MICROSODES | Movie Reviews

QD: Black Mirror Review (Netflix) | Brilliant, But Not Bingeable

Quickdraw: Black Mirror (TV Series) | Brilliant, But Not Bingeable
In this Quickdraw episode, we discuss the TV series, Black Mirror. 
Step into the future of technology, where humans indubitably ruin everything. Join us as we delve into the world filled with the future’s worst case scenarios. 
Where to watch: Netflix
(Attention: This episode is longer than our regular Quickdraw episodes)
📩 Email us at microsodespodcast@gmail.com with comments, suggestions, recommendations—or send us your own reviews!

QD: The Front Room (2024) Movie Review | Nightmares Aplenty

Quickdraw: Is it a Hit or a Miss?
Welcome to Quickdraw—our spoiler-free mini series where we size up a show (or sometimes a movie) and tell you if it’s worth your time. These episodes are short and casual, without the regular category scoring—just a hit-or-miss take on what we deem worthy of your time. Quickdraw is our way of keeping it quick, honest, and very opinionated.
The Front Room (2024) |Nightmares Aplenty
In this Quickdraw episode, we discuss the 2024 movie, The Front Room.
A pregnant woman. A nightmare mother-in-law. A24's The Front Room promises psychological terror—does it deliver, or just make us uncomfortable? Tune in to see what we thought…
Where to watch: HBO Max
📩 Email us at microsodespodcast@gmail.com with comments, suggestions, recommendations—or send us your own reviews!
 
 

Longlegs (2024) Movie Review | Cult Classic or Killer Confusion?

Longlegs (2024) Spoiler-Free Movie Review
Paranormal clues, serial murder, and a deeply unsettling performance by Nicolas Cage — Longlegs (2024) truly encapsulates horror with a psychological twist. In this episode, we dive into the film’s eerie visuals, methodical pacing, and whether its mystery lives up to the mounting dread. Bobby decodes the director’s vision, while Ashley tries to understand where they are all coming from — literally.
Longlegs (2024) Movie Details:
Release Date: July 12, 2024
Length: 1h 41m
Rated: R
Genre: Horror, Thriller
Director: Osgood Perkins
Writer: Osgood Perkins
Producers: Dan Kagan, Brian Kavanaugh-Jones, Nicolas Cage, Dave Caplan, Chris Ferguson
Distributed by: Neon
Main Actors: Maika Monroe (Lee Harker), Nicolas Cage (Longlegs), Blair Underwood (Agent Carter), Alicia Witt (Ruth Harker), Michelle Choi-Lee (Agent Browning)
Where to watch: Available for streaming on Hulu; also available for rent or purchase on Amazon Video, Apple TV, and Fandango at Home
Synopsis: "FBI Agent Lee Harker is assigned to an unsolved case involving a serial killer known as 'Longlegs.' As she uncovers occult clues and a personal connection to the killer, Harker must race against time to prevent another family tragedy."
📩 Email us at microsodespodcast@gmail.com with your thoughts—did Longlegs leave you haunted or hungry for more horror?

The Inheritance (2024) Movie Review | Do You Trust Your Family?

The Inheritance (2024) Spoiler-Free Movie Review
In this episode, we delve into The Inheritance, a supernatural horror-thriller directed by Alejandro Brugués. The film centers on billionaire Charles Abernathy, who, on the eve of his 75th birthday, summons his estranged children to his estate, fearing that someone—or something—intends to kill him before midnight. We discuss the film's eerie atmosphere, family dynamics, and whether it delivers on its chilling premise.
The Inheritance (2024) Movie Details:
Release Date: July 12, 2024
Length: 1h 36m
Rated: Not Rated
Genre: Horror, Thriller
Director(s): Alejandro Brugués
Writer(s): Chris LaMont, Joe Russo
Producer(s): Paul Schiff
Distributed by: Vertical
Main Actors: Bob Gunton (Charles Abernathy), Peyton List (Kami), Briana Middleton (Hannah), Rachel Nichols (Madeline), Austin Stowell (Drew), David Walton (C.J.)
Where to watch: Available for streaming on Hulu and Disney+; also available for rent or purchase on Fandango at Home
Synopsis: "On the eve of his 75th birthday, billionaire Charles Abernathy invites his estranged children back home out of fear that tonight someone or something is going to kill him. He puts each of their inheritances on the line to ensure they'll help keep him alive."
📩 Email us at microsodespodcast@gmail.com with your thoughts—did The Inheritance prove that family is worth more than money?

Vacation Friends (2021) Movie Review | Which Couple Are You?

Vacation Friends (2021) Spoiler-Free Movie Review
In this episode, we dive into Vacation Friends, a wild buddy comedy that pairs straight-laced couple Marcus and Emily with the uninhibited Ron and Kyla during a vacation in Mexico. What starts as a week of unbridled fun takes an unexpected turn when their new "vacation friends" show up uninvited at their wedding months later. We discuss the film's comedic highs and lows, the chemistry between the cast, and whether this raunchy adventure delivers the laughs.
Vacation Friends (2021) Movie Details:
Release Date: August 27, 2021
Length: 1h 43m
Rated: R
Genre: Comedy, Adventure
Director(s): Clay Tarver
Writer(s): Tom Mullen, Tim Mullen, Clay Tarver, Jonathan Goldstein, John Francis Daley
Producer(s): Todd Garner, Timothy M. Bourne
Distributed by: 20th Century Studios
Main Actors: Lil Rel Howery (Marcus), Yvonne Orji (Emily), John Cena (Ron), Meredith Hagner (Kyla), Robert Wisdom (Harold), Lynn Whitfield (Suzanne), Andrew Bachelor (Gabe)
Where to watch: Available for streaming on Hulu (U.S.) and Disney+ (International)
Synopsis: "A straight-laced couple meets a wild pair while on vacation in Mexico, leading to a week of debauchery. Months later, their new friends crash their wedding, creating chaos and proving that what happens on vacation doesn't always stay there."
📩 Email us at microsodespodcast@gmail.com with your thoughts—did Vacation Friends bring the laughs you were expecting?

QD: Reacher Review (Amazon Prime) | Book Fan vs. First-Time Viewer

Quickdraw: Is it a Hit or a Miss?
Welcome to Quickdraw—our spoiler-free mini series where we size up a show (or sometimes a movie) and tell you if it’s worth your time. These episodes are short and casual, without the regular category scoring—just a hit-or-miss take on what we deem worthy of your time. Quickdraw is our way of keeping it quick, honest, and very opinionated.
 
Reacher (TV Series) | Book Fan & First-Time Viewer
Bobby has read the Reacher books by Lee Child. Ashley is a first-time viewer. In this Quickdraw, we break down the Reacher TV series—no spoilers—to help you decide: is it worth starting from Season 1, or should you skip the hype and move on?
Where to watch: Amazon Prime
📩 Email us at microsodespodcast@gmail.com with comments, suggestions, recommendations—or send us your own reviews!

The Electric State (2025) Movie Review | Sci-Fi Epic or Saga Glitch?

The Electric State (2025) Spoiler-Free Movie Review
In this episode, we delve into The Electric State, the Russo Brothers' ambitious adaptation of Simon Stålenhag's graphic novel. Set in a retro-futuristic 1990s, the film navigates a world where technology blurs the line between reality and virtual existence. We discuss whether this high-budget sci-fi adventure delivers on its promise or gets lost in its own digital dreamscape.
The Electric State (2025) Movie Details:
Release Date: March 14, 2025
Length: 2h 8m
Rated: PG-13
Genre: Action, Sci-Fi, Adventure, Comedy
Director(s): Anthony Russo, Joe Russo
Writer(s): Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely (screenplay); based on the novel by Simon Stålenhag
Producer(s): AGBO Films
Distributed by: Netflix
Main Actors: Chris Pratt, Millie Bobby Brown, Woody Harrelson
Where to watch: Netflix
Synopsis: "An orphaned teen hits the road with a mysterious robot to find her long-lost brother, teaming up with a smuggler and his wisecracking sidekick."
 
📩 Email us at microsodespodcast@gmail.com with your thoughts — was The Electric State as electrifying as we thought or did it short-circuit?
 
Chapters: 01:07 - 5-Star "Could-be" Sponsor 02:38 - Film Details 04:28 - Trailer & Synopsis 07:02 - Film Review 45:25 - Overall Rating 49:37 - Outtakes

The Fall Guy (2024) Movie Review | Stunt Masterpiece or Story Fail?

The Fall Guy (2024) Spoiler-Free Movie Review
Explosive stunts, behind-the-scenes drama, and highly choreographed fights  — The Fall Guy (2024) is a wild ride. In this episode, we break down the high-speed action, laugh-out-loud moments, and whether this action-comedy is a love letter to Hollywood stunt performers or just a big-budget thrill ride. Our spoiler-free review breaks it down.
The Fall Guy (2024) Movie Details:
Release Date: May 3, 2024
Length: 2h 6m
Rated: PG-13
Genre: Action, Comedy
Director(s): David Leitch
Writer(s): Drew Pearce
Producer(s): David Leitch, Kelly McCormick, Ryan Gosling, Guymon Casady
Distributed by: Universal Pictures
Main Actors: Ryan Gosling (Colt Seavers), Emily Blunt (Jody Moreno)
Where to watch: Peacock Premium (Streaming), Available for Rent or Purchase on Amazon Prime and Apple TV
Synopsis: After a near-career-ending accident, a stuntman is pulled back into the action to find a missing movie star, uncover a conspiracy, and possibly win back his ex — all while doing death-defying stunts.
📩 Email us at microsodespodcast@gmail.com with comments, suggestions, recommendations—or send us your own reviews!
 
Check out this episode's "Could-be, 5-Star Sponsor": GAMMA RAY OPTICS
(This episode is NOT sponsored by Gamma Ray Optics or any of its affiliates)

1408 (2007) Movie Review | 1 Hour in a Haunted Hotel—Could You Survive?

1408 (2007) Spoiler-Free Movie Review
A haunted hotel room, psychological torment, and John Cusack vs. a really bad night’s sleep—1408 (2007) takes us on a mind-bending horror trip, but does it still hold up? In this episode, we check into room 1408 and break down our favorite moments, the eerie visuals, and whether Cusack and Samuel L. Jackson’s performances still bring the chills. Plus, Bobby dissects the film’s deeper meaning, while Ashley debates if she’d last five minutes in that room (spoiler: absolutely not).
1408 (2007) Movie Details:
Release Date: June 22, 2007
Length: 1h 44m
Rated: PG-13
Genre: Horror, Thriller
Director(s): Mikael Håfström
Writer(s): Matt Greenberg, Scott Alexander, Larry Karaszewski; based on the short story by Stephen King
Producer(s): Lorenzo di Bonaventura
Distributed by: Dimension Films
Main Actors: John Cusack (Mike Enslin), Samuel L. Jackson (Gerald Olin)
Where to watch: Amazon Prime, Apple TV, Fandango at Home, Google Play Store, YouTube, YouTube TV
Synopsis: "The Dolphin Hotel invites you to stay in any of its stunning rooms, except for one. No one lasts an hour in 1408, and some rooms are locked for a reason."
📩 Email us at microsodespodcast@gmail.com with comments, suggestions, recommendations—or send us your own reviews!
 
Check out this episode's "Could-be, 5-Star Sponsor": THE COMFY
(This episode is NOT sponsored by The Comfy or any of its affiliates)

Trap (2024) Movie Review | Edge-of-Your-Seat or Ready to Escape?

Trap (2024) Spoiler-Free Movie Review
M. Night Shyamalan is back—so you already know we have things to say. Trap (2024) brings another of his signature twists, but does it actually land, or are we left feeling trapped? In this episode, we break down the suspense, the acting, and whether this thriller is a must-see or something you would rather skip. Plus, Bobby dives into the details while Ashley wonders why people in horror movies are always so trusting.
Trap (2024) Movie Details:
Release Date: August 2, 2024
Length: 1h 45m
Rated: PG-13
Genre: Horror/Crime
Director(s): M. Night Shyamalan
Writer(s): M. Night Shyamalan
Producer(s): M. Night Shyamalan, Ashwin Rajan, Marc Bienstock
Distributed by: Warner Bros. Pictures
Main Actors: Josh Hartnett (Cooper), Ariel Donoghue (Riley), Saleka Night Shyamalan (Lady Raven)
Where to watch: Max, YouTube Primetime, YouTubeTV, Hulu, Amazon Prime, Roku, Sling TV (for purchase on: Google Play Store, AppleTV, Fandango at Home)
Synopsis: "A father and his teenage daughter attend a pop concert, only to realize they've entered the center of a dark and sinister event."
📩 Email us at microsodespodcast@gmail.com with comments, suggestions, recommendations—or send us your own reviews!
 
Check out this episode's "Could-be, 5-Star Sponsor": FLYBIRD
(This episode is NOT sponsored by FlyBird or any of its affiliates)