Open Your Eyes and understand that reality is optional in Vanilla Sky. We’re diving into Cameron Crowe’s most mind-bending film; where memories lie, identities fracture, and one decision changes everything. First time viewer, and returning guest, Brittany Cunningham joins me as I revisit a longtime favorite. Listen as we break down the twists, point out the clues hiding in plain sight, and dissect that final moment fans still argue about. Genius? Confusing? Both? Hit play to hear our reactions. Also, remember… every passing minute is another chance to turn it all around.

——————

Subscribe to my YouTube channel, The Reaction Shot Podcast, and Like and Follow the show on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon, or wherever you like to listen.

Season 3 intro music by Playsound

If you’re feeling extra kind, drop a five-star review. It’s one of the best ways to support the show and help more people discover The Reaction Shot Podcast.

Check out the merch store too! Shirts, hats, hoodies, coffee mugs, travel bags—you name it. Wear your reaction today. You can find the link in the bio.

SEASON 3 premiere is here! No joke, the mind behind the award‑winning short JOKERS WILD joins me with new and returning cast members to talk origins, chaos, and the fan‑fueled sequel JOKERS WILD: LAZARUS RISEN. Writer‑director Aaron W. Bennett and returning cast member Joel LeBlanc, and sequel newbies Lauren Alenia, and Morley Nelson drop secrets, tease new characters, and share what it takes to build an indie film universe from the ground up. If you love filmmaking, comics, or pure creative madness, this one’s for you. This is an INCLUSIVE INTERVIEW with four incredibly talented creatives.

________________

Watch the award-winning short film, JOKERS WILD here: https://youtu.be/QhOsABSCRj0?si=sJeHEfP0YmTz0qU5

Episode Artwork: IMDB profile photos and Artwork/Illustration design by MATT BOLEA @mattbolea and Neil Fraser @neilfrasergraphics

Follow JOKERS WILD and the cast/crew on Instagram- JOKERS WILD: @jokerswildmovie AARON W. BENNETT: @aaronwritesstuff JOEL LEBLANC: @regularjoel LAUREN ALENIA: @lauren.alenia MORLEY NELSON: @morley_nelson

To help fund JOKERS WILD: LAZARUS RISEN visit the fundraiser store: https://jokerswild.printify.me for a lot of amazing merch from JOKERS WILD and LAZARUS RISEN.

Be sure to LIKE. SUBSCRIBE. FOLLOW. LISTEN. SHARE.

Drop a 5 Star review as well, it means more than you know. Visit the link in bio or https://linktr.ee/thereactionshotpodcast for social links and THE REACTION SHOT merch store.

For the Season Two finale, and the last episode of 2025, things take a turn. Recurring guest Brittany Cunningham takes over hosting duties and introduces me to her favorite film, ‘The Family Stone’, a movie I’d never seen until now. What follows is a fun, cheerful, and sometimes awkward conversation. We break down my real-time reactions, standout scenes, the film’s biting dialogue, and the behind the scenes secrets that shaped this (sometimes) messy, heartfelt holiday classic. It’s a story that still sparks laughter, discomfort, and debate nearly twenty years later. The Roles are reversed and the holiday chaos is unleashed. A perfect way to close out the second year of THE REACTION SHOT PODCAST. Happy Holidays and a wonderful New Year, reactors.

An exclusive interview where I step into the world of bold, boundary-pushing cinema with Oscar Nominated filmmaker Sam Davis—a director, editor, and cinematographer whose work has earned critical acclaim and major awards. Sam shares his journey from film school to finding his voice in a competitive industry, breaking down the creative risks and hard-earned lessons that shaped his career. We also dive into his latest short film, ‘The Singers’, a striking, genre-bending reimagining of an Ivan Turgenev story that blends documentary, music, and raw emotion into a deeply immersive experience. This is a must-listen interview. Hit play to hear what Sam Davis and ‘The Singers’ is all about.

Be sure to follow Sam Davis (@samdavis) and The Singers movie (@thesingersfilm) on Instagram for more!

