Now Playing -- The Movie Review Podcast

Welcome to Now Playing's Friday the 13th retrospective, where we are reviewing every movie in the Friday the 13th series in anticipation of the new Friday the 13th movie being released on Friday, February 13th, 2009. This episode we review Friday the 13th -- The Final Chapter. Listen to find out our thoughts on this entry in the series, and if we think they should have actually stopped here.

Welcome to Now Playing's Friday the 13th retrospective, where we are reviewing every movie in the Friday the 13th series in anticipation of the new Friday the 13th movie being released on Friday, February 13th, 2009. Our look back continues with Friday the 13th Part III, released in 1982, and originally released in 3-D! Listen in to our discussion and hear what we think of this eye-pooping entry into the series.

Welcome to Now Playing's Friday the 13th retrospective, where we are reviewing every movie in the Friday the 13th series in anticipation of the new Friday the 13th movie being released on Friday, February 13th, 2009. We continue our series by discussing Friday the 13th Part II, released in 1981, where Jason makes his first appearance as the killer at Camp Crystal Lake.

Welcome to Now Playing's Friday the 13th retrospective, where we are reviewing every movie in the Friday the 13th series in anticipation of the new Friday the 13th movie being released on Friday, February 13th, 2009. We get things started with today's inaugural episode, as the Now Playing staff is discussing the original Friday the 13th, released in 1980.   {Friday the 13th Series}

Ordinary Life Is Pretty Complex Stuff In this candid, wide-ranging conversation, Jakob sits down with Harvey Pekar, the creator of American Splendor, to talk about realism in comics, the limits of the superhero genre, and why he chose to chronicle the life of a VA hospital file clerk instead of caped crusaders. Pekar reflects on his unlikely path from underground comics with Robert Crumb to mainstream recognition after the 2003 film adaptation, and he’s blunt about luck, ambition, and how hard it is to sell stories about an anti-hero whose biggest battles are depression, dissatisfaction, and everyday frustration. He discusses introducing realism into a medium that, in his view, never had a true realist movement, defends his methodical writing process, and explains why information itself can be entertainment. The interview also veers into politics, criticism, prose fiction, and Pekar’s deep love of jazz, revealing a writer who approached art the same way he approached history and music: systematically, obsess

Disney animator and creative director Dave Pacheco discusses his work at Disney across animation, publishing, and collectibles. Known for his contributions to films like The Little Mermaid and Who Framed Roger Rabbit, Pacheco also shares behind-the-scenes details on reconstructing lost animation from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. In this interview, Pacheco talks about breaking into Disney animation, working with classic characters like Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck, and Tinker Bell, and translating 2D animation into 3D collectibles and merchandise. He also explains how Disney character design is maintained across theme parks, publishing, and consumer products. Hear insights on traditional animation vs CGI, advice for aspiring animators, and stories from inside Walt Disney Animation Studios. This interview is a must-listen for Disney fans, animation enthusiasts, and anyone interested in the history and craft of Disney animation.

Robot Chicken takes on Star Wars! Seth Green and Matthew Senreich talk with Now Playing Podcast about their upcoming Robot Chicken: Star Wars special, including directing George Lucas, getting Mark Hamill back as Luke, writing for the special, and bringing Star Wars humor to late-night TV. Plus, Robot Chicken writer/voice actor (and Greg the Bunny creator) Dan Milano joins in to talk about what happens when collectors start smashing their own toys for comedy. It’s Star Wars fans living the dream of becoming official Star Wars creators! So hear this dive into their special now!

Best known as Pavel Chekov from Star Trek, Walter Koenig joins Now Playing Podcast for a candid interview about his journey through the final season of the original series, the transition into writing for The Animated Series, and his continued involvement in the Star Trek universe. Koenig reflects on joining an already established cast, the fan response to Chekov, and why his character often seemed to take the brunt of on-screen danger. He also dives into his work behind the camera, including writing for the animated series and exploring creative opportunities beyond acting. Beyond Star Trek, Koenig discusses his stage work, independent film projects like InAlienable, and his approach to storytelling in new media. He also shares thoughts on fan productions, the franchise's evolution, and whether he sees himself returning to the role of Chekov. It’s an insightful, wide-ranging conversation with one of Star Trek’s most enduring cast members, offering fans a deeper look at the man behind the uniform and where he