Steve Stebbing

What The Hell Should I Watch – Mar 13

stevestebbing

March 13, 2026

This week on What The Hell Should I Watch? I run through a stacked group of new releases including Pixar’s latest animated adventure, Maggie Gyllenhaal’s take on a classic monster, a dark Canadian story about fandom and obsession, and an award-winning drama set in Iraq during the Saddam Hussein era.

I also check out a new sci-fi action movie on streaming, while Chloe jumps in with another Butting In segment featuring a hockey remake, indie horror, and one truly spectacular rant.

Fresh For Your Eyeballs

First up is Hoppers, Pixar’s upcoming sci-fi adventure about technology that allows humans to transfer their consciousness into robotic animals so they can explore and study wildlife.

Next is The Bride!, Maggie Gyllenhaal’s reimagining of the Bride of Frankenstein story, set in 1930s Chicago and starring Jessie Buckley.

Then there’s Protector, starring Milla Jovovich as a former soldier forced back into violence after her daughter is kidnapped by a trafficking ring. It sets itself up as a gritty revenge thriller, but unfortunately this one really didn’t work for me.

After that I check out Sweetness, a dark Canadian story about a teenage fan who becomes dangerously obsessed with helping — and eventually controlling — her troubled rock-star idol after discovering his addiction.

Finally there’s The President’s Cake, set during the Saddam Hussein era. The film follows a young girl tasked with baking a birthday cake for the president during a time of sanctions and food shortages, turning a simple school assignment into a risky journey.

Streaming Pile

This week I watched War Machine, starring Alan Ritchson and Dennis Quaid. The film follows a group of elite military recruits whose training exercise turns into a fight for survival when they encounter a deadly extraterrestrial machine.

Butting In

Chloe returns with another Butting In segment.

First up is Youngblood, a modern remake of the classic hockey story about a young player trying to prove himself in the brutal world of junior hockey.

Next is Anacoreta, an indie horror built around a film-within-a-film setup where a group heads to a remote location to shoot a horror project — only for things to begin unraveling.

And finally Chloe dives into NFT: Cursed Images, about a group of friends who buy into a supposedly cursed NFT collection only to discover the digital monsters tied to those NFTs begin appearing in the real world. Let’s just say Chloe really did not enjoy this one, and the rant that follows is one of the highlights of the episode.

New episodes of What The Hell Should I Watch? drop every week.

What The Hell Should I Watch – Mar 6

stevestebbing

no comments

March 6, 2026

This week on What The Hell Should I Watch? I fly solo and tackle a mixed bag of new releases — including the return of one of horror’s most famous franchises, an intense erotic drama of class systems, a hockey remake that Chloe and I first saw at VIFF, and a sharp thriller about obsession and proximity to fame.

I also added a classic and influential stand-up film to my physical media collection and preview what I’m hoping to watch next week.

Fresh For Your Eyeballs

First up is Scream 7, the latest entry in the long-running franchise. After years of twists, creative shakeups, and controversy behind the scenes, Ghostface returns once again. This time the story centers on Sidney Prescott as her quiet new life is disrupted when a new killer emerges — and her daughter becomes the next target. I definitely have a lot of vitriol to get out about this one and have my regrets in NOT boycotting.

Next is Dreams, a tense erotic drama from director Michel Franco. The film follows a powerful American socialite and an undocumented Mexican ballet dancer whose affair spirals into something far more dangerous. Starring Jessica Chastain and Isaac Hernández, it’s a film about power, class, desire, and manipulation — and it’s definitely one that shows off that slow burn style that Franco is known for.

Then I revisit a film Chloe and I caught at the Vancouver International Film Festival: Youngblood, out this week in theaters. This reimagining of the classic hockey drama follows a talented young player trying to prove himself after joining a tough team in Hamilton. It hits a lot of familiar sports-movie beats, but there’s still plenty to talk about when it comes to how this version handles the material and what it chooses to ignore.

Finally, I look at Lurker, a tense and unsettling story about fame and proximity to it. The film follows a retail worker who manages to worm his way into the inner circle of an up-and-coming musician. As access grows, so does the danger. It’s a sharp little thriller about obsession, jealousy, and the strange dynamics that surround celebrity culture, very fitting for our current social media and celebrity crossover.

