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Media Matters Podcast Network: Daily Summaries Delivered
by Michael Wilson
HIT OR MISS: WHO TREK A Star Trek and a Doctor Who Podcast celebrating every visual part of the franchises, from 1963 to the present day. Honest but respectful reviews, episode discussions, general chat & interviews. SILVER SCREEN Film reviews and analysis from Film Studies BA graduate Michael Wilson, his knowledgeable but enigmatic co-host D.K and a host of fellow cinephile guests. In 60-90 minutes they'll review and analyse new releases, classics, guilty pleasures and films they love, hate, or love to hate.
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- 2 days ago1h 38m
Silver Screen Podcast - Legend Review (80s Fantasy Season)
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 WilsonCo-hosted and co-written by D.K Edited and Produced by Mike Wilson. "Higher, higher, burning fire, making music like a choir!"
- 6 days ago2h 1m
HoM: Doctor Who Podcast - "Army of Ghosts/Doomsday" Review & More
Series 2, Episode 9 " Five million Cybermen, easy. One Doctor? NOW you're scared." This was an impromptu one, but sometimes those turn out to be the most fun. As our Cybermen season continues, Michael, DK and special guest/editor/story chooser Will Templar take a trip back to one of the biggest, loudest and most emotional finales of the Russell T Davies era as Hit or Miss: Doctor Who tackles the Series 2 crossover event: Army of Ghosts / Doomsday. The Cybermen have crossed over from a parallel world. Torchwood are playing with forces they absolutely should not be. The Daleks are waiting inside the Genesis Ark. And somewhere in the middle of all that chaos, Rose Tyler faces her final journey as the Doctor’s companion. Across the episode we discuss whether this ambitious two-parter actually manages to balance its enormous amount of moving pieces, the now legendary Dalek/Cybermen smack talk, Torchwood’s deeply uncomfortable politics, emotional manipulation versus earned tragedy, Graeme Harper’s direction, Murray Gold’s devastating score, and whether the farewell at Bad Wolf Bay still lands as powerfully twenty years later knowing the wider history of the show. Elsewhere there’s the usual trip Into The Vortex, quick-fire Hit or Miss reviews on stories and characters including Hide, Amy Pond and Lux, behind-the-scenes discussion, favourite moments and lines, production analysis, and a full scoring breakdown as we decide whether this blockbuster finale truly deserves its iconic reputation. So grab your 3D glasses, avoid touching anything brought to you by Daleks, and join us for a true Series 1 and 2 crossover event. Allons-y! VERY SPECIAL THANKS TO WILL TEMPLAR FOR ALL HIS HELP WITH THIS EPISODE. Links:Follow Will on YouTube - @WhoGameshows-o5m Follow Mike and the podcasts all over the internet via linktr.ee/mikespods Follow Mike on Discord: MikeOfSteel#2913 Hosted and written by Michael Wilson Co-hosted and additional material by D.K Hit or Miss section by Will Templar Producer - Michael K. Wilson Edited by Will Templar Created by Michael K. Wilson Based on a format by Will Templar "I... I love you." "Quite right too...And I suppose... if it's my last chance to say it... Rose Tyler......"
- 1 weeks ago1h 19m
SSP Cult Classics 52 - Masters of the Universe Review (80s Fantasy Season)
D.K's Cult Classics Finale - "Do you hear? The Alpha... and the Omega... death and rebirth... and as you die, so will I be reborn!" The curtain comes down on Cult Classics for now with a look at 1987's live action toy advert Masters of the Universe. Join DK and guests Michael Wilson and Jason Gaston as they discuss the Dolph Lundgren & Frank Langella sci.fi extravaganza and take a look back at the Cult Classics itself. Links: DK: linktr.ee/DannyKingdom Jason: Jason's website: https://jasongaston.net/ YouTube: / @jasonroygaston Captain's Quadrant: / @captainsquadrant Talking Tubi: / @talkingtubi Tiktok: / jasonroygaston Instagram: / jasonroygaston Clapper: https://newsclapper.com/jasonroygasto... Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/jasonroygast... Lemon8: https://v.lemon8-app.com/al/OgUxwxevr Find the podcast all over the internet via https://linktr.ee/mikespods Follow DK on Letterboxd: https://boxd.it/4upxV Follow the podcast on Letterboxd: https://boxd.it/3xH61 Join the Silver Screen Podcast Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/329752622011042/?ref=share E-mail us at mwilsonba1982@gmail.com Created, written & hosted by DK. Produced by DK Edited by Michael Wilson Executively Produced by Mike Wilson Special thanks to Lady Vean and Nick "Good Journey-"
- 2 weeks ago1h 25m
Silver Screen Podcast - Willow Review (80s Fantasy Season)
Episode 154 - "Unless she is stopped, Bavmorda will control the lives of your village, your children, everyone. All creatures of good heart need your help, Willow. The choice is yours." Welcome back, friends… Our journey through the strange and wonderful world of 1980s fantasy continues and this week we travel to the Nelwyn Valley and beyond as we revisit Willow — the ambitious fantasy adventure from Ron Howard and George Lucas. Host Michael Wilson is joined once again by returning guests Sandy and Michael Whaley for a lively, funny and occasionally divided discussion on one of the most beloved cult fantasy films of the decade — because while there was plenty of admiration around the table for Willow’s charm, imagination and spectacle, not everybody was entirely won over by its quest. From melting trolls and two-headed monsters to