Reel Riff

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 ...

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...

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...

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...

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 funn...