Episodes

In this spoiler-free reel review, Zoe covers the refreshing and entertaining film "The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare" starring Henry Cavil. Zoe and her husband Sam enjoyed this film but it is definitely for mature audiences with profuse swearing and a glorification of violence. There is one scene which has some nudity from behind, but it is a scene which shows a character how bad these Nazis are, and the scene was done tastefully and purposefully. The film is fast paced and based on the true...

This Reel 2 is a deep dive on the recent film, "Monkey Man". If you are looking for a spoiler free review, that was Reel 1 which you can listen to right now. But this episode is dedicated to unpacking what makes this film stand out in the action genre and the filmmaker behind it all, Dev Patel. Spoilers ahead! By the way, welcome to Reel Review! This is where Zoe helps answer the question, "Should I see this?" and invites you into a deeper conversation about the story's themes and message. Let...

In this spoiler-free reel review, Zoe covers the surprising film "Monkey Man" which was written, directed, produced and starring Dev Patel. This film is rated R in every way, from the bloody violence, to language, and nudity, but it is also a heavy film wrestling with a lot of themes like religion and politics, revenge, and the treatment of minorities. It is a difficult film to recommend and depends on you, the movie-goer. For sure, it is a provocative film that is full of heart. By the way, we...

In this Reel 2, Zoe asked her resident Godzilla-expert Sam to bring his knowledge to the conversation. Sam discusses why he felt this movie was more of a Kong movie than a Godzilla film, not really a team-up, and he wishes the Legendary studio would make a genuine Godzilla-centered film. They also talk about the monster-verse, franchise-fatigue, and how it is indeed possible to make legitimately good monster movies.... and maybe this one is just "okay". By the way, welcome to Reel Review! This ...

Big monster fights are not Zoe's cup of tea when it comes to movies but this latest entry in the "monster-verse" franchise from Legendary Studios surprised her! She had a very fun time at the theater and her husband who is a mega Godzilla fan was also pleased. It can't be compared to Japan's film, Godzilla Minus One, from last year, but that's okay because they're two completely different films and it's something Zoe can't wait to talk about in Reel 2. By the way, welcome to Reel Review! This i...

In this deep dive into Kung Fu Panda 4, Zoe explains why she feels this full shows the greed of Hollywood. One of the film's co-directors, Stephanie Stein, has come out expressing her frustration with DreamWorks and shared her unfortunate experience on the project. Her story explains exactly what went wrong on this film: the bad storytelling decisions, lack of character development, rapid pacing, and how clearly it was all produced to make money. This shouldn't come as a surprise, of course, but...

This reel review shares two opinions on the film Kung Fu Panda 4. Zoe found the film lackluster and disappointing but her autistic brother Josh found it hilarious. Perhaps it isn't worth the theater price but it is a passable kids film, if you don't mind your kids watching small bunnies jump with glee for violence. Reel 2 will contain a spoiler-filled deep dive on the film's flaws and lost potential.... almost ironic, considering a metaphor in the film is a peach pit being the seed to greatness...

It's okay if Dune isn't your cup of tea when it comes to film entertainment, but for Zoe its frustrating when people criticize the Dune films for being style over substance. Here in this deeper dive, Zoe shares some background information on the director, Denis Villeneuve, which illustrates what makes him a unique storyteller. He employs "show don't tell" through the tools of cinematic storytelling with cinematography, lighting, and audio design, and he trusts his audience. There is a lot of sty...

This is your spoiler free review of the second part to the recent sci fi saga, Dune. Zoe is very biased on this one since she is a huge fan of sci fi, fantasy, world-building, and the director Denis Villeneuve. So for her, this was a highly anticipated sequel... and you shouldn't walk into a theater with expectations, but lucky for her this sequel was three-hours well spent. However, this may not be everyone's thing, and the film is rated a "hard" pg-13 with intense violence and direct intimacy ...

Welcome to Reel Review! This is where Zoe helps answer the question, "Should I see this?" and invites you into a deeper conversation about the story's themes and message. This is a fun episode where Zoe goes through each of the movie trailers released during the Super Bowl and offers her insight on the films, what she's excited about, looking forward to, and nervous about... the stories we tell matter and impact our culture! How do you feel about these films? List of films: A Quiet Place: Day...

Welcome to Reel Review! This is where Zoe helps answer the question, "Should I see this?" and invites you into a deeper conversation about the story's themes and message. This is Reel 2, Part 2. The deep dive with Zoe's special guest Cable Takenaka continues...Cable and Zoe look at Christian movies as a whole: what their reputation has been, where we stand currently, and what to look forward to from Christian filmmakers--or as Cable and Zoe explain, "filmmakers who are Christian" and the differ...

Welcome to Reel Review! This is where Zoe helps answer the question, "Should I see this?" and invites you into a deeper conversation about the story's themes and message. This is Reel 2, Part 1. The deep dive that Zoe had with her special guest, Caleb "Cable" Takenaka, went longer than expected but it was an interesting conversation so it is split into two parts for your enjoyment. Cable and Zoe look at Christian movies as a whole: what their reputation has been, where we stand currently, and w...

