The Reel Critic

Vocalo Radio
  • 3.7 (6)
  • FILM INTERVIEWS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

From Vocalo Radio 91.1 FM in Chicago, Reggie Ponder is The Reel Critic — Vocalo’s resident film expert. Every week, join Reggie as he interviews industry professionals and breaks down box office numbers, film festivals and the “reel talk” on movies… ‘The Reel Critic’ on Vocalo is a collaboration between Reggie Ponder and Vocalo Radio 91.1 FM in Chicago. For more of Vocalo’s arts and culture coverage, visit Vocalo.org.

  1. 10/08/2025

    "The Smashing Machine": A love letter to MMA

    Benny Safdie’s “The Smashing Machine” follows real-life pioneering MMA fighter Mark Kerr — played by former wrestler Dwayne Johnson — as he fights to the top of his career while battling  personal hardships. The film also shines the spotlight on Kerr's complex interpersonal relationships and stars Emily Blunt as Kerr's girlfriend Dawn Staples and Ryan Bader as fellow wrestler Mark Coleman. Reggie "The Reel Critic" Ponder says “the thrills, the spills and the kills from the adrenaline of fighting and winning” makes the biographical film an interesting watch. "The Reel Critic" is hosted and produced by Reggie Ponder. Follow Reggie on YouTube, Twitter, BlueSky and Instagram @TheReelCritic.

    2 min

  2. 09/26/2025

    “One Battle After Another” is "frenetic, chaotic and just plain weird"

    Director Paul Thomas Anderson’s newest film “One Battle After Another” is an action thriller following ex-revolutionary Bob Ferguson (Leonardo DiCaprio) who must rescue his daughter, Willa (Chase Infiniti), from his corrupt military nemesis. In his rush to find her, both father and daughter are forced to confront the consequences of their past. The film also stars Teyana Taylor as Willa's revolutionary mother, plus Sean Penn, Benicio del Toro and Regina Hall. With messages of rebellion, loyalty to family and the fight against white supremacy, Reggie "The Reel Critic" Ponder says the film will make the audience question: “What would you do to protect your child?” "The Reel Critic" is hosted and produced by Reggie Ponder. Follow Reggie on YouTube, Twitter, BlueSky and Instagram @TheReelCritic.

    2 min

  3. 09/19/2025

    Family, football and faith in “HIM”

    From director Justin Tipping and Jordan Peele's Monkey Paw Productions, new film "HIM" asks: "What is the price of success?" After enduring a career-threatening injury, pro-football prospect Cameron Cade (Tyriq Withers) gets invited to train with his childhood idol Isaiah White (Marlon Wayans). While training in White’s private facilities, Cade is introduced to the darker side of pro-football.  Reggie “The Reel Critic” Ponder says Cade’s naiveness paired with White’s ruthlessness allows the audience to sense something explosive is waiting to happen. “HIM” is also the acting debut for Tierra Whack and  Guapdad 4000 — both of whom are featured on the film's soundtrack alongside Gucci Mane, Denzel Curry, Sampa the Great, MAVI, Jean Dawson and more. "The Reel Critic" is hosted and produced by Reggie Ponder. Follow Reggie on YouTube, Twitter, BlueSky and Instagram @TheReelCritic.

    3 min

  4. 09/05/2025

    "Love, Brooklyn" is full of mixed messages, dishonesty and smooth tension

    “Love, Brooklyn” is a refreshing film capturing Black love in the big city. As Brooklyn is constantly evolving, Roger (André Holland) finds himself appreciating the change yet also longing for the past. His romantic relationships reflect a similar push and pull. As he struggles to let go of his ex-girlfriend Casey (Nicole Behave), he is also building a strong connection with Nicole (DeWanda Wise). The movie depicts a familiar challenge, as the characters are not completely honest with each other nor themselves. Reggie “The Reel Critic” Ponder relates this film to a melodic rhythm with its smooth tension, uneasy undertones, and interesting build up. "The Reel Critic" is hosted and produced by Reggie Ponder. Follow Reggie on YouTube, Twitter, BlueSky and Instagram @TheReelCritic.

