Send us a text

Grab your pulse rifles and motion trackers – we're dropping into LV-426! In this adrenaline-fueled episode, we dissect James Cameron's action-packed sequel "Aliens" (1986) and discover why it stands as one of the most successful genre shifts in cinema history.

The conversation explores how Cameron transformed Ridley Scott's slow-burning horror masterpiece into an explosive action thriller without sacrificing the dread and tension that made the original so effective. We dive deep into Sigourney Weaver's Ellen Ripley – her 57-year cryosleep, the trauma she carries, and her evolution from reluctant survivor to determined warrior. That power loader showdown with the Queen? Pure cinematic gold that perfectly culminates Ripley's character arc.

We couldn't stop gushing about the practical effects that still hold up brilliantly today – from the hive's unsettling biomechanical design to the imposing Alien Queen puppet operated by multiple performers. The Colonial Marines receive special attention, particularly Bill Paxton's panic-stricken Hudson ("Game over, man!") and Jenette Goldstein's tough-as-nails Vasquez. Paul Reiser's duplicitous Burke also gets his due as the human villain whose corporate greed rivals the xenomorphs in monstrosity.

Our hosts debate which film reigns supreme – the atmospheric horror of "Alien" or the action-packed thrills of "Aliens" – and examine how the sequel expands the xenomorph mythology with the Queen and hive structure. From face-huggers to chest-bursters to acid blood, we analyze why these creatures remain among cinema's most terrifying creations decades later.

Ready to face your fears and join the conversation? Subscribe now, leave a review, and prepare for our next episode when we tackle the divisive third installment in the franchise. Remember – they mostly come at night... mostly.

Twitter handles:
Project Geekology: https://twitter.com/pgeekology
Anthony's Twitter: https://twitter.com/odysseyswow
Dakota's Twitter: https://twitter.com/geekritique_dak

Instagram:
https://instagram.com/projectgeekology?igshid=1v0sits7ipq9y

YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@projectgeekology

Geekritique (Dakota):
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBwciIqOoHwIx_uXtYTSEbA

Support the show

Send us a text

What makes a horror film truly terrifying? In our deep dive into Ridley Scott's 1979 masterpiece Alien, we discover it's what you don't see that haunts you most.

The slow-burning tension of the Nostromo's corridors, the cosmic horror of that derelict alien spacecraft, the shadow-cloaked xenomorph – Scott crafts an atmosphere of dread that feels as fresh today as it did over forty years ago. We explore how this film brilliantly balances restraint with shock, particularly in the infamous chestburster scene. Did you know the cast's horrified reactions were genuine? They had no idea what was about to erupt from John Hurt's chest, creating one of cinema's most authentically terrifying moments.

Beyond its surface scares, Alien harbors deeper themes about corporate exploitation. The ship's very name, Nostromo, references Joseph Conrad's novel about labor exploitation – a subtle nod to how these working-class crew members are mere pawns in a corporate game. Ian Holm's android Ash embodies this corporate callousness, placing "company orders" above human lives. We dissect his brilliant performance and the shocking milk-white reveal of his true nature.

For Rich, experiencing Alien for the first time led to fascinating discussions about expectations versus reality. While some of us grew up with action figures from the more combat-oriented sequels, the original's horror roots came as a welcome surprise. Dakota and Anthony share their childhood memories of encountering the franchise, from Mad Magazine parodies to that unforgettable "mouth within a mouth" design that continues to disturb.

Whether you're revisiting this classic or hearing about it for the first time, join us as we celebrate the film that birthed a franchise and forever changed science fiction horror. And stay tuned – next week we're continuing our Alien journey with James Cameron's action-packed sequel, Aliens!

Twitter handles:
Project Geekology: https://twitter.com/pgeekology
Anthony's Twitter: https://twitter.com/odysseyswow
Dakota's Twitter: https://twitter.com/geekritique_dak

Instagram:
https://instagram.com/projectgeekology?igshid=1v0sits7ipq9y

YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@projectgeekology

Geekritique (Dakota):
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBwciIqOoHwIx_uXtYTSEbA

Support the show

Send us a text

Fungi have always been the overlooked kingdom of pathogens. While we've obsessed over viral pandemics and bacterial superbugs, few considered how a simple fungal mutation could tear civilization apart. That's the terrifying premise anchoring "The Last of Us" – and what makes it so unnervingly plausible.

