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The Monster Island Film Vault Posts

Jimmy’s Notes on Episode 74: Chris Cooke vs. ‘Power Rangers’ (2017)

This was my last broadcast (episode 74) before I was incarcerated. Actually, “detained” is a better word for it. The Legal Action Team worked hard to keep me from being sent to the mainland for trial. Me and my lady friend. (More on that later). Again, this episode was broadcast before the tragic death of Jason David Frank (see our charity livestream for more on that). Tommy Oliver isn’t in this film, so I don’t know how much would’ve changed. Regardless, I only had a handful of notes for this one.

  • Freestylin’ to Wu-Tang Clan with Chris in my mechs. Gotta love it. Nobody should hear it, though. We’d get canceled seven ways from Sunday.
  • The Island needs a donut store. I’m still hungry.
  • The last name of the screenwriter is Gatins. Listen to my Entertaining Info Dump for confirmation.
  • I still feel betrayed by George Lucas! The Phantom Menace isn’t what we wanted! But I should’ve known after he had Greedo shoot first. As for selling the franchise to Disney—you know what, I need to stop.
  • Speaking of ranting, I could rant just as well about the damn robots in this film! The “Archano-don” is ridiculous. So is the six-legged Triceratops. It’s no surprise the comic book sequel (link) tries to obscure those design elements.
  • Yes, Nate is a sadist. I’ve learned that all too well. Just ask his last girlfriend.
  • I think you meant “digital” not “optical” effects, Nate.
  • Okay, fine, I was daydreaming. You can’t fire me for that! You don’t have the “fire power”!

Nate’s research is once again derived heavily from his notes for the Power Trip episode on this film.

I only have a few more left before I’m finally caught up. Excuse me while I go finish.

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Jimmy’s Notes on ‘Episode 73 – Mighty Morphin’ Power Rangers: The Movie’ | Ft. The Cel Cast

Re-listening to this episode is bittersweet, to say the least. It was broadcast before the tragic death of actor Jason David Frank. This discussion would’ve been much different if it happened afterward. (Listen to the charity livestream [link] to hear that). Regardless, I had a surprising amount of notes on episode 73, which is partly due to my history with the cheeky AI Drew and Jacob have on their show. Can she generate art now? I’m sure she needs a job. Anyway, my notes are:

  • Alliteration or not, you worry me, Nate. (Whatever it was that worried me).
  • You only say I suck at it because my mic is broke. That will be fixed soon.
  • It wouldn’t be the first restraining order I’ve gotten. (D-Let). Some past guests, who shall remain nameless, may have filed some.
  • The “Yes, quite” habit still concerns me, Nate. It still does.
  • I, too, have roommates I don’t like to talk about, Nate.
  • Ninjor is blue, not purple. Get it right, Power Tripper!
  • I also wasn’t a kid when MMPR came out. And yes, Apollo 13 is one of my favorite movies. I could rave about it for long enough to travel to the Moon in a standard-issue NASA space capsule.
  • Cutting me off and telling me to call my sidekick?! Your new power has gone to your head, Marchand!
  • Nate always assumes I know nothing…like Schultz. (If you got that reference, I’m impressed).
  • I met the Stepford Teenagers once. They’re the children of the Stepford Wives, naturally, and just as creepy.
  • I met Snoggle once. It might be why he never got to Dulcea. Just saying.
  • I used to use “I’m a frog” as a pickup line. But that was when I was a frog for a while. I don’t want to talk about it.
  • But “Ivan’s Ooze” is real! (beer image) I may have to switch to it in light of recent controversies with certain alcohol companies.
  • First, you’re disgusting, Marchand. Second, they’re “Oozemen,” not “Oozlets.” That’s what Michael incorrectly called them on The Power Trip episode you did on this movie (link).

Now for the mandatory sharing of Nate’s research on the movie in question—much of which was taken from his Power Trip notes.

I’m inching closer to the episodes where I was forced to take a prison time hiatus. It didn’t stop me from being intrepid or a producer. We all know Nate needs me.

