Reel Film Nerds

It’s finally here kids, Mike’s favorite time of year, the annual Harvest Horror Fest! For his first pick of horror Mike went with a newer classic The Strangers starring Scott Speedman and Liv Tyler. Not horror related topics include old cell phones, the new Venom flick, and street lights. The Strangers is a great psychological horror film with minimal sets and cast allowing the story to really drive the film. There are a ton of jump scares that Matt is not a big fan of. He thinks they are a cop out when it comes to horror. Liv Tyler and Scott Speedman did an excellent job keeping the viewers on their toes. When things start to go awry Tyler has an absolute blood curdling scream! This is a great start to our annual celebration of horror films. If you have not seen The Strangers and are into horror even a little bit this is a must see. Mike loves this film, still creeping him out to this day. He awards it 4 out of 5 Reels. Matt also enjoyed the movie being his first viewing of it. He is a bit harsher but still

This is it listeners, our last podcast before HARVEST HORROR FEST! Today Mike and Matt chat about the Netflix Original assassin revenge film Kate starring Mary Elizabeth Winstead and Woody Harrelson. Bonus topics include Japan, Anthony Bourdain, and being tall. Just what the guys needed, another action assassin revenge movie but this time in Japan. Kate is a story we have seen and reviewed time and time again. What sets this film apart from the others is it’s stunts, location, and acting. Taking in place in Japan and using Japanese actors and stunt professionals makes Kate a true visual delight crammed with martial arts. Mary Elizabeth Winstead and newcomer Miku Patricia Martineau have excellent chemistry. One of the few misses the film has is it’s lack of Woody Harrelson. Mike loved Kate! He did not anticipate it being such a great film and that might have added to his rating. He gives it 4.5 out of 5 Reels. Matt also really enjoyed the movie but thought the story had been told too many times before. He giv

Hey look at us, back on schedule even with a huge life changing event for Mike! Today your hosts chat about Clint Eastwood’s latest film Cry Macho. Not western film topics include Mike’s new baby, a new movie giveaway, and cock fighting. Your hosts have very mixed feelings about the latest Clint Eastwood epic Cry Macho. The film is really strange for the first act leading into the second. There is a time jump, a weird introduction, and just lots of confusion. The second half of the film really shines. It is sweet and down to earth showing the viewer how to appreciate life and the little things. Clint Eastwood does a great job especially at the ripe age of 91. Newcomer Eduardo Minett has some growing pains to get through. The sets are beautiful along with the cinematography. Mike really enjoyed Cry Macho giving it 3.5 out of 5 Reels. Matt on the other hand thought he got half a film awarding it 2.5 out of 5 Reels. Next week the boys are kinda up in the air on a film. Mike would like to review Card Counter st

Sorry everyone, we suck! Yeah we missed our normal pod day but hey we got er done. Matt and Mike are both very busy, especially Mike preparing to add to his brood. Today the guys chat about an Amazon Original, Jolt starring Kate Beckinsale and Stanley Tucci. Not action murder movie topics include westerns, Arizona Rattlers lose, and Y: The Last Man. Have you ever wondered what would happen if you mixed Jon Wick with Crank and tossed in some Kate Beckinsale, wonder no more! That film is here and it’s called Jolt. This flick is not going to win any awards but it sure is a ton of fun. Fast action, vibrant colors, a great cast, and a decent story, what else do you want? Beckinsale plays a character that can’t control her anger, subsequently leading her to self-inflicted shock therapy until she meets the man of her dreams. He is murdered by his boss and it is all out revenge for the rest of the film.  Mike and Matt both agree this is well worth the watch if you are into action or revenge movies. Mike awards Jolt

Welcome fellow MCU fans to another incredible Reel Film Nerds podcast! Today Matt and Mike review the latest Marvel Cinematic Universe film to hit the market, Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings. Extra curricular topics include What We Do in the Shadows, Dad jokes, and Hulk. Thank you Marvel, you did it again. Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings is a breath of fresh air not only as an MCU film but a film in general. It is acted well, shot well, and the martial arts stunts are on the level of Jackie Chan films. The story is great, the CGI is amazing, honestly what doesn’t this film have? Relative newcomer Simu Liu pairs perfectly with Awkwafina. Just enough humor to make it fun but they both know how and when to be serious. Shang-Chi should have been the kick off to the MCU’s Phase 4. This is only the beginning for this character and Phase 4 let’s hope Disney and Marvel keep the momentum going. Both your hosts suggest you run to see this one in the theaters. Large screens, surround sound, and pop

