Reel Film Nerds

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

Welcome to another hump day but that also means it’s new podcast day too! For Reel Film Nerds Episode #221 Mike and Matt discuss the latest thriller from Taylor Sheridan and Angelina Jolie, Those Who Wish Me Dead. Not thriller related topics include Starlink, lighting farts on fire, and an incredible movie giveaway! Those Who Wish Me Dead is a great action, chase, and thriller movie. Angelina Jolie is on top of her game. Newcomer Finn Little did an excellent job as Conner, the kid being hunted down by assassins. Jon Bernthal, typecast as a police officer, did a fantastic job as well. The sets were incredible and the action keeps you on the edge of your seat. There is some humor thrown in here and there for good measure too. Mike and Matt are split on this one. Mike thinks this is a great film that you should check out. Matt on the other hand felt it was boring and left way too many questions than answers. Mike gives Those Who Wish Me Dead 3.5 out of 5 Reels while Matt gives it a lowly 2 out of 5 Reels. Next

Hi avid listeners and welcome to Reel Film Nerds Episode 220! This week Matt and Mike went to the theaters to watch the newest Guy Ritchie film starring Jason Statham, Wrath of Man. Extracurricular topics include body armor, revenge movies, and a brand new Paramount Pictures giveaway. Do you like revenge? Yes? Then this movie is definitely for you. Wrath of Man is a hardcore revenge film from start to finish. It is also a typical Ritchie film starting in the middle of the story and jumping around the timeline. Jason Statham plays a cold calculating gangster, almost too cold at times. The rest of the star studded cast did a great job with their roles too. Did you know Josh Hartnett is still acting, ya neither did we. The story is fantastic, especially weaving throughout the main arc of revenge. If you are looking for an action thriller to enjoy on the big screen then Wrath of Man is a must see. Mike awards the movie 3 out of 5 Reels. Matt enjoyed it way more than Mike which is strange because of Mike’s love o

Welcome nerdereenos to Reel Film Nerds Episode #219!! Wow that is a ton of pods right there. This week is Mike’s pick and boy is he mean. He chose the Netflix Original Thunder Force starring Melissa McCarthy and Octavia Spencer. Topics better than this movie include video games, Marvel’s 2021 films, and what’s the worst Netflix movie to date? Let’s be honest, Matt and Mike didn’t chat a whole lot about this movie. Mike enjoyed it but Matt appropriately hated it. Since he mostly runs the show Matt went off topic more than he was on topic. Thunder Force had a ton of potential. It has a decent story and plot but for a film touted as a comedy just wasn’t very funny. Yes, it was silly, slapsticky, but also very boring at times. Jason Bateman as The Crab is the funniest thing in the film. He played it spot on and dead serious. The action is decent and the CGI is passable but not great. Mike really enjoyed Thunder Force awarding it 3 out of 5 Reels. Matt on the other hand thought it was terrible giving it a generou

Hi everybody! Today Matt and Mike chat about the reboot of a movie based on a video game near and dear to their hearts, Mortal Kombat (2021). Not kombat related topics include VOD, Wildcat Giveaway, and how boring the Academy Awards were. The summer blockbuster movie season is upon us. Mortal Kombat (2021) is not a horrible movie but it is not an incredible one either. The story is very lacking but the over the top fight scenes make up for it. They are bloody and graphic just like the games. The film does dial down some of the violence to keep their R rating but it is definitely pushing the rating limits. One of the best things going for Mortal Kombat (2021) is the nostalgia. If you have played any of the video games you will recognize with glee the many characters, fatalities, and their abilities. The acting is mediocre at best. Some of the seasoned martial artist actors did very well but there are a lot of newcomers and you can tell who they are.  This movie is very much in the vein of Godzilla vs. Kong,

Podcast Wednesday is upon us and the Academy Awards inch ever closer. Today Mike and Matt chat about a revenge film that is nominated for Best Picture, Promising Young Woman starring Carey Mulligan. Additional topics include violent video games, baseball, and Idiocracy. This is a very unique film to be nominated for Best Picture. It is not a bad film, it is a very good film, just extremely dark and continues down that path all the way to the credits. In act two of Promising Young Woman you get a glimpse of redemption. Our protagonist sees a light at the end of the tunnel but it is quickly extinguished. Carey Mulligan and Bo Burnham did an excellent job along with their supporting cast. This film is not for the faint of heart but is well worth the watch. Is it the pick for Best Picture 2021, Mike Talent sure thinks so, awarding it 4.5 out of 5 Reels. Matt on the other hand enjoyed Promising Young Woman but doesn’t think it deserved to be nominated. He awards the revenge thriller 3 out of 5 Reels. Next week t

