Cool Kids Lunch Table with P.J. & Mike

This week, PJ and Mike react to the new HBO Harry Potter TV series trailer and discuss their thoughts on the upcoming return to Hogwarts! They also dive into two other HBO Max shows: Stuart Fails to Save the Universe and Lanterns. What are PJ and Mike’s thoughts on the new Harry Potter cast and trailer? Is Stuart Fails to Save the Universe a worthy addition to The Big Bang Theory universe? And are Lanterns delivering the Green Lantern series fans have been waiting for?

This week, PJ and Mike are joined by special guest Kevin Smith (no, not the famous writer/director and ½ of Jay and Silent Bob!) to discuss the legendary Frank Miller and his massive impact on comic books, movies, and pop culture. From The Dark Knight Returns to Sin City and 300, the guys dive into Miller’s iconic work, influence, and lasting legacy.  

This week, PJ and Mike review Spider-Man: Brand New Day! They discuss the film's biggest moments, touch on some major spoilers (while keeping plenty spoiler-free), and debate whether Tom Holland's fourth Spider-Man film is just another MCU adventure—or the start of a bold new chapter for the web-head.

This week, PJ and Mike review The Rolling Stones' highly anticipated new album, Foreign Tongues! Lifelong Stones fan Mike gives an honest, track-by-track breakdown, discussing the songwriting, performances, production, and standout moments while keeping his fan bias in check. Is this another classic from rock's greatest band, or does it fall short? Tune in to hear why the Stones still prove that they "gather no moss."

This week, PJ and Mike review Christopher Nolan's highly anticipated The Odyssey, breaking down the performances, casting, screenplay, breathtaking visuals, and the overall cinematic experience. Plus, Mike nerds out over his love of Greek mythology, while PJ channels his inner Zeus to deliver his take on this larger-than-life adaptation.

This week, PJ and Mike discuss Sony's reported plan to discontinue physical video game media by 2028 and what that could mean for the future of gaming, movies, music, and collecting. Is the era of discs and cartridges coming to an end? The guys also take a nostalgic trip down memory lane, talking about beloved retail stores and restaurant chains that have disappeared over the years. From video game shops to iconic eateries, they share their favorites and discuss why so many familiar names have vanished.

This week, PJ and Mike review three new films: Supergirl (from the James Gunn DC Universe), Netflix's Swapped, and Masters of the Universe. The Cool Kids break down what worked, what didn't, why some of these movies crashed at the box office, and how one of them somehow still made Netflix money.

Today, PJ and Mike take a trip down memory lane as they discuss their favorite Nickelodeon Nicktoons! From Doug and Rugrats to The Fairly OddParents and SpongeBob SquarePants, the Cool Kids break down what made these iconic cartoons such a powerhouse lineup for an entire generation of kids. Which shows still hold up? Which characters were the funniest? And which Nicktoons ended up as PJ and Mike's all-time favorites?

Today, PJ and Mike are joined by Uncle Rob to review two new major films: Star Wars: The Mandalorian & Grogu and the Michael Jackson movie. Rob and PJ break down the biggest positives and negatives of each film, while Mike dives into the surprising connections between them both! Did these movies live up to the hype? Tune in and find out!  

Today, PJ and Mike are joined by producer, director, screenwriter, and production designer Carl Paolino. Carl talks about his experience working on Celebrity Deathmatch, including how he created the show’s iconic puppets, and shares some behind-the-scenes stories from the series. He also discusses how he began collaborating with Mark Hamill, and gives us a look into his upcoming middle-grade graphic novel Penny Poisonberry and the Gothic Kingdom. The Cool Kids dive deep into Carl’s creative journey, his career, and what fuels his storytelling process—and more!

Today’s episode is all about the BROWN PAPER BAG AWARDS 🥴 — the awards nobody wants… but some definitely deserve. We’re calling out the biggest disappointments and most questionable moments across everything from Windows 11, the final season of Stranger Things, healthcare, fast food, and more. Who takes home the most embarrassing honors? 👀 Tune in to find out—and let us know your picks.

Today we’re celebrating the 3rd Annual Cool Kids Lunch Table Golden Lunch Box & Brown Paper Bag Awards! Each year, we honor the absolute best—and call out the worst—of pop culture and our own personal lives. Think the Oscars meets the Razzies with a little Howard Stern energy mixed in. And this year, we’re going bigger than ever: two separate episodes—one dedicated to the Golden Lunch Box Awards, and one for the Brown Paper Bag Awards. Today’s episode is all about the GOLDEN LUNCH BOX AWARDS 🏆 Tune in to find out who takes home the wins—from local businesses to YouTube channels, and yes… even Taylor Swift winning again...

