KnockBack: The Retro and Nostalgia Podcast

By the time 2002 rolled around, people were already pretty disenchanted with what would become known as the Star Wars Prequels. 1999's Phantom Menace left much to be desired, but there was great hope Attack of the Clones would turn things around. After all, it's the Empire Strikes Back of this particular trilogy, but as we all know, it's nowhere near as good. Yet, there's no denying that, for us, this movie is better than we remembered. But there's still much to say about Hayden Christensen, Kamino and Geonosis, Jango and Boba Fett, Tusken Raider slaughter, Yoda's lightsaber battle, a '50s diner, and much, much more. So put away the death sticks, hit play, and join us for yet another chat about A Galaxy Far, Far Away. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Playing MGS2 some 20 years after its initial release on PlayStation 2 in 2001 is... well... it's an experience. In fact, it's completely and eerily prescient. What starts out innocently enough as a conspiracy theory-laden, Solid Snake-driven adventure ends up turning into a shockingly timely commentary on technology, war, government, and humanity itself. Snake's and Raiden's adventure through the Tanker and Big Shell is widely considered one of gaming history's greatest, and after giving it another go with fresh, modern eyes, we're pleased to say it's still a tour de force. There's so much underneath the surface, in fact, that we don't even know where to begin or end (much like the Patriots' ubiquitous control over society). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Marvel's vaunted Cinematic Universe had a more inauspicious start than many may remember, and in fact, the first two MCU films came to theaters mere months apart in 2008. A few weeks ago, we covered Iron Man, the first of those two movies, and so this week we're on to the Edward Norton-led and surprisingly contentious standalone Incredible Hulk film. Its contentiousness is surprising because this movie is actually quite good, though stories about turbulent production may have soured this picture's memory (not to mention some recasts). Nonetheless, we have much to discuss here, including the representation of the Hulk himself, the film's significant anti-war message, some pretty great performances from some very famous actors, and more. The ball's in your court, Mr. Green. Just hit play. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Wes Craven's 1984 film A Nightmare on Elm Street is one of the most beloved horror flicks ever made, a tale about a child murderer who dies, only to return to haunt the dreams of more could-be victims. Antagonist Freddy Kreuger, in particular, is iconic, but the question remains: Is this movie actually any good? Is it scary? Does it hold up? Or is it just a little too goofy and poorly-paced to be believed? We get deep into all of that, navigating with listener inquiries in hand, as always. Baseball bats and boogeymen? That's the least of our concerns. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In 2004, journalist Evan Wright released a book called Generation Kill, all about his time attached to a Marine regiment during the 2003 invasion of Iraq. It was a hit, and the basis for a 2008 HBO series by the same name. As its name suggests, the US Marines 1st Recon Battalion is meant to... well... perform reconnaissance. But 'Chaos' and 'Godfather' saw them more suited for a blitzkrieg to Baghdad. The result is an extraordinary story of courage, insanity, and ruthlessness, and we're eager to talk about all seven episodes and all eight hours. Of course, while we go over our favorite characters, moments, and more, this conversation also delves into the Iraq War itself, what it was like living in a society that overwhelmingly supported the conflict, and the lessons we've hopefully learned for the future. So hit play and listen... but police that mustache first. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The summer is all fun and games, but 'back to school' always looms on the horizon. The further we get into the dog days, the closer we get to the next grade, and it's those weeks -- usually in August, but sometimes in July or stretching into September -- that are our focus during this episode. What was our routine? Were we excited to go clothes shopping? To get school supplies? To find out who our teachers are? Or did we dread returning to the classroom, and do everything we could to avoid the harsh reality of childhood education? People were usually one way or the other, and sometimes they vacillated between the two. As for us? Well... let's just say we really loved our Star Wars and GI Joe lunchboxes, and begin there. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Marvel Cinematic Universe is pretty much the biggest thing to ever hit cinemas, but it started innocently enough back in 2008 with Iron Man, the Jon Favreau-directed, Robert Downey Jr.-led superhero flick that's... well... pretty damn good, actually. Indeed, it only grossed half a billion dollars at the box office, pretty mild results for what would follow! The film may be missing a villain, but it comes packing a whole lot more: A complex, human, and deeply-flawed protagonist, a fun world, awesome technology, and lots of humor. Iron Man is a charming film that's more than a worthy watch, and we're thrilled to jump in as we begin our exploration of the MCU. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Some people have the need for speed. Among them are the US Navy fighter pilots as portrayed in the 1986 Jerry Bruckheimer-led smash-hit Top Gun. The film stars a young Tom Cruise as Maverick, an ace pilot with a mysterious past and his own way of doing things. But really, this flick is a visual feast for the eyes if you're into fighter jets, dogfighting, and more. Is it corny and campy? Absolutely. Does it hold up today? Well, we'll leave that up to you. And yes, we'll even get into the theories about what the movie really means... although we're not so sure we agree. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The 1986 Jim Henson classic film Labyrinth is about a whole lot more than David Bowie's impressive codpiece. And yes: That in and of itself is amazing. But nestled underneath its fantasy, puppetry, and music is a movie about childhood, about growing up and finding your way and letting go. Few movies resonate from childhood resonate more than Labyrinth for Colin in particular, who considers this one of his favorite all-time flicks. And, well... it really is as good now as it was then. Maybe even better. So let's go to the castle on the other side of the Goblin City, and find out what mysteries Jareth has in store for us. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

