Reel Review with Zoe (Real FM)

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...

Wicked: For Good is now in theaters and now it's time for a spoiler FILLED discussion! Zoe invites her friend Olivia Lee to compare the movie to the musical, dive into the "bad guy is misunderstood trope" and explore how parents and kids can unpack the themes of this story.

Olivia loves theater and has seen the Wicked production and was super helpful in comparing the movie to the musical. She saw it at an age which she felt is perfect and appropriate for engaging in morally complex stories, like Wicked. Together, they discuss...

Wicked: For Good is now in theaters but was it worth the year long wait for this part two?

Zoe recommends this film if you were a fan of the first one, but if you haven't seen the first one you better watch it first or else you may be confused and lost. This film directly picks up where the story left off and is a natural continuation, just like how a stage production has an intermission and continues. Zoe was a fan of the first film, and really enjoyed this second part. She...

Zoe is joined by Ansen from Real FM's Afternoon Show. He is a father to three kiddos, but his two daughters are especially obsessed with K-Pop Demon Hunters. That is why he is here to discuss how Christian parents can navigate popular media with their kids, how to know when something is appropriate, how to engage with kids in asking questions, and how to see certain movies as opportunities. It can be tempting as Christian parents to say "no" to what's secular and popular, and if it has the word "demon" or "magic" in the title, for example. However...

Zoe takes a closer look at the surprise hit K-Pop Demon Hunters — a movie she initially dismissed but ended up loving. What looked like a flashy kids’ film turned out to be a heartfelt, action-packed story with humor, catchy songs, and deeper themes than expected. She unpacks the meaning behind the title, gives context for parents concerned about the word “demon,” and shares why this film is more than just a “girl movie.”

Zoe also explores how the movie’s themes of shame, redemption, and sacrificial love unexpectedly align with Christian values, even though the film itsel...

It's Marvel VS D.C. at the box office right now as two comic book movies come head to head for your hard earned money, but which one will win the summer? Who knows, but Zoe is glad she spent her money seeing "Superman."

Did we REALLY need another Superman movie? It turns out... YES! This movie is everything we need in a world that feels like it's getting darker every day. This movie inspires hope, bravery, selflessness, kindness, strength, justice, and all the good qualities of Superman, even though he's flawed and a...

Spare yourself the expense! Jurassic World: Rebirth is NOT worth your time, energy, or money at the theater! It is also NOT for children. Zoe thought it was bizarre there were so many children (even a baby???) at her theatrical viewing of the film and she wants to remind listeners that it is rated PG-13, and it is not necessarily a family-film, there is a lot of intense action, mild horror, etc. Zoe doesn't recommend it for kids and she doesn't recommend it for anyone because this movie thinks you're stupid.

The movie is...

If you're looking for something good to stream, Amazon Prime recently released "The Accountant 2" on its platform. Zoe was hesitant and skeptical about a sequel to a beloved action film starring Ben Affleck, but her husband insisted they watch it. To their surprise, the film exceeded expectations! The film, while serious in its portrayals violence and crime, is also balanced with relatable characters. It is surprisingly heartfelt and Zoe highly recommends it, with the caveat that this is indeed Rated R for violence, language, mature themes.

Have you seen the film? What do you...

Is Mission Impossible: The Final Reckoning the FINAL Mission Impossible movie? Is this the end of Ethan Hunt, aka Tom Cruise? Was this a great theatrical experience? How were the stunts? How was the action? Zoe breaks it down without spoilers!

Have you seen the film? What do you think? Did you enjoy it? Let Zoe know on instagram by following her @reel.zoe

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...

Thunderbolts is the latest MCU theatrical release but will it save the floundering franchise? With so many characters and plotlines to juggle, will this film be able to tie it all together, even for audiences that haven't kept up? Zoe was pleasantly surprised by this film, enjoying it way more than she was expecting, having been so disappointed in the MCU for the past two years. The movie is fun but earnest, and explores themes not yet touched in the MCU. The film, however, does have more gun violence than perhaps some of the other films, explores more mature...

