KnockBack: The Retro and Nostalgia Podcast

Latest Episodes:

#189 | Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones Sep 27, 2021

Show notes

By the time 2002 rolled around, people were already pretty disenchanted with what would become known as the Star Wars Prequels. 1999's Phantom Menace left much to be desired, but there was great hope Attack of the Clones would turn things around. After all, it's the Empire Strikes Back of this particular trilogy, but as we all know, it's nowhere near as good. Yet, there's no denying that, for us, this movie is better than we remembered. But there's still much to say about Hayden Christensen, Kamino and Geonosis, Jango and Boba Fett, Tusken Raider slaughter, Yoda's lightsaber battle, a '50s diner, and much, much more. So put away the death sticks, hit play, and join us for yet another chat about A Galaxy Far, Far Away.

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#188 | Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty Sep 20, 2021

Show notes

Playing MGS2 some 20 years after its initial release on PlayStation 2 in 2001 is... well... it's an experience. In fact, it's completely and eerily prescient. What starts out innocently enough as a conspiracy theory-laden, Solid Snake-driven adventure ends up turning into a shockingly timely commentary on technology, war, government, and humanity itself. Snake's and Raiden's adventure through the Tanker and Big Shell is widely considered one of gaming history's greatest, and after giving it another go with fresh, modern eyes, we're pleased to say it's still a tour de force. There's so much underneath the surface, in fact, that we don't even know where to begin or end (much like the Patriots' ubiquitous control over society).

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#187: The Incredible Hulk (film) Sep 13, 2021

Show notes

Marvel's vaunted Cinematic Universe had a more inauspicious start than many may remember, and in fact, the first two MCU films came to theaters mere months apart in 2008. A few weeks ago, we covered Iron Man, the first of those two movies, and so this week we're on to the Edward Norton-led and surprisingly contentious standalone Incredible Hulk film. Its contentiousness is surprising because this movie is actually quite good, though stories about turbulent production may have soured this picture's memory (not to mention some recasts). Nonetheless, we have much to discuss here, including the representation of the Hulk himself, the film's significant anti-war message, some pretty great performances from some very famous actors, and more. The ball's in your court, Mr. Green. Just hit play.

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#186: A Nightmare on Elm Street Sep 06, 2021

Show notes

Wes Craven's 1984 film A Nightmare on Elm Street is one of the most beloved horror flicks ever made, a tale about a child murderer who dies, only to return to haunt the dreams of more could-be victims. Antagonist Freddy Kreuger, in particular, is iconic, but the question remains: Is this movie actually any good? Is it scary? Does it hold up? Or is it just a little too goofy and poorly-paced to be believed? We get deep into all of that, navigating with listener inquiries in hand, as always. Baseball bats and boogeymen? That's the least of our concerns.

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#185: Generation Kill Aug 30, 2021

Show notes

In 2004, journalist Evan Wright released a book called Generation Kill, all about his time attached to a Marine regiment during the 2003 invasion of Iraq. It was a hit, and the basis for a 2008 HBO series by the same name. As its name suggests, the US Marines 1st Recon Battalion is meant to... well... perform reconnaissance. But 'Chaos' and 'Godfather' saw them more suited for a blitzkrieg to Baghdad. The result is an extraordinary story of courage, insanity, and ruthlessness, and we're eager to talk about all seven episodes and all eight hours. Of course, while we go over our favorite characters, moments, and more, this conversation also delves into the Iraq War itself, what it was like living in a society that overwhelmingly supported the conflict, and the lessons we've hopefully learned for the future. So hit play and listen... but police that mustache first.

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#184: The Last Days of Summer and Back to School Aug 23, 2021

Show notes

The summer is all fun and games, but 'back to school' always looms on the horizon. The further we get into the dog days, the closer we get to the next grade, and it's those weeks -- usually in August, but sometimes in July or stretching into September -- that are our focus during this episode. What was our routine? Were we excited to go clothes shopping? To get school supplies? To find out who our teachers are? Or did we dread returning to the classroom, and do everything we could to avoid the harsh reality of childhood education? People were usually one way or the other, and sometimes they vacillated between the two. As for us? Well... let's just say we really loved our Star Wars and GI Joe lunchboxes, and begin there.

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#183: Iron Man (2008 film) Aug 16, 2021

Show notes

The Marvel Cinematic Universe is pretty much the biggest thing to ever hit cinemas, but it started innocently enough back in 2008 with Iron Man, the Jon Favreau-directed, Robert Downey Jr.-led superhero flick that's... well... pretty damn good, actually. Indeed, it only grossed half a billion dollars at the box office, pretty mild results for what would follow! The film may be missing a villain, but it comes packing a whole lot more: A complex, human, and deeply-flawed protagonist, a fun world, awesome technology, and lots of humor. Iron Man is a charming film that's more than a worthy watch, and we're thrilled to jump in as we begin our exploration of the MCU.

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#182: Top Gun Aug 09, 2021

Show notes

Some people have the need for speed. Among them are the US Navy fighter pilots as portrayed in the 1986 Jerry Bruckheimer-led smash-hit Top Gun. The film stars a young Tom Cruise as Maverick, an ace pilot with a mysterious past and his own way of doing things. But really, this flick is a visual feast for the eyes if you're into fighter jets, dogfighting, and more. Is it corny and campy? Absolutely. Does it hold up today? Well, we'll leave that up to you. And yes, we'll even get into the theories about what the movie really means... although we're not so sure we agree.

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#181: Labyrinth Aug 02, 2021

Show notes

The 1986 Jim Henson classic film Labyrinth is about a whole lot more than David Bowie's impressive codpiece. And yes: That in and of itself is amazing. But nestled underneath its fantasy, puppetry, and music is a movie about childhood, about growing up and finding your way and letting go. Few movies resonate from childhood resonate more than Labyrinth for Colin in particular, who considers this one of his favorite all-time flicks. And, well... it really is as good now as it was then. Maybe even better. So let's go to the castle on the other side of the Goblin City, and find out what mysteries Jareth has in store for us.

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#180: Battlestar Galactica (Season 2) Jul 26, 2021

Show notes

For many fans of BSG, the second season of the reimagined run is the best 20 episodes the franchise has to offer. It's here that -- according to Dagan -- the show goes from good to very good, and truly finds itself with its fusion of dark, deep, philosophical, and religious themes tied to the trappings of grounded sci-fi. The result is truly special: One part political thriller and another part horror flick, one part spiritual exercise and another part existential crisis. Battlestar Galactica is about as good as televised science fiction has ever been, and we're thrilled to talk about the second season and all that entails. Just remember: We want Razors.

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