Another Pass Podcast

Case and Sam are joined by Jay McKiernan (Long Live the Legion) to discuss one of the strangest studio movies ever made: Hudson Hawk. Bruce Willis's passion project is a wild mix of heist film, slapstick comedy, musical numbers, Vatican conspiracies, and cartoon logic that somehow also feels a little bit like Street Fighter. Is it a misunderstood cult classic, a glorious mess, or both? Join us as we try to make sense of one of the most fascinatingly flawed movies of the 1990s. Another Pass Full Episode Originally aired: June 26, 2026 Music by Vin Macri and Matt Brogan Podcast Edited by Sophia Ricciardi Certain Point Of View is a podcast network brining you all sorts of nerdy goodness! From Star Wars role playing, to Disney day dreaming, to video game love, we've got the show for you! Learn more on our website: https://www.certainpov.com Support us on Patreon! patreon.com/CertainPOVMedia Join us on Discord: https://discord.gg/wcHHer4 PODCAST SHOWS: ▶ Another Pass - https://www.certainpov.com/another-pass-podcast ⏱️ YouTube Chapters 00:00 – Introduction & Duke Returns 01:45 – Duke's History with Transmetropolitan 03:18 – Who Should Play Spider Jerusalem? 07:00 – Where the Story Stands Before Volume 9 08:02 – Here Comes the Sun: Returning to the Disaster Zone 12:43 – Yelena's Anger & Spider's Investigation Begins 17:38 – Running Through the City Like a Motherfucker 21:22 – Fred Christ's Final Conversation 23:42 – The Truth About the Angels 8 Riot 31:35 – How the Smiler Really Operates 36:49 – Two-Fisted Editor: Royce Takes Action 40:02 – Royce's Investigation & Blackmail Campaign 45:01 – Royce Saves the Case 48:36 – The Cure Begins: A Woman in Hiding 52:24 – Spider Finds the Missing Witness 56:21 – Ambush at the Hotel 01:02:39 – Safe House Interview & The President's Secret 01:10:57 – Martial Law and the Final Push 01:16:35 – "When Was the Last Time You Had Sex with a Transient Prostitute?" 01:17:09 – Volume 9 Discussion & Final Thoughts 01:24:02 – Where to Find Duke 01:25:40 – Where to Find Keith 01:27:41 – Patreon Shout-Outs & Outro

Vanessa Cominsky joins Case and Sam to RAGE against this awkward historical epic! Overview Podcast hosts Case Aiken and Sam Alicea provide a framework for discussing the 2004 film Troy, highlighting its connection to early 2000s epic films like Gladiator and 300. Vanessa Cominsky, a guest and classics major, notes a 4-year professional bond with Case stemming from shared academic interests. David Benioff, the film's screenwriter, is discussed in relation to his later work on Game of Thrones and identified issues in narrative depth. Whitewashing criticism surfaces regarding the film's predominantly white cast, despite its story set in a historically diverse region. Analysis reveals a lack of clear passage of time, compressing the depicted 10-year Trojan War into a brief narrative span. Costume design receives praise for historical accuracy while the film's runtime discrepancies are critiqued, with the director's cut deemed excessive. Thematic exploration includes Agamemnon's characterization as a villain symbolizing US imperialism, contrasting with sympathetic portrayals of the Trojans. Sean Bean's potential as Odysseus is noted but criticized for underutilization, while Peter O'Toole's Priam provides limited but impactful performance. Improvement suggestions include altering the title to better reflect Achilles' journey and revising the narrative structure to enhance character development. Upcoming initiatives include a scholarship program for women in wine, launched by Vanessa Cominsky's nonprofit Vin Vitalite in 2025. @vminsky @womenofwinedc Www.vinVitalité.org (Pronounced vinn vitahlihtay) Notes ️ Podcast Introduction & Setup (00:00 - 02:45) Hosts Case Aiken and Sam Alicea introduce the 'Another Pass' podcast, discussing movie analysis and improvements. Guest Vanessa Cominsky introduced as Case's coworker from wine/spirits industry and fellow classics major. Discussion of 4-year professional relationship and bonding over classics background. Movie Context & Background (02:45 - 09:38) Analysis of 2004 film Troy as adaptation loosely based on oral tradition. Discussion of movie within context of early 2000s epic films including Gladiator, 300, and Lord of the Rings