Discerning Geeks Portal

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Discerning Geeks Portal is a gateway into the exploration of all things geek: Star Wars, Star Trek, Marvel, ‘80s movies, TV, and more. Dave, Todd, Andruw, and Preston, take a discerning look into the world of geek fandom. We care about intriguing storytelling, compelling characters, and thought-provoking themes, but we also love action, special effects, and comedy. We break down the positives, negatives, and mixed feelings about everything we cover. Step through the portal with us for fun and analytical discussions about geek culture, for fans, by fans.

#86 in the Top 100 Indie tv & film Monthly chart

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What is Discerning Geeks Portal about?

The Discerning Geeks Portal is a podcast that reviews movies, TV shows, and sometimes more. We tend to lean toward sci-fi, fantasy, and superhero movies from the ‘80s to now, but we’ve also reviewed TV shows, horror, comedies, Christmas movies, a western, a web series, a TV movie from the 1970s, and the movie edit of a video game’s cut scenes. We cover whatever we feel makes each of us our own unique geek. And, we’re not here to give everything we review a zero or 10 out of 10, because nothing is ever 100% perfect or 100% terrible. We break down all the positives & negatives, giving the listener a fair & thorough assessment of a movie’s or TV show’s appeals & flaws from a variety of points of view.

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Top 10 Discerning Geeks Portal Episodes

Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best Discerning Geeks Portal episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to Discerning Geeks Portal for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite Discerning Geeks Portal episode by adding your comments to the episode page.

#111 - Special Recap - Dragon Con 2022

Discerning Geeks Portal

09/27/22 • 52 min

This week is a special episode as we recap Dragon Con 2022, the 11th for Todd and the *1st* for Dave and Andruw.

What did Todd do Thursday night and Friday before Dave and Andruw got there on Saturday?

What TV show premiere tempted Todd away from some Thursday night Dragon Con programming?

What unexpected medical situation kept Dave and Andruw from arriving Friday as planned?

The guys went to a few panels on game mastering for role playing games? Is Todd finally ready to game master yet?

Why does Todd like the Dragon Con parade so much?

What were some of the notable cosplay designs this year?

What is the deal with the Marriott carpet?

Which surprise guests were added to the con very last minute?

What were each co-host's top three things about Dragon Con this year?

Which actor of a popular streaming TV show did Andruw get to talk to and get a photo with in the Walk of Fame?

And, do Dave and Andruw want to go to Dragon Con again next year?

Listen now to find out the answers to these and other questions as we take a discerning look back to this year's...Dragon Con.

For more information about Dragon Con, check out dragoncon.org.

You can contact us at...

E-Mail: [email protected]

Twitter: @DiscerningGeeks

Facebook: Discerning Geeks Portal

Link Tree: linktr.ee/discerninggeeks

Please rate or review us wherever you listen to podcasts. Give us 5 stars if you love us, 4 stars if you hate us. The other stars do not work.

Public domain music used in the episode includes...

Intro: "that-funk-show-20691" by Alex Golubiev ("Stock_Studio") via pixabay.com

Outro: "hip-hop-funk-5386" by John Yasut ("John_Sib") via pixabay.com

3 Listeners

#112 - Showdown #02 - Oblivion Vs. After Earth

Discerning Geeks Portal

10/04/22 • 66 min

Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the main event: The 2nd Discerning Geeks Portal...Showdown!

In the New York corner... Originating from the year 2077... Starring Tom Cruise and Morgan Freeman... Capable of delivering character development and multiple plot twists... Specializing in automated weaponry, hydroelectric energy, cool aircraft, and foldable motorcycles... It's the sci-fi thriller known as..."OBLIVION!"

In the Primal Forest corner... Originating from at least 1000 years in the future... Starring Will Smith and Jaden Smith... Capable of capitalizing on star power and nepotism... Specializing in backpack gadgets, a glider suit, insectoid aliens, and giant semi-intelligent birds of prey... It's the father-son experiment known as..."AFTER EARTH!"

