In this episode of The Bark Knight Podcast, we continue our Sci-Fi Classics series with a deep dive into Blade Runner and Blade Runner 2049, two films that shaped what modern sci-fi looks and feels like.

We break down the different cuts of the original film, the world-building and lore of the Blade Runner universe, and the questions that still spark debate decades later: Is Deckard human? What actually defines humanity? And, why does this franchise hit so differently than other sci-fi classics like Alien, The Thing, Close Encounters of the Third Kind, and E.T.?

As conversation shifts to Blade Runner 2049, we dig into Denis Villeneuve’s approach to legacy sequels, the film’s pacing and theatrical experience, the role of AI and Joi, and how the sequel expands on themes of identity, memory, and the moral decay of humanity. Along the way, we touch on Harrison Ford’s unique screen presence, Vangelis’ iconic score, practical effects vs. miniatures, and how Blade Runner fits into the broader sci-fi lexicon alongside modern directors like Christopher Nolan.

This one is for lovers of the science fiction genre who enjoy digging into its origins and how they paved the way for the modern classics of today.

Chapters

00:00:00 Introduction

00:00:09 Episode Overview

00:00:49 Blade Runner

00:01:05 Dan’s Initial Thoughts

00:02:33 The Different Versions

00:05:07 Paul’s Feelings on the Franchise

00:06:36 The Background & Lore

00:08:55 Comparing to Other Classics (Close Encounters of the Third Kind, E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial, Alien, John Carpenter’s The Thing)

00:11:55 Harrison Ford

00:13:112 The Climax

00:18:45 Harrison Ford’s Everyman Abilities

00:21:20 Ambiguity, Deckard’s Humanity, & Harrison Ford’s Punches

00:25:47 The Score from Vengelis

00:28:313 Usage of Miniatures, Establishing Shot, & Shooting Techniques

00:33:00 The Decay of Morality

00:37:45 Blade Runner Final Thoughts

00:40:28 Blade Runner 2049 Initial Thoughts

00:46:31 Background, Prologues, and Jared Leto

00:49:34 The Casting

00:52:07 Deckard’s Humanity & His Child’s Identity

00:53:22 K & Joi’s Relationship

00:56:36 The Theatre Experience, Sequel Plans, Pacing, & Dune 2

01:02:46 The Baseline Test & Using Tension

01:04:58 Joi & AI Girlfriends

01:06:38 The Decay of Morality & the Hubris of Mankind

01:08:30 Denis Villeneuve & Christopher Nolan

01:12:14 Dune: Part 2, Dune: Part 3, & Avengers: Doomsday

01:15:54 Final Thoughts

01:16:51 Other Media & What’s Next

01:17:40 Episode Wrap

While waiting for Dan to join the episode, Paul and Patrick end up getting sidetracked into a full-on discussion about the final season of Stranger Things and how series finales land (or completely miss the mark). That turns into a broader chat about endings across TV, from Battlestar Galactica to The X-Files and beyond.

We also spend a big chunk of the episode unpacking Tron: Ares, what we liked, what didn’t work for us, and why it didn’t quite live up to Tron: Legacy.

Spoiler-free, honest thoughts, a lot of franchise frustration, and even a few disagreements.

Chapters

00:00:00 Introduction

00:00:09 Stranger Things Season Finale Talk

00:03:42 Battlestar Galactica Finale

00:05:03 Back to Stranger Things

00:06:53 The Final Battle

00:09:58 Peacemaker Season 2

00:10:27 The Night Manager Season 2, Fallout, Ponies, The X-Files, The Venture Brothers

00:13:49 Tron: Ares

00:21:09 Episode Wrap

In this episode, we dive deep into 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple, breaking down the latest chapter in the franchise with a full review, spoiler discussion, and theories about where the story may go next. We explore director Nia DaCosta’s approach, Alex Garland’s screenplay, early critical and audience reactions, box office performance, and how The Bone Temple expands the mythology of the infected.

After a non-spoiler review, we move into full spoiler territory, analyzing key scenes, character arcs, and lingering mysteries, including Selena’s whereabouts, the future of the cure, emerging infected hierarchies, and what this film sets up for a potential third installment. We also spotlight standout moments like the Iron Maiden scene and discuss why they matter within the broader narrative.

The episode wraps up with movie news and physical media, including thoughts on The Rip, Netflix’s commitment to a 45-day theatrical window, first impressions of Lee Cronin’s The Mummy trailer, and a physical media showcase featuring 28 Years Later on 4K Blu-ray and the Evil Dead Rise 4K Edition from Arrow Video.

Chapters

00:00:00 Introduction

00:00:09 Episode Overview

00:00:42 Director (Nia Dacosta) & Writer (Alex Garland) Background

00:05:44 Reviews (IMDb, Rotten Tomatoes, Metacritic, Cinemascore)

00:09:35 Budget & Box Office

00:14:55 Our Non-Spoiler Reviews

00:22:06 Spoiler Discussion

00:26.59 Erin Kellyman

00:31:24 Selena’s Whereabouts, The Cure, & Samson Theories

00:39:46 Hierarchies & Territories of the Infected

00:41:28 Looking to the Third Movie

00:46:23 The Iron Maiden Scene

00:49:08 News

00:49:11 The Rip Review

00:53:13 Netflix CEO commits to 45 day theatrical window

00:55:52 Physical Media Showcase 28 Years Later 4K Blu-Ray & Evil Dead Rise Arrow Video 4K

00:58:23 Lee Cronin’s The Mummy Trailer

00:59:10 Episode Wrap

In this episode, we count down our Top 10 Favorite Movies of 1983, a landmark year in cinema packed with future classics, cult favorites, and genre-defining films. Dan and Patrick each bring their own ranked lists, leading to debates, overlaps, and very different perspectives on what makes a movie truly stand the test of time.

From major studio releases to darker genre entries and underseen gems, we break down why these films mattered then and why they still resonate today. Along the way, we discuss legacy, performances, cultural impact, and where some of these titles fit in within the larger film lexicon.

We also highlight a list of honorable mentions before wrapping up with final thoughts on why 1983 remains one of the most fascinating years in movie history.

Chapters

00:00:00 Introduction

00:00:09 Episode Overview

00:02:24 Dan 10 - Rumble Fish

00:05:19 Patrick 10 - Sudden Impact

00:09:42 Dan 09 - The Right Stuff

00:12:22 Patrick 09 - The Outsiders

00:14:04 Dan 08 - The Outsiders

00:15:50 Patrick 08 - The Dead Zone

00:19:56 Dan 07 - A Christmas Story

00:22:42 Patrick 07 - Risky Business

00:31:02 Dan 06 - Trading Places

00:34:51 Patrick 06 - Uncommon Valor

00:39:52 Dan 05 - Cujo

00:41:15 Patrick 05 - Blue Thunder

00:48:49 Dan 04 - The Dead Zone

00:52:56 Patrick 04 - Scarface

00:56:13 Dan 03 - Scarface

00:57:46 Patrick 03 - The Keep

01:03:09 Dan 02 - Star Wars: Return of the Jedi

01:04:41 Patrick 02 - John Carpenter’s Christine

01:07:12 Dan 01 - The King of Comedy

01:10:21 Patrick 01 - Star Wars: Return of the Jedi

01:13:05 Honorable Mentions: National Lampoon’s Vacation, Sleepaway Camp, Curtains, Twilight Zone: The Movie, Grizzly II: Revenge, Mausoleum, Cheech & Chong Still Smoking, The Funny Farm, Strange Brew, Eddie & the Cruisers, Terms of Endearment, Psycho II, War Games, Flashdance

01:16:05 Episode Wrap

As we close out the 2025 year, Patrick hosts this episode presenting his favorite movie scores, trailers, TV series, and Top 10 list for the year. From there, he looks ahead at his Top 10 most anticipated movies of 2026.

