Ep 165: Akira

Ep 165: Akira

Author: Movie Reviews for your favorite movies January 29, 2024 Duration: 3:38:28

It's time to re-visit a fan-favorite and one of the most iconic anime films or shows of all time... Akira! This 1988 film took the west by storm and for many it introduced them to the world of Japanese animation. For some, this film is a beloved classic. For others, they aren't sure what they hype is about. Hopefully at the end of this episode everyone can appreciate what a truly fantastic piece of film this is. Before we peel back the many deep layers of this film we go over our Top 5 Anime Movies or Shows of all time. So grab your tricked out bikes, watch out for elderly children, and always scream the name of your best friend... it's time for Akira on The Movie Defenders podcast!

Click here to listen and connect anywhere: https://linktr.ee/moviedefenders

  • 00:00:00 Intro and Announcements
  • 00:31:54 Top 5 Anime Movies and Shows
  • 01:04:14 Akira Discussion Begins
  • 01:55:40 Tetsuo Has Powers
  • 02:11:39 Visiting Akira
  • 02:19:19 Shikishima vs. Parliament
  • 02:33:49 Tetsuo Learns the Truth
  • 02:36:41 Kaneda vs. Tetsuo Begins
  • 02:44:03 Kei Talks About the Past
  • 02:55:01 The Truth About Akira
  • 03:10:21 Akira Will Save Tetsuo

Special thanks to our amazing Patreon supporters!
Alex Kirkby 
Alexis Borchardt
Barrett Young
Brett Bowen
Brev Tanner
Daryl Ewry
Ena Haynes
Eric Blattberg
Jason Chastain
Jason Mackay
Josh Evans
Joshua Loy
Kat Boulware
Kevin Athey
Mark Nattress
Mark Martin
Megan Bush
Michael Puckett
Randal Silver
Sean Masters
Stephanie Erwy
Attack of the Killer Podcast

 


Ever feel like your favorite film just got a bad rap? The Movie Defenders is here to change the conversation. While so much film criticism focuses on flaws and nitpicks, this podcast digs into the genuine merits, clever choices, and pure joy of popular movies that often face undue ridicule. Each episode is a dedicated re-appraisal, a lively discussion that aims to articulate why a maligned blockbuster or a critically panned genre piece actually works. You’ll hear thoughtful analysis that goes beyond simple praise, exploring the artistic decisions, cultural impact, and hidden strengths that might have been overlooked. It’s for anyone who’s ever left a theater loving a movie only to see it torn apart online, or who has a soft spot for a film they’re almost embarrassed to admit they enjoy. This isn’t about blind fandom, but about giving these films a fair shake and celebrating what makes them resonate with audiences. Tune in for a refreshing take that might just make you see an old favorite-or even a former disappointment-in a completely new and appreciative light. If you believe a movie deserves a second chance, you’ve found your audio home.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

The Movie Defenders
Podcast Episodes
Ep 225: The Mandalorian & Grogu [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:37:24
There's a Star Wars movie out so you know that we're going to talk about it! With our dear friends of the show, Kevin Athey and Sean Masters pinch-hitting, we dive into the movie that will cap off the Mandalorian saga fo…
Ep 224: Secondhand Lions [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 3:34:48
It's time to go back a couple decades and unearth a film staring two legends of film, Michael Caine and Robert Duvall in Secondhand Lions! A film that missed both Brev and Scott when it dropped, our dear friend Megan Bus…
Ep 223: Star Trek 3 - The Search for Spock [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 3:57:18
Time to stand on the table for one of the most underrated and misunderstood Star Trek films ever... The Search for Spock! No, we don't believe ALL the odd numbers are bad... this one deserves to be in the top amongst the…
Ep 222: The Hobbit - The Desolation of Smaug [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 4:00:55
It's time to get the shields up once again as we return to the much unfairly criticized trilogies of all time, The Hobbit trilogy. Today we unpack part two, The Desolation of Smaug. We three really feel these movies get…
Ep 221: The Running Man (1987) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:51:36
It's time to begin our two-part episode examination of The Running Man from 1987's version to last year's with Edgar Wright. We head all the way back into Arnold Schwarzenegger's peak stardom and unpack this classic 1980…
Ep 220: Twilight Zone - The Movie [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 3:34:46
Time to go back to one of the OG horror anthology films ever with Twilight Zone: The Movie! A film plagued by tragedy, but still managed to capture the magic of the original series, and was helmed by some of the best dir…
Ep 219: 2026 Defender Awards [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 4:13:11
It's that time of year... time for our entry into awards season with the 2026 Defender Awards, celebrating the films of 2025. We have all the categories the Oscars have, as well as other fun ones. Sit back and listen to…
Ep 218: Tommy Boy [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 3:22:18
Tommy Boy quite simply is one of the iconic comedies of a generation, and a staple of a tragically short, but powerful career in Chris Farley. He and Spade together are like chocolate and peanut butter. But beyond the sl…
Ep 217: Predator - Badlands [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 3:16:45
We think the work Dan Trachtenberg has been doing with the Predator franchise has been top-notch. In 2025 he was two for two, with Killer of Killers and this film, Predator: Badlands! A film unlike we've seen in the fran…