Reel Riff

Bill goes solo on Reel Riff to dive into 'Spider-Man: Brand New Day' and everything surrounding the next chapter of Spider-Man in the MCU. He breaks down what we know about the new movie, the mystery surrounding its villain, and the theories about who could be pulling the strings. Bill also digs into the latest Marvel rumors, potential character connections, and what 'Brand New Day' could mean for Peter Parker's future. From specul...

Bill goes solo for a special episode of Reel Riff, breaking down the biggest news and announcements coming out of Comic-Con along with a roundup of what’s happening across the movie world. From new trailers and major reveals to upcoming projects, casting news, and the stories worth keeping an eye on, Bill shares his thoughts on what stood out and what it could mean for the films ahead. It’s a packed movie news roundup c...

Bill and Thomas dive into 'The Odyssey' and discuss whether Christopher Nolan has truly delivered the modern epic audiences have been waiting for. They break down the film's ambitious behind-the-scenes production, from shooting on the Greek islands and in Iceland to the practical filmmaking techniques that bring Homer's story to life on an incredible scale. They also debate their differing perspectives on the film's performances, e...

Bill and Tommy dive into Season 5 of The Bear, where they find themselves on opposite sides of the conversation despite both appreciating the season. Bill loved the season from start to finish and came away impressed by the finale, while Tommy argues that the first half stumbles before the back half finds its footing and delivers some of the show's strongest work. Together, they break down the season's biggest strengths and weaknes...

Bill and Thomas dive into Obsession, discussing whether the film is truly a victory for independent cinema as conversations about a television series and possible sequel continue to grow. They also break down Curry Barker's comments on the film's financial reality, what success really looks like for independent filmmakers, and the creative filmmaking choices that make Obsession stand out, especially its striking use of lighting. Fr...

Bill and Thomas venture into the eerie world of The Backrooms, debating what makes the internet phenomenon so compelling, with Bill finding himself much higher on its mythology and storytelling potential than Tommy. They also spotlight a new generation of filmmakers, discussing creators like Kane Parsons and Curry Barker and how young voices are finding innovative ways to break into the industry. The conversation also turns to the ...

Bill and Tommy dive into the chaos surrounding ‘The Mandalorian & Grogu,’ with Tommy going on a full blown rant about the state of blockbuster filmmaking, franchise slop, and the MCU-ification of modern movies, while Bill lands somewhere in the middle, finding the film mostly just bland and lifeless. What starts as a review quickly turns into a 45 minute meltdown over nostalgia bait, safe studio filmmaking, and why ...

Bill and Thomas break down their conflicted feelings on ‘Hokum,’ debating whether the film’s unsettling atmosphere, horror elements, and ambition fully land. They also dive into their love for The Bear’s “Gary” episode, discussing its slow pacing, quiet tension, and deeply methodical character work that made it one of the show’s most effective episodes yet. Along the way, Tommy goes on a pa...

Bill and Thomas look ahead at the biggest films coming in 2026, breaking down the year’s most anticipated releases across blockbuster franchises, original projects, horror, awards contenders, and more. Along the way, they discuss the current state of the industry, which movies have the most potential, and what trends could define the next year of cinema. From early predictions to personal most-anticipated picks, they cover ev...

Bill and Thomas break down the newest event film of 2026, Project Hail Mary, diving into how Ryan Gosling’s career evolution shapes his performance and presence in the film. Along the way, they explore the state of the modern family blockbuster, what works, what does not, and where this film fits in. They also revisit the Academy Awards, comparing their personal picks with the actual winners and highlighting the biggest surpr...

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...

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 ...