The Popcorn Podcast

This week on the show, Tommy takes a look back at everything he’s watched over the past week on Letterboxd. Including The Strangers: Chapter 2, ZombieCon Vol. 1, Him, Halloween II, Halloween 4: The Return of Michael Myers, and Halloween 5: The Revenge of Michael Myers. Tune in as he shares his thoughts, favorites, and final verdicts on each! We hope you all enjoy the episode and we’ll see you next week!Special thanks to our editor, Colin Gallagher, for making this show happen, and to our friends at SnackCrate for fueling the podcast with international treats.Follow us on Instagram:Tommy: Tommy_CrestaRyan: Foran12The Show: The_Popcorn_PodcastEditor: colingallagher.3

This week on the show, Tommy dives into the gory fun of ZombieCon Vol. 1, breaking down the film and sharing his thoughts on how it stands out in the zombie genre. We hope you all enjoy the episode and we’ll see you next week!Special thanks to our editors Colin Gallagher and Carson Stienstra for making this show happen, and to our friends at SnackCrate for fueling the podcast with international treats.Follow us on Instagram:Tommy: Tommy_CrestaRyan: Foran12The Show: The_Popcorn_PodcastEditor: colingallagher.3

This week on The Popcorn Podcast, Tommy and Ryan dive into two massive stories of survival, chaos, and brutal choices, from alien terror to unhinged superheroes.We kick things off with the Alien: Earth finale, where the Xenomorph threat reaches its peak and humanity faces its most desperate hour. Then, we jump into the wild ride that is Peacemaker Season 2, Episode 6. Packed with gore, comedy, and just enough surprising heart to keep us invested in DC’s most chaotic anti-hero.Episode Highlights:👽 Alien: Earth Finale:Endgame Horror: How the finale ramps up tension and stakes.Humanity on the Brink: The choices that define survival.Legacy in the Franchise: Where this series leaves the Alien universe.🦅 Peacemaker S2 Ep 6:Unhinged Mayhem: Why this episode is a standout.The Man Behind the Mask: Peacemaker’s vulnerability vs. absurdity.Teasing the Future: What Episode 6 sets up for the rest of the season.Special Thanks:Huge thank you to our sponsor SnackCrate for making this show possible! Visit SnackCrate.com and use our discount code Popcorn for 50% off your box and free shipping!Connect with Us:🎙️ Tommy: @Tommy_Cresta🎙️ Ryan: @Foran12🎧 The Show: @The_Popcorn_Podcast🎚️ Editor Colin Gallagher: @colingallagher.3🎧 Available now on all platforms. Whether you love superhero insanity or sci-fi horror, this episode has something for you. Grab your popcorn and press play. 🍿

This week on The Popcorn Podcast, Tommy and Ryan dive into three wildly different but equally intense stories. From dystopian death marches to alien invasions and over-the-top anti-heroes.We kick things off with a chilling look at Stephen King's "The Long Walk", unpacking the psychological horror, haunting world-building, and brutal simplicity that make this one of King’s most disturbing tales. Then, we shift gears to the chaotic, blood-soaked world of Peacemaker Season 2, Episodes 3 & 4, where the DC anti-hero is as unhinged and surprisingly heartfelt as ever. Finally, we return to the terrifying world of Alien: Earth Episodes 5 & 6, where the Xenomorph threat grows and humanity’s survival hangs by a thread.📚 The Long Walk:March or Die: Breaking down King’s harrowing concept and its metaphorical weight.Psychological Warfare: The toll of endurance and fear in a hopeless system.Why It Still Resonates: Dystopia done right and disturbingly real.🦅 Peacemaker S2 Eps 3–4:Explosive Chaos: The wild tone shift between gore, comedy, and real emotion.Character Growth: Peacemaker’s surprising vulnerability and team dynamics.Big Questions: What’s really going on behind the scenes this season?👽 Alien: Earth Eps 5–6:Xenomorph Escalation: The horror intensifies as these episodes raise the stakes.Human Collapse: Society’s unraveling and the moral lines people cross.Franchise Evolution: How Alien: Earth continues to push the mythology forward.Special Thanks:Huge thank you to our sponsor Snack Crate for making this show possible! Visit SnackCrate.com and use our discount code Popcorn for 50% off your box and free shipping!Connect with Us:🎙️ Tommy: @Tommy_Cresta🎙️ Ryan: @Foran12🎧 The Show: @The_Popcorn_Podcast🎚️ Editor Colin Gallagher: @colingallagher.3🎧 Available now on all platforms. Whether you're into dystopian horror, superhero absurdity, or sci-fi terror, we've got something for you. Grab your popcorn and press play.The popcorn’s hot, let’s press play. 🍿

