Reel Insights

Reel Insights

By NerdtropolisTV & Film
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Reel Insights episodes

  • DOUBLE TROUBLE: Violet McGraw & Jack Griffo

    Violet McGraw and Jack Griffo speak with Nerdtropolis Mayor Sean Tajipour for a conversation about DOUBLE TROUBLE, the action-packed family adventure set in Las Vegas. The stars discuss the film's nostalgic appeal, filming at the Palms Casino Resort and bringing their characters to life.Violet opens up about working alongside her real-life sister Madeleine McGraw and sharing the screen with Andrew Koji, while Jack discusses his approach to playing Juniper and the fun of taking on a supporting role. The conversation also explores their experiences behind the scenes and their ideas for a possible DOUBLE TROUBLE sequel.DOUBLE TROUBLE is now playing in theaters.

    10 min
  • INSIDIOUS: OUT OF THE FURTHER - Lin Shaye, Brandon Perea & Amelia Eve

    Lin Shaye, Brandon Perea and Amelia Eve speak with Nerdtropolis Mayor Sean Tajipour for a conversation about INSIDIOUS: OUT OF THE FURTHER, the latest installment in the supernatural horror franchise. The cast opens up about their biggest childhood fears and the nightmares that still haunt them today.The cast also gets into the Halloween spirit, sharing their favorite traditions, childhood costumes and unforgettable trick-or-treating experiences.The conversation takes a hilarious turn when the trio reveals the three things they would bring if forced to spend a night trapped in The Further.INSIDIOUS: OUT OF THE FURTHER is available now on digital platforms.

    11 min
  • DOLPH LUNDGREN: Rocky IV, The Punisher & Masters of the Universe

    Dolph Lundgren speaks with Nerdtropolis Mayor Sean Tajipour for a conversation bout DOLPH: UNBREAKABLE, the revealing documentary that looks beyond his larger-than-life action hero image to explore the personal battles that shaped his life. Lundgren opens up about his difficult childhood in Sweden, growing up with an abusive father and how those experiences pushed him toward martial arts, discipline and eventually a completely different path in engineering before Hollywood changed everything.Lundgren also reflects on becoming a global star after ROCKY IV and the overwhelming impact fame had on his life. He explains why it took years to adjust to being recognized around the world, how age and life experience have changed his approach to acting and why sharing his story became part of a larger journey of self-discovery. He also discusses the legacy he hopes to leave behind and why being remembered as a thoughtful person who cared about others matters more to him than his action-star reputation.

    8 min
  • JEM GARRARD: R.L. Stine's Pumpkinhead 2

    R.L. Stine’s Pumpkinhead 2 director Jem Garrard joins Nerdtropolis to break down the sequel, expanding the supernatural mythology of Redhaven and bringing Cassandra Peterson, best known as Elvira, into the story as Cassandra the Witch.Garrard also discusses her creative partnership with Tubi, working within R.L. Stine’s world, why Peterson responded to the script and what the Pumpkinhead 2 ending means for the future of Redhaven, including the tease for Scared of Clowns.

    6 min
  • MIKE P. NELSON: Beware Boiúna

    Beware Boiúna director Mike P. Nelson joins Nerdtropolis to break down the survival horror film’s terrifying giant snake, the real Titanoboa inspiration and how Amazon folklore and science helped shape the creature.Nelson also discusses using Billy Friedkin’s Sorcerer as a major influence, building tension before unleashing the monster, paying tribute to classic creature features and using the dense jungle to make the enormous predator feel even more dangerous.

    6 min
  • BUZZKILL: Brec Bassinger & Aliyah's Interlude

    Brec Bassinger and Aliyah’s Interlude speak with Nerdtropolis Mayor Sean Tajipour for a full REEL INSIGHTS interview about BUZZKILL, Tubi’s campy new sorority slasher starring Siena Agudong, Brec Bassinger and Aliyah’s Interlude. Bassinger and Aliyah discuss the movie’s wild party energy, filming mostly during late-night shoots, getting delirious between takes and the hilarious clown scenes. They also break down the drink-themed costumes, their signature party drinks, soundtrack picks and why BUZZKILL mixes horror, comedy and feminine energy into something completely different.Aliyah’s Interlude opens up about BUZZKILL being her first film role and why the combination of horror movies and chick flicks immediately appealed to her. Bassinger reflects on going from STARGIRL to playing the leader of a sorority house, while the pair reveal their perfect BUZZKILL double features, who would survive a real slasher scenario and what belongs at the ultimate BUZZKILL watch party. Bassinger chooses THE HOUSE BUNNY as her double-feature pick, Aliyah goes with IT, and both explain why audiences should RSVP for Tubi’s fun, suspenseful and unapologetically campy new horror movie.

