Discerning Geeks Portal

This week, we review the movie that launched the Marvel Cinematic Universe:  Iron Man.

We discuss the origin story of Tony Stark as Iron Man, the movie's excellent editing & casting, the pivotal role of Pepper Potts in defeating Iron Monger, the greatness of smaller characters Agent Phil Coulson and Dum-E the robot, the importance of Iron Man as the start of the MCU, its director Jon Favreau as a "founding father" of the MCU, and what sets Marvel apart from DC...

This week, we review the 1985 movie Enemy Mine.  We discuss the movie’s themes of unlikely friendship and overcoming differences through cooperation, the religious beliefs of one of the main characters, the extreme sides of humanity on display in the movie, and of course, the special effects.  It doesn’t look as good as Star Wars, but it’s still a classic sci-fi story with a timeless message.  Join us as we explore…Enemy Mine.

E-Mail: DiscerningGeeks@gmail...

This week, we have another "Whatcha Doin'?" episode where we pause from reviews to talk about current things we're watching, reading, playing, and otherwise enjoying.  Joining us as a special guest for this episode is Dave's nephew Andruw (not a typo; it's really spelled with a "u").  We've mentioned him before as the other player in our weekly D&D campaign.  Together we talk about the following.....

This week, we review the 1982 Jim Henson classic, The Dark Crystal.  We marvel at the amazing artistry, craftsmanship, and performance that goes into a movie starring non-human characters represented by puppets.  We discuss the movie's gradual reveals of its mythology, the alien look & feel of the movie, how the movie is for kids, the conundrum of the clueless Jen character being the main protagonist, the pacing, and other amazing visuals like the sets & costumes...

This week, we review "The Thing," the original sci-fi horror film from 1982 starring Kurt Russell (not the 2011 prequel of the same name).  We discuss its creature concept, the film's story as a mental exercise, how the setting of Antarctica provides the feeling of isolation, what it is about horror movies that people like in general, a possible connection between our current political climate and the kind of fear the movie's creature instills, and...the convenience of flame throwers...

This week is a special "Water Ya Doin'?" episode.  With one of the Daves at the beach when we recorded, we decided to try our first random, (almost) totally unprepared episode based on movies & TV shows with the ocean, beach, or water in general as the theme.

Board our submarine as we take deep dives into Aquaman, Waterworld, Lost, Pacific Rim, and Down Periscope...

This week we review the season 2 premiere of The Mandalorian, "Chapter 9: The Marshal."  Join us as we discuss the overall look & feel of the episode, the story, its excellent production quality, and our outlook on the season ahead.

Be on the lookout for future episode reviews of The Mandalorian, as we may review the entire season (if schedules permit).

Grab your armor, jet pack, rifle, and Baby Yoda, as we join The Manadalorian on his quest for...

This week, we review the movie Rogue One: A Star Wars Story...

We're a little late this time, but what do you expect when traveling at sub-light speeds?  We continue with our reviews of The Mandalorian season 2 with "Chapter 10: The Passenger."  We discuss the episode's parenthood motif, the role of rebel forces after "Return of the Jedi," the connections between this episode and 1.06 "The Prisoner," the inspiration for the spider-like creatures in this episode, and what it might mean to be a cannibal in the Star Wars universe...

Finally, FINALLY, the episode absolutely no one was waiting for…  This week, we take a discerning look…I’m sorry; I can’t type that with a straight face…we take an idiotic look at the 1988 “film” called KILLER KLOWNS FROM OUTER SPACE.

I’m so sorry...