London Calling is a funny, action-packed buddy-cop throwback. It boasts great cast chemistry, solid action, and a ton of fun.
There is a certain comfort in a movie that simply sets out to be fun. The new action-comedy London Calling(2025) is a triumphant return to form for the classic turn your brain off and just enjoy genre. Starring Josh Duhamel and Jeremy Ray Taylor, this film doesn’t pretend to be more than it is: a funny, high-octane romp built on a foundation of fantastic chemistry.
It’s a love letter to the buddy-cop films of the ’90s, delivering a consistently entertaining ride that proves that sometimes, all you need is a great duo and a simple mission to make a fun film.
The Heart of the Film: Cast and Chemistry
The unquestionable highlight of London Calling is the dynamic between its two leads. Josh Duhamel, known for his roles in both action and comedy, brings a perfect blend of world-weariness and grudging affection to his character, Tommy, a down-on-his-luck hitman. He is the seasoned professional forced out of his comfort zone. On the other side of the coin is Jeremy Ray Taylor as Julian, an eccentric, LARPing enthusiast and gaming savant who is thrown into the perilous real world. This classic mismatched duo is the engine that drives the film’s humor and emotional core.
The great chemistry between Duhamel and Taylor is apparent from their very first scene together. Their rapport feels completely natural and unforced. The comedy stems from their contrasting personalities: Tommy’s stoic professionalism versus Julian’s quirky, video-game-inspired worldview. Watching them bicker over Julian’s lack of trigger discipline or his attempts to apply a gaming strategy to a real-life firefight is genuinely hilarious.
Beyond the laughs, their relationship evolves with a surprising amount of heart. The film subtly explores themes of fathers and sons and found family, and it’s this emotional anchor that elevates the movie from a simple series of gags to a truly memorable experience. Their dynamic is the central reason the film works as well as it does, making every shared moment – whether it’s an action sequence or a quiet character beat – feel meaningful and engaging.
High-Octane Action and Geeky Flair
London Calling delivers some great action sequences as well. The stunts are well-choreographed and feel grounded, opting for tense, clever combat scenarios over CGI-heavy spectacle. The film understands that a few well-executed, impactful moments are far more satisfying than an endless barrage of explosions.
As someone who is a major nerd myself, I absolutely love the clever integration of Julian’s geeky layers. As a dedicated gamer, Julian’s instincts and unique skillset are a constant source of humor and ingenuity. He is a character who knows the world of fantasy and combat role-playing, and the film expertly plays with the idea of a gamer being forced to apply his virtual knowledge to a physical reality.
This premise leads to some of the movie’s most inventive and entertaining scenes, as Julian’s unconventional thinking allows him to solve problems in ways a grizzled hitman would never consider. The film doesn’t mock his passion; instead, it celebrates it, showing that seemingly useless hobbies can have practical, even life-saving, applications. This creative choice adds a fresh, modern twist to the traditional action-comedy formula.
An Unapologetically Entertaining Experience
London Calling never tries to be more than what it is. The plot is straightforward and follows a familiar path, but this simplicity is one of its greatest assets. The film doesn’t get bogged down in unnecessary exposition or overly complex subplots. It’s a lean, fast-paced narrative that’s designed to be entertaining enough to keep the audience hooked from start to finish. In a world that can feel increasingly dark and complicated, this movie offers a perfect two-hour escape. It’s a reminder that movies can, and should, be fun.
In the end, London Calling is an easy recommendation for anyone looking for a genuinely good time at the theater. Its humor is sharp, its action is exciting, and Josh Duhamel and Jeremy Ray Taylor are a joy to watch.
Gen V Season 2 gives fans of The Boys universe one of the best villains that it has ever seen. Hamish Linklater is sure to send chills down everyone’s spine as Dean Cipher whenever he goes toe-to-toe with our heroes. At the same time, this season once again is unafraid to push every boundary it comes across, giving viewers a whole lot of gore as they travel on an emotional roller coaster.
This season picks up after The Boys Season 4, which saw a slight crossover with Cate and Sam working for Vought and Homelander in the final moments. This is addressed, and we learn it was a summer internship, but students are now back at God U (Godolkin University). Though Jordan, Emma, and Marie are not in good graces with Vought, it doesn’t take long for them to be forced back into the limelight, something that is necessary for the season to work.
Derek Luh (Jordan Li)
While I truly love each and every one of the characters, I have always had a soft spot for Jordan. Ever since the trauma with their parents last season, my heart has ached for them. Maybe it is the mom in me, but I hated seeing them treated that way. I will not get into details, for fear of spoilers, but their arc this season especially stood out for me.
London Thor (Jordan Li)
That said, Emma has also been going through a lot, especially after what Sam did to her last season. She brings a lot of the comedy in Gen V Season 2, pretty much right from the start. Her drive to get answers is what keeps pretty much everyone in the group moving towards their goal, and even though she is struggling, she has quite a few shining hero moments, which I love to see.
Lizze Broadway (Emma Meyer)
One of the best parts of this season is that, per usual, there is not just one, but several mysteries, twists, turns, and shocking surprises woven into Gen V Season 2. Each character has their moment to shine, and then some. The ones that you love just might test that love, and the ones that you hate work really hard to pull you back over to their side. A lot is happening, right from the start, that will have viewers on the edge of their seats throughout all eight episodes.
Hamish Linklater (Dean Cipher)
Most of season 2 is spent outside of class because a lot is going on that our heroes have to endure. Not only is their drama among the group, but they have a lot to deal with – including the new Dean of God U. Who let me tell you, really, really delivers.
Dean Cipher is shady from the very first moment you meet him, and thanks to an unforgettable performance by Hamish Linklater, he is quickly going to be one of those characters that you love to hate.
Asa Germann (Sam), Maddie Phillips (Cate Dunlap)
Of course, Sam and Cate are not exactly in the viewers’ good graces either. And rightfully so. Again, without giving too much away, they are a part of some of the best arcs of the season. Expect the unexpected this time around, because nearly every major moment of Gen V Season 2 is a big shock.
Asa Germann (Sam)
As always, Gen V is completely unafraid to put politics on blast. It really goes there in terms of highlighting the issues that we have in the real world. It also dials the violence and gore up to eleven, which is something this franchise is known for. But it does so in a way that does not feel as if it is there for the shock value. It makes sense within the story being told.
