Reel Chronicles

40 Episodes
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By: The Cinematic Reel

Reel Chronicles by The Cinematic Reel is your weekly download for film and TV. We discuss the latest entertainment news, rumors, reviews, top ten lists, and more. Subscribe to Reel Chronicles wherever you listen to podcasts. Be sure to visit our site at www.thecinematicreel.com, follow us on social media, and leave us a review.

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361: Jimmy & Our Top 10 Jimmy Stewart Performances
Today at 12:22 PM

Dave, Jack, and Hunter joked about it so much that it was only a matter of time before it became a full review episode! And joining the crew is special guest Rory, who apparently hid in a corner after our Spooky Season and decided to stick around!

This week on Reel Chronicles, we kick things off with our review of Jimmy, the new biographical drama starring KJ Apa that explores the life of legendary James Stewart, his experiences during World War II, and his journey toward starring in Frank Capra’s It’s a Wonderful Life. Does Jimm...


360: Halloween II: 45th Anniversary
10/31/2026

The night HE came home… isn’t over yet. Happy Halloween! For this year’s Halloween episode, Dave, Hunter, and special guests Rory and Greg return to Haddonfield to celebrate the 45th anniversary of Halloween II! The guys break down the troubled road to getting Halloween II made, John Carpenter and Debra Hill’s reluctance to return, Rick Rosenthal taking over the director’s chair, Carpenter’s increased involvement in post-production, the controversial Laurie Strode/Michael Myers sibling twist and that incredible Carpenter and Alan Howarth synth score. Plus, we get into the theatrical vs. television cuts, the kills, what has aged the...


359: The 80s Horror Fantasy Movie Draft
10/17/2026

What happens when you get a bunch of ’80s horror lovers on the pod to draft some horror gems of the decade? They try to get so obscure that they forget one of the best ’80s horror films of all time. How’s that for a tease? On this week’s episode of *Reel Chronicles*, Dave and Jack are joined by special guests Rory, Matt, Greg, and JC for The ’80s Horror Fantasy Movie Draft! From slashers and creature features to horror comedies, Stephen King adaptations, and everything in between, the guys put their horror knowledge to the test as they attem...


358: Friday The 13th Part VI: Jason Lives: 40th Anniversary
10/04/2026

Jason lives! Dave, Jack, and Hunter are joined by special guests Rory and Greg to celebrate 40 years of one of the franchise’s most beloved entries, Friday the 13th Part VI: Jason Lives! The crew heads back to Camp Crystal Lake … sorry, Camp Forest Green to break down everything that makes Tom McLoughlin’s sequel such a fan favorite. From Jason’s Frankenstein-inspired resurrection and C.J. Graham behind the mask to the movie finally embracing the franchise’s sense of humor, we look at how Jason Lives completely changed the tone of Friday the 13th while still delivering everything you want f...


357: The Evil Dead: 45th Anniversary
09/25/2026

Spooky season rolls on as we head deep into the woods to celebrate 45 years of Sam Raimi’s horror classic, The Evil Dead!

Dave and Jack are joined by the returning Hunter and special guest Rory to revisit the movie that introduced us to Ash Williams, the Necronomicon, Deadites, and one seriously unforgettable cabin in the woods.

The crew dives into the film’s wild production, Sam Raimi’s inventive direction, Bruce Campbell’s legendary performance, the practical effects, its lasting influence on horror, and how a scrappy low-budget nightmare launched one of the genre’s most bel...


356: Night of the Creeps: 40th Anniversary
09/18/2026

THRILL ME! Spooky season continues on Reel Chronicles as we celebrate the 40th anniversary of Fred Dekker’s cult horror classic, Night of the Creeps! This week, Jack and Dave are joined the dynamic Frequels duo, Rory and EJ, as they head back to 1986 to revisit one of the decade’s wildest horror mashups. Alien parasites, zombies, college comedy, B-movie madness, and plenty of Tom Atkins love! Night of the Creeps truly has a little bit of everything. The crew breaks down the film’s lasting cult status, its perfect blend of horror and comedy, their favorite moments and one-liners, and, n...