Welcome to my game show, "Whooo Said!"

Hi, I'm Zoe, your resident movie-nerd at 100.3 Real FM. Every Wednesday night, we play my game of movie quote trivia. Contestants win points for correctly guessing the movie quote's character, the movie it's from, and the actor or actress is double the points. There are four rounds, with points increasing each time as the level increases. Do you speak movie-quote? Then this is the game for you! Play along by listening every Wednesday or here on my movie-review podcast. Thanks for joining me!

Welcome to my game show, "Whooo Said!"

Hi, I'm Zoe, your resident movie-nerd at 100.3 Real FM. Every Wednesday night, we play my game of movie quote trivia. Contestants win points for correctly guessing the movie quote's character, the movie it's from, and the actor or actress is double the points. There are four rounds, with points increasing each time as the level increases. Do you speak movie-quote? Then this is the game for you! Play along by listening every Wednesday or here on my movie-review podcast. Thanks for joining me!

Welcome to my game show, "Whooo Said!"

Hi, I'm Zoe, your resident movie-nerd at 100.3 Real FM. Every Wednesday night, we play my game of movie quote trivia. Contestants win points for correctly guessing the movie quote's character, the movie it's from, and the actor or actress is double the points. There are four rounds, with points increasing each time as the level increases. Do you speak movie-quote? Then this is the game for you! Play along by listening every Wednesday or here on my movie-review podcast. Thanks for joining me!

Zoe has been playing Minecraft since 2012, so she had very strong feelings when she saw the film's trailer. Originally, she wasn't planning on seeing the movie, but her husband dragged her to the theater and she was pleasantly surprised it didn't totally suck. It is a decent option at the theater right now if you're looking to see something during this easter weekend with the kiddos--it is very much a family film. Zoe also highlights the recent tiktok trend with teenage boys that involves trashing theaters, so there's a warning about that.

Let Zoe...

Welcome to my game show, "Whooo Said!"

Hi, I'm Zoe, your resident movie-nerd at 100.3 Real FM. Every Wednesday night, we play my game of movie quote trivia. Contestants win points for correctly guessing the movie quote's character, the movie it's from, and the actor or actress is double the points. There are four rounds, with points increasing each time as the level increases. Do you speak movie-quote? Then this is the game for you! Play along by listening every Wednesday or here on my movie-review podcast. Thanks for joining me!

In this spoiler-filled deep dive of the recent Amazon original "Holland", Zoe is joined by a special guest, a third generation Dutch American Holland Resident named Josh Bishop. Josh is also an author, poet, film-enjoyer, and Zoe's cousin-in-law. Together, they explore the themes of the film, its missed opportunities in storytelling, the flawed screenplay, and poor representation of the beloved town filled with a beautiful and unique embrasure of its Dutch heritage.

"Holland" is a movie set in the Michigan town of Holland, which embraces its Dutch heritage through landmarks such as a historic Windmill and traditions like Tulip Time. This movie stars Nicole Kidman who plays Nancy, a traditional mom living a seemingly perfect life in a perfect town but is clearly unhappy and discontent. Things start unraveling, divulging into a "suspenseful thriller" according to some critics, but Zoe found the film boring and morally questionable in its story and message. She does NOT recommend this film, even though its available now on Amazon prime. She also warns the film...

Zoe reviews the new movie "Mickey 17" starring Robert Pattinson and directed by Korean filmmaker, Bong Joon Ho. Zoe doesn't feel like she can fully recommend the film because of its polarizing, dark comedic nature--being full of violence, body-horror, swearing, sexual innuendos, and on-the-nose political commentary. She found the film had a lot of layers, to the film's detriment, but she also commends the film attempting to be bold. A lot of mixed feelings and a lot to discuss!

