The Third Reel: A Movie Podcast

The Third Reel
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🎬 A movie podcast for film lovers who love to laugh. Join Daniel, Rachael and Dale as they dive into everything from blockbusters to hidden gems, cult classics to modern favourites — all with unfiltered opinions, spicy debates, and a healthy dose of nonsense. Each week, we bring you fresh episodes packed with film reviews, movie drafts, tier lists, versus battles, and deep dives into iconic actors, directors and genres. Whether you're into Christopher Nolan, rom-coms, horror, the MCU or A24 indies, there's something here for every type of movie nerd. 🎧 New episodes every Monday. patreon.com/thirdreelpod linktr.ee/thirdreelpod thirdreelpod@gmail.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  1. #73 - The A–Z of Films: C Is for Chaos, Classics & Contenders Pt 1

    4D AGO

    #73 - The A–Z of Films: C Is for Chaos, Classics & Contenders Pt 1

    C is for chaos. C is for cinema. C is for us catastrophically trying to crown a champion. The A–Z of Films is back and we’ve crash-landed on the most competitively stacked consonant in the canon: the letter C. Previously, Alien and Birdman bagged the lofty A and B belts… but who claims the coveted C crown? We’ve carefully curated (and mildly quarrelled over) 32 colossal C-class classics. The wheel of names spins with cruel, chaotic confidence, creating completely confounding clashes that we then attempt to critique with questionable credibility. It’s a traditional knockout competition, but make it cinematic carnage. In Part 1, sixteen contenders collide. Next week, the remaining sixteen complete the bracket, and the two survivors will clash for cultural supremacy. Will A Clockwork Orange commit its way to victory? Does Cool Runnings cruise past the competition? Is Chinatown truly the crown jewel of noir? Are there committed campaigners for Chicken Run? Controversy, conversation, catastrophically confident claims… it’s all here. Consider this your compulsory cinematic catch-up. Grab a cuppa, clutch your popcorn, and come cast your internal ballot. The canon is calling. 🏆🎥 Are there any films you think we missed in our list of C films? Any ones you want to see included in future letters? We want to know! Email us at thirdreelpod@gmail.com or through the socials @third_reel_pod https://linktr.ee/thirdreelpod Support our Patreon for more TTR! https://patreon.com/thirdreelpod TIMESTAMPS: 00:00:00 - Preamble 00:11:30 - Round of 16 01:19:00 - Quarters 01:29:30 - Semis 01:37:37 - Final Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1h 46m
  2. #72 - Did Emerald Fennell Nail Wuthering Heights? | Full Review

    FEB 23

    #72 - Did Emerald Fennell Nail Wuthering Heights? | Full Review

    In this Reel Kwik Review, we head to the windswept chaos of Emerald Fennell’s 2026 adaptation of Wuthering Heights, the film currently brooding its way across cinemas worldwide. Did it do justice to Emily Brontë’s gothic fever dream of a novel? Thankfully, Rachael actually read the book, so we have at least one qualified adult in the room. 📚 We dig into whether Fennell’s version captures the tragic romance, toxic obsession and full throttle emotional melodrama that made the story immortal, or whether it swaps stormy passion for aesthetic quick cuts. We also stack it up against Saltburn, Fennell’s previous tale of wealth, desire and deeply questionable decision making. Are the performances as haunting as the Yorkshire moors themselves? Does Heathcliff brood effectively? Is Cathy iconic or chaotic? Most importantly, is this one worth braving the cinematic storm for? The episode is split into two parts: Part 1: Spoiler free thoughts, initial reactions and our honest recommendation. Part 2: Full spoiler breakdown where we dissect the major scenes, the bold creative choices and deliver our final scores. Love. Revenge. Mud. Intense eye contact. It’s all here. Press play and step into the storm. What film do you want to see covered? We want to know! Email us at thirdreelpod@gmail.com or through the socials @third_reel_pod https://linktr.ee/thirdreelpod Support our Patreon for more TTR! https://patreon.com/thirdreelpod TIMESTAMPS: 00:00:00 - Preamble 00:13:56 - Spoiler-Free Thoughts 00:54:05 - Full Spoiler Review Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1h 26m
  3. #71 - The History and Future of Music Biopics with Music Journalist Sean Kerwick

