Reel Review with Zoe (Real FM)

A YouTuber known for his video-game play-throughs, "Markiplier", has made an independent, feature-length film--it is an adaptation of an indie horror game of the same name: Iron Lung. Iron Lung achieved a "smash hit" opening, grossing over $21 million globally against a reported $3 million budget. His success proves to the world that we don't need Hollywood. Zoe found it surreal and inspiring to see his hard-work, blood, sweat and tears finally end up on the big screen, but she didn't necessarily love the movie's story.Zoe doesn't dive into spoilers, but it boils down to not understanding the worldbuilding and lore the film sets up, but she suspects fans of this content will understand it better. The film is literally about a submarine in an ocean of blood, so it is not for the whole family; there is also quite a bit of language. But Markiplier conquering the Hollywood system to get his movie across America is a massive accomplishment.Have you seen the film? What do you think? Did you enjoy it? Let Zoe know by sending a shoutout on the real fm app or texting real fm at 833-433-REAL.In a world where movie tickets are pricey and you could spend hours browsing streaming platforms, Zoe is here to help by giving you the nuts and bolts of a movie or TV show without the spoilers! But movies and shows are more than just mindless consumables, they’re stories that tell us something about our world and the people around us. Zoe invites you into a deeper conversation about media and how to navigate modern storytelling.

"Wake Up Dead Man" is a part of the Knives Out Mystery series on Netflix and released on November 26, 2025. The response online caused a lot of curiosity in Zoe, especially since she loves a good murder mystery and thrillers. She finally gave it a watch and has a recommendation with a few caveats, but is overall very surprised by the movie's themes and gospel-sharing priest protagonist. Have you seen the film? What do you think? Did you enjoy it? Let Zoe know by sending a shoutout on the real fm app or texting real fm at 833-433-REAL. You can also find Zoe on instagram at @zoe.faith.moody and message her there.In a world where movie tickets are pricey and you could spend hours browsing streaming platforms, Zoe is here to help by giving you the nuts and bolts of a movie or TV show without the spoilers! But movies and shows are more than just mindless consumables, they’re stories that tell us something about our world and the people around us. Zoe invites you into a deeper conversation about media and how to navigate modern storytelling.

The blue people version of dances with wolves is back in theaters! That's right, Zoe is unpacking Avatar: Fire & Ash, the third movie in the franchise. This spoiler free review is short and sweet: if you liked the other movies, you'll probably enjoy this continuation. Zoe does recommend it with that caveat for the theatrical experience as the movie is visually gorgeous, the sound effects are great, and it's very entertaining. However, Zoe cautions parents wanting to take smaller kids, as there's lots of foul language and gun violence. The film is rated PG-13. Have you seen the film? What do you think? Did you enjoy it? Let Zoe know by sending a shoutout on the real fm app or texting real fm at 833-433-REAL. You can also find Zoe on instagram at @zoe.faith.moody and message her there. In a world where movie tickets are pricey and you could spend hours browsing streaming platforms, Zoe is here to help by giving you the nuts and bolts of a movie or TV show without the spoilers! But movies and shows are more than just mindless consumables, they’re stories that tell us something about our world and the people around us. Zoe invites you into a deeper conversation about media and how to navigate modern storytelling.

CAUTION - This is a SPOILER FILLED deep dive discussion between two giant nerds: Zoe and her brother, Christian. Zoe and Christian grew up together watching theory YouTube videos and playing the Five Nights at Freddy's Games. Zoe self-classifies herself as a knowledgable fan, and Christian would describe himself as more of a casual fan. They have disagreements about the movie and go back and forth on several plot points, what they liked verses disliked, and what they predict the future holds for this franchise.The big question on Zoe's mind was what she saw happening in the online community: is this movie peak or bleak? In other words, is this movie the best thing to have ever happened to the franchise or is it a massive disappointment. Zoe argues it is made for the fans, she had a good time as a fan, and it's an acceptable film for the franchise but it is not a great movie and she's okay with this because she hopes for a third installment and conclusion to the trilogy.Warning - this very nerdy conversation is nearly an hour long, and you probably won't understand any of it if you aren't already aware of FNAF lore. You have been warned.Have you seen the film? What do you think? Did you enjoy it? Let Zoe know by sending a shoutout on the real fm app or texting real fm at 833-433-REALIn a world where movie tickets are pricey and you could spend hours browsing streaming platforms, Zoe is here to help by giving you the nuts and bolts of a movie or TV show without the spoilers! But movies and shows are more than just mindless consumables, they’re stories that tell us something about our world and the people around us. Zoe invites you into a deeper conversation about media and how to navigate modern storytelling.

