Michael And Benjamin's Podcast

Sure Look, Sure Listen: The End of 2024 Special—Best and Worst of the YearIn the final podcast of 2024, Mick and Ben discuss the highs and lows of the year in pop culture. From movies and TV series to comics and the biggest names of the year, they cover it all. Highlights include their take on Warhammer's rise to fame, a review of the best and worst films, TV shows, and comics, and the announcement of their own personal awards ceremony, the Mickeys. They also share their picks for the biggest disappointments and surprises of the year, along with the best and worst 'eggs' (individuals) of 2024.00:00 Introduction and Opening Remarks00:51 Popular Culture News Highlights02:28 The Mickeys: End of Year Awards03:47 Movie of the Year Discussion04:40 Superhero Genre Fatigue07:36 Notable Films of 202416:58 TV Series of the Year31:41 Comic of the Year36:27 Gordon Ramsey's Sinister Side36:55 Comic Book Highlights: The Absolute Batman37:23 Disappointments of 202440:03 Alien Romulus: A Fan's Perspective46:02 Best and Worst

Exploring Cursed Objects in Pop Culture | Sure Look, Sure Listen Ep. 158In this episode of 'Sure Look, Sure Listen,' Mick and Ben look at one of their favourite plot devices in fiction; the concept of cursed objects in pop culture. They discuss various films, series, and even podcasts that feature cursed artifacts, from 'The Ring' to 'The Magnus Archives.' They also chat about loads of new releases and trailers, including a less than timely review of Smile 2, an introduction to the debut DCU James Gunn animated outing 'Creature Commandos,' and the new show 'Black Doves.' Lastly, they speculate on the upcoming Apple TV movie, 'The Gorge,' starring Anya Taylor-Joy and Miles Teller. Tune in for a blend of humour, horror, and insightful commentary on all things pop culture!00:00 Welcome Back to Sure Look, Sure Listen00:34 Ben's Social Media and Weekly Rundown02:20 Diving into Cursed Objects02:52 Exploring the Concept of Cursed and Possessed Objects05:57 The Annabelle Spectrum and Jumanji18:03 The Magnus Archive

Exploring 80s Movie 'Innerspace' and Its Legacy Join hosts Michael and Benjamin for a hilarious and insightful exploration of the 1987 sci-fi comedy film 'Innerspace,' directed by Joe Dante and starring Martin Short, Meg Ryan and Dennis Quaid (they gave us Jack Quaid from The Boys). They discuss the film's practical effects, comedic brilliance, bizarre plot points, and iconic performances by Dennis Quaid, Martin Short, and Meg Ryan. The duo also dives into fun trivia, including the interesting transformation sequences, the logic behind the shrinking science, and the film's reception and impact. Tune in for a mix of deep film analysis and light-hearted banter!00:00 Welcome02:11 Nostalgia Trip: Innerspace (1987)03:36 Join the Elder Millennials on Discord10:16 Tuck Pendleton: The Ultimate 80s Hero29:36 The Cowboy and Other Eccentric Characters31:04 Nostalgic Reflections and Accents32:34 Transformation Sequences and Special Effects35:18 Inside the Human Body: Practical Effects38:16 Shrinking Science and Its Flaws

Sure Look, Sure Listen: Teleportation, Pop Culture Madness, and Arcane Season 2Join hosts Benjamin and Michael on the latest episode of Sure Look Sure Listen the podcast that takes a pop at culture! This week, they look at various pop culture topics including Arcane Season 2, teleportation in sci-fi, pop culture news, and new trailers for upcoming movies. They also explore humorous and tense moments from classic sci-fi stories and movies such as Stephen King's 'The Jaunt,' David Cronenberg's 'The Fly,' and various 'Star Trek' episodes. The hosts also engage in witty banter about teleportation technology, existential horrors, and adaptive storytelling, all while calling for listener interaction and reviews.00:00 Welcome and terrible jokes01:56 Teleportation Horrors02:37 Listener Reviews and Feedback04:30 Stephen King's The Jaunt25:32 The Fly: A Cronenberg Classic34:59 Cronenberg's Flesh Beasts and Practical Effects37:23 Star Trek's Teleportation Technology39:28 The Riker Transporter Accident46:14 Reg Barkley's

