

ReelBlend
CinemaBlend
Welcome to ReelBlend! Join Managing Editor Sean O'Connell (CinemaBlend) and Entertainment Reporters Kevin McCarthy (Fox 5 Washington DC) and Jake Hamilton (Fox 32 News Chicago) as they discuss the latest news, rumors, and movies to hit the big screen. Every week we'll bring you movie reviews, inside looks at the news of the week, stories from the set, and interviews with your favorite filmmakers. Enjoy!
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jun 2, 2021 • 1h 31min
‘The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It’ Director Michael Chaves Guests
The Conjuring franchise’s 8th installment, The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It (starring Vera Farmiga and Patrick Wilson) hits theaters and HBO Max this week, and director Michael Chaves took time to sit down and discuss his process in taking over the core of the franchise from James Wan. We also discuss the triumphant return of the movies with A Quiet Place Part II’s massive opening weekend, AMC’s potential acquisition of ArcLight Cinemas and more. This week’s BlendGame celebrates the Summer season with our favorite films which evoke Summer. Next week, we’re taking a look at the career of Elliot Page, and debated which of their performances is our absolute favorite. Play along on Twitter by sending in your pick using #ElliotPageBlend. This Week In Movies- Samaritan- Spirit Untamed- The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It ReelBlend PremiumSign up for an extra episode a week, a bi-weekly newsletter from Sean, and ad-free episodes at bit.ly/reelblendpremium.ReelBlend on YouTubeBe sure to subscribe to ReelBlend on YouTube (YouTube.com/ReelBlendPodcast) for full episodes of the show in video form. Follow The ShowReelBlend - @ReelBlendSean - @Sean_OConnell Jake - @JakesTakesKevin - @KevinMcCarthyTVGabe - @gabeKovacsReelBlend MerchWe have all kinds of fun merch for dedicated Blenders to flaunt their fandom with pride. (cinemablend.com/shop)Timestamps (approx. only)5:00 - Weekly Poll6:39 - Michael Chaves Interview28:54 - Box Office Roundup42:14 - A Quiet Place Part II Refresh Review52:14 - CinemaCon Returns 55:55 - AMC Acquiring ArcLight Cinemas?1:04: 57 - This Week In Movies1:17:52 - Our Favorite Summer Movies1:28:45 - OutroSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/reelblend/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

May 27, 2021 • 2h 3min
John Krasinski Talks 'A Quiet Place Part II'
Writer/Director/Actor John Krasinski joins the show to discuss A Quiet Place Part II. Last year, before the theater-going industry shuttered, we were able to sit down in person with the director to chat about his horror follow up starring Emily Blunt, Cillian Murphy and Djimon Hounsou. A plethora of new trailers dropped over the past week, so we also give our initial reactions to The Eternals, Last Night In Soho, Gunpowder Milkshake, and The Tomorrow War. We discuss Amazon’s acquiring MGM. Sean finally made it through The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring Extended Edition as part of his Oscars Wager punishment. This week’s BlendGame looks at the tremendous work from Cruella star Emma Stone. Next week, we want to know your favorite movie to watch during or that simply evoke the Summer season. Send in you pick using #SummerMovieBlend on Twitter. This Week In Movies- A Quiet Place Part II- Cruella ReelBlend PremiumSign up for an extra episode a week, a bi-weekly newsletter from Sean, and ad-free episodes at bit.ly/reelblendpremium.ReelBlend on YouTubeBe sure to subscribe to ReelBlend on YouTube (YouTube.com/ReelBlendPodcast) for full episodes of the show in video form. Follow The ShowReelBlend - @ReelBlendSean - @Sean_OConnell Jake - @JakesTakesKevin - @KevinMcCarthyTVGabe - @gabeKovacsReelBlend MerchWe have all kinds of fun merch for dedicated Blenders to flaunt their fandom with pride. (cinemablend.com/shop)Timestamps (approx. only)5:15 - Weekly Poll10:01 - John Krasinski Interview44:59 - Marvel’s The Eternals Trailer56:17 - Last Night In Soho Trailer1:04:23 - Gunpowder Milkshake Trailer1:07:17 - The Tomorrow War Trailer1:14:33 - Amazon Buys MGM1:21:06 - Our Oscar Wager Punishments 1:32:26 - A Quiet Place Part II Review1:42:52 - Cruella Review1:48:16 - Our Favorite Emma Stone Movies2:00:08 - OutroSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/reelblend/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

