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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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James Cameron doubles down with Avatar: Fire and Ash, delivering jaw-dropping visuals, new Na’vi factions, and a full-on 3D assault on the senses.
On Thumb War, JD and Rachel debate whether Fire and Ash is the strongest Avatar yet, or proof that the franchise might finally be testing its limits. From villainous tribes and uneasy alliances to spiritual world-building and technological obsession, we break down what works, what doesn’t, and why you absolutely need to see this one in theaters.
Spoilers ahead. Eyeballs may need a recovery day.
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.
The Housemaid (2025) Is Trashy, Twisty, and Kind of a Blast
This week on Thumb War, JD and Rachel review The Housemaid (2025), the glossy erotic thriller starring Sydney Sweeney and Amanda Seyfried. Directed by Paul Feig and based on the novel by Frieda McFadden, it’s packed with twists, bad decisions, and big “turn your brain off” energy.
Is it smart? Not really.
Is it entertaining? Absolutely.
We spoil everything, debate the logic (or lack thereof), compare it to classic 90s thrillers, and agree on one thing: this movie knows exactly what it is.
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Josh Safdie turns ping pong into pure anxiety cinema with Marty Supreme (2025) — a fictionalized sports biopic packed with unlikable characters, outrageous casting, and relentless momentum.
On this episode of Thumb War, Jason and Rachel unpack why Marty Supreme works so well: from Kevin O’Leary’s scene-stealing villain turn to Timothée Chalamet’s desperate, pride-driven performance, the film’s Oscar-worthy casting, needle drops, and one hell of a final match.
If you like Safdie chaos, uncomfortable sports movies, or films where everyone is kind of terrible, this one’s for you.
Join our Patreon for ad-free episodes + bonus shows: 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.
The Upside Down closes for good — and it gets weird on the way out.
On this episode of Thumb War, Jason and Rachel review Stranger Things Episodes 5–8, aka the series finale. We dig into what works, what absolutely doesn’t, and why a finale that’s often frustrating still manages to land emotionally.
From baffling monster choices and zero-stakes action to genuinely touching character farewells, this is a deep dive into an ending that’s messy, modern, nostalgic, and oddly effective.
Spoilers throughout.
Join our Patreon for ad-free episodes + bonus shows: 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.
This week on Thumb War, we take on Christy (2025), the true-story boxing biopic chronicling the rise — and near-destruction — of trailblazing fighter Christy Martin.
Sydney Sweeney delivers a ferocious performance in a film that doesn’t flinch from the realities of domestic abuse, control, and isolation, while still honouring Christy’s resilience and legacy.
A tough watch. A necessary one.
Big thumbs up. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Today we finally get around to tackling Bugonia (2025), Yorgos Lanthimos’ strange, funny, disturbing sci-fi thriller about conspiracy thinking, corporate power, and what happens when the paranoia might actually be right.
Emma Stone and Jesse Plemons deliver two of the best performances of the year in a movie that demands to be seen before it’s discussed.
Go in blind.
Then come back and argue with us.
Join our Patreon for ad-free episodes + bonus shows: 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.
We’re revisiting Solo: A Star Wars Story (2018) — the Star Wars movie everyone shrugged at… and maybe shouldn’t have.
JD, Rachel and Jeshua break down why Ron Howard’s takeover actually works, why Alden Ehrenreich nails a younger Han Solo, and why Donald Glover’s Lando deserves his own cinematic future. From pure fan service to sharp dialogue and surprisingly great casting, Solo feels better now than it did on release.
Was this movie a victim of Star Wars fatigue? Or did audiences just miss the point?
Spoiler alert: we’re firmly on Team Solo.
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We start with a sad goodbye to Cosmo — a very good, very food-motivated boy — and somehow end up talking about frat houses at sunrise, parental panic spirals, and why Quentin Tarantino absolutely deserves to catch a few strays.
Along the way:
Saying goodbye to a beloved dog (and why doing it at home mattered)
Why tracking apps are a gateway to full-blown anxiety
Actors we know are “good” but still don’t like
Dubai chocolate discourse (yes, again)
This is the kind of episode that only works off-feed — looser, longer, more honest, and way more chaotic.
If you’ve ever wondered what Thumb War sounds like before we tighten things up for public consumption… this is it.
