Metroid? Castlevania? Mash them together and you’ve got Metroidvania, two great tastes that taste great together with a name that lets you know exactly the type of adventure you’re about to have. But is there a word for the ever-growing world of Contra clones that attempt to capture the magic of Konami’s run ‘n gun platformer? We’ve got Roguelikes, Soulslikes, how about Contralike? Nah, but considering how closely most of them stick to the formula, maybe Contra Clone is enough.

It’s Popzara’s Movie Time! Podcast, where our in-house movie nerds Ethan Brehm and Nate Evans take you on an unscripted journey yakking and chatting about some of their favorite movie moments and cinematic scenes, from past and present, presented without snark and snobbery for your listening pleasure.

On deck for this episode are two entries in Terry Gilliam’s “Trilogy of Imagination”, the other being 1985’s Brazil, that showcase what happens when absolute imagination is met with absolute ambition, a surefire recipe for disaster - and often something wonderful.

First up is 1981’s Time Bandits, which has the distinction of being the only “children’s film” with executions, severed limbs, exploding parents (and exploding dogs). Gilliam presents an entirely original time-traveling comedy with inspired performances, dazzling effects, and just a touch of classic Monty Python humor that appeals to kids and adults alike, despite a fractured narrative with more holes in it than any map of the universe.

Next is 1988’s The Adventures of Baron Munchausen, a lavishly produced spectacle of fever dream storytelling just as famous for its off-screen spectacle as it has for what’s on screen. A triumph of visual and aural absurdity, Gilliam’s adaptation of the beloved German fable featuring perhaps the most unreliable narrator in literature can finally be viewed on its own considerable merits. And what lovely merits they are!

Our hosts tackle both films with aplomb, discussing how sometimes style does triumph over substance, how Terry Gilliam may be the living embodiment of Auteur Theory, how both films skilly hide their megastar cameos (Sean Connery and Robin Williams), favorable comparisons to both 1939’s Wizard of Oz and Spielberg’s Hook, and the sad reality of how Hollywood has been replacing talented dwarf actors with CGI effects instead of hiring the real thing.

For many fans of games, comics, and games mixed with comics Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics won't need much of an introduction for this review.

You’ve most likely seen the many Transformers related reviews I’ve posted on here, and I’ll never get tired of talking about them as I’m forever a fan of the franchise. So it goes without saying I had to check out the latest film entry, Transformers One, which really was more than meets the eye as it’s surprisingly dark and violent, but still has plenty of humor and heart for all.

As someone who does a fair amount of walking and bike riding, I’m always looking for the perfect clothes to suit everyday wear as well as double for any walking and biking I do. So when the chance came along to check out these Coalatree Trailhead Pants, I couldn’t pass it up as they’re a nice pair that’s perfect for everyday wear and any adventures that come your way.

Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, a shockingly good name with not-so-pleasant implications for the franchises’ future, is a passable but ultimately route rehashing of another IP better left in the 80s. Finally free from the depths of the animated picture grind, Tim Burton (Pee-wee's Big Adventure, Alice in Wonderland) attempts to return to his original roots of off-kilter, humorously macabre projects through the resurrection of one of his classics.

It’s The State of Gaming Podcast, Popzara’s in-depth look at what’s shaking up the gaming landscape delivered on a monthly basis. Listen as hosts Cory Galliher and Nate Evans guide you through the best, worst, and everything else making headlines and headway in the world of interactive entertainment.

The biggest games of the month include: Reynatis, Astro Bot, The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom, Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2, The Casting of Frank Stone, BAKERU, Marvel Vs. Capcom Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics, and Wild Bastards.

Other notables include: Final Fantasy 16 (PC), God of War Ragnarok (PC), Dead Rising Deluxe Remaster, Fitness Boxing Featuring Hatsune Miku, Yars Rising, Age of Mythology: Retold, Ace Attorney Investigations Collection, Disney Epic Mickey: Rebrushed, and Lollipop Chainsaw RePop.

But there’s more! Sony finally makes the PlayStation 5 Pro official! And it’s gonna cost you! Happy 21st birthday to Valve’s Steam, which revolutionized how people buy and enjoy PC gaming! Speaking of celebrating, happy 25th anniversary to Sega’s Dreamcast, gone but never forgotten (the old console even got name-checked in the 2024 Presidential election).

Did you know one of our co-hosts recorded this episode in Japan? If you aren’t insanely jealous, listen today to hear this special dispatch from the Land of the Rising Sun! Akihabara, here we come!

BAKERU is a game all about the feels. It feels like what you’d get if you mashed Super Mario Bros, Kirby, and Sonic into a single package inspired by Konami’s great Mystical Ninja games from the 1990s, resulting in a 3D platformer that is aggressively and delightfully more Japanese than just about any game I’ve ever seen published outside of, well, Japan.