The Fandom Outpost

Jim & Bob react to season 1 of 'Widow's Bay' on Apple TV: This series took us on a wild ride - a perfect mix of comedy and horror that we didn’t see coming. With characters that feel real and a setting that pulls you in, it’s like Parks and Rec met The Fog! Plus, it’s clear the creators know their horror classics! If you haven't yet, dive into this show - it’s a binge-worthy gem that’ll keep you on the edge of your seat! 

Bob, Mark and Jim review the latest 'Star Wars' feature film "The Madalorian and Grogu' and offer their insights and analysis from their many years of 'Star Wars' fandom. How does this one compare to the heavyweights in the saga? Did it work as a feature film? Is this the way? Those questions and more are answered in this episode.

Bob, Mark and Jim give their childhood recollections on 'The Empire Strikes Back' and also team up to support the case as to why this 'Star Wars' episode is considered one of the best sequels in cinema history.

Bob and Ron offer their best examples of movies which they feel can be categorized as a horror movie but may not be thought of that way. They pose the question: "If you were working in a video store, which shelf would you put this movie on?". See what movies you agree with! 

Jim, Mark and Bob explore the deep jungles of Central America to bring you all of their perspectives on 'Predator' (1987), offering their insights on what made this sci-fi/action/horror movie one of the best of the '80's'. Buckle up, grab some chew, flip on the old boombox and take a fun ride uncovering all that makes 'Predator' one of Arnold Schwarzenegger's best films. 

Bob and Mark dive into one of Bob's favorite films, 'Manhunter', from 1986 starring William Petersen, Tom Noonan, Joan Allen, Brian Cox and Denis Farina. One of the very first films to explore the concept of FBI profiling in serial murders, this film not only introduced the Hannibal Lecter cinematic world but also made an indelible mark with highly stylized visual storytelling. Get ready to "walk the route" and explore one of Michael Mann's most creative films in his filmography. 

Bob and Mark review William Friedkin's brilliant Neo-noir criminal thriller "To Live and Die in L.A." (1985). Bob's dream to collaborate with Mark on an episode of one of his favorite films has finally come true. They look at Special Agent Richard Chance (William Petersen), a nihilistic antihero who will stop at nothing to get revenge on counterfeiter Rick Masters (Willem Dafoe) for killing his longtime Secret Service partner. The film's highlights are analyzed, including the thrilling chase sequences and great performances by a cast that includes John Turturro, Dean Stockwell, Debra Feuer, and John Pankow. They also discuss other antihero movie characters that have become icons in popular culture.

Bob, Mark and Jim take a journey back to Antarctica, 1982 to re-visit John Carpenter’s horror classic, ‘The Thing’. The guys offer their unique views on the movie, from plot points and characters to special effects and the soundtrack. Nothing is left on the table. This one is near and dear to their movie-loving hearts so sit back and enjoy this look back at ‘The Thing’. 

Bob and Ron team up to review '28 Years Later: The Bone Temple', the latest installment in the zombie/infected film series from Danny Boyle and Alex Garland. How does this one connect to the previous movie and where might the series go from here? The guys review and discuss. Spoilers ahead! 

Jim, Mark and Bob take a look at the 'Stranger Things' series finale through the lens of Gen X. Find out what are their views are on how the series ended. Did the Duffer Brothers stick the landing? What themes hit the Gen X hosts the most and how did this finale relate to their experiences growing up in the 80s and moving into adulthood? 

Mark goes solo and reviews the action-thriller 'The Accountant 2', the sequel to 2016's 'The Accountant'. Ben Affleck, Jon Bernthal, Cynthia Addai-Robinson and J. K. Simmons reprise their roles from the previous film, with Daniella Pineda joining the cast. Check out his thoughts on this second installment and see whether it's worth your time to stream on digital. 

Jim, Mark and Bob are talking the 'Stranger Things' Season 5 (Part 1). What is working and what isn't? The guys jump into the 80s nostalgia neck deep to offer their takes on the hit show. Has everyone aged out or does it still pack an upside punch? 

Jim and Bob explore the new 'Frankenstein' movie from Guillermo del Toro in this latest installment of Fright Night For Reel. How much of Mary Shelley's original novel is in the movie and does it really matter anymore? They also take a look at how other 'Frankenstein' movies over the years compare to del Toro's version and have some fun with the effect the Creature has had on pop culture. 

