The Cracked Reel Podcast

The Bride!, How To Make A Killing, Project Hail Mary & 2025 Round-Up

Fri, 13 Mar 2026 07:53:15 +0000

I have returned to give my latest ever best and worst films of 2025 list as well as reviews for Maggie Gyllenhaal's nightmarish (Derogatory) vision of the bride of Frankenstein with The Bride!, Glen Powell unleashing his inner Agent 47 with How To Make A Killing & Ryan Gosling saving the world with a space rock companion in Project Hail Mary. SCREAM at how I forget actors names, GASP at the runtime of the episode, SWOON at my repeated use of the word "Captivating", GRIMACE at my endless rambling and YAWN every time I yawn because I recorded this very tired...

Episode 31 - The Best & Worst of 2024

Sat, 18 Jan 2025 07:21:57 +0000

My annual promise and subsequent failure to record a podcast more frequently has returned! This would have been shorter, but I had to pay my respects to one of the biggest cinematic inspirations there ever was: the immeasurable David Lynch - but I also have no self-control. Please enjoy me yammering about the best, worst, most disappointing and great films of 2024 while talking copious amounts of shite. Sync this up with The Brutalist for the more perplexing film commentary of all time.

The Best & Worst of 2023

Mon, 15 Jan 2024 18:29:46 +0000

Back once again... again... AGAIN for my list of the best and worst films of 2023. I don't go much further outside of that... a bit of stand-up comedy... some plans to catch up on director blind spots... expect bold words.

Episode 29 - Joe O’Donohoe

Mon, 14 Aug 2023 05:40:38 +0100

I have returned after 8 months, a new record! This time I bring a guest, after teasing his appearance since the very beginning, Joe O'Donohoe of The Lazy Dad's Guide To Movies is finally here to talk about everything from Blu-rays to underrated Jackie Chan films to creating shorts in his youth and even how he carries a torch for Amanda Donohoe (No relation). Enjoy all this and much more, plus lots of echoes, sound issues and potentially double the amount of swearing you usually find here. More guests to come!

Episode 28 - Back From The Dead... AGAIN!: The Best & Worst of 2022

Wed, 18 Jan 2023 17:14:37 +0000

My big 2022 return has finally found its sequel... in 2023! Once again, I'm back... I plan to be back for longer... Time will tell on that front. In this triumphant return, I list my favourite and least favourite films of 2022 as well as mention a few gems in the middle and a whole heap of honourable mentions! Enjoy if you dare.

Episode 27 - Back From The Dead: The Best & Worst of 2021

Fri, 21 Jan 2022 03:58:07 +0000

I have returned! After almost 7 months away, I'm back to talk about the best and worst films of 2021! Join me in my post-covid, brain-fog state as I yammer on for almost 2 hours of shite! All that lovely swearing, back into your earholes. Enjoy!

Episode 26 - A New Secret Episode

Thu, 10 Jun 2021 02:58:59 +0100

In this new but not secret episode, I talk about the mammoth Vinegar Syndrome sale, Quentin Tarantino's plans for his own boutique Blu-Ray label & a secret failed episode, lost to the ether. Plus, reviews for Nobody, Oxygen, Spiral: From The Book of Saw, Army of The Dead, Fried Barry, Mortal Kombat, Friends: The Reunion & more.

Episode 25 - A Quarter of The Way To 100

Tue, 30 Mar 2021 00:19:23 +0100

In this miniature milestone which deserves no celebration. I give an ACTUAL review of Zack Snyder's Justice League, I talk about the new issue with bald-discrimination, reviewing films in-depth, reviews of TV-shows: Your Honor, WandaVision & Servant, plans for YouTube, scumbag film studios & the annoucned cast for the Obi-Wan Kenobi series. Plus, reviews for the future cult-horror classic, The Empty Man & crazy Netflix comedy, Bad Trip. Enjoy!

Episode 24 - If Any of Yiz Know My Address, Come And Kill Me

Tue, 23 Mar 2021 01:13:09 +0000

Another long awaited return... I'll have to stop with those... In this episode I ramble about some new releases and gush about physical media labels, specifically Vinegar Syndrome. Also, tiny reviews for Zack Synder's Justice League, Cherry, Promising Young Woman, Boss Level, Willy's Wonderland & more!

Episode 23 - The 20 Best Films of 2020

Wed, 13 Jan 2021 00:40:44 +0000

In this episode I ramble about my top 20 films of 2020 as well as my bottom 9 films of the year and whatever films in between. And certs of course... how could I forget.

