Cognitive Recalibration

Is the Force still with us? In this episode, we're joined by long-time Star Wars fan Bhaskar to break down the current state of the franchise—from the highs of Andor to the lows of The Acolyte. We talk about the Disney+ overload, the trilogy that derailed itself, the missed opportunities, and whether it's time for a creative hiatus. There's plenty of fun, frustration, and fandom to go around—this one's for the galaxy brains. ✨Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/MDgfxhURWtg👇 Timestamps:0:00 – Context for Episode0:42 – Music + official podcast intro1:16 – Welcome + Bhaskar joins the podcast1:37 – Star Wars fan spectrum: from casual to hardcore2:49 – Thoughts on The Acolyte so far4:13 – Five years since the last movie, is TV filling the gap?5:27 – Highs of Disney+ Star Wars (Mandalorian, Andor, Ahsoka)6:11 – Volume of content & mediocrity problem7:18 – Declining viewer motivation8:24 – Star Wars fatigue & missed opportunities11:03 – The Mandalorian & Book of Boba Fett burnout12:16 – Prestige TV or quantity over quality?13:52 – Budget vs. quality in Star Wars shows15:36 – Visual effects & production consistency17:24 – Inconsistent storytelling & directing18:16 – Similarities with Marvel’s struggles19:42 – Fan service vs. actual storytelling20:51 – Rian Johnson’s Reddit rewrite controversy24:13 – Week-to-week production changes?!25:33 – VFX crunch & poor visuals26:25 – Acolyte casting controversy28:02 – Disney’s creative echo chambers?29:13 – Corporate decision-making in creative studios30:35 – Diversity: authentic or performative?32:53 – Dathomir witches vs. Acolyte witches34:18 – Lack of musical identity in Acolyte35:10 – Should Star Wars take a break?36:30 – History of movie gaps in Star Wars38:38 – How Disney+ diluted Star Wars & Marvel39:56 – The pattern of cancelled Star Wars movies42:33 – Solo, recasting, and Elseworlds potential47:30 – Should George Lucas return?50:17 – Explore the future, not the past53:37 – High-quality animation as the future?55:52 – Andor’s success without fan demand57:40 – Wrap up: What next for Star Wars?58:06 – Merch jokes, Japan Celebration 2025, and outro📲 Follow us: @CognitiveRecalibration on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube📧 Email: CognitiveRecalibrationPodcast@gmail.com🔔 Subscribe & hit the bell icon for more movie breakdowns and discussions!The equipment we use:Rode Podmic: https://amzn.to/2LSeJPbRodecaster Pro: https://amzn.to/3bLykLPRode PSA1 Boom Arm: https://amzn.to/2M0ujIpXLR Cables: https://amzn.to/38QTEOgåIf you want to support this podcast so we can keep producing our content for free consider the following options:Amazon Affiliate Link: https://amzn.to/3gjnw87åBuy us a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/CRecalibrationAcast Supporter: https://supporter.acast.com/cognitive-recalibrationIf you enjoy our content, don't forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode. If you haven't already done so, please give us a review on iTunes or Spotify and help spread the word.If you wish to contact us to ask a question or give us some feedback, please do so via the channels below:Facebook Page: Cognitive RecalibrationInstagram: cognitiverecalibrationTwitter: @CRecalibrationTikTok: @cogrecalCognitive Recalibration theme composed by Esteban:Instagram: iam.wakeFiverr: https://www.fiverr.com/iam_wakeLogo and Artwork created by Rita Sus:Instagram: 5small

