Is This Good?

SPOILER ALERT Rhaenyra has the throne, but King's Landing has rats, unpaid guards, murdered gold cloaks, graffiti problems, rogue dragons, and one very tense small council. This week on Thumb War, we're breaking down House of the Dragon Season 3 Episode 5: Unbowed and Unbent, aka the episode where nobody relents, nobody listens, and Daemon being right is somehow the most annoying development of all. We get into Criston Cole's guerrilla warfare era, Alice Rivers' Harrenhal magic, the black goat/Vhagar conspiracy, Aemond's haunted mommy issues, Alicent chugging the lie, Helaena standing up for herself, Larys absolutely roasting Aegon into self-reflection, and Rhaenyra's deeply chaotic approach to leadership. Also: cats, rats, Baby Bjorns, tap-on delivery, Queen of the Bastards, and municipal payroll crises. Full spoiler recap is up now. Available on YouTube, Apple Podcasts & Spotify Support the show on Patreon for ad-free episodes & bonus content : http://bit.ly/44Mo8xU Like & Subscribe Leave a 5-star review if you're enjoying Thumb War Email us: ThumbWarPod@gmail.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

SPOILER ALERT Christopher Nolan made The Odyssey, and somehow the loudest movie of the year is about a guy who just wants to go home. This week on Thumb War, we're joined by Dan to break down Nolan's massive Greek mythology epic: Matt Damon as Odysseus, Tom Holland as Telemachus, Anne Hathaway as Penelope, Robert Pattinson, Jon Bernthal, Benny Safdie, Samantha Morton, Elliot Page, Charlize Theron, gods, monsters, boats, gongs, suitors, and one dog scene that nearly destroyed us. We talk about the IMAX spectacle, the punishing Dolby sound mix, the score, the Cyclops, the Sirens, Calypso, Athena, the suitor massacre, Tom Holland's eternal Spider-Man baby face, Matt Damon's “smart guy” energy, and whether this is actually top-three Nolan. Jason went in dreading The Odyssey. Rachel saw it twice and would apparently go again. Dan elevated the show, as usual. Full spoiler review is up now. Available on YouTube, Apple Podcasts & Spotify Support the show on Patreon for ad-free episodes & bonus content : http://bit.ly/44Mo8xU Like & Subscribe Leave a 5-star review if you're enjoying Thumb War Email us: ThumbWarPod@gmail.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

SPOILER WARNING Aegon has gone from the Iron Throne to the latrine. This week on Thumb War, we're breaking down House of the Dragon Season 3 Episode 4, where Ormond Hightower takes over Tumbleton from a bathtub, sniffs his perfume ball, flashes the room, and apparently starts setting up a holy war against the Targaryens. Meanwhile, Aegon and Larys stumble upon Sunfire — who may or may not be dead — before Aegon gets assigned the worst job in Westeros: scraping shit out of latrines with a guy named Tangled Tongue. We also get into Rhaenyra's very tiny council, Allyn's “what about cats?” promotion, Ulf trying to cash in favors for his drinking buddies, Daemon finding Rhaena and Sheepstealer, Hugh's family being trapped in Tumbleton, and why Aegon might somehow be the most qualified ruler left. Full spoiler recap is up now. Available on YouTube, Apple Podcasts & Spotify Support the show on Patreon for ad-free episodes & bonus content : http://bit.ly/44Mo8xU Like & Subscribe Leave a 5-star review if you're enjoying Thumb War Email us: ThumbWarPod@gmail.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

We're continuing our journey through the Star Wars sequel trilogy with Episode VII: The Force Awakens, aka the movie that made everyone feel like Star Wars was finally back… at least for a little while. In this spoiler-filled Force Awakens rewatch, we revisit the magic of seeing a brand-new Star Wars movie in theaters, the brilliance of that first trailer, the reveal of Kylo Ren's extremely cool and extremely dangerous crossguard lightsaber, and why this movie still moves like a rocket from the opening crawl to the final shot. We get into Rey's introduction, the never-ending “Mary Sue” debate, why Finn is such a great character, why Poe Dameron immediately works, why BB-8 won us over, and how Han Solo and Chewbacca's return delivers the exact kind of fan service this movie needed. We also talk about Kylo Ren as “Emo Darth Vader,” the way he's basically cosplaying his grandfather, and whether horniness leads to the dark side. Plus: lightsaber safety, Rey and Finn's chemistry, Maz Kanata's cantina, Chewie's conditioner routine, the Rathtars feeling like a different movie, and the weird setup choices that the rest of the sequel trilogy never quite pays off. Subscribe to Thumb War for more Star Wars rewatch episodes, movie reviews, TV recaps, and chaotic pop culture arguments. Available on YouTube, Apple Podcasts & Spotify Support the show on Patreon for ad-free episodes & bonus content : http://bit.ly/44Mo8xU Like & Subscribe Leave a 5-star review if you're enjoying Thumb War Email us: ThumbWarPod@gmail.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

