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.
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.
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.
“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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Anna Kendrick and Blake Lively reprise their roles as Stephanie Smothers and Emily Nelson in ‘Another Simple Favor.’ Smothers travels to Italy to be the maid of honor to Nelson — but soon begins to suspect it all may be part of an elaborate revenge plot. Reggie “The Reel Critic” Ponder says the film has drama, laughs and absurdity, but may not be a run-to-the-theater kind of movie. "The Reel Critic" is hosted and produced by Reggie Ponder. Follow Reggie on YouTube, Twitter, BlueSky and Instagram @TheReelCritic.
Ben Affleck is Christian Wolff — AKA “The Accountant” — back for a lethal sequel. After an acquaintance is murdered, Wolff teams up with his brother Brax (Jon Bernthal) to solve the case. When the two uncover a deadly conspiracy, they become targets of a ruthless killer network. Reggie “The Reel Critic” Ponder says the film has more laughs than its predecessor — which at times clashed with the action plot. "The Reel Critic" is hosted and produced by Reggie Ponder. Follow Reggie on YouTube, Twitter, BlueSky and Instagram @TheReelCritic.
When twin brothers return home to Mississippi for a fresh start, they uncover something far more evil than what they left behind. Michael B. Jordan stars as both twins, Smoke and Stack in ‘Sinners,’ alongside Miles Caton, Hailee Steinfeld and more. Written and directed by Ryan Coogler, the 2025 horror adventure film has two starkly different halves. Reggie “The Reel Critic” Ponder calls it “a history lesson, a cautionary tale and a nightmare all at once.” “The Reel Critic” is hosted and produced by Reggie Ponder. Follow Reggie on Twitter and Instagram @TheReelCritic, and on Facebook @ReggieTheReelCritic.
Rami Malek stars as CIA decoder Charlie Heller, whose world comes to a halt when his wife is killed in a terrorist attack. When his superiors don’t take action, Heller embarks on a dangerous journey to track down those responsible. One problem? He isn’t a trained killer. Reggie “The Reel Critic” Ponder says the film is smart and engaging — with hints of both Jason Bourne and John Wick — though it does have a level of predictability. Other stars include Laurence Fisburne, Jon Bernthal and Rachel Brosnahan. "The Reel Critic" is hosted and produced by Reggie Ponder. Follow Reggie on YouTube, Twitter, BlueSky and Instagram @TheReelCritic.
Nathan Caine (Jack Quaid) is an introverted assistant manager at a trust credit union with an interesting condition: He can’t feel pain. When his crush-slash-coworker Sherry is kidnapped in a bank robbery, Nathan decides to use his condition to his advantage and will stop at nothing to rescue her. Reggie “The Reel Critic” Ponder says the film is intriguing, suspenseful and (maybe unintentionally) funny, but Nate not being able to feel pain makes it a hard watch at times. "The Reel Critic" is hosted and produced by Reggie Ponder. Follow Reggie on YouTube, Twitter, BlueSky and Instagram @TheReelCritic.
2024 documentary 'Daughters' follows four young girls as they prepare to reunite with their fathers for a special Daddy Daughter Dance at a fatherhood program in a DC jail. Reggie "The Reel Critic" Ponder says the film offers authentic and vulnerable insight into the lives of families impacted by incarceration. 'Daughters' is currently available on Netflix, and has a 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. "The Reel Critic" is hosted and produced by Reggie Ponder. Follow Reggie on Twitter and Instagram @TheReelCritic, and on Facebook @ReggieTheReelCritic.
Yearly film series Melanin, Roots, and Culture celebrates Black stories and filmmakers at the Music Box Theatre, wrapping up tonight with “Life Within The Lens” — a short film screening showcasing Chicago creators. Other featured films included ‘The Woman King,’ ‘Here and Now’ and more. Film programmer Tyler Michael Balentine discussed the series with Reggie “The Reel Critic” Ponder. Find more information at musicboxtheatre.com. "The Reel Critic" is hosted and produced by Reggie Ponder. Follow Reggie on Twitter and Instagram @TheReelCritic, and on Facebook @ReggieTheReelCritic.
