Legit Cool Podcast - Movie Talk

104 - The Rings of Power Season 2 Episode 1 & 2 - Review & Recap

The season will explore the rise of Sauron in greater detail, especially after his identity as Halbrand was revealed in the Season 1 finale. One of the central plot points will be the creation of more Rings of Power, with characters like Celebrimbor, Galadriel, and Gil-galad playing key roles.

A major focus in Season 2 will be on the Fall of Eregion, one of Middle-earth's significant battles. This event marks the beginning of the war between the Elves and Sauron and will play out across multiple episodes. The consequences of this battle will lead to the foundation of Rivendell by Elrond.

 

Our discussion breaks down both the highlights and the shortcomings of the latest installment in the Tolkien-inspired series. Sauron's arc steals the show as we explore his narrative from a unique point of view. Seeing events unfold through his lens adds depth, bringing fresh intrigue to his character.

However, we can't overlook some of the flaws—particularly the "plastic" dialogue among the Elves, which feels a bit too staged and lacking in genuine emotional weight. While the visual effects are still breathtaking, they suffer from being too pristine and overly polished, pulling us out of the gritty, grounded world Middle-earth should be. We also touched on how the performances, while solid, didn’t elevate the material as much as we hoped.

If you're a fan of film discussions that blend nerdy technical analysis with thoughtful critique, this episode has it all—enough visual splendor and villainous intrigue to keep you intrigued, but plenty of room for improvement.

 

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103 - MCU Phase 1: Iron Man - Review & Recap

Iron Man tells the origin story of Tony Stark, a genius billionaire and weapons manufacturer. After being captured by terrorists and gravely injured, Stark builds a high-tech suit of armor to escape. This experience leads him to reevaluate his company's role in global conflict and to use his technological prowess for good. Stark's transformation into Iron Man and his fight against the villainous Obadiah Stane (who becomes Iron Monger) forms the crux of the movie.

 

MCU Phase 1 introduces iconic heroes like Iron Man, Thor, and Captain America, laying the foundation for the Avengers' formation. It sets up key elements of the Infinity Saga, including the Tesseract and Nick Fury’s Avengers Initiative, culminating in The Avengers. We will be covering the entire saga. 

The Infinity Saga is the overarching narrative of Phases 1-3, where the Avengers face cosmic-level threats, leading to an epic showdown with Thanos and the quest for the powerful Infinity Stones.

 

In this episode, River dives into Iron Man—the first film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe that laid the foundation for the Infinity Saga. Directed by Jon Favreau and starring Robert Downey Jr., Iron Man tells the origin story of Tony Stark, a billionaire genius who becomes a superhero. River praises the film's vibrant charm, smart dialogue, and the chemistry between Tony Stark and Pepper Potts. While the action and visual effects still hold up after 10+ years, he finds the final battle underwhelming. Overall, River gives Iron Man an 8/10 for its successful start to the MCU.

 

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102 - Blink Twice - Review & Recap

Frida, a cocktail waitress, and her best friend Jess get invited to a private island by tech mogul Slater King. What starts as a luxurious getaway quickly turns dark as Frida uncovers a twisted plot involving memory-erasing flowers, hallucinogens, and a series of brutal assaults. As memories return and the truth unravels, Frida fights to survive and expose the horrifying secrets hidden on the island.

 

On this episode of Legit Cool Podcast, we're diving into Zoe Kravitz's directorial debut, Blink Twice. I rated it a 7/10, and for good reason—it's a strong start for Kravitz, even with a few rough edges in editing and directorial choices. This thriller takes a page from the playbooks of Fincher, Hitchcock, and Kubrick but also brings something fresh to the table with its sharp social commentary on the sexualization and exploitation of women.

We’ll be breaking down the plot, discussing Kravitz’s choices, and getting into why this film, despite its flaws, shows promise for her future in filmmaking. If you're into thrillers that keep you guessing and pack a punch with their themes, you'll want to stick around for this one.

 

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101 - Alien Romulus - Review & Recap

Alien: Romulus is set 20 years after the events of the original Alien film and follows a group of young space colonists who encounter a deadly Xenomorph on an abandoned space station. Isolated and terrified, they must use their wits and skills to survive against the relentless creature, evoking the intense survival horror of the earlier films. The movie leans heavily into the horror elements that made the original Alien so iconic, blending tension, atmosphere, and visceral scares.

 

Alien Romulus is a thrilling and nostalgic addition to the Alien franchise. Director Fede Alvarez's passion for the franchise shines through in his homage to the original film. The movie follows Rain Carradine and her crew as they embark on a mission to escape their mining colony and reach the planet Yavaga. Along the way, they encounter xenomorphs and face numerous challenges.

