MC #167: Kung Fu Panda 2 and Super 8

In this episode, special guest Monica Castillo from Cinema Blend joins Andrew to discuss the martial arts hijinks of Kung Fu Panda 2 and how JJ Abrams waxes nostalgic in Super 8. It clearly wants to be the next E.T., but does it succeed? Tune in to find out. Also contains QuickChatter reviews and DVD Recommendations. SHOW NOTES: Announcements: 3:08 - Network changes; give us your input! 3:33 - Criterion collection editions moving from Netflix to Hulu Plus QuickChatter: 5:22 - X-Men: First Class (Monica) 7:38 - Hollywood: A Celebration of the American Silent Film (Monica) 9:58 - Legend of the Fist (Andrew) 12:42 - Black Death (Andrew) 14:30 - Cool As Ice (Andrew) 19:10 - Battlefield Earth (Andrew) 23:00 - The Wicker Man, 2006 version (Andrew) Discussion - Kung Fu Panda 2 (spoiler-free): 24:46 - Intro and clip 26:57 - Monica's score and general thoughts 30:35 - Andrew's score and general thoughts Discussion - Kung Fu Panda 2 (spoilers): 34:20 - A heavy-handed message 36:10 - The final scene of the film; setting things up for a sequel Discussion - Super 8 (spoiler-free): 40:55 - Intro and clip 42:10 - Monica's score and general thoughts 45:11 - Andrew's score and general thoughts Discussion - Super 8 (spoilers): 50:57 - Similarities with Cloverfield 53:08 - A thematic connection between two characters that doesn't work 59:38 - The camera recording as weak plot device; a comparison between Super 8 and Signs 1:05:38 - The lens flares DVD Recommendations: 1:06:48 - Intro 1:07:01 - Monica's Pick: Seven Samurai 1:09:49 - Cloudy With A Chance of Meatballs Bonus iPhone/Android App Content: None this episode DON'T FORGET: Check out the website at www.randomchatter.com. And visit our good friends The Film Talk over at www.thefilmtalk.com.