What if I told you there's a horror movie that stars Jack Nicholson, Joan Crawford, Bette Davis, Sly Stallone, Rutger Hauer, Donald Sutherland, Wings Hauser, Sissy Spacek, Dustin Hoffmann, Gregory Peck, Clint Eastwood, Roy Scheider and other huge stars? Well, kind of. It's the awesome horror "documentary" 'Terror In The Aisles' (1984), a movie that introduced us to the genres of horror & thriller during our teen years. We discuss the significance of it and share our stories from its release at the start of the burgeoning home video era. Later in the episode we pay tribute to legendary movie poster artist Drew Struzan. 

Bob and special guest Ron talk about outstanding horror films that didn't require a sequel in this horror-focused sub-podcast from the Fandom Outpost. Did Hollywood give up because the movie was so horrible, or was it so good that it wasn't needed? Along with discussing their favorite found-footage horror films, they also go into the latest 'Weapons' prequel news and discuss some of the forthcoming horror films they are keeping an eye on.

Bob, Mark, and Jim are getting nerdy, people. They are discussing toy collecting. Specifically, action figures and the best ways to enjoy the hobby. Is there a correct answer to the age-old question that toy collectors have been asking since the beginning of toy collecting? Should figures be unboxed or kept in their packaging? Find out when the guys share their own collecting tendencies. If you enjoy the hobby, this Collector's Corner episode is for you!

Jim, Mark and Bob talk about some of their favorite movies, TV shows and books they discovered over the summer. Join them for a rapid fire discussion on all  their summer fun!

Mark, Jim and Bob take on the two most anticipated superhero movies in years. James Gunn's 'Superman and Marvel's "The Fantastic Four: First Steps'. Find out how the guys feel about these two blockbusters along with gaining some insights into the future of DC and Marvel. 

Join us for an exciting journey into the deep waters of 'Jaws' with this 50th anniversary retrospective. It's been 50 years in the making and we want to share what this movie has meant to us. Share some fun anecdotes and stories from when we first saw 'Jaws' back in the day. We also discuss the cultural impact and significance of Spielberg's man vs. nature masterpiece in film history. There are also a couple of fun surprises including some special gifts Jim had left for his cohosts unbeknownst to them and one free 4K digital code shown in this episode for the first viewer to take advantage of (check it out on YouTube). Come on in, the water's fine and ride along with us on this epic adventure.

 Mark, Jim, and Bob, explore the first 3 films in the iconic horror series ‘Friday the 13th’ and discuss the influence they had on the genre in this episode. They share their own experiences with the series, the importance of characters like Mrs. Voorhees, and the idea of the final girl. They also touch on the impact of 3D technology in horror and the inventive way that kills are carried out in these first 3 installments. The guys talk in-depth about famous deaths throughout the ‘Friday’ series, examine the history and development of the recognizable hockey mask, and contrast Jason with other horror icons like Michael Myers and Freddy Krueger. Sit back and enjoy the trip back to Camp Crystal Lake! 

Jim & Bob discuss the final Season of 'Andor' and offer their key takeaways, favorite moments and characters. Did it live up to what Bob was hoping to get after the long wait since Season 1? How did Jim sell his wife on watching it? Find out in this fun exploration of 'Andor' Season 2. This episode contains spoilers.

Welcome to the inaugural (Ashcan) installment of The Fandom Outpost's "We Have Issues" series. Every story has a beginning. Through their own experiences, Mark, Jim, and special guest Robbie share their perspectives on the joys of comic collecting. Their goal is to share with you their experiences in the hobby, which they have accumulated since they were kids in the 1970’s. The boys dive into all the fun and excitement that comics have to offer, from their most treasured issues to their favorite comic book creators.

Wholly Cow, are these prices getting out of control? Has the recent uptick in 4K Steelbook pricing affected your physical media collecting? Jim, Mark and Bob take a look at what is happening within the 4K collecting hobby and discuss how they are dealing with it. 

Bob and Mark are talkin' baseball - well, more specifically, talkin' about their favorite baseball movies. They take you on a journey from the old Houston Astrodome to the cornfields of Iowa, and all the way to Yankee Stadium, as they reminisce about some of the greatest baseball films ever made. So sit back, dig into some Big League Chew and enjoy!

Mark, Jim and Bob dive into the 1983 supernatural thriller/horror film “The Keep” in this episode. Directed by Michael Mann, this film has a notorious production story that has contributed to both positive and negative views over the years as it has gained cult status. The guys discuss and review the film in detail covering its outstanding cast, Tangerine Dream soundtrack, and the place it now holds in film lore.

