The Reel Critic

Ana de Armas stars in this action-packed continuation of the ‘John Wick' franchise. We find her as Eve Macarro, an assassin trained in the traditions of the Ruska Roma, as she seeks revenge against her father's killers. And don't worry — Keanu Reeves still makes an appearance as the titular suited-up action star. Reggie “The Reel Critic” Ponder says ‘Ballerina' is “the action film that action fans are looking for.” Be warned: The violence and gore may be gratuitous for some viewers. "The Reel Critic" is hosted and produced by Reggie Ponder. Follow Reggie on YouTube, Twitter, BlueSky and Instagram @TheReelCritic.

In this new installment of the ‘Karate Kid' film franchise, kung fu prodigy Li Fong must let go of his past in order to fit in with his new classmates. But when a friend needs his help, Li enters a karate competition and merges two skills into one with the help of Mr. Han and Daniel LaRusso — played by Jackie Chan and Ralph Macchio, who reprise their roles from their respective 2010 and 1984 ‘Karate Kid' films. Reggie “The Reel Critic” Ponder says the film “is about family, fun and fu — kung fu.” "The Reel Critic" is hosted and produced by Reggie Ponder. Follow Reggie on YouTube, Twitter, BlueSky and Instagram @TheReelCritic.

Tom Cruise returns for signature action stunts in this newest (but maybe not-so-final) installment of the ‘Mission: Impossible' franchise. He stars once again as Ethan Hunt, agent of the Impossible Mission Force (IMF), racing against time with his team to find the Entity, an artificial intelligence that may destroy mankind. Reggie “The Reel Critic” Ponder says the film had him on the edge of his seat … even though it may be a little long. "The Reel Critic" is hosted and produced by Reggie Ponder. Follow Reggie on YouTube, Twitter, BlueSky and Instagram @TheReelCritic.

Anna Kendrick and Blake Lively reprise their roles as Stephanie Smothers and Emily Nelson in ‘Another Simple Favor.' Smothers travels to Italy to be the maid of honor to Nelson — but soon begins to suspect it all may be part of an elaborate revenge plot. Reggie “The Reel Critic” Ponder says the film has drama, laughs and absurdity, but may not be a run-to-the-theater kind of movie. "The Reel Critic" is hosted and produced by Reggie Ponder. Follow Reggie on YouTube, Twitter, BlueSky and Instagram @TheReelCritic.

Ben Affleck is Christian Wolff — AKA “The Accountant” — back for a lethal sequel. After an acquaintance is murdered, Wolff teams up with his brother Brax (Jon Bernthal) to solve the case. When the two uncover a deadly conspiracy, they become targets of a ruthless killer network. Reggie “The Reel Critic” Ponder says the film has more laughs than its predecessor — which at times clashed with the action plot. "The Reel Critic" is hosted and produced by Reggie Ponder. Follow Reggie on YouTube, Twitter, BlueSky and Instagram @TheReelCritic.

When twin brothers return home to Mississippi for a fresh start, they uncover something far more evil than what they left behind. Michael B. Jordan stars as both twins, Smoke and Stack in ‘Sinners,' alongside Miles Caton, Hailee Steinfeld and more. Written and directed by Ryan Coogler, the 2025 horror adventure film has two starkly different halves. Reggie “The Reel Critic” Ponder calls it “a history lesson, a cautionary tale and a nightmare all at once.” “The Reel Critic” is hosted and produced by Reggie Ponder. Follow Reggie on Twitter and Instagram @TheReelCritic, and on Facebook @ReggieTheReelCritic.

Rami Malek stars as CIA decoder Charlie Heller, whose world comes to a halt when his wife is killed in a terrorist attack. When his superiors don't take action, Heller embarks on a dangerous journey to track down those responsible. One problem? He isn't a trained killer. Reggie “The Reel Critic” Ponder says the film is smart and engaging — with hints of both Jason Bourne and John Wick — though it does have a level of predictability. Other stars include Laurence Fisburne, Jon Bernthal and Rachel Brosnahan. "The Reel Critic" is hosted and produced by Reggie Ponder. Follow Reggie on YouTube, Twitter, BlueSky and Instagram @TheReelCritic.