At its core, this brilliant adaptation isn't really about the cordyceps infection that transforms humans into mindless, clicking predators. It's about what remains human when everything else is lost. Pedro Pascal delivers a solid performance as Joel, a man hollowed out by grief after losing his daughter in the initial outbreak. When he reluctantly takes on the job of transporting Ellie (a perfectly cast Bella Ramsey) – a teenager mysteriously immune to infection – across a devastated America, neither expects how profoundly they'll change each other.

The show masterfully balances faithful recreation of the game's most iconic moments with meaningful expansions to the story. Episode 3's exploration of Bill and Frank's relationship transforms a minor game character into a love story. The practical effects bringing the infected to life – especially the terrifying Clickers – create genuinely nightmarish moments that honor the game's horror elements while adding new dimensions in live action. Most importantly, the gradual evolution of Joel and Ellie's relationship from reluctant traveling companions to surrogate father and daughter feels earned through shared trauma and genuine connection.

What lingers after watching isn't the apocalyptic setting or zombie-like threats, but the profound question at the heart of the story: In a world where humanity itself might be finished, what makes individual human connections worth fighting for? And when those connections conflict with the greater good, what choice would any of us make? The answer, as Joel discovers, isn't found in heroic sacrifice or logical calculation, but in that primal, irrational force that has always defined us – the capacity to love beyond all reason.

Twitter handles:
Project Geekology: https://twitter.com/pgeekology
Anthony's Twitter: https://twitter.com/odysseyswow
Dakota's Twitter: https://twitter.com/geekritique_dak

Instagram:
https://instagram.com/projectgeekology?igshid=1v0sits7ipq9y

YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@projectgeekology

Geekritique (Dakota):
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBwciIqOoHwIx_uXtYTSEbA

Support the show

Send us a text

Long before superhero shows dominated television on the CW, Smallville pioneered the genre with its fresh take on Superman's origin story. The show's ambitious approach - following Clark Kent through his formative years before donning the iconic cape and costume - created a blueprint that countless superhero series would later follow.

Diving into Season One feels like opening a time capsule from 2001. The soundtrack filled with Lifehouse, Papa Roach, and Sum 41 instantly transports you back to a simpler era of television storytelling. What makes this first season fascinating is watching the creators experiment with format and tone - establishing the "freak of the week" structure while gradually building deeper character arcs that would eventually span the show's impressive ten-season run.

Michael Rosenbaum's portrayal of Lex Luthor stands as one of the show's greatest achievements. His nuanced performance creates a character both sympathetic and dangerous, establishing a complex friendship with Clark that viewers know is destined for tragedy. Equally impressive is the Kent family dynamic, with John Schneider and Annette O'Toole delivering what many consider the definitive portrayal of Superman's adoptive parents. Their unwavering moral guidance provides the emotional foundation that shapes Clark's journey toward becoming a hero.

The early meteor rock mythology (they don't even call it kryptonite yet!) creates both a narrative engine for weekly adventures and a compelling metaphor for teenage transformation. Each "meteor freak" represents different aspects of adolescent anxiety - fears about appearance, acceptance, and identity that resonate beyond the superhero trappings. These episodes may seem formulaic now, but they established crucial building blocks for the epic story that would unfold over the next decade.

Have you revisited Smallville recently? We'd love to hear how it holds up for you after all these years. Share your thoughts on the iconic characters, memorable moments, or how it compares to today's superhero landscape!

Twitter handles:
Project Geekology: https://twitter.com/pgeekology
Anthony's Twitter: https://twitter.com/odysseyswow
Dakota's Twitter: https://twitter.com/geekritique_dak

Instagram:
https://instagram.com/projectgeekology?igshid=1v0sits7ipq9y

YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@projectgeekology

Geekritique (Dakota):
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBwciIqOoHwIx_uXtYTSEbA

New Video: The Divine Structure Hidden in Superman’s Timeline: https://youtu.be/iHgcBcCSJgM?si=9xmcl76NZR3Sdx3w

Support the show

Send us a text

The Fantastic Four has finally arrived in the MCU, but not in the way anyone expected. Rather than another tired origin story, we're dropped into Universe 828—a gorgeously realized retro-futuristic world where Marvel's First Family are already established heroes beloved by the public.

