Legit Cool Podcast - Movie Talk

114 - Wolf Man (2025) - Review & Recap

Leigh Whannell’s reboot of the Universal Monster classic. Christopher Abbott plays Blake, a San Fran dad who drags his wife Charlotte (Julia Garner) and daughter Ginger (Matilda Firth) to his rural Oregon childhood home after his dad’s presumed dead. Night one, a beast scratches Blake, and he starts turning feral—family horror with body-horror grit.

 

I’m digging into the 2025 Wolf Man reboot—Leigh Whannell’s stab at the Universal classic. We’re talking the setup, box office flop, character flops, those dope practical effects, and how it’s landing out there. Straight up, I’m bummed—the pacing’s a slog, the arcs are thin, and it’s got no heart to grip you. Visuals pop, sure, but it’s a shell of a story that doesn’t hit home—leaves me cold.

 

CHAPTERS

 

00:00 Introduction to Wolfman
02:58 Overview of the 2025 Reboot
05:55 Box Office Performance and Reception
09:14 General Thoughts on the Film
11:53 Character Analysis and Themes
15:00 Visual Effects and Practical Effects
17:56 Plot Recap and Analysis
25:56 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

 

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113 - Conclave - Review & Recap

When the beloved pope dies suddenly, Cardinal Lawrence, Dean of the College of Cardinals, oversees the conclave to elect his successor. Locked in the Vatican with the world’s most powerful cardinals, he uncovers a maze of secrets, scandals, and power plays that could upend the Church.

 

River reviews the political thriller 'Conclave,' directed by Edward Berger. The film explores the intricate power dynamics within the Vatican as Cardinals gather to elect a new Pope following the sudden death of the previous one. River delves into the film's themes of ambition, hypocrisy, and the human condition, highlighting the performances of Ralph Fiennes and Stanley Tucci. The discussion also covers the film's cinematography, score, and the controversial ending that left River feeling unsatisfied despite the overall quality of the film.

 

CHAPTERS

 

00:00 Introduction to Conclave
01:52 Overview of the Film and Its Context
04:19 Themes of Power and Ambition
10:18 Character Analysis and Performances
12:13 Plot Recap and Key Events
23:39 Final Thoughts and Conclusion

 

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112 - MCU Phase 1: Incredible Hulk - Review & Recap

Dr. Bruce Banner’s a genius with a curse—gamma radiation turned him into the Hulk, a green wrecking ball of rage he can’t control. He’s ducking the feds and General Thunderbolt Ross, a hardass dead-set on turning him into a living weapon. On the run, Banner tracks down a fix for his condition and crashes back into the orbit of Betty Ross, the ex he’s still tangled up with. But the military’s closing in, and then there’s Emil Blonsky—a soldier with a mean streak who juiced himself into the Abomination, a freakshow nightmare even uglier than Banner’s demons. When the streets turn into a warzone, Banner’s got no choice but to let the Hulk loose, smashing through the chaos to take Blonsky down before everything’s rubble. By the end, he’s done running from the monster inside—teeing up whatever the MCU’s got brewing next.

 

In this episode, River and Tony take a deep dive into The Incredible Hulk, the MCU’s often-overlooked second installment. They break down the film’s place in Marvel’s early world-building, from its grounded fugitive thriller approach to its ambitious—but sometimes uneven—character dynamics. How does it handle Bruce Banner’s struggle for control? Does the villain hold up? And why does this film feel like an outlier in the MCU’s evolution? They analyze the storytelling, action sequences, and production choices while reflecting on its impact within the larger Marvel universe.

 

CHAPTERS

00:00 Introduction to the MCU and Its Impact
03:01 The Incredible Hulk: Overview and Context
06:08 Character Development and Storytelling Techniques
09:04 Production Insights and Creative Team
12:06 Cameos and MCU Connections
15:05 Critical Reception and Audience Response
18:04 Overall Impressions and Themes
21:03 Character Dynamics and Relationships
24:00 Final Thoughts and Conclusions
26:37 Character Dynamics and Relationships
29:35 Action Sequences and Cinematic Techniques
35:09 Villain Development and Character Arcs
41:44 Plot Execution and Storytelling Challenges
48:41 Final Thoughts and Ratings

 

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111 - Nosferatu - Review & Recap

In Nosferatu (2024), a reimagining of the classic tale, Thomas Hutter (Nicholas Hoult), a real estate agent, travels to the remote castle of Count Orlok (Bill Skarsgård) to finalize a property sale. Uncovering Orlok’s vampiric nature, Thomas becomes trapped while Orlok journeys to Wismar, bringing death and plague. Thomas’ wife, Ellen (Lily-Rose Depp), discovers the means to defeat the count through self-sacrifice. In a tragic climax, Ellen lures Orlok into the sunlight, destroying him but losing her life. Gothic, atmospheric, and haunting, the film explores themes of love, mortality, and obsession.

