Talking SMAC: Superheroes, Movies, Animation & Comics
We love all things entertainment and we want to share that love with you! We try to keep a respectful perspective, while also sharing our opinions. Our ranking system is “Must see/buy” or “Pass”. Follow us on Twitter @TalkingSMACPod and email at [email protected]
277. Godzilla Minus Zero
Alex is joined by Antonio from The Cult Worthy and Back to the Balcony fame for James Bond casting speculation, their thoughts on what they would do with the franchise now that Amazon is in control, Godzilla Minus Zero (spoiler: it's great, just not as good as the first) and why we're old and boycott things.
(0:01) So we begin without our supervisors
(1:57) James Bond casting and what we would do with Bond
(7:26) Gaming Views promo
(8:06) Godzilla: The Monsterverse the Toho movies and kaiju fun.
(16:50) $19m budget vs Hollywood
(24:40) Mostly full-spoilers...
276. You Can See Everything
Alex and Justin Henson (of The Movie Wire and Back To the Balcony fame) discuss Nathan Fielder and Lance Oppenheim's documentary: You Can See Everything. Is it a few weeks after release? Yes, but it has been percolating in their minds and they have to discuss their thoughts on Elizabeth Holmes, Billy Evans, whether or not language matters, to what extent and question their own sanity.
(0:01) Halloween plans, The Thing and Terrifier
(3:16) Game Club Pod promo
(4:30) You Can See Everything - Non-spoiler discussion
(24:05) Talking SMAC/Movie Wire rating
(25:26) Spoilers...
275. Clayface, Carrie, Crystal Lake, The Terminal List and Disclosure Day
As we wrap up Spooky Season, Alex takes a look at DC's newest film Clayface, Amazon Prime's newest Stephen King adaptation: Carrie, Jason Vorhees return in Peacock's Crystal Lake, Terminal List season 2 and finally rants about Disclosure Day.
(0:28) Clayface
(4:05) Crystal Lake: Friday the 13th Prequel on Peacock
(8:24) Carrie, the Prime TV Series
(9:44) The Terminal List season 2
(12:29) Disclosure Day
Please remember to join our Discord!
274. Street Fighter 2026
Alex & Tim (Game Club Pod) discuss Street Fighter 2026, while touching on the previous two films: Street Fighter 1994 & Legend of Chun-Li 2009. Before they get there, they discuss Mortal Kombat, Guilty Gear, and their history of fighting game prowess.
(0:01) Hello to Halloween traditions
(4:40) Casting Views promo
(5:41) Raul Julia's Street Fighter performance
(8:27) Soul Calibur, Tekken, Guilty Gear, Street Fighter 5, world building, and how to play a fighter game in 2026
(18:20) Tim pitches Alex on playing Guilty Gear, Alex talks Destiny and Fortnite
(20:43) Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves
(23:20) Guilty G...
273. Spooky Season Trailers & Tales from the Crypt
Alex & Justin talk recent horror trailers: Other Mommy, Exorcist: Marytrs, Whalefall, Crawlers, Clayface, Christmas at the Kringles, Violent Night 2 & Werwulf, then a bit about Tales From The Crypt finally coming to streaming with early HBO memories.
(0:01) Halloween traditions(5:28) 2 Blokes from Blighty promo(6:50) Other Mommy - Jessica Chastain horror flick(11:17) Crawlers - gross spider film discuss(15:23) Whalefall - the whale eating person film(21:38) DC's Clayface - the not-Batman involved villain movie(28:37) Christmas at the Kringles - you must love Christmas or else!(30:43) Violent Night 2 - David Harbour is back as Santa and Kristen Bell is Mrs Claus(33:11) Werwulf...272. Recasting Movies with The Muppets
Josh and Alex take a break from subject matter and forget to complete the task at hand. They spin the Wheel of Names and are given movies to recast with Muppets characters to fill in the roles. They're supposed to then choose which movie works best, but forget to do that. Sorry.