Welcome everyone to the Reel Film Nerds podcast! Today Matt and Mike review a film they both were anxiously awaiting for over a year, Candyman (2021). Written by Jordan Peele and starring Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Teyonah Parris, and Nathan Stewart-Jarrett. Not sequel horror movie topics include contact lens painters, Halloween candy, and Mortal Kombat. It has been a while but Mike and Matt definitely do not agree on Candyman (2021). Mike loves it as predicted, it is a horror film after all. Matt on the other hand found it to be boring and slow to say the least. Cabrini Green, the infamous part of Chicago where the 1992 Candyman takes place, has been gentrified but that doesn’t stop our ominous villain from making his triumphant return. The acting in Candyman (2021) was stellar but the real shining star is the cinematography and directing. This film is a slow burn with darts of violence and horror peppered throughout. Mike Talent loved the 2021 sequel awarding it 4 out of 5 Reels. Matt on the other hand thinks

Welcome everyone to the Reel Film Nerds podcast! Today Matt and Mike break down a trippy sci-fi noir film Reminiscence starring Hugh Jackman and Thandiwe Newton. Topics more interesting than this film include CRS, The Office, and Red Hot Chili Peppers’ concerts. There is not a whole lot to say about Reminiscence. It is not only difficult to discuss without spoiling the movie but it is also a really long and at times boring film. There are a lot of great concepts at work here. Wonderful world building, a modern-ish noir, and Hugh Jackman acting his ass off. In the end though Reminiscence just doesn’t deliver. It is not a horrible movie but it’s not a great one either. Matt thinks Reminiscence is worth a watch if you have HBO Max and nothing else is on. He awards the film an average rating of 3 out of 5 Reels. Mike on the other hand really did not like this movie and can’t recommend you to waste your time on it. He gives Reminiscence 2 out of 5 Reels.        It’s here, it’s finally here!! Candyman (2021) is h

Well hello there and welcome to the latest installment of the Reel Film Nerds podcast. Only two hosts made it this week, hey it happens, people are busy especially when preparing for a little one. Today Matt and Mike sit down and chat about another Ryan Reynolds movie but this one is video game based, Free Guy. Bonus point topics include GTA V, are people becoming even more terrible, and Deadpool kicks it with Korg. It took almost two whole years for Free Guy to hit the theaters but Dude it was worth it! This is one heck of a fun movie for everyone but especially those of us in the world who game or use to game. Finally Hollywood delivers an original idea, not a sequel or superhero film. Ryan Reynolds kills it of course. It’s like he was born for action comedies. Newcomer to film Jodie Comer was incredible in her dual roles. No wonder she won an Emmy for Killing Eve. Let’s not forget about the villain video game CEO Antwan played by the multi-talented Taika Waititi.  He was absolutely hilarious and ruthless

Welcome back faithful listeners! Today Mag’s, Mike, and Matt chat about the newest DC movie to hit the big and small screen The Suicide Squad starring everyone! Ok not everyone but man it is one heck of a cast. Bonus topics include Fast and Furious (yes, again), Sedona, and Van Wilder. The Suicide Squad is a fun gory romp with a mess of DC villains trying to save the world. James Gunn really brought his A game to the DCEU. The Suicide Squad is leaps and bounds better than it’s 2016 counterpart. There is a lot of comedy, silly action, and memorable characters. We will just put it out there, Polka-Dot Man steals the show with one of the most powerful and strange abilities ever conceived in a superhero/villain movie. If you enjoy action, are not afraid of lots of gore, and want a zany story than The Suicide Squad is a must see especially if you have HBO Max. Matt takes the top spot this week really loving this film awarding it 4 out of 5 Reels. The married duo agreed it was a bit too out there for them, especia

Welcome Wednesday fellow movie buffs! Today Mike, Matt, and our returning special guest Mags sit down and chat about Disney’s latest ride turned movie, Jungle Cruise. Not cruising topics include homosexual movie characters, animal sounds, and ScarJo’s lawsuit. Have you ever wondered if The Rock and The Blunt have chemistry together? Wonder no more, Jungle Cruise quickly answered that question, a very loud yes! Jungle Cruise is a fun, zany, back to form film for Disney that doesn’t disappoint. It is a green screen spectacular but man did they do an amazing job with the CGI. The story is a bit over the top just like a lot of the action but it is a ton of fun. The real shining star or shall I say stars of the film is the acting of Dwayne Johnson and Emily Blunt. Both fantastic action superstars with comedic overtones and boy did they deliver.  If you are on the fence about watching this thrilling family film, don’t be. Mike, Matt, and Mags all agree you should watch it, especially in the theaters. Mags the eve

