Planet 8 Podcast

Episode 147: Best Sci Fi Films of the 50s

Welcome back to Planet 8! This time, we're taking a stroll through one of the greatest decades for science fiction films, the 1950s. The 50s had it all - blockbusters and classics, thrillers and chillers, and grade D flicks that are more notable today for making you laugh rather than filling you with awe. There are some noticeable themes that run through sci fi of this decade. Of course, this was the time of the Cold War, and the threat of nuclear war never seemed too far away in most of these movies. Sometimes it was not nuclear war but radiation which played a role in matters. The fear of "The Other," whether a foreign agent, or an alien from another world, was also strongly expressed. And of course, flying saucers abounded! Sit back and relax, while we share with you our picks for the decade's best science fiction film offerings!
This time in the Sensor Sweep, Bob shares a book on the designer of the original Godzilla suit. He must be in a Big G mood (when isn't he?), as he also shares a collection of the Marvel Godzilla comics, printed in color. Larry got a werewolf mask at Goodwill (it was a bargain!), and a pumpkin monster home decor piece- you really need to see it, so head over to our YouTube site!
OK kids, that's it for us. As always, let us know what you thought of our picks. What are your top three films from the 50s? Tell us at:
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Klaatu barada nikto!
 

Episode 146: A Spirited Halloween

We're mere days from Halloween, and that means we've been looking at tons of horror films! For this year's Halloween episode, your Planet 8 crew decided to focus on the spookiest of fiends, ghosts! We travel through a variety of films, from classics like The Haunting (1963) to obscurities like The Stone Tape (1972). We hope you'll enjoy our thoughts on these films and even share yours too.
For our Sensor Sweep, the crew chat about some of the series they are watching, Bob's trip to Son of Monsterpalooza in Burbank, and  Larry's unbelievable Halloween decorations. Bob shares the unique blue "Gorath" robot he recently purchased, while Larry shows off his new Super 7 Super Shogun Mechagodzilla, Space titanium version. Karen is empty-handed this time, but recommends watching For All Mankind on Apple TV.
We want to wish you all a very fun and safe Halloween! Please let us know some of your favorite ghost or haunted house movies.
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"They're heeeere"

Episode 145: Horror Movie Laughs

It's October! And that means it's time for Planet 8 to delve into the spookier side of the things. But this time around, we are enjoying our horror films with a touch (OK, more than a touch) of comedy. That's right, we're talking about that wonderful combination of scares and laughs. Your crew discusses nearly 20 classic, and perhaps not so classic, horror films that will make you break out into giggles and even belly laughs. So sit back and relax, and enjoy this compilation of some of the best, and some of the most unique, funny horror films around.
In our Sensor Sweep, we'll share what's making us happy right now (hey, we keep it PG-13). Larry's excited about the kickstarter that will deliver the soundtrack to Abbott & Costello Meet Frankenstein. He also has a Jack O'lantern from Halloween 3, made by Trick or Treat Studios, which sings and lights up. Bob is recovering from the highly successful Godzillafest, and he purchased a very cool item from a vendor there, Titanic creations -a 12" tall Gorgo. Finally, Karen is deliriously happy to have obtained Blu-rays of Raised by Wolves, season one and two! She also shared a CD, volume one of the classic Star Trek soundtracks (the 1701 collection) from La La Land.
We hope you enjoyed this episode, and that it gave you seom ideas for your month of Halloween viewing! Please share with us some of your favorite humorous horror films, at any of our usual locations:
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“It’s pronounced Fronk-en-steen"
 

Episode 144: The Invaders land on Planet 8!

Finally! You've heard us mention it time and again, but we've done it: we're going to discuss and dissect that classic 1960s show, The Invaders!
What is it about The Invaders that makes it so memorable? It only had 43 episodes. It wasn't put into syndication. So how has it persisted as a sci fi icon?
It's a fantastic story of one man's battle to reveal the truth, to save mankind from total destruction. It's about paranoia - who can you trust? Who is an ally, and who is an alien? And it's also fantasy, with effects that are still pretty darn cool.
We'll talk about how The Invaders came to be, what made the show great, and why we think it didn't get more seasons. We hope if you've seen The Invaders, you'll enjoy this trip back. if you haven't seen it, we hope we've encouraged you to seek it out!
For our Sensor Sweep, we start with Chief Engineer Bob, as he shares an X-Plus Godzilla 1991 artist version figure. It's a big Godzilla figure! Also, Godzillafest is coming up September 13-15th! It's going to be absolutely amazing! Go to Godzillafest.com to find all the details. Since we talked about the Invaders, Karen shares a book about one of UFOlogy's best-known figures, Dr. J. Allen Hynek, titled The Close Encounters Man, by Mark O'Connell. It's a great read. Finally, Larry shared his Alien Face-Hugger from Neca -it's life sized but you have to supply your own slime. He also showed a new acquisition, or re-acquisition, from Sideshow, of the Wolfman vs Frankenstein's Monster. 
Did you watch The Invaders? What are your memories? Let us know!
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A Quinn Martin Production!

Episode 143: Deadpool and Wolverine - Has Marvel turned the page?

We're back, and yes, we're talking about Marvel again. We've skipped a few of the Marvel films and TV shows, because frankly, we haven't been all that enthused about them. But the latest MCU effort is different. Not only did this film bring Deadpool and Wolverine into the MCU, it was also a sort of love letter to the Marvel Fox films of the past. Don't listen to this episode unless you've seen the film, because it's going to be SPOILER-FILLED!
While we varied in our levels of appreciation for the film, we all agreed that it was fun seeing Deadpool and Wolverine put together in this adventure. There's a real chemistry between Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman and they are entertaining to watch. 
There were also numerous cameos from actors from many other Fox Marvel films and these were a real blast to see. It seemed like they were trying to give the Fox characters a final moment of glory. 
The story itself is lightweight- don't look too closely or you might look right through it. But between the fights, the cameos, and the sheer excitement of having Wolverine in the MCU, this movie feels like a move in the right direction.
We'll also discuss some of the Marvel news coming out of San Diego Comic Con, primarily the Fantastic Four movie and the announcement that Robert Downey Jr is going to play Dr. Doom (what?).
For the Sensor Sweep,  Karen shares two Planet of the Apes books. One is a collection of short stories, Planet of the Apes: Tales from the Forbidden Zone, which is highly recommended! The second collects the novelizations of Conquest and Battle, as well as 2001's Mark Wahlberg remake. Bob got a cool Creature from the Black Lagoon bust from his friend Mark Thompson! Bob has been very busy with Godzillafest, which was a huge success. But it's not over yet! The Godzillafest Convention is coming up September 13,14, and 15th in the Japan Center Mall in San Francisco. There will be films, guests, vendors, and cosplay! Go to Godzillafest.com for more info. Finally, Larry shares some of his missing treasure -his Lala Land Star Trek CDs! He also had his Creature from the Black Lagoon full scale bust (there seems to be a theme here) completely repainted by friend of the show Jeff Wehenkel. It had been smoke-damaged in the fire, but now looks beautiful.
That's it for now. Let us know what you thought of Deadpool and Wolverine, and the rest of the Marvel news. Is Marvel on the way back?
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Suck it, Fox! I'm going to Disneyworld!

Episode 142: Road to the Apocalypse II

BECAUSE YOU DEMANDED IT!
OK, maybe you didn't demand it, but it's here: our sequel to episode 13's Road to the Apocalypse, from all the way back in November 2018! This idea has been gestating in Commander Larry's mind for some time, and now it's here. We jump back on the strange tram that carries us through various apocalyptic films and face the challenges of surviving them. How would you handle an invasion by giant ants? Or deadly gladiators in a dystopian world? Larry runs us through a bunch of scenarios, with unpredictable results!
For the Sensor Sweep, we discuss what shows we're watching, and share some new stuff they got. Karen got a couple of birthday gifts from Larry: the Star Trek Book of Friendship, and the Marvel Comics Mini-Books set! Bob is moving ahead with the Godzillafest convention, coming in September, so stay tuned to Godzillafest.com for more news! Bob also picked up a Speed Racer Funko Jumbochan via a lottery! Finally, Larry also has a Funko figure to share: a Funko figure of the Tall Man from Phantasm! Who knows where we will put all these things.
We hope you enjoyed our trip through various dystopias and apocalypses (apocalytpii?). We'd love to hear your thoughts about your favorites in these categories. You can always reach us at the following places:
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I heard you were dead....

Best of Planet 8: Episode 78: You Will Believe a Man Can Fly: Superman

NOTE: This summer has become a very busy one for your Planet 8 crew, and unfortunately that means we must bring you another "Best Of" episode, but it's a fun one from July of three years ago, as we took a look back at 1978's Superman! We hope you enjoy it.
 
To our American listeners, a belated happy 4th of July! As we celebrate our country's independence, we thought it appropriate to celebrate that all-American hero, who fights for truth, justice, and the American way -Superman! The Planet 8 crew revisits the classic 1978 Superman movie, which promised that we would believe a man could fly. And we did indeed! Actor Christopher Reeve remains iconic as the Man of Steel in this light-hearted film.
As always, we'll discuss the cast and crew, how the film came together, and our feelings about the film, from when we first saw it and now. Although Reeve was an unknown when cast as Superman, he was surrounded by an all-star cast, with actors such as Marlon Brando as his Kryptonian father, Jor-El, Gene Hackman as villain Lex Luthor, Ned Betty as Luthor's henchman, Otis, Glenn Ford as Pa Kent, and Jackie Coogan as Daily Planet editor Perry White. The cast absolutely makes the film, with Reeve and his utter sincerity in the role essential to selling it.
There's also a wonderful chemistry between Reeve and Margot Kidder as Lois Lane -although we could all live without Lois' "Can you read my mind?" segment! But the two actors are absolutely charming together.
The effects in the film are a mixed bag, but the most important effect -Superman's flying -still holds up and gives us a thrill. The way Superman flies in the movie is graceful and majestic -truly beautiful, and Reeve again is the element that clinches it, the way he moves his body and hands as he flies. Of course, the music also gives it a lot of oomph! Speaking of music, who could forget the grand John Williams score? The Superman theme is unforgettable! Williams' soundtrack here is every bit as good as his work on Star Wars or Jaws or anything else from his catalog.
There's a reason that this film, even 40 plus years later, continues to show up on favorite super-hero film lists. It's just a fantastic film. As we prepare to release this episode, it has been announced that director Richard Donner has passed. He truly deserves so much credit for the success of Superman. He was greatly loved and respected by his cast and crew. Rest in peace.
 
 
 
To our American listeners, a belated happy 4th of July! As we celebrate our country's independence, we thought it appropriate to celebrate that all-American hero, who fights for truth, justice, and the American way -Superman! The Planet 8 crew revisits the classic 1978 Superman movie, which promised that we would believe a man could fly. And we did indeed! Actor Christopher Reeve remains iconic as the Man of Steel in this light-hearted film.
 
 
 
As always, we'll discuss the cast and crew, how the film came together, and our feelings about the film, from when we first saw it and now. Although Reeve was an unknown when cast as Superman, he was surrounded by an all-star cast, with actors such as Marlon Brando as his Kryptonian father, Jor-El, Gene Hackman as villain Lex Luthor, Ned Betty as Luthor's henchman, Otis, Glenn Ford as Pa Kent, and Jackie Coogan as Daily Planet editor Perry White. The cast absolutely makes the film, with Reeve and his utter sincerity in the role essential to selling it.
 
 
There's also a wonderful chemistry between Reeve and Margot Kidder as Lois Lane -although we could all live without Lois' "Can you read my mind?" segment! But the two actors are absolutely charming together.
 
 
The effects in the film are a mixed bag, but the most important effect -Superman's flying -still holds up and gives us a thrill. The way Superman flies in the movie is graceful and majestic -truly beautiful, and Reeve again is the element that clinches it, the way he moves his body and hands as he flies. Of course, the music also gives it a lot of oomph!
 
 
Speaking of music, who could forget the grand John Williams score? The Superman theme is unforgettable! Williams' soundtrack here is every bit as good as his work on Star Wars or Jaws or anything else from his catalog.
 
 
There's a reason that this film, even 40 plus years later, continues to show up on favorite super-hero film lists. It's just a fantastic film. As we prepare to release this episode, it has been announced that director Richard Donner has passed. He truly deserves so much credit for the success of Superman. He was greatly loved and respected by his cast and crew. Rest in peace.
 
 
For this episode's Sensor Sweep, Commander Larry shares the Hasbro Stormbreaker, Thor's hammer/axe. This thing is crazy! It's full size, about 4 feet long, and makes a racket! It also lights up. If you feel the need to be a thunder god, or fear you might have to protect yourself against a mad titan, go online and pick one up.
 
We hope you enjoyed this episode. Be sure to tell us about your first time seeing Superman. How do you feel about the movie today? As always, you can leave comments on the site, or go to our other hangouts:
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Up, up, and away!!!!
 

Episode 141: Getting to Know Your Crew

We've been doing this podcasting thing for over 5 years now, and we thought it might be fun to share a little bit about ourselves.  Reconnaissance Officer Karen has devised a questionnaire that will reveal the "inmost selves" of Mission Commander Larry and Chief Engineer Bob. But these questions are all focused on the stuff we all love - sci fi, horror, and fantasy films and TV shows! After we're through, you'll know more than you ever wanted about this crew. And you can play along - what would your answers be?
In our Sensor Sweep segment, Karen shares two  blu rays she got from Shout Factory recently, The Abominable Snowman and Curse of the Werewolf.  Larry shares a Bigfoot stein from Munktiki, and Bob talks about the Cybot Godzilla he purchased from X-Plus. We will also chat a bit about Robodoc, The Acolyte, and other recent genre happenings.
Thanks again for tuning in. We appreciate your support! Feel free to share your answers to our Planet 8 questionnaire. You can do so at the sites below:
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Getting to know you, getting to know all about you...