Intro (0:00)Super Familiar with the Wilsons promo (10:25)The Rules (11:23)Fast and the Furious (15:05)Inception (24:36)Galaxy Quest (30:55)Pirates of the Caribbean: Curse of the Black Pearl (38:25)Bonus Lord of the Rings casting (50:22)Goodbyes and social media plugs (54:07)Please remember to check out the Super Familiar with...
271. Forgotten Island
Josh is joined by Justin to discuss the Godzilla Minus Zero R rating announcement and trailer, the new Clayface trailer and review the new animated feature from Dreamworks; Forgotten Island
Intro (0:00)Godzilla Minus One Trailer and rating (1:57)Clayface trailer (6:03)Sugar Coated Murder promo (14:54)Forgotten Island non-spoiler review (15:31)Must-see or Pass? (32:09)Forgotten Island SPOILERS! (35:13)Goodbyes and social media plugs (58:15)Please remember to check out the Sugar Coated Murder podcast, and don't forget to join our Discord. You can also check out our website for past episodes and our blogs: tsmacpod.com
270. Resident Evil (2026) w/Gregg Beever
Josh & Alex are delighted to have Gregg Beever from I Have Some Notes back on the podcast to discuss Zack Cregger's Resident Evil (2026)
Intro/Spoiler free review (0:00)Talking SMAC rating (21:04)Spoiler review/discussion (22:01)Goodbyes and social media plugs (1:04:28)Please remember to check out I Have Some Notes, join our Discord!
269. Practical Magic 2
Alex is joined by Justin to discuss Practical Magic 2, the lega-sequel to the 1998 beloved Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman movie about sisterly love and magic. And let's be honest, it is really about Stockard Channing and Dianne Wiest being the best ever. Plus, a really creepy rendition of an Elvis classic. This one has Lee Pace, and bless Lee Pace, he is so handsome.
Intro (0:00)No On 15 All-Cast promo (2:35)Alex really wants us to feel old (3:47)What does the original Practical Magic mean to our hosts? (4:55)Practical Magic 2 discussion (12:19)Spoiler discussion (30:32)Goodbyes and social media plugs (52:26)<...268. Talking Commentaries: The Rocketeer
Josh and Alex are talking over another movie. This time, with Justin Henson of the Movie Wire to discuss the joy that is 1991's The Rocketeer.
Please remember to check out the Movie Wire podcast, and join our Discord!
267. Coyote vs Acme & Remembering Our Lost Legends
Josh & Alex are joined by Stephen from Nerd Ranks to review Coyote vs Acme, and share thoughts on the entertainment legends we lost this past week.
Intro (0:00)AH-CHOO! Nerd Ranks is here! (1:06)Remembering Dolly Parton (7:38)Remembering Tim Curry (14:33)Remembering Peter Cullen (25:52)Coyote vs Acme review (37:39)The Talking SMAC Rating for Must-See or Pass (1:10:14)Social Media Plugs and Goodbyes (1:14:21)You can join the Nerd Ranks Discord server here
Please remember to check out the Nerd Ranks podcast, and join the Talking SMAC Discord!
266. The End of Oak Street Review
Justin returns to review The End of Oak Street with Alex and discuss the joys and flaws of big dinosaur adventures on the big screen!
Intro/Initial impressions & overall setup (0:01)David Robert Mitchell's filmography, music as theme, tone issues(6:09)'Wonder' in film & broken families (11:05)Odd performances (20:42)Anne Hathaway love & spoilers (25:08)Some love for the film, and some questions (27:35)SMAC rating and goodbyes (35:27)Please remember to check out the Movie Wire podcast, and join our Discord!
265. D23 2026 Announcements w/Dusty Evely
Josh & Alex are joined by Dusty Evely from multiple podcasts and his own YouTube channel (more below,) to breakdown the biggest announcements from the 2026 edition of D23.
