The Reel Critic

This week on The Reel Critic — host Reggie Ponder reviews ‘I Wanna Dance With Somebody,’ which tells the story of one of the greatest voices of all time: Whitney Houston. The film details the ins and outs of her personal and professional life, all underscored by the breathtaking sounds of Houston’s music. The film is graced by a powerful performance by English actor Naomi Ackie and directed by Kas...

This week Reggie “The Reel Critic” Ponder brings listeners his thoughts on the highly-anticipated sequel to ‘Avatar’ (2009) — ‘Avatar: The Way of Water.’ After 13 years of production, the sequel follows the original film’s protagonists, Jake Sully (Sam Worthington) and Neytiri (Zoe Saldaña) as they navigate leaving their home to escape a familiar threat. Hear what Reggie had to say in his latest r...

Back in October, Reggie “The Reel Critic” Ponder sat down with actress Anna Diop to discuss her new film 'Nanny' at the Chicago International Film Festival. In this week's episode, “The Reel Critic” and Diop broke down her role in the new film: a migrant nanny creating a new life for herself in New York City, who is confronted with her own hidden past. The film premiered in theaters November 25, a...

Reggie Ponder reviews The Inspection, based on director Elegance Bratton's real-life transformation from a gay, homeless young man into a Marine. He also spoke with director Elegance Bratton about working with the stars: "refined" Bokeem Woodbine, "tiger-bear" Raul Castillo, as well as "activist, superstar & artist" Gabrielle Union, and how Jeremy passes the "Cate Blanchett Test". "The Reel Cr...

Reggie “The Reel Critic” Ponder is back with a review for the greatly-anticipated Marvel film ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.’ After the passing of Chadwick Boseman, director Ryan Coogler brought the original film’s cast together to create a love letter to Boseman. Coogler tackles themes of mourning and grief while introducing new cast members Tencho Huerta, Dominique Thorne, Michaela Coel and Ma...

Reggie “The Reel Critic” Ponder is back after taking on the 58th annual Chicago International Film Festival — and got the chance to chat with directors, actors, actresses and more from some of the festival’s standout films. Stream this preview of Reggie’s conversations with Mo McRae (dir., ‘A Lot of Nothing’), Kathryn Hahn (stars in ‘Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery’), Rev. Al Sharpton (documenta...

The Chicago International Film Festival is underway, and Reggie “The Reel Critic” Ponder has a few favorites to recommend. Check out Reggie’s mini reviews of new films ‘Tár,’ ‘Raymond & Ray,’ ‘Causeway’ and ‘Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery’ now! Learn more about CIFF at www.chicagofilmfestival.com. "The Reel Critic" is hosted and produced by Reggie Ponder. Follow Reggie on Twitter and Instag...

It’s that time of year again – the 58th annual Chicago International Film Festival starts Oct. 12! From major studio releases to independent short films, CIFF has something for everyone. This week, Reggie “The Reel Critic” Ponder gives us the details and previews some anticipated films at CIFF you won’t want to miss… "The Reel Critic" is hosted and produced by Reggie Ponder. Follow Reggie on Twitt...

Resident film critic Reggie "The Reel Critic" Ponder attended TIFF, the Toronto International Film Festival, for the first time this year — and he returned with some favorites: 'Sidney,' directed by Regibald Hudlin; 'On the Come Up,' directed by Sanaa Lathan; and 'A Jazzman's Blues' from Tyler Perry. Hear what Reggie had to say and learn where you can watch them now! "The Reel Critic" is hosted an...

This week on “The Reel Critic,” Reggie Ponder reviews the new historical action film 'The Woman King,' which takes the world by storm with its recreation of the Agojie warriors and 19th century Africa. Director Gina Prince-Bythewood showcases the life of Nanisca, played by Viola Davis, as she leads the Agoji to protect their tribe. 'The Woman King' also stars Lashana Lynch, Thuso Mbedu and John Bo...

While attending Martha’s Vineyard African American Film Festival, Reggie Ponder spoke with co-directors Tonya Lewis Lee and Paula Eiselt of documentary ‘Aftershock,’ as well as some of the activists featured in the documentary, Bruce McIntyre, III, Omari Maynard and Shawnee Benton Gibson. Centering on the U.S. maternal health crisis, which disproportionately affects women of color, ‘Aftershock’ fo...

‘Eve’s Bayou’ (1997), directed by Kasi Lemmons, celebrated its 25th anniversary this year at the Martha’s Vineyard African American Film Festival. While attending the festival, Reggie “The Reel Critic” Ponder got to speak with Lemmons about the deeply personal film, her intentions behind it and reflecting on its legacy 25 years later. ‘Eve’s Bayou’ is currently streaming on Prime Video. "The Reel...

Reggie "The Reel Critic" Ponder reviews bank hostage drama 'Breaking,' starring John Boyega, Michael K. Williams and Nicole Beharie. 'Breaking' was released August 26 and is in theaters now. "The Reel Critic" is hosted and produced by Reggie Ponder. Follow Reggie on Twitter and Instagram @TheReelCritic, and on Facebook @ReggieTheReelCritic.

