2017: In Review

Happy New Year everyone! We hope you had a fun and safe holiday season with friends and family. Now, its our turn to celebrate with you as we look forward to kicking off the new year with a brand new show! But, before we dive head first into the new year, we want to look back at what 2017 had to offer.

Last year was such a great year in entertainment. From Logan to Wonder Woman, COCO to Get Out, Mindhunter to The Punisher, we had one of, if not, THE BEST year for movies and TV shows EVER. While some of you might consider that a bit of an exaggeration, its hard to deny that 2017 was, at the very least, one of the greatest years for comic book movies and TV shows we've ever had! Just look at this list: Wonder Woman, Logan, Kingsman: The Golden Circle, Spider-Man: Homecoming, Marvel's The Punisher on Netflix, Guardians of the Galaxy: Vol. 2, The Gifted, Thor: Ragnarok, Legion, Justice League, etc. And that's just the comic book related stuff. The list can go on and on if we consider the other greats (cough cough...STAR WARS, Stranger Things: Season 2, IT...cough cough). 

So, click the link below to hear what we loved, hated, and regretted not seeing in 2017. We also give a brief look at what we're most excited for this new year, our PICK OF THE WEEK, and Uno's brand new impression (WAKANDA FOREVER). All that, plus so much more, on this week's episode of The Beta Report.

Photo by Jazmin Quaynor on Unsplash

Star Wars Trailer Reaction

It's Episode 92! The brand new trailer for Star Wars: The Last Jedi is here! And we have some thoughts, observations, questions, theories, concerns...Our stress level is sky high right now! We also talk about the new Justice League trailer and we sneak in a few comments about Thor: Ragnarok. The KON also reviews Inhumans and The Gifted. 

We also have a new PICK OF THE WEEK. All that and so much more on this week's episode of The Beta Report.

Kingsman: The Golden Circle (REVIEW)

It's Episode 91! Manners. Maketh. Man. In 2014, no one knew what Kingsman was and, quite frankly, I don't think anyone could have anticipated what a hit it would become. This sleek, uber-stylized, mega violent and unabashedly over-the-top-action-romp steamrolled through theaters and became one of the best modern spy movies we've ever seen. So, in not-so-beta-report-fashion, The Beta Bros actually went to see Kingsman: The Golden Circle in theaters this weekend. This is our full (NON-SPOILER) review of the film.  

We also give you guys are five most anticipated shows of the Fall and The KON reviews the Netflix comedy/mockumentary film: American Vandal. All that and so much more on this week's episode of The Beta Report.

(Not So) Mini Episode

Jay is visiting family out of state, but that won't stop him from sitting alone, in a car, on a dark street, in a dusky small town in New Mexico fearing alien probes, blue meth dealers or Pennywise to provide you with the most entertaining nonsense you can imagine. You can always count on The Beta Bros to waste your time no matter which state we are in. You can also count on TBR to do a mini-episode, but still make it an hour long show!

This week, we discuss the return of JJ Abrams to the Star Wars Universe as its being reported that he has now been hired to write and direct Episode IX after Colin Trevorrow's firing. We also talk Narcos: Season 3, Little Evil, and Guillermo del Toro's The Shape of Water, which we unfortunately missed in our last episode "Fall Preview (Movies)".

We also have a very different PICK OF THE WEEK for you and so much more on this week's episode of The Beta Report.

Photo by Jaz King on Unsplash

FALL PREVIEW (MOVIES)

It's Episode 89! It's a sad day here at The Beta Report HQ as we say goodbye to Game of Thrones Season 7, and even more devastating...we bid farewell to the beloved (mostly by us) "Game of Bros" segment! Nevertheless, we unsheathe our gallant words one last time this year and breakdown the season finale of GoT: "The Dragon and the Wolf". But, beware...SPOILERS are gnawing and clawing like the army of the dead in this episode. So, again, beware and proceed with caution.

We also breakdown some of our most anticipated movies of the Fall. With some obvious choices like IT, Thor: Ragnarok, Justice League, and Star Wars: The Last Jedi, to some not so obvious picks like Jackie Chan's The Foreigner and...Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle?