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Jimmy’s Notes on Episode 72: Record All Monsters vs. ‘Colossal’

Nate was already doing, what, five jobs at that point? I saw Nate guzzle Kaiju Energy drinks like I do Jack Daniels. (Well, I’ve switched to a new favorite alcohol now). This was when my notes and on-air corrections became even more important. Speaking of which, here are my notes from episode 72 with first-time guests Robert and Courtney from Record All Monsters:

  • Nate says his new position hasn’t gone to his head. I don’t believe him.
  • Colossal was released in 2016, not 2015, Nate.
  • I don’t know what Nate is insinuating about husband and wife team. Actually, I do, but it isn’t “PG,” to say the least.
  • Traumatizing Gloria was a joke! That woman has been through enough! (Kinda like my new lady friend…).
  • It may not be slander that I turned into a sailor, but I don’t appreciate the insinuation. I’m a “space sailor” (astronaut). Get it right!
  • It’s pronounced, “Soo-day-kus.”
  • You can’t call me “Jimbo,” Marchand!
  • You’re still wrong, Nate. It’s New Jersey. (link)
  • I’ve actually sketched my projected robot. I’d post it here, but I already dealt with Michael Hamilton stealing my annotated Godzilla Compendium.
  • There are reasons my age is top secret…so I can’t talk about them even if I wanted to…which I don’t.
  • I “master” myself every day…(ahem).
  • (double check inner demon name)
  • Listen, buddy…it has come to this! (Whatever “this” is!)
  • You promoted the wrong upcoming film and episode, Marchand! (But I didn’t correct you…oops…).
  • I have a case pending with Raymund, too…because reasons. It’s since been settled out of court.
  • Playing guitar live in studio. Impressive, Robert.
  • Never underestimate us adult Kennys. We’re a wily and resourceful bunch. You should’ve saw what we did during our last reunion on the Island during the “Year of Gamera.”

Here’s all of Nate’s research on this film:

I’m slowly catching up. I’m in the homestretch now! Slowly but surely the Gamera wins tehr ace!

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Jimmy’s Notes on Bonus Episode 13 – I Hate ‘Pacific Rim: Uprising,’ Change My Mind | Ft. Jack ‘GMan’ Hudgens

This bonus episode was an interesting one. Nate has been outspoken with his disdain for Uprising for a long time. He even trashed it on a GFEST panel before coming to the Island. Personally, I’m indifferent. I prefer the gloriously beautiful mecha from the first film (plus, Gipsy Danger is a better name than Gipsy Avenger), but I can’t deny the new technology in the film intrigued me. I’m amazed those kids passed piloting school, though. But I don’t have much room to talk because I couldn’t cut in Jaeger school. I guess surviving the infamous War in Space makes your brain drift incompatible.

Anyway, I jotted down a few notes from the “debate.” Here they are:

  • In my defense, Nate was certain in his wrongness about Amara and Newt. It was funny to watch him embarrass himself.
  • I did fight Jack once…I don’t want to talk about it.
  • The Bandai Mandates are a good band.
  • The Jaeger with the whip was Guardian Bravo.
  • The Mysterians perhaps makes Jimmy too happy…I’m not at liberty to say why.
  • Obsidian Fury’s original name, Black Mariah, is the name of a Marvel Comics character. Interesting, “Black Maria” is the name of a character in the popular manga One Piece.
  • I’m all for getting Nate stoned. It’d be our highest-rated and most downloaded episode ever of all time.

Nate didn’t have a bunch of research for this episode since he wanted Jack to carry most of it, but here’s what he had.

All right, I have a lunch date with my cellmate in the detention center. More blogs to come!

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Jimmy’s Notes on Episode 71: ‘Invasion of Astro-Monster’ | Ft. The Dapper Man

After dealing a crazy half-Scotsman for months, a crazy Irishman was easy. And a welcome change. All that to say, Kevin was the cherry on top of what was a favorite episode for me. No surprise, right? Invasion of Astro-Monster (aka the superior title, Monster Zero) features the man who trained me (Glen) played by my man-crush/spirit animal (Nick Adams). Not to mention my real crush (Kumi Mizuno). It’s why when I heard that a lost Xilien saucer was discovered, I requested that it be brought to my garage for examination. Let’s just say I found some…interesting things in it. I’m still preparing a report on my discoveries. At least I was before I was sent to jail!

Anyway, I wrote more notes for this episode (naturally) than I had for the last few. These were:

  • I do have a dirty mouth—I can out-cuss any Irishman!
  • I normally nitpick the guest’s speech flubs—but Kevin is Irish, so I lost track.
  • I approve of the long segment on my man-crush and real crush. I’d almost start a whole podcast about them…but I need a new microphone. I don’t want to repeat an infamous bonus episode.
  • I don’t appreciate Kevin’s tone—I’m not a robot! I just may love a robot…maybe…. She assures me she was just connected to a machine for a while.
  • I call everyone “stinkin’ rats.” Because man-crush.
  • I’ve built up an immunity to the Lady Guard noise. But that’s mostly because I’m an engineer by trade and human.
  • Fun fact: Tetsuo was able to sell the Lady Guard to Bandai, and I had one as a kid. And yes, I did use it to annoy my parents. Sadly, the toy didn’t catch on. No “Bandai mandate” could help that one.
  • I went to Nessie’s Brasserie once. I drank too much and did the shie dance on the bar top.
  • “Plan 9 from Planet X.” I like the sound of that.
  • Keiko Sawai wasn’t in the next Godzilla film (Ebirah, Horror of the Deep), but she did play alongside my man-crush the year before in Frankestein Conquers the World.
  • Good job catching that note about Robbie the Robot. I got an e-mail from him saying he appreciated that.
  • I loved Watangi and the Fabulous Empire of Monsters back in the ‘70s! They’re on a reunion tour right now. They should play a show on the Island—especially when Kaiju Kim visits. 😉
  • I’m still not sure you know how to do your job, Nate. Especially the new one.
  • I recorded a scream for a Lady Guard mark 2. Lost my voice for three days.

And now for Nate’s complete research document:

With this, I’m in the homestretch for catching up on my blogs! Stay tuned for more!

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Jimmy’s Notes on Episode 70: The Drifters vs. ‘Pacific Rim’

We had yet another semi-chaotic episode. That’s what happens when you have multiple guests on the show for as huge a film as Pacific Rim (episode 70). I was surprisingly silent because I was taking notes and enjoying the conversation. What can I say? The Drifters are some of my favorite guests we’ve featured. So, here are my notes:

  • My opinions on Nate’s promotion…are not safe for public consumption.
  • Reb is a queen who slays. I don’t normally like using that phrase, but for her, I’ll make an exception.
  • I WILL rant about that Bouncing Betty! Reb’s design is excellent. It’s rare that such a large number of influences could be combined into one machine without looking like an ugly mess. The Pan-Pacific Defense Corps should definitely hire her for future designs to combat the Kaiju menace. While I will say Vulcan cannons are a classic and a standard mecha armament, additional weapons would improve the design. Overall, it’s not as beautiful as Gipsy Danger (because, yes, I’d marry that robot, if it was a woman—although, probably not now), but it’s a piece of work in the best possible way.
  • I was remarkably silent for reasons I’ve already outlined above.
  • You caught it, Nate, because I trained you well. And no, J.R., you will hear more from me!
  • #CancelTheApocalypse
  • I knew how to say it…whatever it was. It’d been too long since that broadcast.
  • Those “Yes, quites” did concern me.
  • I want what J.R. has…whatever that is.
  • It’s not a rhesus monkey but a rhesus macaque, which has six to nine subspecies native to South, Central, and Southeast Asia. You can read more about them on Wikipedia. Here’s a link.
  • At least I don’t read comics all day at work like J.R.! I prefer technical manuals.
  • I had some Clonaid once. I don’t want to talk about it. It’d make Nate’s “transporter accident” look like a traffic ticket.
  • The answer to which U.S. states have anti-cloning laws is a bit more multifaceted than I expected. Let me explain:
    • Federal law doesn’t prohibit human cloning. (Don’t tell Cameron Winter).
    • Eight states prohibit cloning for any reason: Arizona, Arkansas, Nate’s home state of Indiana, Michigan, North Dakota, South Dakota, Oklahoma, Virginia.
    • Four states prohibit state funding of human cloning for any reason: Arizona, Indiana, Michigan, Louisiana.
    • Ten states have “clone and kill” laws, which prevent clones embryo implantation for childbirth but allow these embryos to be destroyed (California, Connecticut, Illinois, Iowa, Maryland, Massachusetts, Missouri, Montana, New Jersey, Rhode Island).
    • Two states include “human cloning” as a practice health professionals can’t be force to participate in because of healthcare rights of conscience laws (Idaho and Louisiana).
  • Watch your mouth, J.R.! I take slander about my SCIENCE very seriously! I do not engage in cloning experiments…as far as you know….

Here’s Nate’s complete research document for your reading and studying pleasure:

There’s more blogs where this came from! (Namely, Monster Island’s detention center).

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Jimmy’s Notes on Episode 69: ‘Ghidorah, the Three-Headed Monster’ | Ft. Luke and Jason Jaconetti

“Sixty-nine, dudes!” That’s the first thing that comes to my mind reflecting back on this episode. I thought Nate’s personality was huge. Having the Jaconetti brothers on overwhelming. I was amused watching poor Nate try to keep up. That might explain why my notes are short for episode 69: I was too entertained to write as much. Regardless, let’s see what I have.

  • Nate was thinking of a Blue Hawaii, not a Blue Mountain. He doesn’t drink coffee. (This was pointed out by Luke).
  • Venus does trigger me…but I can’t complain about Wakabayashi. What (straight) man would? But obviously, I’m more partial to Kumi Mizuno…because reasons.
  • I used to watch Everyone Loves Mechani-Kong every week as a kid. His “brother,” Mechagodzilla, was always jealous of him because his father, Dr. Who, liked the robo-ape more. 😛
  • I knew I’d need the dump button (aka Jet) for this episode with them Jaconetti boys. Sometimes the muzzle slips off their mouths.
  • MY BROTHER IS DEAD!!! (I was PTSD-ing a bit at the time).
  • I’m definitely playing “Fazers” in the Monster Zero episode. (Except I didn’t. Oops).
  • My off-air language? SLANDER! No, it’s true. People think sailors are foul-mouthed. You should hear space sailors (that’s what “astronaut” literally means) like me. We’d make seamen blush.

Here’s Nate’s research. As you’ll see, the Jaconetti brothers dominated the conversation so much, he didn’t get to a lot of it.

Slowly but surely, I’m catching up! At least it’s faster than Nate with the episodes. 😛

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Jimmy’s Notes on Episode 68: Nick Hayden vs. ‘Cloverfield’

Cloverfield is a film that is gaining more of my interested because of the theories that Clover is a space monster. Or at the very least extraterrestrial. (Contrary to popular belief, those aren’t quite the same things). As for the episode itself, Nick needs to be on the show more often; he’s a pleasant guy. All that to say, I didn’t have many notes on this episode, and none of them pertained to Nick. But correcting the guests is secondary to me keeping Nate honest. Ha! So, here are my additions to episode 68.

  • Yes, Rob Hawkins was offered a job by Monster Island in 2008. The Island was in the early stages of rebuilding and reopening at the time, and Rob was hired as its first director of public relations. Obviously, that didn’t work out. (By the way, I got this directly from the Board, so take that with a kaiju-sized grain of salt).
  • I had a MySpace page once. And don’t let Nate fool you—so did he! (Believe it or not, the site still exists!)
  • Nate, you’re worrying me with that “Yes, quite.” I remember an old…adversary of ours saying it a lot.
  • Blue Harvest” was actually a fake working title for Return of the Jedi. And the title of a Family Guy Star Wars parody.
  • From what I can tell, the tie-in manga, Cloverfield/KISHIN, wasn’t officially translated and published outside Japan, but there is a fan translation available here (ch. 1-3) and here (ch. 4).
  • Oh, the senseless things Nate does every day. Don’t get me started on the infamous “cockroach” incident involving Elijah Thomas and Daniel DiManna. That audio will stay buried.
  • Sometimes I don’t want to be Nate’s “people.” Especially at this time with him climbing higher in the Monster Island corporate hierarchy. Just saying.

Speaking of Nate, here are his notes for the episode so you can see what he didn’t get to:

That’s all for now. I have a mecha in desperate need of a tune up. Later!

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BONUS – Kaiju Conversation LIVE! Episode 2: Into the Multiverse of Marchand (abridged, re-release)

Hey, Kaiju Lovers! To tide you over while I finalize the next few episodes, here’s an abridged version of the 4 ½ hour livestream I did with Elijah Thomas of the Kaiju Conversation podcast. In this excerpt, we talk with Mark Bailey, the editor of Giant Bug Cinema: A Monster Kid’s Guide. This was a collection of essays on B-movies featuring huge insects, to which both Elijah and I contributed. The three of us discuss what we wrote, the origins of the book, and why we wrote it. The most exciting part is the book was nominated for a Rondo Award! And you can help the book win using the link below!

Vote for Giant Bug Cinema on the Rondo Awards: https://rondoaward.com/rondoaward.com/blog/.

Buy Giant Bug Cinema on Amazon: https://tinyurl.com/55hffdun.

Watch the full livestream here: https://www.youtube.com/live/r2FD6YLsaus?feature=share.

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 Travis Alexander; Danny DiManna (author/creator of the Godzilla Novelization Project); Eli Harris (elizilla13); Chris Cooke (host of One Cross Radio); Bex from Redeemed Otaku; Damon Noyes, The Cel Cast, TofuFury, Eric Anderson of Nerd Chapel, Ted Williams, Wynja the Ninja, Brad “Batman” Eddleman, Christopher Riner, and The Indiscrite One! 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)

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