May 19, 2021 • 1h 22min
Zack Snyder's 'Army of the Dead' Review & 'Dear Evan Hansen' Trailer Reaction
On this week’s show, Kevin returns with his review of Zack Snyder’s Army of the Dead, and the guys debate why the film only landed a 4/5 stars in each of their reviews. We also react to new trailers for Dear Evan Hansen starring Ben Platt, and Snake Eyes starring Henry Golding.Sean caught up with Joe Wright’s The Woman in the Window which hit Netflix last week, and things did not go so well. Also, some major industry news dropped late last week that Disney would be shrinking its theatrical release window to 45 days from the traditional 90, and we discuss what that might mean moving forward. This week’s BlendGame has us scouring over the filmography of one of our favorites, and former guest Zack Snyder. Next week, we have to decide which of Emma Stone’s performances is our absolute favorite, and you can play along at home by tweeting in your pick using #EmmaStoneBlend.ReelBlend PremiumSign up for an extra episode a week, a bi-weekly newsletter from Sean, and ad-free episodes at bit.ly/reelblendpremium.ReelBlend on YouTubeBe sure to subscribe to ReelBlend on YouTube (YouTube.com/ReelBlendPodcast) for full episodes of the show in video form. Follow The ShowReelBlend - @ReelBlendSean - @Sean_OConnell Jake - @JakesTakesKevin - @KevinMcCarthyTVGabe - @gabeKovacsReelBlend MerchWe have all kinds of fun merch for dedicated Blenders to flaunt their fandom with pride. (cinemablend.com/shop)Timestamps (approx. only)3:07 - Weekly Poll8:33 - Dear Evan Hansen Trailer Reaction20:47 - Snake Eyes Trailer Reaction23:33 - John Boyega Returning For Attack The Block 226:46 - Disney’s Shrinks Theatrical Window34:28 - Leslie Odom Jr. Cast In Knives Out 238:21 - The Woman in the Window Review47:47 - Army of the Dead Review58:00 - Favorite Zack Snyder Movies1:14:05 - OutroSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/reelblend/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

May 13, 2021 • 1h 41min
'Spiral' Director Darren Bousman Talks Chris Rock, Gory 'Saw' Traps And More
Spiral director Darren Bousman joins the show to discuss working with Chris Rock, Samuel L. Jackson and Max Minghella on this new spin on the Saw franchise. We discuss how they design the various traps from across the series of films, he shares a jaw-dropping story about the work that went into creating Saw II’s infamous syringe set piece and more. Stay tuned to our YouTube channel for some additional spoiler conversation from our interview with Darren which is not included in this episode. This includes Darren showing us is collection of Saw props and prosthetics from over the years of working on the franchise. It’s incredible. Also on this week’s show, we review Zack Snyder’s Army of the Dead, we discuss the controversy surrounding the Golden Globes and whether they will ever recover, the trailers for Venom 2 and The Green Knight. This week’s BlendGame focuses on Angelina Jolie’s filmography. Next week, we celebrate the films of one our favorites, Zack Snyder. Tweet at us using #ZackSnyderBlend, and let us know which of his films is your favorite! ReelBlend Premium!Sign up for an extra episode a week, a bi-weekly newsletter from Sean, and ad-free episodes at bit.ly/reelblendpremium.ReelBlend on YouTubeBe sure to