Elektra Boogaloo

Has anyone read the Temeraire series by Naomi Novik? (http://www.naominovik.com/temeraire/) It's about dragons fighting Napoleon. And their training grounds are in Scotland, so I kind of think the Sean Connery voice might be historically accurate. /confuses fiction with reality

DRAGONHEART!! I saw this when I was young. I am excited to rewatch. I did notice Uma Thurman's big, big belt and thought it was odd. (If it's a one piece, why do you need a belt?) But I think it covered her stomach some so that would make me feel a bit better if I were wearing it. Taylor Anne, congrats on new fave status.

One more thought I had while relistening to this episode (I have no life, don't judge). In the original trailer you can see at about 12 seconds in, Uma Thurman's shoes. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kgTiFsCMCo4 They are stiletto heels. I'd say at least five inches high. So perhaps that is why June thinks Uma is so much taller than Ralph. (Also he's probably exaggerating his height a little.) I only remembered it because when I looked up Diana Rigg's catsuits, she always had flats or kitten heels so I was like, "Why did Uma get the torture devices?"

June is the greatest. You know she really hates a movie when she won't watch the clips. She also did it in Theodore Rex. Which other eps? There's another movie the podcast could cover. And it makes me so mad when it's used to say "female superhero movies don't work" because it's literally about a crazy woman. Why would women want to see that? (I know they sort of resolve it in the end but it's not like a character women would be inspired to be.) Also Eddie Izzard is in that too. I had a whole internal debate about seeing DofP after I learned about all the ALLEGED stuff. After I did go, I thought it was a mistake. The movie wasn't good enough to get past my reservations so I vowed I wouldn't see Apocalypse in the theater which is why I can't participate in this discussion much. According to the IMDb trivia (if it is to be believed), this was Izzard's choice. He asked for his lines to be cut, apparently to be more menacing. But he probably READ THE SCRIPT and decided, "I"m not saying any of this shit." So he's the true hero of the movie in my opinion.

Ack. I've missed so much! I disagree, sort of? (God we're really splitting hairs here.) Richard goes on to say that he's pissed about being deformed and all so he's not actually happy. The "winter of our discontent" isn't really the winter of his discontent. It's the end of his family's. But I still believe that "winter" here means end even without the "glorious summer" otherwise the clause doesn't make sense. Unless you mean you're having a bad winter--but that's not what Connery is proposing. He's threatening other people for what is going to happen in the future. Plus, once you start referencing a line that has an existing meaning, and trying to make it mean another thing? Poor writing. At least we are united in our hatred of people who say "wherefore art thou, Romeo?" I believe you are forgetting Maggot. Sorry, I'm with Taylor Anne on this one. Jubilee was cool. She wasn't the coolest and her powers weren't great but it was her personality that made it work. I think she the fact that she was a teen helped. It brought the X-Men back to it's roots--they had all grown a bit too much and much of the X-Men was based on teen angst of being different and your body changing. I think that is why she is more beloved that Dazzler, because Dazzler had similar light powers and she was an attempt to bring in female readers but she, like, had a job and was an adult. I haven't seen Apocalypse yet but from what you guys are saying, I do think it sounds good they are going to focus on the younger heroes. Like I said above, the teens are important part of the X-Men. I also wish Singer weren't involved. I think he's run out of ideas. (X1 and X2 were good.) There are SO MANY X-Men. Yet most of the movies are all about Wolverine, Professor X, Magneto and Jean. I'd love to see more Kitty, Bishop, Rogue, and Storm. But I'd also REALLY love to see some of the mutants we haven't used already. Armor, Dust, Domino, Cecilia Reyes... Also on the Singer front: I've heard some really creepy stories about him from a friend of mine who worked for a talent agent. It's all hearsay of course--except for the actual charges filed against him just before DofP came out--but when I saw all the teens in the trailer for this one, it made me super uncomfortable. My brain goes to the, "I wonder what he had to do to get this part?" ALLEGEDLY. Co signed!! I loved Jason's episode. It sounded like the two of them didn't really have a lot of fun making the Dictator. Haven't heard Paul's yet but will have to listen. Anyway, long story short (too late!) the X-Men '92 cartoon rules and is the greatest X-Men adaptation thus far. I WILL MEET YOU AT THE MONORAIL /Storm voice.

