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Great Shot, Kid!

by The Nerd Party

Join John and Mike for an examination of the artists responsible for your favorite film, and their work both inside and out of franchises.

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Episodes

  1. The Phantom Special Edition

    In a special cross-over event, ​Mike and John discuss what a "Phantom Menace Special Edition" would look like, at the same age as "A New Hope" was when it was released as a Special Edition. What would change? What would stay the same? Which impulses would Lucas indulge?

  2. Season 2 Teaser: 2018 in Review

    ​Mike and John are back! This Season 2 Teaser is everything you want from this dynamic duo: A debate about what they put on their 2018 Top Ten lists, and a discussion about their work on "RetroPerspective," also on The Nerd Party!

  3. Mike Drives John Unsane

    This week follows up from last week's show as John (@kesseljunkie) and Mike (@mumbles3k) discuss Steven Soderbergh's Unsane, a film shot on an iPhone. They discuss what this did for the film, what it could mean for how big budget films are made, whether it could open the market for more…

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  4. Snyder, Mangold, Johnson & Rancorous Fans

    James Mangold came out swinging on Twitter, declaring that fans behaving like jerks will ensure that auteurs steer clear of the big franchises. He cited the treatment of Rian Johnson online as a prime example. John and Mike look further back and wonder whether the precedent was set with the...

  5. John McTiernan, Billy Dee Williams & What Makes a Director's Cut

    ?Mike and John discuss the rumor that Billy Dee Williams is returning in Star Wars Episode IX, the original Predator with JCVD, what makes a director's cut, and how to restart John McTiernan's career, which at one point was positively spectacular. The guy made absolute sci-fi and action classics...

  6. What We Can Learn from Horror (Especially Halloween) Fans

    ?Mike and John discuss the new Halloween trailer, but more importantly highlight what fans of this, and every, horror franchise can teach other fan bases about rolling with the punches, accepting failures and moving forward with eternal hope for a new gem that captures the spirit that they love....

  7. De Palma, Soderbergh, Nolan & Film Prints

    Mike and John discuss Brian De Palma throwing shade at Steven Soderbergh, shooting styles, technological advancements, film presentation experiences, Christopher Nolan's efforts to keep 70mm alive, and whether there really is any magic to film prints. ?JOIN THE MISSION! Subscribe in Apple…

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  8. Alternate Cuts We Want & Mike Psychoanalyzes John

    Mike (@mumbles3k) and John (@kesseljunkie) discuss alternate cuts of films they'd like to see - such as Miller & Lord's version of Solo or Edwards' first cut of Rogue One - and then John invites Mike to share his perspective on the "why" of how he reacts to new Star Wars films. ?JOIN THE MISSION!...

  9. Khan, Chase Meridian, The Matrix Reloaded & Clones

    Mike and John discuss Nick Meyer's Permanently-in-Development Khan Star Trek TV series, whether Chase Meridian can catch Lou Grant's magic, memories of when the Matrix Reloaded & celebrate the anniversary of Attack of the Clones. Along the way they discuss how to avoid dropping off the Quality...

  10. Solo, Anne V. Coates & Mike's Sneakers

    Mike (@mumbles3k) and John (@kesseljunkie) discuss the Wall Street Journal's article about Solo strife, the legendary work of film editor Anne V. Coates, disagree about Akira Kurosawa's Seven Samurai, and discuss footwear of the rich & famous. ? ?JOIN THE MISSION! Subscribe in Apple Podcasts...

  11. Shadows of the Empire, Star Trek 4 & Infinity War

    Mike (@mumbles3k) and John (@kesseljunkie) discuss recent news from (the new) Star Trek 4, Star Trek Discovery design reveals, Star Wars: Shadows of the Empire, and their impressions of Marvel's massive hit, Avengers: Infinity War. ? ?JOIN THE MISSION! Subscribe in Apple Podcasts Feedback:...

  12. David Lynch, Twin Peaks & Mike

    Mike (@mumbles3k) and John (@kesseljunkie) discuss Mike's first time watching Twin Peaks: Fire Walk With Me, his impressions of David Lynch as a filmmaker, and the never-ending quest to figure out why no two people experience Twin Peaks the same way. ?JOIN THE MISSION! Subscribe in Apple Podcasts...

