The Popcorn Hour with Matt and James

Matthew Porter and James Porter
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The Popcorn Hour with Matt and James is your go-to podcast for honest, entertaining, and insightful movie reviews. Each week, we dive into the latest releases and classic favorites, breaking down the stories, performances, and cinematic details that make films memorable (or forgettable). Whether you’re a casual viewer or a die-hard cinephile, join us for thoughtful discussions, a bit of humor, and plenty of popcorn-worthy opinions.

  1. Double Feature | Queen of the Ring & The Iron Claw – Wrestling in Cinema

    22H AGO

    Double Feature | Queen of the Ring & The Iron Claw – Wrestling in Cinema

    This week on The Popcorn Hour, Matt and James step into the squared circle for a wrestling double feature — two films that take very different approaches to the pain, spectacle, and legacy of professional wrestling. First up is Queen of the Ring (2024), Ash Avildsen’s biographical drama about Mildred Burke, the first million-dollar female athlete in U.S. history and a trailblazer for women’s wrestling. We unpack Emily Bett Rickards’ performance as Burke, the film’s gritty portrayal of her rise, and how it balances inspirational sports drama with the darker realities of life inside the ring. We also touch on the film’s mixed critical reception, its controversial release journey, and whether it earns its place as a fresh wrestling biopic or stumbles into familiar tropes. Then we turn to A24’s The Iron Claw (2023), Sean Durkin’s heartbreaking chronicle of the Von Erich family — one of wrestling’s most tragic dynasties. With powerhouse performances from Zac Efron, Jeremy Allen White, and Holt McCallany, this film doesn’t just explore the triumphs of the ring but digs deep into themes of family, trauma, and sacrifice. We break down its emotional impact, how it frames wrestling as both an escape and a curse, and why it’s become one of A24’s most talked-about dramas. Along the way, we compare the two films — one about a pioneering woman who built wrestling’s future, the other about a family consumed by its past. Together, they show wrestling as more than spectacle: it’s a story about ambition, resilience, and the cost of glory.

    2h 1m
  2. Movie News | Superman: Man of Tomorrow, 28 Years Later, Bone Temple & The Smashing Machine

    5D AGO

    Movie News | Superman: Man of Tomorrow, 28 Years Later, Bone Temple & The Smashing Machine

    This week on The Popcorn Hour, Matt and James break down a packed slate of movie news: James Gunn’s upcoming Superman: Man of Tomorrow, Danny Boyle’s return with 28 Years Later, the mystery of A24’s Bone Temple, and Benny Safdie’s wrestling drama The Smashing Machine. We dig into the hype, the risks, and what each project means for the future of film.

    1h 5m
  3. Fan Casting the DCU | Our Most Unexpected & Interesting Picks

    SEP 3

    Fan Casting the DCU | Our Most Unexpected & Interesting Picks

    Everyone’s got a dream DCU lineup… but we didn’t go the obvious route. Instead, we asked: who would make the DC Universe actually interesting? In this episode of The Popcorn Hour, Matt and James dive into bold, unconventional, and sometimes downright surprising fan casts for Batman, Wonder Woman, and beyond. From wild card actors to choices that might just work if given the chance, we’re breaking away from the cookie-cutter superhero mold and reimagining the Justice League in a way you’ve never heard before.

    1h 16m
  4. Movie News: Tarantino, Supertroopers, Peacemaker S2

    AUG 29

    Movie News: Tarantino, Supertroopers, Peacemaker S2

    This week we’re loaded with movie and TV news! Quentin Tarantino’s next project rumors are heating up—could this really be his final film? The cult comedy Super Troopers is making headlines with updates on the long-awaited sequel. And over in the DC universe, Peacemaker Season 2 is officially on the way—what can we expect from James Gunn’s return to the most chaotic anti-hero on TV? We break it all down, share what excites us most, and speculate on what’s coming next in Hollywood.

    55 min
  5. Weapons Review: Best Horror movie of the year?

    AUG 26

    Weapons Review: Best Horror movie of the year?

    In this episode of Weapons Review, we dive deep into the year’s most talked-about horror film. Does it live up to the hype, or is it just another jump-scare factory? We break down the scares, the storytelling, the performances, and whether this movie deserves the crown as the year’s best horror release. Expect spoiler-free impressions up front, followed by a spoiler-heavy analysis for the true horror buffs. Grab your flashlight and join us as we decide if this film really is the weapon of choice for horror fans everywhere.

    1h 11m
  6. Movie News: Terence Stamp passing, AMC changing format, Backrooms film, scary movie 6

    AUG 22

    Movie News: Terence Stamp passing, AMC changing format, Backrooms film, scary movie 6

    This week, we dive into the biggest stories in the world of film. We reflect on the incredible career of legendary actor Terence Stamp following his passing, explore AMC’s surprising format changes and what they mean for moviegoers, and step into the eerie unknown with the upcoming Backrooms film adaptation. Plus, we break down the buzz (and rumors!) around a potential Scary Movie 6—could the parody franchise be making a comeback?

    57 min
  7. Criterion of the Month Review: The Grand Budapest Hotel

    AUG 19

    Criterion of the Month Review: The Grand Budapest Hotel

    In this episode, we dive deep into Wes Anderson’s whimsical yet bittersweet masterpiece, The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014), through the lens of its Criterion Collection release. We explore how Anderson’s meticulous world-building, pastel color palettes, and symmetrical compositions elevate the film into a storybook brought to life. From Ralph Fiennes’ razor-sharp performance as the ever-refined Monsieur Gustave H., to the film’s meditations on nostalgia, memory, and a vanishing Europe, we unpack the layers that make this film one of Anderson’s most celebrated works. We also highlight Criterion’s special features—restored visuals, commentary, and behind-the-scenes insights—that enrich the viewing experience and reveal the craftsmanship behind every frame. Whether you’re a longtime Anderson fan or a newcomer discovering his work through Criterion, join us for a thoughtful look at how The Grand Budapest Hotel captures both comedy and tragedy in a world fading into history.

    46 min
  8. Movie News: Quentin Tarantino Final Movie, Box Office Numbers, New Spike Lee Project

    AUG 15

    Movie News: Quentin Tarantino Final Movie, Box Office Numbers, New Spike Lee Project

    In this episode, we dive deep into the latest developments shaping the world of cinema. We start by discussing Quentin Tarantino’s upcoming final film, exploring everything known so far about the story, cast, and style, and what this conclusion might mean for his celebrated career. Next, we take a detailed look at the most recent box office numbers, analyzing which films are exceeding expectations, which are underperforming, and what trends are emerging in the industry. We also cover Spike Lee’s new project, examining its potential impact and how it fits into his body of work, along with what audiences can anticipate from his unique directorial voice. Along the way, we provide insights into industry strategies, discuss the significance of these releases in the broader context of modern cinema, and offer our own perspectives on what these stories tell us about the current state of Hollywood. This episode is packed with information, analysis, and thoughtful commentary, making it a must-listen for anyone who wants a comprehensive update on the biggest news in film right now.

    51 min
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About

The Popcorn Hour with Matt and James is your go-to podcast for honest, entertaining, and insightful movie reviews. Each week, we dive into the latest releases and classic favorites, breaking down the stories, performances, and cinematic details that make films memorable (or forgettable). Whether you’re a casual viewer or a die-hard cinephile, join us for thoughtful discussions, a bit of humor, and plenty of popcorn-worthy opinions.

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