Monday, June 27, 2016

Podcast update!

John and Frank have had a weekend full of technical and personal dilema. We tried to record our next podcast on Bob's Burgers Sunday evening, but alas our technology betrayed us. It'll be another week before we can give it another shot so later this week Frank will be releasing a Shortcast on the film Miller's Crossing.
Should be fun.
Stay tuned.

Monday, June 20, 2016

Episode 23: Captain America Civil War.


Episode 23: Captain America Civil War.
Hosts: Frank Shaw and John Belliston
Produced by Hobos in the Back Row
Scripting by Frank Shaw
Edited by: Frank Shaw
Graphic Design by: Nathan Newell
Intro Music: Piano Sonata mvnt 1 by F.G. Shaw
Outro Music: Piano Sonata mvnt 3 by F.G. Shaw

John and I discuss the latest Captain America movie. We talk about what we liked and disliked with the movie, including: the plot, Spiderman, issues with the film. The conversation also sparks three potential future topics: Regulation vs. Non-Regulation of WMD's, whether heroes create  their villains, and finally the importance of secret identities. We will eventually touch on these topics in future podcasts.

I also talk about Renegade Cut, a YouTube series that does deep analysis of films both new and classic. It's produced and created by Leon Thomas and I can't recommend this series enough if you like films. Mr. Thomas comes at each movie with a fresh take looking at each picture from an angle that you wouldn't necessarily expect exploring philosophy, film-making techniques, and even fan-theories of the movies.

In addition to his channel, here's Leon Thomas' Patreon for Renegade Cut. John and I discuss Patreon a bit, in both concept and execution. It's a great way for artists to connect with their fans and for the fans to give back to the artists.

Finally, here's the video a Meat Bicycle Built for Two to show off John's love of Borderlands 2. He really likes the game, and this video will give you an insite as to why. So please enjoy.

Saturday, June 11, 2016

Shortcast Episode 1: The Hateful Eight.


Shortcast Episode 1: The Hateful Eight
Host: Frank Shaw
Produced by Hobos in the Back Row
Scripting by Frank Shaw
Edited by: Frank Shaw
Graphic Design by: Nathan Newell
Intro Music: Images of Home: Morning Activies by F.G. Shaw
Outro Music: Images of Home: Morning Activies by F.G. Shaw

I failed completely to talk about the music of this film during the episode. That's a grave error on my part. The score to this movie is fantastic! By far the best of any Tarantino movie, and it relies solely on the fact that Tarantino actually utilized composer Ennio Morricone in a way that showcases the mans considerable talents and ability to fit the music to the scene. Although Mr. Morricone's music does show up in previous Tarantino movies, this is the first time Tarantino fully trusted Morricone's ability to produce an actual score that compliments the drama on screen. The entire score (for the most part) is perhaps more enjoyable and riveting than the film itself. There's a certain ominous dread that permeates through out the picture. The music during Chapter 4 helps build the scene up, and compliments the insanity on the screen at the moment. If you're not inclined to watch a Tarantino movie, but you enjoy film scores, I still recommend checking out the score to this picture. It will not disappoint (even out of context of the movie).

The larger controversy of this film, at least from what I could tell through google searches, seemed to be the treatment of Daisy Domergue by John Ruth. As I mention in the podcast, it is uncomfortable.
The cast and crew of the film defend it quite thouroughly: Kurt Russell, Harvey Weinstein, as well as Tarantino and Jennifer Jason Leigh. There are some points to the idea that the film is heavily misogynistic, and perhaps if I had come from this with a woman's mind instead I may feel differently about the treatment. Then again my first view was uncomfortable, so maybe not.

Though I liked the film, quite a bit actually, I won't deny it's a brutish film. While I found specific portions quite compelling, it lacked the finesse that it needs to truly make it remarkable.

Friday, June 3, 2016

Episode 22 Year in Review



Episode 22: Year in Review
Hosts: Frank Shaw and John Belliston
Produced by Hobos in the Back Row
Scripting by Frank Shaw and John R. Belliston
Edited by: Frank Shaw
Graphic Design by: Nathan Newell
Intro Music: Piano Sonata mvnt 1 by F.G. Shaw
Outro Music: Piano Sonata mvnt 3 by F.G. Shaw

Here's what we got for this episode better late, then never:

Nintendo may be moving back to cartridges. I've just checked again (as of 6/3/16) and have found nothing to contradict this yet. Maybe something will come to light around E3, or not considering Nintendo is rumored not to have much of a presence during the conference.  If you've listened to the podcast already then you already know that I'm [Frank] keen on the idea. I guess we'll wait and see.

Trying Hearthstone? Check out some deck guides.

Variety's article on Agent Carter's cancellation. It's sad, but at least we'll be able to add it to the growing collection of the MCU.

Supergirl? John and I haven't actually watched this yet, but I'm looking forward to checking out the first season when it hits Netflix. DC's television franchises have been solid affairs, even while their movies are lackluster and mediocre.

Next episode will hit early next week on Captain America Civil War. Shoot us a message on Facebook, on Twitter @lojakz or shoot as an email at relevant2rinterests@gmail.com