Robert Eggers is back with another gothic masterpiece, and River is here to break it all down! This episode dives into Nosferatu’s haunting visuals, eerie atmosphere, and deep themes of love, obsession, and sacrifice. River explores the film’s financial success, critical reception, and how it stacks up against the 1922 classic. Plus, a deep dive into standout performances (shoutout to Lily-Rose Depp!) and a full plot breakdown. Is this horror gold or just style over substance? Tune in for the verdict! 🎬🔥

River dives into the numbers—$50M budget, $176.6M box office—and the divide between critics (85%) and audiences (73%). Nosferatu stuns visually with its gothic atmosphere, killer cinematography, and eerie sound design, but does the story hold up? Lily-Rose Depp delivers a standout performance, yet the pacing might test your patience. Themes of sacrifice and dark love run deep, but River feels a disconnect between the film’s stunning visuals and its storytelling. Final verdict? A solid 6/10—tune in for the full breakdown! 🔥👀

 

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110 - Heretic - Review & Recap

Two young Mormon missionaries, Sister Barnes and Sister Paxton, venture into a remote and unfamiliar town to spread their faith. When they are invited into the home of the enigmatic and charming Mr. Reed, their beliefs and courage are put to the ultimate test. What begins as a seemingly cordial encounter soon spirals into a harrowing psychological ordeal. As Mr. Reed's dark and sinister intentions come to light, the sisters must confront the limits of their faith and the nature of true evil.

 

Join River on this episode of the Legit Cool Podcast as he unpacks the psychological thriller Heretic. With its haunting blend of theological themes and psychological tension, the film boasts standout performances from Hugh Grant and Sophie Thatcher. River explores the film’s intricate storytelling, analyzing its portrayal of control and religion through layered character dynamics. He breaks down the visual techniques, music score, and overall production quality, offering insights into how these elements shape the film’s tone and impact.

While praising the film’s psychological depth and striking cinematography, River doesn’t shy away from critiquing its ending, which struggles to fully deliver on the high stakes it sets up. Tune in for a thoughtful and engaging discussion that balances film nerdy analysis with casual conversation—perfect for cinephiles and casual moviegoers alike!

 

 

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109 - LOTR: The War of the Rohirrim

Set 183 years before the events chronicled in the original trilogy of films, “The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim” tells the fate of the House of Helm Hammerhand, the legendary King of Rohan. A sudden attack by Wulf, a clever and ruthless Dunlending lord seeking vengeance for the death of his father, forces Helm and his people to make a daring last stand in the ancient stronghold of the Hornburg— a mighty fortress that will later come to be known as Helm’s Deep. Finding herself in an increasingly desperate situation, Héra, the daughter of Helm, must summon the will to lead the resistance against a deadly enemy intent on their total destruction.

 

River and Tony geek out over the newest Lord of the Rings chapter, War of the Rohirrim, diving into its anime-inspired style and intense battle vibes. They break down the legacy of Helm Hammerhand, the epic siege at Helm’s Deep, and the emotional punch behind the film’s character arcs. The duo gets film nerdy with deep cuts on the animation, direction, and killer score while comparing its tone to the OG trilogy and Amazon’s take on Middle-earth. From brutal betrayals to big lore drops, they serve up sharp takes on what worked, what didn’t, and what this means for the future of the franchise.

 

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108 - The Rings of Power Season 2 Episode 7 & 8 - Review & Recap

Season 2 of The Rings of Power promises to deepen the epic storylines introduced in Season 1 while introducing new twists. The season centers on Sauron, now unmasked, who must rebuild his strength and oversee the forging of the Rings of Power to cement his dominion over Middle-earth. Galadriel, still reeling from her unknowing proximity to Sauron, seeks vengeance, while Elrond and Celebrimbor confront the consequences of creating the Rings.

 

In this jam-packed episode, River and Tony dive deep into the finale of The Rings of Power Season 2 and reflect on the series as a whole. With a balance of critique and humor, they explore everything from Sauron’s bloody legacy to Galadriel’s dramatic fall—yes, she falls, metaphorically and literally.

From epic battles with questionable setups to hobbits making baffling decisions, the duo spares no detail. They question Elrond’s questionable choices, the Nine Rings' origin story, and whether Celebrimbor got the short end of the mithril stick. Did Nori’s weight loss add to her character arc? Does Gandalf need a crash course in recognizing evil? And why are the dwarves always late to the party?

With cinematic comparisons to Rogue One and musings on Christian allegories in Tolkien’s work, this episode goes beyond critique to examine what makes fantasy storytelling thrive—or fumble. Whether you're here for the orc drama, political intrigue in Númenor, or the sheer absurdity of a glowing staff, this discussion has something for every fan (or skeptic).

Stick around to hear their honest takes on the season’s rushed narrative, emotional stakes, and whether Season 3 is worth the wait—or the risk. Fantasy fans, grab your mithril and join the conversation!

 

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107 - Smile 2 - Review & Recap

In Smile 2, global pop star Skye Riley, haunted by the trauma of her boyfriend's death, begins experiencing terrifying visions and eerie smiles similar to those from the original Smile curse. As her comeback tour approaches, she faces escalating supernatural horrors that force her to confront her past. The plot explores fame, trauma, and the inescapable grip of the entity as it preys on her vulnerabilities, pushing her to a breaking point in a haunting fight for survival.

 

In this episode, River dives into Smile 2, Parker Finn’s horror sequel that pushes the boundaries of psychological terror. We unpack the journey of Skye Riley, a superstar trapped by a sinister curse that brings her deepest fears to life. The conversation explores Naomi Scott's powerful performance, which brings Skye’s struggles with fame and trauma to a chilling crescendo. River also discusses the film's suspenseful score, haunting cinematography, and layered storytelling. From the emotional undertones to the unsettling conclusion, this review offers a thorough critique, analyzing how Smile 2 tackles themes of mental health, unresolved guilt, and the blurred lines between reality and horror.

 

TAKE AWAYS

• Smile 2 boasts a larger budget and explores trauma and fame.
• Parker Finn’s direction is unique and elevates the horror.
• Naomi Scott’s performance stands out, particularly as her character, Skye Riley, battles past trauma.
• Cinematography and music enhance the suspense and atmosphere.
• The film’s structure, character dynamics, and opening scene set a gruesome tone.
• Themes of reality, perception, and mental health add depth.
• Comparisons with the first Smile reveal fresh arcs and commentary.

 

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106 - The Rings of Power Season 2 Episode 5 & 6 - Review & Recap

The season will explore the rise of Sauron in greater detail, especially after his identity as Halbrand was revealed in the Season 1 finale. One of the central plot points will be the creation of more Rings of Power, with characters like Celebrimbor, Galadriel, and Gil-galad playing key roles.

A major focus in Season 2 will be on the Fall of Eregion, one of Middle-earth's significant battles. This event marks the beginning of the war between the Elves and Sauron and will play out across multiple episodes. The consequences of this battle will lead to the foundation of Rivendell by Elrond.

 

In this episode of the Legit Cool Podcast, hosts River and Tony dive deep into Season Two of The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power. They explore the rise of Sauron, the forging of the Rings, and the psychological manipulation of characters like Celebrimbor. Together, they recap episode five, "Halls of Stone," analyzing the complex dynamics between dwarves and elves, the corruption of power, and the nuanced character arcs of Elrond, Galadriel, and Adar.

River and Tony discuss the narrative's exploration of themes such as agency, manipulation, and the nature of evil, while also critiquing specific scenes and production choices. They share hopes for future episodes, emphasizing the need for character depth and stronger storytelling. This conversation balances critique with cautious optimism, examining both the strengths and missteps of the season so far.

 

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105 - The Rings of Power Season 2 Episode 3 & 4 - Review & Recap

In this episode of The Legit Cool Podcast, River and Tony take a deep dive into episodes 3 and 4 of The Rings of Power season 2. They dissect key plot points and character arcs, focusing on Sauron’s shifting role from manipulative villain to a figure striving to save his realm, which adds a new layer of complexity. The hosts also critique the political dynamics in Númenor, particularly the tension between the Faithful and Ar-Pharazôn’s rule, while highlighting the dwarven storylines and their emotional weight.

The duo discusses the directorial choices, from the overly polished visuals that feel disconnected from the gritty world of Middle-earth, to the lack of organic dialogue, particularly among the Elves. They also examine Durin’s storyline and the risks of awakening dangers beneath Khazad-dûm, adding to the show’s growing tension. With detailed observations on pacing, character relationships, and narrative progression, River and Tony provide a thoughtful critique that balances both praise and concerns over the show’s evolving direction.

 

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