Now Playing - The Movie Review Podcast

It took fifteen years of development, but now the World's Finest heroes are together on screen with Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice. Can the Dark Knight and the Man of Steel share the screen? The box office was big but the audience divided. Now join Arnie, Stuart, and Jakob for this review to find out!

It took fifteen years of development, but now the World's Finest heroes are together on screen with Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice. Can the Dark Knight and the Man of Steel share the screen? The box office was big but the audience divided. Now join Arnie, Stuart, and Jakob for this review to find out!

It took fifteen years of development, but now the World's Finest heroes are together on screen with Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice. Can the Dark Knight and the Man of Steel share the screen? The box office was big but the audience divided. Now join Arnie, Stuart, and Jakob for this review to find out!

Watchmen was an acclaimed '80s comic series. It helped legitimize comics as a literary medium, and remained a bestseller for over 20 years. Yet with its complex, nonlinear narrative, all attempts to adapt it to film had failed to launch. But in 2009 director Sack Snyder, fresh off his success on 300, used the same visual style to bring Watchmen to theaters. The result was not as highly-praised as the graphic novel, but is it worth a watch? Join Arnie, Jakob, and Stuart as they review the film version of Watchmen, including a comparison of all three different cuts released!

After the success of the X-Men superhero properties were in demand. But before hero teams like Justice League, Watchmen, and Avengers could assemble, there was The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen. Sean Connery's Allan Quatermain leads a cadre of literary figures including Tom Sawyer, Dr. Jeckyll, The Invisible Man, and others. The film's reception, though, was anything but extraordinary with rumors this production ended the careers of both Connery and director Stephen Norrington. Is the film deserved of that reputation? Join our League of Extraordinary Movie Critics to find out!

Created by comic book superstars J Scott Campbell, Jim Lee, and Brandon Choi, Gen 13 was Wildstorm Comics' risque Gen-X version of the X-Men. After only a few years in publication the series' success led to Buena Vista creating this animated feature, starring voice actors Mark Hamill, John de Lancie, John de Lancie, and Flea. But before the movie could see release Wildstorm was bought by DC Comics, and Buena Vista parent company Disney forever shelved this action cartoon. Is this a gem that deserves its day, or a mercy killing a'la Corman's Fantasic Four? Join Arnie, Stuart, and Jakob for this review to find out!

DC has had over 15 years of television dominance. From Smallville to Arrow, The Flash, and Supergirl, the heroes of DC Comics have come to life on the small screen. But not every attempt to bring the comics to life succeeded. Birds of Prey was cancelled early, and David E. Kelley's Wonder Woman pilot was never aired at all. Neither was Justice League of America - a 1997 TV movie intended as a pilot for a CBS series. With The Flash, Green Lantern, The Atom, Martian Manhunter, Fire, and Ice sharing the screen, is this a lost gem? Join Now Playing's Super Friends Arnie, Stuart, and Jakob to find out!

In 1976 Wonder Woman spun into America's homes on CBS. In 1978 Superman took flight in theaters. So to capitalize on this success Hanna-Barbera brought a live-action Superfriends to TV with Legends of the Superheroes! This TV special was split into two episodes, one an adventure and the other a "roast" of the heroes. But with Adam West and Burt Ward returning to the roles of Batman and Robin, is Legends of the Superheroes a worthy successor to Batman's camp fun? Join Arnie, Stuart, and Jakob with this review to find out!

This show description is guest written by Deadpool. Oh, hello there! Deadpool here. It took ten years but I've finally got my own solo film! Now, I know I'm awesome, but even I'm shocked at how many box office records it broke. I have to give a lot of credit to the marketing, but the movie stars me, so it has to be awesome. The real question, though, is what Arnie, Stuart, and Jakob think. So whatever you're doing -- STOP! You need to just put your life on hold for the next 100 minutes and listen to this show to hear the guys review of my first movie!

