A single movie is more powerful than a thousand realities...or something. Come to Fellowship Of The Reel, a movie review podcast beyond the furthest reaches of your imagination. Four movie fans meet to discuss, debate, and ultimately review movies of their own choosing. One Movie Review Podcast To Rule Them All!

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/9/18/22/079a2655-d975-4cf8-8a8e-22a0143de2a3_id4_episode.mp3

Welcome back to Fellowship of the Reel, where four friends gather to discuss a movie. For our major 250th anniversary episode, we are dissecting the 1996 sci-fi action-adventure blockbuster, Independence Day. Released thirty years ago on July 3rd, 1996, this film was highly engineered with a traditional structure that utilized a sprawling ensemble cast to deliver massive cinematic spectacle. The crew analyzes the overarching theme of humanity putting aside its differences to unite against a common enemy, highlighted by President Thomas J. Whitmore&#39;s iconic speech referencing Dylan Thomas&#39;s poem about raging against the dying of the light. Segment Breakdown <ul><li>Notable Quotables: Before breaking down the film, we play a game testing our knowledge of quotes from the cast&#39;s other roles. Listen as we identify Jeff Goldblum&#39;s &#34;Life finds a way&#34; from Jurassic Park, Will Smith&#39;s &#34;I make this look good&#34; from Men in Black, and Randy Quaid&#39;s memorable lines from Vegas Vacation.</li><li> </li><li>Critics &amp; Fans: We discuss our surprise at the film&#39;s mixed reception compared to other sci-fi classics like Aliens. We break down its 77% Tomatometer critic score and 75% audience score, which contrast sharply with its massive box office success of $817 million worldwide ($300 million domestically and $500 million internationally) on a $75 million budget.</li><li> </li><li>The Beats &amp; Structure: A deep dive into the film&#39;s narrative pacing and beats. We track the story from the ominous opening image of an alien shadow engulfing the Apollo 11 lunar plaque, to the catalyst of coordinated alien launches destroying landmarks. We also discuss the film&#39;s five distinct converging storylines, the Area 51 reveals, and the &#34;false defeat&#34; moment when the military&#39;s nuclear strike completely fails against the alien shields.</li><li> </li><li>Fun &amp; Games: We highlight our favorite tropes and action moments, from Harry Connick Jr. playing Will Smith&#39;s sidekick to the &#34;Star Wars rules&#34; where doomed pilots always deliver a negative line right before they die. We also recount the finale where David and Hiller successfully infiltrate the mothership to upload a virus, leading to Russell Casse sacrificing himself while shouting, &#34;Hello boys, I&#39;m back&#34;.</li></ul>

REVIEW: INDEPENDENCE DAY

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/9/18/22/e568d3b5-a0ac-4daa-a91d-eaa081a9c801_id4_trailer.mp3

Trailer for our review of INDEPENDENCE DAY.

TRAILER: INDEPENDENCE DAY

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/9/12/15/9946c82e-5386-4fc9-9ff9-d375d7145858_the_dead_don_t_die_review.mp3

