Reel Film Nerds

Hi everybody and welcome to another incredible amazing stupendous episode of the Reel Film Nerds podcast!  Well it’s here, the last Marvel Cinematic Universe film of 2019, Spider-Man: Far From Home.  Not MCU or Spider-Man related topics include Aladdin, 501st, nerd cred, and Darth Predator.  Spider-Man: Far From Home is a great MCU addition in the vein of the Ant-Man films.  It is light hearted and fun throughout most of the film with incredible action sequences.  A ton of the side characters had expanded roles in this film versus Spider-Man: Homecoming.  Some of them were wanted and appreciated such as Mary Jane and others flat out were not.  This film does get serious when it needs to be too. The explanation at the beginning of the film about the infamous snap was a nice addition giving us information not only for this film but the MCU as a whole.  Thank you whoever decided to add those scenes to the film. Lastly don’t forget to stay for both end credit scenes. They are very important on where the MCU is g

Yesterday, All my troubles seemed so far away, Now it looks as though they're here to stay, Oh, I believe in yesterday. Welcome everyone to a super special episode of the Reel Film Nerds Podcast!  Today we review Yesterday, not the song but the movie inspired by the infamous band that change the world The Beatles!  We even brought on a special guest to help digest this film.  Hippy, vintage baseball jock, and Beatle maniac Steve Stockmar!  Extracurricular topics include Who is LaLa, RFN the unofficial podcast of Portillo’s Big Beef, and MCU tie in battle. Yesterday is an incredible idea for a fun fantastical film that falls flat on its face into rom-com territory without much com.  The film starts off well exploring the idea of what if only one man knew The Beatles existed.  It quickly turns into a stale romantic comedy with very little comedy.  The acting is great and the new renditions of classic Beatles tunes are really well done.  It just did not really push the boundaries of the premise that is present

Looky looky two in one week again!  Wow, we are like butter because we are on a roll.  Today the two nerds Mike and Matt review Child’s Play (2019).  Super special added topics include hot tacos, Spawn, Crawl, Matt and Mike are old, and lastly the history of the Child’s Play franchises. Child’s Play (2019) is a unique idea in our modern world for the infamous Chucky.  It is not a reboot but a re-imagining of a classic horror film for today’s time. The movie does not take itself too seriously adding a fair bit of humor from start to finish.  The acting is good especially Aubrey Plaza, Mark Hamill, the voice of Chucky, and Gabriel Bateman.  The sets are well done even the odd ones, the gore and makeup is great, and the cinematography isn’t half bad either.  With all that aside it is not an incredible must see film in the theaters but it is definitely worth a rent from Redbox or on one of the many streaming services.  Mike Talent really enjoyed himself and awards Child’s Play (2019) 3.5 out of 5 Reels.  Matt al

Hollywood finally did it listeners!!  We finally have a decent movie for the month of June!!  Today your hosts Mike Talent and Matt discuss Luc Besson’s latest spy thriller Anna starring Sasha Luss.  Bonus topics today include Stranger Things Season 3, Lone Survivor giveaway still up for grabs, and Red Sparrow. Anna is a well written fun film with good dialogue and a great story.  The sets are great and the action was incredible. There are some odd time jumps that are difficult at first to keep up with and the cinematography was just mediocre.  Matt would like to see a few more action scenes in the film as well. Mike and Matt both agree this is a film worth spending you hard earned money on at the theater. We have a situation here that has not happened in a while, Matt and Mike agree on a rating!  They both give Anna 3.5 out of 5 Reels.                              Hopefully we are over the hump of bad and boring summer movies for the year but honestly who knows.  The guys are going to try to review the reb

Episode #118 is finally recorded and uploaded to annihilate your ear holes!  Sorry for being a bit late this week but Matt went to a concert down in the ever expanding valley and Mike broke his Internets on our other recording day.  Today the gents review Men in Black: International starring Tessa Thompson and Chris Hemsworth.  Super bonus topics today include the new HBO docudrama miniseries Chernobyl, the Austin Powers films, June movie gloom, and no one has won our giveaway yet for a free digital download of the movie Lone Survivor so enter now!! MIB: International is not an incredible film but it is not a horrible one either, it is just OK.  The sets were well done as most in the MIB franchise and the acting was passable.  The chemistry between the two leads was good but not incredible like we all know it can be, example Thor: Ragnarok.  The villains were convincing and intimidating initially. Things change later on in the film in a very predictable way.  Mike enjoyed the film more than Matt but not by m

