Nerd Critic

You may or may not have heard of Blumhouse Productions, but you've heard of Blumhouse Productions' productions. Today, we talk about the unique strategy the company has used to become so successful, and we're also FINALLY talking about one of their most beloved films: Get Out, Jordan Peele's writer-directorial debut and masterwork. And if one of your Nerd Critic hosts starts claiming to have been named after Mr. Peele, please just humor him. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit nerdcritic.substack.com

You know what? Sure. It's been a slow summer. But guess what else! We liked this movie. It was fun. It had good action. And while it may not have delivered the kinds of complex moral exploration we've come to expect from this franchise (...*ahem*), it sure did inspire a rich and thoughtful conversation between your favorite Nerd and Critic. Enjoy. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit nerdcritic.substack.com

Fooled ya! OK here's the story. We WERE going to talk about 300 (in honor of Gerard Butler's somewhat abortive career), but then we came to our senses and pivoted. HARD. Today, we finally, finally talked about one of the movies that has had the greatest impact not only on CJ and Jordan, but on nearly everyone. And we could swear that time slowed down the deeper we dove into this Christopher Nolan classic. Or maybe it sped up? Either way, come enjoy this shared dream with us. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit nerdcritic.substack.com

Regardless of anything, Cate Blanchett is wonderful. Join us in our appreciation. Also, come explore the absence of a question mark in the title of this movie. On Nerd Critic, we always address the most urgent issues and deliver the most meaningful insights. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit nerdcritic.substack.com

According to IMDb, The Shawshank Redemption is the best (or at least most popular) movie ever, and that will probably never change. How did that happen? We have some ideas. But also, we have some very positive thoughts about the movie itself. Because, while it might not be the best movie in whole past and future history of movies, it certainly is a damn good one. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit nerdcritic.substack.com

If you don't show up for the IP (seriously, who has even heard of this?), come for the cast. Does this movie portend adaptations of other Vertigo titles? If you didn't understand that last sentence at all, well I guess you'll just have to listen to the episode, won't you. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit nerdcritic.substack.com

Did you know CJ has seen ALL EIGHT of the Fast and Furious movies MULTIPLE TIMES? Jordan certainly didn’t. But it’s a good thing, because it turns out there’s no one better qualified to nerd out about these movies. Join us for an earnest (if belated) conversation about this singular, cacophonous franchise. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit nerdcritic.substack.com

Hobbs and Shaw was perhaps exactly what everyone was expecting. Whether that’s a good or bad thing is in the eye of the (literal) beholder. We were actually amazed at how much there was to talk about. (Plus: some neat announcements!) This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit nerdcritic.substack.com

Featuring actual women! It's taken Nerd Critic a long time to cover Wonder Woman in an Off the Shelf episode, and it's partly because they were waiting for the right guests to come along. Cassidy Davis and Mallory Fuccella did not disappoint, and are, as expected, charming, hilarious, and insightful. You don't want to miss this episode.Support our amazing guests by checking out ADULTING!http://adultingwebseries.com/episodes/ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit nerdcritic.substack.com

If you haven't seen this movie yet -- and the box office numbers suggest that possibility -- you should. In today's episode, CJ and Jordan both discover that Quentin Tarantino's latest film is also their favorite of his. And, as we all know, the Nerd Critic consensus is the only one that really matters. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit nerdcritic.substack.com

This week is the BIG WEEK. We haave officially launched Nerd Critic (to the) Max! Listen to the episode to understand the name.All the things you need to know will always be in our weekly newsletter… Get on it!You can also join other Nerds & Critics in lively topical conversations every day on Facebook and Instagram. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit nerdcritic.substack.com

Shownotes:This week is the BIG WEEK. We haave officially launched Nerd Critic (to the) Max! Listen to the episode to understand the name.All the things you need to know will always be in our weekly newsletter… Get on it!You can also join other Nerds & Critics in lively topical conversations every day on Facebook and Instagram. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit nerdcritic.substack.com

Jon Favreau has worn every hat -- he's an accomplished writer, director, and actor, with enough talent for all three that he could have made a career out of any of them, and that's what makes him an outstanding producer. So far, it's as an ongoing producer in the MCU that he's had perhaps the greatest impact, but even bigger things are in store. It should come as no great surprise that we are huge, HUGE fans of Mr. Favreau. With The Lion King right around the corner, we decided this was the perfect opportunity to dedicate an Off The Shelf episode to him and his work. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit nerdcritic.substack.com

Most of the time we cover BIG movies. Sometimes we cover movies that are embiggened by their quality. And then, sometimes, we do a deep dive into movies like Stuber. Here's the thing: it's better than you'd expect. Not great, but not terrible. And for a buddy comedy, you could do a whole lot worse. PLUS: some surprisingly relevant and well-handled thematic aspirations. Come get Stuber with us. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit nerdcritic.substack.com