Today at the lunch table, PJ and Mike dive into their favorite music videos from the ‘80s, ‘90s, early 2000s, and today. The boys talk about how watching music videos used to be an event—waiting for them to premiere on MTV—and how that experience compares to discovering videos instantly on YouTube today. From iconic videos by Michael Jackson and Green Day to modern hits from Taylor Swift, they break down the videos that stuck with them and why music videos still matter.

Today at the lunch table, Mike interviews PJ about his trip to Toy Fair 2026 at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York City! PJ gives us an inside look at the hottest upcoming toys, board games, and collectibles straight from the show floor. From nostalgic throwbacks to next-gen must-haves, we break down what’s about to take over toy shelves everywhere. Plus, Mike builds his ultimate Toy Fair wish list — because let’s be honest, we’re all just big kids at heart.  

Today at the lunch table, PJ and Mike review the new The Rip on Netflix, starring Ben Affleck and Matt Damon. The guys break down how it feels like a throwback to those gritty, mid-budget crime dramas of the early 2000s — the kind of movie you’d see in theaters and then head straight to a diner to dissect for two hours. They also spotlight strong performances from Steven Yeun (yes, Glenn from The Walking Dead) and Teyana Taylor (Leo’s wife in One Battle After Another), and close it out by saying they hope Netflix keeps backing films like this  and projects like Frankenstein — where the quality, tone, and filmmaking feel legit and built for the big screen.

Today at the lunch table, PJ and Mike break down the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo. The boys debate the ultimate question: Which is better — the Winter or Summer Olympics? From the intensity of women’s hockey to the strategy and drama of curling (including Canada’s latest controversy), plus biathlon grit and speed skating chaos. Mike also takes a nostalgic trip back to grade school Olympics lessons and classic Olympic video games like Nagano Winter Olympics '98.

Today at the lunch table, PJ and Mike celebrate three TV masterpieces: Batman: The Animated Series, Superman: The Animated Series, and True Detective Season 1. They dive into the lasting impact these series have had on television and break down the surprising similarities between Batman, Superman, Rust Cohle, and Marty Hart — and why they might have more in common than you’d expect.

Today at the lunch table, PJ and Mike review Spider-Man ’94: The Return, the comic continuation of the iconic 90s animated series. Picking up after Spidey’s multiverse journey, Peter returns to New York with Mary Jane and faces a new threat. Does it capture the magic of the animated show — or is it just a nostalgia cash grab? Let’s just say… with great power comes great responsibility. 🕷️

Today at the lunch table, PJ and Mike review a Candlelight Concert featuring the music of Hans Zimmer at the Cathedral of the Incarnation in Garden City, NY. Film scores. Candles. Vibes. Cinema kids in a cathedral. Tickets via Fever (we are not sponsored).

Today at the lunch table, PJ and Mike continue their heroic quest to finish reviewing 2025 movies… in 2026. This episode: One Battle After Another and K-Pop Demon Hunters. Hot takes. Questionable opinions.

Today at the lunch table, PJ and Mike wrap up the second half of 2025 (July–December) with hot takes and zero filters.  From the Coldplay Meme Magazine, Jimmy Kimmel cancellation, and the Epstein Files, to Wicked: For Good, a new Pope from Chicago, Taylor Swift’s engagement, Netflix buying Warner Bros., the Dodgers’ World Series win, the NBA gambling scandal, Hollywood losses, Epic Universe, and AI becoming Skynet — nothing’s off limits!

PJ and Mike review the final season—and final episode—of Stranger Things. The boys break down what worked, what didn’t, and what should have been included in this last chapter. Did Hawkins go out with a bang—or get stuck in the Upside Down? SPOILER ALERT!!!

PJ and Mike review 7 late-2025 films including Avatar 3: Fire and Ash, The House Maid, Knives Out 3: Wake Up Dead Man, Predator: Badlands, Song Sung Blue, Eternity, and We Bury the Dead. The boys deliver the hot takes, tell you what’s worth your money, what can wait for streaming, and what you should run screaming from. SPOILER ALERT!!!

PJ and Mike are joined by special guest Amanda (a.k.a. our very own Eleven but with way better hair) and head Into the Upside Down to review the Broadway sensation Stranger Things: The First Shadow. After diving into Hawkins on stage, the gang cracks open the Stranger Things comic book universe with takes on The Dungeons & Dragons issue and Tales from Hawkins. Is the Broadway show a mind-blower? Are the comics must-reads or straight to the Upside Down? We break it all down!

PJ and Mike dive into Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein! The boys are split on the film — is it a true Modern Prometheus or just another monster movie wearing prestige makeup? The debate gets heated as they break down the performances, themes, and Del Toro’s signature style. Tune in to hear who’s right… or who’s dead wrong.

PJ and Mike team up once again with Brian Ruppert from Reviewing History Podcast for the ultimate James Bond retrospective! The trio breaks down each iconic era — Connery, Moore, Dalton, Brosnan, Craig (and yes, even Lazenby) — and debates who truly wore the tux best. From shaken martinis to explosive finales, they rank every Bond actor from least to favorite!

PJ and Mike take a bite out of America’s Best and Worst Restaurant Chains! From the glory of Cracker Barrel to the sadness of Fridays’ microwaved menu — no chain is safe.

PJ & Mike revisit Old Horror Movies, New Reviews! 🎬🩸 The boys take a bite out of An American Werewolf in London (1981) 🐺 and torture themselves with the Saw franchise 🔪! They debate whether these classics still hold up or should’ve stayed buried, and how they helped shape the horror genre we know (and scream at) today. PLUS — PJ dives into the new horror flick Bone Lake!

PJ & Mike step into the ring for DC K.O.! 🥊 The new cosmic tournament event where 36 DC heroes and villains throw down for the title of King Omega! From Superman to Harley Quinn — even Starro’s out here throwing hands. The boys fill out their brackets, make some wild predictions, and argue over who’s catching the L first! PLUS- find out how you can enter the DC KO Bracket Contest for a chance to win prizes and be a guest on the podcast!

PJ & Mike break down the Best & Worst TV Show Finales of all time. From 90s classics and Saturday morning cartoons to HBO dramas and streaming giants, the boys dive into how a finale can either crown you a legend… or make everyone wish they never wasted 6 seasons of their life!

Today on the Cool Kids Lunch Table Podcast , PJ & Mike dive deep into the best multiplayer video games of the ’90s and early 2000s! From Sega Genesis and Super Nintendo to N64, PlayStation 1 & 2, and the Dreamcast — the guys cover forgotten gems, timeless classics, and those legendary cheat codes we all used! 

Today on the Cool Kids Lunch Table Podcast, we’re breaking down two of the hottest new comic releases — Spider-Man ’94 #1 and Batman #1 — and digging into why Red Hood #1 was just cancelled. We unpack the new storylines, the surprises, and what the cancellation means for fans.

The guys dive into the current Nine Inch Nails “Peel It Back” Tour and the brand-new Death Planet comic book from the creator of John Wick. Mike reveals how he startled Trent Reznor & Atticus Ross, while PJ debates if Bad Idea Comics’ Death Planet is truly a bad idea! Pull up a seat at the Lunch Table + hear our hot takes now!

PJ & Mike dive into two wildly different movies: the brand-new The Toxic Avenger (2025)  and the cult classic My Dinner with André (1981). What could these possibly have in common? Believe it or not—Troma Films!  The boys break it all down, connect the dots, and have some fun along the way.

Today we’re breaking down the latest in Hollywood movie news: Disney’s struggle to win back Gen-Z men as Marvel and Star Wars lose steam James Cameron’s Avatar obsession — genius or overkill? The uncertain future of Matt Reeves’ Batman 2 And what’s next for the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise The boys give their takes, drop some insights, and keep it real.

Today on the Cool Kids Lunch Table Podcast: PJ and Mike are DONE. This episode is one big, beautiful rant about how everything in 2025 is broken, expensive, and annoying as hell. It’s chaotic, it’s cathartic, and it might just be the validation you need to know it’s not just you — the world really is this dumb.

Today on the Cool Kids Lunch Table Podcast: PJ and Mike review the brand-new sequel — Happy Gilmore 2! Is it a worthy follow-up to the original comedy classic, or just another run-of-the-mill Netflix Adam Sandler flick? The boys weigh in. They also dive into a bigger question: Are we at the start of a new era of comedy films? From reboots like The Naked Gun and Scary Movie to original standalones like F1 and Weapons, there’s a shift happening — and the kids are here to break it down.

Today at the Cool Kids Lunch Table Podcast, PJ and Mike dive into the galactic debut of FANTASTIC 4: First Steps! The reviews are marvelous (ours too—pun absolutely intended), but the box office? Not so fantastic. So what gives? Is it: 😩 Marvel fatigue? 🥱 Pedro Pascal overload? 🦸‍♂️ James Gunn's Superman casting too dominant a force? We unpack it all—reviews, numbers, and nerd theories galore. Tune in to hear why this stellar film may have stumbled out of the gate.

Today at the lunch table, PJ and Mike serve up a sizzling mid-summer breakdown of all things current and chaotic: The “Coldplayed” meme—why it’s everywhere and how it started Late Gate: What’s going on with Stephen Colbert and the late night shuffle The Epstein Files—what’s new and what’s being buried Movie Blockbuster Summer or Bummer The MLB Home Run Derby and All-Star Game—why fans were left ice cold It's all hot takes, wild theories, and classic Cool Kids banter.

Today at the Cool Kids Lunch Table, the boys are breaking down James Gunn’s brand new SUPERMAN movie! The DC Universe has officially hit the reset button, and fans are more split than Clark Kent’s double life. Some love it, some want to launch it into the sun. Tune in for our full review, hot takes, and whether we think this Superman lives up to the cape! SPOILER ALERT!

Today at the Cool Kids Lunch Table, PJ and Mike dive into the high-octane world of F1, the new Brad Pitt racing film! Then, they break down and react to the hottest new trailers for upcoming 2025–2026 releases, including: The Running Man Roofman Project Hail Mary The Cat in the Hat The Toxic Avenger

Today at the Cool Kids Lunch Table, PJ and Mike sink their teeth into the brand-new movie Jurassic World: Rebirth! Is it a rebirth, a reboot, or just Hollywood resurrecting the same dino bones again? The boys break it all down and also take a look back at director Gareth Edwards’ past films — from indie roots to blockbuster beasts. 

The boys break down how these two anticipated films fall short of greatness and dive into a heated debate on whether are cinematic universes just cinematic multivitamins—expensive, unnecessary, and kinda hard to swallow? The boys ask the big questions: Do we really need a John Wick ballet spin-off? How many Predators does it take to ruin a good time? Come for the reviews, stay for the rants

Today on The Cool Kids Lunch podcast, we're diving into some serious nostalgia: What TV shows from the '80s, '90s, and 2000s deserve a reboot or remake? PJ and Mike go head-to-head, debating what makes a reboot actually worth it — is it about staying true to the original or reimagining it for a new generation? 🤔 And if they were hired by a studio today, what shows would they pitch on the spot? Expect bold takes, unexpected picks, and plenty of love for the classics.

This week at the lunch table, we’re joined by a very special guest—educator-librarian and superdad Joe P! He’s here to share his top picks for books, music, TV shows, and games for toddlers, and to talk about what it’s really like being a father in modern times. The boys also get personal—opening up about the emotional (and sometimes messy) journey of becoming a dad for the first time, and taking a nostalgic trip down memory lane with their favorite childhood TV shows and books. Don't miss this heartwarming, fun-filled episode! 

Today at the Lunch Table, the boys do the impossible — a full-throttle retrospective review of Tom Cruise’s legendary film career. From his breakout in Risky Business (yes, the underwear scene gets mentioned) to his adrenaline-packed stunts in the Mission: Impossible franchise, the Cool Kids break down every gear shift in Cruise’s cinematic evolution. With the Mission: Impossible series potentially nearing its final chapter, the table gets speculative:  Could he finally lean into full comedy again (a la Tropic Thunder)? Will Hollywood finally give him that elusive Academy Award? Strap in — this one’s got the need… the need for a deep dive.

Its’s a comic book discussion at the lunch table today, the boys review The Rolling Stones In Comics (NBM Publishing) and the DC Comic Book Series Special: SUMMER OF SUPERMAN!  PJ also discusses the upcoming James Gunn film and Mike talks about the Stones and other music trivia from that era!

In today's episode the Cool Kids rank the Best Female Villains in movies, tv, comic books and cartoons! There are countless villains too many to name, let us know who you think should have made our top 10 list!

In today's episode the PJ reviews Marvel’s new movie, Thunderbolts* and Mike discusses three western films, Unforgiven (1992), Tombstone (1993) & 310 to Yuma (2007) that could be the blueprint for future comic book movies!

In today's episode the Cool Kids rank the worst Disney & Pixar Movies! The boys admittedly share that coming up with this list was a difficult task and debate who has the better catalog, Disney or Pixar.