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Category: Film Discussion

Episode 90: ‘Reptilian’ vs. Elijah Thomas | The Monster Island World Tour

Published April 19, 2024

Hello, Kaiju Lovers! In what might be the most subversive and inspirational episode of MIFV yet, Elijah Thomas (Kaiju Conversation) joins Nate to discuss the infamous South Korean “kaiju” (notice the air quotes?) movie, Reptilian. This is, in fact, a “remake” of Yongary, Monster from the Deep, and it’s often called “The Room of kaiju films.” But Elijah says it’s more than that. He even goes so far as to say that if it wasn’t for this movie, the world wouldn’t have BTS or Squid Game. How? Listen to find out! Then stay for our Toku Topic, which is something Elijah has become an expert in: Korean kaiju cinema.

Read Jimmy’s Notes on this episode on the MIFV website!

Check out our sponsor, The World of Nebulon, from TokUSA Studios on Kickstarter!

Additional Music:

  • “Galaxy Quest (instrumental” by HeavenWraith

Check out Nathan’s spinoff podcasts, The Henshin Men and The Power Trip.

We’d like to give a shout-out to our MIFV MAX patrons Danny DiManna (author/creator of the Godzilla Novelization Project); Damon Noyes, The Cel Cast, TofuFury, Eric Anderson of Nerd Chapel, Ted Williams, Wynja the Ninja, Brad “Batman” Eddleman, Christopher Riner, The Indiscrite One, Eli Harris, Jake Hambrick, Matt Walsh (but not that Matt Walsh), Jonathan Courtright,  Robert Kidd, Leon Campbell, and Michael Watson! Thanks for your support!

You, too, can join MIFV MAX on Patreon to get this and other perks starting at only $3 a month! (https://www.patreon.com/monsterislandfilmvault)

Buy official MIFV merch on TeePublic! (https://www.teepublic.com/user/the-monster-island-gift-shop). NEW MERCH NOW AVAILABLE!

This episode is approved by the Monster Island Board of Directors.

Timestamps:

  • Introduction: 0:00-10:47
  • Entertaining Info Dump: 10:47-19:14
  • Toku Talk: 19:14-1:52:39
  • Ad (World of Nebulon Kickstarter): 1:52:39-1:53:45
  • Toku Topic (Korean kaiju cinema): 1:53:45-2:33:25
  • Outro: 2:33:25-2:45:34
  • Credits: 2:45:34-end

Podcast Social Media:

www.MonsterIslandFilmVault.com

#JimmyFromNASALives       #MonsterIslandFilmVault     #Reptilian       #Yonggary            #MonsterIslandWorldTour

© 2023, 2024 Moonlighting Ninjas Media

Bibliography/Further Reading:

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Episode 89 – ‘Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire’ vs. Donny Winter vs. The Omni Viewer | “Godzilla Redux” x “Kong Quest”

Published April 11, 2024

Hello, Kaiju Lovers! It’s time to unpack the biggest kaiju release of 2024—Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire! For such a momentous occasion, Nate called upon YouTuber Donny Winter (Growing Up with Godzilla) and a “mystery guest”…who didn’t make it. Darn. So, he got the next best option: The Omni Viewer and his monster sidekick, Snazzy! They dive deep into the fifth entry of Legendary Pictures’ MonsterVerse series, unveiling its connections to classic pulp fiction and ‘80s pop culture—all without comparing it to Godzilla Minus One (for the most part) while also coining many memes. You’ll not find a more concentrated dose of positivity (and honesty) toward this escapist movie anywhere else. Since it’s set mostly in the Hollow Earth (and Nate almost researched this for Godzilla vs. Kong), the Toku Topic is Hollow Earth theory.

Read Jimmy’s Notes on this episode on the MIFV website!

Donny’s YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@DonnyWinter

Omni’s YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@omniviewer2115

Check out our sponsor, The World of Nebulon, from TokUSA Studios on Kickstarter!

Additional Music:

  • “Here We Go” by Chris Classic
  • “Here We Go (Godzilla vs Kong) [Epic Version]” by Sh4d0wStrider
  • “Galaxy Quest (instrumental)” by HeavenWraith

Check out Nathan’s spinoff podcasts, The Henshin Men and The Power Trip.