Farscape: The Quintessential Episodes - Crazy Adventures in SpaceIn this week's episode of 'Sure Look, Sure Listen,' the hosts take a deep dive into the quintessential episodes of the 1999 sci-fi TV series 'Farscape.' The episode covers the show’s unique character dynamics, madcap adventures, and unforgettable episodes like 'Premiere,' 'Crackers Don't Matter,' 'Scratch and Sniff,' 'Look at the Princess,' and 'Different Destinations.' The hosts explore the show's intricate plots, its playful yet gritty tone, and the unforgettable romance between John Crichton and Aeryn Sun. Perfect for fans eager to revisit the show or newcomers looking to understand its unique charm.The Article Mick Mentions00:00 Welcome to Sherlock: A Pop Culture Podcast00:27 No News Week and Floating in Space00:54 Introducing the Quintessential Segment02:09 Farscape: A Forgotten Gem03:21 The Quintessential Farscape Episodes17:00 Meet the Motley Crew of Farscape25:36 Premiere: The First Quintessential Episode29:44 Alien Encounters and Transl

Exploring Fictional Presidents in Media and Marvel's FutureIn this lively episode of Sure Look, Sure Listen hosts Mick and Ben engage in a hilarious and insightful discussion on fictional U.S. Presidents across various media. The episode includes a deep dive into characters from comic books, movies, and recent Marvel Cinematic Universe reveals. They provide commentary on the sociopolitical implications of these characters, from the heroic archetypes of the 90s to the satirical depictions in modern media.Alongside, they discuss upcoming Marvel projects, including Captain America: Brave New World and Thunderbolts. The episode also touches upon reactions to Ben's previous TikTok comments on Venom, the challenges with internet criticism, and why Spider-man shouldn't be stickier00:00 Hammer Time!00:21 Marvel Madness and D23 Highlights01:27 US Election Aftermath: A Satirical Take02:31 Podcasting Against Fascism03:47 Apple Podcasts Controversy09:41 Depictions of US Presidents in Fiction12:37 The King in Yellow: A Pr

Peak Venom In this episode of the Sure Look, Sure Listen podcast, we (hosts Mick and Ben) dive into various pop culture topics, including the best iteration of Venom in films and comics and beyond. We touch on the origins of everyone's favourite symbiotes and what makes Eddie Brock's parasitic companion so adored. Then we review the recent film 'The Substance'. The hosts also briefly discuss the TV series 'Agatha all along' and the latest 'Transformers' movie. With plenty of banter and humour, they engage with listener questions and comments, provide detailed analyses of character adaptations, and discuss their personal preferences and disappointments. The hosts also encourage listeners to give reviews and participate in their Discord community for more pop culture discussions.00:00 Welcome00:28 Listener Questions and Apologies00:50 Movie Reviews and New Segment Announcement01:43 Adaptations and Spin-offs Overload03:12 Peak Venom: The Ultimate Debate05:25 Venom's Comic Book Origins09:46 Venom's Evolution in M

In yet another exhumed episode, we (Mick and Ben) deep dive into the 1987 cult classic 'The Witches of Eastwick,' discussing its themes of female empowerment, feminist symbols, and standout performances by Michelle Pfeiffer, Cher, Susan Sarandon, and Jack Nicholson. George Miller's unique directorial style is compared to his work on the Mad Max series, emphasising his ability to create suspense and memorable characters.The hosts also examine the Venus of Willendorf symbol, comparing the film adaptation to John Updike's original novel, and discussing important scenes that highlight the witches' journey of power discovery and their relationship with Daryl Van Horne.Meanwhile, a critical review of the latest Venom movie 'Venom: The Last Dance' highlights its flawed plot and disappointing execution. The episode also reviews the new 'Absolute Wonder Woman' comic set in a reimagined universe created by none other than Darkseid, and discusses a gritty reinterpretation of Wonder Woman's origin from Kelly Thompson and

