A Podcast Called FRED #83: Film Scenes as Wall Art
Kendall and Fulya deliver the latest in nerdy news and geeky goodness in the pop culture podcast that refuses to behave—it’s A Podcast Called FRED!
Nerdy News includes:
- Peter Capaldi joins The Suicide Squad
- Ben Wheatley to direct Tomb Raider sequel;
- First look at the final season of The Good Place;
- and so much more!
Trailer Park discussions:
- Bad Boys For Life
- Jojo Rabbit
- Black Christmas
- Just Mercy
- Gretel and Hansel
Quickie Reviews:
- It: Chapter Two
- Ophelia
Popcorn Culture:
- This week, the team discuss what movie scene they would have on their wall—featuring responses from you!
Check out A Podcast Called FRED #83 ⬇️
Remember to let us know your response to the Popcorn Culture question so you can be featured in the next episode of A Podcast Called FRED!
PREVIOUS EPISODE: A Podcast Called FRED #82 ⬇️
FRED Watch Quickie Film Review: Marvel’s The Avengers (2012)
THE AVENGERS ASSEMBLE!
I’m a Wayne Stellini and welcome to FRED Watch, where we review everything from the mainstream to the obscure. Today’s film is Marvel’s The Avengers…
Marvel Studios / Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures
Peacekeeping agency S.H.I.E.L.D. director Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson) assembles a team of superheroes to save the world when an unexpected enemy emerges as threat to global safety and security…
An assortment of origin pictures, beginning with 2008’s Iron Man, have all been leading to this superhero ensemble blockbuster… and fans won’t be disappointed. There’s plenty of action on hand here, which is particularly well done when the conflict is between the heroes themselves (Hulk vs. Thor is a highlight), mixed with enough heart and humour to make this a cut above most comic book adaptations.
Mark Ruffalo replaces the overall superior Edward Norton as the temperamental Hulk, but the actor makes the role his own and does so confidently. Of course, Robert Downey Jr. is in his natural element as the fast-talking Tony Stark/Iron Man; his statistical quip about male performance is a masterstroke of ingenious comedy writing and delivery. Chris Evans and Chris Hemsworth are in perfect form as fish out of water Captain America and Thor respectively, and it is quite a joy to watch the former lead the pack. It is also great to see Samuel L. Jackson given more to do this time around as Nick Fury, even if the actor does not stray too far from his usual one-note performance style, and Clark Gregg’s Phil Coulson is always a welcome inclusion. Needless to say, Tom Hiddleston is so much fun as Loki and is the most perfect villain to sit in the centre of the ensuing chaos.
But the true heart of the film sits with Scarlett Johansson and Jeremy Renner as Black Widow and Hawkeye. As individuals, each performer is a scene-stealer and together, there is an undeniable chemistry that is rarely seen in superhero flicks. In a film (and, let’s face it, genre) that is pumping with testosterone, it is incredibly refreshing to see Johansson given so much to do and implement it flawlessly. Renner is equally strong and sensitive, and it is a testament to writer/director Joss Whedon’s skillfully constructed and executed script that Black Widow and Hawkeye are the most fleshed out and interesting characters here.
Admittedly, with so much going on and an assortment of characters with strong and clashing personalities in the mix, there is always the risk of overbearing convolution. But Whedon is a remarkably talented creative and keeps things well under control. However, Marvel’s The Avengers would have benefited from some taut trimming. The extensive climactic fight sequence in Manhattan is not only too long but feels a little too over-the-top, even for a comic book narrative, with an unnecessarily excessive amount of carnage.
Overall, it is pleasing to see that each hero (and the villains, for that matter) gets their own piece of the action. Although not flawless, this genuine crowd-pleaser is a fine example of why we go to the movies. 4½ / 5
Starring: Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Mark Ruffalo, Chris Hemsworth, Scarlett Johansson, Jeremy Renner, Tom Hiddleston, Clark Gregg, Cobie Smulders, Stellan Skarsgård, Samuel L. Jackson, Gwyneth Paltrow, Maximiliano Hernández, Paul Bettany [voice], Alexis Denisof, Damion Poitier, Powers Boothe, Jenny Agutter, Stan Lee [cameo], Harry Dean Stanton [cameo], Jerzy Skolimowski, Enver Gjokaj.
