Series 8, Episode 1 - "It does sound a bit "soap opera" when you put it like that"

The holodeck is officially open as Hit or Miss: Star Trek launches a brand-new season exploring one of the franchise's most beloved—and notoriously unreliable—pieces of technology. Joining the Captain Wilson Command Hologram as the show's newest recurring First Officer is actor, writer and performer Justin Avery Smith, fresh from his acclaimed one-man show Revenge of the Soy Boy, and switching focus back from Wars to Trek. Before stepping into this week's main review, the duo opens hailing frequencies to discuss some of their favourite holodeck stories from across the franchise, while the Hit or Miss segment tackles a selection of memorable holographic outings including a socially prophetic TNG episode, a Voyager holoprogram, a new and unique ship, a beloved main cast member of three Trek series, and a very emotional Star Trek: Voyager story. For the main review, attention turns to Strange New Worlds and the third-season episode A Space Adventure Hour, a loving homage to decades of Star Trek holodeck adventures. The discussion covers the episode's recreation of classic Original Series aesthetics, its surprisingly deep collection of references to Star Trek history and production lore, Jonathan Frakes' direction, the introduction of the holodeck years earlier than previously established canon, and Martin Quinn's continuing performance as Scotty. Along the way the crew examines the episode's central mystery, its use of familiar holodeck malfunction tropes, the effectiveness of its B-plot aboard the Enterprise, the various real-world Star Trek figures hidden within the holographic story, and whether the episode succeeds as a celebration of the franchise or simply recycles ideas Trek has explored before. The conversation also dives into the episode's strongest and most controversial moments, from its heartfelt defence of science fiction and Star Trek's cultural importance to its ongoing handling of Spock's romantic storylines, leading to one of the podcast's most passionate debates of the season so far. Was A Space Adventure Hour an affectionate love letter to Star Trek's past, or a hollow recreation of better stories? Join us as we fire up the recreation room and begin a brand-new season of holographic adventures. Computer, begin program.

Links

Follow Justin at:

justinaverysmith.com

Facebook and Instagram - Justinaverysmith

BlueSky - justinaverysmith@bluesky.social

TikTok - @justaverysmith

YouTube - @JustAVerySmith

Follow Mike and the podcast all over the internet via linktr.ee/mikespods

Follow Mike on Discord: MikeOfSteel#2913

Host /Editor/Producer - Michael K. Wilson

Co-host - Justin Avery Smith

Created by Michael K. Wilson

Based on a format by Michael Wilson & Will Templar

"They wrote themselves into this corner."

Cinema Classics Number 28 — "King Kong could kill us all. You wouldn't care. Publicity's all you want. Publicity."

Welcome back film fans and podcast pals. In this Cinema Classics episode we’re bringing the Simian Squad back together—our unintentionally assembled trio born from past reviews of Planet of the Apes and King Kong, where a shared love of great apes (and great films… mostly) turned into a recurring team-up. Host Michael is joined once again by co-host D.K and returning guest Nita as we head to Japan for the original 1962 clash of cinematic titans, King Kong vs. Godzilla—the battle of the century… but is it actually any good? We start with the unusual origins of the project and the fascinating behind-the-scenes details—from early script ideas and returning creative figures, to suitmation choices, practical effects, and some truly bizarre production decisions. There’s also plenty of talk about the tonal shift this represents for the Godzilla series, moving away from its more serious roots into something far more comedic, chaotic, and deliberately over-the-top... it is deliberate, right? As always, we break things down across the key areas, getting into the writing and what the film is really saying beneath the monster mayhem—touching on its satire of media, corporate greed, and the obsession with spectacle. The direction and performances are put under the microscope, along with the contrast between Kong and Godzilla as characters, the handling of the human cast, and the effectiveness (or lack thereof) of the visual effects and action. We also spend some time comparing the Japanese and U.S. versions, and whether those changes help or hinder the overall experience. So whether you’re here for the monster madness, the oddball humour, or just to see two icons collide, join us as we dig into the spectacle, the silliness, and everything in between—because sometimes, you just want to watch two people in monster suits throw rocks at each other.

Links:

Follow Nita everywhere: @Sci-FiQueens

Find Mike and the podcast all over the internet via https://linktr.ee/mikespods

Follow Mike on Letterboxd: https://boxd.it/g479

Follow the podcast on Letterboxd: https://boxd.it/3xH6

Music Composed and Performed by Al Trotter

• Follow Al on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1Dap8b58TT/

• Follow Al on YouTube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCENf_17-Bi8HitVg7w5rd9Q?si=3_7ZCmLXLAp4-f3F

Join the Silver Screen Podcast Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/329752622011042/?ref=share

E-mail us at mwilsonba1982@gmail.com

Created, Hosted and Written by Michael Wilson.

Co-hosted and Additional Material by D.K

Edited and Produced by Mike Wilson.

"Godzilla has disappeared without a trace. As for King Kong, our International Communications Satellite is following him. And strangely enough, we wish him luck on his long, long journey home."

Episode 156 - "Looking upon these creatures, one would not think that they could contain such power. One could rule the universe with it."

As our journey through the fantasy films of the 1980s draws ever closer to its final destination, Silver Screen Podcast ventures deep into the enchanted forests, swirling mist and murky shadows of Ridley Scott’s cult fantasy oddity, Legend (1985). Joining Michael Wilson for this dreamlike adventure are regular co-host D.K., returning guest and filmmaker Michael Whaley, and fellow veteran guest Lady Vean as the panel tackles one of the most visually iconic — and divisive — fantasy films of the decade. Starring a young Tom Cruise, Mia Sara and an unforgettable Tim Curry beneath layers of demonic prosthetics as the Lord of Darkness, Legend remains a film that inspires fascination, nostalgia and confusion in almost equal measure. Across the episode the team explore the movie’s extraordinary production design, Rob Bottin’s remarkable creature effects, Ridley Scott’s obsession with atmosphere over narrative clarity, and the many different cuts and endings that have helped shape the film’s long cult afterlife. Is Legend a genuine fairy tale masterpiece powered by mood, myth and visual storytelling? Or is it a beautiful but underwritten fantasy sketch held together by pure aesthetic magic? The discussion also covers the contrasting Jerry Goldsmith and Tangerine Dream soundtracks, surreal dream logic, the film’s strange pacing and symbolism, memorable creature performances, and whether Scott’s commitment to atmosphere ultimately elevates or undermines the storytelling. Perhaps most importantly, Michael finds himself unexpectedly standing almost alone in defence of the film as the rest of the panel prove far less enchanted by this particular fantasy classic. So join us as winter falls, darkness rises, dresses dance of their own accord and Tim Curry attempts to seduce the entire production from atop an ornate throne. Just whatever you do… don’t touch the unicorn.

Links: ​

Michael Whaley;

• Instagram: @alwaysmichaelwhaley @cmwhaleyphoto

• YouTube: @turnaphrasefilms

Find Mike and the podcast all over the internet via https://linktr.ee/mikespods

Follow Mike on Letterboxd: https://boxd.it/g479

Follow the podcast on Letterboxd: https://boxd.it/3xH6

Music Composed and Performed by Al Trotter

• Follow Al on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1Dap8b58TT/

• Follow Al on YouTube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCENf_17-Bi8HitVg7w5rd9Q?si=3_7ZCmLXLAp4-f3F

Join the Silver Screen Podcast Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/329752622011042/?ref=share

E-mail us at mwilsonba1982@gmail.com

Created, Hosted and Written by Michael Wilson

Co-hosted and co-written by D.K

Edited and Produced by Mike Wilson.

"Higher, higher, burning fire, making music like a choir!"