Welcome to Reel Review! This is where Zoe helps answer the question, "Should I see this?" and invites you into a deeper conversation about the story's themes and message. Ordinary Angels releases on February 22nd, but here is a spoiler-free review from Zoe because she had the opportunity to see the film early. You'll hear her thoughts on some of the acting, directing, and some of her thoughts on Christian films. In Reel 2, Zoe plans to bring on a special guest to discuss Christian films in gen...

Welcome to Reel Review! This is where Zoe helps answer the question, "Should I see this?" and invites you into a deeper conversation about the story's themes and message. This is Reel 2, where Zoe and her special guest, mega-fan of Godzilla, Sam, dive into the Godzilla franchise and discuss the historical and cultural significance of the franchise and what it means for this movie: Godzilla Minus One (2023). The first Godzilla movie came out in 1954, and this movie was made in honor of the 70th ...

Welcome to Reel Review! This is where Zoe helps answer the question, "Should I see this?" and invites you into a deeper conversation about the story's themes and message. This episode covers a 2023 film that Zoe didn't get around to seeing till recently but it has been one of the most surprising and satisfying movie experiences she's had: Godzilla Minus One. Produced in Japan with a shockingly low budget, this film has been a massive success financially, critically, and with Godzilla fans. But ...

Welcome to Reel Review! This is a special episode where instead of reviewing a new movie in theaters, Zoe takes a look back on what could be considered the best animated trilogy of all time "How To Train Your Dragon" featuring her special guest (and husband) Sam. They break down the main themes across the three films, the characters, and the importance of good storytelling in children's media... This is part two, so if you missed part one go listen to that first and then come back. Subscribe to ...

Welcome to Reel Review! This is a special episode where instead of reviewing a new movie in theaters, Zoe takes a look back on what could be considered the best animated trilogy of all time "How To Train Your Dragon" featuring her special guest (and husband) Sam. They break down the main themes across the three films, the characters, and the importance of good storytelling in children's media... Part Two will be available later this week! Subscribe to get notified and if you like the show, drop...

Welcome to Reel Review! This is where Zoe helps answer the question, "Should I see this?" and invites you into a deeper conversation about the story's themes and message. This is a very special episode! It's a Merry Christmas Movie Debate featuring Ansen and Kara from Real FM. They are arguing for the Best Christmas movie. Zoe argues for "Elf", Ansen argues for "A Christmas Story" and Kara argues for "A Muppet Christmas Carol." There can only be one winner...

Welcome to Reel Review! This is where Zoe helps answer the question, "Should I see this?" and invites you into a deeper conversation about the story's themes and message. This is a SPOILER FILLED Reel 2, deeper dive into the latest tribute in the Hunger Games - Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes. Zoe goes into greater detail over her frustration and confusion with the characters and plot of the film, and shares her concerns for future storytelling as more studios push out prequels, sequels, and rem...

Welcome to Reel Review! This is where Zoe helps answer the question, "Should I see this?" and invites you into a deeper conversation about the story's themes and message. This episode covers the Hunger Games' prequel, "The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes" which is a very long and poetically-on-the-nose title. Originally, Zoe was not planning on seeing the film, but after getting requests to cover it, she decided to do the review. She shares her thoughts on the main actors, Tom Blyth as Young Sno...

Welcome to Reel Review! This is where Zoe helps answer the question, "Should I see this?" and invites you into a deeper conversation about the story's themes and message. This episode covers Wish, a film celebrating Disney's 100 year anniversary. Zoe goes into why she thinks this new animated film lacks the magic of classic Disney films, even though ironically, the film pays homage to the classics with multiple easter eggs and a traditional sinister villain. From the music, characters and anima...

Welcome to Reel Review! This is where Zoe helps answer the question, "Should I see this?" and invites you into a deeper conversation about the story's themes and message. This episode covers Wish, a film celebrating Disney's 100 year anniversary. Zoe explains how the choice to combine 2D and 3D animation makes the film stylistically unique and perhaps off-putting but this film may be a return to form as Disney struggles against recent box office bombs and controversy. In Reel 2, she goes into ...

Welcome to Reel Review! This is where Zoe helps you answer the question, “Should I see this?” and invites you into a deeper conversation about the story’s themes and message. This episode covers a film shot nearby the Real Station in Northwest Arkansas! It's called "What Happens Later" written, directed, and starring the 90s rom-com icon, Meg Ryan. Zoe explains how she felt about the film, the story, and how it might resonate with a certain audience... and how we need both to take trips and jou...

Welcome to Reel Review! This is where Zoe helps answer the question, "Should I see this?" and invites you into a deeper conversation about the story's themes and message. This episode covers Meg Ryan's latest film shot in Northwest Arkansas, What Happens Later. Zoe explains how this film was not at all what she was expecting: serious and dramatic, rated R for strong language, and centering on a story which did not resonate with her at all. However, it may resonate with others, people in a simil...