Nerd Nuptial
Checkout two married nerds and their slant on all things geek.Join The Girl and her husband, Tristan Riddell, as they delve deep into TV, Film, Nerd Culture, and everything in-between.
Tue, August 20, 2019
Episode 134 - Mindhunter S2
Mindhunter Season 2 Review As most of you know, we are huge David Fincher fans and could not wait for season one to drop last year. It was a huge creative success, so we were waiting with bated breath as to how season two would shake out. Season two focused heavily on the Atlanta child murders in the late 70s early 80s and moved away from being interview focused. Was that the right move or should it have been more of the same? Listen to hear our take.
Mon, July 29, 2019
Episode 133 - Once Upon a Time in Hollywood
Once Upon a Tim in Hollywood Review We are big Tarantino fans here at Nerd Nuptial but that doesn't mean we're fans of everything he's ever done. "Classic" Tarantino is a mainstay in our household. So when we were walking into the theater for this one, we were hoping for a return to form. Thankfully, we got that and a whole lot more. We start the episode with Fleabag and Stranger Things 3. What did you think of Once Upon a Time in Hollywood?
Mon, July 08, 2019
Episode 132 - Spider-Man: Far From Home
Spider-Man: Far From Home Review In the latest MCU Spider-Man adventure, we travel beyond New York to several different European locations. Parker is still mourning the death of his mentor and struggling with the passing of the torch. The movie asks the question of whether or not Parker can handle it and Parker has no problem reminding the audience that he's only 16. In this episode, we review the strengths and weaknesses of this second solo Spidey outing for the MCU. Does it deliver the joy of Homecoming or does it stretch itself too thin in order to grow the character?
Mon, June 10, 2019
Episode 131 - Black Mirror S5
Black Mirror Season 5, Fight Club, and Wonder Woman 5K We pack a lot of episode in this week trying to make up for lost time. We start the show with how The Girl ran a Wonder Woman themed 5k. Then we move onto how we got to see Fight Club in 35mm at The Music Box downtown (and how it might not ever happen again for anyone due to the Disney buyout). Finally, we review the latest season of Black Mirror. Tekken sex, Polar Bears, Topher Grace, mouthy Alexa. Season 5 has it all.
Mon, May 20, 2019
Episode 130 - Disney+ and Star Wars
Live-action Star Wars shows coming to a streaming box near you! "The Mandalorian" and Rogue One Prequel are coming to Disney+ in the near future. The first of their kind and we at Nerd Nuptial are very excited. A rumored third live-action show is coming as well ... but what could it be? In this episode, we discuss what we'd like to see and what we hope they stay away from. Knights of the Old Republic? Rebels prequel? Some completely original? Listen to find out.
Mon, May 06, 2019
Episode 129 - Avengers: Endgame Review
Avengers: Endgame Review We're a week late with the rest of the world but hopefully, that just gives more people to not get spoiled by our review. We give our spoiler-free impressions first and then, of course, give a warning before we get into spoiler territory. We loved Infinity War, got tingles when the movie ended, so Endgame had big Thanos sized shoes to fill. Did it live up to the hype or did it fizzle out like Doctor Strange's charisma? Listen to hear our review.
Mon, April 22, 2019
Episode 128 - Star Trek: Discovery Season 2
Star Trek: Discovery Season 2 Overview Discovery's second season has now finished and it's time to talk about it! We've been watching with the beginning and there have been some definite improvements since season one. However, this does not mean it's been all roses and sunshine. Kicking off with a bang, "Brother" knocked our socks off. But did it get any better after that? Listen to hear us talk about what worked and what didn't. What was fascinating and what was a waste of time.
Mon, April 08, 2019
Episode 127 - Joker and Batman
The New Joker Film and Batman Celebrates 80 Years Batman recently turned 80 years old and he is still saving Gotham and putting bad guys behind bars. DC has pulled out all the stops in their celebrations but none so satisfying as releasing the first teaser trailer for Todd Phillips and Joaquin Phoenix's "Joker" movie. Separate from the DCEU, this standalone film will explore the origins of this iteration of the Joker as well as the depths of his inevitable madness. Madness, as you know, is like gravity. All it takes is a little push. We discuss the trailer, Joker, and the Batman mythos as a whole.
Mon, March 18, 2019
Episode 126 - Love, Death + Robots
Love, Death + Robots, Arrested Development, and Triple Frontier This was a great weekend for Netflix releases. It felt like it was almost geared specifically for us. David Fincher produced an anthology series based mostly on animation all centered around love, death, and you guessed it, robots. Arrested Development limps to a finish with season 5 part 2 and Triple Frontier was an extremely surprising breath of fresh air. Listen to hear our thoughts on all three and we absolutely want to hear yours!
Mon, March 11, 2019
Episode 125 - Captain Marvel
Captain Marvel Review In spite of the fanboy neckbeards trying to "review bomb" a film for having an outspoken female lead, Captain Marvel seems to be connecting and finding its audience. We had our reservations on seeing it in the theater because the trailers seemed uninteresting. However, we got to see it opening night and had a great theatrical experience. Listen to our spoiler-free review and more importantly, listen to The Girl talk about how representation matters for her and our little girl.
Mon, March 04, 2019
Episode 124 - Spielberg vs Netflix
Oscar Reactions and the Spielberg/Netflix Fight Last week we weren't able to record and discuss our Oscar reactions so we're making up for it this week. We also discuss Steven Spielberg's decision to try and implement rules that would disqualify streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime, from competing for Academy Awards in their current forms. Is this a symptom of an old man yelling at clouds or does he have a point in trying to protect the theater-going experience?
Mon, February 18, 2019
Episode 123 - The Oscars Pre-Show
The Oscars are a week away and we have something to say about it So many people have given up on the Oscars, let me rephrase, so many people have said they have given up on the Oscars but you know they still check. Even if you don't watch, you check the next day or keep track on Twitter. So that's what we're talking about this week. When did we get into the Oscars, when did we stop watching, and what do we think of this year's Best Picture nominees.
Mon, February 04, 2019
Episode 122 - Spider-Man on Film
The many different cinematic versions of Spider-Man A lot of people have complained that we have just too many versions of Spider-Man on film. Too many dead Uncle Bens and too many "great power" speeches. But we keep going back to the theater for more. So what is the appeal of a cinematic Spidey? Has it only gotten better or worse? In this week's episode, we discuss every iteration of Spider-Man on film and its merits. What's your favorite version?
Mon, January 28, 2019
Episode 121 - Star Trek: Discover Season 2
Star Trek: Discovery Season 2 episodes "Brother" and "New Eden" This season of Star Trek: Discovery opened with a bang and it did not disappoint. There was a lot to love about season one but sadly there was a lot to bring you down. They needed that time to find their footing and if these first to episodes are any indication then they have. Listen to hear a Trek fan's perspective as well as a non-Trek fan's perspective. What did you guys think?
Mon, January 14, 2019
Episode 120 - Revisiting Black Mirror
Watching the Top Ten episodes of Black Mirror on Netflix If you search "Top Ten episodes of Black Mirror" on Google, you get tons and tons of opinions but just from one person. On IMDb, they have an aggregated list of the top-rated episodes. This week Tristan and The Girl tried to watch all of them and this episode is them giving you their opinions on each one. Some were story based, others were concept based. They only get spoilery towards the very very end. Listen and let us know which one is your favorite!
Tue, January 08, 2019
Episode 119 - Upcoming in 2019
What we're looking forward to in 2019 2019 looks like it could be an amazing year in entertainment. So many fun, interesting, dark, and/or twisted things are being released. Avengers, MIB, Tarantino's new film, the Scorsese epic, and so so much more. Listen to hear what we can't wait to watch. What are you looking forward to?
Mon, December 31, 2018
Episode 118 - Best Films of 2018
Tristan and The Girl pick their top-ten lists for 2018 This has been a great year for cinema as well as a great year for genre films. Tristan and The Girl crammed as many 2018 films in as possible in the homestretch. Last year they watched a total of 21 2017 films and this year they upped that number up to 39. They tried to balance enjoyment with technical achievement but which ones won the top spots? Listen and find out. After you listen, check out their complete lists. Tristan's List: https://letterboxd.com/theinsanerobin/list/movies-of-2018-ive-seen-ranked/ The Girl's List: https://letterboxd.com/thegirl2011/list/films-of-2018-ive-seen/
Mon, December 17, 2018
Episode 117 - Listener Questions 03
We answer your questions on the air for the third time! We've done this type of episode two times before and it gets more and more fun whenever we do it. Listeners sent in questions via Twitter, email, and Facebook. We didn't have time to answer all of them but we tried to get a wide array. In this episode, we discuss the best of 2018, Ripley's first movie, and what movie watching habits get on each other's nerves.
Mon, December 03, 2018
Episode 116 - Missing Frames: Boogie Nights
Missing Frames: Nerd Nuptial Edition - Boogie Nights We're stealing the Missing Frames format made famous by THE Shawn Eastridge. The Girl has never seen the modern classic Boogie Nights. So in the episode, we discuss what she knows of the movie, what she expects to see and then we pause the show, watch the film, and the talk about our thoughts. Boogie Nights deals with the world of pornography in the 70s so adult themes are discussed. Make sure to head on over to thenerdparty.com/missingframes and give Shawn a listen.
