Here lurks our Halloween special, crawling out of the crypt with a brand-new Horror Icons Draft. One episode. Three terrified hosts. Zero common sense.

We’re assembling the ultimate spooky squad:

• Human Killers - (if they’re squishy and mortal, they count)

• Supernatural - spirits and demons (the spooky, floaty kind)

• Undead - beasties who just couldn’t stay dead

• Slashers - who love a bit of a stabby-stab

• Monsters (self-explanatory… and probably slimy)

• Free Pick - (chaos mode unlocked)

The rules? Delightfully unhinged. Each of us can justify our picks however we please. Are we choosing based on iconic films? Who’d win in a back-alley brawl? Who would front the most terrifying boyband? Anything goes. If the categories start to blur like a low-budget jump scare, we’ll argue our case to the death. Our death, probably.

Classic snake draft format, because fairness matters… even when evil is afoot.

You, dear listener, hold the power. When the teams are built, you vote on who crafted the deadliest, coolest, most nightmarishly brilliant horror roster. The winner takes the crown, the losers sleep with the lights on.

This is The Horror Icons Draft.

May the best nightmare win. 🎃🩸🗳️

Who won? We want to know!

Email us at thirdreelpod@gmail.com and vote through our Instagram poll or via TikTok @third_reel_pod

https://linktr.ee/thirdreelpod

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00:00 - Preamble

00:14:57 - The Draft

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🎃 It’s time for another Film Swap on The Third Reel: A Movie Podcast — and because it’s still our Scary Horror Month™, we decided to swap our spookiest picks! 👻

Dan came in hot with The Faculty — because nothing says “90s horror” like alien teachers and an emo Elijah Wood. Rach went nostalgic (and slightly traumatised) with Jeepers Creepers 2, one of the films that made her the horror fan she is today. And Dale? Well… Dale chose Saint Maud. Because of course he did. Existential dread, religious trauma, and pyromania — it’s basically the most Dale pick ever 🔥

Join us as we trade scares, argue over which film aged the worst, and question our life choices. It’s creepy, it’s campy, it’s cathartic — it’s a Halloween hangout you won’t want to miss.

The concept is simple: each of us brings a film to fit the theme, at least one person hasn’t seen it before, and when we watch, it’s no phones, no distractions – full attention. What did the others think? Tune in to find out.

Which theme do you want to see us tackle next? What's a film you'd bring to the table for this theme? Let us know!

Email us at thirdreelpod@gmail.com or through the socials @third_reel_pod

https://linktr.ee/thirdreelpod

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00:00 - Preamble

00:17:38 - Jeepers Creepers 2

00:37:50 - Saint Maud

00:54:00 - The Faculty

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🎮👻 Horror season is in full swing, and with a new Silent Hill game creeping onto the scene, there’s no better time to descend into the fog! This week, we’re pitting two titans of survival horror against each other — Silent Hill vs Resident Evil. These franchises have been battling it out since the ‘90s — first in gaming, then on the big screen. Unfortunately… the films didn’t exactly get critical saves (let’s just say they both needed a few more herbs).

In our second horror episode of the spooky season, we’re putting the movie adaptations under the microscope — or maybe under the flashlight — and ranking them across four categories: Adaptation Faithfulness, Story & Characters, Horror & Scares, and Creature Design & Visuals.

We love the games… but do the films earn a green herb or a game over screen? 🎬🧟‍♀️

FULL SPOILERS FOR SILENT HILL AND RESIDENT EVIL IN THIS EPISODE. You have been warned.

Agree with our scores? What would you score these films? We want to know!

Email us at thirdreelpod@gmail.com or through the socials @third_reel_pod

https://linktr.ee/thirdreelpod

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00:00 - Preamble

00:18:58 - Category 1: Adaptation

00:41:02 - Category 2: Story & Characters

00:58:28 - Category 3: Horror & Scares

01:16:32 - Category 4: Creature Design & Visuals

01:29:56 - Final Scores

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🎃 October is here, and you know what that means… spooky season is officially ON! We’re kicking things off with a bang in this week’s episode of The Third Reel as we dive into Zach Cregger’s Weapons—hailed by some as a modern horror masterpiece and praised across the internet. But does it live up to the hype? We break it down with all the scares, thrills, and laughs you need to start your month off right.

👻 Expect our usual mix of witty banter, film insights, and plenty of horror-loving chaos. Whether you’re a die-hard horror fan or just here for the popcorn, this episode will give you chills… and maybe a chuckle or two.