Nathan Caine (Jack Quaid) is an introverted assistant manager at a trust credit union with an interesting condition: He can't feel pain. When his crush-slash-coworker Sherry is kidnapped in a bank robbery, Nathan decides to use his condition to his advantage and will stop at nothing to rescue her. Reggie “The Reel Critic” Ponder says the film is intriguing, suspenseful and (maybe unintentionally) funny, but Nate not being able to feel pain makes it a hard watch at times. "The Reel Critic" is hosted and produced by Reggie Ponder. Follow Reggie on YouTube, Twitter, BlueSky and Instagram @TheReelCritic.

2024 documentary 'Daughters' follows four young girls as they prepare to reunite with their fathers for a special Daddy Daughter Dance at a fatherhood program in a DC jail. Reggie "The Reel Critic" Ponder says the film offers authentic and vulnerable insight into the lives of families impacted by incarceration. 'Daughters' is currently available on Netflix, and has a 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. "The Reel Critic" is hosted and produced by Reggie Ponder. Follow Reggie on Twitter and Instagram @TheReelCritic, and on Facebook @ReggieTheReelCritic.

Yearly film series Melanin, Roots, and Culture celebrates Black stories and filmmakers at the Music Box Theatre, wrapping up tonight with “Life Within The Lens” — a short film screening showcasing Chicago creators. Other featured films included ‘The Woman King,' ‘Here and Now' and more. Film programmer Tyler Michael Balentine discussed the series with Reggie “The Reel Critic” Ponder. Find more information at musicboxtheatre.com. "The Reel Critic" is hosted and produced by Reggie Ponder. Follow Reggie on Twitter and Instagram @TheReelCritic, and on Facebook @ReggieTheReelCritic.

In this latest Marvel Studios offering, Steve Wilson — previously the Falcon, now the new Captain America — finds himself in the middle of an international incident after meeting with president Thaddeus Ross, and must foil a malevolent global plot before it's too late. Reggie “The Reel Critic” Ponder says the new installment of the ‘Captain America' franchise is worth the watch, but feels the writers were “unable to make it iconic” — though they set the stage for something bigger in the future. "The Reel Critic" is hosted and produced by Reggie Ponder. Follow Reggie on Twitter and Instagram @TheReelCritic, and on Facebook @ReggieTheReelCritic.

Action comedy ‘Love Hurts' follows Milwaukee realtor Marvin Gable (Ke Huy Quan), who is shocked to receive a letter from Rose (Ariana DeBose): his former partner-in-crime who he left for dead. Pulled back into the world of hit-men and betrayal, Marvin is hunted down by his ruthless crime lord brother (Daniel Wu) as he reckons with his past. Amid the guns, gore and exaggerated fighting sequences, the film is punctuated with love and relationship humor. Reggie “The Reel Critic” Ponder felt the film's title was particularly appropriate … it really did hurt. Hear his thoughts on ‘Love Hurts' in this review. "The Reel Critic" is hosted and produced by Reggie Ponder. Follow Reggie on Twitter and Instagram @TheReelCritic, and on Facebook @ReggieTheReelCritic.

When Alyssa's (SZA) boyfriend blows their rent money, she and her best friend-slash-roommate Dreux (KeKe Palmer) race against the clock to pay their rent, avoid an eviction and keep their friendship intact. The female buddy comedy debuted this week with a 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, and the New York Times said the duo of Palmer and SZA "lights up the screen with starry zeal." Reggie "The Reel Critic" Ponder shares his thoughts on the new film. "The Reel Critic" is hosted and produced by Reggie Ponder. Follow Reggie on Twitter and Instagram @TheReelCritic, and on Facebook @ReggieTheReelCritic.