Mon, November 26, 2018
Episode 115 - Outside Your Comfort Zone
Can you watch too much of a good thing? We started the show thinking that we were going to talk about how you can fall into a rut watching the same old Christmas movies over and over but we ended up in a different place. We reviewed what we've been watching lately and ended on First Reformed staring Ethan Hawked. As we looked at our film diary of 2018 we realized that not a lot of new material was there and that a lot of rewatches happened. What are we missing out on? What stories are not being heard? Could we be missing our new favorite movie because we're too scared or disinterested in going outside our comfort zone? Listen to hear our thoughts on the matter and to challenge your own entertainment rut.
Tue, November 13, 2018
Episode 114 - The Girl in the Spider's Web
We finally got a sequel to our beloved The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo! Sort of ... not really. Opening weekend we got to see Sony's follow up to their 2011 release of Dragon Tattoo. Except it was 7 years later and with a different cast and different director so ... hooray? In this episode, we talk what worked and to a larger extent what didn't. Like how Lizbeth shouldn't be Batman or James Bond. We start the show with our review of Outlaw King staring Chris Pine on Netflix. We also feature a Nerd Party exclusive interview with Chris Pine himself.
Mon, November 05, 2018
Episode 113 - House of Cards Season 6 Review
House of Cards Season 6 Review We are huge House of Cards fans, it was our all-time favorite show. Sadly, we have to emphasize "was". Seasons 1 and 2 contain stellar content. Season 3 was a misstep. Season 4 is one of the best seasons of television ever. Season 5 was a complete waste and here we are at season 6. We all know the drama behind the scenes with season 6 and the exit of the lead. They had to rewrite, reshoot, and remake a lot of the season AND on a shortened timeline. A hard thing to ask of any creative team. Did they pull it off? Listen to hear our thoughts on the show's final bow.
Mon, October 22, 2018
Episode 112 - Halloween 2018
Halloween 2018 review With a franchise that all spawned from one film that premiered in 1978, this new sequel ignores everything but the original. Much like what Neil Blomkamp wanted to do with Aliens, David Gordon Green and Jamie Lee Curtis do with Halloween. 40 years later Michael Myers breaks out of the hospital and goes after Laurie Strode once more. But this time, Laurie is ready. The Girl and Tristan aren't really into horror films but the original Halloween holds a special place in their hearts. Listen as they talk about the franchise and how much fun this current iteration was to watch.
Tue, October 16, 2018
Episode 111 - First Man Review
Our Review of First Man with Ryan Gosling We got to see First Man opening weekend and it was quite the immersive experience (especially when you're forced to sit in the front row). It was interesting to see the director and lead actor team up again since La La Land but did it always hit its mark? On top of our review, we discuss the new media we've been exploring this week including DC's streaming exclusive "Titans", the new season of "Jack Whitehall: Travels with my Father", "Death of Superman", and the home release of Marvel's "Ant-Man and the Wasp".
Mon, October 08, 2018
Episode 110 - Star Trek and A Star is Born
Star Trek, Aquaman, Forever, A Star Is Born We talk and review a whole bunch this week. Star Trek: Discovery released a new trailer for Season 2 at New York Comic-Con and it introduces the new Spock. Aquaman had a 5 minute extended look released around the same time. "Forever" on Amazon Prime was a pleasant surprise starring Maya Rudolph. We round out the show with Lady Gaga's and Bradley Cooper's smash hit "A Star is Born" remake. Listen to hear us take in all the new and exciting media.
Mon, September 24, 2018
Episode 109 - Joker and Manic
We discuss the Joaquin Phoenix "Joker" news as well as give a spoiler-free review of Netflix's "Maniac" These past few weeks have been pretty exciting in regards to geek news and at the top of that last for us has been the images and video released in regards to the new "Joker" film. We know that Joaquin Phoenix will be our new Joker and that he starts out as "Arthur". The film will be directed by Todd Phillips, the director of the Hangover Trilogy, but don't let that turn you off, lets give him the benefit of the doubt. We end the show with our review of Netflix's "Maniac" which had every episode directed by Cary Fukunaga. This show stared Emma Stone and Jonah Hill and gave a very interesting (yet respectful) look into mental illness and the lengths people will go to find relief.
Mon, September 10, 2018
Episode 108 - X-Files, Star Trek, & Nerd Goals
We celebrate the 25th anniversary of The X-Files, discuss The Girl watching Star Trek, and talk #NerdGoals The day of this episode release is the 25th anniversary of The X-Files. It's absolutely insane that much time has passed and technically the show is still going on; for better or worse. We reminisce about our first memories of the show and how it was the first show we watched together from pilot to finale. Long time listeners will remember that The Girl is not the biggest Star Trek fan but lately it has been her idea to watch some Next Gen. Truly beautiful to behold. We round out the show with our "Nerd Goals". Nerdy things in life we haven't achieved yet or accomplished. Like doing the LOTR walking tour or watching all of AFI's top 100 movies. What are some of your nerd goals?
Mon, September 03, 2018
Episode 107 - Ozark, Jack Ryan, and Sharp Objects
We caught up on a lot of television and let you know if these shows are worth giving a shot. Ozark Season 2 with Jason Bateman and Laura Linney dropped this weekend on Netflix and Jack Ryan with John Krasinski from The Office dropped on Amazon Prime. Before that happened, Sharp Objects starring Amy Adams finished its run on HBO. We had to take off last week due to illness but that gave us the chance to catch up and explore all this television and a whole lot more. Take the time to listen to our spoiler-free review of each show. We also do a retro review of Dan Harmon's Community.
Mon, August 20, 2018
Episode 106 - Fictional Characters. Real Emotion.
Why do we cry for imaginary people? Why does fiction stir our emotions? As nerds, we spend a lot of our personal time invested in people who aren't real. We watch lives unfold that have never been lived. We cry over the deaths of people who have never been born. Why? In this episode, we discuss the times we have been emotionally invested in fictional characters as well as how it can be a powerful stress reliever as well as an unhealthy substitute for life. This conversation takes a lot of twists and turns and you might not guess where it ends up. Have you ever found yourself emotionally invested in fictional characters?
Mon, August 06, 2018
Episode 105 - Star Trek's Picard
The Sir Patrick Stewart announced at Star Trek Las Vegas that he is reprising his role of Captain Picard The last time we saw Captain Jean-Luc Picard was in 2002 with Star Trek: Nemesis. That was the last time we visited the 24th century and ever since then, we've only gotten prequels in the franchise. This past weekend, it was announced that we are heading back to that era with old baldy himself: Picard. All that we know is that it will be set 20 years after Nemesis, Picard is no longer a captain, and the events of his life has changed him. Whatever that means. In this episode, we talk about our reactions to this news as well as this current revival culture that we're living in. What do you think of a new Picard series?
Mon, July 30, 2018
Episode 104 - Mission Impossible: Fallout
We got to see Mission Impossible: Fallout starring Tom Cruise on opening weekend and here is our review! In preparation for the release of Mission Impossible's sixth outing, we marathoned all of the previous ones (except for two because who needs that?). Sitting high at an unbelievable 98% on Rotten Tomatoes, Fallout was a hell of a thrill ride. But before you think we're just going to fawn over it like every single other outlet you've seen in the past week, think again. This movie was a lot of fun but there are some definite things to discuss in terms of cinematography, timing, and above all: runtime. ? What did you guys think of Mission Impossible: Fallout??
Mon, July 16, 2018
Episode 103 - Harrison Ford
Harrison Ford had his 76th birthday recently and Nerd Nuptial wanted to celebrate. Ford was a big influence on both Tristan and The Girl's pop culture lives as well as media tastes. Star Wars, Indiana Jones, Jack Ryan, Blade Runner, just to name a few. The man owned the box office in the 80s. This week they discuss how they grew up on his movies and what his performances mean to them. They start the show talking about Sharp Objects, It (2017), and A Quiet Place.
Mon, July 02, 2018
Episode 102 - Star Wars Live!
We discuss our experience seeing the Chicago Symphony Orchestra play Star Wars: A New Hope Live This week Tristan and The Girl share their experience with seeing Star Wars with a live orchestra for the first time. Tristan fooled The Girl into thinking they were going to a work cocktail party and she was pleasantly surprised. They start the show with listener mail/reviews and discuss how the nerd community brings us together and exposes us to issues we wouldn't otherwise see.
Mon, June 25, 2018
Episode 101 - Airplane Mode
What is the media you HAVE to have before you switch over to Airplane Mode? After taking two weeks off, Nerd Nuptial is back on the airwaves. Tristan was traveling and that screwed up the schedule. However, that did get both of them thinking about what you keep in your nerd wallet on an airplane. As we all know, you have to have your devices in Airplane Mode while in the air. So that means you have to download your books, movies, comics, music, and TV BEFORE that happens. Tristan and The Girl discuss what are the musts before a flight. What do you always have on you when you fly?
