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It’s a big week at the theaters with the highly anticipated A24 release The Green Knight (starring Dev Patel, Alicia Vikander and Joel Edgerton), Jungle Cruise (starring Emily Blunt and Dwayne Johnson), as well as Matt Damon’s latest drama Stillwater.Before we get to our reviews of those films though, we have to touch on the Director’s Guild recent rule change which will exclude films without a theatrically exclusive release window from competing for their awards show next year. This puts HBO Max’s day-and-date strategy in a difficult spot with awards hopefuls such as Denis Villeneuve’s Dune. What’s your favorite movie from Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson? That’s the topic of this week’s BlendGame. Next week, we’re taking a look at James Gunn’s unique career. Play along on Twitter using #JamesGunnBlend. This Week In Movie- The Last Mercenary (Netflix)- Stillwater- Jungle Cruise- The Green KnightReelBlend PremiumSign up for an extra episode a week, a bi-weekly newsletter from Sean, and ad-free episodes at cinemablen

Writer/director M. Night Shyamalan joins the show to talk bout his new film Old hitting theaters this week. We discuss his incredible camera work, how he chooses an aspect ratio for any given film, casting and working with actors, the moment from his childhood which seemingly sent him down the path of making thrillers and so much more. What an honor! We also discuss Black Widow dropping a considerable amount in its second week at the box office. The trailer for Ridley Scott’s new film The Last Duel just dropped, as well as the trailer for Jackass Forever. This week’s BlendGame has us chatting about our favorite food-centric scenes in movies. Next week, we are looking at our favorite movies/performances from The Rock with #DwayneJohnsonBlend. Send in your pick on Twitter to play along! This Week In Movies (err…some TV too)- Ted Lasso: Season 2 (Apple TV+)- Joe Bell - Snake Eyes- OldReelBlend PremiumSign up for an extra episode a week, a bi-weekly newsletter from Sean, and ad-free episodes at cinemablend.com/re

Director Adam Robitel joins the show to discuss his new horror sequel Escape Room: Tournament of Champions. He touches on the resurgence of genre films, his approach to a sequel, his upcoming series with Darren Aronofsky and more. We have’t yet had the chance to chat about Marvel’s return to the big screen on the show. So this week we spend some time breaking down Black Widow’s triumphant box office performance, the potential lasting effects of its success on Disney+ and of course review Scarlett Johansson’s final adventure in the MCU. The world lost a true icon of filmmaking with the passing of Richard Donner. This week, we pivot our BlendGame to #RichardDonnerBlend in order to reflect on his work and celebrate his astonishing accomplishments in the craft. More info on the OUATIH Giveaway: https://bit.ly/QTxRBgiveawayThis Week In MoviesPigDie in a GunfightGunpowder MilkshakeEscape Room: Tournament of ChampionsSpace Jam: A New LegacyReelBlend PremiumSign up for an extra episode a week, a bi-weekly newsletter

The legend Quentin Tarantino returns. This time, we sat down with the filmmaker at the launch of his novelization of Once Upon a Time in Hollywood in front of a wonderful crowd at The New Beverly Cinema in Los Angeles. We discuss moments and scenes in the book which were excluded from the film, why he gives us more details on Cliff Booth’s ambiguous past, some of Uma Thurman’s reservations on her iconic Kill Bill tracksuit, his 10th and final film and more. ReelBlend PremiumSign up for an extra episode a week, a bi-weekly newsletter from Sean, and ad-free episodes at bit.ly/reelblendpremium.ReelBlend on YouTubeBe sure to subscribe to ReelBlend on YouTube (YouTube.com/ReelBlendPodcast) for full episodes of the show in video form. Follow The ShowReelBlend - @ReelBlendSean - @Sean_OConnell Jake - @JakesTakesKevin - @KevinMcCarthyTVGabe - @gabeKovacsReelBlend MerchWe have all kinds of fun merch for dedicated Blenders to flaunt their fandom with pride. (cinemablend.com/shop)Support this podcast at — https://redcir

Josh Lucas stars in the new Purge installment, The Forever Purge, from director Everardo Gout, and he joins the show for an incredible discussion on making the film. Not only that, but we cover some moments throughout his decade-spanning career, the directors and cinematographers he’s chased after, the few he has left on his list, and a great story about turning down Martin Scorsese. ReelBlend PremiumSign up for an extra episode a week, a bi-weekly newsletter from Sean, and ad-free episodes at bit.ly/reelblendpremium.ReelBlend on YouTubeBe sure to subscribe to ReelBlend on YouTube (YouTube.com/ReelBlendPodcast) for full episodes of the show in video form. Follow The ShowReelBlend - @ReelBlendSean - @Sean_OConnell Jake - @JakesTakesKevin - @KevinMcCarthyTVGabe - @gabeKovacsReelBlend MerchWe have all kinds of fun merch for dedicated Blenders to flaunt their fandom with pride. (cinemablend.com/shop)Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/reelblend/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle

Chris McKay, director of The Tomorrow War starring Chris Pratt, Yvonne Strahovski and J.K. Simmons, joins the show. We discuss working with a mega-star like Chris Pratt, working with practical effects on such a massive scale, and if his Nightwing movie will ever see the light of day. This week is packed with the releases so get right into our reviews of some of the major films hit theaters and streaming services. This includes Steven Soderbergh’s No Sudden Move, Janicza Bravo’s Zola, The Forever Purge starring Josh Lucas (who will be joining the show later this week) and more. In honor of Soderbergh’s latest film, we take a look back at his career to determine which of his works is our absolute favorite in #StevenSoderberghBlend. You can play along with next week’s BlendGame using #FoodSceneBlend to let us know which scene in movie history that is primarily focused on cuisine is you favorite. ReelBlend PremiumSign up for an extra episode a week, a bi-weekly newsletter from Sean, and ad-free episodes at bit.ly

Director Janicza Bravo joins us for a great chat about the making of her new film Zola, starring Taylour Paige, Riley Keough and Colman Domingo. The film is based on viral Twitter thread chronicling a stripper named Zola’s truly wild journey on a road trip to Florida. ReelBlend PremiumSign up for an extra episode a week, a bi-weekly newsletter from Sean, and ad-free episodes at bit.ly/reelblendpremium.ReelBlend on YouTubeBe sure to subscribe to ReelBlend on YouTube (YouTube.com/ReelBlendPodcast) for full episodes of the show in video form. Follow The ShowReelBlend - @ReelBlendSean - @Sean_OConnell Jake - @JakesTakesKevin - @KevinMcCarthyTVGabe - @gabeKovacsReelBlend MerchWe have all kinds of fun merch for dedicated Blenders to flaunt their fandom with pride. (cinemablend.com/shop)Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/reelblend/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Steven Soderbergh, the legend himself, joins the show to discuss his new film No Sudden Move, starring Don Cheadle, Benicio Del Toro, Jon Hamm. We cover moments from across his filmography, from Sex, Lies and Videotape to Ocean’s Eleven to Contagion. F9: The Fast Saga hits theaters in the US this weekend, and our opinions couldn’t be differ any more. Let us know on social what you thought of the latest in the Fast and Furious franchise. In other news for the week, Steven Spielberg’s Amblin Entertainment signed a deal with Netflix that put folks in a stir. Is this a major shift in the director’s recent comments towards the streamer? Will he direct a film for Netflix in the near future? We discuss. This week’s BlendGame looks at the incredible cinematography from Rachel Morrison. Next week, we’re looking at Steven Soderbergh’s filmography to decide which of his films is our absolute favorite. Play along on Twitter using #StevenSoderberghBlendThis Week In Movies- The Ice Road (Netflix)- False Positive (Hulu)- F9

Director Justin Lin joins the show to discuss F9: The Fast Saga, the latest in the Fast and Furious franchise, starring Vin Diesel, Michelle Rodriguez and the rest of the fam. He discusses opening the film with a vintage Universal Pictures logo, shooting on film, weighing practical effects with visual effects and more. This week, we also review Disney Pixar’s Luca, Netflix’s Fatherhood (starring Kevin Hart), and The Hitman’s Wife’s Bodyguard (starring Ryan Reynolds, Samuel L. Jackson, Salma Hayek). John M. Chu’s In the Heights failed to meet expectations a the box office its opening weekend. We discuss why that might be, and the future of HBO Max’s release strategy. This Week In Movie- The Hitman’s Wife’s Bodyguard- Luca- FatherhoodReelBlend PremiumSign up for an extra episode a week, a bi-weekly newsletter from Sean, and ad-free episodes at bit.ly/reelblendpremium.ReelBlend on YouTubeBe sure to subscribe to ReelBlend on YouTube (YouTube.com/ReelBlendPodcast) for full episodes of the show in video form. Follo

We were able to screen the first two episodes of Marvel’s new Disney+ series Loki starring Tom Hiddleston and Owen Wilson. We give our spoiler-free takes on the series so far, and it’s shaping up to be the best Marvel series to date. Jake was able to screen Jon M Chu’s In the Heights before it hits theaters this week, and gives us his thoughts on the hotly anticipated musical from the mind of Hamilton’s Lin-Manuel Miranda. This Week In Movies- Loki (Disney+)- Peter Rabbit 2: The Runaway- In the Heights (Theaters, HBO Max)ReelBlend PremiumSign up for an extra episode a week, a bi-weekly newsletter from Sean, and ad-free episodes at bit.ly/reelblendpremium.ReelBlend on YouTubeBe sure to subscribe to ReelBlend on YouTube (YouTube.com/ReelBlendPodcast) for full episodes of the show in video form. Follow The ShowReelBlend - @ReelBlendSean - @Sean_OConnell Jake - @JakesTakesKevin - @KevinMcCarthyTVGabe - @gabeKovacsReelBlend MerchWe have all kinds of fun merch for dedicated Blenders to flaunt their fandom with prid

The Conjuring franchise’s 8th installment, The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It (starring Vera Farmiga and Patrick Wilson) hits theaters and HBO Max this week, and director Michael Chaves took time to sit down and discuss his process in taking over the core of the franchise from James Wan. We also discuss the triumphant return of the movies with A Quiet Place Part II’s massive opening weekend, AMC’s potential acquisition of ArcLight Cinemas and more. This week’s BlendGame celebrates the Summer season with our favorite films which evoke Summer. Next week, we’re taking a look at the career of Elliot Page, and debated which of their performances is our absolute favorite. Play along on Twitter by sending in your pick using #ElliotPageBlend. This Week In Movies- Samaritan- Spirit Untamed- The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It ReelBlend PremiumSign up for an extra episode a week, a bi-weekly newsletter from Sean, and ad-free episodes at bit.ly/reelblendpremium.ReelBlend on YouTubeBe sure to subscribe to ReelBlen

Writer/Director/Actor John Krasinski joins the show to discuss A Quiet Place Part II. Last year, before the theater-going industry shuttered, we were able to sit down in person with the director to chat about his horror follow up starring Emily Blunt, Cillian Murphy and Djimon Hounsou. A plethora of new trailers dropped over the past week, so we also give our initial reactions to The Eternals, Last Night In Soho, Gunpowder Milkshake, and The Tomorrow War. We discuss Amazon’s acquiring MGM. Sean finally made it through The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring Extended Edition as part of his Oscars Wager punishment. This week’s BlendGame looks at the tremendous work from Cruella star Emma Stone. Next week, we want to know your favorite movie to watch during or that simply evoke the Summer season. Send in you pick using #SummerMovieBlend on Twitter. This Week In Movies- A Quiet Place Part II- Cruella ReelBlend PremiumSign up for an extra episode a week, a bi-weekly newsletter from Sean, and ad-free epis

On this week’s show, Kevin returns with his review of Zack Snyder’s Army of the Dead, and the guys debate why the film only landed a 4/5 stars in each of their reviews. We also react to new trailers for Dear Evan Hansen starring Ben Platt, and Snake Eyes starring Henry Golding.Sean caught up with Joe Wright’s The Woman in the Window which hit Netflix last week, and things did not go so well. Also, some major industry news dropped late last week that Disney would be shrinking its theatrical release window to 45 days from the traditional 90, and we discuss what that might mean moving forward. This week’s BlendGame has us scouring over the filmography of one of our favorites, and former guest Zack Snyder. Next week, we have to decide which of Emma Stone’s performances is our absolute favorite, and you can play along at home by tweeting in your pick using #EmmaStoneBlend.ReelBlend PremiumSign up for an extra episode a week, a bi-weekly newsletter from Sean, and ad-free episodes at bit.ly/reelblendpremium.ReelBlen

Spiral director Darren Bousman joins the show to discuss working with Chris Rock, Samuel L. Jackson and Max Minghella on this new spin on the Saw franchise. We discuss how they design the various traps from across the series of films, he shares a jaw-dropping story about the work that went into creating Saw II’s infamous syringe set piece and more. Stay tuned to our YouTube channel for some additional spoiler conversation from our interview with Darren which is not included in this episode. This includes Darren showing us is collection of Saw props and prosthetics from over the years of working on the franchise. It’s incredible. Also on this week’s show, we review Zack Snyder’s Army of the Dead, we discuss the controversy surrounding the Golden Globes and whether they will ever recover, the trailers for Venom 2 and The Green Knight. This week’s BlendGame focuses on Angelina Jolie’s filmography. Next week, we celebrate the films of one our favorites, Zack Snyder. Tweet at us using #ZackSnyderBlend, and let us

David Oyelowo joins the show to discuss his directorial debut feature The Water Man. The film which critics are describing as “Spielbergian” stars Rosario Dawson, Maria Bello, Alfred Molina and David Oyelowo himself. David shares an incredible behind-the-scenes story about how he was thrust into the director’s chair just before filming, his principles for telling a “live-action Pixar” story and more. Marvel dropped dates and footage from across their Phase 4 slate, but we also discuss some notable titles that were left out. Sean and Gabe give their final thoughts on Invincible’s first season following the finale and announcement that Amazon had ordered at least 2 more seasons for their streaming platform. While Jake and Kevin were able to catch up on The Mitchells vs The Machines which dropped last week on Netflix, and give their thoughts on what has become one of their favorites of the year so far. This Week In MoviesHere TodayMainstream (limited)The Paper Tigers (limited)Monster (Netflix)Wrath of ManThe Wat

