016

When we recorded Episode 65 of the ToB Podcast we went on an hour long tangent that followed up on our Star Wars Episode VII Review from a few weeks back. It seems as though we can't go an episode without talking about Star Wars. It just so happens that this this time our conversation expanded on many of the thoughts we had during our original review. It's arguably a better a better discussion than out original review. Maybe.

Episode 65 - Post-Holiday Chat

Julian Meush January 19, 2016

Happy New Year from the ToB Crew. This week we get together for a (virtual) fireside chat to discuss the movies and shows we've been watching over the holidays. Tangents are encouraged which lead to some fairly obscure/awesome film related conversations. Dan and Jeremy were also lucky enough to have seen, Leo DiCaprio's latest, Revenant and break down the ambitious film. Later in the episode we get into a greater discussion on some of the films that have had some Oscar buzz, including: Joy, Spotlight, Room and more. It's not all movies and TV though (it mostly is), we also recap some of the news we missed over the holidays that came out of the world of video games.

ToB Interlude - Star Wars: Battlefront Review

Julian Meush January 15, 2016

One of the most anticipated games of 2015, Star Wars Battlefront, is finally here and the ToB crew got together to break it down. Combining the immersive gameplay of the Battlefield series with the Star Wars universe DICE's new shooter doesn't disappoint.

ToB Interlude - Jessica Jones & More

Julian Meush January 12, 2016

This week we talk Marvel's Jessica Jones. The latest entry in Marvel's Netflix Defenders series has been out for some time and we've finally got around to discussing it. We all basically enjoyed it but not without a few gripes. We also discuss the state of modern television, asking which is the better option when it comes to week to week viewing or the Netflix binge model. To finish off we touch on the latest from the superhero shows on the CW and praise them for taking images from the comic page and putting them straight onto the small screen.

ToB Interlude - Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens

Julian Meush December 26, 2015

It was one of, if not the most anticipated film of 2015. Star Wars has been seemingly everywhere for months now and the day we've all been waiting for has finally arrived. All of us here at the ToB Podcast have now seen the movie and we're here to discuss it. As always with our reviews we don't shy away from SPOILERS, so be wary. Of course it seems unlikely that anyone listening to this hasnt seen it already, with the film smashing all kinds of box office records, but the warning must be given regardless. Needless to say we all very much enjoyed the film and any grievances we had with it were very minor. However, the big take away from all of this is that it is just great being able to talk Star Wars again. To theorize, speculate and dissect the new Star Wars lore is as much, if not more, fun than reviewing the film itself. This film has kicked off a new era in Star Wars films, with seemingly no end in sight, and that seems just fine to us.

ToB Interlude - Best of 2015 Christmas Special

Julian Meush December 25, 2015

Last year we here at the Tower of Babble Podcast thought it would be a good idea to release our end of year/new years episode on Christmas day. This year we've decided to do the same and turn it into something of a tradition. So here it is! Our annual Top 3 Games, Television shows and Movies of the last year. There's some predictable choices (cough* Star Wars) but there's also a lot of surprises as well. As always it's tons of fun looking back at the year that was instead of always looking forward. So from Julian, Daniel, Jeremy and everyone else involved in the ToB Podcast, we wish you all a merry Christmas and happy holidays! We will see you all in the New Year.

Episode 64 - Civil War Trailer and NX Rumours

Julian Meush December 11, 2015

Once again the ToB Crew sit down to discuss the biggest news in geek culture. Not the least of which including Marvel's Captain America: Civil War trailer, featuring our first look at Black Panther. We also take a minute to look back on the Hunger Games series now that the m final film has been released. We ask why it was so successful and more importantly why we mostly hated it. And of course it wouldn't be a ToB Podcast if we didn't have some Star Wars news to discuss. Tis' the season for all things Star Wars after all. We also look forward to SyFy channels attempt at "Game of Thrones in space": The Expanse, new rumours about the Nintendo NX, and what we've been watching, including Creed. All this and much more in this weeks Tower of Babble Podcast!

