Regular Joes Podcast

The Marvel movie machine is back in full on production mode and this week they served up two new trailers, one for Thor: Love and Thunder and another for Doctor Strange: Multiverse of Madness, respectively. After whatever the Eternals was or was not, and Spider-Man: No Way Home (which is in, but not totally of the MCU) these two films carry much of the burden of getting the Marvel Cinematic Universe back on track. And not surprisingly, there’s a lot to unpack. Because this week is the now monthly "No Theme / No Plan" episode, the Joes go on to cover a wide range of even more random than usual, topics. Note. This episode contains gratuitous beating of a dead horse as Barry again tries to move Tod off a position he has held for more than 40 years and Dave coaches him on how not to be a hater … er, right. As always, thanks for listening

Last Week Paramount debuted its third release of 1979 film Star Trek: the Motion Picture. Does this remastered version of the earlier director’s cut solve all of the issues with the original film? Not quite. Overall opinions vary on the sum total of the endeavor. On one end of the spectrum it can be seen as a sweeping visual spectacle that heralds the original Enterprise crew’s transition to the big screen. On the other it remains a monochromatic, epically slow, big budget remake of the season two episode The Changeling. Barry, Dave and Tod are joined by Brian Mix, who himself has several connections to the film. Note: at no time during this episode does Tod utter the phrase, “The Motionless Picture” so that’s progress. There’s also some catching up on Picard, a run down of the wallet busting list of 1/6 scale Star Trek figures announced by EXO-6, the usual Random Topics and a round of What’s in the Box. Thanks for Listening!

One month out from the debut of their newest Star Trek series Paramount+ has rolled out several bits of promotional video, which give every indication that someone at the company may actually understand what makes Star Trek, Star Trek. Lots of space ships, aliens, phasers and yes, Strange New Worlds to explore. Can this level of expectation be met? Hit it! Inevitably, the Joes talk about the inaugural Episode of Disney + Marvel series Moon Knight. Warning, there will be SPOILERS as early signs indicate that Marvel’s first small screen Introduction for a series lead has potential. Raising Tod’s hopes that one of his more obscure favorite characters will finally have his day, or night, as it were. They also keep up with Picard (not hard the dude is like 95) cover the usual Random Topics and a Fun With Flashlights segment, because well, flashlights are fun. Thanks for listening!

Just when you thought Disney had cornered the market on flawed dudes in armor Paramount + serves up Halo, the first live action adaptation of the long running video game franchise. There’s action, there’s aliens, there’s serious body count, but is there enough here to build an audience beyond the gamer purists, many of whom are already finding reasons to not like it? As Dave has recently rejoined the commuter crowd he finally got around to reading Andy Weir’s Project Hail Mary. The hosts give a mostly SPOILER lite review, and offer up several other suggestions for his next ride read. There’s also the usual Random topics and a round of What’s in the Box. Note: this episode contains no references to Will Smith or Chris Rock, so there’s one more reason to listen. Thanks for listening!

You know that show, the one where people talk endlessly about their lives, relationships, childhood traumas, work stresses, and pretty much everything else? In the recent past you would assume we were discussing This is Us or something like that. Sadly, we are talking about season four of Star Trek: Discovery. Where everyone, including the ship’s AI, either needs therapy, or get it whether they want it or not. This week the Regular Joes tell you how they really feel about it. In contrast Star Trek: Picard (three episodes in on season 2) seems promising, if also quite familiar. This time our collection of Starfleet veterans journey to the past, not to save the whales, but the future as they knew it. And, while they weren’t recording last week, two of the Joes met up in Orlando long enough for them to give Disney a whole bunch of their money, and for Tod to visit Galaxy’s Edge for the first time. All this plus the usual Random Topics. Thanks for listening!

The Batman is in theaters, which, if you are keeping score is the Gotham Knight’s fifth big screen appearance, in three incarnations, in the span of ten years. Damn, they don’t give this guy a rest. Anyway, before you really has a chance to miss him Batman is back. This time he’s broody, moody, and . . . to use an already over-used adjective, DARK. Honestly, he kind of needs to be. This version of Gotham is a scary place with some seriously scary people. Perhaps because of this the film dives right in. And the Regular Joes do as well. This episode contains SPOILERS so you will want to see the film first. So check it out once, or twice, then come back and settle in for some Regular Joes group therapy, as we all process the caped crusader’s return. There’s also What’s in the Box and the usual Random Topics (conveniently prior to the spoilers). Thanks for Listening!

This week the other Regular Joes put their faith in Tod (always a questionable proposition) who promised to come up with a theme and tell them as they record. To make things more interesting he called up the full bench, Barry, Dave, Derryl and Brian. This week the theme is “Themes.” how do movie and television songs and scores factor into our attachment to them? Can you have a great film without great music? Conversely, can a mediocre film be more memorable simply for having great tunes? Which songs, themes, and even riffs have become touchstones that Immediately transport us to a familiar place and time. And, if that doesn’t sound interesting, there’s also the tale of the Disco Fever Lunchbox, as well as Random Topics and a LP version of What’s in the Box. Thanks for listening!

