Movie Wars

• Zack Snyder's Justice League (2021)

  The culmination of our exploration into the Snyder Trilogy series has arrived, as we delve into the intricacies of Zack Snyder's Justice League, a project emblematic of the profound influence of fan advocacy in contemporary cinema. The episode is punctuated by a thoughtful examination of the transformative journey from the initial theatrical release to the acclaimed Snyder Cut, which has engendered a fervent discourse surrounding artistic integrity and creator vision. We will scrutinize pivotal themes, such as the depth of character development afforded to figures like Cyborg and the ramifications of the narrative's darker undertones. In the context of James Gunn's recent Superman trailer, we reflect upon the evolution of the superhero genre and its intersection with societal expectations. Join us as we navigate the complexities and nuances that define this cinematic landscape, culminating in a comprehensive assessment of Snyder's artistic contributions and the resultant legacy of his work.Takeaways: The Snyder Cut represents a significant turning point in fan influence over film production, showcasing the power of social media campaigns. In this episode, we critically analyze the contrasts between Zack Snyder's Justice League and the theatrical version, emphasizing character depth and narrative coherence. The introduction of Darkseid adds a layer of complexity to the plot, enhancing the stakes and the overall story arc of the DCEU. Cyborg's character development serves as a compelling focal point, illustrating themes of identity and belonging within a superhero context. The podcast delves into the stylistic choices of Snyder's direction, particularly his use of slow motion and visual storytelling techniques that polarize audiences. Ultimately, this installment of the Snyder Trilogy series reflects on the potential future of the DCEU and the possibilities that lay beyond the Snyder Cut. Companies mentioned in this episode: Warner Brothers HBO Max Netflix Mentioned in this episode:The Greatest Movie Of All-Time PodcastThankful for our friends over at The Greatest Movie Of All Time podcast. Brilliant, go check them out. Shoot The Flick Podcast

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• Justice League (2017)

  The third episode of our Snyder trilogy series delves into the much-maligned Joss Whedon version of Justice League, often referred to as JOSSTICE LEAGUE. This film, criticized for its lack of cohesive storytelling and character development, represents a stark departure from Zack Snyder's envisioned narrative. The hosts dissect the significant issues that arose during production, including the poor treatment of cast members and the noticeable tonal shifts that left audiences disengaged. With a focus on the cast's performance, they explore how the actors seemed exhausted and uninvested, reflecting the chaotic environment behind the scenes. Ultimately, the episode underscores the sentiment that Joss Whedon's approach diluted the potential of beloved characters and failed to deliver a satisfying cinematic experience.Stoked to feature ads from our friend's Greatest Movie of All-Time Podcast and Shoot The Flick!Takeaways: The drastic difference between Snyder's and Whedon's versions highlights the impact of directorial vision. Joss Whedon's changes to the script and characters led to a significant loss of quality. The character development present in Snyder's cut makes the Justice League story more engaging. The open discussion around the filmmaking process reveals the dysfunction within DC's creative team. Superman and Cyborg's portrayals suffered under Whedon's direction, leading to a lack of depth. The podcast emphasizes the importance of character continuity and emotional investment in superhero films. Mentioned in this episode:The Greatest Movie Of All-Time PodcastThankful for our friends over at The Greatest Movie Of All Time podcast. Brilliant, go check them out. Shoot The Flick Podcast

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• Conversation with Producer/Screenwriter Adam Simon

