Reel Riff

Bill and Tommy dive into Season 5 of The Bear, where they find themselves on opposite sides of the conversation despite both appreciating the season. Bill loved the season from start to finish and came away impressed by the finale, while Tommy argues that the first half stumbles before the back half finds its footing and delivers some of the show's strongest work. Together, they break down the sea...

Bill and Thomas dive into Obsession, discussing whether the film is truly a victory for independent cinema as conversations about a television series and possible sequel continue to grow. They also break down Curry Barker's comments on the film's financial reality, what success really looks like for independent filmmakers, and the creative filmmaking choices that make Obsession stand out, especial...

Bill and Thomas venture into the eerie world of The Backrooms, debating what makes the internet phenomenon so compelling, with Bill finding himself much higher on its mythology and storytelling potential than Tommy. They also spotlight a new generation of filmmakers, discussing creators like Kane Parsons and Curry Barker and how young voices are finding innovative ways to break into the industry....

Bill and Tommy dive into the chaos surrounding ‘The Mandalorian & Grogu,’ with Tommy going on a full blown rant about the state of blockbuster filmmaking, franchise slop, and the MCU-ification of modern movies, while Bill lands somewhere in the middle, finding the film mostly just bland and lifeless. What starts as a review quickly turns into a 45 minute meltdown over nostalgia bait, safe stud...

Bill and Thomas break down their conflicted feelings on ‘Hokum,’ debating whether the film’s unsettling atmosphere, horror elements, and ambition fully land. They also dive into their love for The Bear’s “Gary” episode, discussing its slow pacing, quiet tension, and deeply methodical character work that made it one of the show’s most effective episodes yet. Along the way, Tommy goes on a passionat...

Bill and Thomas look ahead at the biggest films coming in 2026, breaking down the year’s most anticipated releases across blockbuster franchises, original projects, horror, awards contenders, and more. Along the way, they discuss the current state of the industry, which movies have the most potential, and what trends could define the next year of cinema. From early predictions to personal most-ant...

Bill and Thomas break down the newest event film of 2026, Project Hail Mary, diving into how Ryan Gosling’s career evolution shapes his performance and presence in the film. Along the way, they explore the state of the modern family blockbuster, what works, what does not, and where this film fits in. They also revisit the Academy Awards, comparing their personal picks with the actual winners and h...

Bill and Thomas make their early predictions for the 2026 Academy Awards, breaking down which films, performances, and directors could dominate the race. They talk about the potential frontrunners, the surprise contenders that might sneak into major categories, and the kinds of films the Academy tends to rally around as awards season heats up. Along the way, they debate possible snubs, dark horses...

Bill and Thomas are back in town for a 2025 film retrospective, looking back on the year’s biggest releases, surprises, disappointments, and debates. They break down what worked, what didn’t, and where their takes differ, before each revealing their top 5 movies of the year.

Bill and Thomas dive into the guerrilla-made indie film Shelby Oaks, a true Kickstarter project that Thomas even donated to. They talk about Chris Stuckmann’s filmmaking strengths as a longtime YouTube film critic stepping behind the camera and break down the elements that have made the film so divisive among audiences.

Bill and Thomas dive into their experience at the 61st Chicago International Film Festival. They talk about each film they saw, rank them from least to best, and explore what the festival says about Chicago, its film culture, and filmmaking at large.

Bill and Thomas dive into the newest horror sequel from Blumhouse, 'Black Phone 2,' before diving even deeper into a discussion of the best horror sequels and their personal favorites. Happy Halloween!

Bill and Thomas dive into Roofman and talk about how it somehow feels like four different films, yet keeps its tone perfectly balanced. The movie sneaks up on you with a slow, emotional build, full of looming dread and quiet darkness, but anchored by real heart. They highlight Channing Tatum's layered performance as a criminal with a good heart and complex morality, alongside Kirsten Dunst's deepl...

Bill and Thomas dive into Peacemaker Season 2, Episode 8, “Full Nelson.” They discuss how the finale left them disappointed, setting up the future of the DCU rather than giving this season a proper ending. The episode feels rushed, with too many storylines crammed into one hour that could have filled an entire season on their own.

Bill and Thomas dive into a Variety Episode! Covering TRON: Ares and Anemone. They talk about what makes both projects stand out, how they reflect the current state of sci-fi, and where the genre might be heading next. From bold visuals and experimental storytelling to unexpected creative choices, they unpack what's exciting, what's confusing, and why these films have everyone talking.

Bill and Thomas dive into Peacemaker Season 2 and talk about how the season has started to fall apart in its writing. They discuss the growing logic gaps, awkward staging moments, and how the show often sacrifices character intelligence for a quick gag or comedic bit. Even the moments that feel right don’t feel earned or properly paced, leaving the episode struggling to find the heart and rhythm t...

Bill and Thomas break down Benny Safdie’s The Smashing Machine and talk about how his looser, thinner plot lets the emotions take over. They highlight Dwayne Johnson’s mesmerizing performance, shifting from gentle giant to explosive rage, and Emily Blunt’s grounded, humanistic portrayal that keeps the story emotionally real. They also dive into the film’s raw, gritty energy and its voyeuristic cin...

Bill and Thomas dive into Peacemaker Season 2, Episode 6, "Ignorance Is Chris." They discuss how the season feels like it has lost some of its energy, the difference between James Gunn's direction and that of the other directors on the series, and whether the tone still works. They also discuss how fans have predicted major plot points early and how much time is left to really dig into Peacemaker'...

Bill and Thomas dive into Paul Thomas Anderson's "One Battle After Another" and discuss how it defies genre, could inspire filmmakers for years to come, and features standout performances from Sean Penn and Benicio Del Toro. They also break down the filmmaking style and the specific directorial choices that make this one of the most immersive films of the year.

Bill and Thomas dive into Peacemaker Season 2, Episode 5, “Back to the Suture.” They call this their favorite episode since the premiere, break down the standout production design that makes it pop, and catch up on the latest DCU news — including updates about The Batman Part II and more.

Thomas and Bill review HIM, the newest entry in the horror cult subgenre, and break down why it doesn't quite work. They agree the filmmaking is solid, with some great atmosphere and visuals, but say the writing and directing fall apart as the story goes on. Marlon Wayans is a bright spot, but most of the characters feel underdeveloped and never fully realized, leaving the film feeling more frustr...

Bill and Thomas dive into Peacemaker Season 2, Episode 4, "Need I Say Door." They discuss the episode's funniest moments, how the story ramps up the stakes, and where the team's relationships are headed as the season reaches its midpoint.

Bill and Thomas break down The Long Walk, the newest Stephen King adaptation, and talk about why it feels like a return to form for King's work on screen. They cover how the movie balances the bleakness of the story with moments of hope, praise its haunting atmosphere, and highlight the performances that bring King's characters to life. From its slow-burning tension to its emotional punch, they ex...

Bill and Thomas dive into Peacemaker Season 2, Episode 3, "Another Rick Up My Sleeve." They discuss the confusion with DCU canon, the extreme highs of second-dimensional character work, and some of the latest news emerging from the wider DCU.

Bill and Thomas dive into Peacemaker Season 2, Episode 2, “A Man Is Only as Good as His Bird.” They discuss the wild mix of action and comedy, Tim Meadows’ fun appearance, the development of character arcs, and what this episode sets up for the rest of the season.