The Screen Companion

Wacky Scientists, Part 2

Out of all the tropes that pop up in family / kids movies, what's up with the wacky scientist? And do they engender the same respect as other mentor characters like wizards or martial arts masters? In Part 2, we ruminate on Back to the Future, Part II (1989). Stick around until the final segment when everyone on the panel tries their hand at a mash-up that incorporates story elements from BttF, Flubber, and Honey, I Shrunk the Kids. Oh, what wild new movies will we come up with?! Guests: Mitch & Jon.

Wacky Scientists, Part 1

Out of all the tropes that pop up in family / kids movies, what's up with the wacky scientist? And do they engender the same respect as other mentor characters like wizards or martial arts masters? In Part 1, we examine Honey, I Shrunk the Kids and Flubber. Let's break down the science behind these eccentric plot devices, both in narrative terms and how they affect viewers. Guests: Mitch & Jon.

Action Sci-Fi

What do you get when you mix science fiction with action? Is it the best of both, or the best of neither? Do sci-fi action films feel more like action movies with sci-fi elements, or the reverse? And what's the right ratio between the two? Can they be smart and feature explosions? Judge Dredd, The Fifth Element, and The One. So many questions and no guarantees for answers. Guests: Andrew, Jon & Pat.

Our Favorite Season of The Wire, Part 3

The Host's favorite show of all time, The Wire never had a bad episode. But what was the best season? It just so happens that both guys in this three part special agree that it's the season at the Docks. In the final episodes of Season Two, the cops close in on The Greek, Ziggy makes a big boo-boo, and Stringer's deceptions take their toll on the Barksdale Organization. Guest: Jon.