**Fellowship of the Reel podcast episode reviewing *The Dead Don’t Die* (2019, Jim Jarmusch).** Four friends (Phil as host/picker, plus James, Sherry, and Chris) talk through the movie after a Bill Murray quote quiz and box-office/ratings context. ### Setup and receptionThey note the film’s messy genre tags (action, comedy, horror, sci-fi, etc.), modest budget (~$2.5–6M) and worldwide gross (~$15.3M), Rotten Tomatoes scores (critics ~55%, audience ~38%), and IMDb 5.4. Fan reviews they read call it boring, plotless, or “the worst movie ever.” Phil argues many viewers expected a conventional zombie movie and didn’t get one. ### Core argument: anti-plotPhil frames the film using Sean Coyne / Story Grid ideas: most movies are “arch plots” (Save the Cat–style three-act structure with causality, character change, and a closed ending). *The Dead Don’t Die* is an **anti-plot**—it breaks conventions on purpose (weak causality, no consistent reality, characters who don’t change, fourth-wall breaks, aliens dropped in late). That puts it on the thin tails of the audience “bell curve,” which helps explain the poor scores. They contrast it with films like *Wayne’s World*, *Memento*, and *Eternal Sunshine*. ### Plot and “beats” they force onto itThey walk the story while admitting they’re forcing arch-plot labels onto something that resists them:- Sleepy Centerville, polar fracking, odd daylight, missing pets.- First zombies (Iggy Pop, etc.) at the diner; “I’m thinking zombies.”- Townspeople and zombies chasing old vices (coffee, Wi-Fi, Snapple, guitar).- Zelda Winston (Tilda Swinton) as detached Scottish samurai/undertaker who later boards a UFO.- Meta bits: Adam Driver’s Ronnie has read the script and keeps saying it won’t end well; Bill Murray’s Cliff only got his pages; they still follow the script to their deaths.- Supporting characters die or vanish (Danny Glover, Steve Buscemi’s farmer, Selena Gomez/Austin Butler teens).- Climax: cops go out fighting in the cemetery; Hermit Bob (Tom Waits) watches from the woods and monologues about consumerism. Easter eggs they mention include *Night of the Living Dead* car and TV flashes, Sturgill Simpson’s theme (and guitar zombie), and Wu-Tang/RZA as the “WUPS” delivery guy. ### Themes and criticism of JarmuschThey spend a lot of time on consumerism, spiritual deadness, and whether Jarmusch is angry at mainstream audiences and his own modest box office (*Broken Flowers* is cited as his biggest hit). Polar fracking and a “Keep America White Again” hat get political readings. Several hosts feel the message is preachy (especially Hermit Bob’s closer) and that breaking rules to poke the audience is less clever than *They Live*, *Fight Club*, or *American Psycho*. They also dunk on *Asteroid City* as an even more painful “nothing happens” movie. ### VerdictAll four land on **consider**, not pass: strong cast (Murray, Driver, Swinton, Buscemi, Tom Waits, etc.), look and tone, dry humor, and zombie-movie appeal—if you go in knowing it’s weird, meta, and not a standard Romero/Walking Dead story. They would not call it a must-watch or a hidden masterpiece.

REVIEW OF THE DEAD DON'T DIE

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/9/12/15/96ea1f0c-b842-470b-8514-3ec85d719f11_pre_show_babble.mp3

The conversation covers three primary topics: recent movie and television recommendations, frustrations with the modern streaming landscape, and a tribute to Dolly Parton. <h2>Movie and Television Reviews</h2><ul><li>Dog Stars: One speaker watched a Ridley Scott post-apocalyptic survival film starring Josh Brolin and Jacob Elordi. Initially mistaken for a zombie film, it focuses on survivors, including a pilot with a dog, defending an airstrip from hostile outsiders.</li><li> </li><li>Upcoming Tom Cruise Projects: The hosts joke about the recently announced Days of Thunder sequel, noting Cruise&#39;s age. They also discuss a bizarre trailer for a film called Digger, featuring Cruise in a fat suit washing cats, though they are confused by its premise.</li><li> </li><li>Widow&#39;s Bay: An episodic Apple TV+ horror series set on a haunted island. The hosts compare it to Stephen King&#39;s style and recommend it ahead of its upcoming second season.</li><li> </li><li>Ted Lasso: Highly recommended by one host for its positive messaging and Jason Sudeikis&#39;s performance, though others haven&#39;t watched it due to its Apple TV+ exclusivity.</li><li> </li><li>Zombie Media: The hosts discuss Seoul Station, a 2016 animated Korean prequel to Train to Busan. This prompts a pitch for an original short story titled &#34;Chew,&#34; where a train steward unwittingly spreads a zombie virus through tainted chewing gum.</li><li> </li><li>Rhinestone: A host aggressively warns the others not to watch the 1984 comedy starring Sylvester Stallone and Dolly Parton, specifically criticizing a scene where Stallone sings a &#34;Frankenstein&#34; song.</li><li> </li></ul><h2>Streaming Ecosystem Frustrations</h2><ul><li>Platform Fragmentation: The hosts lament the overwhelming number of subscription services (Apple TV+, Netflix, Peacock, Paramount, Sling) required to watch specific shows.</li><li> </li><li>Recreating Cable: They agree that adding up multiple individual streaming subscriptions has essentially recreated the expensive, bundled cable packages consumers originally tried to escape.</li><li> </li><li>Sports Access Issues: The hosts note the difficulty of watching local sports, specifically mentioning that the Texas Rangers&#39; broadcast channel went bankrupt, forcing them to watch games on a separate app called Victory+.</li><li> </li></ul><h2>Dolly Parton Tribute</h2><ul><li>Recent Passing: The hosts mourn the recent passing of Dolly Parton, which prompted one host to rewatch the movie 9 to 5.</li><li> </li><li>Workplace Culture: They reflect on 9 to 5, discussing the toxic, sexist 1980s office dynamics the film portrays.</li><li> </li><li>Personal Anecdotes: A host shares a story about a soldier friend who went home on leave and was shocked to find Dolly Parton (a relative of his) casually cooking in his kitchen.</li><li> </li><li>Legacy: The group praises her widespread appeal, philanthropy, and musical legacy, referencing a past podcast episode where they reviewed her performance in Steel Magnolias.</li></ul>

PRE-SHOW BABBLE: THE DEAD DON'T DIE

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/9/9/22/67b03e0e-431a-40a3-9f4d-68b327292144_ddd_trailer.mp3

Trailer for our latest Review: The Dead Don&#39;t Die

TRAILER: REVIEW OF THE DEAD DON'T DIE

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/6/19/22/853c1af3-1959-4bfb-8844-359e285bb83c_john_carter_episode.mp3

Got thoughts? Leave us a voicemail on our SpeakPipe.<a href="https://www.speakpipe.com/fellowshipofthereel" rel="nofollow">Send a voice message to fellowshipofthereel</a>

REVIEW OF JOHN CARTER OF MARS

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/6/19/22/d9045b09-2d90-447f-b45a-fdfec5c832a7_trailer_for_john_carter_review.mp3

TRAILER: REVIEW OF JOHN CARTER OF MARS

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/6/17/22/b00c5ac6-722a-48f2-8a34-b0811de1b571_joe_dirt.mp3

ALL THE DIRT ON JOE DIRT

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/6/17/22/efc7640b-aa2c-48eb-ae70-b8531d767aa0_joe_dirt_review_trailer.mp3

Got thoughts? Leave us a voicemail on our SpeakPipe.Send a voice message to the <a href="https://www.speakpipe.com/fellowshipofthereel" rel="nofollow">Fellowship</a>

TRAILER: REVIEW OF JOE DIRT

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/5/25/0/a259a56e-b25f-4274-bc42-6b0701e2916b_second_hand_lions_episode.mp3

First-Rate Uncles, Secondhand Lions

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/5/25/0/8951a665-8f7e-4eae-9515-8fb866c9631e_more_off_topic.mp3

Still More Off Topic

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/5/25/0/c79e7c99-4662-4eb9-be93-1ad314911341_off_topic.mp3

Even More Jabber

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/5/24/23/01f875b0-6f2f-4704-b35d-9701cf46bf53_second_hand_lions_review_trailer.mp3

Trailer: Review of Second Hand Lions

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/5/24/21/5a455b6a-c1f7-4f4f-8524-3233c9b914d1_more_pre-show_jabber.mp3

More Pre-Show Jabber

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/5/16/19/48610503-4797-40f5-9a88-1fbc5c0d1d1b_bigtroubleinlittlechinaepisodefinal.mp3

Green Eyes & Neon Magic: The Genius of Big Trouble in Little China

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/5/16/19/46c8d125-1ab4-497f-81ac-8120589586e2_better_btilc_trailer.mp3

Trailer: BIG TROUBLE IN LITTLE CHINA

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/5/9/20/e7b11ab6-4915-4c13-80fe-084cf564d5af_lockup_episode.mp3

Shanks, Sabotage, and Sylvester: Reviewing Lockup

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/5/9/20/e805fcd8-b979-4c4b-a9ea-a7c051c3be39_lockup_trailer.mp3

Trailer for review of LOCKUP

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/5/3/21/7f5c9884-30cb-49dc-9cea-280abc14207f_the_crazies.mp3

Pitchforks, Planes, and Paranoia: Hydrating and Die-drating with The Crazies (2010)

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/5/3/20/5d1ac6ab-ad4f-43ee-9deb-29feddb8a559_the_crazies_trailer.mp3

Trailer for our upcoming review of THE CRAZIES (2010)Got thoughts? Leave us a voicemail on our SpeakPipe.<a href="https://www.speakpipe.com/fellowshipofthereel" rel="nofollow">Send a voice message to fellowshipofthereel</a>

Trailer for our review of The Crazies (2010)

One movie review podcast to rule them all

A single movie is more powerful than a thousand realities...or something. 
Come to Fellowship Of The Reel, a movie review podcast beyond the furthest reaches of your imagination.
Four movie fans meet to discuss, debate, and ultimately review movies of their own choosing. 
One Movie Review Podcast To Rule Them All!