Reggie "The Reel Critic" Ponder reviews action-packed thriller 'Beast,' starring Idris Elba as a father trying to protect his two daughters, played by Leah Jeffries and Iyana Halley, from a rogue lion hunting them. "The Reel Critic" is hosted and produced by Reggie Ponder. Follow Reggie on Twitter and Instagram @TheReelCritic, and on Facebook @ReggieTheReelCritic.

Reggie “The Reel Critic” Ponder got the chance to attend Martha’s Vineyard African American Film Festival on its 20th year of celebrating Black arts and culture in film. He brings listeners the highlights, and thoughts on films like ‘A Jazzman’s Blues,’ ‘Eve’s Bayou,’ ‘Bobby Brown’ and others. "The Reel Critic" is hosted and produced by Reggie Ponder. Follow Reggie on Twitter and Instagram @TheRee...

Reggie "The Reel Critic" Ponder reviews new colorful blockbuster action film 'Bullet Train,' directed by David Leitch and starring Brad Pitt, Sandra Bullock, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Bad Bunny, Logan Lerman and more. 'Bullet Train' was released on August 5 and is in theaters now. "The Reel Critic" is hosted and produced by Reggie Ponder. Follow Reggie on Twitter and Instagram @TheReelCritic, and on F...

Reggie "The Reel Critic" Ponder reviews 'Nope,' the newest horror film from director Jordan Peele starring Keke Palmer, Daniel Kaluuya, Steven Yeun and Barbie Ferreira. 'Nope' is in theaters now. "The Reel Critic" is hosted and produced by Reggie Ponder. Follow Reggie on Twitter and Instagram @TheReelCritic, and on Facebook @ReggieTheReelCritic.

Reggie "The Reel Critic" Ponder shares his thoughts on the life and legacy of Sidney Poitier following his Jan. 6 passing. Poitier was 94 years old. "The Reel Critic" is hosted and produced by Reggie Ponder. Follow Reggie on Twitter and Instagram @TheReelCritic, and on Facebook @ReggieTheReelCritic.

Reggie "The Reel Critic" Ponder returns to review the new supernatural slasher 'Candyman,' the follow-up to the 1992 film of the same name and the fourth film in the 'Candyman' series, directed by Nia DaCosta and written by DaCosta, Jordan Peele and Win Rosenfeld. 'Candyman' was released August 27. "The Reel Critic" is hosted and produced by Reggie Ponder. Follow Reggie on Twitter and Instagram @T...

Reggie "The Reel Critic" Ponder talks with actor Winston Duke about his new film 'Nine Days.' Duke is also known for playing major roles in both 'Black Panther' and 'Us.' 'Nine Days' was released on January 27, 2020. "The Reel Critic" is hosted and produced by Reggie Ponder. Follow Reggie on Twitter and Instagram @TheReelCritic, and on Facebook @ReggieTheReelCritic.

Reggie "The Reel Critic" Ponder gives his takes on the new sci-fi thriller 'Reminiscence,' starring Hugh Jackman and Rebecca Ferguson. 'Reminiscence' was release on August 20, 2021. "The Reel Critic" is hosted and produced by Reggie Ponder. Follow Reggie on Twitter and Instagram @TheReelCritic, and on Facebook @ReggieTheReelCritic.

Reggie Ponder reviews the new action-packed DC blockbuster 'The Suicide Squad' starring Margot Robbie, Idris Elba, and John Cena. 'The Suicide Squad' was released on August 6, 2021. "The Reel Critic" is hosted and produced by Reggie Ponder. Follow Reggie on Twitter and Instagram @TheReelCritic, and on Facebook @ReggieTheReelCritic.

Reggie "The Reel Critic" Ponder reviews the new blockbuster hit 'Jungle Cruise' starring Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson and Emily Blunt. 'Jungle Cruise' was released on July 30, 2021. "The Reel Critic" is hosted and produced by Reggie Ponder. Follow Reggie on Twitter and Instagram @TheReelCritic, and on Facebook @ReggieTheReelCritic.

Reggie "The Reel Critic" Ponder is back to review 'Space Jam: A New Legacy' starring LeBron James, Don Cheadle, and all the classic Looney Tunes characters. 'Space Jam: A New Legacy' was released on July 16, 2021. "The Reel Critic" is hosted and produced by Reggie Ponder. Follow Reggie on Twitter and Instagram @TheReelCritic, and on Facebook @ReggieTheReelCritic.

Reggie Ponder is back, and this week he gives his thoughts on the newest Marvel film, 'Black Widow,' released June 29, 2021. "The Reel Critic" is hosted and produced by Reggie Ponder. Follow Reggie on Twitter and Instagram @TheReelCritic, and on Facebook @ReggieTheReelCritic.