Episode 22 - No More Shilling

Mon, 04 Jan 2021 20:24:49 +0000

in this new year's episode; I speak about the ever-changing future of cinema once again, my plans for future podcasts, finally breaking free from my room and being able to record ANYWHERE now, guests, updates to the Cracked Reel Facebook and some Blu-rays I got from the HMV Premium Collection. Also, Die Hard is a Christmas film, end of story. Enjoy!

Episode 21 - Don't Hold Me To Any of This

Mon, 16 Nov 2020 16:40:09 +0000

After one of my now world-famous hiatuses, I am back to talk about my entire month October horror viewing as well as the state of the cinemas once again, film festivals, a shocking discovery about one of my favourite Blu-rays & future podcast plans. Plus reviews for Borat: Subsequent Movie Film, The Trial of The Chicaco 7, The El Duce Tapes & Category III: The Untold Story of Hong Kong Exploitation Cinema. Enjoy!

Episode 20 - Why Do You Watch Films?

Mon, 14 Sep 2020 15:45:49 +0100

In this eagerly awaited episode I yet again talk about where I've been, Disney backtracking their plans, the controversy surrounding Netflix's Cuties, the ridiculous new Best Picture guidelines, Aul' Lad Films and why do people even watch films? Also the plethora of Blu-rays I bought and reviews for Tenet, I'm Thinking of Ending Things, Peninsula, The Binge, Project Power & more. Enjoy!

Episode 19 - Thriving On Mediocrity

Sun, 02 Aug 2020 04:02:23 +0100

Another brief hiatus broken with an exhausted but brisk rant. Today I talk about the possible new movement in cinema, cinemas finally reopening, studios wanting mediocre films, the glorious OLED purchase & the birth of 70s grit. Plus, very brief reviews for 101 Films' release of Split Second, Succession and Kingdom. Grup.

Episode 18 - Art Belongs To No One

Sat, 27 Jun 2020 17:46:55 +0100

In this episode, I spend about 45 mins in full fiery, ranty, complaining mode about censorship, removal of films & TV from streaming sites, blackface, hypocrisy, bad comedy & more! Plus, a recap of the multitude of Blu-rays I've amassed the past month, the importance of comedic freedom and reviews of Spike Lee's Da 5 Bloods & Judd Apatow's The King of Staten Island. Enjoy!

Episode 17 - Overlooked Films of The Decade

Fri, 29 May 2020 16:28:47 +0100

In this episode, I list 40 overlooked films of the 2010s that I believe need more attention, HBO MAX, the Zack Snyder Cut of Justice League, Netflix censorship, FINALLY getting a multi-region player and reviews for The Lord of The Rings Trilogy. Enjoy!

Episode 16 - It's All Just Fun

Fri, 15 May 2020 02:55:33 +0100

In this episode, I talk about where I have been, the possible reopening of cinemas, the controversy of The Last of Us 2, the problems with forced diversity, Tom Cruise in Space, Jerry Stiller and more. Plus, I list the abundance of Blu-rays I treated myself to during lockdown. Stay in and enjoy!

Episode 15 - The Kneecapping of Cinema

Sat, 02 May 2020 06:14:31 +0100

In this episode I talk about the insane success of online streaming and physical media during lockdown, gritty Italian crime shows, cringe comedy, coronasploitation and the modern golden age of TV. Plus, reviews for Gangs of London, After Life, Vivarium & Jay And Silent Bob Reboot. Stay home and enjoy!

Episode 14 - Sick, Sick, Sick

Wed, 15 Apr 2020 12:06:44 +0100

In this episode, I edit out about 40 minutes of coughing and wheezing to bring just over 2hrs of high speed shite talk, with topics such as the dark fate of cinema, online film festivals, the 20-year anniversary of Jackass, dream Blu-ray box sets, a rare chat about certificates & is 4K Blu-ray worth it? Plus, 15 film reviews including Mortal Kombat Legends: Scorpion's Revenge, Queen & Slim, Bad Boys For Life & Impractical Jokers: The Movie. Stay home and enjoy!

Episode 13 - The Invisible Episode

Mon, 06 Apr 2020 01:41:38 +0100

In this delayed episode recorded about 2 weeks ago, I talk about the fate of cinema as we know it, censorship AGAIN, VOD and a total of 13 reviews for the 13th episode - very unlucky! Plus reviews for The Hunt, The Invisible Man and the most popular film on the planet right now, Contagion. Stay home and enjoy!

Episode 12 - Spotlight Special: Death Wish 1 - 5

Wed, 18 Mar 2020 20:59:11 +0000

At last, the first Spotlight Special as promised! Kicking off with an in-depth look at the original five Death Wish films starring Charles Bronson as well as a look at the Bruce Willis remake directed by Eli Roth. Expect full spoilers for all six films and lots of horrendous content. Oh and why Michael Winner was a scumbag. Enjoy!

