Nerd Critic

Wakanda Forever Mixes Our Feelings

Dispatches from Inner Space (Jordan's Substack) - thedispatches.substack.com   Growing Up vs Growing Old: A Battle Only a Superhero Can Win (CJ's book) - https://www.amazon.com/CJ-Lindsey/e/B0BBPSXDBL

Predator & Prey

Dispatches from Inner Space - thedispatches.substack.com Growing Up vs Growing Old: A Battle Only a Superhero Can Win (CJ's book) - https://www.amazon.com/CJ-Lindsey/e/B0BBPSXDBL

Nerd Critic versus the Multiverses

The multiverse is a favorite trope in big studio blockbusters lately. We talk about two of them: "Doctor Strange and the Multiverse of Madness," and "Everything Everywhere All at Once." Other than their very long titles, these movies couldn't be more different. And one of them is good. As always, you are encouraged to see both before listening.

The Batman resurrects our podcast

It’s been more than a YEAR since our last episode. But we’re back. Not like we were before, when we were maniacally releasing two episodes every week, but we’re pretty sure nobody had time for all that noise anyway. In this episode, we accidentally talk about Turning Red for 15 minutes before pumping a whole lot of pent-up Nerd Critic love into the latest iteration of DC’s favorite brooding orphan.

Aaand Cut

This is it. This is goodbye. Maybe not forever, but definitely for now. If and when people start going back to the movies in actual theaters every week, we might try to resurrect the show. But if not, if this truly is "the end of all things," please know that we love you all very, very much. Nerd Critic has been one of our proudest achievements, a work of true and lasting passion, and we couldn't be more grateful for the relationship we built with you over the years (years!) No matter what...

Tenet (etc, etc, etc)

Normally we'd attach timecodes to everything, but that just sounds like a lot of work rn so. Movies That Thing You Do! Spies in Disguise Get on up & 21 Bridges (RIP Chadwick Boseman) Spirited Away Zathura Lady Bird The Farewell Midsommer /the social dilemma   TV Snowpiercer Into the Dark I’ll Be Gone in the Dark Woke Miracle Workers The Boys Raised by Wolves Ted Lasso   Also, as promised, here's a link to Jordan's new newsletter: watchthisnext.substack.com   Enjoy!

Palm Springs (His Dark Materials, Legion)

It's Palm Springs! Plus His Dark Material and Legion, both of which come with the Nerd Critic stamp of approval. Also, a short (and important) announcement at the end. Oh, and we spend the first 7 minutes of the episode talking about hard boiled eggs, just so you're aware. Questions/comments/hatemail? Send it all to ask[at]nerdcriticpodcast.com

Holes (Project Power, Waco)

2:36 - You invitation to the first ever Nerd Critic Movie Night! JOIN HERE - https://discord.gg/DY6UeV3 5:25 - Introducing our deep dive into Holes 44:55 - Spoiler-free review of Project Power (on Netflix) 46:32 - Jordan makes an rambling, impassioned recommendation to watch Waco (also on Netflix) 51:25 - Q&A - Should Netflix move forward with another live-action remake of Avatar: The Last Airbender? 55:10 - The new poll: https://bit.ly/3jYVS1t -- Go vote!   Movie suggestions? Burning...

Forrest Gump (American Pickle, Killing Eve)

It's frankly astonishing that it's taken us this long to get around to covering Forrest Gump. And we can't even take credit! This is the movie YOU voted for, and so here we are.   6:48 - Our deep dive into Forrest Gump 45:55 - Spoiler-free review of American Pickle 47:48 - Jordan recommends Killing Eve 50:40 - Q&A - Why doesn't my mother like movies of faith? 55:10 - The new poll: https://bit.ly/3jYVS1t -- Go vote!   Movie suggestions? Burning questions? Send them to: ask@nerdcritic...