For many fans of BSG, the second season of the reimagined run is the best 20 episodes the franchise has to offer. It's here that -- according to Dagan -- the show goes from good to very good, and truly finds itself with its fusion of dark, deep, philosophical, and religious themes tied to the trappings of grounded sci-fi. The result is truly special: One part political thriller and another part horror flick, one part spiritual exercise and another part existential crisis. Battlestar Galactica is about as good as televised science fiction has ever been, and we're thrilled to talk about the second season and all that entails. Just remember: We want Razors. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Some 20 years removed from the release of Sam Raimi's Spider-Man, it's easy to get lost in the weeds. After all, we are absolutely inundated with superhero media today, particularly from Marvel, whether it's movies, TV shows, and even video games. But back in 2002, Spider-Man's 21st century film debut was both quaint and extraordinary. On one hand, it's wild to think about how important this particular movie is to the landscape that would come. On the other hand, it's fun to think about what may have happened if it wasn't made at all, and if it wasn't such a rousing success. So let's chat about Toby Maguire's Peter Parker, Kirsten Dunst's MJ, and the true star of the show: Willem Dafoe's Green Goblin. And no matter what you do, please don't cause the deaths of countless innocents in selfish battle again and again and again until we're both dead! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Memories are structured. There's a place, an event, and perhaps even other people. And then there's the true setting: The year, the era, the month, or indeed the season itself. It's that latter notion that we want to explore in this episode of KnockBack, because the four seasons themselves -- Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter -- are absolutely teeming with nostalgic remembrance begging to be uncovered. The turning of Spring and the end of school, the promise and freedom of Summer, the changes and back-to-normal of Fall, and the end of it all (with a promise of more to come) of Winter. We're excited to delve into the fuzzy and meaningful feelings tethered to each season, feelings that are probably more universally-felt than you'd initially think. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Peter Jackson's epic film rendition of JRR Tolkein's equally-epic fantasy book series wraps up with 2003's Return of the King, a flick many (including us) consider to be the strongest of the three. As Middle-earth seeks balance and peace, the forces of evil remain very much in play. While Frodo and Sam make a beeline for Mount Doom, the Fellowship and their forces fight for survival. With amazing performances, a wonderful score, solid CG, and an amazing story (of course!), we're sad to see Tolkein's Trilogy off. But fear not, for all hasn't yet turned to vain ambition. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The 2006 stoner comedy Grandma's Boy is a classic for multiple reasons: It's a stoner romp with great characters, it's fun without being dramatically crude or inappropriate (with some notable exceptions, of course), and -- perhaps most understatedly -- it mercilessly lampoons the gaming industry. Since E3 2021 is now over, we thought we'd do a quick episode all about potentially our hobby's most famous comedy. Just be wary of whatever's in Sophie's tin. It may just turn you into a deer. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In the early aughts, a late '70s sci-fi show was reimagined for a whole new generation of viewers. It was called Battlestar Galactica, and -- unlike the original, cult-favorite run -- the reboot was a smash hit. It's simple enough to understand, in premise: Humanity creates robotic slaves who turn on them in a vicious war before disappearing for decades. But then, they come back and inflict a holocaust on their masters. BSG deals with more themes than we can even imagine: Fascism and terrorism, economics and philosophy, religion and death. There's so much to talk about, in fact, that we're doing four episodes on the show. This is the first. We hope you enjoy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

