
Will Superman be returning in 4K someday?
Long-time PGS Member, Kenny Kraly Jr., writes in to the LET’S GET PHYSICAL MEDIA show to ask for their predictions on the possibility of getting more Superman movies out on 4k Blu-Ray.
Latest Letter




On the topic of “Gatekeeping” …
Imagination Connoisseur, Jason Miller, writes a letter of support for ROBSERVATIONS host, Robert Meyer Burnett, who has recently proclaimed himself the Gatekeeper of Geekdom. Jason shares his experience defending RMB’s joke (made on Twitter) and arrives at an inescapable conclusion that everyone should probably take to heart.
Latest News
TRANSMISSIONS FROM THE POST-GEEK SINGULARITY
Latest Blog





Can Chip n Dale rescue animated features?
Imagination Connoisseur, Tommy Mårtennson, has some thoughts on the new Chip n Dale movie on Disney+. He ranks it up there with the animated classic, WHO FRAMED ROGER RABBIT, and says that this new film includes some delightfully unexpected cameos, as well.
Latest Contest




I drink decaf, honest.
There are bad hair days and then there’s this ‘doo … share your snarky side and help us come up with a new meme every day!
What’s Hot





Is fan outrage an acceptable excuse for unacceptable behavior?
Co-hosts Robert Meyer Burnett and Mike Bawden talk about the reactions to racist and threatening messages sent to Moses Ingram by a small but vocal minority of toxic Star Wars fans. Both Disney and Obi-Wan Kenobi star, Ewan McGregor, were quick to show their support of Ingram and her work on the show. But Rob and Mike try to take a deeper dive into why some fans feel it’s okay to behave in such a way.
Latest Show




Why is Obi-Wan the most boring thing about the Obi-Wan Kenobi streaming series on Disney+?
ROADTRIPPIN’ co-hosts Robert Meyer Burnett and Mike Bawden discuss the broader implications of a question posed by an Imagination Connoisseur who asks why Obi-Wan Kenobi is such a boring character in his own series. In fact, one could ask why so many Star Wars series seem to be “running in place” and not really going anywhere with characters who don’t seem to be doing all that much. Is there a larger force at work here that no one seems to acknowledge? And where have we heard THAT before?




Will Superman be returning in 4K someday?
Long-time PGS Member, Kenny Kraly Jr., writes in to the LET’S GET PHYSICAL MEDIA show to ask for their predictions on the possibility of getting more Superman movies out on 4k Blu-Ray.
Latest Letter




On the topic of “Gatekeeping” …
Imagination Connoisseur, Jason Miller, writes a letter of support for ROBSERVATIONS host, Robert Meyer Burnett, who has recently proclaimed himself the Gatekeeper of Geekdom. Jason shares his experience defending RMB’s joke (made on Twitter) and arrives at an inescapable conclusion that everyone should probably take to heart.
Latest News
TRANSMISSIONS FROM THE POST-GEEK SINGULARITY
Latest Blog





Can Chip n Dale rescue animated features?
Imagination Connoisseur, Tommy Mårtennson, has some thoughts on the new Chip n Dale movie on Disney+. He ranks it up there with the animated classic, WHO FRAMED ROGER RABBIT, and says that this new film includes some delightfully unexpected cameos, as well.
Latest Contest




I drink decaf, honest.
There are bad hair days and then there’s this ‘doo … share your snarky side and help us come up with a new meme every day!
Latest Show




Why is Obi-Wan the most boring thing about the Obi-Wan Kenobi streaming series on Disney+?
ROADTRIPPIN’ co-hosts Robert Meyer Burnett and Mike Bawden discuss the broader implications of a question posed by an Imagination Connoisseur who asks why Obi-Wan Kenobi is such a boring character in his own series. In fact, one could ask why so many Star Wars series seem to be “running in place” and not really going anywhere with characters who don’t seem to be doing all that much. Is there a larger force at work here that no one seems to acknowledge? And where have we heard THAT before?
What’s Hot





Is fan outrage an acceptable excuse for unacceptable behavior?
Co-hosts Robert Meyer Burnett and Mike Bawden talk about the reactions to racist and threatening messages sent to Moses Ingram by a small but vocal minority of toxic Star Wars fans. Both Disney and Obi-Wan Kenobi star, Ewan McGregor, were quick to show their support of Ingram and her work on the show. But Rob and Mike try to take a deeper dive into why some fans feel it’s okay to behave in such a way.




