Gobbledygeek

Not a boy but not yet a man; it's something both humanoid mutant turtles and Texans experience. To cover that wide range of experience, Paul and AJ are discussing both the new Michael Bay-produced version of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles as well as Richard Linklater's down-to-earth epic Boyhood. Joining them is Nowheresville director/Smoke Gets in Your Ears: A Mad Men Podcast co-host Joseph Lewis, who manages to summarize TMNT in the most beautiful way possible. That might be the only beautiful thing in relation to the movie; spoiler alert, but one of these films is a hell of a lot better than the other, and it's probably the one about growing up without a stable father figure that was filmed over 12 years. Wait, which--which one was that? Plus, things start on a serious note with Ferguson and the passing of Robin Williams. Next: we continue our year-long Four-Color Flashback exploration of Neil Gaiman's The Sandman with a discussion of Vol. VI: Fables and Reflections.

Come and get your love, boys and girls: the Guardians of the Galaxy have arrived. Paul and AJ abduct the young, impressionable Kenn Edwards (So Let's Get to the Point host/Smoke Gets in Your Ears co-host), leading him on a whirlwind tour of the universe, discussing the finer points of James Gunn's sci-fi blockbuster. Among those points: whether or not, ten movies in, the film marks progress for Marvel Studios; the unlikely (or perhaps the most likely) breakout characters; and that bitchin' soundtrack. Plus, AJ goes in for a sleep test and gets back up on his Spider-Ham soapbox. Next: Joseph Lewis returns for another gathering of the Turtle...uh, Tribe? Is that a thing? Anyway, this time the gang's discussing the new Michael Bay-produced Ninja Turtles movie.

When the moon hits your eye like a big pizza pie, it might just be because Thessaly's pulled it to Earth, wreaking all sorts of havoc on the ground. This Paul and AJ learn in the latest installment of our year-long Four-Color Flashback analyzing Neil Gaiman's The Sandman, this time focusing on Vol. V - A Game of You. Joining the boys again are Wanna Cook? authors K. Dale Koontz and Ensley F. Guffey, who have much insight to offer on Gaiman's depiction of transgender character Wanda, artist Shawn McManus' use of the classic nine-panel layout, and, uh, polar bears. Add to this many Wizard of Oz illusions and discussions of identity, and you've got something we promise makes sense. Sort of. Plus, the gang riffs on Comic-Con, including the unveiling of Gal Gadot's Wonder Woman.     Next: ooga-chaka, ooga-chaka, it's the Guardians of the Galaxy.

Wise man say: forgiveness is divine, but only listening to Paul, AJ, and Nowheresville director/Smoke Gets in Your Ears co-host Joseph Lewis discuss the original 1990 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles film will get you past those pearly gates. Or something, a little birdie told us. But not, like, a mutant bird. Anyway. The gang has wildly varying experiences with the Turtles and the movie: Paul is old enough to have read some of the Eastman and Laird stuff when it was new, and saw the movie in theaters; AJ, being a wee little bairn, claims this is the first movie he ever saw and has loved the Turtles ever since; and Joe, well...Joe's right in the Turtle-loving demographic, but he never got into them as a kid, and that pattern holds 20-some-odd years later. How does the film hold up? Is it slathered in enough mozzarella to deserve bargain bin status? Or does it remain crisp, like the finest pepperoni? To put a merciful end to all pizza-related puns, I'm ending this description right here, so you know, go listen. Pl

We discussed Snowpiercer briefly on our most recent epsiode, but there was too much monkey business going on to talk about it in-depth. So we had to go all-out and do a bonus episode, the sort of episode that fits in between the cracks of our elaborate continuity, featuring none other than The Debatable Podcast host Greg Sahadachny. Shoes as hats, rave cars, orgasmic school teachers...this movie's nuts, and we do our best to honor that babbling about it incoherently.

A new day has dawned, one which doesn't smile too favorably upon humanity. In Matt Reeves' Dawn of the Planet of the Apes, the apes have taken over...well, mostly. As Caesar and company learn, a small faction of humans still resides in San Francisco, and they believe the key to their continued existence lies in the apes' territory. It's not a swell situation, as Paul and AJ discover in their discussion of the second film in this new Apes franchise. They chat about the complexity of Caesar and Koba's relationship, the likable (if simplistic) human characters, and the palpable sadness at the film's core. Plus, the boys hop aboard the Snowpiercer train. Next: the gang (including Nowheresville director and Smoke Gets in Your Ears co-host Joseph Lewis) straps on their musty old half-shells to revisit the original Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles movie, AKA OGTMNT.

We here at Gobbledygeek are avowed fans of big-budget epics, be they superheroic or Tolkienesque. But independent film is an important part of any moviegoer's diet, one many don't have access to. Which is why Paul and AJ are thrilled to speak with Kurtiss Hare of the Nightlight Cinema, the new arthouse theater bringing indie film to Akron, OH. Kurtiss talks about the Nightlight's origin, the incredible response to the project's Kickstarter, and how he hopes the theater will grow. Plus, Paul gets an education from some Masters of Sex and AJ revisits the classics. Next: we stop picking fleas off each other long enough to discuss the latest in the modern reboot of the classic Apes franchise, Dawn of the Planet of the Apes.

Just taking a guess here, but you probably don't want to go to Hell. Probably don't want to rule it, either. And neither does Lucifer, the original fallen angel himself, which sets in motion the events of The Sandman: Vol IV - Season of Mists. Pop culture academics (and Wanna Cook? authors) K. Dale Koontz and Ensley F. Guffey join Paul and AJ for another installment of their Four-Color Flashback series exploring Neil Gaiman's The Sandman. The gang finds much to discuss, whether it be the assortment of mythological envoys sent to The Dreaming, Dream's reunion with one-time lover Nada, or even, uh, the Merkin. Plus, Dale and Ensley went to Slayage, which was the opposite of Hell. Though the squirrels might beg to differ. Next: we'll be chatting about independent film and local business with a representative of Akron, Ohio's brand new Nightlight Cinema.

A dream is a wish your heart makes, or so the song goes. What happens when that wish is fulfilled? Neil Gaiman has a few answers in The Sandman: Vol III - Dream Country, wherein a writer finds his muse, cats rule the world, Shakespeare puts on a play, and an immortal prays for death. Paul and AJ get back on track with their year-long Four Color Flashback exploration of Gaiman's masterpiece, this time joined by The Debatable Podcast host Greg Sahadachny. Plus, Joss Whedon turns 50, Tim Burton's Batman turns 25, and How to Train Your Dragon 2 has something to say about strong women. Next: doubling down on our Four-Color Flashback with another trip to The Dreaming, as Eric Sipple joins us for a discussion of The Sandman: Vol. IV - Season of Mists.

Welcome back to the land of Berk, where the dragons soar, the adults have Scottish accents, and the kids have grown up. Frenemy Eric Sipple joins Paul and AJ to discuss How to Train Your Dragon 2, which--spoiler alert--they all agree is a fine film indeed. Among the points of discussion are the more mature tone, the stunning animation (with an assist from the great Roger Deakins), and Cate Blanchett's role as Valka, Hiccup's mother. In a strong year for sequels, this is one of the strongest, and we're here to tell you why. Plus, in another dragon-related news, the gang dissects the Game of Thrones season finale. Next: getting back on our track with our monthly Four-Color Flashback series discussing Neil Gaiman's The Sandman. Greg Sahadachny of The Debatable Podcast joins us for an analysis of Vol. III - Dream Country.

Godzilla, that green, rubbery, nuclear-breathing master of destruction--he's basically like if Gumby kicked ass, right? His origins were a little different. Close to a decade after America dropped the atom bomb, Japanese filmmaker Ishirô Honda sought to show us, in stark black-and-white, what the bomb may have wrought: a physical manifestation of his nation's desperation and anxiety. And, yeah, he was green, rubbery, and breathed nuclear fire. Paul and AJ revisit the 1954 original, looking to discover why it remains so potent despite being so crudely made. Oh, and they talk about the new one for a few minutes too. Plus, Cosmos comes to a close and Jack White gets weird on Lazaretto. Next: There's this movie? That follows this other movie? About this dragon? Something about that.

With How to Train Your Dragon 2 prepared to soar into theaters next weekend, you'd better believe superfan Paul was going to find some way to celebrate it. And celebrate it he has, with frequent guests Eric Sipple and Kenn Edwards joining Paul and AJ for a commentary of the first film. The gang discusses how the film overcame their initial low expectations, why having Roger Deakins as a "visual consultant" was crucial, the way the movie expertly moves the plot forward at only 90 minutes, and which of them is a dog person (much to the shame of the other three). Watch along and enjoy.

Hello, Birmingham! Live from the Alabama Phoenix Festival, it’s Gobbledygeek! Paul and AJ returned to APF 2014 to host a series of panels about everything from summer movies to Orphan Black, and while they were there, they thought it’d be neat to record a live podcast. Joining them in the hot seat is Gobbledy-stalwart Kenn Edwards; in the audience, frequent guests/loved ones/freaks of nature Eric Sipple, Joseph Lewis, and Pam Smith. The gang talks to the crowd—including a man dressed as Casey Jones and two teenaged Bronies—about how the con’s going, why they enjoy the sense of community it provides, and that awful-looking Ninja Turtles movie. Next: Paul and AJ return to their boring, excitement-free home lives to discuss the original Japanese Godzilla. And I guess they’ll mention the new one too.

Friend of the show and long-ago guest K. Dale Koontz makes her triumphant return to Gobbledygeek, and this time, she's brought along her lovely husband Ensley F. Guffey. Together, they've written Wanna Cook? The Complete, Unofficial Companion to Breaking Bad, which is pretty much what it says. Dale and Ensley geek out about Breaking Bad, discuss Michael Slovis' stunning visuals, and talk about what goes into writing a book with your spouse. They do not, however, tell you how to cook 99.9% pure crystal blue meth. Disappointing, I know. Plus, the gang bemoans Zack Snyder's grip on DC's movie world and raves about indie comics. Next: our year-long Four-Color Flashback exploration of Neil Gaiman's The Sandman continues, as Greg Sahadachny joins us to discuss Vol. III: Dream Country.

Your friendly neighborhood Spider-Man is swinging back into theaters with The Amazing Spider-Man 2, and we're on hand to dissect it. There is just so much going on in this movie that Paul and AJ have recruited another villain for their burgeoning franchise: Kenn Edwards of So Let's Get to the Point and Project Batman. The gang is sharply divided on just how good Marc Webb's sequel is and just how much plot is too much plot, but the common ground is surprising. Namely, the film's faithful portrayal of Spidey himself; the adorability of Emma Stone as Gwen Stacy; and the power of one particularly iconic moment. Plus, Paul shares some shocking casting news, and AJ and Kenn dig on Louie. Next: K. Dale Koontz and Ensley F. Guffey join us to discuss their book Wanna Cook? The Complete, Unofficial Companion to Breaking Bad. Meth and/or egomania not required.

Close your eyes. Lull yourself to sleep. It's time for another trip to the Dreaming, as Paul, AJ, and special guest/third Gobbler Eric Sipple continue their Four-Color Flashback exploration of Neil Gaiman's The Sandman. In Vol. II, A Doll's House, we discover humans might be playthings of the gods; that hearts are very important; that for a man named "Fun Land," he's not very fun; and which of the Endless has the most bitchin' stereo system. Plus, the gang talks about their appearance at this year's Alabama Phoenix Festival. Next: spins a web any size, catches thieves just like flies, look out! Here comes The Amazing Spider-Man 2.

Paul and AJ are, you know, they're...I think the word is "geeks"? Geeks. Yes. And sometimes, they challenge each other. Lord knows they challenge each other. And sometimes such a challenge between geeks is bestowed the the rank of Geek Challenge. For the first time in far too long, such a plague has befallen the podcast: AJ challenges Paul to watch the 1957 Ingmar Bergman classic The Seventh Seal; in return, Paul challenges AJ to John Boorman's 1981 Arthurian epic Excalibur. There is much sadness and mythmaking and fast-and-loose historical accuracies as our knights ride off a journey of the soul. Plus, Fargo makes for a pretty great TV show and The Superior Spider-Man has reached its blessed end. Next week: the second installment of this year's Four-Color Flashback, as the boys discuss the second volume of Neil Gaiman's The Sandman, The Doll's House.

The Debatable Podcast's Greg Sahadachny has bullied his way onto another podcast. This time, he forces Paul and AJ to discuss storytelling in video games, and whether or not harder games are more fulfilling than easy ones. Throughout this, the words "ludology" and "narratology" are bandied about as if anyone involved has the faintest idea of what they mean. Before the games discussion, the gang talks about Amazon's acquisition of comiXology and what that might mean for the world's premiere platform for digital comics; after, they get into this week's shocking Game of Thrones and--of course--the nature of spoilers. Next: for the first time in a while, the Geek Challenge rears its challenge-y head.

He's pretty spry for an old guy: Steve Rogers charges back onto the big screen with Captain America: The Winter Soldier, and we're here to tell you if it's a worthy outing for the star-spangled boy scout. Joining Paul and AJ to disuss the film is friend/lover/ultimate Brony forever Eric Sipple (he also wrote a really cool book called Broken Magic, check it out). The gang talks about Winter Soldier's brutal hand-to-hand, whether or not the movie's political commentary works, the merits of Scarlett Johansson's badassery, and that Sundance Kid. Spoiler alert: this episode might contain the most agreement of any single episode of Gobbledygeek. Next: Paul and AJ talk about stuff! They don't know what! But something!

A storm is coming. No, for real, a storm is coming and it's gonna wipe me and you and everyone we know right offa this rock we call Earth: Darren Aronofsky envisions the great flood of Genesis in mysterious ways with his new film Noah. As portrayed by Russell Crowe, Noah's, uh, a little bleaker than you might remember from Sunday school, as he is forced to grapple with whether or not to allow humanity to persist. Add in some six-armed rock monsters, glowy fingers, and some insane Fountain-esque visuals...and it's not what almost anyone would expect from a biblical epic. We'll tell you if that's a good thing or not. Plus, Paul and AJ watch the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles trailer and talk comics both mainstream (Silver Surfer) and not (Sex Criminals). Next: though Captain America: The Winter Soldier is in theaters as you read this, because of the way we record, it is not this week's episode. No matter what that idiot AJ said. So! Next week! Winter Soldier is coming and we are here to talk about it.