pig transformations, fairy dust, chaotic Brownies and groundbreaking morphing effects, we dive deep into the film’s unforgettable visuals, creature work and technical achievements. Along the way we discuss the film’s mythological influences, archetypes, the film’s occasionally uneven pacing, comedy choices, and whether Willow itself sometimes feels like a collection of familiar fantasy ingredients searching for a stronger identity of its own. There’s also plenty of appreciation for the cast — particularly Warwick Davis’ earnest central performance and Val Kilmer’s scene-stealing energy — alongside discussions about James Horner’s huge, bombastic score, the gloriously chaotic final battle, horrifying transformations, Harryhausen-inspired monsters and why Queen Bavmorda perhaps deserved a little more to do. But does Willow truly deserve its enduring cult status? Is it an overlooked fantasy classic elevated by heart, spectacle and imagination — or an uneven adventure that only fully comes alive in its spectacular final act? Well, there are babies, magic wands, trolls, pig monsters and Val Kilmer flirting with literally everyone. What more do you want? So grab your wand, avoid the fairy dust, and whatever you do… don’t volunteer to guard the baby. 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. Edited and Produced by Mike Wilson. "Her name is not Sticks! She's Elora Danan, the future empress of Tir Asleen and the last thing she's gonna want is a hairy chest!"
- 3 weeks ago1h 47m
Silver Screen Rewind - The Princess Bride Review (80s Fantasy Season)
Silver Screen Rewind - "Death cannot stop true love. All it can do is delay it for a while." This week on Silver Screen Podcast, we return to one of the very first episodes we ever recorded as part of a special Silver Screen Rewind for our ongoing 80s Fantasy season — our review of the beloved fantasy classic, The Princess Bride. Before revisiting the original discussion featuring host Mike with Andy Kemp and Phil English (formerly of We Pay For Your Floor), we also take some time to pay tribute to director Rob Reiner and his wife Michelle following their recent passing. Joining Mike and DK for this newly recorded opening tribute are Nita, Jenny and Lynn, as we reflect on the impact of Rob’s work, the enduring magic of The Princess Bride, and the comfort and joy these films continue to bring so many people. Then it’s back to where it all began, as we revisit one of our earliest ever reviews — full of quotable dialogue, giant rodents, revenge, romance, sword fights and one of the most endlessly charming fantasy adventures ever put to film. Missing out would be inconceivable! Links: The Princess Bride: Home Movie (full) - https://youtu.be/lR8pA_WV9QI Pingu's The Thing aka Thingu - https://youtu.be/5g2LaMuS0mk We Pay For Your Floor Podcast - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgfi5QgJ3UprVypcIlO94AA https://open.spotify.com/show/1rZOY3wA4hFdhvcYFs6jqf?si=OAaG95ZfR6eqGJcenArGWA&utm_source=copy-link 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. Additional Material by D.K, Nita Flores, Lynn McKinnon & Jenny Duncan. Edited and Produced by Mike Wilson. "As you wish."
- 4 weeks ago1h 40m
SSP Cinema Classics 27 - The Godfather Review
Cinema Classics Number 27 - "I'm gonna make him an offer he can't refuse." Come in, come in… you come to us on the day of our podcast and ask us to talk about one of the most legendary films ever made? Well… we won’t refuse. This week on Cinema Classics, we’re making an offer you can’t refuse as we sit down with The Godfather—Francis Ford Coppola’s towering crime epic that redefined the gangster genre and cemented its place in cinematic history. Joining Podfather Don Michael Wilseone for this one is a trio of back up. We have trusted consigliere Sandy, frequent guest Tobi (who definitely wasn’t strong-armed into watching this… honest), and an unexpected return from underboss D.K.—because once you’re in, you’re in. Together, we dive into the rise of the Corleone family, exploring the transformation of Michael Corleone from reluctant outsider to ruthless leader, and asking the big question: is this really a story about crime… or is it something far more personal? We break down Michael’s chilling character arc and the slow loss of his soul, the film’s central tension between business and family—and how it blurs the line between the two. We also examine Coppola’s masterful direction, from shadowy interiors to operatic violence, and iconic performances from Marlon Brando, Al Pacino, and the rest of an all-time great ensemble. We also revisit the unforgettable moments that define the film—from brutal street hits to that haunting final door close Plus, we dig into behind-the-scenes drama, surprising production stories, and the cultural impact of a film that didn’t just depict organised crime—it reshaped how the world saw it. But it’s not all unquestioned praise. We also get into where the film doesn’t quite work for us, from its treatment of female characters to the sheer sprawl of its narrative—and whether it truly deserves its reputation as one of the greatest films ever made. With standout moments, favourite lines (yes, the cannoli makes an appearance), and our final scores on the table, this is a deep dive you won’t want to miss. So settle in, keep your friends close, and your enemies closer… And remember: you can do anything—but never go against the family. Links: Follow Tobi on BlueSky: darksonic@bsky.social 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. "Look how they massacred my boy!"