Your judges are "experts" in post-apocalyptic Earth movies...

Dave...the Moon Crusher

Todd...the Scorched-Earth Scavenger

Andruw...the Nuclear Option

Tonight's match is scheduled for seven rounds of cinematic & cataclysmic debate!

"Oblivion" vs. "After Earth!!!" Which movie will rise from the ashes, and which movie will just be history?

Let's get ready to RUMBLE!!!

Ring the fight bell! Let the showdown begin!

You can contact us at...

E-Mail: [email protected]

Twitter: @DiscerningGeeks

Facebook: Discerning Geeks Portal

Link Tree: linktr.ee/discerninggeeks

Please rate or review us wherever you listen to podcasts. Give us 5 stars if you love us, 4 stars if you hate us. The other stars do not work.

Public domain music used in the episode includes...

Intro/Outro: "Spec Ops" by Rafael Krux via FreePD.com

Lightning Round Clock: "drone-space-main-9706" by Zakhar Valaha ("Daddy_s_Music") via Pixabay.com

3 Listeners

#132 - Movie Review - Highlander

Discerning Geeks Portal

06/03/23 • 84 min

This week we review the classic 1986 fantasy film, "Highlander."

In what ways does the opening scene of this movie have significance in 1980s wrestling, including the backstories of eventually-famous Hulk Hogan and Vince McMahon Jr.? And, which Geek is the one to know about it (this should be an easy one)?

Which Geek noticed something dirty in Connor MacLeod's apartment?

What do the Geeks feel about the look, tone, cult status, and 1980s-ness of the movie?

Which Geek compared this movie's cult status and resurgence to that of "Killer Klowns From Outer Space," which the Geeks reviewed in episode #020 (still one of this podcast's best episodes -- and remastered, slightly, a few months ago; give it a listen)?

Could the Geeks make it 20 minutes into the podcast before mentioning the soundtrack by famous British band, Queen?

How much did opinions vary about the acting in the movie? Were any performances described as a "block of wood"? Which character was over-the-top for one or more of the Geeks?

Which actors were allegedly intoxicated sometimes during filming?

How was the sword fighting in this movie compared to lightsaber duels in Star Wars?

What do the Geeks think about the basic premise of the movie?

What did the Geeks have to say about "Highlander II: The Quickening," regarded as one of the worst movies of all time?

Which Geeks were fans of the Highlander TV show, featuring Connor's distant cousin, Duncan?

How does the ending of this movie make the continuation of a franchise problematic?

And, when "Best MCU Phase 1 Movie" was rolled as an upcoming topic, which Geek assumed the obvious answer would be "The Avengers," and did another Geek imply opinions on that topic might not be so obvious?

Listen now for the answers to these and other timeless, ageless, immortal questions, as There Can Be Only One...review...of..."Highlander."

You can contact us at...

E-Mail: [email protected]

Facebook: #DiscerningGeeksPortal

Twitter: @discerninggeeks

Please rate or review us wherever you listen to podcasts.

2 Listeners

#102 - Showdown #01 - Volcano Vs. Dante's Peak

Discerning Geeks Portal

07/05/22 • 89 min

Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the main event: The first Discerning Geeks Portal...Showdown!

In the Washington corner... Coming out of long-term retirement and hailing from a fictional town... Weighing too much to measure...but capable of spewing thousands of tons of carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, lava, and pyroclastic material... Specializing in acid lakes...and known, in the ring, as: "Lady Killer!!!" It's the heavyweight veteran of the ring..."DANTE'S...PEAK!!!"

And, in the California corner...a newcomer to the league... Weighing an indiscriminate tonnage and hailing from downtown Los Angeles... Specializing in stealth, street fighting, and underground fighting! You might want to refer to it as the "Lava Bomber!" But, until the last moment of the movie, it prefers to be known simply as..."VOLCANO!!!"

