The Popcorn Hour with Matt and James

The Popcorn Hour with Matt and James

by Matthew Porter and James Porter
Film ReviewsTV Reviews
Season 1

Halloween Edition | Our Top 3 Horror Favorites

https://paa.ge/popcornhour/ This week on The Popcorn Hour, Matt and James celebrate spooky season by sharing their top three horror movies of all time. From chilling classics to modern nightmares, the guys break down what makes each pick stand out — the scares that stuck, the scenes that scarred, and the moments that still get under their skin. It’s a mix of deep appreciation, personal stories, and a few laughs along the way as they dive into what makes the horror genre so endlessly rewatchable. Whether you’re looking for a Halloween watchlist or just love talking about great scary movies, this is the perfect episode to get you in the mood for the season.
S1 · E25
Oct 8, 2025
1:19:26

(Re-Release)Criterion | The Grand Budapest Hotel

For this Criterion, Matt and James check back into Wes Anderson’s meticulously crafted world with the Criterion re-release of The Grand Budapest Hotel. A decade after its original debut, the film remains one of Anderson’s most celebrated works, blending comedy, melancholy, and dazzling visual design into a story about memory, friendship, and a world on the verge of change. The conversation dives into the performances that give the film its heart, the stylistic flourishes that make it uniquely Anderson, and why the Criterion treatment feels like a perfect match for this modern classic. Looking at both its legacy and its lasting charm, we explore how The Grand Budapest Hotel continues to stand tall as a high point in twenty-first-century cinema.
S1 · E24
Oct 3, 2025
50:40

Reviewing HIM (2025) | What Works and What Doesn’t

https://paa.ge/popcornhour/en In this episode of The Popcorn Hour, we dive deep into HIM (2025), exploring the thrills, chills, and heart-pounding moments that make this film unforgettable. From the standout performances to the gripping storyline and stunning visuals, we break down everything you need to know — without giving away too many spoilers. Whether you’re a horror fan or just curious about the latest must-watch, this episode has all the insights, reactions, and commentary you’ve been waiting for.
S1 · E23
Sep 30, 2025
59:09

Movie News | DiCaprio’s Scorsese Role, Heat 2, Weapons Prequel, Tom Holland Update

https://paa.ge/popcornhour This week on The Popcorn Hour, Matt and James cover a busy slate of movie news. Leonardo DiCaprio is teaming up once again with Martin Scorsese for a brand-new project, and he’s also set to star in the highly anticipated Heat 2. Meanwhile, news has broken that Trey Edward Shults’ thriller Weapons will be getting a prequel, adding another layer to one of the more intriguing upcoming films. On a less positive note, Tom Holland has reportedly suffered an injury, raising questions about how it may affect his next projects. And finally, the controversial and mysterious film HIM is officially making its way to theaters, sparking plenty of buzz. From prestige projects to unexpected twists, it’s a packed week of updates you won’t want to miss.
S1 · E22
Sep 26, 2025
40:08

Criterion of the Month | Guillermo del Toro’s Cronos (1993)

For this month’s Criterion of the Month, Matt and James sink their teeth into Guillermo del Toro’s haunting debut feature, Cronos (1993). A strange, poetic twist on vampirism, the film blends horror, fantasy, and gothic romance in a way only del Toro could. The conversation explores the movie’s eerie atmosphere, its meditations on immortality, and the seeds of del Toro’s signature style that would later flourish in films like Pan’s Labyrinth and The Shape of Water. Beyond its genre elements, we look at why Cronos has earned its place in the Criterion Collection, how it holds up more than thirty years later, and what makes it such a fascinating entry point into the career of one of modern cinema’s most imaginative directors.
S1 · E21
Sep 23, 2025
1:08:09