- May 7, 20261h 24m
Silver Screen Podcast - The Dark Crystal Review (80s Fantasy Season)
Episode 152 – "End, begin, all the same. Big change. Sometimes good. Sometimes bad." Greetings, travellers… Our journey through the strange and spellbinding world of 1980s fantasy continues, and this time we venture to the distant planet of Thra—where the suns burn bright, the creatures are unlike anything you’ve ever seen, and balance itself hangs by a thread—in The Dark Crystal. Host Michael Wilson is joined by returning guests—filmmaker and raconteur Michael Whaley, and Lynn (back after Fiddler on the Roof)—to explore Jim Henson’s bold and deeply unusual fantasy epic: a film with no humans, no easy answers, and a world that feels as ancient as it is alien. From the eerie decadence of the Skeksis to the slow, solemn pilgrimage of the Mystics, we dig into the film’s astonishing world-building, its groundbreaking puppetry, and the sheer ambition behind bringing Thra to life. Along the way, we explore its philosophical underpinnings—duality, balance, and what it truly means to be whole—and how influences like Seth Speaks helped shape its deeper ideas. But does The Dark Crystal fully come together? We discuss the tension between its childlike fairy-tale structure and its genuinely dark, often unsettling tone, the limits of its runtime, and whether the story itself lives up to the richness of the world surrounding it. There’s also plenty of love for Aughra (obviously) and Fizzgig (...okay), the unforgettable Skeksis, and the film’s emotional highs, strange quirks, and technical wizardry. Is this a flawed but fascinating experiment, or one of the most imaginative fantasy films ever put to screen? So shard the crystal, trust in the dreamfast, and whatever you do… don’t let the Skeksis catch you. Links: Lynn: • Adventures in Time and Space: A Doctor Who Podcast: https://open.spotify.c... • Dr Who Pod Facebook: https://m.facebook.com... • Dr Who Pod Instagram: / adventuresintimeandspa... 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 WilsonAdditional Material by Lynn McKinnon Edited and Produced by Mike Wilson “When single shines the triple sun, What was sundered and undone, Shall be whole, the two made one…”
- Apr 30, 20261h 38m
Silver Screen Podcast - The NeverEnding Story Review (80s Fantasy Season)
Episode 151 - "People who have no hopes are easy to control, and whoever has the control... has the power!" Greetings, travellers… The Silver Screen Podcast continues its journey through the magical realm of 1980s fantasy, and this time we’re heading to Fantasia—via Germany, childhood imagination, and one very suspicious-looking bookstore—to revisit The NeverEnding Story. Host Michael Wilson is joined by regular co-host D.K., along with returning guests Sandy and Lady Vean, as the team dives headfirst into Wolfgang Petersen’s beloved (and occasionally controversial) adaptation of Michael Ende’s novel. From the devastating Swamp of Sadness to the soaring joy of riding Falkor, we explore the film’s enduring emotional power, its fairy-tale quest structure, and its surprisingly early meta storytelling. Along the way, we discuss the film’s troubled relationship with its source material, its ambitious practical effects, and that unforgettable message about hope, imagination, and the dangers of “The Nothing.” Is this a timeless classic that speaks to the dreamer in all of us, or a flawed fantasy weighed down by Hollywood schmaltz? Plus we're bringing you behind-the-scenes stories from a notoriously demanding production, the truth about that traumatising horse scene and an awful lot of gushing about background details and practical effects. We also discuss the merits of the iconic Limahl theme song vs the original German score, and why people without hope are “easy to control…” So climb aboard your luckdragon, hold tight to your Auryn, and remember… Fantasia lives on—as long as we do. But that’s… another story. Links: 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 Follow Vean on BlueSky: @ladyvean.bsky.social 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. "All right! I'll do it! I'll save you! I will do what I dream! MOONCHILD!"
About Media Matters Podcast Network
HIT OR MISS: WHO TREK A Star Trek and a Doctor Who Podcast celebrating every visual part of the franchises, from 1963 to the present day. Honest but respectful reviews, episode discussions, general chat & interviews. SILVER SCREEN Film reviews and analysis from Film Studies BA graduate Michael Wilson, his knowledgeable but enigmatic co-host D.K and a host of fellow cinephile guests. In 60-90 minutes they'll review and analyse new releases, classics, guilty pleasures and films they love, hate, or love to hate.
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