What makes this film truly special is how it balances cosmic spectacle with intimate family drama. When we meet Reed, Sue, Johnny, and Ben, they're facing their greatest challenge yet: impending parenthood. Sue Storm is pregnant, and Reed's anxiety about what their altered genetics might mean for their child drives much of the emotional narrative. Pedro Pascal brings a fascinating vulnerability to Reed Richards—a brilliant mind constantly plagued by feelings of inadequacy, always believing he should be able to do more.

Vanessa Kirby delivers what might be the definitive Sue Storm performance, finally showcasing the character's immense power that comic readers have known about for decades. The climactic sequence where she confronts Galactus while literally in labor is both visually stunning and emotionally resonant—a mother's fierce protection taken to cosmic levels. Meanwhile, Joseph Quinn and Ebon Moss-Bachrach bring fresh energy to Johnny Storm and Ben Grimm respectively, with their relationship capturing that perfect balance of friendly ribbing and genuine brotherhood.

The film's visual aesthetic deserves special mention—Universe 828 feels like tomorrow as imagined in the 1960s, with flying cars, impossible architecture, and a sense of optimism that's been missing from recent superhero fare. This distinct setting, coupled with the post-credits tease of Robert Downey Jr.'s Doctor Doom appearing in Franklin Richards' nursery, suggests an exciting direction for the future of the MCU.

Whether you're a longtime Fantastic Four fan or completely new to these characters, this film offers something genuinely fresh in the superhero landscape. It reminds us why these characters have endured for over sixty years—because at their heart, they're not just superheroes, they're family. And that's fantastic.

Twitter handles:
Project Geekology: https://twitter.com/pgeekology
Anthony's Twitter: https://twitter.com/odysseyswow
Dakota's Twitter: https://twitter.com/geekritique_dak

Instagram:
https://instagram.com/projectgeekology?igshid=1v0sits7ipq9y

YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@projectgeekology

Geekritique (Dakota):
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBwciIqOoHwIx_uXtYTSEbA

New Video: The Divine Structure Hidden in Superman’s Timeline: https://youtu.be/iHgcBcCSJgM?si=9xmcl76NZR3Sdx3w

Support the show

Send us a text

Christopher Reeve soars into cinema history in 1978's "Superman," a groundbreaking film that established the superhero blockbuster format we know today. Before Marvel, before Batman's dark reinvention, this was the movie that convinced audiences a man could truly fly.

What makes this film so captivating decades later isn't just its place in history, but how it fearlessly embraces both cosmic scale and intimate humanity. From the crystalline landscapes of Krypton to the bustling newsroom of the Daily Planet, the film takes viewers on a journey that feels both alien and deeply familiar. Reeve's performance remains the gold standard for superhero portrayals - his ability to transform between the regal Man of Steel and the bumbling Clark Kent with nothing more than posture, voice, and confidence is a masterclass in acting that later Superman actors still measure themselves against.

The film's vintage charm extends to its supporting cast and villainous plot. Margot Kidder's Lois Lane balances professional ambition with romantic vulnerability, while Gene Hackman's Lex Luthor occupies an underground lair beneath Grand Central Station that ranks among cinema's most memorable villain headquarters. The special effects, revolutionary for their time, might seem quaint today but still evoke wonder in their creativity and ambition. When Superman reverses Earth's rotation to turn back time - a moment of pure comic book logic - the film confidently embraces its fantastical nature rather than apologizing for it.

Superman (1978) wasn't constrained by established superhero formulas because it was creating them. This freedom allowed for creative choices that modern superhero films might shy away from, yet they contribute to the film's enduring charm. Want to understand why superhero films dominate today's box office? Look no further than this pioneering classic that made us all believe a man could fly. Watch (or rewatch) it today and experience the birth of a genre that would eventually reshape cinema itself.

