Challenge Accepted

Geek Freaks
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Join hosts Thomas and Frank on their weekly podcast 'Challenge Accepted' as they take on the ultimate challenge of watching and reviewing a different movie, show, comic, or game each episode. From the latest in geek TV to classic favorites, no challenge is too big for these two friends. Tune in for their hilarious banter and insightful critiques on all things pop culture. Challenge accepted

  1. Trick ’r Treat | Sam, Scares, and Why Nonlinear Horror Still Hits | Feat. Graveyard

    PŘED 9 H

    Trick ’r Treat | Sam, Scares, and Why Nonlinear Horror Still Hits | Feat. Graveyard

    Frank sits down with Graveyard from Distance Nerding to revisit the cult favorite Trick ’r Treat. They unpack the film’s comic-book anthology structure, Michael Dougherty’s direction, how lighting and practical effects sell the Halloween vibe, and why “respecting the rules” is the movie’s secret engine. The conversation widens into horror’s ebb-and-flow trends, gateway recommendations, and a peek at Graveyard’s current indie film projects. Timestamps and Topics 00:00 Intro and guest setup 00:10 First watch reactions and why this pick works 02:03 Two-minute plot challenge and interwoven stories overview 04:10 Rewatch factor and Halloween traditions 06:09 Nonlinear storytelling and comic-book anthology DNA 07:56 Michael Dougherty’s vision, pacing, and writing credits 09:17 Warm candlelight, menace, and classic horror lighting tricks 10:04 Practical effects vs CGI, werewolf transforms, and Sam’s design 12:11 Should Sam’s mask ever come off and why he feels like the watcher 14:14 Favorite character: Principal Steven and the vampire misdirect 15:47 Mr. Kreeg, justice by “the rules,” and that doorbell payoff 18:35 Rhonda, lit pumpkins, and surviving by respecting tradition 19:41 Sam as the embodiment of Halloween and who can “see” him 21:21 Horror in the household and YA horror for younger fans 22:52 Family horror traditions, Halloween and IT 24:01 Horror as a time capsule for taboos and fears 24:40 Vampires vs zombies discourse and trend cycles 26:26 Walking Dead as drama and genre fatigue 27:12 Theme spotlight: respect the past and know the why behind traditions 28:23 From overlooked release to cult classic in a torture-porn era 29:02 New French Extremity, Scream waves, and subgenre swings 30:12 Prestige horror, supernatural return, and James Wan’s run 31:20 Great directors who cut their teeth on horror 32:34 Daylight horror shoutout to Midsommar 33:47 What to watch next: Krampus, Creepshow, and hidden gem The Burning 36:16 Distance Nerding’s The Build, Conversations in the Void, and Mostly Pod at Night Mostly 40:43 Indie projects: Fairfield County, Night Terrors, a werewolf short, and Decades of Horror 42:46 Wrap and how to connect Key Takeaways Trick ’r Treat works because the anthology threads actively interlock, rewarding attention without feeling like separate shorts. The “rules of Halloween” aren’t window dressing. They’re story fuel that decide who lives, who dies, and why. Lighting sells the tone shift. Warm, cozy frames flip to dread in an instant. Practical effects age better than quick-hit CGI, especially for werewolves and Sam. The movie’s cult rise tracks with broader horror cycles moving from torture-focused trends to craft-first “prestige” horror. Horror often mirrors the fears and taboos of its moment, which is why the genre keeps evolving and resurfacing. Want more in this vein? Krampus keeps Dougherty’s dark humor, while Creepshow nails the comic-panel anthology spirit. Quotes “He is the embodiment of Halloween. Sam.” — Graveyard “The nonlinear works great because it feels like a comic book adaptation.” — Graveyard “Respect the traditions of the past. If you don’t know them, learn them.” — Graveyard “Walking Dead is a drama that happens to have some zombies on it.” — Graveyard “There are so many shots I’m looking for more than I would in a normal movie.” — Frank Call to Action Enjoyed the episode? Follow and rate the show on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, drop a short review, and share this one with a friend using #ChallengeAcceptedPod. Links and Resources GeekFreaksPodcast.com — our home base and the source of all news discussed during our podcast Distance Nerding shows mentioned: The Build, Mostly Pod at Night Mostly, Conversations in the Void Follow Us Instagram: @challengeacceptedlive TikTok: @challengeacceptedlive Twitter: @CAPodcastLive Email: challengeacceptedgfx@gmail.com Listener Questions Send your questions, hot takes, or future topics to challengeacceptedgfx@gmail.com or DM us on Instagram or Twitter. We’ll feature our favorites in upcoming episodes. Apple Podcast Tags: Trick r Treat, Michael Dougherty, Anthology Horror, Sam, Halloween, Practical Effects, Anna Paquin, Dylan Baker, Brian Cox, Cult Classics, Horror Movie Discussion, Distance Nerding, Challenge Accepted Podcast