  Adam G. Simon (also known as Adam Gregory Simon) is a Los Angeles-born screenwriter, producer, and actor for television and film who now resides and produces In Southeast Asia with his partner Larissa Andrade, where they are raising their son.As a writer, Adam is known for his work as the writer of Point Blank (2019) an action film for Netflix, based on Fred Cavaye's French Action Thriller, "A Bout Portant". The film was directed by Joe Lynch and stars Anthony Mackie, Marcia Gay Harden, Frank Grillo, Teyonah Paris, Boris McGiver, and Markice Moore. While critics mostly panned the film, it went on to find a large audience and in 2024, years after its debut, reemerged on Netflix as the sixth most-watched film globally.Adam is the lead writer of One Day in October (2024) an eight-episode series surrounding the events of October 7, 2023, and shot on location in Israel. The series is being distributed by Fox Global with a 2025 release date.Adam also penned the screenplay for Man Down (2015) a psychological war drama directed by Dito Montiel which stars Shia LaBeouf, Gary Oldman, Jai Courtney, and Kate Mara. The film debuted at the Venice Italy Film Festival.As a producer: Adam G. Simon is a Producer on The Dreadful a period horror film directed by Natasha Kermani. The film stars Sophie Turner, Kit Harington, Marcia Gay Harden and Laurence O'Fuarain.In 2023 Adam reunited with Dito Montiel to Executive Produce Riff Raff (2024) A dark comedy that stars Jennifer Coolidge, Bill Murray, Pete Davidson, Ed Harris, and Gabrielle Union. The film was accepted to the 2024 Toronto Film Festival where it made its debut.He executive produced The Performance (2023) a film by Shira Piven that stars Jeremy Piven, Robert Carlyle, and Maime McCoy based on the Arthur Miller short story of the same name.Adam is developing Hit Kick Punch Kill an action-comedy he wrote and is producing with StoryBoard Media slated for 2025.Adam and Filmmaker Joe Carnahan co-wrote The Brass Catchers, an action thriller that they are producing together.Adam produced On Our Way (2021) a coming-of-age film that stars James Badge Dale, Jordana Brewster, Michael Richardson, Vanessa Redgrave, and Keith Powers.Before starting his professional career as a writer and producer, Adam worked as a bodyguard and close protection specialist.He is an advocate for the homeless having been homeless himself while writing Man Down and speaks as an advocate for homeless veterans and survivors of abuse.Kyle welcomes writer, producer, and actor Adam G. Simon for an engaging conversation that dives deep into the film industry and the impact of artificial intelligence on...

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  1:43:41
• Batman Vs. Superman: Dawn Of Justice

  Welcome back to the Movie Wars Podcast as we dive deep into the controversial waters of Zack Snyder's Batman Vs. Superman: Dawn Of Justice. We're continuing our exploration of Snyder's trilogy as James Gunn's "Superman" trailers makes the rounds. This episode explores the divisive nature of the film, sparked by the recent release of James Gunn's Superman trailer, which has reignited discussions about the character's portrayal on screen. Our hosts passionately debate the strengths and weaknesses of the film, focusing on the impact of Jesse Eisenberg's interpretation of Lex Luthor and the underwhelming representation of Doomsday. As they dissect the cinematography, editing, and overall storytelling, they reflect on how Snyder set the stage for a cinematic universe that many believe fell short of its potential. Join us as we navigate through the highs and lows of this superhero epic, revealing insights that may just change the way you view this pivotal film in the DC franchise.Stoked to feature ads from our friend's Greatest Movie of All-Time Podcast and Shoot The Flick!Delving into the contentious and multifaceted narrative of Zack Snyder's 'Batman Vs. Superman: Dawn of Justice,' this episode of the podcast offers an in-depth examination of the film's impact and legacy. The conversation begins with the context of the Snyder Trilogy, particularly in light of James Gunn's recent Superman trailer release, setting the stage for a discussion that spans both admiration and critique. The hosts navigate through the film's thematic elements, focusing on the moral dilemmas faced by Batman and Superman and how these reflect on the nature of justice and heroism. They engage in a critical analysis of the much-discussed Martha scene, weighing its emotional resonance against the overall narrative structure of the film.In addition to thematic explorations, the hosts dissect the performances of the lead actors, particularly Ben Affleck's portrayal of Batman. They discuss how Affleck's physicality and emotional depth contribute to a more complex version of the character, contrasting it with previous iterations. Eisenberg's portrayal of Lex Luthor is also scrutinized, with hosts debating whether his eccentric take aligns with the character's traditional attributes or detracts from the story's weight. Throughout the episode, the hosts emphasize the importance of understanding the film within the context of the larger superhero genre and its reception by audiences and critics alike.As the discussion progresses, the hosts reflect on the cinematographic choices made by Snyder, praising the visual storytelling while also critiquing the pacing and editing of the film. They address how these decisions affect the audience's engagement and emotional investment in the characters. The episode culminates in a collective reflection on the film's place within the DC Extended Universe and what it signifies for future adaptations of iconic characters. Ultimately, this podcast serves as a platform for rich dialogue about the intricacies of storytelling in superhero cinema, inviting listeners to revisit 'Batman Vs. Superman' with a more nuanced perspective.Takeaways: The podcast dives into the controversial aspects of Batman vs. Superman, discussing its divisive nature among fans. Host emphasizes that both Batman and Superman have unique character arcs that unfold throughout the film. The panel reflects on how Jesse Eisenberg's portrayal of Lex Luthor deviates from traditional interpretations of the character. Listeners are reminded of the significance of the Martha scene and its impact on the story's emotional depth. The discussion touches on how the film's editing and pacing affect the overall...

