This American Wife

In this bonus episode we chat with Kristen Lopez, film critic, author of Popcorn Disabilities, and pop culture essayist, about her book, her work, and how Hollywood portrays disability.

We cover films like Stronger, Song Sung Blue, Wicked For Good, The Ion Claw, and A Different Man, and many more, plus Wicked’s Nessarose and Jon M. Chu’s inclusive set design.

A must-listen for anyone curious about representation, accessibility, and the power of storytelling.

In this episode, Depictions of Danger & Desperation, Tim and Amber dive into a line-up of films where everything can — and absolutely does — go wrong.

We start with Kathryn Bigelow’s explosive thriller A House of Dynamite, move into the cool tension of Relay, and then switch gears for the desperation-filled Drop. We also revisit the real-life terror behind The Lost Bus, a survival story that never loosens its grip.

But it wouldn’t be a week in Hollywood without a corporate cliff-hanger: we break down the latest Warner Bros. merger rumours and what a takeover bid could mean for streaming, cinema releases, and the industry’s already-shaky future.

Expect our usual mix of sharp takes, film-lover chaos, and the kind of grounded insight only a married pair of cinephiles can provide.

In this episode, Tim and Amber review three powerful stories about friendship, conflict, and the people closest to us — for better or worse.

We break down Pig (2021), the acclaimed Nicolas Cage drama about a reclusive chef searching for his missing truffle pig. We talk themes, performances, and why this film still resonates with audiences.

Next, we dive into the Netflix true-crime documentary The Perfect Neighbor, a shocking real-life story about a hated neighbor who tears her community apart. We explore the case, the documentary’s approach, and the uncomfortable truths it uncovers.

Finally, we review Wicked for Good, the new musical adaptation exploring a complicated friendship, unexpected betrayals, and the emotional heart of the Wicked universe. We discuss how the film compares to the first part and what makes this version so divisive.

If you’re looking for thoughtful and deep reviews of the best you can watch in cinemas, or streaming on Netflix, plus thoughtful discussion on friendship, neighbors, and hidden tensions — this is the episode for you.

Tune in for in-depth movie and documentary reactions, honest opinions, and smart film talk.

Tales of Men and Monsters takes Tim and Amber into the darkest corners of reality TV, true crime, gothic horror and sci-fi world-building as we review some of the most talked-about titles of the moment: The Celebrity Traitors UK, Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein, Jeffrey Epstein: Filthy Rich, Ghislaine Maxwell: Filthy Rich, and the new Predator: Badlands.

From betrayals and psychological gameplay to monstrous egos, literal monsters, and franchise-building mythologies — this episode brings all the twists, shocks, and deeper conversations you're searching for.

What We Discuss:

The Celebrity Traitors UK

The biggest betrayals, the UK cast’s dynamic, game strategy, reality-TV drama, and why this version hits harder than the non-celebrity one.

Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein (2025)

We give life to our thoughts on how del Toro's gothic horror style is perfect for this story. Discuss the cast (Oscar Isaac, Jacob Elordi, Mia Goth) with their nuanced performances, emotional depth, and how this film reshapes classic monster cinema, ready for Oscar success.

Jeffrey Epstein: Filthy Rich

Key revelations on what's in the Epstein files including links to presidents Trump and Clinton. The focus on victim testimony, and the systemic failures exposed in one of Netflix’s most-watched true-crime documentaries that aims to give a full explanation of what, why, and how this unfolded. We also look at companion documentary Ghislaine Maxwell: Filthy Rich, which expands the story, explores manipulation and power networks, and uncovers the Maxwell legacy.

Predator: Badlands

Our full spoiler-free breakdown of the newest entry in the Predator franchise — Dan Trachtenberg's world-building, creature design, action sequences, and connections to Prey and Predator: Killer of Killers. Then we get into spoilers for this movie ahead of its inevitable streaming debut on Disney+.

If you love film reviews, true-crime breakdowns, reality-TV chaos, and deep-dive conversations, hit follow and join us each month on This American Wife as we explore the best (and strangest) stories on screen.

This time on This American Wife, Tim and real-life nurse Amber scrub in for a triple-bill of medical mayhem — from comedy chaos to heart-stopping drama and European realism.

First up, we dissect St. Denis Medical, NBC’s new workplace mockumentary from the creators of Superstore and The Office. Does this hospital sitcom find the right pulse between heart and humor, or does it flatline under comparison?

Then we dive into The Pitt – Season 1, the high-intensity streaming medical drama starring Noah Wyle. Can it capture the emotional stakes and ethical tension that made ER iconic, or is it just another overworked shift in TV’s emergency room?

Finally, we travel to Switzerland for Late Shift (2025) — Petra Volpe’s tense, real-time hospital film that’s drawing comparisons to Boiling Point and The Bear. It’s gritty, grounded, and brutally honest about what it means to care when you’re running on empty.

Across all three, we explore how TV and film portray healthcare today — from overworked nurses and stressed surgeons to the dark humor that keeps them going. Expect laughs, insight, and a few emotional defibrillations along the way.

💉 Keywords: St Denis Medical review, The Pitt Season 1 review, Late Shift 2025 film, NBC comedy review, Swiss film 2025, medical drama podcast, best TV reviews 2025, This American Wife Podcast, Tim and Amber, new series reviews, hospital TV shows, movie podcast, streaming recommendations, Petra Volpe, Noah Wyle, workplace comedy, healthcare on screen

The Marvel Cinematic Universe is racing toward Avengers: Doomsday, but can it survive Marvel fatigue along the way? In this episode, we break down every major project on the horizon — from The Marvels, Eyes of Wakanda (Disney+ series) to Thunderbolts, Captain America: Brave New World, and the long-awaited Fantastic Four: First Steps.