    44 min
  2. Peacemaker S2E8 | Rise of Eagly | Salvation Run, Checkmate, and What It Means for Superman

    PŘED 6 DNY

    Peacemaker S2E8 | Rise of Eagly | Salvation Run, Checkmate, and What It Means for Superman

    Frank and Thomas unpack the Peacemaker Season 2 finale, from John Cena’s performance to the big-picture DCU setup. They dig into Salvation Run and Checkmate, how the metahumans vs. government angle points toward Superman, and why this episode feels more like a bridge to Season 3. Along the way, they talk Vigilante’s MVP moments, Harcourt’s arc, Lex Luthor’s influence on Rick Flag, and whether multiverse storytelling still works. Timestamps & Topics 00:00 — Welcome back and life update from Thomas; setting the table for the finale chat 00:55 — James Gunn’s podcast, fathers and sons, and why that matters to Chris and Adebayo 02:21 — First impressions: great performances, odd placement for a “finale” episode 04:34 — Will there be a Season 3 and where this could continue in the DCU slate 05:16 — The Superman tie-in: metahumans vs. government, framing the next phase 06:06 — Salvation Run explained, Checkmate connections, and deep-cut DC lore 08:31 — Quantum doors and the “QC” device; quick tour of the multiverse worlds 10:13 — Why the multiverse still works here and how Gunn is trusting the audience 11:12 — That black-hole world and callbacks to the new DCU’s prison ideas 12:01 — Rick Flag’s heel turn and the debate over Lex’s manipulation 14:10 — Government vs. metahumans as a DCU driver; room for Batman later 16:02 — Waller, Task Force X, and where Checkmate fits in public vs. shadow ops 18:00 — Vigilante praise, Fleury chemistry, and why the side cast still matters 20:06 — Chris and Adebayo’s “you made me feel loved” scene; mixed reactions 21:30 — Harcourt’s arc, the boat, and the kiss that did not shock the internet 24:02 — Expectation traps, Earth X sleuthing, and fan predictions vs. payoff 28:06 — Is Nicholas Hoult scary enough as Lex yet 31:04 — Judo Master, Langston Fleury, and Checkmate as a home for “good but messy” heroes 32:18 — Final thoughts: Season 1 vs. Season 2, and what is next for DC on TV Key Takeaways The finale plays like a handoff, setting up Superman and a broader DCU conflict rather than closing Season 2 cleanly. Salvation Run and Checkmate point to deeper DC lore and a clear government vs. metahuman story. John Cena carries the heart and humor; Vigilante continues to be a stealth MVP. Lex’s off-screen sway over Rick Flag divides opinion but supports a long game for the character. The multiverse beats land because they are visual, simple, and high-stakes without heavy exposition. Quotes “John Cena is so lovable. I want to hug him and watch him wreck shop.” “Episode 7 felt like the true finale. This one felt like a plus-one.” “Salvation is basically a planet of villains trying to rule each other.” “Government vs. metahumans sets the stage for Superman and maybe even Batman.” “Vigilante’s joy is so raw and kid-like that it weirdly grounds the show.” Call to Action If you enjoyed this breakdown, follow the show and leave a quick rating and review. Share the episode with a friend who is catching up on Peacemaker and tag us with #ChallengeAcceptedPod. Links and Resources All news discussed on our shows comes from GeekFreaksPodcast.com Challenge Accepted on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/challengeacceptedlive/ Challenge Accepted on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@challengeacceptedlive?lang=en Challenge Accepted on Twitter: https://x.com/CAPodcastLive Follow Us Stay current with episode drops, clips, and polls on our socials above. For feedback or challenges, email: ChallengeAcceptedGFX@gmail.com. Listener Questions What did you think of the finale’s placement and the Salvation Run setup Send your thoughts or questions for the next episode. We may feature your take on the show. Apple Podcast Tags Peacemaker, DCU, James Gunn, John Cena, Salvation Run, Checkmate, Lex Luthor, Rick Flag, Vigilante, Harcourt, Superman, TV review, Geek Freaks, Challenge Accepted, Podcast

