The Reel Critic

In 1968, Shirley Chisholm became the first Black woman elected to Congress in the United States. Four years later, she made history again as the first woman and African American to seek the presidential nomination from one of the two major political parties. Her life and legacy are honored on the screen for the first time in John Ridley’s 2024 biographical drama film: ‘Shirley.’ The film stars Reg...

‘Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire’ is director Adam Wingard’s newest monster film, hitting American theaters March 29. Reggie Ponder shares his thoughts on this new installment of the Godzilla and King Kong cinematic universe. Following the events of ‘Godzilla x Kong’ (2021), humans and mighty titans coexist — mostly — harmoniously. But when an unidentified signal causes the creatures to experience...

Reggie “The Reel Critic” Ponder sat down with Christina Jackson to discuss her role in the film ‘Shirley’ and the film’s importance. Set in 1972, ‘Shirley’ takes viewers on the campaign trail with Shirley Chisholm as she made her monumental run for president. Jackson stars as Congresswoman Barbara Lee, and the cast stars co-producer Regina King as Shirley Chisholm. ‘Shirley’ is now streaming on Ne...

Reggie “The Reel Critic” Ponder shares his thoughts on ‘The American Society of Magical Negroes.’ Written, directed and produced by Kobi Libii, this satirical comedy takes viewers on a journey through a society where Black individuals dedicate themselves to making white people comfortable. The film touches on themes of colorism, interracial love and overall Blackness. Listen to hear Reggie Ponder’...

Reggie “The Reel Critic” Ponder delves into the buzz surrounding the oldest entertainment awards ceremony as he sheds light on both the good and the bad. Despite being the “granddaddy” of award shows, the Oscars have faced substantial backlash for their historical lack of inclusivity of Asian, African American and Latinx actors, films and filmmakers. As Ponder lays out his predictions for the awar...

The highly-anticipated second chapter in Denis Villenueve’s ‘Dune’ brings the action back to the big screen, hitting the box office on March 1 — and collecting $81.5 million. Vocalo resident film critic Reggie “The Reel Critic” Ponder called the film “a heroic tale worthy of the big-screen experience,” pointing out that, while Chalamet commands the screen, the actors surrounding him (especially Ze...

Reggie “The Reel Critic” Ponder shares his thoughts on the new Hulu documentary ‘Sacred Soil: The Piney Woods School Story,’ directed by J.J. Anderson. The film follows the largest, and one of the oldest, historically-Black boarding schools in the US — The Piney Woods School in Mississippi — through the eyes of students and staff. The documentary is streaming now on Hulu. "The Reel Critic" is host...

This week on The Reel Critic: New biopic ‘Bob Marley: One Love’ is a soulful exploration of the legendary Bob Marley, starring Kingsley Ben-Adir as the late artist and Lashana Lynch as Rita Marley. As it weaves together the musical prowess and personal struggles of the reggae icon, the film gives further insight into his cultural and political impact on Jamaica and the world. Reggie "The Reel Crit...

This week on The Reel Critic: New biopic ‘Bob Marley: One Love’ is a soulful exploration of the legendary Bob Marley, starring Kingsley Ben-Adir as the late artist and Lashana Lynch as Rita Marley. As it weaves together the musical prowess and personal struggles of the reggae icon, the film gives further insight into his cultural and political impact on Jamaica and the world. Reggie "The Reel Crit...

Reggie “The Reel Critic” Ponder breaks down his thoughts on the 2024 Oscar nominations, and snubs. Much of the Oscar buzz has surrounded Ryan Gosling as he was nominated for Best Supporting Actor in ‘Barbie’ while Margo Robbie, who portrayed the iconic doll, failed to receive a nomination. Greta Gerwig, the director behind the film, was also left off the nominee list, though America Ferrera was no...

(No spoilers) Elly Conway is the author of best-selling spy novels about fictional secret agent Aubrey Argylle, on a mission to uncover a global spy syndicate. But as her books begin to predict actual events in a real espionage organization, she attracts the attention of actual secret agents — and they need to know what’s in the next chapter. From director Matthew Vaughn, ‘Argylle’ stars Bryce Dal...

Ava DuVernay's cinematic masterpiece 'Origin' explores the intersection of race and caste. DuVernay adapts Isabel Wilkerson's thought-provoking book, 'Caste: The Origins of Our Discontent,' into a film that delves deep into societal analysis. Reggie 'The Reel Critic' Ponder met with the filmmaker to unravel the creative journey behind the film, and the narrative she aimed to convey. "The Reel Crit...

In this week’s segment, Reggie “The Reel Critic” Ponder reviews ‘Origin,’ a film directed by Ava DuVernay that delves into Pulitzer Prize winner Isabel Wilkerson's pursuit to write ‘Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents.’ Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor delivers a magnificent performance in the film, portraying Wilkerson's curiosity and courage as DuVernay weaves personal trials into the narrative, challeng...