Sean Patrick Thomas (Polarity)
While there had to be some rewrites due to the unfortunate passing of Chance Perdomo, Gen V Season 2 beautifully honors him. His character, Andre, is a major part of the plot, which creates many emotional scenes for viewers. Sean Patrick Thomas, who plays his father, along with the rest of the cast, find lots of ways to include Chance and it is very clear how much they loved him.
Gen V Season 2 sets up for what is sure to be an epic final season of The Boys. There is likely not going to be a season 3 of this show; however, The Boys Season 5 will probably feel like a culmination of both Gen V and The Boys. I, for one, cannot wait to see how it all ends.
In the second season of Gen V, the acclaimed spinoff series set in the Emmy Award-winning world of The Boys, school is back in session. As the rest of America adjusts to Homelander’s iron fist, back at Godolkin University, the mysterious new Dean preaches a curriculum that promises to make students more powerful than ever.
Cate and Sam are celebrated heroes, while Marie, Jordan, and Emma reluctantly return to college, burdened by months of trauma and loss. But parties and classes are hard to care about with war brewing between Humans and Supes, both on and off campus. The gang learns of a secret program that goes back to the founding of Godolkin University that may have larger implications than they realize. And, somehow, Marie is a part of it.
Season Two stars Jaz Sinclair as Marie Moreau, Lizze Broadway as Emma Meyer, Maddie Phillips as Cate Dunlap, London Thor as Jordan Li, Derek Luh as Jordan Li, Asa Germann as Sam Riordan, Sean Patrick Thomas as Polarity and Hamish Linklater as Dean Cipher.
Gen V Season 2 premieres on Prime Video on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, with a three-episode launch, followed by weekly releases every Wednesday through the finale on October 22, 2025
Steve Agee on his character Economos, working with James Gunn, and the insane final episodes of Peacemaker season 2.
Peacemaker‘s second season brings back the team we all love, including John Economos, played by Steve Agee. As the Argus tech expert, we see him tasked with surveilling his friend and teammate, Peacemaker, while still trying to protect him. This season truly dives into the complexities of Economos’ character, highlighting his internal struggle between loyalty to his job and loyalty to his friends. The show masterfully blends intense action with heartfelt moments, showcasing the unique dynamic of this found family.
Mama’s Geeky had the opportunity to sit down with Steve Agee and talk all things Peacemaker. We chatted about the show’s incredible dance numbers, his working relationship with James Gunn, and the emotional journey of his character in the new season. Here are some behind-the-scenes insights and some teases about what’s to come.
Reuniting On Screen With Michael Rooker
Mama’s Geeky: What was your reaction when you read about Michael Rooker’s character?
Steve Agee: Oh my God, I love it. I mean, James is constantly introducing the most eccentric, insane characters. So I was in, the second I read it. An eagle hunter? Of course. We’ve got an eagle hunter, and we have a guy with bird blindness; it couldn’t get any more insane. Well, it actually can and will get more insane. It gets a lot more insane, but I love the idea, and I loved the fact that I got to work with Rooker again. He’s always a treat and didn’t disappoint.
Economos’ Complicated Journey
Mama’s Geeky: I do want to talk about Economos’s journey this season because I feel like you’ve always been a big part of the stories you’re in, but this season you’ve got this struggle of, do I help my friend because I still have this job I’m trying to do? What was it like tackling that?
Steve Agee: I mean, it’s a fine line Economos is walking. He’s the only one left working for Argus, and I don’t think he particularly loves it. But also, he’s a little on the spectrum and kind of set in his ways. So, it’s still a job to him, and he wants to do his job, and he’s really good at it. But part of this job now is to surveil his friend, and there’s a lot of guilt that comes with that. Also, the fact that he’s in a position where he can help his friend and keep his friend a step ahead of Rick Flagg. Yeah, it’s a complicated world for him, and a world that I’m sure is very stressful for him.
Mama’s Geeky: When I was watching the first couple of episodes, I’m like, don’t tell on your friend. And then I was so happy when he would be like, “Oh, nothing is going on here.”
Steve Agee: Yeah, his loyalty is, it’s a fine line, but his loyalty is definitely with this new family. His friends.
Coming Back to Film Season Two
Mama’s Geeky: How fun was it getting to come back and film season two?
Steve Agee: I mean, after three years, it was amazing. We shot season one in 2021. That was four years ago. The very first thing we shot for this season was from episode two. It was the roof party with all of us. And I think James [Gunn] did that on purpose because it was really emotional. It was the first time all of us had been in the same room since like 2021. So it was great. We’re all huge fans of each other and friends, and have text chains. It was great being back. It was difficult shooting in Atlanta in the summer. It was super hot. We shot season one in Vancouver, which was delightfully comfortable as far as the weather goes. But yeah, it was incredible. It was awesome.
Mama’s Geeky: Did he keep you in the loop as to what he was thinking for season two in that downtime?
Steve Agee: Not really. For a lot of that time, he hadn’t even written it yet. He definitely knew where he wanted the story to go, especially in how it fit into the new DC universe and the new timeline. But he doesn’t share a lot. He wants you to experience it when he gives you the scripts for the first time. They come complete with all the scripts at once and then a playlist for each episode. So the music you’re seeing on the show was the music that was intended when he was writing it. It’s such a fun experience reading the scripts for the first time.
Steve Agee Steps Outside Of His Comfort Zone For The Epic Opening Dance Sequences
Mama’s Geeky: Speaking of music, I want to ask you about these dance scenes because I remember watching the first episode of the first season and being like, “What is happening right now?” What is it like filming those?
Steve Agee: It’s honestly horrible. No, it’s, I mean, it’s fun because it’s one of the few moments where the entire cast is together and not just the main five of us, but like the entire cast for the whole season, like the alien and characters you haven’t met yet are in the opening dance number and people are keep asking me, who the fuck is this person? And I’m like, just wait, you’ll see they’re in the show. So that’s why they’re in the dance number. Yeah, it’s a lot. It’s exhausting. This new one took us two days to shoot. A lot of rehearsals. I came into this world to be an actor, not a dancer. So it’s really outside my comfort zone, as it was for like probably four or five other people in the cast.