    36 min
  3. Peacemaker S2E7 | Earth X, Raw Consequences, and John Cena’s Best Performance Yet

    3. 10.

    Peacemaker S2E7 | Earth X, Raw Consequences, and John Cena’s Best Performance Yet

    In our last solo review before the finale, Frank breaks down Peacemaker Season 2, Episode 7, “Like a Thief in the Night.” We cover how the Earth X arc reframes the team’s choices, why Adebayo finally steps from reactive to proactive, the surprising nuance to Augie in a fascist world, and how Vigilante’s sacrifice resets the board for the finale. We also talk about the episode’s strongest character beats, where the mechanics show, and why John Cena’s work this season stands out as his best to date. untitled Timestamps and Topics 00:00 Intro, episode plan, and what’s coming for the finale 00:44 Dropped into Earth X and the Argus escape 01:09 Adebayo and Judo Master connect, seeing the world for what it is 03:06 Team regroups with two Vigilantes, plans the house infiltration 04:16 A different Augie in a different world, and what that says about DCU Augie 06:15 Chris vs. the past he can’t outrun 07:14 Keith’s near-death, Chris’s breaking point, and a choice with consequences 08:27 The portal sequence, who stays behind, and what it sets up 09:10 John Cena’s leap from Season 1 to now 09:52 What worked: real consequences, character-first storytelling, grounded stakes 15:44 Where it stumbles: mechanical connectors and limited Earth X texture 17:26 Performance shoutouts: Holland, Brooks, and scene craft 18:42 Why this is a perfect penultimate chapter and what we want from the finale Key Takeaways Earth X is a mirror, not a gimmick. The episode uses the setting to highlight privilege, hate, and willful blindness, pushing Chris to confront what he doesn’t see until it’s too late. Adebayo steps up. She’s the glue when she’s active, not reactive. This is her most decisive episode of the season, rallying the team and reframing her personal accountability. Augie’s complexity lands. In a world that validates him, Augie isn’t “better,” but he’s different. That contrast sheds light on how alienation hardened DCU Augie. Consequences feel real. Death is on the table, choices cost something, and quiet character beats carry more weight than the explosions around them. Cena levels up. The grief and surrender scenes rank among the season’s best acting, selling Chris as a broken man trying to do one right thing. Minor stumbles. A few transitions feel mechanical and Earth X’s texture could use more on-screen shading to heighten anxiety and stakes. Quotes “This episode is character first, even when the world is exploding around them.” “Adebayo works best when she’s leading, not reacting.” “Augie isn’t redeemed here, he’s contextualized. The world that embraced him made a different monster.” “Cena’s performance turns Chris into a man who can finally look his guilt in the eye.” Call to Action If you’re enjoying these breakdowns, follow and subscribe, drop us a rating and review, and share the episode with a friend using #GeekFreaksPodcast. It helps a ton and keeps the conversation going into the finale. Links and Resources All show notes and news: GeekFreaksPodcast.com — the source of all news discussed on our podcast. Follow Us Website: GeekFreaksPodcast.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/geekfreakspod Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/geekfreakspodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thegeekfreakspodcast Threads: https://www.threads.net/@geekfreakspodcast Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/GeekFreakspodcast Listener Questions What do you think Earth X reveals about Chris that the main timeline couldn’t? Where do you want Adebayo, Harcourt, and Vigilante to land after the finale? Send your thoughts and questions for next week’s wrap-up, and we’ll feature a few on the show. Apple Podcast Tags: Peacemaker Season 2, DCU, James Gunn, John Cena, Danielle Brooks, Jennifer Holland, Vigilante, Adebayo, Harcourt, Earth X, Argus, TV review, superhero TV, geek culture

    19 min
  4. Twisted Metal | Why Peacock’s Car-Combat Chaos Works | Feat. Phil of Distance Nerding

    30. 9.

