Rogue Reviews

Three years on, with final seasons looming for some of the decade’s biggest series, 2022 suddenly looks like a golden year for television. Stranger Things went supersized and scarier than ever, The Boys swung harder at superhero sacred cows, Obi-Wan Kenobi gave prequel kids the reunion they’d waited decades for, and James Gunn somehow turned John Cena in a toilet-seat helmet into one of the most compelling anti-heroes on screen.Here’s why these four shows still demand your attention (and a rewatch) before their stories close for good. Fast-forward to hear about:01:50: Stranger Things – Season 4 (2022)17:32: Obi-Wan Kenobi – Season 1 (2022)37:00: The Boys – Season 3 (2022)57:07: Peacemaker – Season 1 (2022) Rogue Reviews is produced by Urban Podcasts.Recorded on the 11 August 2022 © Rogue Reviews.

Dan Trachtenberg returns after Prey and flips the entire franchise on its head: this time the Predator himself is the protagonist – a young, exiled Yautja forced to survive on a desolate planet with only a sarcastic, broken-down android as backup. Starring Elle Fanning as the android sidekick, Badlands is the first ever 12A-rated Predator film: no humans, no blood, no gore, just heart, humour, mech-suit showdowns and a surprisingly emotional journey of growth.We dive into whether Disney has actually pulled off a family-friendly Predator that still works, if the lack of human prey is a genius workaround or a betrayal, how it sets up the inevitable Alien crossover, and whether the ruthless, testosterone-fuelled original can (or should) coexist with this new cuddly, kid-accessible version that both of us (and our kids) ended up loving.Rogue Reviews is produced by Urban Podcasts.Recorded on the 15 November 2025 © Rogue Reviews.

A House of Dynamite imagines a nightmare scenario where US government and military officials race against the clock to intercept an unidentified nuclear missile bound for American soil. Directed by Kathryn Bigelow and featuring an ensemble cast including Idris Elba, Rebecca Ferguson, Gabriel Basso, Jared Harris, and Tracy Letts, the film unfolds in near real-time, blending documentary-style realism with escalating global stakes.We break down its grounded tension, innovative three-perspective structure, exploration of nuclear policy and decision-making madness, and whether it veers into preachiness or stays balanced in portraying a world on the brink.Rogue Reviews is produced by Urban Podcasts.Recorded on the 5 November 2025 © Rogue Reviews.

Black Phone 2 is Scott Derrickson’s supernatural horror sequel to the 2021 breakout hit. Four years on, Finn battles PTSD while sister Gwen’s visions lead them to a haunted Christian camp, with Ethan Hawke’s Grabber returning in ghostly, dream-invading form.We debate whether this expansion justifies its existence and dissect its shift from subtle chills to Nightmare on Elm Street-style spectacle.Rogue Reviews is produced by Urban Podcasts.Recorded on the 27 October 2025 © Rogue Reviews.

"End of Line." Time to plug into the digital frontier with Tron: Ares and see if this third film from Disney's sci-fi franchise will be its last, or the beginning of a new era for the film series. Directed by Joachim Rønning and starring Jared Leto, Greta Lee, Jodie Turner-Smith and Jeff Bridges, Tron: Ares ventures out of the grid and into the real world, aiming to revive a legacy that began in 1982.We explore how the film dazzles visually, whether it captures the spirit of the original Tron, and why story and character depth might be where this sleek blockbuster stumbles.Rogue Reviews is produced by Urban Podcasts.Recorded on the 18 October 2025 © Rogue Reviews.

"If it bleeds, we can kill it." With Predator: Badlands arriving in theatres soon, we thought now would be a good time to share our review of Prey (2022), which we recorded three years ago. Directed by Dan Trachtenberg, the film rewinds the clock to the 1700s, following Naru (Amber Midthunder), a young Comanche warrior who must face a fearsome alien hunter to protect her people.From stripped-back storytelling and stunning landscapes to clever nods to the 1987 original, we share why Prey succeeds where so many recent franchise entries have stumbled.Rogue Reviews is produced by Urban Podcasts.Recorded on the 3 September 2022 © Rogue Reviews.

"There's one winner and no finish line.” We review The Long Walk (2025), Francis Lawrence’s tense and stripped-back adaptation of Stephen King’s dystopian novel. Set in a totalitarian America, the film follows a brutal contest where a hundred young men must keep walking - or be shot - until only one remains. Starring Cooper Hoffman, David Johnson, Garrett Waring, Charlie Plummer, Roman Griffin-Davis, Judy Greer and Mark Hamill, this is a story about endurance, control, and quiet rebellion.We explore how Lawrence turns a minimalist concept into a grim and gripping drama - relying not on spectacle, but on character, tension and the terrifying simplicity of the premise. From emotional performances to the film’s stark social commentary, we break down what works, what drags, and why this may be one of the more faithful and unsettling King adaptations in recent years.Rogue Reviews is produced by Urban Podcasts.Recorded on the 11 October 2025 © Rogue Reviews.

