The Reel DMC Movie Podcast

Abra-cadabra! The Real DMC emerges from a puff of smoke and a field littered with top hats to dive deep into Christopher Nolan’s twisty tale of dueling magicians, The Prestige. Join Dave, Marcus, and Colin as they bicker like rival illusionists, debate Victorian mustache disguises, and wonder aloud if cloning yourself for a magic trick counts as murder (asking for a friend). There will be spoilers, there will be magic, and there will definitely be confusion about accent choices.Is Hugh Jackman the ultimate showman or just obsessed enough to drown for applause? Is Christian Bale a master of subtlety or just really, really bad at relationships? Did David Bowie as Tesla invent the iPhone? Why does nobody in this movie question picking the dude in a fake mustache three nights in a row? With sharp wit, heated debates, and more Michael Caine impressions than should be legally allowed, the gang dissects one of Nolan’s most complicated and cleverly constructed brain-benders. If you're still wondering what knot was tied, this episode is a must-listen—though we strongly recommend watching the movie first (unless you like having the magic revealed).

10/12/25 • 100:17

In this episode, the Reel DMC crew tackles The Saint (1997), a movie that was supposed to make Val Kilmer the next James Bond but instead makes him look like a man who just discovered wigs on clearance. Directed by Philip Noyce, the film leans hard on Kilmer’s "master of disguises" schtick—though by disguises we mean "Val Kilmer in a mustache so ridiculous it could double as a prop in a high school play." And yet, the movie plays it straight. No wink, no irony, just Kilmer in leather pants sketching poetry like a budget Fabio.Elizabeth Shue, meanwhile, plays a nuclear physicist whose research could change the world—but instead she changes into a lovestruck teenager after twelve hours with a guy who literally says, "Sorry, I had to steal your life’s work, I’m a thief." Romantic! It’s Stockholm Syndrome: The Motion Picture.The film is tonally confused and uneven, with action sequences that lack suspense, a cold fusion plot that's laughably rushed, and villains who feel like they've been airlifted from a Saturday morning cartoon. Occasionally fun and often ridiculous, The Saint is not Bond, not Bourne, and not even Mission: Impossible. It’s closer to Community Theater: International Spy Edition.And remember, if someone offers to take you to their home in Africa after two minutes of conversation—no matter how tight the leather pants—just say no.

9/25/25 • 77:53

In this episode, Dave, Marcus, and Colin dive into Oliver Stone's The Doors, and their verdict is a wild ride of praise, critique, and disbelief. The consensus? Val Kilmer absolutely nails the role of Jim Morrison. His performance is nothing short of electric—his singing, his stage presence, the whole package. But here's the rub: his portrayal of Morrison is so one-dimensional that at times, he feels more like a drunken jerk than the rock legend we all know and love. In fact, the guys agree that after five minutes with this version of Jim, you'd probably want to punch him in the face. While the iconic concert scenes are a highlight, the film falters in a big way by sidelining the rest of the band. Stone's version of The Doors doesn't do them any favors, turning them into mere shadows of Morrison's chaotic genius. And don't even get started on Oliver Stone’s "creative choices"—a.k.a. making up ridiculous sequences like Jim attempting to murder his girlfriend, Pamela Courson. The episode kicks off with the trio reflecting on what The Doors' music has meant to them over the years. They all agree: while it might’ve been tempting to hang with Morrison in your twenties, the movie probably hits harder for a younger crowd. So, put on your headphones, grab a drink, head into the desert, and try not to get too lost in the madness. Just remember, everyone here makes it out alive—barely. 

