The Popcorn Podcast

This week on The Popcorn Podcast, Tommy and Ryan confront the chilling finale of Ed and Lorraine Warren’s story with The Conjuring: Last Rites.

From its oppressive atmosphere to the emotional weight of closing out one of horror’s most successful franchises, we explore how Last Rites balances heart-stopping scares with heartfelt goodbyes. We break down the film’s terrifying set pieces, the performances that ground its supernatural chaos, and whether this conclusion delivers the send-off fans have been waiting for.

The Conjuring: Last Rites
In this episode, we unpack how James Wan’s universe comes full circle, the legacy of Ed and Lorraine’s battles with evil, and where the franchise could go — if anywhere — from here.

Episode Highlights:
 The Warrens’ Final Case: How the film closes their chapter.
 Emotional Core: Performances that give the horror weight.
 Atmosphere & Dread: The scares that stick with you long after the credits.
Franchise Legacy: What The Conjuring has meant for modern horror.
 What’s Next: Can the universe continue without the Warrens?

Special Thanks:
 Huge thank you to our sponsor Snack Crate for making this show possible! To thank them for making sure this show is possible, visit  SnackCrate.com and use our discount code: Popcorn for 50% your box and free shipping!

Connect with Us:
Tommy: @Tommy_Cresta
Ryan: @Foran12
The Show: @The_Popcorn_Podcast
Editor Colin Gallagher: @colingallagher.3

 Available now on all platforms. Grab your popcorn — and your Snack Crate — and join us as we dive into the haunting conclusion of The Conjuring saga.

The popcorn’s hot, let’s press play.

This week on The Popcorn Podcast, Tommy and Ryan tackle two massive TV events shaking up the world of sci-fi and superheroes. First, we dive into Alien: Earth Episodes 3 & 4, where the tension escalates, survival stakes grow sharper, and the Xenomorph’s shadow looms larger than ever. Then, we shift gears into James Gunn’s bombastic return with Peacemaker Season 2, Episodes 1 & 2—packed with chaotic action, absurd humor, and surprisingly heartfelt character beats.

Alien: Earth (Episodes 3 & 4)
We explore how the series ratchets up its claustrophobic horror, expands its Earth-bound mythology, and delivers gut-punching drama that tests its characters’ humanity.

Peacemaker (Episodes 1 & 2)
We break down the season’s explosive opening, highlight standout moments from Peacemaker and his team, and dive into how Gunn continues blending wild comedy with unexpected heart.

Episode Highlights:
👽 Alien: Earth — Rising dread, evolving Xenomorph threat, and survival under siege.
🌍 Alien: Earth — How Earth’s setting reshapes the Alien saga.
🦅 Peacemaker — Eagly’s return and the show’s perfect absurdity.
💥 Peacemaker — Action, comedy, and character growth in equal measure.
🔮 Looking Ahead — What these episodes might signal for both shows moving forward.

Connect with Us:
Tommy: @Tommy_Cresta
Ryan: @Foran12
The Show: @The_Popcorn_Podcast
Editor Colin Gallagher: @colingallagher.3

🎧 Available now on all platforms. Grab your popcorn and join us as we break down Alien: Earth and Peacemaker in one jam-packed episode.
The popcorn’s hot, let’s press play.

This week on The Popcorn Podcast, Tommy and Ryan are joined by the amazingly talented and hilarious Chuck Shaughnessy (@ImChuckYourMovieGuy) to descend back into the haunted halls of the Carmichael Manor with Hell House LLC: Lineage.

From its spine-tingling atmosphere to the mythology that has kept this franchise alive for nearly a decade, we explore how Lineage raises the stakes while honoring the original cult classic. With Chuck’s horror expertise in the mix, we break down the film’s scares, its layered storytelling, and whether this installment cements Hell House LLC as one of the most consistent found-footage sagas in modern horror.

Episode Highlights:
 The Abaddon’s Legacy: How the franchise continues to expand its terrifying lore.
 Found-Footage Done Right: Why Hell House still stands apart from the crowd.
 Scares & Atmosphere: Breaking down the film’s most chilling moments.
 Performances & Direction: How the cast and filmmakers bring authenticity to the horror.
 What’s Next?: Theories on where Hell House could go after Lineage.

Connect with Us:
Tommy: @Tommy_Cresta
Ryan: @Foran12
The Show: @The_Popcorn_Podcast
Chuck: @ImChuckYourMovieGuy
Editor Colin Gallagher: @colingallagher.3

Available now on all platforms. Grab your popcorn and join us as we reopen the doors of the Abaddon Hotel and uncover the horrors within.

