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It is official, FanX 2021 has announced their first big guests for the Salt Lake Comic Convention this September. While the global pandemic postponed the 2020 event, FanX founder and producer Dan Farr is excitedly planning a party like no other this year! He joins host Andy Farnsworth to dive into the universe of the announced guests, discusses the fun of working with celebrities, and all you need to know to finally get your con on in 2021.   Beyond Sci-Fi, Fantasy, Gaming and Tech, the brains behind Fan Effect are connoisseurs of categories surpassing the nerdy. Brilliant opinions and commentary on all things geek, but surprising knowledge and witty arguments over pop culture, Star Trek, MARVEL vs DC, and a wide range of movies, TV shows, and more. Formerly known as SLC Fanboys, the show is hosted by Andy Farnsworth and KellieAnn Halvorsen, who are joined by guest-experts. Based in the beautiful beehive state, Fan Effect celebrates Utah’s unique fan-culture as it has been declared The Nerdiest State in America by TIME.   Listen regularly on your favorite platform, at kslnewsradio.com, or on the KSL App. Join the conversation on Facebook @FanEffectShow, Instagram @FanEffectShow, and Twitter @FanEffectShow. Fan Effect is sponsored by Megaplex Theatres, Utah's premiere movie entertainment company.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What happens when the cuteness of legos meets the horrifying 1978 Star Wars Holiday Special? We get the new hybrid of Star Wars parody that is The Lego Holiday Star Wars Special. The show, released on Life Day 2020 on DisneyPlus, is a family-friendly comedic jumble of time-traveling, Easter egg hunting, Wookie growling fun. Deseret News’ Entertainment Editor Herb Scribner joins hosts Andy Farnsworth and KellieAnn Halvorsen to explore this new take on the Star Wars universe, and compare it to the iconically terrible 1978 made-for-tv special that we have already covered on this podcast. So grab your Life Day robe and your traditional holiday Tip-Yip to snack on, Fan Effect is diving back into one of our favorite fandoms to explore this galaxy of Lego-themed humor. We apologize for the audio distortion, we had microphone issues we were not aware of at the time of the recording. Beyond Sci-Fi, Fantasy, Gaming and Tech, the brains behind Fan Effect are connoisseurs of categories surpassing the nerdy. Brilliant opinions and commentary on all things geek, but surprising knowledge and witty arguments over pop culture, Star Trek, MARVEL vs DC, and a wide range of movies, TV shows, and more. Formerly known as SLC Fanboys, the show is hosted by Andy Farnsworth and KellieAnn Halvorsen, who are joined by guest-experts. Based in the beautiful beehive state, Fan Effect celebrates Utah’s unique fan-culture as it has been declared The Nerdiest State in America by TIME.   Listen regularly on your favorite platform, at kslnewsradio.com, or on the KSL App. Join the conversation on Facebook @FanEffectShow, Instagram @FanEffectShow, and Twitter @FanEffectShow. Fan Effect is sponsored by Megaplex Theatres, Utah's premiere movie entertainment company.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this special edition of Fan Effect, we get to know a bit more about our host, Andy Farnsworth, as a belated birthday gift to our listeners. What sparked his love of all things fandom? What in his opinion are the elements that make for a magnificent movie? What is his vision for the future of this podcast? We explore a wide array of pop-culture topics and deep-dive into why and how good storytelling changes our lives for the better.  Beyond Sci-Fi, Fantasy, Gaming and Tech, the brains behind Fan Effect are connoisseurs of categories surpassing the nerdy. Brilliant opinions and commentary on all things geek, but surprising knowledge and witty arguments over pop culture, Star Trek, MARVEL vs DC, and a wide range of movies, TV shows, and more. Formerly known as SLC Fanboys, the show is hosted by Andy Farnsworth and KellieAnn Halvorsen, who are joined by guest-experts. Based in the beautiful beehive state, Fan Effect celebrates Utah’s unique fan-culture as it has been declared The Nerdiest State in America by TIME.   Listen regularly on your favorite platform, at kslnewsradio.com, or on the KSL App. Join the conversation on Facebook @FanEffectShow, Instagram @FanEffectShow, and Twitter @FanEffectShow. Fan Effect is sponsored by Megaplex Theatres, Utah's premiere movie entertainment company. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Utah loves Halloween, and the multitude of haunted houses and creepy experiences are evidence of our playful devotion to the holiday. In this episode Fan Effect visits the Fear Factory, the fan-favorite, critically acclaimed, actually HAUNTED haunted house in the heart of Salt Lake City. The massive haunt sprawls across 6 buildings, up 6 stories, and even into underground passages, with a gaggle of ghosties and ghoulies to appease the wants of any horror-lover. Host KellieAnn Halvorsen is taken backstage to see the inner-workings of this spectacular spectacle and learn how they have taken every precaution to provide a COVID safe experience for their guests. Because let's face it, this pandemic should not take away our favorite holiday. In the second part, KellieAnn talks to Fear Factory owner and creator Rob Dunfield about the creation, inspiration, and evolution of this happy haunt.  