In this spoiler-filled, deeper-dive on the new release from Angel Studios, Zoe does not pull any punches while discussing "Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Spy, Assassin." There were already a few red flags that Zoe had to contend with after watching the film, specifically the "call to action" at the end of the movie, but because she enjoyed the film so much she let it slide and gave it a glowing review. Now that she has had time to think deeply about the film and read articles about what was fact verses fiction about the movie, she has come to another conclusion.<...

Zoe reviews the latest theatrical release from Angel Studios: Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Spy, Assassin. The title alone is intriguing; the words pastor, spy, and assassin are rarely used to describe the same person! If you know anything about the real theologian Dietrich Bonhoeffer, like Zoe, then that name alone could be intriguing and now his story is on the big screen. But is it worth the theatrical experience? Zoe says yes! Keep in mind, the film is not perfect and Zoe wants to break it down and compare it to the real life of Dietrich in her spoiler-filled deeper dive.<...

Welcome to Reel 2, Zoe's deeper dive on the new film, Wicked (Part 1, 2024). Zoe enjoyed the movie and recommended it on her spoiler free Reel 1 but now she dives deeper into the movie's themes alongside her special guest, Chaplin Justin. Chaplin Justin is a host of the Faith Refresh podcast on the Real FM Podcast network, and he was the perfect person to talk to.

Leaving the theater, Zoe had a lot of questions about Wicked. One of the film's lines is something like, "Was she born wicked? Or was wickedness thrust upon her?" And...

Wicked (part 1) was released on November 22nd, 2024, based on a popular Broadway musical of the same name that's been on stage since 2003. The musical is also based on a book, which was released in 1995. Wicked follows a similar pattern as the original Wizard of Oz, which started as a book in 1900, then became a stage musical, until becoming a movie in 1939.

Zoe went into this film completely blind - she never heard the music before, seen the play or read the book, didn't know anything about it. She was pleasantly surprised by the story...

The Covenant was released in 2023, created by filmmaker Guy Ritchie and starring Jake Gyllenhaal. The film is a fictional story inspired by the real life events between the United States and Afghanistan in 2018. It is a story centered on two characters, Jake Gyllenhaal's character a Master Sergeant in Afghanistan named John Kinley, and his Afghan interpreter named Ahmed. Ahmed and John have a unique relationship, as described in the title: The Covenant.

Zoe found this movie to be moving, powerful, heavy but good and important in many ways and she highly recommends it if...

The box office success of "Beetlejuice Beetlejuice" has some people asking, "Is Tim Burton Back?" but that begs another question.... where was he? And who is he? If you're wondering these questions, Zoe has answers. In this episode, she breaks down the origins of the iconic film director, his filmography, where "he went" and where he is today with this new film's success.... And you can listen to the spoiler free review of the movie in Reel 1!

Don't say his name three times! Zoe is reviewing the sequel to a classic 80s Tim Burton film, but this begs some questions, "is the movie as good as the original? Is it necessary for the story progression? Or is it just a nostalgia cash-grab?" Zoe found the film entertaining and middle of the road, but a surprisingly fun theatrical experience. But she warns that this is NOT a family film or film for small kids!

This time Zoe is shaking things up, starting a brand new segment called "Manic Movie News Monday" where she discusses movie news, trending topics related to the industry, and upcoming releases... in this update, Zoe talks about what's coming soon to theaters (The Wild Robot from Dreamworks, Megapolis from Francis Ford Coppola starring Adam Driver, and the Joker sequel) plus Zoe rants about the Minecraft movie trailer that just dropped and has the internet in uproar....

In this spoiler-filled review, Zoe discusses the original "A Quiet Place" film and the subsequent films in its franchise (A Quiet Place: Part II & A Quiet Place: Day One). Zoe makes the case these films completely miss the point of the original film which was a family-centered, heart-felt story that had scifi horror elements, instead of being a scifi horror film about a family. There is apparently a difference!

