The Popcorn Hour with Matt and James

https://paa.ge/popcornhour/enThis week on The Popcorn Hour, Matt and James unmask one of the most iconic dystopian thrillers of the 2000s — V for Vendetta. Nearly two decades after its release, the film’s mix of political rebellion, emotional depth, and striking visuals still feels as bold and relevant as ever. The conversation dives into the movie’s layered themes of control, revolution, and identity, along with Hugo Weaving’s unforgettable performance behind the mask and Natalie Portman’s transformation at the story’s core. Matt and James reflect on how the film’s message has evolved over time, its influence on modern culture, and whether V for Vendetta stands as one of the defining comic book adaptations of its era.

https://paa.ge/popcornhour/enThis week on The Popcorn Hour, Matt and James dive into a wild mix of movie and TV news that’s got a little something for everyone. They start with Tron: Ares, breaking down new details about the long-awaited sequel and what it means for the future of Disney’s sci-fi world. Then it’s onto Invincible Season 4, where the conversation turns to what fans can expect next from one of the most ambitious animated superhero series on TV. The guys also react to news about a possible Social Network 2 — questioning whether the story of Facebook and power in the digital age still has more to say — and wrap things up with talk of The Jetsons getting a movie treatment. From futuristic worlds to social drama and nostalgic reboots, it’s another packed week of pop culture headlines, speculation, and classic Popcorn Hour banter.

https://paa.ge/popcornhour For this month’s Criterion of the Month, Matt and James dig into George A. Romero’s Night of the Living Dead — the low-budget horror film that changed cinema forever. Released in 1968, Romero’s debut not only created the modern zombie genre but also captured the anxieties of its era, mixing social commentary with raw, unsettling terror. The discussion explores how the film’s stripped-down style, haunting black-and-white imagery, and groundbreaking ending helped it earn a place among the most important independent films ever made. Matt and James reflect on its legacy, its influence on decades of horror that followed, and why the Criterion restoration gives the movie new life while preserving every ounce of its gritty, nightmarish power.

https://paa.ge/popcornhour/enThis week on The Popcorn Hour, Matt and James dive into another wave of movie and TV headlines. They start with news from the Ocean’s universe, breaking down what’s known so far about the upcoming prequel or sequel and how it might connect to the classic heist films. Then they react to Johnny Knoxville stepping in to host a revival of Fear Factor, debating whether the show’s wild stunts and pranks can work in today’s reality TV landscape. The conversation turns to the latest leaks from Daredevil: Born Again Season 2, with speculation about where Marvel might be taking the Man Without Fear next. Finally, the guys discuss new details about Tron: Ares, the long-awaited sci-fi follow-up that’s shaping up to be one of Disney’s most ambitious projects yet. It’s a mix of nostalgia, curiosity, and cautious excitement as they sort through the week’s biggest entertainment news.

This week on The Popcorn Hour, Matt and James dive into The Smashing Machine, the intense documentary that chronicles MMA fighter Mark Kerr’s rise, fall, and everything in between. They break down the most unforgettable moments, from his championship victories to the personal struggles that defined his journey, and discuss why this documentary continues to resonate with fans of combat sports and real-life stories. With sharp insights and plenty of passionate commentary, the guys explore what makes The Smashing Machine a gripping watch from start to finish.

https://paa.ge/popcornhourThis week on The Popcorn Hour, Matt and James dive into another packed week of movie and TV news. They break down the latest on The Smashing Machine and why it’s quickly becoming one of the most talked-about upcoming releases. Then they turn to Monster: Season 3, exploring where the hit anthology series could go next and what makes it such a fascinating piece of true-crime storytelling. The conversation shifts to news of a possible new Simpsons Movie and what that might mean for the long-running series, before jumping into updates on Tron: Ares and how the franchise is shaping up in its return. Finally, the guys talk about the Kill Bill re-release, reflecting on Tarantino’s lasting influence and why the film still holds up decades later. From reboots to reimaginings, it’s a wide-ranging discussion on what’s new, what’s next, and what’s worth getting excited about in the world of movies and TV.

https://paa.ge/popcornhour/This week on The Popcorn Hour, Matt and James celebrate spooky season by sharing their top three horror movies of all time. From chilling classics to modern nightmares, the guys break down what makes each pick stand out — the scares that stuck, the scenes that scarred, and the moments that still get under their skin. It’s a mix of deep appreciation, personal stories, and a few laughs along the way as they dive into what makes the horror genre so endlessly rewatchable. Whether you’re looking for a Halloween watchlist or just love talking about great scary movies, this is the perfect episode to get you in the mood for the season.