    8 min
  • DANE COOK: Funny Money

    Dane Cook speaks with Nerdtropolis Mayor Sean Tajipour for a full interview about FUNNY MONEY: THE DANE COOK STORY, the shocking betrayal involving his brother that cost him millions of dollars and forever changed his life. Cook reflects on his rise to stand-up comedy superstardom, explains why the documentary focuses on this painful chapter of his career and reveals how his lifelong fascination with true crime shaped the film. He also opens up about working with investigators, receiving strange phone calls and realizing he was living through his own true-crime documentary.Cook also reveals why he gave director Brett Harvey complete creative control and how he discovered shocking information about his own brother and family while sitting in front of the camera. He discusses the emotional toll of betrayal, rebuilding his identity, reconnecting with fans and why sharing painful experiences can help people reclaim their dignity. On a lighter note, Cook reveals why Matt Rife could portray him in a Hollywood adaptation and shares the surprising connection between his dream home, DIE HARD's Nakatomi Plaza and the childhood memories he shared with his brother.

    12 min
  • SHEMAR MOORE: S.W.A.T. Exiles

    Shemar Moore speaks with Nerdtropolis Mayor Sean Tajipour for a full REEL INSIGHTS interview about S.W.A.T. EXILES, returning as Daniel "Hondo" Harrelson and taking the franchise in a darker, grittier direction. Moore discusses Hondo's flaws, leading a new team and a mysterious conspiracy threatening to destroy Hondo and S.W.A.T. He also reveals how the STARZ series delivers intense action while moving away from the flashy technology of the original show.Moore reflects on his television career, from THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS and CRIMINAL MINDS to nearly a decade as Hondo on S.W.A.T. He opens up about the worldwide support of his fans, growing up shy, becoming a father and why playing Hondo makes him feel like a real-life superhero. Moore also discusses training with real S.W.A.T. officers and members of SEAL Team 6, his love for imperfect heroes and the hilarious struggles of binge-watching television with his partner.

    10 min
  • ELNAAZ NOROUZI: The Fix

    Elnaaz Norouzi speaks with Nerdtropolis Mayor Sean Tajipour for a full interview about THE FIX, portraying Zahra and why the action thriller felt deeply personal to her. Norouzi explains how the film’s connection to Iran, the country where she was born, drew her to the story and why she wants audiences around the world to learn more about Iranian experiences. She also teases Zahra’s surprising involvement in the dangerous rescue mission and reveals how the character’s determination reflects her own refusal to give up.Norouzi also opens up about working with Zachary Levi and seeing him transform into a serious action star alongside Liam Neeson, Quincy Isaiah and the movie’s ensemble cast. She shares how Levi kept the atmosphere fun between intense scenes and recalls introducing her co-stars to Persian culture through chai, koobideh and ghormeh sabzi. Norouzi also discusses her love of thrillers, explains why unpredictable stories represent filmmaking at its best and reveals which role she would take during a real rescue mission.

    9 min
  • JEREMIAH WATKINS: Crazy Pizza

    Jeremiah Watkins speaks with Nerdtropolis Mayor Sean Tajipour for a full interview about his newest stand-up special, CRAZY PIZZA, and voicing the Joker in DC SUPER HERO GIRLS. Watkins explains how the special’s title grew from an improv game his wife taught during the pandemic and how its ’90s pizza-parlor set gives the comedy hour its own identity. He also reveals the hidden objects placed throughout the set, including scissors, skulls, a belt and other “toppings” connected to his jokes.Watkins opens up about turning marriage, fatherhood and personal experiences into comedy while respecting his family’s boundaries. He explains how he connects stories that may not initially fit together and why CRAZY PIZZA captures a specific chapter of his life as a husband and father. Watkins also performs his Donald Trump impression and breaks down the musicality, practice and natural instincts behind finding a recognizable voice.Watkins reflects on growing up with BATMAN: THE ANIMATED SERIES, Mark Hamill’s influence and the honor of joining the small group of performers who have voiced the Joker. He reveals how his biggest recording-session choices helped define his version of the character and shares his desire to voice Nightwing in the future. Watkins also discusses auditioning for DC and Marvel projects, teases a secret role protected by a strict NDA and reveals the three pizza toppings that best represent his life today.

    17 min

About Reel Insights

From the publisher's feed

Welcome to Reel Insights, part of The Nerdtropolis Podcast Network, where Sean Tajipour brings you closer to the stars and stories shaping today’s biggest movies and TV shows.