The Reel Critics Network

In this episode we discuss the Critics Choice Award nominations

In this episode Reggie Ponder, The Reel Critic and Kathia Woods discuss three movies: Frankenstein, Hedda and One Battle After Another.

Reggie and Kathia What's On My Mind: NABJ and The State of Black MediaMovies: The Bad Guys 2 and The Naked GunRant and Rave: Box Office and Audience behavior in the movie theater

Reggie and Kathia Discuss The Old Guard 2 and I Know What You Did Last Summer

Kathia Woods (@Kathia_Woods) shares her firsthand experience covering Essence Fest 2025, from the vibrant atmosphere to the candid conversations about its relevance in today's landscape. She and Reggie Ponder (@TheReelCritic) dive deep into the festival's evolution, the changes attendees observed this year, and some of the key issues that reportedly plagued the iconic event. Plus, Reggie shines a spotlight on the compelling new film '40 Acres' – a must-see post-apocalyptic thriller from a Black perspective. Tune in for a critical look at culture, community, and cinema!

Reggie and Kathi dive into James Gunn's highly anticipated Superman (2025) film! Does this fresh take on the Man of Steel successfully elevate the DCU, or does it fall victim to lingering superhero fatigue? We'll discuss David Corenswet's portrayal of Superman, Rachel Brosnahan's Lois Lane, and the film's overall tone and message. Listen and find out what these critics really think!

This week, Reggie and Kathia recap Kathia's trip to the south of France to attend Cannes, Review Tom Cruise's farewell to Mission: Impossible with the film Mission Impossible: The Final Reckoning and take a look at a very successful box office.

In this episode we recap The 97 Academy Awards and compare our predictions with what actually occurred. We talk a bit about Angie Stone and her career, Brazil and Carnival, Food and The Best Philly Cheesesteak and professionalism in Journalism. 

Join Reggie Ponder, the Real Critic, and Kathia Woods in another edition of the Real Critics Network podcast as they unwind post-awards season. They share personal stories about family and pet dynamics, and dive deep into the significance of the African American Film Critics Association (AFCA) Awards in recognizing Black voices in the film industry. The discussion shifts to media inequalities, highlighting the struggles of Black media outlets in gaining access to mainstream and Black-focused award shows. Reggie and Kathia also review the documentary "Daughters" and TV shows, with Kathia giving a sneak peek into NBC’s new show 'Gross Point Garden Society'. They conclude with a fiery critique of the film 'Anora' and its perplexing acclaim. Tune in for an engaging mix of industry insights and lively banter.

In this episode Reggie has to eat crow as Kathia celebrates her Philadelphia Eagles' win in the SuperBowl. On the movie front, both talk about the importance and shortcomings of Captain America: Brave New World. Additionally, while they both loved the documentary Sly Lives, Kathia wasn't totally satisfied.

On this episode of The Reel Critics Network Podcast, Reggie Ponder and Kathia Woods discuss the 2025 Grammy Awards, the film Love Hurts, and the Sundance Film Festival. Reggie kicks things off with his "What's On My Mind" segment, raving about Trevor Noah's hosting, Doechii's explosive performance, Stevie Wonder's tribute, and Beyoncé's historic wins. He also highlights the Grammys' successful balancing of celebration and somber reflection on tragedies, and their fundraising efforts. 1 Kathia shares her "aha" moment, also focusing on the Grammys, particularly the Best New Artist category and the controversy surrounding Beyoncé's country album win. She delves into the larger conversation about Black artists in the industry and the challenges they face.Moving into the movie segment, Reggie reviews Love Hurts, praising the title's appropriateness, the intricate fight scenes, and the film's humor and exploration of change. However, he criticizes the exaggerated acting and excessive gore. Kathia defends Ariana DeBose's career choices, pointing out the systemic issues faced by Black actresses in Hollywood. She discusses the film's campy nature and its escapism.The conversation shifts to Sundance, where Kathia shares her experiences with several documentaries. She highlights Seeds, focusing on Black farmers' struggles, the Marley Matlin documentary, Sly Lives about Sly Stone's influence, and Mad Bills, a realistic portrayal of young parenthood.Finally, in the "Rent and Rave" segment, Reggie confidently predicts a Kansas City Chiefs Super Bowl victory, citing Patrick Mahomes' clutch performances and the Chiefs' elite defense. He also points out perceived weaknesses in the Eagles, particularly Jalen Hurts' inconsistency and the offensive line's struggles against pressure. Kathia, a Philadelphia native, passionately defends the Eagles, emphasizing the team's unity, Saquon Barkley's exceptional performance, and the strength of the offensive line. She expresses her belief in Jalen Hurts and the team's ability to overcome the Chiefs. The two banter playfully about the upcoming game, leaving listeners in anticipation.

In this engaging episode of The Real Critic's Network, Reggie Ponder and Kathia Woods discuss their sports allegiances, explore two film reviews: Wicked and Conclave, and delve into some deep reflections on film criticism and international perspectives. The episode is packed with lively banter, detailed movie discussions, and passionate rants.

Hosted by Reggie Ponder and co-host Kathia Woods, this episode of The Real Critic's Network delves into their opinions on movies, performances, and award season controversies. Reggie discusses the genius of Dave Chappelle's SNL monologue, while Kathia emphasizes the importance of owning one's platform in the creative industry. The critics review the biographical drama 'A Complete Unknown,' with differing perspectives on its ability to connect with younger audiences. They also discuss 'Nickel Boys,' praising the chemistry between the lead actors and analyzing director Romel Ross's creative vision. The episode concludes with a passionate "Rant and Rave" segment on Oscar snubs, highlighting overlooked performances and calling out systemic issues within the industry. Both hosts encourage viewers to expand their cinematic palate and support diverse creative voices.