Reel Riff

It's Christmas in July on Reel Riff! Bill and Thomas celebrate the holiday season early by diving into the ultimate Christmas movie debate. They discuss their favorite Christmas films, unforgettable holiday characters, beloved family traditions, animated classics, and the movies they return to year after year. Along the way, they share personal holiday memories, debate what makes a Christmas movie truly timeless, and highlight the films that capture the spirit of the season better than any others. Whether you're already counting down to December or just looking for a dose of holiday nostalgia, this festive episode is packed with Christmas movie magic.

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, exploring where they agreed, where they disagreed, and how those performances shaped their overall experience. From Nolan's direction and visual storytelling to the film's themes, spectacle, and lasting impact, they explore what 'The Odyssey' says about the future of epic filmmaking.

This week, Bill goes solo to celebrate the legacy of Jackass and why its final chapter marks the end of an era. From childhood memories to what the franchise means today, he shares a personal reflection before diving into the latest movie news and industry headlines.

Bill and Thomas dive into this week's biggest entertainment stories, unpacking Disclosure Day, the latest developments surrounding Supergirl and Toy Story 5, and the ongoing decline of physical media. Thoughtful discussion, industry insight, and plenty of riffs along the way.

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 weaknesses, discuss the outstanding performances across the cast, and explore how the filmmaking reaches another level in the latter episodes. From character arcs to the emotional finale, they debate whether Season 5 ultimately lands the plane and what it means for the future of The Bear.

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. From the future of indie filmmaking to the challenges of turning original stories into franchises, they explore what Obsession says about the current state of modern cinema.

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 Harry Potter series, as they share their thoughts on the beloved franchise and Tommy’s experience exploring the Wizarding World. From internet horror to emerging filmmakers and fantasy classics, they cover a wide range of stories shaping modern pop culture.

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 so many major franchises now feel creatively stuck and trapped in an identity crisis.

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 passionate rant about the current state of blockbuster filmmaking, venting his frustrations with modern Star Wars, the MCU, and the growing reliance on franchise fatigue over meaningful storytelling.

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 everything they’ll be watching closely in 2026.