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Reginald Ponder

Tomatometer-approved critic
Biography:

Reggie Ponder, known as The Reel Critic, is a distinguished national film critic with a deep passion for cinema. His analytical approach encompasses a broad spectrum of the film industry, viewed through a multicultural lens. Reggie is committed to initiating meaningful dialogue on societal, racial, cultural, and power dynamics through his critiques. Reggie brings a wealth of expertise to his evaluations. Serving as the resident film critic for Chicago's WBEW 91.1 FM/Vocalo.org and The Garfield/Lawndale Voice, he has become a trusted voice in the realm of film criticism. As a versatile freelancer, Reggie's work can be found in distinguished publications such as Variety Magazine, The Root, and RogerEbert.com. Currently, he is immersed in the creation of a compelling book that delves into the portrayal of Blacks in Movies in Pre-Post-Racial America, showcasing his dedication to exploring the nuanced intersections of cinema and culture.

Critics' Group:
Official Website:

ReggiePonder.com

Reviews

Movies 온라인카지노추천 Shows
Blink Twice (2024) 75% 3/4 “There is something about Naomi Ackie's portrayal of Frida that makes her relatable but mysterious. The Graphic, in your face approach is disturbing on so many fronts that it might be hard to even open one's eyes at all. ” – vocalo.org Mar 6, 2025 Full Review Wicked (2024) 87% 3.5/4 “While green could symbolize envy, jealousy, and the unknown, Elphaba is unapologetically who she is, leaving me to exclaim, “I want to be seen in green.” Wickedly entertaining and thought-provoking.” – The Garfield/Lawndale Voice Jan 12, 2025 Full Review Gladiator II (2024) 70% 3/4 “In the end, Gladiator II doesn’t live up to the Academy Award-winning Gladiator, but it is a solid addition to the family story and history. ” – The Garfield/Lawndale Voice Nov 29, 2024 Full Review Juror #2 (2024) 93% 2.5/4 “While “Juror #2” reminds us that everything is not always how it seems, it ultimately raises more questions than it answers, leaving us to ponder the complexities of justice and the power of individual conscience. ” – The Garfield/Lawndale Voice Nov 29, 2024 Full Review Exhibiting Forgiveness (2024) 95% 3.5/4 “Writer/Director Titus Kaphar has constructed a masterful discussion about forgiveness. He gives the audience a lot to root for, as well as a lot to consider. John Earl Jelks & Andre Holland are powerful when challenging each other. ” – The Garfield/Lawndale Voice Nov 29, 2024 Full Review Piece By Piece (2024) 83% 3/4 “The inspiration in “Piece By Piece” goes beyond age boundaries and is for everyone who has a dream and is pursuing it. The notion that “What makes you different makes you special”is a powerful message indeed.” – The Garfield/Lawndale Voice Nov 29, 2024 Full Review Heretic (2024) 91% 3/4 “Heretic is a bold discussion about religion, a grand challenge surrounding faith, and a frightening discovery about self.” – vocalo.org Nov 29, 2024 Full Review Unstoppable (2024) 76% 3.5/4 “These extraordinary actors brings a life to the film that feels real and simple. Robles is extraordinary, amazing, and simply unstoppable. His plight might be difficult, but his story is surely one for the ages.” – vocalo.org Nov 29, 2024 Full Review Joker: Folie à Deux (2024) 31% 2/4 “There is no doubt that Lady Gaga and Joaquin Phoenix put on a compelling dance, but the whole is not greater than the sum of the parts. You might love the acting, singing, and courtroom theatrics but all of that didn’t have me singing all the way home. ” – vocalo.org Oct 11, 2024 Full Review Sing Sing (2023) 97% 4/4 ““Sing Sing” challenges, builds community & champions the human spirit. It may not change your mind about people needing to go to prison but it sure will change your mind about what they should be doing while they are there. It is powerful and a must see!” – The Garfield/Lawndale Voice Aug 9, 2024 Full Review Deadpool & Wolverine (2024) 78% 2.5/4 ““Deadpool & Wolverine” is a fun excursion requiring the pair to carry a huge load. I wish they could have packed light. Marvel fanatics might not mind carrying the load, but the rest of us might want to let it go, let it go, let it go to streaming. ” – vocalo.org Aug 9, 2024 Full Review A Quiet Place: Day One (2024) 86% 3/4 “A Quiet Place: Day One” presented the opportunity