We’re talking independent horror with Matt Schmidt, filmmaker, screenwriter and founder of Acres Films. Matt offers an insightful journey into his cinematic inspirations and creative processes as we discuss his latest independent horror films, “#TheChallenge” (2022) and “Mr. Sandman” (2024). From found footage to slashers to classic horror, the guys and Matt share their love of the horror genre and discuss their all-time favorites in this casual and fun interview. Matt also gives us a look behind the curtain as he traverses his way through the independent film landscape. Join us for a fun ride through the eyes of an independent filmmaker!

Mark, Jim, and Bob have a lot to say about Roberts Eggers' widely anticipated "Nosferatu" (2024). Some are good; some are not. What distinguishes this movie from Murnau and Herzog's earlier versions? There is a lot of ground to cover with this new iteration of this classic tale. From plot to characterization to Orlok's mustache. As they talk about some of Robert Eggers' next projects, they also make some intriguing casting predictions. 

Jim and Bob wander through the moonlit woods on a SideQuest to review and react to 'Wolf Man'. Will this latest Universal Monsters installment have teeth or will it turn out to be Wolf Meh? Find out as they discuss the film in detail and go into spoilers with their reactions later in the episode.

To celebrate the release of the Wicked Sing-Along now in theaters, Nikki and Gabby dive broomstick-first into a spellbinding review of the Wicked movie! From the enchanting performances to those unforgettable songs, we're unpacking all the magic (and the mischief) that makes this adaptation worth singing about.Grab your popcorn and your best Elphaba impression—it’s time to celebrate the show that’s been “Popular” for decades! 🎶🧙‍♀️

Join Mark, Jim and Bob as they discuss the much anticipated teaser trailer for the upcoming 'Superman' movie in 2025. They also deep dive into some of the other aspects in Superman history, from comics to the past films. 

Mark, Jim, and Bob talk about preventing "The Stack of Shame" from becoming your expanding physical media collection. What do you do when your collection of new releases and pickups begins to accumulate to the point where you feel you might never get around to watching them all? Well, the guys give some practical advice on how to slow the rise of the dreaded "Stack of Shame." 

Join Bob and Jim as they embark on a SideQuest to explore the 2023 Eli Roth horror film 'Thanksgiving'. They express their opinions and examine its standing within the horror genre. This review contains spoilers.

At last, we did it! We're going back in time to 1977 and remembering 'Star Wars: Episode IV.' One of the major films of our childhoods, if not the biggest. Learn what it meant to each of us and how much of an influence this movie had on our early movie experiences. Many of the peripheral aspects of the original Star Wars phenomena are also explored. Everything from toys to concept art to amusing knockoff products.

This is where it all began! Jim, Mark and Bob celebrate the beginnings of the Universal Monster legacy. Which monsters will they consider for the 'Rushmore of Monsters' monument? They also take some deep dives into each of the original monster actors, creators and special effects artists.

Mark, Jim, and Bob recently viewed the new adaptation of 'Salem's Lot' and are eager to share their thoughts. What new elements were introduced to vampire lore, and which aspects should have been left out? Kick off the spooky season with the guys and don't forget to close your doors, lock your windows and turn out the lights!Check out the video version on YouTube!Also, check out The Fandom Outpost on Instagram and Facebook.

Mark and Stefan team up in this Side-Quest episode to examine the highly criticized film ‘Borderlands’. Is it truly as terrible as it's made out to be? Are we venturing into ‘Heaven’s Gate’ territory? The duo holds a deep appreciation for the game, so they approached the film with optimism. However, it seems they may have had to do some major mental gymnastics.#thefandomoutpost #podcast #borderlands #borderlandsmovie #review #scifimovies #superheroes #boxofficebomb 

Mark, Bob, and Jim take a look at the trailer for the upcoming 'Salem's Lot' movie set to premiere on Max on October 3, 2024. They share their thoughts and discuss the history of the novel as well as previous film adaptations of this timeless story.

Jim and Bob kick off the Halloween season by reviewing 'Beetlejuice Beetlejuice,' featuring Michael Keaton, Winona Ryder, and Jenna Ortega. In this discussion filled with spoilers, they share their thoughts and reactions to this highly anticipated sequel. Will there be a third installment in the franchise? How does it measure up against the original cult classic? 

