Thank you and Goodbye.
Challenge Accepted
In this final episode of Challenge Accepted, Frank and Thomas Law reflect on what the show became over three years and 250-plus episodes, and why ending it now feels like the right move. They talk about the grind of weekly reviews, the fun of theme months, the lessons they’re carrying forward, and how the best parts of this podcast will live on through Geek Freaks and what’s next for the network. Thomas also shares where Sick Burn is headed, why the message matters more than the metrics, and how storytelling and vulnerability have become a core part of the work. Timestamps and Topics 00:06...
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2025 Year in Review: Superman Takes the Crown, Thunderbolts Surprises, and Big 2026 Hype (Supergirl, Doomsday, Odyssey)
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Thomas and Frank look back on the movies and TV that defined their 2025, from why Superman hit so hard to how Marvel’s three-film run landed with Thunderbolts, Fantastic Four, and Captain America: Brave New World. They also talk about the stuff that disappointed them, why TV felt like it “won” this year, and the shows they could not stop thinking about, including IT: Welcome to Derry, Alien: Earth, and Andor. To close it out, they shift into 2026 mode: what’s got them genuinely excited again, which upcoming releases feel like “event” movies, and how they want to evolve Challenge...
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Night of the Living Dead | The 1968 Classic That Wrote the Zombie Rulebook
Challenge Accepted
Frank revisits Night of the Living Dead (1968) and breaks down why it still feels ahead of its time, even with a shoestring budget and simple setup. He walks through the full plot from the cemetery opening to the brutal ending, calls out the movie’s “proto zombie rules” (headshots, fire, escalating panic), and digs into the constant clash between Ben and Harry Cooper over how to survive. Frank also shares a handful of behind-the-scenes trivia, then closes by asking listeners to help pick the next holiday movie review. Timestamps and Topics 00:00:05 Welcome to Challenge Accepted and why...
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Fargo | Snow, Schemes, and a Woodchipper
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In this single-player episode of Challenge Accepted, Frank bundles up with the winter classic Fargo and breaks down why this 1996 Coen Brothers film still hits so hard. From Jerry’s desperate spiral and Gaear’s cold brutality to Marge Gunderson’s calm, quietly heroic presence, Frank walks through the story, performances, music, and snow-covered Midwest setting that make the movie timeless. He also talks about how the Fargo TV series connects back to the film, why the woodchipper scene has become legend, and how the Coens turn empty white fields into one of the most effective...
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Batman: Mask of the Phantasm | Fresh Look at the 90's Cult Classic
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In this solo episode of Challenge Accepted, Frank finally sits down with the iconic animated film Batman Mask of the Phantasm after years of calling it a major Batman blind spot. He shares his deep love for Batman The Animated Series, breaks down Bruce Timm’s distinctive art style, and explores why Kevin Conroy and Mark Hamill’s performances still define Batman and Joker for entire generations. After watching the movie for the first time, Frank gives his immediate reaction, digging into Gotham’s timeless look, the horror-inspired presentation of the Phantasm, and the emotional core of...
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Bob’s Burgers Thanksgiving Throwdown - Ranking The Best Holiday Episodes
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In this Thanksgiving special of Challenge Accepted, Frank and Jonathan celebrate the Belchers by ranking their top Bob’s Burgers Thanksgiving episodes and crowning a definitive winner. They break down why the holiday episodes hit so hard, talk about the emotional gut punches hidden inside the jokes, and revisit the wild chaos of turkeys, hoarding, broken ovens, and cursed outdoor cooking. The guys also reveal the results of their “Turkey Brawl” social media tournament and wrap up with a few extra Thanksgiving watch recommendations to keep your holiday cozy and geeky. Bob's Burgers...
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Stranger Things Seasons 1–4 Recap – Getting Ready For The Final Battle
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The Ballad Of Buster Scruggs | Death and Legends
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In this solo Thanksgiving episode of Challenge Accepted, Frank breaks down The Ballad of Buster Scruggs, the Coen Brothers’ Netflix Western anthology that has quietly become one of his holiday staples. Story by story, he digs into how each vignette wrestles with death, chance, and human nature, from Tim Blake Nelson’s singing gunslinger to Tom Waits’ stubborn prospector and that iconic “First time?” hanging meme. Along the way, Frank talks about why the film feels so cozy despite its bleak themes, how the Coens use digital cinematography to shape tone, and what these stories say...