By the way, welcome to Reel Review! This is where Zoe helps answer the question, "Should I see this?" and invites you into a deeper...

Zoe missed it while it was in theaters, so she decided to catch it on streaming: A Quiet Place Day 1. Zoe was super hyped for this film and avoided all the spoilers so she could make up her own mind. A Quiet Place is beloved by her, so she was very curious about the new entry of the franchise. But watching a movie when its recently left theaters means it comes with a heavier cost for renting online, and Zoe paid $20 to stream it. For her, this movie was NOT worth the "ticket price" and she does not recommend...

Reel 2 is where Zoe gets to talk spoilers about the new movie but in this case, Zoe wanted to open up a conversation about the current state of the Marvel Cinematic Universe because this new movie (Deadpool & Wolverine) offers a stark contrast to the kinds of movies we've been getting lately... and Zoe isn't talking about the R rating, she means the heartfelt storytelling and character archs.... Also in this discussion, she talks about the recent news that Robert Downey Jr is cast as Dr. Doom, and she does not sugarcoat her feelings about it. It is almost like...

In this spoiler-free review, Zoe is talking about the new movie in the Disney Marvel Cinematic Universe: Deadpool & Wolverine. This movie has been hyped as the movie of 2024, but Deadpool is a character full of debauchery and filth with his foul language, sexual references, and bloody violence... will being a "Disney" film change that? Zoe's answer is both yes and no... and this movie surprised her in some ways, while not surprising her in others. One thing is for sure: this is NOT a family film.

By the way, welcome to Reel Review! This...

If you listen to Reel 1, you'll get a spoiler free review on the new movie Twisters, where Zoe expressed how surprised she was by the film. She personally loved it, and felt inspired to watch the original 1996 movie Twister, because she vaguely remembered not liking it as a kid. Maybe she was wrong and Twister was a good movie after all.... So, she compares and contrasts the two tornado films in this reel review.

By the way, welcome to Reel Review! This is where Zoe helps answer the question, "Should I see this?" and...

Don’t judge a movie by its trailer... that's the lesson Zoe is taking away from her viewing of "Twisters". Zoe had one impression of what the film “Twisters” would be like after seeing a recent trailer, that it would be a yew-haw action adventure rom-com involving tornadoes. She was wrong but NOT disappointed. This film is far more real, showcasing the true devastation of tornadoes, and how it impacts communities physically and emotionally... and how you need to "ride your fears."

By the way, welcome to Reel Review! This is where Zoe helps answer...

In this spoiler-free reel review, Zoe warns you about this film Bad Boys Ride or Die. She encourages you to NOT spend time and money at the movie theater with this one. It is an obnoxious film with bad editing, poor tasteless humor, and a performance by Will Smith that lacks charm.

By the way, welcome to Reel Review! This is where Zoe helps answer the question, "Should I see this?" and invites you into a deeper conversation about the story's themes and message. Let us know what movies you want to get the...

Zoe dives deep into the Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes, the latest installment in the reboot franchise. Zoe is a big fan of the original film Planet of the Apes from 1968, and fell in love with the recent trilogy helmed mostly by Matt Reeves. This new installment comes after what Zoe describes as a perfect trilogy, so how exactly do you follow-up perfection? It is a nearly impossible task, and Zoe said she mostly enjoyed the movie but found some flaws... In this spoiler-filled review, she explains her exact problems with the movie and comparing it to...

In this spoiler-free reel review, Zoe discusses the latest installment to a franchise she loves: Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes. Admittedly, this franchise may be somewhat niche. There are likely two types of audience go-ers: those who love the trilogy and those who haven't seen any of the previous films. So this poses a challenge for the filmmakers, how do they please both types of audience members or do they just choose one of them? Zoe thinks the filmmakers did a good job at solving this problem, but there's another challenge. The protagonist. How...

