BONUS: "The claw lifts you up, perhaps by harness."

EP 123: Scary Movie 6, Spider Noir, Finding Emily

Jun 8, 202647 minSummary

In this episode of Reel Talk with Honey & Jonathan Ross, the hosts dive into a wide-ranging discussion covering recent cinema and personal reflections. Jonathan and Honey begin the episode with an intimate conversation about aging, career milestones, and the anxiety of balancing a packed professional and personal schedule. The central critique of the episode focuses on Scary Movie 6. The hosts share their experience attending an influencer screening, noting the peculiar dress codes and the lack of cohesion in the film itself. While they express genuine affection for the original franchise and some of the returning cast, they find the new installment to be a disjointed, overly self-referential mess that relies too heavily on stale tropes and repetitive meta-jokes. They express frustration with the lack of a strong plot and suggest that the film’s reliance on dated references makes it feel disconnected from modern audiences. The conversation then pivots to a discussion on Spider-Noir, highlighting the unique appeal of Nicolas Cage, and concludes with brief reflections on the film Finding Emily. The episode offers a candid, conversational look at current media through the lens of two generations.

BONUS: "Why would you want a stinky little man?!"

Jun 3, 202617 minSummary

In this bonus episode of Reel Talk, Honey and Jonathan Ross delve into a variety of film and television topics, starting with a candid critique of the new Masters of the Universe film. Despite an exciting premiere, the hosts find the movie bloated, generic, and lacking the self-awareness that made films like Barbie a success. They discuss the challenges of adapting the iconic toy line, noting that while the film offers plenty of fan service and impressive practical effects—particularly with the character Skeletor—it fails to capture a truly compelling tone. The conversation shifts to listener questions, where the hosts evaluate actor Steve Carell’s recent project, The Roast, acknowledging his impressive range but noting that the show feels somewhat formulaic. Finally, the episode turns toward the horror genre as the hosts discuss the most terrifying moments they have encountered on screen. From the psychological dread in Mulholland Drive and The Exorcist III to the visceral scares in Sinister and It Follows, they explore what makes certain scenes linger in the viewer’s mind long after the credits roll.

EP 122: Backrooms, Obsession, Ladies First

Jun 1, 202644 minSummary

In this episode of Reel Talk, hosts Honey and Jonathan Ross dive into the latest cinematic releases, starting with a discussion on the horror film The Backrooms. They explore the unnerving nature of this A24 project, praising the work of twenty-year-old director Kane Parsons for his ability to translate the internet’s "liminal space" aesthetic into a haunting, immersive film. The hosts highlight the brilliant, minimalist storytelling and the unsettling atmosphere that relies more on psychological unease than traditional jump scares. The conversation then shifts to the horror film Obsession, directed by Curry Barker. The hosts examine how the film uses the classic genie-wish trope to explore themes of toxic obsession and the loss of autonomy. They discuss the lead performance by Inda Navaretti and commend the film’s clever balance between genuinely disturbing psychological horror and dark comedy, attributing its success to Barker’s background in comedy and precise sense of timing. Throughout the episode, the hosts debate the importance of narrative ambiguity versus tidy endings, ultimately agreeing that both films successfully leave a lasting, chilling impact on their audiences.

BONUS: "I just sent an email to Tom Hanks..."

May 18, 202619 minSummary

In this bonus episode of Reel Talk, Honey and Jonathan Ross host an informal chat covering their latest cinematic explorations and listener feedback. The hosts open with a discussion on a recent Iron Maiden documentary, highlighting its unique archival approach and its ability to turn even non-metal fans into admirers through its focus on human passion and underdog stories. This leads to a conversation about the film Anvil, which the hosts praise for its heart-wrenching and authentic portrayal of musicians pursuing their dreams against the odds. The discussion pivots to a listener question from Lucy, who asks if the magic of the cinema experience is dying in the age of streaming. The hosts analyze the decline of cinema-going, weighing the convenience of home entertainment against the unique social atmosphere of public theaters. They explore various factors impacting the experience, from the importance of physical comfort and legroom to the changing nature of social outings. Ultimately, they encourage listeners to treat the cinema as a special event, advocating for a balance between the comforts of home and the communal excitement that only a cinema screen can provide.