Beyond Sci-Fi, Fantasy, Gaming and Tech, the brains behind Fan Effect are connoisseurs of categories surpassing the nerdy. Brilliant opinions and commentary on all things geek, but surprising knowledge and witty arguments over pop culture, Star Trek, MARVEL vs DC, and a wide range of movies, TV shows, and more. Formerly known as SLC Fanboys, the show is hosted by Andy Farnsworth and KellieAnn Halvorsen, who are joined by guest-experts. Based in the beautiful beehive state, Fan Effect celebrates Utah’s unique fan-culture as it has been declared The Nerdiest State in America by TIME.   Listen regularly on your favorite platform, at kslnewsradio.com, or on the KSL App. Join the conversation on Facebook @FanEffectShow, Instagram @FanEffectShow, and Twitter @FanEffectShow. Fan Effect is sponsored by Megaplex Theatres, Utah's premiere movie entertainment company. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Are you craving the movie-going experience in this topsy-turvy pandemic world? Well, The Salt Lake Film Society has some options to allow you to get your popcorn on, and see the new and classic films you crave from the comfort of your own home or as a glorious drive-in experience. Tori Baker, President and CEO of the Salt Lake Film Society (SLFS) joins host KellieAnn Halvorsen to discuss all the cinema experiences the non-profit arthouse theater has to share with their audiences. The SLFS is on a mission to educate, advocate, and inform about, and through, cinema and the coronavirus can’t stop them from doing just that. They have pivoted to Cinema Safe experiences that are actually allowing for some fun and unique affairs like their Motor Cinema at the Redman Movies & Stories studio backlot with visits from cosplay groups (like, literal “Mad Max: Fury Road” inspired cars) and a Virtual Screenings program that is now being used to support other art house theaters nationwide. So order your curbside Curbside Concessions and settle into learning about the unique history, programs, and experiences offered by the Salt Lake Film Society.  Beyond Sci-Fi, Fantasy, Gaming, and Tech, the brains behind Fan Effect are connoisseurs of categories surpassing the nerdy. Brilliant opinions and commentary on all things geek, but surprising knowledge and witty arguments over pop culture, Star Trek, MARVEL vs DC, and a wide range of movies, TV shows, and more. Formerly known as SLC Fanboys, the show is hosted by Andy Farnsworth and KellieAnn Halvorsen, who are joined by guest-experts. Based in the beautiful beehive state, Fan Effect celebrates Utah’s unique fan-culture as it has been declared The Nerdiest State in America by TIME.   Listen regularly on your favorite platform, at kslnewsradio.com, or on the KSL App. Join the conversation on Facebook @FanEffectShow, Instagram @FanEffectShow, and Twitter @FanEffectShow. Fan Effect is sponsored by Megaplex Theatres, Utah's premiere movie entertainment company. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's been over 30 years since Bill S Preston, Esq. and Ted Theodore Logan first became a pop culture smash hit in "Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure," but with everything that's happened in 2020, their third movie, "Bill & Ted Face the Music" is somehow exactly what we needed. In this episode, Andy Farnsworth is joined by KSL TV morning news anchor Dan Spindle for an overwhelmingly positive review of "Face the Music" (with spoilers)... as well as some hilarious deep discussion breaking down three decades of Bill & Ted and how a ridiculous concept has managed to have such cultural staying power. Beyond Sci-Fi, Fantasy, Gaming, and Tech, the brains behind Fan Effect are connoisseurs of categories surpassing the nerdy. Brilliant opinions and commentary on all things geek, but surprising knowledge and witty arguments over pop culture, Star Trek, MARVEL vs DC, and a wide range of movies, TV shows, and more. Formerly known as SLC Fanboys, the show is hosted by Andy Farnsworth and KellieAnn Halvorsen, who are joined by guest-experts. Based in the beautiful beehive state, Fan Effect celebrates Utah’s unique fan-culture as it has been declared The Nerdiest State in America by TIME.   Listen regularly on your favorite platform, at kslnewsradio.com, or on the KSL App. Join the conversation on Facebook @FanEffectShow, Instagram @FanEffectShow, and Twitter @FanEffectShow. Fan Effect is sponsored by Megaplex Theatres, Utah's premiere movie entertainment company. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We had to wait almost six extra months for it, but the live-action version of “Mulan” from Disney studios finally premiered... exclusively on Disney Plus...at an extra cost. The biggest question for fans of the 1998 original is should you spend the money to watch it now… or wait a few months until it becomes available to ALL Disney Plus subscribers. Andy Farnsworth is joined by his new co-host KellieAnn Halvorsen and regular guests Fanx Celebrity Panelist and geek mom Natalie Mollinet and Deseret News Trending and Entertainment Editor Herb Scribner to deep-dive into the latest Disney remake. With stunning visuals and steeped in the traditions of Eastern culture and martial arts cinematography, will this remake win over audiences at home and abroad in our current COVID world?  (NOTE: THIS EPISODE CONTAINS SPOILERS FOR BOTH "MULAN” MOVIES) Beyond Sci-Fi, Fantasy, Gaming, and Tech, the brains behind Fan Effect are connoisseurs of categories surpassing the nerdy. Brilliant opinions and commentary on all things geek, but surprising knowledge and witty arguments over pop culture, Star Trek, MARVEL vs DC, and a wide range of movies, TV shows, and more. Formerly known as SLC Fanboys, the show is hosted by Andy Farnsworth and KellieAnn Halvorsen, who are joined by guest-experts. Based in the beautiful beehive state, Fan Effect celebrates Utah’s unique fan-culture as it has been declared The Nerdiest State in America by TIME.   Listen regularly on your favorite platform, at kslnewsradio.com, or on the KSL App. Join the conversation on Facebook @FanEffectShow, Instagram @FanEffectShow, and Twitter @FanEffectShow. Fan Effect is sponsored by Megaplex Theatres, Utah's premiere movie entertainment company. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

COVID-19 has forced closures and cancellations aplenty through spring 2020, including big movies, concerts, events and conventions.  Restrictions on gatherings may continue until later in the year, something that could potentially affect FanX Salt Lake Comic Convention in September and its many thousands of attendees. Fan Effect host Andy Farnsworth reached out to FanX owner & co-founder Dan Farr (from a safe social distance!) to answer the big questions fans may be wondering about the annual event, including:  Is FanX still going to happen, or could it be postponed or cancelled?  Can (and should) people still purchase tickets?  What potential changes are organizers considering?  Are celebs still planning on coming, and will they still allow autographs and photos?  What can organizers do to protect healthy patrons from those who might be sick but still want to attend? Whether you already have tickets to FanX 2020, or were waiting until the event got closer to decide, this is the interview you need to hear!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The main theme in Disney/Pixar's new movie ONWARD centered around the question: What would you do to spend one more day with a loved one who is dead, and what would you do during that day? Fan Effect host Andy Farnsworth joined once again by Deseret.com entertainment editor Herb Scribner to review "Onward" (with minor spoilers) and talk about each of their personal connections to the story.  They also discuss which character from their favorite fandoms they'd like to spend a day with and what they'd do with them! Become a subscriber!Apple: http://apple.co/29GHS9nAndroid: http://ow.ly/rLye308qZ7cSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5Uw892ZhBFrW4T8Xo2xSf3See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The leading box office movies of the past month have all been adaptations of either books or a video game: "Sonic the Hedgehog"; "The Call of the Wild"; "The Invisible Man".  But if you've been paying attention, this is not a recent trend. Host Andy Farnsworth is joined by Kristian Odland, GeekTyrant.com writer and "One Minute Critic" on Instagram, to discuss these three recent movies, as well as Hollywood's apparent shift away from writing screenplays and creating imaginative movies about original characters. Is it Hollywood's fault...or are they just reacting based on our consumer choices?  They also argue whether you should read the book first...or see the movie first!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The future of "Star Wars" outside of Disney Plus is no longer a secret with the announcement of "The High Republic" crossover series of books and comics.  Starting in August 2020, publishers will explore the world of the Jedi that existed 200 years before the movie series takes place. Host Andy Farnsworth is joined by Deseret.com entertainment editor Herb Scribner to break down the details of the announcement, talk about what fans can expect, and gauge the reaction to the announcement from around the internet.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A supposed first draft script for Star Wars Episode IX that Colin Trevorrow wrote before he was fired as director in 2017 is now on the web and has many fans asking... would this movie have been better final chapter in the saga than what we got in "The Rise of Skywalker?" Host Andy Farnsworth and Deseret.com entertainment editor Herb Scribner recap what was in the script, talk about the timing of the leak, what our reaction to it could say about us as fans, and why the continued fracturing among fans could have a more simple explanation than we might have thought.