We did it!  We got two pods out in one week!  Today Mike and Matt fill an official email request from our buddy Ray who writes, “Just wondering if we will hear your opinion of the new Godzilla movie?”  Well Ray today is your lucky day, here is our review of Godzilla: King of the Monsters. Bonus topics include landsharks, empty theaters, and a cartel shooting near Matt and Mike’s hometown. Godzilla: King of the Monsters is a great monster movie with a massive people problem.  The story was just bad, real bad. The fight scenes between the different monsters were great!  The CGI looked good and the lighting was nice bright even at night so you could tell what was going on in the rumble.  The human side of the film was just plain awful. The acting was good but the story was cheesy and predictable. There were cutaways and human characters that made no sense why they were even in this film.  Mike and Matt only recommend you go see this movie if you really want to see some great monster on monster action, if not th

Welcome lucky faithful listeners!  Today we have an incredible episode of the Reel Film Nerds Podcast about a terrible movie, Dark Phoenix but you should still listen to this amazing podcast anyways.  Bonus topics today include bad year for nerds, you can win something, and Mike Talent falls asleep at the mic! Dark Phoenix is a bad movie.  It is not the worst X-Men movie but it is damn close.  The acting is great for the most part but the story and the script is just awful.  They did get closer to a true adaptation of the Dark Phoenix Saga but that is not enough to save this film.  Just like the real critics in this world Matt and Mike Talent cannot recommend anyone waste their money at the theaters on this movie.  Wait until it comes out on Netflix or RedBox but even then it might not be worth your time.  Matt gives the Dark Phoenix 2 out of 5 Reels. Mike is just a bit high but not enough to make a difference, he gives the film 2.5 out of 5 Reels. Hopefully on Thursday or Friday we will have a second pod

It’s Wednesday and that means another incredible episode of the Reel Film Nerds podcast is gracing this earth, you’re welcome.  Today Mike Talent and Matt discuss the latest music biopic based on the life of Elton John, Rocketman.  Matt starts out super off topic about attending the 9th annual local Prescott beer fest Party in the Pines. More bonus topics include what is normal, Bohemian Rhapsody, and do you have to be broken to be rich and famous. Rocketman is a great film that attempts to be something different than your typical music biopic.  It is very depressing at times but extremely colorful as well. The acting is incredible especially from Taron Egerton and Jamie Bell.  Their chemistry together is remarkable.  The music was great, the sets were big and beautiful, and the costumes are award winning especially with how accurate they are.  Rocketman is not a perfect film by any measure it still falls into the same old formula of your typical biopic but the director, writer, and producers really did try

Another week has come and gone and you know what that means a new Reel Film Nerds podcast!  On this week’s hump day Mean Mike Talent and Amazing Matt review another superhero movie but there is a catch, this is a horror/thriller superhero movie.  Brightburn brought to you by the Gunn brothers puts a dark spin on the Superman origin story to say the least. Extra topics include growlers, nerds are now cool, and of course the rise of superhero films in mainstream media today. Brightburn is an intense superhero thriller that starts out slowly and quickly ramps up the fear and violence.  It is a gritty, dark, and gory film even cringeworthy at times. The acting is excellent especially from Elizabeth Banks and Jackson A. Dunn. Mike and Matt both recommend you go out and see this movie especially if you like horror or superhero films.  Matt really loved the take on the classic origin of Superman. It reminded him of the DC comic publications known as the Elseworlds and the Marvel comic book series What If?  He gives

Happy Friday!!!!!  Today we have a special swapcast episode of the Reel Film Nerds podcast.  Matt joined fellow local podcaster’s Matt Santos of The Mile High Show podcast and Dirk VandenBerg of The Bluemilk Podcast to talk movies, theaters, and Summer Blockbusters at The Raven Café in beautiful downtown Prescott, Ariz.   Thanks Mr. Mile High Show for inviting Matt to be on your podcast and buying him plenty of drinks! Next week we are going to be talking about James Gunn’s superhero horror movie Brightburn and maybe another movie if Mike, I mean the hosts have time.  Support local podcasting and make sure to listen to our sister podcasts that talk about amazing topics as well probably even more amazing than our topic, nah movies are pretty damn amazing, The Bluemilk Podcast and The Mile High Show.  Chat at you next week!  If you have a film you would like to hear Matt and Mike review feel free to email us at nerds@reelfilmnerds.com  Thank you for liking, subscribing, rating, reviewing, and telling your fri

Wednesday is now the Reel Film Nerds’ NEW PODCAST DAY, well for now it is. Boy do we have a good one for you today too.  The latest installment of one of the best modern action movie franchises, John Wick: Chapter 3 Parabellum.  Bonus topics start out with vacations, sister podcasts, pants, and slugs not the creature but the round. John Wick is a staple in the action movie world.  It is quickly becoming one of the most consistent action franchises of our generation.  It is over the top with its action and brutality but is also shot beautifully. How much farther can they really push the action after this film?  It was just incredible! The world of John Wick and The Continental continues to grow as well which is a nice touch. Matt would have liked to seen more world building which I am sure there will be more in the recently announced John Wick 4.  Mike loves the John Wick series. It is one of his favorite film franchises of all time and this latest installment is his favorite. He gives John Wick: Chapter 3 Pa

Happy, in words of friend of the show Jamie De Jesus, “HUMP DAY!” Today the guys barely got an episode recorded thanks to their busy lives but they did, go them!  It’s a nice little Tributary Cast review of the Netflix Original Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile starring Zac Efron. Extracurricular topics include film festivals, Mike being out of town, and Jon Wick. Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile is not the film the guys were expecting.  It is not a bad film but it is not an incredible film either.  It is really hard to watch a film about a serial killer even without the filmmakers showing the murders.  Zac Efron was cast perfectly and delivers a fantastic performance. Matt thinks the first hour of the film jumps around way too much and doesn't make a whole lot of sense.  The second half is where this movie really shines but still does not live up to his expectations. Mike on the other hand really enjoyed the movie and thinks you should watch it.  They both agree if you are going to watch

What another episode on Wednesday not Tuesday or Thursday?  What the hell is going on with the Reel Film Nerds? Well you need to listen to this episode where we also review the 2019 version of Hellboy.  Extracurricular topics include IMAX, Southpark, and cameras to name a few. Hellboy (2019) is not as bad as the critics make it out to be but on the other hand it is not a masterpiece.  The CGI at times is bad, real bad. The acting is ok but mostly comes off as the actors just collecting a check.  The costumes work well and look good especially David Harbour as Hellboy. The story can be very busy and jump all over yet also drags at times.  Basically it is a hot mess. It was nice finally getting an R rated Hellboy film but they really went over the top with the blood and gore almost to the point where it’s just annoying.  Mike Talent liked Hellboy (2019) but thought it was just average giving it 3 out of 5 Reels.  Matt was not as huge of a fan. He did not hate the film but did not think it was anything special

Oh my gosh, oh my gosh, oh my gosh it’s finally here!  Avengers: Endgame!!!  If you can’t tell we are crazy excited for this one.  We are pretty sure you already watched it and a million reviews of the film on YouTube by now but guess what here is another one but from the podcast that literally ties every single movie they watch to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Today we are doing things a little different.  This truly is an end of an era and you know how much we love the MCU.  We love it almost as much as Matt loves Princess Leia in her metal bikini.  This is a long pod, almost an hour and a half. Yes that is not long for most podcasts but we are not most podcasts.  We understand everyone has lots of other things to do in life and that’s why we really try to stick to our half hour time slot.   Today the first half hour is an MCU retrospective with all kinds of fun questions by both your hosts. The last hour is our spoiler filled review.  We warn you right when we start the review about spoilers and we do no

We are in the Endgame now listeners!  Wow, bet you can’t tell that we are excited for a certain movie that is coming out tonight!  To go along with this epic film we have another epic film from the late 90’s, Fight Club!  Special topics today include Mike’s hate then love of Pitt, sweet tea or regular ice tea, and lastly of course AVENGERS:ENDGAME!!!!!! I am sure you can already guess this if you have listened to a few of our podcasts up to this point.  Basically Matt and Mike love this movie.  The story is incredible and unexpected.  The acting is on another level completely, from the entire cast not just Brad Pitt and Edward Norton.  The cinematography and lighting is something to pay attention to.  If you have not watched Fight Club or have not seen it for a long time do yourself a favor and go watch it in honor of the film’s 20th anniversary this year.  I am sure you do not need to read this next sentence but here it is anyways.  Matt and Mike both give Fight Club a perfect rating of 5 out of 5 Reels! N

