Behind The Geeks | Why Fast & Furious Matters — A Conversation with Barry Hertz

In this episode, Justin sits down with award-winning film critic and author Barry Hertz to talk about his new book, Welcome to the Family, an explosive deep-dive into the history, impact, and unbelievable behind-the-scenes chaos of the Fast & Furious franchise. The conversation explores why these films became a global phenomenon, how they reshaped Hollywood financially and culturally, and why Barry believes they deserve far more appreciation than they often get. From the franchise’s unlikely beginnings to its themes of family, representation, and sheer blockbuster ambition — this is a look at the saga many think they know, told by someone who’s spent years uncovering its truth.The book is available now in bookstores and online, in multiple formats: hardcover, eBook, and audiobook narrated by Barry himself.📚 Grab your copy here:Indigo (Canada – hardcover/eBook)Amazon (hardcover/Kindle)Audible (audiobook)  Check out Geekcentric onYouTube | Instagram | Twitter | TikTokJoin the Geekcentric Discord  HEREFollow Eatcentric - Same geeks. New Eats

In this special Behind The Geeks episode packed with SPOILERS for Stranger Things Season 5 Vol. 1, Justin speaks with creators Matt and Ross Duffer (The Duffer Brothers) about crafting the final chapter of the series. And, Nate sits down with Sadie Sink to explore Max’s emotional journey and with Jamie Campbell Bower to discuss stepping back into the darkness of Vecna. Across all three interviews, our guests offer insight into character arcs, creative decisions,  and the one song that would save them from Vecna’s mind prison. If you’ve finished Volume 1, this is the ultimate deep dive.STRANGER THINGS 5 Volume 1 is streaming now on Netflix STRANGER THINGS 5 Premiere Dates Volume 2: December 25, 2025 @ 5pm PT/8pm ET The Finale: December 31, 2025 @ 5pm PT/8pm ETWatch Our Interview with The Duffer Brothers Here on YouTubeWatch Our Interview with Sadie Sink & Jamie Campbell Brower Here on YouTube Check out Geekcentric onYouTube | Instagram | Twitter | TikTokJoin the Geekcentric Discord  HEREFollow Eatcentric - Same geeks. New Eats

This is our spoiler-free review for Wake Up Dead Man, the latest entry in Rian Johnson’s Knives Out series. We break down the film’s striking gothic look and feel — from Steve Yedlin’s atmospheric cinematography to the way light shapes the story — and talk through the performances, including Daniel Craig’s ever-magnetic return as Benoit Blanc.We also get into how the film’s familiar narrative structure affects the mystery this time around, why the ensemble’s character dynamics feel looser, and how the story doesn’t quite hit the same heights as the original. Finally, we share our overall thoughts and ratings, celebrating what the movie gets right while digging into where it falls short and what this franchise needs to evolve moving forward.Catch Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery in select theatres starting November 26, and stream it globally on Netflix December 12. Check out Geekcentric onYouTube | Instagram | Twitter | TikTokJoin the Geekcentric Discord  HEREFollow Eatcentric - Same geeks. New Eats

This is our spoiler-free review of Disney's Zootopia 2. We head back to our favourite animal-filled metropolis to reunite with the beloved “bunny-cop” duo, Officers Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde. We dig into our favourite animal puns and in-world jokes, explore how this sequel expands its incredibly detailed world, and reflect on the heartfelt themes carried over from the original film.Zootopia 2 will be roaring into theatres on November 26th, 2025. Check out Geekcentric onYouTube | Instagram | Twitter | TikTokJoin the Geekcentric Discord  HEREFollow Eatcentric - Same geeks. New Eats

This Week in Geek, we’re recapping our time at The Toronto Game Expo! We had the pleasure of attending the semiannual convention that brings everything you love under one roof — from retro games and indie creators to collectibles, cosplay, and the incredible community that makes this event special.In this episode, we dive into our overall thoughts on the experience and break down what we played, who we met, what we picked up, and why gatherings like this remind us how influential and joyful geek culture can be.We also shout out some of the amazing creators, artists, and vendors we connected with throughout the day:Naomi Lasagna – @naomilasagnaRiceboyyy TV – @riceboyyytvNolee Ness – @noleenessThe ManCave Museum – @the_mancave_museumRetro Remix Studio – @retroremixstudioTK Fantasy Forge – @tkfantasyforgeFunky Punky Designs – @funkypunkydesignsThe Toronto Game Expo takes place twice a year, in March and November. Tickets are already on sale for next year — the next expo runs March 28–29, 2026. Check out Geekcentric onYouTube | Instagram | Twitter | TikTokJoin the Geekcentric Discord  HEREFollow Eatcentric - Same geeks. New Eats