Mon, June 04, 2018
Episode 100 - Ask Me Anything II
We do another "AMA" and talk desert island movies, favorite books, and marriage challenges This is our one-hundrenth episode! We are so excited to bring you this episode, not only because our listeners are fantastic and made this possible, but because we also get to answer your questions. This is our second "Ask Me Anything" session. You submitted the questions and we answered. We talk about many things including how life has changed now that we're parents, what our "nerd-cation" would be, and what challenges our marriage has faced. We start the episode with our reactions to Arrested Development Season 5 and The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt Season 4.
Mon, May 28, 2018
Episode 099 - Solo: A Star Wars Story Review
Our review of Disney owned Lucasfilm's second standalone "Solo: A Star Wars Story" After Disney bought Lucasfilm, everyone was scared that we were going to get some watered down versions of that galaxy far far away. That didn't happen right away, we got divisive films but definitely watered down. Once Rogue One dropped, people saw the callbacks as just that, callbacks. A love letter to the fans saying "we paid attention". After Solo came about and there was even more callbacks as well as connectivity, the Disney influence was made clear with a Marvel model of connectivity. After a disappointing box office weekend, people are speculating if it was because of the fan rage after The Last Jedi or because this is a story that nobody asked for. Was this our First Avenger or our Ant-Man? Listen to find out what we think.
Mon, May 21, 2018
Episode 098 - Deadpool 2
The Merc with a Mouth is back along with our review of Deadpool 2 We loved the first Deadpool and so we were pretty sure that we were going to enjoy the sequel. Even though it took me (Tristan) a second watch to fully get on board, that was the case with this one. Cable was announced to be in the sequel even before the first film was over. Josh Brolin has been working hard this year with Thanos in Avengers: Infinity War and Sicario 2 coming out later this year. He brings some gravitas to the Deadpool universe and while interesting, might be a little misplaced. If you like the first one then you'll love this one. If you didn't get onboard with Deadpool from the get-go, this won't change your mind. We start the show talking about our first CMX theater experience and how Deadpool was the best testing ground.
Mon, May 07, 2018
Episode 097 - Spoiler Culture
Riding High on Infinity War, We Talk Spoilers and the People Who Spoil We enjoyed Infinity War so much that we've been feeling a Marvel high even a week afterward. We did a review last week so we won't be doing that again but it did get us thinking about spoilers. Thankfully, neither one of us got spoiled with Avengers but we know a lot of people who did. What is it about people who do this on purpose? Also, where is the line? Are people too sensitive? Is it worse with our over-connected world? Listen as we swap stories and theories. What was the worst spoiler you ever heard?
Mon, April 30, 2018
Episode 096 - Avengers: Infinity War
Ten years of Marvel has lead us to Avengers: Infinity War If you haven't been living under a rock then you have heard about the latest Marvel installment in the MCU: Avengers: Infinity War. It has broken box office records by having the best weekend return ... ever. We saw it opening night and was on the edge of our seats the entire time. The opening of the show is spoiler free and then halfway through the episode, we hit spoiler territory. You will be warned so feel free to listen even if you haven't seen the film. What do you think of the latest Avengers? Where is it on your MCU list?
Mon, April 16, 2018
Episode 095 - Isle of Dogs, Lost in Space, and The Greatest Showman
Isle of Dogs, Lost in Space, and The Greatest Showman Review We had the grand opportunity of finally being able to see Wes Anderson's "Isle of Dogs" now that it is in wide release. There were a lot of disappointed kids in the theater who thought they were going to see a happy go lucky minion-esque comedy. To be honest, that made it even funnier. No subterfuge, this was a great and beautiful film. Listen to our thoughts and to why we thought this was one of the director's better outings. We open the show with our review of Netflix's "Lost in Space" reboot and "The Greatest Showman" on home release.
Mon, April 09, 2018
Episode 094 - Married and Working
What would it be like to be famous, married, and working together? A la Blunt/Krasinski The Girl and Tristan often think about what it would be like to work together on a huge project like a movie. When seeing the advertisements for "A Quiet Place", they got a little jealous of Emily Blunt and John Krasinski being able to work together in a creative way. In this episode, they discuss the projects they've worked on together in the past and what it must be like to be married and working. They also talk about what segment of their lives would make of for a great film like "The Big Sick". They open the show with an announcement about the network's current legal situation as well as a GoFundMe to help with it.
Mon, April 02, 2018
Episode 093 - Season Two's
We talk season 2 of Westworld, Santa Clarita Diet, and Lemony Snicket's Last week we took some time off in order to finish watching Santa Clarita Diet Season 2 but in that time we were able to watch a few other things. Westworld Season 2 trailer came out, Lemony Snicket's Series of Unfortunate Events season 2 dropped. That's why we labeled the podcast episode the way we did. Listen to hear our thoughts on all these programs and a whole lot more. We start the episode with a story of how Tristan stapled his hand to a set.
Mon, March 19, 2018
Episode 092 - Tomb Raider
Review of the 2018 film 'Tomb Raider' Lara Croft has been with us in one form or another since 1996. Some of us have grown up on her video games, comics, novels, and sometimes awkward action figures. With 17 console games in the bank with another one on the way, we've had two Angelina Jolie movies and now one Alicia Vikander film. The film currently sits at a 49% on Rotten Tomatoes and is not having the strongest of openings. The critics seem to be split down the middle and it's safe to say that this was not the rejuvenation of the franchise that Warner Bros. was hoping for. Your favorite Nerd Nuptial saw the film over opening weekend and are thankful that they had some free passes.
Mon, March 12, 2018
Episode 091 - Hardcore Sci-Fi
What constitutes 'hardcore' science fiction and why is it needed? There is great science fiction out the from Metropolis to Blade Runner 2049. But what makes a science fiction film hardcore science fiction? One could argue that the science is more of the cornerstone of the story or that it's more deeply rooted in 'realistic' science. Besides just hardcore sci-fi, we also talk our favorite science fiction films in general and why we're drawn to the genre. We also catch everyone up on what we've been watching. What are some of your favorite hardcore sci-fi films?
Mon, February 26, 2018
Episode 090 - Annihilation Review
A Review of Alex Garland’s “Annihilation” Last week we reviewed the blockbuster and sensation that is Marvel’s Black Panther. This week we are reviewing a much quieter release. Alex Garland’s “Annihilation” has flown mostly under the radar despite its active social media campaign. Paramount sold the international distribution rights to Netflix and that, of course, was not a sign of faith in the project. So what does it mean? Annihilation is a small film masquerading as a larger one and it shows. This is not necessarily a bad thing and the film is full of surprises. This week we discuss the merits and failings of this director's unique take on science fiction.
Mon, February 19, 2018
Episode 089 - Black Panther Review
Black Panther is finally in theaters and here is our take! After a 9-month advertising campaign from Marvel and Disney, the world was finally ready to see Black Panther. A breakout character from Captain America: Civil War, fans wanted more. After limited release, the film had a coveted 100% on Rotten Tomatoes. After only four days of release, the move made 361 million dollars worldwide and dropped only 3% on RT. Regardless of what you thought of the movie, this has made an impact; culturally as well as financially. ? Your favorite Nerd Nuptial is here to take on the King of Wakanda. There is so much to love about this film but did it live up to the hype? Was it even possible to live up to that kind of hype? Listen and find out.?
Wed, February 07, 2018
Episode 088 - Altered Carbon
Super Bowl Movie Trailers and our Altered Carbon Review The Super Bowl has come and gone and no matter who you rooted for, it left some cool movie trailers in its wake. Like the commercials, some were better than others. We go through the list of what came out and gauge interest. The main topic of the episode is Netflix's "Altered Carbon". Based on a novel by Richard K. Morgan, this cyberpunk show asks about when your body isn't your own. While this show overall was quite messy, the concept was interesting enough to finish. Listen to our take on the morality, politics, and social issues of this sci-fi program.
Mon, January 29, 2018
Episode 087 - Not Done With Nostalgia Yet
Are we really tired of nostalgia in TV and Film like Vice says? Vice released an article that had the headline: "People are finally getting sick of nostalgia in TV and Movies". The top of the article had a picture of The Last Jedi and Jumanji. Two films that have reached a billion dollars at the box office or at least close to it. Financial success is by no means a measure of quality but it at least shows that "nostalgia fatigue" is really only in the minds of those who feel it and is not with the masses. If you actually read the article, however, it goes on to say that Jumanji is successful nostalgia because it doesn't carry any baggage of the first one like Star Wars and Star Trek. That's what this Nerd Nuptial is about this week. Are we actually tired of nostalgia in our entertainment and what does that even mean? Rehashing old stories or leaving beloved characters alone?
Mon, January 22, 2018
Episode 086 - Catching Up on Streaming
Mrs. Maisel, American Gods, and 11. 22. 63 With nothing on the horizon except for Black Panther to excite us, we had to look at our existing catalog. Spending more time with Prime, an accidental Starz subscription, and an inevitable Hulu account led us to three shows. Maisel took a few Golden Globes home, American Gods was a Fuller startup, and 11.22.63. brought out the history buff in us both. None of these are exactly current (with a minor exception to Maisel), but if you're anything like us, it takes you awhile to get to what's hip. There are so many hours in the week to binge so here is our review of those shows you will eventually get to.