Intro/Dusty and football talk (0:00)Star Wars 1977!! And de-specialized editions of Star Wars trilogy (4:41)Ahsoka season 2! (12:28)Starfighter! A Star Wars tale (19:42)Our pitch for a Star Wars movie (24:18)Tangled: The Live-Action movie! (29:51)Frozen 3!! (35:46)COCO 2!! INCREDIBLES 3! (44:36)Zootopia 3! Bluey!! (51:33)X-MEN HAS A CAST! INDE NAVARRETTE! + some other people (54:11)VISIONQUEST!! (1:03:27)DOOMSDAY IS READY!! (1:10:01)DUSTY IS LEAVING US! (1:24:33)You can find Dusty on the Watchin' Stuff podcast, Pack-A-Day podcast, as...
264. What'cha Doin'? XV
Josh, Alex and Matt come together once again to answer our most important question; What'cha Doin'?
Intro (0:00)promoMovie Wire promo (1:59)Justin refuses to buy us gifts we ask for (2:15)Josh: My Adventures with Superman season 3 (3:27)Matt and his adventures at Gen Con (8:28)Alex: Palia (22:37)Matt: Splatoon Raiders (31:11)Josh: Ghost of Tsushima (37:28)Alex: More documentaries (55:58)Goodbyes and social media plugs (1:05:25)Please remember to check out the Movie Wire podcast, and join our Discord!
263. Spider-Man: Brand New Day
The wait is over. Spider-Man: Brand New Day is here and we're going to talk about it!
Intro/Josh's weird day/Josh's dream for a video podcast/Our weird talents (0:00) I Have Some Notes promo (5:53) Spider-Man: Brand New Day non-spoiler discussion (6:24) Must-see or Pass? (31:26) SPOILERS! (34:14) Goodbyes and social media plugs (1:19:32) Post credits?! (1:21:37)Please remember to check out I Have Some Notes, join our Discord!
262. Avatar Aang: The Last Airbender
Josh and Alex break down some of the biggest announcements from Marvels' Hall H presentation at the 2026 San Diego Comic Con, as well as the return to the world of Avatar: The Last Airbender with the new movie; Avatar Aang: The Last Airbender
Intro/Avatar confusion (0:00) Marvel Studios SDCC news (1:57) Gaming Views promo (17:22) Avatar Aang: The Last Airbender review (18:01) Social media plugs and goodbyes (49:38)Please remember to check out Gaming Views, join our Discord and check out our merch store!
Bonus: The Great Mixtape Debate from Episode 252
This is a large portion of the recording session during What'cha Doin' XIV where Alex and Matt hash out their differences regarding the discourse surrounding the game Mixtape.
261. The Odyssey (2026)
Christopher Nolan's highly-anticipated interpretation of The Odyssey is here! Let's discuss!
Intro/We're recording early! (0:00) Game Club Pod promo (5:23) Not The Odyssey review (7:08) The Odyssey review (16:02) Goodbyes and social media plugs (1:11:52)Please remember to check out the Game Club Pod podcast, join our Discord
Bonus: Moana (2026) from The Movie Wire
Josh joined Justin on The Movie Wire to review the live-action Moana, and here is their full conversation.
260. Moana (2026) & Evil Dead Burn
Josh sails the shallow seas of Moana (2026,) while Alex and Justin review Evil Dead Burn.
Intro (0:00) Josh Reviews Moana (2026) (0:35) Cultworthy promo (17:53) Hello, Alex & Justin! (18:12) Justin drinks coffee before a movie (18:55) Evil Dead, Army of Darkness, Ash vs Evil Dead franchise memories (20:24) Evil Dead Rise Evil Dead Burn initial thoughts (30:30) Evil Dead Burn weaknesses & strengths (38:47) Addiction, Motherhood, Broken Families (43:09) Must See or Pass (48:50) Justin proves he is a professional critic and sways Alex (49:12) Goodbyes (1:00:14)Please remember to check out the Cultworthy podcast, join our Discord
259. Talking Commentaries: Eragon (2006)
Josh is joined by Bekkie to talk over the worst possible adaptation of their favorite fantasy books and series ever; Eragon
2 Blokes from Blighty promo (0:00) Intro (1:01) The commentary begins! (2:03) Shared memories of the Inheritance books and seeing the Eragon movie in theaters (1:40:55) Goodbyes and social media plugs (1:51:00)Please remember to check out the 2 Blokes from Blighty podcast, join our Discord
258. Supergirl (2026)
The girl of steel has arrived in theaters and Josh and Alex break down their thoughts on the film.