Happy Wednesday everyone and welcome to the Reel Film Nerds Podcast. Today Matt and Mike work on reviewing some of the upcoming 93rd Academy Awards Best Picture Nominees they missed starting with The Father starring Anthony Hopkins. Off topics today include Thor’s abs, cars in space, and grandparents. What an incredible movie that Mike and Matt will probably never watch again. The Father is not an easy watch but it is worth it. The storytelling is incredible. Viewing the downward spiral of man into Alzheimer's through his eyes is extremely powerful and depressing. The film is confusing, angering, and even hopeful. The Father is not for everyone especially those of you who have dealt with Alzheimer's recently in your lives. Anthony Hopkins gives the performance of a lifetime and his co-star Olivia Colman does an incredible job as well. If you can bring yourself to watch it you will not be disappointed. It truly is an incredible piece of art and storytelling. Mike and Matt both agree The Father is a great film

Welcome everyone to a monster of a Reel Film Nerds Podcast. So our original review was dropped since it’s director did not get back to us after requesting his film’s review. Instead the boys chat about the box office destroying Godzilla vs. Kong. Other topics today include Best Picture Nominees, OG Godzilla, and Tartan Day. This is the exact movie we need right now to kick off the fun explosive summer blockbuster movie season. Godzilla vs. Kong is one of the best if not the best of the current Hollywood monsterverse films (Kong Skull Island is pretty good too). Unlike its predecessors this movie does not take itself seriously. Yes there is not much of a story it’s just good old fashioned CGI monsters wailing on each other but man it’s fun. The acting was adequate and the sets were big and beautiful but the CGI really shines through, mostly. There are a couple of background scenes that didn’t look great but our monsters looked incredible.  Are you going to have a long drawn out conversation about the meaning

Welcome everyone to another incredible Reel Film Nerds Podcast. Today’s choice in film is brought to you by Mysterious Mike. Tired of sitting at home on his comfy couch we risked life and limb to watch Nobody starring Bob Odenkirk only available in theaters. Amazing topics today include The Vault movie giveaway, PBR, and collared peccary. Two action packed shoot em up films back to back what a great end to the month of March. Nobody is nothing special when it comes to story. It has been told several times throughout the years in different ways. That is not a bad thing just not special. What is special is the actors and loads of action they deliver. Bob Odenkirk goes out of his comfort zone as a comedian and dives deep into hardcore action performing 90% of his own stunts. He truly did a fantastic job. Christopher Lloyd makes a few appearances, some of the most memorable of the film, brandishing a weapon and dipping into the action too. Nobody is a really fun film that is definitely worth a watch in a movie t

Welcome everyone to this week’s Reel Film Nerds Podcast. Today’s selection is brought to you by Matt. He kept with the streaming services picking the Hulu Original Boss Level starring Frank Grillo and Mel Gibson. Bonus topics include brain surgery, Crossbones, and a new giveaway for next week. Are you looking for a film that is over the top violent, filled with swear words, and will leave you laughing until it hurts? If your answer is yes then Boss Level is a movie for you. It is Groundhog Day meets Dedpool. Our star Frank Grillo is being hunted by assassins but can’t seem to figure out how to make it through the day without dying and waking up to do it all over again. The acting is good, the sets are great, and the special effects are mostly spot on. This movie does not take itself seriously and that is one of its strong points. It is a good old fashioned popcorn flick that would be best enjoyed in the theaters. Matt back on top awards Boss Level 4 out of 5 Reels. Mike enjoyed the film as well but not as mu