Chapters

00:00:00 Introduction

00:00:09 Episode Overview

00:01:19 Movie Scores

00:01:34 Honorable Mention - Jay Kelly from Nicholas Britell

00:02:40 3 - F1: The Movie from Hans Zimmer

00:03:32 2 - Tron: Ares from Nine Inch Nails

00:04:54 1 - Sinners from Ludwig Göransson

00:06:04 My Favorite Movie from Another Year that I didn’t Watch Until This Year - Gretel & Hansel from Osgood Perkins

00:07:13 Favorite TV Series - Andor

00:08:33 Favorite Movie Trailer - Black Phone 2

00:09:57 Top 10 Favorite Movies of 2025

00:10:06 10 - The Long Walk

00:11:18 09 - F1: The Movie

00:12:41 08 - Good Boy

00:13:52 07 - The Monkey

00:15:07 06 - Freaky Tales

00:16:17 05 - Black Bag

00:17:53 04 - Black Phone 2

00:19::21 03 - Predator: Badlands

00:19:56 02 - One Battle After Another

00:21:12 01 - Sinners

00:23:11 2026 Most Anticipated

00:23:31 10 - The Bride

00:24:10 09 - Clayface

00:24:36 08 - Avengers: Doomsday

00:25:47 07 - Evil Dead Burn

00:26:14 06 - Scream 7

00:26:33 05 - 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple

00:26:52 04 - Dune: Part Three

00:27:18 03 - Disclosure Day

00:27:40 02 - Werwulf

00:28:17 01 - The Odyssey

00:28:52 A Look Back at my 2025 Most Anticipated

00:29:16 Episode Wrap

In the first installment of our Sci-Fi Classics Series, we explore two foundational science fiction films that helped to define the genre: Stanley Kubrick’s 2001: A Space Odyssey and Steven Spielberg’s Close Encounters of the Third Kind. These legendary filmmakers shaped the language of modern sci-fi, and, here, we break down what makes each film so special.

In the second half of the episode, we discuss Spielberg’s wide-ranging influence on the genre, our personal favorite films of his, and the connective tissues that run throughout his work.

With the trailer release for Spielberg’s newest film, Disclosure Day, we also dig into our theories on the movies themes, how the aliens might fit into the story, who the antagonists may be, and how the religious undertones of this trailer echo elements of Spielberg’s other extraterrestrial films.

Chapters

00:00:00 Introduction

00:00:09 Episode Overview

00:02:12 2001: A Space Odyssey

00:02:26 Background Overview with Paul

00:04:17 The Influence on Star Wars and Other Movies

00:06:00 Some People Will Not Like It

00:11:39 The Impressiveness of the Filmmaking Shots

00:15:41 The Novel

00:18:20 HAL & Artificial Intelligence (AI)

00:25:35 The Monolith

00:26:18 The Inspiration of the Sci-Fi Classics Series

00:28:06 The Ending - Annihilation & Charlie & the Chocolate Factory

00:32:39 The Impact

00:36:53 Close Encounters of the Third Kind

00:37:05 Background Overview with Paul

00:39:30 Dan’s Review

00:40:45 Spielberg's Influence

00:42:48 Alien Communication Through Lights & Music

00:45:25 The Characters & Actors

00:49:40 The Optimism

00:52:49 Theatrical Cut v Special Edition v Director’s Cut

00:54:47 Favorite Scenes, Sequences, & Shots

01:01:51 Our Favorite Spielberg Movies

01:05:59 Steven Spielberg’s Analysis of the Family Unit

01:08:26 Columbia Pictures & Final Thoughts

01:10:04 Disclosure Day Trailer & War of the Worlds Discussion

01:18:15 Theories on the Aliens

01:21:42 The Eye Changing Scene (with Stargate Universe Reference)

01:23:02 Religion & Aliens

01:25:14 Paramount Ownership of Indiana Jones Distribution Rights

01:25:51 Episode Wrap

Welcome to our latest Blind Spots episode, where we finally watch the movies we absolutely should have seen by now. This week, we’re diving into two modern cult favorites: Insidious and Jennifer’s Body. We break down the casts, themes, legacy, characters, and why these films still spark conversation years later. Plus: James Wan & Leigh Whannell’s partnership, the art of the jump scare, and the Emo Era’s influence on Jennifer’s Body.