For her standout performance as Mary in ‘The Holdovers,’ actress Da’Vine Joy Randolph has won a Golden Globe and Critics Choice Award — and awards season isn't over yet. The actress spoke with resident film critic Reggie “The Reel Critic” Ponder about the role following the two wins. She emphasized the importance of respecting and portraying the dignity of the characters she plays, drawing inspira...

Christopher Nolan’s ‘Oppenheimer’ is racking up trophies and nominations this awards season, taking home five Golden Globe Awards on Jan. 7 and earning 13 Critics Choice Awards nominations, which will be presented Jan. 14. Reggie “The Reel Critic” Ponder brings listeners his “explosive” review of the film, which details the life and legacy of “father of the atomic bomb” J. Robert Oppenheimer. Oppe...

With the film awards season in full swing, Reggie “The Reel Critic” Ponder brings listeners a sneak peek into the duties of a film critic during this busy time. This year, the Golden Globes, held on Sunday, Jan. 7, have split their Best Picture nominees into two categories: Drama and Musical/Comedy. Reggie breaks down the nominees and some of his predictions — and wants you to send him your own pr...

Reggie “The Reel Critic” Ponder shares another excerpt from his interview with Fantasia Barrino, Taraji P. Henson and Danielle Brooks, the leading women of Blitz Bazawule’s ‘The Color Purple.’ The new film is based on the stage musical, which is adapted from Alice Walker’s novel of the same name, and is in theaters now. "The Reel Critic" is hosted and produced by Reggie Ponder. Follow Reggie on Tw...

Reggie “The Reel Critic” Ponder brings listeners his thoughts on the film adaptation of ‘The Color Purple’ musical, based on Alice Walker’s 1982 novel. ‘The Color Purple’ showcases decades in the life of Celie, a young woman navigating life’s hardships in the 1900s American South, and finding comfort and support in her female peers. ‘The Color Purple’ is in theaters now. "The Reel Critic" is hoste...

Actors Archie Madekwe and Alison Oliver of 2023’s ’Saltburn’ sat down with Reggie “The Reel Critic” Ponder to discuss the film. ‘Saltburn’ is Emerald Fennell’s genre-bending, critically acclaimed film starring Barry Keoghan, Jacob Elordi, Rosamund Pike, Archie Madekwe, Alison Oliver and Carey Mulligan. It centers on Oliver, an Oxford student with an unfortunate living situation, who is invited by...

Film critic Reggie “The Reel Critic” Ponder shares his thoughts and insights on the new film ‘Wonka,’ starring Timothée Chalamet. The film provides a new perspective to the life of whimsical chocolatier Willy Wonka, whose journey begins in adversity. Though growing up in poverty and grieving the loss of his mother, Wonka is determined to open up a chocolate shop in a city renowned for its delectab...

Film critic Reggie “The Reel Critic” Ponder sat down with Fantasia Barrino, Danielle Brooks and Taraji P. Henson, stars of the film adaptation of the musical ‘The Color Purple,’ based on Alice Walker’s novel of the same name. The first film adaptation of Walker’s book was produced by Steven Spielberg and Quincy Jones in 1985, and the duo joined together again for the newest release as co-producers...

Reggie “The Reel Critic” Ponder sat down with co-directors Gelila Bekele and Armani Ortiz to discuss their new documentary 'Maxine’s Baby: The Tyler Perry Story.' The film takes viewers into the core of Tyler Perry's identity, exploring the relationship between Perry and his mother, Willie Maxine Perry. It also delves into his innovations and journey toward success, and it unveils the lasting lega...

Resident film critic Reggie “The Reel Critic” Ponder brings listeners his thoughts on the new film ‘American Fiction.’ Contrary to the title, ‘American Fiction’ explores real-life experiences felt by the Black literary community and “confronts our culture's obsession with reducing people to outrageous stereotypes.” The film follows Monk, a frustrated Black novelist and professor who calls out the...

Reggie “The Reel Critic” Ponder brings listeners his thoughts on Disney’s ‘Wish,’ an animated musical about a magical kingdom where wishes must be granted by King Magnifico. A 17-year-old Asha hopes to become Magnifico’s apprentice, but her hope for a world where the citizens are in control of their own hopes and dreams puts her at odds with the king. When she wishes on a star, she must embark on...

‘Rustin’ gives new life to the legacy of Civil Rights leader Bayard Rustin. Though Rustin was a influential figure in the civil rights movement — he was the adviser to Martin Luther King, Jr., and was architect to the 1963 March on Washington — his contributions have been largely overlooked in the movement’s history. Directed by George C. Wolfe and starring Colman Domingo as the titular activist,...