This recommendation boils down to one major factor: Are you a fan of the Five Nights at Freddy's franchise? This sequel movie highly depends on a viewer's previously knowledge of the games lore and online theories and encourages the continued online theorizing, which is part of what makes this franchise what it is. Zoe, as a big fan of the franchise, really enjoyed the movie personally but understands this is for a very small and specific audience and most people will have no idea what is going on. Additionally, Zoe has found even the fanbase has been split on the film. She still recommends it for the fans, but she doesn't believe it's "peak." It is good, but "suffers from second movie in a trilogy syndrome." Lastly, Zoe tells parents this is NOT a kids movie or family-friendly. It is fine for teenagers, it is rated PG-13, but she again reminds parents this is an indie horror franchise produced by Blumhouse and is about child possessed animatronics. Have you seen the film? What do you think? Did you enjoy it? Let Zoe know by sending a shoutout on the real fm app or texting real fm at 833-433-REALIn a world where movie tickets are pricey and you could spend hours browsing streaming platforms, Zoe is here to help by giving you the nuts and bolts of a movie or TV show without the spoilers! But movies and shows are more than just mindless consumables, they’re stories that tell us something about our world and the people around us. Zoe invites you into a deeper conversation about media and how to navigate modern storytelling.

Wicked: For Good is now in theaters and now it's time for a spoiler FILLED discussion! Zoe invites her friend Olivia Lee to compare the movie to the musical, dive into the "bad guy is misunderstood trope" and explore how parents and kids can unpack the themes of this story.Olivia loves theater and has seen the Wicked production and was super helpful in comparing the movie to the musical. She saw it at an age which she felt is perfect and appropriate for engaging in morally complex stories, like Wicked. Together, they discuss a lot of the film's criticism surrounding "bad guy is misunderstood trope" and Zoe argues Wicked actually does a good job of telling that story.Have you seen the film? What do you think? Did you enjoy it? Let Zoe know by sending a shoutout on the real fm app or texting real fm at 833-433-REALIn a world where movie tickets are pricey and you could spend hours browsing streaming platforms, Zoe is here to help by giving you the nuts and bolts of a movie or TV show without the spoilers! But movies and shows are more than just mindless consumables, they’re stories that tell us something about our world and the people around us. Zoe invites you into a deeper conversation about media and how to navigate modern storytelling.

Wicked: For Good is now in theaters but was it worth the year long wait for this part two? Zoe recommends this film if you were a fan of the first one, but if you haven't seen the first one you better watch it first or else you may be confused and lost. This film directly picks up where the story left off and is a natural continuation, just like how a stage production has an intermission and continues. Zoe was a fan of the first film, and really enjoyed this second part. She found it entertaining and full of interesting themes. However, she cautions parents that this may not be the family friendly film it looks to be. There is a scene where two characters explicitly engage in intimacy; there is nothing graphic depicted but it is clear what these characters are going to do when the scene cuts. The main criticism Zoe has, however, is the issue of Ariana Grande's noticeably unhealthy body and how she is a role model to little girls. Zoe is concerned for how her body image may influence young girls who are already bombarded with cultural messages that beauty fits a certain image and a certain size. Overall, she recommends the movie with those two criticisms for parents to watch out for if they intend to bring their children. Have you seen the film? What do you think? Did you enjoy it? Let Zoe know by sending a shoutout on the real fm app or texting real fm at 833-433-REALIn a world where movie tickets are pricey and you could spend hours browsing streaming platforms, Zoe is here to help by giving you the nuts and bolts of a movie or TV show without the spoilers! But movies and shows are more than just mindless consumables, they’re stories that tell us something about our world and the people around us. Zoe invites you into a deeper conversation about media and how to navigate modern storytelling.el Review

Zoe is joined by Ansen from Real FM's Afternoon Show. He is a father to three kiddos, but his two daughters are especially obsessed with K-Pop Demon Hunters. That is why he is here to discuss how Christian parents can navigate popular media with their kids, how to know when something is appropriate, how to engage with kids in asking questions, and how to see certain movies as opportunities. It can be tempting as Christian parents to say "no" to what's secular and popular, and if it has the word "demon" or "magic" in the title, for example. However, both Zoe and Ansen argue there can be redemptive qualities to these movies, themes which align with God's truth, and ways of the kids to engage with this media and their friends in a healthy way. When it comes specifically to K-Pop Demon Hunters, both Ansen and Zoe were very surprised by the movie's themes of shame and identity. Together they unpacked how this aligns with God's truth for us, but also where the movie is different, and how to talk to your kids about the similarities and differences. The big take-away from this conversation is intentionally talking with your kids about media: its characters, its messages, and what is true verses what the world says. Have you seen the film? What do you think? Did you enjoy it? Let Zoe know on instagram by following her @reel.zoe or on Threads for her takes on pop-culture and media.In a world where movie tickets are pricey and you could spend hours browsing streaming platforms, Zoe is here to help by giving you the nuts and bolts of a movie or TV show without the spoilers! But movies and shows are more than just mindless consumables, they’re stories that tell us something about our world and the people around us. Zoe invites you into a deeper conversation about media and how to navigate modern storytelling.