Your judges are "experts" in the field of cinematic vulcanology...

Dave...The Dacite Dictator!!!

Todd...The Tectonic Tyrant!!!

Andruw...The Ash & Acid Assassin!!!

Tonight's match is scheduled for 10 rounds of cinematic & pyroclastic debate! Nine of these rounds will be worth one point each! One round will be worth negative one point!

"Volcano" Vs. "Dante's Peak!!!" Which movie will be the volcanic victor, and which movie will suffer the deformation of defeat?

Let's get ready to RUMBLE...and run from lava.

Ring the fight bell! Let the showdown begin!

You can contact us at...

E-Mail: [email protected]

Twitter: @DiscerningGeeks

Facebook: Discerning Geeks Portal

Link Tree: linktr.ee/discerninggeeks

Please rate or review us wherever you listen to podcasts. Give us 5 stars if you love us, 4 stars if you hate us. The other stars do not work.

Public domain music used in the episode includes...

Intro/Outro: "The Enemy" by Alexander Nakarada via FreePD.com

Brought To You By: "Vintage Party" by Rafael Krux via FreePD.com

Lightning Round Clock: "cinematic-dramatic-11120" by AleXZavesa via Pixabay.com

Portal (Upcoming Topic): "Anchors Aweigh" by The Department of Defense via Archive.org

2 Listeners

#152 - Movie Review - Batman Returns

Discerning Geeks Portal

12/23/23 • 93 min

Concluding our run of Christmas movies, we review the 1992 superhero sequel, "Batman Returns," which maybe should be renamed "The Penguin & Catwoman: Featuring Batman."

Did two of the Geeks possibly see this movie together during its 1992 theatrical run?

Which Geek, as a teenager, was on the local news for his out-of-the-theater reaction to the movie, and did he give hard-hitting, discerning commentary, or did he boil his review down to how Michelle Pfeiffer looked in the catsuit?

Was there a consensus on this movie, or were opinions split?

More specifically, did anyone like this movie's version of the Penguin character?

How much influence, if any, did this version of the Penguin have on the character in other mediums?

What impressive physical feat did Michelle Pfeiffer achieve during the shooting of one Catwoman scene?

Which comparison was made between the Catwoman and Seven-Of-Nine from "Star Trek: Voyager"?

Did the Penguin, Catwoman, or both together, overshadow Batman in his own movie?

Which Geek had significant complaints about the movie not making sense?

What comment about comic book logic led to a bit of trivia about the "Deadpool Meat Dimension" from Marvel Comics?

How much did the Penguin and Catwoman in this movie both deviate from their comic book origins?

Which Geek had...quite a bit...to say about the sequence in which the Penguin gains control over the Batmobile?

What nitpicks & logic flaws were brought up involving the Batsuit?

What were the Geeks' various opinions about this movie's depiction of Gotham City, the relationship between Bruce and Selina, and Max Shreck as the movie's 3rd (but possibly best) villain?

How did discussion about the Bruce/Selina relationship lead one Geek to reminisce about dating life in high school?

What subplot in this movie reminded one or two, maybe all three, Geeks about real-life politics and not in a good way?

Which Geek particularly liked the last moment of the movie?

In what way is a prehistoric caveman superhero an important precursor to all of DC's heroes & villains with special powers or optimal human traits?

Was there consensus on whether this movie truly qualifies as a Christmas movie?

Was there consensus on whether "Batman Returns" is better or worse than "Black Adam"?

And, what three season 4 topics were randomly rolled (two offline) for future episodes? Did Preston finally get one of his selections picked?

Listen now for the answers to these and other vigilant questions as the Geeks review, "Batman Returns."

Check out our previous Christmas-themed episodes...