House of the Dragon S3E3 Review: SPOILER ALERT Rhaenyra has King's Landing… but she might also be losing her mind. This week on Thumb War, we break down House of the Dragon Season 3 Episode 3, aka what Rachel calls Rhaenyra's Unraveling. The Red Keep is haunted, the music is screaming, everyone is starving, Corlys is furious, Daemon wants to burn the world down, and Rhaenyra decides the best way to win over the nobles is to serve them a beautiful feast of rats. Rachel loved the episode's descent into Targaryen madness. Jason thinks the show keeps cutting away from the exact moments we need to see — especially when dragons are involved. We get into the Ormund Hightower standoff, Alicent and Rhaenyra's weird little soul connection, whether Team Black is falling apart, and why someone needs to make a Downton Abbey-style House of the Dragon episode set entirely in the Red Keep kitchen. Full spoiler recap is up now. Available on YouTube, Apple Podcasts & Spotify Support the show on Patreon for ad-free episodes & bonus content : http://bit.ly/44Mo8xU Like & Subscribe Leave a 5-star review if you're enjoying Thumb War Email us: ThumbWarPod@gmail.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

New Patreon episode is up, and this one goes fully off the rails. Subscribe to our Patreon account for the full episode!  http://bit.ly/44Mo8xU We start with Jason's new life as a five-milligram gummy guy, somehow turn rehab into a vacation fantasy, revisit Rachel's hospital bed-rest era, and then get into a bunch of quick recommendations: Toy Story 5, Sisu: Road to Revenge, Widow's Bay, The Death of Robin Hood, and the Russell Crowe Robin Hood that might deserve another look. Then it's Patreon AMA time, featuring 90s celebrity crushes, Angelina Jolie in Hackers, Sporty Spice, Valerie Perrine, a very heated ranking of 90s hotties, and Rachel's extremely firm stance that greeting cards are basically garbage. Bonus chaos, extra movie talk, and questionable life advice — now on Patreon. Support the show on Patreon for ad-free episodes & bonus content : http://bit.ly/44Mo8xU Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

SPOILER WARNING The new Supergirl movie had everything we wanted on paper: Milly Alcock as a more broken, bitter Kara Zor-El, a fresh contrast to Superman's optimism, Krypto the Superdog, Jason Momoa as Lobo, and a chance to keep the new DC Universe momentum going after James Gunn's Superman. Unfortunately… we did not love this one. In this spoiler-heavy Supergirl movie review, we break down why the movie felt more like DC's Babysitters Club than a bold new superhero adventure, why Kara's “punk rock” attitude never quite lands, why the Ruthie revenge plot feels weirdly underwritten, and why the movie's feminist ideas feel more like random ingredients thrown into a blender than an actual story. We also get into the Krypto problem, the Jason Momoa/Lobo cameo, the discourse around whether Supergirl is bombing because of misogyny, the bizarre ending, the comparisons to Guardians of the Galaxy, Mad Max: Fury Road, and Superman, and whether this movie hurts our excitement for the future of the DCU. Did Supergirl deserve better? Absolutely. Did this movie deliver? Not for us. Subscribe to Thumb War for more movie reviews, TV recaps, trailer reactions, and chaotic pop culture arguments. Available on YouTube, Apple Podcasts & Spotify Support the show on Patreon for ad-free episodes & bonus content : http://bit.ly/44Mo8xU Like & Subscribe Leave a 5-star review if you're enjoying Thumb War Email us: ThumbWarPod@gmail.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Spoilers, obviously. Dragons, definitely. Sensible decisions? Not so much. House of the Dragon Season 3, Episode 2 gave us grief, dragons, snot, Shakespearean drama, Aemond chaos, Daemon's terrible management style, and ravens apparently running on 5G. We're breaking down the whole episode — Rhaenyra's spiral, Aemond at Harrenhal, Larys and Aegon, Alice Rivers, Corlys' family mess, and whether the show is pushing Rhaenyra toward full Mad Queen territory. Watch/listen now. Available on YouTube, Apple Podcasts & Spotify Support the show on Patreon for ad-free episodes & bonus content : http://bit.ly/44Mo8xU Like & Subscribe Leave a 5-star review if you're enjoying Thumb War Email us: ThumbWarPod@gmail.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Jason and Rachel are back in Westeros for a spoiler-filled recap and review of House of the Dragon Season 3, Episode 1. The premiere picks up with the Dance of Dragons fully igniting: the Battle of the Gullet, Jace making reckless choices, Rhaenyra being sidelined, Baela and Rhaena facing dragon-sized consequences, Criston Cole seeing the true horror of the war, Aegon and Larys fleeing King's Landing, and Aemond becoming even more unsettling. We talk Team Black, Team Green, Winter Wolves, Sheepstealer, Alicent, Daemon, the Hightowers, Targaryen dysfunction, and why this episode's main lesson is that young people should maybe not be allowed to make war decisions. Spoilers for House of the Dragon Season 3, Episode 1. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Spoilers for Disclosure Day. Jason and Rachel review Disclosure Day, Steven Spielberg's new alien movie starring Emily Blunt, Josh O'Connor, Colman Domingo, Colin Firth, and Wyatt Russell. There are things to like here: Emily Blunt is great, Colman Domingo remains a human weighted blanket, and a few sequences feel like vintage Spielberg. But the movie's big alien reveal, TV station climax, confusing character logic, and “world peace / just listen” ending left us deeply frustrated. We talk Close Encounters comparisons, little green men, thumb drives, World War III, invisible fire trucks, AI-era skepticism, David Koepp, Spielberg nostalgia, and why Disclosure Day ends up as a disappointed thumbs down. Available on YouTube, Apple Podcasts & Spotify Support the show on Patreon for ad-free episodes & bonus content : http://bit.ly/44Mo8xU Like & Subscribe Leave a 5-star review if you're enjoying Thumb War Email us: ThumbWarPod@gmail.