 New Episode Alert! 


This week on The Popcorn Podcast, Tommy and Ryan sink their teeth into Danny Boyle’s chilling sequel, 28 Years Later!

🎧 Episode Highlights:

28 Years Later

 * Set 28 years after the original outbreak, Spike (Alfie Williams) and his father journey from a fortified island into a rampaged mainland to find help for his ailing mother, Isla (Jodie Comer) 
 * The film reintroduces evolved, terrifying infected: the lumbering “Slow Lows” and unstoppable “Alphas”  especially the brutal Samson 
 * Powerful performances by Jodie Comer, Aaron Taylor‑Johnson, and a standout turn by young Alfie Williams bring emotional depth to this intense horror‑drama 
 * Director Danny Boyle and writer Alex Garland infuse the sequel with a reflective, almost folk‑horror tone, blending haunting visuals—shot in part on iPhones with brutal societal commentary 
 * The final act introduces the cult‑like “Jimmies” and sets up the next chapter, The Bone Temple, adding layers of intrigue.

🎮 We're on Twitch!
Join us live for gaming sessions, BTS content, and more at @The_Popcorn_Pod.

📸 Stay Connected:

 * Tommy: @Tommy_Cresta [https://www.instagram.com/Tommy_Cresta]
 * Ryan: @Foran12 [https://www.instagram.com/Foran12]
 * The Show: @The_Popcorn_Podcast [https://www.instagram.com/The_Popcorn_Podcast]
 * Editor Colin Gallagher: @colingallagher.3 [https://www.instagram.com/colingallagher.3]

🎬 Tune in now and join the conversation! Your support keeps the popcorn popping! 🍿

Episode 175: "28 Year Later" Review!!

This week on The Popcorn Podcast, Tommy and Ryan are joined by the crew from ESP Golf TV for a killer crossover episode you won’t want to miss. Together, they dive deep into the shadows to rank the Top 10 Horror Villains and Monsters of all time — from slashers and shapeshifters to the nightmare-fuel icons that haunt our screens and imaginations. Expect bold picks, hot takes, and a whole lot of laughs as film meets fairway in this horror-themed showdown. Lock your doors, turn down the lights, and get ready for some spooky fun.

Episode 174: Ranking Top 10 Horror Villiains feat. ESP Golf TV

This week on The Popcorn Podcast, Tommy and Ryan step into the frenetic world of Ballerina, the high-octane spinoff from the John Wick universe. Seamlessly blending slick action and emotional stakes, Ballerina delivers a killer performance that keeps fans hooked, even if it occasionally leans on franchise familiarity.

🎬 Film Overview

Set between John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum and Chapter 4, Ballerina follows Eve Macarro (Ana de Armas), a Ruska Roma dancer-assassin, as she seeks revenge for her father’s murder at the hands of a powerful assassin known as the Chancellor.  After training under Winston (Ian McShane) and the enigmatic Director (Anjelica Huston), Eve embarks on a merciless mission that explodes into non-stop carnage and fiery showdowns.

🔍 Episode Highlights

 * Ana de Armas Steps Up:
   De Armas brings fierce physicality and layered emotion to Eve, performing most of her own stunts and truly anchoring the action 
 * Action That Pops:
   From flamethrower duels to axe-fueled fights, the action sequences deliver signature Wick-style brutality with inventive choreography and bold camerawork 
 * Tone & Humor:
   Ballerina infuses dry wit and playful nods—like slapstick TV references—offering a refreshing comedic edge amid the pulses of violence 
 * Spinoff Strengths & Weaknesses:
   We debate whether the revenge plot feels recycled, how the supporting characters fare, and where the film stands in comparison to core Wick entries 

📊 Ratings & Reactions

 * Rotten Tomatoes: 75% critics, 93% audience score
 * Metacritic: Mid‑60s, with praise for action, but criticism toward plot depth 

📢 Connect with Us

 * Tommy: @Tommy_Cresta
 * Ryan: @Foran12
 * The Show: @The_Popcorn_Podcast
 * Editor (Colin Gallagher): @colingallagher.3

Episode 173: "Ballerina" Review feat.Iroh

This week on The Popcorn Podcast, Tommy and Ryan delve into the chilling depths of Bring Her Back, the latest horror offering from Australian filmmakers Danny and Michael Philippou, renowned for their breakout hit Talk to Me. This sophomore feature amplifies their signature blend of psychological dread and supernatural terror, delivering a film that is both emotionally resonant and viscerally unsettling.

🎬 Film Overview:
Set against the eerie backdrop of Adelaide, Bring Her Back follows orphaned siblings Andy (Billy Barratt) and Piper (Sora Wong), the latter being visually impaired, as they are placed under the care of the enigmatic foster mother Laura (Sally Hawkins). Laura's seemingly nurturing demeanor masks a sinister obsession with resurrecting her deceased daughter, leading the children into a harrowing journey filled with occult rituals and psychological torment. 