During episode #167 of KnockBack, we spent nearly three hours gushing about Peter Jackson's 2001 rendition of The Lord of the Rings' first book, Fellowship of the Ring. Naturally, we couldn't merely stop there. The following year -- in 2002 -- the second of three Lord of the Rings movies came out. It's called The Two Towers, and this is the flick and book alike that many people consider the best in Tolkein's Trilogy. But does the film hold up, particularly with a heavy mix of special and practical effects? How about the performances and the story? We've much to discuss, of course. So join us as we delve back into Middle-earth, where things are just starting to heat up... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It's all been leading to this! Our audience on Patreon voted to have us rework the new Star Wars Trilogy (Episodes VII, VIII, and IX), and... well... we got a little carried away and dedicated entire episodes to our visions on a film-by-film basis. Remember! You should listen to KnockBack Episodes #159 and #164 before jumping into this one, if you haven't done so already. You may be lost, otherwise... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week's episode of KnockBack is a little different. Instead of covering a topic or some memories, we thought we'd talk a bit about our little retro and nostalgia podcast itself. How has the show grown and changed? How do we think we're doing? What topics do we think we covered best? Which do we think we could have done better with? What's the future hold? This is an episode for the thousands and thousands of hardcore KnockBack listeners, without which we couldn't do this show. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As you know, we (The Brothers Moriarty) grew up on Long Island, nestled between the water and the woods. It's the latter that we thought we'd focus this particular episode on. We absolutely adore the woods. Playing, hiking, exploring. We basically lived amongst the trees as children! Thus, we thought it would be fun to regale you with some stories of our past being in the woods: Boy Scouts, mountain biking, BMXing, and running away from fictional foes. Discovering new things, using our imaginations, getting to know ourselves and others... and maybe catching some poison ivy, too. Are you an arborist like we are? Only one way to find out. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The important thing to remember about the 2001 film Training Day is the context in which it was filmed and released. The decade of the '90s were scattered with serious issues of police brutality, and the Los Angeles Police Department was at the center of the storm. Thus, Denzel Washington's and Ethan Hawke's foray into the Southern California underworld -- and the seriously crooked behavior by Washington and his cop colleagues -- can really be interpreted as something greater: A glimpse into a specific place and time where a story like this not only made a lot of sense, but was almost expected. The backdealing, the violence, the betrayal... it's all here in Training Day, one of the most tense movies perhaps ever made. And hey, just remember: Stay off of the rover. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Every so often, a game comes along that helps define a genre. When it comes to 2005's God of War -- which launched that year on PlayStation 2 courtesy of Santa Monica Studio -- one can't help but see how important it was (and still is) to so many of the 3D action games we play today. Inspired by Greek mythology, a cinematic approach, a glorified sense of gore and sex, and... well... some Capcom games, clearly, God of War remains one of the PlayStation brand's biggest touchstones all of these years (and consoles) later. So grab your Blades of Chaos, Kratos fans. It's about to get tragic. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