Don't lose hope, 'Alien' enthusiasts! Jim, Mark, and Bob are here to help you regain your perspective. Are there too many callbacks, and if so, does that detract from this installment in the series? The guys also discuss the 'Alien' franchise and how this film integrates into its established lore.

Jim, Mark, and Bob chat about everything related to "Deadpool & Wolverine" alongside Stefan. Has Marvel successfully regained its edge, and how might Robert Downey Jr.'s upcoming involvement in the next phase impact the landscape?#thefandomoutpost #deadpoolandwolverinemovie #deadpool #wolverine #marvel #marvelstudios #superhero #superheroes #moviereview

Jim and Bob take a deep dive into this summer's horror sensation 'Longlegs', starring Nicholas Cage and Maika Monroe. This spoiler review will shed light on some of the interesting aspects of the film and why many are considering it a modern horror classic. Is it worth all the hype? So sit back, play some music backwards and enjoy!

More Brains! In this episode Mark, Jim & Bob adventure into the 80's classic, "The Return of the Living Dead”. Join them for a fun and nostalgic journey filled with iconic movie quotes, blood-curdling zombie attacks, and killer punk rock tunes. Let's dive deep into this cult favorite together and reminisce about the spine-tingling moments that make this horror-comedy a timeless gem. 

Why are people not going to the movies this summer? Join us as we delve into the reasons behind the slow box office and explore the future of movie-going. You won't want to miss out. Grab your popcorn and tune in!

Come along with Mark, Jim, and Bob as they dive into an exciting review of the newest addition to the "Planet of the Apes" franchise, "Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes". Wondering whether to head to the cinema now or hold off? The guys will share their thoughts and provide some insights to ensure you start your summer movie season on the right foot.

What's your favorite car or truck from film or TV? Everyone has one. Marty McFly's Time Machine DeLorean? Mad Max's Interceptor? We're sure it'll be covered in this free wheelin' episode as Mark, Jim & Bob take a fun road trip down memory lane with the most iconic vehicles from the big (and small) screen. 

In this spoiler review of the film, Jim and Bob share their thoughts on "Late Night With The Devil". Will this be a new horror classic or will it join the ranks of other failed demonic possession movies of the past? They also explore the "found-footage" horror genre, marking significant entries in the last 36 years. 

The Fandom Outpost is excited to announce a new initiative: Side Quests! Gear up for a fresh format where we delve deeper into the fandoms we love.Consider this your chance to embark on exciting discussions beyond the main storyline. We'll be tackling intriguing questions, exploring hidden details, and celebrating the things that make our favorite worlds tick.Strap in gearheads and wasteland warriors! On this Side Quest, join Mark, your co-host of The Fandom Outpost and fellow cinephile Stefan, as they dust off their V8 dreams and revisit the iconic world of Mad Max. They recount their recent experience catching both the original Mad Max and its explosive sequel, Mad Max 2, on the glorious big screen.Get ready for a high-octane discussion filled with scorching memories of Mel Gibson's gritty portrayal of Max Rockatansky, the awe-inspiring stunts and car chases, and the unforgettable post-apocalyptic landscapes. They'll delve into the evolution of the franchise, share behind-the-scenes trivia, and dissect the themes of survival, societal collapse, and the fight for precious resources.Did the films hold up after all these years? Did the remastered visuals and booming soundtracks enhance the experience?  Join Mark and Stefan as they peel back the layers of these cult classics and celebrate the enduring legacy of Mad Max on the big screen.This Side Quest is a must-listen for any Mad Max fanatics or fans of action cinema. So, fire up your interceptors, hit the gas, and prepare for a wild ride through the wasteland!

Mark, Jim and Bob talk revisionism in film and share their thoughts about filmmakers taking new creative directions with their original product. James Cameron's recent 4K releases of "The Abyss, "Aliens" and "True Lies" and George Lucas' Star Wars Special Editions are highlighted in this discussion. Is Cameron in league with A.I. and what will that mean to the future of physical media?

Join Mark, Jim and Bob as they dive into their favorite conspiracy movies. They also discuss notable films from this genre including The Matrix, Magnum Force and The Boys From Brazil among others. How much will they get through before they are shut down by unknown entities? 

Join us as we pay our respects to Carl Weathers with a special tribute episode. He played a big role in shaping our love of movies since we can remember. From "Rocky" to "Predator" to "The Mandalorian", his roles were very memorable and we felt a need to show our appreciation for his work. We discuss his film & TV roles and share the memories we have of his tremendous career.