    FEB 16

    #71 - The History and Future of Music Biopics with Music Journalist Sean Kerwick

    This week, we crank the volume on music biopics with the brilliant music journalist Sean Kerwick. From Robbie Williams’ latest cinematic journey in A Better Man to the genre’s all-time greatest hits (and, yes, the cringiest misses), we debate, dissect, and occasionally gasp at questionable wigs, bad accents, and plot twists that make you go “really?” We dive deep into the history of music biopics, from iconic classics to cult oddities, sharing our favourites, our least favourites, and everything in between. Then we speculate wildly about the future of the genre. But it’s not all films and hot takes. We also go behind the curtain of Sean’s career, exploring his path as a music journalist, his podcast adventures, and how we know him without being creepy. As Walk the Line wisely reminds us: “Sometimes you have to do what’s best for you.” — advice that works for musicians, biopics, and podcasters alike. For more of Sean’s music insights, check out his podcast What Song - https://open.spotify.com/show/664FoTBkhGNaeWudxBLUul?si=96dfa53d98d9421a and explore his journalism work here - https://shorturl.at/BjE0B What's your favourite and least favourite music biopic? We want to know! Email us at thirdreelpod@gmail.com or through the socials @third_reel_pod https://linktr.ee/thirdreelpod Support our Patreon for more TTR! https://patreon.com/thirdreelpod TIMESTAMPS: 00:00:00 - Preamble 00:06:00 - Sean's Background 00:46:53 - Music Biopics Deep Dive 01:28:50 - A Better Man Review 01:45:45 - Future of Music Biopics Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1h 58m
  4. #70 - Just Helm’s Deep & Trees, Really – LOTR The Two Towers Pt 2 Review

    FEB 9

    #70 - Just Helm’s Deep & Trees, Really – LOTR The Two Towers Pt 2 Review

    The wall holds… until it doesn’t. In Part 2 of our Two Towers deep dive, we return to Middle-earth to cover Acts 2 & 3, our final thoughts, and the scores — and yes, this episode is absolutely dominated by Helm’s Deep. Often cited as one of the greatest battle sequences ever put to film, the Battle of Helm’s Deep didn’t just raise the bar — it obliterated it. Rain-soaked chaos, brutal scale, flawless geography, and tension that somehow escalates for nearly an hour without losing momentum. Hollywood has been chasing this high ever since… and mostly failing. We break down why Helm’s Deep works on every level: • Practical effects meeting early CGI • Character-led action amid overwhelming odds • Visual storytelling so clear you always know where you are (a miracle, frankly) • And a final charge that still gives goosebumps two decades later Beyond the battle, we dig into the film’s emotional payoffs, its darker tone, the growing weight on its characters, and whether The Two Towers is actually the most important film in the trilogy, even if it’s unfairly branded the “weakest”. Is this the moment LOTR truly became untouchable? Does Helm’s Deep alone justify its legendary status? And how does it all land when the dust finally settles? Swords shatter. Horns sound. Cinema history is made. This is The Two Towers – Part 2. Ents. ⚔️🛡️🏰 FULL SPOILERS FOR LORD OF THE RINGS THE TWO TOWERS IN THIS EPISODE. You have been warned. If you have any things you want to discuss about this film or Lord of the Rings in general, email us at thirdreelpod@gmail.com or through our socials @third_reel_pod https://linktr.ee/thirdreelpod Support our Patreon for more TTR! https://patreon.com/thirdreelpod All music used in this podcast is for commentary and review purposes under fair use. We give full credit to the original composers and right holders, and acknowledge that we do not own any of the music featured. TIMESTAMPS 00:00:00 - Preamble 00:05:17 - Review: Act 2 00:59:10 - Review: Act 3 01:42:21 - Closing Thoughts & Scores Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    2h 2m
  5. #69 - The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers - Pt 1 Review | The Trilogy’s “Weakest” Film?

    FEB 2

    #69 - The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers - Pt 1 Review | The Trilogy’s “Weakest” Film?