    4 min

  5. 08/22/2025

    “I Know What You Did Last Summer” is a mysterious blood bath

    After five friends reunite for an engagement party, their night takes a sudden turn when a man dies. Although they hide their involvement, someone finds out and is determined to make them pay. “I Know What You Did Last Summer” is a race to stay alive starring Madeline Cline, Tyriq Withers, Chase Sui Wonders, Jonah Hauer-King, Sarah Pidgeon and more. By merging both mystery and comedy, Reggie “The Reel Critic” Ponder claims this toe-curling film is fun to watch with a lively crowd. "The Reel Critic" is hosted and produced by Reggie Ponder. Follow Reggie on YouTube, Twitter, BlueSky and Instagram @TheReelCritic.

    3 min

  6. 08/21/2025

    “Highest 2 Lowest” is a provocative look at culture and legacy

    Spike Lee’s newest joint "Highest 2 Lowest" finds music mogul David King (Denzel Washington) in the middle of a life-or-death ransom plot and a moral dilemma – questioning whether a contract makes the industry more about the money than the music. The film also stars Ilfenesh Hadera, A$AP Rocky, Jeffery Wright, Dean Winters and Ice Spice. Reggie “The Reel Critic” Ponder breaks down the film into eight C’s: crime, conflict, culture, comedy, cameos, concerts, characters and contracts. "The Reel Critic" is hosted and produced by Reggie Ponder. Follow Reggie on YouTube, Twitter, BlueSky and Instagram @TheReelCritic.

    3 min

  7. 08/14/2025

    Family over fame in “The Fantastic Four: First Steps”

    When astronauts Reed Richards, Sue Storm, Ben Grimm and Johnny Storm — played by Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Ebon Moss-Bachrach and Joseph Quinn, respectively  — return home from space, they discover newfound superhuman abilities. Four years later, they now protect the world as Mister Fantastic, Invisible Woman, The Thing and Human Torch. In order to defeat evil forces on a quest to destroy mankind, the heroes are determined to do anything — except sacrifice Reed and Sue’s unborn son. Reggie “The Reel Critic” Ponder shares his thoughts, and reminds listeners to watch the post-credits scenes ... "The Reel Critic" is hosted and produced by Reggie Ponder. Follow Reggie on YouTube, Twitter, BlueSky and Instagram @TheReelCritic.

    3 min

  8. 06/05/2025

    ‘Ballerina’ does the ‘John Wick’ legacy proud

    Ana de Armas stars in this action-packed continuation of the ‘John Wick’ franchise. We find her as Eve Macarro, an assassin trained in the traditions of the Ruska Roma, as she seeks revenge against her father’s killers. And don’t worry — Keanu Reeves still makes an appearance as the titular suited-up action star. Reggie “The Reel Critic” Ponder says ‘Ballerina’ is “the action film that action fans are looking for.” Be warned: The violence and gore may be gratuitous for some viewers. "The Reel Critic" is hosted and produced by Reggie Ponder. Follow Reggie on YouTube, Twitter, BlueSky and Instagram @TheReelCritic.

    3 min
See All (214)

Ratings & Reviews

3.7
out of 5
6 Ratings

About

From Vocalo Radio 91.1 FM in Chicago, Reggie Ponder is The Reel Critic — Vocalo’s resident film expert. Every week, join Reggie as he interviews industry professionals and breaks down box office numbers, film festivals and the “reel talk” on movies… ‘The Reel Critic’ on Vocalo is a collaboration between Reggie Ponder and Vocalo Radio 91.1 FM in Chicago. For more of Vocalo’s arts and culture coverage, visit Vocalo.org.

Information

  • Creator
    Vocalo Radio
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2025
  • Episodes
    214
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © All rights reserved
  • Show Website
    The Reel Critic

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