One Great Fight: Kham vs. Everyone in The Protector

Battle: Kham battles his way to a restaurant atop a multi-floored building

Film: The Protector (Tom-Yum Goong) (2005)

Not my favorite Tony Jaa film, but definitely one of my favorite battles. More of a stunt experiment than a fight, this amazing sequence is a single steady-cam shot, lasting about four minutes. Tony Jaa, in the role of Kham, jumps, kicks, hits, and climbs his way to the top of a massive building, beating down everyone in his path. Don't miss it!

One Great Fight: Ash vs. Himself in Evil Dead 2

Battle: Ash faces off against his own possessed hand

Film: Evil Dead 2: Dead by Dawn (1987)

Bruce Campbell goes above and beyond in this classic comedic horror scene, which takes place in a small kitchen. His possessed hand does everything it can to kill him, but in the end it's Bruce that gets the upper hand... by losing one. My favorite moment- when his hand knocks him out, and attempts to pull his body across the floor to a meat cleaver. The hands-eye view is great!

One Great Fight: Oh Dae-Su vs. Henchmen in Oldboy

Battle: Oh Dae-Su fights his way down a hallway filled with armed men

Film: Oldboy (2003)

Chan-wook Park's Oldboy is not for everyone. This Korean film is gritty, violent, and shocking. It also contains one amazing fight scene, captured in a single take. Oh Dae-Su fights his way down a long hallway filled with armed henchmen, brutally dispatching them as the camera follows the action alongside him, as if its capturing footage of a side-scrolling fighting game.

One Great Fight: The Man with No Name vs. the Baxters in Fistful of Dollars

Battle: The Man with No Name guns down four Baxter family goons
Film: A Fistful of Dollars (1964)

"Get three coffins ready," The Stranger advises Piripero the coffin maker. One confrontation and a second's worth of gunfire later, The Stanger saunters back past Piripero. "My mistake. Four coffins." Clint Eastwood settles into his defining role as The Man with No Name in this classic Sergio Leone western. There are plenty of gunfights to enjoy in this film, but the dry humor of this one hits me just right.

One Great Fight: Blade vs. Vampire Blood Ravers in Blade

Battle: Blade takes on a horde of party vampires

Film: Blade (1998)

The moment the Pump Panel Reconstruction mix of New Order's Confusion started thumping, I knew I was in for a wild ride at the beginning of Blade. During the fight, Blade uses everything from shotguns to spikes to a boomerang blade to send a host of vampires to their crispy doom. Beyond the excellent death effects, the fight choreography is both brutal and fun. Wesley Snipes certainly seems to be enjoying himself.

Cavebabble Episode 89: 2010- The Year in Film

As the end of 2010 draws near, we take a month-by-month look back at the major film releases of the year, share our opinions on them, and present our choices for movie of the year. Join us! This episode is brought to you by Shhh!

Episode 89

Finished recording

We just finished up recording our latest episode, The Year in Film. With so much to cover, this is a long one. I've not started editing yet, so look for the episode to be posted tomorrow. Time for a three-hour break to watch my Denver Broncos lose again...

One Great Fight: Kirk vs. Khan in Wrath of Khan

Battle: Kirk and Khan in a blind cat-and-mouse starship fight within a nebula

Film: Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan (1982)

One of my top ten films of all time, Wrath of Khan has many great moments. This final space battle, however, is my favorite. Khan's superior intellect is tasked by Kirk's abilities as a captain, with deadly results. A classic in every sense.

One Great Fight: Kong vs. Biplanes in King Kong

Battle: Kong swats biplanes from the sky while perched atop the Empire State Building

Film: King Kong (2005)

It wasn't the first time Kong battled airplanes on film, but it certainly is the most impressive. The sense of scale in Peter Jackson's version of this epic battle is amazing. Vertigo-inducing shots from cockpits and wings are combined with a visceral display of Kong's power and agility.