Mon, January 08, 2018
Episode 085 - 2018 & Star Trek
Star Trek: Discovery Midseason Premiere Review and Upcoming 2018 Film and TV For Nerd Nuptial, Star Trek: Discovery has just been "OK" and not much else. That is until the midseason finale last year. The episode definitely showed that the show was finding its footing and this latest episode solidified it. That is except for one very key unfortunate trope that was utilized. Before we review Star Trek, we talk about what movies and television shows we are excited to see coming up in 2018. What did you think of the latest Star Trek episode?
Mon, January 01, 2018
Episode 084 - Best of 2017
We discuss our top ten film list of 2017 as well as our favorite shows 2017 has come and gone and it has been a divisive year for film. Culturally as well as at the box office. Not as many people went to the theater in 2017 but that doesn't mean we were lacking in some damn fine cinema. Both Tristan and The Girl give their lists but they are of course not the same. Listen to hear their reasoning and also to hear what didn't make the cut. Tell us your top films of 2017 by commenting below or going to thenerdparty.com/contact
Mon, December 18, 2017
Episode 083 - The Last Jedi Review
Star Wars: The Last Jedi Review This has been a rough week for your favorite Nerd Nuptial. Ripley was hospitalized for the flu but she is home and all better now. For those of you who are listeners and follow us on social media, we appreciate all the well wishes that were sent our way. We had to give up our preview showing tickets as well as our backup opening night tickets because we were at the hospital. But we were able to find some decent tickets for a Sunday night showing. The Last Jedi was a wild ride but the fan reaction seems to have been mixed. Did Rian Johnson pull it off or was this just a mess of too many storylines and too many boxes to check? Listen to hear what we thought and let us know what you experienced.
Mon, December 04, 2017
Episode 082 - Listener Questions
Listeners submitted questions asking about our relationship as well as advice Last episode we opened to floor to the listeners to ask whatever questions they wanted. Whether it was about our relationship, being nerdy, or even just general advice. Listen to the episode to hear some of the nerdy questions we got.
Mon, November 20, 2017
Episode 081 - Checking Mother Boxes
Justice League Film Review The Justice League has united and we have seen it first hand onscreen. Regardless of the mixed reviews (which are slowly becoming less mixed), your favorite Nerd Nuptial team went to go see the movie opening day. Many people said it was horrible while even some of the more favorable reviews admitted to the plot being a mess but still enjoying the characters. We went into the theater just hoping to have a good time even if the movie might be subpar. What is our stance? Did we defy the critics and love it dearly? Or did we ride the wave of negativity that the movie might have earned? Listen to find out. Also, listen to hear the story about how Tristan almost got into a fist fight in the theater. We open the show withe a review of Steven Soderberg's "Mosaic".
Mon, November 06, 2017
Episode 080 - Friend from Work
Review of Marvel's Thor: Ragnarok Thor's history with Marvel has been divisive, to say the least. Many people agree that he is a great character but that his stand-alone films leave something to be desired. A lot of people would say the same thing about the Hulk. In Ragnarok, we get both in all their comedic glory. That's right, Thor enters the world of science fiction comedy. Does this film deliver or is it just Guardians of the Galaxy 3?
Mon, October 30, 2017
Episode 079 - Stranger Things 2
Review of Netflix's Stranger Things 2 Just in time for Halloween, we're back in Hawkins, Indiana. The whole gang is here: Mike, Lucas, Dustin, Will, Nancy, Steve, Johnathan, Joyce, Hopper, and of course, Eleven. We also have a few new faces to grace the streaming screen. Last year, season one took America and the world by storm. It was THE show to talk about and you felt like you were a part of the in-crowd when you talked about it. There were several questions at the end of season one: What's the deal with Hopper's box? Where is Eleven? Did Will spit up a baby Demogorgon? Season two ventures to answer ... some of those questions. This week we talk all about season two. What we liked, what made us uncomfortable, and what was a complete waste of time. Listen to find out if season two gave us the payoff that the audience thought it deserved after waiting over a year.
Mon, October 16, 2017
Episode 078 - Mindhunter Review
Review of the New David Fincher Show "Mindhunter" on Netflix We're big fans of David Fincher here at Nerd Nuptial and we're even bigger fans of David Fincher teaming up with Netflix (see House of Cards). So when we heard that Fincher was developing a new show with them AND it was going to on serial killers, needless to say, we were excited. Mindhunter follows two FBI agents as the interview serial killers around the country and try to see how they think. This takes place in the 1970s before it was commonplace for the FBI to profile and anticipate crime instead of just responding to it. Mindhunter is a graphic show so please keep that in mind before you watch. We start the show with our spoiler-free impressions.
Mon, October 09, 2017
Episode 077 - Blade Runner 2049
Blade Runner 2049 A sequel made decades after the iconic original. Blade Runner by Ridley Scott staring Harrison Ford came out in 1982 and its sequel Blade Runner 2049 was just released. We’re living in an era where prolonged sequels are becoming a mainstay. Terminator, Tron, Star Wars, and now this. Blade Runner changed the landscape of science fiction in film and solidified Ridley Scott as a sci-fi master after Alien. Denis Villeneuve is no stranger to science fiction with his massive hit Arrival and soon we’ll be getting his Dune remake. With Harrison Ford returning and Ryan Gosling leading the way, is this film a hit? Or is the whole not greater than it’s many great parts. Listen and find out.
Mon, September 25, 2017
Episode 076 - Star Trek: Discovery Review
Star Trek: Discovery Review We’ve been waiting for this for 12 years and that time has finally come. Star Trek has returned to television … sort of. Star Trek: Discovery is here and we couldn’t be more excited here at Nerd Nuptial. Tristan is a lifelong Star Trek fan and The Girl is just hoping for a good show. The first part of the episode was recorded just minutes before the premiere where we talk about our hopes and our own personal excitement for the show. We break, watch the show, and come back to finish our thoughts. Did we like it? Did it live up to the hype or did it let us down? Listen and find out. What did you think of Star Trek: Discovery?
Mon, September 11, 2017
Episode 075 - Nerd Identity
Is putting away your nerd stuff a sign of growing? The entire purpose of this show is to talk about what it's like to be married AND nerds. Sometimes those two identities can conflict. Last weekend we finally pulled the trigger and took out all of our movies, figurines, art, etc and made that room a full fledged nursery. I have to admit it was an emotional crisis at times. Is this a sign of getting older? Are we boxing up our nerd identity and turning it in for a new one? Listen to hear us discuss this as well as some of the movies we've been catching up on including Logan Lucky by Steven Soderberg.
Mon, August 28, 2017
Episode 074 - Shut Up, James Cameron
Why James Cameron should shut up and what we're looking forward to this Fall You most likely have heard about James Cameron opening his mouth and criticizing Wonder Woman and the work of Patty Jenkins last week. You can probably guess where we fall in our stance on the debacle. However, don't judge us prematurely. We criticized Wonder Woman plenty in our review which you can listen here. It's how Mr. Cameron chose to criticize the film and what it has meant to so many women and young girls around the globe. After that, we discuss what we're excited to see this Fall in the realm of TV and film. We start the show with our late to the party review of Master of None.
Mon, August 21, 2017
Episode 073 - Defending Ozark
Marvel's Defenders Premiere and Ozark Season One Daredevil, Jessica Jones, Luke Cage, and Iron Fist. They are all Netflix originals that were leading up to this show. The Defenders. Marvel approached their Netflix properties much like they tackle their movies. Just how Iron Man, Captain America, Thor, etc all lead up to the Avengers, this was leading to what this Nerd Nuptial just watched. We open the show discussing what worked and what didn't of the first episode. Later, we move on to another Netflix property, Ozark. We talked about this last week but only about the first episode. Thankfully, we've been able to watch the entire season and thankfully it did not disapoint. What did you guys think of the Defenders? Too much build up with not a lot of payoff? Let us know in the comments.
Mon, August 14, 2017
Episode 072 - Out of Chicago
What makes a good series premiere?/Ozark opener Great shows can have them and even horrible shows can have them. Great openers and pilots come in all shapes and sizes. A well-developed series premiere needs to establish the protagonist as well as the premise of the show. But that doesn't always lead to a fruitful series run. This week we open the show with discussing some of our favorite beginnings and what makes them stellar. Then we move onto the new Netflix show "Ozark" starring Jason Bateman. Does it pass the Nerd Nuptial test of amazing series openers? Listen and find out.
Mon, July 31, 2017
Episode 071 - Put Your Toys Away
Why did we never put our nerdy toys away? Sometimes people are walking contradictions and nerds are no different. We are a generation of people who never put their toys away. We have figurines on our desks at work, posters in our office, and bumper stickers on our cars. But sometimes we hide our nerdiness. We are out and proud but at the same time don't always broadcast it unless someone asks us. In this week's episode, The Girl and Tristan discuss what it was like growing up as a nerd and what kind of merchandise we had as children. We also talk about how that translates to today and what is socially acceptable to display and what is not. Are you out and proud or are you still in the nerd closet with some people?
Mon, July 24, 2017
Episode 070 - Dunkirk and SDCC
Dunkirk Review and SDCC Trailer Reactions For our 70th episode, we get to talk about our reaction to seeing Dunkirk in 70mm film. Christopher Nolan is one of the best filmmakers currently working in Hollywood. Inception, The Dark Knight trilogy, and Interstellar are his latest hits and Dunkirk is taking critics and audiences alike by storm. The evacuation of Dunkirk was considered a successful failure because they lost the battle but saved 300,000 lives. The movie itself showcases three storylines, the air, the sea, and the beach. This was a well-made film but some aspects seemed lacking. Listen and find out what we mean. What did you think of Christopher Nolan's latest film?