ToB Interlude - James Bond: Spectre

Julian Meush December 3, 2015

This week's ToB Interlude is all about the latest James Bond film: Spectre. With the release of Spectre marking the 24th official Bond film and possibly Daniel Craig's last, Julian and Jeremy had high expectations coming off of Skyfall. Unfortunately it fell flat in what was ultimately a fairly disappointing film. Considering the return of Sam Mendes to the director's chair we were surprised by the drastic shift in tone and drop in overall quality of the film, especially compared to his previous outings behind the camera with Bond. With all that being said however, we didn't hate the film by any means and give it credit where it is due. Not the least of which being the amazing cinematography provided by Hoyte van Hoytema. All of this and so much more in our full review!

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November 5, 2026

Bonus Episode - ToB Film Club - Almost Famous (2000)

November 5, 2026

I learned after seeing this movie that Cameron Crow, the writer/director, describes this movie as semi-biographical, and to be honest it sort of reframes the whole picture. Because, one might ask themselves, not knowing any better, why this movie stars a 15-year old rock reporter, as opposed to, you know, an adult? But given that Mr. Crowe was writing this about himself, well... I guess congrats? You've lived a pretty cool life. That all being said, I did enjoy 'Almost Famous' quite a bit. It has a lot to say; commentary on cultural/artistic criticism, uniqueness of sub-cultures, the power of music, what defines a genuine connection, etc. Largely it feels like a hang-out movie, meaning none of those concepts are explored in great depth, but it shows you enough of everything to feel like a complete idea. Aiding in this are the the well drawn characters (again, probably because they're based on real people) portrayed by a big-name cast all performing at or near the top of their game. I mean, it's hard to be upset with a movie with Philip Seymour Hoffman playing a jaded music journalist with a penchant for 'The Who' (Winnipeg represent!). It drags a bit near the end, but the pseudo-epilogue, which puts a finer point on the story, is worth the wait.

November 5, 2026

October 8, 2026

Bonus Episode - ToB Film Club - Office Space (1999)

October 8, 2026

Every so often a piece of media comes around that speaks to the truth of our modern society in such an astute way that it just simply cannot be denied. Mike Judge's 'Office Space' might be THE exemplar of this. Despite being almost 30 years old, it still captures the reality of office work in such painful clarity that it still resonates as powerfully today, if not even more powerfully (god knows, Corporations have only seemingly gotten worse since Y2k). Amazingly, despite the low-hanging, cringe humour, fruit that was perfectly captured by 'The Office' just 6 years later (2005), this movie plays it much more like a straight comedy, and yet it's manages to capture the soul-deadening nature of office work the endures for many to this day. While not perfect, there are moments so enduring that this movie will continue to resonate as long as people continue to work in an office. No notes. Eat the rich - Burn it all down!

October 8, 2026

August 21, 2026

ToB Interlude - The Odyssey

August 21, 2026

Despite being over 3000 years old, Homer's 'The Odyssey' has remained an enduring work of fiction. It's hard to conceive how many times this story has been told and retold. For this reason it's all the more compelling to have one of our generations greatest visual storytellers reinterpret this foundational work for modern audiences. In fact, you could argue this may be the richest interpretations, while understanding the limitations of the filmic medium, given the wonders of modern technology (imagine what the ancient Greeks would think of this!). That's without even mentioning that this film was shot entirely on 70 mm IMAX film (a first of it's kind), and while it may very well be a dying medium, it remains one of the grandest forms of visual storytelling available still today. A beautiful marriage of subject and medium. That is all to say that Christopher Nolan's 'The Odyssey' is a remarkable film. The job of pulling an ancient text into the modern world in way that still captures the imagination is no easy task, but I can safely say accomplished with style by Nolan. While certainly not perfect, the film's ability to leverage the story of Odysseus to deliver a message profoundly relevant to our current time speaks both to the timeless nature of the story but also to Nolan's craftsmanship to shape his telling in such a way as to be pointed in the parable. Which may end up being the film's enduring legacy.

August 21, 2026

July 30, 2026

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

July 30, 2026

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 30, 2026