Podcast Assemble – Details, episodes & analysis

Grab your mashed potatoes and start sculpting mysterious mountains—it’s time for another episode of Podcast Assemble! Tommy revisited Toy Story and was reminded that Pixar once had the power to emotionally devastate you with a talking cowboy. Meanwhile, DL checked out London Boulevard and highly recommends it: a criminally overlooked British crime drama that deserves more attention. Then it’s onto Steven Spielberg’s Close Encounters of the Third Kind - the film that convinced an entire generation to look nervously at the night sky.

Timecodes:

(00:00) Intro

(05:46) What Have We Been Up To?

(10:20) Toy Story

(11:54) Studio Ghibli

(17:04) MAIN TOPIC!! Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977)

(17:59) Stupid Plot Summary

(18:40) Actual Plot

(21:32) What Would You Do?

(24:17) Who Stays Human If Everyone Are Muppets?

(26:51) Do We Believe?

(30:24) Themes

(31:49) Favourite Scenes

(39:52) Dislikes

(43:53) Critical Reception

(44:42) Better or Worse Than Aquaman (2018)?

(45:26) Trivia True Trivia False

(48:26) Final Thoughts

(48:50) Wrapping Up

Main Topic:

Close Encounters of the Third Kind is Spielberg at his most optimistic, trading laser guns and alien invasions for wonder, mystery, and increasingly concerning behaviour from suburban dads. When ordinary people around the world begin experiencing strange visions tied to extraterrestrial contact, one man becomes obsessed with uncovering the truth. Tommy loved revisiting the film’s sense of awe and old-school blockbuster charm. DL, meanwhile, disappeared down an internet rabbit hole researching real-world alien theories and may not have fully returned. It’s thoughtful, ambitious, and a reminder that sci-fi used to be about asking questions rather than punching things.

Is Close Encounters the greatest alien contact film ever made - or just the world's most expensive argument for hobbyist mountain sculpture? Let us know at thepodcastassemble@gmail.com or hit us up on socials. Bonus points if you can explain what Ghost actually does.

Website || Instagram || Twitter || YouTube || Email

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And while we've got you, we'd love it if you gave us a 5 star review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ and let us know what you think of the show.

#CloseEncountersOfTheThirdKind #StevenSpielberg #DisclosureDay #SciFiClassics #ToyStory #LondonBoulevard #podcast #moviereview #movietok

By the Power of algorithms! Raise your swords and lower your expectations—it’s time for another episode of Podcast Assemble! Tommy’s been watching the final season of The Boys, which felt a little tired but still had enough chaos to keep him entertained. Meanwhile, DL has finally started From and, two episodes in, remains thoroughly unconvinced that it deserves the internet's obsession. Then it’s onto Masters of the Universe (2026) - the latest attempt to convince us that Eternia is the next big cinematic universe.

Timecodes:

(00:00) Intro

(06:40) What Have We Been Up To?

(09:48) Drey's Mt Rushmore of TV Shows

(19:50) MAIN TOPIC!! Masters of the Universe (2026)

(19:58) Stupid Plot Summary

(23:22) Goofy IMDB Picture

(27:10) Theater Experience

(37:49) Who Stays Human If Everyone Else Are Muppets?

(55:04) Critical Reception

(56:04) Better Or Worse Than Aquaman (2018)?

(56:50) SPOILERS START!!! Masters of the Universe (2026)

(1:03:28) SPOILERS END!! Masters of the Universe (2026)

(1:03:30) Trivia True Trivia False

(1:06:38) Wrapping Up

Main Topic:

Masters of the Universe brings He-Man, Skeletor, and a mountain of '80s nostalgia back to the big screen with plenty of action and enough lore to fill Castle Grayskull's basement. Tommy went in expecting a train wreck and came out pleasantly surprised. DL, perhaps more surprisingly, didn't hate it. That said, ultimately does it join the ever-growing pile of films built from the modern superhero blockbuster template? Part Marvel quip-fest, part family adventure, part nostalgia bomb. Sometimes it works. Sometimes you can see the focus groups.

Is Masters of the Universe the adaptation fans have been waiting decades for - or just another Dungeons and Dragons..? Let us know at thepodcastassemble@gmail.com or hit us up on socials. Bonus points if you can explain what Ghost actually does.

Website || Instagram || Twitter || YouTube || Email

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And while we've got you, we'd love it if you gave us a 5 star review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ and let us know what you think of the show.

#MastersOfTheUniverse #HeMan #Skeletor #TheBoysTV #FromTVSeries #podcast #moviereview #movietok

Grab your flares and suppress your emotions—it’s time for another bleak and brilliant episode of Podcast Assemble. DL’s the boys agree that Stranger Things was at worst satisfying, while we take a deep dive into James Islington’s The Strength of the Few (epic, dense, and emotionally devastating—just how we like it). Then it's time to descend into the nightmare that is 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple—a film we both loved, but we totally get if you didn’t.