In this latest Marvel Studios offering, Steve Wilson — previously the Falcon, now the new Captain America — finds himself in the middle of an international incident after meeting with president Thaddeus Ross, and must foil a malevolent global plot before it’s too late. Reggie “The Reel Critic” Ponder says the new installment of the ‘Captain America’ franchise is worth the watch, but feels the writers were “unable to make it iconic” — though they set the stage for something bigger in the future. "The Reel Critic" is hosted and produced by Reggie Ponder. Follow Reggie on Twitter and Instagram @TheReelCritic, and on Facebook @ReggieTheReelCritic.
Action comedy ‘Love Hurts’ follows Milwaukee realtor Marvin Gable (Ke Huy Quan), who is shocked to receive a letter from Rose (Ariana DeBose): his former partner-in-crime who he left for dead. Pulled back into the world of hit-men and betrayal, Marvin is hunted down by his ruthless crime lord brother (Daniel Wu) as he reckons with his past. Amid the guns, gore and exaggerated fighting sequences, the film is punctuated with love and relationship humor. Reggie “The Reel Critic” Ponder felt the film’s title was particularly appropriate … it really did hurt. Hear his thoughts on ‘Love Hurts’ in this review. "The Reel Critic" is hosted and produced by Reggie Ponder. Follow Reggie on Twitter and Instagram @TheReelCritic, and on Facebook @ReggieTheReelCritic.
When Alyssa's (SZA) boyfriend blows their rent money, she and her best friend-slash-roommate Dreux (KeKe Palmer) race against the clock to pay their rent, avoid an eviction and keep their friendship intact. The female buddy comedy debuted this week with a 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, and the New York Times said the duo of Palmer and SZA "lights up the screen with starry zeal." Reggie "The Reel Critic" Ponder shares his thoughts on the new film. "The Reel Critic" is hosted and produced by Reggie Ponder. Follow Reggie on Twitter and Instagram @TheReelCritic, and on Facebook @ReggieTheReelCritic.
Based on a true story, 2024 film 'Unstoppable' is a story of strength, perseverance and defying the odds. It follows Anthony Robles (Jharrel Jerome), a determined wrestler born with one leg, on his journey to become a champion athlete. Reggie "The Reel Critic" Ponder raves about the film’s wrestling sequences and the depth of several performances — including that of Jennifer Lopez, who stars as Robles' mother. The film also stars Don Cheadle, Bobby Cannavale and Michael Peña. 'Unstoppable' is available for streaming on Prime Video. "The Reel Critic" is hosted and produced by Reggie Ponder. Follow Reggie on Twitter and Instagram @TheReelCritic, and on Facebook @ReggieTheReelCritic.
Contributing film critic Reggie “The Reel Critic” Ponder says new film ‘Albany Road’ is a fun and interesting look at love. Celeste Simmons (Reneé Elise Goldsberry) is a New York business executive preparing for one of the most important meetings of her career when bad weather grounds her flight. Forced to share a rental car with an unlikely companion – her ex-fiance’s mother (Lynn Whitfield) — Celeste discovers her almost-in-law is hiding a secret about her ex-fiance (J. Alphonse Nicholson) … Hear film critic The Reel Critic’s thoughts on the film, written and directed by Christine Swanson. “The Reel Critic” is hosted and produced by Reggie Ponder. Follow Reggie on Instagram and Twitter @TheReelCritic and Facebook @ReggeTheReelCritic.
Reggie “The Reel Critic” Ponder reviews the new film adaptation of August Wilson’s 1987 play ‘The Piano Lesson.’ The story follows the Charles family of Pittsburgh during the Great Depression’s aftermath in 1936. The household is engulfed with disagreement over what to do with their prized family heirloom: a piano carved with designs by an enslaved ancestor. Malcolm Washington directed the adaptation, which stars his brother John David Washington, Erykah Badu, Danielle Deadwyler, Samuel L. Jackson and more. "The Reel Critic" is hosted and produced by Reggie Ponder. Follow Reggie on Twitter and Instagram @TheReelCritic, and on Facebook @ReggieTheReelCritic.