    Twisted Metal | Why Peacock’s Car-Combat Chaos Works | Feat. Phil of Distance Nerding

    Frank is joined by Phil to break down Peacock’s Twisted Metal, from its surprisingly heartfelt character work to the tournament arc and deep cuts that longtime players will recognize. We talk John Doe’s search for identity, the show’s “happy sociopath” version of Sweet Tooth, how Season 2 levels up the stunts and car combat, and why adding new lore can actually respect the games. If you skipped this one because “cars with guns,” we make the case for why it’s worth your time. Timestamps and Topics 00:00 Introductions and why Twisted Metal was the pick for this episode. 00:36 What the show adapts from the games and where it departs, especially with John Doe. 02:11 The core premise: post apocalyptic courier job, a shot at life behind the walls, and the road to San Francisco. 03:29 Game lore 101: Calypso, wishes with a twist, and character specific endings. 07:00 Sweet Tooth as chaos engine, why the Joker style wildcard works on TV. 09:05 Samoa Joe in the suit, Will Arnett on the mic, and why the voice swap lands. 10:58 Axel and other fan favorites enter, with connected backstories that actually pay off. 13:42 Game venues reimagined with in world logic, HUDs and objectives that make sense. 18:48 Car combat talk: practical vs CG, why Season 2’s action feels better. 21:07 “Silly” weapons that get smart uses and Chekhov’s missile moments. 23:03 Budget glow up from Season 1 to Season 2 and early success on Peacock. 24:04 John and Quiet’s chemistry, then the Season 2 relationship reset. 28:05 The sister storyline, tough choices, and consequences after the wish. 30:40 Minion reworked, identity twists, and a setup that begs for Season 3. 33:40 Adaptation philosophy: build new stories that feel like the game. 41:31 What other game adaptations can learn from Twisted Metal. 45:06 Fun facts: ratings, production notes, and stunt work. Key Takeaways Twisted Metal balances weekly mayhem with character arcs, making the world feel lived in instead of gimmicky. Sweet Tooth is written as a charmingly off kilter sociopath, and the Samoa Joe and Will Arnett combo sells the menace and the laughs. Season 2 embraces the tournament and deepens game lore while explaining gamey elements inside the story. Practical stunts plus targeted CG keep the car combat crunchy and readable. Smart departures from canon create stronger relationships without losing the game’s tone. Quotes “It’s a show about a character trying to find his worth in a post apocalyptic world.” “Sweet Tooth is a happy sociopath. It’s off putting and I love him for it.” “They nailed the cross between practical and CG. The car combat was better than I expected.” “Give me new stories that live in the game’s world, not a beat for beat retelling.” Call to Action If you enjoyed this breakdown, follow and rate the show. Drop a review on Apple Podcasts, share the episode with a friend who loved the games, and tag us with #ChallengeAcceptedPod so we can shout you out next week. Links and Resources GeekFreaksPodcast.com is our home base and the source of all news discussed on our shows Watch Twisted Metal on Peacock Follow Us Geek Freaks: Facebook, Threads, Twitter, Instagram Challenge Accepted: Instagram, TikTok, Twitter Listener Questions What did the show get right compared to your favorite Twisted Metal entries? Send your thoughts and questions for the next episode, and we will feature a few on air. Apple Podcasts Tags Geek Freaks, Challenge Accepted, Twisted Metal, Peacock, TV review, video game adaptations, Anthony Mackie, Sweet Tooth, car combat, post apocalyptic TV

    56 min
  5. Peacemaker S2E6 | Earth X Reveal, Vigilante Meets Vigilante, Rising Tension

    26. 9.