Mama’s Geeky: I don’t know how y’all keep a straight face. There must be so many takes where you all lose it.
Steve Agee: There’s a few. There’s definitely a few. There’s a lot of times when James has to yell cut and tell specific people, stop smiling. You have to be like, no emotion in your face.
Mama’s Geeky: I feel like I would just be cracking up the whole time, especially when John and Jen get together. It’s insane.
Steve Agee: That’s all Charissa Barton putting that together. She’s a brilliant, mad scientist.
Economos Is the Closest To Himself Steve Agee Has Ever Played
Mama’s Geeky: I love that you’ve gotten to be Economos in other places, too. Do you feel like you relate to him at all after playing him for so long?
Steve Agee: I do because of all the stuff I’ve done over the years, it’s the closest to actually me. I am kind of a guy who’s most comfortable sitting in front of his computer, loves the idea of going out and getting into adventures. But like when it comes down to it, it’s just like, oh, that’s, that sounds horrible. He’s very much like me. I think as the show has gone on, James has really tailored the writing towards my own voice. So it’s been an absolute joy. And like, honestly, for the most part, other than anything where I have to run or fight or do stuff like that, that stuff’s outside my comfort zone and stuff I’m not great at. But other than that, it’s been a fairly easy ride for me because he’s very much like myself.
Mama’s Geeky: Except you don’t dye your beard, I see.
Steve Agee: I do dye it. I dye it a lot. I haven’t been working. So this has just been going gray. But I have to go to a few Emmy parties this weekend. So it’s going to get dyed on Saturday, probably. But at least I dye it to look normal.
Dye Beard Shows How Sadistic James Gunn Can Be
Mama’s Geeky: That’s true. His is very, very clearly dyed.
Steve Agee: James loves that. James loves making me look like a psycho.
Mama’s Geeky: I feel like he must laugh at certain things. Because I’ve seen the clips of him talking about Nathan Fillion’s hair in Superman.
Steve Agee: Part of it is also this sadist thing in him where it’s like, if you look at Economos in The Suicide Squad movie, the beard is just dark. It’s just obviously dyed. But there’s no roots. It’s just a bad dye job. When we started season one, I noticed right away, first episode, I’m being called dye beard. I’m like, what? And so when we showed up to Vancouver to start shooting, he was like, I want it to be so dark, but I want to see gray roots. And I was like, oh, I was like, it’s really funny. But I’m in Vancouver for seven months looking like that when I’m not working. It’s not a fake beard. That’s my actual beard. But it completely paid off and was totally worth it.
Mama’s Geeky: What is it like working with James Gunn?
Steve Agee: It’s the best. I mean, he’s one of my best friends. So just imagine working with any of your friends. It’s fun. James and I are almost the same age. I think of him like a brother, like a really close friend. But when we’re on set and we’re shooting, it turns into more like a father figure thing where I’m like, this guy is so good at his job and has such a specific vision that I feel like a little kid. The few times when I can’t remember my lines, I get really self-conscious and like, I’m so sorry. I’m so sorry. But it’s the best. It’s the best.
Working with Tim Meadows and Insane Final Episodes
Mama’s Geeky: When you first got the scripts for this season, is there one maybe episode or scene in particular you were so excited to film?
Steve Agee: Honestly, one of the things I was most excited about was the first time meeting Tim Meadows in the van. That whole scene I knew was going to be a blast because I already knew Tim before we started shooting. I’ve known him socially for a while, but I had never worked with him, and it was a dream come true. I was really looking forward to that. Maybe more than anything else. Although there’s some stuff in, oh my God, there’s some stuff in the last three episodes which no one’s been able to see yet, which are insane. I can’t talk about those.
Mama’s Geeky: I’m telling you, when I saw we didn’t get them and then when James fully was like, oh no, we’re not giving them to press. I was like, oh these are going to be crazy.
Steve Agee: Two more weeks till you get to start seeing those. Just wait, it’s absolutely crazy.
Diving into the Multiverse
Mama’s Geeky: With different dimensions and the multiverse, it can be done so wrong that viewers can end up just confused. I think how James did this is brilliant. What was your reaction when you first read about how he was diving into that?
Steve Agee: When I read the scripts, it all made sense. There’s so much multiverse stuff that just seems like it just within the past 10 years, like everything has a multiverse. So I was like, oh boy, we’re going there, huh? I didn’t realize though that there was multiverse in the old comic books. Like it’s nothing that they’re making up. So this is well-worn territory. But I’ve watched some movies with some alternate timeline shit that I was just like so confused and like, wait, what? I, so anything with time travel or body swapping is so like, I can’t wrap my head around it. I did it, I was on a show with Sarah Silverman, and I had a boyfriend in the show, and we were the exact same type. We were just these big stoner slobs, and we did a body swap episode and I came to work the next week ready to shoot, and I had learned all the wrong lines. I learned the other one because I couldn’t wrap my, the way they had us named, I was like, day one, they’re like, you learned all the wrong lines. I can’t wrap my head around it. James’s scripts, reading them right off the bat, I was like, okay, he goes into this doorway and he’s in another world where everything’s better. That makes sense to me.
London Calling director Allan Ungar and star Jeremy Ray Taylor discuss working with Josh Duhamel, adding in geeky layers, and more.
The new action-comedy London Calling (2025) is a really fun buddy-cop throwback movie. Starring Josh Duhamel as the down-on-his-luck hitman Tommy and Jeremy Ray Taylor as Julian, the geeky son of a crime boss, the film follows the mismatched duo as they are forced to go on the run across Europe. Blending fast-paced action with witty banter and heartfelt moments, the movie promises a good time with plenty of laughs.
Mama’s Geeky had the pleasure of speaking with co-writer and director Allan Ungar and star Jeremy Ray Taylor about the upcoming movie. Both gave fantastic insight into the making of the film, from the inspiration behind it to the on-set challenges they faced. We also spoke a lot about their experience working with Josh Duhamel and their shared passion for gaming, which played a big role in the film.
Director Allan Ungar Talks London Calling
Mama’s Geeky: What is the inspiration behind London Calling?