Director: Joss Whedon | Producer: Kevin Feige | Writer: by Joss Whedon; Story: Zak Penn, Joss Whedon (based on The Avengers by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby) | Music: Alan Silvestri | Cinematographer: Seamus McGarvey | Editors: Jeffrey Ford, Lisa Lassek
Let us know what you thought of this film in the comments!
I’ve been a Wayne Stellini and you’ve just experienced FRED Watch.
RELATED VIDEO: Non-Scripted Ramblings #9: Countdown to Infinity War—The Avengers ⬇️
FRED Watch Quickie Film Review: Ice Age (2002)
ICE ICE BABY!
I’m a Fulya Kantarmaci and welcome to FRED Watch, where we review everything from the mainstream to the obscure. Today’s film is Ice Age…
Blue Sky Studios / 20th Century Fox Animation / 20th Century Fox
A woolly mammoth, a sloth, and a sabretoothed tiger save a human baby and have to reunite him with his tribe. An adventure of epicly cold proportions where these three animals have no choice but to work together. Oh, did I mention a sabretoothed squirrel causes an avalanche?
Ladies, gentlemen, and all other mammals, welcome to the ice age! Except, instead of migrating down south where it will be warmer, how about we travel north? No? Well, I guess we won’t be following Manny (Ray Romano) then because he would rather go north than south it seems (and we don’t know why). Following this big mammoth is a clumsy sloth named Sid (John Leguizamo), who was left behind by his family and the rest of the animals. Manny makes it clear to Sid that he wants to be left alone. Sid doesn’t understand the concept of being alone so he sticks by Manny anyway.
Later, we find out that tigers attacked the humans’ camp in which a mother was separated from and had to run in a different direction in order to save her baby son’s life. Jumping down a waterfall, she is swept away and manages to hold onto a rock, and comes across Manny and Sid. She pushes her tightly-wrapped baby towards Manny with her last bit of strength and Manny holds onto him. The moment Sid and Manny look up, the mother has disappeared into the water—queue sad music.
One of the tigers from the pack that attacked the humans is named Diego (Denis Leary). After failing to capture the baby as stated in a revenge plot by the pack leader Soto (Goran Višnjić), Diego is sent off to find and retrieve the baby as punishment. He finds the baby in the possession of Manny and Sid, so he cooks up a plan to set them up. Diego convinces them he can help track down the humans better and quicker than either of them. Little do Manny and Sid know, they were about to face some serious problems.
This film is a lot of fun and has a lot of heart in it as well. Following these mammals through their adventure always brings a smile to my face. The cast is amazing and I couldn’t have picked it better myself! Romano really brings Manny to life with, as director Chris Wedge describes, a voice that is ‘deep and slow in delivery, but also with a sarcastic wit behind it.’ Leguizamo is hilarious as Sid! His comedic timing is awesome and the character always manages to make me laugh during the slapstick and physical humour scenes.
Leary’s take on Diego is also great! His voice sounds like it belongs to a sabertoothed tiger with a hint of sincerity which isn’t something you’d expect from the character. And let’s not forget Scrat; a sabertoothed squirrel that just wants to hide his acorn. Although Scrat doesn’t speak during the film, he almost steals the show. Director Wedge voices this little naïve animal and it’s literally just screams, sighs, and other squirrel-like sound effects. It’s funny to see how Scrat begins and then ends the film.
I highly recommend watching Ice Age with friends and family. The kids will love it as well! And remember, beware of the taek-won-dodos! 4½ / 5
Starring: Ray Romano, Denis Leary, John Leguizamo, Chris Wedge, Goran Višnjić, Jack Black, Diedrich Bader, Alan Tudyk, Cedric the Entertainer, Stephen Root, Jane Krakowski, Lorri Bagley, Tara Strong.