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Gen V Season 2 | The Boys’ Campus War, Wins, and What’s Next
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Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: The Movie (1995) | Morphin’ Time at the Movies! | Feat. Becca Peterson
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On this episode of Challenge Accepted, Thomas welcomes critic and lifelong Ranger fan Becca Peterson (The Critic Buffet) for a fast-paced, fun deep dive into the 1995 feature film. We cover why this movie still hits for ‘90s kids, the charm of Ivan Ooze, the switch to ninja powers and new Zords, and how the film fits into the broader multiverse of Power Rangers stories. Becca brings great trivia, from casting changes to Sentai influences, and shares why the movie’s core message still lands. Timestamps & Topics 00:00 – 01:10 | Cold open, show intro, and guest welcome; Becca’s...
info_outlineIn this episode of Challenge Accepted, Frank and Thomas wrap up John Williams Month with a deep dive into the 1978 classic Superman: The Movie! They explore the film’s lasting impact on superhero cinema, Christopher Reeve’s legendary performance, and how John Williams’ iconic score helped define the Man of Steel. From emotional storytelling to groundbreaking special effects, they discuss why this film remains a gold standard for superhero origin stories. Plus, they analyze how this Superman set the stage for the modern superhero genre and what lessons James Gunn might take for the upcoming Superman: Legacy.
Strap in for a nostalgic and insightful discussion on the film that made audiences "believe a man could fly!"
Timestamps and Topics:
00:00 – Introduction: Wrapping up John Williams Month with Superman (1978)
00:14 – First Impressions: How many times have we seen this classic?
00:24 – Christopher Reeve’s Impact: The definitive Superman
00:47 – The Heart of Superman: Why this film still resonates
01:09 – The Film’s Strengths & Weaknesses: Does it hold up today?
01:50 – Superman’s Influence on Modern Superhero Films
02:30 – Lex Luthor’s Portrayal: Gene Hackman’s unique take on the character
03:00 – Iconic Moments & Special Effects: The magic of practical effects
04:00 – John Williams’ Score: How music makes Superman feel larger than life
04:45 – The Legacy of Superman (1978): What it teaches today’s superhero movies
05:30 – Looking Forward: Hopes for Superman: Legacy
Key Takeaways:
- Christopher Reeve set the gold standard for Superman. His portrayal remains unmatched in charm, confidence, and hope.
- John Williams’ score is a character in itself. The music elevates key moments, making them feel larger than life.
- The film’s practical effects were groundbreaking. The flying sequences and large-scale destruction still hold up in many ways.
- Lex Luthor was portrayed with a mix of comedy and intelligence. Gene Hackman’s take on the character remains a unique interpretation.
- Superman’s humanity makes him relatable. His emotional reactions, especially to Lois Lane, show why he’s a compelling hero.
- The newsroom setting perfectly captured the hustle of journalism. Perry White, Lois Lane, and Jimmy Olsen brought energy to The Daily Planet.
- Without Superman (1978), modern superhero films wouldn’t exist as we know them. The film paved the way for serious and big-budget superhero storytelling.
Memorable Quotes:
🗨️ "Christopher Reeve doesn’t just play Superman—he embodies everything the character stands for." – Frank
🗨️ "This film made people believe a man could fly, and it still holds that magic." – Thomas
🗨️ "John Williams isn’t just scoring a movie—he’s telling you exactly how to feel in every scene." – Frank
🗨️ "Gene Hackman’s Lex Luthor is a genius, but he’s also a little goofy—it’s a blend we don’t see often in modern superhero villains." – Thomas
🗨️ "Superman isn’t just strong—his greatest strength is his kindness." – Frank
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Listener Questions:
What do you think about Superman (1978)? Is Christopher Reeve your favorite Superman, or do you prefer another take? Send us your thoughts, and we might feature them in a future episode!
Apple Podcast Tags:
Superman, Christopher Reeve, John Williams, DC Comics, Lex Luthor, Movie Review, Superhero Movies, Man of Steel, DCU, James Gunn, Superman: Legacy, Comic Book Movies, Classic Films, Movie Podcast, Challenge Accepted Podcast