The popcorn’s hot, let’s press play.

This week on The Popcorn Podcast, Tommy and Ryan dive deep into the terrifying return of the Xenomorph with Alien: Earth Episodes 1 & 2.

From its chilling atmosphere to the grounded human drama at the core, we explore how this new chapter in the Alien saga sets the stage for a gripping, modern reinvention while staying true to the franchise’s horror roots. We break down the show’s world-building, the evolving threat of the Xenomorph, and the character dynamics that drive the tension forward.

Alien: Earth
In this episode, we unpack how the series balances claustrophobic horror with large-scale storytelling, the way fear and survival shape its characters, and what these first episodes might signal for the season ahead.

Episode Highlights:
👽 The Xenomorph’s Return: How the creature is reimagined for a new era.
🌍 World-Building on Earth: Expanding the Alien mythology beyond space.
🎭 Human Survival: Performances that ground the terror in raw emotion.
⚡ Tension & Atmosphere: How pacing and visuals keep dread at the forefront.
🔮 Looking Ahead: Theories on where the story could go next.

Connect with Us:
Tommy: @Tommy_Cresta
Ryan: @Foran12
The Show: @The_Popcorn_Podcast
Editor Colin Gallagher: @colingallagher.3

🎧 Available now on all platforms. Grab your popcorn and join us as we break down the shocking opening of Alien: Earth.

The popcorn’s hot, let’s press play.

This week on The Popcorn Podcast, Tommy and Ryan step into the tense, unpredictable world of Zach Cregger’s latest film, Weapons.

From its haunting atmosphere to its unconventional narrative structure, we explore how Cregger builds on the success of Barbarian while carving out something wholly new in the horror-thriller space. We break down the film’s interwoven stories, its commentary on violence in America, and the performances that keep you glued to the edge of your seat.

Weapons
In this episode, we unpack how Cregger uses shifting perspectives to keep audiences off-balance, how tone and pacing work in tandem to escalate dread, and what this film might signal for his future projects in the genre.

Episode Highlights:

💥 Storytelling in Shards: How fragmented narratives can amplify suspense.
🎭 Performances Under Pressure: Standout turns from the ensemble cast.
🔪 Violence as Theme: The ways Weapons comments on fear, power, and survival.
🎥 Cregger’s Evolution: How this film compares to Barbarian and what it says about his style.
🔮 Looking Ahead: Where Cregger might take his career and horror next.

Connect with Us:
Tommy: @Tommy_Cresta
Ryan: @Foran12
The Show: @The_Popcorn_Podcast
Editor Colin Gallagher: @colingallagher.3

🎧 Available now on all platforms. Tune in and join the conversation as we dissect one of the year’s most gripping and unconventional genre films.
The popcorn’s hot, let’s press play.

This week on The Popcorn Podcast, Tommy and Ryan dive headfirst into the twisted intimacy of the new body horror film Together, starring Dave Franco and Alison Brie.
Blending psychological dread with grotesque physical transformation, the film offers a chilling exploration of codependency, self-erasure, and the terrifying lengths some couples will go to stay connected—literally.

Together
In this episode, we dissect how Together uses body horror as a metaphor for emotional fusion, examine the chemistry between real-life partners Franco and Brie, and debate whether the film's creeping discomfort leaves a lasting mark—or just makes your skin crawl.

Episode Highlights:

🔪 Love as Decay: How the film weaponizes romance and domesticity to unsettle viewers.
🧬 The Body Betrays: A breakdown of the film’s best (and most disturbing) practical effects.
💔 Performances on the Edge: What makes Franco and Brie’s dynamic so unnervingly believable?
🧠 Themes That Linger: How the film echoes classics like Possession and The Fly.
🎥 A New Chapter for Intimate Horror: Where Together fits in the modern horror landscape.

Connect with Us:
Tommy: @Tommy_Cresta
Ryan: @Foran12
The Show: @The_Popcorn_Podcast
Editor Colin Gallagher: @colingallagher.3

🎧 Available now on all platforms. Tune in and join the conversation as we peel back the flesh—er, layers—of one of the year’s most unsettling horror films.
The popcorn’s hot, let’s press play.