For this Criterion, Matt and James check back into Wes Anderson’s meticulously crafted world with the Criterion re-release of The Grand Budapest Hotel. A decade after its original debut, the film remains one of Anderson’s most celebrated works, blending comedy, melancholy, and dazzling visual design into a story about memory, friendship, and a world on the verge of change. The conversation dives into the performances that give the film its heart, the stylistic flourishes that make it uniquely Anderson, and why the Criterion treatment feels like a perfect match for this modern classic. Looking at both its legacy and its lasting charm, we explore how The Grand Budapest Hotel continues to stand tall as a high point in twenty-first-century cinema.

https://paa.ge/popcornhour/enIn this episode of The Popcorn Hour, we dive deep into HIM (2025), exploring the thrills, chills, and heart-pounding moments that make this film unforgettable. From the standout performances to the gripping storyline and stunning visuals, we break down everything you need to know — without giving away too many spoilers. Whether you’re a horror fan or just curious about the latest must-watch, this episode has all the insights, reactions, and commentary you’ve been waiting for.

https://paa.ge/popcornhourThis week on The Popcorn Hour, Matt and James cover a busy slate of movie news. Leonardo DiCaprio is teaming up once again with Martin Scorsese for a brand-new project, and he’s also set to star in the highly anticipated Heat 2. Meanwhile, news has broken that Trey Edward Shults’ thriller Weapons will be getting a prequel, adding another layer to one of the more intriguing upcoming films. On a less positive note, Tom Holland has reportedly suffered an injury, raising questions about how it may affect his next projects. And finally, the controversial and mysterious film HIM is officially making its way to theaters, sparking plenty of buzz. From prestige projects to unexpected twists, it’s a packed week of updates you won’t want to miss.

For this month’s Criterion of the Month, Matt and James sink their teeth into Guillermo del Toro’s haunting debut feature, Cronos (1993). A strange, poetic twist on vampirism, the film blends horror, fantasy, and gothic romance in a way only del Toro could. The conversation explores the movie’s eerie atmosphere, its meditations on immortality, and the seeds of del Toro’s signature style that would later flourish in films like Pan’s Labyrinth and The Shape of Water. Beyond its genre elements, we look at why Cronos has earned its place in the Criterion Collection, how it holds up more than thirty years later, and what makes it such a fascinating entry point into the career of one of modern cinema’s most imaginative directors.

https://paa.ge/popcornhourThis week on The Popcorn Hour, Matt and James catch you up on a wide mix of movie news and industry stories. We start by honoring the life and legacy of Robert Redford, reflecting on his career and the influence he’s had on generations of filmmakers. We then dive into Sydney Sweeney’s surprising new boxing movie and what this role could mean for her evolving career. From there, we shift to the business side of Hollywood with news of SAG-AFTRA’s newly elected president and what this leadership change might signal for actors and the industry moving forward. Finally, we wrap things up with a look at the Emmy Awards — the big winners, some unexpected turns, and what stood out most from this year’s ceremony. It’s a full mix of tributes, new projects, and industry updates — all in one episode.

This week on The Popcorn Hour, Matt and James revisit one of the most influential superhero sagas ever put to screen — Christopher Nolan’s Dark Knight Trilogy. Nearly two decades after it began, these films still define what a modern comic book movie can be.We start with Batman Begins (2005), exploring how Nolan rebuilt Batman from the ground up with a gritty origin story, grounded world-building, and Christian Bale’s layered take on Bruce Wayne. Then we dive into The Dark Knight (2008) — the film that redefined the genre with Heath Ledger’s legendary performance as the Joker, a crime-thriller edge, and a cultural impact that still resonates today. Finally, we unpack The Dark Knight Rises (2012) — its ambitious scope, divisive moments, and whether it sticks the landing as the trilogy’s finale.Along the way, we compare the films’ themes, highlight the performances that shaped them, and debate whether Nolan’s trilogy still stands as the definitive Batman story in cinema.

Eggers continues to push genre boundaries, and what this project could mean for his already unique filmography.Then we jump into The Smashing Machine, the Safdie brothers’ new wrestling drama starring Dwayne Johnson. We discuss why this role could be a career-shifting move for The Rock, how the Safdies might ground his performance, and what makes this one of the most intriguing A24 projects on the horizon.

This week on The Popcorn Hour, Matt and James step into the squared circle for a wrestling double feature — two films that take very different approaches to the pain, spectacle, and legacy of professional wrestling. First up is Queen of the Ring (2024), Ash Avildsen’s biographical drama about Mildred Burke, the first million-dollar female athlete in U.S. history and a trailblazer for women’s wrestling. We unpack Emily Bett Rickards’ performance as Burke, the film’s gritty portrayal of her rise, and how it balances inspirational sports drama with the darker realities of life inside the ring. We also touch on the film’s mixed critical reception, its controversial release journey, and whether it earns its place as a fresh wrestling biopic or stumbles into familiar tropes. Then we turn to A24’s The Iron Claw (2023), Sean Durkin’s heartbreaking chronicle of the Von Erich family — one of wrestling’s most tragic dynasties. With powerhouse performances from Zac Efron, Jeremy Allen White, and Holt McCallany, this film doesn’t just explore the triumphs of the ring but digs deep into themes of family, trauma, and sacrifice. We break down its emotional impact, how it frames wrestling as both an escape and a curse, and why it’s become one of A24’s most talked-about dramas. Along the way, we compare the two films — one about a pioneering woman who built wrestling’s future, the other about a family consumed by its past. Together, they show wrestling as more than spectacle: it’s a story about ambition, resilience, and the cost of glory.

This week on The Popcorn Hour, Matt and James break down a packed slate of movie news: James Gunn’s upcoming Superman: Man of Tomorrow, Danny Boyle’s return with 28 Years Later, the mystery of A24’s Bone Temple, and Benny Safdie’s wrestling drama The Smashing Machine. We dig into the hype, the risks, and what each project means for the future of film.

Everyone’s got a dream DCU lineup… but we didn’t go the obvious route. Instead, we asked: who would make the DC Universe actually interesting? In this episode of The Popcorn Hour, Matt and James dive into bold, unconventional, and sometimes downright surprising fan casts for Batman, Wonder Woman, and beyond. From wild card actors to choices that might just work if given the chance, we’re breaking away from the cookie-cutter superhero mold and reimagining the Justice League in a way you’ve never heard before.

This week we’re loaded with movie and TV news! Quentin Tarantino’s next project rumors are heating up—could this really be his final film? The cult comedy Super Troopers is making headlines with updates on the long-awaited sequel. And over in the DC universe, Peacemaker Season 2 is officially on the way—what can we expect from James Gunn’s return to the most chaotic anti-hero on TV? We break it all down, share what excites us most, and speculate on what’s coming next in Hollywood.

In this episode of Weapons Review, we dive deep into the year’s most talked-about horror film. Does it live up to the hype, or is it just another jump-scare factory? We break down the scares, the storytelling, the performances, and whether this movie deserves the crown as the year’s best horror release. Expect spoiler-free impressions up front, followed by a spoiler-heavy analysis for the true horror buffs. Grab your flashlight and join us as we decide if this film really is the weapon of choice for horror fans everywhere.

This week, we dive into the biggest stories in the world of film. We reflect on the incredible career of legendary actor Terence Stamp following his passing, explore AMC’s surprising format changes and what they mean for moviegoers, and step into the eerie unknown with the upcoming Backrooms film adaptation. Plus, we break down the buzz (and rumors!) around a potential Scary Movie 6—could the parody franchise be making a comeback?