The KON also shares his thoughts on the new Amazon Prime super hero show The Tick: Season 1. All that and so much more on this weeks episode of The Beta Report.

Photo by Chris Lawton on Unsplash

The Defenders Review (Plus GoB)

It's Episode 86! The Defenders is finally here! For what felt like ages, Marvel has finally released its Netflix heroes' team-up adventure series and we've seen the whole thing. We got our SPOILER FREE REVIEW as well as our thoughts on the question everyone seems to be asking...is Iron Fist/Danny Rand better here than in his own series? We answer that and a few other questions regarding some of the show's other heroes, villains, and their futures in the NMCU (Netflix Marvel Cinematic Universe). 

Plus, we have another entry in the ongoing Game of Bros (GoB) segment, as Game of Thrones continues to march past the threshold of awesomeness with another great episode. This week we dissect Episode 6, "Beyond the Wall" as The Magnificent 7 aka The Suicide Squad aka The Westeros Avengers, go wight hunting in the snow. Zombie polar bears, flaming swords, Tormund and The Hound talking about Brienne...this episode has it all! By the way, "Tormund & The Hound" is the next great buddy-cop-Lethal-Weapon-Esque spin-off show that needs to happen. We got you HBO, let us write it. Hit us up!

We also talk about the upcoming standalone Obi-Won Kenobi movie and how that might connect to Rey and her parentage reveal in the upcoming Star Wars Saga films. Plus, we got a new PICK OF THE WEEK for you. It's a packed show! We got all this, and so much more, on this week's episode of The Beta Report.

Photo by Ahmed Rizkhaan on Unsplash

Game of Bros

It's Episode 85! On today's episode, The Beta Bros take on Season 7 of Game of Thrones. We react to episode 5 "Eastwatch", the benefits of this season's faster pace and whether there is too much fan service going on as we commence to wind the series down. We also keep it within the GOT family and talk about a little known movie starring everyone's favorite Lannister, Peter Dinklage, called Rememory. Then there is the Bruce Willis led remake of Death Wish. Will it work? Does this remake suffer from the history of its own name? Is Bruce "Willy" a good replacement for Charles Bronson? We answer all these questions and more. Plus, we got our PICK OF THE WEEK...THE DEFENDERS! All that and so much more, on this week's episode of The Beta Report.

COMIC-CON 2017

It's Episode 84! The Beta Report was at Comic-Con 2017 and we have all of the details of the event for you on today's episode! Our very own Cat was on location and she shares all of her first hand experience from the Con. We also discuss all of our favorite moments and releases from SDCC 2017. Plus, we also got a new PICK OF THE WEEK featuring the King of Wakanda himself, Chadwick Boseman. All that and so much more on this week's episode of The Beta Report.

D23 Reveals and GoT Review w/Special Guest Performance

It's Episode 83! On today's show, The Beta Report breaks down all of the new reveals from this year's D23 Expo. From the live-action Aladdin movie to Infinity Wars and Star Wars: The Last Jedi, TBR discusses all of the breaking news coming out of the Disney Expo. We also review episode one of Game of Throne's Season 7. Even more exciting news...Jay has finally seen a whole episode of Game of Thrones! More on that, plus TBR's reactions to Arya the assassin, the guilty Hound, and the perfect episode ending. And finally, an old friend drops by on the show to discuss poetry and their literary work. He also masterfully performs some "collaborative" pieces of poetry that you wont hear anywhere else but here! All that and so much more, on this week's episode of The Beta Report.

Reviews & Previews: The Beta Bros Are Back!

Its Episode 82! The Beta Report enjoyed their 4th of July vacation, their time-off, and the freedom they have to make more podcasts...So, The Beta Report is back! This week, The Beta Bros swing their way through Spider-Man: Homecoming. The KON reviews the new web-head film, the possible connections to other MCU films, possible villains and their place in the MCU/Netflix Marvel Universe and where Homecoming ranks in the MCU hierarchy of films. They also dragon-ride their way to Westeros as they give their Game of Thrones Season 7 preview. Season 7 is set to premier this Sunday, July 16, 2017. They also talk Star Wars vs. Star Trek feuds, mini-lightsabers, and so much more on this week's episode of The Beta Report.

