The Reel Critic

By Vocalo RadioTV & Film Film Interviews Film Reviews

The Reel Critic episodes

October 08, 2025 "The Smashing Machine": A love letter to MMA
Benny Safdie’s “The Smashing Machine” follows real-life pioneering MMA
fighter Mark Kerr — played by former wrestler Dwayne Johnson — as he fights to the
top of his career while battling personal hardships. The film also shines the
spotlight on Kerr's complex interpersonal relationships and stars Emily Blunt as
Kerr's girlfriend Dawn Staples and Ryan Bader as fellow wrestler Mark Coleman.
Reggie "The Reel Critic" Ponder says “the thrills, the spills and the kills from the
adrenaline of fighting and winning” makes the biographical film an interesting
watch.
"The Reel Critic" is hosted and produced by Reggie Ponder. Follow Reggie on YouTube,
Twitter, BlueSky and Instagram @TheReelCritic.
3 min
September 26, 2025 “One Battle After Another” is "frenetic, chaotic and just plain weird"
Director Paul Thomas Anderson’s newest film “One Battle After Another” is
an action thriller following ex-revolutionary Bob Ferguson (Leonardo DiCaprio) who
must rescue his daughter, Willa (Chase Infiniti), from his corrupt military nemesis.
In his rush to find her, both father and daughter are forced to confront the
consequences of their past. The film also stars Teyana Taylor as Willa's
revolutionary mother, plus Sean Penn, Benicio del Toro and Regina Hall. With
messages of rebellion, loyalty to family and the fight against white supremacy,
Reggie "The Reel Critic" Ponder says the film will make the audience question: “What
would you do to protect your child?”
"The Reel Critic" is hosted and produced by Reggie Ponder. Follow Reggie on YouTube,
Twitter, BlueSky and Instagram @TheReelCritic.
3 min
September 19, 2025 Family, football and faith in “HIM”
From director Justin Tipping and Jordan Peele's Monkey Paw Productions, new
film "HIM" asks: "What is the price of success?" After enduring a career-threatening
injury, pro-football prospect Cameron Cade (Tyriq Withers) gets invited to train
with his childhood idol Isaiah White (Marlon Wayans). While training in White’s
private facilities, Cade is introduced to the darker side of pro-football. Reggie
“The Reel Critic” Ponder says Cade’s naiveness paired with White’s ruthlessness
allows the audience to sense something explosive is waiting to happen.
“HIM” is also the acting debut for Tierra Whack and Guapdad 4000 — both of whom are
featured on the film's soundtrack alongside Gucci Mane, Denzel Curry, Sampa the
Great, MAVI, Jean Dawson and more.
"The Reel Critic" is hosted and produced by Reggie Ponder. Follow Reggie on YouTube,
Twitter, BlueSky and Instagram @TheReelCritic.
4 min
September 05, 2025 "Love, Brooklyn" is full of mixed messages, dishonesty and smooth tension
“Love, Brooklyn” is a refreshing film capturing Black love in the big city.
As Brooklyn is constantly evolving, Roger (André Holland) finds himself appreciating
the change yet also longing for the past. His romantic relationships reflect a
similar push and pull. As he struggles to let go of his ex-girlfriend Casey (Nicole
Behave), he is also building a strong connection with Nicole (DeWanda Wise). The
movie depicts a familiar challenge, as the characters are not completely honest with
each other nor themselves. Reggie “The Reel Critic” Ponder relates this film to a
melodic rhythm with its smooth tension, uneasy undertones, and interesting build
up.
"The Reel Critic" is hosted and produced by Reggie Ponder. Follow Reggie on YouTube,
Twitter, BlueSky and Instagram @TheReelCritic.
4 min
August 22, 2025 “I Know What You Did Last Summer” is a mysterious blood bath
After five friends reunite for an engagement party, their night takes a
sudden turn when a man dies. Although they hide their involvement, someone finds out
and is determined to make them pay. “I Know What You Did Last Summer” is a race to
stay alive starring Madeline Cline, Tyriq Withers, Chase Sui Wonders, Jonah
Hauer-King, Sarah Pidgeon and more. By merging both mystery and comedy, Reggie “The
