Watchlist/Review
Welcome to the Reel Collective Watchlist!
Every week, we’re sharing our thoughts on films, shows, and documentaries that have sparked something in us—whether it’s inspiration, reflection, or just pure entertainment. We’re all creators, and sometimes we need the right story to push us forward, spark new ideas, or remind us of the power of storytelling. This is your space to hear from our team, and we’d love for you to join in. Drop your thoughts on what you’ve been watching lately, and let's start a conversation!
Featured Reviews:
Sinners
Eli McCaig: “Sinners is the greatest film of the year and needs to be remembered as such. Ryan Coogler shows why original filmmaking is so crucial to the lifeblood of Hollywood. It’s not just a movie—it’s a statement.”
Reagan Lamb: “I watched Sinners and absolutely loved it. I teared up a couple of times, especially during the music scene with the different time periods. That scene is going to inspire people for years to come. It’s a powerful film that stays with you long after watching.”
Shelby Tyre: ““Sinners” is pure fire—Ryan Coogler delivered again. The story is packed with layers, MBJ plays two characters (what’s better than one MBJ? Two!), and Ludwig’s soundtrack is on point. The deal Coogler got for this film is ICONIC, and I’m obsessed. Who’s coming to see it again?”
Warfare
Garrett Evans: “A24’s Warfare is NOT a war movie. It is a HORROR movie. The viewer will experience two hours of uninterrupted fight or flight as it follows a U.S. Navy SEAL team during an operation “gone bad” in Ramadi, Iraq. What starts off as a slow build up of anxiety, comes to an explosive head after the team encounters an IED. What follows is an hour and thirty minutes of the most realistic depiction of modern combat ever shown on film. A major highlight of the movie and one of the key reasons it feels so real is the sound design. Every sound is turned to eleven. The gunfire audio in Warfare might be the most realistic ever in film. The closest competitor could be the infamous bank heist shootout in 1995’s Heat; a movie known for its use of firing blanks coupled with the raw audio captured in downtown Los Angeles. Warfare excels in not only showing how deafening firing a rifle without ear protection would be but also the concussion of the weapons as well. This movie HAS to be watched in a theater with theater audio. You will NOT get the same experience at home.
As for the story, there is no fat on the movie. It is straight and direct. There are no heroics, music, character arcs or themes. There is no message being delivered or U.S. military propaganda. It is simply two hours of trauma and horror. While watching, no emotions are experienced outside of terror. While the movie is not trying to be a horror movie, it simply is because of the realistic portrayal of combat. Combat is horrifying, therefore Warfare is a horrifying movie to watch. Warfare is not your typical war movie, it is an experience. An experience of what an average day in Ramadi, Iraq would have been like for a team of SEALs. Undoubtedly, a 10/10.”
Picture This
Jessica Galvan: “Most recently, I watched Picture This on Amazon. Honestly, I didn’t love it. It felt like one of those movies made for background noise—something you watch while scrolling on your phone. The plot was way too predictable, and it didn’t feel like the rom-com it was supposed to be. The dialogue was boring, and the events were so obvious. The chemistry between the leads just wasn’t there, and honestly, the main girl had more chemistry with her gay best friend—who wasn’t even a romantic option—which made me question the casting choices. I’d give it 1 star.”
Righteous Gemstones
Reagan Lamb: ”I’ve been binge-watching The Righteous Gemstones and I’m completely caught up. It’s hilarious with some surprisingly emotional moments. The satire on mega churches, televangelists, and the world of Christianity is spot on. It’s over-the-top at times, but it always brings things back down to Earth. If you haven’t watched it yet, I highly recommend it for a mix of humor and heart.”
Tell Us About What You’ve Seen Recently!
We want to hear your thoughts too—what’s the most recent film or show that left an impact on you? Drop me a note at info@hubcityfilm.com, and we’ll share your review next week!