The knives are out and there's a mystery to solve, as we unpack the Glass Onion - Rian Johnson’s bold sequel to his modern whodunit hit. Daniel Craig returns as the irresistibly eccentric detective Benoit Blanc, this time solving a murder amid the glossy chaos of a billionaire’s Greek island getaway. With Edward Norton leading a cast of suspects including Janelle Monáe, Kate Hudson, and Dave Bautista, the film swaps dusty mansions for dazzling modern excess - and peels back the layers of wealth, power, and stupidity one by one.We explore how Glass Onion builds on (and sometimes outshines) the original Knives Out: from the colourful new cast of egos to the shift from intimate family drama to social satire. There’s sharp debate over whether its sun-drenched island and loud personalities elevate or dilute the classic whodunit feel and, of course, plenty of appreciation for Craig’s southern-fried sleuthing charm.Rogue Reviews is produced by Urban Podcasts.Recorded on the 17 January 2023 © Rogue Reviews.

Sometimes the most terrifying monster isn’t supernatural at all, but the neighbour you wave to every morning.In this episode of Rogue Reviews, we dive into The Black Phone (2021), Scott Derrickson’s chilling horror film starring Ethan Hawke. Set in the late 70s, the story follows Finney, a kidnapped boy held captive by “The Grabber,” and his desperate fight for survival aided by ghostly voices from beyond. With Derrickson’s sharp writing, a strong child cast, and a grimly authentic period setting, this is more than just another ghost story - it’s a grounded, unnerving tale of resilience and terror.From the unsettling realism of Hawke’s masked villain, to the clever narrative payoff, to the unnerving parallels with real-life fears of the era, we break down why The Black Phone works as one of Blumhouse’s most effective horror outings.Rogue Reviews is produced by Urban Podcasts.Recorded on the 4 July 2022 © Rogue Reviews.

Taking a break from the movies to dive into the world of television - we share our spoiler-free thoughts on the shows that have dominated our watchlists over the past year. From sci-fi epics to gritty thrillers, detective dramas to anime, we explore which series are worth your time in today’s crowded streaming landscape.We dive into Alien Earth, Andor, Alice in Borderland, The Assassin and many more. Think of this as your spoiler-free guide to what’s hot (and what’s not) in TV right now.Rogue Reviews is produced by Urban Podcasts.Recorded on the 18 September 2025 © Rogue Reviews.

Richard Osman's popular cosy crime novel is brought to life in this Netflix adaptation of The Thursday Murder Club. Directed by Chris Columbus and starring Helen Mirren, Pierce Brosnan, Ben Kingsley, Celia Imrie, and David Tennant, the film brings together four retirees who accidentally stumble into a real-life murder mystery.We explore whether this star-studded whodunit delivers on the charm of the books or feels more like a Sunday night ITV drama. From faithfulness to the source material, to the chemistry of the cast, to the lightness of its tone, we break down what works, what doesn’t, and why it might be best suited as a miniseries rather than a feature film.Rogue Reviews is produced by Urban Podcasts.Recorded on the 7 September 2025 © Rogue Reviews.

"Hutch is back." We both liked the first movie, so when a sequel arrived in the cinema in the form of Nobody 2 (2025), we had to have a watch. Directed by Timo Johanto and starring Bob Odenkirk, Connie Nielsen, and Sharon Stone, we break down the story of a retired assassin dragged back into chaos during a family holiday, sharing spoiler-free takes before spoiling the twists.We explore the film's wild fights, solid supporting cast like RZA and Colin Salmon, and how it stacks up to the original.Rogue Reviews is produced by Urban Podcasts.Recorded on the 25 August 2025 © Rogue Reviews.

You've seen it a hundred times before in a hundred different movies – aliens arrive on Earth, humans fight back, a hero saves the day – and now, in 2025, that hero is the desk-bound tech genius William Radford. War of the Worlds is an Amazon original movie, directed by Rich Lee and starring Ice Cube and Eva Longoria. An adaptation of HG Wells' novel, it follows a Homeland Security analyst battling aliens via his computer while protecting his family.We explore its notorious reputation as the year's worst film, its unintentional humour, and comparisons to other adaptations like the 2005 Tom Cruise version and a BBC miniseries.Rogue Reviews is produced by Urban Podcasts.Recorded on the 17 August 2025 © Rogue Reviews.

What if a vanishing act could unlock layers of dread? In this episode of Rogue Reviews, we explore Weapons (2025), Zach Cregger's chilling follow-up to Barbarian. Directed and written by Cregger, it centres on a small town’s nightmare as 17 children disappear overnight, featuring standout performances from Josh Brolin, Julia Garner, and more.We delve into the film’s gripping premise, powerful acting, and inventive structure, while questioning if this bold vision redefines the horror genre.Rogue Reviews is produced by Urban Podcasts.Recorded on the 16 August 2025 © Rogue Reviews.