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Spoilers ahead for Masters of the Universe. Jason and Rachel review Masters of the Universe, the new He-Man movie from Amazon MGM and Mattel. Rachel grew up on He-Man, She-Ra, and the whole Masters of the Universe toy-cartoon universe. Jason mostly remembers it as the moment he realized cartoons could just be commercials for toys. So naturally, expectations were complicated. We get into why the new Masters of the Universe feels like it can't decide what kind of movie it wants to be, whether He-Man works as modern IP, the strange tone, the comedy that doesn't always land, the nostalgia callbacks, the “He-Man” name problem, the 1987 Dolph Lundgren version, the She-Ra tease, and why Skeletor is easily the best thing in the movie. Plus: Jared Leto, Alison Brie, Idris Elba, Battle Cat asking for consent, Ram Man, Fisto, Brian May guitars, toy-commercial cynicism, masculine legacy confusion, and whether hardcore Masters of the Universe fans will have a better time than we did. Subscribe for more movie reviews, TV reviews, nostalgia reviews, trailer reactions, and chaotic film arguments from Thumb War. Available on YouTube, Apple Podcasts & Spotify Support the show on Patreon for ad-free episodes & bonus content : http://bit.ly/44Mo8xU Like & Subscribe Leave a 5-star review if you're enjoying Thumb War Email us: ThumbWarPod@gmail.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Spoilers for Scary Movie. Jason and Rachel review Scary Movie, the sixth installment in the franchise and the return of the Wayans Brothers. The movie brings back Anna Faris, Regina Hall, Ghostface, horror spoof chaos, offensive jokes, stoner comedy, and a whole lot of nostalgia — but did it actually make us laugh? We talk about the Wayans Brothers returning to the franchise, the Teyana Taylor cold open, the packed-but-quiet theater experience, Scary Movie 3 holding up surprisingly well, The Naked Gun comparison, whether the jokes pull their punches, and why this reboot left us more sad than satisfied. Available on YouTube, Apple Podcasts & Spotify Support the show on Patreon for ad-free episodes & bonus content : http://bit.ly/44Mo8xU Like & Subscribe Leave a 5-star review if you're enjoying Thumb War Email us: ThumbWarPod@gmail.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Jason and Rachel review The Ugly Stepsister, a Norwegian body horror take on Cinderella now streaming on Hulu. Told from the perspective of Elvira, the eldest stepsister, the movie turns the familiar fairy tale into a grotesque nightmare about beauty standards, class, desperation, and what women are forced to do to survive in a world built around male approval. We talk body horror, Brothers Grimm fairy tales, the tapeworm scene, eyelash sewing, foot mutilation, sound design, feminist horror, and why this worked for us way more than The Substance. Spoilers for The Ugly Stepsister. Available on YouTube, Apple Podcasts & Spotify Support the show on Patreon for ad-free episodes & bonus content : http://bit.ly/44Mo8xU Like & Subscribe Leave a 5-star review if you're enjoying Thumb War Email us: ThumbWarPod@gmail.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Jason and Rachel review Obsession, the breakout horror hit from writer-director Curry Barker. The movie follows Bear, a hopeless romantic who uses the mysterious “One Wish Willow” to make his crush love him — only to discover that getting exactly what you want can be an absolute nightmare. We talk about the movie's huge word-of-mouth success, its TIFF Midnight Madness buzz, Curry Barker's horror-comedy style, Andy Richter, toxic longing, magical consent nightmares, and why Jason is already calling this one of the best movies of the year. Spoilers for Obsession. Available on YouTube, Apple Podcasts & Spotify Support the show on Patreon for ad-free episodes & bonus content : http://bit.ly/44Mo8xU Like & Subscribe Leave a 5-star review if you're enjoying Thumb War Email us: ThumbWarPod@gmail.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Jason and Rachel enter the Backrooms for a spoiler-filled review of A24's new horror movie from Kane Parsons, the creator behind the viral Kane Pixels YouTube series. We talk creepypasta, no-clipping, liminal spaces, yellow wallpaper, internet horror, YouTube filmmakers breaking into Hollywood, and whether Backrooms works as a full-length movie or should have stayed a terrifying online mystery. Is it scary? Is it frustrating? Is it the next evolution of horror? We get lost in all of it. Spoilers for Backrooms. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Jason, Rachel and Jesh continue the Thumb War Star Wars rewatch with a spoiler-filled review of The Mandalorian and Grogu. Is it a real Star Wars movie, or does it feel like The Mandalorian Season 4 got squeezed into a theatrical release? We discuss Grogu as a character vs. Grogu as a toy, Pedro Pascal's helmet-based performance, the lack of stakes, the surprisingly strong opening sequence, Sigourney Weaver, Jeremy Allen White, Rotta the Hutt, Dave Filoni cameos, Star Wars fatigue, and whether Baby Yoda still has the juice. Ash came in with a more generous take. Jason and Rachel came in with notes. Many, many notes. Spoilers for The Mandalorian and Grogu and the broader Star Wars universe. Available on YouTube, Apple Podcasts & Spotify Support the show on Patreon for ad-free episodes & bonus content : http://bit.ly/44Mo8xU Like & Subscribe Leave a 5-star review if you're enjoying Thumb War Email us: ThumbWarPod@gmail.