Neil Gaiman's Stardust began in 1997 as a DC comic book fairy tale. In 1999 it was then published as an illustrated novel. Finally in 2007 it was adapted to the screen, directed by Matthew Vaughn. This story about a fallen star had its own star power with Claire Danes, Michelle Pfeiffer, Robert De Niro, and Peter O'Toole. Is this yet another Vaughn comic adaptation worth checking out, or should it be burned ashes to ashes, Stardust to Stardust? Join Arnie, Stuart, and Jakob to find out as they return to their DC Comics Retrospective Series!

Studio Ghibli and director Hayao Miyazaki are highly regarded among anime fans. But none of their previous successes compared to 1997's mythological Princess Mononoke. The film became Japan's top-grossing film of all time. Disney's Miramax Films even commissioned an English translation written by Neil Gaiman, voiced by stars including Claire Danes, Billy Crudup, and Billy Bod Thornton. Now join the Now Playing hosts as they travel into the forest for their first anime movie review!

Masters of the Universe was a beloved toy line and a hit '80s cartoon. Its 1987 live-action movie, however, is not so fondly remembered. This Dolph Lundgren vehicle broke its movie studio but created new figures for kids to play with. Does this film have the power? Listen to find out!

It started with a contest, a fan-submitted new "fake" trailer for Quentin Tarantino and Robert Rodriguez's Grindhouse double feature. It ended up, like Machete, being made into a full movie! The title sums up the film, but with Rutger Hauer cast as the titular Hobo can this be more than midnight-movie fare? Join Arnie, Jakob, and Stuart to find out!

The original film promised Danny Trejo would return as Machete, and that promise was kept! Machete Kills, released in 2010, boasts an even bigger line-up of stars than the original. Mel Gibson, Cuba Gooding Jr, Lady Gaga, Amber Heard, Charlie Sheen, and many more notable actors lined up to be featured in Robert Rodriguez's over-the-top film. But did Machete kill our hosts with its jokes? And are they anxious for Machete Kills in Space? Listen to find out!

He knows the score. He gets the babes. He kills the bad guys. He is Machete! The character was originally seen in a joke trailer in the Rodriguez/Tarantino Grindhouse double feature. Then in 2010 that joke became a major motion picture. Did the film live up to the trailer's promise? Listen to this episode of Now Playing to find out!

"If I had the time and a sledgehammer, I would track down every copy of that show and smash it." So said Star Wars creator George Lucas regarding the 1978 Star Wars Holiday Special. The two hour CBS special reunited Harrison Ford, Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher, alongside most of the original Star Wars cast. It also gave fans their first glimpse at the bounty hunter Boba Fett! So how can it be so hated, shunned, and disavowed? Join Arnie, Stuart, and Jakob to find out!

Lucas promised it would never happen. He repeatedly swore that Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith was the last Star Wars film. Ever! What a difference $4 billion makes! Now, a decade since the last live action Star Wars film, Disney brings us The Force Awakens. The baton is being passed from the old trilogy's heroes to a new group, played by Adam Driver, Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, and Oscar Isaac. But with the shadow of the prequels hanging over the series, does director J. J. Abrams' new film fall to the dark side, or the light? Join Arnie, Stuart, and Jakob in this episode of Now Playing to find out!

In 2005 Revenge of the Sith was touted as the last Star Wars film. Ever. So fans were surprised and amazed in 2008 when the announcement came that Star Wars: The Clone Wars would be an animated, feature film. Originally developed as four episodes of the Clone Wars series, the footage was spliced together to feature length. With Samuel L. Jackson and Christopher Lee reprising their live-action characters, does this glorified TV pilot deserve its place as the final Lucas-era Star Wars movie? Join Arnie, Stuart, and Jakob to find out!

Apollo Creed was a major part of the Rocky series through the character's death in Rocky IV. Now his son Adonis takes center stage in Creed -- the seventh movie to feature Sylvester Stallone as Rocky Balboa. Can Michael B. Jordan's Adonis be the new box office boxing champ? Listen to this episode of Now Playing Podcast to find out!

George Lucas wrapped up his six-part Star Wars saga with Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith. This film needed to create the links between Lucas' two prequel films and his much-beloved original trilogy. Showing the rise of the Empire, the fall of Anakin Skywalker, and the downfall of the Jedi Order is an ambitious feat for any film. Did Sith rise to the challenge? Join Arnie, Stuart, and Jakob for their review to find out!

