June 8th, 2017
The Needless Commentary team convenes live in the Phantom Zone to discuss DC's newest blockbuster – Wonder Woman!
The modern era of films based on the DC Universe has received mixed reviews, to say the least. Man of Steel, Dawn of Justice, and Suicide Squad while profitable, were far from universally loved. Even within the ranks of the Needless Things Irregulars.
To the point where discussion of said films is strictly verboten.
Fans saw Wonder Woman as an opportunity to leave behind the controversial style that Zack Snyder had brought to the DC films and start anew with a tone of hope, humor, and inspiration. Director Patty Jenkins and star Gal Gadot were almost literally carrying the weight of DC on their shoulders with this new film.
Listen in as Phantom, Rad Ranger, Ryan, and Arian figure out whether or not DC films are back on track in the newest episode of the Needless Things Podcast!
If you enjoy spies, exotic locales, or Needless Things, you might enjoy SupportPhantom.com. Huge thanks to our super cool Patrons Zack, Gary, Lucas, and Beau!
June 1st, 2017
In the newest episode of the Needless Things Podcast Phantom Troublemaker and Mike Gordon discuss the life and career of the recently deceased Sir Roger Moore.
Sir Roger Moore passed away on May 23, 2017 after a brief battle with cancer. His career as an actor spanned decades and resulted in international superstardom. Moore’s signature characters – Simon Templar and James Bond – were known for their suave, unflappable demeanors, a trait Moore picked up during his time at London’s Royal Academy of Dramatic Art.
As the second (and oldest) man to be cast as international superspy James Bond, Sir Roger saw the franchise through the 70s and into the 80s and managed to represent both decades in full. His Bond movies ran the gamut from spy thriller to outrageous science fiction adventure. Without a doubt, Sir Roger Moore is one of the trademark stars of 80s cinema.
Listen in as Phantom and Mike share their memories of the wildest Bond of them all!
“Nobody Does it Better” by Carly Simon
If you enjoy spies, exotic locales, or Needless Things, you might enjoy SupportPhantom.com. Huge thanks to our super cool Patrons Zack, Gary, Lucas, and Beau!
May 25th, 2017
In the newest episode of the Needless Things Podcast Phantom Troublemaker, Mike Gordon, and Ryan Cadaver talk LIVE in the Phantom Zone about Ridley Scott’s newest outer space epic!
There’s been a whole lotta aliens goin’ on lately around Needless Things, and there’s no better way to put a lid on it (for now) than with a discussion about the newest entry in the franchise, Alien: Covenant. Claiming to be both a follow-up to the divisive Prometheus and a prequel to the classic Alien, Covenant had a weighty task to accomplish. Find out if Scott and company delivered a satisfying film that connected his other works or if this new movie goes off the rails into the cinematic dumpster!
Listen in as Phantom, Ryan, and Mike discuss the finer points of genetic engineering, PLUS and preamble about the recently released trailer for Star Trek: Discovery!
If you enjoy Klingons, evil androids, or Needless Things, you might enjoy SupportPhantom.com. Huge thanks to our killer Patrons Zack, Gary, Lucas, and Beau!
May 18th, 2017
In the newest episode of the Needless Things Podcast Phantom Troublemaker, Beth V, Head of Research Ryan, and the Rad Ranger break down the newest Marvel Cinematic Universe blockbuster!
James Gunn changed the game with Guardians of the Galaxy. He took the tone and ideals that had been established with the Marvel Cinematic Universe to a galaxy not-so-far away and thrust a group of unique and compelling characters into classic situations. It was a risky move to take characters that the general public hadn’t heard of and create a franchise around them, but much like Jon Favreau before him, Gunn pulled it off with style and skill. The first Guardians was a massive success.
Having earned the fans’ (and, perhaps more importantly, Disney’s) trust, James Gunn was given the ability to continue the story he sowed the seeds for in the first movie. The musically named Vol. 2 continues to develop the characters and the galaxy that Gunn introduced us to in 2014 while opening up the possibilities for more stories in this far-flung part of the Marvel Universe.
Listen in as Phantom, Beth, Ryan, and Rad Ranger discuss the highs and lows of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 in the newest episode of the Needless Things Podcast!
If you enjoy trash pandas, crabby puppies, or Needless Things, you might enjoy SupportPhantom.com. Huge thanks to our killer Patrons Zack, Gary, Lucas, and Beau!
May 12th, 2017
Part of an ongoing series – the Needless Things Irregulars gather in the Phantom Zone to provide their own unique commentary on classic genre films!
Continuing the Alien-centric themes of the last few episodes, this month’s Commentary is James Cameron’s masterpiece, Aliens!
After seeing Ridley Scott’s Alien in glorious RPX, there was no way the Needless Commentary team could do anything but watch the incredible – and vastly different – 1986 sequel. While Scott’s film delivered unparalleled atmosphere and suspense, Cameron’s follow-up used tight action, military-industrial intrigue, and blazing bombast. Utilizing a cast that would become very well known to fans of 80s action, Cameron went in an entirely different direction and created a different kind of blockbuster.
Listen in as Phantom Troublemaker, Rad Ranger, Arian, and Ryan Cadaver gather in the Phantom Zone to offer up their thoughts on this 1986 tour de force!