Allan Ungar: I grew up in the 90s, loving all those seminal buddy-cop movies, films that I feel we don’t make much anymore, or at least not in the same way. When my agent sent me this script on the last day of shooting Bandit, I was exhausted, but I’m OCD, so I read it anyway. I fell in love with the characters and the story immediately. The original draft was great, but I had ideas about what I wanted to inject as a gamer, so I added more gaming subplots and a bit more heart. I wanted it to harken back to films like Midnight Run, which I think is a bygone era.
Mama’s Geeky: I wanted to ask you about the gaming stuff because I’m a gamer too. How fun was it to pepper in things that you personally relate to?
Allan Ungar: Oh, so much fun. What’s even better is when the trailer came out, people online noticed things like the Broforce poster. I love the Devolver folks, and I was even trying to make a Broforce adaptation at one point. People also picked up on the subtle nods to Street Fighter and Resident Evil, and they even noticed the Alienware computer. The LARPing and gaming subplots were in the first script, but I wanted to take it even further. It was fun, especially because Jeremy is also a gamer, and we spoke the same language. I always thought it was interesting—what happens when someone who loves escapism and immersion has to apply that in the real world?
Mama’s Geeky: I love the relationship between Josh and Jeremy. London Calling doesn’t work without it. Can you talk about what makes their relationship work so well?
Allan Ungar: Very early on, Josh and I talked about finding our Julian. We looked at a lot of great young actors, but as soon as we met Jeremy, there was just something. I actually think of him as the heart of the movie. It’s an action movie, but there are themes of fathers and sons and coming-of-age, all these really relatable themes. As soon as we got them together and they started joking around, I could tell we had the right guy. On set, their chemistry was undeniable and was key to the film’s success. Jeremy is actually a power lifter, but I told him, “I need you to be the antithesis of all of that. I need you to be soft and cuddly.” He was constantly saying, “Can I get a hero shot? I want to show off my arms,” and I’d be like, “No, I need you to be gentle.” We had a lot of fun with that.
Mama’s Geeky: What would you say was your biggest challenge on London Calling, filming-wise?
Allan Ungar: We filmed this whole thing in Cape Town, and we doubled Cape Town for London and LA. After Bandit, people were like, “Oh, you filmed all of Canada and the south of Georgia,” and I was like, “Yeah, I can do anything now.” But we shot this during Christmas holiday and summer vacation because in that part of the world, they coincide. So you have everyone flocking down to party for the summer, but you also have Christmas. We would get a location and lose it. We showed up one morning for the sequence where Josh teaches Jeremy how to drive stick, and not a single resident had left. There were 60 cars in the parking lot. It was just madness. It was the busiest time of the year that you could ever shoot in Cape Town, and I would say that was the hardest part.
Star Jeremy Ray Taylor On Working With Josh Duhamel & More
Mama’s Geeky: Speaking of all the geeky, gamer stuff, how fun was it to include that in London Calling?
Jeremy Ray Taylor: It was absolutely incredible. This is what I’ve wanted to do for a long time. I’ve done a lot of comedy and some action in real life, so I was ready to show that on screen. I was a huge Transformers fan growing up, so working with Josh Duhamel was obviously incredible and a bucket list item. It was definitely one of the best experiences I’ve ever had on a film.
Mama’s Geeky: How did you and Josh Duhamel find that chemistry?
Jeremy Ray Taylor: So many people have asked about our chemistry, and the answer is that it was completely natural. Josh is just incredible. We’re both from smaller towns and kind of like that lifestyle, so we hit it off initially. I’ve had extensive firearm training outside of acting, and I’m a huge car enthusiast. I was actually teaching him how to teach me how to drive stick, so we bonded over a lot of different things.
Mama’s Geeky: How fun was it to play around with the aspect of you and Josh being in each other’s worlds?
Jeremy Ray Taylor: I think that was the most fun part, especially having to do some of the stunts. In the diner scene, he’s teaching me the eye poke, and you have to get over the fact that it’s Josh Duhamel standing in front of you. That’s weird! The hard part about doing action is figuring out the boundaries of the other person, but Josh was down for whatever. We made that work, and it was super awesome.
Mama’s Geeky: Allan told me that he had to fight for the LARPing stuff to stay a big part of London Calling.
Jeremy Ray Taylor: Yeah, which is insane to me. I don’t know who he had to fight, but I hope it was with swords. He called me and told me he was really having to fight for it, and I was like, “That’s like the whole thing! Why is that even in talks of getting rid of?” I think that’s a huge part of his arc. It wasn’t necessarily that becoming a man meant dropping the LARPing; it just needed to be taken on a different route. It’s a huge layer of the story, and I’m glad it didn’t get cut.
Mama’s Geeky: How would you describe London Calling to someone who knows nothing about it?
Jeremy Ray Taylor: It’s an action-comedy with a lot of heart and a beautiful underlying story with some really incredible relationships. It’s about a down-on-his-luck hitman who takes his new crime boss’s incompetent son on a bounty hunter hit, and that gets very, very fun.
Mama’s Geeky: How hard is it to play someone that is so incompetent?
Jeremy Ray Taylor: It was actually really funny, because I have some extensive firearm training outside of this. So Alan had to kind of unteach me some things, which is obviously a huge no-no for guns. You have to have very, very strict safety. And so every time he’d be like, “Hey, Jeremy,” I’m like, “Okay, yep, sorry, I know what you’re coming over here for.” I’ve always had my hand off the trigger, and I’d hold it, you know, because why would you have your gun out whenever there’s a person right in front of you? So I had to like, unteach myself this stuff, which was a lot of fun. And that made it more derpy anyway, so that was awesome.
Jeremy Ray Taylor Is Also Excited For It: Welcome To Derry
Mama’s Geeky: I just recently watched IT Chapter One with my 12-year-old daughter and she loved it. What was it like working on that film?
Jeremy Ray Taylor: It wasn’t as scary as people would think. We knew Bill Skarsgård and he was such a nice guy, it was kind of hard to be afraid of him. We were all also new to it, so we were focused on doing our jobs more than we were on the clown in front of us. I think we were all much more scared to mess up our lines than we were to see the clown. It was absolutely incredible; I owe everything to that film. I miss the Losers’ Club. We still hang out and love each other, and kind of learned everything together. It was an amazing experience.