It’s all happening, tiny dancers! For Episode 46 I’m hopping on the Stillwater tour bus with first-time viewer Brittany Cunningham for a deep dive into a POV on Cameron Crowe’s “ALMOST FAMOUS: THE UNTITLED BOOTLEG CUT”. Together, we break down everything that makes this film a modern classic; from its perfect cast and unforgettable characters to Crowe’s heartfelt writing, intimate direction, and the soundtrack that speaks volumes. We discuss iconic scenes, the magic of Penny Lane, the movie’s emotional core, and the nostalgia that keeps fans coming back decade after decade. Along the way, we share favorite quotes, laughs, and play some fun games. This episode is a celebration of “ALMOST FAMOUS” and what makes it a timeless, feel-everything film that leaves you wanting to stay on the bus just a little longer. Cue the track and press play - - it will set you free.

NEW EPISODE OUT NOW! For this episode, I sit down with acclaimed writer & director Sean Cisterna, the creative force behind the inspiring documentary “Silver Screamers”. This heartwarming film follows a group of senior citizens who come together to create an amateur horror short film titled “The Rug”. Along the way, they dive into the world of camera angles, special effects, sound design, and teamwork—proving that creativity, friendship, and resilience flourish at any age. I explore the highlights of Sean’s career and uncover the journey that led him to this touching project. Expect behind-the-scenes stories of teaching filmmaking techniques to cast members in their 70s, 80s, and 90s, personal moments that shaped the narrative, and a spirited conversation about why age should never be a barrier for bold storytelling or artistic reinvention. This is one interview you won’t want to miss.

An exclusive interview with Roger Conners—the suburban Cleveland filmmaker who writes, directs, produces, and stars in genre-bending horror that champions the underdog. From indie acting roles to his directorial breakthrough with Rebirth, Roger shares the trials and triumphs of bringing a creative vision to life on a modest budget. His latest slasher, MEAT, blends vintage scares with a proudly LGBTQ+ cast and standout costume design, proving that representation amplifies the emotional impact of terror. Through candid stories of personal loss transformed into creative fuel, Roger highlights why authentic queer narratives are essential to horror’s next chapter. Tune in for a masterclass in indie filmmaking, resilience, and fearless storytelling.

Be sure to follow Roger Conners on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/thescreamqueer?igsh=MTg2MWhtMWR0eGNzdA==

Be sure to follow MEAT the movie on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/meatthemovie?igsh=NWZ0NzZsMmVkd3p4

Like and Follow Roger Conners and Troy Escamilla’s podcast, Dark Knight of the Podcast at: https://www.instagram.com/darknightofthepodcast?igsh=MThrOWI2djFneThxdA== and check them out everywhere you listen to your podcasts with links here: https://linktr.ee/DarkNightofthePodcast

🩸

In this spirited episode I’m joined by Brittany Cunningham to celebrate 25 years of “Bring It On”, the teen comedy that redefined cheerleading on screen. With humor and insight, we explore the film’s cultural legacy, iconic quotes, and unforgettable characters like Torrance and Isis. The conversation dives deep into early 2000s nostalgia, clever writing, and how mixtapes once spoke louder than words. We also unpack the film’s take on race, class, and competition, reflecting on why it still resonates today. Whether you’re Team Toros or Team Clovers, this episode is a cheer-worthy tribute to a pop culture classic. Happy 25 years of spirit fingers! This is our love letter to “Bring It On”

For Episode 18 of Season 2, we plunge into the murky waters of Robert Zemeckis’ 2000 thriller, "What Lies Beneath". Joining me is first-time viewer, and returning guest, Lauren Drake. Here, Vermont’s beautiful lake house becomes a chilling stage for murdered secrets, restless spirits, and a marriage torn apart by lies and infidelity. Buckle up for a haunted ride that will have you double checking your bathroom mirror long after the credits roll. Don’t miss this eerie deep dive featuring fun facts, character breakdowns, and everything in between. We dig up what lies beneath and have a laugh or two along the way. What are our reactions? Grab your ouija board, hit play, and find out.

What if clothes could speak? In 1995, they did—loud and clear—when Mona May’s dazzling designs for ‘Clueless’ turned fashion into a phenomenon. With over 60 jaw-dropping looks for Cher Horowitz alone, Mona didn’t just style a character—she styled the future.

In this exclusive interview, I sit down with the iconic costume designer, Mona May. Together we talk the colors, the textures, and the pop-culture-defining costumes that made her Hollywood’s go-to for visual storytelling. From ‘Romy and Michele’s high school reunion’ to ‘Enchanted’, ‘Never Been Kissed’ to ‘A Haunted Mansion’, Mona’s work isn’t just iconic—it’s a masterclass in fashion and storytelling.