🔍 Episode Highlights:

 * Sally Hawkins' Transformative Performance: Exploring Hawkins' departure from her typical roles to portray the disturbingly complex character of Laura, showcasing her range and depth as an actress.
 * Themes of Grief and Obsession: Analyzing how the film portrays the destructive nature of unresolved grief and the lengths one might go to reclaim lost love.
 * Atmospheric Storytelling: Discussing the Philippou brothers' use of setting, sound design, and pacing to build a pervasive sense of dread throughout the film.
 * Comparative Analysis: Contrasting Bring Her Back with Talk to Me, examining the evolution of the directors' storytelling techniques and thematic focus.

📢 Connect with Us:

 * Tommy: @Tommy_Cresta [https://www.instagram.com/Tommy_Cresta]
 * Ryan: @Foran12 [https://www.instagram.com/Foran12]
 * The Show: @The_Popcorn_Podcast [https://www.instagram.com/The_Popcorn_Podcast]
 * Editor Colin Gallagher: @colingallagher.3 [https://www.instagram.com/colingallagher.3]

Tune in now to hear our in-depth discussion on Bring Her Back, a film that challenges the boundaries of horror and emotional storytelling. Your support keeps the popcorn popping! 🍿

Episode 172: "Bring Her Back" Spoiler Review

This week on The Popcorn Podcast, Tommy and Ryan dive deep into the heart-wrenching and explosive Season 2 finale of The Last of Us, titled "Convergence." The episode delivers a harrowing and emotionally charged climax that both honors and reinterprets its video game origins.

🎮 The Last of Us Season 2 Finale: "Convergence"

In this poignant episode, Ellie and Dina's journey intensifies as they navigate the perilous streets of Seattle. Their bond deepens amidst chaos, highlighted by a heartfelt moment where Ellie serenades Dina with A-ha's "Take On Me" in an abandoned music store. The episode also introduces Isaac Dixon, portrayed by Jeffrey Wright, adding layers to the WLF's complex dynamics.

The finale centers on Ellie’s relentless pursuit of Abby, culminating in a series of tragic events. Ellie inadvertently kills Mel, who is pregnant, deepening her psychological torment. The episode concludes with Abby ambushing Ellie and her group, resulting in Jesse's death and a tense standoff that ends with a gunshot and a cut to black. In a narrative twist mirroring the video game, the episode then shifts to Abby's perspective, marking the beginning of her story arc that will be explored in Season 3.

🎧 Episode Highlights:

 * Ellie & Dina's Evolving Relationship: Exploring their deepening connection amidst the chaos of Seattle.
 * Isaac Dixon's Introduction: Analyzing Jeffrey Wright's portrayal and the implications for the WLF.
 * Abby's Perspective Shift: Discussing the narrative impact of transitioning to Abby's viewpoint.

📢 Connect with Us:

 * Tommy: @Tommy_Cresta [https://www.instagram.com/Tommy_Cresta]
 * Ryan: @Foran12 [https://www.instagram.com/Foran12]
 * The Show: @The_Popcorn_Podcast [https://www.instagram.com/The_Popcorn_Podcast]
 * Editor Colin Gallagher: @colingallagher.3 [https://www.instagram.com/colingallagher.3]

🎬 Tune in now and join the conversation! Your support keeps the popcorn popping! 🍿

Episode 171: "The Last Of Us" Season 2 Finale Review 

🎙️ New Episode Alert! 🎮🍿
This week on The Popcorn Podcast, Tommy and Ryan delve deep into the emotional and narrative complexities of The Last of Us Season 2, Episodes 5 and 6. Prepare for an intense discussion on character development, moral dilemmas, and the evolving dynamics between Joel and Ellie.

🎧 Episode Highlights:

The Last of Us S2E5: "Feel Her Love"
Ellie and Dina's journey intensifies as they navigate the treacherous landscapes of Seattle. The episode showcases their deepening bond, marked by shared confessions and harrowing encounters. A pivotal moment arises when Ellie confronts Nora in a spore-infested hospital, leading to a chilling interrogation that underscores Ellie's descent into vengeance. 

The Last of Us S2E6: "The Price"
A poignant flashback episode that fills the five-year gap between Seasons 1 and 2. Viewers witness the evolving relationship between Joel and Ellie through annual snapshots of Ellie's birthdays. The episode culminates in a heart-wrenching revelation about Joel's past actions, forcing Ellie to grapple with feelings of betrayal and the complexities of love and sacrifice. 

🎮 We're on Twitch!
Join us live for gaming sessions, behind-the-scenes content, and more at @The_Popcorn_Pod.