Mon, July 17, 2017
Episode 069 - Apes Together Strong
War for the Planet of the Apes Review We've been waiting for this sequel for years. Some say the journey began with the original Planet of the Apes film in 1968. But really it kicked off in 2011 with the surprise hit of Rise of the Planet of the Apes. "Rise" is technically a reboot of the franchise but it can be seen as the beginning of a prequel trilogy much like Star Wars the Phantom Menace. Rise shows the birth of Caesar, a genetically enhanced chimpanzee who leads an army of apes out of captivity while a "simian flu" eradicates most of the human race. The apes thrive, however, and this is told in the sequel Dawn of the Planet of the Apes. Things don't stay rosy war begins at the end of the film. In this iteration, we see an older and more war-torn Caesar. He's just trying to keep his family safe but the war keeps pulling him away from those he holds dear. This week we discuss what absolutely worked in this film and sadly what didn't. What did you think of the film?
Mon, July 10, 2017
Episode 068 - Baby Driver Review
Review of Edgar Wright's "Baby Driver" "Baby Driver" is out and the film has captured the hearts and minds of many across the globe. The film debuted at a coveted 100% on Rotten Tomatoes and dropped only 3 points after reaching a wider release. Clearly, critics and audiences alike love this film. Your Nerd Nuptial is in a high-speed chase to get down to the bottom of worked in Baby Driver as well as what didn't. The episode begins with a preview of what the next two weeks of the show will look like. What did you guys think of Baby Driver?
Mon, July 03, 2017
Episode 067 - Okja Review
Review of Netflix's Latest Film Okja We finally got some viewing time this week and we decided to go deep into the Netflix catalog. We watched Moana, tried Glow, and gave Bojack Horseman another try. But the main thing we are talking about this week is Bong Joon-ho's "Okja". A film about a CGI Super Pig is one that tugs at the heartstrings even if it doesn't sound like it would. A commentary on the meatpacking industry as well as our tendency to develop relationships with non-humans. Listen to our review for our response to the film and we don't get to spoiler territory until later in the episode. We start the episode with our reaction to catching up to Veep on HBO.
Mon, June 26, 2017
Episode 066 - Not in My House
Movies you weren't allowed to watch growing up. This is a truly universal experience that all of us have gone through. Your friends have rented a movie or are on their way to go see something and you rush to your parents to them and they say one of the worst single syllable words in the English language, "no." You're heartbroken. You're downtrodden. What do you do? Do you watch it? Do you respect your parent's wishes? Or do you just lie your way through the conversation and tell your friends, "Oh, I've totally seen that and it was awesome." This Nerd Nuptial has plenty of stories to tell when it comes to movies and TV they weren't allowed to watch. What are some films you weren't allowed to watch growing up?
Mon, June 12, 2017
Episode 065 - Tastes Change
Sometimes the ones we love can alter our tastes in TV and Film Tristan and The Girl celebrate their 6th wedding anniversary by not going to The Mummy and save you the review! They instead talk about how, over the course of their relationship, their tastes have changed and have influenced each other in unforeseen ways. How has your significant other influenced you, if at all? Do you watch more musicals? More dumb comedy? More romantic comedies? Let us know!
Mon, June 05, 2017
Episode 064 - Wonder Woman Review
Review of DC's latest film: Wonder Woman One of the highest rated superhero films of all time is Wonder Woman. The savior of the DCEU is here and she has come in full force. Regardless of what you thought of Man of Steel or Batman v. Superman, they were not well received. So far, Wonder Woman is by a landslide. The toughest female superhero was directed by a female as well and a lot was unjustly riding on this. When a man makes a bad superhero film, it doesn't stop them from making another. If this would have tanked, people would have pointed fingers at the gender in front of and behind the camera. Thankfully, no one has to worry about that. Listen to our very honest review of this enjoyable film that does have some issues here and there. What did you think of Wonder Woman?
Bonus · Thu, June 01, 2017
One Nation Underwood
House of Cards Season 5 Review Your Nerd Nuptial pairing wanted this season so bad we could taste it. We pined over every single scrap of news just to see what we could find out. Well after 2 days of binge watching, we saw the entire season. Boy, do we have some opinions on it. Was it a poor repeat of season 3 or did we break new ground with where it took our First Lady?
Mon, May 29, 2017
Episode 063 - Xenomorphin' Time
Alien: Covenant Review As we promised, we were finally able to deliver our Alien: Covenant film review. It's been a week since the movie's release and the reception has been mixed. On Rotten Tomatoes the general consensus is "Alien: Covenant delivers another satisfying round of close-quarters deep-space terror, even if it doesn't take the saga in any new directions." It's hard to argue that sentiment but Tristan and The Girl will definitely try in this week's episode. Is this latest installment too much of the same or right on with the winning formula?
Tue, May 23, 2017
Episode 062 - Twin Peaks of Insanity
Twin Peaks Revival review and all the absurdity that comes with it After a 25 year hiatus, David Lynch and his Twin Peaks television show returns but this time on Showtime. Whether you liked it or hated it, Twin Peaks made you feel something. Could be boredom, could be elation, could be pure unadulterated anger at David Lynch for making you question your humanity. Season Three of the show came back in what could be construed as full force in its absurdity and melange of setpieces that don't quite mean anything...yet. Listen as your Nerd Nuptial breaks down the first four episodes in this (pretty much) spoiler free review. We also talk about Ryan Murphy's Feud as well as Tina Fey's Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt Season Three. What did you think of the new Twin Peaks?
Mon, May 08, 2017
Episode 061 - Sound of Regime
The Handmaid's Tale/Favorite Scores This episode is in two parts. The opening is all about Hulu's original series The Handmaid's Tale and the main topic is about us talking about our favorite film scores. The Handmaid's Tale tells a chilling story of what a fascist regime would look like in our own backyard. Women's rights don't exist and fertility is something rare in the world. We discuss story structure and how episode one might betray your interest but episode two plants the seeds of revolution. After that, we move onto happier things like music in film. We focus on composed music and the people who compose it. What are some of your favorite film scores?
Bonus · Mon, May 01, 2017
House of Cards Season 5 Trailer Reaction
House of Cards Season 5 Trailer Reaction Tristan and The Girl give a quick reaction to the House of Cards Season 5 trailer. What did you think of the trailer?
Mon, May 01, 2017
Episode 060 - Minnesota Nice
Fargo Season 3 Premiere and Our Thoughts on the Show Fargo was an amazing film made by the Coen Brothers in the 90s and nobody really could have guess that a TV show based off of the same themes could perchance surpass the original, but here we are. Fargo the FX network original is a show filled with murder, betrayal, detective work, mob bosses, heists, hitman, and the "Minnesota Nice" mentality. Season 3 premiered with Ewan McGregor in the lead playing twins and in this podcast we discuss our thoughts on seasons 1 through 3. We start the show with a frank discussion of the rediculousness of the Netflix documentary "Casting JonBenet".
Mon, April 24, 2017
Episode 059 - Second Chances
Giving movies and TV a second chance Why should you ever go back to a movie after you watched it and hated it? Why should you ever go back to a TV show after it burned you? We ask ourselves these questions and sometimes the answer is a just a plain and simple "maybe it will be better this time?" The Girl and Tristan talk about the movies and TV shows that they went back to and liked a second time around. They also discuss movies that they gave another shot and it was still a swing and a miss. They start the show reviewing Mass Effect Andromeda.
Mon, April 17, 2017
Episode 058 - A.I. in My House
The Last Jedi Trailer and A.I. in Cinema In this episode, Tristan and The Girl start off the conversation with The Last Jedi trailer. The new Star Wars teaser trailer dropped on the day of recording and the Internet was all aflutter with the possibilities for new content from that galaxy far far away. Did it satisfy all those nerd needs or was it found wanting? They then transition into a discussion that was meant to be AI in movies but then went to a more fundamental discussion of would you want AI in your house. What do you guys think? Would you want an AI in your daily life?
Mon, April 03, 2017
Episode 057 - Big Little Lies
Review of HBO's Big Little Lies and Netflix's The Discovery This episode is hot off the press! Moments after the airing of HBO's Big Little Lies series finale, this Nerd Nuptial turned on the mic and started talking about it. Seven episodes in total and no time felt wasted. The entire show was teasing a murder but everyone was guessing at to who was murdered and who did the murdering. HBO brought some heavy hitters like Nicole Kidman, Reese Witherspoon, and Laura Dern to the mix and the performances did not disappoint. But was the ending all it was cracked up to be? We start the show with our review of the gloomy Netflix original movie about suicide and the afterlife, The Discovery.
Mon, March 27, 2017
Episode 056 - Fantasy Vacation
The best fictional locales that you would want to visit Whatever your fandom is, you would probably want to go to one of the many locations in it. Harry Potter, Star Wars, Star Trek, Lord of the Rings, Dune...well maybe not Dune. Immediately, as you're reading this, you're thinking of some right now. The Girl and Tristan talk about a long list of places they would like to visit (some more absurd than others). Why they make the list they start to realized that it's more the people you would interact with and not so much the location itself. What would the forest moon of Endor be without the Ewoks? Just forest. They start the show talking about the new Justice League trailer and watching Rogue One again.
