Alt 98.7 Presents Big Adventure has revealed its full weekend schedule of music, comedy sets, panels, live podcast tapings, activations, and more. American Satan, Voice Acting In Gaming, Back In The Shell: A Ninja Turtle Fan Series, and The Nerdin’ Out Podcast have been added to the diverse lineup of confirmed panels and podcasts, alongside Stan Against Evil, Wrecked, Alison Rosen Is Your New Best Friend, Cool Playlist With Eliza Skinner, and Superfight LIVE. Celebrating pop culture and fandom of all sorts, this one-of-a-kind entertainment experience is set to make its debut on Saturday, November 3 and Sunday, November 4 at the OC Fair & Event Center in Costa Mesa, CA.
More details on the newly announced experiences and activations at Alt 98.7 Presents Big Adventure can be found below:
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American Satan, featuring actors Andy Biersack, BooBoo Stewart, Ben Bruce, and creator Ash Avildsen
American Satan is an independent film following the story of a young rock band, half from England and half from the US, who drop out of college to move to the Sunset Strip to chase their dreams. The panel will feature actors Andy Biersack (vocalist of Black Veil Brides), BooBoo Stewart (The Twilight Saga, X-Men: Days Of Future Past), Ben Bruce (guitarist of Asking Alexandria), and the film’s creator Ash Avildsen (Sumerian Films). In addition to discussing the film, fans can anticipate a big cast announcement in regards to the film’s upcoming tv spin-off series, Paradise City. American Satan is currently available on SHOWTIME. Watch the trailer here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mutMh1RMkCE
Machinima Presents Voice Acting In Gaming, featuring Krizz Kaliko, Matthew Waterson, Philip Bache, Rachel Kimsey, and Stuart Allan, moderated by Jason Dimberg
Machinima has always defined the intersection of entertainment and gaming, and the discussion at Big Adventure provides a real look inside of the work of some of the greatest voice actors behind today’s hit games. Kicking things off will be a live performance of Machinima’s hit Facebook Watch show “Game Kings,” voiced and performed by multi-platinum recording artist Krizz Kaliko. Join Krizzalong with Matthew Waterson (Netflix’s Trollhunter, Call Of Duty Black Ops 4, World Of Warcraft: Battle For Azeroth), Rachel Kimsey (Justice League Action, Call Of Duty: Black Ops, Black Ops, 3 & Infinite Warfare, Horizon Zero Dawn), Philip Bache (Transformers Combiner Wars, Rise Of The Tomb Raider, Fallout 4), Stuart Allan (Justice League Teen Titans, Lego DC Super Villains, Transformers: Robots In Disguise), and moderator Jason Dimberg (Head of Programming at Machinima), as they go behind the scenes of what it is like to voice some of your favorite game characters in this one-of-a-kind, can’t miss discussion.
Nerdbot Presents Back In The Shell: A Ninja Turtle Fan Series
It’s Pizza Time! The original Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles films, comics, games, toys and cartoons inspired us when we were younger. Now it’s time for us to give something back! Nerdbot Media and an incredible cast and crew of actors, filmmakers, and prop makers are coming together to make a 6 episode live action fan series. Not CGI…THE REAL THING, LIKE IN THE ‘90s! We are die hard fans that want to create something incredible through our love for the Turtles. We hope you join us on this awesome adventure.
Podcast: Nerdin’ Out
The Nerdin Out Podcast is an offshoot of ALT987’s The Woody Show— with Woody Show Members Ravey, Cameron and Randy along with their friend Courtney— expounding on things that make life fun. Much like The Woody Show, it’s friends hanging out talking about their favorite things. Like superheroes, comics, games (video and board) tv, movies, books and all the other great things that make Woody grumpy when we try to discuss them on the show. More info at: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/960-nerdin-out-29395916/
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The music, comedy, panel, and podcast times for Alt 98.7 Presents Big Adventure are as follows (subject to change):
Saturday, November 3
Hangar Stage – Music
8:40 p.m. – Empire Of The Sun
7:10 p.m. – Phantogram
6:00 p.m. – Echos
5:00 p.m. – Nvdes
Hangar Stage – Comedy
2:00 p.m. to 3:50 p.m. – Patton Oswalt, Kristen Schaal, Emo Philips, Hari Kondabolu, and Monty Franklin, hosted by Marcella Arguello
Adventure Stage – Dance Music
11:00 p.m. – Rusko
10:00 p.m. – Bro Safari
9:00 p.m. – Feed Me
8:00 p.m. – Party Thieves
7:00 p.m. – Chime
Adventure Stage – Entertainment Panels
4:30 p.m. – Wrecked
3:30 p.m. – American Satan
2:30 p.m. – Alison Rosen Is Your New Best Friend
1:30 p.m. – Nerdin’ Out
12:30 p.m. – Superfight LIVE!
