The Popcorn Podcast

It's time to enter the World Warrior Tournament! This week on The Popcorn Podcast, Tommy and Ryan review Street Fighter (2026), the latest live-action adaptation of Capcom's iconic fighting game franchise.

Directed by Kitao Sakurai, the film brings Ryu, Ken Masters, and Chun-Li together for a tournament filled with rivalries, powerful fighters, and a dangerous conspiracy. The cast includes Andrew Koji, Noah Centineo, Callina Liang, Jason Momoa, David Dastmalchian, and 50 Cent.

We're breaking down the action, fight choreography, performances, humor, video game references, and '90s nostalgia. We also discuss how this new adaptation stacks up...

🎬 Is Primetime one of A24’s most unsettling movies yet?

This week on The Popcorn Podcast, Tommy and Ryan review Primetime (2026), the new A24 psychological thriller starring Robert Pattinson as Chris Hansen, the television journalist known for To Catch a Predator.

Directed by Lance Oppenheim, the film explores the world of early-2000s television, where hidden-camera investigations and confrontations became must-watch entertainment.

We break down Robert Pattinson’s performance, the supporting cast, the direction, cinematography, and the movie’s exploration of the line between journalism and sensationalism. We also discuss how the real-world inspirati...

🟢 We've reached the end of LANTERNS Season 1!

Tommy and Ryan are back on The Popcorn Podcast to review the final two episodes of HBO's Lanterns, breaking down Episodes 7 and 8 and everything that led to the Season 1 finale.

After spending the entire season trying to uncover the truth, we finally get answers about who killed Hal Jordan, the Manhunter mystery, and what happened in Rushville. We also see John Stewart finally embrace his role as a Green Lantern, setting up what could be next for the DCU.

We discuss the finale's biggest reveals, Hal and...

🎬 It's time to talk about the filmmakers behind our favorite movies!

On this episode of The Popcorn Podcast, Tommy and Ryan reveal their Top 10 Favorite Movie Directors, discussing the filmmakers who have had the biggest impact on their love of cinema.

For each director, we share our favorite movies, debate which film we consider their best, and explain what makes their work stand out. From unforgettable performances and iconic scenes to distinctive filmmaking styles and incredible filmographies, we're celebrating the directors who keep us coming back to the movies.

Of course, no two mov...

It's a HUGE week for The Popcorn Podcast!

Tommy and Ryan are back to review Episodes 5 & 6 of HBO's LANTERNS, before turning their attention to Resident Evil (2026) from writer-director Zach Cregger.

First, we break down the latest episodes of Lanterns, including the fallout from the Manhunter mystery, the evolving relationship between Hal Jordan and John Stewart, Guy Gardner's role in the DCU, and the biggest reveals from Episodes 5 and 6.

Then we dive into Resident Evil, discussing Zach Cregger's new take on the legendary survival-horror franchise, including the scares, creatures, action, humor, video game references...

🍿 It's time for another Letterboxd roundup!

Tommy rides solo on this episode of The Popcorn Podcast to break down four of his recent movie entries: Onslaught, Hope, By Any Means, and Psycho Killer.

Tommy talks through his thoughts on Onslaught, the new action-horror movie from Adam Wingard, before diving into Hope, the Korean sci-fi horror thriller from filmmaker Na Hong-jin. He also gives his takes on By Any Means and Psycho Killer, breaking down the stories, performances, action, horror, thriller elements, and his favorite moments.

And, of course, Tommy gives each movie his Let...

LANTERNS is officially heating up!

This week on The Popcorn Podcast, Tommy and Ryan review Episodes 3 and 4 of HBO's LANTERNS, breaking down some of the biggest character moments and reveals of the season so far.

We start with Episode 3 and its deeper exploration of John Stewart, his backstory, and his complicated path toward becoming a Green Lantern. Then we jump into Episode 4 as the investigation takes some major turns and the Manhunter mystery becomes even more important to the future of the series.

We discuss Hal Jordan, John Stewart, the Green Lantern mythology...

👻 Tommy is riding solo into The Further!

