Reel Chums

Danny and Marcel wrap up their disaster film series with a deep dive into Mimi Leder's  Deep Impact  (1998), starring Tea Leoni, Morgan Freeman, Elijah Wood, and Robert Duvall. They compare it extensively to  Armageddon , discuss the film's strengths and weaknesses, and explore why this more grounded disaster film deserves more recognition. Film Overview: Released five weeks before  Armage...

We’re looking back at Summer 2025’s biggest movies — the hits, the flops, and the surprises. From billion-dollar blockbusters like Lilo & Stitch to box office disappointments like Elio and Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning, we break down opening weekends, budgets, and worldwide grosses to see which films truly won the summer. We also rank our personal top 5 movies of Summer 2025 and de...

We revisit The Day After Tomorrow as part of our “Disaster Movie” series and discuss why this 2004 disaster epic is more cold air than chilling thrills. From Jake Gyllenhaal outrunning ice to baffling CGI wolves, we dive into what works, what doesn’t, and why this movie might be better left in the past. 📹 Follow us on socials for updates and more:Reel Chums Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/re...

This week, we continue or look at "Disaster Movies" with Deepwater Horizon, Peter Berg’s gripping retelling of the 2010 BP oil spill. We look at how the film brings real-life disaster to the screen—exploring themes of corporate negligence, heroism, and sacrifice. From personal recollections of the event to a breakdown of the film’s tension-building techniques and character arcs, we highl...

Signup for our newsletter: https://reelchums.com/newsletterThis week on Reel Chums, we dive deep into the explosive world of Armageddon (1998)—Michael Bay’s loud, over-the-top, and oddly emotional asteroid movie starring Bruce Willis, Ben Affleck, Liv Tyler, and Billy Bob Thornton. Marcel and Danny ask: Is this Bay’s best film? Why does it make us teary-eyed AND want to scream? We explore its chao...

This week, we discuss the latest Superman film directed by James Gunn, which kickstarts the DCU! We breakdown the anticipation for the movie, character analyses of Lois Lane, Superman, and Lex Luthor, and the overall world-building of the DC Universe. Is this the 'Superman' we need to save the day? Tune in now!📹 Follow us on socials for updates and more:Reel Chums Instagram: https://www.i...

This week on Reel Chums, we’re wrapping up our “Wrongfully Accused” month with The Next Three Days—Paul Haggis’ slow-burn thriller starring Russell Crowe and Elizabeth Banks. What happens when a husband goes full Don Quixote to break his wife out of prison? We dive deep into obsession vs. reality, the emotional weight of this underrated film, and whether or not that final twist scene should have b...

This week on Reel Chums , we’re discussing the sleek, stylish, and startlingly predictive world of Minority Report (2002). Directed by Steven Spielberg and based on Philip K. Dick’s short story, this sci-fi noir explores free will, fate, and surveillance through the lens of futuristic law enforcement—and Tom Cruise’s determined sprinting. We look at the film’s stunning world-building, wild (yet ac...

Sign up for our newsletter: https://reelchums.com/newsletters This week on Reel Chums, we discuss Alfred Hitchcock’s North by Northwest—the 1959 thriller that laid the groundwork for spy movies to come. From Cary Grant’s iconic gray suit and witty charm to that unforgettable crop duster chase, we break down how this film shaped everything from James Bond to Mission: Impossible. Was this the best B...

This week on Reel Chums, we’re discussing The Fugitive (1993) to kick off our “Wrongfully Accused” series. We break down Harrison Ford’s intense performance, Tommy Lee Jones’ scene-stealing charisma, and the practical effects that still hold up—yes, even the train crash. From on-the-fly script changes to why this might really be Gerard’s movie, it’s a fast-paced look at what makes this thriller an...

🎙️ Reel Chums Podcast — Episode 101: Batman Begins (2005) This week, we are revisiting Batman Begins for its 20th anniversary, the film that redefined superhero origin stories and kickstarted Nolan’s Dark Knight trilogy. From fear as a theme to Bruce Wayne’s transformation, Gotham’s evolution, and that unforgettable score—we cover why it still holds up 20 years later. Next Episode: We kick off a b...

This week on Reel Chums, we’re celebrating the 30th anniversary of Apollo 13, Ron Howard’s masterful retelling of the real-life NASA mission that almost ended in tragedy. Starring Tom Hanks, Kevin Bacon, Bill Paxton, and Ed Harris, Apollo 13 captures the tension, ingenuity, and human resilience behind one of the most dramatic spaceflight events in history. We discuss the film’s commitment to reali...