Artist Alley Stage – Comic Book Panels
4:00 p.m. – Image Comics Live Draw
3:00 p.m. – Comics For Mainstream Vs. Independent
2:00 p.m. – Image Comics Presents: Breaking Into Comics
1:00 p.m. – Music Influencing Comics
Sunday, November 4
Hangar Stage – Music
7:40 p.m. – Modest Mouse
6:15 p.m. – Cold War Kids
5:05 p.m. – Allie X
4:00 p.m. – Party Nails
Hangar Stage – Comedy
1:00 p.m. to 2:50 p.m. – Jim Jefferies, Natasha Leggero, Ron Funches, Rhys Darby, and Maria Bamford, hosted by Marcella Arguello
Adventure Stage – Dance Music
10:45 p.m. – What So Not
9:45 p.m. – Bonnie X Clyde
8:45 p.m. – Luca Lush
7:45 p.m. – Ducky
6:45 p.m. – Nitti Gritti
5:30 p.m. – The Geek Gatsby Cosplay Contest with music from Chuck None
Adventure Stage – Entertainment Panels
3:30 p.m. – Stan Against Evil
2:30 p.m. – Cool Playlist Podcast With Eliza Skinner
1:30 p.m. – Machinima Presents Voice Acting In Gaming
12:30 p.m. – Nerdbot Presents TMNT: Back In The Shell
Artist Alley Stage – Comic Book Panels
4:00 p.m. – Comics For Mainstream Vs. Independent
3:00 p.m. – Representation Matters
2:00 p.m. – Image Comics Presents: Breaking Into Comics
1:00 p.m. – Music Influencing Comics
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Fans are also invited to participate in and observe a number of onsite activations, including the ultimate gamer’s lounge and retro arcade from Machinima; a Nerdbot Media Compound with photo ops, a zombie shooting range and more; the Stone Blade Tabletop Gaming area with daily tournaments, demos, and cool prizes; Superfight LIVE, where you have the chance to play the hit card game against fandom celebs; the Image Artists Alley; The Geek Gatsby Cosplay Contest, hosted by Bernie Bregman; live action role playing battles from The Belegarth Medieval Combat Society; a custom built escape room from Superfight’s Jack Dire; and much more! Fans will have a chance to meet some of their favorite cosplayers including Alicia Marie (@aliciamariebody) and Liz Katz (@lizkatzofficial). There will also be a variety of fan groups exhibiting, including popular Star Wars groups featuring The Saber Guild, The Mandalorian Mercs, and the 501st Legion!
A limited number of General Admission and VIP Tickets are still available for purchase at www.bigadventurefest.com. All tickets grant access to everything happening within the event. The event is all-ages and is free for kids 10 and under (with an adult paid admission).
Produced by Synergy Global Entertainment (SGE), Alt 98.7 Presents Big Adventure will also boast a massive comic con exhibitor village, a marketplace with a variety of handmade and exclusive items, carnival rides and games, and wandering cosplay performers.
Participating comic companies include Skybound, Image Comics, Kodansha Comics, Boom! Studios, and Top Cow Productions. Comic artists will include Andrew Robinson, Andy Belanger, Becky Cloonan, Chris Burnham, Ivan Brandon, Matt Hawkins, Nick Dragotta, Andy Kuhn, Robert Wilson IV, Ande Parks, Brent Schoonover, Farel Dalrymple, Jai Nitz, Justin Greenwood, Matt Horak, Matt Wilson, Matthew Southworth, Morgan Beem, Ramon Villalobos, Brian Level, Tess Stone, Tim Doyle, and more.
Alt 98.7 Presents Big Adventure partners include: Disney’s Ralph Breaks The Internet, Machinima, Angel City Brewing, Corona, Kraken Rum, Lime Crime Cosmetics, Butterfinger, Rockstar Energy Drink, Deep Eddy Vodka, Cosmic Fog, Mike’s Hard, Kevita, and Soylent.