This week on The Popcorn Podcast, Tommy reviews Insidious: Out of the Further, the latest installment in the supernatural horror franchise.

In this full-spoiler Insidious: Out of the Further review, Tommy breaks down the story, performances, scares, demons, The Further, franchise connections, and the biggest moments from the movie.

How does Insidious: Out of the Further compare to the previous Insidious movies? Does it bring anything new to the franchise? And most importantly… is Insidious still scary?

⚠️ FULL SPOILERS for Insidious: Out of the Fu...

🟢 The Green Lanterns have finally arrived!

This week on The Popcorn Podcast, Tommy and Ryan review the first two episodes of HBO's Lanterns, the newest series set in James Gunn's DC Universe.

We discuss the introduction of Hal Jordan and John Stewart, Kyle Chandler and Aaron Pierre's performances, the show's grounded murder-mystery approach, and how HBO is bringing the Green Lantern mythology into the new DCU.

Episode 2 takes things even further with the introduction of major pieces of Green Lantern lore, including the Manhunters and Sinestro, leaving us with plenty of questions and the...

The End of Oak Street has arrived, and we've got filmmaker and content creator Derek Bauder joining us for the review! 🍿

This week on The Popcorn Podcast, Tommy and Ryan sit down with the amazing Derek Bauder to discuss The End of Oak Street, the new sci-fi thriller written and directed by David Robert Mitchell and starring Anne Hathaway and Ewan McGregor.

We break down the movie's story, performances, dinosaur action, visual effects, 1980s setting, biggest surprises, and the choices that make this movie such a unique addition to the 2026 movie lineup.

With Der...

The Dance of the Dragons reaches another major turning point as we review the final two episodes of House of the Dragon Season 3!

Tommy and Ryan break down Episodes 7 and 8, discussing the biggest moments, character decisions, betrayals, deaths, political moves, and the consequences that will shape the future of the Targaryen civil war.

We also dive into the House of the Dragon Season 3 finale, our biggest takeaways from the season, what worked and what didn't, and our predictions for where Rhaenyra, Aegon, Daemon, Alicent, Aemond, and the rest of Westeros go from here.

⚠️ FULL...

Spider-Man swings back onto the big screen, and we're breaking down Spider-Man: Brand New Day in our full spoiler review!

This week on The Popcorn Podcast, Tommy Cresta and Ryan Foran discuss everything from the film's biggest action sequences and emotional moments to its performances, surprises, and how it reshapes Spider-Man's future in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Did Marvel finally deliver Peter Parker's next great adventure? Where does Spider-Man: Brand New Day rank among the MCU's best films? We answer those questions while sharing our favorite moments, biggest critiques, and bold predictions for what's next.<...

It's another packed week in entertainment, and we're covering it all.

We kick off the episode by discussing the biggest movie news, television news, casting announcements, trailers, and industry updates from the past week. From the latest Marvel and DC developments to upcoming blockbuster releases and streaming updates, we break down the stories that have everyone talking.

Then we dive into our full review of House of the Dragon Season 3 Episode 6. As the Dance of the Dragons continues to escalate, we discuss the episode's biggest moments, standout performances, political maneuvering, dragon battles, and what these...

Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey is finally here, and it's the main event of this week's episode.

We kick things off with our full The Odyssey review, breaking down Christopher Nolan's latest epic adaptation and discussing whether it lives up to the massive expectations surrounding one of the most anticipated movies of the year. From the performances and cinematography to the storytelling, action sequences, and Nolan's vision of Homer's legendary tale, we dive deep into everything that makes The Odyssey one of the biggest movie releases of the year.

Then, we discuss the first trailer for...

It's a packed episode this week as we break down the biggest movie and TV news stories making headlines before heading back to Westeros for our review of Episode 4 of House of the Dragon Season 3.

We discuss the latest casting announcements, trailers, industry news, and everything else that has the entertainment world buzzing. Then, we dive deep into another pivotal episode of House of the Dragon as the Dance of the Dragons continues to escalate and the battle for the Iron Throne grows more dangerous with every passing week.

From major character developments and political maneuver...

The Dance of the Dragons is no longer a looming threat, it's here.