The Phantom Menace opened to a big box office...and a big backlash. But for 2002's follow-up Attack of the Clones director George Lucas pulled out all the stops. Fans finally got to see in live action the origins of the Stormtroopers, Boba Fett, and an army of Jedi going to war. Did this universe-expanding story result in a better movie? Join Arnie, Stuart, and Jakob to find out!

Star Wars returned to the big screen in 1999 with Episode I: The Phantom Menace. Sixteen years after Return of the Jedi the hype and anticipation were at manic levels. The result was the highest grossing Star Wars film of all time--and lots of internet hate. Now Arnie, Jakob, and Stuart travel to Naboo, Tattooine, and Coruscant to review The Phantom Menace. Is the hate deserved, or could no film live up to such high fan expectations? Listen to find out!

Despite being a box office draw for 50 years, James Bond's last outing Skyfall shattered all expectations, making over $1 billion worldwide. That set expectations exceedingly high for the next Bond adventure -- Spectre. The movie brings back the classic cadre of Bond baddies, as well as the star and director of Skyfall. Did this film hit its target? Join Brock, Arnie, and Stuart to find out!

It's a long-standing horror movie trope: teens who have sex are murdered. Friday the 13th, Halloween, A Nightmare on Elm Street, and dozens more films followed this pattern...but no film has made it as literal as It Follows. "It" is a supernatural creature that is passed through sex. When "It" is after you, your only escape is to pass it on by having sex with someone else. Yet It Follows is not a morality tale; the director takes this concept to new and frightening places. So should you watch It? Join Stuart, Jakob, and Arnie to find out!

Artisan Entertainment and Haxan Films wasted no time releasing a sequel to The Blair Witch Project. Intending to capitalize on the first film’s huge success they rushed Book of Shadows: Blair Witch 2 for release while the original film was still part of the cultural zeitgeist. The sequel goes meta as we watch a group of fans of the original film take a pilgrimage to some of its filming sites when strange things begin to happen and some of the team go missing. Despite being directed by acclaimed documentary filmmaker Joe Berlinger Blair Witch 2 never escaped the original’s shadow and has been mostly forgotten. Does Book of Shadows conjure up scares to match the original? Join Arnie, Stuart, and Jakob to find out!

In 1999 two great fears gripped the American people -- Y2K and The Blair Witch Project. This little movie was made for only $20,000 but it became a Sundance darling. Released by Artisan it went on to become the most profitable movie of all time, shot its stars and makers to superstardom, and opened the door for more "found footage" horror films. But without the hype of the moment does the Blair Witch still have what it takes to scare you? Join Arnie, Stuart, and Jakob to find out!

1984's television movie The Ewok Adventure was a smash success for ABC, and soon George Lucas was working on a sequel. The result is Ewoks: The Battle for Endor. A darker continuation of the previous movie, Battle for Endor introduces new baddies, and a new heroic character played by Wilford Brimley. Was the Force with the Ewoks this time? Join Arnie, Stuart, and Jakob to find out!

George Lucas didn't want to do any more Star Wars movies after Return of the Jedi, but he wasn't done in that universe. Inspired by kids' affection for the furry Ewoks Lucas ordered the creation of an Ewok TV Special, which grew into The Ewok Adventure - a two-hour ABC Movie of the Week. Does Star Wars work on the small budget of the small screen? And when did Wicket learn to talk? Join our hosts for this review and find out!

George Lucas concluded the Star Wars trilogy in 1983 with Return of the Jedi -- a film thought for many years to be the final Star Wars movie ever. Needing to tie up every plot thread in two hours, this conclusion has been polarizing among fans, with some in the pro-Ewok camp, others anti-Ewok. Could this film ever live up to fan expectations? And which is better: Jedi Rocks or Lapti Nek? Join Arnie, Jakob, and Stuart for their review of Return of the Jedi to find out!

When it was released The Empire Strikes Back was the highly anticipated sequel to the biggest movie of all time. And it became widely known as the best Star Wars movie ever made. With creator George Lucas taking more of a back seat, and an even bigger push on special effects, does this film live up to its reputation? Join Arnie, Stuart, and Jakob to find out!