#026 - Gremlins

#028 - Muppet Christmas Carol

#034 to #036 - Christmas-Themed Dungeons & Dragons One-Shot Radio Play, Parts 1 to 3

#080 - The Man That Invented Christmas

#081 - Klaus

#082 - Home Alone

#083 - Children of Men

#115 - Whatcha' Doin' December 2022 Catch-Up

#149 - National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation

#150 - Violent Night

#151 - The Santa Clause

And, check out our other reviews of movies based on DC Comics characters...

#003 - Batman

#089 - Batman Begins

#116 - Black Adam

#145 - Shazam

#146 - Wonder Woman

Are there movies, TV shows, or other topics you'd like us to explore in season 4? Let us know.

You can contact us at...

E-Mail: [email protected]

Facebook: #DiscerningGeeksPortal

Twitter (X): @discerninggeeks

Please rate or review us wherever you listen to podcasts.

2 Listeners

#110 - The Road to Killer Klowns - A Tribute to Dave Teague

Discerning Geeks Portal

09/21/22 • 108 min

Happy David Teague Day! :) We declare September 21 to be a new holiday, based on the birthday of our friend and co-host, David Teague, who we lost back in March 2022. In the early days of the podcast, Dave would persistently request that we review the sci-fi/horror/comedy B-movie, "Killer Klowns From Outer Space." Eventually, we caved in and reviewed it in episode #020. In honor and memory of Dave on his birthday, this episode contains all the clips of Dave's requests for Killer Klowns, followed by a slightly abridged version of episode #020 itself.

To celebrate David Teague Day, do any one or more of the following... Watch a bad movie (on purpose), go to a movie, talk about a movie with your friends, play a game, read a Star Wars book, read any book, enjoy history, enjoy nature, go to the beach or at least think about the beach, play the main theme to Star Wars as you cross a state/county/city border, write something, sketch something, make something with your hands, be silly, be smart, be different, be happy, make someone happy, or just...be nice.

...And, listen to this episode, of course. ;)

Dedicated in memory of co-host, friend, brother: David Charles Teague.

You can contact us at...

E-Mail: [email protected]

Twitter: @DiscerningGeeks

Facebook: Discerning Geeks Portal

Link Tree: linktr.ee/discerninggeeks

Please rate or review us wherever you listen to podcasts. Give us 5 stars if you love us, 4 stars if you hate us. The other stars do not work.

Public domain music used in the episode includes...

Montage Music: "Monsters in Hotel" by Rafael Krux via FreePD.com

Intro: "Attic Secrets" by Rafael Krux via FreePD.com

2 Listeners

#012 - Movie Review - Enemy Mine

Discerning Geeks Portal

09/29/20 • 63 min

This week, we review the 1985 movie Enemy Mine. We discuss the movie’s themes of unlikely friendship and overcoming differences through cooperation, the religious beliefs of one of the main characters, the extreme sides of humanity on display in the movie, and of course, the special effects. It doesn’t look as good as Star Wars, but it’s still a classic sci-fi story with a timeless message. Join us as we explore...Enemy Mine.

E-Mail: [email protected]

Twitter: @DiscerningGeeks

Facebook: Discerning Geeks Portal

Please rate & review us wherever you listen to podcasts.

2 Listeners

#105 - Movie Review - The Mist

Discerning Geeks Portal

08/04/22 • 71 min

This week, the Geeks review the sci-if horror film, "The Mist." This is a movie based on a Stephen King novella, directed and written for the screen by Frank Darabont, the same writer-director who brought us hopeful, inspirational dramas, "The Shawshank Redemption" and "The Green Mile." This movie...is a bit of a departure from those previous works. Buckle up, folks. This is a rough one.

This was a movie left over from Dave Teague's season 2 list. With him no longer with us, we tried to guess why he may have wanted us to review this movie. What did we come with? Did we figure out why, is it still a mystery, or did we have mixed results?

Which co-host had the most trouble finding redeeming qualities from the movie?