What a killer pod we have for you today, that pun is brought to you by this week’s special guest. For Reel Film Nerds Episode #231 Mike, Matt and our incredible guest host sit down and chat about the Netflix Original Gunpowder Milkshake. Extra special topics today include Mom jokes, video stores, and the return of nocturnal flatulence. This was a pleasant surprise for an original streaming film. Gunpowder Milkshake is Jon Wick for ladies, as Matt puts it. Karen Gillan delivers nonstop over the top action as an assassin working for The Firm. Things quickly go south and she turns to her fellow female assassins the librarians to fight off a horde of dude assassins set on revenge. The action was amazing and the acting was stellar but what do you expect from such a star studded cast? A really nice treat is the style, color palette, and cinematography of the film. It is very dream-like. Gunpowder Milkshake is a terrible name for a movie but it is a don’t miss action thriller where ladies really kick some butt! Mik

Happy Wednesday peeps! Today Matt and Mike sit down and chat about the Amazon Prime Original sci-fi flick The Tomorrow War starring Chris Pratt and Yvonne Strahovski. Not time travel topics include The Thing, Blanton’s, and we need more Mags! Wow, what a fun concept for a sci-fi film. Traveling back in time to draft your parents and grandparents to fight in a future war against aliens. This is what sci-fi is all about! The Tomorrow War is a fun action packed thriller you should take time out of your day to enjoy. Is this one going to win any awards or finally bring Matt to award 5 Reels, nope, but it is a heck of a fun time. The aliens are really well done and the action sequences are fast paced and intense. One of a handful of issues is that the film is very long. Sometimes it can really drag while other times the story feels rushed. Mike Talent thinks it would have been better as a mini series to really dive deep into the characters and world building. Both of your hosts agree The Tomorrow War is well wort

It’s been two whole years since a new Marvel Cinematic Universe film hit theaters. Black Widow is finally here but was it worth the wait? Bonus topics today include Mike throws some DC shade, cellphones, and the never ending streaming wars. So let's just get this out of the way right now, no. Black Widow was definitely not worth the wait. In fact it is probably 10 years too late. Is it a bad film, no. Just not what Mike and Matt anticipated or wanted to see. Black Widow is great but for a MCU movie it is mediocre. The acting was excellent, especially newcomer Florence Pugh, the story was just OK, and there definitely was not enough action. Taskmaster oh poor Taskmaster you were woefully under used. Why does the MCU have such difficulties with villains? Thanos was great, Killmonger was great, but man was this film's villain a let down. With all that out of the way Black Widow is still a great movie and you should see it in the theater if you feel comfortable. Mike Talent gives the kick off to MCU Phase 4 3 ou

Are you ready to purge? Welcome kiddos to Reel Film Nerds Episode #228: The Forever Purge starring Ana de la Reguera, Tenoch Huerta, and Josh Lucas. Not purgy topics include the Yarnell 19, Top Gun: Maverick (yes again), and racism. Did you like the other purge movies up to this point? If your answer was an ear shattering yes then this film is for you. It is, in the words of Mike Talent, the least purgy purge movie of all of them but it is still very violent and political. The Forever Purge has lots of political statements throughout the film and an uncanny similarity to the past year in the United States even though filming was finished before the pandemic. The acting, sets, and special effects were all terrific. The story is decent and thought provoking but it is still the same old purge story line in many respects. Mike Talent thinks the conclusion to The Purge franchise is worth a watch in the theaters awarding it 3.5 out of 5 Reels. Matt again being the harsh one says to wait until it comes out on a str

Welcome to our family everyone! Yes, the Reel Film Nerds family. This week Matt and Mike chat about another summer blockbuster but this one has been marinating for over a year! That’s right kids it’s finally here F9: The Fast Saga is out for your viewing pleasure. Not family related topics include Subway, 40’s, and space. The Fast and Furious franchise continues with F9 the most ridiculous film of the 10 movie saga. Was F9 worth the year long wait, heck no but it was a lot of fun to watch and laugh at. The action is great, unrealistic, and extremely over the top just like we expect. There is a very big lull in the action halfway through the movie with lots of back story. Some of it is welcome, especially the explanation to why Dom has a brother and why you and I have never heard of him before now. It does really slow down the film a lot though. The acting was fine and on par with the rest of the films. It is just so over the top unrealistic it’s laughable.  Should you run out and watch F9, sure why not but