Star Wars. It twice became the biggest movie of all time. It has launched a billion dollar empire of movies, toys, and merchandise. It has even started a religion. But now, under the ownership of Disney, the Star Wars universe is set to expand infinitely with a new movie each year -- starting with Episode VII: The Force Awakens. Now Arnie, Jakob, and Stuart go back to where it all started -- the 1977 original George Lucas film Star Wars (a.k.a. Episode IV: A New Hope). Is the Force still with Star Wars almost 40 years after its release? And which version is better, the Special Edition or the original? Listen to Now Playing to find out, then join us weekly for more Star Wars reviews culminating with The Force Awakens!

It's been seven years since the last Transporter film was released. In that time the series continued on television, but now is racing back to theaters with The Transporter: Refueled. This movie is intended to start a new trilogy of films, but without signature star Jason Statham has the series run out of gas? Listen to find out!

In 2008 Jason Statham came back for one last ride in Transporter 3. This time Frank has to drive the daughter of a Ukranian politician to Odessa, avoiding danger and romantic entanglements along the way. The film ended Statham's run as the Transporter, but launched the American career of aptly-named director Olivier Megaton. Did the trilogy end on a high note? Listen to find out!

The first Transporter film was a modest theatrical success, but thanks to DVD sales put star Jason Statham back in the driver's seat. Again directed by Louis Leterrier, the second Transporter film's fast ride cemented Statham's status as an action star. How does it measure up to the original? Listen to find out!

If you need someone or something moved quickly, Frank Martin is your man. This former Special Ops soldier has moved to France and now works as a freelance driver for big spending criminals. His illicit career survives by strict adherence to rules, but when he breaks two of the rules he finds himself the target of a human trafficking ring. The plot is simple, but this action film from Luc Besson and Louis Leterrier launched Jason Statham's career as an American action star. Should you go along for the ride? Listen to find out!

It's been 20 years since Roger Corman first made (but never released) the world's first Fantastic Four film, and now we get our fourth. Gone is the humor of the Tim Story duology; instead, Chronicle director Josh Trank created a grim and gritty version of Marvel's First Family, more based on the Ultimate Comics version than any other. But behind the scenes squabbles and internet gossip led to this movie's record low audience and critic ratings. Can this film be, if not Fantastic, any good at all? Join Arnie, Stuart, and Jakob to find out!

In Tom Cruise's fifth Mission: Impossible film he finally goes up against the original television series' legendary foe -- The Syndicate. This evil group of spies and assassins has infiltrated the globe and is prepared to start a revolution. With the IMF disbanded for dangerous and risky tactics, can Ethan Hunt and his team possibly uncover and stop this Rogue Nation? And even more risky, can the fifth installment of a series still retain a high level of quality? Join Arnie, Stuart, and Jakob to find out!

Tom Cruise's MIF Agent Ethan Hunt is back with a mission to literally stop the end of the world. Disavowed by his agency, can Ethan stop a madman from launching a nuclear missile? And do newcomers Jeremy Renner and Simon Pegg mix up the Impossible formula? Join Jakob, Arnie, and Stuart to find out!

The second phase of Marvel Studios' Cinematic Universe is going out small. Compared to their other Phase 2 films, the hero is smaller, the budget is smaller, the box office is smaller. But it's a big moment as comics' final founding Avenger arrives on the big screen. The film was fraught with production delays and creative changes, but can Marvel prove good things come with small packages? Join Arnie, Stuart, and Jakob to find out! {Marvel Series} {Avengers Series} {Comic Book Movies Series} {Ant-Man Series}

IMF agent Ethan Hunt has had enough combat. He wants to settle down, get married, and train new agents instead of going in the field himself. But when his star pupil is captured by a ruthless arms dealer Hunt gathers a new crew for another globetrotting mission. Should you choose to accept this third impossible mission? Join Stuart, Jakob, and Arnie to find out!