Join our Patreon for ad-free episodes + bonus shows: 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.
The finale of It: Welcome to Derry is here, and JD and Rachel have… thoughts.
In this Thumb War episode, we recap and react to Episode 8 — a finale stuffed with Pennywise theatrics, confusing lore, magic solutions, timeline gymnastics, and zero interest in explaining itself. We debate what works, what absolutely doesn’t, and why filming this in Canada without Pennywise on skates should be a criminal offense.
If you love horror vibes, messy finales, and yelling “WHY?” at your TV, this one’s for you.
Join our Patreon for ad-free episodes + bonus shows: http://bit.ly/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
This week on Thumb War, we revisit Bad Santa (2003) — Terry Zwigoff’s filthy, funny, and surprisingly tender Christmas classic.
Jason & Rachel dig into the Director’s Cut vs the Theatrical version, studio interference, and why Billy Bob Thornton’s Willie T. Soke somehow becomes one of the strangest “found family” characters in holiday movie history.
Along the way, we celebrate:
Bernie Mac & John Ritter’s perfect comic chemistry
Zwigoff’s anti-sentimental worldview
Why this movie still works — and why it probably wouldn’t get made today
A holiday staple in this house. Not safe for work. Definitely not safe for kids.
Join our Patreon for ad-free episodes + bonus shows: http://bit.ly/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
This week on Thumb War, we’re deep into Stranger Things Season 5, breaking down Episodes 3 and 4 — The Turnbow Trap and The Sorcerer.
We talk Frank Darabont’s direction, the Upside Down’s increasingly flexible rules, Hopper going full action hero, and whether the show’s massive cast is finally working against itself. Plus: Karen Wheeler MVP discourse, Joyce complaints, Erica chaos, and a few extremely dumb (but fun) theories.
Spoilers throughout. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Episode 7 Had Us Yelling at the TV | Welcome to Derry Review
In this episode of Thumb War, we review Welcome to Derry Episode 7 (2025) — an hour of television that somehow delivers peak Pennywise and peak frustration at the same time.
We talk:
Why the Pennywise stage performance works so well
Andy Muschietti’s blink-and-you’ll-miss-it organ-grinder cameo
The Black Spot fire, emotional shortcuts, and broken horror logic
When tragedy feels earned… and when it absolutely doesn’t
If you’re wondering whether Welcome to Derry is sticking the landing — or quietly falling apart — Episode 7 gives us plenty to argue about.
Email us → thumbwarpod@gmail.com
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Episode 6 of Welcome to Derry finally feels like the show hitting full stride.
On this episode of Thumb War, we break down the darkest chapter yet — from Pennywise’s unsettling origin story to Ingrid’s role in feeding the horror beneath Derry. Jason and Rachel debate the black-and-white flashbacks, the show’s obsession with daddy issues, and whether this episode recontextualizes everything we’ve seen so far.
If you’ve been waiting for Welcome to Derry to fully deliver on its promise, Episode 6 might be the turning point.
Spoilers ahead for Episode 6.
Email us → thumbwarpod@gmail.com
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JD and Rachel return to the Upside Down to recap Stranger Things Season 5, Episodes 1 & 2 — and yes, we’re spoiling everything.
We talk Will’s nightmare opening, the “is that CGI or a PS5 cutscene?” debate, the Dustin/Lucas/Steve dynamics, Robin’s Pretty in Pink broadcast, Jonathan vs. Steve (again), the baffling obstacle course sequence, Holly’s shocking growth spurt, Joyce catching heat, Murray being the delivery man for every important plot point, and the possible real shape of Season 5.
Subscribe for more TV breakdowns, new series reviews, and chaotic movie talk every week on Thumb War.
Email us → thumbwarpod@gmail.com
Join our Patreon for ad-free episodes + bonus shows: 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.
JD & Rachel fire up the hyperdrive for a deep-dive review of Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith — joined by special guest Jeshua Kidd, Jedi Master and all-around Star Wars encyclopedia.
We break down the fall of Anakin Skywalker, the tragedy of Order 66, why Ewan McGregor is acting circles around everyone, and how the film has aged two decades later. Plus: favorite moments, tiny details we never noticed, and which scenes STILL give us goosebumps.
