Sure Look, Sure Listen

On this episode of Sure Look, Sure Listen, we take a look at the dodgy world of Irish coding your villains and characters in Fantasy settings, starting with the booming popularity of Sarah J. Maas's A Court of Thorns and Roses, or as Ben calls it; fairy smut. We take a look at the problematic way in which the author bases her fictional worlds of Hybern and Prythian on real Irish and British History and Geography. This in itself isn't bad but the framing of Irish coded characters as savage and ruddy feels like a clear call back to the grim old days of rampant Hibernophobia, Paddywhackery and Stage Irishness.This leads into a discussion of a few dodgy representations of Irishness in Fantasy settings, including the Harfoots in Rings of Power and Mad Sweeney in American Gods.Following that, Mick reviews the inexplicably real Rings of Power season 2 and gives a masterclass in rolling your R's. We also take a look at Halle Berry's latest horror flick, where a rope is the main character in Never Let Go. Finally, we wrap up with a look at Sonic 3's trailer, and do a quick deep dive into Doctor Robotnik's rocky coming to America.[00:00] Introduction and Podcast Banter[01:56] Give us a Review[04:20] Collecting Issues: Comic Book Club Announcement[06:33] Substack Announcement[08:08] Discussion on Fairy Smut and Irish Representation[10:34] Critique of Sarah J. Maas's Depictions[30:23] Historical Context and Hibernophobia[32:37] Stage Irishness and Cultural Stereotypes[37:30] Mad Sweeney's Expanded Role in American Gods[38:56] Irishness of Gods in American Gods[41:25] H.P. Lovecraft's Racism Towards the Irish[49:26] Rings of Power: A Critique01:01:53 Never Let Go: A New Horror Concept[01:05:23] Sonic 3: The Unexpected Success[01:12:49] Wrapping Up Give us a follow, or get in touch!:Hop Up On That Discord Baby!TiktokInstagramGmail

n this episode of Sure Look, Sure Listen the hosts dive into a nostalgic review of the 1998 action horror film 'Blade', exploring its impact on vampire media and its place in 90s pop culture. They shift gears to discuss the riveting second season of AMC's 'Interview with the Vampire', noting its skilful use of unreliable narration and rich period details. The episode rounds out with a look at new and upcoming trailers, including 'Y2K', 'Secret Levels', and the worlds quickest trailer reaction to 'The War of the Rohirrim', promising lots of exciting content for fans of various genres.[00:00] Welcome to Sure Look, Sure Listen[00:25] Pop Culture Catchphrases and Trailers[01:56] Classic Episode: Exhuming Blade (1998)[02:28] Listener Engagement and Reviews[04:13] Blade: Cast and Characters[09:33] Blade's Cinematic Impact and Aesthetic[24:36] Plot Breakdown and MacGuffins[37:15] Gen X Vampires and Horror Elements[38:19] Memorable Scenes and Characters[40:29] Martial Arts and Practical Effects[42:48] Pearl the Data Vampire[44:02] Plot Holes and Gen X Coolness[52:17] Buddhism and Blade's Inspirations[54:46] Interview with the Vampire Series[01:02:23] Y2K Horror and Nostalgia[01:06:51] Secret Levels and Space Marines[01:09:32] Wrapping Up and Next Week's TeaserGive us a follow, or get in touch!:Hop Up On That Discord Baby!TiktokInstagramGmail

Alien Romulus, Bubblegum Dystopias, and More!Join hosts Mick and Ben on this week's episode of the 'Sure Look, Sure Listen' podcast as they explore the concept of 'Bubblegum Dystopia' and its origins. Bubblegum Dystopia refers to a society that is polished and pleasing on the outside but has dark, insidious undertones. Examples discussed include films like 'Blade Runner,' the novel 'Brave New World,' and the modern TV series 'WandaVision.' The hosts also touch on real-life embodiments of this concept, such as Disneyland. Then they review the newly released 'Alien Romulus,' and discuss 'Rebel Moon - the Extended Cut.' Then we're all shocked to discover that Kraven is somehow still a thing.[00:00] Please Review Us[02:01] Exploring Bubblegum Dystopia[03:26] The Victorian Era: Whimsy and Reality[04:21] Terry Gilliam's Zero Theorem[11:15] Disneyland: A Real-Life Bubblegum Dystopia?[15:02] Blade Runner and Bubblegum Dystopia[19:07] Brave New World: The Original Bubblegum Dystopia[26:44] The Truman Show: A Modern Bubblegum Dystopia[32:50] WandaVision: A Supernatural Bubblegum Dystopia[35:30] Barbie: A Bubblegum Dystopia in Pastel[38:40] Alien Romulus: First Impressions[38:54] Spoiler-Free Review[39:37] Classic Filmmaking Techniques[41:33] Space Mystery Genre[44:37 ]Act Breakdown and Analysis[45:51] Practical Effects and Lighting[47:15] Character Decisions and Plot Twists[51:13] Full Spoilers Review of Alien Romulus[59:57] Posthumous Cameos and Ethical Questions[01:02:52] Rebel Moon Director's Cut Review[01:08:43] Craven the Hunter Trailer ReactionGive us a follow, or get in touch!:Hop Up On That Discord Baby!TiktokInstagramGmail