    Peacemaker S2E6 | Earth X Reveal, Vigilante Meets Vigilante, Rising Tension

    Frank breaks down Peacemaker Season 2, Episode 6, “Ignorance Is Chris,” and why the “better world” finally shows its cracks. From the diner photo that warps, to Harcourt and Chris opening up in an interrogation room, to Vigilante meeting his Earth X counterpart, this episode clicks into place. We also hit Rick Flag Sr.’s prison visit with Lex Luthor, the Sons of Liberty twist, and the hallway tells that confirm where we are. It is a tense, funny, uneasy chapter that sets up a high-stakes sprint to the finale. Timestamps and Topics 00:00 Intro and episode plan 00:23 Housekeeping, L.A. Comic Con updates, why last week skipped 00:44 Frank’s knee update and getting back on mic 01:01 The big swing lands: “Hello, Earth X, mind the flags” 01:19 Diner scene breakdown and the melting-faces photo 02:01 The inevitability of the reveal and why the vibe felt off 02:28 At Adrian’s place: mom cameo, “secret room,” evidence stash 03:33 The Beanie Baby closet and recreating the portal 04:06 Back in the portal room: the neighbor-alien and why it matters 04:44 Sneaking the Smith mansion and the rising tension 05:20 Harcourt’s snow globe stall, the car ride with Keith 06:10 Music clues in this world, no rap, the whitewashed timeline 06:33 Eagly raid in the kitchen, the mess to clean up 06:55 Vigilante meets Vigilante, animal “facts,” and the glasses tell 08:12 Sons of Liberty inversion and why Alt Adrian hates Peacemaker 09:39 Rick Flag Sr. visits Lex Luthor at Belle Reve 10:38 The deal for portal tech and the DCU bridge it hints at 11:19 Harcourt and Chris finally say the quiet part out loud 12:40 Adebayo’s walk, “one got out,” and the street chase 13:59 Auggie ambushes Economos at the mansion 14:47 Alt Harcourt flips the switch at A.R.G.U.S. 15:08 The flag with a swastika and the words that land like a punch 15:47 Wrap up, what 6 through 8 now promise, social plugs and sign-off Key Takeaways The episode earns its dread by letting small details stack until the Earth X truth can no longer be ignored. Vigilante meeting himself is both the funniest stretch and honest character work that reframes his bravado. The Harcourt and Chris scene gives the alt-world twist emotional weight and nudges their relationship into something healthier. Rick Flag Sr. and Lex Luthor open the door to wider DCU stakes without hijacking the episode. Adebayo’s street sequence and the desk flag reveal are the gut checks that make the cut to black land. Quotes “Hello, Earth X, mind the flags.” “One got out! It’s a black.” “This is your perfect world.” Call to Action If you enjoyed this breakdown, follow the show, leave a rating, and share the episode with a friend who is watching along. Use #ChallengeAcceptedLive so we can find your takes. Links and Resources GeekFreaksPodcast.com for our hub and the source of all news discussed during our podcast Follow our con coverage and reviews all week Follow Us Instagram: @challengeacceptedlive TikTok: @challengeacceptedlive Twitter: @CAPodcastLive Listener Questions What was the exact moment you realized we were on Earth X? Where do you land on Adrian vs. Adrian after this episode? Send thoughts and questions to ChallengeAcceptedGFX@gmail.com or DM us on socials and we will read a few next episode. Apple Podcast Tags: Peacemaker, Peacemaker Season 2, Peacemaker S2E6, Ignorance Is Chris, Earth X, Vigilante, James Gunn, John Cena, Danielle Brooks, Jennifer Holland, Rick Flag Sr., Lex Luthor, DCU, Review, Podcast Show Notes, Geek Freaks, Challenge Accepted

    17 min
  6. Building Our “Hall of Fame” First 20

    24. 9.