Signup for our newsletter: https://reelchums.com/newsletter This week on Reel Chums , we’re looking back at Mission: Impossible (1996) — the film that launched Tom Cruise’s Ethan Hunt and continues to thrill audiences 30 years later! We break down Brian De Palma’s stylish direction, those iconic Dutch angles, and the layered web of betrayals that made this more than just another action flick. How...

Signup for our newsletter: https://reelchums.com/newsletterThis week, we’re heading back to 1985 to revisit Back to the Future! As part of our month-long celebration of movie anniversaries, we break down what makes this time-travel classic still resonate today—from its perfect script and unforgettable performances to its cultural impact. Plus, we ask the big question: is there a more iconic and cu...

Batman Forever turns 30—and we’ve got a lot to say. This week, we revisit Joel Schumacher’s polarizing 1995 take on the Caped Crusader. We discuss how the film’s bold style, bizarre tone, and toy-first storytelling shaped (and misshaped) the Batman legacy. Was Val Kilmer a great Bruce Wayne? Did Jim Carrey and Tommy Lee Jones go too far? Should this film be remembered for its visuals or buried for...

Signup for our newsletter: https://reelchums.com/newsletter We wrap up our month of sports movies with Rocky III, diving into Sylvester Stallone’s transformative direction, the iconic performances of Carl Weathers and Mr. T, and how this sequel reshaped the franchise. We explore Rocky’s emotional and physical journey, his evolving dynamic with Apollo Creed, and why Clubber Lang deserves more credi...

Signup for our newsletter: https://reelchums.com/newsletter.com This week, we continue our look into some of our favorite sports movies with Happy Gilmore! We break down Adam Sandler’s iconic sports comedy—from its absurd humor and unforgettable one-liners to the surprisingly heartfelt story at its core. We talk about Happy as an unconventional underdog, why Shooter McGavin is one of the greatest...

This week we are bringing a bouns episode on what we've been watching lately! You can watch videos like this and much more over on our YouTube channel! We share what we've been watching lately—from nostalgic sequels to brand new TV obsessions. Marcel revisits Karate Kid Part II and tries to warm up to Cobra Kai , while Danny makes a bold claim: The Pit might just be better than Severance S...

Signup for our newsletter: https://www.reelchums.com/newsletter We are discussing the iconic 1984 classic The Karate Kid—a film that kicked off a cultural phenomenon and continues to inspire generations. We explore the film's enduring themes of mentorship, perseverance, and personal growth, diving into the unforgettable relationship between Daniel-San and Mr. Miyagi. From "wax on, wax off...

Signup for our newsletter: https://reelchums.com/newsletter This week we are looking at the 2000 movie, The Replacements! This movie may not be great, but it it is entertaining! We break down all its gloriously over-the-top sports clichés, from underdog triumphs to Gene Hackman’s masterclass in motivational speeches, and Keanu Reeves' dryness. Is it a good movie? Not really. Did we have fun wa...

Signup for our newsletter: https://reelchums.com/newsletterThis week we finish our #denzelwashington marathon with The Hurricane (1999), the powerful true story of Rubin "Hurricane" Carter, a boxer wrongly convicted of murder. Starring Denzel Washington in one of his most emotional performances, the film explores themes of injustice, resilience, and the fight for truth. Join us as we dis...

Signup for our newsletter: https://reel-chums.ck.page/86dfa15953T his week, we discuss John Q (2002), the gripping drama starring Denzel Washington. We explore the film’s powerful themes of healthcare injustice, morality, and parental sacrifice while breaking down standout performances and the emotional weight of the story. We also touch on Denzel’s ability to elevate any role, the idea of a court...

Signup for our newsletter: https://www.reelchums.com/newsletter This is a BONUS EPISODE we release on YouTube! If you haven't yet, subscribe to our YouTube for Trailer Reactions, New Release Reviews, and much more! Enjoy! We review the season premiere of Daredevil Born Again on Disney Plus! Does this hold true to the Netflix show? Is it better? Check out our full thoughts!📹 Follow us on socia...

Signup for our newsletter: https://www.reelchums.com/newsletter We continue our Denzel Washington marathon with his take on 'The Tragedy of Macbeth' (2021), Joel Coen’s striking adaptation of Shakespeare’s classic tale of power, fate, and ambition. With its stark black-and-white cinematography, haunting performances from Denzel Washington and Frances McDormand, and a minimalist yet grippin...

Signup for our newsletter: https://reelchums.com/newsletter We are discussing "The Equalizer" (2014), starring Denzel Washington as the quiet yet deadly Robert McCall. We break down McCall’s code of justice, the film’s brutal yet precise action sequences, and why Denzel, as always, delivers both action and drama! 📹 Follow us on socials for updates and more: Reel Chums Instagram: https:/...