trilogy. David Benioff identified as screenwriter, connecting to later Game of Thrones writing style issues. Observation that Odysseus character tells audience he's clever but never demonstrates intelligence in actual scenes. Political interpretation: movie reflects 2004 centrist liberal perspective on Middle Eastern conflicts with 'support the troops' messaging. Film Production & Casting Analysis (09:38 - 19:22) Vanessa's personal connection: used movie for high school Latin convention project and senior thesis. Whitewashing criticism - movie depicts conflict between Greece and Middle East with entirely white cast. Brad Pitt as main marketing draw playing Achilles in peak popularity period. Case's viewing experience in Rome during classics trip, creating nostalgic connection to material. Story Structure & Adaptation Choices (19:22 - 28:32) Movie covers broader Trojan War story rather than just Iliad, including Trojan Horse sequence not in original epic. Brian Cox as Agamemnon praised as perfect casting choice despite whitewashing issues. Discussion of movie's approach to gods - humans take credit for actions rather than divine intervention. ️ Character Analysis - Heroes and Villains (28:32 - 38:14) Agamemnon positioned as main villain representing US imperialism, while Trojans portrayed sympathetically. Hector vs Achilles juxtaposition works well as respective champions of each side. Orlando Bloom as Paris criticized as too whiny and lacking roguish charm needed for character. Eric Bana as Hector praised as everyone's 'big brother' figure and moral center. Production Design & Technical Elements (38:14 - 47:42) Costume design highly praised for historical accuracy and visual distinction between Greeks and Trojans. Director's cut vs theatrical cut - director's cut too long at 3 hours 16 minutes with unnecessary gore. Runtime issues - theatrical cut feels rushed while director's cut is excessive. War Portrayal & Geographic Issues (47:43 - 56:37) Time compression problem - 10-year war feels like weeks or months with no passage of time indicated. Troy's geography poorly established - unclear city layout and siege logistics. Siege warfare portrayed as single-direction battle rather than comprehensive blockade. Thematic Elements & Religious Context (56:38 - 01:05:46) Gods' role minimized to hint at divine influence without direct intervention. Moral philosophy embedded in Achilles-Briseis conversations about mortality and divinity. Historical accuracy questioned regarding Bronze Age vs Classical Greek terminology and social structures. Casting and Performance Critique (01:05:46 - 01:15:32) Sean Bean as Odysseus underutilized despite perfect casting choice. Peter O'Toole as Priam noted as big casting choice but limited screen time. James Cosmo casting questioned as underused Trojan general. Improvement Proposals - Sam's Pitch (01:15:32 - 01:26:16) Title change to 'The Wrath of Achilles' to better reflect actual story focus. Sean Bean expansion - more scenes showing passage of time and war strategy. Runtime reduction - cut Trojan perspective to focus on Greek side and Achilles' journey. Narrative structure - use Odysseus as storyteller/narrator rather than voiceover. Improvement Proposals - Vanessa's Pitch (01:26:16 - 01:36:20) Scope change to focus on Achilles from moment Odysseus recruits him. Character development - establish Greek power structure and vassal relationships. Agamemnon characterization - emphasize him as villain representing imperialism more clearly. Improvement Proposals - Casey's Pitch (01:36:20 - 01:45:13) Geographic clarity - establish Troy's layout and siege positioning with additional CG shots. Time passage - visual indicators and dialogue establishing years-long conflict. Battle variety - different environments including sea battles and raids on surrounding areas. Violence balance - between theatrical cut's sanitization and director's cut's excess. Final Discussion & Wrap-up (01:45:13 - 02:05:58) David Benioff background revealed as Goldman Sachs executive's son, explaining Hollywood access. Vanessa's organization - Vin Vitalite, DC women in wine industry nonprofit with 501(c)(3) status. Scholarship program launching 2025 for women in wine industry. Next episode preview - Highlander 2: The Quickening.

Case and Sam are joined by Nic Woolfe to stomp like a kaiju (stomp stomp stomp)! We're digging into the Monster-verse with "Godzilla: King of the Monsters (2019)"! Overview In the podcast discussion titled "Another Pass at Godzilla King of the Monsters," the hosts, alongside guest Nic Woolfe, delve into their personal connections to the Godzilla franchise, reflecting on how nostalgia and earlier influences shaped their appreciation for Kaiju films. They analyze the 2019 film's financial performance, placing it within the context of the MonsterVerse, and offer praise for its visual elements, character portrayals, and emotional depth. The conversation touches on the film's themes, such as the insignificance of personal problems against global threats, and critiques the marketing strategies that may have contributed to its underwhelming box office results. The hosts discuss scientific inaccuracies, potential improvements, and casting alternatives, asserting that while the film has its flaws, it remains enjoyable. They conclude with suggestions for future explorations within the franchise, including their next episode focus on "Highlander 2: The Quickening." Notes Introduction and Personal Connections to Godzilla (00:00 - 10:59) Hosts introduce guest Nic Woolfe for their fifth episode together Discussion of personal connections to Godzilla franchise Nick's love for Kaiju came from Power Rangers, Rugrats' Reptar, and later access to classic Godzilla films The hosts establish they all genuinely enjoy the 2019 Godzilla film Movie cost between 170-200 million but only made 387 million, falling short of the $400 million target MonsterVerse Context and Prior Films (10:59 - 21:41) Discussion of 2014 Godzilla film directed by Gareth Edwards as the MonsterVerse starting point Brief mentions of Kong: Skull Island as part of the MonsterVerse Sam shares her family history with Godzilla, particularly her mother's love for monster movies Case discusses the 80s-90s Godzilla marketing push in Western media MonsterVerse is praised for continuing to improve since the 2014 film ️ Visual Elements and Character Appreciation (21:42 - 32:54) Praise for Ghidorah being portrayed as a hurricane with lightning everywhere it goes Discussion of the elemental nature of the Titans: Ghidorah (wind), Godzilla (water), Rodan (fire), Mothra (earth) Appreciation for the film's use of mythology and inclusion of Mothra's twins Strong praise for the cast including Charles Dance, Bradley Whitford, Ken Watanabe Discussion of the emotional scene where Serizawa sacrifices himself Themes and Human Elements (32:54 - 42:52) Comparison between Godzilla: King of Monsters and other Godzilla films including Shin Godzilla Discussion of the family storyline involving Mark and Emma Russell Analysis of the theme that 'it's bigger than you' - problems being insignificant compared to global threats Appreciation for the resolution provided for human characters Commentary on the film's emotional resonance and how it saved Nick during a difficult time Critical Analysis of Marketing and Casting (42:52 - 52:52) Discussion about why the film didn't perform as well financially as expected Analysis of movie title 'King of the Monsters' being reused from the 1950s Suggestion that 'Rise of the Titans' might have been a better title Critique that the film lacked young, attractive lead characters that might draw wider audiences Observation that the film needed more explanation of the various Titans/monsters Scientific Inaccuracies and Improvement Ideas (52:53 - 01:02:28) Criticism of the 'alpha male' science regarding Titans as outdated Suggestion that more monster battles would have improved the film Discussion of effective scenes showing the scale of monsters compared to humans Praise for Ken Watanabe's sacrifice scene and emotional impact Analysis of how the film's marketing could have better emphasized human perspective shots Marketing Critique and Casting Alternatives (01:02:28 - 01:13:52) Proposal that more monster explanations would have helped broader audience engagement Discussion of how modern trailers often reveal too much compared to effective ones like Independence Day Suggestion that Sally Hawkins' character shouldn't have been killed early Idea that Charles Dance could have played Tom Hiddleston's character from Skull Island Commentary on how the film might have benefited from younger actors in certain roles Final Suggestions and Conclusions (01:13:52 - 01:24:43) Discussion about whether including Kong would have helped the film commercially Suggestion to better explain the costs and benefits of Titans to the ecosystem Proposal for including anti-Titan lobbyists or weapons manufacturers as antagonists Overall conclusion that despite its flaws, the film is still highly enjoyable Guest and host contact information shared Announcement that next episode will cover Highlander 2: The Quickening Action items Unassigned Watch 'Godzilla Minus One' while it's still available on Netflix