Mama’s Geeky: Are you excited for the new show, It: Welcome To Derry?
Jeremy Ray Taylor: Oh, yeah, absolutely. I wish that we were involved somehow, some way, some form, but we’re not. And it’s totally fine, because I just can’t wait to watch it. I actually thought that it came out in September, and now it’s like in October, so that was a big mental bummer. I think it’s gonna be awesome.
Spinal Tap II: The End Continues might be a sequel that fans have waited forty years for, but it was well worth that wait. Hilarious, brilliant, smart.
If you are looking for a movie that will have you laughing until your cheeks hurt for ninety minutes straight, then I have the film for you. Spinal Tap II: The End Continues might be forty-one years in the making, but it is everything that fans are hoping it will be and more.
This Is Spinal Tap came out in 1984. It is an absolutely hilarious mockumentary following a metal band that is trying to get back on the charts. No one ever expected a sequel because how can you improve on perfection? Well, Rob Reiner, Christopher Guest, Michael McKean, and Harry Shearer figured out how, and it was well worth the wait.
Set forty-one years later, Spinal Tap II: The End Continues catches up with the band after they have been split up for many years. It turns out their contract included one more show, so they must perform a reunion concert. The mockumentary once again follows them as they prepare for what is to be their actual final show.
Michael McKean, Christopher Guest, and Harry Shearer bring the same wit and charm that they did the first time around. It is so much fun watching them play around together. This is one of those movies that comes across like half of it is improv. I would not be surprised if the script was more or less just describing the key points to get out of a scene, and then the guys just riffed off one another. Rob Reiner is once again just there to guide them.
Those who have not seen the original film will still be able to enjoy Spinal Tap II: The End Continues; they just will not get all of the many references and callbacks to the first one. And trust me, there are a lot of them. Fans will be more than thrilled with the results.
This type of comedy is hard to pull off. Especially for as long as Spinal Tap II: The End Continues does. Clocking in at just under ninety minutes, this movie is non-stop comedy. In fact, some viewers might be laughing so hard they will miss other jokes and one-liners, which ends up being an excuse to see it again, though.
Spinal Tap II: The End Continues does a great job of keeping the same vibes as the first film, but bringing in modern aspects as well. Both Taylor Swift and K-pop were mentioned, which made me happy as a clam, as these are two things in music that I absolutely love.
Of course, we still get to hear a lot of songs, performed not just by the main cast but a few surprise cameos as well. While I love these moments, it is the chemistry between the three leads and the hilarious joke after hilarious joke that makes it work as well as it does.
About Spinal Tap II: The End Continues
Forty-one years after the release of the groundbreaking mockumentary This Is Spinal Tap, the now estranged bandmates David St. Hubbins, Nigel Tufnel, and Derek Smalls (Michael McKean, Christopher Guest, and Harry Shearer) are forced to reunite for one final concert.
Spinal Tap II: The End Continues also marks the resurrection of documentarian Marty Di Bergi (Rob Reiner), who once again tries to capture his favorite metal gods as they contemplate mortality–and the hope that their 12th drummer doesn’t join them in The Great Beyond. Joined by music royalty Paul McCartney and Elton John, Spinal Tap wrestles with their checkered past to put on a concert that they hope will solidify their place in the pantheon of rock ‘n’ roll.
Netflix’s Wayward is a masterclass in psychological horror, expertly weaving an eerie and twisted mystery that feels unsettlingly real. The show’s power lies in its incredible cast and brilliant writing, which create a suffocating atmosphere of dread and paranoia.
What makes Wayward truly terrifying is its grounded premise; it’s a story that could happen in the real world, adding a layer of authenticity to the horror. It’s a chilling reminder that the most sinister secrets aren’t always found in haunted houses, but rather in the dark corners of human society, hidden in plain sight.
Right from the start, Wayward dives into the mystery element, and it really never lets up. Viewers discover that Tall Pines Academy is not just an ordinary school. Far too many kids have gone missing from there, and many have tried to escape. The longer the series goes on, the more we learn about the school, its creator Evelyn (Tonu Collette), and the town of Tall Pines itself.
While there are two separate story lines going on at first, they do eventually coincide with one another as the characters cross paths. We have Alex Dempsey (Mae Martin) and Laura (Sarah Gadon) who arrive in Tall Pines. Laura is a graduate of the academy in town and her partner, Alex gets a job on the police force.
It doesn’t take long for him to instantly realize that something is not right about Tall Pines. Despite many residents, including his pregnant partner, trying to get him to stop digging, he simply cannot help himself.
At the same time, we see Abbie (Sydney Topliffe) and Leila (Alyvia Alyn Lind) struggling at their school. Without getting into too many details, they both, unsurprisingly, end up at Tall Pines. Leila is headstrong and immediately causes problems at the school, and starts to go toe-to-toe with Evelyn.
The rest of the season sees some questions answered, but a whole lot more popping up. It is eerie, mysterious, and especially creepy because there could absolutely be a school or town like this and we would have no idea.
What is especially impressive is that Mae Martin not only stars in the series (brilliantly, I might add) but is also the creator and co-writer. All too often, this is when talent bites off more than they can chew, and one aspect usually falls to the side, but everything about Wayward is done exceptionally well. I was hooked from the first few minutes and found myself binging the series.
This eight-episode first season ends with several loose ends, which terrifies me even more. Knowing that Netflix is calling it a limited series has me hoping and praying that they opt to pick it up for a second season. While the ending could work, there are so many questions left unanswered that it would drive me crazy if I never knew what comes next.
About Wayward
Nothing is what it seems in Tall Pines. After an escape attempt from an academy for “troubled teens”, two students join forces with a newly local police officer, unearthing the town’s dark and deeply rooted secrets.
pH-1 is heading to North America this fall for the “WHAT HAVE WE DONE” World Tour, which includes fourteen stops in eleven cities and more to be announced.
Korean-American artist pH-1 is heading to North America this fall for the “WHAT HAVE WE DONE” World Tour, which will kick off in Chicago on November 2.
There are currently fourteen shows scheduled in eleven North American cities. Additional tour dates across Asia, Europe, and beyond – including announced stops in Seoul, Taipei, Singapore, and Tokyo – will be announced soon.