8/4/25 • 82:26

The Reel DMC crew parachutes into the gloriously unhinged world of Top Secret!—the 1984 cult classic where Val Kilmer makes his film debut as a skeet-surfing, hip-swiveling Elvis-type who accidentally stumbles into World War II... or the Cold War... or something involving Nazis and NATO. Plot? Who needs one when you’ve got underwater bar fights and cows in combat boots?In this episode, Dave, Marcus, and Colin kick off a Val Kilmer retrospective (RIP to the legend) by debating his top performances—Real Genius, Tombstone, Top Gun, even Kiss Kiss Bang Bang—while Marcus questions whether Top Secret! is actually good or just an elaborate excuse to put bananas in inappropriate places.The guys dig into the ZAZ team’s joke-a-second formula, discuss whether Airplane! or The Naked Gun reign supreme, and marvel at Kilmer’s ability to sing, dance, and act with absolutely no character development whatsoever. Is it a brilliant satire or a cinematic fever dream stitched together with beach music and Yiddish puns?One thing's for sure: this movie may not make much sense, but it sure as hell makes an impression.Bonus: A backwards Swedish bookstore, a submarine smashing through a wall like the Kool-Aid Man with NATO clearance, and The Anal Intruder™—because nothing says "PG-rated spy spoof" like... wait, the censors saw that and said OK?? Oh, and a horse sings the Beatles. Seriously.Related episodesHot Shots! (1991)Lockdown Cinema: Real Genius (1985)

6/11/25 • 87:52

Dave, Marcus, and Colin strap on their web-shooters and swing into the middle chapter of Sam Raimi’s Spider-Man trilogy — a film they all agree still soars. From jaw-dropping action to genuine character arcs, Spider-Man 2 delivers the superhero goods with style. The crew breaks down the film’s surprisingly emotional core, the razor-sharp effects that still hold up, and the perfect balance of humor and heart. Everyone's on board with the electric chemistry between Tobey Maguire and Kirsten Dunst — but it’s Alfred Molina’s complex, tragic Doctor Octopus who truly steals the spotlight. He’s not your average “take over the world” bad guy — he's got depth, nuance, and, yes, terrifying robot tentacles. They also rank their favorite Spider-Man performances and suits, debate who wore Aunt May best, and unanimously agree that James Franco’s Harry Osborn... leaves a lot to be desired. Colin doesn’t hold back, branding him a “whiny little bitch” — and honestly, no one disagrees. Raimi’s signature style may be toned down in places, but when he unleashes it — especially during Doc Ock’s horror-tinged transformation — it’s pure cinematic gold. Bonus points for Bruce Campbell’s scene-stealing cameo as New York’s most pompous theater usher. If your Spidey senses aren’t tingling by the end of this episode, you might want to get them checked out. Previous Sam Raimi episodes:Darkman The Quick and the Dead Army of Darkness Drag Me to HellWe’d love to get your feedback, if you liked the episode, hated it, or think that we missed something, please send us a message at feedback@reeldmc.com, submit your comments on the episode in the Spotify app, or find us on X @reeldmc.

5/23/25 • 79:33

Dave, Colin, and Marcus step out of the shadows to dissect Darkman, Sam Raimi’s gloriously unhinged first stab at the superhero genre. Raimi’s signature style—whip pans, wild angles, and all—is on full display, and while Colin is all-in on the madness, Marcus and Dave are a little more reserved. The crew agrees: the make-up and practical effects are a gritty highlight, even if Liam Neeson’s melodramatic performance as the vengeful, disfigured scientist splits the room. Colin digs the twisted genius behind Darkman’s convoluted revenge schemes, but the dated greenscreen effects leave everyone shaking their heads. One thing’s certain—Larry Drake steals the show as Durant, the finger-collecting gangster with a smile as sharp as his cigar cutter. And yes, we talk about that iconic moment with the drinking bird, the lighter, and a very unfortunate lab. So hop into your ’73 Oldsmobile Delta 88 and hit play. At just under ninety-nine minutes, you'll finish the pod long before your synthetic skin starts to bubble. Previous Sam Raimi episodes:The Quick and the Dead Army of Darkness Drag Me to HellWe’d love to get your feedback, if you liked the episode, hated it, or think that we missed something, please send us a message at feedback@reeldmc.com, submit your comments on the episode in the Spotify app, or find us on X @reeldmc.

4/24/25 • 79:16

After a bumpy ride on the Paul Verhoeven train, Dave, Colin, and Marcus are eager to switch tracks and dive into a new series on director Sam Raimi. Kicking things off with The Quick and the Dead (1995), they revel in Raimi’s signature camera wizardry, vibrant characters, and loving homage to Sergio Leone’s spaghetti westerns.Sharon Stone shines as a steely gunslinger in the classic “man with no name” mold, while Russell Crowe delivers a gripping performance as Cort, a former killer seeking redemption—an impressive introduction to American audiences. A young Leonardo DiCaprio charms with his cocky energy, and standout supporting turns from Lance Henriksen and Keith David add flair to an already stacked cast.But stealing the show is the late, great Gene Hackman as Herod, the ruthless ruler of the town. Hackman is at his absolute best, effortlessly shifting from eerily affable to downright terrifying.So holster your iron and step into the dusty streets—it's time for a showdown on the Reel DMC Movie Podcast!Previous Sam Raimi Reel DMC podcasts:Army of DarknessWe’d love to get your feedback, if you liked the episode, hated it, or think that we missed something, please send us a message at feedback@reeldmc.com, submit your comments on the episode in the Spotify app, or find us on X @reeldmc.