This week on The Popcorn Podcast, Tommy and Ryan dive into the latest chapter of the Marvel universe with a full breakdown of The Fantastic Four: First Steps.
From its place in the MCU timeline to the dynamics of introducing Marvel’s first family to a new generation, we explore what this release means for the future of the franchise and what fans should take away from its tone, themes, and performances.

Fantastic Four: First Steps
In this episode, we unpack how Marvel approaches legacy-building through new origins, how ensemble casts can shape audience connection, and what it takes to reintroduce iconic characters in a cinematic landscape that’s constantly evolving.

Episode Highlights:

• The Power of Team Introductions: What makes a superhero team resonate with modern audiences?
• Balancing Character & Spectacle: Our thoughts on pacing, tone, and world-building.
• Setting the Stage: How this film fits into Marvel’s broader Phase rollout.
• Expectations vs Intentions: Navigating fan anticipation and creative direction.
• Looking Ahead: What this could mean for Marvel’s future arcs and storytelling strategies.

Connect with Us:
Tommy: @Tommy_Cresta
Ryan: @Foran12
The Show: @The_Popcorn_Podcast
Editor Colin Gallagher: @colingallagher.3

🎧 Available now on all platforms. Tune in and join the conversation as we peel back the layers of one of Marvel’s most pivotal releases.
 The popcorn’s hot, let’s press play.

 This Week on The Popcorn Podcast:

With Ryan off on a well-earned vacation, Tommy takes the reins solo to review one of the most intriguing and controversial films of the year, Eddington. Known for its slow pacing, chilling sound design, and ambiguous storytelling, Eddington leaves viewers questioning what’s right and wrong.
Tommy breaks down the film’s slow-burn tension, its unnerving visual style, and the layered performances that make this indie standout a must-watch. Is Eddington a new genre classic or a beautifully shot mystery that leaves too much unsaid? Tune in for Tommy’s full thoughts.

 Episode Highlights:

• Performance Breakdown: Spotlight on the film’s lead and their emotionally restrained descent.
• Ambiguity Done Right? A look at the film’s open-ended narrative and what it might all mean.

 Connect with Us:
Tommy: @Tommy_Cresta
Ryan: @Foran12, back soon!
The Show: @The_Popcorn_Podcast
Editor Colin Gallagher: @colingallagher.3

 Tune in now and join the conversation. Your support keeps the popcorn popping! 

🎙️ This Week on The Popcorn Podcast:
Tommy takes a deep dive into the terrifying and innovative found-footage horror film Afflicted. From its shocking body horror to its unique spin on the genre, hear his thoughts on what makes this indie gem stand out and whether it deserves a spot on your must-watch list.

👁️‍🗨️ If you're into unsettling transformations, travel gone wrong, and horror that lingers, this one’s for you.

📢 Connect with Us:
Tommy: @Tommy_Cresta
Ryan: @Foran12
The Show: @The_Popcorn_Podcast
Editor Colin Gallagher: @colingallagher.3

🎬 Tune in now and join the conversation! Your support keeps the popcorn popping! 🍿

This week on The Popcorn Podcast, Tommy and Ryan soar into the long-awaited return of the Man of Steel with James Gunn’s Superman. The film marks a bold new chapter for DC, blending heart, humor, and heroism in a way only Gunn can deliver.

🦸‍♂️ Superman (2025) Review
Gunn’s vision reintroduces Clark Kent not just as a god among mortals, but as a man caught between two worlds. Anchored by a heartfelt performance from David Corenswet and a powerful ensemble, Superman balances world-saving stakes with intimate, character-driven moments. We break down the film’s unique tone, the chemistry between Lois and Clark, and how this reboot reshapes the DCU’s future.
The film delivers jaw-dropping set pieces from a mid-air rescue above Metropolis to a tense moral standoff with Lex Luthor. That redefine what Superman means for a new generation. Plus, we talk about those surprise cameos and what they might mean for what’s coming next.

🎧 Episode Highlights:

• Clark Kent’s Humanity: How Gunn grounds Superman in emotion and vulnerability.
• Lois Lane Reimagined: A sharp, modern take on the iconic reporter—and her dynamic with Clark.
• DCU Reset: What this film tells us about the future of the new DC cinematic universe.

📢 Connect with Us:
Tommy: @Tommy_Cresta
Ryan: @Foran12
The Show: @The_Popcorn_Podcast
Editor Colin Gallagher: @colingallagher.3

🎬 Tune in now and join the conversation! Your support keeps the popcorn popping! 🍿