New To The Library

This week I added Richard Pryor: Here and Now to my collection, now on 4K. It joins Live on the Sunset Strip on my shelf, and it’s notable because Pryor actually directed this one himself — making it his theatrical directing debut. It’s always great seeing classic stand-up performances get proper restorations.

A Taste of Next Week

Here’s what I’m hoping to dig into next week:

Hoppers

The Bride!

Protector

War Machine

…and possibly a few other surprises depending on what lands on my screen.

New episodes of What The Hell Should I Watch? drop every week.

What The Hell Should I Watch? – Feb 27

stevestebbing

no comments

February 27, 2026

This week on What The Hell Should I Watch?, I dig into a wide-ranging lineup that includes international cinema, a big survival sequel, and one of the most powerful political films of the year. From desert wanderers and prison-release tension to climate catastrophe and the European refugee crisis, this episode covers some heavy territory — plus Chloe jumps in with her own viewing in Butting In.

Fresh For Your Eyeballs

I start with Sirāt, a haunting and meditative film from director Óliver Laxe. It follows a father searching for his missing daughter across the Moroccan desert while traveling with a group of ravers as global conflict hums in the background. It’s slow, atmospheric, and built more on mood than plot.

Next up is In Cold Light, a tightly wound Canadian thriller starring Maika Monroe and Troy Kotsur. Told almost in real time, it follows a woman newly released from prison who becomes trapped in a violent situation. It’s stripped down, tense, and powered by its performances.

Then I get into Greenland 2: Migration, which brings Gerard Butler and Morena Baccarin back as a family forced out of their bunker and into a shattered world. The sequel leans more into survival drama and emotional stakes than pure spectacle.

I wrap up the main reviews with Green Border, one of the most important and difficult films of 2023. Shot in stark black and white, it follows refugees trying to cross from Belarus into Poland. It’s raw, confronting, and impossible to ignore.

New to the Library

This week’s library pick is The Dark Half, George A. Romero’s strange and pulpy adaptation of the Stephen King novel about a writer stalked by his own fictional creation.

Butting In (with Chloe)

Chloe jumps in this week with a mix of discomfort, reflection, and animated chaos.She starts with Primate, which hit her especially hard because she already finds monkeys deeply unsettling. The film’s eerie tone and creeping tension made it extra creepy for her, turning it into more of an endurance watch than casual sci-fi.

Next, she revisits The Truman Show, a movie that somehow feels more prophetic every year. What once played as clever satire now lands as a warning about surveillance, performance, and living inside someone else’s idea of reality.

She closes out with the season premiere of American Dad!, which provides much-needed comic relief after two heavier picks. It’s loud, ridiculous, and still surprisingly sharp.

A Taste of Next Week

Coming up on the next episode, I’ll be reviewing:

Scream 7
Dreams
Man on the Run
Rescue at Donji
Lurker
Pillion

Chloe Stebbing X Fan Expo Vancouver 2026

stevestebbing

no comments

February 21, 2026

In this special episode, I step away from our usual movie reviews to give you a quick look at my day at Fan Expo Vancouver 2026.

I hadn’t been to Fan Expo since 2012, when I was a kid, so this was my first time returning in over a decade — and a lot has changed. From digital badge check-ins and massive crowds to celebrity guests and endless vendor booths, this was a full-on convention experience.

I talk about:

What it’s like getting into Fan Expo in 2026

How packed the show floor became by mid-afternoon

Why filming was harder than expected once the crowds and noise kicked in

The celebrity guests I saw, including Elijah Wood and Sean Astin

The realities of autograph and photo prices

The surprisingly limited (and expensive) food options

I also show what we picked up along the way, including:

The Vorpal Blade from Alice: Return to Madness

A Fallout Nuka-Cola Girl tin poster

A very unlucky medieval scroll gamble that resulted in… a wooden bracelet

Even though I didn’t get as much footage as I hoped, I wanted this video to capture the energy of the convention and what it feels like to be back at Fan Expo after so many years away.

Next year, we’re planning to return with more money, more time, and maybe even cosplay.

Thanks for coming along with me for this quick recap of Fan Expo Vancouver 2026. I’ll see you in the next regular episode of What the Hell Should I Watch?.