    Building Our “Hall of Fame” First 20

    Thomas and Frank kick off a running series to assemble a living “Hall of Fame” of 100 movies covered on Challenge Accepted. In this first pass, they lock in the opening 20 picks across adventure, animation, sci-fi, horror, and sports drama. Along the way they talk performance standouts, scenes that shaped their taste, and how future rewatches and listener votes could bump titles up or off the board. Timestamps and Topics 00:03:52 Big Fish and why it still wrecks us in different seasons of life 00:05:07 Hook as 90s Goonies energy and a Robin Williams showcase 00:06:49 Tombstone and the definitive Doc Holliday performance 00:08:13 Raiders of the Lost Ark and the problem of recasting Indy 00:12:52 The Prestige and discovering a top tier Nolan on rewatch 00:14:48 Interstellar nomination and why it grew with repeat viewings 00:17:12 The Shining as prestige horror and a genre pivot point 00:18:23 In Time gets discussed but does not make the cut for now 00:20:00 Across the Spider Verse moves in after a better audio experience 00:22:47 Planes, Trains and Automobiles lands as a comedy essential 00:24:43 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (1990) and its surprising emotional weight 00:28:38 Studio Ghibli slot: Spirited Away talk and the case for Kiki’s Delivery Service 00:30:24 Dune: Part Two enters as modern epic sci-fi 00:34:38 Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 and how the evolving list could reshuffle later 00:36:55 The Empire Strikes Back as the Star Wars representative 00:39:11 Jurassic Park and the marriage of practical and digital effects 00:41:02 The Iron Claw and a note on wrestling stories we will cover next 00:42:52 Superman (1978) closes the 20 with an all time origin story 00:48:27 Wrap up, what is coming next, and how listeners can influence the rankings The First 20 (Working List) Big Fish Hook Tombstone Raiders of the Lost Ark The Prestige Interstellar The Shining Spider Man: Across the Spider Verse Planes, Trains and Automobiles Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (1990) Spirited Away or Kiki’s Delivery Service (Ghibli slot) Dune: Part Two Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 The Empire Strikes Back Jurassic Park The Iron Claw Superman (1978) Plus a few near misses and future candidates Key Takeaways This is a living list. Titles can move as we review more films and as listeners weigh in. Emotional resonance matters as much as craft, from TMNT’s farmhouse sequence to Big Fish’s generational pull. Genre representatives help keep variety, like Empire for Star Wars and a Ghibli pick for animation. Craft notes: Jurassic Park’s blend of practical and digital still sets the bar, and Vol. 3 sparks a James Gunn redemption chat. Community plan: we will combine Frank’s rankings, Thomas’s rankings, and a listener ballot to shape the master list. Quotes “The little things are the big things.” “He smashed it, dropped the mic, and went to DC.” “If you see a puddle shake, you’re waiting for the T-Rex.” Call to Action Enjoying the Hall of Fame project? Follow, rate, and review the show. Share this episode with a friend who loves movies and tell us what should make the next batch using #ChallengeAcceptedHall. Links and Resources All news and episode links are available on our website. That is the source for all news discussed on our podcasts. Follow Us Find Challenge Accepted and the Geek Freaks Network on Instagram, Threads, TikTok, Twitter, and Patreon. Hosts: Frank and Thomas. Listener Questions What movie should anchor the next five spots, and which of these 20 would you swap out after a rewatch? Send us a voice note or message and we will feature selections in an upcoming Hall of Fame update. Apple Podcasts Tags: movies, film discussion, movie rankings, sci fi, animation, comedy, horror, action, Geek Freaks Network, Challenge Accepted, Hall of Fame, podcast review, classic films, modern hits

    49 min
  7. The Wrestler: Grit, Heart, And The High Cost Of Obsession | Feat Jamie of Pario Magazine

    17. 9.

    The Wrestler: Grit, Heart, And The High Cost Of Obsession | Feat Jamie of Pario Magazine