In this episode, Mick and Ben take a look at what makes an X-Files episode quintessential. They start with the spooky pilot episode, which probably could have been named 'Evil Forest,' move onto the terrifying 'Squeeze,' discuss the almost-bottle episode 'Ice,' explore 'Clyde Bruckman's Final Repose,' and conclude with the more comedic 'Jose Chung's From Outer Space.' The discussion also includes their thoughts on recent pop culture news from Disney's D23 event, including the first decent look at Daredevil Born Again, the collapse of the Borderlands movie, and much, much more.[00:00] Episode Intro and Running order[01:32] Listener Engagement and Podcast Relevance (or lack thereof)[03:45] The Quintessential X Files Episodes[06:10] Chemistry and Raw Human Fear in X Files[12:38] Government Conspiracies and Law Enforcement in X-Files[15:58] The Pilot Episode[21:44] Squeeze: The Horror of Eugene Victor Tooms[29:09] Ice: Arctic Paranoia[33:44] Clive Brookman's Final Repose[35:51] Mid-90s Sci-Fi Nostalgia[37:21] Mulder and Scully's Evolving Relationship[38:52] Clyde Brookman's Tragic End[42:00] Jose Chung's From Outer Space[47:01] Fan Recommendations and Shoutouts[51:47] Disney's D23 Announcements[51:57] Borderlands Movie Review[59:05] Daredevil Born Again[01:04:04] Stephen King's The MonkeyGive us a follow, or get in touch!:Hop Up On That Discord Baby!TiktokInstagramGmail

Deadpool and Wolverine: Comic Con Unleashed & Pop Culture Explosion!Join Michael and Benjamin on the 'Sure Look Sure Listen' podcast as they dive into the latest pop culture news from San Diego's Comic Con, including casting announcements, trailer releases, and shocking returns. They review the highly anticipated Deadpool and Wolverine film with no-spoilers and spoilers sections, and share insights on Marvel, DC's latest flops, and comic book history. Tune in for a fun-filled episode of humour, nostalgia, and a deep love for pop culture![00:00:37] Comic Con Highlights and Trailers[00:01:25] Deadpool and Wolverine Review[00:02:25] Michael's Movie Marathon[00:04:56] Marvel's Big Announcements[00:19:17] Creature Commandos and DC News[00:25:44] Rings of Power Season 2[00:28:56] Rebel Moon Director's Cut[00:32:01] Deadpool and Wolverine Box Office Success[00:36:03] Ryan Reynolds' Persona and Self-Deprecation[00:36:41] Deadpool as a Marvel Parody[00:37:17] Film Critic's Review of Deadpool[00:38:26] Deadpool's Plot and Character Analysis[00:39:37] A Spectacle for Comic Book Fans[00:40:43] Reflecting on Marvel's Journey[00:46:44] The Cameo Extravaganza[01:00:21] Deadpool's Comic Origins and Evolution[01:14:34] Conclusion and Upcoming TopicsGive us a follow, or get in touch!:Hop Up On That Discord Baby!TiktokInstagramGmail

