Nerd Legion Last Free Nation

Not simply content with making one terrible Rebel Moon movie, Zack Snyder delivers another via Netflix called Rebel Moon Part Two: The Scargiver. Almost nothing happens in this film as it decides to dedicate its running time to slow motion grain harvesting rather than world-building or character development, leading to some rushed and hilarious moments. Interspersed with occasionally interesting visuals, Rebel Moon ends up being a hybrid of the Seven Samurai and The Canterbury Tales if they were interpreted by an idiot. Watch for laughs only.

Amazon Prime tapped Jonathan Nolan to create an adaptation of the video game property Fallout, which largely succeeds in providing and entertaining expansion of the games' world. Originally created by Bioware and followed-up with titles from Bethesda, Fallout portrays a post-apocalyptic Earth with macabre, dark humor and quirky characters, which the show gleefully portrays. The adaptation even managed to "feel" like a video game at times with side quests and bit characters while also channeling the comedy of some of its writers' former shows, such as Portlandia. Nerd Legion enjoyed Fallout and we're excited to see a continuation of the plot twist in season two!

Made for Cartoon Network's Adult Swim, Sunghoo Park's Ninja Kamui breaks no new ground for anime or film/TV shows in general, instead preferring to lean on every trope imaginable. The show uses flashbacks to tell the story in the worst way possible, instead of sequencing the story chronologically, which would have given the story more emotional resonance. Beyond some cool fight sequences, Ninja Kamui offers nothing new and your time can be safely spent watching much better anime that's already been released.

Netflix's adaptation of The Three Body Problem, originally a novel in Chinese by Liu Cixin, provides audiences with a fun, if flawed, hard science-fiction show. Created by D. B. Weiss and David Benioff of Game of Thrones fame, many actors from their previous series also are cast here alongside other sci-fi acting staples. The premise of the show is strong, but some of the character interactions and story arcs come across as quite saccharine or cheesy. We still recommend this show since the fun parts outweigh the drudgery.

Nerd Legion returns to review the new FX television miniseries Shogun, which can be found streaming on Hulu. Based on James' Clavell's 1975 novel and previously filmed in 1980, the new version by creators Justin Marks and Rachel Kondo provides a spectacular period drama set in feudal Japan. The level of attention to detail in the sets, costumes, and historical accuracy lends the weight of authenticity and pomp befitting of a drama between feudal lords in the 1600s. While outside of Nerd Legion's normal purview of science fiction and fantasy, we heartily recommend Shogun to our fans as an alternate take on Japanese history. Toranaga's machinations are fascinating to follow and we can't wait to watch the rest of the show!

Denis Villeneuve's Dune Part Two burst onto the screen in 2024 to an excellent reception, and Nerd Legion also gives plaudits to this wonderful film. Monte and DoA have an in-depth discussion on changes from the books, the success of streamlining the story for film, the wonderful casting, and fulfilling character arcs. While Dune Part One may have been a bit rushed and flawed, the second movie dives into the world of the Fremen and is a much more complete thematic exploration that takes time with the central characters. We certainly recommend seeing this film in the theater while you have the opportunity!