Zoe takes a closer look at the surprise hit K-Pop Demon Hunters — a movie she initially dismissed but ended up loving. What looked like a flashy kids’ film turned out to be a heartfelt, action-packed story with humor, catchy songs, and deeper themes than expected. She unpacks the meaning behind the title, gives context for parents concerned about the word “demon,” and shares why this film is more than just a “girl movie.”Zoe also explores how the movie’s themes of shame, redemption, and sacrificial love unexpectedly align with Christian values, even though the film itself isn’t religious. With anime-inspired visuals, fun characters, and a message that resonates across cultures and ages, K-Pop Demon Hunters might just be the most meaningful family film of the year — and Zoe’s here to tell you why.Have you seen the film? What do you think? Did you enjoy it? Let Zoe know on instagram by following her @reel.zoe or on Threads for her takes on pop-culture and media.In a world where movie tickets are pricey and you could spend hours browsing streaming platforms, Zoe is here to help by giving you the nuts and bolts of a movie or TV show without the spoilers! But movies and shows are more than just mindless consumables, they’re stories that tell us something about our world and the people around us. Zoe invites you into a deeper conversation about media and how to navigate modern storytelling.

It's Marvel VS D.C. at the box office right now as two comic book movies come head to head for your hard earned money, but which one will win the summer? Who knows, but Zoe is glad she spent her money seeing "Superman." Did we REALLY need another Superman movie? It turns out... YES! This movie is everything we need in a world that feels like it's getting darker every day. This movie inspires hope, bravery, selflessness, kindness, strength, justice, and all the good qualities of Superman, even though he's flawed and a bit dorky--he is human and he is super, not just because of his powers but because of his heroism. This means we can be super too, if we choose to be. This movie has a lot of heart, clever writing, fun characters, and gets a huge recommendation from Zoe with the caveat that is it PG13 for crude language. Have you seen the film? What do you think? Did you enjoy it? Let Zoe know on instagram by following her @reel.zoe or on Threads for her takes on pop-culture and media.In a world where movie tickets are pricey and you could spend hours browsing streaming platforms, Zoe is here to help by giving you the nuts and bolts of a movie or TV show without the spoilers! But movies and shows are more than just mindless consumables, they’re stories that tell us something about our world and the people around us. Zoe invites you into a deeper conversation about media and how to navigate modern storytelling.

Spare yourself the expense! Jurassic World: Rebirth is NOT worth your time, energy, or money at the theater! It is also NOT for children. Zoe thought it was bizarre there were so many children (even a baby???) at her theatrical viewing of the film and she wants to remind listeners that it is rated PG-13, and it is not necessarily a family-film, there is a lot of intense action, mild horror, etc. Zoe doesn't recommend it for kids and she doesn't recommend it for anyone because this movie thinks you're stupid. The movie is so poorly written that Zoe wonders if the script was AI generated.... Have you seen the film? What do you think? Did you enjoy it? Let Zoe know on instagram by following her @reel.zoe or on Threads for her takes on pop-culture and media.In a world where movie tickets are pricey and you could spend hours browsing streaming platforms, Zoe is here to help by giving you the nuts and bolts of a movie or TV show without the spoilers! But movies and shows are more than just mindless consumables, they’re stories that tell us something about our world and the people around us. Zoe invites you into a deeper conversation about media and how to navigate modern storytelling.

If you're looking for something good to stream, Amazon Prime recently released "The Accountant 2" on its platform. Zoe was hesitant and skeptical about a sequel to a beloved action film starring Ben Affleck, but her husband insisted they watch it. To their surprise, the film exceeded expectations! The film, while serious in its portrayals violence and crime, is also balanced with relatable characters. It is surprisingly heartfelt and Zoe highly recommends it, with the caveat that this is indeed Rated R for violence, language, mature themes. Have you seen the film? What do you think? Did you enjoy it? Let Zoe know on instagram by following her @reel.zoe or on Threads for her takes on pop-culture and media. In a world where movie tickets are pricey and you could spend hours browsing streaming platforms, Zoe is here to help by giving you the nuts and bolts of a movie or TV show without the spoilers! But movies and shows are more than just mindless consumables, they’re stories that tell us something about our world and the people around us. Zoe invites you into a deeper conversation about media and how to navigate modern storytelling.