Welcome everyone to this week’s Reel Film Nerds Podcast. It was Mike’s pick for today’s episode and he chose the Netflix Original coming of age story Moxie directed by Amy Poehler. Bonus topics include Academy Award nominations, high school parties in film, and South Park’s Vaccination Special. When it comes to coming of age stories, Moxie is par for the course but also breaks new ground.  It is your typical teenage high school drama with a love story peppered in but things just don't seem right. The boys in the school verbally and physically attack most of the female students with no repercussions from their peers or administration. Our protagonist takes it upon herself inspired by her mom’s punk rebel teenage years to create a zine and bring the boys and administrations transgressions to light. Moxie is a very emotional film especially towards the end when the conflicts boil over. This movie is not for everyone but it is definitely a great film and worth a watch. Mike and Matt both agree it earns 3.5 out o

Welp here we are again, another Wednesday and another nerdy podcast. This week the guys change things up with the 33 year old sequel no one asked for Coming 2 America starring Eddie Murphy and Arsenio Hall. Loosely connected topics include Samuel L. Jackson, Blade, and Mike and Matt right a wrong from last week’s podcast, sorry Swankie. We are happy to report that Coming 2 America met and exceeded expectations. It was not a disaster of a film but a pretty decent fun comedy. Eddie Murphy and Arsenio Hall are on point there is just not enough of them. The secondary story quickly becomes the main story line overshadowing Murphy and Hall’s characters. Leslie Jones and Wesley Snipes have some of the most memorable and hilarious performances of the film. Is this a must watch movie, no but it is a lot of fun. The original 1988 Coming to America is funnier on all levels but this sequel is a nice addition to the franchise. Mike clearly changed by becoming a father this past year gives the film 4 out of 5 Reels. Matt

Hump day is finally here, that means it’s new Reel Film Nerds podcast day!  Today’s episode the gents chat about recent the Golden Globe winning film Nomadland starring Frances McDormand and real life nomads Swankie, Linda May, and Bob Wells. Not wandering across America in a van talk includes station wagons, taxes, and company owned towns. Nomadland is a great film but it is not for everyone. It is an independent art house style movie with amazing acting and cinematography. The story can drag and be boring at times with the ending not having a clear concise wrap up. Frances McDormand is incredible as always but her co-stars the real life nomads push the acting over the top. They are genuine and heartfelt opening up to the viewer about their past and why they have chosen the nomad life. Mike with a near perfect score gives Nomadland 4.5 out of 5 Reels. Matt on the other hand thought this film was average at best giving it 3 out of 5 Reels. Next week Matt changes things up completely with a sequel comedy 33

Welcome film buffs to another incredible Reel Film Nerds podcast. In today’s episode Matt and Mike sit down and chat about Tom Hanks’ first western News of the World currently in theaters and on demand. Not western topics include Crocodile Dundee, podcasts, and Black Widow (the movie). News of the World is not your stereotypical western we all know and love. It does have tons western elements. There is a shootout, beautiful open scenery, and buffalo poaching to name a few. The story centers around Hanks and Helena Zengel’s characters trying to communicate with each other as they venture across the Texas wilderness in a wagon. The pacing is great, the cinematography is excellent and the acting is very very good, especially newcomer Helena Zengel. Mike and Matt agree this is a must watch film. It will definitely be up for some awards in the next few months. They both give the News of the World 4 out of 5 Reels.     Next week Mike picked a brand new independent film that was just released to theaters and Hulu,

Well 2021 just keep plugging along and so do we! Today Mike and Matt discuss a newish Netflix Original starring Anthony Mackie, Outside the Wire. Not gritty Sci-Fi war topics today include Wandavision, Zoom, and machine learning.  Have you been yearning for a robotic war movie based in the near future then we have the film for you. Outside the Wire is a fun action thriller that makes a few subtle points about war while still having fantastic action sequences. The effects and CGI were really good especially for a Netflix Original. Yes there are better examples out there but this film does a really great job. The acting is ok but not great. Anthony Mackie is great but his co-star Damson Idris could use some more practice. Mike really enjoyed this film giving it 3.5 out of 5 Reels. Matt again the ever aging bitter old man gives Outside the Wire 3 out of 5 Reels.            For next week Matt picked a movie that came out on Christmas day but it’s still hanging out in theaters, News of the World starring Tom Han