355: Carrie: 50th Anniversary
09/12/2026

Spooky Season continues on Reel Chronicles as we celebrate the 50th anniversary of Brian De Palma’s horror classic, Carrie!

This week, Dave, Jack, and special guests Rory and JC head back to Bates High to revisit Stephen King’s unforgettable story of teenage cruelty, religious fanaticism, telekinetic powers, and one seriously disastrous prom night.

The crew dives into Sissy Spacek’s iconic performance, Piper Laurie’s terrifying Margaret White, De Palma’s direction, the film’s most memorable moments, and why Carrie remains one of the defining horror films of the 1970s five decades later.

<...


354: The Fly: 40th Anniversary
09/06/2026

Spooky Season continues on Reel Chronicles!

This week, Dave, Jack, Hunter, and special guest JC celebrate the 40th anniversary of David Cronenberg’s body horror classic, The Fly!

The guys break down everything that makes this one of the genre’s all-time greats, from Jeff Goldblum and Geena Davis to the incredible practical effects, Howard Shore’s score, and, of course, all the gross AND surprisingly ungross aspects of Seth Brundle’s transformation.

Be afraid. Be very afraid.

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353: The Silence of the Lambs: 35th Anniversary
08/28/2026

If Disney can start Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party and Universal can kick off Halloween Horror Nights in August, then we can start my favorite time of the year early too!

And first up, we’re celebrating the 35th anniversary of one of the greatest Best Picture winners of all time, The Silence of the Lambs.

Dave, Hunter, and Jack are joined by special guests Rory and JC to talk about their love for Jonathan Demme’s masterpiece, what still makes it so special 35 years later, and, of course, settle the ultimate debate:

Is The...


352: Rocky: 50th Anniversary
08/21/2026

This week on Reel Chronicles, we’re stepping into the ring to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Rocky, one of the most iconic, inspirational, and enduring films in cinematic history.

With Jack and Hunter stepping outside the ring this week, Dave is joined by Rory and Rocky superfan Matt to revisit the 1976 Best Picture winner. The guys break down Sylvester Stallone’s legendary underdog story, its unforgettable performances, iconic moments, lasting legacy, and why, 50 years later, Rocky still goes the distance.

Love what you hear? Let your  friends know and leave us a review! LISTEN & SUBSC...


351: Alfred Hitchock’s Strangers on a Train: 75th Anniversary
08/14/2026

Happy Birthday to the GOAT, Alfred Hitchcock! On this week’s episode, Dave, Hunter, and Jack are back to celebrate the 75th anniversary of one of Alfred Hitchcock’s greatest thrillers, Strangers on a Train! The guys hop aboard to revisit Hitchcock’s twisted tale of chance encounters, criss-cross murders, and obsession. They break down Robert Walker’s unforgettable performance as Bruno Antony, Farley Granger’s Guy Haines and Hitchcock’s masterful use of doubles, shadows, and suspense. Plus, they dive into the film’s fascinating production history, major differences from Patricia Highsmith’s novel, Dimitri Tiomkin’s score, the iconic eyeglas...


350: Aliens: 40th Anniversary
07/31/2026

Big Jim July continues! One week after covering what many consider the greatest action film of all time, Dave, Jack, and special guest JC are back to tackle another undisputed classic: Aliens. From James Cameron’s bold tonal shift from Alien to its electrifying ensemble cast, pulse-pounding action, terrifying Xenomorphs, and Sigourney Weaver’s Oscar-nominated performance, the guys break down what makes this sci-fi masterpiece one of the greatest sequels ever made. Love what you hear? Let your  friends know and leave us a review! LISTEN & SUBSCRIBE Reel Chronicles is on • Apple Podcasts • Spotify • Google Podcasts • Android […]

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349: The Awards Season Fantasy Movie Draft
07/25/2026

Surprise! A second episode of Reel Chronicles this week as the awards season is set to kick off! This week’s second episode, Dave, Jack, and Hunter are diving back into our annual Fantasy Movie Draft: Awards Season Edition, where we each assemble a slate of contenders we believe have the best shot at dominating this year’s awards race. From potential Best Picture heavyweights to surprise breakout performances and under-the-radar challengers, every pick could make or break our hopes of covering a film of our choice on a future episode. Who drafted the strongest roster? Which films are desti...