  13. Onscreen AI In Star Wars & Sci-Fi

    John (@kesseljunkie) is joined by special guest Tristan Riddell (@TheInsaneRobin) from Nerd Nuptial and Punch It to discuss onscreen portrayals of AI in Star Wars & Science Fiction in general. Are 'droids truly aware? Are they pressed into servitude unfairly? But most importantly...which one is…

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  14. Solo, Star Trek, & Michael Myers

    Mike (@mumbles3k) and John (@kesseljunkie) discuss the credits for Solo: A Star Wars Story, their impressions from the most recent trailer, the latest writer to be hired for Star Trek Discovery - who worked on one of the most formative films in John's youth, Halloween 4: The Return of Michael...

  15. Desperately Seeking Directors

    What are you looking for in a Star Wars director? Mike (@mumbles3k) and John (@kesseljunkie) debate director qualities they think would make for the best fit in Lucasfilm's evolving franchise. How far should they push? Are they bound by structures, or are all bets off since Lucas is no longer in...

  16. Spielbergers

    With a distinguished career full of crowd-pleasing hits, Steven Spielberg doesn't seem to get the respect he deserves...or does he? As Ready Player One hits theaters, Mike (@mumbles3k) and John (@kesseljunkie) discuss the work of one of the best-known directors in film history, and how his style...

  17. Movie Theater Memories

    Mike (@mumbles3k) and John (@kesseljunkie) share their memories and experiences through the changing landscape of movie theaters, from seating to presentation, to the role George Lucas played in reshaping the experience through the Star Wars saga. ? JOIN THE MISSION! Subscribe in Apple Podcasts...

  18. Star Wars Rebels in Review

    Mike (@mumbles3k) and John (@kesseljunkie) share their thoughts and insights into the recently-wrapped Star Wars Rebels, from touchpoints they mutually enjoyed to where they diverged. Along the way, John gets his dander up about Mike's opinion of Star Wars: The Clone Wars. What did they think of...

  19. Irvin Kershner's RoboCop2

    Mike (@mumbles3k) and John (@kesseljunkie) welcome long-time friend and @TrekFM collaborator, Brandon-Shea Mutala (@BrandonMutala), to discuss Irvin Kershner's other follow up to a surprise sci-fi hit....RoboCop 2! They also compare the Terminator franchise's sequels, debate the new rage of…

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  20. Kevin Smith: Godfather of Star Wars Talk

    Mike (@mumbles3k) and John (@kesseljunkie) are motivated by Kevin Smith's recent health scare to talk about his impact on films, fandom, Star Wars conversations and pop culture in general. Mike proposes that John has been too tough on "Silent Bob," and discusses some entrypoints for appreciating…

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  21. John Finally Saw Get Out

    Mike (@mumbles3k) and John (@kesseljunkie) are back and talking about Get Out, which John finally saw! Along the way, they discuss the similarities between a certain plot point and the Ash Tyler/Voq storyline on Star Trek Discovery, what it really means for the horror genre, the challenge that...

  22. Assessing The Replacement Killers

    Mike (@mumbles3k) and John (@kesseljunkie) look at an early work of one of their favorite directors as it turns 20! They discuss The Replacement Killers, starring Chow Yun-Fat, Mira Sorvino, and directed by Antoine Fuqua. They examine what it says about cultural cinematic choices, when those...

  23. Tweets of Paul Thomas Anderson

    Mike (@mumbles3k) and John (@kesseljunkie) fawn over one of their favorite filmmakers, Paul Thomas Anderson, and a recent "AMA" he did on Twitter to promote his new film, Phantom Thread. This spurs fun discussions on superhero cartoons, Robert Altman, Brian de Palma, Anderson's career, and gaps…

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  24. Moneyball & Midichlorians

    Mike (@mumbles3k) continues to make the case to John (@kesseljunkie) to be a baseball fan, and so this week they discuss Moneyball, starring Brad Pitt. Inevitably, the conversation turns into a debate about the role of midichlorians in the life of Jedi. JOIN THE MISSION! Subscribe in Apple…

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  25. Mike & John's Top Ten Films of 2017

    Mike (@mumbles3k) and John (@kesseljunkie) don't just watch the archival history of filmmakers in franchises, they watch other things as well! Listen in as they join the annual debate - and debate with each other - about what they have on their Top Ten lists for 2017, including their own criteria...

  26. When Not Watching Star Wars

    ?Mike (@mumbles3k) and John (@kesseljunkie) reminisce about growing up in the post-Return of the Jedi landscape when there was no new Star Wars to be had, and discover where they differed and where they shared similar journeys. Find the ways that horror films like Halloween, action movies like...