Is Mission Impossible: The Final Reckoning the FINAL Mission Impossible movie? Is this the end of Ethan Hunt, aka Tom Cruise? Was this a great theatrical experience? How were the stunts? How was the action? Zoe breaks it down without spoilers! Have you seen the film? What do you think? Did you enjoy it? Let Zoe know on instagram by following her @reel.zoeIn a world where movie tickets are pricey and you could spend hours browsing streaming platforms, Zoe is here to help by giving you the nuts and bolts of a movie or TV show without the spoilers! But movies and shows are more than just mindless consumables, they’re stories that tell us something about our world and the people around us. Zoe invites you into a deeper conversation about media and how to navigate modern storytelling.

Thunderbolts is the latest MCU theatrical release but will it save the floundering franchise? With so many characters and plotlines to juggle, will this film be able to tie it all together, even for audiences that haven't kept up? Zoe was pleasantly surprised by this film, enjoying it way more than she was expecting, having been so disappointed in the MCU for the past two years. The movie is fun but earnest, and explores themes not yet touched in the MCU. The film, however, does have more gun violence than perhaps some of the other films, explores more mature themes, and uses strong language--its main cast is comprised of characters who are misfits and outcasts, so its a bit expected.Have you seen the film? What do you think? Did you enjoy it? Has it revitalized the franchise? Let Zoe know on instagram by following her @reel.zoe

Welcome to my game show, "Whooo Said!"Hi, I'm Zoe, your resident movie-nerd at 100.3 Real FM. Every Wednesday night, we play my game of movie quote trivia. Contestants win points for correctly guessing the movie quote's character, the movie it's from, and the actor or actress is double the points. There are four rounds, with points increasing each time as the level increases. Do you speak movie-quote? Then this is the game for you! Play along by listening every Wednesday or here on my movie-review podcast. Thanks for joining me!Tonight's contestant: My Dad! We played this game "Who Said" around the dinner table as kids, and my dad says he's the original inventor.

Welcome to my game show, "Whooo Said!"Hi, I'm Zoe, your resident movie-nerd at 100.3 Real FM. Every Wednesday night, we play my game of movie quote trivia. Contestants win points for correctly guessing the movie quote's character, the movie it's from, and the actor or actress is double the points. There are four rounds, with points increasing each time as the level increases. Do you speak movie-quote? Then this is the game for you! Play along by listening every Wednesday or here on my movie-review podcast. Thanks for joining me!Tonight's contestant: GLADDEN, an artist, singer/songwriter you can hear on 100.3 Real FM and elsewhere!

Welcome to my game show, "Whooo Said!"Hi, I'm Zoe, your resident movie-nerd at 100.3 Real FM. Every Wednesday night, we play my game of movie quote trivia. Contestants win points for correctly guessing the movie quote's character, the movie it's from, and the actor or actress is double the points. There are four rounds, with points increasing each time as the level increases. Do you speak movie-quote? Then this is the game for you! Play along by listening every Wednesday or here on my movie-review podcast. Thanks for joining me!Tonight's contestant: Sam Bowman, a singer/songwriter/artist who's music can be enjoyed on 100.3 Real FM and elsewhere!

Zoe has been playing Minecraft since 2012, so she had very strong feelings when she saw the film's trailer. Originally, she wasn't planning on seeing the movie, but her husband dragged her to the theater and she was pleasantly surprised it didn't totally suck. It is a decent option at the theater right now if you're looking to see something during this easter weekend with the kiddos--it is very much a family film. Zoe also highlights the recent tiktok trend with teenage boys that involves trashing theaters, so there's a warning about that.Let Zoe know on Instagram what you think! Give her a follow @reel.zoe

Welcome to my game show, "Whooo Said!"Hi, I'm Zoe, your resident movie-nerd at 100.3 Real FM. Every Wednesday night, we play my game of movie quote trivia. Contestants win points for correctly guessing the movie quote's character, the movie it's from, and the actor or actress is double the points. There are four rounds, with points increasing each time as the level increases. Do you speak movie-quote? Then this is the game for you! Play along by listening every Wednesday or here on my movie-review podcast. Thanks for joining me!Tonight's contestant: Josh Bishop! Author, poet, Michigander, and my cousin-in-law.

In this spoiler-filled deep dive of the recent Amazon original "Holland", Zoe is joined by a special guest, a third generation Dutch American Holland Resident named Josh Bishop. Josh is also an author, poet, film-enjoyer, and Zoe's cousin-in-law. Together, they explore the themes of the film, its missed opportunities in storytelling, the flawed screenplay, and poor representation of the beloved town filled with a beautiful and unique embrasure of its Dutch heritage.