4/2/25 • 82:45

Leave your inhibitions at the door... and maybe your good taste too! Dave, Marcus, and Colin close out their Paul Verhoeven series with Showgirls—the glitzy, trashy, unforgettable train wreck that is somehow both awful and mesmerizing. Colin sees the genius (or at least the guilty pleasure), Marcus wants to set it on fire, and Dave is stuck in the middle, trying to make sense of it all.Is Showgirls misunderstood satire or just a mess with tassels? Does anyone eat a burger normally in this movie? And most importantly—did we survive watching it?Join us as we dive deep (but not too deep) into Verhoeven’s most infamous film.Previous Verhoeven movies covered:Robocop (1987)Total Recall (1990)Basic Instinct (1992)Starship Troopers (1997)

3/8/25 • 91:09

Dave, Marcus, and Colin take on RoboCop, Paul Verhoeven’s first American film—a brutal, satirical, and wildly entertaining sci-fi classic. Dave enjoys it a bit more than Colin and Marcus, but they all agree it’s got plenty to love.They break down the film’s sharp satire, striking visuals, and, of course, its signature over-the-top violence. Peter Weller’s precise, robotic physicality gets well-deserved praise, as does ED-209, the ultimate corporate murder machine—ruthless, imposing, and hilariously terrible at stairs.So stop what you’re doing and listen to this episode. You have fifteen seconds to comply!Previous episodes in our Paul Verhoeven podcast series:Basic Instinct (1992)Total Recall (1990)Starship Troopers (1997)We’d love to get your feedback, if you liked the episode, hated it, or think that we missed something, please send us a message at feedback@reeldmc.com.

2/21/25 • 75:02

Dave, Marcus, and Colin continue their journey through the films of director Paul Verhoeven. Colin makes the case for the film being one of Verhoeven’s best but Dave and Marcus are not convinced. Everybody agrees the famous interrogation leg crossing scene is iconic and that the film has some fun cheesiness. But while Colin finds the film still delivers on the eroticism, Dave thinks the sex scenes are tame and boring–and Marcus is somewhere in the middle. And although the film was noted to be quite controversial upon its initial release, everybody finds it fairly run-of-the-mill upon rewatch. Luckily, nobody is stabbed with an icepick during the episode… or gets charged with smoking.Basic Instinct is the third in a series of episodes dedicated to examining the films of Paul Verhoeven. You can find our other episodes here:Total RecallStarship TroopersEmail us! feedback@reeldmc.comTell us what you liked (or didn’t like), send us a correction. or give a note on something we overlooked. We’re always interested in listener feedback and comments!

1/28/25 • 79:15

Dave, Marcus, and Colin discuss Paul Verhoeven's sci-fi classic Total Recall (1990). We all really enjoyed revisiting the sci-fi action movie and wonder is it that last great 80's action movie? Can anyone else play Quaid other than Arnold? And is it real or all in his mind?

12/23/24 • 87:31

Dave, Marcus and Colin rewatch a film from their youth and have a very different experience. What was once an an intense, dark action film has become--to adult eyes--flat out hilarious. The guys marvel at officer Lymangood’s juvenile horniness, love Murphy’s wise cracking antics, and all agree the “conspiracy” makes almost no sense whatsoever. And let's not forget the especially bizarre dialogue: what the hell does “a hot mince pie under each arm” actually mean? Don’t be a “JAFO.” Just tune in and enjoy the ride.