Director: Chris Wedge | Writers: Michael Berg, Michael J. Wilson, Peter Ackerman; Story: Michael J. Wilson | Producer: Lori Forte | Music: David Newman | Editor: John Carnochan
Available: DVD.
Let us know what you thought of this film in the comments!
I’ve been a Fulya Kantarmaci and you’ve just experienced FRED Watch.
A Podcast Called FRED #82: Sony Squashes Spider-Man
Kendall, Fulya, and Wayne deliver the latest in nerdy news and geeky goodness in the pop culture podcast that refuses to behave—it’s A Podcast Called FRED!
Nerdy News includes:
- Andy Muschietti to direct The Flash;
- Obi-Wan series to take place eighth years after Revenge of the Sith;
- Anthony Michael Hall to play Tommy Doyle in Halloween Kills;
- and so much more!
Trailer Park discussions:
- The Aeronauts
- Terminator: Dark Fate
- Joker
Quickie Reviews:
- Weathering With You
- Once Upon a Time in Hollywood
Popcorn Culture:
- This week, the team discuss Spider-Man’s exit from the Marvel Cinematic Universe—featuring responses from you!
Check out A Podcast Called FRED #82 ⬇️
Remember to let us know your response to the Popcorn Culture question so you can be featured in the next episode of A Podcast Called FRED!
PREVIOUS EPISODE: A Podcast Called FRED #81 ⬇️
FRED Watch Quickie Film Review: Captain America: The First Avenger (2011)
AN AWESOME AVENGER!
I’m a Wayne Stellini and welcome to FRED Watch, where we review everything from the mainstream to the obscure. Today’s film is Captain America: The First Avenger…
Marvel Studios / Paramount Pictures
Having been deemed as unfit for military service due to multiple medical conditions, Steve Rogers (Chris Evans) volunteers for a top secret ‘Super Soldier’ project that turns him into the brawny Captain America.
Initially used as the U.S. Army’s propaganda poster boy, Captain America battles the Red Skull (Hugo Weaving), leader of the evil HYDRA organisation…
Making his first big screen appearance since Albert Pyun’s 1990 critical and commercial disaster, Captain America is supported, this time around, by a massive budget, a crowd-pleasing franchise, and more significantly, a story that engages from the get-go.
The fifth film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Joe Johnston’s Captain America: The First Avenger is a wonderful mix of heart and heroism. As the title character, Chris Evans is nothing short of perfect. Going from scrawny to brawny, Evans’s portrayal of Steven Rogers/Captain America is both sensitive and strong, depicting an assortment of adaptable traits that gives the character depth and meaning. Although the visual effects that convey the short and gaunt Rogers never truly convince (the proportions don’t always look or feel right), Evans captivates enough for us to see past what would have otherwise been a distracting flaw.
Supporting characters aren’t given as much attention or development, but so strong is the cast that there’s always something to relish of each key player. The underrated Hayley Atwell is quite lovely as Officer Peggy Carter, an obligatory love interest for Rogers who is more fleshed out than you would expect, while Hugo Weaving is always fun as the evil Red Skull. Tommy Lee Jones is unsurprisingly exceptional in the undemanding role of Colonel Chester Phillips, whose impeccable line delivery suitably belongs to an era of yesteryear: ‘You and I are gonna have a conversation later that you won’t enjoy,’ he scolds Carter at one point.
Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely’s screenplay doesn’t try to complicate the narrative with unnecessary subplots or convoluted details. It is brought to life through the collective efforts of a talented cast, Alan Silvestri wonderful score, and Jeffrey Ford and Robert Dalva’s taut editing under the skillful eye of a director with a confident vision that has you engaged right up until one of the greatest endings and reveals in contemporary comic book movies.