Episode 11 - A Hot Room Full of Coughing Cunts

Mon, 16 Mar 2020 03:35:39 +0000

In this episode I ramble about the pesky Coronavirus, the disastrous Corey Feldman screening, The Last of Us HBO series, the fall of The Walking Dead, the rise of Blu-ray, a forgotten boutique label & the problem with horror comedy. Plus, my most vitriolic review ever and a recommendation for the TRUE Max Payne film. Stay indoors and enjoy!

Episode 10 - #KillAllThePaedos

Mon, 09 Mar 2020 06:20:59 +0000

In this more palatable 88 minute episode, I talk about more film certificate nonsense, supporting fan edits, Corey Feldman's bleak upcoming documentary, my DEFINITIVE rating system and the separation of art & artist. Plus, reviews for films old and new such as In Search of Darkness, Guns Akimbo, True History of The Kelly Gang, Dark Waters & Freaks. Enjoy! #KillAllThePaedos

Episode 9 - The 100 Best Films of The Decade Part 2

Fri, 06 Mar 2020 08:36:28 +0000

In this episode I complete the list of the 100 best films of the 2010s from number 50 - 1. Yet again, no bullshit and just straight into the list! I promised last time it would be shorter and... I failed... Ah well, indulge yourself in almost 3hrs of film shite-talk!

Episode 8 - The 100 Best Films of The Decade Part 1

Sun, 01 Mar 2020 23:00:39 +0000

In this mammoth episode, I finally list my 100 best films of the 2010s from number 100 - 51. No bullshit, just right into the list... well, after I call Harvey Weinstein a scumbag of course. Expect an over usage of the words amazing, incredible, masterpiece, mind-blowing and more! Part 2 will be much shorter... I promise (I hope). Enjoy!

Episode 7 - The 20 Best Films of 2019

Mon, 24 Feb 2020 07:10:33 +0000

In this episode I FINALLY list the 20 best films of 2019 after promising to do so for weeks; I ramble about 3-star ratings, film certificates (again) and an iconic 80s bad guy comments on my Instagram! Plus, the 12 worst films of 2019 and reviews for Birds of Prey & Greed. LISTEN!

Episode 6 - The Fault In Our Star Ratings

Mon, 17 Feb 2020 07:38:08 +0000

In this outrageously long episode, I ramble on about Korean cinema, films changing titles, the new Cracked Reel Instagram page, 80s action films, The Hunt release date & my problem with using star ratings. Plus, a review for the new Joe Begos action-horror film, VFW and a heap of classic films of all genres. Enjoy!

Episode 5 - D'Oscars Part 2

Mon, 10 Feb 2020 20:44:52 +0000

In the second part of my Oscars double bill (and shortest episode to date), I discuss the winners, losers and all the shite in-between the awards. Plus, a special film I watched beforehand as well as my recent Blu-ray pickups, annoying sellers and why I had a duplicate Podcast on Spotify. Enjoy!

Episode 4 - D'Oscars Part 1

Sun, 09 Feb 2020 20:06:32 +0000

In this timely episode, I give my thoughts and predictions on the Academy Award nominations, the Film Independent Spirit Awards, Oscar snubs, Legendary Oscar Winning Actor: Nicolas Cage and brief reviews for Little Women & Richard Jewell.

Episode 3 - Fun, But Not All That Intellectual

Tue, 04 Feb 2020 02:31:23 +0000

In this highly sought after and mildly positive episode, I rant about film Twitter, contrarians... again, long-takes, Kodak film, annoying horror trailers, poor cinema schedules & more!. Plus, some Blu-rays I picked up and reviews for SIX new films, including A Beautiful Day In The Neighbourhood, Harpoon, Parasite & The Lighthouse.

Episode 2 - Endlessly Bitter

Tue, 28 Jan 2020 08:52:43 +0000

In this much longer, rant filled episode, I talk about HDR vs. Dolby Vision, annoying film certifications, stupid cinemascores, why you shouldn't trust reviews, Blu-ray region locks, Walter Hill, Taika Waititi, Guy Ritchie & More! Plus, reviews for recent viewings and JoJo rabbit. Strap yourselves in for plenty of ramblings!

Episode 1 - An Introduction To Shite-Talk.

Mon, 20 Jan 2020 07:12:46 +0000

In this episode... I talk about why I started the podcast, what's to come, the brief history of Cracked Reel, how I watch and recommend films, pretentious film groups, Brian De Palma, Quentin Tarantino and recommendations to fellow film podcasts. Plus, reviews for 1917 & Uncut Gems and a mountain of shite-talk.