Advertise on podcast: Heroes Retreat with Noel Cruz

These are my picks for the very best films of the year. Let’s discuss their impact and contributions to cinema in a year where the horror genre was reinvigorated, super heroic and fantastic familiar faces saved the day, an iconic literary and cinematic Monster was retold and a revolutionary who took us on a ride we will never forget. This is a delayed release so please forgive my timing, but let’s kick off 2026 with a BANG!

The first film (of what I hope is many) of the new DC Studios has arrived and it is none other than “Superman” - directed by James Gunn. On this episode, we start at the very beginning of Superman’s cinematic journey leading to the up to the moment we see a new battered and bruised hero ask his devoted pet Krypto: “Home. Krypto, take me home!”. For the first time in the Hero’s rich and deep history we are given a version what could be the truest, most faithful adaptation to his comic book and animated counterpart. More Man of Hope than Man of Steel with a supporting cast that sets a stage for the introduction of the DC Universe the likes of which we have never seen. For the first time in long time, I left the theatre satisfied, hopeful with a smile on my face and a overwhelming feeling to “Look! Up in the sky!”

We’ve got a HUGE episode this week! We cover not one, but four - count them, 4 reviews in one episode almost 2 hours long! Your boy has been busy playing catch up and he’s done his homework. This week’s episode we will discuss the brilliance of Ryan Coogler’s and Michael B. Jordan’s Vampire Masterpiece - “Sinners” as we see the MCU gain traction with it’s latest, slightly over-hyped “Thunderbolts*” and we say goodbye to Ethan Hunt on what appears to be his final Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning. Last but not least, we discuss the absolute poetic and immensely satisfying and beautifully done love letter to Star Wars from Diego Luna, as he takes us on a journey that sees the rise of the Rebellion in the master class that is “Andor” Season 2. Your mission, should you choose to accept it - is to grab your drink, get comfortable because we’ve got lots to talk about! This message will self-destruct in 5 seconds….(just kidding ;)

It’s been a long time coming and I hope this is worth the wait! On this episode of HRWNC we review two of Marvel’s new anticipated shows - the long awaited return of Daredevil to the MCU in “Daredevil: Born Again” and the impeccable new animated series “Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man”. We also cover a ton of new info regarding trailers, upcoming films and an appreciation to “Captain America: BRAVE New World” and to my dedicated listeners whom I can’t thank enough. We have a lot to talk about so grab your favorite beverage and let’s go!

With the extreme division and backlash of “Joker: Folie à Deux” - The Penguin takes this opportunity as he always does, to be the crowned the number one villain of Gotham City and does so in quite possibly what may be, one of the absolute best Comic Book themed TV Series any fan can ask for. A seamless continuation of “The Batman” film with Robert Pattinson, this stand out performance of Colin Farrell is triumphant only to bring forth one of the most remarkable characters played by Cristin Milioti as “Sofia Falcone” who almost steals the show from beneath his feet. A phenomenal supporting cast, a dedicated writing, directing and filming crew who love and respect the source material, bring a collaboration that gives us a side story of Gotham’s new Criminal Mastermind that leaves us eager anticipating Oswald “Oz” Cobblepot’s return.

One of the most highly anticipated movies of 2024. An unexpected sequel to a Masterpiece and now one of the most controversial films in the DC library and possibly all of the superhero genre. Was it worth returning to Arthur Fleck’s world to meet his Harley Quinn? Did Lady Gaga do crazy justice to the iconic character? Hit or miss, love it or hate it - Joker: Folie à Deux is here and we discuss where it hit the mark, where it missed it and where the Joker goes from here. Since October is my birthday month - this is a Batman double header as we also review: Batman - The Caped Crusader. A winning return to the Dark Knight by the original team who brought him to life in the iconic Batman: The Animated Series in 1992. Get your favorite beverage, sit back and relax. We got lots to discuss!

With the 7th entry to the Alien film franchise - this unexpected, brilliant and dedicated addition to the lore of one of the greatest horror/sci fi films ever made is as refreshing as it is horrifying. With a young and committed cast and a storyline that stays true to the formula of its predecessor, I was shook in disbelief of how much I loved this film. The repeated viewings cannot come soon enough. Let’s go deep in to space where no one can hear you scream and embrace the terror that will overcome your senses.

The much needed shot of adrenaline the MCU so desperately needed has been delivered. This SPOILER FILLED episode touches on the bold decision by Disney to let Deadpool be Deadpool and reinvigorate a long time beloved character - the Wolverine as only Hugh Jackman can play. Jaw dropping cameos, incredible action sequences, fan service that rewards over two decades worth of dedication to these characters we hold dear and now easily, one of the best MCU films to date. An absolute winner! “Let’s F#@%ING GO!”

On this past May the 4th - I rewatched Episode I: The Phantom Menace in theaters and came away with a whole new appreciation, love and admiration for what I feel is one of the most important and significant films in Star Wars history. Let’s go back to the beginning and relive an energy, love and enthusiasm for one of the greatest film franchises ever and one of the most treasured experiences I hold dear. May the Force be with you!

Villains. They captivate us, thrill us, frighten us and make our heroes journey worth the watch. They bring forth challenge, chaos, calamity and ultimately - tragedy. On this episode, we look at the top 25 most iconic and admired villains of the superhero genre. Did your choice make the cut? Who got the last laugh? Was the number one spot “Inevitable.” You’ll have to listen and find out. “Wait till they get a load of me!”

The moments that stand the test of time. Iconic, bold, definitive. The scenes that define the characters these films are based on. The Heroes and Villains we love and the hate. The moments that leave us talking about them long after we have left the theatre. So big - it takes two parts to do it! Let’s go - it’s time to take on the biggest moments in the comic book cinematic universe!

In this first episode of 2024, we will discuss two films that have created a buzz amongst fans: one that ends the Snyderverse and the other that is the lowest grossing Marvel/MCU movie to date. We will discuss "superhero fatigue" and if Marvel is as fractured as people have been stating or of this is just the ebb and flow of the cinematic universe. We will briefly review "Echo" and the breath of fresh air it has given a struggling Cinematic Universe. We will also give our thoughts on the Zack Snyder's contribution to the DC Cinematic Universe as it comes to it's conclusion with Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom. “Hello, Hello - I’m at a place called Vertigo!”

SEASON 4 IS HERE - LET’S GO! HRWNC is back! What was to be a single episode turned in to a 2 parter because it is so big and so fun - we had to go into overtime to get it done! This is my top 25 comic film list. Join me to see if your favorite made the list and where it ranked. See if my selections are worthy of their spots and where I placed them in their positions. Do you agree, disagree? You’ll only know if you listen to this mega two parter! Season 4 should be a blast so let’s get it started with the greatest comic book films of all time!

World’s collide across the multiverse as two of the summer’s biggest films open for their respective brands: DC’s the Flash and Marvel’s Across the Spider-verse. Join me as I discuss these two entries - one that concludes the Zack Snyderverse of DC and the other that show’s why you can never have too much Spider-Man. What’s up danger?! Let’s sit back and see where the multiverse takes us and where we have yet to tread on this 2 film review mega-episode!

I’ve been away for over 3 months, I am caffeinated and we have a bunch o’ stuff to cover! You get not one but three (count ‘em) THREE reviews on this episode: Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania, Shazam 2: Fury of the Gods and John Wick: Chapter 4. Lots to discuss, lots to catch up on, so press play and lets get going with my first episode of 2023! 🥳🍾