As part of our ongoing TIFF 50 coverage, this episode is our review and discussion of Rental Family. We dive into the film’s fascinating core concept, the standout performances from its exceptional cast, and the thoughtful way Japan is captured on screen. We also reflect on how our own recent trip to Japan shaped the way we connected with this story.Rental Family arrives in select theatres on November 21st, 2025. Check out Geekcentric onYouTube | Instagram | Twitter | TikTokJoin the Geekcentric Discord  HEREFollow Eatcentric - Same geeks. New Eats

As part of our ongoing TIFF coverage, Justin is joined by Eric Marchen — host of Cinema Seen on Rogers TV Durham and one half of The Untitled Movie Podcast — for a thoughtful review and discussion of Sentimental Value. Together they explore the film’s emotional core, its layered family dynamics, and the European sensibilities that shape its storytelling. They break down standout performances from Stellan Skarsgård, Renate Reinsve, Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas, and Elle Fanning, while diving into themes of grief, reconciliation, creative ambition, and the push-and-pull between art and family. Eric also brings insights from his interviews with the cast and crew, making this a rich, nuanced conversation that expands our TIFF coverage with depth and perspective.Sentimental Value is in select theatres November 14 Check out Eric's Interview with the cast & crew of Sentimental Value, including - Podcast | YouTubeFollow The Untitled Move Podcast -  Podcast | Instagram | LetteboxdFollow Eric Marchen Here Check out Geekcentric onYouTube | Instagram | Twitter | TikTokJoin the Geekcentric Discord  HEREFollow Eatcentric - Same geeks. New Eats

In this episode of Behind The Geeks, we sit down with director Alex Woo to talk about his new Netflix animated film In Your Dreams. Alex opens up about how leaving Pixar to launch Kuku Studios shaped the kind of stories he wanted to tell, the creative choices behind the film’s distinctive visual style, and how revisiting childhood memories became a surprisingly cathartic part of the creative process. From whimsical dream worlds to deeply heartfelt themes about siblings, family, and emotional resilience, In Your Dreams blends big imagination with honest, grounded storytelling — and Alex shares how those personal experiences informed the film’s emotional core. In Your Dreams hits Netflix on November 14 http://www.netflix.com/InYourDreams Watch our Interview with Alex Woo on YouTube Here  Check out Geekcentric onYouTube | Instagram | Twitter | TikTokJoin the Geekcentric Discord  HEREFollow Eatcentric - Same geeks. New Eats

On this episode of Behind The Geeks, we sit down with director Dan Trachtenberg to talk about Predator: Badlands — the bold new chapter in the iconic sci-fi franchise. Dan shares what drew him back to the Predator universe after Prey, and opens up about the creative risks involved in humanizing the Yautja in a way we’ve never seen before. From the franchise's primal roots to its emotional evolution, we explore how Badlands redefines what a Predator movie can be. Predator: Badlands opens exclusively in movie theatres on November 7 in IMAX, RealD (3D), 4DX, ScreenX and premium screens everywhere Check out Geekcentric onYouTube | Instagram | Twitter | TikTokJoin the Geekcentric Discord  HEREFollow Eatcentric - Same geeks. New Eats

This is our spoiler-free review of Predator: Badlands. Join us as we explore Yautja culture in this bold and evolutionary new entry in the franchise from director Dan Trachtenberg. We dive into the remarkable chemistry between Elle Fanning and Dimitrius Koloamatangi, and discuss how Badlands humanizes the hunt — blending action, legacy, and survival in unexpected ways.Predator: Badlands opens exclusively in movie theatres on November 7 in IMAX, RealD (3D), 4DX, ScreenX and premium screens everywhere. Check out Geekcentric onYouTube | Instagram | Twitter | TikTokJoin the Geekcentric Discord  HEREFollow Eatcentric - Same geeks. New Eats