    Frank is joined by Jamie, an Australian wrestling journalist and podcaster, to unpack Darren Aronofsky’s The Wrestler. They break down Mickey Rourke’s career-defining turn as Randy “The Ram,” why the film treats wrestling with rare respect, how indie scenes work behind the curtain, and what the movie gets right about pain, pride, and the gig life. Expect talk on blading, deathmatches, deli counters, and the bittersweet final leap. The Wrestler - CA Timestamps & Topics 00:00 Welcome and guest intro, Jamie’s magazine and The Commentary Booth 01:33 Why The Wrestler, and why it treats wrestling seriously 02:21 Indie wrestling in Australia and how regional styles differ 04:27 Two-minute plot speed run for The Wrestler 06:12 Rourke’s comeback, near-miss Oscar, and how his story mirrors Randy’s 07:03 Aronofsky parallels with Black Swan and the “passion vs body” theme 08:46 The physical toll: pain, injuries, and why “fake” is the wrong word 10:04 Casting what-ifs and why Rourke was the right choice 11:07 Marisa Tomei’s character, boundaries, and mirrored struggles 14:18 Real wrestlers on screen: Necro Butcher, Blue Meanie, R-Truth, Nigel McGuinness 15:43 Backstage authenticity: planning matches and protecting spots 16:38 Filmmaking choices: over-the-shoulder, docu feel, sound and silence 17:11 The deli counter sequence and why it hurts so much 21:16 Blading 101, when companies allow blood, and modern policies 23:05 The indie hustle: bookings, calendars, and life on the road 25:07 Health care, rehab access, and duty of care today 26:42 Drugs, CTE, and hard lessons from wrestling’s past 28:46 Favorite scenes and the ambiguous ending 31:04 Locker room rituals, “match memory,” and shared shorthand 32:50 What aged well and what hits harder in the gig economy era 34:16 Deathmatch primer and recommended watch list 43:56 Awards talk, where The Wrestler ranks, and Jamie’s current projects 46:04 Outro and how to send us your challenges Key Takeaways The Wrestler is a love letter to pro wrestling that treats the craft and its workers with respect. Rourke’s performance lands because his real-life arc echoes Randy’s fall and claw-back. The movie nails backstage realities: match planning, protecting limbs, and protecting spots. “Fake” is a myth. Stories are scripted. Physicality is very real. Aronofsky’s choices — handheld camera, long silences, ring sounds — put you in Randy’s head. The deli scene is a perfect “what if” path that collapses under one bad interaction. Indie wrestling is a grind: bookings, travel, day jobs, and recovery are constant tradeoffs. Modern policies are better on rehab and blood, but the culture still battles pain and risk. Memorable Quotes “It’s definitely a love letter to wrestling overall.” — Jamie “The stories are fake, but the physicality is real.” — Frank “It almost feels more like a fly on the wall documentary rather than a big budget motion picture.” — Jamie “I love the ambiguity of the ending.” — Jamie “You have to survive the bad days.” — Frank Links & Resources Our site: GeekFreaksPodcast.com GeekFreaksPodcast.com is the source of all news discussed during our podcast. Mentioned by Jamie: The Commentary Booth, Wrestle Radio Australia, Australian Wrestling Cards, and his magazine project all found at pariomagazine.com.au Related watches: You Can’t Kill David Arquette, Queen of the Ring Film: The Wrestler (2008), directed by Darren Aronofsky Call To Action Enjoyed this conversation? Follow and subscribe, rate us 5 stars, and share the episode with a friend using #ChallengeAcceptedLive. Your reviews help more listeners find the show. Follow Us Challenge Accepted: Instagram @challengeacceptedlive, TikTok @challengeacceptedlive, Twitter @CAPodcastLive Hosts: Frank on Instagram @franklourence79, Thomas @thomascraigviii Listener Questions Send your challenges, hot takes, and questions for the next episode: ChallengeAcceptedGFX@gmail.com. We might read yours on air. Apple Podcast Tags The Wrestler, Mickey Rourke, Darren Aronofsky, Marisa Tomei, indie wrestling, deathmatch wrestling, Ring of Honor, Necro Butcher, backstage wrestling, blading, wrestling journalism, Australian wrestling, movie review, Aronofsky style, Challenge Accepted Podcast

    47 min
  8. Peacemaker S2E4 | Portals, Rooker, and a Not-So-Perfect World | feat Jen of Distance Nerding

    12. 9.