Spared the burden of planning, theme, or actual forethought, the Regular Joes catch up on a number of things they weren’t covering while talking about a certain Disney + series that, somewhat miraculously, is never even mentioned this time around. They catch up on various other things they have been watching, or in the case of Peacemaker, rapidly binging. They also dive into the currently wrapping Heritage Auction of Star Trek props and uniforms they probably can’t afford. There’s Random Topics, some What’s in the Box, a little Show and Tell and that’s it. Thanks for Listening!

The Book of Boba Fett has finished. And, like many recent additions to the Star Wars franchise, fans and critics are mixed. Like the public at large the Regular Regular Joes, plus Irregular Joes Derryl DePriest and Brian Mix, run the gamut of opinions. The title character has thrived for decades on mystique, reputation and expectations. Can it really be a surprise that dragging him out into the glaring light of the twin suns would leave so many disappointed? Do we have room in our hearts for more than one beskar clad protagonist? Did sharing the spotlight with a who’s who of fan favorite Star Wars characters doom Boba to come up short? The full panel of Joes go deep in what we promise will be the last time we ever set foot on the sands of Tatooine . . . until May, when Kenobi debuts. The Joes also bid farewell to the late Ivan Reitman, who leaves a tremendous legacy of iconic moments on screen. There’s also Random Topics, and a round of What’s in the Box, just in case you needed more help spending your money.

If you are tired of all the talk about The Book of Boba Fett in this episode the Regular Joes devote some time to talking Hot Toys. The Hong Kong based maker of premium one 1/6 scale action figures has put a significant dent in the wallets, as well as the shelf space, of the Joes. The hosts run down their, often extensive, list of preorders as well as note several other yet to be green lit figures from the Star Wars and Marvel cinematic Universes they would like to add to their shelves … roughly eighteen months after they are announced. Ok, so then they talk about the Book of Boba Fett. Remember a while back when every week they were trying in vain to predict would would happen next in WandaVison? This is kinda like that, only they are more and more baffled by what is not happening. This past week the Mandalorian encountered pretty much everyone in his Rolodex as he continued his takeover of the spinoff series. Maybe next time we will see Boba’s picture on the side of a blue milk carton. There’s also Random t

In recent weeks the Regular Joes have spent a fair amount of time talking about The Book of Boba Fett. Yeah, well that’s still a thing. Facing  criticisms such as, “He talks too much,” “He doesn’t really do anything,” and “This is not the Boba Fett we knew,” etc. Disney responds by giving viewers an episode in which the one time favorite guy in Mandalorian Armor is straight up replaced by the current favorite guy in Mandalorian Armor. Burn! It’s like being just kind of OK with your dented and paint scuffed current girlfriend and then running into your very shiny, very polished ex-girlfriend … who you really kind of wish you were still with. Seriously, was anyone actually saying when can we get back to Boba Fett? Sometime back the Regular Joe’s watched Terminator Dark Fate. Opinions were very mixed. In the new REWATCH segment, Barry, who really really did not like the movie, is sent back to give it a second try. We’ll see how this goes. All this plus What’s in the Box and the usual Random Topics. Thanks for li

Do you know those episodes where the Regular Joe’s make lists and spreadsheets and plan the heck out of everything they do? This is not one of those episodes. As Barry, Dave and Tod like to do from time to time (when they don’t really have another plan) this week they just turned on the microphones and recorded whatever came to mind. At times it’s like one long Random Topics segment. At others they go down rabbit holes such as trying to convince Tod that Iron Man II really isn’t all that bad. Note. Tod and Dave were once in the presence of Jon Favreau when he actually apologized for Iron Man II. So there’s that, and much much more. Thanks for listening!

This week the Regular Joes open the cover on The Book of Boba Fett. Seriously Disney, this should be a slam Dunk (a sports ball term for something easy). Whether you are one of the legions of fans who think Boba Fett is the end all be all of Star Wars characters, or you think Boba Fett deserved to get accidentally knocked into a Sarlac pit where he (seemingly) died like a bitch, you had to at least give the show a look. Three episodes in and the Regular Joes have reached a consensus. Though to somewhat different degrees. One thing is for certain, this one probably won’t be uniting Star Wars fans quite the way its parent series, The Mandalorian, has.  There’s also Random Topics, and a Round of What’s In The Box. Thanks for listening!

