Castle Bravo: A Godzillaverse Retrospective
Siblings Derek and Charlotte present the history of the largest cinematic universe. Learn how a bunch of loosely collected sci-fi films came together around Godzilla to create a monster of a franchise. From the high art to the campy but full of heart, it's a celebration of nearly 70 years of the Big G. Season Four coming soon.
S4 E3 · Thu, March 20, 2025
Episode 41 - Godzilla, Mothra, and King Ghidorah: Giant Monsters All-Out Attack / GMK (2001)
It's not a sequel to Godzilla vs Megaguirus! Okay, that part's more obvious than last time. Today's movie is one of the most highly regarded in the franchise, and certainly the one with the longest title (just call it GMK). It's the darkest, most mean-spirited movie in the franchise so far, rocking a totally different creative crew from anything we've seen on a Godzilla movie before, and love it or hate it you certainly won't forget it. We're joined this week by returning guests and fellow cohosts of Super Deluxe GamesCast, John and Brittney. Everybody's mental health is bad, but the energy we're bringing to this recording is FROGGY. Social Media Derek on Bluesky - @derekvandyke.bsky.social Charlotte on Bluesky - @blood.doll.church John on Bluesky - @magitekdad.bsky.social Brit on Bluesky - @peachia.bsky.social
Tue, January 21, 2025
Episode 40 - Godzilla vs Megaguirus (2000)
It's not a sequel to Godzilla 2000! The often underlooked Godzilla vs Megaguirus brings over most of the creative team behind Godzilla 2000, and sure SEEMS like it should be a sequel, but it very specifically isn't! Setting the stage for a VERY strange new millennium of Godzilla, Godzilla vs Megaguirus gives us prehistoric black hole dragonflies and inexplicable flooding of Tokyo 1. Polish paleontologists will never stop haunting us. We're joined this week by our first guest of the season: journalist Eric Switzer, editor and producer over at TheGamer. We asked him what it felt like to wait literal years to get to talk about this movie, and all we got was nervous laughter. Social Media Derek on Bluesky - @derekvandyke.bsky.social Charlotte on Bluesky - @blood.doll.church Eric on Bluesky - @epicswitzer.bsky.social
S4 E1 · Sat, January 11, 2025
Episode 39 - Godzilla 2000: Millennium (1999)
WELCOME BACK TO LIZARD CHURCH! Derek and Charlotte return after a healthy absence to kick off a new season of Castle Bravo. We had almost as much of a break as Godzilla himself, who was put back to work ASAP after the backlash to TriStar's first American Godzilla film. Godzilla 2000, released in 1999 (because what do numbers mean), received a huge western marketing push and a rare theatrical release. How does this edgy reboot of an edgy reboot fare? Episodes in Season Four will be coming more sporadically as we work around our own increasingly chaotic schedules, but we're officially back in business, baybeeeeeee!
S3 E11 · Wed, January 31, 2024
Episode 38 - Godzilla (1998)
The season three finale is here as we tackle one of the most infamous blockbusters of the 90s. It has loomed over our heads for several episodes, languishing in development hell, but the 1998 Tristar Godzilla is finally here. Hollywood Disaster Film magnates Dean Devlin and Roland Emmerich bring their crew from Stargate and Independence Day to bring audiences a movie almost as big as its marketing deals were. It's the movie that forced a rapid course correction from Toho, but is it finally time to give the original American Godzilla a second chance? We're joined this week by two guests. First, former SDGC cohost and former Paused for Popcorn host Jeff Meier. Second, and returning once again, Case Aiken from the Certain Point of View network.
S3 E10 · Wed, January 10, 2024
Episode 37 - Rebirth of Mothra 3 (1998)
We're back with Matt and Jayson one last time as we bring Mothra's 90s movie trilogy to a close. It's a movie that was unfairly kept from western audiences for an unreasonably long time, especially when you consider just how good this final entry retroactively makes the entire Rebirth of Mothra trilogy. Moths are good, actually. Yes, we have technically broken our continuity slightly, as a certain movie did finally release months before Rebirth of Mothra 3. Derek thought it would fit better to finish the trilogy before turning to the elephant (or iguana) in the room.