Based on a true story, 2024 film 'Unstoppable' is a story of strength, perseverance and defying the odds. It follows Anthony Robles (Jharrel Jerome), a determined wrestler born with one leg, on his journey to become a champion athlete. Reggie "The Reel Critic" Ponder raves about the film's wrestling sequences and the depth of several performances — including that of Jennifer Lopez, who stars as Robles' mother. The film also stars Don Cheadle, Bobby Cannavale and Michael Peña. 'Unstoppable' is available for streaming on Prime Video. "The Reel Critic" is hosted and produced by Reggie Ponder. Follow Reggie on Twitter and Instagram @TheReelCritic, and on Facebook @ReggieTheReelCritic.

Contributing film critic Reggie “The Reel Critic” Ponder says new film ‘Albany Road' is a fun and interesting look at love. Celeste Simmons (Reneé Elise Goldsberry) is a New York business executive preparing for one of the most important meetings of her career when bad weather grounds her flight. Forced to share a rental car with an unlikely companion – her ex-fiance's mother (Lynn Whitfield) — Celeste discovers her almost-in-law is hiding a secret about her ex-fiance (J. Alphonse Nicholson) … Hear film critic The Reel Critic's thoughts on the film, written and directed by Christine Swanson. “The Reel Critic” is hosted and produced by Reggie Ponder. Follow Reggie on Instagram and Twitter @TheReelCritic and Facebook @ReggeTheReelCritic.

Reggie “The Reel Critic” Ponder reviews the new film adaptation of August Wilson's 1987 play ‘The Piano Lesson.' The story follows the Charles family of Pittsburgh during the Great Depression's aftermath in 1936. The household is engulfed with disagreement over what to do with their prized family heirloom: a piano carved with designs by an enslaved ancestor. Malcolm Washington directed the adaptation, which stars his brother John David Washington, Erykah Badu, Danielle Deadwyler, Samuel L. Jackson and more. "The Reel Critic" is hosted and produced by Reggie Ponder. Follow Reggie on Twitter and Instagram @TheReelCritic, and on Facebook @ReggieTheReelCritic.

When family man Justin Kemp winds up as a jury member of a high profile murder trial, he struggles with a moral dilemma that may influence whether the accused killer is convicted or set free in 'Juror #2.' The latest film from director Clint Eastwood, it stars Nicholas Hoult, Zooey Deutch, Chris Messina and more. Reggie “The Reel Critic” Ponder says though the film has interesting twists, it feels very familiar to another high-profile courtroom drama. “The Reel Critic” is hosted and produced by Reggie Ponder. Follow Reggie on Twitter and Instagram at @TheReelCritic, and on Facebook @ReggieTheReelCritic.

A24's new psychological thriller ‘Heretic' follows two young religious missionaries, Sister Barnes (Sophie Thatcher) and Sister Paxton (Chloe East), as they spend the day knocking on doors to spread the word of God. When the women arrive at the home of Mr. Reed, played by Hugh Grant, the two find themselves trapped in an intricate and deadly game designed to test their fath. Hear film critic Reggie “The Reel Critic” Ponder's review, and catch ‘Heretic' in theaters now. "The Reel Critic" is hosted and produced by Reggie Ponder. Follow Reggie on Twitter and Instagram @TheReelCritic, and on Facebook @ReggieTheReelCritic.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Reggie “The Reel Critic” Ponder shares his thoughts on Zoë Kravitz's directorial debut, a chilling psychological thriller exploring power, possessiveness and patriarchy. ‘Blink Twice' follows Frida (Naomi Ackie) and a group of friends as they join charming tech billionaire Slater King (Channing Tatum) on vacation at his private island, and things are not quite what they seem. Everything comes to a head when Frida's friend Jess (Alia Shawat) goes missing, unraveling a web of secrets and lies about King, the island and Frida herself. ‘Blink Twice' is in theaters now. This segment was hosted and produced by Reggie Ponder. Follow him on Instagram and X @TheReelCritic.

Chiwetel Ejiofore's film ‘Rob Peace' follows the life and early death of a young man who risks everything to help his imprisoned father. It was based on the 2014 biography ‘The Short and Tragic Life of Robert Peace' by Jeff Hobbs. Rob Peace is a brilliant young man who goes on to attend Yale University — but begins selling marijuana in college to help pay his father's lawyer fees. In his review of ‘Rob Peace,' Reggie “The Reel Critic” Ponder pointed out how the film highlights the difficulties of breaking the chain of generational trauma. Listen now to hear his full review. This segment was hosted and produced by Reggie Ponder. Follow him on Instagram and X @TheReelCritic.