348: Terminator 2: Judgment Day: 35th Anniversary
07/25/2026

We’ll Be Back has never run truer as Dave, Hunter, Jack, and special guest JC return to talk T2. For 35 years, Terminator 2: Judgment Day hasn’t just been one of the greatest action movies ever made; it has remained the gold standard that every blockbuster has been chasing ever since. This week on Reel Chronicles, we’re celebrating James Cameron’s groundbreaking sci-fi masterpiece by revisiting everything that makes T2 a true cinematic landmark. From Arnold Schwarzenegger’s iconic T-800 and Linda Hamilton’s legendary transformation into Sarah Connor to Robert Patrick’s chilling T-1000, we break down the performanc...


347: The Good, The Bad and The Ugly: 60th Anniversary
07/10/2026

Summer is in full effect, and there’s no better film to celebrate during the hottest months of the year than one of the greatest Westerns of all time, Sergio Leone’s The Good, the Bad and the Ugly. Celebrating its 60th anniversary, Dave and Jack are joined by special guests Tyler and JC to break down what makes this epic so special and why its impact continues to be felt six decades later. From Clint Eastwood, Lee Van Cleef, and Eli Wallach’s iconic trio of characters to Ennio Morricone’s unforgettable score, legendary showdowns, and Sergio Leone’s masterfu...


346: ID4: 30th Anniversary
07/04/2026

Happy 250th Birthday, America! As we celebrate Independence Day, this week’s podcast also celebrates the 30th anniversary of one of the biggest blockbusters of the ’90s, Independence Day. Joining Jack and Dave is Rory as the guys look back on what it was like to experience Roland Emmerich’s sci-fi epic in theaters in 1996, discuss its lasting impact on the disaster film genre, and rank the greatest movie presidents of all time. It’s a nostalgic celebration you won’t want to miss! Love what you hear? Let your  friends know and leave us a review! LISTEN & SUBSCRIBE Reel Chroni...


The Steven Spielberg Tiers
#355
06/27/2026

After a few weeks off, the boys are back with one of their biggest episodes yet!
On this week's podcast, Dave, Jack, and Hunter are joined by Rory as they tackle the filmography of one of the greatest directors of all time: Steven Spielberg. With Disclosure Day's release, there's no better time to rank each of his films on the tier list.

Along the way, debates rage over films like Munich, Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom, and the often-hated Hook. Before diving into Spielberg's legendary catalog, Hunter also recaps the latest standings in the S...


354: Space Jam: 30th Anniversary
06/06/2026

30 years ago, the monstars invaded the NBA, and only the greatest basketball player that ever lived and a bunch of looney tunes could stop them! On this week’s episode, Dave is joined by Rory to talk Space Jam. As the NBA Finals kick into high gear, the guys discuss why the film still holds space in our pop culture conversation and where it stands among the biggest cinematic nostalgia plays for sports fans and movie fans alike. This is one not to miss! Love what you hear? Let your  friends know and leave us a review! LISTEN & SUBSCRIBE Reel...


353: The Star Wars MEGA Fantasy Movie Draft
05/29/2026

With the release of The Mandalorian & Grogu, the guys take a trip to a galaxy far, far away for another Fantasy Movie Draft! Joining Dave, Hunter, and Jack is Rory as they tackle the biggest draft ever attempted on the podcast. Featuring more than 10 categories and spanning every era of Star Wars, the crew drafts their way through the entire saga while diving into passionate debates, including a spirited showdown over The Last Jedi and The Rise of Skywalker. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or just looking for some galactic chaos, this is one episode you won’t want...