"Holland" is a movie set in the Michigan town of Holland, which embraces its Dutch heritage through landmarks such as a historic Windmill and traditions like Tulip Time. This movie stars Nicole Kidman who plays Nancy, a traditional mom living a seemingly perfect life in a perfect town but is clearly unhappy and discontent. Things start unraveling, divulging into a "suspenseful thriller" according to some critics, but Zoe found the film boring and morally questionable in its story and message. She does NOT recommend this film, even though its available now on Amazon prime. She also warns the film is rated R for language, violence, and sexual content. Zoe looks forward to a spoiler filled discussion on Reel 2 with her special guest, an author and life-long Holland resident.

Zoe reviews the new movie "Mickey 17" starring Robert Pattinson and directed by Korean filmmaker, Bong Joon Ho. Zoe doesn't feel like she can fully recommend the film because of its polarizing, dark comedic nature--being full of violence, body-horror, swearing, sexual innuendos, and on-the-nose political commentary. She found the film had a lot of layers, to the film's detriment, but she also commends the film attempting to be bold. A lot of mixed feelings and a lot to discuss!

In this spoiler-filled, deeper-dive on the new release from Angel Studios, Zoe does not pull any punches while discussing "Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Spy, Assassin." There were already a few red flags that Zoe had to contend with after watching the film, specifically the "call to action" at the end of the movie, but because she enjoyed the film so much she let it slide and gave it a glowing review. Now that she has had time to think deeply about the film and read articles about what was fact verses fiction about the movie, she has come to another conclusion.Zoe now finds it difficult to recommend and wonders what Bonhoeffer himself would think of this portrayal of his life and legacy. Would he appreciate being called an assassin?Links to the articles Zoe references:https://www.angel.com/blog/bonhoeffer/posts/whats-true-in-bonhoeffer-pastor-spy-assassin https://www.christianitytoday.com/2024/11/bonhoeffer-movie-review-angel-studios/  

Zoe reviews the latest theatrical release from Angel Studios: Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Spy, Assassin. The title alone is intriguing; the words pastor, spy, and assassin are rarely used to describe the same person! If you know anything about the real theologian Dietrich Bonhoeffer, like Zoe, then that name alone could be intriguing and now his story is on the big screen. But is it worth the theatrical experience? Zoe says yes! Keep in mind, the film is not perfect and Zoe wants to break it down and compare it to the real life of Dietrich in her spoiler-filled deeper dive.

Welcome to Reel 2, Zoe's deeper dive on the new film, Wicked (Part 1, 2024). Zoe enjoyed the movie and recommended it on her spoiler free Reel 1 but now she dives deeper into the movie's themes alongside her special guest, Chaplin Justin. Chaplin Justin is a host of the Faith Refresh podcast on the Real FM Podcast network, and he was the perfect person to talk to. Leaving the theater, Zoe had a lot of questions about Wicked. One of the film's lines is something like, "Was she born wicked? Or was wickedness thrust upon her?" And it made Zoe wonder... "Are we born sinful? Or is sinfulness thrust upon us?" Meaning, are we truly responsible for our sins? What does it mean to be "wicked"? Another big question Zoe had about this movie is how people feel about "bad guys" being portrayed as misunderstood good guys, and "good guys" actually being the bad guys.... it seems to many that good and bad don't hold meaning, truth and morality are out the window. But through this conversation, Chaplin Justin helps Zoe unpack the ways Jesus told his stories in the Bible, and good and bad may not be as black and white as we want to think... and actually, perhaps stories like Wicked can help us emphasize more with our neighbors.

Wicked (part 1) was released on November 22nd, 2024, based on a popular Broadway musical of the same name that's been on stage since 2003. The musical is also based on a book, which was released in 1995. Wicked follows a similar pattern as the original Wizard of Oz, which started as a book in 1900, then became a stage musical, until becoming a movie in 1939. Zoe went into this film completely blind - she never heard the music before, seen the play or read the book, didn't know anything about it. She was pleasantly surprised by the story, intrigued by its themes, and found the musical comforting and very enjoyable. A few things to note - its rated PG but Zoe wants you to consider a few things before bringing the whole family, and also the movie is nearly three hours long! Stay tuned for Reel 2 where Zoe dives deeper into the themes of Wicked.