This week, Tommy and Ryan break down Episode 3 of House of the Dragon Season 3, diving into the episode's biggest twists, political maneuvering, and dragon-fueled spectacle. As the conflict between the Blacks and the Greens continues to escalate, every decision carries devastating consequences.

We discuss the standout performances, the episode's most emotional and shocking moments, the strategic moves made by both sides, and what it all means for the future of Westeros. Plus, we share our predictions for where the season...

The Dance of the Dragons is heating up.

This week, we kick things off by breaking down Episode 2 of House of the Dragon Season 3. As tensions continue to rise across Westeros, we discuss the biggest character moments, shifting alliances, dragon action, and what this episode means for the war to come. We also share our favorite scenes, standout performances, and predictions for where the season is headed.

Then, we switch gears to review the DCU's latest blockbuster, Supergirl. Does the film build on the momentum of the new DC Universe? We dive into the performances...

Westeros is back.

This week, Tommy and Ryan break down the Season Premiere of House of the Dragon and discuss everything from the biggest character moments to the political maneuvering, shocking developments, and dragon-filled spectacle that made this episode such an exciting return.

The boys dive into where the major players stand after last season's events, which storylines have them most excited moving forward, and whether the premiere successfully sets the stage for another epic chapter in the Targaryen civil war.

From standout performances and unforgettable scenes to predictions for the rest of...

Tommy is flying solo this week to review Leviticus, the latest horror film from NEON that has horror fans talking.

Known for releasing some of the most unique and unsettling films in recent years, NEON is back with another nightmare, and Tommy is diving deep into what makes Leviticus work, where it stumbles, and whether it lives up to the studio's growing reputation for elevated horror.

From the film's atmosphere and performances to its scares, themes, and shocking moments, Tommy breaks down everything that stood out while discussing whether Leviticus deserves a place among NEON's...

This week, Ryan and Tommy dive into Masters of the Universe and explore why it may be one of the most overlooked movies of the year.

Far more than just another effects-heavy blockbuster, the film embraces the campy spirit that made the franchise a cult classic, delivering a fun mix of action, humor, nostalgia, and larger-than-life characters. Tommy shares his longtime love for the franchise while Ryan offers the perspective of a newcomer experiencing Eternia for the first time.

The boys discuss Nicholas Galitzine's transformation into He-Man, Jared Leto's performance as Skeletor, the film's impressive...

Summer blockbuster season is officially here, and we're counting down the movies and TV shows we can't wait to watch.

In this episode, the boys rank their most anticipated releases of the summer, from major franchise films and horror movies to prestige television and surprise wildcards. Which projects are generating the most hype? Which ones are being slept on? And what releases could end up dominating the conversation over the next few months?

Expect plenty of debates, hot takes, and disagreements as we build our ultimate summer watchlists and predict the biggest hits (and potential...

This week, we're tackling one of the most anticipated horror projects in recent memory: Backrooms.

Born from one of the internet's most unsettling creepypastas, Backrooms has finally made the jump to the big screen with the backing of A24. We break down the atmosphere, scares, lore, filmmaking, and whether this adaptation successfully captures what made the original phenomenon so terrifying.

But that's not all.

We're also discussing the series finale of The Boys. After five seasons of chaos, shocking deaths, and absolute madness, did the show stick the landing? We dive into the...

Tommy is back solo this week to break down Episode 7 of The Boys Season 5, and things are officially spiraling out of control heading into the finale.

From shocking character moments to brutal confrontations and the nonstop tension that only The Boys can deliver, Tommy dives into everything that worked, what caught him off guard, and where the series could be heading next.

Are the writers setting up an all-time finale? Which characters are on borrowed time? Has this season fully delivered on the hype?

Full reactions, analysis, predictions, and chaos, let’s get in...

Tommy’s flying solo this week for a packed episode covering three very different projects that all have people talking.

First up is Obsession, the newest film from Curry Barker, a creator who continues building a strong reputation in the indie horror space. Then Tommy dives into The Punisher: One Last Kill, breaking down the action, tone, and whether it captures what makes Frank Castle such an iconic character.

Finally, Tommy gives his thoughts on Michael, one of the most anticipated and controversial music biopics in years. Does it live up to the hype? Can an...

This week was INSANE.

We’re breaking down Episodes 5 & 6 of The Boys Season 5 alongside Episodes 7 & 8 of Daredevil: Born Again Season 2, and both shows are going completely off the rails.

The Boys continues escalating the madness with brutal confrontations, shocking character moments, and the kind of chaos only this show can deliver. Meanwhile, Daredevil keeps turning up the pressure as Matt Murdock faces impossible choices and the war for Hell’s Kitchen reaches a dangerous new level.

We break down all the biggest moments, twists, performances, and scenes that completely caught us off guard. Whic...

We might be at a turning point…This week, we’re breaking down Episode 4 of The Boys Season 5 and Episode 6 of Daredevil: Born Again Season 2, and both shows are starting to hit critical mass. The Boys continues to spiral into full-blown madness with bigger risks, wilder moments, and characters making decisions that could change everything. Meanwhile, Daredevil keeps tightening the pressure, pushing Matt Murdock deeper into moral gray areas as the stakes in Hell’s Kitchen reach a boiling point. We break down the biggest moments, standout performances, and the choices that had us questioning EVERYTHING. Who’s in control...

Things are only getting darker…This week, we’re diving into Episode 3 of The Boys Season 5 and Episode 5 of Daredevil: Born Again and both shows are hitting a whole new level of intensity.

From brutal, unpredictable moments in The Boys to the slow-burning tension and escalating danger in Daredevil, we break down everything that stood out. Who’s making the smartest moves? Who’s completely unraveling? And which show is delivering harder right now?

We get into the biggest scenes, character arcs, and what these episodes are setting up for the rest of the season, because...

This week… yeah, it’s pure chaos.

We’re breaking down the explosive start of The Boys Season 5 Episodes 1 & 2, along with Episode 4 of Daredevil: Born Again, and both shows are pulling ZERO punches.

From shocking moments and wild character turns in The Boys to the dark, grounded intensity of Daredevil, we dive into everything that worked, what didn’t, and what has us hyped (or worried) going forward.

Who’s dominating right now? Which show is delivering harder? And are we heading toward something insane in both series?

Full breakdowns, reactions, and predic...

Things are getting intense in Daredevil: Born Again Season 2.

In this episode, we break down Episodes 2 and 3, and yeah, the stakes just skyrocketed. Matt Murdock is being pushed to his limits, Fisk’s grip on the city keeps tightening, and the lines between justice and control are getting dangerously blurred.

We dive into the biggest moments, character decisions, and shocking developments that are setting up what could be one of Daredevil’s most brutal arcs yet. Who’s making the right moves? Who’s completely losing control? And what does all of this mean for w...

The Devil of Hell’s Kitchen is BACK.

In this episode, we break down the explosive premiere of Daredevil: Born Again, Season 2, Episode 1, and yeah… this one pulls no punches. From intense action to major character moments, this season wastes no time raising the stakes.

We dive into Matt Murdock’s latest mission, Wilson Fisk’s growing power, and the introduction of new threats that could change everything. Plus, we unpack that wild ending and what it means for the rest of the season.

Is this the gritty Daredevil we’ve been waiting for? Or ar...

In this episode, we blast off into one of the most talked-about sci-fi stories of recent years, Project Hail Mary. From the mind behind The Martian, this story brings high-stakes survival, unexpected friendships, and some seriously wild science.

We break down everything: what works, what doesn’t, and whether this lives up to the massive hype. Is this a modern sci-fi classic or just another overpraised space adventure?

Expect full reactions, standout moments, and our honest take on the characters, storytelling, and emotional impact. Plus, we talk about what this could look like on screen an...

In this episode, we dive into the next chapter of the Shelby saga with our full review of Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man.

Does the film successfully continue the legacy of the iconic crime series Peaky Blinders, and does it give Tommy Shelby the cinematic story he deserves? We break down the performances, the story, and how the film stacks up against the original show.

In the second half of the episode, we shift gears to awards season and give our predictions for the upcoming 98th Academy Awards. From Best Picture and Best Director to...