We cover:

• The Marvels (now streaming) and what its end-credits scene means for the X-Men and multiverse.

• Captain America: Brave New World — Anthony Mackie’s Sam Wilson stepping up as the new Cap, with Harrison Ford debuting as Thunderbolt Ross and Tim Blake Nelson back as The Leader.

• Thunderbolts — Marvel’s team of antiheroes, featuring Florence Pugh’s Yelena, Sebastian Stan’s Bucky, David Harbour’s Red Guardian, and Julia Louis-Dreyfus pulling the strings.
• Fantastic Four: First Steps — not another origin story, but Marvel’s first family (including Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Joseph Quinn and Ebon Moss-Bachrach) already established in their universe, with hints of what's to come with their connections to Doom.
• Eyes of Wakanda (Disney+) — an anthology diving into Wakanda’s hidden history, exploring new heroes and corners of the MCU.

We dig into directors, casts, story setups, streaming release plans, post-credit teases, and whether these projects are setting up a Marvel revival or the true beginning of the end.

👉 Are you hyped for Avengers: Doomsday, or are we hitting peak Marvel fatigue?

#Marvel #MCU #AvengersDoomsday #MarvelFatigue #TheMarvels #CaptainAmerica #Thunderbolts #FantasticFour #EyesOfWakanda #MarvelPhase5 #MarvelPhase6 #MarvelPodcast

In this chaotic, clever, and cinematic episode, we dive into four wildly different releases that are lighting up screens—and flushing expectations.

🚢 First up, we review Trainwreck: Poop Cruise, Netflix’s jaw-dropping documentary about the infamous 2013 "cruise from hell" where plumbing failed, tensions rose, and biohazard bags became standard issue.
🌲 Next, we journey into the mysterious, creature-filled world of The Legend of Ochi, the ambitious A24 fantasy epic that’s making waves for its practical effects and emotional storytelling.
🦖 Then it’s on to Jurassic World: Rebirth, the latest entry in the dinosaur franchise that might just be the best since the original. Is this the comeback fans have waited for?
🦸‍♂️ Finally, we suit up for Superman (2025) — James Gunn’s bright, bold, and controversial reboot of the iconic hero. Does it soar… or stumble? How does it compare to Zack Snyder's abandoned version of the DCU?

Expect laughs, strong opinions, and surprising insights as we break down the best (and worst) of these bold new releases.

🎧 Keywords:Trainwreck Poop Cruise Netflix review, Jurassic World Rebirth reaction, Superman 2025 podcast, Legend of Ochi explained, new Superman movie, A24 fantasy review, Jurassic Park reboot, poop cruise documentary, James Gunn Superman

Shark attacks, deep-sea disasters, and Tom Cruise running full speed — this episode has it all.

We review The Last Breath (2024 shark thriller), celebrate 50 years of Jaws, and unpack Last Breath, the intense feature adaptation of the diving documentary.

We also dive into two Netflix must-sees Titan: The OceanGate Disaster and Shark Whisperer the Ocean Ramsey doc.

Then we go full action mode with our take on Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning and rank all 8 M:I movies from worst to best.

If you love shark movies, disaster docs, and elite spy thrillers, this one’s for you.

Welcome to This American Wife, where this week we unravel a gripping mix of true crime, royal intrigue, motherhood struggles, and heartfelt British cinema.

Dive into the chilling saga of Fred and Rose West, one of Britain’s most infamous serial killer couples, as we examine how society’s fears about mothers and monsters collide.

Then, step inside the royal world of Netflix’s The Crown, exploring the complex life of a queen shaped by power, sacrifice, and love — showing the human side behind the monarchy’s grandeur.

Switching gears, we spotlight Lollipop (2024), a raw, emotional British drama about a young mother’s battle to reclaim her children after prison. This story shines a powerful light on maternal resilience, friendship and hope.

Finally, we travel to the beautiful Welsh coast with The Ballad of Wallis Island (2025), a charming comedy-drama starring Tim Key, Tom Basden, and Carey Mulligan. It’s a tale of friendship, music, and the quiet magic of second chances.

If you’re drawn to stories that explore the complex roles women play — as killers, queens, mothers, and lovers — this episode is for you.

In this warm-and-wild episode of This American Wife, we set sail through the biggest new family-friendly releases of the year in "Beasts, Boats and Bear Hugs" – and trust us, it’s a ride.

🦖 Jurassic World: Chaos Theory – Netflix’s latest dino-drama continues the Camp Cretaceous saga. Does it evolve or go extinct?
🌊 Moana 2 – Disney’s ocean-faring heroine returns! We break down the music, message, and missteps of this long-awaited sequel.
🦁 Mufasa: The Lion King – A prequel to a classic. Is Disney's return to the Pride Lands a bold move or a bland cash grab?
🇵🇪 Paddington in Peru (Paddington 3) – The world’s kindest bear heads to South America. Is this the cinematic hug we all need?
🎭 Pixar’s Win or Lose – Their first-ever original series on Disney+. Does this creative experiment score or stumble?

Tim and Amber bring their signature wit, warmth and straight-from-the-cinema takes as they discuss themes of legacy, adventure, emotion, and sibling vibes across these five titles.

💬 Join the conversation:
Which of these are you most excited about? Are Disney sequels still delivering? Is Paddington secretly the emotional backbone of cinema?

🎧 More episodes available now wherever you get your podcasts!