For more information on Alt 98.7 Presents Big Adventure, visit:
Hashtag: #BigAdventureFest
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TV
Sweetpea
Sweetpea is a new dark comedy series created by Kristie Swain and adapted from a novel series by CJ Skuse. The series stars the ethereal goddess that is Ella Purnell (Fallout, Yellowjackets) using her actual English accent!
Purnell plays a young woman whose name is not actually Sweetpea, though she is very much a wallflower. Though even Wallflower might have too much gravitas, Rhiannon (Purnell) is treated by those around her like a weed. She is stepped on and ignored by everyone except her dad and pet chihuahua. Many have argued that Purnell is just ‘too pretty’ to be that abjectly ignored by everyone. However, Purnell is an amazing actress who plays the washed-out, doe-eyed, shrinking ‘sweetpea’ so convincingly.
Rhiannon was bullied heavily in school which led to her developing trichotillomania (a hair-pulling disorder) which ultimately caused bald patches on her scalp. She still keeps an unconvincing brunette wig in a drawer in her bedroom. Rhiannon’s dad is constantly encouraging Rhiannon to stand up for herself. Unfortunately (light spoiler!) Rhiannon’s Dad dies from his illness in the first episode, leaving her alone in the world.
Rhiannon returns home to the large empty house she once shared with her dad. After yet another tragic incident Rhiannon looks at her life, her thirst for revenge is obvious. Particularly against her main school bully Julia Blenkingsopp (Nicôle Lecky).
Rhiannon sees Julia as having a perfect life and didn’t peak in high school “like bullies are supposed to do!”. When Rhiannon returned to work as an admin assistant for a local paper, not only did none of her colleagues notice her absence but they didn’t acknowledge her return. The only person who appears to talk to her is her boss Norman played by Jeremy Swift (Ted Lasso) who condescendingly calls her “sweetpea” and demands tea.
Rhiannon’s mental state declines enough for her to finally confront Julia in a club. Julia and her friends laugh at Rhiannon which brings memories of school back and anxiously tugging at her hair. This leads Rhiannon to commit a horrifying yet liberating crime when leaving the club leading to a whole new way of expressing herself.
What I Liked:
I enjoyed watching Rhiannon’s confidence grow throughout the series. Purnell herself spoke about the production of subtlety added makeup to subconsciously influence the change in her. Rhiannon transformed from a shrinking girl to a hip-swaying, go-getting career woman. Yet its clear there is a lot of mental turmoil within Rhiannon. Purnell (2024) jokes that she actually “got kinda jacked” due to the tension she held in her body whilst suppressing Rhiannon’s rage. Purnell also comments on how freeing it was to let it all out which Rhiannon does many times and is just as satisfying for the audience!
Initially, I found every character rather one-dimensional and stale compared to Purnell. However, as the show progresses most characters become multifaceted, particularly Julia. The narrative of the show really makes you question your own morals and sense of justice. You find yourself making excuses for Rhiannon and almost cheering her on when you really, really shouldn’t.
I also enjoyed how the show explores the victim complex. Is Rhiannon really a victim or has she taken on this mantle and lived her life accordingly? Sweetpea expertly plays with the shades of grey in the ideas of what makes someone a bully and what makes someone a victim.
Sweetpea fits in perfectly in the genre of British black comedy. Scenes like when Rhiannon is clearing out her chest freezer and then climbs in herself to see if it could potentially fit a body. The door of the freezer almost closes on her but she catches it just in time. This scene perfectly captures just what kind of character Rhiannon is.
I also liked how the character’s houses were used as metaphors for their lives. The home Rhiannon shared with her father is messy and cozy yet in desperate need of TLC and repair much like Rhiannon herself. You can tell it’s a well-loved home with a long history much like Rhiannon and her father’s relationship. In stark contrast to Julia’s fiercely stylish and minimalistic home which she shares with her fiancé. It’s sleek and modern yet ultimately empty with little sign of love.
The opening credits and music choices are also fire.
What Could Be Improved:
Like many others, I didn’t quite believe someone as beautiful as Purnell would be completely ignored by the general public. It did look at times like they were relying on drab clothing and too light foundation to make her look mousey. However, as stated, Purnell’s performance does save it.
The main ‘love triangle’ (if could even call it that) was a bit forced. Calam Lynch’s portrayal of Rhiannon’s colleague ‘AJ’ was a bit too enamored with Rhiannon with no real build-up. However, I found myself really enjoying Jon Pointing’s portrayal of ‘Craig’ and wishing his arc had been explored more.