S3 E9 · Wed, January 03, 2024
Episode 36 - Rebirth of Mothra 2 (1997)
Mothra's standalone film series continues as our baby boy Leo fights an aquatic jet plane dragon that is also a starfish parasite factory that is also an ancient garbage disposal created by Not-Atlantis. A furby pees on people. Leo turns into an underwater X-wing. It's a weird movie, but more than that, it's a movie that feels like it was shotgunned through an edit bay so it could be over with already. We're joined once again by JaysonDoesMusic and Matt Storm, returning from our Rebirth of Mothra episode, and bless them for pulling through this entire sub trilogy with us.
S3 E8 · Wed, December 13, 2023
Episode 35 - Rebirth of Mothra (1996)
Godzilla is dead and signed over to Hollywood, but Toho still needs to make money, so they dusted off some old script ideas and set to make Mothra a solo star again. The first of a trilogy aimed much more squarely at kids and families, Rebirth of Mothra is often overlooked but not lacking in charm. Come for Mothra and a goth Ghidorah doing fighting game special moves, stay for an evil camp fairy icon. We’re joined this week by two guests. First, returning from an earlier episode, Matt Storm from the CPOV network! Secondly, appearing for the first time, Jayson of JaysonDoesMusic! The two of them will be sticking with us for the entire Rebirth of Mothra trilogy, joining us at the altar of Belvera.
S3 E7 · Wed, November 15, 2023
Episode 34 - Godzilla vs Destoroyah (1995)
It's the end of an era, the end of several careers, and the end of more than a couple lives (not all of them fictional) as the Heisei period of Godzilla movies draws to a close. One of the most beloved entries in the franchise, Godzilla vs Destoroyah ties the end to the beginning by centering the legacy of the Oxygen Destroyer, Dr Serizawa, and the Yamane family. Also, Crab Satan. Crab Satan is pretty cool. For the first time, we're joined this week by not one but TWO guests (both returning from previous episodes): Godzilla megafan and SDGC cohost Justin aka Roboplato, and CPOV podcaster Case Aiken. The energy is so good.
S3 E6 · Wed, November 08, 2023
Episode 33 - Godzilla vs SpaceGodzilla (1994)
And so we're back! From outer space! It's a moment we have been dreading as the Heisei era finally loses the plot. Godzilla vs Spacegodzilla is a fun spectacle, and basically an early Dragonball Z arc in Godzilla form, but it's a case study in how good filmmaking can't overcome basic structural script problems. Derek does a script rewrite live even, a Castle Bravo first (and hopefully a Castle Bravo last). We're joined this week by podcaster, PR man, and fellow SDGC host Matthew Finneman. The timeline of these movies is getting a little too self-referential for newbies to keep up, but Finn is always ready to fire off a zinger. This episode was recorded close to two months before publish date, but due to personal tragedy (mentioned at the beginning of the episode) it sat in the vault for a while before we could return to the show.