Kari Skogland, director of the Disney+ Marvel series The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, joins the show to discuss the series finale, the brutal bloody shield scene, where Steve Rogers might be and whether or not she’s interested in directing Captain America 4. The awards season came to a close with the Academy Awards broadcast, and so we give our final thoughts on what was a rather lacking show. Also, Jake won the Oscars wager yet again this year, and he reveals what Sean and Kevin will have to watch. This week’s BlendGame features the work of writer/director Edgar Wright in celebration of Scott Pilgrim vs The World’s 10th anniversary. Next week, we are looking at the filmography of David Oyelowo who will be joining the show to talk about his new film The Water Man. Send in your picks using #DavidOyelowoBlend. This Week In Movies- Limbo (limited)- Separation- Things Heard and Seen (Netflix)- Without Remorse (Amazon Prime Video)- Scott Pilgrim vs the World 10th AnniversaryReelBlend Premium!Sign up for an extra

BAFTA-nominated writer/director Ben Sharrock joins Sean for a discussion on his debut film Limbo about a Syrian refugees seeking asylum in Scotland. They discuss the film’s use of a taller aspect ration to convey a sense of othering, the film’s crazy run through the film festival and awards circuit, and more. ReelBlend Premium!Sign up for an extra episode a week, a bi-weekly newsletter from Sean, and ad-free episodes at bit.ly/reelblendpremium.ReelBlend on YouTubeBe sure to subscribe to ReelBlend on YouTube (YouTube.com/ReelBlendPodcast) for full episodes of the show in video form. Follow The ShowReelBlend - @ReelBlendSean - @Sean_OConnell Jake - @JakesTakesKevin - @KevinMcCarthyTVGabe - @gabeKovacsReelBlend MerchWe have all kinds of fun merch for dedicated Blenders to flaunt their fandom with pride. (cinemablend.com/shop)Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/reelblend/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Mortal Kombat director Simon McQuoid joins the show! We chat about adapting the iconic video game franchise, and creating edge-of-your-seat fight scenes. He also gets into the details behind deciding which of the fan-favorite characters had to bite the dust, and how they set themselves up for a sequel. We also get into some spoilers about the movie’s new character it’s introducing to the franchise, but don’t worry this episode is spoiler free. Keep an eye on our social channels for that clip to drop after the movie is release this weekend. If that wasn’t enough for you, we also have our annual Oscars predictions segment in which the guys lock in their final predictions for who will take home each award at this year’s ceremony. Whoever gets the most correct will get to subject the others to a viewing of a movie of their choosing…however terrible or horrifying it may be. This Week In Movies- Demon Slayer The Movie: Mugen Train- Together Together (limited) - Mortal KombatReelBlend PremiumSign up for an extra epi

Writer/director Ben Wheatley joins the show to chat about his new horror film In the Earth which he wrote and shot in the past year while some of his larger projects have been put on hold. He discusses some of the film’s visual tricks, the origins of the story and characters, working under strict safety protocols and how that might change the outlook of The Meg 2. In the main show, we react to the new trailer for Zack Snyder’s upcoming zombie action flick Army of the Dead, as well as the trailer for F9. Paramount recently shifted their release calendar seemingly in light of Disney’s recent theatrical shift. And finally, we debate our favorite performances from Oscar Isaac. Next week, we’re looking to the incredible work from renowned composer, and friend of the show Michael Giacchino. Send in your favorite score or movie scored by Giacchino using #MichaelGiacchinoBlend on Twitter. This Week In Movies - SAS: Red Notice- Monday- In the EarthReelBlend PremiumSign up for an extra episode a week, a bi-weekly newsl

Writer/director Neil Burger joins the show to discuss his new movie Voyagers (starring Colin Farrell, Tye Sheridan, Lily-Rose Depp) which hits theaters this week. He talks about the film’s resemblance to Lord of the Flies, Colin Farrell’s impact on set and more. We also get into some of his previous works discussing whether we’ll ever get the final Divergent film, and what it was like releasing The Illusionist weeks before Christopher Nolan’s The Prestige. Additionally, while Sean is away with family, Jake leads us through the main topics of the show including the SAG Awards, that odd Ghostbusters clip and we talk all things Godzilla vs Kong. This week’s BlendGame features the incredible career of Kate Winslet. Next week, we are celebrating the work of Oscar Isaac. Send us your favorite movie or performance from the actor using #OscarIsaacBlendReelBlend Premium!Sign up for an extra episode a week, a bi-weekly newsletter from Sean, and ad-free episodes at bit.ly/reelblendpremium.ReelBlend on YouTubeBe sure to