I really wanted the show to lean more into the exploration of ‘abuser’ and the ‘abused’ and take it to a deeper level. Maybe in series 2?
All in all, I enjoyed this traverse through Sweetpea’s world. I am interested to see where they go with it in the future.
Three and a half stars.
Movie
Is This the Scariest Movie Ever?
It’s been called the scariest movie ever. Or the grimmest, bleakest, and most brutal. The post-apocalyptic drama; Threads, has only been aired three times, its premiere in 1984 (appropriate year), 1985, and 2024 for its 40th anniversary. Threads has also been made available on streaming services. The anniversary has stirred up memories from its initial release which has been dubbed ‘the night Britain did not sleep!’
Threads is a BBC-produced TV movie which explores what would happen if a nuclear bomb was dropped on the English city of Sheffield.
The film is structured like a documentary; with a voiceover speaking to the audience in a clipped, received pronunciation BBC English. The narrator speaks over what is possibly stock footage of a spider weaving its web, or its threads. The narrator explains how in urban society everything connects and how we all rely on one another’s skills to survive. Ominously the narrator points out how fragile these threads are.
THREAD 1 – FAMILY
The film then cuts to our two leads Ruth (Karen Meagher) and Jimmy (Reece Dinsdale). These two young lovebirds are in a car over looking the Sheffield countryside. A fighter jet flies overhead as Ruth remarks how “peaceful” it is. We follow Ruth Beckett and Jimmy Kemp as they navigate an unplanned pregnancy.
The film plays like a ‘kitchen sink drama’. I have heard ‘kitchen sink’ described as an ‘anti-Hollywood’ where everyone has their natural teeth and skin texture. The film looks similar to a British soap opera.
Whilst the narrative at this point just skirts around somewhat boring, it is clear something is playing out globally in the background. We see it on newspaper covers and hear snippets on radios and TVs. There is a situation unfolding in the Middle East with tensions building between the Soviets and the USA. Troops are mobilized and more importantly, nuclear warheads are moved.
And then it happens.
THREAD 2- SECURITY
At almost 50 minutes in, the bomb finally drops. The literal bomb that is. The omnipresent narrator tells us it is 8.30 am in the UK meaning it is 3.30 am in Washington DC; Western response will be at its slowest.
The bomb scene is incredibly powerful. This is where the ‘kitchen sink’ realism really comes into its own. It looks like any other British high street but people are running around screaming looking for shelter amidst the blaring siren. Children are being scooped up from their prams and the panic is palpable. Infamously one businesswoman is staring up at the blooming mushroom cloud rising above the city, the camera pans to see urine running down her trouser leg and pooling at her 80’s white heels.
There is constant screaming as buildings explode, windows smash, and curtains catch fire.
Text informs us that 210 megatons in total fell on the UK with an estimated 2.5 – 9 million casualties.
THREAD 3 – SOCIETY
Ruth exits her parents’ destroyed house to look for Jimmy. In her old neighborhood she is greeted by a horrendous sight. The whole street looks like that of The Blitz; with dead pets and both parents and children looking for each other. A shell-shocked woman covered in ash asks Ruth; “have you seen our Mandy?” she is proffering what looks to be a child’s coat, as if Mandy forgot her coat when going outside to play. A charred corpse with perfect white intact teeth (probably dentures) is embedded into a building. A staring woman is clutching the burnt remains of her infant.
After this, the horrific scenes come thick and fast.
Food has become the new currency and food stores are protected by force. It is here we see the figure who has haunted many viewers nightmares. The armed traffic warden with the bandaged face. Played by an extra who actually was a traffic warden in real life!
Hospitals are overrun with the injured. The harried staff are using sheets as bandages and table salt to disinfect contaminated water. Doctors resorting to amputation with no anesthetic.
THREAD 4 – CHILDREN
Ruth gives birth to a healthy child. A little girl named Jane. Ruth gives birth alone in a barn and has to bite through the umbilical cord. Later, on Christmas Day no less, a group of survivors gathers around a fire in the barn looking like a macabre nativity scene.
But what sort of world has Ruth brought her daughter into? We are told it is ten years later and society has returned to medieval times with the nuclear winter and UV damage affecting the crops. Jane does not call Ruth ‘mum’ only ‘Ruth’ and has no reaction when Ruth finally dies. Are the people in this society so profoundly broken by the sheer amount of loss and trauma that they can no longer form familial bonds? Has that thread been cut?
