The original Ghostbusters (1984) is a timeless comedy that perfectly balances humor, adventure, and supernatural elements. The story follows a group of eccentric scientists who turn to ghost-catching after losing their academic jobs. As they face off against otherworldly threats haunting New York City, they discover an impending catastrophe that only they can prevent.

What makes the first Ghostbusters so iconic—and why sequels have struggled to recapture its magic—is the incredible chemistry between the cast. Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Harold Ramis, and Ernie Hudson bring a sense of natural camaraderie and wit that feels both genuine and endlessly entertaining. Their distinct personalities blend together, creating a team dynamic that grounds the supernatural storyline and makes it relatable.

The movie’s impact goes beyond its cast. The music, including Ray Parker Jr.'s unforgettable theme song, amplifies the film's energy, setting the tone for a story that's both spooky and fun. And then there’s New York City itself. The film captures the grit, character, and charm of 1980s NYC, transforming the city into a character all its own. Every street corner, landmark, and ghostly encounter pulls audiences into a lively, supernatural New York that’s thrilling to watch.

While recent sequels have added new technology, characters, and modern humor, they’ve been unable to replicate the authentic charm and effortless humor of the original. The first Ghostbusters stands out as a true classic, seamlessly blending horror, comedy, and adventure in a way that feels fresh, funny, and utterly unique.

Stick around until the end of the discussion and join us for a round of Movie 20 Questions.

Who you gonna call? The Nomads!

Tokyo Vampire Hotel Review: A Fang-tastic Flop That’s Hard to Sink Your Teeth Into

When you check into Tokyo Vampire Hotel, you might expect a thrilling, blood-soaked horror fest that lives up to its dramatic name. Instead, you’ll find a chaotic, over-the-top mess that’s more draining than it is exciting. Directed by Sion Sono, known for his daring and unique style, this series somehow manages to be both visually striking and narratively disappointing. Despite its flashes of brilliance, Tokyo Vampire Hotel fails to deliver a cohesive or engaging story, leaving viewers lost in a labyrinth of uninteresting plotlines and hollow characters.

The Story: A Chaotic Bite

Tokyo Vampire Hotel centers around a battle between two ancient vampire clans, with the fate of humanity hanging in the balance. The concept had potential, especially with the eerie, gothic atmosphere that the series tries to cultivate. Unfortunately, the execution falls flat. The plot quickly becomes a confusing jumble of subplots, time jumps, and dramatic set pieces that fail to connect. Instead of a compelling narrative, viewers are served a chaotic buffet of violence, gore, and supernatural theatrics, none of which feel earned or meaningful. The series never quite decides whether it wants to be a dark fantasy, a survival thriller, or an action horror, resulting in a tonal mess.

Uninteresting Protagonists: All Bite, No Charm

One of the most significant weaknesses of Tokyo Vampire Hotel is its lackluster characters. Despite strong performances from the cast, particularly Ami Tomite as Manami and Kaho as the enigmatic K, the protagonists feel more like props than people. Their motivations are murky, and their development is practically nonexistent, making it hard for viewers to care about their fates. Shinnosuke Mitsushima and Megumi Kagurazaka bring intensity to their roles, but the script gives them little to work with. Even in the midst of chaos, the characters’ reactions feel strangely muted, as if they’re going through the motions rather than truly living in this world.

Visually Striking, But Style Over Substance

Credit where it’s due: Sion Sono brings his signature style to the series, filling it with bold, colorful visuals and moments of surreal beauty. The set design of the hotel, with its gothic grandeur and claustrophobic corridors, creates a sense of dread that almost makes you want to see what’s around the next corner. Yet, this aesthetic flair can’t hide the lack of substance underneath. The endless stylized violence and frantic editing become exhausting rather than thrilling, and the series often feels like it’s trying too hard to shock rather than to tell a coherent story.

Verdict: Not Worth the Stay

Tokyo Vampire Hotel could have been a stylish, adrenaline-pumping addition to the vampire genre. Instead, it ends up feeling like a missed opportunity—a series with a striking visual palette but no real heart. With a convoluted story, uninteresting protagonists, and a style that prioritizes spectacle over storytelling, it’s a show that ultimately bites off more than it can chew. Unless you’re a die-hard Sion Sono fan or in desperate need of something to watch, this is one hotel you might want to skip.

Stick around until the end for a round of Movie 20 Questions!

Safe travels, nomads.

We're back Nomads! Welcome to our monthly catch-up episode for September of 2024! Grab your rake and get some yard work done while listening to Brandon, Eric and Dave talk about all of the video games, tv shows, movies, books and board games that they have been checking out this month. We hope you enjoy and as always, safe travels Nomads!

• Astro Bot
• Rings of Power - Season 2
• LotR: Return to Moria
• Robocop: Rogue City
• Tiny Terry's Turbo Trip
• Buckshot Roulette
• Call of Duty - Black Ops 6 Beta
• Control
• Superhot
• Mafia
• Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater
• The Plucky Squire
• Riders Republic
• Balatro: Mobile
• Halloween Grab Bag: Resident Evil 3 Remake, Dead Island 2
• Age of Mythology
• Doom 2 Multiplayer
• Ted Lasso

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Legend (1985) is a dark fantasy film directed by Ridley Scott. Set in a mythical, timeless world, it tells the story of the eternal struggle between good and evil. The movie stars Tom Cruise, Mia Sara, and Tim Curry.

In this fantasy world, Jack (played by Tom Cruise), a young forest dweller, is in love with Princess Lili (Mia Sara). The two encounter unicorns, magical creatures whose existence maintains light and goodness in the world. However, Lili's curiosity and innocence lead her to touch one of the unicorns, which allows the villain, Darkness (played by Tim Curry), to begin his plan to cast the world into eternal night.

Darkness aims to capture and kill the unicorns to extinguish the light, leading to a race against time. Jack, aided by magical creatures and companions, must stop Darkness, rescue Princess Lili, and save the world from eternal darkness.

• Good vs. Evil: The central conflict revolves around the classic struggle between light and darkness.
• Visual Style: The film is praised for its stunning cinematography, intricate sets, and atmospheric effects, creating a dreamlike, ethereal world.
• Tim Curry’s Performance: Tim Curry's portrayal of Darkness is iconic, featuring elaborate makeup and a menacing presence that has made the character memorable.
• Fantasy Elements: The film is filled with magical creatures such as goblins, fairies, and dwarves, contributing to its otherworldly feel.

Although Legend did not perform well at the box office initially, it gained a cult following over the years, particularly for its visuals, score, and the performances of its leads. There are different versions of the film, including a U.S. release with a score by Tangerine Dream and an international version with a Jerry Goldsmith score.

Die Hard with a Vengeance (1995) is the third installment in the Die Hard series, directed by John McTiernan. Bruce Willis returns as NYPD Detective John McClane, this time paired with Samuel L. Jackson, who plays Zeus Carver, a Harlem shopkeeper. The story begins with a bomb exploding in New York City, prompting a mysterious terrorist named Simon Gruber (Jeremy Irons) to demand McClane’s involvement in a series of dangerous tasks around the city. As the plot unfolds, it’s revealed that Simon is seeking revenge for the death of his brother Hans Gruber, the antagonist in the first Die Hard film.

The film is known for its intense action sequences, including car chases, bomb defusals, and shootouts, all set against the backdrop of New York City. A significant aspect of the movie is the dynamic between McClane and Zeus, who start as reluctant allies but gradually develop a strong partnership as they work together to outsmart Simon. The movie adds a layer of complexity with Simon’s psychological games and riddles, which keep both the characters and the audience on edge.

Die Hard with a Vengeance was a commercial hit, grossing over $366 million worldwide, and received generally positive reviews for its fast pace and the chemistry between Willis and Jackson. While some critics noted it didn't quite match the original Die Hard in terms of suspense, it remains one of the more well-regarded sequels in the franchise. The film’s portrayal of a city under siege and its mix of action and clever plot twists have helped it maintain a lasting impact in the action genre.

Hello Nomads and welcome to our monthly catch-up episode for July of 2024! We're down a Nomad this week but we have Eric and Dave here to go over all of the video games, tv shows, movies, books and board games that they have been checking out this month. We hope you enjoy and as always, safe travels Nomads!

Here is the full list of the things we talked about this month:

• Nintendo World Championships: NES Edition
• Metal Gear
• Deadpool and Wolverine
• Stardew Valley
• Star Wars Acolyte
• Delta (Emulator) - Picross
• Midnight Suns
• Disc Golf!

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• Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/nomadsoffantasy

** Spoilers Abound ! **

Oi Oi Nomads, The Boys are back and we're diving headfirst into the chaotic, blood-soaked fourth season. From Homelander's terrifying reign to Butcher's desperate gamble, we're breaking down every twist, turn, and superhero showdown. Come join us as we dissect the latest mind-blowing season, analyze character arcs, and explore the deeper themes of power, corruption, the past that makes us and what is to come!

** Spoilers Abound ! **

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Social links

• Discord: https://thenomadsoffantasy.com/discord
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• Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/nomadsoffantasy

"Monkey Man" is an action thriller that marks Dev Patel's directorial debut. The story follows an ex-convict who is released from prison and finds himself in a society plagued by corruption, greed, and moral decay. Inspired by the Indian deity Hanuman, the protagonist embarks on a journey of vengeance, facing various adversities and uncovering deep-rooted societal issues along the way.

Set against the backdrop of contemporary India, the film combines high-octane action with profound cultural and political commentary. Patel has expressed his desire to infuse the action genre with "real soul, real trauma, real pain," aiming to go beyond the typical non-stop fight scenes. The narrative touches on themes such as discrimination, poverty, and the caste system, reflecting the complexities and challenges of modern Indian society.

"Monkey Man" also features a diverse cast, including Sobhita Dhulipala, Makarand Deshpande, and Sharlto Copley. The film's production faced significant challenges, including delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic and Patel's own injuries during filming. Despite these hurdles, the movie was completed and premiered at South by Southwest in 2024, receiving attention for its gritty storytelling and the unique vision brought by Patel both in front of and behind the camera.