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© Matthew Osten
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Thumb War is your weekly showdown over movies, streaming series, and pop culture mayhem. Rachel and JD dive into what’s worth watching (and what deserves jail time), dishing out unfiltered recaps, reviews, and cinematic chaos. Smart-ish, savage-ish, and spoiler-heavy.
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The Oscars are done — and we’re breaking it all down.
On this episode of Thumb War, we react to the 98th Academy Awards, covering the biggest winners, surprising snubs, funniest moments, and a few truly baffling choices.
We also get into:
Red carpet hits and misses
The best (and worst) bits from the broadcast
Musical performances that worked… and didn’t
Why Oscar clips keep spoiling entire movies
And one of the best acceptance speeches of the night
Plus: technical difficulties, streaming frustrations, and a whole lot of opinions.
Available on YouTube, Apple Podcasts & Spotify
Support the show on Patreon for ad-free episodes & bonus content : http://bit.ly/44Mo8xU
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On this episode of Thumb War, JD and Rachel review the movie The Bride!, Maggie Gyllenhaal’s ambitious reimagining of the Frankenstein story.
With a star-studded cast and big ideas about feminism, identity, and classic movie monsters, the film certainly swings for the fences.
But does it actually work?
We discuss the movie’s wild tonal shifts, confusing narrative, memorable performances from Jessie Buckley and Christian Bale, and why audiences seem so divided on the film.
Available on YouTube, Apple Podcasts & Spotify
Support the show on Patreon for ad-free episodes & bonus content : http://bit.ly/44Mo8xU
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Full Thumb War episode out now. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
The Oscars are almost here, which means it’s time to make our predictions.
JD and Rachel are joined by resident film expert DanDan The Pieman to break down the biggest categories at the 98th Academy Awards. We debate who should win, who will win, and which nominees might pull off an upset.
Along the way we talk about the strangest Oscar nominees, the brutal emotional gauntlet of the short film categories, and the movies that might dominate this year’s ceremony.
If you’re filling out an Oscar ballot or office pool, this episode might help you make a few smart picks.
Available on YouTube, Apple Podcasts & Spotify
Support the show on Patreon for ad-free episodes & bonus content : http://bit.ly/44Mo8xU
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Email us: ThumbWarPod@gmail.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Send Help is Sam Raimi in full “fun mode” — gross, funny, mean, and extremely satisfying.
On Thumb War, we break down Raimi’s return to crowd-pleasing horror, Rachel McAdams’ anti-hero arc, Survivor energy, island mind games, and why this movie works so well.
Available on YouTube, Apple Podcasts & Spotify
Support the show on Patreon for ad-free episodes & bonus content : http://bit.ly/44Mo8xU
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Email us: ThumbWarPod@gmail.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
This week’s Patreon-only Thumb War is very a late February check-in — no formal review, just conversation.
We talk about:
Trivia and random pop-culture facts
Splitsville mini-review
Travel stories and side quests
Media overload and burnout
BAFTA Awards conversation and online reactions
Letting conversations breathe instead of spiraling
Loose and thoughtful— a classic Patreon hang.
Full Patreon chaos on Thumb War.
Like, subscribe, and let us know what you think.
Ad-free episodes + bonus content on Patreon: http://bit.ly/44Mo8xU Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Starfleet Academy Episode 7 | Back to Being Boring
After a brief uptick last week, Starfleet Academy Episode 7 drops right back into its worst instincts.
On this episode of Thumb War, we unpack why the show’s teen-drama focus, disconnected plots, and deeply questionable character choices make this one of the most frustrating episodes of the season — and why we’re seriously debating whether to keep watching at all.
When nothing happens, and nothing makes sense, it’s hard to stay invested.
Available on YouTube, Apple Podcasts & Spotify
Support the show on Patreon for ad-free episodes & bonus content : http://bit.ly/44Mo8xU
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Full Thumb War episode out now. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
The Season 1 finale of A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms proves that you don’t need dragons or explosions to deliver a powerful ending.
On this episode of Thumb War, we unpack the emotional aftermath of the Trial of Seven, Dunk’s unwavering principles, Egg’s painful growth, and why this quiet, character-driven finale feels like classic Game of Thrones at its best.
