178 afleveringen
The Monster Island Film Vault Moonlighting Ninjas Media
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- Tv en film
A podcast seeking entertainment and enlightenment through tokusatsu.
Origin Story: After vacationing on the Monsterland Resort, professional writer/raging nerd Nathan Marchand got a job as the curator of the Vault containing the films about Monster Island’s many kaiju residents. Now he and his intrepid producer, Jimmy From NASA (who miraculously survived the infamous War in Space), record a bi-weekly podcast critically and academically examining each of the films in the prestigious Vault with one to four guest hosts chosen from Monster Island’s many tourists.
Philosophy: Kaiju and/or tokusatsu fans will tell you these genres are undeniably fun. What’s often missed, though, are the deeper meanings below the sensational surface. Meanings entrenched in the story’s original historical and cultural context. That’s why this podcast believes in film appreciation. What’s that? It’s studying a movie’s script, direction, cinematography, and other aspects of filmmaking. It’s learning how and why it was created since movies aren’t made in a vacuum. This is especially true with foreign films. Non-native audiences are separated by both time and culture with them. There are things that will go over their heads that the original audience intrinsically understood. Listening to this podcast, listeners will gain a greater appreciation of the films and the respective cultures in which they were made.
Format: The podcast alternates between full-length film discussions with one to four guest hosts and “mini-sodes.” Full episodes are divided into three segments: The Entertaining Info Dump (plot and production details), Toku Talk (discussion with one to four guest hosts chosen from Monster Island’s Tourists), and Toku Topics (deeper analyses of issues brought up by the films). “Mini-sodes” include audio essays, comedy sketches, and interviews. Expect surprises!
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Episode 90 Epilogue – “Cykor II: Electric Boogaloo”
Jimmy may have secretly recaptured Yonggary (aka “Double G”) by his sheer awesomeness, but that victory is short-lived. The nefarious (and rubbery) Galaxions return and unleash an upgraded Cykor protected by an energy shield projected by their ship. Now, only the combined might of Jimmy with a jetpack and Elijah’s powers of argumentation can save Seoul and the world!
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MIFV MAX #30: An Interview with James Santana, Founder of TokUSA Studios, on The World of Nebulon (abridged)
In this excerpt from a Patreon-exclusive livestream, Nathan interviews James Santana, a comic nerd and tokusatsu fan who combined his passions by starting his own comic book label, TokUSA Studios. His goal is to bridge the gap between tokusatsu/manga fans and comic readers by offering them books inspired by the likes of Super Sentai and Ultraman, among others. He’s currently spearheading a Kickstarter for The World of Nebulon, a preview book showcasing several of the characters and titles in the works at the studio.
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Episode 90: ‘Reptilian’ vs. Elijah Thomas | The Monster Island World Tour
Hello, Kaiju Lovers! In what might be the most subversive and inspirational episode of MIFV yet, Elijah Thomas (Kaiju Conversation) joins Nate to discuss the infamous South Korean “kaiju” (notice the air quotes?) movie, Reptilian. This is, in fact, a “remake” of Yongary, Monster from the Deep, and it’s often called “The Room of kaiju films.” But Elijah says it’s more than that. He even goes so far as to say that if it wasn’t for this movie, the world wouldn’t have BTS or Squid Game. How? Listen to find out! Then stay for our Toku Topic, which is something Elijah has become an expert in: Korean kaiju cinema.
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Episode 89 – ‘Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire’ vs. Donny Winter vs. The Omni Viewer | “Godzilla Redux” x “Kong Quest”
Hello, Kaiju Lovers! It’s time to unpack the biggest kaiju release of 2024—Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire! For such a momentous occasion, Nate called upon YouTuber Donny Winter (Growing Up with Godzilla) and a “mystery guest”…who didn’t make it. Darn. So, he got the next best option: The Omni Viewer and his monster sidekick, Snazzy! They dive deep into the fifth entry of Legendary Pictures’ MonsterVerse series, unveiling its connections to classic pulp fiction and ‘80s pop culture—all without comparing it to Godzilla Minus One (for the most part) while also coining many memes. You’ll not find a more concentrated dose of positivity (and honesty) toward this escapist movie anywhere else. Since it’s set mostly in the Hollow Earth (and Nate almost researched this for Godzilla vs. Kong), the Toku Topic is Hollow Earth theory.
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Bonus Episode #16: ‘Space Monster Wangmagwi’ | Ft. Daniel DiManna
In yet another impromptu “bonus” episode, Nate is joined by Daniel DiManna (Godzilla Novelization Project) to discuss a film that was finally unleashed upon the world by SRS Cinema: Space Monster Wangmagwi. As you can see, this one actually fits the season theme of The Monster Island World Tour. As mentioned in the Yongary episode, this was also released in the “Year of the Kaiju,” 1967, beating Yongary by a few months. But like many South Korean kaiju films, the story around this one exceeds its artistic merits. In its case, it was a “holy grail” of a lost film for kaiju fans; a thing of legend that few ever saw. But thanks to the dogged efforts of Ron Bonk, it’s now readily available. Just prepare yourself for a “rantmaster” about Squirrel (not “Spider”), King of the Kennys!
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The Snarky Boneheads with Rito and Wade (April Fools’ Day Special)
Ever wonder what would happen if Rito Revolto and Deadpool had a radio show? No? Well, you’re gonna find out, whether you want to or not! The Board replaces Nate’s radio show in his absence—without telling him—with a new one hosted by Nate’s hated old roommate...and some dude named Wade. They report some local Monster Island news, take a music request from Bonnie Lass, and get into all kinds of shenanigans.