📸 Stay Connected:

 * Tommy: @Tommy_Cresta [https://www.instagram.com/Tommy_Cresta]
 * Ryan: @Foran12 [https://www.instagram.com/Foran12]
 * The Show: @The_Popcorn_Podcast [https://www.instagram.com/The_Popcorn_Podcast]
 * Editor Colin Gallagher: @colingallagher.3 [https://www.instagram.com/colingallagher.3]

🎬 Tune in now and join the conversation! Your support keeps the popcorn popping! 🍿

Episode 170: "The Last of Us" S2's Episode 5-6 Review

In this spine-tingling episode of The Popcorn Podcast, Tommy ventures into the eerie world of found footage horror, offering his take on The Blackwell Ghost, The Blackwell Ghost 2, and Hell House LLC 2: The Abaddon Hotel. Exploring the blurred lines between reality and fiction, Tommy delves into the unsettling narratives and atmospheric tension that define these films. Whether you're a seasoned horror aficionado or new to the genre, this episode promises insights that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

🎮 We're on Twitch!
Join us live for gaming sessions, behind-the-scenes content, and more at @The_Popcorn_Pod.

📸 Stay Connected:

 * Tommy: @Tommy_Cresta [https://www.instagram.com/Tommy_Cresta]
 * Ryan: @Foran12 [https://www.instagram.com/Foran12]
 * The Show: @The_Popcorn_Podcast [https://www.instagram.com/The_Popcorn_Podcast]
 * Editor Colin Gallagher: @colingallagher.3 [https://www.instagram.com/colingallagher.3]

🎬 Tune in now and join the conversation! Your support keeps the popcorn popping! 🍿

Haunted Frames & Chilling Tales: Tommy's Dive into Found Footage Horror "Letterbox'd Recap"

🎙️ New Episode Alert! 🎮🍿

This week on The Popcorn Podcast, the boys dive into the emotional depths of The Last of Us Season 2, Episode 4, and unpack the latest Marvel ensemble film, Thunderbolts!

🎧 Episode Highlights:

 * The Last of Us S2E4: "Day One"
   Ellie and Dina's journey intensifies as they navigate the perilous streets of Seattle. Their bond deepens amidst chaos, with poignant moments like Ellie serenading Dina and revelations about Ellie's immunity and Dina's pregnancy. The episode also introduces Isaac Dixon, portrayed by Jeffrey Wright, adding layers to the WLF's complex dynamics. 
 * Thunderbolts*
   Marvel's latest ensemble brings together anti-heroes in a gritty narrative. While the film offers a fresh take on familiar characters, some critiques point to underdeveloped arcs and tonal inconsistencies. Nonetheless, performances by Florence Pugh and David Harbour shine through, adding depth to the storyline.

🎮 We're on Twitch!
Join us live for gaming sessions, behind-the-scenes content, and more at @The_Popcorn_Pod.

📸 Stay Connected:

 * Tommy: @Tommy_Cresta [https://www.instagram.com/Tommy_Cresta]
 * Ryan: @Foran12 [https://www.instagram.com/Foran12]
 * The Show: @The_Popcorn_Podcast [https://www.instagram.com/The_Popcorn_Podcast]
 * Editor Colin Gallagher: @colingallagher.3 [https://www.instagram.com/colingallagher.3]

🎬 Tune in now and join the conversation! Your support keeps the popcorn popping! 🍿

Episode 169: "The Thunderbolts*" and "The Last of Us" episode 4 review!

This week on the show the boys review episodes 1-3 of "The Last Of Us" and the final 5 episodes of “Daredevil: Born Again”! This episode was a lot of fun and the boys had a blast recording it! We hope you all enjoy it and we will talk to you later!!

Please Make Sure To Check Out Our Brand New Twitch Channel!!

@The_Popcorn_Pod

Lastly, thanks to our editors Colin Gallagher & Carson Stienstra for making this show happen!

Follow us on Instagram:

Tommy: Tommy_Cresta

The Show: The_Popcorn_Podcast

Ryan: Foran12

Editor: colingallagher.3

Episode 168: "Daredevil Born Again" and "The Last Of Us" Review

Tommy reviews (A Working Man, Drop, Warfare) this week on the show. This episode was a lot of fun, and the boys had a blast recording it! We hope you all enjoy it, and we will talk to you later!!

Please Make Sure To Check Out Our Brand New Twitch Channel!!

@The_Popcorn_Pod

Lastly, thanks to our editor,s Colin Gallagher & Carson Stienstra for making this show happen!

Follow us on Instagram:

Tommy: Tommy_Cresta

The Show: The_Popcorn_Podcast

Ryan: Foran12

Editor: colingallagher.3

Episode 167: Tommy Does A LetterBoxd Recap! (A Working Man, Drop, Warfare)

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