Chops TV

This week, we tackle the dense sociological themes (no, really!) of the 1985 horror-comedy Fright Night. Why were 80's vampires movies all so similar? Why were the police in the movie's town so incompetent? Could teens be right about how dumb adults are?

This week, we examine the Japanese horror film "Audition," directed by Takashi Miike. Few films are equal parts beautiful and difficult to watch, but we break down the pertinent scenes and themes to help you take in the film that served as inspiration for films like "SAW" and "Hostel."

This week, we welcome Friend of the Show Sean Brugger to talk about the Universal Monsters Cinematic Universe (the original one) and its influence on film and filmmaking over the years. Plus (of course), we rank the monsters according to how good their films were - or how easily they could beat us in a fight.

This week, we kick off a month of Spooky Season episodes with the 2004 rom-zom-com "Shaun of the Dead." We examine all the call-backs and call-forwards, lay bare decades of zombie movie tropes and learn a little something about British ice cream treats.

This week, it's a 'Leftovers' episode featuring the original "Karate Kid." Marc waxes poetic about this nostalgic favorite while Daniel examines Daniel-san's journey through the lens of the Monomyth. There's also an above-average amount of voice acting and sound effects in this one, so...comic gold.

This week, we are joined by J.D. "T-Bone" Smith to breakdown the recently-released trailer for Season 2 of "The Mandalorian" and discuss the news, rumors and speculation about the upcoming season of the hit Disney+ show. Three nerds talk about a 1 minute, 53 second trailer for more than an hour - what's not to love?

This week, we discuss our love for "What We Do in the Shadows," the modern vampire mockumentary produced by Taika Waititi and Jemaine Clement. Anachronisms, blood, lust, bloodlust and direct addresses to the camera - we talk about why the series is likely the funniest on television, right now.

This week, we welcome J.D. "T-Bone" Smith to discuss the teaser trailer for "THE Batman" and other movies hyped during DC FanDome. We have thoughts on "THE Suicide Squad," "THE Snyder Cut" and "THE Rock" - and their roles in DC's fight to catch up to the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

This week, we review the Netflix original film "Project Power," the superhero movie that isn't a superhero movie - and definitely isn't for children. Equal parts "Stranger Things" and "X-Men," this movie tackles difficult topics like distrust of government, experimentation on minority communities, the opioid epidemic - but does it try to fit too much into the runtime?

This week, we review 'Paper Mario: The Origami King,' the latest installment in the sort-of-RPG series from Nintendo. Daniel tells the heartbreaking story of an amnesiac munition and his heroic sacrifice. Marc says at least two of the games in the series aren't canon.

This week, we drink deeply of Paramount Network's "Bar Rescue" and determine what about its reality show cocktail makes it unique among business rescue shows. We also figure out that knowing you COULD own a bar is probably better than actually owning one...

This week, Marc and special guest Dr. Laura Barnett try to convince Daniel to watch "Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga." Moreover, Daniel admits that he doesn't find Will Ferrell funny. Come for the off-color jokes, stay for the heartwarming and the music, apparently!

This week, we examine the logic (and the folly) behind rumors that feuding camps at Disney might consider retconning the Star Wars sequel trilogy. Daniel and Marc dive into some deep lore to explain the theory of how it could be done (narratively) - and why they think it never will (practically.)

This week, it's another Leftovers segment featuring Danny Boyle's 2003 horror/zombie flick "28 Days Later." Or is it a zombie film? Or a horror film? All we know is that we like it and we're forever scared of contracting Rabies because of it.

This week, we welcome Jennifer Lopez (no, not that one) to discuss "Hamilton: An American Musical." With it's theatrical release on Disney+, we take a look at what makes Lin-Manuel Miranda's intricate masterpiece so brilliant - and end up discussing which of the Founding Fathers was the hottest.

This week, we welcome J.D. "T-Bone" Smith back to the podcast to discuss which actor best portrayed the Caped Crusader on the silver screen. Was Christian Bale's voice the most ridiculous? Did Michael Keaton just forget his lines? Do George Clooney's nipples REALLY look like that? Does Kevin Conroy even count?

This week, Daniel and Marc dissect the lore behind the Boonta Eve Classic podrace depicted in 'Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace.' Daniel also reminisces about the re-release of 'Star Wars Episode I: Racer' and theorizes about whether or not we've seen the last of podracing on the silver screen.

This week, Marc and Daniel discuss the Netflix original series "Space Force," created by Greg Daniels and starring Steve Carrell, John Malkovich and Lisa Kudrow. Did the eagle land with this series? Or is it a case of failure to launch? We talk about what we liked (and didn't) and use another Daniels' show, "The Office," to argue why "Space Force" might still show us something great.

This week, Daniel invites his brother, Eric Barnett, to introduce Marc and our listeners to the enigmatic singer-songwriter Tom Waits. Eric breaks down some of Waits' most interesting tracks, discusses how Waits has influenced him and others and makes the case for why everyone should listen to a modern German musical soundtrack.

This week, Daniel and Marc sit down with Matty Hayes to talk about recent protests against police brutality spurred by the killing of George Floyd, what it means to be a Black man in America and how white people can most-effectively be allies to people of color.

This week, Marc and Daniel welcome J.D. "T-Bone" Smith to the show to discuss one of his favorite films, Disney's "The Rocketeer" (1991). The trio give a spoiler-full plot synopsis of the steampunk spectacular and ponder why the film didn't perform as well as some of its conceptual peers.

This week, we look at the impact that "Trolls World Tour" may have on the future of the movie theater industry. Marc lays out the conflict between Universal Studios and AMC Theatres and asks the question: is seeing a movie in the theater even worth it?

This week, we look at the appeal of 'Animal Crossing: New Horizons' for the Nintendo Switch. Daniel explains to Marc the ethical implications of time-jumping; how to make it rich in the Stalk Market, and whether Tom Nook is really the villain he's made out to be.