This week, we unleash the beasts.

Joined by friend of the pod and quite possibly the world’s most qualified (self-appointed) monster movie expert, we dive fang-first into the wild, weird, and wonderfully chaotic history of monster cinema. From the gothic gloom of early Universal legends like Dracula and Frankenstein, through the skyscraper-scaling chaos of King Kong and the atomic rage of Godzilla, all the way to the gloriously unhinged creature features of the 80s and 90s… we cover it all.

But this isn’t just a history lesson. Oh no. This is a full autopsy.

What actually makes a great monster movie? Is it the creature design? The chaos? The humans making absolutely baffling decisions? We break down what works, what really doesn’t, and the films that should probably be locked away in a cursed tomb forever.

Speaking of cursed tombs… we shine a spotlight on one of Mike’s all-time favourites and a certified Third Reel darling: The Mummy. With a new instalment looming (yes, really, and yes, with original cast whispers), there’s never been a better time to revisit this swashbuckling, sand-blasted classic. We also… reluctantly… dig up the sequels. Some things are better left buried, but here we are. Yes, Tomb of the Dragon Emperor, we’re looking directly at you. And yes… we do acknowledge the Tom Cruise one. Briefly. Like a jump scare you wish you could forget.

We also ask the big question: has monster cinema peaked, or is the best still lurking in the shadows, waiting for its moment?

Grab your pitchforks, light a torch, and press play. Just… maybe don’t read any ancient texts out loud while listening.

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The journey doesn’t end at Mount Doom… it ends here, in the comfiest of chairs, with a debrief that’s part therapy session, part tribunal, and part long-overdue reckoning.

After trekking through three films, approximately 47 endings, and enough sweeping New Zealand vistas to make us consider early retirement as sheep farmers, we’re wrapping up our Lord of the Rings review series with a very special guest: Claire — superfam, fiancé to our very own host, and, crucially, someone who has endured listening to all of this.

And now… she gets her say.

We’re diving into the age-old debate: extended editions or theatrical cuts — indulgent masterpieces or just Peter Jackson refusing to leave the party? Claire delivers her verdict on our reviews (brace yourselves), calling out the nonsense, agreeing where it’s deserved, and possibly questioning a few life choices along the way.

But that’s not all. Oh no. We’re handing out awards like we’re at the Middle-earth Oscars:

• Favourite Frodo moment (yes, he does more than just look stressed)
• Best action scene (there may be shouting)
• MVPs, unsung heroes, and possibly a few characters who should’ve stayed in the Shire

Expect laughs, gentle roasting, and the kind of chaotic energy that only comes from revisiting a trilogy this massive with someone who’s been watching from the sidelines, taking notes… and waiting.

So pour yourself a pint, second breakfast optional, and join us as we close the book on one of the greatest trilogies ever made — with honesty, humour, and just a hint of “did we actually get any of this right?”

If you have any things you want to discuss about this film or Lord of the Rings in general, email us at thirdreelpod@gmail.com or through our socials @third_reel_pod

https://linktr.ee/thirdreelpod

Support our Patreon for more TTR! https://patreon.com/thirdreelpod

All music used in this podcast is for commentary and review purposes under fair use. We give full credit to the original composers and right holders, and acknowledge that we do not own any of the music featured.

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Here it is. The final march. The last stand. The emotional, slightly overlong, absolutely iconic conclusion to our Lord of the Rings deep-dive series.

In Part 2 of our Return of the King review, we pick up from the chaos of Pelennor Fields and charge headfirst into everything that follows: the battles, the sacrifices, the speeches that make you want to run through a wall for Gondor… and yes, every single one of those endings. All of them. We’re counting. We’re judging. We’re emotionally recovering.

This is where it all comes together. Character arcs reach their breaking points, the stakes hit their absolute peak, and we finally answer the question that’s been hanging over this entire series like a suspiciously sentient ring:

is Return of the King actually the best of the trilogy?

With Fellowship setting the gold standard and Two Towers wildly overperforming in our rankings, this finale has a lot to live up to. Do our long-held, rose-tinted memories hold strong… or does reality sneak in like Gollum at 3am and ruin everything?

We break down the final acts, give our final scores, and lock in our definitive ranking of the entire trilogy. No take-backs. No rewinds. This is it.

And with that… Middle-earth closes its doors for now, as we prepare to leave behind epic fantasy perfection and step bravely, questionably, into the world of… Twilight. Pray for us.

FULL SPOILERS FOR LORD OF THE RINGS THE RETURN OF THE KING IN THIS EPISODE. You have been warned.

If you have any things you want to discuss about this film or Lord of the Rings in general, email us at thirdreelpod@gmail.com or through our socials @third_reel_pod

https://linktr.ee/thirdreelpod

Support our Patreon for more TTR! https://patreon.com/thirdreelpod

All music used in this podcast is for commentary and review purposes under fair use. We give full credit to the original composers and right holders, and acknowledge that we do not own any of the music featured.

TIMESTAMPS

00:00:00 - Preamble

00:08:45 - Review: Act 2

00:51:05 - Review: Act 3

01:42:44 - Closing Thoughts & Scores

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