In this spoiler-free reel review, Zoe covers the action-packed film The Fall Guy, starring Ryan Gosling and Emily Blunt. The film is a love letter to the stunt community, filmmaking, and classic action films. That makes a lot of sense because its directed by David Leitch who got his start in Hollywood by being a stunt man and has now directed several big action films. This action film is pretty good but Zoe cautions those bringing younger family members with its drug references and strong language.

By the way, welcome to Reel Review! This...

This episode of Reel Review is different. Instead of reviewing a new movie, Zoe is joined with two incredible guests to discuss their new film: Pastor's Kid. The film's director and writer is Benjamin Koppin, who works in L.A. as a commercial producer and independent filmmaker with his wife. The leading actress in the film is played by Courtney Bandeko who loves working in indie-films and has also done a lot of TV shows.

On this podcast episode, they talk with Zoe about their unique faith-based film that is rated R for strong...

In this Reel 2, Zoe is taking a closer look at the "true story" the movie The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare is based on. It turns out this action-backed and violent rated R film may not be as true to the real life events or heroes as it seems. And sadly, that is true with many films based on "true stories" because there is no standard or expectation for how accurate they are supposed to be... Is this a problem? Is it okay to fudge the facts to make it entertaining? Zoe would argue it isn't okay but what do...

In this spoiler-free reel review, Zoe covers the refreshing and entertaining film "The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare" starring Henry Cavil. Zoe and her husband Sam enjoyed this film but it is definitely for mature audiences with profuse swearing and a glorification of violence. There is one scene which has some nudity from behind, but it is a scene which shows a character how bad these Nazis are, and the scene was done tastefully and purposefully. The film is fast paced and based on the true story of this secret mission to stop the Nazis...

...

This Reel 2 is a deep dive on the recent film, "Monkey Man". If you are looking for a spoiler free review, that was Reel 1 which you can listen to right now. But this episode is dedicated to unpacking

what makes this film stand out in the action genre and the filmmaker behind it all, Dev Patel. Spoilers ahead!

By the way, welcome to Reel Review! This is where Zoe helps answer the question, "Should I see this?" and invites you into a deeper conversation about the story's themes and message. Let us...

In this spoiler-free reel review, Zoe covers the surprising film "Monkey Man" which was written, directed, produced and starring Dev Patel. This film is rated R in every way, from the bloody violence, to language, and nudity, but it is also a heavy film wrestling with a lot of themes like religion and politics, revenge, and the treatment of minorities. It is a difficult film to recommend and depends on you, the movie-goer. For sure, it is a provocative film that is full of heart.

By the way, welcome to Reel...

In this Reel 2, Zoe asked her resident Godzilla-expert Sam to bring his knowledge to the conversation. Sam discusses why he felt this movie was more of a Kong movie than a Godzilla film, not really a team-up, and he wishes the Legendary studio would make a genuine Godzilla-centered film. They also talk about the monster-verse, franchise-fatigue, and how it is indeed possible to make legitimately good monster movies.... and maybe this one is just "okay".

By the way, welcome to Reel Review! This is where Zoe helps answer the question, "Should I see this?"...

Big monster fights are not Zoe's cup of tea when it comes to movies but this latest entry in the "monster-verse" franchise from Legendary Studios surprised her! She had a very fun time at the theater and her husband who is a mega Godzilla fan was also pleased. It can't be compared to Japan's film, Godzilla Minus One, from last year, but that's okay because they're two completely different films and it's something Zoe can't wait to talk about in Reel 2.

By the way, welcome to Reel Review! This is where Zoe helps answer...

In this deep dive into Kung Fu Panda 4, Zoe explains why she feels this full shows the greed of Hollywood. One of the film's co-directors, Stephanie Stein, has come out expressing her frustration with DreamWorks and shared her unfortunate experience on the project. Her story explains exactly what went wrong on this film: the bad storytelling decisions, lack of character development, rapid pacing, and how clearly it was all produced to make money. This shouldn't come as a surprise, of course, but it is frustrating none the less. Zoe emphasizes the importance of good storytelling and how disappointing it...