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A very special Patreon-only Thumb War hang with our old friend Derek — actor, real estate adjacent mogul, Puerto Vallarta correspondent, East Side Mario's survivor, and proud owner of several extremely specific Canadian entertainment memories. We get into his A Simple Wish days, Howie Mandel's “Sprinkles,” Kids in the Hall proximity, Instagram hate comments, pickleball pain, live-action Disney confusion, the Rock's wig/body/face situation, and a chaotic ranking of '90s Disney animated classics. This is not a review episode so much as three people slowly remembering they've known each other forever. Subscribe to our Patreon channel for full episode : http://bit.ly/44Mo8xU P-Hounds only. Maximum nonsense. Minimal preparation. Exactly as intended. ️ Available on YouTube, Apple Podcasts & Spotify Like & Subscribe Leave a 5-star review if you're enjoying Thumb War Email us: ThumbWarPod@gmail.com Support the show on Patreon for ad-free episodes & bonus content : http://bit.ly/44Mo8xU Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Jason, Rachel, and guest Jeshua Kidd revisit Star Wars: Episode VI — from Jabba's Palace and Luke's rescue plan to Leia, Han, the Ewoks, the Emperor, Vader's redemption, and all the strange little choices that make this such a beloved, messy, muppety Star Wars movie. We also get into George Lucas' Special Edition changes, including Jedi Rocks, the CGI additions, and why some of those updates still drive fans absolutely insane. Is Return of the Jedi the weakest of the original trilogy? The most fun? Secretly underrated? Let's get into it. Subscribe to Thumb War for more movie rewatches, TV recaps, trailer reactions, and chaotic pop culture arguments. Available on YouTube, Apple Podcasts & Spotify Support the show on Patreon for ad-free episodes & bonus content : http://bit.ly/44Mo8xU Like & Subscribe Leave a 5-star review if you're enjoying Thumb War Email us: ThumbWarPod@gmail.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Jason and Rachel review The Devil Wears Prada 2, the 2026 sequel directed by David Frankel and starring Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway, Emily Blunt, Stanley Tucci, Lucy Liu, and BJ Novak.  They saw it opening day — and came out on opposite sides of the aisle.  This episode covers everything: the sequel's box-office performance, the unnecessary love subplot, Miranda's evolving (and arguably defanged) character, Nigel's long-overdue moment, and the question everyone's asking — does The Devil Wears Prada 2 earn its existence, or is it just nostalgia bait?  Full spoilers for both films. You've been warned.  New episodes weekly. Find us on YouTube, Instagram, and Patreon. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This week's Patreon episode is a classic Thumb War hang — a little music, a little chaos, and a lot of tangents. We get into going to concerts solo, fall down a music rabbit hole (including some strong bass player takes), and somehow end up in a surprisingly heated gym story and a truly bizarre news moment. Loose, funny, and all over the place — exactly how these episodes tend to go. Appreciate you guys for being here. Available on YouTube, Apple Podcasts & Spotify Support the show on Patreon for ad-free episodes & bonus content : http://bit.ly/44Mo8xU Like & Subscribe Leave a 5-star review if you're enjoying Thumb War Email us: ThumbWarPod@gmail.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On this episode of Thumb War, we revisit The Devil Wears Prada and discuss why it remains such a beloved and rewatchable film. We break down the performances, themes, and characters — and explore how the film holds up two decades later ahead of the upcoming sequel. Available on YouTube, Apple Podcasts & Spotify Support the show on Patreon for ad-free episodes & bonus content : http://bit.ly/44Mo8xU Like & Subscribe Leave a 5-star review if you're enjoying Thumb War Email us: ThumbWarPod@gmail.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

We're heading back to a galaxy far, far away. On this episode of Thumb War, we continue our Star Wars rewatch with The Empire Strikes Back — widely considered the best film in the franchise. Does it still hold up? We get into: Why this sequel changed blockbuster movies forever The Hoth battle, practical effects, and iconic set pieces Yoda, Dagobah, and the Force mythology Why Darth Vader is still one of the greatest villains ever Han & Leia — chemistry, chaos, and “I know” The most famous twist in movie history Special edition changes vs the original version Plus: nostalgia, generational viewing order debates (release vs chronological), and why this movie still hits decades later. Available on YouTube, Apple Podcasts & Spotify Like & Subscribe Leave a 5-star review if you're enjoying Thumb War Email us: ThumbWarPod@gmail.