Though not really delivering anything we haven’t seen before, there’s no denying that Captain America: The First Avenger is a pretty awesome adventure picture. 4 / 5
Starring: Chris Evans, Tommy Lee Jones, Hugo Weaving, Hayley Atwell, Sebastian Stan, Dominic Cooper, Neal McDonough, Derek Luke, Stanley Tucci, Samuel L. Jackson, Kenneth Choi, Bruno Ricci, JJ Feild, Toby Jones, Richard Armitage, Lex Shrapnel, Michael Brandon, Natalie Dormer, Jenna Coleman, Laura Haddock, Stan Lee.
Director: Joe Johnston | Producer: Kevin Feige | Writers: Christopher Markus, Stephen McFeely (based on Captain America by Joe Simon and Jack Kirby) | Music: Alan Silvestri | Cinematographer: Shelly Johnson | Editors: Jeffrey Ford, Robert Dalva
Let us know what you thought of this film in the comments!
I’ve been a Wayne Stellini and you’ve just experienced FRED Watch.
RELATED VIDEO: Non-Scripted Ramblings #8: Countdown to Infinity War—Captain America: The First Avenger ⬇️
FRED Watch Craptacular Special #1: The Room (2003)
ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT.
Wiseau-Films / Chloe Productions / TPW Films
It’s FRED Watch’s first-ever Craptacular Special!
Wayne introduces Phillip and special guests Fulya, Kendall, and Kirsten to Tommy Wiseau’s infamous cult classic about… um… Johnny and his best friend Mark… who is having an affair with Lisa… whose mother has breast cancer… who lectures Denny about drugs… on a rooftop… and there’s football tossing.
It time for our reviewers to enter The Room (2003).
Listen to their review here:
Check out the trailer here:
Starring: Tommy Wiseau, Greg Sestero, Juliette Danielle, Philip Haldiman, Carolyn Minnott, Robyn Paris, Scott Holmes, Dan Janjigian, Kyle Vogt, Greg Ellery.
Director: Tommy Wiseau [uncredited: Sandy Schklair]| Writer/Producer: Tommy Wiseau | Music: Mladen Milicevic | Cinematographer: Todd Barron | Editor: Eric Chase
In cinemas now.
Let us know what you thought of this film in the comments!
You’ve just experienced FRED Watch.
The Monthly @ WiniFRED’s #26
Get ready for a new episode of The Monthly @ WiniFRED’s!
Join Fulya and Kendall as they discuss their favourite characters from the extensive Harry Potter franchise—featuring responses thoughts from you!
Have a listen and let us know who your top choice is! Also, get ready to respond to the next Monthly question, revealed at the end of the episode ⬇️
PREVIOUS EPISODE: The Monthly @ WiniFRED’s #25: Animated vs. Live-Action Aladdin ⬇️
Collectible Chaos: Top Ten Michael Jackson Moments
Join FRED the ALIEN Productions‘s pop culture queen Kendall Richardson for Collectible Chaos!
It’s Michael Jackson’s birthday month and our Queen of Pop Culture couldn’t help but count down her favourite moments from the King of Pop himself!
Let us know your number one choice in the comments.
Check out Collectible Chaos – Top Ten Michael Jackson Moments ⬇
RELATED VIDEO: Non-Scripted Ramblings #27: Michael Jackson’s Ghosts Review ⬇
A Podcast Called FRED #81: Uncomfortable Films
Kendall and Fulya deliver the latest in nerdy news and geeky goodness in the pop culture podcast that refuses to behave—it’s A Podcast Called FRED!
Nerdy News includes:
- Spider-Man out of the Marvel Cinematic Universe;
- James Bond 25 title revealed as No Time To Die;
- D23 wrap-up;
- and so much more!
Trailer Park discussions:
- The Politician
- The Report
- Noelle
Popcorn Culture:
- This week, the team discuss films that made them uncomfortable—featuring responses from you!
Check out A Podcast Called FRED #81 ⬇️
Remember to let us know your response to the Popcorn Culture question so you can be featured in the next episode of A Podcast Called FRED!
