The Fandom Portals Podcast

In this episode Aaron dissects the troubled production and mixed reception of the 2003 film "The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen" to see if it was really a flop or if it has found a second life as a cult classic. We talk about Sean Connery's essential yet controversial role, the impact on his and director Stephen Norrington's careers, and the challenges of adapting Alan Moore's beloved graphic novel.
Join us as we analyse the substantial differences between the film and the original graphic novel, particularly the unsettling change to Mina Harker's character. We uncover behind-the-scenes drama, from Connery and Norrington's notorious clashes to the severe production delays caused by Prague's flooding. Plus, get the latest scoop on the prospective Hulu reboot and how it might stack up against other series like "Penny Dreadful." Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a harsh critic, this episode offers a rich, nuanced discussion about a film that refuses to be forgotten. Share your thoughts with us—do you think "LXG" is a misunderstood gem or a justifiable disaster?
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How does House of the Dragon's Daemon Targaryen evolve from a power-hungry prince to a self-aware conqueror? Join us as we uncover this transformation with our special guest, Frank from the Geek Freaks Network, who brings his vast knowledge of George R.R. Martin's world to our discussion. We'll explore the significant differences between Fire and Blood and its TV adaptation, focusing on how the show adds depth to characters such as Daemon and Aemond. You'll gain fascinating insights into the lore surrounding dragon riders and the future of Westeros mythology, making this episode a treasure trove for fans of both the books and the series.
We assess the power dynamics and character arcs that define House of the Dragon. You'll hear about the ambitions and sacrifices of key figures like Kristen Cole and Corlys Velaryon, along with the gender politics that impact Rhaenys and Rhaenyra's paths. Frank sheds light on how the series enriches the narrative beyond the black-and-white depiction found in the book, offering a nuanced view of these compelling stories.
Get ready to celebrate standout moments from Season 2 with our "Season Celebrations" segment. We highlight the most impactful scenes, such as the intense dragon battle at Ravensbrück and Daemon's emotional transformation at Harrenhal. We also touch upon the unique bond between dragons and their riders, and the significance of Targaryen bastards. Don't miss this enriching conversation with Frank, filled with detailed analysis and engaging discussions about the future of Westeros.
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Join us as I, Aaron Davies, introduce my new co-host, Adam Brasher, to the Fandom Portals family. Plus, meet Ace, Adam's loveable husky, who has enthusiastically claimed the role of our show's unofficial mascot.
We then shift our focus to the holiday blockbuster "Red One," where we dissect its unique take on Christmas lore with a lively discussion. Picture J.K. Simmons as a super-speed Santa and Christopher Hivju's feisty portrayal of Krampus—it's as thrilling as it sounds! Listen as Adam and I engage in a trivia showdown, revealing fascinating tidbits about the film's Greek-inspired roots and its hefty budget. We also delve into the film's narrative around accountability, particularly analyzing Chris Evans' character, Jack O'Malley, whose journey from hacker to redemptive father offers intriguing fodder for potential sequels.
Our conversation takes a closer look at the broader industry implications of "Red One," pondering its financial performance and its standing among other Christmas franchises. We critique everything from the film's extravagant CGI and action sequences to its pacing and storytelling devices, offering a balanced view of its strengths and weaknesses.

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Episode Summary:
In this bodacious episode of The Fandom Portals Podcast, hosts Aaron and Brash shell out their thoughts on the classic 1990 film, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.

They reminisce about their first encounters with the turtles, from the animated series to the iconic movie. The hosts also dive into some totally tubular trivia, behind-the-scenes secrets about the Jim Henson Creature Shop suits, and compare the 90s film to Michael Bay's 2010s take. It's a nostalgic trip filled with pizza, puns, and plenty of turtle power.