Well it’s another Tuesday and that means another pod.  Matt decided he didn’t want to leave our faithful listeners without a pod for today so he recorded a solocast. He actually didn’t have to work this weekend and decided to watch way too much Netflix including a film he has been trying to see for years, The Wachowskis’ epic Cloud Atlas.  Bonus topics include closed captioning, missing Mike Talent, and listener numbers are slowly growing, whoop! Cloud Atlas is a gorgeous movie that is difficult to pin down.  It is confusing as hell but was shot and acted incredibly well.  If you took maybe half as many stories and cut the time down on this film by almost an hour it probably would attract more viewers.  Personally Matt could watch an entire movie based on a couple of the stories specifically one of the ones in the future.  Cloud Atlas is enjoyable and worth a watch but maybe watch it in chunks much like your host did.  He awards the film 3.5 out of 5 Reels. We hope you enjoyed this quick solo cast by Matt. 

Thursday is again upon us and that means it’s podcast time!  Today Mike Talent and Not Talented Matt discuss Taraji P. Henson and Sam Rockwell’s newest film, The Best of Enemies.  Special topics include hearing aids, Disney live action remakes, and movie goers still suck again! The Best of Enemies is a good story but not the best movie.  Mike enjoyed it a lot more than Matt. He thought it was a feel good movie with amazing acting and is a nice slow burn.  Matt was not a big fan at all. He agrees the acting was incredible for most of the film but that is about all your hosts agreed on.  The Best of Enemies was too long in his eyes and left out one side of the story more than the film should have. Mike gives the movie 3.5 out of 5 Reels and thinks if you are looking for a film to watch this weekend this is a good one to see.  Matt on the other hand thinks you should wait until it comes out on a streaming service or hits Redbox. He gives the film 2.5 out of 5 Reels. Next week the guys might be on a bit of a hi

Hi everybody and welcome to your first Reel Film Nerds pod of the week!  Today Mike Talent and Matt discuss a superhero movie.  We know what you are thinking oh man they did a Legacy Cast on another MCU film but nope!  The guys talk about their second DC movie of the year, Shazam!  A little bit of a warning on this week’s pods, Matt has horrible allergies thanks to all the lovely Prescott junipers so he sounds very stuffy and sneezes a bit.  Sorry, but hey at least he still sat down to record a couple of sodes.  Extra special topics today include Disney+, taxes, the excellent Tom Hanks movie Big, and Ghostbusters. Shazam! is a fun take on the superhero genre.  It is literally every kid’s dream and many adults dreams too.  The chemistry between Zachary Levi and Jack Dylan Grazer is fantastic especially the scenes when they are trying to figure out Shazam’s powers.  This is a unique take on a superhero film that is not super serious like the upcoming Avengers: End Game.  It is a nice breath of fresh air especi

Before we get going on your second pod of the week here is a fair warning.  Matt and Mike really and I mean really get going on this pod.  They chatted it up big time!  If this annoys you then scroll down to our ratings and just skip this pod.  Today the guys talk about a biopic based on the Texas Rangers who hunted down Bonnie and Clyde, the Netflix Original The Highwaymen.  Just a few of the off topics today include Okilly Dokilly, high school, tattoos, and the many new streaming services. The Highwaymen is an incredible film.  The story is amazing and is one that is rarely ever told.  The writing, direction, and of course that acting are fantastic as well.  This film is the complete package with a great cast, beautiful sets, and shot extremely well.  Basically if you have Netflix and have not watched this movie yet you are really doing yourself a disservice.  Mike really enjoyed The Highwaymen and gives it 4 out of 5 Reels.  Matt could not get enough of this movie.  He is a giant history buff and film ner

The darkness of Tuesday has descended on the world once more and it brings with it another incredible episode of the Reel Film Nerds Podcast!  Today the gents review yet another horror movie.  Mike is just loving all of these horror releases and Matt well let’s just say Avengers: Endgame can’t get here soon enough.  Today Mike Talent and not talented Matt discuss the 2019 reboot of Pet Sematary.  Off topics include way too much “That’s What She Said,” Goose V Church, and Brightburn. Pet Sematary is not horrible but it is not an incredible movie either.  It drags especially in the first half.  There are some really great fun creepy parts but they are too few and far between.  The acting was incredible well most of the acting was incredible especially by Jeté Laurence.  The sets are beautiful and the cinematography was great.  But overall both of your hosts were disappointed.  They really had high hopes for this remake and it did not live up to expectations.  Mike thought Pet Sematary was just average giving i