Hi everyone and welcome to another pod! Today’s review is on The Hitman’s Wife’s Bodyguard starring Ryan Reynolds, Samuel L. Jackson, Salma Hayek, and Antonio Banderas. Additional topics include Loki, car collecting, and the Desperado Trilogy.  This is the movie everyone needs right now. A great action comedy to help bring back movie goers for the summer. The Hitman’s Wife’s Bodyguard is packed full of action and comedy just like the original but turns it up to 11. The star studded cast only adds to the fun, especially Morgan Freeman and his unexpected character. The stunts are fantastic and over the top, especially the practical effects. The plot, now that is another story. It wasn’t awful but it could have been a lot better. The duo of Ryan Reynolds and Salma Hayek is definitely not as strong as the Reynolds Jackson duo from the original. Mike Talent suggests you do not miss this amazing sequel especially in the theaters awarding it a 4 out of 5 Reels. Matt back with a lower score enjoyed the film but doe

It’s hump day and that means more pod! This week was Matt’s pick and well he picked wrong with the unique indie directed by Miranda July, Kajillionaire. Off topics include real estate, the heat, and independent films.   Kajillionaire is a very strange film with amazing acting and cinematography. Let’s just put it out there, this movie is very strange. The story is mediocre at best and is left to interpretation. Some of the choices by the actors are odd too. For instance Evan Rachel Woods uses a deep voice for her character and it does nothing but detract from the story and her acting. Speaking of acting, all four of our main actors Richard Jenkins, Debra Winger, Evan Rachel Wood, and Gina Rodriguez were excellent. They had wonderful chemistry and are easily the best part of the film.  Mike Talent was not a fan of this movie at all and does not recommend anyone watch it. He gives Kajillionaire 1.5 Reels out of 5. Matt thought it was a passable independent film but really hated the story.  He graciously award

Welcome kiddos to Reel Film Nerds Episode #224 featuring a review of the Netflix Original Stowaway. The movie sucks but the podcast is great! Off topics include nerds are cool now, space, and a new Paramount Pictures giveaway! Ok fine Stowaway is not that bad but it is a long and very boring film. The topics brought up are excellent, especially the jabs at corporate America. The acting is phenomenal. The Sci-Fi thriller comes off as a space play with only 4 actors total. It really lets the actors excel at their craft. The ending was atrocious. It completely undoes the almost 2 hour long film. If you love space and Sci-Fi Mike Talent thinks you should not miss this one. He awards it 3 out of 5 Reels. Matt on the other hand thinks Stowaway is a hard pass unless you really need something to watch. He generously gives the movie 2 out of 5 Reels. Next week there still is not a whole lot of movies hitting the theaters. It’s Matt’s pick and he went with an independent film that was released in theaters late last y

Howdy everyone and welcome to the Reel Film Nerds podcast #223 people return to the theaters! This week was Matt’s pick, but we all know Mike is the one that really wanted to watch A Quiet Place Part II starring Emily Blunt. Directed and written by her husband John Krasinski. Distractions include Fantastic Four rumors, talking in the theater, and post-apocalyptic movies and shows. It feels like we have been waiting forever for this movie and it did not disappoint. The box office numbers say the same thing. People are finally returning to the theater in droves. It took an amazing sequel to a groundbreaking film to do it. Delayed for over a year thanks to the VID A Quiet Place Part II is an incredible sequel. The story is extraordinarily strong and answers questions from the original while introducing more, for a possible trilogy. Emily Blunt and her child co-stars acted the crap out of this one. Cillian Murphy did a stellar job as well as a lost, lonely, and bitter survivor. One complaint is that they wasted

Welcome friends to another rousing episode of the Reel Film Nerds Podcast! Today Matt and Mike discuss the latest Netflix bank heist zombie horror film directed by Zack Snyder, Army of the Dead. Not brain eating topics include Rick and Morty, Las Vegas, and favorite zombie movies. Here we go, another zombie movie brought to you by Zack Snyder but this one is not a remake. Army of the Dead promises a ton in it’s trailer and mostly delivers. The fun gory blockbuster packs a punch when it comes to action and entertainment but lacks a great story. There are some incredible scenes the likes of which you have never seen and there are several that just flat out should have been cut. The CGI, acting, and stunts were excellent. Dave Bautista particularly is on his game with this film showing his range. Mike Talent loved Army of the Dead awarding it 4 out of 5 Reels. Matt also really enjoyed the zombie bank heist giving it an average score of 3 out of 5 Reels. For next week Matt sends us back to the movie theater for