A beautiful ending — and a thrilling beginning.
Available on YouTube, Apple Podcasts & Spotify
Support the show on Patreon for ad-free episodes & bonus content : http://bit.ly/44Mo8xU
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Episode 6 of Star Trek: Starfleet Academy is the best episode of the season so far — which only highlights how badly the show was set up in the first place.
On this episode of Thumb War, we dig into why this finally feels like Star Trek, why it immediately falls apart under scrutiny, and how nostalgia, logic gaps, and baffling character choices keep undermining the series.
It’s better.
It’s still broken.
And it should’ve happened way earlier.
Available on YouTube, Apple Podcasts & Spotify
Support the show on Patreon for ad-free episodes & bonus content : http://bit.ly/44Mo8xU
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Good Luck, Have Fun, Don’t Die is a sci-fi comedy that feels silly, stressful, and uncomfortably relevant all at once.
On this episode of Thumb War, we dig into Gore Verbinski’s return, Sam Rockwell’s charisma, Juno Temple’s emotional core, and why this movie’s AI-driven “happy ending” might be the scariest part of all.
It’s not subtle — but it is effective.
Available on YouTube, Apple Podcasts & Spotify
Support the show on Patreon for ad-free episodes & bonus content : http://bit.ly/44Mo8xU
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Full Thumb War episode out now. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
We’re saying it out loud — and early: Nirvanna the Band the Show the Movie is the best movie we’re going to see this year.
On this episode of Thumb War, we break down the film’s impossible ambition, guerrilla filmmaking genius, time-travel chaos, and why this deeply specific Canadian comedy somehow feels universal. It’s hilarious, heartfelt, and a reminder of what theatrical comedies can still be.
If it’s playing near you, go see it with a crowd. Immediately.
Available on YouTube, Apple Podcasts & Spotify
Support the show on Patreon for ad-free episodes & bonus content : http://bit.ly/44Mo8xU
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Email us: ThumbWarPod@gmail.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
The penultimate episode of A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms delivers one of the most intense, exhausting battle sequences the franchise has ever attempted.
On this episode of Thumb War, we break down the Trial of Seven, the puke-filled chaos, Dunk’s disorienting POV, brutal flashbacks, and why this episode might be the best battle Westeros has ever seen.
It’s gory, emotional, and unforgettable — and it sets the stage for a devastating finale.
Available on YouTube, Apple Podcasts & Spotify
Support the show on Patreon for ad-free episodes & bonus content : http://bit.ly/44Mo8xU
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Emerald Fennell’s Wuthering Heights is messy, heat, confrontational, and absolutely not interested in pleasing everyone.
On this episode of Thumb War, we break down Fennell’s bold interpretation of the Brontë classic — from erotic denial and cruelty-as-romance to audience backlash, Valentine’s Day chaos, and why this movie feels designed to make people uncomfortable.
Is it brilliant? Is it too much? Or is that the whole idea?
Available on YouTube, Apple Podcasts & Spotify
Support the show on Patreon for ad-free episodes & bonus content : http://bit.ly/44Mo8xU
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Leave a 5-star review if you’re enjoying Thumb War
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Full Thumb War episode out now. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Episodes 4 and 5 of Star Trek: Starfleet Academy lean heavily on legacy name-drops and Deep Space Nine nostalgia — but is that enough?
In this episode of Thumb War, we break down the hologram storyline that doesn’t hold up, the Klingon cultural pivot, the triad reveal, and why Episode 5 might be the most frustrating (and maybe most boring) chapter of the season so far.
We want to love new Star Trek. But honoring the past means more than just referencing it.
Is this bold evolution… or just confused storytelling? Let us know what you think.
Available on YouTube, Apple Podcasts & Spotify
Support the show on Patreon for ad-free episodes & bonus content : http://bit.ly/44Mo8xU
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Leave a 5-star review if you’re enjoying Thumb War
Email us: ThumbWarPod@gmail.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
We’re officially gushing — and in Westeros, that’s never a good sign.
In this episode of Thumb War, we dive into Episode 4 of A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, breaking down why the show feels so emotionally locked in right now, how Dunk & Egg’s relationship continues to deepen, and why the approaching Trial of Seven has us bracing for real consequences.