Mon, March 20, 2017
Episode 055 - Romance on Film
Our Favorite Romantic Pairings on Film What makes a great couple on film? Is it relatability? Believability? Or just an entertaining story? We have countless stories in movies of people who meet at the beginning and then take the entire story to get together. Other times they start together and struggle for one reason or another. But why do we keep coming back for more? Why do we invest so much of our own emotions is these fictional people we only experience for two hours at a time? The Girl and Tristan look back at some of their favorite romantic pairings on film and try to figure out why they mean so much to them. They start the show with a listener suggestion of explaining how their wedding was nerdy.
Mon, March 13, 2017
Episode 054 - Go Big or Go Home
Santa Clarita Diet Review and our reaction to Lego Batman This Nerd Nuptial has a lot of time on its hand's thanks to Tristan being on paternity leave. After seeing Logan The Girl and Tristan got the itch to see another film and decided to go see The Lego Batman. After that, they decided to start Santa Clarita Diet. Starring Drew Barrymore and Timothy Olyphant as a realtor power couple who have an unexpected circumstance of her becoming undead. They try to balance life, kids, PTA, and eating people. It’s part absurd, part satire, and a whole lot of fun in parts. We discuss what worked and what didn’t. Tristan starts the show with a prudish rant of what TV has become.
Mon, March 06, 2017
Episode 053 - Logan Movie Review
Was Logan a misstep or is it proof that we don't need anymore X-Men films? Logan was heralded as smaller and more intimate while at the same time amping up the violence. We have gotten a lot of X-Men films over the past 17 years and Hugh Jackman has been in almost every single one. He originated this character on film and he is saying that Logan is his last. we've heard this kind of talk before but hopefully, it's true this time. What did you guys think of Logan? Do we need anymore X-Men films?
Mon, February 20, 2017
Episode 052 - Best and Worst Day
Doctor Strange, Arrival Review, and an ending to our baby story Nerd Nuptial is back and we have an hour long episode this week where we discuss the home video releases of Marvel's Doctor Strange and Paramount's Arrival. Watching these two movies came after trying to arrive at a new normal with the birth of Ripley. We open the show with an ending to our baby story and how we are adjusting to being new nerd parents.
Bonus · Mon, February 06, 2017
Living Up To The Name
The Girl had a baby!
Mon, January 30, 2017
Episode 51 - Bed Rest Binging
What makes a show "Binge-worthy" The Girl is super pregnant and was just put on bed rest. Now she is trying to find things to binge so she doesn't get bored. This week we ask ourselves what are some great shows to binge watch. Some are good to watch week to week and some a great to try to achieve in one sitting. What aspects of the show contribute to this? Is it the story arc or the episodic ones? What are some shows you recommend for The Girl to watch during her bed rest?
Mon, January 23, 2017
Episode 050 - The Deliberate Pope
The Young Pope Review - Mixed w/ House of Cards and Logan After a failed maternity photo session and Tristan unjustly getting irritated with a retail worker, this Nerd Nuptial team decided to catch up on trailers and also The Young Pope. Jude Law plays a 40-something pope who's in league with Diane Keaton at the Vatican. Who is this young pope? Is he conservative? Is he liberal? What's his game? The Girl thought it was slow and Tristan found it deliberate. Listen to find out if they'll continue with this pontiff's power struggle. They also discuss the House of Cards announcement trailer, Logan's second trailer, and how Tristan didn't pack the camera bag!
Mon, January 16, 2017
Episode 049 - Unfortunate Episodes
Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events on Netflix Review While balancing baby plans, work, baby showers, and all while still trying to binge watch, Tristan and The Girl were able to watch Lemony Snicket on Netflix this week. You might remember the books, you might remember the movie that came out in 2004 with Jim Carrey. This is a whole new ball game when it comes to episodic streaming and the people behind the scenes don't let you forget it. In this eight-episode series, the Baudelaire children lose their parents and get shipped off from guardian to guardian while trying to avoid the evil Count Olaf. Is it's inherent repetitive nature too much to handle? Is it a kids show or is it for adults? We discuss this and a whole lot more so listen and find out. What did you guys think of the show?
Mon, January 09, 2017
Episode 048 - Perpetual Hope
Most Anticipated Movies in 2017 2016 has come and gone and it kinda was a crap year for blockbusters. 2017 looks better but that's what we said about 2016 in 2015. But movies, in general, are like of DC movies: all about a perpetual hope that it will be good this time around. We mainly talk genre films but that intersects action, superhero, musicals, and of course sci-fi. We start the episode with a quick review of some of our favorites from 2016. What are you looking forward to the most in 2017?
Mon, December 26, 2016
Episode 047 - Holiday Favorites
Holiday favorites growing up and how they've changed over the years Your Nerd Nuptial is a little late today but it has been delivered! Just like Santa and his presents. We recorded this while away on vacation and in The Girl's old childhood bedroom, believe it or not. So we thought we would talk about our favorite Christmas films growing up and what they are today. What were some of your favorite holiday films growing up?
Mon, December 19, 2016
Episode 046 - Rogue One Review
Rogue One: A Star Wars Story Review We've been looking forward to this one for a long time...in a galaxy far far away. In our usual fashion, we watched the movie and then raced home to podcast about it. Jyn, Saw, Cassian, Krennic, the whole gang was on the big screen and boy was it different. Different for the most part, but oh so familiar at the same time. Rogue One had an easier time than Force Awakens because it didn't have to compete with 30 years of fandom baggage. Speaking of fandom, were there too many callbacks or just the right amount? We discuss this, music, character development, and a whole lot more this week. What did you think of Rogue One?
Mon, December 12, 2016
Episode 045 - Rogue One and a Half
The Future of Star Wars Standalones Rogue One is coming out this week! It's finally here. The first live-action standalone theatrical Star Wars release is coming in force and it won't be the last. We already have a Han Solo standalone coming out in 2018 and an unnamed one coming out in 2020. Some say that will be a Boba Fett story but is that the best use of that slot? In this episode, we discuss what we would like to see in the future and what we don't. Your Nerd Nuptial tackles the future of Star Wars and how Kathleen Kennedy no longer returns our calls. TheNerdParty.com
Tue, December 06, 2016
Episode 044 - Snake Girl Got a Gun
Westworld Season Finale Review HBO released a winner this year in Westworld. It was only 10 episodes but the creators utilized every single minute but still found a way to keep you wanting more. Spoilers ahead so listeners please beware. In this episode of Nerd Nuptial, we discuss the last episode of the season and what we liked as well as what we thought could have been done better. We start the show with why were so late on this week's delivery. What did you think of the finale? Did you like where the Hosts ended up? Was the Maze all that you thought it would be?
Mon, November 28, 2016
Episode 043 - All You Have to Do is Call
Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life Review We've been waiting for this for a long time and it's finally here. Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life was released on Netflix and your Nerd Nuptial pairing is on the case to give you a review. We watched it over the weekend all in one sitting and boy do we have some opinions. Was it worth it? Was it a better ending to the journey than we got in season 7? Should the Palladino's have been the ones to give us the revival? All these questions and more are discussed. We start the show the with discussing what we've been watching including Mascots, Telltale Batman, and Westworld. What did you think of the revival?
Mon, November 21, 2016
Episode 042 - Finding a Franchise
Sequels are nothing new and they aren't going away. We tend to complain a lot about sequels and how that seems like that's all we're getting right now. But the first sequel came out in 1916, so why are we acting like this is a new thing? Is it because we're being inundated by franchise films every single weekend? Is it because there is nothing new under the sun? Is it studios not wanting to take any risks? We talk about all this and a whole lot more. We also discuss how the Suicide Squad Extended Edition was just that.
Mon, November 14, 2016
Episode 041 - The Anti-Shuffle
Why Vinyl Scores are Worth the Listen Call us hipsters, we don't care, but we love that vinyl sound. Your Nerd Nuptial crew discusses all the great and fun things about listening to vinyl from the artwork, trying to find that special release and the simple act of sitting and enjoying the needle hitting the record. We just recently got Mondo's release of The Fountain and can't wait to listen. We start the show with our thoughts on The Crown from Netflix. What do you think, CD or VInyl?
Mon, November 07, 2016
Episode 040 - God Save the Queen
Review of the first episode of the Netflix original "The Crown" Sometimes you get to binge watch and other times you don't. This is one of those times. Your Nerd Nuptial crew was only able to watch one episode of the Netflix series "The Crown," but of course they still have something to say about it. They talk Elizabeth's future, John Lithgow's performance, and what could Margaret possibly be up to? They start the show with an update on the status of the network and it's glowing future.