We’d like to give a shout-out to our MIFV MAX patrons Danny DiManna (author/creator of the Godzilla Novelization Project); Damon Noyes, The Cel Cast, TofuFury, Eric Anderson of Nerd Chapel, Ted Williams, Wynja the Ninja, Brad “Batman” Eddleman, Christopher Riner, The Indiscrite One, Eli Harris, Jake Hambrick, Matt Walsh (but not that Matt Walsh), Jonathan Courtright, Robert Kidd, Leon Campbell, and Michael Watson! Thanks for your support!

You, too, can join MIFV MAX on Patreon to get this and other perks starting at only $3 a month! (https://www.patreon.com/monsterislandfilmvault)

Buy official MIFV merch on TeePublic! (https://www.teepublic.com/user/the-monster-island-gift-shop). NEW MERCH NOW AVAILABLE!

This episode is approved by the Monster Island Board of Directors.

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Timestamps:

  • Introduction: 0:00-10:23
  • Entertaining Info Dump: 10:23-21:30
  • Toku Talk: 21:30-2:35:05
  • Ad (World of Nebulon Kickstarter): 2:35-05-2:36:12
  • Toku Topic (Hollow Earth theory): 2:36:12-3:10:38
  • Outro: 3:10:38-3:27:52
  • Credits: 3:27:52-end

Podcast Social Media:

www.MonsterIslandFilmVault.com

#JimmyFromNASALives       #MonsterIslandFilmVault     #MonsterVerse            #GodzillaxKongTheNewEmpire        #Godzilla        #KingKong

© 2024 Moonlighting Ninjas Media

Bibliography/Further Reading:

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Bonus Episode #16: ‘Space Monster Wangmagwi’ | Ft. Daniel DiManna

Published April 4, 2024

In yet another impromptu “bonus” episode, Nate is joined by Daniel DiManna (Godzilla Novelization Project) to discuss a film that was finally unleashed upon the world by SRS Cinema: Space Monster Wangmagwi. As you can see, this one actually fits the season theme of The Monster Island World Tour. As mentioned in the Yongary episode, this was also released in the “Year of the Kaiju,” 1967, beating Yongary by a few months. But like many South Korean kaiju films, the story around this one exceeds its artistic merits. In its case, it was a “holy grail” of a lost film for kaiju fans; a thing of legend that few ever saw. But thanks to the dogged efforts of Ron Bonk, it’s now readily available. Just prepare yourself for a “rantmaster” about Squirrel (not “Spider”), King of the Kennys!

Read “Jimmy’s Notes” on this episode!

Additional music:

  • “What I Want to Say” by Vylent, TSori feat. Spy Girls
  • “Here We Go” by Chris Classic

Sound effects sourced from Freesound.org.

Check out Nathan’s spinoff podcasts, The Henshin Men and The Power Trip.

Buy Wangmagwi from SRS Cinema on blu-ray (https://tinyurl.com/yr5p55mc) and DVD (https://tinyurl.com/58ekad6d).

We’d like to give a shout-out to our MIFV MAX patrons Danny DiManna (author/creator of the Godzilla Novelization Project); Damon Noyes, The Cel Cast, TofuFury, Eric Anderson of Nerd Chapel, Ted Williams, Wynja the Ninja, Brad “Batman” Eddleman, Christopher Riner, The Indiscrite One, Eli Harris, Jake Hambrick, Edwin Gonzalez, Matt Walsh (but not that Matt Walsh), Jonathan Courtright, Robert Kidd, Leon Campbell, and Michael Watson! Thanks for your support!

You, too, can join MIFV MAX on Patreon to get this and other perks starting at only $3 a month! (https://www.patreon.com/monsterislandfilmvault)

Buy official MIFV merch on TeePublic! (https://www.teepublic.com/user/the-monster-island-gift-shop). NEW MERCH NOW AVAILABLE!

This episode is approved by the Monster Island Board of Directors.

Timestamps:

  • Introduction: 0:00-6:13
  • Synopsis and Background: 6:13-45:31
  • Main Discussion: 45:31-2:04:56
  • Outro: 2:04:56-2:18:07
  • Credits: 2:18:07-end

Podcast Social Media:

www.MonsterIslandFilmVault.com

#JimmyFromNASALives       #MonsterIslandFilmVault     #SRSCinema            #Wangmagwi #SpaceMonsterWangmagwi

© 2023, 2024 Moonlighting Ninjas Media

Bibliography/Further Reading:

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Episode 88: ‘Attack of the Crab Monsters’ & ‘Island Claws’ | Ft. Damon Noyes | Patreon Episode

Published March 29, 2024

Hello, Kaiju Lovers! Our first Patreon episode of season four—courtesy of executive producer Damon Noyes—is also MIFV’s first double feature and includes our first Roger Corman movie! First, we tackle Corman’s 1957 “classic,” Attack of the Crab Monsters, which could be called a “B-movie to a B-movie.” While it starts off as a typical atomic age creature feature, to Nate’s surprise, it goes full-tilt crazy at the halfway point. Then he and Damon get to Island Claws, a 1980 “pseudo-remake” that is so obscure, the internet barely knows it exists. While it’s technically better than “Corman’s Crabs,” it isn’t as memorable—until Nate and Damon rewrite it live! They top off their discussions with a quick overview of carcinisation…because the future is crabs.

Read “Jimmy’s Notes” on this episode.

Additional music:

  • “Cybernetic Coelacanth Submarine” by Monobrow
  • “Here We Go” by Chris Classic

Sound effects sourced from Freesound.org.

Check out Nathan’s spinoff podcasts, The Henshin Men and The Power Trip.

We’d like to give a shout-out to our MIFV MAX patrons Danny DiManna (author/creator of the Godzilla Novelization Project); Damon Noyes, The Cel Cast, TofuFury, Eric Anderson of Nerd Chapel, Ted Williams, Wynja the Ninja, Brad “Batman” Eddleman, Christopher Riner, The Indiscrite One, Eli Harris, Jake Hambrick, Edwin Gonzalez, Matt Walsh (but not that Matt Walsh), Jonathan Courtright, Robert Kidd, Leon Campbell, and Michael Watson! Thanks for your support!

You, too, can join MIFV MAX on Patreon to get this and other perks starting at only $3 a month! (https://www.patreon.com/monsterislandfilmvault)

Buy official MIFV merch on TeePublic! (https://www.teepublic.com/user/the-monster-island-gift-shop). NEW MERCH NOW AVAILABLE!

This episode is approved by the Monster Island Board of Directors.

Timestamps:

  • Introduction: 0:00-5:36
  • Main Discussion – Attack of the Crab Monsters: 5:36-1:16:03
  • Main Discussion – Island Claws: 1:16:03-2:14:29
  • “Toku Topic” – Carcinisation: 2:14:29-2:29:07
  • Outro: 2:29:07-2:51:37
  • Credits: 2:51:37-end

Podcast Social Media:

www.MonsterIslandFilmVault.com

#JimmyFromNASALives       #MonsterIslandFilmVault     #RogerCorman            #AttackoftheCrabMonsters    #IslandClaws 

© 2023, 2024 Moonlighting Ninjas Media

Bibliography/Further Reading:

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“I Will Not Fight You” | ‘Godzilla vs. Kong’ | One Monstrous Moment: Year of the Dragon Edition

Published March 28, 2024

With Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire upon us, friend of the podcast Ryan “The Omni Viewer” Collins is holding another “One Monstrous Moment” series, the “Year of the Dragon Edition.” I’m going about as “on brand” with it as you can with a discussion of the ending of Godzilla vs. Kong (2021). I was struck by it when I first saw it, and I’m struck by it now. It’s exemplifies pacifism, the so-called “sigma male,” and a proper understanding of meekness (strength under control). What say you?

Script by Nathan Marchand.

Additional music:

  • “For Her Soul” by RoeTaKa

Sound effects sourced from Freesound.org.

Check out Nathan’s spinoff podcasts, The Henshin Men and The Power Trip.

We’d like to give a shout-out to our MIFV MAX patrons Danny DiManna (author/creator of the Godzilla Novelization Project); Damon Noyes, The Cel Cast, TofuFury, Eric Anderson of Nerd Chapel, Ted Williams, Wynja the Ninja, Brad “Batman” Eddleman, Christopher Riner, The Indiscrite One, Eli Harris, Jake Hambrick, Edwin Gonzalez, Matt Walsh (but not that Matt Walsh), Jonathan Courtright, Robert Kidd, Leon Campbell, and Michael Watson! Thanks for your support!

You, too, can join MIFV MAX on Patreon to get this and other perks starting at only $3 a month! (https://www.patreon.com/monsterislandfilmvault)

Buy official MIFV merch on TeePublic! (https://www.teepublic.com/user/the-monster-island-gift-shop). NEW MERCH NOW AVAILABLE!

This episode is approved by the Monster Island Board of Directors.

Podcast Social Media:

www.MonsterIslandFilmVault.com

#JimmyFromNASALives       #MonsterIslandFilmVault     #YearoftheDragonEdition            #kaiju  #OneMonstrousMoment        #Kong             #Godzilla        #KingKong

© 2024 Moonlighting Ninjas Media

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Episode 87: ‘Yongary, Monster from the Deep’ vs. Neil Riebe

Published March 22, 2024

Hello, Kaiju Lovers! The South Korea leg of the Monster Island World Tour begins with arguably the first true Korean kaiju film: Yongary, Monster from the Deep. Author Neil Riebe, who might very well be this film’s biggest fan, pays yet another visit to MIFV’s mobile studio in Uber-Moguera to enlighten us with his copious research on the movie. Released in the “Year of the Kaiju,” 1967, it borrows some from Showa Godzilla films but way more from Showa Gamera—complete with a Korean Kenny! Ironically, only the dubbed version of the movie survives. It was once the most expensive film ever made in South Korea (until that record was broken by its remake) and is considered one of the country’s most important films, but does it have the artistic merit to warrant such acclaim, or is it truly just MST3K fodder? Since the film had Japanese technicians from Toei and X Productions working on it, our Toku Topic is Japan-Korea relations.

Read Jimmy’s Notes on this episode on the MIFV website.

Additional Music:

  • “Kuwanga Banga” by PirateCrab
  • “Here We Go” by Chris Classic

Check out Nathan’s spinoff podcasts, The Henshin Men and The Power Trip.

We’d like to give a shout-out to our MIFV MAX patrons Danny DiManna (author/creator of the Godzilla Novelization Project); Damon Noyes, The Cel Cast, TofuFury, Eric Anderson of Nerd Chapel, Ted Williams, Wynja the Ninja, Brad “Batman” Eddleman, Christopher Riner, The Indiscrite One, Eli Harris, Jake Hambrick, Edwin Gonzalez, Matt Walsh (but not that Matt Walsh), Jonathan Courtright, Robert Kidd, Leon Campbell, and Michael Watson! Thanks for your support!

You, too, can join MIFV MAX on Patreon to get this and other perks starting at only $3 a month! (https://www.patreon.com/monsterislandfilmvault)

Buy official MIFV merch on TeePublic! (https://www.teepublic.com/user/the-monster-island-gift-shop). NEW MERCH NOW AVAILABLE!

This episode is approved by the Monster Island Board of Directors.

Timestamps:

  • Introduction: 0:00-7:24
  • Entertaining Info Dump: 7:24-15:52
  • Toku Talk: 15:52-1:26:59
  • Ad (Toku Toy Town): 1:26:59-1:28:22
  • Toku Topic (Korea-Japan relations): 1:28:22-1:57:52
  • Outro: 1:57:52-2:23:35
  • Credits: 2:23:35-end

Podcast Social Media:

www.MonsterIslandFilmVault.com

#JimmyFromNASALives       #MonsterIslandFilmVault     #MonsterIslandWorldTour            #YongaryMonsterfromtheDeep

© 2024 Moonlighting Ninjas Media

Bibliography/Further Reading:

Note: This list does not include Neil’s sources.

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MIFV MAX #28: ‘The Mighty Kong’ | Ft. Brendan Morley (Autistic Lizard Productions) (abridged)

Published March 20, 2024

Hello, Kaiju Lovers! According to MIFV’s analytics, King Kong (and not Godzilla) is good for business right now, so in this excerpt from our Patreon-exclusive livestream, we’re filling in one of the “gaps” from season 1’s The Kong Quest (ba-dum-tsh!) Brendan Morley joins Nathan to discuss the almost-forgotten animated musical (you read that right), The Mighty Kong (1998). It’s not only the first Kong musical, it’s arguably the best—which isn’t saying much. Still, it has an all-star talent line-up with Jodi Benson (The Little Mermaid) as Ann Darrow, Dudley Moore as “C.B.” Denham, and music by the Sherman Brothers. It can be argued this is the closest Disney has gotten to touching King Kong. Is it good? Depends on which host you ask.

Join MIFV MAX on Patreon to see the uncut livestream version of this episode! (LINK: https://tinyurl.com/MIFV-MAX-28).

YouTube thumbnail by Brendan Morley.

Check out Brendan’s YouTube channel! (https://www.youtube.com/@AutisticLizardProductions).

Listen to “The Kong Quest” episodes on YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/mpcw6mvv.

Check out Nathan’s spinoff podcasts, The Henshin Men and The Power Trip.

We’d like to give a shout-out to our MIFV MAX patrons Danny DiManna (author/creator of the Godzilla Novelization Project); Damon Noyes, The Cel Cast, TofuFury, Eric Anderson of Nerd Chapel, Ted Williams, Wynja the Ninja, Brad “Batman” Eddleman, Christopher Riner, The Indiscrite One, Eli Harris, Jake Hambrick, Edwin Gonzalez, Matt Walsh (but not that Matt Walsh), Jonathan Courtright, Robert Kidd, Leon Campbell, and Michael Watson! Thanks for your support!

You, too, can join MIFV MAX on Patreon to get this and other perks starting at only $3 a month! (https://www.patreon.com/monsterislandfilmvault)

Buy official MIFV merch on TeePublic! (https://www.teepublic.com/user/the-monster-island-gift-shop). NEW MERCH NOW AVAILABLE!

This episode is approved by the Monster Island Board of Directors.

Podcast Social Media:

www.MonsterIslandFilmVault.com

#JimmyFromNASALives       #MonsterIslandFilmVault     #TheMightyKong            #KingKong     #Kong

© 2024 Moonlighting Ninjas Media

Bibliography/Further Reading:

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Episode 86: ‘The Whale God’ vs. Daniel DiManna vs. Elijah Thomas

Published March 14, 2024

Hello, Kaiju Lovers! In yet another impromptu episode (because reasons), Nate is joined by Daniel DiManna (Godzilla Novelization Project) and Elijah Thomas (Kaiju Conversation) to discuss the semi-obscure Daiei proto-kaiju film, The Whale God. Released in 1962, it was largely unseen outside of Japan until it was released by SRS Cinema this past January. The boys unpack the tremendous talent behind and in front of the camera–including Takashi Shimura, Kojiro Hongo, and Akira Ifukube, among others–its connections to Herman Melville’s Moby Dick, and how it uses elements of J-horror to create a potent period drama. The Toku Topic, thanks to Danny’s in-depth research, is Japanese whaling. Then stay tuned after the credits to hear Elijah try to touch the Whale God!

Buy The Whale God on blu-ray and VHS from SRS Cinema! (https://srscinemastore.com/)

Read “Jimmy’s Notes” on this episode here: https://monsterislandfilmvault.com/index.php/2024/03/14/jimmys-notes-on-episode-86-the-whale-god-vs-daniel-dimanna-vs-elijah-thomas/.

Post-credit scene suggested by Elijah Thomas.

Additional Music:

  • “For Her Soul” by RoeTaKa
  • “Kuwanga Banga” by PirateCrab
  • “Here We Go” by Chris Classic

Additional sound effects sourced from www.Zapsplat.com.

Check out Nathan’s spinoff podcasts, The Henshin Men and The Power Trip.

We’d like to give a shout-out to our MIFV MAX patrons Danny DiManna (author/creator of the Godzilla Novelization Project); Damon Noyes, The Cel Cast, TofuFury, Eric Anderson of Nerd Chapel, Ted Williams, Wynja the Ninja, Brad “Batman” Eddleman, Christopher Riner, The Indiscrite One, Eli Harris, Jake Hambrick, Edwin Gonzalez, Matt Walsh (but not that Matt Walsh), Jonathan Courtright, Robert Kidd, and Leon Campbell! Thanks for your support!

You, too, can join MIFV MAX on Patreon to get this and other perks starting at only $3 a month! (https://www.patreon.com/monsterislandfilmvault)

Buy official MIFV merch on TeePublic! (https://www.teepublic.com/user/the-monster-island-gift-shop). NEW MERCH NOW AVAILABLE!

This episode is approved by the Monster Island Board of Directors.

Timestamps:

  • Introduction: 0:00-24:20
  • Entertaining Info Dump: 24:20-32:21
  • Toku Talk: 32:21-1:51:42
  • Ad (Toku Toy Town): 1:51:42-1:53:04
  • Toku Topic (Japanese whaling): 1:53:04-2:21:31
  • Outro: 2:21:31-2:43:48
  • Credits/Post-Credit Scene: 2:43:48-end

Podcast Social Media:

www.MonsterIslandFilmVault.com

#JimmyFromNASALives       #MonsterIslandFilmVault     #TheWhaleGod            #SRSCinema

© 2023, 2024 Moonlighting Ninjas Media

Bibliography/Further Reading:

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Episode 85 – Godzilla: The Series – ‘Monster Wars’ | Ft. The Cel Cast | Godzilla Redux

Published February 29, 2024

Hello, Kaiju Lovers! You might be wondering, “Aren’t you supposed to cover Destroy All Monsters for Godzilla Redux, Nate?” Yes…but I’m not. For reasons. Anyway, we have the next-best thing: the three-part epic from Godzilla: The Series—“Monster Wars”! And who else could be the guests for animated kaiju shenanigans other than Drew and Jacob from The Cel Cast. They and Nate go through each episode beat-for-beat and analyze everything from the writing to the voice acting to the animation. You’ll also hear some great factoids Nate researched about these, the three best episodes of the show. Not to mention he delves into the unmade sequel to Godzilla (1998) that sounds eerily similar to this show!

Check out this episode’s epilogue, “Jake and Drew, Where are You?”

Read “Jimmy’s Notes” on this episode: https://monsterislandfilmvault.com/index.php/2024/02/29/jimmys-notes-on-episode-85-godzilla-the-series-monster-wars-ft-the-cel-cast-godzilla-redux/.

Additional music:

Sound effects sourced from Freesound.org.

Check out Nathan’s spinoff podcasts, The Henshin Men and The Power Trip.

We’d like to give a shout-out to our MIFV MAX patrons Danny DiManna (author/creator of the Godzilla Novelization Project); Damon Noyes, The Cel Cast, TofuFury, Eric Anderson of Nerd Chapel, Ted Williams, Wynja the Ninja, Brad “Batman” Eddleman, Christopher Riner, The Indiscrite One, Eli Harris, Jake Hambrick, Edwin Gonzalez, Matt Walsh (but not that Matt Walsh), Jonathan Courtright, Robert Kidd, and Leon Campbell! Thanks for your support!

You, too, can join MIFV MAX on Patreon to get this and other perks starting at only $3 a month! (https://www.patreon.com/monsterislandfilmvault)

Buy official MIFV merch on TeePublic! (https://www.teepublic.com/user/the-monster-island-gift-shop). NEW MERCH NOW AVAILABLE!

This episode is approved by the Monster Island Board of Directors.

Timestamps:

  • Introduction: 0:00-11:52
  • Main Discussion: 11:52-1:39:34
  • Outro: 1:39:34-1:51:52
  • Credits: 1:51:52-end

Podcast Social Media:

www.MonsterIslandFilmVault.com

#JimmyFromNASALives       #MonsterIslandFilmVault     #Godzilla            #GodzillaTheSeries    #GodzillaRedux

© 2023, 2024 Moonlighting Ninjas Media

Bibliography/Further Reading:

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

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