The Covenant was released in 2023, created by filmmaker Guy Ritchie and starring Jake Gyllenhaal. The film is a fictional story inspired by the real life events between the United States and Afghanistan in 2018. It is a story centered on two characters, Jake Gyllenhaal's character a Master Sergeant in Afghanistan named John Kinley, and his Afghan interpreter named Ahmed. Ahmed and John have a unique relationship, as described in the title: The Covenant. Zoe found this movie to be moving, powerful, heavy but good and important in many ways and she highly recommends it if you're looking for a movie to stream online. The film can be found on Amazon Prime or elsewhere for rent.

The box office success of "Beetlejuice Beetlejuice" has some people asking, "Is Tim Burton Back?" but that begs another question.... where was he? And who is he? If you're wondering these questions, Zoe has answers. In this episode, she breaks down the origins of the iconic film director, his filmography, where "he went" and where he is today with this new film's success.... And you can listen to the spoiler free review of the movie in Reel 1!

Don't say his name three times! Zoe is reviewing the sequel to a classic 80s Tim Burton film, but this begs some questions, "is the movie as good as the original? Is it necessary for the story progression? Or is it just a nostalgia cash-grab?" Zoe found the film entertaining and middle of the road, but a surprisingly fun theatrical experience. But she warns that this is NOT a family film or film for small kids!

This time Zoe is shaking things up, starting a brand new segment called "Manic Movie News Monday" where she discusses movie news, trending topics related to the industry, and upcoming releases... in this update, Zoe talks about what's coming soon to theaters (The Wild Robot from Dreamworks, Megapolis from Francis Ford Coppola starring Adam Driver, and the Joker sequel) plus Zoe rants about the Minecraft movie trailer that just dropped and has the internet in uproar....

In this spoiler-filled review, Zoe discusses the original "A Quiet Place" film and the subsequent films in its franchise (A Quiet Place: Part II & A Quiet Place: Day One). Zoe makes the case these films completely miss the point of the original film which was a family-centered, heart-felt story that had scifi horror elements, instead of being a scifi horror film about a family. There is apparently a difference! By the way, welcome to Reel Review! This is where Zoe helps answer the question, "Should I see this?" and invites you into a deeper conversation about the story's themes and message. Let us know what movies you want to get the reel review treatment!

Zoe missed it while it was in theaters, so she decided to catch it on streaming: A Quiet Place Day 1. Zoe was super hyped for this film and avoided all the spoilers so she could make up her own mind. A Quiet Place is beloved by her, so she was very curious about the new entry of the franchise. But watching a movie when its recently left theaters means it comes with a heavier cost for renting online, and Zoe paid $20 to stream it. For her, this movie was NOT worth the "ticket price" and she does not recommend it... and she is looking forward to going deeper into spoilers next week.By the way, welcome to Reel Review! This is where Zoe helps answer the question, "Should I see this?" and invites you into a deeper conversation about the story's themes and message. Let us know what movies you want to get the reel review treatment!

Reel 2 is where Zoe gets to talk spoilers about the new movie but in this case, Zoe wanted to open up a conversation about the current state of the Marvel Cinematic Universe because this new movie (Deadpool & Wolverine) offers a stark contrast to the kinds of movies we've been getting lately... and Zoe isn't talking about the R rating, she means the heartfelt storytelling and character archs.... Also in this discussion, she talks about the recent news that Robert Downey Jr is cast as Dr. Doom, and she does not sugarcoat her feelings about it. It is almost like Deadpool knew Marvel was going to resurrect a beloved character for their money-making purposes. By the way, welcome to Reel Review! This is where Zoe helps answer the question, "Should I see this?" and invites you into a deeper conversation about the story's themes and message. Let us know what movies you want to get the reel review treatment!

In this spoiler-free review, Zoe is talking about the new movie in the Disney Marvel Cinematic Universe: Deadpool & Wolverine. This movie has been hyped as the movie of 2024, but Deadpool is a character full of debauchery and filth with his foul language, sexual references, and bloody violence... will being a "Disney" film change that? Zoe's answer is both yes and no... and this movie surprised her in some ways, while not surprising her in others. One thing is for sure: this is NOT a family film. By the way, welcome to Reel Review! This is where Zoe helps answer the question, "Should I see this?" and invites you into a deeper conversation about the story's themes and message. Let us know what movies you want to get the reel review treatment!

If you listen to Reel 1, you'll get a spoiler free review on the new movie Twisters, where Zoe expressed how surprised she was by the film. She personally loved it, and felt inspired to watch the original 1996 movie Twister, because she vaguely remembered not liking it as a kid. Maybe she was wrong and Twister was a good movie after all.... So, she compares and contrasts the two tornado films in this reel review. By the way, welcome to Reel Review! This is where Zoe helps answer the question, "Should I see this?" and invites you into a deeper conversation about the story's themes and message. Let us know what movies you want to get the reel review treatment!

