Bruce Wayne has everything: money, abs, and a crippling fear of bats. Naturally, he copes by burning down monasteries and punching crime in the face. In this installment of our series on the films of Christopher Nolan, we revisit Batman Begins, the moody reboot that asked: What if we make an existential Batman movie? We get into daddy issues, weapo…

Al Pacino hasn’t slept in days. Robin Williams is playing it straight (and scary). And Christopher Nolan wants you to feel just as tired as the characters. Continuing our series on Nolan’s films, we break down Insomnia, the psychological thriller that proves crime never naps—and neither should you, apparently. Expect confusion, moral decay, and lot…

What happens when your memory resets every 15 minutes, but your fashion sense stays impeccable? As we begin our new series on the films of Christopher Nolan, we’re diving into Memento, the film that launched a thousand confused Reddit threads. Expect talk of unreliable narrators, confusing timelines, and why you probably shouldn’t tattoo your to-do…

In this episode, we reveal our Top 5 Movie Remakes that lived up to or even surpassed the originals. From horror reimaginings to bold reinterpretations of beloved stories, we discuss what makes these films truly great. ----more---- Thank you so much for listening! Please help us spread the word by leaving us a review on iTunes or Spotify. Visit our…

Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer is a visually engaging but ultimately underwhelming sequel that struggles to elevate its superhero storytelling. As the 16th entry in our “Marvel before the MCU” series, the film introduces the enigmatic Silver Surfer and features impressive CGI, but is bogged down by a weak script, underdeveloped character…

Spider-Man 3 is the ambitious but overstuffed conclusion to Sam Raimi’s trilogy that struggles under the weight of too many villains and subplots. As the 15th entry in our “Marvel before the MCU” series, the film was a box office success but ultimately fell short of the high creative bar set by Spider-Man 2. ----more---- Thank you so much for liste…

Ghost Rider is an adaptation of the Marvel comic featuring Nicolas Cage as Johnny Blaze, a stunt motorcyclist who makes a deal with the devil and transforms into a fiery-skulled antihero. As the 14th entry in our “Marvel before the MCU” series, the film offers some entertaining action sequences and striking CGI effects. ----more---- Thank you so mu…

X-Men: The Last Stand is the third installment in the X-Men film series. The 13th entry in our “Marvel before the MCU” series revolves around the discovery of a "cure" for mutation, while simultaneously exploring the rise of the Phoenix, an uncontrollable and immensely powerful alternate persona of Jean Grey. ----more---- Thank you so much for list…

For this year’s “Star Wars Podcast Day," we go back into the archives for one of our first deconstructions and revisit an early episode of “Coruscant Community College” in which we break down Star Wars: Episode III Revenge of the Sith. ----more---- Thank you so much for listening! Please help us spread the word by leaving us a review on iTunes or S…

Fantastic Four (2005) is a superhero film based on the Marvel Comics team of the same name. The 12th entry in our “Marvel before the MCU” series blends action, humor, and the challenges of newfound abilities while exploring themes of teamwork and identity. ----more---- Thank you so much for listening! Please help us spread the word by leaving us a …

Elektra (2005) is a spin-off of Daredevil (2003) that follows the journey of the eponymous assassin played by Jennifer Garner. The 11th entry in our “Marvel before the MCU” series delves into themes of redemption, family, and self-discovery, as Elektra grapples with her role as both a protector and a killer. ----more---- Thank you so much for liste…

Blade: Trinity is a 2004 film written and directed by David S. Goyer and the third installment in the Blade film franchise. The 10th entry in our “Marvel before the MCU” series combines action, supernatural intrigue, and martial arts with a mix of intense combat and a touch of humor. ----more---- Thank you so much for listening! Please help us spre…

Spider-Man 2 is the 2004 sequel to the highly successful 2002 film featuring the Marvel Comics character of the same name. The 9th entry in our “Marvel before the MCU” series explores themes of sacrifice, perseverance, and the weight of heroic duty, earning critical acclaim for its emotional depth and thrilling action sequences. ----more---- Thank …