Honey Boy, The Old Guard, Greyhound

NOTES 1:08 - Poll Results 4:15 - The deep dive into Honey Boy 36:53 - A spoiler-free review of The Old Guard 40:18 - A spoiler-free review of Greyhound 46:40 - Our short conversation about anime (and why we don't spend much time on it) 51:25 - How to be part of the conversation   LINKS This week's poll - https://bit.ly/3jYVS1t Shia LaBeouf YouTube musical number - https://youtu.be/o0u4M6vppCI   Movie suggestions? Burning questions? Send them to: [email protected]

164 - We're BACK!

- Discussing the discussion of banter - The explanation of our break - Updates about what's new in our lives (a lot can change in a month -- mostly for CJ) - Our radical new plans for how Nerd Critic will become an ongoing conversation - Polls! Here's a link to the first: nerdcriticpodcast.com - A breakdown of what to expect from future episodes, and a promise to cut out the boring bits - A totally unnecessary freakout about a problem that was fixed shortly after we finished recording ...

7500 and The Last Airbender cancel our podcast

Will this be the very LAST episode of Nerd Critic ever? (No.) In this episode, we talk ourselves out of covering the movie we planned to cover, and then decide to push pause until the theaters reopen. We're proud to have stubbornly (and stupidly) kept the show going for so long without the magic of the silver screen to sustain us, but it's time to take a break. And we'll be back as soon as Tenet hits the theaters, so keep your candle lit for that grand and glorious day. Also, feel free to kee...

163 - Predestination surprises no one

0:40 - Buddy Lindsey (CJ's big brother) introduces the movie 4:25 - Above the line 5:30 - The spoiler-free review (the challenge of spoilers in this movie) 10:10 - Spoilers ahead 16:00 - Jordan thinks he can fix this movie 22:00 - Structural problems 24:55 - Discussing the idea of empathy for self 38:30 - Coming up next week: 7500 on Amazon

162 - Predestination surprises no one

0:40 - Buddy Lindsey (CJ's big brother) introduces the movie 4:25 - Above the line 5:30 - The spoiler-free review (the challenge of spoilers in this movie) 10:10 - Spoilers ahead 16:00 - Jordan thinks he can fix this movie 22:00 - Structural problems 24:55 - Discussing the idea of empathy for self 38:30 - Coming up next week: 7500 on Amazon

161 - Da 5 Bloods finds gold

  1:00 - CJ apologizes for his echoey recording, and Jordan apologizes for bad audio last week. Neither of them realize no one cares. 3:10 - The timing of this movie 4:40 - Above the line (and LOTS of early nerding out over the cast) 11:50 - A fantastic easter egg 12:40 - The spoiler-free overview 15:15 - Jordan burps, and doesn't edit it out 18:50 - The movie plays out like a really cool history lesson 20:00 - SPOILERS ahead (lots of stuff we loved) 24:10 - Flashbacks, music, and ...

162 - Da 5 Bloods finds gold

  1:00 - CJ apologizes for his echoey recording, and Jordan apologizes for bad audio last week. Neither of them realize no one cares. 3:10 - The timing of this movie 4:40 - Above the line (and LOTS of early nerding out over the cast) 11:50 - A fantastic easter egg 12:40 - The spoiler-free overview 15:15 - Jordan burps, and doesn't edit it out 18:50 - The movie plays out like a really cool history lesson 20:00 - SPOILERS ahead (lots of stuff we loved) 24:10 - Flashbacks, music, and ...

160 - The Vast of Night loves radio

2:50 - Does CJ's wife work too much? 4:30 - James Montague / Andrew Patterson, a first-time writer and director 8:00 - Spoiler-free review (you should go watch it!) 14:00 - Spoilers ahead! 17:20 - Jordan's favorite sequence, deconstructed 23:30 - Incredible pacing, especially considering the way it used and relied on audio 27:00 - How the story encourages close listening to characters who deserve to be heard 29:00 - Shout out to The Day the Earth Stood Still (1951), and lots of other ...