Intro Josh's struggles with solo hosting duties (0:00) Super Familiar with the Wilsons Promo (4:03) The Spin Doctors being the butt end of jokes (4:32) Supergirl review *SPOILERS AHEAD!* (6:38) Initial Thoughts, who is Supergirl (2026) intended for? (7:00) The villain's plot is a stock "woman action hero" trope (12:00) Kara's trauma and lack of character growth (26:05) Positive takeaways (34:25) Talking SMAC ratings (54:19) Social media plugs and goodbyes (57:14)Please remember to check out the Super Familiar with the Wilsons podcast, and join our Discord!
257. Toy Story 5
You've got a friend in Josh, who is reviewing Toy Story 5 very succinctly this week. Enjoy the shortest Talking SMAC episode ever.
Be sure to join our Discord!
256. Disclosure Day, Death of a Unicorn, Thrash and the 'meh' of movies
Alex and Justin Henson of 'The Movie Wire' discuss feelings of ambivalence around 'Disclosure Day', our memories of Spielberg as a force of nature, what sparks getting to the theater as well as Death of a Unicorn and Thrash (the shark film).
Justin's Planes, Trains, and Automobiles rant (0:01) Sugar Coated Murder promo (3:16) Disclosure Day, Spielberg's legacy, and feeling 'meh' about cinema (3:47) Nostalgia and expectations from cinema, and the Amblin affect (9:21) Gene Shalit, Siskel & Ebert and the power of critics (17:51) Justin sells Alex on why Disclosure Day is worth seeing (no spoilers) (21:31) Death of a Unicorn discussion (26:09) Netflix's Thrash (34:01) ...255. Masters of the Universe (2026)
One of Alex's most hopeful movies of the year. Does it meet his lofty expectations? How much did Josh suffer? Let's find out!
Hey there. Hi there. Hello There (0:00) No On 15! All-Cast promo (4:32) Did you like Masters of the Universe (2026)? (6:10) Where did the money for this movie go? (14:35) Spoiler discussion (22:07) Does the messaging from the film hit or miss? (28:57) Favorite joke in the movie (41:45) Does Nicholas Galitzine pull off the He-Man/Adam dual role? (45:40) Post credits scenes (50:58) Goodbyes and social media plugs (58:37)You can find Josh's appearance on the Game Club Pod and their review of Mixtape h...
254. Obsession review w/Justin Henson
Alex and Justin Henson of The Movie Wire fame, discuss Curry Barker's Obsession and the rise of the Youtube horror writer/directors. As well as subtext and nuance within the dating world and how Obsession gave them feelings. Don't worry, we don't do ending spoilers, just some theme spoilers.
Josh is off to Pittsburgh! (0:00) Nerd Ranks promo (1:36) The rise of YouTube horror directors: Parker Finn, Mike Flanagan, Kane Parsons, Curry Barker (2:40) Praise for Obsession (mild spoilers, no ending spoilers) (6:29) Character motivations and what we see versus what we don't (11:45) Story beats, dating pains and love, hope, lust and...253. Star Wars: The Mandalorian & Grogu Review
Is this truly the way? Josh & Alex discuss The Mandalorian & Grogu and its place in the Star Wars lineage of films.
Hey there, hi there, hello there A quick intro? Is this going to be a short episode? (0:00) Movie Wire promo (1:23) Initial thoughts and feelings on The Mandalorian & Grogu (1:48) How do we feel about face actors being cast in Star Wars properties? (19:24) Josh pivots to vent about Dave Filoni inserting himself via cameos (21:25) Sigourney Weaver as Col. Ward (25:44) Jeremy Allen White as Rotta the Hutt (31:59) Plot breakdown (34:26) One of the best easter eggs in the film (37:27) More plot s...252. What’cha Doin’? XIV
It’s that time again, where we ask our most important question: What’cha Doin’?
