Reel Review with Zoe (Real FM)

The Real FM Podcast Network

In a world where movie tickets are pricey and you could spend hours browsing streaming platforms, Zoe is here to help by giving you the nuts and bolts of a movie or TV show without the spoilers! But movies and shows are more than just mindless consumables, they’re stories that tell us something about our world and the people around us. Zoe invites you into a deeper conversation about media and how to navigate modern storytelling.

  1. Feb 3

    Iron Lung (Reel 1)

    A YouTuber known for his video-game play-throughs, "Markiplier", has made an independent, feature-length film--it is an adaptation of an indie horror game of the same name: Iron Lung. Iron Lung achieved a "smash hit" opening, grossing over $21 million globally against a reported $3 million budget. His success proves to the world that we don't need Hollywood. Zoe found it surreal and inspiring to see his hard-work, blood, sweat and tears finally end up on the big screen, but she didn't necessarily love the movie's story. Zoe doesn't dive into spoilers, but it boils down to not understanding the worldbuilding and lore the film sets up, but she suspects fans of this content will understand it better. The film is literally about a submarine in an ocean of blood, so it is not for the whole family; there is also quite a bit of language. But Markiplier conquering the Hollywood system to get his movie across America is a massive accomplishment. Have you seen the film? What do you think? Did you enjoy it? Let Zoe know by sending a shoutout on the real fm app or texting real fm at 833-433-REAL. In a world where movie tickets are pricey and you could spend hours browsing streaming platforms, Zoe is here to help by giving you the nuts and bolts of a movie or TV show without the spoilers! But movies and shows are more than just mindless consumables, they’re stories that tell us something about our world and the people around us. Zoe invites you into a deeper conversation about media and how to navigate modern storytelling.

    6 min
  2. 12/15/2025

    Is It Peak or Bleak? Or Just Good Enough? (Reel 2 of Five Nights at Freddy's 2)

    CAUTION - This is a SPOILER FILLED deep dive discussion between two giant nerds: Zoe and her brother, Christian. Zoe and Christian grew up together watching theory YouTube videos and playing the Five Nights at Freddy's Games. Zoe self-classifies herself as a knowledgable fan, and Christian would describe himself as more of a casual fan. They have disagreements about the movie and go back and forth on several plot points, what they liked verses disliked, and what they predict the future holds for this franchise. The big question on Zoe's mind was what she saw happening in the online community: is this movie peak or bleak? In other words, is this movie the best thing to have ever happened to the franchise or is it a massive disappointment. Zoe argues it is made for the fans, she had a good time as a fan, and it's an acceptable film for the franchise but it is not a great movie and she's okay with this because she hopes for a third installment and conclusion to the trilogy. Warning - this very nerdy conversation is nearly an hour long, and you probably won't understand any of it if you aren't already aware of FNAF lore. You have been warned. Have you seen the film? What do you think? Did you enjoy it? Let Zoe know by sending a shoutout on the real fm app or texting real fm at 833-433-REAL In a world where movie tickets are pricey and you could spend hours browsing streaming platforms, Zoe is here to help by giving you the nuts and bolts of a movie or TV show without the spoilers! But movies and shows are more than just mindless consumables, they’re stories that tell us something about our world and the people around us. Zoe invites you into a deeper conversation about media and how to navigate modern storytelling.

    59 min
  3. 12/09/2025

    Five Nights at Freddy's 2 (Reel 1)

    This recommendation boils down to one major factor: Are you a fan of the Five Nights at Freddy's franchise? This sequel movie highly depends on a viewer's previously knowledge of the games lore and online theories and encourages the continued online theorizing, which is part of what makes this franchise what it is. Zoe, as a big fan of the franchise, really enjoyed the movie personally but understands this is for a very small and specific audience and most people will have no idea what is going on. Additionally, Zoe has found even the fanbase has been split on the film. She still recommends it for the fans, but she doesn't believe it's "peak." It is good, but "suffers from second movie in a trilogy syndrome." Lastly, Zoe tells parents this is NOT a kids movie or family-friendly. It is fine for teenagers, it is rated PG-13, but she again reminds parents this is an indie horror franchise produced by Blumhouse and is about child possessed animatronics. Have you seen the film? What do you think? Did you enjoy it? Let Zoe know by sending a shoutout on the real fm app or texting real fm at 833-433-REAL In a world where movie tickets are pricey and you could spend hours browsing streaming platforms, Zoe is here to help by giving you the nuts and bolts of a movie or TV show without the spoilers! But movies and shows are more than just mindless consumables, they’re stories that tell us something about our world and the people around us. Zoe invites you into a deeper conversation about media and how to navigate modern storytelling.

    9 min

Ratings & Reviews

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In a world where movie tickets are pricey and you could spend hours browsing streaming platforms, Zoe is here to help by giving you the nuts and bolts of a movie or TV show without the spoilers! But movies and shows are more than just mindless consumables, they’re stories that tell us something about our world and the people around us. Zoe invites you into a deeper conversation about media and how to navigate modern storytelling.