It may have taken 13 years, but Arnold Schwarzenegger is back as the T-800 in his movie series that absolutely will not stop ever -- The Terminator.In the new movie Genisys Kyle Reese (Jai Courtney) goes back in time to 1984 to save the life of Sarah Connor (Emilia Clarke), but he fins 1984 very different than he expects. Is Kyle's trip back to the future one worth taking? Join Marjorie, Arnie, and Stuart to find out!PLUS - listen to find out how you can win some Terminator collectibles! Contest ends July 15, 2015!

Tom Cruise's character Agent Ethan Hunt has a new mission - stop a rogue IMF agent from releasing a deadly biological weapon -- and protect the woman he loves. With John Woo in the director's chair, this film is sure to have some slow motion action and doves flying, but should you choose this second impossible mission? Join Jakob, Arnie, and Stuart to find out!

Mission: Impossible was a smash hit TV series in the 1960s and 70s, and it even had a revival in the late 80s. But in the 90s, producer and star Tom Cruise tried to do the impossible: create a hit movie franchise based on an old TV show. Many shows have tried to become films, but few have succeeded. Yet with noted director Brian De Palma behind the camera, a bevy of stunt work, and Cruise on the poster, this film had a better chance than most. Should you choose to accept this first impossible mission? Join Arnie, Jakob, and Stuart to find out!

It's like a riddle: When does Chapter 3 come before Chapter 1? When it's an Insidious sequel! The new film may be titled Insidious: Chapter 3 but the film is actually a prequel to the original film. Were you interested how Tucker and Specs met Elise? Or what the Bride in Black did before harassing the Lambert family? It's all in Chapter 3, with a background story of a new demon trying to kill a high school girl. Is this an essential chapter in the Insidious story? Join Marjorie, Stuart, and Arnie to find out!

Firestarter: Rekindled has Malcolm McDowell and Dennis Hopper starring in a movie based on the works of Stephen King! If this movie came out in 1982 it may have had the star power, and budget, to be a true classic. But Rekindled didn't come out when those actors' star power was at its peak, it was made in 2002 as an original Sci-Fi Channel two part miniseries. Does this story of Charlie's next battle against The Shop keep with King's original vision? Join Arnie, Stuart, and Jakob to find out!

In 1984 Stephen King had been given the moniker "The King of Horror." Movies on his books had more hits than misses, and his every novel was a bestseller, including the tale of a pyrokinetic girl hunted by government agents -- Firestarter! The heat from that book drew star Drew Barrymore, fresh off her role in the highest-grossing film of all time, E.T., With these two names combined, did the movie spark? Join Arnie, Stuart, and Jakob to find out!

Warning: This podcast deals with a movie that has no plot, hammy acting, and a hack script we wouldn't want to wipe our asses with. It's not even funny bad, it's just a boring, miserable watching experience. We want no one to give this film a penny by paying for the rental. We appreciate you listeners enough to tell you this up front - you really don't need to watch this film. And if you want to hear why - join Arnie, Stuart, and Marjorie for this podcast review.

It's been 30 years since the last Mad Max film, but creator George Miller was compelled to go again into the post-apocalyptic Outback. The film suffered production troubles, extensive reshoots, and eventually had to film with a new star: Tomy Hardy as Max. But now the movie is on screens and bringing both praise and controversy. Did the series run out of gas without Mad Mel? Join Stuart, Arnie, and Jakob to find out!

Star Mel Gibson and director George Miller returned to the world of Mad Max one final time in 1985. With a budget larger than the previous two films combined, Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome established its place in pop culture with both catch phrases and a catchy Tina Turner song. For nearly 30 years this was thought to be the closing chapter in the series, and is Gibson's final time playing the titular character. How does this film hold up today? Listen to find out!

The 2015 summer movie season kicks off in a big way with the next Marvel Cinematic Universe film Avengers: Age of Ultron. Captain America, Thor, Iron Man, the Hulk, Black Widow, and Hawkeye are back in front of the camera, all again under the direction of geek god Joss Whedon. But with three super-powered baddies and a new Vision for these heroes there is more Avengers to assemble than ever before. Now join Stuart, Arnie, and Jakob to find out how super these heroes were! {Marvel Series} {Avengers Series} {Comic Book Movies Series}