Parental Guidance Podcast

Ok, so normally these don't go quite this long but we got a little distracted by taco thieves, Christopher Columbus and of course we also still shared the other stuff we are watching, listening to and generally doing.  So apologies for the excess.  Unless you enjoy random excess, in which case...we planned it that way, so you're welcome! Remember, you can find us on Twitter & Instagram. Twitter: @The_PGPod Instagram: @parentalguidancepodcast

Paul Rudd & Paul Rudd come to Netflix with a sci-fi series centered around cloning.  So, if you like Paul Rudd, you can have two of him!  And if you like Irish comedians taking on more dramatic roles you will also get Aisling Bea.  To say there are some unexpected moments in this series is a good way to kick off a review.  It doesn't go as you think it might but in a good way that leaves you wanting to binge the whole show in one sitting.  A fun and thought-provoking sci-fi dramedy that will have you and your loved ones, friends, even those work acquaintances all standing around a water cooler discussing cloning and all of the moral dilemmas is presents.  We give you our Cups-of-coffee rating within the first five minutes, then you can stick around to hear us struggle to discuss the show without giving things away.  

It's the week of Halloween so how about a show with monsters and kids in costumes?  Perfect!  But does this adaptation of a video game bring anything to the table for parents and kids?  Just how scary is this Amazon Prime series for the little ones?  We let you know all of that and more within the first five minutes!  Then stick around for our additional thoughts and observations on Costume Quest.

It's another installment where we talk about the things we are watching, listening to, reading and so forth.  Plus, we never quite know where these will go...

Ok, so the kiddos are in bed now.  We're going to throw one out to you that isn't so much about mindless entertainment as it is about potential life-changing information.  The Game Changers talks about the science, environmental impact and health-related issues of a plant-based diet versus meat-eating diet.  Jason was shocked to learn some of the information in this documentary.  Jeremy not so much since he's already on a plant-based diet.  Either way, it's full of information that will change your perspective and outlook if you're man and woman enough to watch!  (yeah, it's a challenge!)

Tra-la-la-laaa...just find something else to watch for Halloween.  In our new format, we will tell you all you need to know, the bare bones, just the facts...including our ratings for whatever movie or show we have watched.  Then, stick around for a more in-depth discussion if you want.  As always, we've got your back and now it will only take you up to five minutes to get our thoughts and pertinent information!  Woohooo!  Now go watch Charlie Brown's Halloween special The Great Pumpkin.  Much better.

Another quick hit about what we're listening to, watching, blah, blah.  Also, one of us gets to laughing and just can't quite stop.  The blame rests on carbon monoxide and "DAN".  

With names like Oscar Isaac, Olivia Wilde, Annette Being, Mandy Patinkin, Olivia Cook, Antonio Banderas, Jean Smart and even Samuel L. Jackson you'd think that Dan Fogelman (of "This Is Us" fame) and Amazon could put out something that engages you for the hour and fifty-seven minute run time...you'd think.  To be fair, Oscar Isaac is great.  He's also not in it after 42 minutes passes.  We let you know the overall issues with this movie in a much shorter run time.

It's not the first time that a video game is turned into a show or movie.  Usually they are more of the action, "shoot 'em up" variety, though, not the educational type as is the case for the "Where in the World is Carmen San Diego" franchise.  Does Netflix hit or miss with their attempt?  Well, of course we get into it...I mean, that's what we're here for!

Something new for you!  We take a few minutes to share with you other things we're watching, podcasts we're listening to, books we're reading, games we're playing and who knows what else!  I mean, literally, we have no idea what else.  We're going to see what this evolves into but for now we wanted to share a bit more of who we are.  You're taking the time to listen to our shows and we GREATLY APPRECIATE you doing so.  Now you'll get a chance to learn more about us.  And hopefully, you will share with us what YOU are watching, reading, listening to, doing, etc.  So, without further adieu...we give you Between Episodes!

Nearly everyone knows who Bill Gates is...or, at least we know his name.  This Netflix 3-part series delves into the man behind the name.  Who is he, how did he get to where he is and what exactly is he doing these days?  Spoiler:  It's definitely worth the time.  But why?  I mean, we all know what he did so what else is there?  Have you ever seen him drink water from an experimental toilet?  Didn't think so.  Listen in and we'll let you know what else to expect.

Based on a true story, Netflix is attempting to bring the viewer a raw, touching tale of perseverance and hope.  Do they deliver or does this adaptation of William Kamkwamba's real-life story fail?  Is it worth all of the subtitles to sit with your kid(s) and watch this movie?  As always, we let  you know what to expect and whether we recommend taking the time. 

Now even YouTube is creating original content!  As with so many things these days, the producers are fishing from the 80's pier and reeling in some classic nostalgia.  It's Daniel LaRusso vs. Johnny Lawrence, round 2!  With some interesting twists of plot and character development, YouTube may be onto something here.  But there's more if you listen in!

Confession:  Somehow, we recorded an extra kids show at the beginning of September and I posted Invader Zim instead of this.  *Shaking my head*  This one is on me (Jason).  Jeremy is innocent (until proven guilty) of any scheduling errors.  Now, as for the show, it's time for a blast-to-the-past while remaining in the future.  The 1982 movie The Dark Crystal was one that I watched many times as a kid and now it's being expanded and blown out by Netflix. The question is whether this is another situation where they should have just created an original story and left the old behind.  We get into it and now you can, too, since it's finally being posted!  *sarcastic cheer and slow hand claps*

Zombies...monsters...post-apocalyptic world...teenagers!  Wait, wait...teenagers??  Based on the book series of the same name, this Netflix show has it all:  humor, action, fun characters and even depth of characters!  But, does it actually pull it all together or does the effort fall flat?  We let you know!

Most of us have heard the saying "If you don't have anything nice to say don't say anything at all!"  That doesn't exactly work well for a podcast that literally revolves around critiquing shows and movies.  So, if you like hearing people rip into something then today's show is for you!  This series received an aggregate score of .5 cups of coffee from us.  .5...as in half of one.  I mean...POINT...FIVE!  *shaking my head*  You gotta hear this one, folks!

Today we review our first show off of Hulu.  It's not a new one but it had--and continues to have--a strong following.  You'll definitely want to find out about this bizarre creation and what age ranges it is appropriate for.  Also, this might be the first show where our ratings have an interesting twist to them.  The first one to email us what that "twist" is will get a shout-out on our next show.  Eternal glory and fame awaits you, dear listeners!  (Our email is listed at the end of the show along with our Instagram account)

Sacha Baron Cohen...in a serious dramatic role?  Well, I mean...okay?  Does he pull it off, or does this historical drama on the life of Israeli spy Eli Cohen fall flat?  We let you know...if you click play and listen!

Dreamworks and Netflix have collaborated quite a bit lately.  (Although, Jeremy and I initially struggle to remember just which shows of theirs we have previously reviewed...)  Is this another collaboration worth the time for you and your kids?  Well, as always, listen in to find out!

A Netflix original documentary that may be one of the most important things you watch this year.  With the explosive growth of social media and technology in general the topic of personal information and what companies should be allowed to do with it has never been more relevant.  We will let you know why this is worth your time so tune in!