Movie News | Remembering Robert Redford, Sydney Sweeney’s Boxing Film, SAG’s New President & Emmys

https://paa.ge/popcornhour This week on The Popcorn Hour, Matt and James catch you up on a wide mix of movie news and industry stories. We start by honoring the life and legacy of Robert Redford, reflecting on his career and the influence he’s had on generations of filmmakers. We then dive into Sydney Sweeney’s surprising new boxing movie and what this role could mean for her evolving career. From there, we shift to the business side of Hollywood with news of SAG-AFTRA’s newly elected president and what this leadership change might signal for actors and the industry moving forward. Finally, we wrap things up with a look at the Emmy Awards — the big winners, some unexpected turns, and what stood out most from this year’s ceremony. It’s a full mix of tributes, new projects, and industry updates — all in one episode.
S1 · E20
Sep 18, 2025
36:17

Christopher Nolan’s Batman | Full Trilogy Review

This week on The Popcorn Hour, Matt and James revisit one of the most influential superhero sagas ever put to screen — Christopher Nolan’s Dark Knight Trilogy. Nearly two decades after it began, these films still define what a modern comic book movie can be. We start with Batman Begins (2005), exploring how Nolan rebuilt Batman from the ground up with a gritty origin story, grounded world-building, and Christian Bale’s layered take on Bruce Wayne. Then we dive into The Dark Knight (2008) — the film that redefined the genre with Heath Ledger’s legendary performance as the Joker, a crime-thriller edge, and a cultural impact that still resonates today. Finally, we unpack The Dark Knight Rises (2012) — its ambitious scope, divisive moments, and whether it sticks the landing as the trilogy’s finale. Along the way, we compare the films’ themes, highlight the performances that shaped them, and debate whether Nolan’s trilogy still stands as the definitive Batman story in cinema.
S1 · E19
Sep 17, 2025
1:51:05

Movie News | Robert Eggers’ Werwulf, The Smashing Machine & Michael Caine

Eggers continues to push genre boundaries, and what this project could mean for his already unique filmography. Then we jump into The Smashing Machine, the Safdie brothers’ new wrestling drama starring Dwayne Johnson. We discuss why this role could be a career-shifting move for The Rock, how the Safdies might ground his performance, and what makes this one of the most intriguing A24 projects on the horizon.
S1 · E18
Sep 12, 2025
39:00

Double Feature | Queen of the Ring & The Iron Claw – Wrestling in Cinema

This week on The Popcorn Hour, Matt and James step into the squared circle for a wrestling double feature — two films that take very different approaches to the pain, spectacle, and legacy of professional wrestling. First up is Queen of the Ring (2024), Ash Avildsen’s biographical drama about Mildred Burke, the first million-dollar female athlete in U.S. history and a trailblazer for women’s wrestling. We unpack Emily Bett Rickards’ performance as Burke, the film’s gritty portrayal of her rise, and how it balances inspirational sports drama with the darker realities of life inside the ring. We also touch on the film’s mixed critical reception, its controversial release journey, and whether it earns its place as a fresh wrestling biopic or stumbles into familiar tropes. Then we turn to A24’s The Iron Claw (2023), Sean Durkin’s heartbreaking chronicle of the Von Erich family — one of wrestling’s most tragic dynasties. With powerhouse performances from Zac Efron, Jeremy Allen White, and Holt McCallany, this film doesn’t just explore the triumphs of the ring but digs deep into themes of family, trauma, and sacrifice. We break down its emotional impact, how it frames wrestling as both an escape and a curse, and why it’s become one of A24’s most talked-about dramas. Along the way, we compare the two films — one about a pioneering woman who built wrestling’s future, the other about a family consumed by its past. Together, they show wrestling as more than spectacle: it’s a story about ambition, resilience, and the cost of glory.
S1 · E17
Sep 10, 2025
2:01:05

Movie News | Superman: Man of Tomorrow, 28 Years Later, Bone Temple & The Smashing Machine

This week on The Popcorn Hour, Matt and James break down a packed slate of movie news: James Gunn’s upcoming Superman: Man of Tomorrow, Danny Boyle’s return with 28 Years Later, the mystery of A24’s Bone Temple, and Benny Safdie’s wrestling drama The Smashing Machine. We dig into the hype, the risks, and what each project means for the future of film.
S1 · E16
Sep 5, 2025
1:04:59
9 of 11