New to Thumb War? We review movies, TV, and all things pop culture — with bad jokes, bold opinions, and occasional dog cameos. Subscribe, rate, review, and check out our Patreon for bonus content!
Email us → thumbwarpod@gmail.com
Join our Patreon for ad-free episodes + bonus shows: 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.
Welcome to Derry Episode 5 finally gives us what everyone’s been begging for:
Pennywise. In the sewer. In full nightmare mode.
In this Thumb War recap, we break down everything from the genuinely awesome parts — Bill Skarsgård’s terrifying Pennywise reveal, the triple-decker teeth, the contortions, the hallucinatory sewer sequences — to the parts that made us feel like we were taking crazy pills.
Including:
• The indigenous prophecy lore dump that explains why everyone in Derry acts insane
• “There’s something in the water — clown shit” (not our words, the episode’s)
• The soldiers making the absolute worst tactical decisions in TV history
• A major character death that makes ZERO spatial sense
• Whether Matty’s emo sewer glow-up actually worked
• Our ongoing fight with the YouTube algorithm thanks to… certain phrases
• Why the acting and production design continue to be the saving grace of this series
This is a spoiler-filled, chaotic, honest recap of Episode 5 — the good, the bad, and the “why is everyone in this show so dumb?”
Full transcript moments include Pennywise illusions, failed plans, secret shards, hallucinations, and multiple “are you serious?” plot beats. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Welcome to our Patreon-only T-Giving episode, where the vibes are loose, the thumbs are down, and the opinions are turgid (yes, we go there). In this clip, we bounce between:
Jason’s birthday Korean BBQ adventure
The Room, Species, Wicked, and other cinematic crimes
Classic P-Hounds-only chaos you won’t see on the main feed Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Thumb War is back and slightly annoyed for a new Welcome to Derry Episode 4 Review! We’re forced to ask a serious question: Is this the worst episode yet? The Stephen King Universe lore is being dumped like it's an end-of-season yard sale, and frankly, we're tired of them explaining everything. On this episode of Thumb War, Jason, Rachel, and special guest Jeshua Kidd wade through the Derry, Maine mud to discuss the highly questionable writing and deeply confusing plot points. We break down the absolutely cringe-worthy dialogue, the heavy-handed Pennywise connections and whether the excessive Stephen King Easter Eggs are just fan service covering up a weak script.
In this train wreck, we discuss: The truly unbelievable "How do you move a piano?" scene that made us question everything. Is the 'friendly one' from Juniper Hill trustworthy, or just another convenient plot device? Why the show is struggling to move beyond exposition and actually tell a story. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Predator Badlands should’ve been the ninth-installment cash-grab we all politely ignore… but somehow Dan Trachtenberg cooked. In this week’s Thumb War, Rachel and Jason dive into the surprisingly emotional new Predator movie that mixes Klingon-like family drama, Alien-universe corporate stupidity, exploding caterpillars, razor grass, and the most adorable digital murder-gremlin since Grogu.
We get into:
Predator sibling beef
Elle Fanning playing two androids (one sweet, one corporate demon)
Found-family wolf-pack metaphors
The baby callous creature who is basically Hazel in CGI form
Weyland-Yutani being idiots… again
And the controversial PG-13 “Disney-fication” of Predator
This one is shockingly heartfelt, visually bonkers, and absolutely primed for a sequel.
Huge thumbs up. Go see it in a theater.
Full Spoilers.
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Spoilers for Welcome to Derry Episode 3!
Thumb War returns to Derry, Maine, where the sewers are wet, the ghost children look like Spirit Halloween interns, and the cemetery scene feels one jump scare away from a discount haunted house behind a Home Depot.
After two strong episodes, Episode 3 might be our first real stumble of the season. We break down:
Did the show blow its horror budget in Episodes 1 & 2?
Are these ghost kid vibes spooky or just… sticky?
Why does the community meeting scene feel like mid-season Canadian public access TV?
Are we in Derry or at Canada’s Wonderland Fright Night?
Pennywise lore updates (even though he may be on PTO this week)
We still love the show, but we also reserve the right to yell at it.
If you want ad-free episodes, Discord access, and our monthly Patreon Hangout, join the P-Hounds over on Patreon. Support the show and keep the red balloon floating. 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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