Timecodes:

1. (00:00) Intro
2. (07:22) What Have We Been Up To?
3. (09:42) !! SPOILERS START - Strength of the Few
4. (30:18) !! SPOILERS END - Strength of the Few
5. (37:56) MAIN TOPIC: 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple
6. (39:01) Stupid Plot Summary
7. (39:44) Cast & Crew
8. (40:22) The Sequalic Connections
9. (44:50) Who's a Muppet, Who's a Human?
10. (1:46:10) Production
11. (1:55:32) Themes
12. (1:58:48) Music & Score
13. (1:59:52) Action
14. (1:02:20) Performances
15. (1:06:46) Tones & Themes
16. (1:09:52) 3 Best & 3 Worst
17. (1:14:41) Critical Reception
18. (1:15:45) Better or Worse than Aquaman (2018)?
19. (1:16:06) !! SPOILERS START - The Bone Template
20. (1:27:34) !! SPOILERS END - The Bone Template
21. (1:27:36) Trivia True or False
22. (1:29:53) Wrapping Up

Main Topic:

The Bone Temple is the haunting next chapter in the 28 Days Later saga—more psychological horror than zombie sprint-fest. It swaps the chaos of infection for the cold dread of cults, isolation, and a world that’s forgotten how to hope. Visually arresting and narratively brutal, it’s not here to hold your hand—it’s here to gnaw it off. DL praised its atmosphere. Tommy’s still recovering emotionally. It's bold, bleak, and exactly the kind of divisive cinema we wish studios made more of.

Is 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple a high-concept horror masterpiece—or just two hours of beautifully shot human misery? Let us know at thepodcastassemble@gmail.com or hit us up on socials. Bonus points if you can explain what Ghost actually does.

Website || Instagram || Twitter || YouTube || Email

****************************

And while we've got you, we'd love it if you gave us a 5 star review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ and let us know what you think of the show.

#podcast #moviereview #movietok

#28YearsLater #TheBoneTemple #JamesIslington #StrangerThings #PostApocalypticHorror

Hello hello and welcome back to Podcast Assemble! Your regular dose of geeky entertainment with co-hosts Tommy & a very sick DL, from across the pond.

Time Codes:

INTRO 0:16

WHYBUT 5:03

Have you heard? 12:47

**The Last Of Us Spoiler 16:17

MAIN TOPIC: End of Watch *FULL SPOILERS* 27:36

Stupid Plot Summary 29:19

Critical Scores 30:08

Plot 32:14

Cinematography & World-building 49:39

Action 55:29

Tones & Themes 1:02:13

3 Best and 3 Worst 1:04:55

Better or Worse than Aquaman (2018)? 1:07:52

Trivia True or False 1:09:02

Did you hear this week that:

• Dune Part 2 delayed!
• Rick & Morty Season 7 gets a release date
• Big gaming news

Main Topic:

For our main topic this week we are diving back into one of our many anthology series' - Movies we Should have Seen, But Haven't! This week Tommy brings to the table the 2012 David Ayer written and directed 'End of Watch'. Based on the day to day lives of two beat cops in South Central LA, who stumble across some things they really shouldn't, the film is a masterpiece in escalation and street violence. But does it make the grade as better than Aquaman 2018? Join us for great chat and more!

Did you see the movie? Let us know by messaging thepodcastassemble@gmail.com or hitting us up on socials, and we'll give you a shout-out on the pod!

Website || Instagram || Twitter || YouTube || Email

And while we've got you, we'd love it if you gave us a 5 star review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ and let us know what you think of the show.

Too much content out there right now? Wondering if Disney Star Wars shows are all all going downhill? Well look no further! In our series I watch the first episode of a show, so you don't have to!

Join Podcast Assemble as we discuss the first episode of AHSOKA and whether its worth checking out. And if you like what you're hearing, why not check out our podcast Podcast Assemble?! https://spoti.fi/3WNJDXK

Go find ALL our extended content at: www.podcastassemble.com

#ahsoka #ahsokatano #starwars #disney #jedi #themandalorian #babyyoda #grogu #obiwankenobi #darthvader #sith #rebels #theclosewars

Hello hello and welcome back to Podcast Assemble! Your regular dose of geeky entertainment with co-hosts Tommy & a very sick DL, from across the pond.

Time Codes:

INTRO 0:16

WHYBUT? 4:07

Have you heard? 25:30

Main Theme: Harry Potter & the Prisoner of Azkaban 48:34.

Stupid Plot Summary 49:26

Critical Scores 51:12

The Time Turners 1:12:27

Cinemataography & World Building 1:21:16

Tones & Themes 1:32:44

3 Best & 3 Worst 1:34:44

Harry Potter Fan-Casting 1:38:38

Better or Worse than Aquaman (2018)? 1:43:54

Ranking of Harry Potter films (ongoing) 1:44:47

Trivia: True or False? 1:45:31

Did you hear this week that:

• Gamescom 2023 dropping some huge trailers!
• Thor 5 rumours abound
• Rebel Moon trailer - new Zack Schneider joint for Netflix

Main Topic:

This week for our main topic we're digging into one of our many.. many anthology series': we're reviewing the third Harry Potter movie! We discuss whether the actors are getting worse or better, the new additions and DL has some spicy takes. Which is your favorite movie in the Harry Potter franchise? Join us for great chat and more!