We kick things off spoiler-free with our first impressions before heading into full spoiler territory in the second half, and trust us, the spoilers section is where this film really shines...

Agree with our score? What films do you want to see covered in our Reel Kwik series? We want to know!

Email us at thirdreelpod@gmail.com or through the socials @third_reel_pod

https://linktr.ee/thirdreelpod

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00:00 - Preamble

00:12:43 - Spoiler-Free Thoughts

00:33:15 - Full Spoiler Review

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Happy Gilmore is back – but should he have stayed in retirement? ⛳️

In our Hall of Fame/Lame: Adam Sandler episode, the original Happy Gilmore swung straight into our Hall of Fame. But how does Happy Gilmore 2 stack up nearly 30 years later? Sequels this far removed rarely hit the mark, and with critics split down the middle, we’re here to break it all down.

We kick things off spoiler-free with our first impressions before heading into full spoiler territory in the second half. Does this sequel deserve a green jacket, or is it headed for the sand trap?

Agree with our score? What films do you want to see covered in our Reel Kwik series? We want to know!

Email us at thirdreelpod@gmail.com or through the socials @third_reel_pod

https://linktr.ee/thirdreelpod

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00:00 - Preamble

00:13:35 - Spoiler-Free Thoughts

00:36:02 - Full Spoiler Review

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s been a while since we’ve done one of our Icon episodes, but we’re back with a true legend of Old Hollywood: Cary Grant. Effortlessly suave, endlessly charming, and one of cinema’s greatest leading men, Grant’s career defined an era and left behind a legacy that continues to influence film today.

Join Rachael as she takes you on a journey through the extraordinary life of this timeless star — from his early days to his rise as Hollywood royalty. Along the way, we’ll be celebrating three of his most iconic films: the glamorous caper To Catch a Thief, the thrilling Hitchcock classic North by Northwest, and the stylish romantic mystery Charade.

So grab your popcorn and a martini (shaken with impeccable sophistication, of course) and settle in as we shine the spotlight on Cary Grant — the man who made charm look effortless.

Any Cary Grant specific memories? Is there another icon you'd like to see us cover in a future instalment? We want to know!

Email us at thirdreelpod@gmail.com or through the socials @third_reel_pod

https://linktr.ee/thirdreelpod

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00:00 - Preamble

00:08:08 - Cary Grant Pt 1

00:16:00 - To Catch a Thief

00:27:27 - Cary Grant Pt 2

00:31:34 - North By Northwest

00:44:23 - Charade

00:53:13 - Cary Grant Pt 4

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It’s Reel Kwik time, and this week we’re marching straight into Alex Garland & Ray Mendoza’s Warfare. As huge fans of Garland’s previous work, we were excited to see him team up with Mendoza — a former Navy SEAL whose real-life experiences helped shape the film’s brutally immersive portrait of frontline combat.

Does Warfare carry the same punch as Ex Machina or Annihilation? And, more importantly, where does it sit within the broader canon of war films? We break down how Garland’s cinematic instincts and Mendoza’s lived experience combine on screen, whether the movie earns its place among modern war classics, and how its real-time structure and procedural focus affect the tension and storytelling.

With a stacked cast of young, up-and-coming talent anchored by powerful lead turns, the film pulses with urgency and authenticity. We dissect the performances, the technical craft, the pacing, and the ethical weight of translating trauma to the screen — and finally ask: is this a future classic, a necessary document, or something more complicated?

Tune in for spoiler and non-spoiler takes, scene breakdowns, and a proper debate on where Warfare ranks — both in Garland’s filmography and in war cinema as a whole.

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Dan’s pick: Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: The Movie. Dale’s pick: 3 Ninjas. Rach’s pick: Spice World. Are these films actually any good? Probably not. But that’s not the point. It’s about stepping back into a time when these films meant the world to us.

The concept is simple: each of us brings a film to fit the theme, at least one person hasn’t seen it before, and when we watch, it’s no phones, no distractions – full attention. What did the others think of these nostalgic gems? Tune in to find out.

Which theme do you want to see us tackle next? What's a film you'd bring to the table for this theme? Let us know!

Email us at thirdreelpod@gmail.com or through the socials @third_reel_pod

https://linktr.ee/thirdreelpod

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00:00 - Preamble

00:07:22 - 3 Ninjas

00:25:03 - Spice World

00:44:00 - Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: The Movie

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Disney’s latest live-action Snow White remake has been review-bombed worse than the Evil Queen’s temper—so is the hate deserved? In this episode, we give you our spoiler-free take: does it hold up at all against the beloved original, or is it just another step down the slippery slope of live-action remakes?

