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 her battle with breast cancer, marking a significant moment in her character arc.
The episode culminates in an emotional cliffhanger, setting up a high-stakes confrontation in the series finale. This installment effectively balances action and character development, paving the way for a compelling conclusion to the series.
Dune: Prophecy (HBO Max)
Out of 10 Burn in My Lights
Darryl: 7.75/10
Brian: 7.1/10
Summary
“Dune: Prophecy” is a prequel series set 10,000 years before the events of Frank Herbert’s “Dune,” focusing on the origins of the Bene Gesserit Sisterhood. Here’s a summary of the first two episodes:
Episode 1: “The Hidden Hand”
The series opens with Mother Superior Raquella Berto-Anirul (Cathy Tyson) leading the fledgling Sisterhood on Wallach IX. She entrusts Valya Harkonnen (Emily Watson) with the mission to expand and fortify the Sisterhood’s influence. Valya, driven by her family’s tarnished legacy, employs the Sisterhood’s secretive breeding program and mental conditioning to manipulate political dynamics across the Imperium. A significant plot involves the arranged marriage between Princess Ynez Corrino (Sarah-Sofie Boussnina) and young noble Pruwet Richese (Charlie Hodson-Prior), orchestrated to stabilize the Imperial bloodline. However, the emergence of Desmond Hart (Travis Fimmel), a mysterious soldier with newfound powers from Arrakis, disrupts these plans. Desmond’s actions culminate in the simultaneous deaths of Pruwet and Imperial Truthsayer Kasha Jinjo (Jihae), signaling a formidable threat to the Sisterhood’s schemes.
Episode 2: “Two Wolves”
In the aftermath of the dual assassinations, Valya seeks to counter Desmond’s menace. She travels to Salusa Secundus to interrogate Desmond, who openly admits to the killings, revealing his immunity to the Sisterhood’s manipulative techniques like “The Voice.” Meanwhile, on Wallach IX, young acolyte Lila undergoes “The Agony,” a perilous ritual intended to unlock ancestral memories. During this process, Lila encounters the spirit of Raquella, who imparts cryptic warnings about impending dangers. The episode delves into the internal dynamics of the Sisterhood, highlighting the challenges Valya faces in consolidating power amid external threats and internal dissent.
These episodes lay the groundwork for a complex narrative of political intrigue, mystical traditions, and the struggle for dominance within the Imperium.
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Our theme music is ‘Skate Beat’ provided by Michael Henry, with additional music provided by Michael Henry. Find more at MeetMichaelHenry.com.
The Infamous Podcast is hosted by Brian Tudor and Darryl Jasper, is recorded in Cincinnati, Ohio. The show is produced and edited by Brian Tudor.
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