The Decision Reel

This Fourth of July, we’re celebrating America’s 250th birthday the only way that makes sense: by watching aliens try to blow it up. For Episode 229, we’re talking Independence Day—the 1996 blockbuster with giant spaceships, White House explosions, Will Smith one-liners, Jeff Goldblum somehow uploading a virus to an alien mothership, and one of the most aggressively patriotic speeches ever put on...

This week on The Decision Reel, we're heading to Las Vegas and trying to piece together the absolute disaster that is The Hangover. A missing groom. A tiger in a hotel room. A baby in a closet. And somehow that's only the beginning. Join us as we break down one of the most quotable comedies of the 2000s, the incredible chemistry between Bradley Cooper, Ed Helms, and Zach Galifianakis, and why this...

This week on The Decision Reel, we put on the suits, the shades, and immediately prove we are wildly unqualified to join Men in Black. We’re talking Will Smith at peak cool, Tommy Lee Jones at peak “I’m too old for this alien nonsense,” and a movie that somehow made a talking pug and a tiny dude in a robot body feel completely normal. We attempt to break down the plot—but quickly get distracted ar...

Cowabunga, nostalgia just got a theatrical re-release. This week on The Decision Reel, we dive shell-first into Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II: Secret of the Ooze as it returns to theaters for its 35th anniversary. Does it still ooze that late-80s/early-90s magic, or has time turned this cult classic into mutant mush? We break down the comedy, the costumes, the Vanilla Ice chaos, and whether this...

Multi-pass… and maximum chaos! This week on The Decision Reel, Steve and Wally dive into The Fifth Element, the colorful over-the-top sci-fi adventure that somehow combines space opera, comedy, opera singing, and Chris Tucker at full volume. We break down Bruce Willis’ reluctant hero energy, Milla Jovovich’s iconic performance, the wild world-building, and why this movie feels like a live-action c...

James Cameron said “hold my liquid metal” and delivered one of the greatest action sequels ever. This week we break down Terminator 2: Judgment Day — a movie where a killer robot dad tries to protect the future, a 10-year-old teaches him how to say “Hasta la vista,” and the T-1000 melts, reforms, and melts again more times than we can count. Bikes, bullets, time travel, and existential dread about...

This week on The Decision Reel, Steve and Wally take on Escape from L.A. and immediately derail the episode by asking the most important question of all time: Is this just Metal Gear Solid? From Snake Plissken’s attitude and stealth vibes to authoritarian futures and over-the-top villains, we connect the dots between John Carpenter’s cult sequel and Kojima’s legendary games. Less subtle analysis,...

This week on The Decision Reel, Steve and Wally unwrap Gremlins, the timeless story of a kid who receives the ONE Christmas gift that should legally come with a hazmat suit and a waiver. We dive into the movie that taught an entire generation three simple rules — all of which every character immediately ignores. This episode goes off the rails faster than Stripe on a Slip ‘N Slide. Grab your cocoa...

This week we celebrate Halloween by throwing Wally’s 16-year-old son into the wild, chainsaw-swinging, one-liner-spouting madness that is Army of Darkness! Will he think Ash Williams is the original cringe lord? Or will the boomstick win him over and prove that practical effects, skeleton armies, and Sam Raimi chaos still slap in 2025? We grew up calling this peak cinema… now it’s time to find out...

This week on The Decision Reel, we're heading back to dino territory with The Lost World: Jurassic Park — Spielberg’s wild sequel to his iconic 1993 classic. Join us as we break down everything from gymnastic raptor battles to Jeff Goldblum’s chaotic charisma. Does this sequel live up to the original, or should it have stayed extinct? Tune in as we debate the dinosaurs, the drama, and the question...

Alrighty then! 🐬 This week on The Decision Reel, we’re circling back for a re-review of Ace Ventura: Pet Detective — and guess who’s back? That’s right, Reid returns to help us dissect Jim Carrey’s outrageous breakout role all over again. Is it still comedy gold, or has time not been so kind to the talking butt jokes and wild animal chaos? We dive deep into the iconic quotes, physical comedy, and...

Test your might! This week, The Decision Reel enters the arena to pit Mortal Kombat (1995) against Mortal Kombat (2021) in a brutal showdown of nostalgia vs. modern mayhem. Which reigns supreme — the cheesy charm of the '90s or the R-rated fatalities of the reboot? Join us as we dive into the characters, action, music, and what each version got right (or hilariously wrong). Flawless victory? Not q...

This week on The Decision Reel, we dive into the inspiring true story of Erin Brockovich! Join the crew as we break down Julia Roberts’ powerhouse performance, the David vs. Goliath legal battle, and all the small-town charm and corporate drama packed into this Oscar-winning film. We explore the real-life stakes behind the story, the sharp script, the emotional moments, and, of course, sprinkle in...