S3 E5 · Wed, August 16, 2023
Episode 32 - Godzilla vs Mechagodzilla II (1993)
No, it's not a sequel to Godzilla vs Mechagodzilla. This entry in the Heisei era is the most interested in continuity so far, the most jam-packed with returning monsters, and the least thematically interesting (in that there is no real theme to speak of). But it's big, flashy, and fun, and they managed to make some version of Minilla that doesn't make me physically ill, so that's gotta be worth some points. We're joined this week by writer and journalist Ryan Easby. Like several of our guests this season, Ryan is coming to the Heisei era of Godzilla without a ton of history with the Japanese films... and getting absolutely blindsided in the process. Social Media Links The Show - twitter.com/CastleBravoPod Derek - twitter.com/DerbyCityDerek Charlotte - twitter.com/viscerocomplex Ryan - twitter.com/EasbyGames
S3 E4 · Wed, July 26, 2023
Episode 31 - Godzilla vs Mothra (1992)
With the previous two movies barely managing to break even, the decision was made to Break Glass In Case Of Emergency; it was time to bring back Mothra. The resulting film was not only incredibly faithful to Mothra's original film appearances, but also more smartly reimagined elements of her story to fit into the modern day (especially in comparison to Ghidorah's radical reinvention just one movie ago). It also marks as a sort of final chapter of director Ishiro Honda's connection to the series shortly before his death. We're joined this week by writer and host of the Make Me A Gamer podcast, Atma Phoenix. Atma, like several of our guests, is coming into the world of Godzilla having seen mostly the American movies, and we couldn't have picked a much better movie to bring someone into the fold. Social Media Links The Show - twitter.com/CastleBravoPod Derek - twitter.com/DerbyCityDerek Charlotte - twitter.com/viscerocomplex Atma - atmasweapon.com
S3 E3 · Wed, July 05, 2023
Episode 30 - Godzilla vs King Ghidorah (1991)
In the wake of Godzilla vs Biollante's middling box office performance, Toho decided to break out a secret weapon that would ensure a box office draw: King Kong. Except that got messy and complicated quick, so they went back to the workshop and brought out Godzilla's most recurring villain instead: King Ghidorah. What follows is the dumbest, smartest, dumbest again, maybe smartest again movie about time travel we've seen in ages. We're joined this week by freelance writer Erroll Maas, who has a fascination with all things Kaiju and Tokusatsu. Social Media Links The Show - twitter.com/CastleBravoPod Derek - twitter.com/DerbyCityDerek Charlotte - twitter.com/viscerocomplex Selected Works of Erroll Maas Interview with Matt Frank - https://youtu.be/wHoZrtWJk8E Every 2022 Kaiju Game Ranked - https://www.thegamer.com/every-2022-kaiju-game-ranked/ The Kaiju Influence in Pokemon - https://errollmaaswriting.wordpress.com/2020/06/17/the-kaiju-influence-in-pokemon/
S3 E2 · Wed, June 28, 2023
Episode 29 - Godzilla vs Biollante (1989)
Return of Godzilla was a critical and commercial success, so Toho wanted to strike while the iron was hot. The best way to do this? Find a talented director and force him to work with a script you got in a contest. A tumultuous behind-the-scenes story led us to a movie wildly beloved by fans: Godzilla vs Biollante. Starring a guest appearance by infamous Dragon Quest series composer Koichi Sugiyama. We're joined this week by Dr MJ Cali, writer and actual geneticist. MJ's not as active on social media anymore since the whole "doctor" thing, but they made time to be on this episode to weigh in and let us pretend we're a legitimate show. Social Media Links The Show - twitter.com/CastleBravoPod Derek - twitter.com/DerbyCityDerek Charlotte - twitter.com/viscerocomplex MJ - plentyofhominids.com
S3 E1 · Wed, June 21, 2023
Episode 28 - Return of Godzilla / Godzilla 1985 (1984)
We're back with a brand new season! After an almost 10 year break, Toho would attempt to go back to the franchise's roots with a new direct sequel to the original 1954 film, ignoring everything since and attempting to hew closer to its darker and more political tone. The end result is arguably the best movie in the franchise since its first outing. We're joined once again this week by fellow Super Deluxe GamesCast cohost Brittney aka Peachia. Honestly, after the whole vagina eyes debacle of Godzilla vs Hedorah, we kinda owed her a good movie to wash the sludge out. Social Media Links The Show - twitter.com/CastleBravoPod Derek - twitter.com/DerbyCityDerek Charlotte - twitter.com/viscerocomplex Brit - twitter.com/itspeachia
S2 E14 · Tue, March 28, 2023
Episode 27 - Terror of Mechagodzilla (1975)
The Showa era of Godzilla comes to a powerful close with the immediate return of Mechagodzilla and the unexpected return of director Ishiro Honda and composer Akira Ifukube. It's Honda's last time in the director's seat ever, and he makes the most of it with several writing choices and production elements we've never seen in a Godzilla film before. We're joined this week by the final sibling, Bradley Van Dyke. While originally planned as the third host, other obligations have kept him too busy to be a permanent fixture of the show... but he's here to help close out the second season and witness the end of an era. Check out his band Artica when you have the chance. Social Media Links The Show - twitter.com/CastleBravoPod Derek - twitter.com/DerbyCityDerek Charlotte - twitter.com/viscerocomplex
S2 E13 · Wed, March 22, 2023
Episode 26 - Godzilla vs Mechagodzilla / Godzilla vs the Cosmic Monster (1974)
The last of the big five, and arguably Godzilla's most famous enemy, arrives on the scene! We say farewell to director Jun Fukuda with the strange, endearing, ass-kicking movie that introduced the first incarnation of the infamous Mechagodzilla. We're joined this week by writer and friend of the show Andréa Mason, who came uniquely prepared to talk about the inspiration this movie took from Italian cinema. Social Media Links The Show - twitter.com/CastleBravoPod Derek - twitter.com/DerbyCityDerek Charlotte - twitter.com/viscerocomplex Andréa - twitter.com/KDARC13
S2 E12 · Wed, March 08, 2023
Episode 25 - Godzilla vs Megalon (1973)
Godzilla fully embraces it's transition into rubber suit wrestling with Godzilla vs Megalon, which sees the return of Gigan and the introduction of two cult fan favorites. You probably saw this movie on Mystery Science Theater 3000 back in the day. There is no heterosexual explanation for this battle of the big boys. We're joined this week by Matt Storm, longtime friend of the show and they of many podcasts. Derek and Charlotte have appeared on multiple episodes of the Fun and Games podcast in particular! Social Media Links The Show - twitter.com/CastleBravoPod Derek - twitter.com/DerbyCityDerek Charlotte - twitter.com/viscerocomplex Matt - twitter.com/dj_stormageddon Fun and Games Podcast - twitter.com/funandgamespod
S2 E11 · Wed, March 01, 2023
Episode 24 - Godzilla vs Gigan (1972)
Director Jun Fukuda is back with a vengeance and putting on his best Honda impersonation in this alien invasion story, bringing back Godzilla's most famous nemesis (King Ghidorah) and introducing a new monster that would go on to be one of the fandom's all time favorites. The 70s are here, and Fukuda knows how to party. We're joined this week by Josh Fagundes (aka Anoriand), a creator with more talents and passions than we have time to list. It's probably easier to just follow him. Social Media Links The Show - twitter.com/CastleBravoPod Derek - twitter.com/DerbyCityDerek Charlotte - twitter.com/viscerocomplex Josh - twitter.com/AnoriandGD
S2 E10 · Wed, February 22, 2023
Episode 23 - Godzilla vs Hedorah / Godzilla vs the Smog Monster (1971)
A first-time director was handed a miniscule budget and told to make a Godzilla movie in a month. The result is predictably messy, but would go on to be a cult classic regardless. Despite being ostensibly a family movie, we think we probably weren't supposed to watch this one sober. We're joined this week by friend and fellow SDGC host Brittney aka Peachia. This was her first Godzilla movie ever. It's possible we owe her a better first experience than this one. Social Media Links The Show - twitter.com/CastleBravoPod Derek - twitter.com/DerbyCityDerek Charlotte - twitter.com/viscerocomplex Brittney - twitter.com/itspeachia SDGC - twitter.com/officialSDGC
S2 E9 · Wed, February 08, 2023
Episode 22 - Space Amoeba / Yog, Monster from Space (1970)
Dang y'all who's ready for a downer episode? Honda made a movie that should have ranked among his finest if it wasn't just a little bit off, devoid of the love and passion normally found in these movies. Turns out making movies is hard when your workplace is falling apart and one of your closest collaborators dies right as you start making it. Social Media Links The Show - twitter.com/CastleBravoPod Derek - twitter.com/DerbyCityDerek Charlotte - twitter.com/viscerocomplex
S2 E8 · Wed, February 01, 2023
Episode 21 - All Monsters Attack / Godzilla's Revenge (1969)
It's time for the most infamous Godzilla movie ever made: All Monsters Attack, aka Godzilla's Revenge. Director Ishiro Honda returns for this *explicitly made for children* movie about standing up to bullies and getting your money's worth out of old footage. During the process, we come to a final head against the miserable and frequently racist dubbing practices these movies endured for their original American releases, and thank god we won't be suffering that for any future movies. We're joined today by SDGC creator and fellow cohost John Phipps. He's supposed to come back for another one of these, but we can't be sure he will anymore. Not after this. Social Media Links The Show - twitter.com/CastleBravoPod Derek - twitter.com/DerbyCityDerek Charlotte - twitter.com/viscerocomplex John - twitter.com/MagitekDad SDGC - twitter.com/officialSDGC
S2 E7 · Wed, January 11, 2023
Episode 20 - Destroy All Monsters (1968)
For like the fifth time now... it's time. If Ghidorah the Three Headed Monsters was a coming together moment for Toho's most popular giant movie monsters, Destroy All Monsters was a coming together moment for every monster they could feasibly cram into the thing. Starring 11 or 12 monsters (do we count Kamacuras' webbed up corpse?), the Showa era's intended finale is the version of the alien invasion story Honda has told to date. I mean they made like half a dozen more movies immediately after, but they intended it to be the finale, and that counts for something. We're joined today by recurring guest, Godzilla fanatic, and fellow SDGC host, Justin aka Roboplato. Justin got his first pick of the movies for every season, because we shamelessly engage in nepotism. Social Media Links The Show - twitter.com/CastleBravoPod Derek - twitter.com/DerbyCityDerek Charlotte - twitter.com/viscerocomplex Justin - twitter.com/roboplato SDGC - twitter.com/officialSDGC
S2 E6 · Wed, December 21, 2022
Episode 19 - Son of Godzilla (1967)
We'll never be able to go back to a time before Minilla. Godzilla returns to the hands of director Jun Fukuda for another island adventure and finds himself an unwilling adoptive parent. It's the first appearance of the most infamous and widely-hated character in the Godzilla franchise, but certainly not the last. At least Godzooky could fly. We're joined this week by Lewis White, deputy editor at StealthOptional. Lewis is very funny and we're deeply grateful to have someone else to commiserate with over the prince of the monsters. Social Media Links The Show - twitter.com/CastleBravoPod Derek - twitter.com/DerbyCityDerek Charlotte - twitter.com/viscerocomplex
S2 E5 · Wed, December 07, 2022
Episode 18 - King Kong Escapes (1967)
We return to Ishiro Honda and the rest of the Dream Team as they take another crack at a King Kong movie for Toho. Produced in partnership with Rankin Bass, King Kong Escapes is a lesser known Kong outing, and was originally intended as an adaptation of an even lesser known western animated series. Honda's pulp sensibilities prove far more memorable than anything that could have been pulled from the cartoon, even if the result is a mixed bag. We're joined today by game critic, fellow SDGC cohost, and film aficionado CJ Salcedo. As the resident Big Monkey Respecter, CJ is joining on as our King Kong Correspondent, and will be back for all future appearances of King Kong on our podcast. Social Media Links The Show - twitter.com/CastleBravoPod Derek - twitter.com/DerbyCityDerek Charlotte - twitter.com/viscerocomplex CJ - Don't
S2 E4 · Wed, November 30, 2022
Episode 17 - Ebirah, Horror of the Deep / Godzilla vs the Sea Monster (1966)
A new director enters the fray! Honda's busy with other projects, so this Godzilla film (famously almost a King Kong movie) went to director Jun Fukuda, who worked under Honda on several movies. In fact, for the first time so far on Castle Bravo, the entire Dream Team has taken the back seat. Unlike Godzilla Raids Again, it works out; it's recognizably Godzilla at its heart, but with a different flair of personality infused into the film. Since Fukuda's directing almost every movie this season that Honda isn't, it puts our mind at ease. Social Media Links The Show - twitter.com/CastleBravoPod Derek - twitter.com/DerbyCityDerek Charlotte - twitter.com/viscerocomplex
S2 E3 · Wed, November 16, 2022
Episode 16 - War of the Gargantuas (1966)
It's sort of a sequel to Frankenstein vs Baragon, but it's DEFINITELY a way better movie. Join us as we experience this highly influential kaiju horror classic for the first time. Seriously, the horror roots are strong in this one, in a way that Honda hasn't really done with his kaiju movies since Rodan. We're joined this week by fellow podcaster Case Aiken, from the Certain POV network. Most relevant to our listeners, Case Aiken is one of the hosts of the Another Pass movie podcast, which both of us were on recently! We talk about it in the show, natch. Social Media Links The Show - twitter.com/CastleBravoPod Derek - twitter.com/DerbyCityDerek Charlotte - twitter.com/viscerocomplex Case - twitter.com/CaseAiken Another Pass Podcast - twitter.com/AnotherPass Certain POV Network - twitter.com/certainpovmedia
S2 E2 · Wed, November 09, 2022
Episode 15 - Invasion of Astro-Monster / Godzilla vs Monster Zero (1965)
Can we pretend this was the start of Season 2? Godzilla, Rodan, and King Ghidorah all return for this explosive and personality-packed pulp sci-fi epic, featuring the Godzilla franchise's most famous alien antagonists: the Xiliens of Planet X. It's a worthy sequel to Ghidorah the Three Headed Monster, and maybe one of the best overall times we've had with a movie yet. We're joined this week by the first of many guests for Season 2: our friend, small-time streamer, and fellow kaiju fan Lou aka IgLou_BC. Social Media Links The Show - twitter.com/CastleBravoPod Derek - twitter.com/DerbyCityDerek Charlotte - twitter.com/viscerocomplex Lou - twitter.com/IgLou_BC
S2 E1 · Wed, November 02, 2022
Episode 14 - Frankenstein vs Baragon / Frankenstein Conquers the World (1965)
We're back, but Godzilla's not (yet)! Castle Bravo returns for Season Two, opening up with cult classic pulp scifi movie Frankenstein vs Baragon, also known as Frankenstein Conquers the World. It's a concept Toho had been trying to get off the ground for years, and it... doesn't hold up that well. Not a great start for the Dream Team this season. Get ready for the death of ideology. Social Media Links The Show - twitter.com/CastleBravoPod Derek - twitter.com/DerbyCityDerek Charlotte - twitter.com/viscerocomplex
S1 E13 · Wed, March 16, 2022
Episode 13 - Ghidorah the Three Headed Monster (1964)
It's the finale of Season One, and we're here with a movie that defined a franchise and gave us Godzilla's first turn from villain to hero. If King Kong vs Godzilla introduced the giant monster wrestling match, and Mothra vs Godzilla set the tone, then it's Ghidorah the Three Headed Monster that finalized the formula that would define the series for the next 20 years. Social Media Links The Show - twitter.com/CastleBravoPod Derek - twitter.com/DerbyCityDerek Charlotte - twitter.com/viscerocomplex
S1 E12 · Wed, March 09, 2022
Episode 12 - Dogora (1964)
