This week on Real Movie Stuff, Charles pours one out for legendary tough guy Michael Madsen, dives into the latest box office tea, and tries to make sense of AMC’s bold new ad strategy (spoiler: more commercials, fewer snacks?).

He’s joined by guest Cortland Jacoby for a no-holds-barred chat about what these shifts mean for the future of film—and whether we're heading for a cinematic renaissance or just more reboots. Charles also reviews Jurassic World: Rebirth(because dinosaurs never die, apparently) and Heads of State (where the action is loud and the plot politely knocks).

Tune in for laughs, hot takes, and movie opinions you didn’t ask for but definitely need.

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Where You Can Find Cortland!

IG-@4cortlandia

X/Twitter-@portcortlandia

This week on Real Movie Stuff, Charles recaps the cinematic chaos (and magic) of the Light Reel Film Festival—because nothing says “film buff” like voluntarily watching 12 movies in one weekend. He breaks down why film festivals still matter (even in the age of endless streaming), and why your couch shouldn’t be your only screening room.

Then it’s review time, as Charles dives into Tyler Perry’s Straw (yes, that’s really the title), Disney Pixar’s Elio (space kid meets emotions... again), and F1: The Movie. Expect hot takes, honest insights, and at least one movie he politely roasts. Buckle up—it’s a reel ride.

Welcome to the very first episode of Real Movie Stuff, where Charles Kirkland Jr. proves he's not just a film critic—he's a film nerd with credentials. Charles spills the popcorn on his journey from podcast co-host to accredited movie maestro and shares the behind-the-scenes scoop on the Light Reel Film Festival (spoiler: it's kind of a big deal).

Joined by Producer Mike, the duo dives into horror films—what they love, what haunts them, and why Ryan Coogler might be the horror hero we didn’t know we needed. They break down Sinners vs. Black Panther (yes, that’s a real comparison), chat about the evolution of scary cinema, and remind us that good horror is less about jump scares and more about smart storytelling.

If you're into movie talk, festival gossip, and hot takes with heart, this episode's got you covered. And don’t worry—no actual critics were harmed in the making of this podcast.

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The Light Reel Festival

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Produced by Defiantly Me Productions

Music: Legend In the Making by Rifflections