The Reel Critic

Vocalo Radio
  • 0.0 (0)
  • FILM INTERVIEWS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY
The Reel Critic

A breakdown of box office numbers and "reel talk" on the latest movies with Reggie Ponder.

  1. 5 DAYS AGO

    John David Washington says his role in ‘The Piano Lesson’ made him a better artist

    Malcolm Washington directs a new adaptation of August Wilson’s 1987 play ‘The Piano Lesson,’ which was featured at the Chicago International Film Festival. On the red carpet at the festival before its premiere, Reggie “The Reel Critic” Ponder met with writer Virgil Williams and the film’s star John David Washington to discuss writing alongside director Malcolm Washington, being mentored by Denzel Washington, and advice for youth in the arts. "The Reel Critic" is hosted and produced by Reggie Ponder. Follow Reggie on Twitter and Instagram @TheReelCritic, and on Facebook @ReggieTheReelCritic.

    3 min

  2. 5 NOV

    ‘Here’ brings audiences on a journey through the past

    Robert Zemeckis’ new film ‘Here,’ adapted from Richard McGuire's graphic novel, depicts a family across a century of generations in the same home. Reggie “The Reel Critic” Ponder says the film’s nonlinear timeline can be confusing at times, and it often looks to the past with nostalgia. On the red carpet at the 60th Chicago International Film Festival, Ponder spoke with Zemeckis, along with his wife Leslie Zemeckis and daughter Zsa Zsa Zemeckis. They discussed the film’s themes, his growth as a director and what Zsa Zsa believes to be his “secret sauce.” This segment was hosted and produced by Reggie Ponder. Follow him on Instagram and X @TheReelCritic.

    4 min

  3. 25 OCT

    Adam Elliot hopes 'Memoir of a Snail' makes audiences laugh and cry

    Ten years in the making, adult stop-motion film ‘Memoir of a Snail’ (2024) follows Grace Pudel, an oddball outcast and snail collector who must learn to persevere through loneliness and misfortune. Reggie “The Reel Critic” Ponder spoke to writer and director Adam Elliot about the claymation, which was featured at the Chicago International Film Festival. Elliot broke down the film's title, the intentionality behind creating a relatable character and the film’s deeper themes. "The Reel Critic" is hosted and produced by Reggie Ponder. Follow Reggie on Twitter and Instagram @TheReelCritic, and on Facebook @ReggieTheReelCritic.

    4 min

  4. 18 OCT

    ‘The Piano Lesson’ adaptation opens Chicago International Film Festival

    At the 60th Annual Chicago International Film Festival, Reggie “The Reel Critic” Ponder spoke with director Malcolm Washington about his directorial debut: an adaptation of August Wilson’s 1987 play ‘The Piano Lesson.’ The film follows the Charles family as they navigate the Great Depression’s aftermath in 1936 Pittsburgh. The household is plagued with conflict as disagreements ensue over what to do with their prized family heirloom: a piano carved with designs by an enslaved ancestor. The adaptation stars the director’s brother John David Washington, plus Erykah Badu, Danielle Deadwyler, Ray Fisher and more. "The Reel Critic" is hosted and produced by Reggie Ponder. Follow Reggie on Twitter and Instagram @TheReelCritic, and on Facebook @ReggieTheReelCritic.

    3 min

  5. 10 OCT

    ‘Joker’ sequel “intrigues, but doesn’t quite satisfy”

    Reggie “The Reel Critic” Ponder reviews Todd Phillips’ ‘Joker’ sequel – ‘Joker: Folie à Deux.’ The film finds failed comedian Arthur Fleck (Joaquin Phoenix) — AKA the Joker — incarcerated at Arkham State Hospital. Battling his murderous alter ego and awaiting trial for his crimes, Fleck meets the love of his life: Harley Quinn (Lady Gaga). ‘Joker: Folie à Deux’ is now in theaters. This segment was hosted and produced by Reggie Ponder. Follow him on Instagram and X @TheReelCritic.

    4 min

  6. 24 SEPT

    'Young King' puts the spotlight on Black life and love

    New film ‘Young King’ follows Diondre Howell, a young man re-adjusting to civilian life after serving in the Iraq war. Howell finds himself changed after the traumas of combat, now struggling to maintain relationships with his loved ones. Reggie “The Reel Critic” Ponder sat down with ‘Young King’ stars, Vincent Washington, James Arthur Sims and Kirby Griffin, to discuss their characters and the film’s themes. This segment was hosted and produced by Reggie Ponder. Follow him on Instagram and X @TheReelCritic.

    4 min

  7. 18 SEPT

    The underdogs: Three reviews from Toronto International Film Festival

    Film critic Reggie “The Reel Critic” Ponder loves an underdog. After attending this year’s Toronto International Film Festival, he added three new films to his “underdog exceeding all expectations” category: ‘Rez Ball,’ ‘The Fire Inside’ and Unstoppable. "The Reel Critic" is hosted and produced by Reggie Ponder. Follow Reggie on Twitter and Instagram @TheReelCritic, and on Facebook @ReggieTheReelCritic.

    4 min

  8. 30 AUG

    ‘1992’ blends familial bonds with fiery historical conflict

    ‘1992’ follows two father-son pairs against the backdrop of the year’s Rodney King riots. One father, Mercer, has just been released from prison and given custody of his teenage son Antoine. The other, Lowell, has spent his life prepping his son “Riggin Bigby” for a life of crime — staging a plan to steal catalytic converters from the factory where Mercer works. As the heist falls into place, the characters’s lives are brought together as Mercer tries to keep his son from following in his footsteps and Lowell tries to influence his son to do the opposite. ‘1992’ stars Ray Liotta as Lowell, Tyrese Gibson as Mercer, Scott Eastwood as Riggin Bigby and Christopher Ammanuel as Antoine. The film hit theaters Aug. 30. This segment was hosted and produced by Reggie Ponder. Follow him on Instagram and X @TheReelCritic.

    3 min
See All (189)

About

A breakdown of box office numbers and "reel talk" on the latest movies with Reggie Ponder.

Information

  • Creator
    Vocalo Radio
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2024
  • Episodes
    189
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © All rights reserved
  • Show Website
    The Reel Critic

More From WBEZ

To listen to explicit episodes, sign in.

Stay up to date with this show

Sign in or sign up to follow shows, save episodes and get the latest updates.
Select a country or region

Africa, Middle East, and India

Asia Pacific

Europe

Latin America and the Caribbean

The United States and Canada