In this episode of Pope’s Press Play, I rank all ten 2026 Oscar Best Picture nominees from least to most deserving. This year’s lineup is one of the most interesting and genre-diverse in recent award history, featuring films like Sinners (with a record 16 nominations), Paul Thomas Anderson’s One Battle After Another, Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein, and the emotional historical drama Hamnet. I break down what stood out in each film and where they land in my Best Picture ranking.

Ghostface is BACK — and so are we. In this episode of Flicks and Friends Zach dive headfirst into the entire Scream franchise and rank every film from worst to best, now including the newest entry, Scream 7.

We break down what still works, what absolutely doesn’t, which Ghostface reveals slapped, which ones flopped, and why this franchise continues to have such a massive cultural pull 25+ years later. From the meta-horror brilliance of the early films, to the chaotic energy of the new era, this is the ultimate Scream ranking for horror fans.

Whether you’re a die-hard who can quote every Randy Meeks rule or you’ve only recently joined the blood-soaked party, this episode has something for you. Grab your snacks, watch your back, and get ready — because we’re ranking:

• Scream

• Scream 2

• Scream 3

• Scream 4

• Scream

• Scream VI

• Scream 7

Spoiler-free ranking up front, full spoiler discussion after.
Let’s slice into this franchise the right way. 🔪👻

In this episode I review Scream 7, the latest entry in the iconic slasher franchise. While the film kicks off with a strong, classic Scream-style opening, the story quickly unravels — leading to what I felt was the weakest Ghostface reveal and most disappointing ending in series history. I break down what worked, what fell apart, and why this movie ultimately left me feeling nothing. If you love the Scream franchise, this one might hit hard.

On today’s review, I’m reviewing Paradise Season 2 in a completely spoiler-free breakdown. This season surprised me in the best way — deeper characters, richer world-building, and a much more emotionally driven story than the first season ever attempted.

I dive into why the storytelling is stronger, what themes stand out, how the tone shifts from mystery sci-fi to character-focused drama, and why fans of LOST-style layered storytelling are going to love this season.

Whether you’re a returning fan or just curious, this is one of Netflix’s strongest sophomore seasons in years.

On today’s episode of Pope’s Press Play, I’m diving into A24’s newest thriller, How to Make a Killing — a darkly comedic, razor-sharp crime story starring Glen Powell in one of his most entertaining performances yet.

This film blends satire, tension, and absurdity in classic A24 fashion, following an everyday guy who suddenly falls into a criminal scheme spiraling out of control. I break down why this movie works, what surprised me, and how it stacks up against A24’s recent hits.

If you’ve watched the film, send in your thoughts — and let’s talk all things movies, TV, and pop culture!

In this episode, I review Good Luck, Have Fun, Don’t Die, Gore Verbinski’s audacious new sci-fi film starring Sam Rockwell, Haley Lu Richardson, Michael Peña, Zazie Beetz, and more. Part action adventure, part dark comedy, and deeply reflective on the role of technology in our lives, this movie blew me away — and I explain why I think it could be the most important science-fiction film of the decade. From performances to world-building to its message about AI and humanity, we dive into exactly what makes this one unforgettable.

In this episode, I review The Moment, the new 2026 mockumentary starring Charli XCX and directed by Aidan Zamiri. The film blends reality and fiction to satirize fame, celebrity branding, and the pressures of pop stardom. I break down why this movie worked for me, how the satire lands, and what makes Charli’s performance compelling. If you’re into films that play with genre and celebrity commentary, this one’s worth your attention.

In this episode, I review Shelter — the 2026 Ric Roman Waugh-directed action thriller starring Jason Statham. Unlike typical blockbuster fare, Shelter leans into character, regret, and emotional survival stakes as a reclusive man is forced back into danger after rescuing a young girl. I break down why the film works, why I think it’s the first certified “dad film” of 2026, and what sets it apart from Statham’s other action work.

Exclusive interview with Ric Roman Waugh — director of Shelter and visionary behind films like Snitch, Shot Caller, Angel Has Fallen, and Greenland.In this in-depth conversation, I sit down with Ric Roman Waugh, the director of the brand-new Jason Statham action thriller Shelter (in theaters January 30, 2026), to talk about his entire career, his evolution as a filmmaker, and what shaped his creative voice.Ric started his career as a stunt performer before transitioning to writing and directing — bringing a grounded, visceral feel to his action films. Over the years he’s built an eclectic filmography that includes gritty character dramas like Snitch (2013) and Shot Caller (2017), massive action franchises like Angel Has Fallen (2019), and disaster epics like Greenland (2020).In Shelter, Ric takes a more emotional, character-focused approach to action, blending intense physical sequences with authentic performances — something he attributes to his background and philosophy of placing viewers “inside the action.” This is the second episode of Flicks and Friends!We break down:🔥 How his stunt roots influence his directing🎥 Why character matters in big action films💥 What he learned from each major project in his career📽️ What Shelter was like to shoot and what’s coming nextWatch the full interview and let me know: Which Ric Roman Waugh movie is your favorite?

In this episode, I review Send Help, the brand-new survival thriller directed by Sam Raimi. Starring Rachel McAdams and Dylan O’Brien, the film follows two plane-crash survivors stranded on a deserted island where survival becomes a tense and darkly humorous battle of wills.

I dive into why Send Help is a must-watch — from Raimi’s escalating suspense and visual flair to the strong performances, sharp character dynamics, and Danny Elfman’s score. This is a spoiler-free discussion focused on what makes the film work and why it stands out in Raimi’s career.

Send Help is now playing exclusively in theaters.