subscribe to ReelBlend on YouTube (YouTube.com/ReelBlendPodcast) for full episodes of the show in video form. Follow The ShowReelBlend - @ReelBlendSean - @Sean_OConnell Jake - @JakesTakesKevin - @KevinMcCarthyTVGabe - @gabeKovacsReelBlend MerchWe have all kinds of fun merch for dedicated Blenders to flaunt their fandom with pride. (cinemablend.com/shop)Timestamps (approx. only)3:57 - Weekly Poll: Will past Andrew Garfield be in Spider-Man: No Way Home?13:02 - Darren Bousman Interview32:47 - Venom 2 Trailer 51:58 - The Green Knight Trailer58:00 - Golden Globes Controversy1:08:01 - This Week In Movies1:33:12 - Our Favorite Angelina Jolie1:38:50 - OutroSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/reelblend/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

May 4, 2021 • 1h 22min
David Oyelowo Talks Directing ‘The Water Man’ And Marvel Phase 4 Teaser
David Oyelowo joins the show to discuss his directorial debut feature The Water Man. The film which critics are describing as “Spielbergian” stars Rosario Dawson, Maria Bello, Alfred Molina and David Oyelowo himself. David shares an incredible behind-the-scenes story about how he was thrust into the director’s chair just before filming, his principles for telling a “live-action Pixar” story and more. Marvel dropped dates and footage from across their Phase 4 slate, but we also discuss some notable titles that were left out. Sean and Gabe give their final thoughts on Invincible’s first season following the finale and announcement that Amazon had ordered at least 2 more seasons for their streaming platform. While Jake and Kevin were able to catch up on The Mitchells vs The Machines which dropped last week on Netflix, and give their thoughts on what has become one of their favorites of the year so far. This Week In MoviesHere TodayMainstream (limited)The Paper Tigers (limited)Monster (Netflix)Wrath of ManThe Water ManReelBlend Premium!Sign up for an extra episode a week, a bi-weekly newsletter from Sean, and ad-free episodes at bit.ly/reelblendpremium.ReelBlend on YouTubeBe sure to subscribe to ReelBlend on YouTube (YouTube.com/ReelBlendPodcast) for full episodes of the show in video form. Follow The ShowReelBlend - @ReelBlendSean - @Sean_OConnell Jake - @JakesTakesKevin - @KevinMcCarthyTVGabe - @gabeKovacsReelBlend MerchWe have all kinds of fun merch for dedicated Blenders to flaunt their fandom with pride. (cinemablend.com/shop)Timestamps (approx. only)3:42 - Weekly Poll: Which May film are you most excited for?7:31 - David Oyelowo Interview24:28 - Marvel’s Phase 4 Teaser37:57 - Tom Hanks’ Bios To Apple TV+49:26 - Invincible Finale56:57 - The Michells vs. The Machines 1:04:41 - This Week In Movies1:15:30 - Favorite David Oyelowo 1:21:05 - Outro Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/reelblend/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Apr 30, 2021 • 1h 27min
Marvel Talk With 'Falcon And Winter Soldier' Director Kari Skogland
Kari Skogland, director of the Disney+ Marvel series The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, joins the show to discuss the series finale, the brutal bloody shield scene, where Steve Rogers might be and whether or not she’s interested in directing Captain America 4. The awards season came to a close with the Academy Awards broadcast, and so we give our final thoughts on what was a rather lacking show. Also, Jake won the Oscars wager yet again this year, and he reveals what Sean and Kevin will have to watch. This week’s BlendGame features the work of writer/director Edgar Wright in celebration of Scott Pilgrim vs The World’s 10th anniversary. Next week, we are looking at the filmography of David Oyelowo who will be joining the show to talk about his new film The Water Man. Send in your picks using #DavidOyelowoBlend. This Week In Movies- Limbo (limited)- Separation- Things Heard and Seen (Netflix)- Without