This week features a slight cooldown between major Godzilla movies with the mixed-est bag of all time. Two part diamond heist mystery, one part giant monster movie, all fever dream, It's hard to call Dogora a cohesive vision. However, there's a lot of diamond in this rough, with memorable scenes and characters and a couple of the greatest shots of Honda's career so far. Dogora may have been made in the short downtime between two major projects, but it still has a lot of charm put into it. Social Media Links The Show - twitter.com/CastleBravoPod Derek - twitter.com/DerbyCityDerek Charlotte - twitter.com/viscerocomplex
S1 E11 · Wed, February 23, 2022
Episode 11 - Mothra vs Godzilla / Godzilla vs The Thing (1964)
We're joined this week by Super Deluxe Gamescast cohost Justin Drew, aka Roboplato, to talk about one of the most highly regarded Godzilla films of all time: Mothra vs Godzilla (not to be confused with Godzilla vs Mothra, a completely different movie made 30 years later). The themes and comedic, family-friendly tone of the original Mothra film blend with Godzilla's larger-scale destruction and monster smackdowns to finally find the sweet spot that would define Godzilla for decades to come. Social Media Links The Show - twitter.com/CastleBravoPod Derek - twitter.com/DerbyCityDerek Charlotte - twitter.com/viscerocomplex Justin - twitter.com/roboplato Super Deluxe Gamescast - twitter.com/officialsdgc
S1 E10 · Wed, February 16, 2022
Episode 10 - Atragon (1963)
When an undersea kingdom threatens global domination, Japan must take a superweapon designed to revive the Japanese Empire and use it instead to protect the world. Enter the Gotengo, a flying undersea warship with a big honkin' drill and more gizmos than the Mach Five. This machine kills fascists. Like... a lot of them. And sends a sea dragon packing in the process. Join us as we discuss a scifi adventure romp that goes beyond anti-nationalism and kicks subtlety to the curb. Social Media Links The Show - twitter.com/CastleBravoPod Derek - twitter.com/DerbyCityDerek Charlotte - twitter.com/viscerocomplex
S1 E9 · Wed, February 09, 2022
Episode 9 - Matango (1963)
It's time for a high point of the season with the classic horror film Matango. A slow, tense survival movie with elements of body horror, this film is loaded with political messaging. Fans of The Last Of Us may feel at home with the cordyceps-like fungus overtaking the cast in this movie. Sure, the people are turning into mushroom monsters... but you could argue most of them were monsters well before they landed on the island. Am I laying it on too heavy? Probably. I'll step it back a bit. Social Media Links The Show - twitter.com/CastleBravoPod Derek - twitter.com/DerbyCityDerek Charlotte - twitter.com/viscerocomplex
S1 E8 · Wed, January 12, 2022
Episode 8 - King Kong vs Godzilla (1962)
We're joined this week by our first of two guests this season, dad and Castle Bravo theme song composer David Van Dyke, to talk about a pivotal moment for the Godzilla franchise in a grudge match that changed a franchise. Grab your berry juice and fried octopus as we dive into King Kong vs Godzilla, the movie that may have actually started it all. "It all" being, like, all the monster fighting movies that came later. Social Media Links The Show - twitter.com/CastleBravoPod Derek - twitter.com/DerbyCityDerek Charlotte - twitter.com/viscerocomplex
S1 E7 · Wed, January 05, 2022
Episode 7 - Gorath (1962)
When it comes to the filmography of director Ishiro Honda, it may be best to keep as few expectations as possible, because every so often you get hit with a curveball. Gorath is, as best we can describe it, an absurdist film about nihilism and perseverance in the face of almost certain doom. There's also a giant walrus for about 5 minutes. You will dissociate watching this movie. Social Media Links The Show - twitter.com/CastleBravoPod Derek - twitter.com/DerbyCityDerek Charlotte - twitter.com/viscerocomplex
S1 E6 · Wed, December 15, 2021
Episode 6 - Mothra (1961)