While Tod is sometimes wrong in his speculations he is seldom as off the mark as when he predicted the Regular Joes 2021 Year End Review would “go quickly.” Thus, with the regular hosts and Irregular Joes Derryl DePriest and Brian Mix joining in, the whole team takes a look back at the highs and lows of the year that was. They all like a lot of the same stuff, right? This should be easy, right? Well in this bonus length outing we find out what Derryl really thinks, that Barry will make most any argument to shoehorn something he likes into a given category, that on average Dave mentions Tom Cruise about once every twenty minutes, and Brian is quickly proving to be very bad at not collecting action figures. Get yourself a strong drink, or several, and kick back as the Regular Joes say goodbye to the year that was supposed to get things back on track, but never quite did. Oh well, theres always 2022. Thanks for listening!

As we start 2022 with a clean slate and high hopes for a better times ahead, this week we relive the joys of the holiday season with the Regular Joes annual holiday gift exchange. The Joes are notoriously some of the most difficult people to buy gifts for, so listen in as they tear gift wrap and rustle tissue paper as they try to surprise each other. After the gift giving, they discuss the season finale of Marvel’s holiday series, Hawkeye. It’s a double shot of holiday fun to start 2022. Happy New Year, and as always, thanks for listening!

Spider-Man No Way Home, the fourth, and most anticipated of the Marvel Cinematic Universe offerings this year is out and … just, Wow! Despite COVID concerns, and the widely predicted demise of the theater industry, the newest Spidey film is breaking box office records. It also seems to be a critical success, winning over both audiences and reviewers. So I guess that is still possible too. With anticipation, and speculation, at an all-time high this film had a high bar to clear, or perhaps swing over. Did it meet the Regular Joes expectations? Seriously, we can’t even fake suspense over that question. See the movie, then listen to the podcast, as there will be SPOILERS. In this bonus sized episode (making up for a lost week) there’s also the usual Random Topics, a rare instance of Shirt Up, and because you (at least one of you) asked for it a run down of favorite holiday gifts, specials, movies and music. Merry, Merry! Thanks for listening!

Ghostbusters is high up on the Regular Joes list of favorite films. From the very first teaser for Jason Reitman’s Ghostbusters Afterlife the Joes have been waiting with varying degrees of optimism about what would ultimately be delivered. After, again, COVID related delays, the film is finally here. To cut to the chase, critics hate it, the Joes love it, and if Ghostbusters holds a special place in your heart you should too. Note: there will be SPOILERS. So maybe watch first, listen later. Next up the team take a look at Season 4 of Star Trek: Discovery. Which, somewhat, bizarrely, they also all agree upon. What do they think? Well, there are many different incarnations of Star Trek. If you’ve been waiting for a Trek series where most of the episodes are devoted to talking about the crew members, and they're significant others, feelings, while the actual mission moves along at sub-impulse speed than this is the one for you. Enjoy! And while they're at it, there’s also Random Topics and a Round of What’s In T

This past week Disney+ launched their fourth live action Marvel Cinematic Universe based show. WandaVision was very good but uneven, Falcon and the Winter Soldier was kind of a meandering, missed opportunity and Loki seemed to be going somewhere . . . but then didn’t. So, does Hawkeye finally hit the target? The answer is a clear maybe, sort of, we’ll see. Two episodes in opinions are mixed. There’s a lot of speculation about what we might see, or want to see. But, as we well know, the powers that be at Disney have their own ideas, and agendas, to pursue. While we are on the MCU subject straggler Dave has finally seen Shang Chi, the second of four Marvel films for 2021. As such it’s time for the Regular Joe’s to share their SPOILERS thoughts on this Martial Arts / Action-Adventure / superhero origin film. It’s two slices of Marvel in one episode, and also Random Topics and a Round of What’s In The Box. Thanks for listening!

Once you’ve done something twenty-five times getting it right should be pretty much a walk in the park. The Eternals, the newest Marvel Cinematic Universe offering may indicate otherwise. Over the last dozen years Marvel has gone back to the well several times to pull relatively obscure characters such as Ant-Man and The Guardians of the Galaxy to elevate them to high profile hits. As one of the later creations of the legendary Jack Kirby (Captain America, The Fantastic Four etc, etc.) The Eternals certainly have the DNA to be a hit. But why does this adaptation seem so, well . . . Meh? The Regular Joes all returned to theaters last week contributing to the box office, if not critical, success of the newest MCU film. Find out why they (even typically drinks the Marvel kool Aid, Tod) fall in line with the near universal indifferent response the film has received. And while they are on the subject of Marvel they run down recent movie and TV series updates from Disney+ Day . . . despite Barry and Dave’s repeated

While there are very few certainties in life, it’s pretty darn likely that if there’s a Rhode Island Comic Con the Regular Joes will be there. It’s also a given that as long as there’s a sofa in the Omni Providence lobby the Joes will be making yet another run at their traditional guerrilla talk show. Some years they find many guests, in others it just ends up being a small group of good friends talking about the stuff that inspires, excites and unites them. This year Barry, Dave and Tod are again joined by Brian and Derryl as they discuss who they met, what they found, and why the biggest convention in the littlest state keeps bringing them back . . . even if Carl Weathers is kind of a greedy bastard. Thanks for listening!