The Cult Popcast

| Review | After discussing the new ‘Secrets of Dumbledore’ trailer, Steven regales Gabe with his weekend adventure: taking his daughters to their first movie, Disney’s animated feature ‘Encanto.’ Then, a breakdown of Spielberg’s “techni”-colorful new adaptation of the classic broadway musical, ‘West Side Story.’   Addendum start at 27:08. Added Thursday March 24, 2022.

| Review | Be funny, when you can. A24’s latest drama is “C’mon C’mon” by Mike Mills - a beautifully intimate story about human connection and dealing with the existential turmoil of the 21st century. But first, a quick recap of the highly revered Video Game Awards.

| Analysis | On a very special video game episode, a tiny mention of ‘8-Bit Christmas,’ before we dive into a deeply personal game for Steven released by Nintendo in 2018, called ‘Super Smash Bros. Ultimate.’ Here on it’s three year anniversary, and after the final DLC character has recently been released, we invite Steven’s “Smash Group,” to the cast to dissect the game, the technicals, the histo...

| Review | Gabe finally sees ‘Spencer,’ a tense and melancholic fable that happens to sit nicely with today’s review of Jane Campion’s ‘The Power of the Dog.’ Netflix’s latest film about the wild American frontier is a quiet lesson in storytelling and filmmaking, powerfully led by the one and only Benedict Cumberbatch.

| Review | Two biopics for the price of one! Steven tells Gabe about ‘King Richard’ and’ House of Gucci,’ two wildly different tales about having a dream and what you are willing to do to capture it. Gabe also reviews a Mexican restaurant, and the boys discuss the legacy of Sir Ridley Scott.

| Review | ‘Arcane’ is the new Netflix animated series taking the world by storm. What makes it so good? Steven and Gabe talk about the massively popular video game it’s based on, ‘League of Legends,’ and the studio behind it all, as well as what else is coming in December. Also, “Why Imagine Dragons?”

| Review | Is this the first time a live action adaptation of an anime is done well? Is it worth your time? Should Netflix “green light” a second season? Is Ed good casting? How many rice crispy treats can you eat? Will the Bebop crew ever fly again? All these questions and more answered on this episode talking about Netflix’s ‘Cowboy Bebop.’

| Review | Get everybody and their stuff together. After discussing the downfall of Jurassic Park, we review at length the beloved 1998 anime ‘Cowboy Bebop’ and why it is such a classic. We also discover what the opposite of “masterclass” is, the answer may surprise you.

| Review | If there’s something strange in your neighborhood, who you gonna call? Steven and Gabe call their new friends Mitchem and Aly from “Here’s Our Take” podcast to talk ‘Ghostbusters: Afterlife,’ as well as another little gem and big indy masterpiece called ‘The Vast of Night.’ How many times can we mention Dune today? Don't forget to check out "Here's Our Take" podcast!

| Analysis | We cut into “Disney + Day,” and take a quick bite on Disney’s ‘Jungle Cruise.’ Then give a taste of Taylor Swift before we sink into the main course of Kenneth Branagh’s ‘Belfast!’ I was hungry when I wrote this.

| Review | “When you love something, you protect it.” Chloe Zhao’s ambitious new Marvel movie is now out in theaters, and it is already divisive amongst fans and critics alike. The Nerd World Order crew returns to help Steven and Gabe break down this unusual blockbuster that is supposed to set the stage for the Marvel Cinematic Universe going forward. But definitely not the X-Men.   Check out 'Ner...

| Review | If you could live in any place at any time, where would it be? Edgar Wright’s new film, ‘Last Night in Soho,’ is a tribute to the glamorous 1960’s London - a magical stage set for bright hopes and dark dreams.

| Analysis | The spice must flow! There couldn’t be a better way to celebrate one hundred episodes than with Denis Villeneuve’s long-awaited ‘Dune’ “Part One.” In this episode the boys talk Denis’ history as a director, his approach to filmmaking, and his success in faithfully adapting Frank Herbert’s classic novel to the (very) big screen. This is one movie you have to see in a theater.

| Analysis | In anticipation for the new feature film adaptation of ‘Dune.’ We read the book so you wouldn’t have to, although we agree that you should. We are here to break down the 1965 all-time best selling Sci-Fi novel, ‘Dune;’ talking in depth about the themes, characters, politics, and author motivation for this beast of a book. Also, Goldfish or Cheez-Its?

| Review | We are going transatlantic in this highly “Wes Anderson-y” new Wes Anderson movie, ‘The French Dispatch.’ A love letter to the world renown “New Yorker” magazine, this anthology of short stories is quite fun and indeed features another ensemble cast.

| Review | The most successful show Netflix has ever produced, ‘Squid Game,’ has taken over the world and permeated the culture. We talk about how it got made, the themes, why it’s so popular, and what the kids are saying these days.

| Review | A quick breakdown of the DC Fandome occurs before a quick spoiler-filled review of ‘Halloween Kills.’ We then talk at length about, ‘The Last Duel,’ and Ridley Scott as a filmmaker along with his past and future projects.   Addendum start at 31:00. Added Thursday March 24, 2022.

| Review | Something that started off as a humorous one-time advertisement became an international television sensation. Apple TV’s ‘Ted Lasso’ has made a home in our hearts and minds during a more somber season of life. Our good friend, Lindsey, talks with us about the beauty, the characters, and even the mental health behind season two.

| Analysis | You know his name. After 15 years as James Bond, Daniel Craig has now finished his five-film run with No Time to Die, directed by Cary Joji Fukunaga. The boys invite company over to unpack the emotional and explosive finale, reminiscing on Craig's take of the iconic character as well as digging into some of the franchise history. How many times did Gabe see this again?

| Review | “Baaa!” Portents of doom echo through the Icelandic valley in the form of a sheep's call. In the distance you can hear a gunshot, potential infidelity, a “that’s what she said” joke, and two Americans fumble as they try to pronounce foreign names. This is the most recent A24 film, ‘Lamb.’

| Review | We begin the day by tearing into ‘Venom: Let There Be Carnage,’ just like Topher Grace tore his way into ‘Spiderman 3.’ We then switch gears and unpack the recently finished Disney/Marvel animated series, ‘What If…?’ and it's potential in the future of the MCU.

| Review | How crazy is French arthouse cinema? It turns out very. Join us as we nervously laugh our way through Julia Ducournau’s and Neon’s ‘Titane;’ A not-for-the-faint-of-heart flick full of graphic imagery and dealing with heavy themes of mental illness, sexual assault, unconditional love, and car sex.

| Analysis | The recent Mike Flanagan work for Netflix, ‘Midnight Mass,’ is full of philosophy and horror, age-old questions on faith and religion, and maintains a rich theological allegory; So, naturally, It has us talking of the cavernous themes and its relevance to our current culture.

| Review | This last Saturday was “Netflix Day,” as the lads discuss the content they are most excited about then launch into Disney Plus’ “Star Wars: Visions” and the unique beauty behind the creative forces that spawned this one-of-a-kind anthology series.

| Review | We do a very quick recap of the Emmy’s and then move on to Netflix’s and Laurie Nunn’s show ‘Sex Education,’ where we talk about Season Three, the tone, the sex, the character development, and the quality.