Predator: Badlands shouldn’t be this good. MonteCristo and DoA went in expecting another forgettable franchise sequel and came out calling it the best Predator film since 1987. In this episode of Nerd Legion, the hosts break down how Dan Trachtenberg turned a dormant IP into a bold, emotional, and surprisingly funny sci-fi blockbuster. They discuss the film’s unexpected focus on the Predator’s culture and honor code, Elle Fanning’s dual performance, and how the movie manages to feel both classic and completely new. From the inventive world-building to the subtitled alien language and practical effects, Predator: Badlands proves that simple stories told well still hit the hardest. The conversation also detours into Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein, the curse of bloated superhero films, and why Hollywood keeps forgetting how to make tight, self-contained action movies. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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What Went Wrong With The Witcher? | SEASON 4 REVIEW
MonteCristo and DoA return to dissect Netflix’s latest fantasy implosion, where Liam Hemsworth steps into the role of Geralt and discovers that charisma and coherent writing have both been exhumed. From botched tone and nonsense plotting to uneven VFX and dialogue that feels AI-generated, The Witcher has finally become the kind of fantasy parody it used to mock. The hosts break down why the show collapsed: bizarre subplots, missing chemistry, baffling character arcs, and some of the worst world-building since The Acolyte. They compare Cavill’s grounded performance to Hemsworth’s “mush-mouth” Witcher, praise Laurence Fishburne for stealing every scene, and mourn the death of what was once Netflix’s flagship genre series. Plus: how this all ties back to bad adaptation culture, writer-room ego, and why Henry Cavill was right to leave when he did. Black Friday is around the corner, and Raycon audio products are up to 30% off sitewide! Go to https://buyraycon.com/NERDLEGIONOPEN to save on Raycon audio products sitewide. Ready to say yes to saying no? Make the switch at https://MINTMOBILE.com/nerd.Upfront payment of $45 required (equivalent to $15/mo.). Limited time new customer offer for first 3 months only. Speeds may slow above 35GB on Unlimited plan. Taxes & fees extra. See MINT MOBILE for details. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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1:12:28
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1:12:28
Reviving The Original Series... But Is It Good? | SPLINTER CELL: DEATHWATCH
Splinter Cell: Deathwatch might be the most unexpected comeback in gaming history: an animated Netflix series based on a franchise that’s been dormant for a decade. MonteCristo and DoA dive deep into Ubisoft’s strange revival of Sam Fisher, the stealth-action legend who’s now older, grizzled, and apparently stuck in an anime-style John Wick universe created by Derek Kolstad. In this episode, the hosts debate whether Deathwatch is a solid espionage thriller or just a messy prelude to Ubisoft’s upcoming Splinter Cell remake. They discuss the show’s surprising violence, chaotic hacking scenes, and the questionable logic of “chaos algorithms,” plus the performances of Liev Schreiber as Sam Fisher and the legacy of Michael Ironside’s voice. Follow our link and use code NERD to unlock 10% off your purchase at Manta Sleep! https://tinyurl.com/mume73e3 Black Friday is around the corner, and Raycon audio products are up to 30% off sitewide! Go to https://www.buyraycon.com/NERDLEGIONOPEN to save on Raycon audio products sitewide. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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1:03:11
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1:03:11
The Funniest Terrible Fantasy Movie Ever Made | ATOR 2: THE BLADE MASTER
There’s bad. There’s so bad it’s good.And then there’s Ator 2: The Blade Master: a sword-and-sorcery disasterpiece that transcends failure and becomes pure comedy gold. MonteCristo and DoA continue Nerd Legion’s 1980s fantasy marathon with the most unintentionally hilarious movie ever filmed. From its wooden acting and nonsensical dubbing to its unforgettable hang glider bombing run, The Blade Master proves that even terrible movies can become classics in their own chaotic way. Along the way, the hosts explore the bizarre Italian fantasy boom of the 1980s, Ator’s legacy as the world’s dumbest hero, and how this film’s director went from swords and sorcery to adult cinema. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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The Most Hardcore Samurai Film Ever? | Lone Wolf and Cub
Lone Wolf and Cub: Sword of Vengeance (1972) might be the most outrageous and hardcore samurai film we’ve covered yet. Former shogunate executioner Ogami Ittō becomes a disgraced wanderer, pushing his infant son through Edo-period Japan in a baby cart full of hidden weapons. Along the way, he faces betrayal, conspiracies, and blood-soaked battles that helped inspire everything from The Mandalorian to Ghost of Yōtei. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Nerd Legion is a weekly podcast exploring science fiction and fantasy TV shows and films as well as other aspects of nerd culture. Featuring long-time esports casting duo Erik "DoA" Lonnquist and Christopher "MonteCristo" Mykles, the show highlights their years of established synergy and banter to lend humor and insight into the latest pop culture trends.
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