When family man Justin Kemp winds up as a jury member of a high profile murder trial, he struggles with a moral dilemma that may influence whether the accused killer is convicted or set free in 'Juror #2.' The latest film from director Clint Eastwood, it stars Nicholas Hoult, Zooey Deutch, Chris Messina and more. Reggie “The Reel Critic” Ponder says though the film has interesting twists, it feels very familiar to another high-profile courtroom drama. “The Reel Critic” is hosted and produced by Reggie Ponder. Follow Reggie on Twitter and Instagram at @TheReelCritic, and on Facebook @ReggieTheReelCritic.
A24’s new psychological thriller ‘Heretic’ follows two young religious missionaries, Sister Barnes (Sophie Thatcher) and Sister Paxton (Chloe East), as they spend the day knocking on doors to spread the word of God. When the women arrive at the home of Mr. Reed, played by Hugh Grant, the two find themselves trapped in an intricate and deadly game designed to test their fath. Hear film critic Reggie “The Reel Critic” Ponder’s review, and catch ‘Heretic’ in theaters now. "The Reel Critic" is hosted and produced by Reggie Ponder. Follow Reggie on Twitter and Instagram @TheReelCritic, and on Facebook @ReggieTheReelCritic.
Malcolm Washington directs a new adaptation of August Wilson’s 1987 play ‘The Piano Lesson,’ which was featured at the Chicago International Film Festival. On the red carpet at the festival before its premiere, Reggie “The Reel Critic” Ponder met with writer Virgil Williams and the film’s star John David Washington to discuss writing alongside director Malcolm Washington, being mentored by Denzel Washington, and advice for youth in the arts. "The Reel Critic" is hosted and produced by Reggie Ponder. Follow Reggie on Twitter and Instagram @TheReelCritic, and on Facebook @ReggieTheReelCritic.
Robert Zemeckis’ new film ‘Here,’ adapted from Richard McGuire's graphic novel, depicts a family across a century of generations in the same home. Reggie “The Reel Critic” Ponder says the film’s nonlinear timeline can be confusing at times, and it often looks to the past with nostalgia. On the red carpet at the 60th Chicago International Film Festival, Ponder spoke with Zemeckis, along with his wife Leslie Zemeckis and daughter Zsa Zsa Zemeckis. They discussed the film’s themes, his growth as a director and what Zsa Zsa believes to be his “secret sauce.” This segment was hosted and produced by Reggie Ponder. Follow him on Instagram and X @TheReelCritic.
Ten years in the making, adult stop-motion film ‘Memoir of a Snail’ (2024) follows Grace Pudel, an oddball outcast and snail collector who must learn to persevere through loneliness and misfortune. Reggie “The Reel Critic” Ponder spoke to writer and director Adam Elliot about the claymation, which was featured at the Chicago International Film Festival. Elliot broke down the film's title, the intentionality behind creating a relatable character and the film’s deeper themes. "The Reel Critic" is hosted and produced by Reggie Ponder. Follow Reggie on Twitter and Instagram @TheReelCritic, and on Facebook @ReggieTheReelCritic.
At the 60th Annual Chicago International Film Festival, Reggie “The Reel Critic” Ponder spoke with director Malcolm Washington about his directorial debut: an adaptation of August Wilson’s 1987 play ‘The Piano Lesson.’ The film follows the Charles family as they navigate the Great Depression’s aftermath in 1936 Pittsburgh. The household is plagued with conflict as disagreements ensue over what to do with their prized family heirloom: a piano carved with designs by an enslaved ancestor. The adaptation stars the director’s brother John David Washington, plus Erykah Badu, Danielle Deadwyler, Ray Fisher and more. "The Reel Critic" is hosted and produced by Reggie Ponder. Follow Reggie on Twitter and Instagram @TheReelCritic, and on Facebook @ReggieTheReelCritic.
Reggie “The Reel Critic” Ponder reviews Todd Phillips’ ‘Joker’ sequel – ‘Joker: Folie à Deux.’ The film finds failed comedian Arthur Fleck (Joaquin Phoenix) — AKA the Joker — incarcerated at Arkham State Hospital. Battling his murderous alter ego and awaiting trial for his crimes, Fleck meets the love of his life: Harley Quinn (Lady Gaga). ‘Joker: Folie à Deux’ is now in theaters. This segment was hosted and produced by Reggie Ponder. Follow him on Instagram and X @TheReelCritic.