“WHAT HAVE WE DONE” will feature pH-1’s chart-topping tracks from his latest album, along with immersive stagecraft. Fans can expect genre-bending sets combining rap, R&B, and dynamic storytelling – an unforgettable celebration of artistry and connection.
WHAT HAVE WE DONE 2025 NORTH AMERICA TOUR
November 2, 2025 Chicago, IL – Riviera Theatre
November 3, 2025 Toronto, ON – Queen Elizabeth Theatre
November 4, 2025 Manhattan, NY – Terminal 5
November 7, 2025 Silver Spring, MD – The Fillmore Silver Spring
November 9, 2025 Atlanta, GA – Coca-Cola Roxy
November 11, 2025 Houston, TX – Bayou Music Center
November 13, 2025 Dallas, TX – The Bomb Factory
November 16, 2025 Tempe, AZ – Marquee Theatre
November 18, 2025 Anaheim, CA – House of Blues (Old Location)
November 20, 2025 Los Angeles, CA – The Novo
November 22, 2025 San Francisco, CA – The Warfield
November 24, 2025 Portland, OR – McMenamins Crystal Ballroom
November 25, 2025 Seattle, WA – Showbox SoDo
November 26, 2026 Vancouver, BC – Vogue Theatre
pH-1 WHAT HAVE WE DONE Tour Ticket Information
Tickets are already on sale, including the VIP package.
VIP Package Includes:
General Admission ticket
Early Entry (where applicable, varies per your show)
pH-1 (Junwon ‘Harry’ Park) is a Korean-American artist known for blending sharp lyricism with melodic sensibilities, creating music that moves seamlessly between hip-hop, R&B, and pop.
Born in Korea, raised in New York and currently based back in Seoul, he brings a distinct perspective to the Korean music scene, balancing sincerity and style with his genre-crossing sound. With a reputation for candid storytelling and dynamic performances, pH-1 has carved out his place as one of the most versatile and influential voices of his generation.
He’s built a reputation for honest lyrics, smooth melodies, and a style that feels just as at home on a late-night drive as it does on a festival stage.
pH-1 Socials
Stay up to date with pH-1 and the tour by following him on social media.
The wait is almost over! Get ready for war and new music as Hazbin Hotel Season 2 arrives this fall. We’ve got the scoop on everything you need to know.
Hold onto your souls, Hazbin Hotel fans, because Prime Video just dropped a teaser trailer for Season Two, and my heart is absolutely pounding! I’ve been anxiously awaiting any news about the next season, and the trailer promises that war is coming to Hell.
We’re going to see the dark rise to power of the formidable Vox, setting the stage for an epic confrontation with Charlie Morningstar and her mission to redeem demons. October 29 can’t come soon enough!
Hazbin Hotel is Back! Get Ready for War and a Whole Lot of New Music
As a massive fan of this series, I truly believe it’s one of the most original and exciting shows to come out in years. The way it blends adult humor with unforgettable characters and genuinely catchy musical numbers is just brilliant.
It all started with Vivienne Medrano’s animated pilot on YouTube, which captivated a worldwide fanbase and quickly racked up over 117 million views. I remember watching it and being completely hooked—the world-building and character design were just fantastic.
Now, with the backing of A24 and Bento Box Entertainment, the series has grown into something even more incredible.
The Battle for Redemption: What to Expect in Season Two
The first season ended with Charlie’s surprising victory against Heaven’s army, leaving the Hazbin Hotel booming with new residents. While this sounds like a win, the trailer and recent announcements hint at trouble brewing.
The new season will explore the fallout of that victory, as many of the new residents aren’t at the hotel for the right reasons. Tensions are rising, and a major new threat is emerging: the notorious overlord trio known as ‘The Vees,’ led by the very intimidating Vox.
The Vees are determined to capitalize on the growing resentment against Heaven. They’re making a plan to take over, aiming to place themselves at the very top of Hell’s hierarchy. Meanwhile, Charlie will have to juggle maintaining her hotel’s goals and protecting her public image, all while a powerful new entity tries to bring her crazy dream to a screeching halt.
And let’s not forget about the angels in Heaven; they’re still reeling from the shocking redemption of Sir Pentious and must now deal with the repercussions of their own past actions against Hell. I am so excited to see how all these complex storylines intertwine and what it means for the future of our favorite characters.
A Musical Masterpiece: The Hellaverse Soundtrack is Here!
One of the main reasons I fell in love with Hazbin Hotel and the entire Hellaverse is the music. Every single song is a certified banger! I’ve had the first season’s soundtrack on repeat since it came out and I cannot wait to find out what new musical numbers they have in store for us in Season Two. The songs are not just catchy; they’re integral to the storytelling and character development, which is something I deeply appreciate.
The news that Atlantic Records is the official music partner for both Hazbin Hotel and Helluva Boss is absolutely huge. To celebrate the global debut of Helluva Boss on Prime Video, the official soundtracks for both Seasons One and Two are now available to stream on all digital platforms.
Fans can even get their hands on physical formats of the Helluva Boss: Season One soundtrack, including a standard vinyl, CD, and cassette. I’ve already got my eye on that vinyl! A brand new original song from Helluva Boss Season Two, “Klown Bitch” performed by Faye Mata and Allison Kaplan, is also available now, giving us a taste of the incredible musical talent behind these shows.
Helluva Boss Makes Its Prime Video Debut
But wait, there’s more! If you’re also a fan of the Hellaverse, you’ll be thrilled to know that Seasons One and Two of Helluva Boss, along with a new original episode titled “Mission: Zero,” will also be available on Prime Video starting September 10.
The Hellaverse is truly expanding its reach, and I am here for it. This is a universe that is rich with lore and unforgettable characters, and it’s so exciting to see it all come together in one place for fans to enjoy.
With all this news, I’ll be rewatching the first season and listening to the soundtracks on repeat until October 29. It’s a great time to be a fan, and I have no doubt that Vivienne Medrano and the entire team will deliver another season that is as visually stunning and emotionally powerful as the first.
The hype is real, and the future of the Hazbin Hotel looks brighter—or should I say, hellish—than ever!
Universal Halloween Horror Nights Hollywood 2025 features some of the best houses yet, several scare zones, and more. Here’s our review.
