Sunday, December 22, 2019

Episode 104 - Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker Discussion & Review

Star Wars The Rise of Skywalker, will it leave this franchise on a positive note and will we get our "Endgame" finality to a 40 year ongoing franchise? Join us this weekend as we unpack all facets of the revived Star Wars franchise, and discuss our thoughts on the latest addition to the Skywalker saga. We'll dive deep into the latest trilogy, and share our thoughts on the 3 sets of unique trilogies in the 9 film saga of Star Wars "Skywalker" story line. Initiate Order #66, engage!


Tuesday, October 8, 2019

Episode 103 - Joker

It's dark... it's gritty... and a unique case study into the inner depths of mental illness, The Joker is just a masterful film from start to finish. We'll discuss key moments from the film in this #SpoilerAlert review, and how certain scenes resonated with the audience. The divisiveness of the film has many emotionally stirred, others elated from the portrayal of the spiral of madness. Either way, all can agree to some level, we've never see a film quite like this.


Sunday, October 6, 2019

Episode 102 - The Dark Crystal Legacy

Welcome back folks! We hoped you enjoyed your late Summer fun as much as we did, but we're all super excited to be back in the saddle for episode 102. This week, we'll be discussing one of our childhood favorites in the world of science fiction and fantasy, "The Dark Crystal." From the original groundbreaking visual film in 1982, to today's modern "Age of Resistance," we'll dive deep in to the world of Gelflings, Mystics and Skeksis. We will also touch Dark Crystal's impact on print genre and comics as well. Who's ready to venture to the land of Thra!?


Thursday, August 15, 2019

Episode 101 - A Conversation with Matt Sanders from The Containment Unit

Who ya Gonna Call? That's right goblins and ghouls, it's the Ghostbusters' very own Matt Sanders joining us from the fan site/group The Containment Unit. We'll talk all things spores, molds and even autographs! We'll also chat about the upcoming Ghostbusters 3 film, and the upcoming fall event at Universal Studios, Halloween Horror Nights 29, which features Ghostbusters as a haunted house attraction at this year's event.


Sunday, August 4, 2019

Episode 100 - Celebrating 4 Years of POPX with Orlando Theme Park Guru Big Fat Panda & More

It's here folks, POPX turns 100! With this momentous occasion, we've invited theme park vlogger and Disney expert John Saccheri aka (Bigfatpanda.com) to join us for a full Orlando theme park update including insight into Disney's upcoming Star Wars Galaxy's Edge. Among updates on Halloween Horror Nights, Disney's 50th Anniversary in 2021 and more!


Sunday, July 14, 2019

Episode 99 - Stranger Things Season 3 Discussion & Review

We talk some of the heavy hitting news and announcements from San Diego Comic-Con 2019. We spend some time talking about Marvel's Phase 4 Debut in Hall H with Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige. Demogorgons, The Mind Flayer and our favorite cast of kids along with some newcomers to the show join together for one Russian filled season of 80's pop culture glory in Stranger Things S3. So many references, throwbacks and Easter eggs in this third season installment of Netflix's premiere front runner, and we break them all down on this extended and lengthy discussion into all things upside down. Gear up, grab Cerebro, climb to the highest peak in your neighborhood and breaker breaker 10-1-9 yourself back to 1985 with team POPX!


Wednesday, July 3, 2019

Episode 98 - Spider-Man Far From Home Discussion & More

On this episode, we highlight the latest geek headlines and what's going on in the world of retro culture. Then we have a round table on Marvel's latest film addition Spider-Man Far From Home. We'll share our own favorite moments, and even share some Easter Eggs we spotted.


Thursday, June 20, 2019

Episode 97 - Toy Story 4 Discussion & More

Join the team POPX as we share in one of our most beloved film franchises by Disney's Pixar, Toy Story 4. We break down our favorite moments, hidden easter eggs, cameos and pop culture references. We also will talk briefly about the new Child's Play film which launched the same weekend as Toy Story. Will the Child's Play reboot be the fuel Orion Entertainment needs to kick start a new franchise? We'll discuss this, headlines and so much more, JOIN US!