159 - Star Trek (2009) explores duality

Once again, we have a request from a loyal listener. We couldn't have been more excited to talk about this exceptionally entertaining and popular movie. It's actually a little embarrassing that we haven't covered it up to this point. Is this podcast called NERD Critic? Whatever.   0:55 - Rachel Reyes explains why she requested Star Trek 6:10 - The meta-data (above the line) 9:20 - Baby Thor! 9:50 - A very, very brief primer on Star Trek, including CJ and Jordan's (unimpressive) history ...

158 - The Two Popes teaches us how to listen

This is one of those movies that people tend to sleep on, which is unfortunate, because it is not only exceptionally well-crafted, it's also VERY entertaining. We're covering it because it's a Netflix original, and the theaters are still closed. So go stream this and then come listen to us talk about it. 1:00 - Jordan gags on his name 4:27 - Above the line 7:11 - Spoiler free review 11:05 - Spoilers ahead (although, this movie isn't terribly vulnerable to spoilers, so...maybe don't worry ab...

157 - The Edge of Seventeen trades gratuity for authenticity

This is a great movie, and this was a really fun episode, but Jordan would like to make the following important note about the recording: Apologies for the low battery fire alarm beeping in the background of this WHOLE episode. I mean what was I supposed to do? Stop recording and go replace the batteries? Instead of just continuing forward and hoping that the mic wouldn't pick it up? Well I was wrong and you can definitely hear it. The whole time. In addition the crying toddlers. Do me a fav...

156 - The Lovebirds wastes its two best assets

The Lovebirds wastes its two best assets, Issa Rae and Kumail Nanjiani, by letting the entire burden of comedy rest on their shoulders. We were both looking forward to this movie a lot, and it turned out to be quite the disappointment. If you're interested, watch the first act, then shut it down and check out some of the other movies we talked about in this episode. 4:00 - Discussing the names above the line 6:15 - Our spoiler-free review 8:42 - Jordan's theory about how this movie got made...

155 - Avengers: Infinity War - TWO YEARS LATER

Avengers: Infinity War - TWO YEARS LATER Remember that moment in Endgame where they killed Thanos and then there was a title card that was all like, "FIVE YEARS LATER," and we were all like "WHOAH." This episode is kind of like that, but way, way less epic. OK, for real, we started Nerd Critic just over two years ago, right around the time that Infinity War came out (and partly because of it), so that should give you some idea of the importance of this film in Nerd Critic's history. We felt...

154 - Stargirl misses the point of itself

Stargirl misses the point of itself While Julia Hart brought a lovely, grounded aesthetic to the cinematic language, the story, the writing, and much of the acting was quite a disappointment. But hey! We found plenty of things to talk and rant about (as always). Enjoy! 3:00 - Jordan talks about having read the book many years ago 6:50 - Above the line, and some enthusiasm for Julia Hart, and Stargirl being played by actual, successful singer/songwriter Grace VanderWaal 14:20 - The spoiler f...

153 - The Aeronauts should have stayed in the balloon

We've been wanting to do this movie for so long. Was it worth the wait? Well, you'll have to listen to find out, won't you? We're so good at sales. Notes: 2:00 - On not being alone in front of a computer 4:26 - Above the line 8:10 - Spoiler free review 15:27 - Nerding out with spoilers! 24:40 - Leveling some criticism (stay in the balloon!) 44:00 - What are we talking about next week? Stargirl on Disney+ (and other stuff coming up) 46:00 - A special request: Send us an audio file of ...

152 - Extraction and our 2nd Birthversary

Extraction and our 2nd Birthversary In this latest Netflix original movie, Chris Hemsworth is a sad god of thunder. While there were serious thematic issues to unpack (and condemn), it was, nonetheless, far better couch fair than we had any right to expect. Plus: a promo for another show! And: a Nerd Critic Birthversary treat! 02:00 - Your Brain on Facts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/id1347915211 03:40 - Our conversation about Extraction begins 05:20 - Above the line (and partic...