Case and Sam are joined by DJ Nik to revivify some Xenomorphs! Overview In the latest episode of the Another Pass podcast, hosts Case Aiken and Sam Alicea, along with guest DJ Nik, delve into the complexities of "Alien Resurrection," the fourth installment of the renowned Alien franchise. They discuss the film's controversial elements, including its scientific plausibility, character dynamics, and Joss Whedon's unique screenplay style. The conversation highlights the film's shift towards a more campy tone and examines the visual aesthetics brought by director Jean-Pierre Jeunet, particularly the impressive underwater sequences. The hosts critique the character motivations and propose improvements, with Sam suggesting clearer intentions for the scientists and more depth for the space pirates, while Nick proposes focusing primarily on the scientists and Ripley in a more claustrophobic setting. Case adds ideas for restructuring the narrative arc to enhance suspense. The episode concludes with a tease for their next discussion covering "Highlander 2: The Quickening." Notes Introduction to Alien Resurrection Discussion (00:00 - 10:27) Case Aiken and Sam Alicea host Another Pass podcast with guest DJ Nik They're discussing Alien Resurrection, the fourth film in the Alien franchise Nik introduces himself as a host of multiple podcasts including Whiskey and Cigarettes Case positions this film as less respected than Alien 3, which he previously defended Nick describes his love for the franchise, noting the Xenomorph as 'the greatest creature ever created' He appreciates how each film in the franchise has different directors with different visual styles Sam admits she only watched the Alien films because of the podcast, as she's 'afraid of everything' Plot Elements and Science Issues (10:27 - 20:35) The group discusses the questionable science of cloning Ripley to harvest the alien inside her The movie is set 200 years after Alien 3, with Ripley having died in the previous film Sam suggests the genetic material might have been recovered like in Jurassic Park Case notes the first three films maintained scientific plausibility while this one stretches credibility The movie explores Ripley as a superhuman hybrid, shifting the franchise toward sci-fi adventure Nick points out that Sigourney Weaver was brought back as the flagship character Case questions the scientists' motives for bringing the aliens to Earth Characters and Crew Dynamic (20:35 - 30:37) The movie features a crew of space pirates rather than soldiers or workers as in previous films Sam notes the villain motivations aren't properly established, raising questions about their plans The group questions why the aliens are kept together in cells where they can conspire to escape Nick suggests this is due to 'human hubris' and scientists wanting to study their interactions The movie has a distinct 'Joss Whedon' style, as he wrote the screenplay Case appreciates the lived-in world aesthetic consistent with previous Alien films Sam praises the film's beautiful visuals and camera work despite her criticisms Alien Sequences and Visual Elements (30:38 - 39:45) The underwater sequence with aliens swimming is praised as visually impressive Sam notes the unrealistic breath-holding duration in the underwater scene The group appreciates creative kills and set pieces in the film They discuss how director Jean-Pierre Jeunet brought a different visual style The film is described as more campy than previous entries, closer to a slasher film in space The cast is discussed, with Michael Wincott as the captain and Ron Perlman as an abrasive character Winona Ryder is described as distractingly famous for her role as the android Call The Xenomorphs and Newborn Design (39:45 - 49:46) The aliens show intelligence when escaping their cells by sacrificing one of their own The group discusses the alien queen's live birth ability instead of egg-laying Case questions how this is an 'evolutionary upgrade' when it seems painful and inefficient The newborn hybrid alien design is praised as appropriately freaky and different The theme of motherhood continues from previous films in the franchise Nick points out how the newborn looks more human than regular xenomorphs Sam simply finds the newborn 'gross' and disturbing Improving the Film - Sam's Pitch (49:46 - 01:01:06) Sam suggests clarifying the scientists' motives early in the film She proposes establishing that the main goal is creating super-soldiers like Ripley Sam recommends making the pirates more likeable so viewers care when they die She suggests giving hints about Winona Ryder's character being an android earlier Sam recommends establishing a military base on Earth as the destination for the specimens For the underwater scene, she suggests allowing characters to surface for air occasionally She would keep the film's ending but focus on fixing the first act and character development Nick's Alternative Approach (01:01:06 - 01:10:07) Nick proposes eliminating the space pirates entirely He suggests focusing on scientists, Ripley, and Call (Winona Ryder's character) He recommends a more claustrophobic setting with military presence to explore ethics Nick suggests adding communication between the space station and Earth