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  1:41:44
• BONUS! Moneyball with Nathan Owens!

  Join Kyle as he welcomes his friend and hilarious Atlanta-based comedian, Nathan Owens, to celebrate the release of Nathan's new comedy special "Possum Daddy," available everywhere! Their conversation dives deep into the film "Moneyball," exploring how it uniquely blends humor and drama while tackling the complexities of baseball through a numbers-driven lens. Nathan shares his perspective on the film's portrayal of sports and the authenticity of its characters, emphasizing how it captures the essence of the game. As they discuss the strengths of the film, they also reflect on the challenges of making sports movies that resonate with both fans and non-fans alike. With plenty of laughter and insights, this episode is a must-listen for comedy lovers and sports enthusiasts alike!Stoked to feature ads from our friend's Greatest Movie of All-Time Podcast and Shoot The Flick!Celebrating the release of Nathan Owens' new comedy special, "Possum Daddy," Kyle invites his friend and Atlanta-based comedian to delve into the world of sports and film. The episode kicks off with the duo discussing Nathan's journey in comedy, including his experiences recording his specials in unique venues. As avid sports fans, they seamlessly transition into a thorough discussion of the film "Moneyball," a narrative that intertwines baseball with the innovative strategies of Billy Beane and the Oakland Athletics. Nathan shares his insights on how the film portrays the human side of sports, emphasizing the importance of recognizing athletes as individuals rather than mere statistics. The conversation reveals the complexities and pressures faced by players and coaches alike, all while maintaining a humorous undertone that showcases Nathan's comedic prowess.The episode further explores the creative decisions behind "Moneyball," such as the minimal use of reenacted game footage and the reliance on actual historical footage. Kyle and Nathan highlight how this approach enhances the authenticity of the film, allowing viewers to connect more deeply with the characters and their struggles. Nathan provides a unique perspective as a sports fan, expressing his appreciation for the film's ability to balance statistical analysis with emotional storytelling. They dive into the cast's performances, particularly Brad Pitt and Jonah Hill, and how their dynamic adds depth to the film's narrative. The discussion culminates in a critique of the film's portrayal of sports culture and its impact on viewers, making it clear that "Moneyball" transcends traditional sports movies by appealing to a broader audience.As the conversation wraps up, Kyle and Nathan reflect on the importance of supporting local comedy scenes, especially in Atlanta, where Nathan has made a significant impact as a performer. They encourage listeners to check out Nathan's new special and to engage with the comedy community in their area. The episode serves as a reminder of the intersection between sports and entertainment, showcasing how films like "Moneyball" can resonate with both sports enthusiasts and casual viewers alike. With laughter and insightful commentary, Kyle and Nathan create a memorable listening experience that celebrates friendship, comedy, and the love of sports.Takeaways: Nathan Owens discusses the unique challenges and experiences of recording his comedy specials. The podcast celebrates Nathan's new special 'Possum Daddy,' highlighting his comedic journey. Moneyball is analyzed not just as a sports film, but as a character study. The importance of authenticity in both sports and film is emphasized throughout the episode. Kyle and Nathan explore how baseball's timelessness makes it a prime subject for storytelling....

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