Will Superman be returning in 4K someday?
Long-time PGS Member, Kenny Kraly Jr., writes in to the LET’S GET PHYSICAL MEDIA show to ask for their predictions on the possibility of getting more Superman movies out on 4k Blu-Ray.
Latest Letter




On the topic of “Gatekeeping” …
Imagination Connoisseur, Jason Miller, writes a letter of support for ROBSERVATIONS host, Robert Meyer Burnett, who has recently proclaimed himself the Gatekeeper of Geekdom. Jason shares his experience defending RMB’s joke (made on Twitter) and arrives at an inescapable conclusion that everyone should probably take to heart.
Latest News
TRANSMISSIONS FROM THE POST-GEEK SINGULARITY
Latest Blog





Can Chip n Dale rescue animated features?
Imagination Connoisseur, Tommy Mårtennson, has some thoughts on the new Chip n Dale movie on Disney+. He ranks it up there with the animated classic, WHO FRAMED ROGER RABBIT, and says that this new film includes some delightfully unexpected cameos, as well.
Latest Contest




I drink decaf, honest.
There are bad hair days and then there’s this ‘doo … share your snarky side and help us come up with a new meme every day!
Latest Show




Why is Obi-Wan the most boring thing about the Obi-Wan Kenobi streaming series on Disney+?
ROADTRIPPIN’ co-hosts Robert Meyer Burnett and Mike Bawden discuss the broader implications of a question posed by an Imagination Connoisseur who asks why Obi-Wan Kenobi is such a boring character in his own series. In fact, one could ask why so many Star Wars series seem to be “running in place” and not really going anywhere with characters who don’t seem to be doing all that much. Is there a larger force at work here that no one seems to acknowledge? And where have we heard THAT before?
What’s Hot





Is fan outrage an acceptable excuse for unacceptable behavior?
Co-hosts Robert Meyer Burnett and Mike Bawden talk about the reactions to racist and threatening messages sent to Moses Ingram by a small but vocal minority of toxic Star Wars fans. Both Disney and Obi-Wan Kenobi star, Ewan McGregor, were quick to show their support of Ingram and her work on the show. But Rob and Mike try to take a deeper dive into why some fans feel it’s okay to behave in such a way.
IICFF Selected Finalists
Watch all of the IICFF Selected Finalists here or on YouTube – and remember to cast your vote for the “Imagination Connoisseurs’ Award” – given to the entry that receives the most votes on our official ballot (click here to have a ballot open up in a new window).


In honor of George Lucas and Joseph Campbell
In a recent letter to ROBSERVATIONS, Imagination Connoisseur Mark McKeown shared two works of art he created honoring filmmaker George Lucas and his mentor, Joseph Campbell, and we thought we’d share them with you.


Hear the call – a hopeful story
Imagination Connoisseur, Mark McKeown, shares the story of George Ridgway – a British man who was inspired by the character of Indiana Jones and became a real-life treasure hunter.





Is fan outrage an acceptable excuse for unacceptable behavior?
Co-hosts Robert Meyer Burnett and Mike Bawden talk about the reactions to racist and threatening messages sent to Moses Ingram by a small but vocal minority of toxic Star Wars fans. Both Disney and Obi-Wan Kenobi star, Ewan McGregor, were quick to show their support of Ingram and her work on the show. But Rob and Mike try to take a deeper dive into why some fans feel it’s okay to behave in such a way.


Established genre franchises should use their best stories – no matter where they come from.
ROADTRIPPIN’ co-hosts Robert Meyer Burnett and Mike Bawden respond to a letter from a listener who asks why when it comes to making films or TV, genre franchises don’t use the best stories available – even if those stories were created for other media like comics, novelizations, etc.? And when it comes to the Star Wars franchise in particular, why aren’t stories like the Republic Commando series included in the mix?


Are we turning into our grandparents or are we just grumpy old men?
ROADTRIPPIN’ co-hosts Robert Meyer Burnett and Mike Bawden respond to a letter from a listener who asks why fans seem to get more belligerent about their likes and dislikes when it comes to appreciating art and storytelling as they age. Is it all because of bad storytelling or are there other factors at play here, too?


Why producers by sci-fi IP and then not use it.
ROADTRIPPIN’ co-hosts Robert Meyer Burnett and Mike Bawden respond to a letter from a listener who asks why producers spend the money necessary to purchase established, science fiction intellectual property and then develop projects that have very little in common with that IP. Two examples include the recent FOUNDATION series (based on Isaac Asimov’s Foundation Trilogy) and THE MAN WHO FELL TO EARTH (developed by Alex Kurtzman’s Secret Hideout production company).


Are the days of movies numbered?
Co-hosts Robert Meyer Burnett and Mike Bawden talk about the lessons movie studios should take from TOP GUN: MAVERICK and the unfortunate likelihood they won’t. Blindly copying a successful film isn’t likely to bring back an industry that, if trends hold and history repeats itself, is entering its waning days.


Is Star Wars incompatible with the Disney brand?
Co-hosts Robert Meyer Burnett and Mike Bawden celebrate Memorial Day and discuss the implications of a letter received from an Imagination Connoisseur who asks how different Star Wars would be if it had been acquired by HBO instead of Disney. Our revelation … Star Wars may not be compatible with the Disney brand.


Why ARMY OF DARKNESS and DARKMAN are a perfect action-comedy double feature
When it comes to oddball pairings for your next “movie night” you might want to consider Imagination Connoisseur, Aaron Johnson’s recommendation: ARMY OF DARKNESS paired with the Darkman trilogy. If you like Sam Raimi’s work, you’d love this selection!