Topics:

• Gratitudes and Growths: Personal Reflections Before Diving into TMNT
• First Takes: Our First Impressions of the 1990 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Movie & Fan Reactions
• Fandom Fact Face-Off: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Movie Trivia Challenge!
• Set Secrets: Unmasking the Magic - The 1990 TMNT Animatronic Suits
• Devil's Avocado: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Face-Off - 1990s vs. Michael Bay's TMNT Designs
• Sign-Off: Calling All Turtle Fans!

Key Takeaways:

• The 1990 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles movie holds a special place in the hearts of many fans, evoking nostalgia for the late 80s and early 90s "Turtle Mania".
• The film's success was surprising, as many Hollywood studios were initially hesitant to back it, fearing it would flop like other comic book adaptations of the time.
• Jim Henson's Creature Shop created the groundbreaking animatronic suits for the turtles, which, while impressive for their time, had their share of challenges for the stunt performers.
• There's debate about the best portrayal of the turtles, with the 1990s film's practical effects being compared to the CGI-heavy designs of Michael Bay's movies.

Quotes:

• "As a wise man said, forgiveness is divine, but never pay full price for late pizza."
• "This is legit peak turtles until the mutant mayhem movie came out."

Call to Action:

Cowabunga! If you enjoyed this trip down memory lane, please subscribe to The Fandom Portals Podcast for more deep dives into the fandoms you love! Leave us a review, and share this episode with your friends on social media using the hashtag #FandomPortalsTurtles .

Apple Podcast Tags:

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, TMNT, 1990s movies, comic book movies, nostalgia, pop culture, movie review, film analysis, behind the scenes, Jim Henson, practical effects, CGI, fandom, geek

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Episode Summary:
In this episode of The Fandom Portals Podcast, Aaron welcomes Thomas from The Joy Shtick Podcast, Challenge Accepted Podcast, and his newest project, The Sick Burn Podcast. Together, they dive into Big Fish (2003), a film that blends fantasy and reality while exploring deep themes of love, loss, and legacy.

Aaron and Thomas discuss how Big Fish changed their perspectives on storytelling, father-son relationships, and the power of memory. They reflect on the way stories shape our understanding of the past, why Tim Burton’s approach to this film stands out, and how Ewan McGregor’s performance brings Edward Bloom’s world to life.

If Big Fish has ever made you reflect on your own relationships or the way stories shape your life, this episode is a must-listen. 🎧✨

⏳ Timestamps & Topics:

00:00 - Welcome & Episode Overview
01:50 - Guest Introduction – Thomas talks about his podcasts and upcoming projects
06:26 - Gratitude & Growths – Reflecting on challenges and appreciation
09:04 - First Takes – Our first encounters with Big Fish and why it stuck with us
15:45 - Reel Deal – Tim Burton’s storytelling style and Ewan McGregor’s role
20:55 - Symbolism of Color – How fantasy and reality are visually separated
27:32 - The Power of Perspective – Seeing our parents differently as we grow
42:44 - Most Valuable Takeaways (MVTs) – What this film teaches us
50:13 - Devil’s Avocado – Was Edward Bloom truly unfaithful?
57:48 - Sign-Off & Final Thoughts

🌟 Key Takeaways:

• Big Fish is about more than fantasy—it’s about understanding life through stories.
• The film shows how perspectives on our parents shift as we age.
• Tim Burton’s direction creates a perfect blend of whimsy and emotional depth.
• Edward Bloom’s storytelling is a way of coping, teaching, and preserving his legacy.
• The film’s emotional ending is a masterclass in how to say goodbye.

🗣️ Memorable Quotes:

🎭 "A man tells his story so many times, he becomes the stories. And in that way, he is immortal." – Aaron quoting Big Fish
🎬 "This movie doesn't use a lot of CGI—there are so many practical effects, and they make it feel more real." – Thomas

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🔗 Links & Resources:

• 🌍 Visit GeekFreaksPodcast.com for all fandom news!
• 🎙️ Follow Thomas’ podcasts: Joy Shtick, Challenge Accepted, & Sick Burn Podcast.

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