Reel Riff

Who Will Win the Gold? Our 2026 Oscar Predictions! | Reel Riff

Wed, 11 Mar 2026 16:00:00 -0300

Bill and Thomas make their early predictions for the 2026 Academy Awards, breaking down which films, performances, and directors could dominate the race. They talk about the potential frontrunners, the surprise contenders that might sneak into major categories, and the kinds of films the Academy tends to rally around as awards season heats up. Along the way, they debate possible snubs, dark horses, and which movies could ultimately take home the biggest prizes on Hollywood's biggest night.

The Boys Are Back in Town! A 2025 Film Retrospective…Plus Our Top 5 Movies of the Year! | Reel Riff

Wed, 04 Mar 2026 15:00:00 -0400

Bill and Thomas are back in town for a 2025 film retrospective, looking back on the year’s biggest releases, surprises, disappointments, and debates. They break down what worked, what didn’t, and where their takes differ, before each revealing their top 5 movies of the year.

Chris Stuckmann’s ‘Shelby Oaks’ Is a True Indie Film… and a Divisive One | Reel Riff

Mon, 24 Nov 2025 10:11:00 -0400

Bill and Thomas dive into the guerrilla-made indie film Shelby Oaks, a true Kickstarter project that Thomas even donated to. They talk about Chris Stuckmann’s filmmaking strengths as a longtime YouTube film critic stepping behind the camera and break down the elements that have made the film so divisive among audiences.

Our Experience at the 61st Chicago International Film Festival | Reel Riff

Thu, 20 Nov 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Bill and Thomas dive into their experience at the 61st Chicago International Film Festival. They talk about each film they saw, rank them from least to best, and explore what the festival says about Chicago, its film culture, and filmmaking at large.

A Halloween Special! 'Black Phone 2' and the Best Horror Sequels | Reel Riff

Fri, 31 Oct 2025 00:00:00 -0300

Bill and Thomas dive into the newest horror sequel from Blumhouse, 'Black Phone 2,' before diving even deeper into a discussion of the best horror sequels and their personal favorites. Happy Halloween!

‘Roofman’ Hits Harder Than You Think | Reel Riff

Sat, 18 Oct 2025 00:00:00 -0300

Bill and Thomas dive into Roofman and talk about how it somehow feels like four different films, yet keeps its tone perfectly balanced. The movie sneaks up on you with a slow, emotional build, full of looming dread and quiet darkness, but anchored by real heart. They highlight Channing Tatum's layered performance as a criminal with a good heart and complex morality, alongside Kirsten Dunst's deeply human portrayal that grounds the story in empathy and realism.

‘Peacemaker’ Season 2 Episode 8: ‘Full Nelson’ Review | Reel Riff

Thu, 16 Oct 2025 00:00:00 -0300

Bill and Thomas dive into Peacemaker Season 2, Episode 8, “Full Nelson.” They discuss how the finale left them disappointed, setting up the future of the DCU rather than giving this season a proper ending. The episode feels rushed, with too many storylines crammed into one hour that could have filled an entire season on their own.

Variety Episode! We Dive Into the Madness of ‘TRON: Ares’ and ‘Anemone’ | Reel Riff

Tue, 14 Oct 2025 00:00:00 -0300

Bill and Thomas dive into a Variety Episode! Covering TRON: Ares and Anemone. They talk about what makes both projects stand out, how they reflect the current state of sci-fi, and where the genre might be heading next. From bold visuals and experimental storytelling to unexpected creative choices, they unpack what's exciting, what's confusing, and why these films have everyone talking.

‘Peacemaker’ Season 2 Episode 7: ‘Like a Keith in the Night’ Review | Reel Riff

Thu, 09 Oct 2025 00:00:00 -0300

Bill and Thomas dive into Peacemaker Season 2 and talk about how the season has started to fall apart in its writing. They discuss the growing logic gaps, awkward staging moments, and how the show often sacrifices character intelligence for a quick gag or comedic bit. Even the moments that feel right don’t feel earned or properly paced, leaving the episode struggling to find the heart and rhythm that made the series stand out before.