    We’re back. The review series returns. The hobbits are traumatised, the fellowship is scattered, and Middle-earth is very much going through it. This week on The Third Reel, we begin our deep dive into The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers, kicking things off with Part 1, where we tackle Act 1 only. Part 2 lands next week, covering Acts 2 & 3, our final thoughts, and the all-important scores. Often (rudely) labelled the worst film in the trilogy, yet somehow still considered one of the greatest films ever made, The Two Towers sits in a strange cinematic no man’s land. But is that reputation fair? Or is this the unsung MVP of Middle-earth? We break down the fractured narrative, the tonal shift from Fellowship, the rise of Rohan, and the film’s growing obsession with mud, despair, and extremely intense walking. And yes… we’re already warming up for Helm’s Deep - a battle so iconic it permanently changed how Hollywood stages large-scale warfare (and set the bar impossibly high for everyone else). Swords clash, Uruk-hai run in straight lines, and we ask the big questions: Is this really the weakest of the trilogy? Or is The Two Towers quietly doing the heaviest lifting of them all? Grab your lembas bread — Part 1 begins now. 🧙‍♂️⚔️ FULL SPOILERS FOR LORD OF THE RINGS THE TWO TOWERS IN THIS EPISODE. You have been warned. If you have any things you want to discuss about this film or Lord of the Rings in general, email us at thirdreelpod@gmail.com or through our socials @third_reel_pod https://linktr.ee/thirdreelpod Support our Patreon for more TTR! https://patreon.com/thirdreelpod All music used in this podcast is for commentary and review purposes under fair use. We give full credit to the original composers and right holders, and acknowledge that we do not own any of the music featured. TIMESTAMPS 00:00:00 - Preamble 00:08:34 - Review: Act 1 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1h 23m
  6. #68 - Hamnet Review: Oscar Vehicle for Jessie Buckley?

    JAN 26

    #68 - Hamnet Review: Oscar Vehicle for Jessie Buckley?

    Oscar season is looming, the buzz is buzzing, and we’re cracking open one of the most talked-about literary adaptations of the year — Hamnet. With Jessie Buckley earning serious awards chatter, we ask the very important question: has the Shakespeare well finally run dry… or is there still emotional gold to be mined from the Bard’s personal life? 👀🎭 Based on the novel by Maggie O’Farrell, Hamnet explores the devastating real-life tragedy that inspired Hamlet, reimagining the loss of Shakespeare’s son and the grief that shaped one of the most famous plays ever written. It’s intimate, sorrowful, beautifully performed… but does it work as a film, or is it just prestige misery bait with a ruff collar? In classic Reel Kwik fashion: 🎬 First half: spoiler-free thoughts, performances, themes, and Oscar prospects🚨 Second half: full spoiler breakdown, deeper analysis, and final scores Expect chat about grief, awards hype, and whether this film earns its place in the Oscar conversation — or belongs back on the stage. 🎧 Press play, grab a quill, and prepare for tragedy (the cinematic kind). What film do you want to see covered? We want to know! Email us at thirdreelpod@gmail.com or through the socials @third_reel_pod https://linktr.ee/thirdreelpod Support our Patreon for more TTR! https://patreon.com/thirdreelpod TIMESTAMPS: 00:00:00 - Preamble 00:13:31 - Spoiler-Free Thoughts 00:36:28 - Full Spoiler Review Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1h 13m
  7. #67 - 28 Days Later vs I Am Legend – Which Post-Apocalyptic Horror Does It Best?

    JAN 19

    #67 - 28 Days Later vs I Am Legend – Which Post-Apocalyptic Horror Does It Best?

    To celebrate the release of 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple — a film we are… let’s say cautiously sceptical about — we decided not to review it at all. Instead, we’re heading back to where it all began: Danny Boyle and Alex Garland’s grimy, raw, pulse-pounding horror classic 28 Days Later, the film that kicked off this apparently new franchise and redefined fast, angry “infected” (they are not zombies, thank you very much). We pit it against another lonely, end-of-the-world favourite: I Am Legend — a glossy Hollywood blockbuster with a very different take on isolation, survival, and yelling at mannequins. Same ruined world. Very different vibes. One is documentary-style, bleak and uncomfortably real. The other is big-budget, star-powered and unapologetically cinematic. But which one actually does it better? To find out, we put both films through our highly rigorous, completely unbiased, definitely scientific scoring system. Four categories. Five points each. No vibes. Just facts™. The CategoriesStory & Emotional ImpactCraft & ToneWorld-BuildingTension & Set-Pieces The overall winner takes home the prestigious, imaginary trophy for Best Zombie (Sorry, Infected) Movie. What better time to get spooky than January? Other than that other horror month of course. Press play, lock the doors, and join us as civilisation collapses - again. FULL SPOILERS FOR 28 DAYS LATER AND I AM LEGEND IN THIS EPISODE. You have been warned. Agree with our scores? What would you score these films? We want to know! Email us at thirdreelpod@gmail.com or through the socials @third_reel_pod https://linktr.ee/thirdreelpod Support our Patreon for more TTR! https://patreon.com/thirdreelpod TIMESTAMPS: 00:00:00 - Preamble 00:09:51 - Category 1: Story & Emotional Impact 00:48:53 - Category 2: Craft & Tone 01:06:54 - Category 3: World-Building 01:23:32 - Category 4: Tension & Set-Pieces 01:43:55 - Final Scores Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1h 52m
  8. #66 - From Pride to Prejudice? Turning Dale Into a Keira Knightley Fan

    JAN 12

    #66 - From Pride to Prejudice? Turning Dale Into a Keira Knightley Fan

    Since we somehow managed the impossible — turning Rachael from a Florence Pugh sceptic into a fully-fledged Florence Pugh celebrator — we’ve been on the hunt for our next great conversion. And while Rachael is usually the easy target (she apparently hates half of Hollywood), we thought we’d mix things up and turn our attention to Dale… who has one very specific cinematic prejudice. Against Keira Knightley. Yes. Elizabeth-Swann-Bend-It-Like-Beckham-Actual-National-Treasure Keira Knightley. And you could even say that Dale’s dislike is less Pride and a whole lot more… Prejudice. So in this episode of Make Me a Fan Of…, Rachael and Daniel each bring a Keira Knightley film to the table in a bold, valiant, possibly doomed attempt to turn Dale from Keira-Knightley-Doubter into Keira-Knightley-Enjoyer. Can the team make it 2 for 2 on opinion-shifting? One thing’s certain — Dale is much more stubborn than Rachael, so this one might go down to the wire. This format has become one of the most beloved in our little podcast universe (turns out we all love a bit of emotional peer pressure), so you can expect more of these in the future… though probably featuring Rachael more than anyone else. Dan just seems to like everyone. And to set the mood, we leave you with the immortal words of Elizabeth Swann herself: “You like pain? Try wearing a corset.” Keira Knightley. Icon. Corset Queen. But will she become Dale-Approved™? Stick around to the end to find out whether three carefully-chosen films are enough to change a mind — or whether Dale remains unmoved, like a particularly grumpy Mr Darcy in the rain. What actor/director do you have a dislike of that you want to see covered? We want to know! Email us at thirdreelpod@gmail.com or through TikTok and Instagram @third_reel_pod https://linktr.ee/thirdreelpod Support our Patreon for more TTR! https://patreon.com/thirdreelpod TIMESTAMPS: 00:00:00 - Preamble 00:07:31 - The Debate 00:31:32 - The Films Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1h 30m
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About

🎬 A movie podcast for film lovers who love to laugh. Join Daniel, Rachael and Dale as they dive into everything from blockbusters to hidden gems, cult classics to modern favourites — all with unfiltered opinions, spicy debates, and a healthy dose of nonsense. Each week, we bring you fresh episodes packed with film reviews, movie drafts, tier lists, versus battles, and deep dives into iconic actors, directors and genres. Whether you're into Christopher Nolan, rom-coms, horror, the MCU or A24 indies, there's something here for every type of movie nerd. 🎧 New episodes every Monday. patreon.com/thirdreelpod linktr.ee/thirdreelpod thirdreelpod@gmail.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Information

  • Channel
    The Third Reel
  • Creator
    Daniel Ashfield, Rachael Davis and Dale Stewart
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    82
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Daniel Ashfield, Rachael Davis and Dale Stewart
  • Show Website
    The Third Reel: A Movie Podcast

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