This week on The Popcorn Podcast, Tommy and Ryan confront the chilling finale of Ed and Lorraine Warren’s story with The Conjuring: Last Rites.From its oppressive atmosphere to the emotional weight of closing out one of horror’s most successful franchises, we explore how Last Rites balances heart-stopping scares with heartfelt goodbyes. We break down the film’s terrifying set pieces, the performances that ground its supernatural chaos, and whether this conclusion delivers the send-off fans have been waiting for.The Conjuring: Last Rites In this episode, we unpack how James Wan’s universe comes full circle, the legacy of Ed and Lorraine’s battles with evil, and where the franchise could go — if anywhere — from here.Episode Highlights: The Warrens’ Final Case: How the film closes their chapter. Emotional Core: Performances that give the horror weight. Atmosphere & Dread: The scares that stick with you long after the credits. Franchise Legacy: What The Conjuring has meant for modern horror. What’s Next: Can the universe continue without the Warrens?Special Thanks: Huge thank you to our sponsor Snack Crate for making this show possible! To thank them for making sure this show is possible, visit SnackCrate.com and use our discount code: Popcorn for 50% your box and free shipping!Connect with Us: Tommy: @Tommy_Cresta Ryan: @Foran12 The Show: @The_Popcorn_Podcast Editor Colin Gallagher: @colingallagher.3 Available now on all platforms. Grab your popcorn — and your Snack Crate — and join us as we dive into the haunting conclusion of The Conjuring saga.The popcorn’s hot, let’s press play.

This week on The Popcorn Podcast, Tommy and Ryan tackle two massive TV events shaking up the world of sci-fi and superheroes. First, we dive into Alien: Earth Episodes 3 & 4, where the tension escalates, survival stakes grow sharper, and the Xenomorph’s shadow looms larger than ever. Then, we shift gears into James Gunn’s bombastic return with Peacemaker Season 2, Episodes 1 & 2—packed with chaotic action, absurd humor, and surprisingly heartfelt character beats.Alien: Earth (Episodes 3 & 4)We explore how the series ratchets up its claustrophobic horror, expands its Earth-bound mythology, and delivers gut-punching drama that tests its characters’ humanity.Peacemaker (Episodes 1 & 2)We break down the season’s explosive opening, highlight standout moments from Peacemaker and his team, and dive into how Gunn continues blending wild comedy with unexpected heart.Episode Highlights:👽 Alien: Earth — Rising dread, evolving Xenomorph threat, and survival under siege.🌍 Alien: Earth — How Earth’s setting reshapes the Alien saga.🦅 Peacemaker — Eagly’s return and the show’s perfect absurdity.💥 Peacemaker — Action, comedy, and character growth in equal measure.🔮 Looking Ahead — What these episodes might signal for both shows moving forward.Connect with Us:Tommy: @Tommy_CrestaRyan: @Foran12The Show: @The_Popcorn_PodcastEditor Colin Gallagher: @colingallagher.3🎧 Available now on all platforms. Grab your popcorn and join us as we break down Alien: Earth and Peacemaker in one jam-packed episode.The popcorn’s hot, let’s press play.

