The Movie Defenders

Time to go back to one of the OG horror anthology films ever with Twilight Zone: The Movie! A film plagued by tragedy, but still managed to capture the magic of the original series, and was helmed by some of the best directors that have ever made movies. We break it all down with our great friend Eric Blattberg! We also rank our Top 5 anthology films of all time. So buckle your seat belt, watch yourself around the creepy kid, and be sure you want to see something really scary... time for Twilight Zone: The Movie on The Movie Defenders podcast! Click here to listen and connect anywhere: https://linktr.ee/moviedefenders 00:00:00 Hail Mary and They Follow News! 00:33:13 Top 5 Anthology Movies 01:08:23 Twilight Zone Movie Discussion Starts 01:32:46 The Prologue 01:43:31 "Time Out" 02:10:34 "Kick the Can" 02:30:54 "It's a Good Life" 02:59:35 "Nightmare at 20,000 Feet" Special thanks to our amazing Patreon supporters! Alex Kirkby Alexis Helman Barrett Young Bart German Brett Bowen Daryl Ewry Doug Robertson Ena Haynes Eric Blattberg Jason Chastain Josh Evans Joshua Loy Katherine Boulware Kevin Athey Mark Nattress Mark Martin Megan Bush Michal Kaczmarek Michael Puckett Nick Nagher Randal Silver Sean Masters Stephanie Ewry Tim TJ Walker Attack of the Killer Podcast

It's that time of year... time for our entry into awards season with the 2026 Defender Awards, celebrating the films of 2025. We have all the categories the Oscars have, as well as other fun ones. Sit back and listen to the year that was in films! We put a lot of work into this for all of you, and we hope you enjoy! Maybe you'll find some films that you didn't catch that this show will make you want to watch. It's time for the 2026 Defender Awards! Click here to listen and connect anywhere: https://linktr.ee/moviedefenders 00:00:00 2026 Defender Awards Begins 00:21:16 Most Unfairly Criticized Movie 00:28:08 Best Trailer 00:43:47 Best Picture Nominee: Companion 00:47:16 Best Scene 01:04:23 Best Music 01:21:13 Best Picture Nominee: F1 - The Movie 01:28:04 Best Supporting Actress 01:36:45 Best Supporting Actor 01:50:42 Best Picture Nominee: Hamnet 01:55:38 In Memorium 02:19:52 Best Picture Nominee: K-Pop Demon Hunters 02:25:45 Best Actress 02:36:59 Best Actor 02:49:21 Best Picture Nominee: No Other Choice 02:51:40 Best Cinematography 02:55:54 Best Picture Nominee: One Battle After Another 02:59:30 Best Quote or Monologue 03:09:47 Best Picture Nominee: Predator - Killer of Killers 03:14:16 Best Screenplay 03:20:15 Best Opening Scene or Credits 03:24:16 Best Picture Nominee: Sinners 03:28:13 Biggest Surprise Movie 03:32:02 Best Genre (Documentaries) Movie 03:36:05 Best Picture Nominee: Superman 03:41:25 Best Ending 03:49:48 Best Director 03:55:15 Best Picture Nominee: Weapons 03:58:53 Best Picture of 2025 Special thanks to our amazing Patreon supporters! Alex Kirkby Alexis Helman Barrett Young Bart German Brett Bowen Daryl Ewry Doug Robertson Ena Haynes Eric Blattberg Jason Chastain Josh Evans Joshua Loy Katherine Boulware Kevin Athey Mark Nattress Mark Martin Megan Bush Michal Kaczmarek Michael Puckett Nick Nagher Randal Silver Sean Masters Stephanie Ewry Tim TJ Walker Attack of the Killer Podcast

Tommy Boy quite simply is one of the iconic comedies of a generation, and a staple of a tragically short, but powerful career in Chris Farley. He and Spade together are like chocolate and peanut butter. But beyond the slapstick, physical humor of Farley, there is some really terrific writing in here, and Farley himself even delivers a dramatic and nuanced performance when it's called for. You won't watch Tommy Boy the same way again once you hear our break down. We also give our top 5 Chris Farley moments of all time. So don't let in the moths, watch your hair piece, and celebrate that D+... it's time for Tommy Boy on The Movie Defenders podcast! Click here to listen and connect anywhere: https://linktr.ee/moviedefenders 00:00:00 Intro and What We've Been Watching 00:35:37 Top 5 Chris Farley Moments 01:04:20 Tommy Boy Discussion Starts 01:29:47 Richard Picks up Tommy 01:50:58 Tommy In Over His Head 02:02:56 Wind is Gone From the Sails 02:29:26 Richard Wrecks Tommy 02:32:26 Tommy Want Wingys 02:39:38 Spanktravision 02:50:56 Tommy Pleads His Case 02:58:29 Tommy Gets On the News 03:05:55 President Tommy Boy Special thanks to our amazing Patreon supporters! Alex Kirkby Alexis Helman Barrett Young Bart German Brett Bowen Daryl Ewry Doug Robertson Ena Haynes Eric Blattberg Jason Chastain Josh Evans Joshua Loy Katherine Boulware Kevin Athey Mark Nattress Mark Martin Megan Bush Michal Kaczmarek Michael Puckett Nick Nagher Randal Silver Sean Masters Stephanie Ewry Tim TJ Walker Attack of the Killer Podcast

We think the work Dan Trachtenberg has been doing with the Predator franchise has been top-notch. In 2025 he was two for two, with Killer of Killers and this film, Predator: Badlands! A film unlike we've seen in the franchise, there is a lot more writing, character growth, and lore here than most see. We unpack everything... and there is a lot! We also break down our top 5 "Bad Dads" in films and tv! So grab your shoulder blaster, watch out for those thorns, and please don't drop your weapons... it's time for Predator: Badlands on the Movie Defenders Podcast! Click here to listen and connect anywhere: https://linktr.ee/moviedefenders 00:00:00 Intro and What We've Been Watching 00:25:16 Top 5 Bad Dads 01:12:04 Predator: Badlands Discussion Starts 01:56:38 Meet Thia 02:19:34 The Alpha Protects the Pack 02:34:57 Tessa's Plans Special thanks to our amazing Patreon supporters! Alex Kirkby Alexis Helman Barrett Young Bart German Brett Bowen Daryl Ewry Doug Robertson Ena Haynes Eric Blattberg Jason Chastain Josh Evans Joshua Loy Katherine Boulware Kevin Athey Mark Nattress Mark Martin Megan Bush Michal Kaczmarek Michael Puckett Nick Nagher Randal Silver Sean Masters Stephanie Ewry Tim TJ Walker Attack of the Killer Podcast

Time to do what we do best! Dive into a movie with a narrative that we feel is unearned. Today we start to tackle the Hobbit trilogy. Is it really that bad? Does it just stink? Did Peter Jackson just forget how to make movies? Or is there more to it than that? (Spoiler... yes!) We will unpack the 'why' behind this underrated fantasy film that doesn't deserve near the crap it gets. We also have fun in our 5x5 segment with the Top 5 Wizards/Magicians in films of all time. So don't drop that ring, get on your ponies, and run if your sword glows blue... it's time for The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey on The Movie Defenders podcast! Click here to listen and connect anywhere: https://linktr.ee/moviedefenders 00:00:00 Intro and What We've Been Watching 00:29:32 Top 5 Wizards/Magicians in Film History 01:04:40 Movie Discussion Starts 01:40:30 The Hobbit Begins 01:58:58 Bilbo Meets Gandalf 02:14:56 A Plan Takes Shape 02:36:04 Troll Time! 02:47:09 Elrond Reads the Map 03:09:46 Bilbo, Gollum, and Riddles 03:29:15 Bilbo Returns to the Group 03:38:53 The Ending Special thanks to our amazing Patreon supporters! Alex Kirkby Alexis Helman Barrett Young Bart German Brett Bowen Daryl Ewry Doug Robertson Ena Haynes Eric Blattberg Jason Chastain Josh Evans Joshua Loy Katherine Boulware Kevin Athey Mark Nattress Mark Martin Megan Bush Michal Kaczmarek Michael Puckett Nick Nagher Randal Silver Sean Masters Stephanie Ewry Tim TJ Walker Attack of the Killer Podcast

Hello Defendants! Oscar Season is here again and the Movie Defenders are bringing you a special episode where Brev and his son Nathan discuss their Oscar predictions. They run through (almost) every category, providing their predictions and some dark horses. It's a fun short(er) episode for us. Hope you enjoy! Special thanks to our amazing Patreon supporters! Alex Kirkby Alexis Helman Barrett Young Bart German Brett Bowen Daryl Ewry Doug Robertson Ena Haynes Eric Blattberg Jason Chastain Josh Evans Joshua Loy Katherine Boulware Kevin Athey Mark Nattress Mark Martin Megan Bush Michal Kaczmarek Michael Puckett Nick Nagher Randal Silver Sean Masters Stephanie Ewry Tim TJ Walker Attack of the Killer Podcast

It's back to the grid we go! A movie that needs some defending, today Scott and Donald go and dissect Tron: Ares. What was it about the movie that didn't work for some? We think we know. What did work for us? We know ALL that and we'll break it all down. Add in a helping of There Can Be Only One and we have a packed show for you! So grab your identity discs, stay away from particle lasers, and be sure to hurry up, we only have 29 minutes! It's time for Tron: Ares on The Movie Defenders podcast! Click here to listen and connect anywhere: https://linktr.ee/moviedefenders 00:00:00 Intro and What We've Been Watching 00:20:21 There Can Be Only One 00:34:27 Tron: Ares Discussion Starts 01:07:07 Demo for Dillinger 01:27:25 Eve Meets Ares 01:32:28 Escape 01:44:01 Depeche Mode 01:56:09 Athena Kills Elisabeth 02:03:30 Kevin Flynn 02:22:46 Winning the Battle 02:30:35 The Ending Special thanks to our amazing Patreon supporters! Alex Kirkby Alexis Helman Barrett Young Bart German Brett Bowen Daryl Ewry Doug Robertson Ena Haynes Eric Blattberg Jason Chastain Josh Evans Joshua Loy Katherine Boulware Kevin Athey Mark Nattress Mark Martin Megan Bush Michal Kaczmarek Michael Puckett Nick Nagher Randal Silver Sean Masters Stephanie Ewry Tim TJ Walker Attack of the Killer Podcast