💥 Deadpool & Wolverine has finally arrived… and we’re (fashionably) late to the party! Recorded right after release, we’re finally dropping this long-overdue review along with a juicy MCU deep dive. From D23 announcements (Robert Downey Jr. as Doctor Doom?!) to Deadpool cameos, future Marvel line-ups, and a full breakdown of our Japan theme park adventures – this one’s got it all.👀 Why is RDJ back?🐭 Which Disney park rules them all?🤯 Which Deadpool are we even following?🎢 And did we like the movie? Well… you’ll have to listen.💬 Drop a comment with your MCU hopes & theories — and don’t forget to subscribe!Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/a2BEmB34g2M👇 Timestamps:0:00 – Why this episode is late  1:31 – Intro + Return from Japan  2:12 – Watching Deadpool in Japan  3:06 – Disneyland & Universal Japan review  6:36 – Deadpool & Wolverine (non-spoiler)  8:07 – Deadpool comedy style  9:13 – Hugh Jackman’s return & role  11:26 – Weak villain arcs & story issues  13:00 – Comparing Deadpool 1, 2 & 3  14:21 – Spoiler section begins  15:34 – All cameo breakdowns  19:13 – Is this Earth-616 or Fox Universe?  22:00 – Future of Deadpool in the MCU  24:08 – Robert Downey Jr. as Doctor Doom  26:00 – Upcoming MCU movie lineup  28:46 – Marvel TV shows & delays  31:24 – Thunderbolts discussion + cast  34:15 – Why RDJ was cast as Doom  35:33 – Where to find us + TikTok viral video  36:25 – Final thoughts on future Marvel films  📲 Follow us: @CognitiveRecalibration on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube📧 Email: CognitiveRecalibrationPodcast@gmail.com🔔 Subscribe & hit the bell icon for more movie breakdowns and discussions!The equipment we use:Rode Podmic: https://amzn.to/2LSeJPbRodecaster Pro: https://amzn.to/3bLykLPRode PSA1 Boom Arm: https://amzn.to/2M0ujIpXLR Cables: https://amzn.to/38QTEOgåIf you want to support this podcast so we can keep producing our content for free consider the following options:Amazon Affiliate Link: https://amzn.to/3gjnw87åBuy us a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/CRecalibrationAcast Supporter: https://supporter.acast.com/cognitive-recalibrationIf you enjoy our content, don't forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode. If you haven't already done so, please give us a review on iTunes or Spotify and help spread the word.If you wish to contact us to ask a question or give us some feedback, please do so via the channels below:Facebook Page: Cognitive RecalibrationInstagram: cognitiverecalibrationTwitter: @CRecalibrationTikTok: @cogrecalCognitive Recalibration theme composed by Esteban:Instagram: iam.wakeFiverr: https://www.fiverr.com/iam_wakeLogo and Artwork created by Rita Sus:Instagram: 5small#DeadpoolAndWolverine #MCU #MarvelReview #CognitiveRecalibration #Deadpool3 #Wolverine #HughJackman #RyanReynolds #MovieReview #D23 #RobertDowneyJr #DisneylandJapan #MarvelCameos #FantasticFour #Thunderbolts

🎙 Mickey 17, Snow White, Novocaine & Ne Zha 2 | Sci-Fi, Disney Flops & Action TwistsWe're back with a stacked episode! Sravan and Tarun dive into Bong Joon Ho’s latest sci-fi dark comedy Mickey 17, unpack the controversial Snow White (2025) live-action reboot, spotlight the action-packed rom-com Novocaine, and review China's record-breaking animated sequel Ne Zha 2. Plus, thoughts on what’s coming next: Minecraft, Electric State, and more. 🧠🎥Let us know what you thought of these films in the comments or on socials!Watch episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/eyEhiOt5FCc👇 Timestamps:0:00 – Intro music + welcome0:35 – Mickey 17 Review4:18 – Performances & plot breakdown7:18 – Overall impressions8:49 – Disney’s Snow White: 2025 remake11:40 – Cast critique & CGI dwarves14:55 – Audience reactions & expectations16:21 – Novocaine Review18:54 – Action + dark humor combo21:07 – Ne Zha 2 Review23:32 – Animation & historical fantasy26:00 – Minecraft, Electric State & what’s next28:43 – Outro & how to contact us📲 Follow us: @CognitiveRecalibration on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube📧 Email: CognitiveRecalibrationPodcast@gmail.com🔔 Subscribe & hit the bell icon for more movie breakdowns and