This week on The Popcorn Podcast, Tommy and Ryan are joined by the amazingly talented and hilarious Chuck Shaughnessy (@ImChuckYourMovieGuy) to descend back into the haunted halls of the Carmichael Manor with Hell House LLC: Lineage.From its spine-tingling atmosphere to the mythology that has kept this franchise alive for nearly a decade, we explore how Lineage raises the stakes while honoring the original cult classic. With Chuck’s horror expertise in the mix, we break down the film’s scares, its layered storytelling, and whether this installment cements Hell House LLC as one of the most consistent found-footage sagas in modern horror.Episode Highlights:  The Abaddon’s Legacy: How the franchise continues to expand its terrifying lore.  Found-Footage Done Right: Why Hell House still stands apart from the crowd.  Scares & Atmosphere: Breaking down the film’s most chilling moments.  Performances & Direction: How the cast and filmmakers bring authenticity to the horror.  What’s Next?: Theories on where Hell House could go after Lineage.Connect with Us: Tommy: @Tommy_Cresta Ryan: @Foran12 The Show: @The_Popcorn_Podcast Chuck: @ImChuckYourMovieGuy Editor Colin Gallagher: @colingallagher.3Available now on all platforms. Grab your popcorn and join us as we reopen the doors of the Abaddon Hotel and uncover the horrors within.The popcorn’s hot, let’s press play.

This week on The Popcorn Podcast, Tommy and Ryan dive deep into the terrifying return of the Xenomorph with Alien: Earth Episodes 1 & 2.From its chilling atmosphere to the grounded human drama at the core, we explore how this new chapter in the Alien saga sets the stage for a gripping, modern reinvention while staying true to the franchise’s horror roots. We break down the show’s world-building, the evolving threat of the Xenomorph, and the character dynamics that drive the tension forward.Alien: EarthIn this episode, we unpack how the series balances claustrophobic horror with large-scale storytelling, the way fear and survival shape its characters, and what these first episodes might signal for the season ahead.Episode Highlights:👽 The Xenomorph’s Return: How the creature is reimagined for a new era.🌍 World-Building on Earth: Expanding the Alien mythology beyond space.🎭 Human Survival: Performances that ground the terror in raw emotion.⚡ Tension & Atmosphere: How pacing and visuals keep dread at the forefront.🔮 Looking Ahead: Theories on where the story could go next.Connect with Us:Tommy: @Tommy_CrestaRyan: @Foran12The Show: @The_Popcorn_PodcastEditor Colin Gallagher: @colingallagher.3🎧 Available now on all platforms. Grab your popcorn and join us as we break down the shocking opening of Alien: Earth.The popcorn’s hot, let’s press play.

This week on The Popcorn Podcast, Tommy and Ryan step into the tense, unpredictable world of Zach Cregger’s latest film, Weapons.From its haunting atmosphere to its unconventional narrative structure, we explore how Cregger builds on the success of Barbarian while carving out something wholly new in the horror-thriller space. We break down the film’s interwoven stories, its commentary on violence in America, and the performances that keep you glued to the edge of your seat.Weapons In this episode, we unpack how Cregger uses shifting perspectives to keep audiences off-balance, how tone and pacing work in tandem to escalate dread, and what this film might signal for his future projects in the genre.Episode Highlights:💥 Storytelling in Shards: How fragmented narratives can amplify suspense. 🎭 Performances Under Pressure: Standout turns from the ensemble cast. 🔪 Violence as Theme: The ways Weapons comments on fear, power, and survival. 🎥 Cregger’s Evolution: How this film compares to Barbarian and what it says about his style. 🔮 Looking Ahead: Where Cregger might take his career and horror next.Connect with Us: Tommy: @Tommy_Cresta Ryan: @Foran12 The Show: @The_Popcorn_Podcast Editor Colin Gallagher: @colingallagher.3🎧 Available now on all platforms. Tune in and join the conversation as we dissect one of the year’s most gripping and unconventional genre films. The popcorn’s hot, let’s press play.