The Punisher is a 2004 revenge thriller based on the Marvel Comics character of the same name. The 8th entry in our “Marvel before the MCU” series blends action, crime drama, and psychological elements while focusing on the themes of grief, justice, and the cost of vengeance. ----more---- Thank you so much for listening! Please help us spread the w…

Hulk is a 2003 film directed by Ang Lee that presents a dramatic retelling of the origin story of Marvel's iconic character. As the 7th entry in our “Marvel before the MCU” series, the movie is known for its unique visual style inspired by comic book paneling and a more introspective, psychological approach to the superhero genre. ----more---- Than…

X2: X-Men United is a 2003 film that follows the X-Men as they join forces with Magneto to combat a shared threat. As the 6th entry in our “Marvel before the MCU” series, the movie explores themes of discrimination, identity, and unity, culminating in a sacrifice that hints at greater challenges to come for the team. ----more---- Thank you so much …

This episode is sponsored by Magic Mind! Get up to 48% off your first subscription or 20% off one time purchases with code RBTR20 at checkout. You can claim it at: https://magicmind.com/RBTR20 Daredevil is a 2003 film that offers a dark, brooding take on the Marvel superhero of the same name. As the fifth entry in our “Marvel before the MCU” series…

This episode is sponsored by Magic Mind! Get up to 48% off your first subscription or 20% off one time purchases with code RBTR20 at checkout. You can claim it at: https://magicmind.com/RBTR20 Spider-Man is a 2002 superhero origin story that captures the essence of the beloved Marvel character. As the fourth entry in our “Marvel before the MCU” ser…

This episode is sponsored by Magic Mind! Get up to 48% off your first subscription or 20% off one time purchases with code RBTR20 at checkout. You can claim it at: https://magicmind.com/RBTR20 Blade 2 is a 2002 sci-fi action-horror film directed by Guillermo del Toro that follows the vampire hunter Blade as he takes on a new and deadlier breed of v…

X-Men is a 2000 superhero film that introduces a world where mutants are feared and struggle for acceptance. As the second entry in our “Marvel before the MCU” series, and the first true blockbuster based on a Marvel comic, the movie blends action with an exploration of prejudice and identity. ----more---- Thank you so much for listening! Please he…

Blade is a 1998 action-horror film that follows the story of a half-vampire/half-human vampire hunter, played by Wesley Snipes. As the first entry in our “Marvel before the MCU” series, the film blends martial arts, gothic horror, comic book elements, and a dark, stylish atmosphere to become a cult classic and a significant influence on the modern …

It’s our 100th episode! To celebrate 100 episodes of “Reading Between the Reels,” we’re joined by Ross Hollebon (“Album Cockpit Podcast”), Thomas Riddle (“Imagineering Education”), David Modders (“Star Wars Reactions”), Dan Zehr (“Coffee with Kenobi”), Cory Clubb (“Coffee with Kenobi”), and Dennis Keithly (“Podcast Stardust”) for a film lovers roun…

This episode features our friends Tom Gross (“Teachers in the Dungeon”), Anthony King (“Force Ghost Conversations”), and Aaron Harris (“Star Wars Reactions”) speaking to our students in a special Star Wars discussion. ----more---- Thank you so much for listening! Please help us spread the word by leaving us a review on your favorite podcast catcher…

This episode features our friends Dan Zehr (“Coffee with Kenobi”) and Ross Hollebon (“Album Cockpit Podcast”) speaking to our students in a special Star Wars discussion. ----more---- Thank you so much for listening! Please help us spread the word by leaving us a review on your favorite podcast catcher. Visit our TeePublic store for t-shirts, hats, …

This episode features our friends Jeff McGee (“Marvin Dog Media,” “Star Wars Splash Page”) and Din (“F-105”) speaking to our students in a special Star Wars discussion. ----more---- Thank you so much for listening! Please help us spread the word by leaving us a review on your favorite podcast catcher. Visit our TeePublic store for t-shirts, hats, h…

Armageddon is a 1998 science fiction disaster movie directed by Michael Bay and starring Bruce Willis. Selected by our listeners, the film was a commercial success despite mixed reviews from critics, and it remains a fan favorite because of its high-stakes action, emotional drama, and themes of sacrifice, bravery, and teamwork. ----more---- Thank y…

Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves is a 2023 action-adventure fantasy that follows a charming thief and his band of unlikely adventurers as they embark on a quest to retrieve a lost relic. Selected by our listeners, the film captures the essence of the beloved role-playing game, blending humor and high-stakes adventure, ultimately highlighting…

The Count of Monte Cristo, a 2002 film directed by Kevin Reynolds, is a gripping tale of betrayal, revenge, and redemption. Selected by our listeners, this riveting adaptation of Alexandre Dumas' classic novel becomes our latest deconstruction as we take a closer look at its beautiful cinematography, rousing score, gripping performances, and timele…

The Gray Man is a Netflix film directed by Anthony and Joe Russo and based on Mark Greaney's novel. With a stellar cast led by Ryan Gosling and Chris Evans, the movie features intense action, intricate espionage, and a gripping portrayal of one man's quest for redemption in a world of shadows and betrayal. ----more---- Thank you so much for listeni…

Blade Runner 2049 is a visually stunning and thematically rich science fiction film directed by Denis Villeneuve. Set thirty years after the events of Ridley Scott's original Blade Runner, the movie explores themes of identity, memory, and the essence of humanity amidst a backdrop of breathtaking cinematography and a haunting score. ----more---- Th…

Sherlock Holmes, from 2009 and directed by Guy Ritchie, offered a fresh and dynamic interpretation of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's classic characters and was a wildly popular box office success. In this episode, we deconstruct its various cinematic aspects, including the film’s exhilarating action sequences, intricate plot, and captivating performances…

Mission: Impossible is a 1996 action-thriller directed by Brian De Palma and based on the popular TV series. On this episode, David Jesse (“Tatooine Sons”) joins us to discuss the movie’s intricate plot, impressive stunts, and how it established Tom Cruise as an action superstar and jump-started a successful film franchise. ----more---- Thank you s…

Ghostbusters: Afterlife successfully resurrected the beloved franchise with a refreshing blend of nostalgia and new beginnings. Directed by Jason Reitman (son of Ghostbusters director Ivan Reitman), the film cleverly balances homage to the original while carving its own path with a new generation of characters. With Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire hitt…

Oppenheimer is a biographical drama directed by Christopher Nolan that delves into the brilliant physicist’s pivotal role in the Manhattan Project during World War II, his ethical dilemmas regarding the creation of the atomic bomb, and his subsequent grappling with the consequences of his work. The film was a box office smash and has garnered signi…

Dune: Part One is a cinematic adaptation of Frank Herbert's classic science fiction novel, Dune. Directed by Denis Villeneuve, the film combines stunning visuals, intricate world-building, and a compelling narrative to bring Herbert's intricate tale to life, setting the stage for a larger saga yet to unfold in subsequent installments. As Dune: Part…

For this year’s #StarWarsPodcastDay, we go back into the archives for one of our first deconstructions and revisit an early episode of “Coruscant Community College” in which we break down Star Wars: Episode II Attack of the Clones. ----more---- Thank you so much for listening! Please help us spread the word by leaving us a review on your favorite p…

Fellowship of the Ring is the first installment in the incredibly successful and critically acclaimed Lord of the Rings movie trilogy by Peter Jackson. For this episode, we bring in our friend and lover-of-all-things-Tolkien Andrew Clark to discuss why the film works so well and how it continues to have an impact on popular culture. ----more---- Th…

Mr. & Mrs. Smith is a 2005 action-comedy that follows a seemingly ordinary married couple, portrayed by Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie, who are unaware that they are both highly skilled assassins working for rival agencies. With Amazon Prime Video rebooting the franchise as a streaming series, we revisit the original film and discuss the charismatic …

To kick off 2024, we each share our Top 5 Movies of all time. It’s a fun episode, and one full of surprises. ----more---- Thank you so much for listening! Please help us spread the word by leaving us a review on your favorite podcast catcher. Visit our TeePublic store for t-shirts, hoodies, mugs, and more! If you would like to connect with us, you …

Aquaman is a 2018 superhero film starring Jason Momoa that became DC’s highest grossing movie. With Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom hitting theaters this week and officially wrapping up the Snyderverse, we take a look back at the original film’s stunning visual effects, epic underwater battles, and themes of identity, heritage, and the responsibility …

Raiders of the Lost Ark is a classic 1981 adventure film directed by Steven Spielberg and starring Harrison Ford as the iconic archaeologist Indiana Jones. On this episode, Thomas Riddle (“Adventures in Learning with Indiana Jones,” “Imagineering Education,” “Star Wars in the Classroom”) joins us to discuss why it’s considered one of the all-time g…

The Hunger Games is a dystopian science fiction film directed by Gary Ross, based on Suzanne Collins' best-selling novel of the same name. With its prequel The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes hitting theaters this week, we examine the 2012 movie’s technical aspects and discuss its themes of inequality, survival, and resistance. ----more---- Thank you …

Highlander is a 1986 fantasy movie that explores the themes of immortality, destiny, and the price of eternal life. On this episode, we look back at the cult classic film and analyze its dynamic cinematography, fascinating characters, dense mythology, and iconic soundtrack featuring several songs by the band Queen. ----more---- Thank you so much fo…

Blade Runner, directed by Ridley Scott and starring Harrison Ford, is a 1982 dystopian film that has become an enduring influence on the cyberpunk genre and a seminal work in the realm of science fiction cinema. For our 3rd anniversary, Dan Zehr (“Coffee with Kenobi”) returns to help us break down the movie’s stunning visuals, haunting soundtrack, …

Logan is a 2017 superhero movie directed by James Mangold that serves a raw and emotional farewell to Hugh Jackman's iconic portrayal of Wolverine. On this episode, we discuss how the film distinguishes itself within the superhero genre by its gritty, character-driven storytelling, melancholy music, and its thoughtful exploration of the themes of m…

Big Trouble in Little China is a 1986 action-comedy directed by John Carpenter and starring Kurt Russell. Although it was a box office bomb upon its release, the movie has since become a beloved and enduring cult classic. In this episode we take a look back at the film’s unique blend of martial arts action, humor, and over-the-top characters. ----m…

For this episode, we share our top five most anticipated movies scheduled for this upcoming 2023-2024 school year. Many of these films may see their release dates shifted due to the ongoing WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes, but we’re excited for them just the same. ----more---- Thank you so much for listening! Please help us spread the word by leaving us …

For our first show coming out of summer break, we take a look back at the movies released during summer 2023. We discuss our favorite new releases, debate which films were good, and share the shows and movies we caught up on. ----more---- Thank you so much for listening! Please help us spread the word by leaving us a review on your favorite podcast…

This episode features our friends Bryan Young (“Full of Sith”) and Ross Hollebon (“Fantha Tracks,” “Album Cockpit Podcast”) speaking to our students in a special Star Wars discussion. ----more---- Thank you so much for listening! Please help us spread the word by leaving us a review on your favorite podcast catcher. Visit our TeePublic store for t-…

This episode features our friends Aaron Harris (“Star Wars Reactions”) and Thomas Riddle (“Imagineering Education,” “Star Wars in the Classroom,” “Adventures in Learning with Indiana Jones”) speaking to our students in a special Star Wars discussion. ----more---- Thank you so much for listening! Please help us spread the word by leaving us a review…