Which co-host ultimately didn't like it, making it clearly, audibly, uncomfortable for him to talk about the redeeming qualities he did find?

Which co-host found a few redeeming qualities in the movie...but was pretty comfortable doing so?

Which co-host(s) found that maybe this movie works on some level as a character study or as a commentary on society?

Which co-host felt this qualifies as a movie that makes you think?

Which co-host was most bothered by the movie's depiction of the loss of hope?

Which co-host(s) felt the movie's lack of hope is possibly, in a weird way, a lesson about the importance of hope, maybe?

So...the movie's ending...how rough was that? Am I right?

Which few movies reviewed by this podcast does one co-host dislike more than this movie -- and, how many of those are probably major hot-takes?

And, what sci-fi noir film did we roll for a future episode?

Listen now for the answers to these and other MIST-ifying questions, as we try to survive the horrors of..."The Mist."

You can contact us at...

E-Mail: [email protected]

Twitter: @DiscerningGeeks

Facebook: Discerning Geeks Portal

Link Tree: linktr.ee/discerninggeeks

Please rate or review us wherever you listen to podcasts. Give us 5 stars if you love us, 4 stars if you hate us. The other stars do not work.

Public domain music used in the episode includes...

Intro/Outro: "cinematic-soundtrack-epic-female-solo-18501" by AntipodeanWriter via Pixabay.com

Lightning Round Clock: "Hidden Truth" by Rafael Krux via FreePD.com

2 Listeners

#002 - Movie Review - A Knight's Tale

Discerning Geeks Portal

07/29/20 • 56 min

In this episode, we review the film "A Knight's Tale," examining how it works as a sports movie in a medieval setting. We talk about creative anachronisms, music, the role of women in the movie, class distinctions, hair, costumes, nitpicks, Chaucer, and of course, favorite moments, characters, and quotes. And, now, I'm afraid without any more ado whatsoever!... Here it is!... Your review of..."A Knight's Tale."

2 Listeners

#116 - Movie Review - Black Adam

Discerning Geeks Portal

01/22/23 • 81 min

...And, we're back. Andruw is still busy pinning and body-slamming people (for his high school wrestling team, not just random people on the street). But, this week, we are joined by friend and special guest host, Preston. Together, we review a movie the three of us watched on New Year's Eve -- the DCEU film "Black Adam."

How many hours does this movie seem to last?

Being a huge fan of Justice Society of America from the comics, how did Preston feel the movie handled that team?

Which co-host compared Khandaq to Wakanda and Eternium to Vibranium?

In how many other ways do the co-hosts compare the DECU to the MCU, in general?

Which co-host was annoyed by several action scenes feeling like music videos?

Which co-host(s) had issues with the movie's pacing and/or structure?

Which co-host felt the movie has several moments of bait-and-switch?

What did the co-hosts feel about the villains in the movie?

How/why did this movie have a zombie army, on top of everything else?

What common superhero/sci-fi trope was actually impressively missing from this movie...until it wasn't?

Which co-host is a fan of Red Letter Media on YouTube (actually, at least two co-hosts are fans of RLM, but one co-host name-drops them specifically)?

Making his first appearance on the podcast, which unique grading system does Preston use?

Which person who sort of watched the movie with us -- but isn't on the podcast -- asked, "Is this movie ever going to end?"

Were the co-host's scores for the movie more harsh or more lenient than expected?

What are the co-host's suggestions for a better DC movie universe?

And, which topic was randomly rolled for an upcoming episode?

Listen now for the answers to these other questions as we rise up in defiance of..."Black Adam."

You can contact us at...

E-Mail: [email protected]

Facebook: Discerning Geeks Portal

Twitter: @discerninggeeks

Please rate or review us wherever you listen to podcasts.