This week on The Popcorn Podcast, Tommy and Ryan dive headfirst into the twisted intimacy of the new body horror film Together, starring Dave Franco and Alison Brie.Blending psychological dread with grotesque physical transformation, the film offers a chilling exploration of codependency, self-erasure, and the terrifying lengths some couples will go to stay connected—literally.TogetherIn this episode, we dissect how Together uses body horror as a metaphor for emotional fusion, examine the chemistry between real-life partners Franco and Brie, and debate whether the film's creeping discomfort leaves a lasting mark—or just makes your skin crawl.Episode Highlights:🔪 Love as Decay: How the film weaponizes romance and domesticity to unsettle viewers.🧬 The Body Betrays: A breakdown of the film’s best (and most disturbing) practical effects.💔 Performances on the Edge: What makes Franco and Brie’s dynamic so unnervingly believable?🧠 Themes That Linger: How the film echoes classics like Possession and The Fly.🎥 A New Chapter for Intimate Horror: Where Together fits in the modern horror landscape.Connect with Us:Tommy: @Tommy_CrestaRyan: @Foran12The Show: @The_Popcorn_PodcastEditor Colin Gallagher: @colingallagher.3🎧 Available now on all platforms. Tune in and join the conversation as we peel back the flesh—er, layers—of one of the year’s most unsettling horror films.The popcorn’s hot, let’s press play.

This week on The Popcorn Podcast, Tommy and Ryan dive into the latest chapter of the Marvel universe with a full breakdown of The Fantastic Four: First Steps. From its place in the MCU timeline to the dynamics of introducing Marvel’s first family to a new generation, we explore what this release means for the future of the franchise and what fans should take away from its tone, themes, and performances.Fantastic Four: First Steps In this episode, we unpack how Marvel approaches legacy-building through new origins, how ensemble casts can shape audience connection, and what it takes to reintroduce iconic characters in a cinematic landscape that’s constantly evolving.Episode Highlights: The Power of Team Introductions: What makes a superhero team resonate with modern audiences? Balancing Character & Spectacle: Our thoughts on pacing, tone, and world-building. Setting the Stage: How this film fits into Marvel’s broader Phase rollout. Expectations vs Intentions: Navigating fan anticipation and creative direction. Looking Ahead: What this could mean for Marvel’s future arcs and storytelling strategies.Connect with Us: Tommy: @Tommy_Cresta Ryan: @Foran12 The Show: @The_Popcorn_Podcast Editor Colin Gallagher: @colingallagher.3🎧 Available now on all platforms. Tune in and join the conversation as we peel back the layers of one of Marvel’s most pivotal releases.  The popcorn’s hot, let’s press play.

 This Week on The Popcorn Podcast:With Ryan off on a well-earned vacation, Tommy takes the reins solo to review one of the most intriguing and controversial films of the year, Eddington. Known for its slow pacing, chilling sound design, and ambiguous storytelling, Eddington leaves viewers questioning what’s right and wrong. Tommy breaks down the film’s slow-burn tension, its unnerving visual style, and the layered performances that make this indie standout a must-watch. Is Eddington a new genre classic or a beautifully shot mystery that leaves too much unsaid? Tune in for Tommy’s full thoughts. Episode Highlights: Performance Breakdown: Spotlight on the film’s lead and their emotionally restrained descent. Ambiguity Done Right? A look at the film’s open-ended narrative and what it might all mean. Connect with Us:Tommy: @Tommy_CrestaRyan: @Foran12, back soon!The Show: @The_Popcorn_PodcastEditor Colin Gallagher: @colingallagher.3 Tune in now and join the conversation. Your support keeps the popcorn popping! 

🎙️ This Week on The Popcorn Podcast:Tommy takes a deep dive into the terrifying and innovative found-footage horror film Afflicted. From its shocking body horror to its unique spin on the genre, hear his thoughts on what makes this indie gem stand out and whether it deserves a spot on your must-watch list.👁️‍🗨️ If you're into unsettling transformations, travel gone wrong, and horror that lingers, this one’s for you.📢 Connect with Us:Tommy: @Tommy_CrestaRyan: @Foran12The Show: @The_Popcorn_PodcastEditor Colin Gallagher: @colingallagher.3🎬 Tune in now and join the conversation! Your support keeps the popcorn popping! 🍿