He proposes showing how Ripley's DNA was extracted to address audience questions Nick mentions that Joss Whedon's original script featured Newt instead of Ripley He wonders how the film might have been different if directed by Danny Boyle, who was approached first Case's Restructuring Proposal (01:10:08 - 01:18:51) Case suggests making the space pirates the focus of the first act, with Winona Ryder as the viewpoint character He proposes revealing Ripley later as a surprise, during the basketball scene He recommends establishing that scientists have been successfully cloning aliens already Case suggests the aliens should have been in captivity longer to justify their escape methods He likes keeping the back half of the movie mostly intact The hosts share that Sigourney Weaver actually made the backward basketball shot in one take They conclude by mentioning their next episode will cover Highlander 2: The Quickening

Matt aka Stormageddon emerges from a pipe to surprise Case and Sam with the power up of a movie, The Super Mario Bros. Movie! Can they make it through with only three continues? Music by Vin Macri and Matt Brogan Podcast Edited by Sophia Ricciardi Overview In the podcast recording discussion titled "Another Pass at The Super Mario Bros Movie," hosts Case Aiken and Sam Alicea, joined by guest Matt (Stormageddon), delve into their cinematic experiences of the 2023 film, praising its 92-minute runtime and appeal to both children and nostalgic adult fans. They highlight standout performances, notably Jack Black as Bowser and Anya Taylor-Joy as a proactive Princess Peach, while critiquing Chris Pratt's portrayal of Mario as merely average. The hosts discuss the film's visual splendor and numerous Easter eggs, though they express disappointment over its reliance on pop music rather than classic Mario compositions. Despite some criticisms of the plot's formulaic nature and suggestions for improvement, the overall consensus is positive, deeming the film entertaining while respecting the franchise's legacy; potential sequels and upcoming projects are also touched upon as they conclude the episode. Notes Introduction to The Super Mario Bros Movie Discussion (00:02 - 08:33) Matt (Stormageddon) returns as a guest to discuss The Super Mario Bros Movie (2023) Case Aiken introduces podcast with co-host Sam Alicea The hosts discuss their viewing experiences of the film The 92-minute runtime is highlighted as a positive factor that keeps the movie from overstaying its welcome Initial thoughts: The film works well for both children and nostalgic adult Nintendo fans Cast Performance and Character Representation (08:33 - 18:50) Jack Black as Bowser receives unanimous praise as a standout performance Anya Taylor-Joy as Princess Peach also praised for making the character active rather than a damsel Charlie Day as Luigi received positive reviews Chris Pratt as Mario described as 'just fine' - not as bad as internet feared but not exceptional The group appreciates Charles Martinet's cameo as Mario's father and Giuseppe The opening commercial sequence featuring the 'Super Mario Super Show' song noted as a clever homage Keegan-Michael Key's performance as Toad highlighted as charming The film successfully modernizes Princess Peach as a proactive character rather than a damsel in distress Music, Visuals and Fan Service (18:50 - 30:01) Major criticism: The film relies too heavily on pop music needle drops instead of using iconic Mario game music Case and Matt express disappointment that classic Koji Kondo compositions weren't featured more prominently The DK rap inclusion was appreciated, though Grant Kirkhope wasn't properly credited initially The visual design receives high praise, described as 'one of the most gorgeous animated films' they've seen The group appreciates the many Easter eggs and references to various Mario games Notable references: Mario Kart customization, power-ups, Rainbow Road, and Luigi's Mansion sequence Film balances content for children with nostalgic references for adult fans of the games ️ Plot Structure and Pacing (30:01 - 40:01) The basic plot follows Mario Brothers from Brooklyn to the Mushroom Kingdom Main criticism: The plot feels 'paint by numbers' and moves from set piece to set piece for fan service The hosts appreciate the quick pace preventing the film from becoming boring Donkey Kong's substantial role questioned as potentially excessive for this film The 'plumbing scene' at the beginning described as feeling too 'illumination-style' and skippable The Mario Kart sequence, while visually impressive, doesn't serve the plot significantly The movie makes excellent use of character power-ups during action sequences Luma (star creature) from Mario Galaxy highlighted as a standout supporting character Suggested Improvements (40:01 - 50:06) Matt suggests removing or reducing the Kong Kingdom sequence to streamline the story The hosts discuss using more game music instead of pop songs for needle drops Fred Armisen's casting as Cranky Kong questioned; suggestions of other older actors who might have been better The group agrees the final act