Public domain music used:

Intro: "the-sorrow-ii-epic-theme-123138" by Zen_Man via Pixabay.com

Background Music During Wrestling References: "wrestling-109150" by Aleksandr Karabanov ("Muzaproduction") via Pixabay.com

Outro: "the-sorrow-ii-dark-theme-01-123136" by Zen_Man via Pixabay.com

2 Listeners

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Podcast Q&A

Why did you start this show?

This podcast was started in 2020 so that three best friends could stay in contact online & have their usual geeky discussions despite the pandemic. The show has changed some since then with one co-host adding his teenage nephew to the podcast, one co-host passing away from cancer, and a new co-host coming in to bring additional variety & expertise. The podcast is also fun & serves as a great creative outlet.

What do you hope listeners gain from listening to your show?

We hope listeners appreciate our geeky analysis into movies, TV, and other entertainment. We hope listeners enjoy our different personalities, opinions, obsessions, and points of view. We have enough similar interests to share the podcast, but we also respect each others’ many differences in movie & TV tastes as well.

Which episode should someone start with?

Our biggest episode is #100 where we celebrate hitting that milestone. It contains clips from some of the previous 99 eps, providing a great sampling of our topics & best moments. If the 2+ hour runtime for that epic episode is a little much, maybe try our Christmas themed D&D radio play 3-parter (#034-#036), Favorite Sci-Fi TV Characters (#037 & #039), Best & Worst Series Finales (#044-#045), Star Wars Movie Ranking (#129-#130), MCU Phase 1 Ranking (#143), or one of our many movie reviews.

Which have been your favourite episodes so far?

Favorites among our co-hosts include: #001 - The Martian, #004 - Real Steel, #020 - Killer Klowns From Outer Space, #028 - Muppet Christmas Carol, #032 - The Lake House, #066/067 - Lord of the Rings, #072 - Dune (1984), #088 - Back to the Future 3, #091 - Kung Pow, #096 - Predator, #100 - SPECIAL MEGA EXTRAVAGANZA, #102/112/114 - Showdowns, #106 - Down Periscope, #138/139 - Fav. Single Episode TV Stories, #147/148 - Fav. Genre TV Seasons, and 2 & 3 parters mentioned in a previous question.

Which episode are you most proud of?

Todd the editor here…. As editor I’m proud of practically all of them, especially ones listed in the previous questions. For very sentimental reasons, I’m most proud of the episodes where we pay tribute to our fallen comrade, Dave Teague: #100 - SPECIAL MEGA EXTRAVAGANZA, #110 - The Road to Killer Klowns, #120 - Godzilla (2014), #121 - Conan the Barbarian (1982), #123 - Robot Jox, and #126 - Ice Pirates. Aside from those, I feel our best recent episode is #143 - Ranking MCU Phase 1 Movies.

What is your vision for your show?

It’s a goal of the podcast to explain our opinions well, to respect each others’ opinions, and to be fair, stating redeeming qualities of things we dislike & flaws in things we love. Nothing is ever 100% perfect or 100% trash. We love highlighting the things we adore. When we hate something, it’s our goal to not bash it but to clearly state our issues.

How did you come up with the name for your podcast?

Actually, you can listen to how we named the podcast in our lost/time-capsule episode #000.0 (officially listed as #122). It’s the first of two practice episodes we recorded before our first official episode. When he hit record, we didn’t have a name, and when we hit stop, we did. It was a group effort. Our other two lost episodes are #125 (#000.5) - Getting to Know the Co-Hosts and #128 - Star Wars Discussion (held back as a backup episode and then not used for two years).

Tell us a bit about yourself

Dave S. is a husband, father, and active churchgoer who loves movies, ‘80s entertainment, and reading. His nephew Andruw is a high school wrestler & body builder who loves action & horror. Preston is an accountant who loves horror, anime, wrestling, and “The Simpsons.” Todd is the editor who loves space operas & finds weird excuses to mention “Babylon 5,” Dragon Con, and London. Dave T. was a loyal friend who loved “Star Wars,” movies, reading, gaming, and finding the best in the rest of us.

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