Then, for those brave enough, we dive full spoilers: plot twists, character choices, and all the juicy bits that will make you question whether this film finally course-corrects Disney’s remake strategy—or keeps following the same unwanted path.

Agree with our score? What films do you want to see covered in our Reel Kwik series? We want to know!

Email us at thirdreelpod@gmail.com or through the socials @third_reel_pod

https://linktr.ee/thirdreelpod

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00:00 - Preamble

00:24:19 - Spoiler-Free Thoughts

00:51:25 - Full Spoiler Review

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

🎬 It’s Part 2 of the A-Z of Films: B Edition!

Last week, Blade Runner powered through the first half of the draw, earning its place in the ultimate final. With Alien already crowned the definitive A film, Ridley Scott is looking pretty pleased with himself right now… but the job’s not done yet.

This week, we dive into the other 16 best films beginning with B, with every chaotic match-up once again decided by the Wheel of Names. By the end, we’ll have our second finalist ready to face Blade Runner for the crown of The Third Reel’s definitive B film.

A quick refresher: We started with 32 of the best and most diverse films beginning with the letter A, battling it out in a tournament-style showdown. Round by round—from the Round of 32 to the Sweet 16, then the Quarterfinals, Semis, and the Final—we’re narrowing it down to just one champion.

Are there any films you think we missed in our list of B films? Any ones you want to see included in future letters? We want to know!

Email us at thirdreelpod@gmail.com or through the socials @third_reel_pod

https://linktr.ee/thirdreelpod

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00:00 - Preamble

00:04:30 - Round of 16

01:11:20 - Quarters

01:18:30 - Semis

01:23:25 - Final

01:24:37 - Ultimate Final

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

🎬 The A-Z of Films is back, and it’s time for the letter B!

Here’s how it works: we’ve shortlisted 32 of the best films starting with B (that we’ve seen), and a trusty Wheel of Names decides the match-ups. Some pairings might make no sense—but that’s exactly what makes it fun and chaotic!

This is Part 1 of 2, with Part 2 dropping next week. In a traditional knockout competition, this week’s winner will face next week’s winner to see which film claims the crown as The Third Reel’s definitive B film.

For reference, Ridley Scott’s Alien took the A competition—so who will triumph this time? Will Back to the Future speed to victory? Can Batman dominate the field? Or will Scott strike again with Blade Runner? Tune in to find out!

Are there any films you think we missed in our list of A films? Any ones you want to see included in future letters? We want to know!

Email us at thirdreelpod@gmail.com or through the socials @third_reel_pod

https://linktr.ee/thirdreelpod

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00:00 - Preamble

00:11:29 - Round of 16

01:18:32 - Quarters

01:27:12 - Semis

01:34:46 - Final

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

“Look Up”… no really, look up — because the Man of Steel is back! 🦸‍♂️

Our latest Kwik Episode takes to the skies with Superman (2025), James Gunn’s first step into the brand-new DCU.

From Christopher Reeve’s charm to Henry Cavill’s grit (and maybe one we’d rather forget 👀), Superman has had more reboots than the Batmobile has upgrades — so how does this new take measure up?

Join us as we give our spoiler-free thoughts, then soar straight into full spoiler territory faster than a speeding bullet.

Agree with our score? What films do you want to see covered in our Reel Kwik series? We want to know!

Email us at thirdreelpod@gmail.com or through TikTok and Instagram @third_reel_pod

https://linktr.ee/thirdreelpod

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00:00 - Preamble

00:15:58 - Spoiler-Free Thoughts

00:40:40 - Full Spoiler Review

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to the debut of our brand new format: Make Me a Fan Of… — the episode where cinematic beef gets put to the test.

In this series, one host takes the hot seat to face their (sometimes irrational) dislike of a particular actor or director, while the other two come armed with three carefully selected films to try and change their mind. Not the best films—just the right ones.

This time, it’s Rachael vs Florence Pugh.

She’s voiced her distaste for Pugh more than once on this podcast—but can Daniel and Dale turn her into a convert?

Expect passionate arguments, pointed roasts, and a whole lot of love (and maybe hate) for one of the most divisive young stars in Hollywood.

What actor/director do you have a dislike of that you want to see covered? We want to know!

Email us at thirdreelpod@gmail.com or through TikTok and Instagram @third_reel_pod

https://linktr.ee/thirdreelpod

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00:00 - Preamble

00:12:50 - The Debate

00:31:35 - The Films

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The rage returns! In this week’s Reel Kwik episode, we dive straight into 28 Years Later — the surprise sequel to the iconic zombie saga. Does it live up to 28 Days and Weeks Later? Is the trilogy now complete or has the infection run its course? We’re breaking down the story, performances, scares, and yes… the running zombies. All that in under an hour.

Reel Kwik – bite-sized reviews, full-sized opinions.

As always, Part 1 of our review is completely spoiler-free — perfect if you haven’t seen the film yet. Part 2 goes full spoiler mode, so if you’re still waiting to watch, that’s your cue to pause, go sink your teeth into the movie, and come back when you’re ready.

Agree with our score? What films do you want to see covered in our Reel Kwik series? We want to know!

Email us at thirdreelpod@gmail.com or through TikTok and Instagram @third_reel_pod

https://linktr.ee/thirdreelpod

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00:00 - Preamble

00:09:56 - Spoiler-free thoughts

00:45:52 - Full Spoiler Review

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The wait is over — Part 2 of our Scarlett Johansson: Hall of Fame/Lame special is here, and it’s time to bring it home.

In this episode, we dive into the second half of ScarJo’s career — from Black Widow to Marriage Story, Her, Lucy and beyond — as we wrestle with the highs, the lows, and everything in between.

After nearly 40 films and weeks of watching, debating, and occasionally yelling, we finally lock in our definitive 5 Hall of Fame and 5 Hall of Lame picks.

Did your favourite make the cut? Or are we about to break your cinephile heart?

🎬 It’s the conclusion of one of Hollywood’s most fascinating careers — and one of our most stacked episodes yet.

Got a suggestion for our next Hall of Fame/Lame subject? Slide into our DMs — we’re always up for a good film fight.

Email us at thirdreelpod@gmail.com or through TikTok and Instagram @third_reel_pod

https://linktr.ee/thirdreelpod

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00:00 - ScarJo Hall of Fame/Lame Pt 2

01:12:36 - Hall of Fame/Lame Debate

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

You’ve waited with bated breath… and the wait is finally over. The Hall of Fame/Lame returns — and this time, we’re taking on none other than Scarlett Johansson.

With her latest blockbuster Jurassic World: Rebirth roaring into cinemas, we’re celebrating ScarJo’s legendary (and sometimes questionable) career by sorting her filmography into two distinct categories: five films that earn a coveted place in her Hall of Fame, and five that tumble into the Hall of Lame.

From her early breakout in Manny & Lo in 1996 to nearly 40 films later, Scarlett’s career spans decades — and trust us, this episode took some serious research, viewing, and emotional stamina to pull off. It’s a beast of an episode, so we’re splitting it in two!

In Part 1, we cover the first half of her career — from indie gems to early stardom. Tune in next week for Part 2, where we dive into her Marvel years and beyond, and reveal our final Hall of Fame/Lame picks.

Got a suggestion for our next Hall of Fame/Lame subject? We want to know!

Email us at thirdreelpod@gmail.com or through TikTok and Instagram @third_reel_pod

https://linktr.ee/thirdreelpod

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00:00 - Preamble

00:26:17 - ScarJo Hall of Fame/Lame Pt 1

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this Reel Kwik episode, we’re diving into A Real Pain — Jesse Eisenberg’s directorial debut that stirred up serious Oscar buzz and even scored Kieran Culkin a well-deserved win.

This bittersweet dramedy follows two estranged cousins on a Holocaust pilgrimage that’s as funny as it is devastating, as they uncover buried trauma and confront their tangled family history.

Did Eisenberg deliver on the hype? Is this the beginning of a brilliant directing career? And was Culkin really that good?

Tune in for our thoughts, laughs, and maybe a tear or two.

As always, Part 1 of our review is completely spoiler-free — perfect if you haven’t seen the film yet. Part 2 goes full spoiler mode, so if you’re still waiting to watch, that’s your cue to pause, go sink your teeth into the movie, and come back when you’re ready.

Agree with our score? What films do you want to see covered in our Reel Kwik series? We want to know!

Email us at thirdreelpod@gmail.com or through TikTok and Instagram @third_reel_pod

https://linktr.ee/thirdreelpod

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00:00 - Preamble

00:04:02 - Spoiler-free thoughts

00:26:49 - Full Spoiler Review

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's been a while since one of these...

We’re heading back 15 years to celebrate the cinematic gems of 2010! From dream heists and dystopian dramas to animated tearjerkers, we each reveal our personal Top 10 films of the year — and no two lists are the same. Expect passionate picks, controversial omissions, and a whole lot of film geekery.

Join us as we rewind to a stacked year in cinema and ask: did Inception blow our minds? Did The Social Network define a generation? And where does Scott Pilgrim fit into all this?

Here’s how it works: we each take turns counting down from #10 to #1 from UK release only. If two (or more) of us have the same film on our lists, we’ll hold off discussing it until it appears at its highest placement. That way, we can give it the spotlight it deserves. Once the lists are complete, we will rattle off our honourable mentions.

Let us know your 2010 rankings!

Email us at thirdreelpod@gmail.com or through the socials @third_reel_pod

https://linktr.ee/thirdreelpod

All music used in this podcast is for commentary and review purposes under fair use. We give full credit to the original composers and right holders, and acknowledge that we do not own any of the music featured.

TIMESTAMPS

00:00:00 - Preamble

00:18:14 - Daniel's #10

00:22:30 - Rachael's #10

00:25:55 - Dale's #10

00:26:47 - Daniel's #9

00:31:11 - Rachael's #9

00:37:30 - Dale's #9

00:37:58 - Daniel's #8

00:43:32 - Rachael's #8

00:47:22 - Dale's #8

00:51:32 - Daniel's #7

00:55:10 - Rachael's #7

00:55:18 - Dale's #7

00:58:45 - Daniel and Dale's #6

00:59:21 - Rachael's #6

01:03:29 - Daniel and Dale's #5

01:08:44 - Rachael's #5

01:09:00 - Daniel and Dale's #4

01:16:14 - Rachael's #4

01:20:55 - Daniel and Dale's #3

01:21:50 - Rachael's #3

01:28:28 - Daniel and Dale's #2

01:34:42 - Rachael's #2

01:43:00 - Daniel, Rachael and Dale's #1

01:55:17 - Honourable Mentions

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We’re celebrating the brilliant comedic madness of one of the late, great actors of our time — the one and only Robin Williams. From his hilarious, heartfelt performances to the way he shaped our childhoods, Robin was everyone’s favourite funcle.

If you’ve ever played fantasy football, you’ll get the gist. We’re drafting from Williams’ entire filmography, taking turns to fill six distinct categories. Once a player locks in a pick, it’s final—and that movie is off the board for everyone else. Draft order? Decided by the legendary Wheel of Names. And since we’re using a snake draft, the playing field stays even.

This week, we channel that nostalgic energy into a full-blown draft as we go head-to-head, choosing our favourite films from his incredible and diverse filmography. The draft is divided into six categories:

🎭 Drama

🤣 Comedy

🎬 Pre-1999

🎥 Post-2000

🏆 Award Recognition

🎲 Free Pick

With a career spanning decades and genres, this one’s going to be tough.

And let’s not forget: Daniel is the reigning champ of the draft and so far, unbeaten. Heavy is the head that wears the crown — but can he finally be dethroned?

We’ll be posting our full draft picks on social media, where you can vote for the ultimate Robin Williams Draft champion. And to top it all off, we’re wrapping things up with our classic IMDb film guessing game—Williams edition!

Get ready for laughs, heated debate, and a whole lot of love for Robin Williams. Let the drafting begin!

Who won? We want to know!

Email us at thirdreelpod@gmail.com and vote through our Instagram poll or via TikTok @third_reel_pod

https://linktr.ee/thirdreelpod

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00:00 - Preamble

00:09:30 - Robin Williams Biography

00:22:12 - Draft Rules

00:24:47 - The Draft

01:36:24 - Quiz

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Biopics are everywhere right now — so what makes A Complete Unknown stand out? Or does it? This week, we dive into James Mangold’s latest take on musical legend Bob Dylan, with Timothée Chalamet stepping into the shoes (and harmonica) of one of the most enigmatic figures in music history.

Does Mangold recapture the magic of Walk the Line? Does Chalamet deliver a performance worth singing about? And do you need to be a Dylan devotee to connect with this film — or is it just another hit in the biopic factory line?

We’re tackling all that and more as we compare this one to other recent biopics, question whether biopic fatigue is real, and ask the big question: does A Complete Unknown do anything new?

Agree with our score? What films do you want to see covered in our Reel Kwik series? We want to know!

Email us at thirdreelpod@gmail.com or through TikTok and Instagram @third_reel_pod

https://linktr.ee/thirdreelpod

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00:00 - Preamble

00:09:39 - Spoiler-free thoughts

00:36:16 - Full Spoiler Review

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.