discussions!The equipment we use:Rode Podmic: https://amzn.to/2LSeJPbRodecaster Pro: https://amzn.to/3bLykLPRode PSA1 Boom Arm: https://amzn.to/2M0ujIpXLR Cables: https://amzn.to/38QTEOgåIf you want to support this podcast so we can keep producing our content for free consider the following options:Amazon Affiliate Link: https://amzn.to/3gjnw87åBuy us a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/CRecalibrationAcast Supporter: https://supporter.acast.com/cognitive-recalibrationIf you enjoy our content, don't forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode. If you haven't already done so, please give us a review on iTunes or Spotify and help spread the word.If you wish to contact us to ask a question or give us some feedback, please do so via the channels below:Facebook Page: Cognitive RecalibrationInstagram: cognitiverecalibrationTwitter: @CRecalibrationTikTok: @cogrecalCognitive Recalibration theme composed by Esteban:Instagram: iam.wakeFiverr: https://www.fiverr.com/iam_wakeLogo and Artwork created by Rita Sus:Instagram: 5small#mickey17 #bongjoonho #snowwhite2025 #novocaine #nezha2 #robertpattinson #disneyliveaction #moviepodcast #scifimovies #actioncomedy #cognitiverecalibration

Our first movie review of 2025 is here! We finally watched Captain America: Brave New World—but was it worth the wait? We dive into the strengths, weaknesses, action sequences, and Marvel’s future.Is Anthony Mackie a great Captain America?Was Red Hulk worth the hype?Does this movie set up anything important for the MCU?🎧 Tune in for our spoiler-filled breakdown, thoughts on the MCU’s declining hype, and what’s next for Marvel!Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/n3ggn8LX-oo👇 Timestamps:0:00 - Podcast Intro & Welcome Back!0:36 - Our First Review of the Year: Captain America: Brave New World2:03 - Cast & Performances: Anthony Mackie, Harrison Ford, Giancarlo Esposito4:06 - Box Office Performance & Audience Reactions6:22 - Strengths: What Worked in the Movie?9:36 - Action Scenes: Winter Soldier Comparisons & Inconsistencies12:49 - Story Breakdown: Adamantium, Red Hulk & The Leader’s Plan18:39 - Villains & Weak Motivations22:57 - Final Thoughts & The Future of Marvel26:52 - Upcoming Marvel Movies & TV Shows27:51 - How to Get in Touch + Next Podcast Episode📲 Follow us: @CognitiveRecalibration on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube📧 Email: CognitiveRecalibrationPodcast@gmail.com🔔 Subscribe & hit the bell icon for more movie breakdowns and discussions!The equipment we use:Rode Podmic: https://amzn.to/2LSeJPbRodecaster Pro: https://amzn.to/3bLykLPRode PSA1 Boom Arm: https://amzn.to/2M0ujIpXLR Cables: https://amzn.to/38QTEOgåIf you want to support this podcast so we can keep producing our content for free consider the following options:Amazon Affiliate Link: https://amzn.to/3gjnw87åBuy us a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/CRecalibrationAcast Supporter: https://supporter.acast.com/cognitive-recalibrationIf you enjoy our content, don't forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode. If you haven't already done so, please give us a review on iTunes or Spotify and help spread the word.If you wish to contact us to ask a question or give us some feedback, please do so via the channels below:Facebook Page: Cognitive RecalibrationInstagram: cognitiverecalibrationTwitter: @CRecalibrationTikTok: @cogrecalCognitive Recalibration theme composed by Esteban:Instagram: iam.wakeFiverr: https://www.fiverr.com/iam_wakeLogo and Artwork created by Rita Sus:Instagram: 5small#CaptainAmericaBraveNewWorld #MarvelReview #MCU #RedHulk #AnthonyMackie #MarvelPodcast #CognitiveRecalibration #MarvelMovies #SuperheroMovies #MovieReview