The Queen of the Monsters arrives! Mothra may mostly be known for being a frequent sidekick/enemy to Godzilla, but starting with her debut film instead of a Godzilla appearance really changes the foundation for her identity. It's an excellent movie, full of both character and social commentary. Shame about the blackface though. If you've ever scoffed at the idea of a giant moth as a movie monster... maybe hold your judgments. Social Media Links The Show - twitter.com/CastleBravoPod Derek - twitter.com/DerbyCityDerek Charlotte - twitter.com/viscerocomplex
S1 E5 · Wed, December 08, 2021
Episode 5 - Varan the Unbelievable (1958)
There's an interesting story behind the troubled production of Varan the Unbelievable. Unfortunately, that doesn't necessarily translate to a particularly interesting movie to watch. On the other hand, it gives us an excellent opportunity to talk about how things like studio interference, bad American recuts, and salvaging movies in the edit room. Plus, Charlotte learns about a new type of lizard, and that's always nice. Social Media Links The Show - twitter.com/CastleBravoPod Derek - twitter.com/DerbyCityDerek Charlotte - twitter.com/viscerocomplex
S1 E4 · Wed, December 01, 2021
Episode 4 - The Mysterians (1957)
Invaders from the stars come for our land and our women in this strange cult classic pulp scifi film from Godzilla director Ishiro Honda. It's an interesting movie to watch, but also one that attempts multiple fronts of social and political commentary. It's a strange and at times messy movie, but one that helps establish a running set of political themes in Honda's filmography. Also, technically not a monster movie! But only technically. Social Media Links The Show - twitter.com/CastleBravoPod Derek - twitter.com/DerbyCityDerek Charlotte - twitter.com/viscerocomplex
S1 E3 · Wed, November 17, 2021
Episode 3 - Rodan (1956)
It's time for the Kentuckiest monster movie ever made. Godzilla's taking a break for a bit, but director Ishiro Honda will stay busy, with Rodan being the first of many non-Godzilla films to eventually become connected to Godzilla himself. It's honestly a better spiritual sequel to the original Godzilla than the actual original Godzilla was. One thing's for sure, neither of us are taking any suitors to the ol' earthquake pit anytime soon. That's not a euphemism. Stay away from earthquake pits. Social Media Links The Show - twitter.com/CastleBravoPod Derek - twitter.com/DerbyCityDerek Charlotte - twitter.com/viscerocomplex
S1 E2 · Wed, November 10, 2021
Episode 2 - Godzilla Raids Again / Godzilla's Counterattack (1955)
Godzilla sees a quick turnaround with a new sequel from a different director. It's an attempt at capturing the magic of the first film, but falls short in both execution and message. Interestingly, this is the only movie in our first season of Castle Bravo that comes from a director other than original Godzilla director Ishiro Honda, and we think it unfortunately shows. Still, it's a fun movie in its own way, so grab your nearest Polish paleontologist and strap yourselves in for a weird ride. Social Media Links The Show - twitter.com/CastleBravoPod Derek - twitter.com/DerbyCityDerek Charlotte - twitter.com/viscerocomplex
S1 E1 · Wed, November 03, 2021
Episode 1 - Godzilla / Gojira (1954)
Our series begins where the film series begins: the original 1954 Godzilla. We talk about the historical context of the movie's release, explain the origin of our show's name, and tell the story (as best we know it) of director Ishiro Honda. That last part is important, because Honda's works comprise almost the entirety of our first season of Castle Bravo, and also lay the foundation for what would eventually become one of the largest worlds in cinema history. Pun maybe intended. Social Media Links The Show - twitter.com/CastleBravoPod Derek - twitter.com/DerbyCityDerek Charlotte - twitter.com/viscerocomplex
S1 Enull · Mon, May 17, 2021
Episode 0 - What Is Castle Bravo?
With Season 1 currently in production, it's time for Derek and Charlotte talk the basics of the upcoming series. Call it a teaser, a preview, a trailer, or an explainer, but we call it Episode 0. Social Media Links The Show - twitter.com/CastleBravoPod Derek - twitter.com/DerbyCityDerek Charlotte - twitter.com/viscerocomplex
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