Bless The Reel

Austin Torres

A podcast about Film and TV that analyzes and examines different media through casual conversation with awesome people who are generally very attractive, very charming, and very funny. Hosts include Austin, Ally, and Phil.

Episodes

  1. 6 FEB

    Election: Electile Dysfunction

    It's 2026 and the gang is back at it again. This time we're diving into Alexander Payne's political satire, Election, a movie that stars Reese Witherspoon as ambitious student Tracey Flick, whose campaign for student president is imperiled by jealous teacher Mr. McCallister, played by Matthew Broderick. We'll be taking a look at how Election portrays the hypocrisy of U.S politics and people through the lens of a high school election. Where to watch Election: Netflix Paramount Kanopy Apple TV Fubo TV Amazon Prime Personnel: Hosts: Austin Alysson Phil Producer: Nico Rico Audio Engineer: TellTheTruth Theme: Podcast Theme- Kevin Hartnell

    1h 31m

  2. 18/12/2025

    Brick: How Rian Johnson Rebuilt the Noir Genre

    The final Episode of 2025! The gang discusses Rian Johnson's debut film, Brick (2005) a neo-noir that takes the hard-boiled, pulpy detective style of 1950s classics and transposes it into a modern-day high school setting. This sharply written story features all the usual noir tropes but in a contemporary setting with a convoluted plot that manages to keep audiences locked in from start to finish. Where to Watch Brick: Rent or Buy Apple TV Youtube Amazon Prime Fandango at Home Google Play Movies Personnel: Hosts: Austin Alysson Phil Producer: Nico Rico Audio Engineer: TellTheTruth Theme: Podcast Theme- Kevin Hartnell

    1h 51m

  3. 03/12/2025

    Night of the Hunter: Faith, Fraud and Southern Gothic Horror

    This week, the gang discusses Charles Naughton's one and only film, the classic Night of the Hunter (1955). Robert Mitchum's legendary performance as evil priest, Harry Powell, is one of the most haunting and memorable depictions of a serial killer in the history of film, and with a slew of stunning shots that harken back to German Expressionism and paved the way for countless other films, Night of the Hunter is essential viewing. Also discussed is pseudo and performative christianity as well as much more. You can stream Night of the Hunter on: Tubi Pluto TV Rent or Buy: Amazon Youtube Apple Play Personnel: Hosts: Austin Alysson Phil Producer: Nico Rico Audio Engineer: TellTheTruth Theme: Podcast Theme- Kevin Hartnell

    1h 46m

  4. 14/11/2025

    Double Indemnity: The Godfather of Noir, Baby

    This week, the gang discusses Billy Wilder's legendary film, Double Indemnity (1944), which set the standard for film noir. We discuss the incredible script that was written by Raymond Chandler and Billy Wilder (who had a famously acrimonious relationship), the tension-inducing plot, and the unforgettable performances of Fred MacMurray, Barbara Stanwyck, and Edward G. Robinson. You can stream Double Indemnity on: Amazon Video Rent or Buy: Apple TV Youtube Google Play Fandango at Home Personnel: Hosts: Austin Alysson Phil Producer: Nico Rico Audio Engineer: TellTheTruth Theme: Podcast Theme- Kevin Hartnell

    1h 18m

  5. 07/11/2025

    The Shrouds: An Industrial Film?

    This week, the gang discusses David Cronenberg's most recent film, The Shrouds (2024), a story about a widowed man who develops a video technology that allows clients to watch their spouses' corpses decompose in the grave as a means of grieving the dead. In typical Cronenberg fashion, this is a fascinating and engrossing film that features plenty of body horror, a few conspiracies, and some interesting writing. But above all, The Shrouds is a story about grief. You can watch The Shrouds on: Criterion (streaming) Apple (rent) Youtube (rent) Personnel: Hosts: Austin Alysson Phil Producer: Nico Rico Audio Engineer: TellTheTruth Theme: Podcast Theme- Kevin Hartnell

    2h 15m

  6. 30/10/2025

    Young Frankenstein: Gene's Wildest Roll in the Hay

    On this week's episode, the gang travels to Transylvania for Mel Brooks' comedy classic, Young Frankenstein. We go over the best scenes in the movie and discuss the killer performances of its ensemble cast which includes the legendary Gene Wilder, Marty Feldman, Peter Boyle, Terri Garr, and Cloris Leachman. You can watch Young Frankenstein on: Frndly TV The Internet Archive Personnel: Hosts: Austin Alysson Phil Producer: Nick Theme: Podcast Theme- Kevin Hartnell

    1h 18m

  7. 23/10/2025

    The Shining: Kubrick's Commentary on Colonialism

    On this week's episode, the gang discusses Stanley Kubrick's classic horror film, The Shining. We discuss The Overlook's haunting architecture, the connection between Stephen King's original novel, and, of course, Jack Nicholson's one-of-a-kind eyebrows. Part of Spooky October. Viewers can watch The Shining on HBO MAX. Personnel: Hosts: Austin Alysson Phil Producer: Nick Theme: Podcast Theme- Kevin Hartnell

    1h 11m

  8. 16/10/2025

    The Witch: A Subversive Coming-of-Age Story

    Is Robert Egger's debut horror film actually a coming-of-age masterpiece? On this week's episode, we dive into a modern horror classic about a family of Puritans who get exiled from their village and encounter a nefarious supernatural force. Part of Spooky October. Personnel: Hosts: Austin Alysson Phil Producer: Nick Theme: Podcast Theme- Kevin Hartnell

    1h 29m

  9. 02/10/2025

    Scarface: Not Enough Scars

    The gang discusses the legacy of Brian De Palma's 1980s classic, Scarface. They cover a wide variety of topics including awful Cuban accents, the film's appeal to male audiences, its poor depiction of women, and the potential for an Elvira prequel. Personnel: Hosts: Austin Allison Phil Audio Technician: Ruben Producers: Nick Brian (TellTheTruth Music) Theme: Podcast Theme- Kevin Hartnell

    1h 27m
  • 9 Episodes

About

A podcast about Film and TV that analyzes and examines different media through casual conversation with awesome people who are generally very attractive, very charming, and very funny. Hosts include Austin, Ally, and Phil.

Information

  • Creator
    Austin Torres
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    9
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Austin Torres
  • Show Website
    Bless The Reel