Reggie “The Reel Critic” Ponder shares his thoughts on Greg Kwedar's 2023 film ‘Sing Sing,' which follows true events surrounding a group of incarcerated men as they stage a comedic theatrical production within the walls of Sing Sing Maximum Security Prison in Ossining, New York. Participating in the prison's Rehabilitation Through the Arts program, the men find purpose and a newly-ignited passion for acting. Ponder feels the film shed a much-needed positive light on incarcerated men of color. Listen to hear his full review! This segment was hosted and produced by Reggie Ponder. Follow him on Instagram and X @TheReelCritic. ‘Sing Sing' is now in theaters.

New film ‘Sing Sing' follows the real-life story of a group of men who, while incarcerated at Sing Sing Maximum Security Prison in Ossining, New York, explore life's purpose and vulnerability as they aim to put on an original comedy production with the prison's Rehabilitation Through the Arts Program. Reggie “The Reel Critic” Ponder met with producers Greg Kwedar and Monique Walton to discuss the film's emotional impact and intentionality. This segment was hosted and produced by Reggie Ponder. Follow him on Instagram and X @TheReelCritic. ‘Sing Sing' is now in theaters.

‘Deadpool & Wolverine' debuts an unprecedented friendship fighting against evils new to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. After Deadpool (Ryan Reynolds) learns his world is on the brink of extinction, he enlists the help of an unlikely ally: Wolverine (Hugh Jackman). As the two traverse new landscapes, they encounter familiar foes who take viewers by surprise. Reggie “The Reel Critic” Ponder shares his thoughts on the film — which hit theaters on July 26. This segment was edited and produced by Reggie Ponder. Follow Reggie “The Reel Critic” Ponder on Instagram and X @thereelcritic.

Nicole Riegel's 2024 film ‘Dandelion' follows Theresa — A.K.A Dandelion — a struggling singer-songwriter who books a last-effort gig at a motorcycle rally in South Dakota before giving up on her dream. There she meets Casey, a guitarist who's long-since walked away from his musical pursuits. A romance blossoms and for the first time, Dandelion finds her authentic voice. KiKi Layne and Thomas Doherty, who star as Dandelion and Casey discussed the film with Reggie “The Reel Critic” Ponder, delving into finding their voices as actors and the way Dandelion's identity as a Black woman impacts her artistry. ‘Dandelion' hits theaters July 12. Follow Reggie “The Reel Critic” Ponder on Instagram and X @thereelcritic.

From directors Don Cheadle, Tiffany Johnson and Damon Thomas, limited series ‘The Big Cigar' tells the story of Black Panther Party founder Huey P. Newton. When Newton must escape to Cuba, he enlists the help of unlikely acquaintance Bert Schneider — the Hollywood producer behind ‘Easy Rider.' The six episodes follow Newton (André Holland) as he puts Schneider (Alessandro Nivola) to the test before trusting him with his life. ‘The Big Cigar' is inspired by executive producer Joshuah Bearman's Playboy article of the same name. Chicago actor Inny Plemons stars in the series as Richard Pryor, revered comedian and friend of Newton. Plemons sat down with Vocalo's resident film critic Reggie Ponder to discuss how he got the role and the intentions behind the series. The first episode of ‘The Big Cigar' premiered on May 17 on Apple TV+. Follow Reggie “The Reel Critic” Ponder on Instagram and X @thereelcritic.

