Episodes
Published 03/22/24
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...
Published 03/22/24
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...
Published 03/15/24
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...
Published 03/08/24
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...
Published 03/04/24
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...
Published 02/26/24
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...
Published 02/16/24
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...
Published 02/16/24
Reggie “The Reel Critic” Ponder breaks down his thoughts on the 2024 Oscar nominations, and snubs. Much of the Oscar buzz has surrounded Ryan Gosling as he was nominated for Best Supporting Actor in ‘Barbie’ while Margo Robbie, who portrayed the iconic doll, failed to receive a nomination. Greta Gerwig, the director behind the film, was also left off the nominee list, though America Ferrera was nominated for best supporting actress. Concurrently, no Black women were nominated for best...
Published 02/09/24
(No spoilers) Elly Conway is the author of best-selling spy novels about fictional secret agent Aubrey Argylle, on a mission to uncover a global spy syndicate. But as her books begin to predict actual events in a real espionage organization, she attracts the attention of actual secret agents — and they need to know what’s in the next chapter. From director Matthew Vaughn, ‘Argylle’ stars Bryce Dallas Howard as Elly Conway, plus Sam Rockwell, Henry Cavill, Samuel L. Jackson, John Cena, Ariana...
Published 02/02/24
Ava DuVernay's cinematic masterpiece 'Origin' explores the intersection of race and caste. DuVernay adapts Isabel Wilkerson's thought-provoking book, 'Caste: The Origins of Our Discontent,' into a film that delves deep into societal analysis. Reggie 'The Reel Critic' Ponder met with the filmmaker to unravel the creative journey behind the film, and the narrative she aimed to convey. "The Reel Critic" is hosted and produced by Reggie Ponder. Follow Reggie on Twitter and Instagram...
Published 01/29/24
In this week’s segment, Reggie “The Reel Critic” Ponder reviews ‘Origin,’ a film directed by Ava DuVernay that delves into Pulitzer Prize winner Isabel Wilkerson's pursuit to write ‘Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents.’ Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor delivers a magnificent performance in the film, portraying Wilkerson's curiosity and courage as DuVernay weaves personal trials into the narrative, challenging perceptions of oppression. ‘Origin’ sparks discussions on race, class and the human...
Published 01/26/24
For her standout performance as Mary in ‘The Holdovers,’ actress Da’Vine Joy Randolph has won a Golden Globe and Critics Choice Award — and awards season isn't over yet. The actress spoke with resident film critic Reggie “The Reel Critic” Ponder about the role following the two wins. She emphasized the importance of respecting and portraying the dignity of the characters she plays, drawing inspiration from actresses like Phylicia Rashad and Ella Joyce, and from observing real-life situations...
Published 01/19/24
Christopher Nolan’s ‘Oppenheimer’ is racking up trophies and nominations this awards season, taking home five Golden Globe Awards on Jan. 7 and earning 13 Critics Choice Awards nominations, which will be presented Jan. 14. Reggie “The Reel Critic” Ponder brings listeners his “explosive” review of the film, which details the life and legacy of “father of the atomic bomb” J. Robert Oppenheimer. Oppenheimer played a key role in the Manhattan Project, the World War II development of nuclear...
Published 01/12/24
With the film awards season in full swing, Reggie “The Reel Critic” Ponder brings listeners a sneak peek into the duties of a film critic during this busy time. This year, the Golden Globes, held on Sunday, Jan. 7, have split their Best Picture nominees into two categories: Drama and Musical/Comedy. Reggie breaks down the nominees and some of his predictions — and wants you to send him your own predictions to [email protected]. "The Reel Critic" is hosted and produced by Reggie Ponder....
Published 01/05/24
Reggie “The Reel Critic” Ponder shares another excerpt from his interview with Fantasia Barrino, Taraji P. Henson and Danielle Brooks, the leading women of Blitz Bazawule’s ‘The Color Purple.’ The new film is based on the stage musical, which is adapted from Alice Walker’s novel of the same name, and 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.
Published 12/28/23
Reggie “The Reel Critic” Ponder brings listeners his thoughts on the film adaptation of ‘The Color Purple’ musical, based on Alice Walker’s 1982 novel. ‘The Color Purple’ showcases decades in the life of Celie, a young woman navigating life’s hardships in the 1900s American South, and finding comfort and support in her female peers. ‘The Color Purple’ is in theaters now. "The Reel Critic" is hosted and produced by Reggie Ponder. Follow Reggie on Twitter and Instagram @TheReelCritic, and on...
Published 12/27/23
Actors Archie Madekwe and Alison Oliver of 2023’s ’Saltburn’ sat down with Reggie “The Reel Critic” Ponder to discuss the film. ‘Saltburn’ is Emerald Fennell’s genre-bending, critically acclaimed film starring Barry Keoghan, Jacob Elordi, Rosamund Pike, Archie Madekwe, Alison Oliver and Carey Mulligan. It centers on Oliver, an Oxford student with an unfortunate living situation, who is invited by his rich classmate Felix to stay with him and his family for the summer. "The Reel Critic" is...
Published 12/26/23
Film critic Reggie “The Reel Critic” Ponder shares his thoughts and insights on the new film ‘Wonka,’ starring Timothée Chalamet. The film provides a new perspective to the life of whimsical chocolatier Willy Wonka, whose journey begins in adversity. Though growing up in poverty and grieving the loss of his mother, Wonka is determined to open up a chocolate shop in a city renowned for its delectable treats. A musical fantasy epic, the film enchants as it follows Wonka’s journey to accomplish...
Published 12/15/23
Film critic Reggie “The Reel Critic” Ponder sat down with Fantasia Barrino, Danielle Brooks and Taraji P. Henson, stars of the film adaptation of the musical ‘The Color Purple,’ based on Alice Walker’s novel of the same name. The first film adaptation of Walker’s book was produced by Steven Spielberg and Quincy Jones in 1985, and the duo joined together again for the newest release as co-producers, alongside the stage musical’s producers Scott Sanders and Oprah Winfrey. ‘The Color Purple’ is...
Published 12/15/23
Reggie “The Reel Critic” Ponder sat down with co-directors Gelila Bekele and Armani Ortiz to discuss their new documentary 'Maxine’s Baby: The Tyler Perry Story.' The film takes viewers into the core of Tyler Perry's identity, exploring the relationship between Perry and his mother, Willie Maxine Perry. It also delves into his innovations and journey toward success, and it unveils the lasting legacy of a man who has paved the way for Black creatives in the film industry. Bekele and Ortiz...
Published 12/11/23
Resident film critic Reggie “The Reel Critic” Ponder brings listeners his thoughts on the new film ‘American Fiction.’ Contrary to the title, ‘American Fiction’ explores real-life experiences felt by the Black literary community and “confronts our culture's obsession with reducing people to outrageous stereotypes.” The film follows Monk, a frustrated Black novelist and professor who calls out the establishment profiting off of Black narratives by writing a outlandishly stereotypical “Black”...
Published 12/08/23
Reggie “The Reel Critic” Ponder brings listeners his thoughts on Disney’s ‘Wish,’ an animated musical about a magical kingdom where wishes must be granted by King Magnifico. A 17-year-old Asha hopes to become Magnifico’s apprentice, but her hope for a world where the citizens are in control of their own hopes and dreams puts her at odds with the king. When she wishes on a star, she must embark on a journey to save her kingdom… ‘Wish’ is now in theaters. "The Reel Critic" is hosted and...
Published 12/04/23
‘Rustin’ gives new life to the legacy of Civil Rights leader Bayard Rustin. Though Rustin was a influential figure in the civil rights movement — he was the adviser to Martin Luther King, Jr., and was architect to the 1963 March on Washington — his contributions have been largely overlooked in the movement’s history. Directed by George C. Wolfe and starring Colman Domingo as the titular activist, this biopic hopes to thrust Rustin’s hard work and dedication finally into the spotlight. Film...
Published 12/01/23
‘The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes’ is the prequel to the original ‘Hunger Games’ trilogy, now adapted to the screen. The storyline follows a young Coriolanus Snow before he becomes the tyrannical ruler of fictional society Panem, and the origin of the Hunger Games tradition. The film stars Rachel Zegler and Tom Blyth. Reggie “The Reel Critic” Ponder shares his thoughts on the film, now in theaters. "The Reel Critic" is hosted and produced by Reggie Ponder. Follow Reggie on Twitter and...
Published 11/20/23