This week on The Popcorn Podcast, Tommy and Ryan soar into the long-awaited return of the Man of Steel with James Gunn’s Superman. The film marks a bold new chapter for DC, blending heart, humor, and heroism in a way only Gunn can deliver.🦸‍♂️ Superman (2025) ReviewGunn’s vision reintroduces Clark Kent not just as a god among mortals, but as a man caught between two worlds. Anchored by a heartfelt performance from David Corenswet and a powerful ensemble, Superman balances world-saving stakes with intimate, character-driven moments. We break down the film’s unique tone, the chemistry between Lois and Clark, and how this reboot reshapes the DCU’s future.The film delivers jaw-dropping set pieces from a mid-air rescue above Metropolis to a tense moral standoff with Lex Luthor. That redefine what Superman means for a new generation. Plus, we talk about those surprise cameos and what they might mean for what’s coming next.🎧 Episode Highlights: Clark Kent’s Humanity: How Gunn grounds Superman in emotion and vulnerability. Lois Lane Reimagined: A sharp, modern take on the iconic reporter—and her dynamic with Clark. DCU Reset: What this film tells us about the future of the new DC cinematic universe.📢 Connect with Us:Tommy: @Tommy_CrestaRyan: @Foran12The Show: @The_Popcorn_PodcastEditor Colin Gallagher: @colingallagher.3🎬 Tune in now and join the conversation! Your support keeps the popcorn popping! 🍿

🎙️ New Episode Alert! 🎮🍿   This week on The Popcorn  Podcast, Tommy and Ryan go full throttle into Jurassic World: Rebirth, the latest dino-packed blockbuster that aims to revive the franchise with explosive action, nostalgic thrills, and surprising emotional beats. 🎧 Episode Highlights: Jurassic World: Rebirth Set on a remote island where a covert mission to harvest dinosaur DNA for life-saving medicine turns into a wild ridecomplete with Mosasaurs, Titanosaurs, and mutated “Mutadons”  The film brings back the awe of its predecessors with visceral, back-to-basics dinosaur action, even if it resets franchise continuity and leans on predictable tropes . Performances shine: Scarlett Johansson, Mahershala Ali, and Jonathan Bailey elevate the material, especially Bailey’s iconic specs and charm-worthy hero vibe  Fan-favorite new dino Dolores steals the show with Baby-Yoda-level adorability and yes, those “slutty little glasses” are a meme-worthy hit. 🎮 We're on Twitch! Catch us live for gaming sessions and behind-the-scenes banter at @The_Popcorn_Pod. 📸 Stay Connected: Tommy: @Tommy_Cresta Ryan: @Foran12 The Show: @The_Popcorn_Podcast Editor Colin Gallagher: @colingallagher.3 🎬 Tune in now and join the conversation! Your support keeps the popcorn popping! 🍿

 New Episode Alert! This week on The Popcorn Podcast, Tommy and Ryan shift into overdrive with a full-throttle review of F1: The Movie—the Brad Pitt–led racing epic that zooms into theaters with high-stakes action, nostalgia, and pure cinematic adrenaline. Episode Highlights:F1: The Movie Brad Pitt shines as retired F1 legend Sonny Hayes, returning for one last comeback to resurrect a struggling APXGP team alongside rookie Joshua Pearce, portrayed by Damson Idris  The film delivers immersive racing sequences, shot at real F1 events with IMAX cockpit visuals and thundering engines—pure, high-octane spectacle for both gearheads and casual viewers  Dramatic depth meets formula: While some critics note a predictable underdog story, the generational clash between seasoned Hayes and ambitious Pearce adds emotional fuel to the fire . Supporting cast brilliance: Javier Bardem’s team owner, Kerry Condon’s technical lead, and cameo appearances from real F1 stars like Lewis Hamilton enhance authenticity—though some suggest the narrative leans too slick and commercial  We're on Twitch!Catch us live for gaming, behind-the-scenes chats, and more at @The_Popcorn_Pod. Stay Connected: Tommy: @Tommy_Cresta Ryan: @Foran12 The Show: @The_Popcorn_Podcast Editor Colin Gallagher: @colingallagher.3 Tune in now and join the conversation! Your support keeps the popcorn popping! 🍿

 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 Ryan: @Foran12 The Show: @The_Popcorn_Podcast Editor Colin Gallagher: @colingallagher.3🎬 Tune in now and join the conversation! Your support keeps the popcorn popping! 🍿

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.

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 OverviewSet 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

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 Ryan: @Foran12 The Show: @The_Popcorn_Podcast Editor Colin Gallagher: @colingallagher.3Tune 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! 🍿