‘The Smashing Machine’ Is Benny Safdie’s Bold New Spin on the Biopic | Reel Riff

Tue, 07 Oct 2025 00:00:00 -0300

Bill and Thomas break down Benny Safdie’s The Smashing Machine and talk about how his looser, thinner plot lets the emotions take over. They highlight Dwayne Johnson’s mesmerizing performance, shifting from gentle giant to explosive rage, and Emily Blunt’s grounded, humanistic portrayal that keeps the story emotionally real. They also dive into the film’s raw, gritty energy and its voyeuristic cinematography that makes every moment feel uncomfortably intimate.

‘Peacemaker’ Season 2 Episode 6: ‘Ignorance Is Chris’ Review | Reel Riff

Thu, 02 Oct 2025 00:00:00 -0300

Bill and Thomas dive into Peacemaker Season 2, Episode 6, "Ignorance Is Chris." They discuss how the season feels like it has lost some of its energy, the difference between James Gunn's direction and that of the other directors on the series, and whether the tone still works. They also discuss how fans have predicted major plot points early and how much time is left to really dig into Peacemaker's character before the season wraps up.

Paul Thomas Anderson's 'One Battle After Another' Is the Most Immersive Film of 2025 | Reel Riff

Tue, 30 Sep 2025 00:00:00 -0300

Bill and Thomas dive into Paul Thomas Anderson's "One Battle After Another" and discuss how it defies genre, could inspire filmmakers for years to come, and features standout performances from Sean Penn and Benicio Del Toro. They also break down the filmmaking style and the specific directorial choices that make this one of the most immersive films of the year.

‘Peacemaker’ Season 2 Episode 5: ‘Back to the Suture’ Review | Reel Riff

Thu, 25 Sep 2025 00:00:00 -0300

Bill and Thomas dive into Peacemaker Season 2, Episode 5, “Back to the Suture.” They call this their favorite episode since the premiere, break down the standout production design that makes it pop, and catch up on the latest DCU news — including updates about The Batman Part II and more.

‘HIM’ Is Nowhere Near the GOAT | Reel Riff

Tue, 23 Sep 2025 00:00:00 -0300

Thomas and Bill review HIM, the newest entry in the horror cult subgenre, and break down why it doesn't quite work. They agree the filmmaking is solid, with some great atmosphere and visuals, but say the writing and directing fall apart as the story goes on. Marlon Wayans is a bright spot, but most of the characters feel underdeveloped and never fully realized, leaving the film feeling more frustrating than frightening or even funny.

‘Peacemaker’ Season 2 Episode 4: ‘Need I Say Door’ Review | Reel Riff

Thu, 18 Sep 2025 12:00:00 -0300

Bill and Thomas dive into Peacemaker Season 2, Episode 4, "Need I Say Door." They discuss the episode's funniest moments, how the story ramps up the stakes, and where the team's relationships are headed as the season reaches its midpoint.

‘The Long Walk’ Recaptures the Magic of the Best Stephen King Adaptations | Reel Riff

Tue, 16 Sep 2025 12:00:00 -0300

Bill and Thomas break down The Long Walk, the newest Stephen King adaptation, and talk about why it feels like a return to form for King's work on screen. They cover how the movie balances the bleakness of the story with moments of hope, praise its haunting atmosphere, and highlight the performances that bring King's characters to life. From its slow-burning tension to its emotional punch, they explore why this might be one of the most faithful and powerful King adaptations in years.

‘Peacemaker’ Season 2 Episode 3: ‘Another Rick Up My Sleeve’ Review | Reel Riff

Thu, 11 Sep 2025 01:22:00 -0300

Bill and Thomas dive into Peacemaker Season 2, Episode 3, "Another Rick Up My Sleeve." They discuss the confusion with DCU canon, the extreme highs of second-dimensional character work, and some of the latest news emerging from the wider DCU.

Peacemaker’ Season 2 Episode 2: ‘A Man Is Only as Good as His Bird’ Review | Reel Riff

Fri, 05 Sep 2025 04:04:19 -0300

Bill and Thomas dive into Peacemaker Season 2, Episode 2, “A Man Is Only as Good as His Bird.” They discuss the wild mix of action and comedy, Tim Meadows’ fun appearance, the development of character arcs, and what this episode sets up for the rest of the season.

Darren Aronofsky’s ‘Caught Stealing’ Is the Sleeper Hit of the Year | Reel Riff

Fri, 05 Sep 2025 04:03:39 -0300

Bill and Thomas break down Darren Aronofsky’s Caught Stealing, starting with a spoiler-free take before diving into the big twists. They talk about why it feels like the sleeper hit of the year, how its strange and original tone makes it stand out, and even how cats are suddenly sneaking their way back into Hollywood in the most unexpected way.

‘Peacemaker’ Season 2 Episode 1: ‘The Ties That Grind’ Review | Reel Riff

Thu, 28 Aug 2025 02:13:06 -0300

Bill and Thomas kick off Season 2 of Peacemaker with a deep dive into Episode 1, “Ties That Grind.” From James Gunn’s signature mix of irreverent humor and heartfelt character beats to the explosive action that sets the tone for the season, they break down what worked, what didn’t, and how the show continues to push the boundaries of superhero storytelling on TV.

Variety Episode! We Did Not Like ‘Nobody 2’ and ‘Highest 2 Lowest’ | Reel Riff

Wed, 27 Aug 2025 02:16:15 -0300

Bill and Thomas dive into Nobody 2 and Highest 2 Lowest, finding surprising similarities in what didn't land for them in both films. From thin character arcs to recycled action beats and comedy that feels forced instead of fresh, the guys unpack where each movie stumbled. Along the way, they highlight moments that had potential but fell flat, and ask why these sequels and follow-ups often struggle to capture the spark of their predecessors.

Zach Cregger’s ‘Weapons’ Is THE Film of 2025 | Reel Riff

Wed, 13 Aug 2025 23:35:52 -0300

Bill and Thomas go deep on Zach Cregger's Weapons with a full breakdown of its dream sequences, hidden meanings, and twisting narrative. They unpack theories, explore the film's themes of memory and trauma, and look into how Cregger's own story might be reflected in the film. This episode is all about what Weapons is really trying to say beneath the surface, and why it is one of the best original films of the year.

‘The Naked Gun’ (2025) and the State of Comedy in Hollywood | Reel Riff

Tue, 12 Aug 2025 16:16:14 -0300

Bill and Thomas revisit the new 2025 reboot of The Naked Gun, examining whether it captures the same sharp parody, slapstick energy, and laugh-out-loud moments that made the original a classic. They dissect how Leslie Nielsen's legacy looms over this modern version and whether it honors or reinvents the deadpan brilliance fans expect. They also dive into the broader state of comedy in Hollywood.

‘Together’ Is STUCK Under Our Skin | Reel Riff

Tue, 12 Aug 2025 02:32:13 -0300

Bill and Thomas dive into Together, one of their favorite horror films of the year, unpacking why its tension and atmosphere linger long after the credits roll. They break down Dave Franco's standout performance and explore his seamless transition from comedy to horror, proving he's more than capable of delivering chills as well as laughs. They also dig into the science behind the film's horror, the kind the story leaves open to interpretation, adding another layer to the mystery that keeps it STUCK under your skin.

‘The Fantastic Four: First Steps’ Was Our First Fight | Reel Riff

Thu, 07 Aug 2025 20:50:08 -0300

Bill and Thomas don't see eye to eye on Matt Shakman's The Fantastic Four: First Steps. They break down what worked, what didn't, and why this one sparked their biggest disagreement yet, as they discuss the future of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Ari Aster’s ‘Eddington’ Confronts the Masks We Wore | Reel Riff

Fri, 25 Jul 2025 12:32:15 -0300

Bill and Thomas delve into Ari Aster's Eddington, a bold and unsettling exploration of the chaos of 2020. From BLM protests to anti-mask movements, they unpack how the film explores political tension, cultural identity, and collective trauma. It might be Aster's most divisive and vital work yet. Watch to find out what Bill and Thomas think.

James Gunn’s ‘Superman’ Is the Start of Something Special | Reel Riff

Sun, 20 Jul 2025 20:20:48 -0300

Bill and Thomas break down James Gunn's Superman, exploring how it sets the tone for the new DCU. They dig into the cast, Gunn's creative style, the film's political themes, and what it all means for the future of DC.

Welcome to the ‘Reel Riff’ Podcast | Reel Riff

Sun, 20 Jul 2025 18:37:10 -0300

Bill and Thomas kick off the Reel Riff podcast, sharing their vision for genuine movie talk, their creative chemistry, and what makes this show stand out from the rest.