This reel review shares two opinions on the film Kung Fu Panda 4. Zoe found the film lackluster and disappointing but her autistic brother Josh found it hilarious. Perhaps it isn't worth the theater price but it is a passable kids film, if you don't mind your kids watching small bunnies jump with glee for violence.

Reel 2 will contain a spoiler-filled deep dive on the film's flaws and lost potential.... almost ironic, considering a metaphor in the film is a peach pit being the seed to greatness, this film did not develop its potential.

It's okay if Dune isn't your cup of tea when it comes to film entertainment, but for Zoe its frustrating when people criticize the Dune films for being style over substance. Here in this deeper dive, Zoe shares some background information on the director, Denis Villeneuve, which illustrates what makes him a unique storyteller. He employs "show don't tell" through the tools of cinematic storytelling with cinematography, lighting, and audio design, and he trusts his audience. There is a lot of style in this movie, but there is also a story at the heart of it, and not all...

This is your spoiler free review of the second part to the recent sci fi saga, Dune. Zoe is very biased on this one since she is a huge fan of sci fi, fantasy, world-building, and the director Denis Villeneuve. So for her, this was a highly anticipated sequel... and you shouldn't walk into a theater with expectations, but lucky for her this sequel was three-hours well spent. However, this may not be everyone's thing, and the film is rated a "hard" pg-13 with intense violence and direct intimacy inferences.

In Reel 2, Zoe hopes...

Welcome to Reel Review! This is where Zoe helps answer the question, "Should I see this?" and invites you into a deeper conversation about the story's themes and message.

This is a fun episode where Zoe goes through each of the movie trailers released during the Super Bowl and offers her insight on the films, what she's excited about, looking forward to, and nervous about... the stories we tell matter and impact our culture! How do you feel about these films?

List of films:

A Quiet Place...

Welcome to Reel Review! This is where Zoe helps answer the question, "Should I see this?" and invites you into a deeper conversation about the story's themes and message.

This is Reel 2, Part 2. The deep dive with Zoe's special guest Cable Takenaka continues...Cable and Zoe look at Christian movies as a whole: what their reputation has been, where we stand currently, and what to look forward to from Christian filmmakers--or as Cable and Zoe explain, "filmmakers who are Christian" and the difference that makes.

Filmmakers are artists and...

Welcome to Reel Review! This is where Zoe helps answer the question, "Should I see this?" and invites you into a deeper conversation about the story's themes and message.

This is Reel 2, Part 1. The deep dive that Zoe had with her special guest, Caleb "Cable" Takenaka, went longer than expected but it was an interesting conversation so it is split into two parts for your enjoyment. Cable and Zoe look at Christian movies as a whole: what their reputation has been, where we stand currently, and what to look forward to from Christian filmmakers--or...

Welcome to Reel Review! This is where Zoe helps answer the question, "Should I see this?" and invites you into a deeper conversation about the story's themes and message.

Ordinary Angels releases on February 22nd, but here is a spoiler-free review from Zoe because she had the opportunity to see the film early. You'll hear her thoughts on some of the acting, directing, and some of her thoughts on Christian films.

In Reel 2, Zoe plans to bring on a special guest to discuss Christian films in general, their bad...

Welcome to Reel Review! This is where Zoe helps answer the question, "Should I see this?" and invites you into a deeper conversation about the story's themes and message.

This is Reel 2, where Zoe and her special guest, mega-fan of Godzilla, Sam, dive into the Godzilla franchise and discuss the historical and cultural significance of the franchise and what it means for this movie: Godzilla Minus One (2023). The first Godzilla movie came out in 1954, and this movie was made in honor of the 70th anniversary of the character. Within those decades, Godzilla has been...

Welcome to Reel Review! This is where Zoe helps answer the question, "Should I see this?" and invites you into a deeper conversation about the story's themes and message.