We also cover a massive week in film news, including updates on Heat 2, Ryan Coogler’s X-Files & Sinners projects, the Paul Dano/Matthew Lillard/Owen Wilson drama with Quentin Tarantino, Mike Flanagan's new Exorcist movie with Scarlet Johansson, 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple, and morealong with a stacked Physical Media Showcase.

Chapters

00:00:00 Introduction

00:00:09 Episode Overview

00:01:04 Insidious Overview

00:01:46 Dan Review & Discussion

00:05:36 Patrick’s Analysis

00:08:01 James Wan’s Relationship with Leigh Whannel

00:09:20 The Cast & Characters (Lin Shaye, Rose Byrne, Patrick Wilson)

00:15:32 Final Thoughts

00:17:34 The Influence & Legacy (Universal ride, sequels, The Conjuring)

00:20:26 The Ending & Elise’s Fate

00:25:57 Blumhouse, Atomic Monster, & Aquaman

00:28:38 Jennifer’s Body Overview

00:28:47 Director Karyn Kasuma (The Invitation)

00:29:24 Cast (Megan Fox, Amanda Seyfried, Adam Brody)

00:29:51 Plot

00:30:27 Initial Thoughts

00:32:28 Marketing on Megan Fox’s Sex Appeal

00:34:05 The Emo Era

00:40:25 The Social Groups & Dynamics of the 2000’s

00:41:56 Fox Atomic & Final Thoughts

00:42:35 The News

00:42:41 Ryan Coogler, The X-Files, & Sinners

00:48:59 Heat 2 Officially in Development with Script & Leonardo DiCaprio Confirmations

00:52:19 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple Reviews are very positive

00:53:10 Scarlett Johansson Cast in Mike Flanagan’s new Exorcist Movie

00:56:20 Matthew Lillard, Paul Dano, Owen Wilson, & Quentin Tarantino

00:59:38 Physical Media Showcase

00:59:43 Dan - Shudder 10th Anniversary Box Set

01:01:32 Patrick - The Keep 4k from Vinegar Syndrome

01:04:44 1983 Episode Preview

01:06:51 Episode Wrap

If you enjoyed the episode, be sure to subscribe and leave a rating, it really helps keep the reels turning.

Welcome back to The Bark Knight Podcast! In this episode, we’re counting down our Top 10 Favorite Movies of 2023, a packed year filled with surprise hits, massive blockbusters, unforgettable indies, and plenty of genre gems.

We compare picks, debate the standouts, dive into craft, performances, and cultural impact, and wrap it all with a massive list of Honorable Mentions. If you love movies, this is a big one.

Chapters

00:00:00 Introduction

00:00:09 Episode Overview

00:00:34 Top 10 Disclaimer

00:01:35 10 - The Boy and the Heron, Super Mario Bros., Strange Darling

00:09:27 09 - Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves, The Creator, Evil Dead Rise

00:16:11 08 - Evil Dead Rise, American Fiction

00:22:33 07 - Talk to Me, The Iron Claw, Oppenheimer

00:27:53 06 - Oppenheimer, Trap Tangent, The Killer

00:38:28 05 - Sisu, Godzilla Minus One, John Wick 4

00:43:41 04 - Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, Poor Things, When Evil Lurks

00:52:58 03 - John Wick 4, The Holdovers (with Christmas convo), Talk to Me

01:00:55 02 - Guardians of the Galaxy 3, The Boy and the Heron, Godzilla Minus One

01:09:43 01 - Godzilla Minus One, Past Lives, The Equalizer 3

01:23:49 Honorable Mentions - M3gan, No One Will Save You, Somebody I Used to Know, You Hurt My Feelings, Asteroid City, Barbie, Dream Scenario, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Creed III, Extraction 2, V\H\S\85, The Pope’s Exorcist, Tetris, The Boogeyman, It Lives Inside, Air, Shooting Stars, Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning, Woman of the Year, Ant-Man & the Wasp, Quantumania, The Flash, Aquaman 2, Knock at the Cabin, Cocaine Bear

01:30:49 Looking Forward

01:33:13 Episode Wrap

What were YOUR favorite movies of 2023?

Drop your Top 10 in the comments, we always love comparing lists!

If you enjoy the show, don’t forget to like, subscribe, and leave a rating so more movie fans can join the community!

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