works well in terms of hero's journey storytelling Suggestions that Donkey Kong could have been integrated differently - as a mid-boss or obstacle rather than major character Discussion of how the film could have better incorporated game mechanics into the storytelling The movie's brief runtime (92 minutes) praised as preventing it from overstaying its welcome Final Thoughts and Future Discussion (50:07 - 01:00:38) Overall positive consensus: While not groundbreaking, the film is entertaining and respects the source material The film succeeds as a fun, colorful movie for kids while providing nostalgic entertainment for adults Comparison to other video game adaptations like Detective Pikachu and Sonic Discussion of potential sequels and the upcoming Donkey Kong movie The hosts appreciate the film's visual quality while acknowledging its formulaic approach to storytelling Matt mentions returning for future episodes to discuss the Venom movies Discussion wraps with information about where to find the hosts and their other podcasts

Case and Sam are joined in this episode by many of the people behind the independent Star Trek fan production, Farragut Forward! Tune in for interviews with Dave Moretti, Paul Sieber, Johnny K, and John Broughton! Overview In the latest episode of "Another Pass," hosts dive into the intricacies of the independent Star Trek fan film project, "Farragut Forward," a labor of love that has spanned nearly 20 years. Key discussions include the challenges of independent filmmaking, covering aspects like budget constraints and the collaborative spirit of passionate crew members. Interviews with key figures such as executive producer and set designer Dave Moretti, screenwriter Paul Sieber, and director Johnny K shed light on creative solutions for set design, character development, and directing under constraints. The episode also explores post-production challenges, costume design, team dynamics, and the broader impact of Starship Farragut within the fan film community. Wrapped up with reflections on personal growth and lessons learned, listeners are encouraged to engage with Farragut Forward on platforms like YouTube and follow updates on future projects. Notes Introduction to Farragut Forward (00:01 - 11:39) Hosts introduce the podcast "Another Pass" and the topic: Farragut Forward Farragut Forward is a Star Trek fan film project Case Aiken has been involved with Starship Farragut for almost 20 years The project has been ongoing for about 20 years Recently released Farragut Forward, set in the movie era of Star Trek Independent Filmmaking Challenges (11:39 - 22:51) Discuss the difficulties of independent filmmaking Limited budget and resources Case was a producer and production manager on Farragut Forward Many crew members contributed their own money and resources Emphasize the collaborative nature of the project ️ Set Design and Production (22:51 - 33:52) Interview with Dave Moretti, executive producer and set designer Dave's background in community theater Challenges of building sets in limited space and time Creative solutions for set design and construction Emphasis on creating depth and realism in the sets ️ Visual Effects and Set Pieces (33:52 - 44:57) Discussion of favorite set pieces, including the Klingon Bird of Prey bridge Challenges of creating believable sets on a limited budget Use of creative techniques to enhance the visual appeal Importance of volunteer efforts in set construction Screenplay Development (44:57 - 54:47) Interview with Paul Sieber, screenwriter and actor Paul's history with Starship Farragut and fan films Development of the Prescott character Evolution of the story from previous Farragut episodes to Farragut Forward Character Development and Lore (54:47 - 01:03:59) Discussion of the Prescott character's backstory and evolution Explanation of the Mirror Universe storyline Development of other characters in the Farragut universe Balancing fan expectations with original storytelling Directing Farragut Forward (01:03:59 - 01:12:10) Interview with Johnny K, director of Farragut Forward Johnny's approach to visual style and cinematography Challenges of shooting on limited sets and timeframes Balancing fan expectations with creative vision Production Design and Challenges (01:12:11 - 01:22:13) Discussion of set design and construction challenges Time constraints for shooting on temporary sets Balancing creative vision with practical limitations Importance of safety on set ⏱️ Time Management in Filmmaking (01:22:13 - 01:29:38) Challenges of shooting complex scenes in limited time Strategies for prioritizing essential shots and coverage Balancing creativity with practical constraints Importance of planning and adaptability Team Building and Collaboration (01:29:38 - 01:40:11) Discussion of assembling the production team Importance of finding skilled and passionate volunteers Networking within the fan film community Balancing different skill sets and personalities Creative Problem-Solving (01:40:11 - 01:50:09) Examples of overcoming production challenges Adapting to unexpected issues during filming Importance of flexibility