What The Hell Should I Watch – Feb 20

stevestebbing

no comments

February 20, 2026

This week on What The Hell Should I Watch?, I’m back with Chloe for another packed episode covering brand-new theatrical releases, deep-cut discoveries, and one of the best Canadian films of the year.

We kick things off with Fresh For Your Eyeballs, starting with Emerald Fennell’s bold and provocative adaptation of Wuthering Heights, starring Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi. I dig into why this film feels like instant cult cinema — from its VistaVision cinematography to its surprising use of Charli XCX songs — and why it’s clearly not trying to be a faithful literary adaptation.

Next up, we talk about the slick crime thriller Crime 101, featuring Chris Hemsworth, Mark Ruffalo, Halle Berry, and Barry Keoghan. It’s a rare modern thief movie that actually works, even if it’s a little disposable after the credits roll.

Then we break down the dark comedy How to Make a Killing, starring Glen Powell, Margaret Qualley, Jessica Henwick, Topher Grace, and Ed Harris. I talk about why it’s entertaining but slightly restrained compared to director John Patton Ford’s earlier work (Emily the Criminal), and how Glen Powell carries much of the movie on pure charisma.

📀 New to the Library

This week I added several classics and curiosities to my collection, including:

The complete series of Lucifer on Blu-ray
John Milius’ 1973 gangster film Dillinger
Warner Bros. 4K releases of Ben-Hur and All the President’s Men

We also revive Movie Journeys with a revisit to the classic Bond film From Russia with Love, starring Sean Connery. I explain why this might actually be peak Connery Bond and share some behind-the-scenes trivia about Robert Shaw and Ian Fleming.

🇨🇦 Nirvanna The Band The Show The Movie

Chloe gets to give her thoughts on one of our favorite films of the year: Nirvanna The Band The Show The Movie by Matt Johnson and Jay McCarrol.

We talk about:

Why it feels like a love letter to Toronto
How flawlessly the time-travel back to 2008 is executed
The genius of its joke setups and callbacks
Why this film made Chloe fall in love with the duo instantly

It’s hilarious, heartfelt, and one of the smartest comedies Canada has produced in years.

🎞️ Also Discussed This Episode

Chloe’s surprisingly positive take on Greenland 2
A quick celebration of American Dad returning to Fox
New 4K releases including Predator: Badlands and Five Nights at Freddy’s 2

🎥 Coming Next Week
I preview upcoming films including:

Psycho Killer
Midwinter Break
Sirat
Pillion

If you love movies, deep dives, behind-the-scenes trivia, and honest reviews — this is the podcast for you.

What The Hell Should I Watch – Feb 13

stevestebbing

no comments

February 13, 2026

This week’s episode of What the Hell Should I Watch? almost didn’t happen thanks to a technical meltdown, so what you’re getting is a leaner, faster, slightly feral edition of the show — but there were still way too many movies to ignore.

We’ve got the return of Gore Verbinski after an eight-year break, one of the best Canadian movies I’ve seen in years, and a horror lineup that completely fell apart.

Here’s what I watched this week.

—

Fresh For Your Eyeballs

Good Luck, Have Fun, Don’t Die (dir. Gore Verbinski)

Gore Verbinski finally returns to filmmaking after A Cure for Wellness, teaming up with Sam Rockwell for a strange, time-looping sci-fi comedy about ordinary people tasked with stopping an AI apocalypse. Set largely inside a diner, the film plays like a series of interconnected vignettes with Haley Lu Richardson and Juno Temple adding heart and chaos. It’s weird, ambitious, and surprisingly charming.

Nirvanna the Band the Show the Movie

This is a love letter to Toronto and one of the most purely Canadian movies I’ve seen in years. Matt Johnson and Jay McCarroll turn their cult series into a feature that somehow mixes time travel, the CN Tower, and a lifelong dream of playing the Rivoli. Chloe and I caught this at the Rio and the crowd energy made it unforgettable. It’s chaotic, funny, and deeply rooted in Toronto culture. I also sat down with Matt and Jay for a 12-minute interview you’ll see later this week.

Cold Storage

A gooey, splattery horror comedy starring Joe Keery, Georgina Campbell, and Liam Neeson. Written by David Koepp (Jurassic Park), this one leans hard into creature effects and gross-out moments. It’s never elevated horror, but it delivers enough B-movie fun for genre fans.