Don’t judge a movie by its trailer... that's the lesson Zoe is taking away from her viewing of "Twisters". Zoe had one impression of what the film “Twisters” would be like after seeing a recent trailer, that it would be a yew-haw action adventure rom-com involving tornadoes. She was wrong but NOT disappointed. This film is far more real, showcasing the true devastation of tornadoes, and how it impacts communities physically and emotionally... and how you need to "ride your fears." By the way, welcome to Reel Review! This is where Zoe helps answer the question, "Should I see this?" and invites you into a deeper conversation about the story's themes and message. Let us know what movies you want to get the reel review treatment!

In this spoiler-free reel review, Zoe warns you about this film Bad Boys Ride or Die. She encourages you to NOT spend time and money at the movie theater with this one. It is an obnoxious film with bad editing, poor tasteless humor, and a performance by Will Smith that lacks charm. By the way, welcome to Reel Review! This is where Zoe helps answer the question, "Should I see this?" and invites you into a deeper conversation about the story's themes and message. Let us know what movies you want to get the reel review treatment!

Zoe dives deep into the Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes, the latest installment in the reboot franchise. Zoe is a big fan of the original film Planet of the Apes from 1968, and fell in love with the recent trilogy helmed mostly by Matt Reeves. This new installment comes after what Zoe describes as a perfect trilogy, so how exactly do you follow-up perfection? It is a nearly impossible task, and Zoe said she mostly enjoyed the movie but found some flaws... In this spoiler-filled review, she explains her exact problems with the movie and comparing it to the previous film's execution on characters and social commentary. It's a long rant, thanks for joining!

In this spoiler-free reel review, Zoe discusses the latest installment to a franchise she loves: Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes. Admittedly, this franchise may be somewhat niche. There are likely two types of audience go-ers: those who love the trilogy and those who haven't seen any of the previous films. So this poses a challenge for the filmmakers, how do they please both types of audience members or do they just choose one of them? Zoe thinks the filmmakers did a good job at solving this problem, but there's another challenge. The protagonist. How can you create a lovable protagonist after following Caesar's journey for three films? Zoe thinks they did a good job trying to solve this problem, but she has overall mixed feelings as a fan of the franchise. She does however recommend the film if 1) you have proper expectations & 2) don't bring your small children!!! CGI apes does NOT equal kid-friendly movie. By the way, welcome to Reel Review! This is where Zoe helps answer the question, "Should I see this?" and invites you into a deeper conversation about the story's themes and message. Let us know what movies you want to get the reel review treatment!

In this spoiler-free reel review, Zoe covers the action-packed film The Fall Guy, starring Ryan Gosling and Emily Blunt. The film is a love letter to the stunt community, filmmaking, and classic action films. That makes a lot of sense because its directed by David Leitch who got his start in Hollywood by being a stunt man and has now directed several big action films. This action film is pretty good but Zoe cautions those bringing younger family members with its drug references and strong language. By the way, welcome to Reel Review! This is where Zoe helps answer the question, "Should I see this?" and invites you into a deeper conversation about the story's themes and message. Let us know what movies you want to get the reel review treatment!

This episode of Reel Review is different. Instead of reviewing a new movie, Zoe is joined with two incredible guests to discuss their new film: Pastor's Kid. The film's director and writer is Benjamin Koppin, who works in L.A. as a commercial producer and independent filmmaker with his wife. The leading actress in the film is played by Courtney Bandeko who loves working in indie-films and has also done a lot of TV shows.On this podcast episode, they talk with Zoe about their unique faith-based film that is rated R for strong language and themes, but all agree this is actually something a lot of people can resonate and connect with. They talk about the changing Christian filmmaking landscape and the importance of healing in the church. Pastor's Kid: "In this raw true story of faith and redemption, college student, Riley grapples with her identity after years of abuse and religious hypocrisy. She must face this painful past to find healing." You can learn more about Ben Koppin's production company on IMDb And on Instagram @1988.films is where you can learn about his current and new projects. And you can follow Courtney Bandeko on Instagram click here

In this Reel 2, Zoe is taking a closer look at the "true story" the movie The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare is based on. It turns out this action-backed and violent rated R film may not be as true to the real life events or heroes as it seems. And sadly, that is true with many films based on "true stories" because there is no standard or expectation for how accurate they are supposed to be... Is this a problem? Is it okay to fudge the facts to make it entertaining? Zoe would argue it isn't okay but what do you think? ...By the way, welcome to Reel Review! This is where Zoe helps answer the question, "Should I see this?" and invites you into a deeper conversation about the story's themes and message. Let us know what movies you want to get the reel review treatment!