This episode covers a 2023 film that Zoe didn't get around to seeing till recently but it has been one of the most surprising and satisfying movie experiences she's had: Godzilla Minus One. Produced in Japan with a shockingly low budget, this film has been a massive success financially, critically, and with Godzilla fans. But Zoe, who isn't a Godzilla fan, was impressed but the deep...

Welcome to Reel Review! This is a special episode where instead of reviewing a new movie in theaters, Zoe takes a look back on what could be considered the best animated trilogy of all time "How To Train Your Dragon" featuring her special guest (and husband) Sam. They break down the main themes across the three films, the characters, and the importance of good storytelling in children's media... This is part two, so if you missed part one go listen to that first and then come back. Subscribe to get notified and if you like the show, drop a...

Welcome to Reel Review! This is a special episode where instead of reviewing a new movie in theaters, Zoe takes a look back on what could be considered the best animated trilogy of all time "How To Train Your Dragon" featuring her special guest (and husband) Sam. They break down the main themes across the three films, the characters, and the importance of good storytelling in children's media...

Part Two will be available later this week! Subscribe to get notified and if you like the show, drop a review! And let us know what...

Welcome to Reel Review! This is where Zoe helps answer the question, "Should I see this?" and invites you into a deeper conversation about the story's themes and message.

This is a very special episode! It's a Merry Christmas Movie Debate featuring Ansen and Kara from Real FM. They are arguing for the Best Christmas movie. Zoe argues for "Elf", Ansen argues for "A Christmas Story" and Kara argues for "A Muppet Christmas Carol."

There can only be one winner...

Welcome to Reel Review! This is where Zoe helps answer the question, "Should I see this?" and invites you into a deeper conversation about the story's themes and message.

This is a SPOILER FILLED Reel 2, deeper dive into the latest tribute in the Hunger Games - Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes. Zoe goes into greater detail over her frustration and confusion with the characters and plot of the film, and shares her concerns for future storytelling as more studios push out prequels, sequels, and remakes...

Welcome to Reel Review! This is where Zoe helps answer the question, "Should I see this?" and invites you into a deeper conversation about the story's themes and message.

This episode covers the Hunger Games' prequel, "The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes" which is a very long and poetically-on-the-nose title. Originally, Zoe was not planning on seeing the film, but after getting requests to cover it, she decided to do the review. She shares her thoughts on the main actors, Tom Blyth as Young Snow and Rachel Zegler as Lucy Gray Baird, and how...

Welcome to Reel Review! This is where Zoe helps answer the question, "Should I see this?" and invites you into a deeper conversation about the story's themes and message.

This episode covers Wish, a film celebrating Disney's 100 year anniversary. Zoe goes into why she thinks this new animated film lacks the magic of classic Disney films, even though ironically, the film pays homage to the classics with multiple easter eggs and a traditional sinister villain. From the music, characters and animation itself, this film may be a sign that the mouse's reign ends at 100...

Welcome to Reel Review! This is where Zoe helps answer the question, "Should I see this?" and invites you into a deeper conversation about the story's themes and message.

This episode covers Wish, a film celebrating Disney's 100 year anniversary. Zoe explains how the choice to combine 2D and 3D animation makes the film stylistically unique and perhaps off-putting but this film may be a return to form as Disney struggles against recent box office bombs and controversy.

In Reel 2, she goes into spoilers on the film's story and how...

Welcome to Reel Review! This is where Zoe helps you answer the question, “Should I see this?” and invites you into a deeper conversation about the story’s themes and message.  

This episode covers a film shot nearby the Real Station in Northwest Arkansas! It's called "What Happens Later" written, directed, and starring the 90s rom-com icon, Meg Ryan. Zoe explains how she felt about the film, the story, and how it might resonate with a certain audience... and how we need both to take trips and journeys.

If there's...

Welcome to Reel Review! This is where Zoe helps answer the question, "Should I see this?" and invites you into a deeper conversation about the story's themes and message. This episode covers Meg Ryan's latest film shot in Northwest Arkansas, What Happens Later.

