A Star to Steer Her By

Shore Leave - Keanussance 04: Cyberpunk 2021

What happens when a painter/sculptor and a sci-fi writer want to make an art film but can only get the budget for an action movie? The very, very confused "Johnny Mnemonic". Watch in confusion as Keanu is told to switch off his usual, easy charm to play a fairly wooden courier! Be annoyed as rights issues and studio meddling turned the much more interesting bodyguard character into a dull sidekick. And wonder why, for the love of God, they put Henry Rollins in this thing. Also this week: the greatest monologue in cinema, Val's choice, and old Chris yells at cloud. [Lost in Adaptation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l-2S9TIdMzg ] [Ames Matrix-inspired fanfic: https://sshbpodcast.tumblr.com/post/727743566816935936/tales-from-the-holodeck-voy-fanfic-amess ] [Favorite sci-fi novels: https://sshbpodcast.tumblr.com/post/805753308327346176/top-five-sci-fi-novels ]

Ten Forward 54: The Muppets Take Nal Hutta

We're taking a break from our break (insert "Inception" horn) to check out "The Mandalorian and Grogu", the latest theatrical "Star Wars" outing! Everyone's favorite buckethead and baby are back, hunting down war criminals and fighting CG monsters. SO. MANY. CG monsters. Also this week: a hot Hutt (?), almost Minioning, and bringing back the board! [Mando and Grogu: 1:08] [Classic Board: https://sshbpodcast.tumblr.com/post/666252313160286208/star-war-films-ranked ] [New Board: https://sshbpodcast.tumblr.com/post/818430559275597824/star-wars-big-board-now-featuring-the-mandalorian ]

Shore Leave - Keanussance 03: Bill & Ted's Delayed Threequel

Well, it took a lot longer than the writers hoped, but a third "Bill & Ted" finally graced our screens in 2020! With most of the world locked indoors, maybe all we really needed was a film with a simple message lacking in any cynicism. After your hosts' cool reception to "Bogus Journey" last week, did the more straightforward "Bill & Ted Face the Music" resonate with us? Listen and find out! Also this week: many side plots, the mystery of Cudi, and oddly touching moments! [B&TFTM: 01:35]

Shore Leave - Keanussance 02: Bill & Ted's Underwhelming Sequel

Next stop on our Shore Leave jaunt is "Bill & Ted's Bogus Journey" and what can we say but: at least William Sadler is a delight. Your stalwarts find themselves a bit underwhelmed by this odd sequel, which maybe was a little TOO different from its predecessor. Something is just missing this time around, and no amount of weird robots or caked-up Martians can fix it. Also this week: sequel issues, more film trauma for little Chris, and forgetting their own rules.

Shore Leave - Keanussance 01: Cleverly-Seeded Time Frippery

We're taking one of our patented Shore Leave breaks before the next leg of "Trek", and this time we're going over some choice cuts of the career of Keanu Reeves! So we're starting where you know we have to: "Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure"! It's a classic tale of two well-meaning dopes trying to pass history with the help of time travel so that they can be the foundation of a utopian future! Also this week: a very smart dumb movie, some poorly-aged things, and alternate Rufuses (Rufae?) [B&TEA: 02:58]