In this episode of the Sure Look Sure Listen podcast, Mick and Ben take a look at the latest Neil Gaiman news and the shocking allegations that have emerged, discussing their impact on his adaptations and legacy. They explore the bizarre internet phenomenon of Skibidi Toilet, examining its origins and why it's capturing Gen Alpha's attention. The hosts then discuss the backlash against the latest season of The Boys, debating whether the show has gone too far with its shock value. Mick shares his thoughts on the movies "Abigail" and "Furiosa," highlighting their unique elements and Irish connections. Finally, they debate the prevalence of dystopian vs. utopian narratives in media, pondering what these trends reveal about our society.Time Stamps:[00:00:00] Introduction[00:00:24] Neil Gaiman News[00:03:16] Neil Gaiman Allegations[00:10:46] Skibidi Toilet Phenomenon[00:19:12] Moral Panic Over Skibidi Toilet[00:24:01] The Boys Season Review[00:27:05] Controversial Episode Discussion[00:35:23] Viewer Backlash[00:37:01] Mick’s Movie Reviews: Abigail & Furiosa[00:49:39] Furiosa Review Continued[00:53:06] Utopian vs. Dystopian NarrativesGive us a follow, or get in touch!:Hop Up On That Discord Baby!TiktokInstagramGmail

Welcome back to the "Sure Look Sure Listen" podcast, your go-to source for all things pop culture. In this episode, we get lost in an ocean of upcoming releases and exciting trailers. We kick things off with a discussion about the intriguing new trailer for "Here," a film from the director of Back to the Future, and explore its unique concept spanning various time periods. Hugh Grant's playing the role he was born for as a creepy serial killer in "Heretic" has us excited, and we break down the unsettling trailer. Hellboy fans, rejoice (or weep?)! We delve into the latest reboot, "Hellboy: The Crooked Man," and its return to the dark, horror-infused roots of the comics from Mike Mignola and Richard Corben. The surprising news of Kite Man getting his own TV show sparks a lively discussion about this once-joke character from the Batman universe and his evolution. We then dissect the "Batman Caped Crusader" trailer, highlighting its return to the noir roots of Batman with a twist of monstrous villains. The epic showdown between Wolverine and Sabretooth in the upcoming "Deadpool 3" movie promises to be thrilling, and we share our thoughts on this highly anticipated clash. Finally we navigate through the latest in DC villains to grace our screens and beyond. Don't forget to rate, review, and subscribe!Time Stamps:[00:00:00] Introduction[00:00:26] Here[00:11:16] Heretic[00:16:23] Hellboy: The Crooked Man[00:29:45] Kite Man Spin-Off[00:41:56] Wolverine vs Sabretooth[00:45:07] Batman Caped Crusader[00:58:36] SUMMER OF THE VILLAIN BABY!Give us a follow, or get in touch!:Hop Up On That Discord Baby!TiktokInstagramGmail

Welcome back to "Sure Look, Sure Listen," Join us as we dive into the trailers and reviews of some of the most anticipated horror films and shows of the season.First up, we discuss the spine-chilling trailer for "Smile 2." This sequel promises even more terrifying smiles, this time targeting the pop sensation Lady Gaga. We share our thoughts on the creep factor and what makes a simple smile so unsettling.Next, we take a look at "The Beast Within" starring Kit Harington and James Cosmo. This domestic horror thriller blurs the lines between supernatural terror and real-life fears. Is it a metaphor for domestic abuse, or something even darker? We also delve into the trailer for Robert Eggers' "Nosferatu." With a stellar cast including Bill Skarsgård and Nicholas Hoult, this reimagining of the classic vampire tale promises to strip away any romanticism and plunge us into pure, eerie horror.In "The Front Room," Brandy makes a return to the screen in this A24 horror film about the unsettling dynamics of family and the intrusion of a terrifying mother-in-law. We discuss the Catholic imagery and the psychological horror elements that make this a must-watch.Then, we review "The Writer #1," a new comic from Dark Horse Comics co-written by Josh Gad. Mixing Jewish folklore with Lovecraftian horror, this comic offers a a bizarre and somewhat tone-deaf take on the supernatural genre.For our TV segment, we break down "The Boys" Season 4, Episode 4. From Homelander's escalating menace to the gritty, real-world political allegories, we analyse what makes this episode stand out and why it’s causing such a stir among fans.Lastly, we explore the concept of "Hell is Other People" in horror. From "Smile" to "The Front Room," we discuss how mundane horrors and the terror of everyday relationships are portrayed in modern horror media.Timestamps: [00:00:00] Introduction[00:00:45] Smile 2: Lady Gaga's Turn[00:07:30] The Beast Within: A Look at Domestic Horror[00:12:05] Nosferatu: Robert Eggers' New Masterpiece[00:25:09] The Front Room: A24's Latest Horror[00:33:41] The Writer #1 Comic Review[00:40:37] The Boys Season 4, Episode 4 Review[00:56:00] The Horror of the MundaneGive us a follow, or get in touch!:Hop Up On That Discord Baby!TiktokInstagramGmail