Thumb War

This week’s Patreon-only Thumb War is a classic check-in episode — no formal review, just us catching up and going wherever the conversation takes us. Subscribe to Patreon for the full episode! We get into: Trivia and random movie tangents A deep dive into what’s going on with Star Trek right now The Andy Weir conversation and sci-fi expectations Why some shows just aren’t connecting A peek behind the curtain on YouTube, Shorts, and growing the podcast And a bunch of side quests along the way Loose, opinionated, and all over the place — exactly how these Patreon hangs are supposed to go. Support the show on Patreon for ad-free episodes & bonus content : http://bit.ly/44Mo8xU Like & Subscribe Leave a 5-star review if you’re enjoying Thumb War Email us: [email protected] Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On this episode of Thumb War, we revisit Star Wars: A New Hope and break down why it became one of the most influential films of all time. We discuss the film’s impact, performances, practical effects, and why it still resonates decades later — along with a few modern critiques and observations. Does it still hold up? Or is it all nostalgia? Available on YouTube, Apple Podcasts & Spotify Support the show on Patreon for ad-free episodes & bonus content : http://bit.ly/44Mo8xU Like & Subscribe Leave a 5-star review if you’re enjoying Thumb War Email us: [email protected] Full Thumb War episode out now. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On this episode of Thumb War, we review Project Hail Mary, the new sci-fi film starring Ryan Gosling. We break down the story, performances, humor, and emotional beats, plus how the film balances complex science with accessibility. We also discuss: The structure and flashbacks The tone and comedy Trailer spoilers and audience expectations And whether the movie sticks the landing Available on YouTube, Apple Podcasts & Spotify Support the show on Patreon for ad-free episodes & bonus content : http://bit.ly/44Mo8xU Like & Subscribe Leave a 5-star review if you’re enjoying Thumb War Email us: [email protected] Full Thumb War episode out now. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Oscars are done — and we’re breaking it all down. On this episode of Thumb War, we react to the 98th Academy Awards, covering the biggest winners, surprising snubs, funniest moments, and a few truly baffling choices. We also get into: Red carpet hits and misses The best (and worst) bits from the broadcast Musical performances that worked… and didn’t Why Oscar clips keep spoiling entire movies And one of the best acceptance speeches of the night Plus: technical difficulties, streaming frustrations, and a whole lot of opinions. Available on YouTube, Apple Podcasts & Spotify Support the show on Patreon for ad-free episodes & bonus content : http://bit.ly/44Mo8xU Like & Subscribe Leave a 5-star review if you’re enjoying Thumb War Email us: [email protected] Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On this episode of Thumb War, JD and Rachel review the movie The Bride!, Maggie Gyllenhaal’s ambitious reimagining of the Frankenstein story. With a star-studded cast and big ideas about feminism, identity, and classic movie monsters, the film certainly swings for the fences. But does it actually work? We discuss the movie’s wild tonal shifts, confusing narrative, memorable performances from Jessie Buckley and Christian Bale, and why audiences seem so divided on the film. Available on YouTube, Apple Podcasts & Spotify Support the show on Patreon for ad-free episodes & bonus content : http://bit.ly/44Mo8xU Like & Subscribe Leave a 5-star review if you’re enjoying Thumb War Email us: [email protected] Full Thumb War episode out now. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Oscars are almost here, which means it’s time to make our predictions. JD and Rachel are joined by resident film expert DanDan The Pieman to break down the biggest categories at the 98th Academy Awards. We debate who should win, who will win, and which nominees might pull off an upset. Along the way we talk about the strangest Oscar nominees, the brutal emotional gauntlet of the short film categories, and the movies that might dominate this year’s ceremony. If you’re filling out an Oscar ballot or office pool, this episode might help you make a few smart picks. Available on YouTube, Apple Podcasts & Spotify Support the show on Patreon for ad-free episodes & bonus content : http://bit.ly/44Mo8xU Like & Subscribe Leave a 5-star review if you’re enjoying Thumb War Email us: [email protected] Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Send Help is Sam Raimi in full “fun mode” — gross, funny, mean, and extremely satisfying. On Thumb War, we break down Raimi’s return to crowd-pleasing horror, Rachel McAdams’ anti-hero arc, Survivor energy, island mind games, and why this movie works so well. Available on YouTube, Apple Podcasts & Spotify Support the show on Patreon for ad-free episodes & bonus content : http://bit.ly/44Mo8xU Like & Subscribe Leave a 5-star review if you’re enjoying Thumb War Email us: [email protected] Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This week’s Patreon-only Thumb War is very a late February check-in — no formal review, just conversation. We talk about: Trivia and random pop-culture facts Splitsville mini-review Travel stories and side quests Media overload and burnout BAFTA Awards conversation and online reactions Letting conversations breathe instead of spiraling Loose and thoughtful— a classic Patreon hang. Full Patreon chaos on Thumb War. Like, subscribe, and let us know what you think. Ad-free episodes + bonus content on Patreon: http://bit.ly/44Mo8xU Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Starfleet Academy Episode 7 | Back to Being Boring After a brief uptick last week, Starfleet Academy Episode 7 drops right back into its worst instincts. On this episode of Thumb War, we unpack why the show’s teen-drama focus, disconnected plots, and deeply questionable character choices make this one of the most frustrating episodes of the season — and why we’re seriously debating whether to keep watching at all. When nothing happens, and nothing makes sense, it’s hard to stay invested. Available on YouTube, Apple Podcasts & Spotify Support the show on Patreon for ad-free episodes & bonus content : http://bit.ly/44Mo8xU Like & Subscribe Leave a 5-star review if you’re enjoying Thumb War Email us: [email protected] Full Thumb War episode out now. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Season 1 finale of A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms proves that you don’t need dragons or explosions to deliver a powerful ending. On this episode of Thumb War, we unpack the emotional aftermath of the Trial of Seven, Dunk’s unwavering principles, Egg’s painful growth, and why this quiet, character-driven finale feels like classic Game of Thrones at its best. A beautiful ending — and a thrilling beginning. Available on YouTube, Apple Podcasts & Spotify Support the show on Patreon for ad-free episodes & bonus content : http://bit.ly/44Mo8xU Like & Subscribe Leave a 5-star review if you’re enjoying Thumb War Email us: [email protected] Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Episode 6 of Star Trek: Starfleet Academy is the best episode of the season so far — which only highlights how badly the show was set up in the first place. On this episode of Thumb War, we dig into why this finally feels like Star Trek, why it immediately falls apart under scrutiny, and how nostalgia, logic gaps, and baffling character choices keep undermining the series. It’s better. It’s still broken. And it should’ve happened way earlier. Available on YouTube, Apple Podcasts & Spotify Support the show on Patreon for ad-free episodes & bonus content : http://bit.ly/44Mo8xU Like & Subscribe Leave a 5-star review if you’re enjoying Thumb War Email us: [email protected] Full Thumb War episode out now. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Good Luck, Have Fun, Don’t Die is a sci-fi comedy that feels silly, stressful, and uncomfortably relevant all at once. On this episode of Thumb War, we dig into Gore Verbinski’s return, Sam Rockwell’s charisma, Juno Temple’s emotional core, and why this movie’s AI-driven “happy ending” might be the scariest part of all. It’s not subtle — but it is effective. Available on YouTube, Apple Podcasts & Spotify Support the show on Patreon for ad-free episodes & bonus content : http://bit.ly/44Mo8xU Like & Subscribe Leave a 5-star review if you’re enjoying Thumb War Email us: [email protected] Full Thumb War episode out now. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

We’re saying it out loud — and early: Nirvanna the Band the Show the Movie is the best movie we’re going to see this year. On this episode of Thumb War, we break down the film’s impossible ambition, guerrilla filmmaking genius, time-travel chaos, and why this deeply specific Canadian comedy somehow feels universal. It’s hilarious, heartfelt, and a reminder of what theatrical comedies can still be. If it’s playing near you, go see it with a crowd. Immediately. Available on YouTube, Apple Podcasts & Spotify Support the show on Patreon for ad-free episodes & bonus content : http://bit.ly/44Mo8xU Like & Subscribe Leave a 5-star review if you’re enjoying Thumb War Email us: [email protected] Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The penultimate episode of A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms delivers one of the most intense, exhausting battle sequences the franchise has ever attempted. On this episode of Thumb War, we break down the Trial of Seven, the puke-filled chaos, Dunk’s disorienting POV, brutal flashbacks, and why this episode might be the best battle Westeros has ever seen. It’s gory, emotional, and unforgettable — and it sets the stage for a devastating finale. Available on YouTube, Apple Podcasts & Spotify Support the show on Patreon for ad-free episodes & bonus content : http://bit.ly/44Mo8xU Like & Subscribe Leave a 5-star review if you’re enjoying Thumb War Email us: [email protected] Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Emerald Fennell’s Wuthering Heights is messy, heat, confrontational, and absolutely not interested in pleasing everyone. On this episode of Thumb War, we break down Fennell’s bold interpretation of the Brontë classic — from erotic denial and cruelty-as-romance to audience backlash, Valentine’s Day chaos, and why this movie feels designed to make people uncomfortable. Is it brilliant? Is it too much? Or is that the whole idea? Available on YouTube, Apple Podcasts & Spotify Support the show on Patreon for ad-free episodes & bonus content : http://bit.ly/44Mo8xU Like & Subscribe Leave a 5-star review if you’re enjoying Thumb War Email us: [email protected] Full Thumb War episode out now. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Episodes 4 and 5 of Star Trek: Starfleet Academy lean heavily on legacy name-drops and Deep Space Nine nostalgia — but is that enough? In this episode of Thumb War, we break down the hologram storyline that doesn’t hold up, the Klingon cultural pivot, the triad reveal, and why Episode 5 might be the most frustrating (and maybe most boring) chapter of the season so far. We want to love new Star Trek. But honoring the past means more than just referencing it. Is this bold evolution… or just confused storytelling? Let us know what you think. Available on YouTube, Apple Podcasts & Spotify Support the show on Patreon for ad-free episodes & bonus content : http://bit.ly/44Mo8xU Like & Subscribe on YouTube and Instagram Leave a 5-star review if you’re enjoying Thumb War Email us: [email protected] Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

We’re officially gushing — and in Westeros, that’s never a good sign. In this episode of Thumb War, we dive into Episode 4 of A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, breaking down why the show feels so emotionally locked in right now, how Dunk & Egg’s relationship continues to deepen, and why the approaching Trial of Seven has us bracing for real consequences. It’s a near-perfect episode of television — warm, funny, thoughtful, and quietly terrifying in what it’s setting up next. Available on YouTube, Apple Podcasts & Spotify Support the show on Patreon for ad-free episodes & bonus content : http://bit.ly/44Mo8xU Like & Subscribe on YouTube and Instagram Leave a 5-star review if you’re enjoying Thumb War Email us: [email protected] Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.