Mon, October 31, 2016
Episode 039 - The Slutty Cowboy
Westworld Review and Quitting Walking Dead Westworld episodes 5 "Contrapasso" was released yesterday and the Nerd Nuptial team was there to watch it live. In this podcast we review the episode as well as discuss Westworld as a series overall. There's a lot of mystery and very few answers which is nothing new to Lost fans. However, like Lost, it is a lot of fun to talk about as well as speculate. Who is the Man in Black? Where will Delores' arc take us? Why does Teddy look so much like Cyclops? We discuss these things and a whole lot more on this week's Nerd Nuptial. We open the show with a frank discussion on why we're finally quitting The Walking Dead. What do you guys think of Westworld so far? Is it too clever for it's own good or right on track? TheNerdParty.com Facebook.com/TheNerdParty Twitter.com/JoinNerdParty
Mon, October 24, 2016
Episode 038 - I Put a Spell on You
Recent Trailers and our Halloween Favorites All of October we have been talking Halloween. Favorite TV shows, movies, and everything surrounding the season. With our last October show we talk about the movies we have watched so far and which ones we have left. Our list is a little lighter in tone than most. You won't find The Thing, Nightmare on Elmstreet, or anything like that here. However, you might find signing witches, singing barbers, singing skeletons, and singing transvestites. Mix in some quirky zombies and a dash of Haley Joel Osment and you have a perfect marathon. We start the show talking about the new Logan trailer as well as the latest Rogue One trailer. What is your favorite Halloween film? TheNerdParty.com Facebook.com/TheNerdParty Twitter.com/JoinNerdParty
Mon, October 17, 2016
Episode 037 - Jungle Gym of Horror
Store-bought Costumes vs Homemade and Favorite Halloween Episodes It's our third Halloween episode here on Nerd Nuptial and we couldn't be more excited. We open the show with a listener's question about the differences between a UK and US Halloween. This leads into our most embarrassing Halloween moments as well as having store-bought vs homemade costumes. We end the show with a conversation about our favorite Halloween specific sitcom episodes. What are some of your favorite sitcom episodes centered on Halloween? TheNerdParty.com Facebook.com/TheNerdParty Twitter.com/JoinNerdParty Lootcrate.com/nerdparty
Mon, October 10, 2016
Episode 036 - Somebody's Lil' Monster
Halloween Costumes Then and Now One of the best things about Halloween growing up was definately dressing up. From Princess Leia to Batman, Tristan and The Girl have done a lot of geek outfits. Tune in and hear stories of them discussing what it was like to be the only one as a mishapen Tin Man or Batman with a jacket. They also talk albout the grand plans they have for their future little girl and what that will intail for upcoming Halloweens. What has been your favorite costume? Facebook.com/TheNerdParty Twitter.com/JoinNerdParty Lootcrate.com/NerdParty TheNerdparty.com
Mon, October 03, 2016
Episode 035 - Our Level of Scary
Why We're Excited for Halloween October is here and you know what that means! Fall colors, warm sweaters, and lots and lots of scary movie marathons. Your Nerd Nuptial duo loves the season and can't wait to discuss why the love the Halloween holiday with you. This is not a discussion of their favorite scary movies or what they are going to marathon, but rather what excites them about the season. They also discuss why they loved Halloween as children (outside of the candy) and why they might have stayed away from scary movies in general. What excites you most for this Halloween? Tell us at Facebook.com/TheNerdParty At Twitter.com/JoinNerdParty Or email us at contact@thenerdparty.com TheNerdParty.com
Tue, September 27, 2016
Episode 034 - Not Dolls. Action Figures.
Representation Matters Onscreen and in Life Even though we're a day late, the Nerd Nuptial pairing is back and ready to deliver this week's show. Whether it's onscreen, on TV, or especially in life, representation matters. They start the show talking about Rey's action figures and then move onto representation for young girls, specifically one they have in mind. They finish the episode with the trend #DescribeYourselfWith3Fictional characters. What are your 3 fictional characters?
Mon, September 19, 2016
Episode 033 - Dating Normies
Dating Life for Nerds The Girl and Tristan were asked a question by the hosts of Words with Nerds about nerd dating life. Did The Girl always date nerds? Did Tristan fool other girls into thinking that he was "normal"? Listen and you'll hear them answer these questions and a whole lot more. As well as talk about the benefits of dating someone like you. They start the show with a story about Tristan trying to reason with an unruly child. In your nerd dating life, do you hide who you are?
Mon, September 12, 2016
Episode 032 - And I'm Listening
Review of One Mississippi and Our Favorite Sitcoms Last week on Nerd Nuptial, we talked about what makes a great sitcom. The response from you guys was so great that we decided to continue our conversation but focus on our favorite sitcom shows of all time. Munsters, Addams Family, Frasier, That 70s Show, Titus, and Parks and Recreation. These are just a few of the shows we discuss this week. ? They start the show with a review of of Tig Notaro's new show, "One Mississippi." What are some of your favorite sitcoms?
Tue, September 06, 2016
Episode 031 - Cue the Laughter
Being Raised on Sitcoms Then and Now If you're a fan of this show, you most likely were raised on sitcoms in one form or another. Tristan and The Girl are no different. They reminisce about the glory that was TGIF, the choices we have today versus multicam and single cam, and how certain tropes keep getting recycled over and over. Some people seem to snub their nose at multicam sitcoms but The Girl and Tristan believe they have their place in history as well as in the present. That 70s Show, How I Met Your Mother, to Family Matters, Boy Meets World, and all the way back to Sanford and Son. Listen in and cue the laughtrack. They start the show discussing Captain America: Civil War home release. What are some of your favorite sitcom tropes?
Mon, August 29, 2016
Episode 030 - BWAAAAM
Christopher Nolan Retrospective The Girl once took Tristan aside when they were dating and said "My two favorite directors are David Fincher and Christopher Nolan". He kissed her on the spot and vowed to marry her one day. Flash forward ten years later and they are still together and talking about those two directors. They start the episode talking about how they celebrate David Fincher's birthday every year then move into an analysis of all of Nolan's movies. Christopher Nolan is a prolific director with a distinct style all his own. Drawing influences heavily from Kubrick and Malick, Nolan develops his movies into event films that draw you into the world he creates. Come with us as we go from the first to the latest of Christopher Nolan’s filmography. What’s your favorite Nolan movie?
Mon, August 22, 2016
Episode 029 - The Girl 2.0
Favorite Badass Female Characters and a Special Announcement We've been lucky in our lifetime to have some amazing and complex female characters in cinema and television. Hollywood still has a long way to go when it comes to female representation but this week we discuss our favorite characters. You don't have to be a fighter or have a gun in your hand to be considered "badass" on our list. Political thrillers, science fiction, fantasy, are genres that all have room for amazing and complex women characters. On top of all of these amazing female characters, The Girl and Tristan have a special announcement. Listen to find out. Also, give us your list of favorite strong female characters.
Mon, August 15, 2016
Episode 028 - Lack of Cartoons
How Technology Affects a Nerd Nuptial While on vacation, Tristan and The Girl record live from their hotel room on the lake. They sat down and hit record without knowing where the conversation was going to go. What ended up happening was an exploration of how technology can affect a marriage and also the importance of taking time for each other. Is it easy for you to spend too much time on the phone? When you pick something to watch do you think of your significant other while you do? How do you carve out time for your own nerd nuptial?
Mon, August 08, 2016
Episode 027 - Chilled Grape Soda
?Suicide Squad Review This is the moment we've all been waiting for: Suicide Squad has been released. It is no secret that The Girl and Tristan are hardcore DC fans. When it comes to DC vs. Marvel they always throw down their loyalty and stand firm but did this push the limits? It's no secret that this movie has gotten horrible reviews and a vicious critical response. Did the critics go overboard? Did David Ayer have too much pressure to go big or go home? Regardless of all of that was it still entertaining? Listen and find out. ? What did you think of Suicide Squad?
Mon, August 01, 2016
Episode 026 - Stevie Wants Your V-Card
Review of Netflix's Stranger Things Netflix has been known to produce fantastic material in the past. In fact, Tristan and The Girl's favorite show is a Netflix original. But no one saw this coming when Stranger Things was released and the world was wowed by it's quality. In this SPOILER filled review, Tristan and The Girl discuss what they loved about this 1980s horror/sci-fi throwback. What did you think of Stranger Things? Should there be a season 2?
Mon, July 25, 2016
Episode 025 - Frontier Done Pushed Back
Star Trek Beyond Movie Review It's finally here and Nerd Nuptial gets to talk about it. In this very SPOILER filled review, The Girl and Tristan take on the challenge of balancing epectation vs reality as well as fan service vs mass appeal. Kirk and the crew of the Enterprise are left with nothing but their wits and the help of a black and white badass. Was this movie all flash and no substance? Did Justin Lin and JJ Abrams deliver where Star Trek Into Darkness fell short? Listen to find out. What did you think of Star Trek Beyond?
Mon, July 18, 2016
Episode 024 - But I am the Chosen One
Favorite Male/Female Platonic Pairings We see so much of the "Will they or won't they" trope, but how much do we see the platonic pairing? This week on Nerd Nuptial, Tristan and The Girl discuss their favorite pairings that have no romantic interest in one another. They traverse the avenues of TV as well as film and also talk about the apparent lack of the female mentor. What are some of your favorite male/female non-romantic pairings?
Mon, July 11, 2016
Episode 023 - I Have Done Thy Mother
Movies based on books and the hipsters who hate them 40 to 50% of all movies made are based on books. How crazy is that? So when you have half of all movies that come from the leather bound world, you need to talk about it. That is just what The Girl and Tristan do in this week's episode. Sometimes you can read a book and then get disappointed in the movie. Other times it can be the reverse. The Nerd Nuptial duo go through several examples of how books into movies can be a rife minefield of surprise and disappointment. ? What's an example of a book turned movie that surprised you?
Mon, July 04, 2016
Episode 022 - Serial Not Cereal
Serialized Storytelling vs Episodic Television The Girl and Tristan love their serial TV, that's no secret. But has something been lost with the serial push by HBO, AMC, and other networks? The latest Star Trek show has been revealed to be an ongoing story. Walking Dead, Breaking Bad, Lost, Mad Men and so many other of our greatest shows in the past ten years have been one long story. TV has become more like film and film has become more like TV. Will episodic television ever really go away? Does it need to? These are all questions that are discussed in this week's Nerd Nuptial. Is there a side you lean towards?
Mon, June 27, 2016
Episode 021 - Into the Light
What's the last movie you want to watch before you die? So often we hear about the "Last Meal" but this week on Nerd Nuptial we talk about what our "Last Film" would be before we die. Tristan and The Girl both have very different thought processes on how this would work and some of their decisions might surprise you. They both end up in different places but the journey sounds awfully familiar. What's your answer?
Mon, June 20, 2016
Episode 020 - That's Cold, Georgie
Happy Belated Father's Day! Celebrate Father's with Nerd Nuptial this year. The Girl and Tristan go back to their library and pull a list of movies that feature great (and not so great) movie dads. They start off the show remembering the late Anton Yelchin. Who are some of your favorite movie dads?
Tue, June 14, 2016
Episode 019 - Her and Her Whales
Recommending Movies and TV and it's Inherent Dangers We all have done it and will continue to do it. All of us have had it done to us. That is recommend movies/TV to our friends and family and paid for it. Sometimes it works out and sometimes it doesn't. Who's fault is it when something isn't enjoyed? The watcher or the recommender. We start the show with The Girl's journey into the original Star Trek films. What was recommended to you that you fell in love with or hated?
Mon, June 06, 2016
Episode 018 - Poor Nic Cage
Guilty Pleasure Movies We all have them but we rarely admit that we do. Even rarer is admitting what they actually are. Tristan and The Girl go down the list of all time Guilty Pleasure movies and some of the revelations might surprise you. The episode starts with a wish list of what would be ideal to see in the next Batman solo film. What are your guilty pleasure movies?
Mon, May 30, 2016
Episode 017 - Robin Hood Was Hot
Growing up with Disney! So many of us have grown up with animated Disney films and The Girl and Tristan are no different. On this week's episode they go through what it was like to see those clamshell cases on the shelf and which Disney films they loved as children. They also discuss the universal appeal of the Disney astethic and how it's grown since 1937. Which animated Disney films connected with you as a child?
Mon, May 23, 2016
Episode 016 - Enterprising Young People
Star Trek Beyond! No matter how you feel about the new Star Trek movie or the JJ-Verse as a whole, it gets people talking. We are in full swing of the 50th anniversary of the Star Trek franchise and what better way to honor it than release a new movie?! Not to mention a brand new show starting production. In this episode, Tristan and The Girl analyze the new Star Trek Beyond trailer and the universe it's set in as a whole. What do you think of the new trailer?
Tue, May 17, 2016
Episode 015 - Divided We Fall
What We Don't Agree On It is absolutely crazy how many of you have submitted this topic. So many of you want to know what Tristan likes that The Girl does not and vice versa. We go down the list of television shows, movies, books, video games, and so much more on what we don't agree on. We also try to convert one another on air so tune in to find out on what. Plus, The Girl reveals her true feelings on Star Trek. What divides your household?
Mon, May 09, 2016
Episode 014 - He Killed My Martha
Captain America: Civil War Review is here! The Girl and Tristan actually went to the theater and saw Captain America: Civil War. As soon as they saw it, they rushed home and started to podcast about it. It's no secret that the Riddell household is a DC household but some of their viewpoints might surprise you. Listen to this week's latest Nerd Nuptial to find out if the hosts are #TeamCap, #TeamIronMan, or even #TeamBatman. Which side are you on?
Mon, May 02, 2016
Episode 013 - Break It's Legs
High Rise review and Dystopian Genre Dissection The Girl and Tristan watched Tom Hiddleston in High Rise over the weekend and boy do they have opinions about. Watching that movie got them thinking about Dystopian Fiction and the Post-Apocalyptic genre in general. Why are we drawn to disaster? Why is it so interesting to watch us fail? Tell us what you love about the genre in the comments.
Mon, April 25, 2016
Episode 012 - In Fincher We Trust
David Fincher Retrospective It was only a matter of time until Tristan and The Girl devoted an entire episode to Director David Fincher's work. Love him or hate him, he has a definite style and has had a huge impact on the industry. Join us in our complete retrospective of Fincher's films. What is your favorite Fincher film? Better yet, what is your ranking?
Mon, April 18, 2016
Episode 011 - Scene of the Crime
Doctor Strange, Kimmy Schmidt, and the effect of movie Trailers The Girl and Tristan explore the all too familiar style and themes of Marvel’s Doctor Strange trailer and also talk about how fun it is to let the craziness of Kimmy Schmidt wash over you. They wrap up the show with a conversation of how movie trailers effect us and how we as nerds effect them in return. What are some of your favorite trailers?
Sun, April 10, 2016
Episode 010 - Start a Petition
Rogue One, Walking Dead, Nerd Rage, and Force Awakens! The Girl and Tristan cover a wide variety of topics this week. They open the show with The Walking Dead season finale, move on into the new Rogue One trailer, dabble in a little in Nerd Rage, and then tie it up with Force Awakens and the future of the franchise. Are you excited for Rogue One? How did you feel about the Walking Dead finale?
Mon, April 04, 2016
Episode 009 - Shawshankable
“Shawshanked” The condition of having been sucked in by a highly watchable movie while channel surfing or walking past a TV. Originally derived from The Shawshank Redemption. The Girl and Tristan discuss what movies they could watch over and over again. As well as what they think makes a movie “rewatchable.” They start the show with some Suicide Squad rumors. What movies do you get sucked into on a regular basis?
Sun, March 27, 2016
Episode 008 - Puff the Magic Kryptonite
Batman v Superman Review! Love it or hate it, this movie has got people talking. That is exactly what The Girl and Tristan are doing in this episode. Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman and so much more is discussed. Who liked it and who hated it? Find out this week. What did you think of DC’s latest?
Mon, March 21, 2016
Episode 007 - Ripley Riddell
Favorite Franchises The Girl and Tristan discussed their favorite movies from their relationship last week and now they have moved onto franchises. Sequels, trilogies, quadrilogies, and more! All of types get discussed and why they mean so much to them. What are some of your favorite franchises?
Thu, March 17, 2016
Our First Podcast - Repost from The Nerd Party
Repost from The Nerd Party (now The Senate Floor) - Originally released on 1/26/16. The first podcast that Tristan and The Girl ever made together wasn’t with Nerd Nuptial. It was with The Nerd Party. Here they talk about their reactions to the first X-Files Revival episode “My Struggle.” Think of this as Nerd Nuptial’s first #ThrowbackThursday.
Mon, March 14, 2016
Episode 006 - Time Warp
Movies for Us Some people have “Our song,” Tristan and The Girl have “Our movie.” The nerdy couple jump in the Way Back Machine and discuss the origins of their relationship and how certain movies helped shape their experiences. Do you have a movie that’s just yours with your significant other?
Sat, March 05, 2016
Episode 005 - Fatal Wound
House of Cards Season 4 Review In this very SPOILER filled review, Tristan and The Girl tackle one of their favorite shows. The Netflix behemoth comes back in full force with some new characters as well as some familiar faces. Listen to what the nerdy couple had to say about it as they recorded live-to-tape the instant the credits rolled.What did you think of this latest season?
Wed, March 02, 2016
Episode 004 - Sharks Love Blood
House of Cards is coming! The Girl and Tristan love House of Cards and so should you. They discuss what they like from the previous three seasons and what they hope to see in season four. They open the show with Oscar reactions. What do you want to see in season 4?
Thu, February 25, 2016
Episode 003 - Oats are Expensive
Better Call Saul Season 2 is up and running! As you know, The Girl and Tristan are huge Breaking Bad fans and the spinoff show, Better Call Saul, is not a disappointment. Here they discuss the first two episodes.They start the show with joyous news about the Walking Dead. Spoilers ahead.Are you digging Better Call Saul so far?
Thu, February 25, 2016
Episode 002 - My Science
X-Files Wrap Up! The X-Files revival is over so The Girl and Tristan finish what they started. They discuss all six episodes with where they excelled and where they fell flat.They start off the show with discussing “The Deadpool” effect and how it could alter ratings for future superhero movies.What did you think of the X-Files revival?
Wed, February 17, 2016
Episode 001 - Axe to the Face
You asked for more and so we’re giving it to you. Join The Girl and her husband, Tristan Riddell, on the first ever spinoff of The Nerd Party. This week we discuss the latest episode of The Walking Dead “No Way Out.” Say “I do” to married nerd life.
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