PREVIOUS EPISODE: A Podcast Called FRED #80 ⬇️
FRED Watch Quickie Film Review: Thor (2011)
THOR WIELDS A WINNER…
I’m a Wayne Stellini and welcome to FRED Watch, where we review everything from the mainstream to the obscure. Today’s film is Thor…
Marvel Studios / Paramount Pictures
When his reckless actions reignites an ancient war, Asgard warrior Thor (Chris Hemsworth) is stripped of his godly power and banished to Earth, accompanied by his hammer Mjölnir, which is now protected by an enchantment that allows only the worthy to wield it.
Landing in New Mexico, he is discovered by astrophysicist Dr. Jane Foster (Natalie Portman), her assistant Darcy Lewis (Kat Dennings), and mentor Dr. Erik Selvig (Stellan Skarsgård). When Thor learns of the Mjölnir’s location, he sets out to retrieve it, unaware that his brother Loki (Tom Hiddleston) has taken the throne of Asgard and that the evil Destroyer is headed for Earth…
Working best as a fish out of water story, Kenneth Branagh’s Thor is a consistently entertaining adventure that sticks to a familiar blueprint without ever feeling tiresome. Blending Norse mythology with comic book fantasy, the complicated plot is made accessible through an opening narration, exposition, and even being explained through a diagram (literally) at some point. This may, on the surface, sound a bit heavy-handed, but these storytelling methods are presented and brought together in a manner that feels natural; a difficult thing to accomplish for even the most skilled scriptwriters and directors.
Better still, there is a strong sense of fun about Ashley Edward Miller, Zack Stentz, and Don Payne’s screenplay. From the operatic melodrama on Asgard to the more straight-playing scenes in New Mexico, Branagh and cast treat the story and their characters with respect; while the commanding grandeur of Thor is impressive in his home realm, he is the source of humour on Earth, but we are never laughing at him. This, of course, comes down to Chris Hemsworth’s likeable portrayal of our titular hero, who is a beautiful mixture of strength, vulnerability, and charm.
Likewise, Natalie Portman is unsurprisingly exceptional as Dr. Jane Foster, a refreshingly three-dimensional love interest who is far more involved in the unfolding plot than most of her contemporaries are or predecessors have ever been. She is supported wonderfully by a scene-stealing Kat Dennings, who may not have much to do but does so much with what she’s given, and Marvel Cinematic Universe franchise regular Clark Gregg is always a joy to watch. On Asgard, Anthony Hopkins and Rene Russo deliver strong performances with minimal effort, but it must be said that Tom Hiddleston is the one to watch here, who is a natural as Thor’s mischievous and more layered brother Loki.
With well-choreographed and sharply edited action sequences, enhanced with more-often-than-not impressive visual effects, and a terrific score, Thor not only adds to its franchise but is fun popcorn entertainment in its own right. 4 / 5
Starring: Chris Hemsworth, Natalie Portman, Tom Hiddleston, Stellan Skarsgård, Colm Feore, Ray Stevenson, Idris Elba, Kat Dennings, Rene Russo, Anthony Hopkins, Tadanobu Asano, Josh Dallas, Jaimie Alexander, Clark Gregg, Adriana Barraza, Maximiliano Hernández, Joseph Gatt, Joshua Cox, Douglas Tait, Stan Lee, J. Michael Straczynski, Walter Simonson, Samuel L. Jackson [uncredited], Jeremy Renner [uncredited].
Director: Kenneth Branagh | Producer: Kevin Feige | Writers: Ashley Edward Miller, Zack Stentz, Don Payne; Story: J. Michael Straczynski, Mark Protosevich (based on Thor by Stan Lee, Larry Lieber, Jack Kirby) | Music: Patrick Doyle | Cinematographer: Haris Zambarloukos | Editor: Paul Rubell
Let us know what you thought of this film in the comments!
I’ve been a Wayne Stellini and you’ve just experienced FRED Watch.
RELATED VIDEO: Non-Scripted Ramblings #7: Countdown to Infinity War—Thor ⬇️
FRED the ALIEN Productions 