Zack Snyder is a polarizing figure, but regardless of what you think of him or his movies, he certainly knows how to draw a crowd. His movies are often over the top, action packed, and visually stunning. Which also happens to be a great way to describe one of the most polarizing films in his entire oeuvre; Watchmen. Based on the most critically acclaimed graphic novel of all time, one that was considered by many to be “un-adaptable”, Snyder certainly had a lot to live up to. Leaning on what he knew best, and in much the same way he approached 300, Snyder almost slavishly pasted the pages of the book onto the screen. In so doing he created a film that is adored by many for it’s unwavering adherence to the source materiel, and for others, they saw a disjointed tone piece, albeit gorgeous and well acted, but missing a coherent through-line. Something that was lost as it changed formats. Regardless, it’s a movie that can be dissected in million ways and will likely be talked about for decades, and the ToB Crew is here to do exactly that. Julian, Dan, and Jeremy unpack each glorious moment and misstep in this NON-exclusive version of the ToB Film Club. This one is for everyone!
Read More
Watchmen S1E6 "This Extraordinary Being": ToB Breakdown
The full ToB crew is back to recap Watchmen’s 6th episode “This Extraordinary Being”. Juxtaposing a character reveal in the hagiographic “American Hero Story” with a deep dive into the true origin of Hooded Justice.
After ingesting a nearly lethal dose of Nostalgia Angela finds herself stuck in her grandfather’ memories. Both Angela and the audience experience the crippling injustice of 1940’s America, and the first vast and insidious conspiracy is revealed. As Angela struggles to retain her senses, we witness the first masked avenger’s origin, the inception of the Minutemen, and the degradation of Will Reeves. As with so much of the show, and original comic, the truth and public perception are two completely different things.
Read More
SSSW - The Mandalorian S1E3 "The Sin"
With Chapter 3 of The Mandalorian we get the culmination of the beginning of what we expect to be an epic journey. Even if what journey will entail is still left unknown. As we watch the Razor Crest fly off into the depths of space at the end of this episode, we are left wondering where this adventure will go next. It can only be described as exciting as The Mandalorian leaves off the first, approximate, third of this season on such a mysterious note. Julian and Daniel, are joined by Jeremy Kozier to try to decipher that mystery as well as acknowledge and appreciate the amazing set pieces, and unbearable cuteness of Baby Yoda on this week’s episode of Small Screen Star Wars.
Read More
Watchmen S1E5 "Little Fear of Lightning": ToB Breakdown
The ToB Crew returns to discuss the first episode of HBO’s Watchmen that actually starts to answer some questions as opposed to just asking them. This episode primarily follows Looking Glass as they lay out his “secret origin” as well as some answers to other pressing questions (like where the hell Veidt has been this whole time!). More importantly however, it’s another amazing hour of television and Daniel, Jeremy, and Julian and here to break it all down.
Read More
SSSW - The Mandalorian S1E2 "The Child"
The Mandalorian Chapter 2 picked up right after the events of Chapter 1, and even though it’s another relatively short episode, the show is really starting to round into form. Choosing to forgo dialogue for long stretches in favour of scintillating visuals and a score that brings a distinct feel to the Star Wars universe, The Mandalorian shows that it’s not interested in being a traditional television series. This episode provides less to unpack in terms of small details and Star Wars lore, but that doesn’t mean Julian and Dan can’t fill your ears with more in depth discussion about a show that still neck deep in mystery.
Read More
SSSW - The Mandalorian S1E1
It's been a long time in the making! Years of planning, blood, sweat, and tears, but it's finally here! I'm talking of course about Small Screen Star Wars - Tower of Babbles latest spin-off show. On this first official episode Julian and Daniel discuss their impressions on the Disney+ streaming service (including the surprise 4k remasters of the all of the Star Wars movies!) as well as look forward to the future of Star Wars, which is looking much more TV heavy than it ever has in the past. Then they review Chapter 1 of The Mandalorian, the ACTUAL long awaited show that finally brings live-action Star Wars to... the small screen!
Read More
Watchmen S1E4 "If You Don't Like My Story, Write Your Own": ToB Breakdown
The full ToB crew is back again to breakdown Watchmen Episode 4: "If You Don't Like My Story, Write Your Own”; while comparatively slow-paced, this episode continues to expand, and complicate, the world of Watchmen.
Lady Trieu secures an important plot of land; Angela brings Looking Glass up to speed; on Blake and Sister Night investigate the clock tower; after disposing of some evidence, Sister Night finds herself in a slippery situation; Will engages in some “passive aggressive exposition”, and Veidt... Veidt goes fishing for microwaveable clone babies? We think. Really hard to pin that one down...
Read More
Small Screen Star Wars - Trailer
With the launch of Disney+, so too comes the launch of another Tower of Babble recap podcast. This one however, much like the source materiel, is bigger than just one show - It’s an entire galaxy! Julian Meush, Daniel D’Souza, and Jeremy Kozier, bring their podcasting talents to the world of Star Wars. Listen as they discuss some of their favourite Star Wars films in anticipation of the launch of The Mandalorian. The flagship series for Disney+ and the show that will kick off a new chapter in Star Wars history. As a bonus, enjoy an interview with Lucasfilm Executive, Pablo Hidalgo, that Julian and Dan were lucky enough to conduct at FanQuest 2018.
Read More
Episode 144 - Green Lantern In My Loins
After recording a Watchmen ToB Breakdown the guys jumped into an impromptu, full episode, of the ToB Podcast. There was so much to cover, from “The Batman” news to the deluge of announcements that came along with the HBO Max content reveal, what was supposed to be a quick catch-up episode became a 2-hour deep dive Green Lantern, Game of Thrones, Star Wars, The Matrix and more. Luckily there’s lot of meat on the news bones for Julian, Jeremy and Dan to chew on.
Read More
Watchmen S1E3 "She Was Killed by Space Junk": ToB Breakdown
Dan and Jeremy are back to breakdown Watchmen’s third episode “She Was Killed by Space Junk” (along with the occasional Julian-interjection)
This week we’re re-introduced to a classic character from the original comics: Laurie Blake, formerly Laurel Jane Juspeczyk, AKA Laurie Jupiter, AKA Silk Spectre II, AKA The Comedienne. Now working for the federal government, the former masked adventurer is tasked with hunting down new vigilantes in violation of the Keene Act.. I’m sure she’s aware of the irony, she just doesn’t seem to care. Much like her father’s view of the world and Laurie’s perception of her own life, this episode is one long, complicated, joke; told in three installments this serves as the perfect backdrop for her character and provides some much needed context for the current state of play.
The episode challenges the audience to look at characters differently; by using a former vigilante to hold a mirror up to the established protagonists the show adds even more tension and, while certainly answering some questions, once again the episode leaves us with more… But y’know, in a good way.
Read More