#121: Top Ten Films of 2025

Reel 21 – #94: Minority Report (2002)

Steven Spielberg's Minority Report remains one of the most thought-provoking sci-fi blockbusters of the 21st century. In this episode of Reel 21, Nathan revisits the 2002 thriller to explore its surprisingly accurate vision of the future, the ethical questions behind the PreCrime division and why its central mystery remains so compelling more than two decades later. Does the film deserve its place among the century's essential movies? And how does it stack up against Spielberg's most celebrated work? Up next: Michael Clayton. Chapters * 00:00 Introduction to Minority Report * 08:02 Exploring Ethical Questions * 15:56 Final Thoughts and Rating Read Nathan's thoughts on Minority Report [http://www.moviesarelife.com/reviews/minority-report].

You Had Me at Rewind - Scream (1996)

After a long hiatus, You Had Me at Rewind is officially back, and what better movie to resurrect the series than Scream? 🔪📞 Nathan is joined by filmmaker, podcaster and certified Scream superfan Laron Chapman to revisit Wes Craven’s 1996 slasher classic that reinvented horror for an entire generation. Recorded in early 2026 before the release of Scream 7, the conversation dives into the film’s legacy, Ghostface’s lasting impact on pop culture, the genius of Kevin Williamson’s meta screenplay and why Scream still feels fresh nearly 30 years later. The two discuss: * Why Scream revived the horror genre in the late ’90s * Drew Barrymore’s shocking opening scene * Matthew Lillard’s all-time chaotic performance * The franchise’s evolution across multiple sequels * Why Ghostface remains one of horror’s most iconic villains * The most aggressively ’90s elements of the movie * Video stores, landlines, horror rules and VHS nostalgia * Why Randy Meeks would absolutely have a podcast today Plus, Laron shares stories from his filmmaking career, working in Oklahoma film and directing his own upcoming horror feature. Whether you grew up renting Scream from Blockbuster or you’re just discovering Woodsboro for the first time, this episode is a celebration of the movie that made horror smart, funny and terrifying all at once.

Reel 21 – #95: The Worst Person in the World (2021)

A milestone episode for Reel 21 and the first one in video. Joachim Trier’s The Worst Person in the World may begin as a deceptively simple coming-of-age story, but it unfolds into something much richer, a deeply felt meditation on identity, relationships and the uncertainty of choosing a life. In this inaugural video episode, Nathan revisits the film for a second time and finds it even more resonant on rewatch, exploring Julie’s (Renate Reinsve) search for purpose, the emotional pull of the film’s central relationships and the tension it captures between planning your future and surrendering to life’s unpredictability. He also reflects on the film’s inventive chapter structure, its memorable visual flourishes and why this quietly powerful drama marked Joachim Trier as one of contemporary cinema’s most exciting voices. And fittingly, a film about transitions and new chapters becomes the launch point for one of this podcast’s own. Up next: Steven Spielberg’s Minority Report. Chapters * 00:00 Introduction * 06:44 Exploring Relationships and Choices

Reel 21 – #96: Black Panther (2018)

Ryan Coogler’s Black Panther wasn’t just another Marvel movie — it was a cultural moment. In this episode of Reel 21, Nathan revisits the 2018 blockbuster to explore its lasting impact, Chadwick Boseman’s powerful performance and why Killmonger remains one of the MCU’s most compelling villains. Does it fully transcend the Marvel machine? And where does it land in Nathan’s personal superhero rankings? Up next: The Worst Person in the World. Read Nathan's thoughts on Black Panther [https://www.moviesarelife.com/reviews/black-panther].

Top TV Shows of 2025

Yes, it’s February… but we finally made it happen. Nathan is joined by returning guest Mark Blitch to count down their Top TV Shows of 2025, from prestige heavy-hitters to pure comfort-watch chaos. Along the way, they compare notes on what held up (and what fell off), talk legacy seasons (The Bear, The White Lotus), debate slow-burn patience tests (Pluribus), celebrate the beautifully unhinged brilliance of The Rehearsal and share a few curveballs. Plus: honorable mentions, a few “what were they thinking?” disappointments and the shows they wish more people were watching. Subscribe to our Substack! [https://moviesarelife.substack.com/subscribe]