352: Ferris Bueller’s Day Off: 40th Anniversary
05/22/2026

40 years ago, Ferris had his day off and this week, Dave, Jack and Hunter are taking a day to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Ferris Bueller’s Day Off. The guys break down their favorite moments in the film along with Ferris as a character and if it’s feasibly possible to complete everything Ferris, Cameron and Sloan did. Love what you hear? Let your  friends know and leave us a review! LISTEN & SUBSCRIBE Reel Chronicles is on • Apple Podcasts • Spotify • Google Podcasts • Android • Stitcher Radio • TuneIn • Podchaser • Laughable • Many other […]

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351: Raiders of the Lost Ark: 45th Anniversary
05/16/2026

Jack and Hunter are on vacation, so this week Dave takes special guest Rory on an adventure in search of the Lost Ark. As Steven Spielberg’s summer blockbuster classic Raiders of the Lost Ark turns 45, the guys break down what makes the film so timeless. From its iconic opening sequence to John Williams’ impeccable score, they discuss it all — even the long-debated idea that the events of the film would’ve still happened if “old Indiana Smith” (as Rory calls him) wasn’t in it! Tune in for all the fun, adventure, and hijinks! Love what you hear? Let your  […]<...


350: The Devil Wears Prada: 20th Anniversary
05/08/2026

Gird your loins. This week on Reel Chronicles, Dave and Hunter are joined by special guest Darren to celebrate the 20th anniversary of The Devil Wears Prada. Along with a breakdown of the film, the guys introduce a brand-new Reel Chronicles category: The Golden Age Recast, where the hosts imagine actors from the golden age stepping into the iconic roles in the film. Who could possibly follow in the footsteps of Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway, and Emily Blunt? Tune in for anniversary reflections, fashion-world chaos, hilarious debates, and enough cerulean discourse to last another 20 years. Love what you hear? […]

...


349: The Sports Movie Fantasy Movie Draft
04/11/2026

Surprise! A double dose of drafts is on deck! After completing the Summer Blockbuster Movie Fantasy Movie Draft, the guys get ready for the upcoming NFL Draft by drafting their favorite Sports Movies! Joining Jack and Dave are guest hosts, JC and the Freakquels dynamic duo, Rory and EJ. What movies get sniped and what wild card choices get snagged? Tune in! Love what you hear? Let your  friends know and leave us a review! LISTEN & SUBSCRIBE Reel Chronicles is on • Apple Podcasts • Spotify • Google Podcasts • Android • Stitcher Radio • TuneIn • Podchaser • […]

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348: The 2026 Summer Blockbuster Fantasy Movie Draft
04/10/2026

With the cold weather in the rear view mirror, the warm days are on the horizon. What does that mean? The summer blockbuster season is on the way! With that being said, Dave, Jack, and Hunter draft what they think will be the highest-grossing films of the summer. But first, the guys discuss the upcoming OSCAR dates and the unveiling of the Cannes Film Festival line-up. Love what you hear? Let your  friends know and leave us a review! LISTEN & SUBSCRIBE Reel Chronicles is on • Apple Podcasts • Spotify • Google Podcasts • Android • Stitcher Radio • […]

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347: West Side Story Turns 65
03/27/2026

If you thought we were done looking back at awards season, think again. On this week’s episode, Dave, Jack, and special guests Rory and JC revisit an awards season from yesteryear, celebrating the 65th anniversary of one of the greatest Best Picture winners of all time, West Side Story. The guys dive into its legacy and where it ranks among the greatest Best Picture winners and movie musicals of all time. From what’s aged the best and worst to its iconic musical numbers, and of course, its unexpected connection to Twin Peaks, they cover it all. Love what...


346: Blue Velvet: 40th Anniversary
03/20/2026

As the sun sets on the 98th Academy Awards, Dave, Jack, and Hunter return to celebrate a film famously overlooked by the Academy: Blue Velvet. Often considered the perfect gateway into the world of David Lynch, the guys dive into the film’s lasting legacy and unpack what makes it so unforgettable. But first, they recap the 98th Oscars, break down their Awards Season draft results, and revisit Dave’s year-in-advance Best Picture predictions for the 99th Academy Awards. Love what you hear? Let your  friends know and leave us a review! LISTEN & SUBSCRIBE Reel Chronicles is on • Apple Podcast...