We're back in 2025! Sravan and Tarun break down their most anticipated movies and TV shows of the year—including Superman, Fantastic Four, Mortal Kombat 2, Knives Out 3, and Mission Impossible: The Final Reckoning!Which movies are must-watch, and which ones are we skipping? Tune in for a genre-by-genre breakdown and our hottest takes on 2025 cinema!Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/LYlugXflGXgTimestamps:0:00 - Podcast Intro & Welcome Back!0:36 - Late to the Party: Most Anticipated Movies of 20251:54 - Action Genre: Karate Kid, Ballerina & More4:42 - Adventure Picks: Mickey 17, Jurassic World Rebirth, F17:40 - Sci-Fi: Tron Ares, Predator Badlands, Avatar 311:02 - Animation: Zootopia 2, Pixar’s Elio, The Smurfs Movie13:29 - Superhero Movies: Superman, Fantastic Four, Thunderbolts17:25 - Horror: Ryan Coogler’s Sinners, Megan 2.0, The Conjuring 420:06 - Comedies: Happy Gilmore 2, Freaky Friday Sequel22:43 - TV Shows: Stranger Things 5, White Lotus 3, Daredevil27:25 - Final Thoughts: Most Anticipated Picks & Expectations for 202528:17 - How to Get in Touch + Upcoming Reviews🎧 Listen to us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & more!📲 Follow us: @CognitiveRecalibration on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTubeThe equipment we use:Rode Podmic: https://amzn.to/2LSeJPbRodecaster Pro: https://amzn.to/3bLykLPRode PSA1 Boom Arm: https://amzn.to/2M0ujIpXLR Cables: https://amzn.to/38QTEOgåIf you want to support this podcast so we can keep producing our content for free consider the following options:Amazon Affiliate Link: https://amzn.to/3gjnw87åBuy us a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/CRecalibrationAcast Supporter: https://supporter.acast.com/cognitive-recalibrationIf you enjoy our content, don't forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode. If you haven't already done so, please give us a review on iTunes or Spotify and help spread the word.If you wish to contact us to ask a question or give us some feedback, please do so via the channels below:Facebook Page: Cognitive RecalibrationInstagram: cognitiverecalibrationTwitter: @CRecalibrationTikTok: @cogrecalCognitive Recalibration theme composed by Esteban:Instagram: iam.wakeFiverr: https://www.fiverr.com/iam_wakeLogo and Artwork created by Rita Sus:Instagram: 5small#MostAnticipatedMovies2025 #Superman #FantasticFour #MortalKombat2 #JurassicWorldRebirth #MissionImpossible #KnivesOut3 #Pixar #StrangerThings5 #MCU #DCU #MoviePodcast #FilmDiscussion #CognitiveRecalibration

Sravan and Tarun return to discuss Kraven the Hunter—a film that may just be the final installment of Sony’s Spider-Man Universe. Is it a roaring success or a flop? Tune in to hear their thoughts on this “masterpiece”!Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/lY3O4QbceY4Timestamps:0:34 - Introduction to Kraven the Hunter1:02 - Production and Context2:33 - Other Films in the Sony Spider-Man Universe5:16 - The Movie’s Delays and Budget6:15 - Initial Thoughts7:03 - Technical Aspects9:43 - Character Origins and Accuracy14:49 - Spoilers22:31 - Future of Spider-Man Films26:16 - Closing RemarksThe equipment we use:Rode Podmic: https://amzn.to/2LSeJPbRodecaster Pro: https://amzn.to/3bLykLPRode PSA1 Boom Arm: https://amzn.to/2M0ujIpXLR Cables: https://amzn.to/38QTEOgåIf you want to support this podcast so we can keep producing our content for free consider the following options:Amazon Affiliate Link: https://amzn.to/3gjnw87åBuy us a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/CRecalibrationAcast Supporter: https://supporter.acast.com/cognitive-recalibrationIf you enjoy our content, don't forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode. If you haven't already done so, please give us a review on iTunes or Spotify and help spread the word.If you wish to contact us to ask a question or give us some feedback, please do so via the channels below:Facebook Page: Cognitive RecalibrationInstagram: cognitiverecalibrationTwitter: @CRecalibrationTikTok: @cogrecalCognitive Recalibration theme composed by Esteban:Instagram: iam.wakeFiverr: https://www.fiverr.com/iam_wakeLogo and Artwork created by Rita Sus:Instagram: 5small#CognitiveRecalibration #KravenTheHunter #SonySpiderManUniverse #MovieReviewPodcast #MarvelMovies #ComicBookMovies #KravenReview #SpiderManUniverse #AaronTaylorJohnson

