The Reel Movie Critics

Today, we celebrate our Independence Day... by reviewing one of the biggest blockbuster movies of the '90s!  This week on The Reel Movie Critics, we're taking a trip back to 1996 to revisit Independence Day, the alien invasion epic that blew up landmarks, launched unforgettable one-liners, and reminded us that sometimes the best computer virus is the one uploaded from a laptop built before...

Strap in, because we're diving headfirst into Jackass: Best and Last (2026)—the final ride (or at least that's what they keep telling us)! From outrageous stunts and painful wipeouts to the moments that made us laugh so hard we questioned our own sanity, we're breaking down everything this farewell tour has to offer. Did the gang stick the landing, or did they crash through the table o...

Surf's up and the nostalgia tide is rolling in! This week we're diving headfirst into the sun-soaked, beach-party madness of Back to the Beach (1987), the hilarious throwback that reunited Frankie Avalon and Annette Funicello for one last ride on the waves. From outrageous musical numbers and celebrity cameos to over-the-top 80s humor, we're breaking down everything that makes this cul...

One, two... we're reviewing for you! This week, we step back into Elm Street to tackle Wes Craven's New Nightmare, the film that dared to blur the lines between horror and reality long before it was cool. Freddy Krueger is back, but this time he's escaped the movie screen and is stalking the very people who brought him to life. Join us as we dive into the meta-horror masterpiece that p...

Grab your popcorn, lock your doors, and prepare for a comedy-horror massacre as we dive headfirst into Scary Movie 6! We're slicing through the gags, dodging the jump scares, and trying to figure out how many horror franchises got caught in the parody crossfire this time around. From outrageous spoofs and ridiculous cameos to jokes that hit harder than a masked killer with Wi-Fi, we're bre...

By the power of podcasting, we have the review! This week, we're diving sword-first first into Masters of the Universe, breaking down all the action, adventure, nostalgia, and Eternian-sized surprises. Did He-Man have enough power, or did this movie get sent straight to Snake Mountain? Join us as we battle through spoilers, crack a few skulls (and plenty of jokes), and determine whether this r...

Love can be a dangerous game, and Obsession (2026) proves that sometimes the biggest red flag is waving right in your face! In this spoiler-filled review, we dive headfirst into the twists, turns, shocking reveals, and all the questionable decisions that had us yelling at the screen. We'll break down what worked, what didn't, and whether this thriller kept us hooked—or left us wanting a re...

Grab your shotgun and watch out for flying tools as we step inside the cult-classic horror comedy House (1986)! We're reviewing the movie that turns one haunted home into a wild ride of monsters, mayhem, and surprisingly heartfelt moments. Join us as we uncover the scares, laughs, and bizarre creatures lurking behind every door in this '80s horror favorite. Link to my LinkTree page to acce...

This week on the pod, we’re going full hyperspace into the spoiler-filled chaos of The Mandalorian & Grogu! From Grogu stealing snacks faster than Han Solo making bad decisions, to Mando proving once again that “This Is The Way” really means “I’m adopting every kid in the galaxy,” we break down every blaster shot, lightsaber tease, and deep-cut Easter egg hidden tighter than Palpatine’s backup...

Grab your caffeine, stay awake, and join us as we dive headfirst into A Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors — the movie that asked, “What if therapy… but Freddy Krueger showed up with one-liners?” We’re breaking down the dream powers, the gloriously over-the-top kills, and why this may be the only horror movie where a sleep study doubles as a body count. From Patricia Arquette battling Fredd...

Strap in, throttle forward, and prepare for a high-G dive into Top Gun—the film that turned aviators into rockstars and volleyball into a tactical sport. In this episode, we break down the movie with the precision of a carrier landing and just enough irreverence to make Goose proud. From Maverick’s need for speed (and occasional need for supervision) to Iceman’s frosty professionalism, we navigate...

In this episode, we dive headfirst into the wonderfully weird world of Big Trouble in Little China—a movie where logic takes a backseat and Kurt Russell’s swagger drives the bus straight into supernatural chaos. We unpack everything from ancient sorcerers with glowing eyes to a hero who thinks he’s the main character… but might actually just be along for the ride. Expect hot takes, questionable th...