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On this episode of Thumb War, we break down the trailer for the new Duffer Bros series The Buroughs — plus quick reviews of Something Very Bad Is Going to Happen and Beast. It's a mix of trailer reactions, reviews, and plenty of tangents — covering what worked, what didn't, and everything in between. Plus: pickleball discourse, retirement community horror, and a lot of side tangents. ️Available on YouTube, Apple Podcasts & Spotify Like & Subscribe Leave a 5-star review if you're enjoying Thumb War Email us: ThumbWarPod@gmail.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Trailer Trash is BACK. On this episode of Thumb War, we revive an old segment and break down the latest trailers — including Supergirl and the Harry Potter HBO reboot. We get into: ‍️ Supergirl trailer — looks great… but why are we worried? James Gunn vibes (even when he didn't direct it) The “dog plot” trope and why it feels familiar Harry Potter reboot — do we actually need this? Recasting iconic characters (Snape, Hagrid, Dumbledore) Nostalgia vs doing something new And a lot of tangents along the way Hot takes, dumb jokes, and a little chaos — just how Trailer Trash used to be. ️ Available on YouTube, Apple Podcasts & Spotify Like & Subscribe Leave a 5-star review if you're enjoying Thumb War Email us: ThumbWarPod@gmail.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This might be the most divisive movie out right now. On this episode of Thumb War, we break down The Drama — the new A24 film starring Zendaya and Robert Pattinson — and try to figure out what it's actually saying. We get into: The “big secret” and why it's so controversial Why audiences are completely split on this movie Moments that feel like comedy vs moments that feel… off What the movie might actually be trying to say about judgment and redemption Characters that are intentionally unbearable Why this feels like a “crazy pills” movie Plus: the A24 expectations vs reality, and whether this is bold filmmaking… or just a mess. ️ Available on YouTube, Apple Podcasts & Spotify Support the show on Patreon for ad-free episodes & bonus content : http://bit.ly/44Mo8xU Like & Subscribe Leave a 5-star review if you're enjoying Thumb War Email us: ThumbWarPod@gmail.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

They made a sequel to a movie that already had a perfect ending… On this episode of Thumb War, we break down Ready or Not 2: Here I Come — the follow-up to the surprise horror hit Ready or Not. We get into: Why the first movie worked so well Whether this sequel was even necessary The horror/comedy balance (and when it doesn't work) The new “game” and expanded world Moments that feel fun vs moments that feel… off Tonal shifts between brutal and absurd Plus: Samara Weaving's return, the expanded mythology, and why sequels to “perfect” movies are so hard to pull off. Is this a worthy continuation… or should they have left it alone? Available on YouTube, Apple Podcasts & Spotify Like & Subscribe Leave a 5-star review if you're enjoying Thumb War Email us: ThumbWarPod@gmail.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This week's Patreon-only Thumb War is a classic check-in episode — no formal review, just us catching up and going wherever the conversation takes us. Subscribe to Patreon for the full episode! We get into: Trivia and random movie tangents A deep dive into what's going on with Star Trek right now The Andy Weir conversation and sci-fi expectations Why some shows just aren't connecting A peek behind the curtain on YouTube, Shorts, and growing the podcast And a bunch of side quests along the way Loose, opinionated, and all over the place — exactly how these Patreon hangs are supposed to go. Support the show on Patreon for ad-free episodes & bonus content : http://bit.ly/44Mo8xU Like & Subscribe Leave a 5-star review if you're enjoying Thumb War Email us: ThumbWarPod@gmail.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On this episode of Thumb War, we revisit Star Wars: A New Hope and break down why it became one of the most influential films of all time. We discuss the film's impact, performances, practical effects, and why it still resonates decades later — along with a few modern critiques and observations. Does it still hold up? Or is it all nostalgia? Available on YouTube, Apple Podcasts & Spotify Support the show on Patreon for ad-free episodes & bonus content : http://bit.ly/44Mo8xU Like & Subscribe Leave a 5-star review if you're enjoying Thumb War Email us: ThumbWarPod@gmail.com Full Thumb War episode out now. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On this episode of Thumb War, we review Project Hail Mary, the new sci-fi film starring Ryan Gosling. We break down the story, performances, humor, and emotional beats, plus how the film balances complex science with accessibility. We also discuss: The structure and flashbacks The tone and comedy Trailer spoilers and audience expectations And whether the movie sticks the landing Available on YouTube, Apple Podcasts & Spotify Support the show on Patreon for ad-free episodes & bonus content : http://bit.ly/44Mo8xU Like & Subscribe Leave a 5-star review if you're enjoying Thumb War Email us: ThumbWarPod@gmail.com Full Thumb War episode out now. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Oscars are done — and we're breaking it all down. On this episode of Thumb War, we react to the 98th Academy Awards, covering the biggest winners, surprising snubs, funniest moments, and a few truly baffling choices. We also get into: Red carpet hits and misses The best (and worst) bits from the broadcast Musical performances that worked… and didn't Why Oscar clips keep spoiling entire movies And one of the best acceptance speeches of the night Plus: technical difficulties, streaming frustrations, and a whole lot of opinions. Available on YouTube, Apple Podcasts & Spotify Support the show on Patreon for ad-free episodes & bonus content : http://bit.ly/44Mo8xU Like & Subscribe Leave a 5-star review if you're enjoying Thumb War Email us: ThumbWarPod@gmail.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On this episode of Thumb War, JD and Rachel review the movie The Bride!, Maggie Gyllenhaal's ambitious reimagining of the Frankenstein story. With a star-studded cast and big ideas about feminism, identity, and classic movie monsters, the film certainly swings for the fences. But does it actually work? We discuss the movie's wild tonal shifts, confusing narrative, memorable performances from Jessie Buckley and Christian Bale, and why audiences seem so divided on the film. Available on YouTube, Apple Podcasts & Spotify Support the show on Patreon for ad-free episodes & bonus content : http://bit.ly/44Mo8xU Like & Subscribe Leave a 5-star review if you're enjoying Thumb War Email us: ThumbWarPod@gmail.com Full Thumb War episode out now. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Oscars are almost here, which means it's time to make our predictions. JD and Rachel are joined by resident film expert DanDan The Pieman to break down the biggest categories at the 98th Academy Awards. We debate who should win, who will win, and which nominees might pull off an upset. Along the way we talk about the strangest Oscar nominees, the brutal emotional gauntlet of the short film categories, and the movies that might dominate this year's ceremony. If you're filling out an Oscar ballot or office pool, this episode might help you make a few smart picks. Or completely blow it. Available on YouTube, Apple Podcasts & Spotify Support the show on Patreon for ad-free episodes & bonus content : http://bit.ly/44Mo8xU Like & Subscribe Leave a 5-star review if you're enjoying Thumb War Email us: ThumbWarPod@gmail.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Send Help is Sam Raimi in full “fun mode” — gross, funny, mean, and extremely satisfying. On Thumb War, we break down Raimi's return to crowd-pleasing horror, Rachel McAdams' anti-hero arc, Survivor energy, island mind games, and why this movie works so well. Available on YouTube, Apple Podcasts & Spotify Support the show on Patreon for ad-free episodes & bonus content : http://bit.ly/44Mo8xU Like & Subscribe Leave a 5-star review if you're enjoying Thumb War Email us: ThumbWarPod@gmail.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This week's Patreon-only Thumb War is very a late February check-in — no formal review, just conversation. We talk about: Trivia and random pop-culture facts Splitsville mini-review Travel stories and side quests Media overload and burnout BAFTA Awards conversation and online reactions Letting conversations breathe instead of spiraling Loose and thoughtful— a classic Patreon hang. Full Patreon chaos on Thumb War. Like, subscribe, and let us know what you think. Ad-free episodes + bonus content on Patreon: http://bit.ly/44Mo8xU Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Starfleet Academy Episode 7 | Back to Being Boring After a brief uptick last week, Starfleet Academy Episode 7 drops right back into its worst instincts. On this episode of Thumb War, we unpack why the show's teen-drama focus, disconnected plots, and deeply questionable character choices make this one of the most frustrating episodes of the season — and why we're seriously debating whether to keep watching at all. When nothing happens, and nothing makes sense, it's hard to stay invested. Available on YouTube, Apple Podcasts & Spotify Support the show on Patreon for ad-free episodes & bonus content : http://bit.ly/44Mo8xU Like & Subscribe Leave a 5-star review if you're enjoying Thumb War Email us: ThumbWarPod@gmail.com Full Thumb War episode out now. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Season 1 finale of A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms proves that you don't need dragons or explosions to deliver a powerful ending. On this episode of Thumb War, we unpack the emotional aftermath of the Trial of Seven, Dunk's unwavering principles, Egg's painful growth, and why this quiet, character-driven finale feels like classic Game of Thrones at its best. A beautiful ending — and a thrilling beginning. Available on YouTube, Apple Podcasts & Spotify Support the show on Patreon for ad-free episodes & bonus content : http://bit.ly/44Mo8xU Like & Subscribe Leave a 5-star review if you're enjoying Thumb War Email us: ThumbWarPod@gmail.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Episode 6 of Star Trek: Starfleet Academy is the best episode of the season so far — which only highlights how badly the show was set up in the first place. On this episode of Thumb War, we dig into why this finally feels like Star Trek, why it immediately falls apart under scrutiny, and how nostalgia, logic gaps, and baffling character choices keep undermining the series. It's better. It's still broken. And it should've happened way earlier. Available on YouTube, Apple Podcasts & Spotify Support the show on Patreon for ad-free episodes & bonus content : http://bit.ly/44Mo8xU Like & Subscribe Leave a 5-star review if you're enjoying Thumb War Email us: ThumbWarPod@gmail.com Full Thumb War episode out now. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Good Luck, Have Fun, Don't Die is a sci-fi comedy that feels silly, stressful, and uncomfortably relevant all at once. On this episode of Thumb War, we dig into Gore Verbinski's return, Sam Rockwell's charisma, Juno Temple's emotional core, and why this movie's AI-driven “happy ending” might be the scariest part of all. It's not subtle — but it is effective. Available on YouTube, Apple Podcasts & Spotify Support the show on Patreon for ad-free episodes & bonus content : http://bit.ly/44Mo8xU Like & Subscribe Leave a 5-star review if you're enjoying Thumb War Email us: ThumbWarPod@gmail.com Full Thumb War episode out now. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

We're saying it out loud — and early: Nirvanna the Band the Show the Movie is the best movie we're going to see this year. On this episode of Thumb War, we break down the film's impossible ambition, guerrilla filmmaking genius, time-travel chaos, and why this deeply specific Canadian comedy somehow feels universal. It's hilarious, heartfelt, and a reminder of what theatrical comedies can still be. If it's playing near you, go see it with a crowd. Immediately. Available on YouTube, Apple Podcasts & Spotify Support the show on Patreon for ad-free episodes & bonus content : http://bit.ly/44Mo8xU Like & Subscribe Leave a 5-star review if you're enjoying Thumb War Email us: ThumbWarPod@gmail.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The penultimate episode of A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms delivers one of the most intense, exhausting battle sequences the franchise has ever attempted. On this episode of Thumb War, we break down the Trial of Seven, the puke-filled chaos, Dunk's disorienting POV, brutal flashbacks, and why this episode might be the best battle Westeros has ever seen. It's gory, emotional, and unforgettable — and it sets the stage for a devastating finale. Available on YouTube, Apple Podcasts & Spotify Support the show on Patreon for ad-free episodes & bonus content : http://bit.ly/44Mo8xU Like & Subscribe Leave a 5-star review if you're enjoying Thumb War Email us: ThumbWarPod@gmail.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Emerald Fennell's Wuthering Heights is messy, heat, confrontational, and absolutely not interested in pleasing everyone. On this episode of Thumb War, we break down Fennell's bold interpretation of the Brontë classic — from erotic denial and cruelty-as-romance to audience backlash, Valentine's Day chaos, and why this movie feels designed to make people uncomfortable. Is it brilliant? Is it too much? Or is that the whole idea? Available on YouTube, Apple Podcasts & Spotify Support the show on Patreon for ad-free episodes & bonus content : http://bit.ly/44Mo8xU Like & Subscribe Leave a 5-star review if you're enjoying Thumb War Email us: ThumbWarPod@gmail.com Full Thumb War episode out now. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Episodes 4 and 5 of Star Trek: Starfleet Academy lean heavily on legacy name-drops and Deep Space Nine nostalgia — but is that enough? In this episode of Thumb War, we break down the hologram storyline that doesn't hold up, the Klingon cultural pivot, the triad reveal, and why Episode 5 might be the most frustrating (and maybe most boring) chapter of the season so far. We want to love new Star Trek. But honoring the past means more than just referencing it. Is this bold evolution… or just confused storytelling? Let us know what you think. Available on YouTube, Apple Podcasts & Spotify Support the show on Patreon for ad-free episodes & bonus content : http://bit.ly/44Mo8xU Like & Subscribe on YouTube and Instagram Leave a 5-star review if you're enjoying Thumb War Email us: ThumbWarPod@gmail.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

We're officially gushing — and in Westeros, that's never a good sign. In this episode of Thumb War, we dive into Episode 4 of A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, breaking down why the show feels so emotionally locked in right now, how Dunk & Egg's relationship continues to deepen, and why the approaching Trial of Seven has us bracing for real consequences. It's a near-perfect episode of television — warm, funny, thoughtful, and quietly terrifying in what it's setting up next. Available on YouTube, Apple Podcasts & Spotify Support the show on Patreon for ad-free episodes & bonus content : http://bit.ly/44Mo8xU Like & Subscribe on YouTube and Instagram Leave a 5-star review if you're enjoying Thumb War Email us: ThumbWarPod@gmail.