12/3/24 • 92:49

Dave, Marcus and Colin escape Mathtilda May’s entrancing beauty long enough to discuss Tobe Hooper’s ambitious $25 million Space Vampire sci-fi epic. While it fails to deliver a coherent storyline, believable characters, or any level of logic, it more than makes up for in chaotic entertainment. Dave fails to master Steve Railsback’s character name, Colin does his best impression of several characters, and Marcus thinks his friends must have seen a better film. The guys remain confused by….well…almost everything, but have a lot of fun discussing what amounts to a bizarre ‘80s artifact.

5/11/24 • 92:50

After discussing Rob Zombie’s original Halloween remake, the guys decide to take a run at the sequel, Halloween II. Colin is having none of it, Marcus doesn’t want to live in Zombie’s world, and while Dave can appreciate some of what Zombie was attempting, everybody agrees the movie is generally unpleasant, extremely violent, and narratively bizarre. Nobody understands (or cares about) ghostly apparitions and white horses, and we’re all confused why EVERY PERSON in Haddonfield a disgusting human being. While we want you to listen to the podcast, we can’t recommend actually watching the movie…..This is the 5th Halloween franchise film the DMC podcast has discussed – Marcus and Colin blame Dave, and her agrees it’s his fault. But, while the movies haven’t been great, the podcasts are a lot of fun, so if you’d like to check out the earlier films we discussed, you can find them here: Rob Zombie’s Halloween remake Halloween 2018 Halloween Kills Halloween Ends

10/31/23 • 93:27

Dave, Marcus, and Colin discuss Ridley Scott's sci-fi masterpiece Alien, the birth of the franchise, the artistry of the sets, and Veronica Cartwright's fantastic terror performance.

10/2/23 • 123:10

The guys discuss the film, the state of modern action and Netflix original films. Everybody loves the action but finds the rest of the story threadbare. They discuss the effectiveness of both “moist” and “wet” teams, compare the film to a Chili’s chicken sandwich, marvel at the range and speed of mini-taxis, and debate the best 80’s bubblegum brands/flavors. Lots of praise for Ryan Gosling and Chris Evans, but they can’t agree on which fictional super-assassin would win in a fight between Jason Bourne, Sierra Six or McCall from The Equlizer, but they agree recording the pod was probably more fun than the movie itself.

8/30/23 • 96:18

The guys discuss the classic sci-fi horror film - arguably John Carpenter’s greatest film. Everybody marvels at Rob Bottin’s amazing practical effects, but Marcus doesn’t love all the gore. High praise for Kurt Russell, questions about flamethrower management, and Wilford Brimley gets REALLY excited dissecting Alien dogs. Grab a bottle of J&B scotch, and enjoy the ride!

8/8/23 • 103:31

After watching and enjoying Prey (2022) Dave, Marcus, and Colin dive deep into the Predator franchise discussing each of the movies. Spoiler alert: the first and last are the two best of the 6 movies.The original Predator starts at 13:21, Predator 2 starts at 41:02, Predator v. Alien at 51:19, Predator v. Alien: Requiem at 59:36, The Predator at 1:06:13 and rounding out the discussion the new movie Prey at 1:12:06.

5/30/23 • 116:14

Dave, Colin and Marcus are back to tackle Steven Spielberg's follow-up to Jaws, the 1977 smash hit Close Encounters.  Colin loves the film due to seeing it as a kid and listening to the John Williams soundtrack.  Marcus is also a fan due to his own obsessive need to sculp things out of mashed potatoes.  Dave has only ever seen the film twice and while he enjoys it, after watching it recently with his kids, he questions if it's truly a masterpiece (as in the "top 10 sci-fi films of all time").Everybody agrees, Roy is no longer worth of his "world's greatest Dad" mug, on account of his decision to make out with strange women and abandon his family.

5/17/23 • 105:27

The guys discuss the final film in David Gordon Green’s new Halloween Trilogy, and the brief career of unsuccessful serial killer “Corey Myers.”  Marcus struggles to pronounce “Haddonfield,” and Dave has a creative suggestion for how to best punish Michael Myers.  Well, at lest they cleared up that Halloween Kills window bullshit…..