Sometimes everyone is out to get you, especially in creepy villages.Join hosts Mick and Ben for a spine-chilling Halloween special, that nearly killed Ben in the editing room, where they explore various horror themes across movies, literature, and television. This episode dives into werewolf film trailers such as 'Werewolves' and 'The Wolf Man' remake. Perhaps most importantly, they take a look at the trope of creepy villages in fiction and reality and occult horror with references to H.P. Lovecraft and Shirley Jackson. They discuss the portrayal of small-town horrors, pagan rituals in classics like 'The Wicker Man,' and the eerie vibe of BBC's 'Robin Redbreast' (1970). The conversation also touches on the unique horror aspects of 'Hot Fuzz,' 'The Apostle,' and 'Midsommar,' as well as recent trends in film trailers and AI's influence on creative industries.00:00 Welcome to Sure Look, Sure Listen02:17 Creepy Irish Villages and Pagan Cults03:48 Listener Engagement and Reviews05:04 Exploring Creepy Village Trope

In this rug pull filled episode, hosts Mick and Ben take a trip into the fifth dimension and look into the timeless appeal and cultural significance of 'The Twilight Zone,' covering quintessential episodes and their various adaptations. They explore themes such as Cold War paranoia, societal fears, and the series' continued relevance. Episodes discussed are 'The Monsters Are Due on Maple Street,' 'Will the Real Martian Please Stand Up?,' 'Nightmare at 20,000 Feet,' and reflections on Rod Serling's legacy. The hosts also touch on modern interpretations and parodies, including those by 'The Simpsons,' and the influence of 'The Twilight Zone' on other pop culture mediums such as 'The X-Files' and 'Gravity Falls.' Additionally, they provide insights into the intricacies of suspense and horror in various eras of television, and they share personal anecdotes while encouraging listener engagement through reviews and social media platforms.[00:00] Welcome to Sure Look, Sure Listen[01:38] The Twilight Zone:

Join Mick and Ben as they wade into the horror delights of 'Spookoween' by examining a selection of captivating horror shorts like 'Portrait of God' and 'Jack Stauber's Opal'. The discussion takes a look at why the short film format might be the most suited to horror and how 90's television horror anthologies like Are You Afraid of the Dark and Goosebumps primed us to crave short form horror. From there, the conversation shifts to the poor box office performance of 'Joker: Foile a Deux' and scrutinises possible reasons behind its poor receptionOur Cursed Shorts Playlist![00:00] Welcome to Sure Look Sure Listen and Give us Reviews[03:23] Horror Shorts from the Internet[06:24] The Importance of Ambiguity in Horror[12:29] Classic Horror Anthologies[14:51] Exploring Cursed Shorts[16:54] Portrait of God and cursed Media[24:35] Strangers and hell being other people[30:35] Jack Stauber's Opal and the horrors of reality[40:51] Ellie's realisation and Ambiguity[42:43]Review of 'The Chair'[47:50] Horror Short 'Lights O

Tune in to a lively episode of Sure Look, Sure Listen as Mick and Ben return from a break to dive into an engaging discussion brimming with pop culture updates and humour. The main focus of this week's episode is an analytical yet entertaining breakdown of the 1982 film 'Conan the Barbarian', sprinkled with anecdotes and historical tidbits. It answers important questions like how much baby oil was used on set? What was Schwarzenegger's waxing budget? Following that, catch their insights on trending TV series 'Agatha All Along', upcoming movie trailers like 'Ballerina', 'Sinners' and 'Mickey 17'.[00:00] Welcome Back to Shalouk: The Podcast Returns[00:28] Medical Mishaps and Pop Culture Catch-Up[01:23] Trailer Talk: Upcoming Films and TV Shows[02:46] Listener Reviews and Social Media Shoutouts[07:25] Conan the Barbarian: A Deep Dive[36:27] Character Development in Conan[36:55] Max von Sydow's Impactful Performance[43:10] Humor and Memorable Scenes[45:21] Conan's Influence and Legacy[46:01] Marvel's Agatha: A Fr

The Quintessential BuffyJoin Mick and Ben in this hilarious and insightful episode where they delve into the quintessential Buffy the Vampire Slayer episodes, trying to pick out what made the show such a fan favourite with a lasting impact that no one may have expected from it's early days. Plus they review the Beetlejuice sequel, and discuss the latest Minecraft movie and Alien: Earth teaser.[00:00] Houskeeping[00:24] Vampire Talk and Beetlejuice[00:53] Quintessential Podcast Format[02:22] Listener Engagement and Support[03:48] Substack[06:34] Buffy the Vampire Slayer Discussion[07:58] Buffy as a Formative TV Show]10:22] Buffy’s Impact on Television[15:11] Quintessential Buffy Episodes[15:48] Prophecy Girl: Season 1 Finale[27:10] Becoming, Part 2: Season 2 Finale[36:51] Hush: Season 4, Episode 10[40:36] Buffy Speak and Whedon's Dialogue[43:40] The Unique Villain: The Gentleman[44:39] The Evolution of Villains in Buffy[45:30] The Body: A Study on Grief and Loss[46:26] Joyce Summers: The worst mother in TV His

On this episode of Sure Look, Sure Listen, we take a look at the dodgy world of Irish coding your villains and characters in Fantasy settings, starting with the booming popularity of Sarah J. Maas's A Court of Thorns and Roses, or as Ben calls it; fairy smut. We take a look at the problematic way in which the author bases her fictional worlds of Hybern and Prythian on real Irish and British History and Geography. This in itself isn't bad but the framing of Irish coded characters as savage and ruddy feels like a clear call back to the grim old days of rampant Hibernophobia, Paddywhackery and Stage Irishness.This leads into a discussion of a few dodgy representations of Irishness in Fantasy settings, including the Harfoots in Rings of Power and Mad Sweeney in American Gods.Following that, Mick reviews the inexplicably real Rings of Power season 2 and gives a masterclass in rolling your R's. We also take a look at Halle Berry's latest horror flick, where a rope is the main character in Never Let Go. Finally, we

n this episode of Sure Look, Sure Listen the hosts dive into a nostalgic review of the 1998 action horror film 'Blade', exploring its impact on vampire media and its place in 90s pop culture. They shift gears to discuss the riveting second season of AMC's 'Interview with the Vampire', noting its skilful use of unreliable narration and rich period details. The episode rounds out with a look at new and upcoming trailers, including 'Y2K', 'Secret Levels', and the worlds quickest trailer reaction to 'The War of the Rohirrim', promising lots of exciting content for fans of various genres.[00:00] Welcome to Sure Look, Sure Listen[00:25] Pop Culture Catchphrases and Trailers[01:56] Classic Episode: Exhuming Blade (1998)[02:28] Listener Engagement and Reviews[04:13] Blade: Cast and Characters[09:33] Blade's Cinematic Impact and Aesthetic[24:36] Plot Breakdown and MacGuffins[37:15] Gen X Vampires and Horror Elements[38:19] Memorable Scenes and Characters[40:29] Martial Arts and Practical Effects[42

Alien Romulus, Bubblegum Dystopias, and More!Join hosts Mick and Ben on this week's episode of the 'Sure Look, Sure Listen' podcast as they explore the concept of 'Bubblegum Dystopia' and its origins. Bubblegum Dystopia refers to a society that is polished and pleasing on the outside but has dark, insidious undertones. Examples discussed include films like 'Blade Runner,' the novel 'Brave New World,' and the modern TV series 'WandaVision.' The hosts also touch on real-life embodiments of this concept, such as Disneyland. Then they review the newly released 'Alien Romulus,' and discuss 'Rebel Moon - the Extended Cut.' Then we're all shocked to discover that Kraven is somehow still a thing.[00:00] Please Review Us[02:01] Exploring Bubblegum Dystopia[03:26] The Victorian Era: Whimsy and Reality[04:21] Terry Gilliam's Zero Theorem[11:15] Disneyland: A Real-Life Bubblegum Dystopia?[15:02] Blade Runner and Bubblegum Dystopia[19:07] Brave New World: The Original Bubblegum Dystopia[