The film is filled with tension, scares, and impressive sound design. The chemistry between Rain and Andy, her synthetic brother, adds depth to the story. Overall, Alien Romulus is a must-watch for fans of the franchise. Alien Romulus and Long Legs is a thrilling and visually stunning addition to the Alien franchise. The film expertly uses gravity and atmosphere generators to create a constant sense of danger and anxiety. The story revolves around a group of explorers who inadvertently revive facehugger specimens and trigger a lockdown. As they navigate the xenomorph-infested ship, they uncover the truth about experimental genetic mutations and face off against a terrifying human-xenomorph hybrid. The film is filled with intense action sequences, impressive visual effects, and strong performances. It deserves recognition for its unique take on the Alien universe.

 

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100 - Jurassic Park - Review & Recap (Voted by the fans celebrating 100)

Jurassic Park follows a group of scientists and experts invited to a remote island by billionaire John Hammond, who has created a theme park featuring genetically resurrected dinosaurs. As they tour the park, things go disastrously wrong when the park's security systems fail, allowing the dinosaurs to roam free. The group must now fight for survival against the deadly creatures, with the dangerous and unpredictable T-Rex and velociraptors on the loose. Directed by Steven Spielberg, the film blends thrilling action, suspense, and groundbreaking special effects in a battle between man and nature.

 

This episode is dedicated to our amazing fans who keep us going. 🎬 Your vote for the 100th episode comes to life with this Spielberg classic.

🍿 Thanks for the support and for shaping our journey! 🚀

In this 7.5/10 review, the hosts explore the lasting impact of Jurassic Park, praising Spielberg's direction, impressive effects, and Jeff Goldblum's humor. While the film remains a thrilling adventure, its shift from discovery to escape feels disjointed, with some unrealistic character dialogue and excessive exposition. Though the movie's action and suspense shine, the storytelling and character development have noticeable flaws. They also reflect on the impact of trailers, box office stardom, and future podcast reviews, expressing gratitude for reaching 100 episodes.

 

A huge shoutout to our 3k listeners who geek out with us every month! 🎬🍿 Here's to the next 100 episodes and diving deeper into cinematic brilliance together! 🚀🎉

 

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099 - Twisters - Review & Recap

Set in the world of storm chasers facing unprecedented weather phenomena. The story focuses on Kate Cooper, a storm researcher haunted by a past tornado, and Tyler Owens, a daring social media star who thrives on chasing extreme weather. As storm systems converge in Oklahoma, both characters, along with their teams, must navigate life-threatening conditions as they battle nature’s fury.

In this episode, we dive into Twisters, the 2024 sequel to the classic Twister. We break down the film’s whirlwind plot, the intense storm-chasing action, and how it stands up to the original. Despite a weaker screenplay, Twisters brings solid performances—particularly Glen Powell's standout role—and showcases some incredible visual effects.

 

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098 - Deadpool & Wolverine - Review & Recap

Deadpool's peaceful existence is abruptly disrupted when the Time Variance Authority (TVA) recruits him to help safeguard the multiverse. Faced with an unprecedented crisis, Deadpool teams up with his would-be friend, Wolverine, to tackle the mission. Together, they must navigate through various dimensions and confront formidable foes to save their world from an existential threat.

Deadpool's peaceful existence is disrupted when the TVA recruits him to safeguard the multiverse. He teams up with Wolverine and navigates through dimensions to save their world. The episode discusses the 100th episode celebration, the MCU, and the film's details. The opening scene is praised for its humor and meta commentary. The chemistry between Deadpool and Wolverine is highlighted. The plot is criticized for feeling detached and relying too much on fourth wall breaking. The film is described as a blast with fun cameos and heartfelt moments. Deadpool and Wolverine is an entertaining film that blends the Fox and Disney Marvel universes. It features meta commentary on the state of the superhero genre and the multiverse concept. The film includes references to various Marvel characters and fan casting decisions. The plot can be convoluted at times, but the humor and chemistry between Deadpool and Wolverine make it enjoyable. The meta jokes about the Disney-Fox merger and the critique of the multiverse add depth to the film. Overall, it's a fun and entertaining watch.

 

• Deadpool's peaceful existence is disrupted when he is recruited by the TVA to safeguard the multiverse.
• The chemistry between Deadpool and Wolverine is a highlight of the film.
• The plot is criticized for feeling detached and relying too much on fourth wall breaking.
• The film is praised for its humor, fun cameos, and heartfelt moments.
• The opening scene is considered one of the best in any superhero film. The film blends the Fox and Disney Marvel universes, providing meta commentary on the state of the superhero genre and the multiverse concept.
• The plot can be convoluted at times, but the humor and chemistry between Deadpool and Wolverine make it an enjoyable watch.
• The film includes references to various Marvel characters and fan casting decisions, adding depth and nostalgia for fans.
• The meta jokes about the Disney-Fox merger and the critique of the multiverse concept provide a self-awareness that sets the film apart.
• Overall, Deadpool and Wolverine is a fun and entertaining film that offers a unique perspective on the Marvel universe.