151 - Perks of Being a Wallflower & After Life

The Perks of After Life This is the last week or our experimental format, so we figured we'd earned some title gore. If you're still confused, read on! Oh, and for those of you who make it through the first few minutes of this episode, we'll just leave this right here: https://youtu.be/Juzy2YVQgw8 0:02:42 - Announcement! ...no more TV :( 0:06:00 - Talking about the Universal/AMC/Regal drama 0:11:45 - The Perks of Being a Wallflower (Netflix) 0:39:40 - After Life (Netflix) 0:57:00 - Coming n...

NCN 30 - Dickie G

We devoted fully two thirds of this episode to breathless admiration of what may be the best-written show in recent history. Can you guess which platform it's NOT on? While it was fun to pillory Jeffrey Katzenberg's exorbitantly expensive and stupidly-named pet project, it was way more fun to talk about HBO's second, and somehow even more amazing season of Succession.

150 - Quibi and Succession Season 2

We devoted fully two thirds of this episode to breathless admiration of what may be the best-written show in recent history. Can you guess which platform it's NOT on? While it was fun to pillory Jeffrey Katzenberg's exorbitantly expensive and stupidly-named pet project, it was way more fun to talk about HBO's second, and somehow even more amazing season of Succession. The Atlantic's review of Quibi: https://www.theatlantic.com/culture/archive/2020/04/quibi-vast-wasteland/609796/ 0:04:22 - N...

149 - Sing Street and Succession

CJ'S FAVORITE MOVIE. And one of Jordan's favorite TV shows. Yes, it seems like he has a lot of those, but can you blame him? It's PEAK TV, people! Anyway, the point is that CJ only has ONE favorite movie, and it's a dang good one. Watch, listen, love. How's that for a tagline? Yeah okay we'll keep trying. 0:05:45 - New recommendations 0:10:02 - Succession Season 1 0:49:04 - Sing Street

148 - Atlanta and Clue

Our conversation about Clue leads us into a surprisingly painstaking exploration of modern comedies, and Atlanta reminds us, once again, of Donald Glover's unrelenting creative genius. It was a good week for streaming. Here's to another. 0:04:52 - Recommendations 0:11:35 - Clue 0:36:43 - Atlanta 1:14:00 - Wrapping Up Dixon Gaines article about Clue Dawes "5 miles away"

147 - The Office, etc.

If our show had always been about TV, we would have covered The Office long ago. In this time of loneliness and desperation, a great American sitcom (based on an obscure British sitcom) seems like the perfect medicine. PLUS! A crowd-pleasing streamable movie, and one of Jordan's favorite series on Netflix. 0:05:18 - New recommendations 0:13:48 - Fighting with My Family 0:30:00 - The End of the F***ing World 0:55:09 - The Office 1:27:18 - Closing Remarks

146 - Breaking Bad, Community, About Time

It turns out a person can't reasonably plow through 60 episodes of an hourlong drama in a week. This is a learning experience for all of us, OK? You can trust that this week, our streaming assignment for you will be much more manageable. In the meantime, enjoy our best efforts to cover what we saw. And please feel free to skip around using the following table of contents: 00:04:50 - New recommendations! 00:09:07 - "About Time" 00:22:39 - "Community" 00:31:00 - "Breaking Bad" 01:09:55 - Why y...

145 - The Mandalorian...et cetera

This week, we bring you a long-awaited conversation about a much-ballyhooed TV show. But wait! There's more! Due to the massive disruption in the world of movies and theaters, we are CHANGING THE FORMAT OF OUR SHOW. Until movie theaters reopen, Nerd Critic will now be your best binge-watching companion. Take a listen to this week's special episode to get all the juicy (but still sanitary) details. 0:12:00 - Recommendations 0:18:30 - The Mandalorian 0:30:40 - Bojack Horseman 0:50:10 - Str...

144 - Contagion is NOT about the coronavirus

This movie came out nine years ago, and boy does it hold us, especially considering certain current anxieties. We start this one off with a PSA about COVID-19, and then give the full Nerd Critic treatment to one of the best disaster movies ever made.