Reel Critic” Ponder claims this toe-curling film is fun to watch with a lively
crowd.
"The Reel Critic" is hosted and produced by Reggie Ponder. Follow Reggie on YouTube,
Twitter, BlueSky and Instagram @TheReelCritic.
3 min
August 21, 2025 “Highest 2 Lowest” is a provocative look at culture and legacy
Spike Lee’s newest joint "Highest 2 Lowest" finds music mogul David King
(Denzel Washington) in the middle of a life-or-death ransom plot and a moral dilemma
– questioning whether a contract makes the industry more about the money than the
music. The film also stars Ilfenesh Hadera, A$AP Rocky, Jeffery Wright, Dean Winters
and Ice Spice.
Reggie “The Reel Critic” Ponder breaks down the film into eight C’s: crime,
conflict, culture, comedy, cameos, concerts, characters and contracts.
"The Reel Critic" is hosted and produced by Reggie Ponder. Follow Reggie on YouTube,
Twitter, BlueSky and Instagram @TheReelCritic.
4 min
August 14, 2025 Family over fame in “The Fantastic Four: First Steps”
When astronauts Reed Richards, Sue Storm, Ben Grimm and Johnny Storm —
played by Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Ebon Moss-Bachrach and Joseph Quinn,
respectively — return home from space, they discover newfound superhuman abilities.
Four years later, they now protect the world as Mister Fantastic, Invisible Woman,
The Thing and Human Torch. In order to defeat evil forces on a quest to destroy
mankind, the heroes are determined to do anything — except sacrifice Reed and Sue’s
unborn son. Reggie “The Reel Critic” Ponder shares his thoughts, and reminds
listeners to watch the post-credits scenes ...
"The Reel Critic" is hosted and produced by Reggie Ponder. Follow Reggie on YouTube,
Twitter, BlueSky and Instagram @TheReelCritic.
3 min
June 05, 2025 ‘Ballerina’ does the ‘John Wick’ legacy proud
Ana de Armas stars in this action-packed continuation of the ‘John Wick’
franchise. We find her as Eve Macarro, an assassin trained in the traditions of the
Ruska Roma, as she seeks revenge against her father’s killers. And don’t worry —
Keanu Reeves still makes an appearance as the titular suited-up action star. Reggie
“The Reel Critic” Ponder says ‘Ballerina’ is “the action film that action fans are
looking for.” Be warned: The violence and gore may be gratuitous for some
viewers.
"The Reel Critic" is hosted and produced by Reggie Ponder. Follow Reggie on YouTube,
Twitter, BlueSky and Instagram @TheReelCritic.
4 min
May 29, 2025 Jackie Chan and Ralph Macchio return in the latest ‘Karate Kid’ installment
In this new installment of the ‘Karate Kid’ film franchise, kung fu prodigy
Li Fong must let go of his past in order to fit in with his new classmates. But when
a friend needs his help, Li enters a karate competition and merges two skills into
one with the help of Mr. Han and Daniel LaRusso — played by Jackie Chan and Ralph
Macchio, who reprise their roles from their respective 2010 and 1984 ‘Karate Kid’
films. Reggie “The Reel Critic” Ponder says the film “is about family, fun and fu —
kung fu.”
"The Reel Critic" is hosted and produced by Reggie Ponder. Follow Reggie on YouTube,
Twitter, BlueSky and Instagram @TheReelCritic.
4 min
May 23, 2025 ‘Mission: Impossible — The Final Reckoning’ explores how “our lives are the sum of our choices”
Tom Cruise returns for signature action stunts in this newest (but maybe
not-so-final) installment of the ‘Mission: Impossible’ franchise. He stars once
again as Ethan Hunt, agent of the Impossible Mission Force (IMF), racing against
time with his team to find the Entity, an artificial intelligence that may destroy
mankind. Reggie “The Reel Critic” Ponder says the film had him on the edge of his
seat … even though it may be a little long.
"The Reel Critic" is hosted and produced by Reggie Ponder. Follow Reggie on YouTube,
Twitter, BlueSky and Instagram @TheReelCritic.
4 min

About The Reel Critic

From the publisher's feed

From Vocalo Radio 91.1 FM in Chicago, Reggie Ponder is The Reel Critic — Vocalo’s resident film expert. Every week, join Reggie as he interviews industry professionals and breaks down box office…