Remorse (Amazon Prime Video)- Scott Pilgrim vs the World 10th AnniversaryReelBlend Premium!Sign up for an extra episode a week, a bi-weekly newsletter from Sean, and ad-free episodes at bit.ly/reelblendpremium.ReelBlend on YouTubeBe sure to subscribe to ReelBlend on YouTube (YouTube.com/ReelBlendPodcast) for full episodes of the show in video form. Follow The ShowReelBlend - @ReelBlendSean - @Sean_OConnell Jake - @JakesTakesKevin - @KevinMcCarthyTVGabe - @gabeKovacsReelBlend MerchWe have all kinds of fun merch for dedicated Blenders to flaunt their fandom with pride. (cinemablend.com/shop)Timestamps (approx. only)2:35 - Weekly Poll: How was The Falcon and The Winter Soldier series?4:28 - Kari Skogland Interview32:40 - The Falcon and The Winter Soldier Review43:07 - Academy Awards Wrap-up 59:11 - Westside Story Teaser Reactions1:05:43 - This Week In Movies1:13:50 - Favorite Edgar Wright1:23:10 - Outro Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/reelblend/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Apr 28, 2021 • 19min
BAFTA-Nominated 'Limbo' With Director Ben Sharrock
BAFTA-nominated writer/director Ben Sharrock joins Sean for a discussion on his debut film Limbo about a Syrian refugees seeking asylum in Scotland. They discuss the film’s use of a taller aspect ration to convey a sense of othering, the film’s crazy run through the film festival and awards circuit, and more. ReelBlend Premium!Sign up for an extra episode a week, a bi-weekly newsletter from Sean, and ad-free episodes at bit.ly/reelblendpremium.ReelBlend on YouTubeBe sure to subscribe to ReelBlend on YouTube (YouTube.com/ReelBlendPodcast) for full episodes of the show in video form. Follow The ShowReelBlend - @ReelBlendSean - @Sean_OConnell Jake - @JakesTakesKevin - @KevinMcCarthyTVGabe - @gabeKovacsReelBlend MerchWe have all kinds of fun merch for dedicated Blenders to flaunt their fandom with pride. (cinemablend.com/shop)Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/reelblend/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Apr 22, 2021 • 1h 52min
Mortal Kombat Director Simon McQuoid And Our Annual Oscar-Prediction Contest
Mortal Kombat director Simon McQuoid joins the show! We chat about adapting the iconic video game franchise, and creating edge-of-your-seat fight scenes. He also gets into the details behind deciding which of the fan-favorite characters had to bite the dust, and how they set themselves up for a sequel. We also get into some spoilers about the movie’s new character it’s introducing to the franchise, but don’t worry this episode is spoiler free. Keep an eye on our social channels for that clip to drop after the movie is release this weekend. If that wasn’t enough for you, we also have our annual Oscars predictions segment in which the guys lock in their final predictions for who will take home each award at this year’s ceremony. Whoever gets the most correct will get to subject the others to a viewing of a movie of their choosing…however terrible or horrifying it may be. This Week In Movies- Demon Slayer The Movie: Mugen Train- Together Together (limited) - Mortal KombatReelBlend PremiumSign up for an extra episode a week, a bi-weekly newsletter from Sean, and ad-free episodes at bit.ly/reelblendpremium.ReelBlend on YouTubeBe sure to subscribe to ReelBlend on YouTube (YouTube.com/ReelBlendPodcast) for full episodes of the show in video form. Follow The ShowReelBlend - @ReelBlendSean - @Sean_OConnell Jake - @JakesTakesKevin - @KevinMcCarthyTVGabe - @gabeKovacsReelBlend MerchWe have all kinds of fun merch for dedicated Blenders to flaunt their fandom with pride. (cinemablend.com/shop)Timestamps (approx. only)3:04 - Weekly Poll6:29 - Simon McQuoid Interview35:34 - Final Oscars Predictions1:23:22 - This Week In Movies1:34:30 - Favorite Michael Giacchino1:43:43 - OutroSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/reelblend/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Apr 14, 2021 • 1h 31min