Sorry about your dog, Fister! I think instead of a band, they should have a live podcast taping at the wedding. It won't be good for dancing but, like, who wants to do the conga anyway?

I have another question. In the trailer, there is a scene of Emma saying "how now brown cow" into another telephone booth. IMDb says this a cut scene when 2ma destroyed the weather facility. So at the end, when Emma says "how now brown cow" into de Wynter's phone does he think it's 2ma? And that's why he just let's them into his evil lair (terrible villanining, really shameful). But he can see that Steed is with her, right? Why not just call down crazy weather like he did earlier in the movie so he never has to face off with the good guys at all and can just continue with his dastardly plan unopposed. What the heck? OR did he think it was the real Uma and that somehow his mind control (which never really comes back) was going to come into play. Basically, why'd he basically invite the heroes in for tea? I know British people are polite but that seems excessive. Also!!! How did real!Emma know "how now brown cow" was the password when 2ma is straight up dead. Or mangled. Or whatever the robot equivalent of deadsville is. And I agree with June, I sort of did like the opening sequence when Steed was doing the obstacle course. I enjoy umbrella fighting. I don't know why it's a thing. But obviously it's a big part of KINGSMAN for Colin Firth's character. But the Marvel Howling Commando Pinky Pinkerton also only fights with an umbrella. Kingsman has the benefit of better effects and technology but I'd argue Pinky even does cooler fights (like in this cartoon beginning around 4:15 in) than Steed does in this movie. The stunt coordinators should be ashamed. According to Macnamee, Steed was never supposed to use a gun. So I was kind of bummed Ralph Fiennes did at one point. Emma is supposed to be the one who has a gun. Yet, I don't think she ever did? Except when 2ma shot Steed? ETA: Whoops. Two in a row. Clearly I have too many thoughts abut this movie. Sorry.

I know! I was like, should I spoil the end of this book? But like it came out in the 30s and Hitchcock made a movie of it. So if you don't know now... Also in THE PRESTIGE (both movie and book!): twin brothers. Though: sort of funny story. You know how you always have that one friend who doesn't do any of the reading yet aces all the tests and papers? My friend only read half of "Rebecca" and asked me to tell her what happened. When I started in on how Rebecca was a crazy sociopath and Maxim killed her. Then Mrs Danvers--the house keeper who is implied to have been in love with Rebecca--burns the goddamn house down? She was like, "Holy shit, I wish I'd read the book for once." So let this be a lesson: or Yeah, 24 Hour Pizza Party, we're just raking in the dough over here. It's like the Wolf of Wall Street or... something else where they have money. I don't even know fake people with money. ETA: Guys! Guys! I just googled "Rebecca" and they say there was a British TV version starring Charles Dance (who was originally going to be Steed) as Maxim and Diana Rigg the original Emma Peel as Mrs. Danvers. Either this is some kind of sign or proof that there are actually only four actors in Britain and they just keep recycling them.

He also did an episode of the Nerdist. Not sure he talked about the WW2 stuff then but Mel's always fun to listen to if you're interested.

I'm glad some people got joy out of this for all the money they put into it. I understand why the TV series was called "The Avengers". Even in the Emma Peel episodes it usually opens with a dead body on a chess board and the narrator says they avenge crimes. But there were no dead people in the movie? It doesn't fit the premise. (And, as a nerd, I will tell you the Marvel Avengers were named by Janet van Dyne--the Wasp--after they stopped a plot where Loki caused mayhem and made it look like the Hulk was to blame.) Can you clarify your point on "Rebecca"? I'm an English major and that was one of my fave books. I know Maxim de Winter had a dead wife and there was the famous housekeeper who loved her. But I wouldn't call her a "lost love." Spoilers for Rebecca the novel. His wife was a horrible person and he killed her. It's his new wife--only referred to as the Second Mrs. de Winter--who is the true love of his life and she is nothing like Rebecca. So are you suggesting Connery killed his first wife? Then why make a robot version of her? Or want to have a do-over with Mrs. Peel?