Hey there, hi there, hello there (0:00) I Have Some Notes promo (3:17) Innocuous Bond conversations (3:48) Innocuous The Batman 2 casting conversation (8:37) Alex: Balatro (11:44) Matt: Vampire Crawlers (19:10) Josh: Maul: Shadow Lord (28:09) Alex: Hulk Hogan: American Made (37:56) Matt: Mixtape (47:33) Josh: Off Campus (52:33) *TRIGGER WARNING FOR SEXUAL ASSAULT AND DOMESTIC VIOLENCE Alex: The Boys (57:41) Goodbyes and social media plugs (1:09:09)Please remember to check out I Have Some Notes, join our Discord!
251. Mortal Kombat II
Josh and Alex discuss the most important part of Mother's Day weekend: Mortal Kombat 2. Stay for the review, but listen for their Ryan George Pitch Meeting predictions
Hey there, hi there, hello there (0:00) Swedish pancakes, Ope!, doggie collars, & kitty convict collars (1:25) Garfield and Friends, Peanuts and newspaper comics (7:25) Gaming Views promo (10:23) Mortal Kombat, Soulcalibur & fighting games as a genre (11:02) Opening weekend numbers, previous Mortal Kombat movies, The Hangover movies... (13:56) Did we like it? & Ludi Lin is jacked, and other story beats (21:50) Does fight choreography make a movie? (28:22) Yes, we figure out how to talk about Power Rangers in t...250. The Devil Wears Prada 2
Josh & Alex walk down the runway for the legasequel event of the season; The Devil Wears Prada 2
Intro (0:00) Game Club Pod promo (6:37) Why no SMACdowns?! / Devil Wears Prada 2 review (8:16) Thank you for your support through 250 episodes, Goodbyes and social media plugs (1:02:04)Please remember to check out the Game Club Pod podcast, join our Discord
249. Talking Trailers
Let's take a break from timely reviews and talk about some big trailers that have recently dropped ahead of some big releases!
Intro/Josh's new dream guest for the podcast/Josh & Alex workshop a bad sports comedy (0:00)Cultworthy promo (7:53)Street Fighter (11:33)Dune: Part Three (18:27)Coyote vs Acme (29:31)Spider Noir (37:25)Clayface (43:57)Spider-Man: Brand New Day (52:12)Goodbyes and social media plugs (1:06:06)Please remember to check out the Cultworthy podcast, join our Discord
248. Talking Commentaries: Lara Croft: Tomb Raider (2001)
Josh and Alex watch another movie and talk over it.
This time, we're... celebrating..? 25 years of 'Lara Croft: Tomb Raider.' You can watch Lara Croft: Tomb Raider (2001,) too and suffer with us. Please...
Or you can listen and laugh at our pain. *This is the recommended method
Please remember to check out the 2 Blokes from Blighty podcast, join our Discord
247. D.L. Taylor Interview
This week, the fellas are joined by author D.L. Taylor to discuss their two YA Romantacy books:
The Beasts We Bury and The Beasts We Raise
Intro (0:00) How Alex met DL Taylor (2:27) DL Taylor, what'cha doin'? (5:32) How does DL read 7 different books at a time?! (6:57) *Spoilers for the IT novel (13:03) Are there plans for future installments of the Beasts books? (18:28) What are the lengths DL will go to immerse the fantasy world? (23:54) Alex has a bad friend (27:19) Does the author of the book get to have input on the audiobook narrator(s)? (38:26) What was the...246. The Super Mario Galaxy Movie Review
Possibly the most highly-anticipated movie of the year, The Super Mario Galaxy Movie has hit screens this last weekend. It's time to see if this sequel elevates one of the safest movies in recent memories, or does it hold the line, while continuing to be a fan-servicey sugar high?
Intro (0:00) Josh forgot his water bottle! (1:22) The real reason why Josh missed last week's episode (2:34) Mario & Luigi look weird without their gloves and hats (5:51) Sugar Coated Murder promo (7:24) A bad & unpaid plug for Riverside.FM (7:55) The Super Mario Galaxy Movie review *Full Spoilers (8:57) The good and the bad of...245. Tales from the V01D & V01D Transmission
Josh got caught by a clever girl, so Alex interviews Chris and Dr K from Tales from the v01d and its companion podcast v01d Transmission.
