This week in the Tower we cover all the big comic book show renewals. Specifically what we've been loving about the CW's DC slate. Greg Berlanti, the mastermind behind Arrow, The Flash, Legends of Tomorrow and even Supergirl on CBS had ALL of his shows renewed for new seasons. Something I dont think anyone really thought could happen. We also discuss the future of Star Trek on TV and look forward to Daredevil (which hadn't yet premiered at the time of the recording). On the film front we discuss the announcement of Indiana Jones 5 for 2019, with both Harrison Ford and Steven Spielberg returning. We then move onto breaking down the latest Captain America: Civil War trailer that featured our first look at the MCU Spider-Man. Of course there's always a little Star Wars news and this week we take a look at the "short list" of actors up for the role of a young Han Solo. DC had a few topics for us as well, with the big news being the casting of J.K. Simmons as the new Commissioner Gordon. We wrap up by discussing Sony's big VR announcement for the PS4 and what it might mean for the future of gaming. It's all that and so much more in this week's Tower of Babble Podcast!
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Episode 67 - Deadpool, Firewatch and More!
This week in the Tower we review Deadpool! (Yea we know it's a bit late). It's no spoiler to say we all really enjoyed the movie because apparently everyone else did too. Deadpool smashed some major box-office records over its run, even with its R rating keeping (most) kids away. We of course give Ryan Reynolds some much deserved praise for finally nailing it in the superhero genre by playing the perfect Merc-with-a-Mouth. But its not just a Deaadpool love-in, we also discuss some Star Wars news (as we do every week, and presumably every week going forward into infinitum) and breakdown the last Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice trailer. On the TV side we check out a whole slew of trailers as we get excited for the return of some of our favorite shows. Including, but not limited to: Daredevil, House of Cards and Game of Thrones. Finally we review a couple new indie games; The Witness, a genius puzzle game from the mastermind behind Braid, Jonathan Blow, and the emotional first-person adventure game Firewatch. Both titles have more in common with each other than you might think and Julian and Dan take a very deep look into why they are so engrossing. All that and so much more in this week's ToB Podcast!
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ToB Interlude - Oscars Preview
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.
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Episode 66 - The Great Battlefront DLC Debate
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.
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ToB Interlude - Star Wars: The Force Awakens Review Follow-up
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.
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Episode 65 - Post-Holiday Chat
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.
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ToB Interlude - Star Wars: Battlefront Review
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.
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ToB Interlude - Jessica Jones & More
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.
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ToB Interlude - Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens
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.
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ToB Interlude - Best of 2015 Christmas Special
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.
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