Based on a true story, ‘Sing Sing' centers the Rehabilitation Through the Arts program at Sing Sing Maximum Security Prison in upstate New York. Incarcerated for a crime he did not commit, Divine G (played by Colman Domingo) finds purpose through participation in the RTA theatre program as they attempt to stage an original comedic production. Vocalo's resident film critic Reggie “The Reel Critic” Ponder sat down with ‘Sing Sing' actors Clarence “Divine Eye” Maclin, Paul Raci and Sean Dino Johnson to discuss filming inside the prison, the real-life arts program on which the movie is based and the importance of investing in the rehabilitation of incarcerated men and women. ‘Sing Sing' is scheduled for limited U.S. theatrical release on July 12 and more widespread release Aug. 2. Follow Reggie “The Reel Critic” Ponder on X and Instagram @thereelcritic.

Reggie “The Reel Critic” Ponder shares his thoughts on ‘A Quiet Place: Day One,' the thrilling prequel to the post-apocalyptic series. Directed by Michael Sarnoski, the film follows Samira, a terminally ill woman living in a hospice facility outside of New York City. When extra-terrestrial creatures with an acute sense of hearing attack the city, Samira and her cat Frodo are forced to survive within a group and reach safety — without making any noise. The film stars Lupita Nyong'o as Samira and Joseph Quinn as Eric, a law student who joins forces with Samira and Frodo. “The Reel Critic” is hosted and produced by Reggie Ponder. Follow Reggie on Twitter and Instagram @TheReelCritic, and on Facebook @ReggieTheReelCritic.

Reggie “The Reel Critic” Ponder shares his thoughts on the newest addition to the ‘Mad Max' franchise, ‘Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga.' Set against the backdrop of a war-torn landscape, this female revenge story follows Furiosa's quest for freedom after being captured by the warlord Dr. Dementus. With a stellar cast including Anya Taylor-Joy as Furiosa, Chris Hemsworth as Dr. Dementus and Tom Burke as Immortan Joe, ‘Furiosa' offers a gripping tale of resilience and ambition. The Reel Critic feels this prequel stands as a worthy addition to the ‘Mad Max' universe. The film lands in theaters May 24. "The Reel Critic" is hosted and produced by Reggie Ponder. Follow Reggie on Twitter and Instagram @TheReelCritic, and on Facebook @ReggieTheReelCritic.

Reggie “The Reel Critic” shares his thoughts on ‘Back to Black,' Sam Taylor-Johnson's new biopic on the life, legacy and untimely death of renowned singer-songwriter Amy Winehouse. From rising star to five-time Grammy winner, ‘Back to Black' documents Winehouse's journey and humanizes her struggle with substance abuse. The film fills in the gaps in Winehouse's life, untold by the media. ‘Back to Black' hit theaters May 17. "The Reel Critic" is hosted and produced by Reggie Ponder. Follow Reggie on Twitter and Instagram @TheReelCritic, and on Facebook @ReggieTheReelCritic.

‘Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes' continues the franchise's thought-provoking commentary on humanity — and Reggie “The Reel Critic” Ponder shares his thoughts on the new film. Directed by Wes Ball, the film opens to a newly-emerged power dynamic with the apes, once subjugated, reigning supreme over the humans. It follows the struggle for power and freedom as Proximus Caesar asserts dominance, and humanity grapples with its new reality. The film offers a captivating exploration of societal dynamics and the human condition, and Ponder says it's a worthy addition to the franchise. The film hit theaters on May 8. Find showtimes at 20thcenturystudios.com. “The Reel Critic" is hosted and produced by Reggie Ponder. Follow Reggie on Twitter and Instagram @TheReelCritic, and on Facebook @ReggieTheReelCritic.

‘The Fall Guy' follows Colt Seavers (Ryan Gosling), a stuntman for world-famous actor Tom Ryder (Aaron Taylor-Johnson) who abandons the industry and his girlfriend, Jody Moreno (Emily Blunt), following an accident on set. When Ryder is cast in a new film directed by Moreno, Seavers is lured back into the game later by producer Gail Meyer (Hannah Waddingham) at what he believes is the request of his ex. But arriving on set, he learns it's because Meyer needs him to track down Ryder, who's gone missing. As he tries to bring back the star, reconnect with Moreno and save the film, Seavers finds himself a real-life stuntman as he lands in the middle of international crimes much bigger than he had imagined. Reggie “The Reel Critic” Ponder shares his thoughts on the film, which he describes as “an action movie on steroids” — though it has some flaws. ‘The Fall Guy' landed in theaters on May 3. Find showtimes at thefallguymovie.com. "The Reel Critic" is hosted and produced by Reggie Ponder. Follow Reggie on Twitter and Instagram @TheReelCritic, and on Facebook @ReggieTheReelCritic.

Set against the backdrop of Chicago's Cabrini-Green public housing project in the early ‘90s, ‘We Grown Now' (written and directed by Minhal Baig) follows the lives of two young boys as they navigate the trials and tribulations of their community. Reggie "The Reel Critic" Ponder spoke with Blake Cameron James and Jurnee Smollett, who play the characters Malik and Dolores, to hear more about the film. ‘We Grown Now' is playing at Chicago's Gene Siskel Film Center until May 2. "The Reel Critic" is hosted and produced by Reggie Ponder. Follow Reggie on Twitter and Instagram @TheReelCritic, and on Facebook @ReggieTheReelCritic.

Reggie “The Reel Critic” Ponder gives his insights into ‘Challengers,' a new sports romance drama from director Luca Guadagnino. The film stars Zendaya as Tashi Duncan, a tennis star-turned-coach amid a messy, decades-long love triangle with her husband Art (Mike Faist) and his best friend Partick (Josh O'Connor). 'Challengers' blurs the lines between love and competition, guiding viewers through a tale where tennis is a backdrop to the intense battle for affection and dominance. ‘Challengers' is in theaters now. “The Reel Critic” is hosted and produced by Reggie Ponder. Follow Reggie on Twitter and Instagram @TheReelCritic, and on Facebook @ReggieTheReelCritic.

Reggie "The Reel Critic" Ponder shares his insights on the apocalyptic film ‘Arcadian' directed by Ben Brewer. The film follows Paul, portrayed by Nicolas Cage, and his twin sons, Thomas and Joseph, as they navigate a world where nighttime brings forth terror. Check out the Reel Critic's review of both the film's strengths and shortcomings. ‘Arcadian' is in theaters now. "The Reel Critic" is hosted and produced by Reggie Ponder. Follow Reggie on Twitter and Instagram @TheReelCritic, and on Facebook @ReggieTheReelCritic.

2024 action thriller ‘Monkey Man' is Dev Patel's directorial debut. The film follows a young man named Kid — played by Patel — who embarks on a journey to exact revenge on a mob of corrupt leaders responsible for the death of his mother. On his quest to fulfill his vendetta, Kid becomes the savior to a faction of helpless people experiencing torment from the same mob leaders he was pursuing. Check out the Reel Critic's thoughts on the film — which hits theaters April 5. Find more information, including showtimes, at www.monkeyman.movie. "The Reel Critic" is hosted and produced by Reggie Ponder. Follow Reggie on Twitter and Instagram @TheReelCritic, and on Facebook @ReggieTheReelCritic.

In 1968, Shirley Chisholm became the first Black woman elected to Congress in the United States. Four years later, she made history again as the first woman and African American to seek the presidential nomination from one of the two major political parties. Her life and legacy are honored on the screen for the first time in John Ridley's 2024 biographical drama film: ‘Shirley.' The film stars Regina King in the titular role and features Lance Reddick, Terrence Howard, Lucas Hedges, Christina Jackson and more. Film critic Reggie “The Reel Critic” Ponder said a biographical feature about Chisholm is “well overdue.” Hear more of his thoughts, and find ‘Shirley' on Netflix. "The Reel Critic" is hosted and produced by Reggie Ponder. Follow Reggie on Twitter and Instagram @TheReelCritic, and on Facebook @ReggieTheReelCritic.

‘Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire' is director Adam Wingard's newest monster film, hitting American theaters March 29. Reggie Ponder shares his thoughts on this new installment of the Godzilla and King Kong cinematic universe. Following the events of ‘Godzilla x Kong' (2021), humans and mighty titans coexist — mostly — harmoniously. But when an unidentified signal causes the creatures to experience hallucinations, the fragility of this relationship is pushed to the forefront, erupting in a series of wild battles true to the franchise. "The Reel Critic" is hosted and produced by Reggie Ponder. Follow Reggie on Twitter and Instagram @TheReelCritic, and on Facebook @ReggieTheReelCritic.