In this week’s episode of The Decision Reel, we dive axe-first into the bloody brilliance of American Psycho! Steve, Wally, Tara and special guest Reid dissect the cult classic that gave us business cards, chainsaws, and the unforgettable performance of Christian Bale as Patrick Bateman. This one’s a bit longer than usual — but trust us, it’s worth every minute. From 80s pop music to the film’s bi...

In this episode of The Decision Reel, it's just the dynamic duo — Wally and Steve — diving headfirst into the wild, weird, and wonderfully '90s world of Demolition Man! 💥 Join them as they unravel the chaos of a future where Taco Bell reigns supreme, the seashells remain a mystery, and Sylvester Stallone and Wesley Snipes battle it out in the most explosive (and ridiculous) way possible. Expect h...

Wally and Steve are back at it, revisiting the 2021 sleeper hit Nobody! This time it’s just the two best buds breaking down the Bob Odenkirk-led action flick with fresh eyes, new takes, and the same chaotic Decision Reel energy. Has time made this movie even better? Or did the hype cloud our original judgment? Find out as the bromance returns to the couch for some well-earned re-review mayhem. 🎬...

This week on The Decision Reel, we're heading to the Wild West as The Gang saddles up for a showdown with one of the most iconic modern westerns — Tombstone! We break down the legendary performances of Kurt Russell as Wyatt Earp and Val Kilmer’s unforgettable take on Doc Holliday, and dive into the gun-slinging action, quotable lines, and gritty 90s western vibes. Whether you're here to walk the l...

Get ready to throw on your rollerblades and hit the pavement because this week on The Decision Reel, we're revisiting the Disney Channel Original Movie Brink! Steve, Wally, and Tara dive into this ‘90s classic about soul skating, friendship, and the battle between corporate sponsorships and staying true to yourself. Does Brink! still hold up, or is it just a relic of the inline skating craze? Tune...

In this episode of The Decision Reel, Steve, Wally, and Tara take aim at the 1999 cult classic The Boondock Saints! From over-the-top action and stylized gunfights to unforgettable performances by Sean Patrick Flanery, Norman Reedus, and Willem Dafoe, we break down what makes this vigilante tale a fan favorite. Is it still as badass as we remember, or does it miss the mark? Grab your rosary beads,...

This week on The Decision Reel, we’re diving into the high-octane, identity-swapping madness of Face/Off! 🔥 John Travolta and Nicolas Cage go head-to-head (literally) in this action-packed John Woo classic. From slow-motion shootouts to the most over-the-top performances ever, Steve and Wally break down all the insanity, the epic one-liners, and whether this film still holds up today. Can you han...

Steve, Wally, and Josh are back to revisit the 1998 Norm Macdonald cult classic, Dirty Work! 💥 From unforgettable one-liners to outrageous revenge-for-hire antics, this movie still holds a special place in our comedy-loving hearts. But does it still hit the same all these years later? Tune in as we break it all down, share our favorite moments, and see if Dirty Work still gets the last laugh! 😂...

This week on The Decision Reel, we’re putting on our detective hats and diving into Knives Out! 🔎🗡️ Rian Johnson’s modern whodunit brings an all-star cast, razor-sharp dialogue, and enough twists to keep you guessing until the very end. Steve, Wally, and Tara break down Daniel Craig’s unforgettable turn as Benoit Blanc, the dysfunctional Thrombey family, and how this film brilliantly reinvents th...

This week on The Decision Reel, Steve is joined by some familiar voices from the past—Brent and Vinny—as they reunite to break down the 2004 comedy The Girl Next Door! 🎬🔞 With Emile Hirsch, Elisha Cuthbert, and Timothy Olyphant, this early 2000s teen comedy delivers wild antics, unexpected heart, and one of the most surprising premises of the era. But does it still hold up, or is it just another...

This week on The Decision Reel, we’re suiting up for community service with Role Models! 🍻⚔️ Steve, Wally, and the crew dive into the 2008 comedy gem starring Paul Rudd and Seann William Scott as two screw-ups forced to mentor some misfit kids. With LARP battles, energy drink-fueled chaos, and some of the best one-liners of the 2000s, this one still brings the laughs! Does Role Models hold up, or...

By Crom! ⚔️ This week on The Decision Reel, it’s just Steve and Wally, two best friends on a quest to break down the 1982 fantasy epic Conan the Barbarian! 💪 With Arnold Schwarzenegger in peak warrior form, a legendary score, and some of the most brutal action of the era, this sword-and-sorcery classic still packs a punch. Join us as we dive into the world of steel, sorcery, and savage one-liners...