—

Horror Takes a Nosedive

The Strangers: Chapter 2 & Chapter 3

Renny Harlin’s reboot trilogy continues to unravel. Chapter 2 is dull and oddly bloodless, while Chapter 3 somehow manages to be even more pointless. Neither film brings tension or invention to the franchise, and both feel like empty exercises in IP maintenance.

Dracula (dir. Luc Besson)

Luc Besson attempts to reframe Dracula as a tragic romantic hero and instead delivers a confused, derivative mess. Caleb Landry Jones never feels right for the role, Christoph Waltz looks bored, and the entire film feels like a lesser, hollow echo of Coppola’s version — with none of the passion or style.

—

New to the Library

This week’s additions to my physical media shelf:

Dark Blue (Blu-ray upgrade)

Blue Moon – Ethan Hawke as Lorenz Hart, which Chloe and I saw at VIFF

The Thing With Feathers – Benedict Cumberbatch in a surreal grief drama

300: Rise of an Empire (3D) – the Zack Snyder sequel he didn’t direct

Orwell: 2 + 2 = 5 – Raoul Peck documentary

—

Next Week on the Show

Coming up:

Wuthering Heights (Emerald Fennell, Margot Robbie, Jacob Elordi)

Crime 101 (Chris Hemsworth, Halle Berry, Barry Keoghan, Mark Ruffalo)

Possibly: How to Make a Killing

Hopefully: Sirat and Pillion

Chloe plans to bring Greenland 2: Migration

—

This was a short but packed episode — with a big win for Canadian cinema, a welcome return from Gore Verbinski, and a reminder that not every Dracula or Strangers reboot needs to exist.

New episodes of What the Hell Should I Watch? drop every Friday at 9am Pacific on

What The Hell Should I Watch – Feb 6

stevestebbing

no comments

February 6, 2026

Welcome back to What the Hell Should I Watch?, where I sort through the week’s new releases, streaming titles, and TV so you don’t have to gamble your time on trailers and algorithms.

This week’s episode is packed with genre chaos — horror experiments, action throwbacks, and the long-awaited return of one of Marvel’s best series. I get into what works, what doesn’t, and what’s actually worth your attention right now.

🎬 Fresh For Your Eyeballs

I kick things off with a slate of new theatrical releases that swing big, sometimes wildly — and this week Chloe joins me on a couple of them:

Send Help – Sam Raimi returns to horror-comedy with Rachel McAdams and Dylan O’Brien in a survival thriller that leans into slapstick, tension, and Raimi’s signature chaos. Chloe and I talk about the physical comedy, the brutal set pieces, and why this might be one of the most fun surprises of the season.
Shelter – Jason Statham steps back into lone-wolf protector mode in a straight-ahead action thriller that feels familiar but still delivers on mood and momentum. I get into why this works even when it sticks close to formula.
Iron Lung – Markiplier makes his feature debut with an ambitious cosmic horror film set inside a submarine traveling through a blood ocean. I dig into the massive practical effects, the extreme commitment to atmosphere, and why this has become one of the most interesting horror stories of the year.
Whistle – A cursed Aztec death whistle triggers a wave of Final Destination-style doom. Chloe and I break down the creative kills and why the story and characters struggle to keep up with the concept.

📀 New To The Library

This week’s physical media additions go deep into film history:

A Prophet (2009) – Jacques Audiard’s modern crime classic finally joins the shelf, and I talk about why it still hits as one of the most powerful prison films ever made.
House on Haunted Hill (1959) – William Castle and Vincent Price come back into the conversation, but this one’s a revisit after we already dug into it on Tremble, episode 345, making it more of a shelf upgrade than a fresh discovery.

📺 Streaming Picks

On the streaming side, I catch up with:

The Wrecking Crew (Prime Video) – Jason Momoa and Dave Bautista team up in a throwback action comedy that leans hard into movie-star energy and brawling fun.
The Wheel of Time (Prime Video) – I finally check in on Amazon’s fantasy series and talk about Rosamund Pike, the darker tone, and how the show has evolved.
Harley Quinn (Netflix) – Season 5 takes the gang to Metropolis and somehow gets even sharper, funnier, and more emotionally grounded.