Read Tales from the Void comics Join the patreon:Tales from the Void Patreon Follow Chris Sagers Submit your idea to the Void
Follow Aardnor Minis
Where's Josh? (0:00) Intro (1:45) Chris, Dr. K, what'cha doin'? (3:37): Silent Hill, Pink Foam Brigade, teaching and more Inspirations and the anthology format (9:25) Constraints of small publishing (23:28) What is Dr. K's role as the editor? (30:22) Dr. K writes smut?! (48:48) Josh didn't edit this o...244. Project Hail Mary Review
Josh and Alex welcome Josh Wilson from the Super Familiar with the Wilsons podcast to help them review the first blockbuster of 2026; Project Hail Mary
Intro (0:00) Super Familiar with the Wilsons promo (2:38) Josh Skaar disappointed Winthrop Wilson (3:32) Project Hail Mary non-spoiler thoughts (5:41) Spoiler review- and Josh rants about the book (10:19) Goodbyes and social media plugs (1:03:55)Please remember to check out the Super Familiar with the Wilsons podcast, and join our Discord!
243. What'cha Doin'? XIII
The guys come together to answer the most important question; What'cha Doin'?
Intro (0:00) No On 15! All-Cast promo (3:04) Dispatch (4:56) FINAL FANTASY TACTICS - The Ivalice Chronicles (12:19) Darkhaven demo (19:44) Mighty Morphin Power Rangers/TMNT III (25:16) Starfleet Academy (33:11) Mel Brooks: The 99-Year-Old Man (39:27) Murtagh (book) (49:14) Frieren: Beyond Journey's End season 2 (51:38) Resident Evil Requiem (1:00:32) The Pitt season 2 & A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms (1:10:55) Honorable Mention: Shrinking (1:28:15) Honorable Mention: Kumail Nanjiani 'Night Thoughts' (1:29:02) Goodbyes & social media plugs (1:31:24)You can find Josh’s appearance on I Have Some Notes here
Please remember to check out the No On 15! All-cast, join our Dis...
242. Hoppers Review
Is Pixar back? Let's check out their newest entry into their library; Hoppers
Intro (0:00) Hoppers non-spoiler review (2:15) Is Hoppers a Must-See or Pass? (24:54) Hoppers spoiler review (27:09) Has Pixar really been on a downswing? (45:32) Goodbyes and social media plugs (54:29)You can find Josh’s appearance on I Have Some Notes here
Please remember to check out our Discord
241. Mat Groom Returns!
Mat Groom returns to talk about Inferno Girl Red Book 2 (and spoilers,) as well as his other works, including Immortal Legend Batman, his history in the industry and more!
Intro (0:00) Mat Groom, what'cha doin'? (1:55) Mat's transition from podcaster to comic writer (5:49) How'd they get Christina Vee to be the voice of Inferno Girl Red? (13:49) Prepping for kids/all-ages programming in the household (15:50) Immortal Legend Batman (21:58) Inferno Girl Red Book 2 *spoilers ahead* (32:27) Why the bracelet/gauntlet for the "morpher?" (36:35) Crafting a good villain (43:40) Josh stumps Mat (48:49) Josh is media literate! (53:03) Compliments to the chefs (55:54) Teasing/paying off teases from ot...240. 2026 Blockbuster Fantasy Draft
Josh, Alex & the returning Justin (from the Movie Wire) review the results of their 2025 draft class and reload for the 2026 blockbuster season.
Intro (0:00) 2025 results & winner (9:49) 2026 draft order and rules (13:35) Round 1 (14:08) Round 2 (25:33) Round 3 (38:42) Round 4 (53:09) *Alex's supplemental pick (1:13:24) Draft recap (1:18:33) Goodbyes & social media plugs (1:19:41)Please remember to check out the Movie Wire podcast, and join our Discord!