 

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097 - Longlegs - Review & Recap

"Longlegs" is a 2024 horror thriller directed by Osgood Perkins. The story follows FBI agent Lee Harker (Maika Monroe) as she delves into a series of gruesome family murders. These seemingly isolated incidents are linked by cryptic, Zodiac-like notes, pointing to a Satan-worshipping serial killer known as Longlegs (Nicolas Cage). As Harker unravels the dark mystery, she discovers unsettling connections to occult rituals and faces a terrifying showdown with the killer, revealing deeper themes of faith, evil, and generational trauma.

 

In this episode, we dive into "Longlegs," a 2024 horror thriller directed by Osgood Perkins. The film follows FBI agent Lee Harker (Maika Monroe) as she investigates a series of brutal family murders linked by cryptic notes. Nicolas Cage delivers a chilling performance as a Satan-worshipping serial killer, orchestrating these murders as part of a dark, supernatural plan. Join us as we explore the film’s atmospheric tension, psychological depth, and haunting themes of faith and generational trauma.

The cinematography thrusts viewers into the story with its evocative use of tone and color, while Osgood Perkins' direction perfectly suits the film's horror elements. Reminiscent of classics like "The Exorcist," "The Amityville Horror," and "Se7en," "Longlegs" delivers a compelling blend of psychological and supernatural horror.

 

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096 - A Quiet Place: Day 1 - Review & Recap

Set in New York City, the movie follows a group of survivors, including Lupita Nyong'o's character, as they navigate the chaos and destruction brought on by mysterious creatures. These creatures are extraordinarily sensitive to sound, attacking anything that makes noise. To stay alive, the survivors must adapt quickly to a world where silence is their only shield.

As the invasion escalates, the film explores the immediate impact on urban life and the desperate attempts of individuals to find safety. The narrative combines intense action with the franchise's hallmark tension, providing a fresh perspective on the silent apocalypse that fans have come to know.

 

A Quiet Place Day One is a prequel to the Quiet Place franchise, set in New York City during the silent apocalypse. The film follows the journey of survivors as they navigate the chaos and destruction caused by sound-sensitive creatures. While the audience reception has been positive, the host finds the film lacking compared to its predecessors. The characters and their development are underwhelming, and the story fails to explore the origins of the sound-sensitive apocalypse in a compelling way. The action set pieces and visual effects are well-executed, but the overall experience is boring and lacks the tension and suspense of the first two films. In this conversation recap, River discusses his thoughts on the movie 'A Quiet Place Part II'. He highlights missed opportunities in the storytelling, inconsistencies with the rules established in the previous films, and the lack of emotional connection with the characters. River also mentions the strong performance by Lupita Nyong'o and the few moments that stood out in the film. Overall, he rates the movie 5 out of 10.

 

Key Takeaways

• A Quiet Place Day One is a prequel to the Quiet Place franchise set in New York City during the silent apocalypse.
• The film follows survivors as they navigate the chaos caused by sound-sensitive creatures.
• The audience reception has been positive, but the host finds the film lacking compared to its predecessors.
• The characters and their development are underwhelming, and the story fails to explore the origins of the sound-sensitive apocalypse in a compelling way.
• The action set pieces and visual effects are well-executed, but the overall experience is boring and lacks the tension and suspense of the first two films. The film missed opportunities to explore the world and characters in a more meaningful way
• Inconsistencies with the established rules of the previous films were noticeable
• Lupita Nyong'o delivered a strong performance despite the limitations of the script
• The lack of emotional connection with the characters made it difficult to feel invested in their journey
• The movie received a rating of 5 out of 10

 

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095 - The Watchers - Review & Recap

Mina (Dakota Fanning), an artist, finds herself stranded in a dense, eerie forest in Ireland after her car breaks down. Seeking refuge, she stumbles upon a remote cabin where she joins three other trapped strangers: Madeline, Ciara, and Daniel. As night falls, they must contend with mysterious and terrifying creatures known as The Watchers, who observe them from the shadows and mimic their appearances.

 

"The Watchers," Ishana Night Shyamalan's directorial debut, delves into profound themes such as grief, identity, and the tenuous line separating humanity from monstrosity. The film’s ambitious narrative aims to explore how these elements intertwine within the claustrophobic confines of a haunted forest in western Ireland. The evocative visual landscape and the eerie depiction of the forest creatures are certainly promising, offering glimpses of Shyamalan's potential as a burgeoning director. However, the execution stumbles due to a convoluted plot and characters that lack depth and development, which ultimately undermines the film’s thematic aspirations.

 

Key Takeaways

The Watches explores the themes of grief, identity, and the blurred line between humanity and monstrosity.
The film has a promising concept and visually stunning cinematography.
However, the storytelling is convoluted and the characters are underdeveloped.
The film received mixed reviews and has a low box office intake.

 

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