Monday Show and Tell, Ep. 9 - Hippo Surprise

This week, Darren talks about the BBC series, Sherlock, as well as the PSN Welcome Back Games. Meanwhile, Andrew tells us all about the Apple Records Reissues. And remember to come back Wednesday, when we discuss the new film, X-Men: First Class.



Time Stamps:

[1:35] - Sherlock

[7:34] - PSN Welcome Back games

[11:54] - Apple Records

Netflix Instant Watch Recommendation of the Week: Anvil! The Story of Anvil

This week, I'm very happy to be recommending the heartwarming critical darling, "Anvil! The Story of Anvil." Directed by Sacha Gervasi, this 2008 documentary explores the story of Canadian metal band Anvil, led by Steve "Lips" Kudlow and Robb Reiner.

The film follows Kudlow and Reiner as they continue to seek success in the world of metal 30 years after their creation of the band as adolescents. Anvil, despite having had an influence on some of the most popular metal musicians in history (Metallica, Anthrax, Slash), had never really managed to find any resounding success among the heyday of 80's metal. When the film begins to follow Kudlow and Reiner, they are working low-paying menial jobs in order to make money to support their continued musical performance.

Despite this, the two men (along with current bassist Glenn Five) are still playing just as enthusiastically as ever. Their very close friendship comes across brilliantly in the film, and even if you aren't a huge fan of their genre of music, it is extremely easy to root for their success as the film progresses. They are clearly talented musicians, and it is obvious how much they love playing metal for a crowd, no matter how small the crowd may be. In addition, both Kudlow and Reiner are perfect examples of stereotypical Canadian politeness.

If this is sounding a lot like "This is Spinal Tap," that's because it sort of is. Unlike that Rob Reiner (just a hilarious coincidence, as it happens) film, though, "Anvil!" is not really meant to make you laugh. You likely will, as there are plenty of funny moments throughout, but it is by no means Gervasi's intent. Like any great story of friendship, there are a few points in the film where those friendships are tested, and those moments are appropriately tense and dramatic, with plenty of pathos earned for these men over the course of the documentary.

Overall, it's an easy recommendation to anyone, but especially fans of 80's metal. You'll meet a band you likely had no idea existed, let alone was so respected by their fans and peers. The personalities of the band members are engaging personalities, and rooting for them as they struggle to find success is quite a satisfying journey. Even if you're not a fan of metal, it's a pretty easy recommendation, as it presents a wonderfully honest tale of friendship that succeeds at tugging gingerly at your heartstrings.

Book Club Wednesday - Mystery Team

Hello all! This week, it's Mystery Team, a movie starring Don Glover, among others.... As always, keep an ear out for the ghost cat, be the first to email us its location, and win a prize! And tune in next week when we'll discuss the new movie, X-Men: First Class. Enjoy!

Video Review: Lego Games' HEROICA

Continuing our series of informative board game reviews, The Order of the Mighty Goose proudly presents Lego Heroica!

Since our first playtest, we've had a chance to check out a few more of the sets, try out the different classes, and fine tune our house rules.  Honestly, it seems this game gets more fun each time we play it.






The smallest set, Draida Bay, is a fine entry point into the series, though it doesn't have the weapons and treasures that the larger sets have.





The real fun starts when you combine the different sets to create campaigns and such.





And of course, making up house rules adds to the replay value. Try advancing monsters one space towards the closest hero at the end of each round to up the difficulty, or playing a co-op quest against a GM who controls the monsters.

All said, like all these Lego Games, Heroica is an innovative and entertaining family game, and a solid entry into the Action/Fantasy genre for younger players or anyone looking for good casual fun.

Monday Show and Tell, Ep. 8 - Amoose

Hello! It's time for another OMG Show and Tell! This week, Arthur Machen's horror novella "The Great God Pan", the new Amanda Palmer album, "Amanda Palmer Goes Down Under", and a brief introduction to the art of Origami! PLUS! Listen closely and ferret out the GHOST CAT! email us @ mightygoosepodcast@gmail.com with the location (ie. timestamp) of the *mrow* and win an awesome prize!



Time Stamps:

[1:45]: Great God Pan
[7:28]: Amanda Palmer Goes Down Under
[12:56]: Origami

Netflix Instant Watch Recommendation of the Week: Leaves of Grass

Sorry for the late post, but I have been woefully overwhelmed with finals work for school... BUT I SHALL BE OVERWHELMED NO LONGER!!! 'Cause, you know... I finished this afternoon. That is not important, however. What IS important is that it's time for another movie recommendation, and I am quite happy this week to be recommending the 2009 dark comedy-drama "Leaves of Grass," written and directed by Tim Blake Nelson.

You may recognize Tim Blake Nelson as an actor (O Brother Where Art Thou, The Incredible Hulk), and he does make an appearance in this film, but he also the mind behind this quirky crime dramedy. Starring in the film (and co-starring, as the case may be) is the reliably fantastic Edward Norton, playing Ivy League philosophy professor Bill Kincaid and his identical twin pot-growing brother, Brady. The film also features Susan Sarandon, Richard Dreyfuss, and Keri Russell in supporting roles.

The plot of the film surrounds Bill Kincaid, as he is tricked into leaving his posh university surroundings to visit his cleverly criminal twin brother in a small, Southern town outside of Tulsa, Oklahoma. Predictably, he ends up getting caught up in a variety of shady dealings as a result of looking exactly like the notorious Brady, and hijinks inevitably ensue. While the plot of the film is relatively standard, it's the execution here that is especially memorable.

The script by Tim Blake Nelson has a great deal of fun with the fact that Bill is a philosophy professor. It opens on a wonderfully written monologue, performed with teacherly subtlety by Norton, where Kincaid is discussing the merits of classical philosophy with his class. Throughout the film, both Bill and Brady have moments of ponderous philosophical conversation, and it's a wonderful examination of the similarities and contrasts between academic philosophy and down-home folksy wisdom. It is said by their mother that Brady has the higher IQ, and he certainly is brilliant in his own quirkily delinquent manner.

Eventually, as tends to be the case in dark crime dramedies, the plot takes a turn for the violent. There are only a few scenes of violence, but they all play out quickly and brutally. While the film is very much engaging from start to finish, I do have a small gripe about the film's violent third act. The film gets much more dramatic, and the pacing ramps up rather rapidly. A lot happens in the final portion of the movie, and it happens a bit too quickly for my tastes. I think the film could have benefited from an extra fifteen minutes or so, but it is quite entertaining throughout. The only downside is that the weight that many of the films climactic moments should have is subverted by the suddenness and brevity with which they happen. It's unfortunate, but by no means a deal breaker.

An easy recommendation, despite its flaws. It's a smartly written film full of enjoyable performances by talented actors. Give it a watch if you like dark, indie dramedies, or if you just like Edward Norton (and really, who doesn't like Edward Norton?).

Book Club Wednesday - Look at the Birdie

Sorry for the delay, folks. Here it is, our discussion of Look at the Birdie, a collection of short stories by Kurt Vonnegut. Hope you enjoy!