The Franchise Connection

"Star Trek: Generations" Review - TNG Jumps to the Big Screen

The adventures of the Enterprise-D crew continue here in their first feature-length film! While investigating a Romulan attack on a space observatory, Captain Jean-Luc Picard and his team meet a scientist named Tolian Soran, who they start to suspect might be behind this raid. However, before they can question him about it, he's transported away by Klingons. As they chase after him, Picard will discover Soran's master plan, how it connects to a realm called the Nexus, and the deadly consequences that will arise if he succeeds.
Listen as we discuss how "Star Trek: The Next Generation's" big screen debut is an enjoyable adventure while director David Carson finally treats fans to a team-up they've waited years to see.

"Lazarus" Review [TV Series]: The World Is Ending? Let's Go Save It!

Introducing Hapna! It's a miraculous pill that can eradicate any kind of pain. Sounds too good to be true? Well, it is. One day, Hapna's creator, Dr. Deniz Skinner, says this medicine will mutate and kill its users in 30 days... unless someone can find him. This leads to the formation of Lazarus, a ragtag group of criminals tasked with locating Skinner and acquiring a cure. As the clock winds down to zero, Lazarus must work together to find Skinner and save the day while evading various foes and a shadowy conspiracy.
Listen as we discuss how Shinichiro Watanabe's latest anime has an interesting premise and an eclectic set of characters, but unfortunately fails to reach its full potential.
#Lazarus #Anime #TVShow #Season1 #AdultSwim #TVReview #Reviews #TheFranchiseConnectionPodcast #Podcast

”Fletch Lives" Review: An Inherent-ly Dull Sequel

Stop the presses! Irwin M. Fletcher a.k.a. Fletch quits! After learning he's inherited his aunt's Louisiana plantation, Fletch prepares for a luxurious new lifestyle... only to find out the place is a mess. As Fletch contemplates what to do with the property, things take a deadly turn when he's framed for murder. On top of that, a variety of characters are pressuring Fletch to sell his aunt's home. Fletch soon realizes there's a scheme at play and dons his reporter's cap once again to find out who's out to get him and his inheritance.
Listen as we discuss how "Fletch Lives" isn't as funny or interesting as the original (despite director Michael Ritchie and Chevy Chase both returning) while Chase makes Fletch more crude than charming in this latest mystery.

Fletch (1985) Review - The Wackiest Undercover Reporter

When hotshot L.A. investigative reporter, Irwin M. Fletcher a.k.a. Fletch, is offered $50K by shady businessman Alan Stanwyk to kill him for insurance money, Fletch senses his next big story. As he digs further, he unravels a huge scheme full of lies and deception that only raises more questions. With the help of Alan's wife, Gail, he'll expose the truth as he faces intimidating thugs and a stressful deadline.
Listen as we discuss how director Michael Ritchie crafts an exciting and hysterical caper while Chevy Chase makes Fletch endearing with a wisecracking, witty personality.

"Star Trek: The Next Generation" Review [TV Series] - Part 2: Favorite Episodes and Q&a

In the 24th century, Captain Jean-Luc Picard commands the U.S.S. Enterprise-D, where he and his crew travel the galaxy to visit extraordinary worlds, encounter mysterious alien species, and even cross paths with some familiar faces. Along the way, they will confront countless moral and ethical quandaries and contemplate philosophical concepts such as the human condition and life itself.
In Part 2 of 2, listen as we discuss our favorite episodes from "Star Trek: The Next Generation" and have fun answering various questions about this iconic series.

"Star Trek: The Next Generation" Review [TV Series] - Part 1: Series Overview and Crew Evaluation

In the 24th century, Captain Jean-Luc Picard commands the U.S.S. Enterprise-D, where him and his crew travel the galaxy to visit extraordinary worlds, encounter mysterious alien species, and even cross paths with some familiar faces. Along the way, they will confront countless moral and ethical quandaries and contemplate philosophical concepts such as the human condition and life itself.
In Part 1 of 2, listen as we discuss our overall thoughts on Gene Roddenberry's second live-action "Star Trek" series while evaluating the main cast and our favorite supporting characters.

"Bright (2017)" Review [Failed Film Franchise]: A Mundane Urban Fantasy

In a world where fantasy creatures live alongside humans, LAPD officer Daryl Ward is partnered with the nation's only orc cop, Nick Jakoby. However, Daryl questions Nick's loyalties after an orc attacks him, and Nick doesn't catch the criminal. That all changes when they find an elf named Tikka, a Bright or the only beings who can use magic wands (the most powerful weapons in the world). Soon, Daryl has to put aside his personal feelings to help Nick protect Tikka from those who want her wand, including local street gangs, corrupt cops, and the Inferni, a renegade sect of elves with sinister motivations. If Daryl, Nick, and Tikka can't get this wand to the right individuals, it won't be just them in danger but everyone in the entire world.
Listen as we discuss how director David Ayer's urban fantasy is less spellbinding and more run-of-the-mill cop drama while Will Smith and Joel Edgerton nicely capture Daryl and Nick's inner struggles.

"Tales of Terror (1962)" Review: Three Horror Stories For the 'Price' of One

Why settle for one horror story when you can have three. Brace yourself for "Tales of Terror!" A woman returns home hoping to reconnect with her father, but a sinister presence plans to ruin this reunion. A drunkard turns to vengeance when he suspects his wife of infidelity and sets out to get revenge on her and her lover. A dying man turns to mesmerism to ease his pain, but his wife and physician believe this mesmerist has ulterior motives. Get ready for a collection of Edgar Allen Poe stories bound to haunt you, thrill you, and baffle you.
Listen as we discuss how Roger Corman's anthology film is a mixed bag of Poe adaptations while Vincent Price highlights this picture by playing three different characters.

"The Premature Burial (1962)" Review: Fearing Fate

What's scares you the most? For Guy Carrell, he's haunted by a family history of gruesome deaths, especially being buried alive. However, his fiancé, Emily Gault refuses to let him live in fear and promises to stay by his side. Soon, Guy and Emily get married and prepare for a bright future together...until a series of events reignite Guy's anxiety. As Emily contacts her friend Dr. Miles Archer for help, Guy crafts a flawless contingency plan in case he is buried alive. Yet, despite all his planning, Guy can't shake the feeling he's doomed no matter what he does.
Listen as we discuss how Roger Corman's Poe Cycle continues to uphold its classical and suspenseful standards while Ray Milland showcases his own take on a tortured Poe-tagonist.

"The Pit and the Pendulum (1961)" Review: Tormented by Spirits and Secrets

There's something amiss at Medina Castle, and Francis Bernard is determined to discover what it is. When Francis learns his sister, Elizabeth, has died, her husband, Don Nicolas Medina, and sister-in-law, Catherine, say it was a blood illness, but Elizabeth's doctor says it was a heart attack. Suspicious of her death, he asks to see where she died and learns it occurred in Nicolas' family vault. However, opening this chamber will lead to disaster as the search for answers unleashes painful memories, supernatural occurrences, and a descent into madness.
Listen as we discuss how Roger Corman directs another sensational Poe adaptation with the same amazing production design, non-stop thrills, and riveting performances (especially from Vincent Price).