One Great Fight: Jackie Chan vs. Bodyguards in First Strike

Battle: Jackie Chan takes on an army of bodyguards at a memorial hall

Film: Police Story 4: First Strike (1996)

In typical Chan style, Jackie uses everyday objects to fend off his attackers. The highlight of this great comic sequence is his use of a large step ladder. Very memorable.

No Show This Week

Cavebabble is cancelled this week so that we may celebrate Kevin and Amber's engagement. What? Did I just write that? I did! Kevin is in town until Tuesday, and indeed, he proposed yesterday. We shall regroup next week for our holiday episode. Join us then!

One Great Fight: Shu Lien vs. Jen in Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon

Battle: Shu Lien uses a variety of weapons in an attempt to regain the Green Destiny sword from Jen

Film: Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon (2000)

The brilliance of Michelle Yeoh shines through in this masterful fight sequence. She uses it all: Dual swords, spear, hooks, iron bar, two-handed broadsword. What's not to like?

One Great Fight: Obi-Wan Kenobi vs. Darth Vader in Star Wars

Battle: Obi-Wan becomes stronger than Darth can possibly imagine following a lightsaber duel

Film: Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope (1977)

The most famous of all light saber duels, and just the beginning of Obi-Wan's influence on the outcome of the battle between the Galactic Empire and the Rebel Alliance. I was ten when this film was first in theaters, and was shocked when Ben's cloak hit the floor.

One Great Fight: Robin Hood vs. Sir Guy in The Adventures of Robin Hood

Battle: Robin and Sir Guy face off with swords in a castle

Film: The Adventures of Robin Hood (1938)

One of the most famous sword fights in film history, and also one of the most copied. Iconic moments include candle slashing and the camera focusing on the shadows of the duelists fighting along a wall.

Cavebabble Episode 88: The Many Hoods of Robin

In Hollywood and beyond, the legend of Robin Hood has been treated many different ways on film. Tonight, we take look at five ways the hooded man and his merry band of forest-dwelling outlaws have been presented. This episode is brought to you by Legends.

Episode 88

One Great Fight: Trinity vs. Police in The Matrix

Battle: Unarmed Trinity wipes out virtual cops

Film: The Matrix (1999)

"No, lieutenant, your men are already dead," deadpans Agent Smith, introducing a fight both applauded and parodied ever since. Trinity dodges bullets, runs up walls, and hovers in midair before delivering a brutal kick. It's the first moment the audience realizes this isn't your average action film. Something is not quite normal about this world.

Cavebabble Episode 87: Harry Potter- The Final Years

Tonight, we conclude our look at the Harry Potter films by covering The Order of the Phoenix,The Half-Blood Prince, and The Deathly Hallows. Well, half of Hallows, anyway. Hogwarts will never be the same. This episode is brought to you by No Nose.

Episode 87

Recording Tomorrow

We won't be able to record the second part of our Harry Potter film show until tomorrow evening, when everyone is off work. So, the episode should be available the following evening, Tuesday.

One Great Fight: Indiana Jones vs. Unknown Swordsman in Raiders of the Lost Ark

Battle: Indiana Jones shoots a sword-wielding marauder

Film: Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981)

Looking at iconic battles, it's tough to imagine one as well-known or as short as Indy's killing of the sword-swinging man in black. Sure, it's a nice sight gag, but also a time-honored bit of advice- Never bring a sword to a gun fight.

One Great Fight: Nameless vs. Long Sky in Hero

Battle: Nameless battles Long Sky in the rain

Film: Hero (2002)

There are so many wonderful fights in Hero that choosing only one to feature is tough. If forced, I have to go with this clash of legends, both fictional and real. Jet Li and Donnie Yen fighting in the rain? I'm there!

