Legit Cool - Film Talk

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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104 - The Rings of Power Season 2 Episode 1 & 2 - 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.

 

Our discussion breaks down both the highlights and the shortcomings of the latest installment in the Tolkien-inspired series. Sauron's arc steals the show as we explore his narrative from a unique point of view. Seeing events unfold through his lens adds depth, bringing fresh intrigue to his character.

However, we can't overlook some of the flaws—particularly the "plastic" dialogue among the Elves, which feels a bit too staged and lacking in genuine emotional weight. While the visual effects are still breathtaking, they suffer from being too pristine and overly polished, pulling us out of the gritty, grounded world Middle-earth should be. We also touched on how the performances, while solid, didn’t elevate the material as much as we hoped.

If you're a fan of film discussions that blend nerdy technical analysis with thoughtful critique, this episode has it all—enough visual splendor and villainous intrigue to keep you intrigued, but plenty of room for improvement.

 

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103 - MCU Phase 1: Iron Man - Review & Recap

Iron Man tells the origin story of Tony Stark, a genius billionaire and weapons manufacturer. After being captured by terrorists and gravely injured, Stark builds a high-tech suit of armor to escape. This experience leads him to reevaluate his company's role in global conflict and to use his technological prowess for good. Stark's transformation into Iron Man and his fight against the villainous Obadiah Stane (who becomes Iron Monger) forms the crux of the movie.

 

MCU Phase 1 introduces iconic heroes like Iron Man, Thor, and Captain America, laying the foundation for the Avengers' formation. It sets up key elements of the Infinity Saga, including the Tesseract and Nick Fury’s Avengers Initiative, culminating in The Avengers. We will be covering the entire saga. 

The Infinity Saga is the overarching narrative of Phases 1-3, where the Avengers face cosmic-level threats, leading to an epic showdown with Thanos and the quest for the powerful Infinity Stones.

 

In this episode, River dives into Iron Man—the first film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe that laid the foundation for the Infinity Saga. Directed by Jon Favreau and starring Robert Downey Jr., Iron Man tells the origin story of Tony Stark, a billionaire genius who becomes a superhero. River praises the film's vibrant charm, smart dialogue, and the chemistry between Tony Stark and Pepper Potts. While the action and visual effects still hold up after 10+ years, he finds the final battle underwhelming. Overall, River gives Iron Man an 8/10 for its successful start to the MCU.

 

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102 - Blink Twice - Review & Recap

Frida, a cocktail waitress, and her best friend Jess get invited to a private island by tech mogul Slater King. What starts as a luxurious getaway quickly turns dark as Frida uncovers a twisted plot involving memory-erasing flowers, hallucinogens, and a series of brutal assaults. As memories return and the truth unravels, Frida fights to survive and expose the horrifying secrets hidden on the island.

 

On this episode of Legit Cool Podcast, we're diving into Zoe Kravitz's directorial debut, Blink Twice. I rated it a 7/10, and for good reason—it's a strong start for Kravitz, even with a few rough edges in editing and directorial choices. This thriller takes a page from the playbooks of Fincher, Hitchcock, and Kubrick but also brings something fresh to the table with its sharp social commentary on the sexualization and exploitation of women.

We’ll be breaking down the plot, discussing Kravitz’s choices, and getting into why this film, despite its flaws, shows promise for her future in filmmaking. If you're into thrillers that keep you guessing and pack a punch with their themes, you'll want to stick around for this one.

 

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101 - Alien Romulus - Review & Recap

Alien: Romulus is set 20 years after the events of the original Alien film and follows a group of young space colonists who encounter a deadly Xenomorph on an abandoned space station. Isolated and terrified, they must use their wits and skills to survive against the relentless creature, evoking the intense survival horror of the earlier films. The movie leans heavily into the horror elements that made the original Alien so iconic, blending tension, atmosphere, and visceral scares.

 

Alien Romulus is a thrilling and nostalgic addition to the Alien franchise. Director Fede Alvarez's passion for the franchise shines through in his homage to the original film. The movie follows Rain Carradine and her crew as they embark on a mission to escape their mining colony and reach the planet Yavaga. Along the way, they encounter xenomorphs and face numerous challenges.

The film is filled with tension, scares, and impressive sound design. The chemistry between Rain and Andy, her synthetic brother, adds depth to the story. Overall, Alien Romulus is a must-watch for fans of the franchise. Alien Romulus and Long Legs is a thrilling and visually stunning addition to the Alien franchise. The film expertly uses gravity and atmosphere generators to create a constant sense of danger and anxiety. The story revolves around a group of explorers who inadvertently revive facehugger specimens and trigger a lockdown. As they navigate the xenomorph-infested ship, they uncover the truth about experimental genetic mutations and face off against a terrifying human-xenomorph hybrid. The film is filled with intense action sequences, impressive visual effects, and strong performances. It deserves recognition for its unique take on the Alien universe.

 

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100 - Jurassic Park - Review & Recap (Voted by the fans celebrating 100)

Jurassic Park follows a group of scientists and experts invited to a remote island by billionaire John Hammond, who has created a theme park featuring genetically resurrected dinosaurs. As they tour the park, things go disastrously wrong when the park's security systems fail, allowing the dinosaurs to roam free. The group must now fight for survival against the deadly creatures, with the dangerous and unpredictable T-Rex and velociraptors on the loose. Directed by Steven Spielberg, the film blends thrilling action, suspense, and groundbreaking special effects in a battle between man and nature.

 

This episode is dedicated to our amazing fans who keep us going. 🎬 Your vote for the 100th episode comes to life with this Spielberg classic.

🍿 Thanks for the support and for shaping our journey! 🚀

In this 7.5/10 review, the hosts explore the lasting impact of Jurassic Park, praising Spielberg's direction, impressive effects, and Jeff Goldblum's humor. While the film remains a thrilling adventure, its shift from discovery to escape feels disjointed, with some unrealistic character dialogue and excessive exposition. Though the movie's action and suspense shine, the storytelling and character development have noticeable flaws. They also reflect on the impact of trailers, box office stardom, and future podcast reviews, expressing gratitude for reaching 100 episodes.

 

A huge shoutout to our 3k listeners who geek out with us every month! 🎬🍿 Here's to the next 100 episodes and diving deeper into cinematic brilliance together! 🚀🎉

 

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