In this spoiler-free reel review, Zoe covers the refreshing and entertaining film "The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare" starring Henry Cavil. Zoe and her husband Sam enjoyed this film but it is definitely for mature audiences with profuse swearing and a glorification of violence. There is one scene which has some nudity from behind, but it is a scene which shows a character how bad these Nazis are, and the scene was done tastefully and purposefully. The film is fast paced and based on the true story of this secret mission to stop the Nazis... By the way, welcome to Reel Review! This is where Zoe helps answer the question, "Should I see this?" and invites you into a deeper conversation about the story's themes and message. Let us know what movies you want to get the reel review treatment!

This Reel 2 is a deep dive on the recent film, "Monkey Man". If you are looking for a spoiler free review, that was Reel 1 which you can listen to right now. But this episode is dedicated to unpacking what makes this film stand out in the action genre and the filmmaker behind it all, Dev Patel. Spoilers ahead! By the way, welcome to Reel Review! This is where Zoe helps answer the question, "Should I see this?" and invites you into a deeper conversation about the story's themes and message. Let us know what movies you want to get the reel review treatment!

In this spoiler-free reel review, Zoe covers the surprising film "Monkey Man" which was written, directed, produced and starring Dev Patel. This film is rated R in every way, from the bloody violence, to language, and nudity, but it is also a heavy film wrestling with a lot of themes like religion and politics, revenge, and the treatment of minorities. It is a difficult film to recommend and depends on you, the movie-goer. For sure, it is a provocative film that is full of heart. By the way, welcome to Reel Review! This is where Zoe helps answer the question, "Should I see this?" and invites you into a deeper conversation about the story's themes and message. Let us know what movies you want to get the reel review treatment!

In this Reel 2, Zoe asked her resident Godzilla-expert Sam to bring his knowledge to the conversation. Sam discusses why he felt this movie was more of a Kong movie than a Godzilla film, not really a team-up, and he wishes the Legendary studio would make a genuine Godzilla-centered film. They also talk about the monster-verse, franchise-fatigue, and how it is indeed possible to make legitimately good monster movies.... and maybe this one is just "okay".By the way, welcome to Reel Review! This is where Zoe helps answer the question, "Should I see this?" and invites you into a deeper conversation about the story's themes and message. Let us know what movies you want to get the reel review treatment!

Big monster fights are not Zoe's cup of tea when it comes to movies but this latest entry in the "monster-verse" franchise from Legendary Studios surprised her! She had a very fun time at the theater and her husband who is a mega Godzilla fan was also pleased. It can't be compared to Japan's film, Godzilla Minus One, from last year, but that's okay because they're two completely different films and it's something Zoe can't wait to talk about in Reel 2. By the way, welcome to Reel Review! This is where Zoe helps answer the question, "Should I see this?" and invites you into a deeper conversation about the story's themes and message. Let us know what movies you want to get the reel review treatment!

In this deep dive into Kung Fu Panda 4, Zoe explains why she feels this full shows the greed of Hollywood. One of the film's co-directors, Stephanie Stein, has come out expressing her frustration with DreamWorks and shared her unfortunate experience on the project. Her story explains exactly what went wrong on this film: the bad storytelling decisions, lack of character development, rapid pacing, and how clearly it was all produced to make money. This shouldn't come as a surprise, of course, but it is frustrating none the less. Zoe emphasizes the importance of good storytelling and how disappointing it is to see this happen to a good animated trilogy. Do you agree or disagree? Let us know and what movie you want reviewed!

This reel review shares two opinions on the film Kung Fu Panda 4. Zoe found the film lackluster and disappointing but her autistic brother Josh found it hilarious. Perhaps it isn't worth the theater price but it is a passable kids film, if you don't mind your kids watching small bunnies jump with glee for violence. Reel 2 will contain a spoiler-filled deep dive on the film's flaws and lost potential.... almost ironic, considering a metaphor in the film is a peach pit being the seed to greatness, this film did not develop its potential.

It's okay if Dune isn't your cup of tea when it comes to film entertainment, but for Zoe its frustrating when people criticize the Dune films for being style over substance. Here in this deeper dive, Zoe shares some background information on the director, Denis Villeneuve, which illustrates what makes him a unique storyteller. He employs "show don't tell" through the tools of cinematic storytelling with cinematography, lighting, and audio design, and he trusts his audience. There is a lot of style in this movie, but there is also a story at the heart of it, and not all movies have heart these days... By the way, welcome to Reel Review! This is where Zoe helps answer the question, "Should I see this?" and invites you into a deeper conversation about the story's themes and message. Let us know what movies you want to get the reel review treatment!