Discerning Geeks Portal is a gateway into the exploration of all things geek: Star Wars, Star Trek, Marvel, ‘80s movies, TV, and more. Dave, Todd, Andruw, and Preston, take a discerning look into the world of geek fandom. We care about intriguing storytelling, compelling characters, and thought-provoking themes, but we also love action, special effects, and comedy. We break down the positives, negatives, and mixed feelings about everything we cover. Step through the portal with us for fun and analytical discussions about geek culture, for fans, by fans.
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episode 150: #150 - Movie Review - Violent Night
Our 2nd Christmas movie review of 2023 is for the action-fantasy-heist film, "Violent Night," starring David Harbor, from "Stranger Things," as holiday legend and former warrior, Santa Claus.
- How much were supporting cast members of this movie previously in Lifetime and Hallmark movies?
- This is the type of movie that would normally be a tough sell for Todd and Dave. Did they find redeeming qualities in this movie? How much? Would they go so far as to say they even liked it?
- How and to what extent was this movie an homage to "Home Alone" and/or "Die Hard"?
- How well did it work giving Santa Claus a backstory of being an ancient Viking warrior?
- Should the magic of Santa Claus have had more explanation, or did it work leaving it as a mystery, even to him?
- How effective were the main villain, henchmen, and henchwomen in the movie?
- How good, sympathetic, and important of a character was young Trudy? Did her casting & portrayal match the age she was implied to be?
- What did the Geeks think about Trudy's estranged parents? How good, interesting, sympathetic, well written, and/or well performed were those characters? Did the Geeks care whether the parents got back together?
- What were some of the Geeks' least favorite parts?
- How was one character based on Mark Walberg?
- What did one Geek think was this movie's main target audience?
- How did a mention of Biltmore House -- America's largest private home and a popular Asheville, North Carolina, tourist destination -- lead to an unexpected soapbox rant by one Geek?
- Was there agreement that this movie was at least better than "Black Adam," the movie the Geeks watched on New Years Eve last year and which led to Preston joining the podcast?
- And, what musical way did one Geek choose to work in a "Babylon 5" reference, and did it come from whom you would have expected it?
Listen now for the answers to these and other bashing, smashing, and trashing questions as we journey with the legendary Santa Claus through a very..."Violent Night."
Check out our previous Christmas-themed episodes...
#026 - Gremlins
#028 - Muppet Christmas Carol
#034 to #036 - Christmas-Themed Dungeons & Dragons One-Shot Radio Play, Parts 1 to 3
#080 - The Man That Invented Christmas
#081 - Klaus
#082 - Home Alone
#083 - Children of Men
#115 - Whatcha' Doin' December 2022 Catch-Up
#149 - National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation
Accidentally & awkwardly timed right in the middle of our Christmas movie run, this is technically our season 3 finale. Are there movies, TV shows, or other topics you'd like us to explore in season 4? Let us know.
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