Robots in Decline: Transformers 5 Review

It's Episode 81! The team is all together! This week we review the phenomenal, flawless, awe inspiring...no wait, its just the newest Transformers movie. We also give an early preview of Spider Man: Homecoming and the future of the Spidey-verse and all of the planned Spider Man spinoffs. We also have our PICK OF THE WEEK, which is a [Jimm Ross Voice] slobberknocker of a great show. All this and so much more, on this week's episode of The Beta Report.

Come Waste Some Time With Us!

A King & His Crown

Its Episode 80! The Beta Bros are holding it down. Cat will be back with us next week! But today, our special guest is none other than our very own Javian aka Forever Five. He's written and published his first book of poetry called CROWN: A Collection of Poems, which is now for sale. We talk about what inspired the book, what we can expect to see in the book, and if there are any more coming in the near future. You can contact him at jvnruano@icloud.com to order a copy, or you can just click HERE to place an order right now! You can also find it online, where you can order the hard copy and an eBook version for you mobile devices: Blurb Bookstore.

We also breakdown the first full Black Panther trailer and analyze what we loved, some of the characters and their backstories, and where we think this is taking the MCU, considering the following movie would be Infinity War Pt. 1. 

And then there's the 5th Transformers movie...Yeah, we'll get into that too. Plus a new pick of the week, and so much more. So as always, sit back, turn it up, and waste some time with us.

Wonder Woman Review (Mostly Spoiler Free)

Its Episode 79! The KON, Forever Five, and Cat...The Beta Report is back! After taking a few weeks off, we are back with another great show. In this episode, its all about Wonder Woman! We've all seen it and we're all dying to talk about it. From the sprawling beaches of Themyscira to the tiny babies in London, sit back as we revel in the majesty and grace of our new favorite DC hero. But, its not all glowing water and Themyscira sunsets, there were a few dark spots worth mentioning too. And, we'll get to all that and so much more in this week's episode of The Beta Report.

Summer Movie Preview 2017

Before we get into this week's show, we just wanted to take a moment to acknowledge the tragedy which took place in England yesterday, as we extend our deepest sympathies and prayers to the families of those affected. We also send out our love and prayers to Zack Snyder and his family after announcing the loss of his daughter. This is all truly devastating news, and our hearts and prayers are with them all.

Its episode 78! TBR is at full strength again, as the lovely Cat rejoins us this week. On today's episode we break down all of the new movie news that has just been announced. From the Tom's getting new roles i.e. Tom Holland as Nathan Drake and Tom Hardy as Venom, Universal's Movie Monster Universe...DARK UNIVERSE aka "Monster Squad 2.0", now taking shape, to our close friend and occasional podcast guest Arnold Schwarzenegger, announcing that he is going to be in yet another Terminator movie but this time with the great James Cameron involved as well. The KON also throws in a quick review of Alien: Covenant. Plus, we also have a Summer 2017 Movie Preview and our pick of the week. Its another packed show! As always, we've got all this, and so much more, on this week's episode of The Beta Report.

The Beta Bros: Duel vs. Dual

It's episode 77! This week, The Beta Bros take over the show, sans Cat and Gabasonic. On this week's episode we look at all of the new X-Men franchise news that has recently been announced. Get our thoughts on the new The Gifted trailer, recent casting news for the New Mutants movie, and Josh Brolin's big head and little arms debate. We also give you our preview of Alien: Covenant and Michael Fassbender's (!!!!) DUAL (!!!!) roles. Lastly, we continue to gush over Aziz Ansari's Master of None, as it returns for Season 2. We honestly cannot say enough about its approach to comedy and its moving narratives and story-telling. Ansari has definitely tapped into something that is simultaneously poignant and hilarious. If you enjoyed Season 1 of this show, you'll definitely love Season 2. We've got all this and so much more on this week's episode of The Beta Report.