Celebrate the holidays with our annual Christmas Special! 🎄 This year, we’ve doubled the fun with four reviews of Christmas-themed films, featuring our special guests. Sravan and Tarun are joined by Bhaskar and Kireeti for a lively discussion about their picks for the best (and maybe the worst!) holiday movies. Tune in for festive fun, film insights, and some heated debates about what makes a Christmas classic.Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/ocLrH7qnWfQChapters0:00 - IntroductionSomething from Tiffany's2:00 - General overview of the movie.6:00 - Notable performances by Zoey Deutch and Kendrick Sampson.11:00 - Key romantic and comedic moments.16:00 - How well it works as a Christmas movie.21:00 - Final thoughts and ratings.Red One25:00 - Initial reactions and overall plot.27:30 - The chemistry between Dwayne Johnson and Chris Evans.33:00 - Best action sequences and holiday-related twists.38:00 - Pros and cons of blending action with Christmas themes.43:00 - Final thoughts on whether it’s worth adding to your holiday watchlist.Christmas at Mistletoe Farm44:00 - Story overview and family-oriented themes.47:00 - Fun moments with the kids and animals.50:00 - Holiday spirit and setting in the countryside.54:00 - Verdict: A good pick for family movie night?Home Alone58:00 - Celebrating the classic: Why it still resonates.1:00:30 - Kevin’s ingenious traps and their impact on audiences.1:05:00 - How Home Alone captures the magic of Christmas.1:09:00 - Iconic scenes and lines that remain unforgettable.1:12:00 - Wrapping up: Why it’s the ultimate holiday movie.The equipment we use:Rode Podmic: https://amzn.to/2LSeJPbRodecaster Pro: https://amzn.to/3bLykLPRode PSA1 Boom Arm: https://amzn.to/2M0ujIpXLR Cables: https://amzn.to/38QTEOgåIf you want to support this podcast so we can keep producing our content for free consider the following options:Amazon Affiliate Link: https://amzn.to/3gjnw87åBuy us a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/CRecalibrationAcast Supporter: https://supporter.acast.com/cognitive-recalibrationIf you enjoy our content, don't forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode. If you haven't already done so, please give us a review on iTunes or Spotify and help spread the word.If you wish to contact us to ask a question or give us some feedback, please do so via the channels below:Facebook Page: Cognitive RecalibrationInstagram: cognitiverecalibrationTwitter: @CRecalibrationTikTok: @cogrecalCognitive Recalibration theme composed by Esteban:Instagram: iam.wakeFiverr: https://www.fiverr.com/iam_wakeLogo and Artwork created by Rita Sus:Instagram: 5small#ChristmasPodcast #HolidayMovies #ChristmasMovies #FilmDiscussion #MoviePodcast #PodcastSpecial #HolidayFun #CognitiveRecalibration