  27. Loving the Revenge of the Sith

    ?It's Mike's (@mumbles3k) turn to question John (@kessejunkie) about his glowingly positive assessment of a Star Wars film, Episode III: Revenge of the Sith. What is the source of John's love for the least-hated prequel, which has nonetheless been a target of barbs and Internet witticism for more...

  28. The Last Jedi's Raw Nerve

    John (@kesseljunkie) interviews Mike (@mumbles3k) about his glowingly positive assessment of the latest addition to the Star Wars canon, Episode VIII: The Last Jedi. What insight does Mike have about Rian Johnson's magnum opus, from its themes to its structure? Settle in as two good friends have…

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  29. Looper's Time Travel Makes No Sense

    John (@kesseljunkie) and Mike (@mumbles3k) uncover the intricacies of Star Wars: The Last Jedi director Rian Johnson's Looper. What can it tell us about what he brought to that galaxy far, far away, and what we can expect from him with his new Star Wars trilogy? JOIN THE MISSION! Subscribe in…

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  30. Mission 52: For Love of the Game

    John (@kesseljunkie) and Mike (@mumbles3k) discuss the overlooked Sam Raimi classic, For Love of the Game, featuring the re-recording sound mix work of The Empire Strikes Back alum Gregg Landaker. Along the way, Mike tries to woo a disaffected football fan to the ranks of baseball watchers. JOIN...

  31. Mission 51: Justice League Wars

    John (@kesseljunkie) and Mike (@mumbles3k) examine Justice League and what it means for Chris Terrio's involvement in Star Wars Episode IX. What traces or trademarks exist from Terrio in the final product, and what can it tell us about what to expect from his coming work with JJ Abrams? JOIN THE...

  32. Mission 50: Meet the New George Lucas

    John (@kesseljunkie) and Mike (@mumbles3k) look at what it means for Star Wars to have Rian Johnson as its resident visionary for a forthcoming trilogy based outside the Skywalker family history. They look at his history as a photographer, and the unique visions he's brought to his own works for...

  33. Mission 49: John Mollo Dressed the Galaxy

    John (@kessejunkie) is joined by Missing Frames' Shawn Eastridge (@yayshawndorman) to review the career of John Mollo, the Academy Award-winning costume designer for Star Wars and The Empire Strikes Back, as well as costumes for Alien, Ghandi, and many others. They look at how he's shaped sci-fi...

  34. Mission 48: The Star Wars Aesthetic - Part III

    John (@kessejunkie) and Mike (@mumbles3k) continue their look at the visual style of the live-action Star Wars franchise with the first two post-George Lucas efforts, The Force Awakens and Rogue One. They select shots from both that show they have their own identity, while adhering to the…

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  35. Mission 47: Blade Runner Awakens

    John (@kessejunkie) and Mike (@mumbles3k) look at Blade Runner 2049 and contrast its sequel approach to Star Wars: The Force Awakens. How were the they the same? How were they different? Is there an artistic distinction? They analyze what each wanted to achieve, and which approach produced the…

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  36. Mission 46: The Star Wars Aesthetic - Part II

    John (@kessejunkie) and Mike (@mumbles3k) look at the prequel Star Wars trilogy to test their theory further that the entire series subscribes to one aesthetic...and does it evolve while under the watchful eye of a singular director, George Lucas? They share three shots that define The Phantom...

  37. Mission 45: The Star Wars Aesthetic - Part I

    John (@kessejunkie) and Mike (@mumbles3k) take a look at the original Star Wars trilogy and ask themselves the question of what defines the visual aesthetic. Though three films from three directors, they select one shot from each film that shows they are all part of one unified aesthetic. Then…

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  38. Mission 44: Return of the JJ

    John (@kesseljunkie) and Mike (@mumbles3k) discuss JJ Abrams returning to direct Star Wars Episode IX. They discuss their expectations, what it means for the saga, and the fact that Abrams is the first since Lucas to direct more than one Star Wars film. They discuss what Chris Terrio (Argo…

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  39. Mission 43: Editing The Clone Wars - Part II

    In Part 2 of a special 2-part episode, Mike (@mumbles3k) welcomes special guest Nic Anastassiou to discuss his experiences as an effects editor, his work with Lucasfilm Animation for the acclaimed television series The Clone Wars, and insights into working with legendary Star Wars creator George...