It’s a near-perfect episode of television — warm, funny, thoughtful, and quietly terrifying in what it’s setting up next.
Available on YouTube, Apple Podcasts & Spotify
Support the show on Patreon for ad-free episodes & bonus content : http://bit.ly/44Mo8xU
Like & Subscribe on YouTube and Instagram
Leave a 5-star review if you’re enjoying Thumb War
Email us: ThumbWarPod@gmail.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Rogue One is tragic, brutal, and maybe the best Star Wars movie outside the original trilogy.
Jason, Rachel, and Jeshua revisit Rogue One in timeline order and unpack why it still hits so hard — from its war-movie structure and unforgettable ending to how Andor completely reframes Cassian’s story. We also get into K-2SO love, digital Tarkin debates, and why this movie feels so different from modern Star Wars.
Spoilers throughout.
Spoilers for Rogue One
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Episode 3 is where A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms starts to feel truly special.
Jason and Rachel break down the episode’s biggest moments, focusing on Dunk and Egg’s evolving friendship, the subtle reveals hiding in plain sight, and how George R.R. Martin quietly turns a simple tournament story into something far bigger.
Spoilers for Episode 3
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Star Trek meets Hogwarts — and not in a good way.
Jason and Rachel review the first three episodes of Starfleet Academy (2026), unpacking what works, what absolutely doesn’t, and why the show feels more like a CW teen drama than classic Star Trek. We dig into tone, character choices, legacy lore, and whether this series understands what made Star Trek special in the first place.
Spoilers ahead. Strong opinions guaranteed.
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Subscribe for weekly movie & TV deep dives.
Also available on Apple Podcasts & Spotify.
Ad-free episodes + bonus content on Patreon: http://bit.ly/44Mo8xU
Email us: ThumbWarPod@gmail.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
28 Years Later: The Bone Temple Review | Body Horror, Cult Logic & Chaos
28 Years Later: The Bone Temple doesn’t expand the world — it traps you inside it.
On this episode of Thumb War, we dive into the franchise’s most disturbing chapter yet, breaking down Ray Fiennes’ fearless performance, the cult dynamics around the Bone Temple, and why this film feels closer to torture-adjacent body horror than traditional zombie cinema.
It’s brutal. It’s intimate. And it might be the boldest swing the series has taken.
Subscribe for weekly movie & TV deep dives.
Also available on Apple Podcasts & Spotify.
Ad-free episodes + bonus content on Patreon: http://bit.ly/44Mo8xU
Full episode on YouTube, Apple Podcasts & Spotify
Email us: ThumbWarPod@gmail.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Episode 2 of A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms proves this isn’t just another Westeros spin-off — it’s something smaller, sweeter, and way more effective.
On this episode of Thumb War, we dig into why Dunk & Egg’s chemistry is the secret sauce of the series, how seeing Westeros from ground level changes everything, and why this show works even if you don’t know every sigil, house, or rebellion.
It’s funny, heartfelt, efficient storytelling — and it might be HBO’s most quietly confident fantasy series in years.
Subscribe for weekly movie & TV deep dives.
Also available on Apple Podcasts & Spotify.
Ad-free episodes + bonus content on Patreon: http://bit.ly/44Mo8xU
Full episode on YouTube, Apple Podcasts & Spotify
Email us: ThumbWarPod@gmail.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
The final season of Stranger Things is over — but the chaos behind it might be even more fascinating.
In this episode of Thumb War, we break down “One Last Adventure: The Making of Stranger
Things 5”, the Netflix documentary that pulls back the curtain on the most ambitious (and stressful) production of the series.
From starting Season 5 without a finished script, to massive practical sets, exhausted showrunners, crew members holding the entire production together, and the internet losing its mind over ChatGPT in the writers’ room, this doc raises as many questions as it answers.
Is the behind-the-scenes story more compelling than the finale itself? Did the Duffer Brothers try to please everyone — and end up pleasing no one? And why does the Upside Down feel less like a place and more like a logistical nightmare?
We dig into what worked, what didn’t, and why One Last Adventure might be the most honest look at Stranger Things yet.
Also available on Apple Podcasts & Spotify.
Ad-free episodes + bonus content on Patreon: http://bit.ly/44Mo8xU Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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