South Park rages on even today, but it was during a more embryonic stage in the mega-franchise's history that we got its one and only film: Bigger, Longer & Uncut. Released to theaters in the summer of '99, South Park's movie foray is basically the length of three regular 'ol episodes, but produced differently. For instance, it's a musical, and a damn good one! And there's a whole lot of cursing, nudity, and more. But at its heart is exactly what makes South Park so popular even today, and certainly then: Irreverence, inappropriate humor, excellent comedic timing, and an appreciation for the destruction of Canada. And yes, we do indeed blame them. But we blame bad parents even more... and thankfully, so does this film. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Way back in 1954, JRR Tolkien released the first of three seminal books that are referred to colloquially as "the trilogy," but that is otherwise collectively known as The Lord of the Rings. And, believe it or not, it took decades for this wonderful fantasy franchise to see life on the silver screen. By way of the talented Peter Jackson and his extraordinary team, Fellowship of the Ring (and its two subsequent, book-based films) bring us to Middle-earth on the verge of great potential disaster. The One Ring is in danger of falling into the wrong hands, and it's up to a wizard, some Hobbits, elves, humans, and even an ax-wielding dwarf to keep it secret, keep it safe. It's time to go high fantasy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Some television shows come along that are way ahead of their time, and Freaks and Geeks -- which ran for a scant 18 episodes between 1999 and 2000 on NBC -- is one such program. That's especially ironic, of course, since it's actually about the past. Taking place in 1980 and 1981 in and around a Michigan high school, Freaks and Geeks is the brainchild of writers, directors, and producers Paul Feig and Judd Apatow, who are of course wildly famous today. So, too, is much of the cast, from James Franco and Seth Rogen to Linda Cardellini and Jason Segel. But beyond all of that, Freaks and Geeks is a show about the teenage experience, set through the lens of multiple groups of oft-conflicting cliques. So let's discuss one of the most beloved cult classic television shows of all-time, and then get really sad that we never received more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Depending on who you are, who your parents are, when and where you grew up, and many other factors, your experience eating at home as a kid was... well... different. We Moriartys were quite lucky, indeed: Italian Long Islanders with an extended family of talented cooks constantly putting delectable treats in front of us (carbs, especially). But some of you out there... well... you may not have been as lucky. So let's explore stories of eating at home, of breakfasts, lunches, and dinners, or beloved meals and loathed options. Was your mom a better cook, or your dad? Maybe your grandparents? There's much to discuss. Just one thing: Don't go into this episode on an empty stomach. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

KnockBack's 159th episode is a unique one in that it's dedicated to the wholesale recrafting and rewriting of 2015's Star Wars film The Force Awakens. Quite simply, we've decided to follow it up with our rewriting of Episode VIII! Now, it's important you listen to or watch Episode 159 first, or you'll have no idea what we're talking about. You've been warned! Otherwise, please enjoy yet another episode voted on by you, the fans! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Nintendo has long dominated gaming's lucrative handheld scene, vanquishing foes who dared enter the space, one after another, from Atari to SEGA to SNK. But then 2004 rolled around. It was late in that year (and into the next) that Sony launched PlayStation Portable, or PSP, the only non-Nintendo handheld in the history of the industry to... well... hold its own against its arch-rival in an ecosystem it had to scratch, claw, and bite its way into. Yet, PSP's legacy is a mixed one, remembered as much as a fabulous on-the-go emulator as it was a unique proving ground for some of Sony's biggest IP. Discontinued in 2014, our memories of PSP are growing dimmer by the year. So let's put some thoughts on the record, and let's do so with a special guest: MrMattyPlays, who holds PlayStation Portable near-and-dear to his heart. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

You, our precious audience, have a wide array of wants when it comes to KnockBack. You like the episodes about games, and about movies, and TV shows, and all the rest, but you also like when we get into the ephemera of the past, too. Today's show is thus dedicated to just that. We, the Brothers Moriarty, have chosen 10 'somethings' from the decade of the 1990s -- maybe a show we used to watch, or a way we used to do something, or whatever the case might be -- and talked about those memories, why they matter, and how they brought us to today. Needless to say, we really think you're going to like this one, especially if you were around and can remember the firsthand essence of the stories we tell. Enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

For pretty much every child, going to the movie theater is a rite of passage. The thing is, the nature of that rite hinges mightily on when and where you grew up. For we The Brothers Moriarty, our formidable movie theater experiences were on Long Island in the '70s, '80s, and '90s, and it's from there that we can draw many memorable, funny, and resonant stories. Our pre-movie rituals. What snacks to eat. Getting rides to and fro. Meeting girls (or boys!). Playing in the arcade. Seeing flicks you weren't supposed to. The saga truly goes on and on. Today's episode of KnockBack -- voted on by the audience -- is dedicated to our favorite cinematic stories. Not on the screen, of course, but our stories of visiting them, instead. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In the early '80s, Harrison Ford was completely and undeniably in his element. Over a five year period, he appeared in The Empire Strikes Back, Raiders of the Lost Ark, Return of the Jedi, and The Temple of Doom. That's one hell of a run. But squished right in between those four movies is 1982's Blade Runner, where we see Ford lose the roguishness (kind of) for something decidedly deeper, darker, and more philosophical. Ridley Scott's classic sci-fi film tells the story of maverick androids that need to be hunted down and "retired," and it's based upon a '60s novel from Philip K. Dick. But -- much like with most of Dick's writing -- this is a story that challenges our very concept of what it is to be human. To feel, to think, to remember, to act. So let's head to Los Angeles in 2019, where things aren't quite what you'd expect. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We're pretty hard on Star Wars here on KnockBack. But it's only because we care so damn much! Yet, we're rarely (if ever) asked to put up or shut up when it comes to the topic... until now. As voted on by our listeners, this episode is the first of three that will be dedicated to the new Star Wars trilogy, but through a simple lens: If given free reign, what would our new trilogy look like, one that takes place after the events of Return of the Jedi and includes as much or as little of established lore as possible? Well, today, we open our respective trilogies with our Episode VIIs. Dagan sets up a tale of familial redemption through haunting spectres of Darth Vader's past. Colin writes about an out-of-control corporation commanded by a religious prophet intent on showing the lies of the Force. They are very different stories from each other, and certainly different from canon. Naturally, we hope you enjoy both. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

High above the clouds is a city in the sky. It's called Columbia, and it was once a part of the United States, a floating testament to American Exceptionalism and the sacred religion of The Founders. This is all true in BioShock Infinite, anyway, an adventure set in an alternate version of 1912. As Booker DeWitt, your charge is clear: Rescue an unusual girl named Elizabeth from the grasp of Columbia's deified leader and get out of dodge. But, as with Ken Levine's original BioShock, Infinite is about much, much more than meets the eye, a clever, well-written title that challenges the very essence of what makes games... well... games! Racism, nationalism, militarism, industrialism. These aren't exactly common thematic elements of the fare we usually play. But here, they're central to the story. So press play, my friends. It's time to wipe away the debt. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Through a modern lens, board games seem... well... quaint. After all, why would a child play with plastic toys when they can hold an iPad, are we right? Thus, it's incumbent on us to explore the Old Ways, and in reality, those Old Ways are still quite new, indeed. Board gaming, as it turns out, is in a boomtime as we speak. But enough of the contemporary. Let's instead explore the borderline-antiquated, from the capitalistic madness of Monopoly and the frantic Game of Life to the ever-pugnacious Battleship and everyone's first bout with murder: Clue. Oh, and there's plenty more in there, too, from your checkers and chess to your Risk and Axis & Allies. So let's roll the dice to see who goes first, and don't even think about cheating. We're watching closely. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week's episode of KnockBack makes you an offer you can't refuse, as we open up the floor to a discussion all about the classic 1972 film The Godfather, a movie some consider to be the very best that American cinema has ever had to offer. Is it true? Well, that's subjective, but what we do know is this: The Godfather is an amazing flick, and sets such an important template for all of the wonderful Mafia media that would come after it. Character, story, dialogue... it has it all. But the major question is: Is it the most influential movie ever made? We dive deep into this notion, because when you consider just how many quotes, scenes, and iconic imagery are pulled from this picture to this day, it becomes clear that it may indeed hold that level of exceptional influence. So, click play. Because today we take care of all family business. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Long Island, New York is the nautical homeland of The Moriarty Boys, and it comes up on KnockBack constantly. Almost every one of our childhood and teenage stories, memories, and events happened there, and -- at the request of the audience -- we thought we'd take the opportunity to do a non-IP-driven episode of our show all about that peculiar strip of land in New York City's shadow. For without it, there would be no Colin and Dagan as you know us today, and in its absence, our lives would have been radically different. Why does this place matter so much to us? What do we miss the most about living there? Will we ever go back? Let's breakdown the sacred setting of Moriarty Lore. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The term 'action movie' is sometimes used as a pejorative in order to hand-wave away bombastic and violent films that don't have some sort of deeper meaning. Yet, 2014's John Wick -- starring the seemingly-affable Keanu Reeves -- may just have redefined the term for a modern era. The titular Wick's head-first dive into the underworld seems almost unimaginably absurd at first. And maybe it is. But it's the texture underneath that truly gleams here: The shadowy characters, the thoughtful world-building, the unrivaled stuntwork. So let's take a step into the Continental, friends. Just mind the rules. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In the late '90s and early '00s, writer and director Wes Anderson came out swinging with his beloved comedies Bottle Rocket and Rushmore. His third film, however -- 2001's The Royal Tenenbaums -- is perhaps his most beloved project, a movie all about an equally talented and troubled family of two estranged parents, three peculiar adult children, and a small group of outsiders that make up their wider clan. The Royal Tenenbaums is a hysterical flick, but it's also deep, moody, and meaningful. Let's discuss. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

World War II raged from 1939 to 1945, and as its name aptly suggests, there was fighting pretty much everywhere: the Pacific, North Africa, the Middle East, the Soviet Union, France and the UK, and on and on. However, HBO's 10-part miniseries Band of Brothers -- released in 2001 -- explores one piece of one of the theaters of war through the eyes of the United States' much-celebrated Easy Company Airborne Regiment, one of the fiercest group of fighting men America has ever assembled. Band of Brothers tells their story from training camp all the way through the Nazi surrender, with stops at Normandy, Carentan, and Eindhoven, to Bastogne, Landsberg, and Berchtesgaden. It's a wonderful, much-watch series, and we're thrilled to talk about it here on KnockBack. Band of Brothers is a history lesson, yes. But it's also a story about brotherhood, valor, fear, and doing what's necessary for God and Country. Naturally, there's much to discuss. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Every one of us have had a "we're not even supposed to be here today" moment, whether at work, school, or just about anywhere else. For Dante Hicks, though -- a young, 20-something worker at a local convenience store -- being where he wasn't supposed to be ends up netting him one of the most memorable (and also unfortunate) days he could possibly remember. Clerks is Kevin Smith's very first film, and it's an absolute doozy, showing us Jay and Silent Bob for the first time, giving us a glimpse into early-'90s New Jersey slacker culture, and providing a plethora of (largely inappropriate) laughs along the way. So come celebrate a great American comedy with us, and yes, we assure you: We're open! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Our retro and nostalgia podcast KnockBack is a bit of an enigma. On one hand, it's a relatively straight-forward, passion-driven project -- heavily directed by our wonderful audience -- but there's a catch: The nature of our show means it's hard to go back and talk about already-trodden topics again. Since we've reached this 150 episode milestone, however, we figured we'd try to change that, if not just for a brief flicker of time. That's because this episode gives you -- that aforementioned lovely audience! -- the ability to pick our brains further about already-visited topics, as well as discuss the past, present, and future of KnockBack. And yes: The future is indeed bright. So let's chat about all of it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

When you really sit and think about it, it's kind of interesting that a ghoulish holiday like Halloween and a celebratory and feel-good holiday like Christmas kinda butt-up against each other, with nary a couple of months separating them. It's here that Tim Burton's and Disney's 1993 stop-motion film The Nightmare Before Christmas begins, introducing us to Jack Skellington and his crew of mischievous misfits that help Halloween's horror operate effectively. But what happens when their leader gets distracted by a very shiny, very bright, and very hopeful holiday that has nothing to do with them? A lot of confusion (and some great music), that's what. What's this?! A podcast, of course! We hope you enjoy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It's easy to make fun of child actors and children's performances in film and TV -- we do it all the time on this show -- but what makes 1990's classic film Home Alone so interesting is that its lead is a compelling kid protagonist. We all know who Macaulay Culkin is because of this movie, and rightfully so: He does a great job as Kevin McAllister, the mischievous child who's... well... left home alone when his family goes on a strangely-opulent European Christmas vacation. What results is one of the great holiday flicks of all-time, full of laughs, warmth, and physical comedy galore. So come to suburban Chicago, friends. Just watch out for that statue in the driveway when you pull in, and lock your valuables away. The Wet Bandits lurk... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

There are really only a small handful of titles that are regularly bandied about as potential Best Game of All-Time, and 2005's Shadow of the Colossus is one of them. Created by Team ICO -- an internal group working out of Sony-owned Japan Studio -- Shadow of the Colossus is a truly breathtaking, gorgeous, clever, and admittedly contentious offering, one that has since migrated to PlayStation 3 (in 2011) and in completely remade form on PlayStation 4 (in 2018). Wander's mysterious, sullen, and melancholic journey is certainly one worth remembering, and his journey leaves us with many questions. So let's get into it without further delay. Oh, and don't forget Agro. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Did you know KnockBack is a podcast about all things retro and nostalgia? It's true! Nearly 150 weeks into the project, we assume that's fairly well-established. But since this particular episode goes live on American Thanksgiving (for our Patrons, that is), we figured we'd do something just a little bit different. See, there are these things from our past that helped to establish who we are today: Sunday dinners. A specific artist's work. The perfect video game. Taken all together as a single tapestry, you can find out a great deal about any individual's personal journey. With that spirit in mind, let us take you through 100 pieces of personal nostalgia that may just give you a little bit of context into the nerds we were (and still are today). And of course, allow us also to offer up our sincere and everlasting thanks for you, our wonderful and loyal audience. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We happen to love Studio Ghibli here on KnockBack, and we know that many of you do, too. However, Hayao Miyazaki's 1997 animated picture Princess Mononoke may be the most beloved movie in his team's extensive, decades-long filmography. The setup is simple: Ancient and solidified nature is in existential crisis thanks to humanity's industrial progress, and with both 'sides' dug in, it looks like only one can emerge. Or is there another way? Let's follow the journey of the cursed Prince Ashitaka as he tries to save his life, ward off societal and natural destruction, and perhaps even unite two sides of a conflict, a move that once seemed impossible. So whistle for Yakul, friends! Our journey begins on the other side of Play. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In its mere existence, 2016's Rogue One is an interesting movie. It's the first Star Wars film (per se) that's unassociated from the three trilogies, yet it intimately intertwines with and sets the stage for the very first Star Wars offering: 1977's Episode IV. Of course, it's even more interesting when it comes to what it's about, a daring caper to steal Imperial plans for the original Death Star so that the Rebellion may exploit its weakness and destroy the Empire's moon-sized weapon. We see that play out in A New Hope, so Rogue One is entirely prologue. Yet, that's what makes it awesome. We're infinitely excited to talk to you about what we deem to be easily one of the best Star Wars films, and if you don't agree when you hit play, you may just agree on the other end. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

If you're a fan of documentaries, then there's a good chance you've heard of Grey Gardens, the 1975 so-called "direct-cinema" documentary that investigates the lives of two women -- a mother and daughter -- who live in isolation and complete squalor on the eastern end of Long Island. Why is that notable? Well, two reasons: They live in the Hamptons, one of the most exclusive and expensive places to dwell in the entire country, and the occupants of Grey Gardens (their crumbling estate) happen to be the aunt and cousin of none other than Jacqueline Kennedy. This is a truly strange film, eclectic and alive and real... and it's an absolute must-watch. Let's jump in. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It's not easy for a development studio to pivot from one group of projects to something radically different, but Sony-owned Guerrilla Games did just that when it released its open world action-RPG Horizon: Zero Dawn in early 2017. Horizon was unlike anything Guerrilla had ever done: Rather than an FPS like Killzone, Horizon is a wide-open, non-linear, character-driven affair, an interesting mixture of American Indian imagery, sci-fi tropes, and action-oriented gameplay that makes Zero Dawn among PS4's very best games. So let's chat about it, fellow Old Ones. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

When you grow up with a father who's obsessed with all things retro, it's safe to assume the apple won't fall from the ever-nerdy tree. In that spirit, we have a guest on this episode: Dagan's son, Graeden. Together, father and son take a walk through their shared passions -- video games, especially -- and how one dad's love of nostalgia naturally enchanted his kid. The end result is something we hope you find charming, if not a little different. It's almost like getting to interview our younger selves, and we hope you get a kick out of it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On its periphery, the 2006 film The Prestige is about an ever-escalating rivalry between two 19th century magicians, but in reality, its thematic focus is about something far more sinister: Obsession. Christopher and Jonathan Nolan's adaptation of the novel by the same name boasts a star-studded cast and a convincing recreation of late-Victorian London, but -- in true Nolan fashion -- it's what rests far beneath the surface that perhaps matters most. So practice your sleight-of-hand and pay your ingénieur well, friends. After all, it's worth paying a high price in order to revel in the glory of the crowd. Are you watching (well, listening) closely? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices