Tag Archives: The Toy Department

The Toy Department – Episode 194

  By toyAdmin | December 20, 2019 - 9:07 am | Uncategorized
Leave a comment

In Episode 194, Derek Madden and Matt Kolsky went with a second straight Toy Department After Dark (and a day late), with focus on:

  • The season (and potentially series) finale of Watchmen on HBO (3:25), and how its slow build to the end rewarded viewers with another great Damon Lindelof show…
  • The new Netflix film Marriage Story (12:35) and the guys’ differing views on its success as a story of divorce…
  • The Challenge: War of the Worlds 2 Reunion special (27:35) and the assorted dramatics that took place there…
  • 19 for 19 (40:55)… Also known as year-end BEST OF lists from each of your hosts…
  • Homework for after the holidays (1:21:05), including: the Netflix cartoon Tuca and Bertie, four movies — the Amazon film The Report, Parasite, the new Star Wars film and the new Adam Sandler vehicle Uncut Gems– and trying the show Unbelievable on Netflix…

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Stitcher | RSS

The Toy Department – Episode 193

  By toyAdmin | December 13, 2019 - 9:32 am | Uncategorized
Leave a comment

In Episode 193, Derek Madden and Matt Kolsky deliver Toy Department After Dark (and a day late) and get into:

  • The film Brittany Runs A Marathon on Amazon Prime (1:30) and what a surprisingly heartfelt and well-made film it turned out to be…
  • The new film Queen & Slim (9:15) and the importance of diverse and interesting voices in the film world…
  • The reboot of Showtime’s The L Word (22:20) and how it’s just way too far over the top for Kolsky to get into as a newcomer…
  • The return of The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel (29:00) and how both guys are still enjoying it, but it may be running out of road if it doesn’t grow somewhat…
  • The season (and maybe series) finale of HBO’s Mrs. Fletcher (32:40) and how it hit the guys very differently…
  • The last episode of The Challenge: War of the Worlds 2 (39:05), some favorite moments and all the incredible drama that went down…
  • Homework for next week (1:05:40), including: 2019 year-end favorites, the end of Watchmen on HBO, some thoughts on the Challenge Reunion special and the new Netflix film Marriage Story…
  • Thirty seconds on Mike Birbiglia’s new Netflix stand-up special (1:08:00) which was good…

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Stitcher | RSS

The Toy Department – Episode 192

  By toyAdmin | December 5, 2019 - 12:33 pm | Uncategorized
Leave a comment

In Episode 192, Derek Madden and Matt Kolsky suffer through various ailments to deliver an abbreviated episode focusing on:

  • Martin Scorsese’s new Netflix film The Irishman (5:00) and the infuriatingly pretentious reaction from film critics and twitter cinephiles…
  • Homework for next week (25:40), including: making up for this week by getting to the film Brittany Runs A Marathon on Amazon Prime and Mike Birbiglia’s new Netflix stand-up special, plus check-ins on Watchmen and Mrs. Fletcher, and adding in the new film Queen & Slim as well as the reboot of the L Word on Showtime and the new season of Marvelous Mrs. Maisel on Amazon…
  • A quick (and glowing) reaction to the new film Knives Out (27:15) and how much fun can be had in a movie theater…

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Stitcher | RSS

The Toy Department – Episode 191

  By toyAdmin | November 21, 2019 - 11:41 am | Uncategorized
Leave a comment

In Episode 191, Derek Madden teases a non-existent show drama before exposing the rather dull truth, then he and Matt Kolsky basically agree on:

  • The new film Ford vs. Ferrari (2:10) and how it was somewhat unexceptional but the sort of film the guys would like to see more of…
  • The debut of The Mandalorian on Disney+ (14:45) and how the first two episodes were great, but the guys are ready for some plot…
  • The new Hulu show Dollface (24:40) and how it is utterly watchable but not especially deep or thoughtful…
  • The Netflix film Earthquake Bird (33:30) and how neither host much enjoyed it or understood the point of it…
  • A brief detour out of the Toy Department (39:15) because Madden wants to discuss the impeachment hearings, but Kolsky is not watching or interested…
  • More thoughts on The Challenge (43:50) which saw another excellent episode filled with perfect twists in the War of the Worlds II season, plus Kolsky’s analysis of old seasons as he learns some history…
  • Homework for TWO weeks from now (59:00), including: the new film Knives Out in theaters, the new film The Irishman on Netflix, the new film Brittany Runs A Marathon on Amazon Prime and Mike Birbiglia’s new Netflix stand-up special, plus check-ins on Watchmen and Mrs. Fletcher…

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Stitcher | RSS

The Toy Department – Episode 190

  By toyAdmin | November 14, 2019 - 11:39 am | Uncategorized
Leave a comment

In Episode 190, Derek Madden and Matt Kolsky are off to a late start, so waste no time getting into:

  • Kolsky’s investment in Disney+ (1:00) and how he feels about it, with plans to get Madden involved for next week…
  • The new Taika Waititi film Jojo Rabbit (5:35), how incredible the cast was and what an interesting, thoughtful movie it turned out to be…
  • The new cycle of Hasan Minhaj’s Patriot Act on Netflix (17:20) and the fundamental struggle for comedy/news programs in our bizarre and confusing times…
  • A deep dive on MTV’s The Challenge (25:55), the remarkable twists and turns of the War of the Worlds 2 season and some specific strategy points and player analysis…
  • Homework for next week (53:15), including: watching the first couple episodes of The Mandalorian on Disney+, back to the theaters for the movie Ford vs. Ferrari, the new Hulu show Dollface and the new Netflix film Earthquake Bird…

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Stitcher | RSS

The Toy Department – Episode 189

  By toyAdmin | November 7, 2019 - 11:53 am | Uncategorized
Leave a comment

In Episode 189, Derek Madden and Matt Kolsky briefly discuss Tiffany Haddish’s Netflix offering They Ready before settling in for:

  • The new Edward Norton film Motherless Brooklyn (3:00) and whether it is too complicated for its own good…
  • The return of The End of the Fucking World on Netflix (11:30) and how it continues to be oddly and undeniably charming…
  • HBO’s new show His Dark Materials (17:45) and whether it is too fantastical for Madden to seriously entertain…
  • The end of HBO’s The Deuce (32:40) and how David Simon has crafted another deep and powerful piece of television entertainment…
  • A check-in on MTV’s The Challenge (53:45) and all the madness that makes it the best reality show running (and swimming, and hammering)…
  • Homework for next week (1:07:05), including: probably some more discussion of The Challenge, hopefully the premiere of the Star Wars show The Mandalorian on Disney+, the new cycle of Patriot Act on Netflix and the film Jojo Rabbit…

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Stitcher | RSS

The Toy Department – Episode 188

  By toyAdmin | October 31, 2019 - 11:26 am | Uncategorized
Leave a comment

In Episode 188, Derek Madden and Matt Kolsky dive directly into:

  • The new Netflix film Dolemite Is My Name (1:35) starring Eddie Murphy, and how it’s nice to have Eddie back in our lives…
  • The other new Netflix film The Laundromat (10:55) from the mind of Steven Soderbergh, and how it finds focus and a pointed message in a last-minute twist…
  • The return of The Kominsky Method (22:10) and why the guys still enjoy Chuck Lorre’s Netflix comedy…
  • The return of HBO’s Silicon Valley for its final season (24:30) and how it feels as it heads for the finish…
  • HBO’s new show Mrs. Fletcher (33:00) and the enduring appeal of Kathryn Hahn despite the show’s overly pilot-y opening episode…
  • Some thoughts on why and how the Golden State Warriors should tank their season (37:05) following the unfortunate injury to Steph Curry and some other NBA considerations…
  • Homework for next week (54:25), including: His Dark Materials on HBO, Season 2 of End of the Fucking World on Netflix, the Ed Norton film Motherless Brooklyn, a re-up on MTV’s The Challenge and a discussion about the end of HBO’s The Deuce…

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Stitcher | RSS

The Toy Department – Episode 187

  By toyAdmin | October 23, 2019 - 11:52 am | Uncategorized
Leave a comment

In Episode 187, Derek Madden and Matt Kolsky waste no time getting down to their many topics, specifically:

  • HBO’s new series Watchmen (1:20) and how an interesting premise, Damon Lindelof’s writing and Regina King’s ass-kicking are more than enough to hold your attention…
  • Netflix’s Living With Yourself (14:40) and its lead Paul Rudd, plus the enjoyable sports-related cameo…
  • The new Amazon series Modern Love (25:05) and how it succeeds at being both delightful and heart-yanking…
  • Jenny Slate’s stand-up special on Netflix (29:50) and how it delivers a uniquely Jenny Slate experience more than a set of jokes…
  • Some thoughts on the tip-off of NBA season (39:10) including some talk about the first two games, the favorites and the overall theme…
  • Homework for next week (1:04:20), including: the return of the Kominsky Method on Netflix, the return of Silicon Valley on HBO, the debut of Mrs. Fletcher on HBO, and two Netflix films — The Laundromat and Dolemite is My Name…

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Stitcher | RSS

The Toy Department – Episode 186

  By toyAdmin | October 17, 2019 - 1:00 pm | Uncategorized
Leave a comment

In Episode 186, Derek Madden and Matt Kolsky apologize for any audio quality issues as Kolsky is en route from Sacramento to San Francisco, and then get into:

  • The new film Joker (2:30) and how both guys ended up confused and disappointed after watching it…
  • A much more enjoyable film, Netflix’s El Camino (20:45), the story of Jesse Pinkman and the delightful fan service of Breaking Bad creator Vince Gilligan…
  • The season finalé of HBO’s Succession (27:30) and how it is functioning at a tremendously high level, particularly given how difficult it is to describe…
  • Season 4 of USA’s Mr. Robot (45:10) and whether there’s anything new or interesting to see there…
  • A new album from a new band — the self-titled Black Pumas (48:40) — and whether they are worth following into the future…
  • A new album from an older band — Sturgill Simpson’s Sound & Fury (52:15) — and whether the guys are into his southern rock turn, plus some pretty unnecessary shots at country music…
  • Homework for next week (1:02:10), including: HBO’s new series Watchmen (from Damon Lindelof), Amazon Prime’s new series Modern Love, Jenny Slate’s stand-up special on Netflix and probably a check-in on MTV’s The Challenge, plus (not mentioned) a BIG NBA PREVIEW…

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Stitcher | RSS

The Toy Department – Episode 185

  By toyAdmin | October 9, 2019 - 10:30 pm | Uncategorized
Leave a comment

In Episode 185, Derek Madden and Matt Kolsky address the many miseries of Madden’s Minnesota existence before talking through:

  • The return of Big Mouth on Netflix (5:15), which means more hilarious puberty jokes and horny hormone monsters…
  • HBO’s Diego Maradona documentary (9:10) and how it fell flatter than both hosts expected…
  • Netflix’s Between Two Ferns movie (15:05) and whether there’s enough to Zach Galifianakis’ sarcastic interview bit to last 90 minutes…
  • Ryan Murphy’s new Netflix show The Politician (22:30) and whether the Ryan Murphy of it all just becomes too much at some point…
  • Netflix’s Sacha Baron-Cohen drama The Spy (29:15) and how a great performance and some high stakes make for an enthralling viewing experience…
  • The new season of It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia (36:05) and how impressive its continued quality is…
  • Some thoughts on the NBA’s current debacle (38:15) involving Daryl Morey and the Chinese government…
  • Homework for next week (56:55), including: the Jesse Pinkman (of Breaking Bad) movie El Camino, an attempt to get to the theater for The Joker and the start of the fourth season of Mr. Robot…

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Stitcher | RSS