“Procrastibate” by LeSexoflex.com
Interstitial music provided by The Mystery Men?
You can follow Phantom Troublemaker on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for all the latest on pop culture!
If you enjoy aliens, action flicks, or Needless Things, you might enjoy SupportPhantom.com. Huge thanks to our wonderful Patrons Zack, Gary, Lucas, and Beau!
May 4th, 2017
Phantom Troublemaker, Head of Research Ryan Schweck, and the Belligerent Monkey take a look at the latest in pop culture goings-on!
New trailers for The Dark Tower and Defenders! DC’s Rebirth is still hot – or is it? Ridley Scott seemingly poo-poos Neil Blomkamp’s idea for Alienses! There’s plenty of genre news out there, and today on the show the Needless Things Irregulars convene to discuss these items and more!
Listen in as Phantom, Ryan, and Jay have a good, old-fashioned nerd jam in the newest episode of the Needless Things Podcast!
If you enjoy Batman, toys, or Needless Things, you might enjoy SupportPhantom.com. Huge thanks to our wonderful Patrons Zack, Gary, Lucas, and Beau!
April 27th, 2017
Phantom Troublemaker, Mike Gordon, and Ryan Cadaver discuss Alien and special bonus footage from Alien: Covenant after a Regal RPX screening on Alien Day, 4/26!
Alien is one of the greatest movies of all time and April 26th has been designated (in a clever marketing move by FOX) as Alien Day! This is a reference to LV-426, the planet where the colonists had some bad times in Alien.
Obviously Needless Things had to celebrate this momentous occasion, so Phantom organized a field trip to scenic and decaying Downtown Atlanta for a very special screening of Ridley Scott's (and Dan O'Bannon's and Ronald Shussett's) classic horror film.
Listen in as Phantom, Mike, and Ryan discuss the greatest sci-fi/horror film of all time in the newest episode of the Needless Things Podcast!
Be sure to join the Needless Things Podcast Facebook Group and get in on the conversation for this week’s episode! Let us know what you think!
April 21st, 2017
Phantom Troublemaker, Beth V, and Chad J. Shonk discuss Timothy Zahn’s new Star Wars novel, Thrawn, as well as Grand Admiral Thrawn’s history in the galaxy far, far away!
In 1991 Timothy Zahn released the first official, Lucasfilm approved narrative to expand the Star Wars galaxy beyond the events of Return of the Jedi. He continued the adventures of the characters we all knew and loved, but also introduced a number of new characters that would grow to become vital and beloved fixtures in the new ongoing canon of the Expanded Universe (now known as Legends).
Among those characters was Mith’raw’nuruodo, a member of the previously unknown Chiss species. Against all odds he rose through the ranks of the human-centric Empire to attain the rare rank of Grand Admiral, all in order to guard against a threat from outside the galaxy. Thanks to his tactical genius and driven nature, Thrawn became a hugely popular character to EU fans.
When Disney bought Lucasfilm and stated their intention to eject all previous canon, Thrawn was assumed to be lost to the changing tides. But then, late last year, it was announced that the Chiss Imperial would be returning to canon as part of the Rebels animated show, as well as having his history explained in an all-new, in-canon novel by his creator, Timothy Zahn!
Listen in as Phantom, Beth, and Chad discuss the history of one of the Empire’s greatest and most fascinating figures in the newest episode of the Needless Things Podcast!
April 13th, 2017
Part of an ongoing series – the Needless Things Irregulars gather in the Phantom Zone to provide their own unique commentary on classic genre films!
Special Guest Mr. Beau Brown chooses this month’s movie – the 1983 sci-fi/fantasy cult classic, Krull!
Thanks to Star Wars and Conan the Barbarian science fiction and fantasy were hot genres in the early 80s. Movies that blended the two were always exciting prospects for Hollywood, which is how an original idea like Krull ended up with a $47,000,000 budget, quite large for the time (equivalent to roughly $115,000,000 today).
Krull was not a critical success and bombed spectacularly at the box office, bringing in just 16.5 million dollars. Like many underappreciated films it has gone on to achieve cult status.
Listen in as Phantom Troublemaker, Rad Ranger, Arian, Ryan Cadaver, and special guest Mr. Beau Brown gather in the Phantom Zone to offer up their thoughts on this 1983 cult classic!
WARNING: This episode of the Needless Things Podcast may not be appropriate for some listeners. For example, those who really and truly love Krull with all of their hearts.
“Procrastibate” by LeSexoflex.com
Interstitial music provided by The Mystery Men?
You can follow Phantom Troublemaker on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for all the latest on pop culture!
April 6th, 2017
Mike Gordon returns to the Needless Things Podcast!
Phantom and Mike run down some current events in this multi-faceted episode! From the new trailer for Universal's The Mummy to creators on social media to the Undertaker riding off into the sunset at WrestleMania 33, this week's episode is all over the place in the very best of ways!
Additionally - Mike Gordon is one of the most fantastic people walking God's green Earth, but his home is under threat due to circumstances beyond his control. Please go take a look at how you can help and donate or simply spread the word. As all of our listeners know, Mike's the best of the best.
Listen in as Phantom and Mike share their thoughts on various pop culture goings-on in the newest episode of the Needless Things Podcast!