This is one of the most beloved sub-franchises in the MCU, which is why we couldn't be more excited to get reeeeeaaal salty. Don't worry, no hate, just a lot of strong opinions and some bold and incorrigible griping, underneath of which is that strong foundation of nerd love that keeps us grounded.Shownotes:Hey, about that weekly newsletter… Get on it!You can also join other Nerds & Critics in lively topical conversations every day on Facebook and Instagram. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit nerdcritic.substack.com

You knew we were going to dive deep into the latest Peter Parker adventure. You DIDN'T know we would be featuring our very first Nerd Critic guest! After eight years of writing with the team behind Conan, and now as the associate editor at DC Universe, Dixon Gaines ( @dixontrotter ) might be the funniest nerd and the nerdiest comedian you’ve ever met. If you don't have as much fun listening to him as we did, then you're probably dead inside.Shownotes:Want to follow Dixon Gaines on IG? Here you go!Guess what we still have a weekly newsletter. Get on it!You can also join other Nerds & Critics in lively topical conversations every day on Facebook and Instagram. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit nerdcritic.substack.com

The best drumming movie ever (and there are a surprising number of drumming movies), the best JK Simmons performance ever, the most outrageous and challenging depiction of a teacher/student relationship ever. Forgive our hyperbole, but we LOVE THIS MOVIE. It’s hard to stay calm about it. Shownotes:Are you on the newsletter mailing list yet? No? Get on it!You can also join other Nerds & Critics in lively topical conversations every day on Facebook and Instagram. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit nerdcritic.substack.com

<img alt="yes.jpg" src="https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5779626d414fb50acf41a0e5/1562367455456-0ZAS6QBBYNLTPMX1HV84/ke17ZwdGBToddI8pDm48kK0oUDCF0Y_jEXGcgd1gAGoUqsxRUqqbr1mOJYKfIPR7LoDQ9mXPOjoJoqy81S2I8N_N4V1vUb5AoIIIbLZhVYxCRW4BPu10St3TBAUQYVKcoysg0c3GfEBZeHbRIQZ16Z8EhcRgev7dSmHUsw0JTZ3KXzbMFA0YEVQ8EKhZkFg-/yes.jpg?format=1000w" /> </a>All my troubles seemed so far awayNow it looks as though they're here to stayOh, I believe in yesterdayMaybe you love The Beatles. Maybe you love Danny Boyle. Maybe you love Lily James (seriously though, you have to love Lily James). Wherever your affections lay, listen up, we’ve got lots to say.Shownotes:Our weekly email newsletter is up and running like a champion. Get on it!You can also join other Nerds & Critics in lively topical conversations every day on Facebook and Instagram. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes,

<img alt="sd.jpg" src="https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5779626d414fb50acf41a0e5/1562367650289-87KYGVNWZNINMAKA00MJ/ke17ZwdGBToddI8pDm48kGYkJAScqCCfqCp5EyNti5sUqsxRUqqbr1mOJYKfIPR7LoDQ9mXPOjoJoqy81S2I8N_N4V1vUb5AoIIIbLZhVYxCRW4BPu10St3TBAUQYVKcOzenHGw-QthSekEPxavLmpJWSZVaxAB1oOMZk0b_rHLLxVqAy4ck3BaTapXMSwY5/sd.jpg?format=1000w" /> </a>Is Slumdog Millionaire Danny Boyle’s best film? More importantly, is CJ a damned fascist for not having seen it until LAST WEEKEND? We address these questions and more in this week’s Off the Shelf episode!Shownotes:There’s super Nerd Critical extras in our weekly newsletter so... get on it!Great stuff is always (or at least frequently) happening on Facebook and Instagram. If you’re into that sort of thing. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit nerdcritic.substack.com

<img alt="ts4.jpg" src="https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5779626d414fb50acf41a0e5/1562368115094-LYGDB1SSUCP89ETBBDL7/ke17ZwdGBToddI8pDm48kBR_20yJMkgNqcBauJPRgNYUqsxRUqqbr1mOJYKfIPR7LoDQ9mXPOjoJoqy81S2I8N_N4V1vUb5AoIIIbLZhVYy7Mythp_T-mtop-vrsUOmeInPi9iDjx9w8K4ZfjXt2doBI3RWSKCSi1UbdxBrxS_2hOfT9Tq4uB_c3aRZn45BToRwB-dUGsSquCnVTFQcaRg/ts4.jpg?format=1000w" /> </a>What’s better than three talking-toys movies? FOUR TALKING TOYS MOVIES!! The long drought of disappointing movies has ended, and we are practically drowning in our love for this franchise. BEHOLD THE GLORY OF PIXAR. LONG LIVE PIXAR.Shownotes:Do you love weekly emails more than your own mother? Well good news we’ve got one. Get on it!You can also join other Nerds & Critics in lively topical conversations every day on Facebook and Instagram. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit nerdcritic.subst