Get ready for an unexpected ride on this week's "The Middle of Culture"! Life threw us a curveball, but Eden and I rolled with the punches, delivering an episode packed with pop culture goodness.

First, we dive deep into our recent obsessions:

- Eden takes us on a journey through the grim darkness of Warhammer 40k: Rogue Trader and the galaxy far, far away with Star Wars: Outlaws.

- Comic book fans, perk up your ears – Eden's got the latest scoop from the world of panels and speech bubbles.

- Meanwhile, I confess my rekindled love affair with Diablo IV and drop a beat with a rundown of the hottest metal releases you can't miss.

But wait, there's more! We cap off the show by dissecting the lifeblood of TV series – relationships. Which character dynamics elevated shows to new heights, and which ones made us reach for the remote? Tune in for our hot takes!

This week on "The Middle of Culture," brace yourselves for an epic journey into cinematic chaos! Eden and Peter dive headfirst into the 2023 live-action adaptation of 'Knights of the Zodiac,' based on the beloved anime 'Saint Seiya.' But why would our intrepid hosts willingly subject themselves to this cosmic catastrophe? Buckle up because Peter's behind-the-scenes tale of how this movie made it onto their watchlist might outshine the film itself. Get ready for an episode that's equal parts hilarious commentary, nostalgic musings, and a masterclass in questionable decision-making. Trust us, you won't want to miss this zodiac-sized adventure!

This week, we discuss our experiences at this year’s San Diego Comic-Con.

Buckle up for a high-octane episode of "The Middle of Culture" as hosts Eden and Peter, fueled by their passion for film, rev their engines for a deep dive into the Wachowski sisters' 2008 film "Speed Racer." At the time, it was a critical and commercial flop, but since its release, this visually stunning adaptation has gained a devoted following. But does it truly deserve a victory lap?

Before hitting the track, our hosts share their current media obsessions:

• Peter's self-inflicted productivity book challenge

• Eden's adventures in the latest Final Fantasy XIV expansion

Then, it's pedal to the metal as we explore:

• The jarring disconnect between "Speed Racer's" initial reception and its cult status

• Our honest, unfiltered reactions to this polarizing film

• Are the movie's unique visuals just there to compensate for its shortcomings?

• Are internet defenders genuinely onto something, or just along for the ride?

• The ultimate question: Is "Speed Racer" worth your valuable viewing time?

Join us for a nitro-boosted discussion that'll have you questioning everything you thought you knew about this controversial piece of cinema. Whether you're a die-hard fan or a skeptic, this episode is sure to fuel your pop culture engine!

#SpeedRacer #CultClassics #WachowskiSisters #MovieReview #PopCulturePodcast #FinalFantasyXIV #ProductivityBooks

Madame Web: Marvel Masterpiece or Cinematic Catastrophe?

Swing into the world of Sony's latest Spider-Verse entry! This week on 'The Middle of Culture,' hosts Eden and Peter face off in an epic showdown over 'Madame Web.'

Is it a hidden gem or a box office disaster? Eden's fallen under the movie's spell, while Peter claims it's more toxic than a radioactive spider bite.

Join us for a hilarious, no-holds-barred debate as we:

- Unravel the tangled mess that is the plot

- Debate the relative values of lifeless and wooden acting

- Discuss Dakota Johnson's psychic powers

Whether you're a die-hard Spidey fan or a casual moviegoer, this episode promises laugh-out-loud moments and hot takes you won't want to miss!

Subscribe now and join the conversation: Is 'Madame Web' a cult classic in the making or a franchise-killing flop? Let's weave through this web of opinions together!

This week, we embark on an exciting action movie bracket, pitting 32 movies against each other and crowning a surprise winner.

On this week's episode of “The Middle of Culture,” Eden and I immerse ourselves in the world of live music! 🎸🎤 From our very first concerts to the most unforgettable shows, we share stories filled with energy, excitement and a touch of nostalgia.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Our very first concert experiences and the emotions that came with them.

• The best concerts we’ve ever attended and what made them stand out.

• Disappointing concerts that didn’t quite hit the mark and why.

• Our all-time favorite concerts and the memories that make them special.

• Unique concerts that hold a special place in our hearts for personal reasons.

Whether you’re a music lover, a concert-goer, or love hearing personal stories, this episode has something for everyone. Tune in for a journey through live music that will make you want to grab your tickets and hit the next big show!

In this week's episode of The Middle of Culture, Eden and I dive back into the legendary world of kaiju, focusing on the 2001 film "Godzilla, Mothra, King Ghidorah: Giant Monsters All-Out Attack." The title might be a mouthful, but the movie offers even more monstrous action! With Godzilla, Mothra, and King Ghidorah headlining, and an additional surprise monster appearance, the film delivers a thrilling showdown of epic proportions.

We'll explore the human narrative within this colossal creature feature and discuss Godzilla's transition into modern times. Plus, does this film coexist with the 1998 "Godzilla" starring Matthew Broderick? We'll answer these questions and more as we dissect one of the most thrilling entries in the Godzilla universe.