12/9/22 • 103:49

Dave and special guest Bill Tiller dive down the rabbit hole to discuss all things Michael Myers, the Halloween franchise, and predict how Halloween Ends will wrap up the David Gordon Green trilogy.  Along the way, we discuss how each of us became interested in the franchise, the greatness of John Carpenter, why we believe the film series is so enduring, and why we obsess over it.Bill’s specific predictions for Halloween Ends start around the 1:26 mark.For those of you interested in additional Halloween content, we have three previous episodes for Rob Zombie’s 2007 remake, the 2018 Halloween, and the most recent film in the series, Halloween Kills:https://podcast.reeldmc.com/1909366/9796446-halloween-kills-2021https://podcast.reeldmc.com/1909366/9796491-halloween-2007https://podcast.reeldmc.com/1909366/9796447-halloween-2018

8/15/22 • 125:23

This week we cover the F1 racing movie Rush (2013) directed by Ron Howard featuring the great world championship battle between James Hunt and Niki Lauda, starring Chris Hemsworth and Daniel Bruhl.Colin and Marcus get the chance to talk Formula One and boy do they ever, they even occasionally discuss the movie. Buckle up and enjoy the pod!

8/2/22 • 104:19

The guys discuss Richard Kelly’s first film – the cult classic Donnie Darko, staring Jake Gyllenhaal, Jena Malone, Drew Barrymore, and the late Patrick Swayze.  Along the way, they debate the merits of ambiguity vs. a full explanation, Dave almost learns to pronounce “Cannes,” and everybody marvels at the fantastic hallway shot set to “Head Over Heels.”  Everybody loves the soundtrack and thinks the Frank the Bunny costume is downright creepy.  By the end of the episode it's clear that everybody remains strongly committed to Sparkle Motion. #donniedarko #cultmovie #frankthebunny #sparklemotion

7/19/22 • 105:40

Dave, Marcus, and Colin grapple with the mechanics of time travel--and what their younger selves might think of their now selves--in Looper, Rian Johnson's mind bending sci-fi/film noir/western from 2012. Dave takes a Joseph Gordon-Levitt journey, and we debate if this is the last great performance by Bruce Willis. But one thing is certain: Jeff Daniels's Abe is a tired man who seems fed up with living in the past. 

7/5/22 • 97:05

From the director of the new Batman, we revisit Matt Reeve's found footage monster movie Cloverfield (2008), produced by JJ Abrahms. We had't seen it in many years and enjoyed the rewatch. Poor Marlena.

6/14/22 • 87:05

Dave, Marcus, and Colin discuss how Tropic Thunder walks the razor's edge of appropriateness to hilarious results.  Everybody agrees Robert Downey Jr. and Ben Stiller are great, with Downey giving the performance of a lifetime.  Marcus is less excited about the overall film, but as we all know by now, he hates comedies unless they were made before 1990....

5/31/22 • 91:43

Editor's Note: This new version of the episode fixes a 4 minute gap starting at 1:07:33. Please download this fixed version if you experienced any issues. Apologies to all--in case you hadn't figured it out, we're not professionals. (Published 3:14 pm PT, May 18, 2022.) This week, Colin wants to discuss the BIG QUESTIONS around the origins of human life on Earth, while Dave and Marcus bemoan the stupid scientists and shoddy writing, in Ridley Scott's visually stunning sci-fi "prequel" to Alien. Welcome to the crew of Prometheus (2012). Be careful of the android--he's a psychopath.

5/17/22 • 119:01

We revisit the highly rated Luc Besson film, Leon: The Professional. Natalie Portman is amazing in her film debut, Jean Reno is bad ass, and Gary Oldman brings the heat like only he can. Does it deserve the #33 spot in IMDb's Top 250... 

5/3/22 • 103:57

Dave declares Grosse Pointe Blank to be the greatest John Cusack film ever made, Colin and Marcus don’t agree.  Everybody loves the chemistry between Cusack and Minnie Driver, and appreciate the energy Jeremy Piven brings to the film.  Mixed reactions on Dan Aykroyd's turn as “Grocer,” but everybody is aligned the music and soundtrack are fantastic.  Guns, bullets, and murder – this is not your typical romantic comedy, but somehow it works!    

4/19/22 • 100:09

Dave wants you to hit him as hard as you can... as he, Marcus and Colin break the first rule of Fight Club to discuss David Fincher's 1999 "cult classic" and visual masterpiece about what it means to be male in the 21st century. Do its themes hold up today? And how about that incredible twist? Come join our version of Project Mayhem and find out! "We have just...lost...cabin pressure."

4/5/22 • 138:54