🦸 Final Thoughts

I wrap things up with Daredevil: Born Again (Disney+), the long-awaited return of Marvel’s grittiest hero. I break down why the revival works, how it honors the original series, and why the collision between Matt Murdock and Wilson Fisk still packs a punch.

If you’re trying to figure out what’s actually worth watching in theatres, on streaming, or on your own shelves, this episode is about separating curiosity from commitment and helping you make smarter choices with your time.

👉 New episodes drop every Friday at 9am Pacific

What The Hell Should I Watch – Jan 30

stevestebbing

no comments

January 30, 2026

Welcome back to What the Hell Should I Watch?, where I sort through the week’s new releases, streaming titles, and upcoming films so you don’t have to gamble your time on trailers and algorithms.

This week’s episode is a heavy mix of genre, emotion, and pop culture detours — from bleak sci-fi and horror reboots to one of the most devastating documentaries I’ve seen in a long time, plus a surprising amount of wrestling and Marvel along the way.

🎬 Fresh For Your Eyeballs

I start with a slate of new theatrical and festival titles, breaking down what works, what doesn’t, and what’s worth your attention:

Mercy – A contained sci-fi courtroom thriller built around a man judged by an artificial intelligence. It’s a high-concept premise that leans into performance and moral questions more than spectacle, and I dig into whether it sustains its tension or collapses under its own idea.

Return to Silent Hill – The latest attempt to revive the iconic horror franchise, leaning into atmosphere and familiar imagery while struggling to recapture what made the original games so unsettling in the first place.

The Things You Kill – A dark, psychologically driven thriller that explores guilt, obsession, and violence, using restraint and mood to slowly tighten the screws.

H Is for Hawk – A quiet, reflective drama about grief, nature, and healing, adapting the acclaimed memoir into something deliberately patient and emotionally grounded.

The Voice of Hind Rajab – One of the most powerful and heartbreaking films of the year. This true story drama confronts tragedy within the Gaza strip with clarity and compassion, and I talk about why it hit so hard and why it’s essential viewing despite how difficult it is to watch.

📺 Streaming Picks

On the streaming side, I take a look at The Rip, the gritty Netflix crime thriller reuniting Matt Damon and Ben Affleck. It’s a throwback cop movie with modern polish, and I unpack where it delivers satisfying genre pleasures and where it feels like comfort food for grown-up movie fans.

📦 Also on My Radar

I also catch up with a few notable series and franchise detours:

Wonder Man – Marvel steps away from pure superhero spectacle into something more character-driven and oddly introspective, blending comedy, showbiz satire, and superpowers.

WWE: Unreal – Season 2 – A behind-the-scenes look at professional wrestling that drops kayfabe and leans into storytelling, personalities, and production reality.

Tomb Raider: The Legend of Lara Croft – The animated series expands the Tomb Raider universe with action, adventure, and a surprisingly emotional core.

👀 A Taste of Next Week

Looking ahead, next episode will include Send Help, Shelter, Iron Lung, The Wrecking Crew, and Whistle — another stacked slate that promises genre chaos and tough conversations.

If you’re trying to figure out what’s actually worth watching in theatres, on streaming, or on your own shelves, this episode is about separating curiosity from commitment and finding the titles that deserve your time.

👉 New episodes drop every Friday at 9am Pacific

What The Hell Should I Watch – Jan 23

stevestebbing

no comments

January 23, 2026

Welcome back to What the Hell Should I Watch?, where each Friday Chloe and I sift through what’s actually out — from theatrical to catalog to streaming — and tell you what’s worth seeing, what’s worth skipping, and what’s questionable but interesting.

This week’s episode veers across genre and tone: we hit post-apocalyptic carnage, vampire cops, a quiet mystery that never quite clicked, and a few films that stir debate long after credits roll.

Fresh For Your Eyeballs

28 Years Later – The Bone Temple – The latest entry in this revived zombie saga pushes the apocalypse into surreal, wild territory with cult violence, dark humor, and some surprisingly bold tonal shifts. Ralph Fiennes and Jack O’Connell anchor a really weird, often powerful continuation of the franchise, and just when you think you know what it’s doing it does something completely different.

Night Patrol – Imagine a cop thriller crossed with a vampire movie, political allegory, and social commentary — that’s Night Patrol. It’s got a stacked cast and an ambitious premise, but the reach sometimes exceeds the grasp, with ideas that start strong and get a bit messy as the movie goes on.