347: Final Predictions For The 98th Academy Awards & The OSCARS Snubs Fantasy Movie Draft
03/06/2026

Awards season has reached its final stretch, and we’re closing it out with a packed episode of Reel Chronicles. With the 98th Academy Awards just around the corner, we break down our final Oscar predictions across all categories, discussing which films and performances are poised to take home the gold and which races could still produce a last-minute surprise. From the heated Best Picture battle to the acting categories and below-the-line showdowns, we examine how the precursor awards, guild wins, and late momentum may shape the final results on Hollywood’s biggest night.

But that’s only h...


346: 25 years on Mulholland Drive
02/27/2026

Even a year after his passing, David Lynch remains one of the most discussed directors today. With his unique brand of storytelling, his films evoke a tremendous amount of discussion, and this week’s pod is no different. Joined by Jack, Hunter, and two special guests, J.C. and Lexi, Dave & company look at one of his most beloved films of all time, Mulholland Drive.

From its early inception in the small town of Twin Peaks to what ultimately became a bona fide masterpiece, the crew discusses it all. Make sure to tune in for this wonderful disc...


345: SCREAM: 30th Anniversary
02/22/2026

With the release of Scream 7, It’s time to have a SCREAM baby! In an anniversary that made me feel quite old, this weeks episode celebrates the 30th anniversary of Scream. Joining Dave, Jack and Hunter on this episode are JC, Rory and Tyler as they talk about their first experience with the film and its influence and reinvigoration of the genre when it needed it the most. This one’s a real scare! Love what you hear? Let your  friends know and leave us a review! LISTEN & SUBSCRIBE Reel Chronicles is on • Apple Podcasts • Spotify • Google […]

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344: Citizen Kane: 85th Anniversary
02/14/2026

Eighty-five years after its release, Citizen Kane still isn’t just a movie, it’s a benchmark and the most important film of all time. In this anniversary special, Dave is joined by Hunter, Jack, and special guest Rory for a deep dive into the film that permanently changed how cinema thinks. Does Kane still hit the same way in 2026? Or has its reputation grown larger than the film itself? The crew breaks down: • Why Kane remains a fixture atop “Greatest Films of All Time” lists• The legacy of “Rosebud” and whether it’s overrated or genius• The screenplay collaboration betwee...


343: The 1991 Fantasy Movie Draft
02/07/2026

The final draft of DRAFT MONTH is here! On this week’s episode, Dave, Jack, Hunter and special guest J.C and Rory tackle one of the most stacked years of the 90’s, 1991.  A year that has Dave, Jack, and Hunter longing for the top spot to grab, not T2, but the magnum opus in the career of Oliver Stone. Will the fellas blind draft? Who will be sniped? Listen to find out! But first, the guys look the latest trailers that released this week. 🎧 LISTEN & SUBSCRIBEReel Chronicles is available on:Apple Podcasts • Spotify • Google Podcasts • Android […]

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342: The 1996 Fantasy Movie Draft
01/30/2026

Draft Season continues as Dave, Jack, Hunter and special guest J.C tackle 1996. A year with an array of gems and one horror film that rejuvenated the genre. Not only that, but Jack does his best to draft Hunter’s iron clad Action pick. Will the fellas blind draft? Who will be sniped? Listen to find out! But first, the guys look the latest additions to the National Film Registry. 🎧 LISTEN & SUBSCRIBEReel Chronicles is available on:Apple Podcasts • Spotify • Google Podcasts • Android • Stitcher Radio • TuneIn • Podchaser • Laughable • and many other podcast directories […]

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341: The 1986 Fantasy Movie Draft
01/24/2026

Two weeks after the shit show that was the 1976 Fantasy Movie Draft, Dave, Hunter, Jack and special guests: the Freakquels podcast duo: Rory and EJ are back to draft the film year 1986. Will the fellas blind draft? Who will be sniped? Listen to find out! But first, the guys look back at the 98th Academy Award nominations. 🎧 LISTEN & SUBSCRIBEReel Chronicles is available on:Apple Podcasts • Spotify • Google Podcasts • Android • Stitcher Radio • TuneIn • Podchaser • Laughable • and many other podcast directories 🛍️ SHOPGrab official swag on TeePublic ❤️ SUPPORTBecome a patron […]

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340: Final Nomination Predictions For The 98th Academy Awards
01/17/2026

With Oscar nomination morning right around the corner, awards season is officially entering its most nerve-wracking phase. On this episode of Reel Chronicles, hosts Dave, Jack, and Hunter are joined by special guest Joss to break down their final predictions for the 98th Academy Awards nominations. From Best Picture heavyweights to volatile acting races and tech-category curveballs, the panel runs through every major category with sharp analysis, industry context, and last-second gut calls. Which films are safely locked? Which contenders are clinging to the bubble? And which performances could either surge at the last minute or shockingly miss out...