    Peacemaker S2E4 | Portals, Rooker, and a Not-So-Perfect World | feat Jen of Distance Nerding

    Frank and Jen break down Peacemaker Season 2, Episode 4, from the wild Michael Rooker cameo to that portable-dimension device that might not be what it seems. They dig into the alternate Earth, what it reveals about Chris, Keith, and Auggie, and why Adebayo might be the real center of the 11th Street Kids. The conversation hits possible DCU ties like Creature Commandos, Mr. Terrific, Blue Beetle, and whether the “boom tube” theory holds water. Plus, a thoughtful look at Harcourt’s arc, Argus pressure, and how the show balances crude humor with real character growth. CA Timestamps and Topics 00:00 Welcome and coffee-fueled kickoff 00:24 First impressions of Episode 4 and the “family affair” watch 04:27 The portable dimension and how Auggie really got his tech 05:21 Series shift: Argus pressure, new location, and a relentless hunter 05:55 Michael Rooker goes all-in as an eagle tracker 08:14 “X-rated corner of the DCU” and the opening flashback read 09:49 Keith’s role as heart vs. Auggie’s shadow 13:16 Is the portal a boom tube or something new 16:29 Creature Commandos, Corto Maltese nods, and DCU connective tissue 19:38 Cameo watch: Mr. Terrific, Frankenstein, the Bride, or Weasel 24:26 Waller’s name-drops and why she might show up 26:27 The coded “perfect world” that’s not perfect at all 29:18 Adebayo as the team’s glue and Chris’s reality check 34:20 Harcourt and Rick Flag Sr. show a different side of both 35:58 Age, casting, and why Flag Sr. reads more “father-in-law” than “dad” 39:20 Why peacemaker is the easy scapegoat for a grieving Flag Sr. 40:07 Where this could go: reluctant father figure and hard choices 41:11 Enchantress, Rick romance, and what that means for Harcourt and Chris 42:15 Final cameo predictions and the Blue Beetle/Ted Kord angle 44:44 What if Dave Bautista played Peacemaker 47:44 James Gunn, Michael Rooker, and that dance 48:43 Guest plugs: Distance Nerding shows and Lego giveaway Key Takeaways Episode 4 plants a big flag for the back half of the season by moving the fight to a controllable space and tightening the Argus noose. The portal tech reframes Auggie’s “genius” and hints at a broader toolkit that could connect to other DC corners. The alternate Earth isn’t aspirational. It puts Chris’s growth in focus and undercuts his nostalgia for a world he’s better off without. Adebayo is the emotional center and likely leader in practice. She’s the person everyone calls, and the one who grounds Chris. Harcourt’s conversation with Rick Flag Sr. shows who she was before the walls went up, and why Argus keeps pulling her back. Expect a meaningful cameo tied to portals or Argus operations. Mr. Terrific, Waller, or a Creature Commandos face are all in play. The show keeps mixing crude laughs with character work that lands, which is why the heavier scenes hit. Quotes “Peacemaker is the X-rated corner of the DCU.” — Jen “This episode felt like a gear shift. Argus is coming, and the portal changes the board.” — Frank “Adebayo is the glue. She keeps everyone honest and points them back to reality.” — Frank “They didn’t show that flashback for nothing. One choice can change a universe.” — Jen “Rooker only does that scene because Gunn is the one on the other end of the phone.” — Frank Call to Action If you dug this breakdown, subscribe and drop a quick review. Share the episode with a friend who is catching up on Peacemaker and tag us with #ChallengeAcceptedLive. Links and Resources Our network hub and source for all news discussed: GeekFreaksPodcast.com Follow Us Challenge Accepted: Instagram @challengeacceptedlive, TikTok @challengeacceptedlive, Twitter @CAPodcastLive Geek Freaks Network: Facebook Geek Freaks Podcast, Threads @geekfreakspodcast, Patreon Geek Freaks Podcast, Instagram @geekfreakspodcast, Twitter @geekfreakspod Listener Questions Send questions, hot takes, or challenges for future episodes to challengeacceptedgfx@gmail.com. We might feature your note on the show. Apple Podcast Tags: Peacemaker, Peacemaker Season 2, James Gunn, John Cena, Michael Rooker, DCU, Vigilante, Adebayo, Harcourt, Rick Flag, Creature Commandos, Boom Tube, Multiverse, Challenge Accepted, Geek Freaks Podcast

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Join hosts Thomas and Frank on their weekly podcast 'Challenge Accepted' as they take on the ultimate challenge of watching and reviewing a different movie, show, comic, or game each episode. From the latest in geek TV to classic favorites, no challenge is too big for these two friends. Tune in for their hilarious banter and insightful critiques on all things pop culture. Challenge accepted

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    2023 - 2025
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