Just myself and the Psycho on this one as we look back at the previous Fantastic Four movies, which aren't all the great, and try to see how high our expectations are for the newest chapter in the Fantastic Four. Might be surprised on which way we lean on this one! JOIN US!!!Link to my LinkTree page to access my socials and where to find my podcast: https://linktr.ee/thejoshzodiacpodcast Wanna...

Strap in, slime-lovers — this week’s episode sinks our proton packs into Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire. We break down the frosty chaos, from retro callbacks that hit like a well-placed ecto-gel prank to the plot turns that left us wondering if the script drank one too many Slimer smoothies. Expect hot takes colder than an Antarctic containment unit, a few affectionate roasts of the CGI, and genuine...

Up, up, and slightly self-aware — this episode dives into Superman (2025) with capes flying and snark on standby. We unpack the new take on the Man of Steel: the heroics that soar, the scenes that fumble, and the one-liners that made us cheer (or groan). Expect spoiler-light beats, spoiler-friendly deep dives, affectionate jabs at grandiose CGI moments, and a debate over whether kryptonite now com...

Up, up, and slightly self-aware — this episode dives into Superman (2025) with capes flying and snark on standby. We unpack the new take on the Man of Steel: the heroics that soar, the scenes that fumble, and the one-liners that made us cheer (or groan). Expect spoiler-light beats, spoiler-friendly deep dives, affectionate jabs at grandiose CGI moments, and a debate over whether kryptonite now com...

Strap in, slime-lovers — this week’s episode sinks our proton packs into Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire. We break down the frosty chaos, from retro callbacks that hit like a well-placed ecto-gel prank to the plot turns that left us wondering if the script drank one too many Slimer smoothies. Expect hot takes colder than an Antarctic containment unit, a few affectionate roasts of the CGI, and genuine...

In this episode, we take a trip down the railroad tracks (and straight into childhood trauma) with a review of Stand By Me. Join us as we follow four kids, one questionable life decision, and a whole lot of leeches on a journey that somehow manages to be both heartwarming and mildly scarring. We break down the unforgettable performances, the surprisingly deep life lessons, and why this might be th...

Boldly go where many reviews have gone before—but with a lot more sarcasm. This week, we’re diving headfirst into Star Trek: First Contact, the film where the Borg prove once again that personal space is optional and assimilation is apparently a lifestyle choice. Join us as we break down Captain Picard’s intense grudge match, time travel chaos, and humanity’s most important historical moment… whic...

Strap in, power up, and maybe grab a 1-Up—because we’re diving headfirst into a FULL SPOILER review of The Super Mario Galaxy Movie! In this episode, we break down everything from Mario defying gravity like he just discovered physics is optional, to Bowser going full cosmic menace (seriously… someone give this guy a chill pill… or a black hole). We talk about those wild galaxy-hopping visuals, the...

This week, we will explore the cult classic flick The Boondock Saints, delving into its production, memorable scenes, and cultural impact. Join us for a deep dive into the movie's themes, characters, and behind-the-scenes facts that make it a timeless favorite. We will also dive into the moral complexities of justice, the influence of the media, analyze movie scenes, explore character morals,...

In this episode, we take a deep dive into Martin Scorsese’s gritty crime thriller The Departed. We break down the intense cat-and-mouse game between an undercover cop inside the Irish mob and a mob informant planted within the Massachusetts State Police. From the powerhouse performances by Leonardo DiCaprio, Matt Damon, and Jack Nicholson to the film’s shocking twists and unforgettable ending, we...

This week we will explore the cultural impact and behind-the-scenes stories of the 1984 film Revenge of the Nerds, including its cast, production quirks, and the evolution of nerd culture. Join us as we analyze the cultural impact of 'Revenge of the Nerds,' explore its nostalgic value, and discuss the evolution of nerd culture from the 80s to today.  This episode features in-depth insights...

**********SPOILERS AHEAD********** Scream 7 marks another bloody return for the long-running slasher franchise, proving that Ghostface still knows how to stalk both victims and genre conventions. This latest installment leans into the series’ signature formula—razor-sharp dialogue, meta-commentary about the state of horror, and elaborately staged kill sequences—while attempting to push the story f...

This week we dive headfirst into the blood-soaked chaos of the 2013 remake of Evil Dead. Forget the winks and camp of the original—this one goes straight for the jugular. We break down the brutal practical effects, the controversial shift in tone from the 1981 classic, the standout performance by Jane Levy, and whether this reimagining earns its place in the legendary The Evil Dead legacy.  Is it...