Did the “big twists” in DR. STRANGE 2 and SPIDER-MAN: NO WAY HOME break the MCU?
Imagination Connoisseur, Sam Schott, is having a hard time accepting the big “twist” at the end of SPIDER-MAN: NO WAY HOME (the reveal that Skrulls have been masquerading as many of our favorite MCU characters). This may help set up the ‘Secret Wars’ series on Disney+, but does it break the MCU in the process?


Thanks for turning me on to ST:TMP – here’s a review
Even after watching STAR TREK: THE MOTION PICTURE many, many times, Imagination Connoisseur, Chris Nogle, says the newly released ‘Director’s Edition’ offers something new and refreshing.


Can Austin St. John’s future be in jeopardy?
Imagination Connoisseur, Donny Pearson, is a deeply loyal Power Rangers fan. So it’s understandable that Donny has been following the accusations against Austin St. John (the actor who originally portrayed Jason, the first Red Ranger). What does the future hold? Here are Donny’s thoughts …


What obligations do studios have to creators of IP that studios own?
Imagination Connoisseur, Grant Bixenmann, inquires about the obligations studios have to creators even if they’ve purchased the intellectual property (IP) under a work-for-hire agreement.


First impressions of the first, two Obi-Wan Kenobi episodes on Disney+
Co-hosts Robert Meyer Burnett and Mike Bawden talk about RMB’s initial impressions of the first two episodes of the Obi-Wan Kenobi series on Disney+. Were we expecting too much from the wiliest Jedi in the galaxy?


Can Obi-Wan’s failure to save Anakin Skywalker save Star Wars
Co-hosts Robert Meyer Burnett and Mike Bawden talk about the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for Ewan McGregor, director Deborah Chow and Disney when ‘Obi-Wan Kenobi’ drops Friday on Disney+. Plus discussions about TOP GUN: MAVERICK, THE GRAY MAN and more!


Moon Knight versus Menthu
Robert Roach, the creator of the Menthu character and comic book is also well-versed in Egyptian mythology. He points out where ‘Moon Knight’ misses out in their presentation of the pantheon of Egyptian gods and goddesses and why that matters.


Star Wars turns 45 – is it middle-aged or ready for a second wind?
Co-hosts Robert Meyer Burnett and Mike Bawden talk about the 45th anniversary of STAR WARS at the movie theater. Both Rob and Mike saw the film in the theater during opening weekend and they share their recollections as well as their views on where the franchise is headed. They also discuss the relative importance of the upcoming Obi-Wan streaming series (starring Ewan McGregor) which will debut on Disney+ on Friday, May 27.


STAR TREK V: THE FINAL FRONTIER may be the best “bad” Star Trek feature film.
Imagination Connoisseur, S’wak Props, thinks that while STAR TREK V: THE FINAL FRONTIER may not be the “best” Star Trek feature film ever made … it’s no longer the worst. Not by a long shot. Find out why the “black sheep” of the ST motion picture “flock” holds a special place in S’wak’s heart.





Can Chip n Dale rescue animated features?
Imagination Connoisseur, Tommy Mårtennson, has some thoughts on the new Chip n Dale movie on Disney+. He ranks it up there with the animated classic, WHO FRAMED ROGER RABBIT, and says that this new film includes some delightfully unexpected cameos, as well.


Moon Knight was fun, but flawed.
Imagination Connoisseur, Rick Whiting, provides his review of the streaming series, ‘Moon Knight’ which ran on Disney+ in April. While the show was fun, there are a few things Rick would have preferred to see that would have kept the series much closer to the comics that served as its source material.


Don’t miss this year’s definitive “multiverse” movie.
Imagination Connoisseur, S’wak Props, shares his review of a film he thinks does a terrific job at explaining the concept of a “multiverse” … and while his recommendation might surprise you, it’s not all that strange (pun intended).


SPECIAL COVID EDITION: Part 2 – Why is everyone so bitchy? Outrage pays.
Co-hosts Robert Meyer Burnett and Mike Bawden talk about why it seems everyone in fandom seems to be so upset about everything all the time. Could it be that outrage pays bigger dividends than satisfaction? – on today’s ROADTRIPPIN’ podcast (Special COVID Edition – Part 2).


SPECIAL COVID Edition: Part 1 – There is a critical shortage of genre fiction writers.
Co-hosts Robert Meyer Burnett and Mike Bawden talk about why it seems fans seem to turn against the very franchises they say they love. But why? Do fans hold unreasonable expectations or are genre writers just not up to the task? (Or both?) – all on today’s ROADTRIPPIN’ podcast (A Special COVID Edition).


The “Director’s Edition” was the first time this fan saw STAR TREK: THE MOTION PICTURE
Despite being a life-long fan of Star Trek, Imagination Connoisseur, Bruce Haims, had never seen STAR TREK: THE MOTION PICTURE until he popped the new, 4K “Director’s Edition” into his player and watched it for the very first time.


In honor of Armed Forces Day
Today is Armed Forces Day in the US, and it seemed like an opportune time to showcase some of the best films made in the “war” genre (at least from an American perspective). Some glorified combat, while others delivered a stronger, anti-war message. But in every case, the story and the way it was told deserve the audience’s attention.