Universal Halloween Horror Nights Hollywood 2025 offers up fantastic scares, unforgettable house experiences, and delicious food. The event is always one of the best that the theme park has to offer, and this year is no different.
That said, our experience was not perfect, which I will get into later on in the review.
Halloween Horror Nights Hollywood 2025 Houses Review
Universal Halloween Horror Nights Hollywood features eight houses: Five Nights at Freddy’s, Terrifier, Fallout, Jason Universe, The Horrors of The Wyatt Sicks, Poltergeist, Scarecrow: Music by Slash, and Monstruos 3: The Ghosts of Latin America. While some are certainly better than others, all of them this year were worth the while. There are lots of great set designs and incredible production, as well as a ton of scares.
Halloween Horror Nights Hollywood 2025 Scare Zones Review
One of the best things about Universal Halloween Horror Nights is the scare zones. In order to get to just about anywhere in the park, you have to walk through a bunch of scare actors that want so badly to make you scream, jump, and run. From chainsaw-wielding clowns to the tallest crows you will ever encounter, Halloween Horror Nights has thought of it all.
All of the scare zones were especially effective this year, although I really wish the Death Eaters were still roaming The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, as that area feels empty when passing through.
Halloween Horror Nights Hollywood 2025 Terror Tram Review
The Terror Tram is very similar to last year’s experience except that Happy Death Day was replaced by Insidious, and there is the use of blacklight during The Purge area. As a big fan of Blumhouse horror movies, this is always one of my favorite events of the night. It is basically an extended scare zone, as guests are forced to walk past groups of scare actors.
The only real issue is that it takes a lot of time for the tram to go down to the lot, and then back up, so if you do not have the express pass, you are going to miss out on time for the houses and will likely not be able to see everything Halloween Horror Nights has to offer.
Halloween Horror Nights Hollywood 2025 Food Review
Pamela’s Brisket Mac & Cheese at Universal Studios Hollywood’s Halloween Horror Nights 2025
This separately ticketed event also has a lot of special food and drink items to try; however, do not get your hopes up on getting everything you desire. Unfortunately, even though we went directly to the restaurant that was selling the Five Nights At Freddy’s cupcake upon entering the park, they were sold out.
They claimed that they sold them all before Halloween Horror Nights opened at 7 pm due to the early entry guests. This was the one item my daughter had her heart set on, but I eventually convinced her to try Art’s Masterpiece Donut instead, which was also sold out by the time we got to that location.
My best advice is to have a long list of second and third options in case an item is sold out, as they do not seem to prep enough for the demand.
Halloween Horror Nights Hollywood 2025 Overall Thoughts
Universal Halloween Horror Nights Hollywood 2025 is overall a really good time. There are great scares and well-designed houses. The biggest issue is the food selling out very early in the night, which is a disappointment, but not the end of the world.
Art the Clown as a wandering character is also one of the biggest highlights of the year. He is a lot of fun to interact with, and I hope he comes back year after year, even if he does not have a house featured.
About Halloween Horror Nights
A variety of Halloween Horror Nights ticket options for Universal Studios Hollywood are available, including General Admission, Universal Express, After 2 P.M. Day/Night, the Early Access Ticket,which provides entry to select haunted houses beginning at 5:30 p.m. (subject to change), in advance of the scheduled 7:00 p.m. event opening time, the R.I.P. Tour and popular passes, Frequent Fear Pass and Ultimate Fear Pass, which enable guests to experience the scares again and again.
Click here to purchase tickets and for Terms and Conditions.
Garrett Wareing on the new Stephen King movie, The Long Walk, the emotional toll of filming, and the unforgettable bond with his costars.
Stephen King is a master of horror, but his true genius lies in his ability to dissect the human condition under extreme duress. His 1979 dystopian novel, The Long Walk, is a perfect example. Published under the pseudonym Richard Bachman, the book follows a group of 100 teenage boys who enter an annual contest known as “The Long Walk.” The rules are simple yet brutal: walk at a minimum of four miles per hour without stopping.
If a participant slows down, they receive a warning. Three warnings, and they get their “ticket,” which is a euphemism for being shot dead on the spot. Only one boy can win, and the reward is anything he wants for the rest of his life. The film adaptation of this relentless and harrowing story is finally here, and it’s a gut punch that stays with you long after the credits roll.
Mama’s Geeky had the privilege of sitting down with Garrett Wareing, who plays the mysterious and complex character Stebbins. In this interview, we dive into the emotional and physical toll of filming such an arduous movie, the incredible camaraderie formed on set, and what it’s like to bring a beloved Stephen King story to life. Wareing shares his insights on his character’s hidden motivations, the film’s deeper themes of companionship and mortality, and the powerful, haunting moments that define the movie.
The Gut Punch of a Stephen King Adaptation
Joshua Odjick as Parker, Jordan Gonzalez as Harkness, David Jonsson as McVries, Cooper Hoffman as Garraty, and Charlie Plummer as Barkovitch in The Long Walk. Photo Credit: Murray Close/Lionsgate
Mama’s Geeky: I was lucky enough when I went into my screening, I was sitting next to a friend, and she was a big fan of the book before the movie. And her and I were both just crying throughout the last half of this movie.
Garrett Wareing: Believe me, I was in the same boat. I still am. It sits with you. It’s this gut punch, and it just, it sits in your stomach and it really sits with you after you leave. It makes you think about life and companionship and appreciating what you have while you have it. I’m so glad that you felt the same way.
Mama’s Geeky: I had just finished the book. I was like, I haven’t read this one yet. I love dystopian horror. It’s my number one favorite thing. I was like, don’t know how I’ve never heard of this one before. I had just read it while I was in San Diego for Comic-Con in July.
Garrett Wareing: Right. I was there for The Long Walk as well. We did a panel at Hall H and—
Mama’s Geeky: Oh yeah, I was there for that one. You were there? Oh, of course. I was so— Really cool life moment. I was like, how did I get here?