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Rogue One is tragic, brutal, and maybe the best Star Wars movie outside the original trilogy. Jason, Rachel, and Jeshua revisit Rogue One in timeline order and unpack why it still hits so hard — from its war-movie structure and unforgettable ending to how Andor completely reframes Cassian's story. We also get into K-2SO love, digital Tarkin debates, and why this movie feels so different from modern Star Wars. Spoilers throughout. Spoilers for Rogue One Like & Subscribe Leave a 5-star review if you're enjoying Thumb War Email us: ThumbWarPod@gmail.com Ad-free episodes + bonus content on Patreon: http://bit.ly/44Mo8xU Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Episode 3 is where A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms starts to feel truly special. Jason and Rachel break down the episode's biggest moments, focusing on Dunk and Egg's evolving friendship, the subtle reveals hiding in plain sight, and how George R.R. Martin quietly turns a simple tournament story into something far bigger. Spoilers for Episode 3 Like & Subscribe Leave a 5-star review if you're enjoying Thumb War Email us: ThumbWarPod@gmail.com Ad-free episodes + bonus content on Patreon: http://bit.ly/44Mo8xU Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Star Trek meets Hogwarts — and not in a good way. Jason and Rachel review the first three episodes of Starfleet Academy (2026), unpacking what works, what absolutely doesn't, and why the show feels more like a CW teen drama than classic Star Trek. We dig into tone, character choices, legacy lore, and whether this series understands what made Star Trek special in the first place. Spoilers ahead. Strong opinions guaranteed. Like & Subscribe
Leave a 5-star review if you're enjoying Thumb War Subscribe for weekly movie & TV deep dives. Also available on Apple Podcasts & Spotify. Ad-free episodes + bonus content on Patreon: http://bit.ly/44Mo8xU Email us: ThumbWarPod@gmail.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

28 Years Later: The Bone Temple Review | Body Horror, Cult Logic & Chaos 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple doesn't expand the world — it traps you inside it. On this episode of Thumb War, we dive into the franchise's most disturbing chapter yet, breaking down Ray Fiennes' fearless performance, the cult dynamics around the Bone Temple, and why this film feels closer to torture-adjacent body horror than traditional zombie cinema. It's brutal. It's intimate. And it might be the boldest swing the series has taken. Subscribe for weekly movie & TV deep dives. Also available on Apple Podcasts & Spotify. Ad-free episodes + bonus content on Patreon: http://bit.ly/44Mo8xU Full episode on YouTube, Apple Podcasts & Spotify Email us: ThumbWarPod@gmail.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Episode 2 of A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms proves this isn't just another Westeros spin-off — it's something smaller, sweeter, and way more effective. On this episode of Thumb War, we dig into why Dunk & Egg's chemistry is the secret sauce of the series, how seeing Westeros from ground level changes everything, and why this show works even if you don't know every sigil, house, or rebellion. It's funny, heartfelt, efficient storytelling — and it might be HBO's most quietly confident fantasy series in years. Subscribe for weekly movie & TV deep dives. Also available on Apple Podcasts & Spotify. Ad-free episodes + bonus content on Patreon: http://bit.ly/44Mo8xU Full episode on YouTube, Apple Podcasts & Spotify Email us: ThumbWarPod@gmail.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The final season of Stranger Things is over — but the chaos behind it might be even more fascinating. In this episode of Thumb War, we break down “One Last Adventure: The Making of Stranger Things 5”, the Netflix documentary that pulls back the curtain on the most ambitious (and stressful) production of the series. From starting Season 5 without a finished script, to massive practical sets, exhausted showrunners, crew members holding the entire production together, and the internet losing its mind over ChatGPT in the writers' room, this doc raises as many questions as it answers. Is the behind-the-scenes story more compelling than the finale itself? Did the Duffer Brothers try to please everyone — and end up pleasing no one? And why does the Upside Down feel less like a place and more like a logistical nightmare? We dig into what worked, what didn't, and why One Last Adventure might be the most honest look at Stranger Things yet. Also available on Apple Podcasts & Spotify. Ad-free episodes + bonus content on Patreon: http://bit.ly/44Mo8xU Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Oscar nominations dropped — unfortunately, so did everything else.We talk awards season reactions, missing movies, flu recovery, a late-night ER visit, and why sometimes real life completely derails movie discourse. It's not polished.It's not organized.It's extremely honest. Full Patreon chaos on Thumb War. Like, subscribe, and let us know what you think. Ad-free episodes + bonus content on Patreon: http://bit.ly/44Mo8xU Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

We're heading back to Westeros. On this episode of Thumb War, we review the premiere of HBO's A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, the latest Game of Thrones prequel based on George R. R. Martin's Dunk & Egg stories. We talk first impressions, performances, tone, and whether this stripped-down take on Westeros is a smart pivot—or a missed opportunity. Is this the Thrones comeback fans have been waiting for? Or just another spinoff riding on legacy? Ad-free episodes + bonus content on Patreon: http://bit.ly/44Mo8xU Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.