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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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,…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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 &…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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!…
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…
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…
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 &…
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 •…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
On this weeks episode, Dave, Hunter, Jack and special guest JC look back at one of the unseen gems of the 1980s. It’s 40 YEARS of The Legend of Billie Jean: A cult classic that continues to live rent-free in the hearts of 80s lovers and midnight-movie obsessives everywhere. The guys look at Helen Slater’s instantly iconic performance, Christian Slater stealing scenes before he became a household…
Another Spooky Season is in the books and the end of the season marks the return of Hunter. On this episode, the guys bring back the Fantasy Movie Draft. It’s not only back, but similar to the Summer Blockbuster Draft, there’s stakes invovled! Dave, Jack and Hunter kick off the Awards Season by drafting films they consider to be possible contenders and 1 special slot for a film they think will be…
Happy Halloween! The Spooky Season comes to an end with one the genres under appreciated gems! This week on Reel Chronicles, Dave dives back into Elm Street for the 40th anniversary of A Nightmare on Elm Street Part 2: Freddy’s Revenge: the bold, subversive sequel that has entered the world of cult classic. Special guests Rory and Greg join Dave to unpack its lasting legacy, behind-the-scenes…
Spooky Season moves on with one of the most controversial entries in the Halloween franchise, Halloween VI: The Curse of Michael Myers. Jack and Dave are joined by special guests Rory and Brent to dive deep into quite the entity. The one with the cult, the runes, and Paul Stephen Rudd. This is the final ride for the great Donald Pleasence, a messy studio story stitched into two very different…
Spooky Season moves on with The Exorcist III! Jack and Dave are joined by special guests Rory and JC to dive deep into William Peter Blatty’s haunting sequel that defied expectations. From the film’s troubled production and behind-the-scenes battles to its unforgettable performances by George C. Scott and Brad Dourif, we unpack why this cult classic continues to terrify and fascinate horror fans…
This week on Reel Chronicles, Dave, Hunter, and Jack and special guest Rory check into the infamous Overlook Hotel to mark the 45th anniversary of Stanley Kubrick’s The Shining. Together, we dive deep into the legacy of one of the most haunting and influential horror films of all time. From Jack Nicholson’s unhinged performance and Shelley Duvall’s unforgettable turn to the film’s chilling…
Few films have shaken audiences and influenced cinema the way Alfred Hitchcock’s Psycho did in 1960. Sixty-five years later, it remains one of the gold standards for horror, suspense, and groundbreaking storytelling. On this episode, Hunter, Jack, and Dave come together to dive deep into the enduring legacy of Psycho. From Hitchcock’s daring direction to Bernard Herrmann’s haunting score and, of…
Sink your teeth into a very special episode of Reel Chronicles as we mark the 40th anniversary of Fright Night! This week, Jack and Hunter are off, but the pod is in good hands as two vampire experts, JC and Rory, join Dave to break down what makes Tom Holland’s cult classic endure four decades later. From its unforgettable performances to its blend of horror and humor, the team revisits…
This Labor Day, as JAWS returns to IMAX and beaches everywhere fill up, we decided it was the perfect time to hand out some punishment. Jack and Hunter lost our Fantasy Summer Box Office Draft, and their sentence? Sitting through the notorious JAWS: THE REVENGE. From Michael Caine’s infamous paycheck to Ellen Brody’s telepathic shark vendetta, we dive into the mess, the madness, and the legacy of…
Forty years ago, Rocky Balboa ended the Cold War with a left hook and a heartfelt speech about change. In this special anniversary episode, Dave, Hunter and special guests, JC and Blu-Ray Dan go the distance on Rocky IV—both the original theatrical cut and Stallone’s 2021 director’s cut (Rocky vs. Drago). We wax poetic about every sweat-soaked musical montage—from the guilt-fueled Lamborghini…
Grab your VHS tapes and power up the DeLorean because it’s draft time! In this special episode, we’re heading back to 1985, as Dave, Jack, Hunter and special guest Darren go toe to toe in a fantasy draft to build the ultimate 1985 movie lineup. Expect heated debates, deep cuts, and plenty of nostalgia as we battle for box office supremacy and cinematic bragging rights. Which films go in the first…
Great Scott! Can you believe it’s been 40 years since Back to the Future first hit 88 miles per hour and changed the cinematic timeline forever? Welcome to a special anniversary episode of Reel Chronicles, where we’re revving up the DeLorean and heading back to 1985—the year that gave us flux capacitors, lightning strikes, and the coolest time-traveling duo in film history. On this week’s episode,…
Look up in the sky! It’s a bird! It’s a plane! …No—it’s The Donner Cut of Superman II! On this week’s episode, Jack, Hunter and I are soaring into the alternate dimension of one of the most fascinating ‘what-ifs’ in superhero cinema, The Donner Cut. Richard Donner’s original vision for Superman II was famously sidelined… until 2006, when fans finally got to see what could’ve been. We’re breaking…
We’re gonna need a bigger boat… because this episode is PACKED. To celebrate 50 years of JAWS, the Reel Chronicles crew dives headfirst into Spielberg’s summer-defining classic! From the legacy of Bruce the Shark to that spine-tingling John Williams score, it’s all on deck. But wait for it… Dave LAWYERS UP to defend Mayor Vaughn, arguing the man was just trying to protect local tourism, okay?!…
To infinity… and through the tiers! On the latest episode of Reel Chronicles, Dave, Jack, and special guest Luk take a joyride through 30 years of Pixar magic, ranking every single Pixar film into their official tiers. From instant classics to Cars 2, the guys break it all down as the beloved studio celebrates the 30th anniversary of its first feature, Toy Story. Did Up soar to the top?Did Brave…
Holy neon nostalgia, Batman! Can you believe it’s been 30 years since Batman Forever lit up the big screen with Jim Carrey’s manic Riddler, Tommy Lee Jones’ two-toned madness, and Val Kilmer’s brooding Batsuit? On today’s episode, we’re diving headfirst into the Day-Glo chaos and Schumacher flair that made Batman Forever one of the most polarizing entries in the Caped Crusader’s cinematic saga.…
It’s Friday the 13th, so there’s only one film that should be celebrated on this chilly evening, the one that started it all! On this episode, Dave and Hunter are joined by the Freakquels dynamic duo of Rory and EJ. The guys discuss the ins and outs on the film and the legacy its had on the genre and most importantly, is it even a good film. Where do the guys rank this film among the slasher…
As the Summer Blockbuster season begins, this weeks episode looks back at one of the most important blockbusters of the the last 20 years, Christopher Nolan’s Batman Begins. Joining Dave this week are special guests Rory and Hugh as they wax poetically on the film and its lasting legacy on the genre and pop culture. Where do the guys rank this film among comic book origin films? Tune In! Love what…
With the releases of Lilo and Stitch and Mission Impossible, the Summer Blockbuster Season is officially here. On this week’s episode, Dave, Jack, Hunter bring back the Fantasy Movie Draft. This time around, the guys are drafting all the summer films releasing from May to August in hopes to secure the team with the highest grossing box office of the summer. Where do the guys end up with their…
A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away… George Lucas returned to the world he made famous in 1977. On this week’s episode, Dave, Jack, Hunter and special guest Luke dive into what consider the greatest Star Wars film and sequel of all time, The Empire Strikes Back. From battle of Hoth to I Love You, I Know, the guys break it all down. Where do the guys stand on the film? Tune In! Love what you…
What was once his most underrated has now become one of his most beloved! On this weeks episode, Dave, Jack, Hunter and special guest Rory celebrate the 40th Anniversary of Martin Scorsese’s After Hours. From the mayhem of the evening to another true story from Gonzo, the guys break it all down. Where do the guys stand on the film? Tune In! Love what you hear? Let your friends know and leave us a…
After technical difficulties threw our 1995 Oscar redo into the land of lost podcasts, Dave, Jack and Hunter return with an absolute banger of an episode! Joined by special guests Rory and the icon Kurt, the guys break down the 45th anniversary of CRUISING. From its perms to rules of bandanas, the guys break it all down including memorable true stories from Dave and Kurt. Where do the guys stand…
