SMART-POPcast Episode 4

For Episode 4, we're pleased to introduce yet another new voice: Mitch, a.k.a. Nikcon on the forums (and Numbers elsewhere).  He's with us today representing the many fans of the cult fave show, Firefly, of which Serenity is based.

Now you can listen to the podcast directly from SMART-POPCORN.com...  Just click the "Listen" button to spawn a Flash-based podcast player at the top of your browser, and continue surfing the site at your leisure. A note to MySpace listeners: this effectively makes our MySpace Music account obsolete.  All other means of listening (direct downloads, iTunes/RSS subscription) are still available.  If you wish, you can also listen to all podcasts in one go.

Cast: Thom Stricklin, Sarah "Reel Monkey" Bonilla, Ray "Macabre Stalker" Bonilla, Mitch "Nikcon" Goossen

Topics:

• Movie Review: Serenity
• Sarah digs Capt. Malcolm Reynolds (Nathan Fillion) and his Harrison Ford-esque traits.  He has insecurities and flaws that make him a compelling character.
• River, the "living weapon" girl, is as badass as they come...  in concept.  Sarah believes she's miscast (Summer Glau).
• Thom walked out not simply "wowed", but deeply & thoroughly impressed.
• Serenity is not at all a by-the-numbers space romp.  Both good guys and bad guys break from expectations.
• It's great to see Chiwetel Ejiofor play the bad guy, an Alliance Operative.  (If you don't know who he is, see Dirty Pretty Things!)
• Thom was honestly afraid nobody would survive the film...  and he liked that amount of suspense.
• Ray thinks Joss Whedon, the cast, and the fans all deserve the enthusiasm Serenity is generating.  The film gives us a rich, well-thought sci-fi story, not necessarily original, but masterfully amalgamated from past sci-fi greats and Whedon's own palette.
• As a "browncoat" fan, Mitch is intrigued by the points raised about Sheppard Book, as well as the big secret about the Reavers.
• Mitch can't offer enough "thumbs up" for the film to express his satisfaction--and everyone else offers their own thumbs to the count.
• Movie Review: An Unfinished Life
• Thom walked into the movie blind, but came out completely fulfilled.
• This is one of Robert Redford's best performances, and newcomer Becca Gardner shines.
• An Unfinished Life is a story about forgiveness, and it beautifully captures so many feelings in simple--but not oversimplified--terms.
• Sarah thinks this may be the best drama of the year.
• Her favorite parts were the interactions betwee Einar (Redford) and Mitch (Morgan Freeman).
• Cinematographer Oliver Stapleton has outdone himself, and director Lass Halstrom has returned to form.
• Ray seconds what Thom and Sarah think, and everyone agrees...  This is one of the year's best.
• Thom's News in Briefs: The Weinstein Company
• Bob and Harvey Weinstein seek $1 billion as they roll out their new production company, but everyone seems to be rallying against their success...  why?
• Open Discussion
• Rest in piece, Don Adams.
• Grace and Church as Venom and Sandman in Spider-Man 3?