One Great Fight: Dumbledore vs. Voldemort in Order of the Phoenix

Battle: Dumbledore faces off against Voldemort

Film: Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (2007)

Watching this film again for the podcast reminded me how much I love this battle. It isn't particularly long, but certainly memorable. Cool, plasma-like flows from wands, storms of fire, walls of water, and showers of glass. It's a memorable end to a wonderful film.

Cavebabble Episode 86: Harry Potter- The First Four Years

In celebration of The Deathly Hallows opening at theaters around the world, we begin our two-episode look at the Harry Potter films with an examination of Harry's first four years at Hogwarts. Join us! This episode is brought to you by Just... Harry.

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What? There's a New Harry Potter Movie?

In celebration of the latest film concerning a certain hirsute clay manipulator, we will be covering the Harry Potter films, including a spoiler-free review of Deathly Hallows, Part One. We won't be seeing the movie until Sunday afternoon, so the earliest the show will be up is Monday. Unless jinxed or otherwise cursed by purebloods.

Revisiting Flickchart

It's been some time since I've messed with Flickchart (flickchart.com). If you've not tried it, the concept is simple. The service chooses two random films, and places them side-by-side on the screen. You must choose which of the two you prefer. Flickchart then saves your choice, and brings up two more. As you continue voting, it builds a list of your favorite films. Soon, it's pitting films on your list against one another, making your decisions tougher and tougher. My problem is that having voted nearly two thousand times, a few of my top films have yet to be offered as a choice. I'm playing with it again today to see if things work differently. I love Back to the Future, but it's not my 6th favorite movie of all time! Try it out. If you're a film fan, you will be surprised how agonizing some of your choices will be.

Cavebabble Episode 85: Four Cult Classics

Bombing at the box office failed to kill these films. Instead, they became cult classics. Tonight, we dive into the odd and sexy worlds of Barbarella, The Rocky Horror Picture Show, Flash Gordon, and Scott Pilgrim vs. the World. As a bonus, we also review Night of the Living Dead: Reanimated. This episode is brought to you by Bad Costumes.

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Posting Tomorrow

It's Sunday night, and we just finished recording our cult classic episode. I won't have time to edit it all tonight, so the show will be posted Monday.

Master Chief in the Kitchen

I've been wanting to stage this photo for months now. Thanks, Chief, for a wonderful meal, and questionable coffee.

Cult Classic Weekend

I'm really looking forward to this week's podcast. Four cult films. As in cult status, not people running around sacrificing goats. This also may be fun, but I have no experience, so can't really say. Watching the movies was fun enough, though, so chatting about them should be pure joy. I hope you also like the resulting podcast. Recording on Sunday morning, posting Sunday evening.

Yep, It's That Bad

The movie Troll 2 is widely considered one of the worst movies ever. Having finally sat through it with Amber yesterday, I'm here to confirm that yep, it's fairly horrible. Beyond the obvious bullet point of having no trolls in the movie, I have to mention both the mother and daughter's performances as being particularly horrendous. If you've not watched them perform, be prepared. They are so amazingly bad that it's painful. I can't wait to watch Best Worst Movie, the documentary about this mess of a film.

Islands of Monkeys in the Simian Sea

Thanks to a super-sale on Steam, I'm playing the episodic Tales of Monkey Island series, and enjoying every bit of dialog Guybrush Threepwood can muster. I've not had this much fun since Escape From Monkey Island several years ago. The writing hasn't tarnished a bit, and so far the puzzles are puzzling without being too annoying. Much like catching a television series on Netflix, I prefer having all the episodes at once, so that I'm not waiting around for the next release. Thanks, Monkey Team!

Cavebabble Episode 84: Resident Evil Films

The Umbrella Corporation has unleashed the T-virus, and it's up to Milla Jovovich to save the world. Tonight, we dive into the undead world of the first three Resident Evil films. Join us as we crawl from The Hive, through Raccoon City, and into the wasteland beyond. This episode is brought to you by The Letter T.

Pure Cheese: Tron (1982)

Film: Tron

Stars: Bruce Boxleitner, Jeff Bridges, David Warner, Cindy Morgan

For video game and computer nerds in the early 80s, Tron is a shining monolith of goodness. I love it, too. It's also a huge hunk of techno-talking cheese, wrapped in tights. I've already covered this one in my One Bad Costume list, but it certainly earns a spot here, as well. Did I mention I'm already in line for the sequel? No, really, I am.

Happy Halloween

Happy Halloween to everyone taking time to read this blog, or listen to our podcast. We didn't record as scheduled this weekend, but at least we get candy, anyway. Join us next week for a look at the Resident Evil movies. That is, if you've not been eaten by zombies by then.

Pure Cheese: Barbarella (1968)

Film: Barbarella

Stars: Jane Fonda, John Phillip Law, Anita Pallenberg, various odd people

As much a costume display as a movie, Barbarella features some of the oddest characters you're likely to see on screen. No matter the quality of the film, Jane Fonda is incredibly sexy. Her striptease during the opening credits makes it all worthwhile.

Pure Cheese: Big Trouble in Little China (1986)

Film: Big Trouble in Little China

Stars: Kurt Russell, Kim Cattrall, Dennis Dun, James Hong, Victor Wong

John Carpenter went a little loopy with this movie, and I love every second of it. Kurt Russell as a truck driver? Check. Ancient Chinese sorcerer? Check. Floating eyeball spy? Check. Inflatable villain? Check. What's not to like?

Pure Cheese: The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975)

Movie: The Rocky Horror Picture Show

Stars: Tim Curry, Susan Sarandon, Barry Bostwick, Richard O'Brien

The quintessential cult film, Rocky Horror was a staple on the midnight show circuit for ages. I've never brought props to one of these shows, nor have I even seen the movie at a theater. Even at home, though, the fromage fountains from the screen. I'm not one to obsess over a soundtrack I consider very dated, but the sheer silliness of everything is infectious and fun.

Cavebabble Episode 83: Haunted Houses and Possessed People

Halloween is a week away, and scary movies are in the air. Tonight, we visit possessed houses and people in film, and may never turn the lights off again. Films include The Exorcist, The Amityville Horror, The House on Haunted Hill, and Paranormal Activity. We also share a few scary moments at our home. Join us if you dare! This episode is brought to you by The Dark.

Pure Cheese: Flash Gordon (1980)

Film: Flash Gordon

Stars: Sam L. Jones, Melody Anderson, Max von Sydow, Topol, Timothy Dalton, Ornella Muti

A glorious mess of clunky dialog and shimmering metallic costuming, Flash Gordon plays much like an 80s version of Barbarella. Worth watching for odd alien races alone, it approaches everything with a wink and nod. For an odd comparison, watch Max von Sydow in this film, and then in 1973's The Exorcist. It was filmed seven years earlier, yet von Sydow looks much older!

Pure Cheese: The Beastmaster (1982)

Film: The Beastmaster
Stars: Marc Singer, Tanya Roberts, Rip Torn, John Amos

A blast from my childhood, The Beastmaster is a glorious hunk of fantasy film cheese, topped with ferrets. It's the story of baby-oiled Dar and Kiri (and Dar's animal companions), and their quest for revenge on a nasty priest. I was borderline obsessed with Tanya Roberts back then, and thanks to the days of PG-rated nudity, I wasn't disappointed. Thank you, Beastmaster!

How Classic are Classics?

Is a classic movie actually classic, or simply old? We are asking ourselves this question quite a bit this week as we watch classic horror films for the podcast. So far, two of the titles are ones which (amazingly) I've never seen before, and had been concerned about watching, mostly because I knew I would be seeing them through 2000s eyes instead of 1970s ones. How did they hold up? Well, it was a mixed bag, as you can hear this weekend when I post the episode.

Cavebabble Episode 82: Minecraft Mania

It's a blocky Minecraft world, and the Cavebabblers are here to dig around in it. Minecraft is the creation of one man, Markus Persson, and continues to take the gaming world by storm, even though it's still in an alpha state. Join us for a look at this phenomenon, and our adventures in it. This episode is brought to you by Cubes.

One Bad Costume: King Kong in King Kong vs. Godzilla

Toho's version of Kong looks as if it was designed by someone who had never seen a picture of a gorilla before, instead relying on descriptions supplied by four-year-olds. With a face a mother would think twice before loving, Kong is something to behold. It's tough to root for the guy, really.

One Bad Costume: The Science Patrol in Ultraman

It's tough to get much worse than the costumes in Japan's Ultraman series. Forget the main character, though. The members of the Science Patrol are far worse offenders. Orange stretchy pants shoved into black boots, orange and white tops, and ties? Are you trying to get beaten up on the playground? Extra points for adding a thin utility belt, which seems to ride somewhere just under the ribcage. Ouch!

One Bad Costume: All Costumes in Santa Claus Conquers the Martians

Unlike several of the films I've featured in this costume list, there is nothing I enjoy about Santa Claus Conquers the Martians. It's not even good in a bad way. It's just plain horrible. The only thing worse than having to be in (or watch) this film must have been wearing these costumes. Poor things.

One Bad Costume: Bele and Lokai in Star Trek

In the classic Trek episode Let That Be Your Last Battlefield, the absurdity of racism is explored via aliens with faces of opposing colors which look identical upon first glance. It was a wonderful concept, but one which unfortunately ended at the neck. I'm not sure which makes me more uncomfortable- the bulging tights, or the muffin-top-emphasizing shirts. Either way, it all adds up to one bad costume.

Cavebabble Episode 81: Jaws-some

Amity Island is being invaded, and the Brody family is the only defense against the great white invasion. Join us for a marathon of munching as we sink our teeth into Jaws, Jaws 2, Jaws 3D, and Jaws: The Revenge. This episode is brought to you by Bad Suits.

Reading to a Theater

My lack of updates has nothing to do with a lack of bad science fiction costumes, but rather reader's theater practice. Performances are this Friday and Saturday evening, and tonight is our final night to put it all together. I'm on sound effects, and have a small reading part, as well. It's no Prairie Home Companion, but some of our players are very talented.

One Bad Costume (Helmet): Tron in Tron

This may be another case of men in ugly tights for most viewers, but for me, it's all about the helmets. They're just plain dorky. Having said that, there is a geek-sized place in my heart for Tron, no matter what the costumes look like. I'm in line right now for Tron: Legacy. Look at the character art for that movie- no shower caps, and very few helmets. Looks like they've learned something.

One Bad Costume: Buck Rogers

Sorry, Gil Gerard fans, but only four men in history have looked great in white tights and boots. Beyond this, what says "target" more than a soldier in pure white? He should fight alongside Imperial storm troopers! Before you call him monochromatic, though, check out that snazzy rainbow arm band. At least he's in great shape.

No Babble This Week

With work, homecoming, and reader's theater practice all taking place this weekend, we can't get more than two babblers in a room at one time, so will postpone the show until next weekend. We had only watched two of the four films we want to cover, anyway, so now will have time to finish up. The topic? The Jaws movies. Yes, even the horrible ones. Can't wait!

One Bad Costume: Minilla (Son of Godzilla) in Anything

Godzilla was one bad monster until his son arrived, and humanized the whole franchise. I love Godzilla. I really can't handle Minilla, however, and the costume is atrocious. I'm not saying any more than most Godzilla fans also say, but I'll add my voice to the chorus. Uggh!

One Bad Costume: Creature from the Haunted Sea

It's not surprising to discover this gem of a costume comes to us from a Roger Corman film. Looking something like a combination of the Black Lagoon creature and Cookie Monster, it's rather tough to imagine this beasty striking fear into anything other than seaweed-pecan sandies.