Joker: Folie à Deux – Did it live up to the hype? 🎬 With Joaquin Phoenix returning and Lady Gaga stepping into Harley Quinn's shoes, this sequel took an unexpected twist into musical territory. Sravan and Taran break down what worked (hint: not much) and what didn’t (hint: almost everything). Is it worth a watch? Find out in our full review! 🎧 Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/uDr5_PPIBakChapters0:35 - Introduction to Joker: Folie à Deux1:38 - Joaquin Phoenix & Lady Gaga in Joker 22:14 - Musical Genre Discussion & Initial Thoughts3:29 - Lack of Story & Plot Issues5:09 - Comparing to the First Joker6:22 - Character Arcs and Story Elements7:31 - Harley Quinn's Role and Character Arc8:05 - Audience Reception & Expectations9:35 - Cinematic Qualities and Box Office Performance10:23 - Plot Breakdown & Surprises15:52 - Spoiler Alert: Harley Quinn's Role in the Film18:04 - The Nature of Elseworlds Stories21:59 - Conclusion and Future ProspectsThe equipment we use:Rode Podmic: https://amzn.to/2LSeJPbRodecaster Pro: https://amzn.to/3bLykLPRode PSA1 Boom Arm: https://amzn.to/2M0ujIpXLR Cables: https://amzn.to/38QTEOgåIf you want to support this podcast so we can keep producing our content for free consider the following options:Amazon Affiliate Link: https://amzn.to/3gjnw87åBuy us a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/CRecalibrationAcast Supporter: https://supporter.acast.com/cognitive-recalibrationIf you enjoy our content, don't forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode. If you haven't already done so, please give us a review on iTunes or Spotify and help spread the word.If you wish to contact us to ask a question or give us some feedback, please do so via the channels below:Facebook Page: Cognitive RecalibrationInstagram: cognitiverecalibrationTwitter: @CRecalibrationTikTok: @cogrecalCognitive Recalibration theme composed by Esteban:Instagram: iam.wakeFiverr: https://www.fiverr.com/iam_wakeLogo and Artwork created by Rita Sus:Instagram: 5small#JokerFolieADeux #Joker2 #FolieADeux #JoaquinPhoenix #LadyGaga #DCFilms

In this episode, we are joined by special guest Bhaskar to analyze Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire. We explore the cinematic history of Godzilla and Kong before diving into the character dynamics and narrative depth of the latest film. We also review the latest instalment in the Ghostbusters franchise Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire.Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/TGzGiywJ-CkChapters0:00 Video Production Success1:53 IntroductionGodzilla x Kong: The New Empire Review 6:26 Box Office Success and Franchise Evolution17:57 Comparison of Godzilla Movies25:42 Kong's Hollow Earth Journey26:36 Human Characters and Communication34:01 Collaboration of Titans40:04 Hollow Earth Discoveries and Kong's Encounter45:35 Human Characters in Hollow Earth47:10 Kong's Battle in Hollow Earth49:38 Eevee Tribe Telepathic Communication56:45 Mothra's Return and Peace Signal1:03:18 Finale: Kong's Heroic ActGhostbusters: Frozen Empire1:12:06 Thoughts on the movie1:14:21 McKenna Grace and Paul Rudd1:16:19 Casting and Character Development AnalysisWrapping Up1:28:37 Marvel Cinematic Universe Reflections1:33:09 Audience ReceptionThe equipment we use:Rode Podmic: https://amzn.to/2LSeJPbRodecaster Pro: https://amzn.to/3bLykLPRode PSA1 Boom Arm: https://amzn.to/2M0ujIpXLR Cables: https://amzn.to/38QTEOgåIf you want to support this podcast so we can keep producing our content for free consider the following options:Amazon Affiliate Link: https://amzn.to/3gjnw87åBuy us a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/CRecalibrationAcast Supporter: https://supporter.acast.com/cognitive-recalibrationIf you enjoy our content, don't forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode. If you haven't already done so, please give us a review on iTunes or Spotify and help spread the word.If you wish to contact us to ask a question or give us some feedback, please do so via the channels below:Facebook Page: Cognitive RecalibrationInstagram: cognitiverecalibrationTwitter: @CRecalibrationTikTok: @cogrecalCognitive Recalibration theme composed by Esteban:Instagram: iam.wakeFiverr: https://www.fiverr.com/iam_wakeLogo and Artwork created by Rita Sus:Instagram: 5small