Twitter handles:
Project Geekology: https://twitter.com/pgeekology
Anthony's Twitter: https://twitter.com/odysseyswow
Dakota's Twitter: https://twitter.com/geekritique_dak

Instagram:
https://instagram.com/projectgeekology?igshid=1v0sits7ipq9y

YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@projectgeekology

Geekritique (Dakota):
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBwciIqOoHwIx_uXtYTSEbA

Support the show

Send us a text

What defines a hero? Not the powers they possess, but the choices they make when facing impossible situations. Superman 2025 stands as a testament to this fundamental truth, reintroducing audiences to a Man of Steel whose greatest strength isn't his ability to fly or lift mountains, but his unwavering compassion and moral clarity.

While exploring James Gunn's fresh vision for Superman, we dive deep into what makes this interpretation both faithful to Superman's 85-year legacy and boldly innovative. David Corenswet breathes new life into both Clark Kent and Superman, crafting distinct personalities that somehow feel like two sides of the same genuine heart. His Kansas farm boy humility shines through even when he's soaring above Metropolis, creating a Superman whose power is matched only by his humanity.

Rachel Brosnahan's Lois Lane emerges as the perfect counterpart - fierce, brilliant, and unwavering in her commitment to truth. Their chemistry crackles with authenticity, particularly during that electrifying interview scene where professional integrity clashes with personal connection. We dissect how this relationship anchors the film, giving Superman something worth protecting beyond abstract ideals.

The film's most controversial element - the revelation about Superman's original purpose on Earth - transforms from potential stumbling block to profound statement about nurture versus nature. Superman isn't good because he was sent to Earth to be a savior; he's good because Jonathan and Martha Kent raised him with values that transcend his alien origins. His heroism becomes more meaningful precisely because it's a choice, not a destiny.

From Nicholas Hoult's calculating Lex Luthor to Nathan Fillion's hilariously accurate Guy Gardner, we celebrate how the supporting cast enriches this world without overshadowing its protagonist. And of course, we couldn't resist gushing over Krypto the Superdog, whose presence captures the perfect balance of comic book whimsy and emotional resonance that defines this film.

Whether you're a lifelong Superman fan or newcomer to the character, join us as we examine why Superman 2025 succeeds by understanding that what makes Superman super has never been the "powers and abilities far beyond those of mortal men," but rather his fundamentally human heart. After all, anyone can save the world - but it takes someone special to care about saving one scared, not-very-good dog.

Twitter handles:
Project Geekology: https://twitter.com/pgeekology
Anthony's Twitter: https://twitter.com/odysseyswow
Dakota's Twitter: https://twitter.com/geekritique_dak

Instagram:
https://instagram.com/projectgeekology?igshid=1v0sits7ipq9y

YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@projectgeekology

Geekritique (Dakota):
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBwciIqOoHwIx_uXtYTSEbA

Support the show

Send us a text

Ever wonder how a scrappy pirate site became the world's premier anime streaming platform?

In this bite-sized episode, Anthony dives into the origins and rise of Crunchyroll, the streaming platform that revolutionized how anime is watched around the globe. From its humble beginnings as a small startup to becoming a powerhouse in the anime industry, Anthony explores how Crunchyroll built its massive library, shaped fan culture, and even sparked major industry changes. Whether you’re a longtime subscriber or just curious about the platform’s history, this mini-episode packs all the key moments you need to know!

Check out the Internet Archive's Wayback Machine to glimpse Crunchyroll's early days and appreciate just how far this platform has come in revolutionizing anime consumption worldwide. And don't forget to tune in next week when we'll be discussing James Gunn's new Superman movie!

Twitter handles:
Project Geekology: https://twitter.com/pgeekology
Anthony's Twitter: https://twitter.com/odysseyswow
Dakota's Twitter: https://twitter.com/geekritique_dak

Instagram:
https://instagram.com/projectgeekology?igshid=1v0sits7ipq9y

YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@projectgeekology

Geekritique (Dakota):
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBwciIqOoHwIx_uXtYTSEbA

Support the show