339: The 1976 Fantasy Movie Draft
01/10/2026

2026 is here and so is the return of the Fantasy Movie Draft. On this week’s episode, Dave, Hunter, Jack and special guests Rory and Joss break down the flood of awards season news, including their predictions for this Sunday’s Golden Globes. Then, the crew dives into a draft of the films of 1976 and it quickly becomes clear that while the ’70s were an all time great decade, few years were as top heavy as 1976. Tune in to find out why. 🎧 LISTEN & SUBSCRIBEReel Chronicles is available on:Apple Podcasts • Spotify • Google Podcasts • Android • […]

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338: Best & Worst Movies of 2025, Most Anticipated Films of 2026 & Top 10 Movies of the 21st Century
12/27/2025

The final episode of 2025 is here! Joining Dave and Hunter are special guests Darren and Rory as the guys wrap up the year by breaking down the best and worst movies of 2025, diving into the most anticipated films of 2026, and ranking their Top 10 Movies of the 21st Century (so far). From surprises and disappointments to future hype and all-time favorites, Episode 338 delivers a full-scale conversation packed with takes, debates, and passion, that ultimately led to Dave updating his most anticipated of 2026 once the red light turned off. 🎧 LISTEN & SUBSCRIBEReel Chronicles is available […]

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337: Home Alone: 35th Anniversary
12/16/2025

35 years ago, Kevin McCallister was left home alone… and 35 years later, so are some very controversial opinions. Dave, Jack, and Hunter are joined by special guest Rory to celebrate the 35th anniversary of Home Alone, the holiday classic that defined a generation, launched one of the most iconic kid performances ever, and turned household booby traps into cinematic legend. But this isn’t your standard nostalgia trip. Along the way, the crew revisits the film’s legacy, John Williams’ unforgettable score, its place in holiday-movie canon, and how Home Alone has aged 35 years later. Then comes the shocker: one […]

The...


336: Rankin & Bass & Charlie Brown’s Christmas
12/12/2025

This week, Dave, Jack and Hunter cozy up by the mic to dive into the TV specials that shaped an entire generation of Christmas memories. From the whimsical stop-motion magic of Rankin/Bass to the timeless warmth of A Charlie Brown Christmas, the guys revisit the stories, songs, and characters that defined December for millions. Expect spirited debates and nostalgia over the best Rankin/Bass deep cuts, nostalgic love for Charlie’s jazzy score and moments. Whether you grew up with Rudolph, Frosty, Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town, or the Peanuts gang, this episode is a festive trip down...


335: The Godfather Part III: 35th Anniversary
12/06/2025

Just when you thought you were out… we pull you back in! Join Dave, Hunter, and Jack and special guests Rory and an  run-in from JC, as we celebrate 35 years of The Godfather Part III, the operatic conclusion to cinema’s most iconic crime saga. In this anniversary episode, we revisit the film’s legacy, its wild creative swings, and the ways it continues to spark debate decades later. From Al Pacino’s evolution as Michael Corleone to Sofia Coppola’s portrayal of Mary, we explore why this film remains a fascinating and essential chapter of the Corleone story. But this is...


334: The Sound of Music: 60th Anniversary
11/14/2025

The hills are alive… and so is our love for one of the most timeless musicals ever made. Join Dave, Jack and special guest Amanda as we celebrate 60 years of The Sound of Music. A film that continues to stand the test of time as a beloved classic. In this special anniversary episode, we dive into the film’s legacy, unforgettable performances, iconic songs, behind-the-scenes stories, and why its impact remains as powerful today as it was in 1965. Whether you’re a lifelong fan of the film or revisiting it with fresh eyes like Dave, this episode is a love...