A Superman Alone Needs a Hug
We Watched So Much Stuff This Week This week on the podcast, Brian and Darryl review… Gladiator II, Transformers One, the penultimate Supes & Lolo, and the first two episodes of Dune: Prophecy. Episode Index Intro: 0:07 Gladiator 2: 4:28 Transformers: One: 17:54 Supes & Lolo: 30:35 Dunc: Prophecy: 44:25 Gladiator 2 (2024) Out of 10 Lucius Was Not A Treat Clarks Darryl: 6/10 Brian: 8.2/10 Summary “Gladiator II,” directed by Ridley Scott, is a 2024 epic historical action film that serves as a sequel to the 2000 classic “Gladiator.” The story is set 16 years after the original, focusing on Lucius Verus Aurelius (Paul Mescal), the son of Maximus Decimus Meridius and Lucilla. Living under the alias “Hanno” in Numidia, Lucius’s life is shattered when General Acacius (Pedro Pascal) leads a Roman invasion that results in the death of his wife and his enslavement. Forced into the gladiatorial arena, Lucius seeks vengeance against Acacius and the corrupt twin emperors, Geta and Caracalla. He gains the mentorship of Macrinus (Denzel Washington), a former slave and ambitious arms dealer with his own designs on power. As Lucius rises through the ranks of gladiators, he discovers his true heritage and confronts the political machinations of Rome, mirroring the journey of his father, Maximus. The film features intense combat sequences, including battles against exotic animals like rhinos and sharks, and delves into themes of revenge, identity, and the quest for justice. While it expands on the original’s narrative, some critics note that it lacks the emotional depth of its predecessor. Nonetheless, “Gladiator II” offers a visually spectacular experience with strong performances, particularly from Washington, who brings a compelling presence to the role of Macrinus. “Gladiator II” was released in theaters on November 22, 2024, and has received generally positive reviews from critics. Transformers One (2024) Out of 10 I’d Want to Kill Orion Pax Toos Darryl: 6.25/10 Brian: 6.4/10 Summary “Transformers One” is a 2024 American animated science fiction action film that explores the origins of the iconic characters Optimus Prime and Megatron. Directed by Josh Cooley, the film features a star-studded voice cast, including Chris Hemsworth as Orion Pax (who becomes Optimus Prime) and Brian Tyree Henry as D-16 (who becomes Megatron). Set on the planet Cybertron, the narrative delves into the early relationship between Orion Pax and D-16, who start as close friends bonded like brothers. As the story unfolds, their differing ideologies lead to a rift, setting the stage for the epic conflict between Autobots and Decepticons. The film also introduces other key characters, such as Elita-1 (voiced by Scarlett Johansson) and B-127 (voiced by Keegan-Michael Key), providing a rich backstory to the Transformers universe. “Transformers One” premiered in Sydney, Australia, on September 11, 2024, and was released in the United States on September 20, 2024. The film received generally positive reviews from critics, who praised its storytelling, animation, and voice performances. However, it underperformed at the box office, grossing approximately $128.9 million worldwide against a budget estimated between $75 million and $147 million. For those interested in watching the film, “Transformers One” is available for streaming on Paramount+. Superman and Lois (The CW) Out of 5 Never Trust a Human Hearts Darryl: 4.45/5 Brian: 4.35/5 Summary In the penultimate episode of “Superman & Lois,” titled “To Live and Die Again,” the series sets the stage for a climactic finale. The episode features the return of Doomsday, now portrayed in a highly comic-accurate form, intensifying the threat to Superman and his family. The narrative delves into the aftermath of Superman’s public revelation of his dual identity as Clark Kent, exploring the personal and societal ramifications of this disclosure. Additionally, Lois Lane receives a positive update regarding he