and quick thinking Balancing creative vision with practical limitations ️ Post-Production and Editing (01:50:09 - 01:59:14) Discussion of the editing process for Farragut Forward Challenges of working with limited footage Balancing pacing and storytelling in the edit Importance of maintaining the overall vision during post-production Costume Design and Production (01:59:14 - 02:08:28) Interview with John Broughton, executive producer and costume designer Discussion of creating accurate Star Trek uniforms Challenges of producing movie-era costumes Importance of attention to detail in costume design Project Management and Leadership (02:08:28 - 02:17:39) John Broughton's role as executive producer Challenges of managing a large volunteer team Importance of clear communication and motivation Balancing creative vision with practical constraints Story Development for Future Projects (02:17:39 - 02:24:46) Discussion of the writing process for Farragut 2024 Collaboration between multiple writers Importance of creating a strong story foundation Balancing fan expectations with original ideas Fan Film Community and Legacy (02:24:46 - 02:34:43) Reflection on the impact of Starship Farragut Discussion of the wider Star Trek fan film community Challenges and rewards of long-term fan projects Importance of passion and dedication in fan filmmaking Future of Farragut and Fan Films (02:34:43 - 02:44:31) Plans for upcoming Farragut projects Discussion of the evolving fan film landscape Challenges of maintaining momentum and interest Importance of innovation and quality in fan productions Personal Growth and Lessons Learned (02:44:31 - 02:54:58) Reflections on personal development through fan filmmaking Lessons learned about leadership and collaboration Importance of managing expectations and relationships Balancing passion for the project with real-life responsibilities Wrapping Up and Recommendations (02:54:58 - 03:16:16) Final thoughts on Farragut Forward and its production Encouragement for viewers to watch the film on YouTube Discussion of other podcasts and projects Closing remarks and future episode teaser

Star Trek V: The Final Frontier is a movie that begs the audience to ask many questions. Why does God need a Starship? Why is Captain Kirk climbing the mountain? How many "Rows" are in "Row Row Row Your Boat"? And more! From Farragut Forward, William Jay joins Case and Sam to attempt to answer a few of these questions. Overview In the latest episode of the podcast, hosts Case Aiken and Sam Alicea, along with guest William J., delve into the complexities of "Star Trek V: The Final Frontier," celebrating the film's significance within the franchise on its 35th anniversary. They provide an engaging overview of the movie's production challenges, particularly highlighting William Shatner's directorial debut and the budget constraints faced. The discussion covers character dynamics, including an analysis of Kirk, Spock, McCoy, and the antagonist Sybok, as well as critiques of pacing, plot structure, and the film's attempts at humor. The hosts explore pivotal scenes, such as the Yosemite sequence and the galactic barrier climax, while offering constructive suggestions for improving character development and overall narrative flow. The episode concludes with reflections on the film's legacy within the Star Trek canon and a look at upcoming podcast topics, ensuring listeners are informed and engaged in the broader Star Trek conversation. Notes Introduction and Overview (00:00 - 10:01) Podcast hosts Case Aiken and Sam Alicea introduce the topic: Star Trek V: The Final Frontier Guest William J. joins to discuss the film Mention of Star Trek's 35th anniversary and William Shatner's recent comments Movie Context and Production (10:02 - 20:24) Discussion of Star Trek V's place in the franchise Comparison to previous films directed by Leonard Nimoy William Shatner's directorial debut and its challenges Budget and production issues highlighted Character Analysis and Plot Elements (20:24 - 28:41) Examination of Kirk, Spock, and McCoy's roles Discussion of Sybok as the antagonist Critique of the film's pacing and structure Yosemite Scenes and Ship Issues (28:41 - 40:23) Analysis of the extended Yosemite sequence Critique of the Enterprise's technical problems Discussion of the film's attempts at humor Alien Encounters and Rescue Mission (40:23 - 52:10) Examination of the Nimbus III setting and inhabitants Analysis of the rescue mission sequence Critique of Uhura's dance scene and its place in the film Sybok's Powers and Ship Takeover (52:10 - 01:01:40) Discussion of Sybok's psychological abilities Analysis of the Enterprise crew's reactions Critique of the logic behind Sybok's plan God Entity and Galactic Barrier (01:01:40 - 01:08:31) Examination of the film's portrayal of a god-like entity Discussion of the galactic barrier concept Critique of the film's climax and resolution Visual Effects and Set Design (01:08:31 - 01:18:07) Analysis of the film's special effects Discussion of budgetary constraints on visuals Comparison to effects in other Star Trek films Proposed Improvements (01:18:07 - 01:26:25) Suggestions for improving the film's plot Ideas for better character development Proposed changes to the film's pacing Alternative Plot Ideas (01:26:25 - 01:35:20) Discussion of potential alternative storylines Suggestions for improving Sybok's character Ideas for enhancing the film's themes Franchise Impact and Legacy (01:35:20 - 01:44:09) Analysis of the film's impact on the Star Trek franchise Discussion of its place in Star Trek canon Comparison to other odd-numbered Star Trek films Final Thoughts and Recommendations (01:44:09 - 01:54:24) Overall assessment of the film's strengths and weaknesses Recommendations for potential viewers Discussion of the film's place in Star Trek history Wrap-up and Future Topics (01:54:24 - 02:16:12) Summary of key points discussed Mention of upcoming podcast topics Information on where to find the hosts and guest online

Case and Sam are joined by Randy Allain from the Media / Lit podcast to ask "Who are your people?" Tune in for this dissection of Solo: A Star Wars Story! Overview In the latest episode of the podcast, hosts Case and Sam welcome guest Randy from Media Lit to delve into "Solo: A Star Wars Story," rating the film as 'fine' but flawed and assigning it a C grade. The discussion highlights Alden Ehrenreich's portrayal of Han Solo, praises Donald Glover's performance as Lando Calrissian, and critiques the characters' limited screen time, particularly for Lando and L3. The conversation shifts to character dynamics, the film's pacing, and the handling of complex themes such as slavery, with commentary on visual effects and significant plot elements like the Kessel Run. The hosts explore the film's production history, specifically the impacts of the directorial switch from Lord & Miller to Ron Howard, and suggest improvements for pacing and character development. They propose alternative narrative structures for the heist elements and discuss how to enhance character relationships and thematic portrayals. The episode wraps up with final thoughts on the film's relevance in the Star Wars universe and additional promotional content, including Randy's other projects and plans for future episodes. Notes Introduction and Overview (00:00 - 09:20) Podcast hosts Case and Sam introduce the topic: Solo: A Star Wars Story Guest Randy from Media Lit podcast joins the discussion The movie is described as 'fine' but flawed, given a C grade Criticism of the scene explaining Han Solo's name origin Cast and Characters (09:20 - 18:56) Discussion of Alden Ehrenreich's performance as Han Solo Praise for Donald Glover as Lando Calrissian Criticism of limited screen time for Lando and L3 Analysis of Emilia Clarke's character Kira and her role in the plot Character Dynamics and Plot Elements (18:56 - 27:32) Examination of Han and Chewbacca's meeting and relationship Discussion of Woody Harrelson's character Beckett and his crew Criticism of the movie's pacing and overabundance of plot elements Visual Effects and World-building (27:32 - 37:11) Praise for the design of droid character L3 Discussion of the Kessel Run sequence and its importance to the plot Criticism of the movie's handling of slavery and oppression themes Supporting Characters and Themes (37:11 - 48:41) Analysis of Paul Bettany's character Dryden Vos Discussion of Darth Maul's cameo and its implications Examination of the movie's themes of rebellion and criminal underworld Production History and Directorial Changes (48:41 - 57:10) Discussion of the change in directors from Lord & Miller to Ron Howard Analysis of how the change affected the movie's tone and style Speculation on what a Lord & Miller version might have looked like Critique and Improvement Ideas (57:11 - 01:07:49) Suggestions for improving the movie's pacing and character development Discussion of how to better integrate the heist elements of the plot Ideas for enhancing the relationships between characters Alternative Plot Structures (01:07:49 - 01:20:24) Proposal for a more 'Ocean's Eleven' style approach to the heist plot Suggestions for restructuring Han's backstory and relationship with Kira Ideas for better integrating Lando and other supporting characters Refinement of Improvement Ideas (01:20:25 - 01:30:44) Further discussion on making Han and Kira's relationship more familial Suggestions for improving the portrayal of the criminal underworld Ideas for better integrating themes of corruption and rebellion Conclusion and Podcast Information (01:30:44 - 01:40:33) Final thoughts on the movie and its place in the Star Wars franchise Information about the hosts' and guest's other projects and social media Details about upcoming podcast episodes and related content Action items Unassigned Check out Randy's podcast Media Lit and other work (01:36:05) Listen to Randy's appearance on the Socially Distanced podcast for their 200th episode Avengers draft (01:36:39) Join the Discord for ongoing conversations about the podcast topics (01:38:49) Listen to the Reignite podcast for discussions on Bioware games (01:39:08) Tune in to the next episode about Highlander 2: The Quickening (01:39:49)