Garrett Wareing: I know. And it was my first time doing San Diego Comic-Con. So I’m like, oh my God, I’m in Hall H. I get to see one of my most anticipated movies, and we got to see like the little sneak peek of it, and that really sold me. I was like, I was already excited for this movie, but seeing like the sneak peek that they gave us, I was like, I don’t think people are going to be ready for what they’re going to feel after they see this movie. Because that’s one of my main takeaways too, is that, like you said, it kind of like sticks with you. And if you read the book, the book is so incredibly just heavy and like foreboding and the movie—
Mama’s Geeky: Relentless. Relentless. And that’s been one of my questions, too, is, you know, how was it filming this? Because it truly does feel like arduous and relentless. Like you really are walking, like there really is a feeling to it.
Garrett Wareing: It was relentless, and it was beautiful, and it was, it taught me a lot, and it was cathartic, and it was difficult. In every way, it was perfect. It was what it was. And what you see on screen is all true. I mean, both from the camaraderie and the companionship to the emotions and the pain and the way that we’re walking. I mean, that’s all, that’s all true. And to be able to walk alongside these boys whom I love and respect and who are so talented in this film and who just steal the show and to me amongst their ranks is just a joy. And the fact that, I know I already said it, but the fact that people have responded so positively to this hard work that we put in is really affirming.
The Brutal Objective of Stebbins
Mark Hamill as The Major in The Long Walk. Photo Credit: Murray Close/Lionsgate
Mama’s Geeky: And it’s all of you guys are fantastic. I personally love your character. I kind of liked that he was, he was there. He, what he brought was he really, I feel like he really rounded out like the group that we had and then, you know, without giving anything away, there’s like a twist for him towards the end. So, you know, without giving anything away about any of that, like, did you use that twist to kind of like help build your character?
Garrett Wareing: Oh my God. Yes. I mean, that’s his objective and getting into the walk to begin with, you know, everybody has their reasons for getting in, but I think Stebbins’ is a brutal one. And, you know, this realization that he experiences during that kind of monologue, realizing that maybe all of this was just in his head and none of this was true and how heartbreaking that is, this fantasy that he had built up and releasing that. And, you know, that is the core of everything. Receiving my dog tag from the major and, you know, when they’re all shouting, “The Long Walk!” you know, that it’s all rooted within this reason for being a part of a walk. This is the primary objective that you’re playing.
Finding Companionship on the Walk of Life
Cooper Hoffman as Garraty and David Jonsson as McVries in The Long Walk. Photo Credit: Murray Close
Mama’s Geeky: It’s coming out at a very interesting time. I feel like I’ve been saying movies are coming out at really prescient times a lot recently, but like, in today’s world, it really is kind of like, how far are we away really from something like that? So how is that kind of feeling to it?
Garrett Wareing: You know, it makes you think about our place in this world. And for me, it was more so about like the temporal nature of things in life and how everything is temporary and everything ends. And the idea that like, you know, we can appreciate what we have while we have it, even though we know it’s going to end. And I think it’s a beautiful story about companionship and loving those around you. And I think Stebbins is a core player in that and the idea of you go into something with one thing and you’re allowing yourself to be changed. I believe that we all are on the long walk of life together and finding companionship and finding beauty throughout that, I think is really beautiful. McVries has a monologue where he says, “Brother, I’ve been walking my whole life.” And, you know, choose joy. “You see that rainbow? That is joy.” Follow this, you know, and even in sad, hard times, I think that if we can find the companionship and find the joy, that’s what gets us through this long walk of life.
The Traumatic Bond of Filming
Charlie Plummer as Barkovitch, Garrett Wareing as Stebbins, Cooper Hoffman as Garraty, David Jonsson as McVries, Ben Wang as Olson, Tut Nyuot as Baker, and Joshua Odjick as Parker in The Long Walk. Photo Credit: Murray Close/Lionsgate
Mama’s Geeky: That’s one thing that always fascinates me with, you know, this sexual like this work is everything is ephemeral. It’s not like a normal job where you’re like, “Oh, I can know my coworkers for like, five, ten years, whatever.” It’s like, you have a job, you make all these friends, and then you’re done. And then maybe you’ll stay in touch.
Garrett Wareing: And you hope you will. And with a movie like this, it’s like, yeah, you all probably did trauma bond. And I hope that bond kind of like goes further than like, we woke up to 100% on Rotten Tomatoes today. And I sent the screenshot to the text, the group chat. And I was just like, “Congratulations, boys, we did it.” And it’s true. Like we walked the long walk together. And without them, it wouldn’t have been the same.
Mama’s Geeky: And it genuinely, from my perspective, from like several other people that I know, like it’s one of the best adaptations of Stephen King that they’ve done.
Garrett Wareing: I will wear that with like a badge of honor. And if we’re amongst the of, of Misery and Carrie, I’m a happy boy.
Mama’s Geeky: What do you want people to kind of take away from this when they see it?
Garrett Wareing: I think that I want people to take away the fact that we are all one. And we were all together walking this this long walk of life. And you can choose to be with your walls up, or you can choose to find companionship. And I think if you watch Stebbins throughout the film, he leans in with the walls up. And then by the end, he’s he’s he’s accepting the companionship. And I think if we if we take something away from that from this film, it’s it’s that.
Mama’s Geeky: I love that. Yeah, it really, it really is companionship. I hope people I hope people read it after they see it, especially considering it’s a little different than the book.
Garrett Wareing: How cool. No. Yeah, I think I think fans of the book are in for a treat when in regards to what we’re both talking about right now. Yes. And I know, I know someone was like, I think I think it’s like one of my friends talked to JT Molnarum. He was like, “See the movie before you read the book.” If you haven’t read the book. But I was like, I have to read the book before I see the movie. And my jaw was just dropped. I encourage people. I think the book should be read first and then see the movie. That’s how I felt.
Mama’s Geeky: Well, thank you so much for talking to me. You were so great. Everybody was so great. The 100% Rotten Tomatoes is beyond served. So I’m just excited for more people to see this movie and for you to be able to see more reactions. I I’m going to a fan screening tonight. This will be the first like kind of live reaction that I’ll be able to get to witness.
Garrett Wareing: I think you’re gonna be in for a treat. I have a hard time speaking after the fact. It really kind of gets me in my gut. So I hope everybody enjoys the film. They’re all gonna leave and they’re just gonna be like heads down just like that’s how I’m… I have to like sit and like let the credits roll and like sit there and just like what just what happened marinate in my bones.
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