I have an idea for a Howdie category (not really an award but just something to talk about). It's the list of traits of a bad movie, which Paul is always referencing. MOVIE CAN'T MAKE 90 MINUTES - The Avengers - Lake Placid ROLLER SKATING -- Xanadu -- Solarbabies -- Can't Stop the Music UNNECESSARY REMAKES/SEQUELS -- Masters of the Universe -- The Avengers -- TMNT2 -- LOL -- Staying Alive -- Star Wars Holiday Special -- Steel SHARKS -- Sharknado 2 & 3 -- Deep Blue Sea ANIMALS WITH JOBS -- Monkeyshines -- Top Dog -- Theodore Rex MACHINES COME TO LIFE -- Lifeforce -- Maximum Overdrive -- Runaway CANNON PICTURES -- All Cannon Pictures SURPRISE ROBOTS -- Theodore Rex -- The Avengers -- Toys (Corollary: Characters that are supposed to be robots but are not. --Steel) What else?

Ooh I'm interested in the idea of the director (in the Blake Harris interview) saying he wants to re-edit this film. Because I think there could be a version where it's Gentleman!Steed and smart, strong Mrs Peel fighting against the misogynistic Sean Connery. I posted that article about Patrick Macnee where he said Steed was always comfortable working with a strong female partner, unlike Connery's Bond. He'd have to remove the weird naked Ralph Fiennes scene, because that was very gross. And also him making her get him tea. There's also something interesting about Mother being good but Father being evil. I'm also sure there's more scenes of Connery being creepy they could use. Or maybe just a clip of his interviews.

And Ralph Fiennes was hotter as the genocidal Voldemort than Steed. I also have a problem with the constant references to tea. They played the super cut. I know British people like their tea. But wasn't champagne the thing they always drank in the TV show? I think this is like a parody of what non-British people think of what living in England is like. Also! The macaroon thing. Mother always wants it. But when they show them eating the cookie---I don't think that's a macaroon? I'm familiar with the coconut macaroons. And also the French macaron. I googled and the cookie Broadbent ate looks like a "Turkish macaroon." But, like, Is that the most common type in Britain? I'd think with France being right there...? Other questions: -- Why does Uma wear black shorts with her red jumpsuit? -- Is Father blind? -- Why isn't Steed electrocuted at the end when Connery is? They are standing on a metal bridge. It'd conduct the electricity.

Someone on a website referred to this as the Black Widow and Jarvis Avengers. I'm still upset about it. Emma Peel's jumpsuits on the show weren't all leather. I really didn't like Uma Thurman's version. I thought it looked very fetish. I mean, a leather jumpsuit is always going to be sexual. But Diana Rigg was kind of mod and cool. You'd never look at Uma Thurman and think, "Totally normal outfit." And my fave, the Kate Bishop!Hawkeye cosplay:

So excited. I have insomnia and haven't slept a wink tonight. Happened to check my iPad and there's a HDTGM episode at 4am! So now I can definitely beat Cameron H to this punch (suck it!): Something no one mentioned (obviously you guys aren't English major nerds like me. Failures.) When revealing his evil plan, Sean Connery says, "Now is the winter of your discontent" to threaten world leaders. "Winter of your discontent" is a pun on de Wynter's name but it is more notably a reference to the opening of Shakespeare's Richard the III, where the main character says, "now is the winter of our discontent / made glorious summer by this son of York." Connery is supposed to be extorting money from these people. But that phrase actually means that the period of discontent is coming to an end. (The winter is now turning into summer thanks to my bro, Edward.) So as the prelude to an evil plan, this is a terrible reference to make. He's basically saying things are looking up for them! Connery is clearly not a Shakespearean actor. Also: Emma Peel's double is totally (like Whoopie in Theodore Rex) a ROBOT. I thought this through the whole movie and then I read the IMDb trivia and they said that was the original plan. Glad Paul brought this up. Secret robots, new sign of a bad movie. IMDb also said Diana Rigg was asked to make a cameo (I think as Alice?) and she said no. Lady Olenna is wise. More thoughts when I'm not sleep deprived.