We review three movies that blend action and comedy in very different ways. First up is The Naked Gun with Liam Neeson, followed by the animated adventure KPop Demon Hunters and finally, Heads of State starring John Cena, Idris Elba and Priyanka Chopra Jonas.We explore The Naked Gun's rapid-fire gags and cameos, KPop Demon Hunters energetic storytelling despite pacing hiccups, and Heads of State's exciting sequences balanced with banter.Fast-forward to hear about:01:07: The Naked Gun (2025)16:33: KPop Demon Hunters (2025)30:02: Heads of State (2025) Rogue Reviews is produced by Urban Podcasts.Recorded on the 10 August 2025 © Rogue Reviews.

Does The Fantastic Four: First Steps bring Marvel’s First Family back to life? This retro-futuristic reboot throws Reed Richards and his crew into a bold, 1960s-inspired world buzzing with quirky tech and metahumans. Facing off against a cosmic threat, the cast delivers sparking chemistry, blending epic action with heartfelt vibes that feel like Guardians of the Galaxy.In this episode we share our thoughts on the vibrant design and tight-knit team dynamic, with themes of family and sacrifice hitting home. But does the packed plot hold it back, or is this the fresh start Marvel fans crave?Rogue Reviews is produced by Urban Podcasts.Recorded on the 3 August 2025 © Rogue Reviews.

Can a high-octane racing film like F1 ignite excitement without breaking new ground? This sports drama follows Sonny Hayes (Brad Pitt), a veteran driver, as he returns to the high-stakes world of Formula 1. Heart-pounding race sequences, captured with innovative cameras at real Grand Prix events, channel the intensity of classics like Ford v Ferrari and Rush, merging raw emotion with cutting-edge tech for electrifying thrills. The dynamic ensemble, including Joshua Pearce (Damson Idris), a brash rookie, and Kate (Kerry Condon), a sharp-witted technical director, lifts the tale of mentorship and redemption above familiar tropes.F1 balances adrenaline-fuelled action with well-worn storytelling, spotlighting the sport’s strategic complexity while honouring F1 legends like Lewis Hamilton, who serves as producer. As a bold, original blockbuster, F1 delivers a gripping, gear-shifting spectacle - but does it cross the finish line as a game-changer for cinematic storytelling?Rogue Reviews is produced by Urban Podcasts.Recorded on the 25 July 2025 © Rogue Reviews.

Can a new Superman inspire hope or falter under ambition? In this episode of Rogue Reviews, we dive into James Gunn’s vibrant reboot of the Man of Steel, launching the new DC Universe. We explore David Corenswet’s youthful, optimistic Superman navigating a lively world of metahumans and modern challenges like social media. Comparing it to Christopher Reeve’s iconic 1978 performance, we discuss how Gunn’s colourful vision departs from the darker Snyderverse, while tackling a bold twist to Superman’s Kryptonian origins.The film’s messy yet fun energy shines through Nicholas Hoult’s envious Lex Luthor and quirky heroes like Mr. Terrific. With echoes of Gunn’s Guardians of the Galaxy style, we debate if this Superman delivers a fresh start or leaves us wanting more, reflecting on its mix of nostalgia, humanity, and the weight of launching a cinematic universe.Rogue Reviews is produced by Urban Podcasts.Recorded on the 21 July 2025 © Rogue Reviews.

Can a fresh Jurassic adventure recapture the thrill of dinosaurs roaming wild, or is the franchise stuck in its own fossilised rut? In this episode of Rogue Reviews, we unpack Jurassic World: Rebirth, the latest chapter in the saga directed by Gareth Edwards.We dive into how it strips back the chaos of previous films for a straightforward monster hunt, mixing high-stakes action with nods to classics like Jaws, while debating if Scarlett Johansson and Mahershala Ali’s star power elevates a formulaic plot.Rogue Reviews is produced by Urban Podcasts.Recorded on the 15 July 2025 © Rogue Reviews. 

Has the zombie apocalypse evolved into something truly terrifying? In this episode of Rogue Reviews, we unpack 28 Years Later, Danny Boyle's return to the rage-virus world after two decades. We explore how the third film shakes up the franchise with fresh horrors, smartphone-shot visuals, and a story flipping survival and isolation in quarantined Britain.With standout performances by Jodie Comer, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, and Ralph Fiennes, plus chase scenes redefining zombie terror, we share our thoughts on the wild ending, speculate on sequels, and highlight British history Easter eggs that might baffle non-UK viewers.Rogue Reviews is produced by Urban Podcasts.Recorded on the 08 July 2025 © Rogue Reviews.