This week, we got a big one! Ryan finally saw Sinners, Mikey saw Thunderbolts*, and both of us watched at least the first three arcs of Andor season 2.

Then, for the first time in the history of the podcast, the main topic takes up at least half of the episode. What is the best year for film in the 21st century? That's the question of the week. Have the blockbusters held up? Are the Best Picture nominees still held in high regard? This is what we considered as we ranked our top five years for film in the 21st century.

Let us know what we got wrong, and thanks for listening!

This week, Ryan and Mikey react to the monumental second episode of season 2 of The Last of Us and briefly touch on the hit Ryan Coogler film Sinners, as well as Alex Garland's gritty new war film Warfare.

Then, in honor of the NFL draft, Ryan and Mikey draft their favorite "late-round steal" movie performances. What actor, billed fourth or later in the credits, rises to the top and steals the show? Listen to hear our picks, and leave your own in the episode comments.

Thanks for listening!

This week, Ryan and Mikey discuss what they've been watching over the last few weeks, including an in-depth view of Max's incredible new medical drama: The Pitt!

Then, the guys discuss the much-anticipated premiere of season 2 of The Last of Us.

Let us know what you thought about the premiere, and thanks for listening!

This week, in honor of the Wisconsin Badgers Men's Basketball Team's uninspired performance in the second round of the NCAA tournament, Ryan and Mikey drafted great movies that were damaged by a disappointing ending.

Let us know what movies were left off their lists, and thanks for listening!

In honor of NFL free agency activity, Ryan and Mikey propose potential trades that could improve past movies.

Would this director from movie A be a fair trade for these two actors from movie B? The boys discuss, proposing multiple trades that include Christopher Nolan, Gladiator 2, Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantamania, and many more.

Let us know what trades you think could have improved some recent Hollywood hits or misses.

Thanks for listening!

This week, Ryan and Mikey break down the updates to the DC Studios Film and Television slate and the recent news that Kathleen Kennedy is believed to be stepping down as president of LucasFilm at the end of 2025.

Then, the boys break down the biggest storylines heading into the 2025 Academy Awards. What nominees are locks to win, but more importantly, what nominees have the best odds to upset the favorites? Where should you (responsibly) put some money down to give you the best chance of making a little cash this Sunday? Find out in the third iteration of the Reel Issues Podcast's Betting the Oscars episode.

Let us know which nominees you think should win and where you're going to sprinkle a little money this Sunday.

Thanks for listening!

This week, in a truncated edition of the Reel Issues Podcast, Ryan and Mikey discuss one of the most boring Super Bowls in recent memory, including how few of the commercials are actually funny anymore.

Then, they get into what they have been watching and how Ryan can't bring himself to watch Invincible.

Come back next episode for the third edition of Betting the Oscars, where Ryan and Mikey will place bets on what films and stars will take home the coveted Oscar statues at the Academy Awards on March 2nd.

Thanks for listening!

This week, Ryan and Mikey talk extensively about the divisional round of the NFL Playoffs. If you are not interested in any of that conversation, jump to ~25 minutes into the episode.

Then, they dive into the main topic of the episode: the most essential films in each decade.

What are the quintessential films of each decade? What movies are must-watch?

Let us know what films we missed! 

Thanks for listening!

This week, Ryan and Mikey follow up last week's episode discussing their favorite projects from 2024 by looking ahead to their most anticipated movies and TV shows of 2025.

So many big shows are making their return, big-name directors are returning to theaters, the MCU hopes to make a comeback with three movies, including a new film with Marvel's first family: The Fantastic Four, and James Gunn's DC universe makes its film debut with July's Superman. 

Let us know what you are most excited for in 2025, and as always, thanks for listening!

This week, Ryan and Mikey discuss everything they have been watching in the past few weeks, including what holiday classics they threw on during the Christmas season.

Then, the guys review the latest film from director Robert Eggers, Nosferatu. This chilling remake of the classic vampire film has made waves as one of the best horror movies of 2024, but what do our hosts think of it?

Finally, in a look back on the popular media of the past year, Ryan and Mikey break down their favorite performances, series, and films of 2024.

Let us know what your favorites were in 2024, and tune in next week for the most anticipated films and series of 2025, a year that is promising to be MASSIVE for the box office.

Thanks for listening!