Cinema Psychos Movie Reviews – Details, episodes & analysis

Is War of the Worlds (2025) the worst Film ever or is it simply a soulless film about our capitalist hellscape of an existence?

 Ice Cube plays a surveillance psycho hacking his daughter's fridge while data-eating aliens invade Earth through Microsoft Teams. We watched War of the Worlds (2025) so you don't have to—this screenlife disaster is 90 minutes of PS2 CGI, shameless Amazon product placement, and a plot dumber that feels like it's written by AI.

What we're covering: 

•  Ice Cube as the villain dad we root for the aliens to vaporize
• "Disruptor" the hacker son and the Goliath surveillance conspiracy 
• Amazon drones + a $1,000 gift card literally saving humanity 
• Pandemic screenlife excuses (Unfriended was better, fight me) 
• Why this soulless capitalist hellscape accidentally captures 2025 perfectly 

Is it "so bad it's good" or just evil? You decide.

Introduction [00:00]
Welcome to Cinema Psychos Show [00:32]
Housekeeping and Follow Us [02:14]
Initial Reactions to War of the Worlds 2025 [03:46]
IMDb Synopsis and Surveillance Themes [08:21]
Ice Cube's Creepy Protagonist [11:48]
Production Background and Screenlife Genre [17:07]
Plot Summary: Setup and Family Dynamics [30:05]
Alien Invasion and Data-Feeding Premise [45:07]
Goliath Program and Government Conspiracy [59:00]
Product Placement and Capitalist Critique [01:11:00]
Climax and Resolution [01:30:00]
Audience Reviews [01:39:00]
Guest Henry O'Brien and Closing Thoughts [01:50:00]

Check out Henry O'Brien's Amazing Film Blogs/Socials:

• Substack The Stuff I Watched: https://stuffiwatch.substack.com/,
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@henryobrien1,
• Film Obsessive: https://filmobsessive.com/author/henry-obrien/

Follow The Cinema Psychos Show on Socials ❤️‍🔥:

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MAIN TITLE: "Red Alert" 

AUTHOR: Jack Waldenmaier

PUBLISHER: Music Bakery Publishing (BMI)

WARNING: UNAUTHORIZED USE OF THE MUSIC CONTAINED IN THIS PRODUCTION IS SUBJECT TO CRIMINAL PROSECUTION. All copyrights, licensing, duplication and distribution rights are held exclusively by Music Bakery Publishing (BMI). 214-636-5887 

musicbakery.com

Is The Phantom (1996) a secretly GREAT bad superhero movie, or just purple-spandex pulp trash? In this episode, we dive deep into Billy Zane's cult classic, The Phantom, and ask if it actually holds up in 2026.​

We break down the film's weird production history, its roots in classic pulp comics, and why Treat Williams' gloriously over-the-top Xander Drax performance might be one of the last great campy '90s villains.​

In this episode of Cinema Psychos Show, Brian and John cover:​

• The Phantom as one of the earliest costumed superheroes and pulp icons

• How a Joe Dante spoof script morphed into a straight-faced '90s studio superhero movie

• Billy Zane's committed himbo-hero turn in purple spandex and that infamous skull cave "dead dad" dynamic

• Treat Williams chewing the scenery as Xander Drax, murder microscopes, magic skull lasers, and all

• The Phantom's place alongside Batman '89, The Shadow, The Rocketeer, and Batman & Robin in the '90s superhero boom

• Why this once-maligned flop now plays like cozy, Saturday-afternoon cult comfort cinema

CHAPTERS: 

Introduction and Show Open [00:00]
Why The Phantom Now? 30 Years Later [01:17]
Movie Synopsis and Xander Drax Impressions [02:25]
Personal Memories: Seeing It in Theaters [06:01]
History of The Phantom and Development Drama [10:30]
Plot Breakdown: Origin and Skull Cave [14:00]
Introducing Diana Palmer and New York Intrigue [19:00]
Plane Hijacking and Femme Fatale Fight [29:30]
Skulls Unite: Museum Heist and Chase [35:00]
Pirate Island Showdown and Skull Powers [43:00]
Climax Explosions and Finale [49:00]
Audience Reviews and Reactions [59:00]
Final Thoughts and Plugs [01:18:00]

Follow The Cinema Psychos Show on Socials ❤️‍🔥:

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Listen to The Cinema Psychos Show on:

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MAIN TITLE: "Red Alert" 

AUTHOR: Jack Waldenmaier

PUBLISHER: Music Bakery Publishing (BMI)

WARNING: UNAUTHORIZED USE OF THE MUSIC CONTAINED IN THIS PRODUCTION IS SUBJECT TO CRIMINAL PROSECUTION. All copyrights, licensing, duplication and distribution rights are held exclusively by Music Bakery Publishing (BMI). 214-636-5887 

musicbakery.com

This week on the Cinema Psychos Show we are diving into Guillermo del Toro's love letter to monsters in "Frankenstein" with monster lover extraordinaire, Jordan The Grey Witch.

Explore the film's gothic romance, generational trauma themes, and the stunning visual storytelling that del Toro is renowned for.

Discover how the film reimagines Mary Shelley's classic tale with a modern twist, featuring standout performances by Oscar Isaac and Mia Goth.

Don't miss our in-depth analysis of the film's wardrobe, set design, and the intriguing parallels between the creature and Christ.

Follow The Cinema Psychos Show on Socials ❤️‍🔥:

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Listen to The Cinema Psychos Show on:

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OR LISTEN ON YOUR FAVORITE PODCAST APP! https://cinemapsychosshow.com/follow

MAIN TITLE: "Red Alert" 

AUTHOR: Jack Waldenmaier

PUBLISHER: Music Bakery Publishing (BMI)

WARNING: UNAUTHORIZED USE OF THE MUSIC CONTAINED IN THIS PRODUCTION IS SUBJECT TO CRIMINAL PROSECUTION. All copyrights, licensing, duplication and distribution rights are held exclusively by Music Bakery Publishing (BMI). 214-636-5887 

musicbakery.com

In this special bonus episode from our time at The 2023 Eerie Horror Fest, John and I spoke with Horror Movie Legends; Nancy Loomis and Eileen Dietz. 

You may know Nancy from her role as Laurie Strode's best friend, Annie, from the 1978 classic Halloween as well as roles in Halloween 3: Season of the Witch, The Fog, and Assault on Precinct 13. 

Eileen Dietz has done everything from sitcoms to horror movies. And with a career that spans decades, she is best known for scaring the hell out of us as the face of Pazuzu/Captain Howdy in The Exorcist as well as serving as Linda Blair's double for the film. 

It was an absolute treat for us to talk about their time working on these films. Special thanks to The Eerie Horror Fest for making this interview possible!

Find The Cinema Psychos Show on Youtube - 🔴

• SUBSCRIBE on YOUTUBE and SMASH THAT BELL TO OBLIVION!  — https://rebrand.ly/z0uf0cl
• Watch more episodes here: https://www.youtube.com/@psychosshow
• J Dub's Video Nasties (John's awesome movie channel)  - https://www.youtube.com/@JDUBSVIDEONASTIES/

Follow The Cinema Psychos Show on Socials ❤️‍🔥:

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Listen to The Cinema Psychos Show on:

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OR LISTEN ON YOUR FAVORITE PODCAST APP! https://cinemapsychosshow.com/follow

MAIN TITLE: "Red Alert" 

AUTHOR: Jack Waldenmaier

PUBLISHER: Music Bakery Publishing (BMI)

WARNING: UNAUTHORIZED USE OF THE MUSIC CONTAINED IN THIS PRODUCTION IS SUBJECT TO CRIMINAL PROSECUTION. All copyrights, licensing, duplication and distribution rights are held exclusively by Music Bakery Publishing (BMI). 214-636-5887 

musicbakery.com

With the 20th Anniversary of Elf, we wanted to ask the question: What makes Elf a modern Christmas classic? What is it about this light-hearted comedy about a grown man, raised by Santa's elves who travels to New York City to rediscover his family that has been able to capture the feeling of the holidays for modern audiences?

Find The Cinema Psychos Show on Youtube - 🔴

• SUBSCRIBE on YOUTUBE and SMASH THAT BELL TO OBLIVION!  — https://rebrand.ly/z0uf0cl
• Watch more episodes here: https://www.youtube.com/@psychosshow
• J Dub's Video Nasties (John's awesome movie channel)  - https://www.youtube.com/@JDUBSVIDEONASTIES/

Follow The Cinema Psychos Show on Socials ❤️‍🔥:

• Discord: https://discord.gg/7GZ9uuTJ
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Listen to The Cinema Psychos Show on:

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MAIN TITLE: "Red Alert" 

AUTHOR: Jack Waldenmaier

PUBLISHER: Music Bakery Publishing (BMI)

WARNING: UNAUTHORIZED USE OF THE MUSIC CONTAINED IN THIS PRODUCTION IS SUBJECT TO CRIMINAL PROSECUTION. All copyrights, licensing, duplication and distribution rights are held exclusively by Music Bakery Publishing (BMI). 214-636-5887 

musicbakery.com

WARNING THIS EPISODE GOES INTO RELIGION AND POLITICS...RUN AWAY IF YOU'RE NOT INTO THAT.

This week, we are diving into the deranged mind of a man obsessed with hot cocoa, swaddling cloths, and a homicidal maniac Santa Claus...MERRY XMAS Y'ALL We're talking about 2014's Kirk Cameron's Saving Christmas

SUBSCRIBE on YOUTUBE and SMASH THAT BELL TO OBLIVION! 🔴 — https://rebrand.ly/z0uf0cl

Watch more episodes here: https://www.youtube.com/@psychosshow

J Dub's Video Nasties (John's awesome movie channel) 🔴 — https://www.youtube.com/@JDUBSVIDEONASTIES/

Follow The Cinema Psychos Show on Socials ❤️‍🔥:

Discord: https://discord.gg/7GZ9uuTJ

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Listen to The Cinema Psychos Show on:

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Goodpods: https://rebrand.ly/picstv6

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https://cinemapsychosshow.com/follow

TITLE: "Red Alert" AUTHOR: Jack Waldenmaier 

PUBLISHER: Music Bakery Publishing (BMI)

WARNING: UNAUTHORIZED USE OF THE MUSIC CONTAINED IN THIS PRODUCTION IS SUBJECT TO CRIMINAL PROSECUTION.

All copyrights, licensing, duplication and distribution rights are held exclusively by Music Bakery Publishing (BMI). 214-636-5887

musicbakery.com

This week, we here in the states are celebrating Thanksgiving! The time honored tradition of gluttenous eating among family and friends, football (if you're into that sort of thing), and avoiding the inevitable clash of politics that comes when you invite your boomer Uncle Larry to dinner.  

But aside from food, there are a few movies we've come to associate with the holiday. Planes, Trains, and Automobiles (see our back catalog) is one of the go to films to come from the mind of John Hughes.  But did you know there is another Thanksgiving classic out there. Dutch, the 1991 family/dark comedy starring Ed O'Neil hot off the success of Married with Children and a super young Ethan Embry try to replicate the formula that Steve Martin and John Candy perfected but add a spin about the complexities of class and the struggle within a family dealing with divorce. 

Does this classic from yester-year hold up? We'll find out today!

Take the conversation further!  Come check out our Discord channel where we you can interact face to face (digitally) with us.  Like our opinion or hate it, now you can tell us directly! 

https://discord.gg/QWPUCGCuVC

SUPPORT THE PODCAST!

Do you love the show and want to show your appreciation?  Consider a one time or monthly tip in our virtual tip jar.  Our show will ALWAYS be free, but unfortunately creating the podcast is not free.  Your support will go directly to our production costs.  

https://glow.fm/thecinemapsychosshow/

Our co-host, John Wooliscroft, has a brand new film channel on youtube. Check it out and Subscribe- https://www.youtube.com/@JDUBSVIDEONASTIES

Sign up for the PSYCHOS NATION, our monthly newsletter - http://eepurl.com/dhGswf

Gotta a movie or question you want to throw our way?  Or did we trash one of your favorite films and you want to know where to send a dead horse.  Either way, drop us a line!  We welcome your questions and dead horses.  

NEW !!!  Leave us voicemail! - https://cinemapsychosshow.com/contact-us/

• Email cinemapsychosshow@gmail.com
• Twitter - https://twitter.com/PsychosShow
• Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/psychosshow/
• Discord -https://discord.gg/QWPUCGCuVC
• Tiktok-https://www.tiktok.com/@cinemapsychosshow
• Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/psychosshow/
• Website - https://cinemapsychosshow.com/
• Brian Cottington - https://twitter.com/BrianCottington
• John Wooliscroft - https://twitter.com/TheUnRealJWools

Theme Music:

TITLE: "Red Alert"

AUTHOR: Jack Waldenmaier
PUBLISHER: Music Bakery Publishing (BMI)

WARNING: UNAUTHORIZED USE OF THE MUSIC CONTAINED IN THIS PRODUCTION IS SUBJECT TO CRIMINAL PROSECUTION.

All copyrights, licensing, duplication and distribution rights are held exclusively by Music Bakery Publishing (BMI).

214-636-5887
musicbakery.com

This week, we are answering a listener request! John and I are heading to Freddy Fazbear's Pizzareia to review Five Night's At Freddy's. A movie we both tried to avoid, but we love you the listeners so much that we can't turn down a request. So what is it about this demented knock off of Charles Entertainment Cheese that has captured the minds of little kids and teens and turned what was an indie game into a billion dollar enterprise with toys, books, onesies, and now a major motion picture? And what is the result of Freddy, Chica, Foxy, and the gang's move to the silver screen?? We'll strap in folks, cause this one is definitely a bumpy ride.  

Take the conversation further!  Come check out our Discord channel where we you can interact face to face (digitally) with us.  Like our opinion or hate it, now you can tell us directly! 

https://discord.gg/QWPUCGCuVC

SUPPORT THE PODCAST!

Do you love the show and want to show your appreciation?  Consider a one time or monthly tip in our virtual tip jar.  Our show will ALWAYS be free, but unfortunately creating the podcast is not free.  Your support will go directly to our production costs.  

https://glow.fm/thecinemapsychosshow/

Our co-host, John Wooliscroft, has a brand new film channel on youtube. Check it out and Subscribe- https://www.youtube.com/@JDUBSVIDEONASTIES

Sign up for the PSYCHOS NATION, our monthly newsletter - http://eepurl.com/dhGswf

Gotta a movie or question you want to throw our way?  Or did we trash one of your favorite films and you want to know where to send a dead horse.  Either way, drop us a line!  We welcome your questions and dead horses.  

NEW !!!  Leave us voicemail! - https://cinemapsychosshow.com/contact-us/

• Email cinemapsychosshow@gmail.com
• Twitter - https://twitter.com/PsychosShow
• Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/psychosshow/
• Discord -https://discord.gg/QWPUCGCuVC
• Tiktok-https://www.tiktok.com/@cinemapsychosshow
• Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/psychosshow/
• Website - https://cinemapsychosshow.com/
• Brian Cottington - https://twitter.com/BrianCottington
• John Wooliscroft - https://twitter.com/TheUnRealJWools

Theme Music:

TITLE: "Red Alert"

AUTHOR: Jack Waldenmaier
PUBLISHER: Music Bakery Publishing (BMI)

WARNING: UNAUTHORIZED USE OF THE MUSIC CONTAINED IN THIS PRODUCTION IS SUBJECT TO CRIMINAL PROSECUTION.

All copyrights, licensing, duplication and distribution rights are held exclusively by Music Bakery Publishing (BMI).

214-636-5887
musicbakery.com

In this special bonus episode, we return to our time at The Eerie Horror Fest with our interview with Director Mark Pellington. The visionary filmmaker behind your childhood if, like us, you grew up on MTV in the late 80's and 90's with music videos for Alice in Chains, Nine Inch Nails, and Bon Jovi.  Aside from an impressive resume of music videos, he is also the man behind the cult classic, Mothman Prophecies.  A film that demonstrates how effective visuals and subtle horror can be at inducing terror and dread in your audience.  It also has one of the absolute best disaster sequences ever filmed.  

Take the conversation further!  Come check out our Discord channel where we you can interact face to face (digitally) with us.  Like our opinion or hate it, now you can tell us directly! 

https://discord.gg/QWPUCGCuVC

SUPPORT THE PODCAST!

Do you love the show and want to show your appreciation?  Consider a one time or monthly tip in our virtual tip jar.  Our show will ALWAYS be free, but unfortunately creating the podcast is not free.  Your support will go directly to our production costs.  

https://glow.fm/thecinemapsychosshow/

Our co-host, John Wooliscroft, has a brand new film channel on youtube. Check it out and Subscribe- https://www.youtube.com/@JDUBSVIDEONASTIES

Sign up for the PSYCHOS NATION, our monthly newsletter - http://eepurl.com/dhGswf

Gotta a movie or question you want to throw our way?  Or did we trash one of your favorite films and you want to know where to send a dead horse.  Either way, drop us a line!  We welcome your questions and dead horses.  

NEW !!!  Leave us voicemail! - https://cinemapsychosshow.com/contact-us/

• Email cinemapsychosshow@gmail.com
• Twitter - https://twitter.com/PsychosShow
• Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/psychosshow/
• Discord -https://discord.gg/QWPUCGCuVC
• Tiktok-https://www.tiktok.com/@cinemapsychosshow
• Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/psychosshow/
• Website - https://cinemapsychosshow.com/
• Brian Cottington - https://twitter.com/BrianCottington
• John Wooliscroft - https://twitter.com/TheUnRealJWools

Theme Music:

TITLE: "Red Alert"

AUTHOR: Jack Waldenmaier
PUBLISHER: Music Bakery Publishing (BMI)

WARNING: UNAUTHORIZED USE OF THE MUSIC CONTAINED IN THIS PRODUCTION IS SUBJECT TO CRIMINAL PROSECUTION.

All copyrights, licensing, duplication and distribution rights are held exclusively by Music Bakery Publishing (BMI).

214-636-5887
musicbakery.com

This week we are time traveling back to the 1930's to examine  the legacy of the Universal Monster Movies.  Why is it that these classic films about gothic castles, mad scientists, vampires, mummies, and more have for nearly 100 years captivated our collective imaginations?  Could it be that these films were made so well?  Or maybe that the filmmakers themselves brought elements of their own personalities to these characters.  We'll find out today as we examine the classic monsters from Universal Studios.  

Take the conversation further!  Come check out our Discord channel where we you can interact face to face (digitally) with us.  Like our opinion or hate it, now you can tell us directly! 

https://discord.gg/QWPUCGCuVC

SUPPORT THE PODCAST!

Do you love the show and want to show your appreciation?  Consider a one time or monthly tip in our virtual tip jar.  Our show will ALWAYS be free, but unfortunately creating the podcast is not free.  Your support will go directly to our production costs.  

https://glow.fm/thecinemapsychosshow/

Our co-host, John Wooliscroft, has a brand new film channel on youtube. Check it out and Subscribe- https://www.youtube.com/@JDUBSVIDEONASTIES

Sign up for the PSYCHOS NATION, our monthly newsletter - http://eepurl.com/dhGswf

Gotta a movie or question you want to throw our way?  Or did we trash one of your favorite films and you want to know where to send a dead horse.  Either way, drop us a line!  We welcome your questions and dead horses.  

NEW !!!  Leave us voicemail! - https://cinemapsychosshow.com/contact-us/

• Email cinemapsychosshow@gmail.com
• Twitter - https://twitter.com/PsychosShow
• Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/psychosshow/
• Discord -https://discord.gg/QWPUCGCuVC
• Tiktok-https://www.tiktok.com/@cinemapsychosshow
• Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/psychosshow/
• Website - https://cinemapsychosshow.com/
• Brian Cottington - https://twitter.com/BrianCottington
• John Wooliscroft - https://twitter.com/TheUnRealJWools

Theme Music:

TITLE: "Red Alert"

AUTHOR: Jack Waldenmaier
PUBLISHER: Music Bakery Publishing (BMI)

WARNING: UNAUTHORIZED USE OF THE MUSIC CONTAINED IN THIS PRODUCTION IS SUBJECT TO CRIMINAL PROSECUTION.

All copyrights, licensing, duplication and distribution rights are held exclusively by Music Bakery Publishing (BMI).

214-636-5887
musicbakery.com