Category Archives: Podcasts

Franchise Detours Episode 20: ‘Spider-Man 2’ (feat. Josh Bell of Awesome Movie Year)

In the pantheon of superhero sequels, Spider-Man 2 is arguably among the best of its kind. Two years after Sam Raimi finally brought the webslinger to theaters, he aimed even higher with deeper themes, a more visually ambitious villain, and a tighter focus on character relationships.

On this episode, Josh Bell of Awesome Movie Year joins the show to discuss how Raimi tries to outdo himself with the sequel, the iconic performance of Alfred Molina as Doctor Octopus, and whether 2004’s Spider-Man 2 is, in fact, the best Spider-Man movie. Next time, we go ALL IN on Spider-Man 3.

But for now, it’s all about the myth, the legend Spider-Man 2. Go get it, tiger.

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Franchise Detours Episode 19: ‘Spider-Man’ (feat. The Lady-Wan of Screen Run)

In 2002, the Marvel Cinematic Universe was just a glimmer in Kevin Feige’s eye. And Sony entrusted Sam Raimi — director of the Evil Dead franchise — with bringing Marvel’s most famous and beloved superhero to the big screen. In that way, Spider-Man is very much a testament to its time.

On this episode, The Lady-Wan of Screen Run helps us swing right into our next friendly neighborhood mega-series. Over the next few episodes, we’ll be digging deep into Raimi’s Spider-Man trilogy starring Tobey Maguire and Kirsten Dunst. But this time, it’s all about the film that started it all.

So hold on tight as we launch into 2002’s Spider-Man. Thwip!

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Franchise Detours Episode 16: ‘Mad Max 2: The Road Warrior’ (feat. film critic Sara M. Fetters)

If the first Mad Max gives audiences a glimpse of the last vestiges of civilization, 1982’s Mad Max 2: The Road Warrior takes them full-on into George Miller’s Wasteland in one of the most celebrated action films ever.

On this episode, film critic Sara M. Fetters joins the show as we talk about how Mad Max 2: The Road Warrior builds on its predecessor, how it impacts the series’ future, and why it still holds up all these years later.

SYNOPSIS

After avenging the death of his wife and young son, Max (Mel Gibson) drives the post-apocalyptic highways of the Australian outback, fending off attacks from nomadic tribes that prey on outsiders. Falling into an encampment led by the relatively peaceful Pappagallo (Mike Preston), Max at first schemes to steal their oil. But soon he becomes the group’s reluctant defender against the hulking Humungus (Kjell Nilsson) and his ruthless marauders.

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