Did you see the movie? Let us know by messaging thepodcastassemble@gmail.com or hitting us up on socials, and we'll give you a shout-out on the pod!

Website || Instagram || Twitter || YouTube || Email

And while we've got you, we'd love it if you gave us a 5 star review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ and let us know what you think of the show.

Hello hello and welcome back to Podcast Assemble! Your regular dose of geeky entertainment with co-hosts Tommy & DL, from across the pond.

Time Codes:

What have you been up to - 3:55

*SPOILERS - The Bear - 16:10

*SPOILERS - Secret Invasion - 20:39

Have you heard? - 21:50

Main topic - Barbie (2023) *Non spoilers - 32:10

Tones & themes - 50:55

3 Best & 3 Worst - 53:00

Which was better - Barbie or Oppenheimer? - 55:20

**SPOILERS - Main topic - 59:05

True or False Trivia - 1.07:15

Did you hear this week that:

• Invincible Season 2 trailer baby!
• Gal Gadot returning for a third outing as Wonder Woman?
• Fantastic Four casting rumors continue!
• Meg 2: The Trench - Critical reception and opening weekend box office at odds

Main Topic:

For our main topic this week we're reviewing the Barbie - the second part of the Barbenheimer blockbuster extravaganza! We're going to be deepdiving the Greta Gerwig directed take on the world of Barbie, and deciding which is better - our choices might surprise you.... Have you seen both Barbie and Oppenheimer yet? Join us for answers and more!

Did you see the movie? Let us know by messaging thepodcastassemble@gmail.com or hitting us up on socials, and we'll give you a shout-out on the pod!

Website || Instagram || Twitter || YouTube || Email

And while we've got you, we'd love it if you gave us a 5 star review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ and let us know what you think of the show.

Wow Wow WOW! Did you see the new Loki Season 2 trailer? Did you catch the references to "Timeslipping"? Well this could be the biggest hint yet that we're FINALLY going to be getting X-Men joining the MCU!.. Or you know.. it could all be a big misdirect.

Join Podcast Assemble as we what Timeslipping is and how it could change the face of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The Full video can be found here: Will Loki season 2 introduce the X-Men?

And if you like what you're hearing, why not check out our podcast Podcast Assemble?!

https://spoti.fi/3WNJDXK

Go find ALL our extended content at:

www.podcastassemble.com

#loki #lokiseason2 #xmen #wolverine #marvel #mcu #comicbookmovies #comics #tomhiddleston #thor #godofmischief #owenwilson #tva #hughjackman

Hello hello and welcome back to Podcast Assemble! Your regular dose of geeky entertainment with co-hosts Tommy & DL, who this week IS across the pond.

Time Codes:

What have you been up to - 8:10

Have you heard? - 30:35

Main topic - Oppenheimer (2023) *Full spoilers - 45:27

Tones & themes - 1:25:52

3 Best & 3 Worst - 1:28:00

Ranking the Nolan Movies - 1.32:35

True or False Trivia - 1.34:24

Did you hear this week that:

• Beyond the Spider-verse delayed indefinitely
• The Marvels - new trailer!
• Loki season 2 - trailer and release date
• Oppenheimer nude scenes censored in some countries:

Main Topic:

For our main topic this week we're delivering back into our Chris Nolan anthology, with part 8! This week we discuss (full spoilers) the first half of the Barbenheimer summer blockbuster extravaganza - we're reviewing Oppenheimer (2023). Chris Nolan’s gives us his take on a historical epic, mixed with a tragedy, which shook the world. Have you seen both Barbie and Oppenheimer yet? Join us for answers and more!

Did you see the movie? Let us know by messaging thepodcastassemble@gmail.com or hitting us up on socials, and we'll give you a shout-out on the pod!

Website || Instagram || Twitter || YouTube || Email

And while we've got you, we'd love it if you gave us a 5 star review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ and let us know what you think of the show.

Hello hello and welcome back to Podcast Assemble - your rambling dose of geeky entertainment, with co-host Tommy & a very special guest this week David Porte Beckefeld!

David is a 3D VR artist, Creative Director & Geeky movie lover (Instagram: davidportebeckefeld). David joined me for an interview to chat about his creativity inspirations and a review of one of his favorite nostalgic movies - Rome Must Die (2000).

We talk David’s artistic process, the movies that he loves and get deep on one of the most nostalgic movies from the 2000’s.

Find David’s on Instagram: davidportebeckefeld

Find the episodes we discussed linked here:

- Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning (2023) - https://shorturl.at/dnyT3

- Batman Begins (2005) ft. Reg’s of the Film Addicts Podcast - https://shorturl.at/npwDT

- Dungeons & Dragons (2023) - https://shorturl.at/CDMO6

- Heat (1995) - https://shorturl.at/ghKT4