I love Mel Brooks. I'm surprised to hear you can call Brooksfilms and talk to him. Maybe I will randomly call a couple times and see if I can get him to chat. He's so happy about everything. You'd think being interviewed about a movie which almost lost him so much money would be embarrassing or sad for him. He's like, "No, let me tell you how I mortgaged my car and didn't tell my wife!" (PS RIP Anne.) This kind of made me want Mel to be a guest on HDTGM. I know it'd be tough but there's got to be some other movie he'd have great stories about. Or maybe he could make fun of a Carl Reiner flick. I hear they eat dinner together and watch Jeopardy every night.

Dottie was great! So was Madam Masque (I was actually kind of sad the way she ended up. It was like, "Women cant have power after all.") Oh and Ken Marino--friend of the show, commenter on Lindsay Lohan's cooch--was great as Manfredi. I would've liked to get to see him turn into Blackwing. There should be more HDTGM guests in the MCU. Adam Pally was in Iron Man 3. Ken on Agent Carter. Huebel was on Agents of SHIELD but I don't watch that show anymore.

OMG. Tell her I love her. I really wanted a season 3 of Agent Carter that introduced itty bitty Sharon so they could kick ass together. (I love important lady relationships more than romances.) I'm so sad it got cancelled even though season two was meh. ... I already looked to see if Besame has a light pink color like June was wearing but it does not. So sob. Oh this talk of fandom stuff reminds me that I have to send you my nerd notes on tumblr for the Avengers. Or should I wait until after it's aired? Someone online called it "the Avengers with just Black Widow and Jarvis" and I was like "HOW DARE YOU, Jarvis and Black Widow are way more interesting than these two."

It amuses me to think of Paul asking June this question. I wear Besame Red Velvet (it's Peggy Carter's lipstick--yeah I'm a nerd, so what?) and Bite in Rhubarb for lighter days. How Did This Get Makeup is brought to you by Elektra and Taylor Anne! This is terrible make it stop!

Paul, this is more of an ask June but maybe you can pass it along. June did a series of interviews for "Grace and Frankie" while in NYC. (Example.) What color and brand of lipstick is she wearing? I want to buy it. She looks gorgeous.

I don't remember this scene. Maybe I repressed it. Mostly I remember the fighting parts. I know! I was thinking about her lip color as watching it. I'm in a dark red lip color period but I was like, "Maybe I should find out what brand she uses and get that? Because it's gorg." I wonder if that is an appropriate ask Paul.

Oh June did a lot of press. I went to her Twitter. And I found this HuffPo Live one where she talks about Paul being on "Grace and Frankie" among other things. I didn't realize they were filming season three right now. No wonder she's too tired to do the late shows! https://www.facebook...kushpsn00000001

Okay about this. Has anyone seen a movie where Uma Thurman was really good? I mean, I've seen movies that she was in that were good (Kill Bill). But now I don't remember if she was good or if the movie was just good around her, you know? I"m a human spank. -- June Diane Raphael. I love her so much. So proud of be the June of this group. I guess I need to get Spanx now.

*plots* That's the problem, isn't it? They never have any genuine moments. It's all quip. And Steed seems condescending a lot, while Peel is all eyebrows. (I swear Uma Thurman's eyebrows are in the middle of her forehead for 90% of the movie and it looks weird. Like she's constantly getting something shoved in inappropriate places. It's unfortunate because she's gorgeous. But the only time she ever seems comfortable and genuine is when the eyebrows are down at their normal location. So those are the only times she is able to convey any sense of feeling.)

AMY THE GORILLA IS MARY TODD LINCOLN. PASS IT ON. Can I just say, in reference to quotes, when Connery says "now is the winter of YOUR discontent" I think Shakespeare and Richard III should've risen up from their (parking lot) graves and kicked him in the nuts. Also, that means it's the end of your discontent so it doesn't even make sense when threatening people with an evil plan. Maybe I should save this for the ep thread.