143 - Onward takes brothers seriously

142 - Jojo Rabbit embraces joy and tragedy

Taika Waititi isn't the first filmmaker to find a way to explore the horrors of Nazi-Germany with the tools of comedy, but he does a fine job of it. And at the heart of the farce is a sincere and grounded story buoyed by pitch perfect performances across the board. We love this movie, and so should you. It's about time we talk about it.

141 - The Invisible Man haunts us forever

This is the horror movie we've been waiting for, never relying on jump scares or gore, and keeping us on the edge of our seats right up to an exquisitely satisfying conclusion. Even more, it cuts deep into the thematic marrow of domestic abuse and its consequences. See it. And then come join us for a conversation.

140 - Better Off Dead celebrates 35 years

Right along with Jordan, who often watches it as a joyful birthday tradition. If you've been hankering for a pure nerd-out episode, this one's for you. We also manage to dig into why this movie works so well despite its insistent lack of depth or narrative resonance.

139 - The Call of the Wild cartoons too hard

Everybody loves Mr. Harrison Ford, but not everyone will love the entirely computer generated dog. That's OK! There are some real things to love about this movie, and it is, if nothing else, a fascinating study of the cross-section between live action and animation. In other words, it could have been worse. Oh, friends, it could have been so much worse.

138 - The Irishman proves loyalty is a crummy virtue

We don't always have guests on our show, but when we do, we get real good ones. Like Davey Morrison! Jordan and CJ were tough sells, but with his humble wisdom, he managed to convince us both of its merits. Jordan reluctantly concedes that Scorsese's a pretty good filmmaker.

137 - Sonic delivers classic Jim Carrey, and little else

We've heard over and over again that you guys love to hear us fight, and we got pretty heated this time. CJ tried to make the case that criticisms against this kind of movie are unfair. You can pretty well imagine how Jordan responded. But you don't need to! You can listen! So do that.

136 - Nerd Critic Post-Oscar Show

We went live again, and dare we say we improved a bit? You'll have to be the judge. Regardless, we had a great time with some of our bestest fans, and now you can listen to the whole thing without having to see our dumb faces. Podcasting!

135 - Harley Quinn wreaks title havoc

It may not be the best of the recent DC offerings, but it's certainly, CERTAINLY not the worst. In this episode, we find plenty to nerd out about, and then wonder a while about why we didn't walk away more satisfied.

134 - Nerd Critic Pre-Oscar Show

Check out live video here!

133 - The Rhythm Section puts us to sleep

A mopey story of revenge with a dreary setup and a confusing and unsatisfying conclusion. So maybe don't worry too much about spoilers this time around, and join us for a sincere conversation about what went wrong, and what we wish had gone right with this sleepy January offering.

Nerd Critic LIVE Pre-Oscar Show TOMORROW!

Join us tomorrow (2/4) at 8pm PST for our first live episode EVER! Here are the live stream links! Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/nerdcritic/posts/471761546826918 YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHUBbmLwPL32MpAV07OeyAg/live

131 - Parasite humors and horrifies

A chillingly effective illustration of socio-economic reality, this might be one of the most important works of nihilism we've ever seen. But boy does the dark comedy help that bitter pill go down.

130 - The Gentlemen - Is Guy Ritchie the British Tarantino?

Without the speed-ramping (which he seems to have shelved after the embarrassing misfire that was Aladdin), all we're left with is witty dialogue, clever framing devices, his obsession with the world of crime and criminals, and an increasingly inevitable comparison...

129 - Little Women proves Greta Gerwig is FIRE

Yes, she should have been nominated for Best Director. We'll talk all about it during our Oscars episode(s). But for now, can we please just lose our minds over how exquisite this adaptation is?

128 - Bad Boys for Life delivers a better version of Gemini Man

This movie had NO RIGHT to be this good, but who are we to argue with all the joy? This was the Bad Boys movie we always wanted, the one Michael Bay probably thought he was making back in the 90s.