Guardians of The Galaxy: VOL 2 Review (SPOILER FREE)

Episode 76! Guardians of The Galaxy: Vol 2 is finally here. This has been one of our most anticipated movies of the year and, for some of us, it didn't disappoint. Though, not all of us felt the same about the movie. Some of us weren't really feeling the Brady Bunch-esque character drama that the movie presented. So, listen in to get our SPOILER FREE review of the film and find out what we loved and what we didn't like so much from the movie. Also, it wouldn't be a Guardians-centric show if we didn't talk about the music in the movie. Its no surprise that Guardians of The Galaxy and James Gunn have become synonymous with a great soundtrack, and this film lives up to that claim x 100! In that same vein, we look at other great songs that thrust their respective movies from great features to iconic films like Rocky and Eye of the Tiger, Top Gun and Danger Zone...and Guardians of the Galaxy : Vol 2 and The Chain (Trust us, that song makes this movie!). All that, plus a few surprises, on this week's episode of The Beta Report.

Ricardo Ramirez: The Directors Cut

Its Episode 75! Through the course of this show's run, we've been fortunate enough to interview an amazing group of talented and insightful people. From producers, toy designers, make-up and hip-hop artists, to an actual Judge/Lawyer, a concha enthusiast and old childhood friends. Its always been our goal to book eclectic and entertaining guests who not only share our love for movies and comics, but who can also teach us a little something along the way. This episode is no different! This week, we had the opportunity to interview not only an old friend, but also a film director whose burgeoning voice in the industry will soon make him stand along side the great film makers reigning today. Aside from that, he is also currently involved in the TV/Film industry as a crucial component that breathes life to some of our favorite shows currently running, like: Designated Survivor, Marvel's: Agents of Shield, and Son of Zorn. As such, its our distinct pleasure to welcome Ricardo "Richie" Ramirez to this week's episode of The Beta Report. He'll be sharing insider knowledge regarding his job working behind the scenes on such high profile shows like the ones we mentioned above. He'll also talk a little about what its like to write, create, and film his own projects. And finally, the gloves come off as The Kon and Richie take the DC vs. Marvel battle outside the ring, for an all out nerd-tastic brawl. We have all that, and so much more, on this week's episode of: The Beta Report. 

TBR: The Last Jetti

Its Episode 74! Back at it again with this Star Wars talk. So much amazing news came out of the Star Wars 40th Celebration in Orlando. This week we break down the new Star Wars: The Last Jedi trailer and poster that were released last week. We also discuss some theories and rumors we've heard from around the web about the whispers we hear in the trailers, Rey's parents, and what "the Jedi must end" really means. Plus, we also review Fast 8 and its possible cause of baldness in men (we see you Vin Diesel, Rock, Tyresse, and Jason Statham).  We also have our review of The Get Down: Part 2! #GiveNapoleonSomeLove Its another loaded show, so keep it locked here on this week's episode of The Beta Report.

Taika & Cat: A Tale of Many Tangents

Its Episode 73! Thor! Taika! Thor! Taika! Thor: Ragnarok just dropped a new trailer and its fantastic. We have our reaction to that interstellar beauty and we can't stop ourselves from gushing over director Taika Waititi and all of his movies. Seriously, do yourself a favor and watch Hunt for the Wilderpeople, What we do in the Shadows, and the Team Thor Shorts. We promise you wont be disappointed. We also tour the world of Reddit in a brand new edition of Cat Chat. Plus, the world's longest intro!

Anime 101: Entry Level Subarashi

It's Episode 72 of The Beta Report! This week, we shine a light on the marvelous world of Anime. Now, we aren't experts on the subject, but we do love it. And, if you're anything like us, I'm sure you'll love it too. So, we wanted to give you guys a quick list of some of our favorite "Entry Level" anime shows that we think might help you get into the genre. We also break down The Walking Dead Season Finale (all hail Shiva), we have our Ghost in the Shell review, and we introduce a brand new segment: The Beta Hate (Celebrity Edition). We see you Rachel! We've got all that and so much more in this week's episode of The Beta Report.