Pop Vultures
Pop Vultures
Patrick Thompson
Pop Vultures is an experiment, really. Just three dudes talking about the stuff they love: movies and tv (with the occasional book or album). We're not experts—but nobody is. You'll probably disagree with us at some point, but that's a good thing. So join us in discussing the greatest art and entertainment our world has to offer. Hopefully we make you laugh, revisit preconceived opinions, and even cry. We'll have critiques, defenses, and plenty of questions for you.
Galaxy's Edge
THE VULTURES ARE BACK! In this new episode the Vultures discuss their trip to Disneyland’s Galaxy’s Edge in early June – better late than never! Chris, Eli, and Pat were lucky enough to visit the new Star Wars land during the reservation period, and put bluntly, the haters are wrong – Galaxy’s Edge is incredible. Listen as we discuss our experience in a galaxy far, far away….
Oct 3, 2019
37 min
Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse
The Vultures are back from spring break and are ready to discuss Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, Academy Award winner for best animated feature. With the flood of all things superheroes, where does this animated movie fit in? Where does it stand in the pantheon of Spider-Man movies? Listen as the Vultures answer these questions and realize that with great power comes great commerciality.
May 6, 2019
39 min
Interstellar
Humanity searches for a new home and Matthew McConaughey cries a lot in Christopher Nolan’s sci-fi epic Interstellar (2014). The blend of real science, human drama, stunning effects work, and ambitious filmmaking make this blockbuster worth celebrating and rewatching. Launch this episode, turn your humor settings up 10%, and journey with the Vultures through the very fabric of... this film.
Feb 13, 2019
40 min
Galaxy Quest
Galaxy Quest (1999) serves as both loving tribute and thoughtful sendup to all things Star Trek. A stellar cast deliver the laughs in this Three Amigos-esque science fiction comedy that pits washed up TV actors against a real alien threat. Beam aboard with the Vultures as they discuss this gem from the 90’s, the merits of fandom, and their love of Star Trek in this episode.
Jan 28, 2019
33 min
Black Mirror: Bandersnatch
Netflix’s Black Mirror: Bandersnatch delivers an interactive choose-your-own-adventure experience that allows viewers to make decisions for Stefan, a young computer game designer adapting a novel that drove the author insane. Listen (or choose not to and deal with the consequences, loser) as the Vultures discuss the limits of interactive storytelling, and compare their respective experiences of Bandersnatch.
Jan 7, 2019
33 min
Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
The Pop Vultures have finally arrived at journey's end – Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King. The epic conclusion to the Rings trilogy ups the ante in terms of scale and heart... and bucks the trend of having just one ending by adding nine more. Join the Vultures as they discuss this Oscar-winning fan favorite — highlighting what works, what misses the mark, and where they place it in the ranking of the three films. My friends, you bow for no podcast.
Dec 28, 2018
39 min
Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers
The Vultures continue their journey through Middle Earth with the second film in the Lord of the Rings trilogy, The Two Towers. How does this fan favorite from 2002 hold up? What are the challenges of adapting Tolkien for this middle chapter? Should you ever toss a dwarf? These questions and more are discussed in this epic episode.
Dec 10, 2018
36 min
Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring
Hairy feet, little people, jewelry, and magic are the ingredients to many a fantasy... and The Lord is the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring is no exception – the first of Peter Jackson’s epic trilogy adaption of JRR Tolkien’s fantasy masterwork that took pop culture by storm and brought Hobbits into the cinematic zeitgeist. Join the Vultures as they journey through Middle Earth to discuss part one of a trilogy so good that you won’t want to keep it secret, keep it safe.
Nov 27, 2018
38 min
Muppet Treasure Island
Muppet Treasure Island (1996) saw our favorite felt puppets star in a retelling of Robert Louis Stevenson’s story of pirates and buried treasure. Grounded by Tim Curry’s performance as Long John Silver and helmed by Brian Henson (son of Muppet creator Jim Henson) the film arguably marked the last time the Muppets really felt like themselves, with the signature balance of heart and absurdism. Join the Vultures as they set sail to rediscover this long buried childhood treasure.
Nov 12, 2018
28 min
Halloween Special – 2018
John Carpenter’s Halloween (1978) was a turning point for horror cinema. The low budget independent film tells the simple story of an expressionless killer stalking babysitters on Halloween night. The resulting movie was so iconic, it has lasted four decades and spawned numerous sequels and reboots in an attempt to recapture the magic and mystery of Michael Myers, the latest of which is Halloween (2018) — a direct sequel to the original that ignores everything else. Does this latest movie make the cut? Join the Vultures for this years Halloween... Halloween special!
Oct 29, 2018
43 min
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