Hi everyone and welcome to yet another podcast about movies. Today Matt and Mike chat about a new horror comedy starring Vince Vaughn titled Freaky. Extracurricular topics include shop class, She’s All That, and 80’s horror films. Freaky is a really fun lighthearted horror film. The death scenes are over the top like all good horror movies. The story is decent drawing inspiration from films like The Parent Trap or Freaky Friday. The star of the show without a doubt is Vince Vaughn impersonating a high school aged girl. Kathryn Newton also does a stellar job impersonating a serial killer Vince. This is an entertaining fun horror comedy perfect for a social distanced weekend watch. It is not a must see so wait until it is on your favorite streaming service, if you have one or six. Matt and Mike both agree this film gets a good rating of 3.5 out of 5 Reels. Next week is Mike’s pick and he is swinging us back to one of the boys favorite genres Sci-Fi with the new Netflix Original Outside the Wire starring Antho

Happy Wednesday everyone! We are halfway there, well some of us. Today Matt and Mike sit down and chat about a star studded crime thriller hitting theaters and HBO Max, The Little Things. Starring Denzel Washington, Rami Malek, and Jared Leto. Bonus topics today include two Brad’s, margarita’s, and Se7en. If you are nostalgic for the crime dramas of the 90’s like Se7en or The Usual Suspects then boy do we have a movie you will enjoy, the rest of you probably not. Is The Little Things a bad film, no, it is just nothing special. It really should have been better. The performances were amazing but that is to be expected from three Oscar winners. The story is where this movie lacks. It is not bad, just really could use a boost. It drags multiple times and leads you half way down several roads with no end in sight. The Little Things is not worth going to the theater to watch but if you have HBO Max it is well worth it just for the performances. The guys are finally back to normal. Mike gives the film 2.5 out of 5

Happy snow days! The white stuff really came down in northern Arizona this week and mucked things up for a few days. Speaking of muck, 2021 continues the awfulness of 2020. Feels like it has been a year already and January is not even over yet! Back to the pod, today your hosts Mike Talent and Matt discuss the new Netflix Original directed by and starring George Clooney, The Midnight Sky. Other topics include booze filled seltzers, Aliens the movie, and how your hosts are broken. A movie directed by Clooney, starring Clooney, and it takes place in space, awesome lets do this! Not so fast, The Midnight Sky has a whole lot to say but it wants you to figure it out. The acting was great, the special effects were really good, almost too good, and the story is very deep but this movie has issues. It really drags and leaves you asking lots of questions. The film has a few characters and they are never really developed. Towards the end of the movie you really do not care what happens to them. The Midnight Sky is a w

Happy Inauguration Day! Ok that’s as political as we are going to get, we promise. Today Mike and Matt travel to the future, actually this past Sunday, from the past in 1995’s Johnny Mnemonic starring Keanu Reeves, Dina Meyer, and Dolph Lundgren. Topics better than this movie include organized crime, data prices, and body tech implants. Should you waste an afternoon or evening watching Johnny Mnemonic, maybe. This is a classic noteworthy mind bending film that has not aged well especially the tech talk and special effects. The acting is pretty awful too. The story is the best part of this movie. If you are a fan of Keanu Reeves or if you like dark Sci-Fi films it is definitely worth a watch. The rest of our listeners should pass. Mike Talent continues his lenient streak awarding Johnny Mnemonic 3 out of 5 Reels. Matt who thought his score was too high continues being harsh giving the Sci-Fi thriller 2.5 out of 5 Reels. Next week it is Matt’s turn picking George Clooney’s latest film the Netflix Original The

2021 continues and so far it is living up to the standards set by 2020. Enough about that jazz, today your hosts Matt and Mike chat about a brand new film on Prime video, Sound of Metal starring Riz Ahmed and Paul Raci. Additional topics include Death to 2020, Academy Awards, and should we do a Keanu month of movies? Sound of Metal is an incredible endearing film full of drama and perseverance. The acting by Riz Ahmed and Paul Raci is incredible especially when they play off of each other. The rest of the cast was stellar as well but what makes this film is it’s amazing story. It is unique and thought provoking especially when it goes in unexpected directions. The sound design is next level. Sound has not had this big a role in a film since 2018’s A Quiet Place. This is a must watch film at home or in a theater and definitely with a quality sound system. Mike really loved Sound of Metal awarding it a near perfect score with 4.5 out of 5 Reels. Matt also really enjoyed this one but only gave it 4 out of 5 Ree