to answer questions the first two movies didn’t exactly need to but it didn't. Maybe the filmmakers needed to give us a reason to watch “A Quiet Place Part III,” which seems likely the next step.” – vocalo.org Jul 6, 2024 Full Review Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga (2024) 90% 4/4 “The battle for power between Dementus and Immortan Joe is epic. It has everything you want to see in a confrontation. This is a big-screen, go-the-theater movie. The visual presentation is stunning. The stunts and visual effects are Oscar-worthy – really!” – vocalo.org Jul 6, 2024 Full Review Back to Black (2024) 35% 3/4 “There is not much to dislike about this film but the fact that the people around Winehouse seemed unable or unwilling to stop her from self-destructing. It breaks one’s heart to think someone in her circle could have helped her in the end.” – vocalo.org Jul 6, 2024 Full Review Shirley (2024) 74% 2.5 “Regina King is masterful as Shirley. However, trying to focus on a point in time & covering many aspects requires the writing to be tight directing to be on point, & editing to be great... fell a bit short of making “Shirley” as great as the person.” – vocalo.org Apr 3, 2024 Full Review Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire (2024) 54% 3 “If you are looking for a fight and great special effects, this movie delivers in spades. If you are looking for most of it to make sense, "The New Empire" might need some new cloths. ” – vocalo.org Apr 2, 2024 Full Review Dune: Part Two (2024) 92% 3.5/4 ““Dune: Part Two” is the type of film that will engross you with its beauty and complexity yet might confuse you at the same time. It is an epic tale worthy of the big-screen experience. ” – vocalo.org Mar 17, 2024 Full Review The American Society of Magical Negroes (2024) 25% 2.5/4 “The filmmakers do an excellent job of making the film funny and digestible for non-blacks while giving a nod to Blacks that they know what many Black folks have to go through each day.This film is far more than mundane and somewhat short of magical.” – vocalo.org Mar 16, 2024 Full Review Argylle (2024) 33% 2.5/4 “Overall, this is a fun movie but somehow it is not a memorable one. Argylle has a decent foundation for a franchise’s first installment, entertaining enough to check out at the theater & sufficient surprises to keep your attention. ” – vocalo.org Feb 4, 2024 Full Review Origin (2023) 81% 4/4 “DuVernay crafts a powerful & thought-provoking masterpiece. Instead of an academic dissertation, we get a human exploration. Ellis-Taylor gives a masterclass in acting. If she is not convincing in her argument she is convincing in her artistry. ” – vocalo.org Jan 26, 2024 Full Review The Holdovers (2023) 97% 3/4 “The Holdovers has a bunch of characters that you love to hate until you don’t. The writers do a great job of making these clichic personas real people with real issues. It is irritating, funny and surprisingly interesting. ” – vocalo.org Dec 18, 2023 Full Review The Marvels (2023) 62% 2.5/4 “Marvel is obsessed with the Multiverse, but my advice is to anchor the storytelling in one universe before boldly going where no woman has gone before. I wasn’t sure where we were going or if I wanted to go there but somehow it manages to still works. ” – vocalo.org Dec 18, 2023 Full Review American Fiction (2023) 93% 4/4 “American Fiction’s ending poses a thought-provoking question: would you compromise your artistic integrity for financial success? Provocative, funny and a sad commentary on the literary industry and the world in general. ” – vocalo.org Dec 18, 2023 Full Review The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes (2023) 64% 3.4/4 “This film questions what you will do in times of stress: Will you kill when it is the only way to survive, be loyal when it is time to be loyal, fight for love when it might mean death? It is interesting, exciting and looks so good on the big screen” – vocalo.org Dec 18, 2023 Full Review Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part One (2023) 96% 3/4 “There are some great villains, co-conspirators, strange bedfellows and events that will keep you guessing. By the end of the movie I was literally on the edge of my seat wondering who would still be standing and make it to part two. ” – vocalo.org Aug 1, 2023 Full Review
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