On this week's episode of 'The Middle of Culture', Eden and I dive into the Hugo-nominated novella, 'Ogres' by Adrian Tchaikovsky. Written from a unique second-person perspective, this tale unveils a world dominated by ogres--powerful beings towering over humans. Eden and I explore the narrative, discuss the themes, and share our personal takeaways from this story. Tune in to discover how 'Ogres' left us, whether it thrilled or fell short of our expectations. Don't miss this deep dive into this blend of fantasy and social commentary.

It's time for more Godzilla! This week on The Middle of Culture, we move to the 80s for "Godzilla vs. Biollante". What happens when you merge Godzilla with 80s action movies? Is it successful at one, both or neither? Listen as we discuss this entry in the colorful Godzilla franchise/history.

We're back this week with more Dune! On The Middle of Culture, we discuss the recent release, Dune Part 2. Did it succeed on the promises of Part 1? Is Paul the Lisan Al Gaib? Is Stilgar the unheralded comedic genius of the planet Arrakis? Listen as Eden and I discuss these questions and much more. Beware, spoilers abound!

He's back! It's time for more Godzilla. And this time, the monster has to face a formidable foe to be sure. A moth. A giant moth. And then the moth's twin larvae. That's right, this week on The Middle of Culture, we dive into the 1964 classic (?) Mothra versus Godzilla. Eden assures us this is one of the better Godzilla movies, and Peter begins to have serious doubts about this Godzilla journey, if this is one of the best ones. Still, it was a fun time and the conversation was a joy. Join us as we discuss this entry in the Godzilla-verse!

We're back, baby! After both of us being under the weather, Eden and I are back to discuss our adventures with model kits. That is, of course, after we catch up on a full month's worth of media consumption that, given our recent illnesses, was quite a lot. So, join us as we catch up, and then dive into Gundam model building and our experiences with it.

Just a quick post to let people know we will be back in 2 weeks.

This week on The Middle of Culture, join Eden and me as we journey back to the birth of a cinematic legend with a nostalgic look at the 1954 original Godzilla. Unearth the origins of a colossal cultural icon that continues to reign supreme to this day. Dive into the depths of the silver screen as we explore how Godzilla, in all its monstrous glory, first roared to life. We revisit this timeless classic that laid the foundation for an epic franchise. Discover why the original Godzilla remains a cinematic masterpiece that withstands the test of time. Godzilla has become more than just a movie; it's a symbol of resilience, creativity, and the enduring power of storytelling.

🎉🎶 Celebrate with us on the 50th episode and 2nd anniversary of 'The Middle of Culture'! This special edition is a nostalgic journey back to our roots, revisiting the magic of our first episode. Join Eden and me as we dive deep into the eclectic soundscapes of 2023's music scene. 🌟 Eden explores a diverse mix, featuring everything from the raw emotions of emo to the rhythmic beats of hip-hop, the soulful depths of jazz, and the futuristic vibes of vaporware. Meanwhile, I stay true to my passion, immersing you in the intense world of metal – a tour through the realms of Post-metal, Death metal, Sludge, Black, and Doom. 🤘 It's a fusion of genres that promises to excite and inspire. Tune in and discover your next musical obsession!

Join Eden, a lifelong Godzilla aficionado, Peter, an intrigued newcomer, and our special guest Gareth, as we plunge into the cinematic world of 'Godzilla Minus One'. This week's episode is a thrilling exploration of the most recent entry to one of the most iconic monster movies series ever made. Be prepared to be astonished by the moving nature of this film. We delve into the heart-stopping visuals, with Godzilla portrayed as a menacing, terrifying force of nature. But it's not just about the monster; this movie offers much more. We dissect the profound narrative, a poignant reflection on healing and moving forward from the dark shadows of WWII. Tune in for an in-depth discussion where we uncover the layers of storytelling, character development, and the legendary impact of Godzilla on cinema. Don't miss this episode if you're a Godzilla enthusiast or just love great storytelling in film!

Join Eden and me, lifelong gaming enthusiasts, in our next episode where we dive deep into the world of quick-play video games. We’re exploring the latest gaming trend that’s taking the industry by storm: Reverse Bullet Hell, or as we like to call them, ‘Bullet Heaven’ games. These games can offer an exciting experience without the hefty time commitment. We’ll be showcasing a few standout titles in this genre, dissecting what makes them so captivating and discussing their meteoric rise in popularity. Tune in to discover why these fast-paced games have become a sensation, and maybe find your next gaming obsession!

This week we have a special guest, as John, Peter and Eden's father, joins us for a special Thanksgiving week episode of the Middle of Culture. As a palate cleanse from last week's terrible, horrible, no good, very bad movie, we look to another 1985 action film. This time, we dive into the Jackie Chan classic, "Police Story". Listen as we discuss what makes this movie an enduring classic, and an essential film for any action movie fans.

The strikes are over, and to celebrate we decided to get back to a movie. Mind you, we doubt the WGA or SAG AFTRA had anything to do with this movie from 1985. But hey, Gymkata is the movie and watching it is an experience.