There is clearly little regard for human life anymore. Jane walks past three corpses hanging in the foreground paying them no attention. Is this a mass suicide or an execution? The corpses are also bare. Have people stolen their clothes to protect themselves from the harsh nuclear winter? Images such as these, shown for mere seconds can tell you so much about the situation.
THREAD 5 – LANGUAGE
In the second half of the film, there is barely any dialogue. Any words spoken by Jane and her peers are some strange form of pidgin English. Many fans have argued that language would not degrade that quickly. However, these children have been brought up by deeply traumatized parents (if they had parents at all). People barely speak anymore and death and disease are extremely common. Is it any surprise that mankind has been brought down to its most basic level? Or is this the cognitive effects of growing up around high levels of radiation?
Many fans comment how Threads gives no hope. But there appears to be a rudimentary school system-cum-workhouse with Jane and her peers watching an old educational video. Although the last scene definitely takes away from the tepid hope we are shown.
SO IS IT SCARY?
Well….as I had heard about the film through cultural osmosis I knew what to expect. I appreciate that during the 80’s, living in the fog of the Cold War, a nuclear holocaust was looking more and more likely. Having a film at that time showing exactly what it would look like if it were to happen in a typical British city would be horrifying.
With the film being set up as a documentary speaking to some unknown in the future, it is interesting when you are watching from the future. Before COVID I would think it was so unrealistic; the way a lot of people didn’t take the crisis seriously until they were practically underneath the bomb. Now I know differently. Everything is fine until it’s not and we don’t tend to tackle a crisis until it is right on our doorstep. Like Mr Kemp with his trousers down on the loo as the bomb went off, we are so ill-prepared. And all the systems (or threads) in place that you thought would protect you, such as the government, are just ill-equipped.
It is an extremely well-done film especially when I learned the budget was £400,000 (about 1.2 million today). The acting is superb and I can see why it’s such an iconic film. In today’s current climate Threads is more relevant than ever. Would highly recommend it.
Five Stars.
Streaming
Nobody Wants This on Netflix
Rating 8 10
Nobody Wants This, Netflix’s 2024 rom-com series, strikes a rare balance between familiar genre tropes and genuine originality. A surprising hit, it uses its single season to dive into the messiness of modern romance and human connection with a witty yet sincere approach that lingers after each episode.
At its heart, Nobody Wants This is a deep dive into everyday chaos, capturing life’s unfiltered messes in an unexpectedly heartfelt way. The show centers on two vastly different individuals brought together by chance, forced into a string of awkward encounters and life-defining moments. It’s a refreshing twist on classic rom-com setups, letting its characters face the consequences of their choices in a realistic way. Watching them stumble, adapt, and connect is like watching a slice of real life—raw, funny, and unexpectedly moving.
The writing shines with sharp, clever dialogue that feels both authentic and emotionally rich. Conversations capture not just how people speak but how they connect, creating exchanges that feel ripped straight from real life. Moments of verbal sparring and raw emotion are as delightful as the iconic banter of rom-coms like When Harry Met Sally, yet the story stays grounded, playing with the unpredictability of genuine connection. The direction adds another layer, framing everyday moments—like missed calls and clumsy first dates—with a cinematic flair that highlights the beauty in life’s chaos.
The chemistry between the lead actors is palpable, and their performances are infused with an authenticity that makes their characters’ flaws endearing. They grow with each episode, making the journey feel impactful and rewarding. The supporting cast adds even more depth, complementing the storyline without overshadowing the central romance.
Beyond romance, Nobody Wants This explores themes of self-discovery and connection, capturing the unpredictability of finding oneself—and perhaps someone else—in the chaos of life. Without giving too much away, the season finale is both heart-wrenching and uplifting, striking a perfect balance between realism and hope. It’s a conclusion that feels genuine, giving viewers a satisfying emotional payoff.
In a world where rom-coms can often feel formulaic, Nobody Wants This brings new life to the genre. It celebrates love’s imperfections, the inevitability of mistakes, and the connections that emerge in spite of it all. This series is more than entertainment; it resonates deeply, leaving viewers laughing, crying, and rooting for its characters.
As Roger Ebert once said, “Movies are like a machine that generates empathy.” While Nobody Wants This is a series, it achieves this empathy with grace, proving that even the simplest stories can have a profound impact.