Zoe explains how this film was not at all what she was expecting: serious and dramatic, rated R for strong language, and centering on a story which did not resonate with her at all. However, it may resonate with others, people in a similar life stage to the main characters. In...

Welcome to Reel Review! This is where Zoe helps you answer the question, “Should I see this?” and invites you into a deeper conversation about the story’s themes and message.  

This episode covers the mysteriously successful videogame to movie adaptation, "Five Nights at Freddy's." Zoe shares the story of the franchise creator, Scott Cawthon, a failed Christian videogame developer and gives context to the video's popularity online thanks in large part to YouTube. The themes of this franchise may be dark and disturbing, but there are redemptive qualities to the film's narrative, focusing on famil...

Welcome to Reel Review! This is where Zoe helps you answer the question, “Should I see this?” and invites you into a deeper conversation about the story’s themes and message.  

This episode covers the Five Nights at Freddy's movie. "There is horror in this film but it is not a horror film" as Zoe describes it in this spoiler free review. She breaks down her recommendations into three categories:

1) if you're a fan of the franchise

2) if you don't know anything but like horror films

3) if you don't kn...

Welcome to Reel Review! This is where Zoe helps you answer the question, “Should I see this?” and invites you into a deeper conversation about the story’s themes and message.  

This episode covers the recent film Dumb Money. In Reel 1, Zoe shared her brief thoughts on the true story turned Hollywood film. Here in Reel 2, joined with a special guest, Zoe unpacks all the details surrounding the real life events in Dumb Money, everything with GameStop, the Robin Hood app, Reddit, TikTok, and hedge fund bros. Is there hope for the Every Man and will...

Welcome to Reel Review! This is where Zoe helps you answer the question, “Should I see this?” and invites you into a deeper conversation about the story’s themes and message.  

This episode covers Dumb Money. Zoe explains how the film is based on true events but is not for all audiences. In Reel 2, she dives in a deeper conversation with a special guest on exactly how true to life the film is and what it means for the future. 

Welcome to Reel Review! This is where Zoe helps you answer the question, “Should I see this?” and invites you into a deeper conversation about the story’s themes and message.  

This episode covers the 2023 box office sensation, "Barbie." In Reel 1, Zoe explained how she felt leaving the theater, and why it was hard for her to review or recommend, but acknowledges people did enjoy the film. One such person happens to be Real FM's very own Kara!

Together, in this Reel 2, Zoe and Kara discuss their different opinions on the m...

Welcome to Reel Review! This is where Zoe helps you answer the question, “Should I see this?” and invites you into a deeper conversation about the story’s themes and message.  

This episode covers the latest box office sensation "Barbie." For Reel 1, Zoe covers the basis for why she personally did not enjoy the film and has a difficult time recommending it, but acknowledges you might!

Because this film is so divisive, Zoe sat down with a special guest with the opposite opinion as her in Reel 2 for a spoiler...

Welcome to Reel Review! This is where Zoe helps you answer the question, “Should I see this?” and invites you into a deeper conversation about the story’s themes and message. 

This episode covers John Wick Chapter 4. In Reel 1, Zoe shared how this film is not for everyone. If you enjoy action films, you will probably enjoy it. But as Christians, should we enjoy that kind of content? Is violence in media appropriate? That is what this conversation is all about.

Zoe invites Real FM's very own Chaplin Justin to shar...

Welcome to Reel Review! This is where Zoe helps you answer the question, “Should I see this?” and invites you into a deeper conversation about the story’s themes and message.

This episode covers John Wick Chapter 4. For Reel 1, Zoe covers some of the reasons why this movie may or may not be up your alley, due to the intense action scenes and gun violence but it is an enjoyable and poetic tale of a protagonist’s desire for revenge. 

The John Wick franchise is a pop culture sensation, how do we as C...