In this episode, Mick and Ben take a look at what makes an X-Files episode quintessential. They start with the spooky pilot episode, which probably could have been named 'Evil Forest,' move onto the terrifying 'Squeeze,' discuss the almost-bottle episode 'Ice,' explore 'Clyde Bruckman's Final Repose,' and conclude with the more comedic 'Jose Chung's From Outer Space.' The discussion also includes their thoughts on recent pop culture news from Disney's D23 event, including the first decent look at Daredevil Born Again, the collapse of the Borderlands movie, and much, much more.[00:00] Episode Intro and Running order[01:32] Listener Engagement and Podcast Relevance (or lack thereof)[03:45] The Quintessential X Files Episodes[06:10] Chemistry and Raw Human Fear in X Files[12:38] Government Conspiracies and Law Enforcement in X-Files[15:58] The Pilot Episode[21:44] Squeeze: The Horror of Eugene Victor Tooms[29:09] Ice: Arctic Paranoia[33:44] Clive Brookman's Final Repose[35:51] Mid-90s Sci-Fi Nostalgia[37:21] Mul

Join hosts Michael and Benjamin in this entertaining episode of Sure Look, Sure Listen; the podcast taking a pop at culture. The hosts then take a dip into the grim realities of the Warhammer 40k universe, discussing various factions and the feasibility of living on different planets peacefully within this dystopian setting, highlighting factions like the Tau and Necrons, and the Brotherhood of the Snake.Then Michael shares his spooky yet hilarious experience at '222: A Ghost Story.' Benjamin offers an insightful review of the new animated series 'Batman: Caped Crusader,' comparing it favorably to 'Batman: The Animated Series.' They also introduce 'The Quintessential,' a new series focusing on must-watch episodes from beloved TV series, starting with 'The X-Files,' urging listener participation. The hosts review trailers for the upcoming films 'Blink Twice' and 'Slingshot,' humorously warning against space travels with Laurence Fishburne. The episode concludes with a playful cowboy-themed farewell and a call

Deadpool and Wolverine: Comic Con Unleashed & Pop Culture Explosion!Join Michael and Benjamin on the 'Sure Look Sure Listen' podcast as they dive into the latest pop culture news from San Diego's Comic Con, including casting announcements, trailer releases, and shocking returns. They review the highly anticipated Deadpool and Wolverine film with no-spoilers and spoilers sections, and share insights on Marvel, DC's latest flops, and comic book history. Tune in for a fun-filled episode of humour, nostalgia, and a deep love for pop culture![00:00:37] Comic Con Highlights and Trailers[00:01:25] Deadpool and Wolverine Review[00:02:25] Michael's Movie Marathon[00:04:56] Marvel's Big Announcements[00:19:17] Creature Commandos and DC News[00:25:44] Rings of Power Season 2[00:28:56] Rebel Moon Director's Cut[00:32:01] Deadpool and Wolverine Box Office Success[00:36:03] Ryan Reynolds' Persona and Self-Deprecation[00:36:41] Deadpool as a Marvel Parody[00:37:17] Film Critic's Review of Deadpool[00:38:26] Deadpool's P

In this episode of the Sure Look Sure Listen podcast, Mick and Ben take a look at the latest Neil Gaiman news and the shocking allegations that have emerged, discussing their impact on his adaptations and legacy. They explore the bizarre internet phenomenon of Skibidi Toilet, examining its origins and why it's capturing Gen Alpha's attention. The hosts then discuss the backlash against the latest season of The Boys, debating whether the show has gone too far with its shock value. Mick shares his thoughts on the movies "Abigail" and "Furiosa," highlighting their unique elements and Irish connections. Finally, they debate the prevalence of dystopian vs. utopian narratives in media, pondering what these trends reveal about our society.Time Stamps:[00:00:00] Introduction[00:00:24] Neil Gaiman News[00:03:16] Neil Gaiman Allegations[00:10:46] Skibidi Toilet Phenomenon[00:19:12] Moral Panic Over Skibidi Toilet[00:24:01] The Boys Season Review[00:27:05] Controversial Episode Discussion[00:35:23] Viewer Backlash[00:37