Ben Wheatley Talks In The Earth, The Meg 2 & F9 Trailer Reactions
Writer/director Ben Wheatley joins the show to chat about his new horror film In the Earth which he wrote and shot in the past year while some of his larger projects have been put on hold. He discusses some of the film’s visual tricks, the origins of the story and characters, working under strict safety protocols and how that might change the outlook of The Meg 2. In the main show, we react to the new trailer for Zack Snyder’s upcoming zombie action flick Army of the Dead, as well as the trailer for F9. Paramount recently shifted their release calendar seemingly in light of Disney’s recent theatrical shift. And finally, we debate our favorite performances from Oscar Isaac. Next week, we’re looking to the incredible work from renowned composer, and friend of the show Michael Giacchino. Send in your favorite score or movie scored by Giacchino using #MichaelGiacchinoBlend on Twitter. This Week In Movies - SAS: Red Notice- Monday- In the EarthReelBlend PremiumSign up for an extra episode a week, a bi-weekly newsletter from Sean, and ad-free episodes at bit.ly/reelblendpremium.ReelBlend on YouTubeBe sure to subscribe to ReelBlend on YouTube (YouTube.com/ReelBlendPodcast) for full episodes of the show in video form. Follow The ShowReelBlend - @ReelBlendSean - @Sean_OConnell Jake - @JakesTakesKevin - @KevinMcCarthyTVGabe - @gabeKovacsReelBlend MerchWe have all kinds of fun merch for dedicated Blenders to flaunt their fandom with pride. (cinemablend.com/shop)Timestamps (approx. only)4:43 - Weekly Poll: How excited are you for Indiana Jones 5?15:32 - Ben Wheatley Interview38:43 - Army of the Dead Trailer49:45 - F9 Trailer1:00:15 - Top Gun and More Shift1:09:59 - This Week In Movies1:16: 25 - Favorite Oscar Isaac1:29:53 - OutroSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/reelblend/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Apr 8, 2021 • 1h 51min
Voyagers Director Neil Burger Talks Colin Farrell, Christopher Nolan & More
Writer/director Neil Burger joins the show to discuss his new movie Voyagers (starring Colin Farrell, Tye Sheridan, Lily-Rose Depp) which hits theaters this week. He talks about the film’s resemblance to Lord of the Flies, Colin Farrell’s impact on set and more. We also get into some of his previous works discussing whether we’ll ever get the final Divergent film, and what it was like releasing The Illusionist weeks before Christopher Nolan’s The Prestige. Additionally, while Sean is away with family, Jake leads us through the main topics of the show including the SAG Awards, that odd Ghostbusters clip and we talk all things Godzilla vs Kong. This week’s BlendGame features the incredible career of Kate Winslet. Next week, we are celebrating the work of Oscar Isaac. Send us your favorite movie or performance from the actor using #OscarIsaacBlendReelBlend Premium!Sign up for an extra episode a week, a bi-weekly newsletter from Sean, and ad-free episodes at bit.ly/reelblendpremium.ReelBlend on YouTubeBe sure to subscribe to ReelBlend on YouTube (YouTube.com/ReelBlendPodcast) for full episodes of the show in video form. Follow The ShowReelBlend - @ReelBlendSean - @Sean_OConnell Jake - @JakesTakesKevin - @KevinMcCarthyTVGabe - @gabeKovacsReelBlend MerchWe have all kinds of fun merch for dedicated Blenders to flaunt their fandom with pride. (cinemablend.com/shop)Timestamps (approx. only)2:56 - Weekly Poll: Where are you watching Godzilla vs. Kong6:34 - Neil Burger Interview40:13 - SAG Awards Reactions52:29 - New Ghostbusters Clip1:01:34 - Godzilla vs. Kong Box Office and Review1:31:39 - Favorite Kate Winslet Movie1:48:27 - OutroSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/reelblend/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy