The Reel Lovers

This week on The Reel Lovers Podcast, Marley reaches a major milestone in his journey through the Letterboxd Top 250. To celebrate, he is tackling one of the most beloved films of all time: Frank Capra’s 1946 masterpiece, It’s a Wonderful Life.He is not navigating Bedford Falls alone for this one. Joining the show for the very first time is Drake, the host of The First Watch Podcast. Together, they dive deep into George Bailey’s existential crisis, the legendary performance of Jimmy Stewart, and why this holiday classic remains one of the most harrowing and rewarding character studies in cinema history.The conversation continues with a look at their recent Letterboxd activity in the recurring Last Four Watched segment. Marley and Drake break down the highs and lows of their latest screenings and share what has been capturing their attention in film lately.Marley and Drake also tackle some of the biggest and most somber headlines in the film industry. They discuss the massive corporate shakeup involving the Netflix and Paramount bidding war for Warner Bros. and what that means for the future of the silver screen. Additionally, they take a moment to honor the lives and legacy of Rob and Michelle Reiner following the tragic news of their passing. They reflect on the immense impact the couple had on Hollywood and the timeless films they left behind.Follow Our Guest Check out Drake on The First Watch Podcast for more great film discussions.Stay Connected Follow Marley on Letterboxd for the full Top 250 progress. Subscribe to The Reel Lovers Podcast on your favorite platform so you never miss an episode.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

The knock is polite, but the implications are world-ending. This week on The Lobby, Marley continues his extensive retrospective into the filmography of M. Night Shyamalan. We have reached the second installment of the director's "Trapped Trilogy," moving away from the sun-drenched nightmare of the beach and into the shadows of the forest for the 2023 thriller, Knock at the Cabin.To help navigate the high stakes and apocalyptic omens, Marley is once again joined by Peyton, the insightful host of The Apple Box Chronicles. Together, they find themselves metaphorically confined within the cabin's walls to break down Dave Bautista’s career-defining performance and the film’s haunting deviation from its source material, The Cabin at the End of the World. They explore how Shyamalan manages to generate suffocating tension even in a space where the exits are visible, but the moral weight of the outside world keeps everyone rooted in place.The conversation delves into the central, impossible dilemma presented to the family, questioning the director's career-long fascination with the intersection of faith, coincidence, and sacrifice. Marley and Peyton also discuss how this film serves as the vital connective tissue in the "Trapped" series, bridging the gap between the biological horror of Old and the upcoming tension of Trap. It is an exploration of whether we can ever truly escape the choices we are forced to make, even when the doors are wide open.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this latest chapter of our ongoing M. Night Shyamalan retrospective series, The Lobby presents an in-depth analysis of the 2019 film Glass. While our journey through Shyamalan’s filmography continues in future episodes, this installment marks the definitive conclusion to the "unofficial" superhero trilogy that began nearly two decades ago. Special guests Peyton of The Apple Box Chronicles and Kale Smith of The Youth Critic Podcast return to the show once more to help Marley navigate the complex production history and the 19-year creative journey required to bring this specific story to its end.The conversation centers on Shyamalan's perseverance as a filmmaker and the intricate thematic threads that tie this film back to the foundations laid in Unbreakable and Split. As we bridge the gap between his earlier masterworks and his most recent projects, we take a comprehensive look at a director reclaiming his unique vision and completing a narrative arc that redefined the comic book genre. Stay tuned as our retrospective continues next time with a look at the high-concept thrills of Old.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Welcome back to The Lobby, the podcast where movie lovers dive deep into the films we can't stop talking about.Host Marley is joined this week by special guest and fellow film enthusiast, Andrew Herrera, as they continue their thrilling retrospective of the work of director M. Night Shyamalan.In this episode, they're stepping into the unsettling world of The Visit (2015). After a series of polarizing releases, did this "found footage" horror/thriller mark a true return to form for the auteur? Marley and Andrew discuss the movie's jump scares, its unexpected humor, the unnerving performances of Deanna Dunagan and Peter McRobbie, and, of course, that signature Shyamalan twist.Is this film a masterful minimalist scare-fest or just a creepy family reunion gone wrong? Tune in to hear the full breakdown, only on The Lobby!Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

This week Marley welcomes back Peyton from The Apple Box Chronicles to continue our journey through the complex and often misunderstood filmography of M. Night Shyamalan!This week, we reach a true crossroads in the director's career with the ambitious, effects-heavy, and star-driven sci-fi adventure: 2013's After Earth.After Earth is famously an anomaly in the Shyamalan canon: he didn't write the story (Will Smith did), his name was minimized in the marketing, and it was a massive studio production far removed from his signature intimate thrillers.Marley and Peyton grapple with:The Smith Factor: How does the real-life father-son dynamic between Will and Jaden Smith influence the film's core themes of mentorship, fear, and survival?The Director's Touch: Despite working with a script he didn't originate, do we find those unmistakable Shyamalan threads—from the quiet, internal focus on trauma to the stunning, nature-reclaims-Earth aesthetic?The Critical Abyss: Why is this film widely considered one of the director's biggest career setbacks, and is it due for a critical re-evaluation in a retrospective lens?The question we would like to ask you though at the end of this podcast is: What is your biggest fear? Let us know your biggest fear in the comments below!As always please support the show in anyway that you can, whether is leaving a star rating, or supporting our Patreon. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Welcome back to The Lobby! Host Marley continues his deep-dive into the filmography of M. Night Shyamalan with one of his most controversial films: the 2010 live-action adaptation, The Last Airbender.Joining Marley to dissect this cinematic lightning rod are two fantastic guests: Peyton from The Apple Box Chronicles and Kale Smith from The Youth Critic Podcast!The trio tackles the burning questions surrounding Shyamalan's attempt to bring Nickelodeon's beloved Avatar: The Last Airbender animated series to the big screen. Is the film truly the spectacular failure pop culture remembers it to be? Did years of fan anticipation and backlash lead to an overreaction to its flaws? They'll brave the poor pronunciations, questionable bending choreography, and dense mythology to re-evaluate the film's standing.Tune in as they discuss the impact of the source material, the casting controversies, and whether or not The Last Airbender deserves a warmer reception a decade later... or if it's truly a disaster that earns its reputation. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

It's a crossover event! This week, Marley from The Reel Lovers Podcast is joined by special guest Kale Smith from The Youth Critic Podcast to break down every film they've watched from May to September 2025. They'll dive into the biggest blockbusters, the indie darlings, and the hidden gems you might have missed.From summer spectacle to surprise streaming hits, join them as they share their unfiltered thoughts on the movies that defined their last few months. Find out which films are a must-see and which ones are worth skipping.Regular episodes will return soon, including the highly anticipated Letterboxd 250 series and the continuation of the M. Night Shyamalan Retrospective.Listen to Part 2 over on The Youth Critic PodcastAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

This week on The Lobby, Marley continues his deep dive into the mysterious, twist-filled world of M. Night Shyamalan with a retrospective look at one of the director’s most polarizing films: The Happening. Joining him for this wild ride is friend of the show Seth Vargas, host of Movie Friends Podcast. Together, they unpack the strange charm, infamous performances, and eco-horror ambitions of this bizarre 2008 thriller. Is it secretly brilliant? Or just a baffling misfire? Tune in as we try to figure out... what’s really happening.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

The Reel Lovers Podcast returns for an exciting Season 9 premiere! This time, Marley is joined by Kale Smith of The Youth Critic Podcast to explore Hayao Miyazaki’s Spirited Away (2001), a breathtaking animated masterpiece that continues to captivate audiences worldwide. They break down the film’s stunning visuals, deep symbolism, and timeless themes of identity, courage, and transformation.How does Spirited Away still hold its magic more than two decades later? Why does Chihiro’s journey through the spirit world resonate with so many? Join us as we dive into the legacy of this Studio Ghibli classic and kick off a brand-new season of The Reel Lovers Podcast! 🎙️✨Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

This week on The Lobby, Marley welcomes back Alfie Amaya from Movie Ranking Twitter Space for a deep dive into M. Night Shyamalan's Signs (2002). Alfie's known for his insightful movie rankings, and he's bringing that analytical eye to this often-debated film.Join them as they dissect Signs, exploring specific elements like:The use of suspense: How does Shyamalan build tension and create a sense of dread?The performances: Are Mel Gibson and Joaquin Phoenix believable as brothers facing an extraordinary threat?The controversial ending: Does the "water weakness" undermine the film, or is it a clever twist?Alfie's Ranking: Where does Signs fall on Alfie's personal ranking of Shyamalan's films, and how does he justify its placement?Get ready for a focused discussion, packed with insights and opinions, as Marley and Alfie unravel the mysteries of Signs.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Join Marley as he delves deeper into the Letterboxd Top 250 Narrative Films with the critically acclaimed 2022 masterpiece, "Everything Everywhere All At Once." This mind-bending, multiverse-hopping adventure won over audiences and critics alike with its unique blend of action, comedy, and heart.In this episode, Marley is joined by special guest Tyler Rezentes (@Tylerthefilmmaker), a fellow film enthusiast, to dissect the film's groundbreaking storytelling, stunning visuals, and the unforgettable performances of Michelle Yeoh and Ke Huy Quan.Hope you enjoy this episode, and sorry about the delay!Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Welcome to The Lobby, A Reel Lovers Podcast, where we celebrate the magic of movies and dive deep into the cinematic worlds that have captured our hearts. In this episode, we embark on a thrilling retrospective of M. Night Shyamalan's captivating films, beginning with his groundbreaking masterpiece, The Sixth Sense (1999).Join your hosts, Marley and special guest Martin (Van Watches Movies), as they delve into the chilling tale of Cole Sear (Haley Joel Osment), a young boy who can see dead people. With its unforgettable twists, haunting atmosphere, and emotionally resonant performances, The Sixth Sense not only solidified Shyamalan's status as a master storyteller but also became a cultural phenomenon.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy