Thumb War

Predator Badlands should’ve been the ninth-installment cash-grab we all politely ignore… but somehow Dan Trachtenberg cooked. In this week’s Thumb War, Rachel and Jason dive into the surprisingly emotional new Predator movie that mixes Klingon-like family drama, Alien-universe corporate stupidity, exploding caterpillars, razor grass, and the most adorable digital murder-gremlin since Grogu. We get into: Predator sibling beef Elle Fanning playing two androids (one sweet, one corporate demon) Found-family wolf-pack metaphors The baby callous creature who is basically Hazel in CGI form Weyland-Yutani being idiots… again And the controversial PG-13 “Disney-fication” of Predator This one is shockingly heartfelt, visually bonkers, and absolutely primed for a sequel. Huge thumbs up. Go see it in a theater. Full Spoilers. Subscribe & join our Patreon for ad-free episodes + monthly hangouts! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Spoilers for Welcome to Derry Episode 3! Thumb War returns to Derry, Maine, where the sewers are wet, the ghost children look like Spirit Halloween interns, and the cemetery scene feels one jump scare away from a discount haunted house behind a Home Depot. After two strong episodes, Episode 3 might be our first real stumble of the season. We break down: Did the show blow its horror budget in Episodes 1 & 2? Are these ghost kid vibes spooky or just… sticky? Why does the community meeting scene feel like mid-season Canadian public access TV? Are we in Derry or at Canada’s Wonderland Fright Night? Pennywise lore updates (even though he may be on PTO this week) We still love the show, but we also reserve the right to yell at it. If you want ad-free episodes, Discord access, and our monthly Patreon Hangout, join the P-Hounds over on Patreon. Support the show and keep the red balloon floating. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Join our Patreon to listen to the entire episode, AD FREE: http://bit.ly/44Mo8xU This week on Thumb War we dive headfirst into “Shame”, the Steve McQueen film that proves even the hottest people alive can be absolutely miserable. We unpack Michael Fassbender’s Olympic-level libido, Carey Mulligan’s emotional demolition derby performance, the subway eye-sex, the hotel disaster, the threesome-from-hell, and the sibling dynamic that made us both yell “No thank you.” Jason is weirdly unimpressed. Rachel is weirdly invested. Fassbender is weirdly… relentless. If you like art-house chaos, trauma bonds, and movies that make you question your entire browser history, this episode is for you. Email us → thumbwarpod@gmail.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

We’re recapping Episodes 1 & 2 of Welcome To Derry, a show that proves Stephen King will never run out of nightmare fuel. In this episode, Jason and Rachel break down the pacifier trauma, the demon-baby joyride, the womb-from-hell sequence, the pickle-factory disaster, the theater bloodbath, and the government bros who genuinely think they can team-up with Pennywise like he’s the sixth Avenger. Thankfully, Hazel drops in to provide the emotional support HBO clearly refuses to. If you love horror, chaos, or watching Derry do Derry things, this one’s for you. Email us → thumbwarpod@gmail.com Join our Patreon for ad-free episodes + bonus shows: 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.

Welcome to the Thumb War Patreon lounge — where the mics are hot, the Eight Ball’s filthy, and no one’s editing out the weird stuff. JD and Rachel dive into the doomed Soderbergh-Driver Star Wars script, questionable grooming updates, deer encounters, thrift-store T-shirt giveaways, and a heartfelt thank-you to the listeners literally keeping the lights on. If you’re hearing this in the free feed, you’re missing the good parts. Join the Patreon and unlock every unhinged moment: 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.

This week on Thumb War, Jason and Rachel ring up The Black Phone 2 (2025) — a sequel that swaps its creepy basement for a haunted dreamscape — and then revisit An American Werewolf in London (1981), one of the funniest, horniest, and most existential horror movies ever made. Featuring: – Dream demons vs real terror – Rick Baker’s makeup magic & Oscar-winning gore – Why Landis changed horror forever – And how skating villains might be the least scary idea ever thumbwarpod@gmail.com Support the show on Patreon for bonus episodes and Discord hangouts: 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.

Jason and Rachel are joined by resident Jedi Jeshua Kidd to tackle Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones. From Obi-Wan’s noir detective subplot on Kamino to Anakin and Padmé’s galaxy-wide red-flag romance, we break down the highs, lows, and sand-covered cringe of George Lucas’s most ambitious prequel. Topics include: the infamous “I don’t like sand” scene, Yoda’s lightsaber duel, Ewan McGregor keeping this whole thing afloat, and whether Attack of the Clones deserves its spot near the bottom of most Star Wars rankings. New to Thumb War? We watch way too much stuff… so you don’t have to. Don’t forget to like, subscribe & hit the bell for more Thumb War reviews! Join our Patreon for ad-free episodes + bonus shows: 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.

This week on Thumb War, Jason and Rachel (with special guest Dan Dan The Pie Man!) check in to the worst Airbnb in cinematic history: Barbarian (2022). We’re talking Bill Skarsgård’s creep factor, Justin Long’s slimeball turn, the unforgettable “Mother,” and why this film makes you scream “Don’t go in the basement!” Is Barbarian a horror masterpiece or a divisive mess? We break down the scares, the social commentary, and the sheer chaos of Zach Cregger’s debut. Four thumbs way, way up. Don’t forget to like, subscribe & hit the bell for more Thumb War reviews! Join our Patreon for ad-free episodes + bonus shows: 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.

It took two decades, but the rage virus is back. Jason and Rachel review 28 Years Later (2025), the shocking sequel from Danny Boyle and Alex Garland — now available on digital. We unpack the performances (Jodie Comer, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Ralph Fiennes as Dr. Kelson, Alfie Williams), the bold genre twists, and whether the film lives up to the 28 Days Later legacy. From the chilling Rudyard Kipling poem to the Lindisfarne setting, the “Bone Temple” setup, and the controversial train sequence — we cover it all. Subscribe to Thumb War for more unhinged reviews of movies and TV you probably shouldn’t watch (but we do, so you don’t have to). Hit us up: ThumbWarPod@gmail.com Join our Patreon for ad-free episodes + bonus shows: 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.

Jason & Rachel wrestle with The Smashing Machine — Benny Safdie’s bruising MMA drama starring Dwayne Johnson & Emily Blunt. Is it The Rock’s best performance? Why did it flop at the box office? And could it still earn him Oscar buzz? Also: J.Lo’s new musical Kiss of the Spider Woman, Stephen King’s Welcome to Derry, Ryan Murphy’s Monster: The Ed Gein Story, and a joyful rewatch of The Naked Gun. Subscribe for more irreverent movie talk & hit us up: ThumbWarPod@gmail.com Join our Patreon for ad-free episodes + bonus shows: 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.

Andrew DeYoung’s Friendship (A24) is equal parts hilarious, awkward, and deeply uncomfortable. Tim Robinson (I Think You Should Leave) and Paul Rudd dive headfirst into cringe comedy — and we break it all down. From cult-like bro bonding to surreal sewer adventures, nacho intimacy, and an endless parade of green, this movie is as weird as it is brilliant. We discuss the performances, themes of male loneliness, hidden metaphors, and whether Friendship actually works as a feature-length Robinson vehicle. Email us: ThumbWarPod@gmail.com Join our Patreon for ad-free episodes + bonus shows: 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.

Join our Patreon to hear the FULL episode, AD FREE! http://bit.ly/44Mo8xU The factory floor is open, and this one gets… weird. We’re talking: canned chicken This is the feral, too-sweaty-for-YouTube energy that only P-Hounds get. 🐕🔥 Listen now on your Patreon feed → http://bit.ly/44Mo8xU Not a member yet? Fix that. $5 a month gets you all bonus pods + ad-free episodes. The top two tiers get you into our live monthly hangouts. Email us: thumbwarpod@gmail.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This week on Thumb War: One Battle After AnotherSpider-Man: Brand New DayHighlanderThe Mandalorian & GroguWeaponsHouse of Guinness Plus: Maggie Gyllenhaal’s The Bride, Ethan Hawke’s Black Phone 2, and more movie news. Support us on Patreon for bonus content: http://bit.ly/44Mo8xU Email us: thumbwarpod@gmail.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

We survived Alien Earth… barely. In our FINAL recap, we tear into Episode 8 and the season as a whole — from zombie-Arthur and the failed Moreau vs. Kersh fight, to the haunted house gimmicks and that ridiculous elevator scene. It started strong, but ended as a total disaster. We talk wasted potential, missed opportunities, and whether we’ll ever cover season 2. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

JD & Rachel break down Alien: Earth Episode 7 — from awkward jungle logistics to the kids’ dumb mistakes, Wendy’s Xenomorph bond, and that graveyard twist. All that, plus: The HousemaidAnacondaWuthering HeightsRambo Subscribe, rate 5 stars, and join us for weekly recaps + movie/TV hot takes. Support us on Patreon for bonus content: http://bit.ly/44Mo8xU Email us: thumbwarpod@gmail.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this week’s Thumb War, Rachel and Jason finally review Ryan Coogler’s Sinners (2025) — a vampire musical set in the Jim Crow South starring Michael B. Jordan in a dual role. We dig into the film’s striking but divisive lighting, its musical centerpiece, Delroy Lindo’s haunting blues performance, and Coogler’s exploration of culture, power, and legacy. Spoilers abound as we unpack why Sinners is one of the boldest films of the year. Subscribe for weekly recaps, reviews, and entertainment hot takes. Support us on Patreon for bonus content: http://bit.ly/44Mo8xU Email us at thumbwarpod@gmail.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This week on Thumb War, Jason & Rachel dive into Alien: Earth Episode 6, “The Fly.” From Joe’s patronizing dialogue to Wendy’s unsettling xeno-conversations, we unpack whether this mid-season episode holds up—or tanks the momentum. We also detour into plenty of entertainment news: the Degrassi TIFF doc, Alan Ritchson & Shailene Woodley’s Motor City, Sydney Sweeney’s boxing drama Christie, Emmy buzz for Survivor, and Andrew Santino’s Disney-edited comedy special. 👉 Subscribe, leave us a 5-star review ⭐️ Subscribe to our Patreon! http://bit.ly/44Mo8xU 📩 Send us an email! ThumbWarPod@gmail.com

In this episode of Thumb War, Jason and Rachel break down Darren Aronofsky’s Caught Stealing (2025) — a violent, surreal New York crime thriller starring Austin Butler, Zoe Kravitz, Regina King, and Bad Bunny. We go deep into: Full spoilers throughout.

The Thumb War crew dives into Alien: Earth Episode 5 (“In Space No One…”), unpacking all the chaos aboard the USCSS Maginot — facehuggers, sabotage, and Morrow’s rise as the anti-hero we love to fear. But before the xenomorph bloodbath, we hit Trailer Trash with some huge entertainment news: Chad PowersHit ManGladiator 3AlienSisu 2: Road to Revenge Whether you’re here for Alien lore, movie news, or chaotic hot takes — we’ve got you covered. Subscribe to our Patreon! http://bit.ly/44Mo8xU Send us an email! ThumbWarPod@gmail.com

We’re calling it: Alien: Earth Episode 4 is the strongest yet. Creepy doll heads, Wendy’s wild brain-trip, and a swimmer xenomorph that might be island-bound — we’ve got theories, breakdowns, and a whole lot of yelling. PLUS in this episode: — Emma Stone in Begonia looks amazing — Guillermo del Toro drops a Frankenstein trailer — We survived The Roses (barely) — Amy Adams joins Starfighter — but do we really need more Mando babysitting? — Taylor + Kelce: sure, why not It’s recaps, rants, and pop-culture chaos — just how we like it. Subscribe to our Patreon! http://bit.ly/44Mo8xU Send us an email! ThumbWarPod@gmail.com