Tommy goes solo to break down Scream 7 in this full spoiler review.

After years of reinvention, cast shakeups, and franchise turbulence, does the seventh installment revive the legacy or finally run out of steam?

In this episode:

– Full spoiler review of Scream 7
– Ghostface killer reveal discussion
– How it compares to previous entries in the Scream franchise
– Franchise fatigue vs. creative reinvention
– Where this ranks against the original Scream
– Final rating and future of the series

Is Scream 7 a return to form… or proof the meta-slasher formula has reached it...

In this episode, we break down Crime 101 and Good Luck Have Fun Don’t Die, two wildly different films that both deliver in a big way.

Is Crime 101 the return of the smart, adult crime thriller in the vein of Heat and Sicario? Does it prove there’s still an audience for grounded, tension-driven storytelling?

Then we dive into Good Luck Have Fun Don’t Die, a high-concept sci-fi ride that feels spiritually aligned with Everything Everywhere All at Once and Palm Springs. Did it stick the landing? And why are audiences connecting so strongly to exi...

The journey concludes as we break down Episodes 5 and 6 of A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms in our full finale deep dive. Did the ending deliver? Did Dunk and Egg stick the landing? And is this the most faithful adaptation in the entire Westeros franchise? In this episode, we discuss: Full recap of Episodes 5 & 6. Dunk’s final moral test, Egg’s growth and long-term Targaryen implications, and themes of honor, legacy, and survival. How does this compare to Game of Thrones and House of the Dragon? Whether grounded Westeros works better than dragons and spectacle. Our final season rankings. We a...

Friendships are put to the ultimate test in this special game-night episode as Tommy and Ryan go head-to-head against sisters Madeline Doherty and Taylor Doherty in a Who Knows Who? challenge!

Madeline: director of the indie film Fey. Taylor brings the chaos as both teams battle it out through personal questions, creative deep cuts, and lightning rounds to see who really knows each other best.

From filmmaking fears and creative motivation to sibling rivalry and rapid-fire fun, this episode delivers laughs, honesty, and plenty of competitive energy.

🎙️ Expect:– A full Who Knows Who? quiz sh...

In this solo episode, Tommy breaks down The Strangers: Chapter 3 and why it earns a brutal 0.5 out of 5.

From lazy storytelling and pointless plot threads to what feels like the worst kind of franchise cash grab, this final chapter caps off a trilogy that never finds its footing. Tommy dives deep into what went wrong with the story, why the tension completely collapses, and how the film misses everything that made the original The Strangers effective.

Despite the mess, credit is given where it’s due. Madelaine Petsch delivers a committed performance while fighting against a...

Ryan and Tommy return to break down Episode 4 of A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, diving into Dunk’s Trial by Seven, Egg’s shocking reveal, and one of the most powerful moments of loyalty in the series so far.

We unpack the episode’s biggest twists, character betrayals, prophetic dreams, and Baelor’s heroic stand, while exploring how this chapter expands the world of Westeros and deepens Dunk and Egg’s journey.

From shifting alliances to emotional payoffs, this spoiler-filled discussion covers everything you need to know about Episode 4 and what it means for the future...

This week on The Popcorn Podcast, we’re splitting the episode into two packed parts.

In the first half, Tommy delivers solo reviews of Send Help, Wrecking Crew, and Shelter, breaking down what works, what doesn’t, and whether each film is worth your time. From tone and performances to story and execution, Tommy gives quick, honest reactions to three very different movies.

In the second half of the episode, Ryan joins in as we break down Episode 3 of A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms. We discuss character development, themes, standout moments, and how this epis...

In this episode, we break down episodes 1 and 2 of A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, diving into the story, performances, world-building, and how the series stacks up within the larger Game of Thrones universe.

From tone and pacing to standout moments and early character arcs, we give our honest first impressions and discuss what’s working, what could improve, and where the show might be headed next. Whether you’re a longtime Westeros fan or just jumping in, this review has you covered.

⚔️ Episode-by-episode TV reviews
🐉 Game of Thrones universe discussion
🎙️ Spoiler-light analysis with deeper insi