Friday, June 7, 2019

Episode 96 - X-men The Dark Phoenix Discussion & More

Team POPX will reflect on FOX's X-men series retrospectively, and then share thoughts and highlights from the newest and final film in a 20 year saga. What was our favorite moments from Dark Phoenix? Join us to find out.


Wednesday, May 29, 2019

Episode 95 - John Wick 3, BrightBurn, The Batman and DC Universe Predictions

On this episode, team POPX tackles a discussion on 3 current films including John Wick 3, BrightBurn and DC's Robert Pattinson as The Batman. We talk about the new future of the DCEU, and share our predictions on the future of the franchise. Combined with the weekly Geeky Headlines, this is a jam packed show of cinematic discussion.


Monday, May 13, 2019

Episode 94 - Marvel Cinematic Multiverse Predictions

On this episode, Team POPX dives into the possibilities of a Marvel Cinematic Multiverse. With the recent Spider-Man Far From Home trailer launch, and the climatic finale of Avengers Endgame, there are loads of buzz and hype surrounding the future of Marvel on the silver screen. A multiverse could open the flood gates with new characters, sagas and an endless library to draw from. With the acquisition of FOX, Disney now holds the rights to some big names and characters from the golden era of comics. This is one episode that will crammed full of geeky goodness, so grab some popcorn and join the conversation.


Tuesday, April 30, 2019

Episode 93 - Avengers Endgame Review & More

Join team POPX as we visit the culmination of over 10 years and 22 films into one massive universe, The Marvel Universe. We will discuss easter eggs, favorite moments, and yes, even spoilers, so you've been warned! What does the future of the MCU look like? Tune in to find out.


Friday, April 26, 2019

Avengers Endgame (An MCU Retrospective)


There are those moments in every generation that remind all of us exactly where we were when it all unfolded. For those in the 60's, the hype surrounding Woodstock was the culmination of the impossible becoming reality. People flocked to witness an event that would define a generation, and shape the way we listen to music and congregate even today. In the 70's and 80's, the heart pumping glory of getting tickets to watch George Lucas'  Star Wars saga unravel on the silver screen birthed not only a marketing hype, but redefined how stories are told cinematically.

The driving force behind what's shaped my life today has been the world of comics, and how the stories on each panel spring to life in dramatic and dynamic artwork. In 2008, Marvel Studios Entertainment president Kevin Feige had a vision, something that could not be foretold in just one, or even three films. There are those individuals who are gifted in thinking outside the normal parameters of thought, and cast vision to much grander insights than many of us could dream of. Feige single-handedly formulated a plan that would span some 11 years in the making to truly tell the story of an epic saga across many characters and multiverses. It all started with a man made of iron.

2008 was the year we witnessed Iron Man come to life in a way no one could imagine, and thus began the "end scene credits" that carefully wove together multiple characters and timelines across a vast universe of heroes. Feige's plan was an epic one, and it worked. My generation was able to witness and be a part of something much greater than we could ever dream of. It didn't come in the form of a trilogy, or a series, but 11 years of films, across 22 cinematic releases that painstakingly tied each story line together in a way cinema hasn't witnessed before. A more grand story using heroes we all grew up with in our youths, all on the screen in live action, fighting the forces of evil, and defending the honor and valor of those who cannot. It was radical.

Endgame was such a moment for our generation and time. Similar to the echoed moments in decades past, like the Romans cheering on their favorite gladiators in the Roman Coliseum, to fans cheering for Luke Skywalker in Return of the Jedi, Endgame is such a moment that will be handed down, discussed and circulated for many, many generations to come. Perfectly woven, painstakingly planned, uncanny in execution, the Russo Brothers crafted a system and story that will transcend for generations to come. Endgame is the climactic culmination of the lives of these heroes we've been cheering on for over a decade. In every way, the story is showcased beautifully, filling in the gaps, and closing the loose ends within the greater story.