  40. Mission 42: Editing The Clone Wars - Part I

    Mike (@mumbles3k) welcomes special guest Nic Anastassiou to discuss his experience as an effects editor for ILM and also his time with Lucasfilm Animation for the acclaimed television series, The Clone Wars. They discuss how he came to work at ILM, the technical challenges and changes faced…

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  41. Mission 41: Splinter of Colin Trevorrow's Eye

    John and Mike discuss Lucasfilm's ongoing directorial woes in the wake of Colin Trevorrow's firing from Star Wars: Episode IX. Was the decision from someone higher in the Disney chain? Was the script the issue? Has Lucasfilm forfeited the benefit of the doubt about the directors they hire and...

  42. Mission 40: Obi-Wan Begins

    John (@kessejunkie) and Mike (@mumbles3k) discuss the recently-leaked news that Stephen Daldry has been selected as the director for the Obi-Wan Star Wars Story movie. What does it say about what we can expect from Old Ben in his desert years, and Star Wars standalones going forward? JOIN THE...

  43. Mission 39: Apollo 13 Lands on 22 Jump Street

    John (@kessejunkie) and Mike (@mumbles3k) continue comparing the styles of Miller & Lord to Ron Howard with a look at 22 Jump Street and Apollo 13. What else do they learn about the impact of the famous director switch for Lucasfilm's Untitled Han Solo Star Wars Anthology Movie? JOIN THE MISSION!...

  44. Mission 38: The Paper & 21 Jump Street

    John (@kessejunkie) and Mike (@mumbles3k) compare two works: The Paper from Ron Howard and 21 Jump Street from Chris Miller & Phil Lord. Comparing the films, they explore what the impact might be to tone, style, pacing, and look for Lucasfilm's Untitled Han Solo Star Wars Anthology Movie to have...

  45. Mission 37: Star Wars Prequels: The Changes

    John (@kessejunkie) and Mike (@mumbles3k) look at the changes George Lucas made to the Star Wars prequels with each release. We know he loves to tinker, and we know he loves to update, and we know that everyone can't stop talking about the updates to the original Star Wars trilogy that was first...

  46. Mission 36: Recasting The Empire Strikes Back

    John (@kessejunkie) and Mike (@mumbles3k) are back as theoretical Star Wars casting directors for the Modern Day, this time tackling the immortal sequel The Empire Strikes Back. Who did they cast as your favorite role? Who would be destined to become an aphoristic Jedi Master? Most importantly to...

  47. Mission 35: Tinker, Editor, Filmmaker, Innovator

    John (@kessejunkie) and Mike (@mumbles3k) are back together this week, and John has a question for Mike: has something special, and irreplaceable, been lost for film's technological innovation with George Lucas no longer helming the Star Wars films? Join them as they examine the changed nature of...

  48. Great Shot Kid! Mission 34: Trench Runs & Trailblazers

    Join John (@kessejunkie) as he's joined by Tristan Riddell (@TheInsaneRobin), founding member of The Nerd Party and co-host of Nerd Nuptial& Punch It. They discuss Star Wars' place in the history of video games, and whether it resides as an industry leader or a trend chaser. What do you think…

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  49. Great Shot, Kid! Mission 33: The Book of Henry

    Join Mike (@mumbles3k) and special guest Nic Anastassiou as they discuss The Book of Henry, by Star Wars: Episode IX director Colin Trevorrow. What explains the critical reaction, and the issues with finding an audience? What indicators are in there to dictate what to expect from Episode IX? Mike...

  50. Great Shot, Kid 32 - Adding Hot Water to Cold

    Ron Howard All movies go through troubles during production, but some mores than others. In the case of the upcoming Han Solo movie, those troubles have led to the replacement of directors Phil Lord and Christopher Miller with Academy Award winner Ron Howard. In this episode of Great Shot, Kid,...

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ABOUT THIS SHOW

Join John and Mike for an examination of the artists responsible for your favorite film, and their work both inside and out of franchises.

HOSTED BY

The Nerd Party

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many episodes does Great Shot, Kid! have?

Great Shot, Kid! currently has 81 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.

What is Great Shot, Kid! about?

Join John and Mike for an examination of the artists responsible for your favorite film, and their work both inside and out of franchises.

How often does Great Shot, Kid! release new episodes?

Great Shot, Kid! has 81 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.

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You can listen to Great Shot, Kid! on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.

Who hosts Great Shot, Kid!?

Great Shot, Kid! is created and hosted by The Nerd Party.
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