The MacGuffin

Spencer and Greg give their DVD rundown for May 7th, 2013. In this episode they discuss Jack Reacher, Fringe, Superman: Unbound and Mama.

Two days into CinemaCon—the convention formerly known as ShoWest—the studio presentations have been full of action and surprises. CinemaCon is the yearly convention for the National Association of Theater Owners, but it has also become a platform for the major studios to showcase their upcoming lineups. I’m going to give a taste of the sights and sounds, but try to keep as much of the mystery box intact as possible.

In honor of the release of Jack the Giant Slayer, Spencer and Greg discuss fairy tale movies.

In honor of the release of Mama, Spencer and Greg discuss Jessica Chastain.

The notion of “presenting” a film has become an easy way for studios to market films based on their producers rather than selling the production itself…and tends to be more of a warning sign for the viewer. I was willing to overlook this concern for Mama because I really like Guillermo del Toro, and he does have a track record of attaching himself to some good films. Additionally, Jessica Chastain has had a great track record for picking projects the last few years. But, sometimes it is best to judge a book by its cover.

In honor of the release of Gangster Squad, Spencer and Greg discuss Josh Brolin.

Spencer is joined by Nick Ahlers (The MacGuffin, The Grapes of Rad).

Segments include: Review How To Train Your Dragon Live Spectacular, Trailer Roundup, the News at 5 and a discussion about holiday traditions.

It’s been a good year in animated film. The trend continues with Rise of the Guardians. DreamWorks has really stepped up their game in the last few years, following the successes of How to Train Your Dragon (2010) and the Kung Fu Panda series. Once again, they have given us a solid outing, with an adaptation of the children’s book by William Joyce. Written for the screen by David Lindsay-Abaire and directed by Peter Ramsey, this is a fantastical adventure that encompasses many magical realms and provides fresh perspectives to age-old legends and myths. As a movie geared for the entire family, this fires on all cylinders, from the exquisitely detailed animation to the thought-out character development. This one will entertain people of all ages; if given the chance, it will come as a pleasant surprise.

Spencer is joined by Nick Ahlers (Planned Brotherhood, The MacGuffin) and Brandon Jerwa (Shooters, BJ Shea’s Geek Nation).

The News at 5:
1. Volunteer Ninjas (http://bit.ly/Nq0D1L)
2. Lindsay Lohan (http://bit.ly/Pkd9wg)
3. Entourage Movie (http://bit.ly/SESVnx)
4. Pacific Rim 3D (http://bit.ly/SF3c3h)
5. Bacon Number (http://bit.ly/PeCWba)

Additionally, we introduce new segments ‘Film Focus’, ‘Where in the world is…’ and ‘That’s still on?’. And we wrap up the episode with our brand new game, ‘The Blame Game.’

Links:
Vote for The MacGuffin as the ‘best local podcast’ (http://bit.ly/rndvi3)
Churchkey Beer (http://www.ChurchkeyCanCo.com)
Twitter.com/Jerwa
Shooters – http://amzn.to/P5BZ5r
http://www.BJGeekNation.com
Facebook.com/BJGeekNation
Twitter.com/BJGeekNation
Twitter.com/PlannedBrohood

Spencer and Greg give their DVD rundown for May 1st, 2012. In this episode they discuss Haywire, Suits: Season One, and Mimic.