A Private Life – We saw this at VIFF, and honestly, neither Chloe nor I were feeling it. Jodie Foster is great as always, but the slow, detached mystery just never pulled us in, and Chloe was a bit foggy on where it was actually headed.

New To The Library

This week’s home video and catalog pickups span from classic crime to deep-cut thrillers and long-running TV:

House of Darkness

Natural Born Killers: Director’s Cut

Thunderheart (4K)

Shameless: The Complete Series (Blu-ray)

Whether it’s revisiting a controversial Oliver Stone film or adding a brute-force TV binge to your shelf, I hit on why these are neat additions right now.

Butting In

Chloe jumps into Butting In this week with:

Mickey 17 – Bong Joon-ho’s sci-fi black comedy about a “disposable” crew member on an ice-world colony mission, played with manic energy by Robert Pattinson. It’s inventive and weird and not everything lands, but Chloe unpacked what she liked and why the tonal swings are worth talking about.

Shelby Oaks – A horror-leaning mystery built around found footage aesthetics and a long-lost ghost-hunting crew. It’s got some genuinely intriguing parts, but the style shifts and uneven scares make it a pretty divisive watch.

A Taste of Next Week

Up next: Mercy, Return to Silent Hill, The Things You Kill, Back to the Past, Atropia, Pike River, Wonder Man, The Voice of Hind Rajab, and The RIP. Plenty to chew on.

If you’re trying to figure out what to watch right now — in theaters, at home, or on your shelf — this episode has something for that mood.

What The Hell Should I Watch – Jan 16

stevestebbing

no comments

January 16, 2026

Welcome back to What the Hell Should I Watch?, your weekly Friday rundown of new movies, indie discoveries, and streaming picks worth your time.

This week’s episode is stacked with new releases, festival favorites, and under-the-radar gems, including a surprising turn from Bradley Cooper as a filmmaker, a chilling indie thriller that got under my skin fast, and a beautifully intimate drama about family, forgiveness, and creative healing.

Fresh For Your Eyeballs

I dive into several new films that couldn’t be more different in tone — but all left a mark:

Is This Thing On – Bradley Cooper dials back prestige and finds something far more human, with a terrific dramatic performance from Will Arnett alongside Laura Dern. A grounded, empathetic look at divorce, identity, and starting over.

Father, Mother, Sister, Brother – Jim Jarmusch returns with a quiet, vignette-driven meditation on family estrangement, connection, and love, featuring Tom Waits, Adam Driver, Cate Blanchett, and more.

The Plague – One of the most unsettling films I’ve seen in a long time. Set at a youth water polo camp, this psychological thriller turns bullying into real-world horror, anchored by a fearless young cast and a bone-deep sense of dread.

The Damned – A stark, atmospheric piece of Scandinavian folk horror set in a frozen fishing village, where one cruel decision unleashes something ancient and terrifying.

Exhibiting Forgiveness – A powerful, intimate indie drama about art, estranged fathers, and the complicated work of healing, led by outstanding performances from André Holland and Andra Day.

Look Into My Eyes – A quietly fascinating documentary that explores professional psychics and their clients, walking a careful line between skepticism, belief, and emotional truth.

Streaming Picks

On the streaming side, I catch up on:

Yellowjackets – Season 3 (Crave) – A noticeable course correction after a shaky second season, with stronger focus and momentum as the series heads toward its endgame.

Evolution of a Black Quarterback (Prime Video) – A thoughtful sports documentary examining the history, barriers, and impact of Black quarterbacks in the NFL.

1923 – Season 2 (Paramount+) – I wrap up the latest chapter in the Yellowstone universe, breaking down what works, what doesn’t, and why this might be the strongest of Taylor Sheridan’s prequel series.

A Taste of Next Week

Coming up next episode: 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple, Joe Carnahan’s The RIP, Jodie Foster’s French-language drama A Private Life, plus a couple international films I’m eager to dig into.

If you’re looking for honest movie recommendations, thoughtful criticism, and a weekly guide through the overwhelming world of new releases and streaming, you’re in the right place.

New episodes drop every Friday at 9am Pacific

Like, subscribe, and let me know what you watched this week.