Reggie “The Reel Critic” Ponder sat down with Christina Jackson to discuss her role in the film ‘Shirley' and the film's importance. Set in 1972, ‘Shirley' takes viewers on the campaign trail with Shirley Chisholm as she made her monumental run for president. Jackson stars as Congresswoman Barbara Lee, and the cast stars co-producer Regina King as Shirley Chisholm. ‘Shirley' is now streaming on Netflix. “The Reel Critic” is hosted and produced by Reggie Ponder. Follow Reggie on Twitter and Instagram @TheReelCritic, and on Facebook @ReggieTheReelCritic. Hear Ponder's full interview with Jackson at reggieponder.com.

Reggie “The Reel Critic” Ponder shares his thoughts on ‘The American Society of Magical Negroes.' Written, directed and produced by Kobi Libii, this satirical comedy takes viewers on a journey through a society where Black individuals dedicate themselves to making white people comfortable. The film touches on themes of colorism, interracial love and overall Blackness. Listen to hear Reggie Ponder's full review on the film. ‘The American Society of Magical Negroes' is now in theaters. “The Reel Critic” is hosted and produced by Reggie Ponder. Follow Reggie on Twitter and Instagram @TheReelCritic, and on Facebook @ReggieTheReelCritic.

Reggie “The Reel Critic” Ponder delves into the buzz surrounding the oldest entertainment awards ceremony as he sheds light on both the good and the bad. Despite being the “granddaddy” of award shows, the Oscars have faced substantial backlash for their historical lack of inclusivity of Asian, African American and Latinx actors, films and filmmakers. As Ponder lays out his predictions for the awards categories, he invites viewers to join him on Twitter, Instagram and YouTube @TheReelCritic for live updates during the awards show. “The Reel Critic” is hosted and produced by Reggie Ponder. Follow Reggie on Twitter and Instagram @TheReelCritic, and on Facebook @ReggieTheReelCritic.

The highly-anticipated second chapter in Denis Villenueve's ‘Dune' brings the action back to the big screen, hitting the box office on March 1 — and collecting $81.5 million. Vocalo resident film critic Reggie “The Reel Critic” Ponder called the film “a heroic tale worthy of the big-screen experience,” pointing out that, while Chalamet commands the screen, the actors surrounding him (especially Zendaya and Rebecca Ferguson) truly make the film stand out. ‘Dune: Part Two' is in theaters now. "The Reel Critic" is hosted and produced by Reggie Ponder. Follow Reggie on Twitter and Instagram @TheReelCritic, and on Facebook @ReggieTheReelCritic.

Reggie “The Reel Critic” Ponder shares his thoughts on the new Hulu documentary ‘Sacred Soil: The Piney Woods School Story,' directed by J.J. Anderson. The film follows the largest, and one of the oldest, historically-Black boarding schools in the US — The Piney Woods School in Mississippi — through the eyes of students and staff. The documentary is streaming now on Hulu. "The Reel Critic" is hosted and produced by Reggie Ponder. Follow Reggie on Twitter and Instagram @TheReelCritic, and on Facebook @ReggieTheReelCritic.

This week on The Reel Critic: New biopic ‘Bob Marley: One Love' is a soulful exploration of the legendary Bob Marley, starring Kingsley Ben-Adir as the late artist and Lashana Lynch as Rita Marley. As it weaves together the musical prowess and personal struggles of the reggae icon, the film gives further insight into his cultural and political impact on Jamaica and the world. Reggie "The Reel Critic" Ponder says the authenticity of Jamaican culture, language and the chemistry between the leads stand out, bringing audiences a convincing portrayal of Bob and Rita. ‘Bob Marley: One Love' is in theaters now. “The Reel Critic” is hosted and produced by Reggie Ponder. Follow Reggie on Twitter and Instagram @TheReelCritic, and on Facebook @ReggieTheReelCritic.