It's a film that everyone needs to see. But, one cannot see just Endgame to consume the full narrative of how each hero has landed at this exact spot within the story. I've never been touched so deeply, moved to tears, and flooded with emotions like I have seeing the finality of this story. Each character is given justice, and each moment is carefully scripted to give the deepest impact. It's not simply about infinity stones, nor is it about Thanos as a villain. It's how a band of introverts, castaways and outcasts work together for a greater good. The underlying narrative throughout the Marvel Cinematic Universe echoes from the original Spider-Man storyline, "With great power, comes great responsibility."

Marvel comics sets a narrative from the aspect of being human. If a god like Thor, a super soldier like Steve Rogers, or a Hulk like Banner stands up for those of us who can't, how does the human drama of that story get portrayed? When Stan Lee changed Timely Comics to Marvel all the way back in 1961, he approached stories from the human perspective, and that's what made these stories so real and believable. Lee introduced the Fantastic Four and Spider-man, but told that narrative from the the lens of man, not of a god or indestructible force like a Superman. How would it unfold if a nerdy teenager like Peter Parker got bitten by a radioactive spider, and woke up the following morning with powers he didn't fully understand or control? And how would that narrative be told when he goes to high school, and faces bullying and situations a teenager would actually experience? That's the narrative that not only Kevin Feige envisioned, but the Russo Brothers were able to execute flawlessly in Avengers Endgame.

It's this moment in time, this weekend and many weekends to come where Marvel is king of storytelling. Endgame is a project of heart and passion, one that came with patience and many hurdles to figure out, but it was executed with a grace that only a true comic book fan could fathom. Let this film be "that moment," for our generation. Where we take our children and family to witness a story unfold unlike we've seen before. This is our greater gathering of enthusiasts who share the same goals and dreams of those 50 years ago. Instead of a cornfield, it's a cinematic screen, in a dim lit theater... that's where the magic and wonder unfolds.

Avengers Endgame is not just a blockbuster, mega billion making behemoth. It's the hype and finality of a greater story 11 years in the making.

Be Better, Be Greater, whatever it takes.
Joseph Burke
(PopXcast Founder)


Sunday, March 31, 2019

PopXcast Episode 92 - Shazam Film Review & More

On this episode, team POPX dives into the DC comics world of Shazam! Bringing a new style of story to the DCEU, Shazam offers a unique superhero story in the the DC World. We share our favorite moments from the film, as well as share Easter Eggs and insights from the film in our #SpoilerAlert segment. Along with our jam packed Geek Headlines segment and the film review, this episode will have you shouting SHAZAM!!!


Sunday, March 3, 2019

Episode 91 - Captain Marvel Review & More

It's finally here, Marvel's first film of 2019, and the only film leading up to Avengers End Game next month! Whoa, Avengers is next month!!? YUP! Click like, subscribe, and follow for notifications on when POPX goes live this Sunday night, March 10th, 9PM Eastern. Combined with the leading headlines of the week, Episode 91 will be a #SpoilerAlert show with tons of information, easter eggs and tie-ins to the MCU. Don't Miss It!


Sunday, February 24, 2019

Episode 90 - Alita | Battle Angel Film Review & POPX Pix for Superman & Batman DCEU

On this episode, we dive into all things manga, James Cameron and Alita Battle Angel with a complete film review and rating from team POPX. We also give our hopeful top lists for prospect actors to replace Superman and Batman in the DC Entertainment Universe (DCEU). Who will dawn the cape and cowl again, tune in to find out the POPX Pix for our top actors to fill these roles.



Sunday, February 10, 2019

Episode 89 - Marvel/Netflix Discussion, Punisher Season 2 and Aquaman Review & More!


Recovering from the Holiday break, POPX makes it's return in 2019 with a very hot topic concerning Marvel's departure from Netflix, and the future of our beloved superheroes from the streaming platform. We offer insight into the future of Marvel's streaming sagas, as well as review Season 2 of The Punisher, a film review of Aquaman, and so much more!