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Star Wars' first live-action TV series, "The Mandalorian," is an unquestioned success, as it quickly became one of the most in-demand streaming shows after its launch on day one of Disney Plus. Fan Effect host Andy Farnsworth is joined by Deseret.com entertainment editor Herb Scribner and KSL Radio reporter Mary Richards to break down what we got from the eight episodes of season one, how the series came to be, background on the characters introduced and that big spoiler at the end of the final episode. Oh, and #BabyYoda.  Did we mention that already?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's an old saying about having too much of a good thing.  It implies that at some point, we could get tired of even things we love.  Eating one doughnut can be a delicious experience, but eating a dozen doughnuts at once can make you sick and maybe make you not want one for a long time.  But is it true for all good things? Say, for instance...Star Wars? "Fan Effect" host Andy Farnsworth and Deseret.com entertainment editor Herb Scribner got to watch all 9 (IX?) Star Wars saga films in a row during a 24-hour marathon at Megaplex Theaters leading up to and including the premiere of "The Rise of Skywalker".  Now they're here to talk about the experience, including new observations on each of the trilogies and new appreciations for moments in that galaxy far, far, away. Become a subscriber!Apple: http://apple.co/29GHS9nAndroid: http://ow.ly/rLye308qZ7cSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5Uw892ZhBFrW4T8Xo2xSf3See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The wait is over and "Star Wars- The Rise of Skywalker" has brought an end to the 42-year film saga.  The Fan Effect team of Andy Farnsworth, Tysen Webb, Adam Thomas and Ryan Meeks go in-depth on their thoughts on both Episode IX and the sequel trilogy overall.  They also talk about what they'd like to see from the "Star Wars" universe going forward. (NOTE: Massive Spoilers in this podcast episode.  DO NOT LISTEN TO THIS UNTIL AFTER YOU SEE "RISE OF SKYWALKER")See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We're just days away from the release of "Star Wars: Rise of Skywalker" and we know you are bouncing off the wall with excitement and anticipation.  So, to scratch the itch, Fan Effect host Andy Farnsworth and DeseretNews.com's Herb Scribner decided to give their completely non-insider, fanboy opinions of what they *think* they'll see, and what they'd *like* to see in the conclusion to the 40-year, nine-movie saga.  NOTE: No spoilers are contained herein, because they just don't know any.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Disney Animation's "Frozen 2" is dominating the box office as fans, parents and kids eat up the long-awaited sequel.  Andy Farnsworth is joined by KellieAnn Halvorsen of KSL NewsRadio's Movie Show and Disney D23 insider Matthew Hansen for some SPOILER TALK as they break down why "Frozen 2" seems to be resonating with so many viewers, and what things it did right to avoid looking like just a cynical cash grab.  Also, they debate whether it's the intent of, or the result of, a character's personal sacrifices in a story that makes those sacrifices meaningful.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Back in 1984 Arnold Schwarzenegger's Terminator said he'd be back, and "Terminator: Dark Fate" is the fifth time he's kept that promise. But this new entry into the movie franchise hasn't had the success that the studio had hoped for, despite Linda Hamilton's and original creator James Cameron's returns, and decent critical reviews.  Fan Effect host Andy Farnsworth and GeekTyrant.com writer Kristian Odland discuss their puzzlement at why other Terminator fans didn't enjoy the movie as much as they did, break down why they thought it was an excellent sequel to 1991's "Terminator 2: Judgement Day" and look into the future to see if there are any more Terminators there.  Plus, hear thoughts from Hamilton, Cameron and Schwarzenegger themselves! Subscribe via Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Play Music, or listen via the KSL NewsRadio app or KSLNewsRadio.com.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Now that we have the final trailer for "Star Wars - The Rise of Skywalker" we have to talk about what we SAW, what we DIDN'T SEE, and how we feel about the saga coming to a close.  Host Andy Farnsworth, Tysen Webb and Herb Scribner of DeseretNews.com react to the trailer, rehash old arguments (cough--The Last Jedi--cough) & even reveal a possible new order to watch all the Star Wars movies for those who haven't seen them.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Darth Vader, Joker, Voldemort, Thanos, Moriarty.  Their names alone conjure up strong feelings in you immediately... for good or bad.  Roger Ebert once said that a film is only as good as its villain, so Andy Farnsworth, Natalie Mollinet and Herb Scribner break down what makes a villain great and memorable, discuss some of the best villains from all the fandoms...and laugh at some of the forgettable ones (Condiment King, anyone?) Subscribe via Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Play Music, or listen via the KSL NewsRadio app or KSLNewsRadio.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.