The Deja Review

The votes are in. The trophies are ready. And it’s time to celebrate the best and worst movies we reviewed in 2025.

In this special episode of Mart and Trev’s The Deja Review, we look back at a full year of movie comparisons, cult classics, and controversial remakes to crown the winners (and losers) of The Deja Review Awards 2026.

Throughout 2025, Mart and Trev revisited legendary originals and their modern remakes — from action classics and horror icons to sci-fi epics and cult favourites. Now it’s time to hand out the awards for the performances, movies, and moments that stood out the most… for better or worse.

In this episode we reveal the winners for categories including:

🎭 Best and Worst Actor Performance
🎭 Best and Worst Actress Performance
🏆 Best and Worst Original Movie
🏆 Best and Worst Remake

Mart and Trev revisit the highlights, the disasters, and the biggest debates from the past year of The Deja Review, before deciding which films deserve the ultimate bragging rights.

Some movies will win.
Some movies will lose.
And some… probably should never have been remade.

Welcome to The Deja Review Awards 2026.

Two long time friends, one podcast.
This is The Deja Review.

Enjoy the episode and remember to like, follow and tell your friends.

As always a massive thank you to Little Foil Fish for our theme tune - ⁠ @LittleFoilFish ⁠

Mart & Trev

Subscribe to the Podcast - ⁠ @TheDejaReview

#TheDejaReview #movieawards #movieremakes #bestmovies #worstmovies #moviepodcast #filmdiscussion #cultmovies #moviereviews

One man. One town. And a big stick for justice.

In this episode of Mart and Trev’s The Deja Review, we take a look at the gritty revenge drama Walking Tall, starring Joe Don Baker as real-life sheriff Buford Pusser, before comparing it with the action-packed remake Walking Tall, starring Dwayne Johnson.

The 1973 original became a surprise box-office hit thanks to its brutal realism and its story of a sheriff taking on corruption and crime in his hometown. Decades later, the 2004 remake reimagined the story with modern action, a faster pace, and a very different take on the story.

Mart and Trev break down the real-life story of Buford Pusser, the action scenes, the tone of both films, and the biggest differences between the original and the remake, asking whether the remake improves the story or if the gritty 1973 classic still delivers the hardest hit.

Does the original still walk the tallest…
or does the remake bring justice with a bigger swing?

Sometimes justice needs a big stick.

Two long time friends, one podcast.
This is The Deja Review.

Enjoy the episode and remember to like, follow and tell your friends.

As always a massive thank you to Little Foil Fish for our theme tune - ⁠ @LittleFoilFish ⁠

Mart & Trev

Subscribe to the Podcast - ⁠ @TheDejaReview

00:00 Introduction to Deja Review Podcast
01:28 Exploring 'Walking Tall': Background and Context
02:28 Synopsis and Cast of 'Walking Tall'
04:54 Marketing and Reception of 'Walking Tall'
06:20 Violence and Choreography in 'Walking Tall'
10:06 Real-Life Implications of Buford Pusser's Story
12:01 Joe Don Baker's Career and Impact
14:29 Budget and Production Insights
16:56 Racial Themes and Social Commentary
18:53 Comparative Analysis of Original and Remake
24:35 Transition to the 2004 Remake of 'Walking Tall'
26:58 The Evolution of 'Walking Tall' Remake
32:45 Dwayne Johnson's Star Power and Film Adaptation
34:50 Comparing Original and Remake: A Critical Look
37:35 5 to 1: Dwayne Johnson

#WalkingTall #WalkingTall1973 #WalkingTall2004 #dwaynejohnson #joedonbaker #actionmovies #CrimeMovies #movieremakes #cultmovies #thedejareview

A legendary car chase. A Hollywood remake packed with stars. But which version of Gone in 60 Seconds truly steals the show?

In this episode of Mart and Trev’s The Deja Review, we compare the original cult car-theft classic Gone in 60 Seconds, created by stunt legend H. B. Halicki, with the high-octane 2000 remake starring Nicolas Cage and Angelina Jolie.

The 1974 original became famous for its raw, real stunt driving and one of the longest car chases ever filmed. Decades later, Hollywood rebooted the concept with a slick blockbuster remake filled with exotic cars, big action set pieces, and the iconic Shelby Mustang “Eleanor.”

Mart and Trev break down the wild production stories, the legendary car chases, the differences between the films, and whether the remake improves the formula or loses the gritty charm of the original.

Is the 1974 film the ultimate car-chase classic,
or does the 2000 remake win with horsepower and Hollywood spectacle?

Start your engines… this is one high-speed debate.

Two long time friends, one podcast.
This is The Deja Review.

Enjoy the episode and remember to like, follow and tell your friends.

As always a massive thank you to Little Foil Fish for our theme tune - ⁠ @LittleFoilFish ⁠

Mart & Trev

Subscribe to the Podcast - ⁠ @TheDejaReview

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to 'Gone in 60 Seconds'
03:49 Filmmaking Techniques and Challenges
10:31 Comparisons with the Remake
11:59 Clever Writing and Story Elements
13:53 Humour and Unintentional Comedy
17:14 Ending and Sequel Discussion
18:41 The Iconic Car Chase
22:52 Transition to the Remake Discussion
23:50 Overview of the Remake's Cast and Crew
24:49 Character Introductions and Dynamics
30:06 Reimagining Classic Scenes
33:57 Character Dynamics and Performances
37:50 Car Chases: A Comparison
41:34 Nicolas Cage vs. Halicki: Leading Men
43:03 Sequel or Remake: A Discussion
44:58 Final Thoughts on the Films
45:26 5 to 1: Angelina Jolie
59:03 Closing Remarks

Keywords
Gone in 60 Seconds, film review, car chase, 1974 film, 2000 remake, filmmaking critique, Nicolas Cage, H. B. Halicki, Angelina Jolie, movie analysis

#gonein60seconds #nicolascage #carmovies #movieremakes #eleanormustang #carchase #actionmovies #thedejareview

A brutal dystopian game show. A cult 80s action classic. And now… a brand-new remake enters the arena.

In this episode of Mart and Trev’s The Deja Review, we step into the deadly world of The Running Man, the iconic sci-fi action movie starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, and compare it with the highly anticipated The Running Man, directed by Edgar Wright and based more closely on the novel by Stephen King (writing as Richard Bachman).

The original 1987 film turned a dystopian future into explosive entertainment, packed with outrageous villains, unforgettable one-liners, and a deadly televised competition where criminals fight for survival. But the 2025 remake promises a darker, more faithful adaptation of the original story.

Mart and Trev break down the origins of The Running Man, the differences between the films, the wild 80s action energy, and whether the new version improves on the cult classic or loses the chaotic charm that made the original so memorable.

Does the remake reinvent the game…
or does the 1987 classic still rule the arena?

In the end… there can only be one winner.

Two long time friends, one podcast.
This is The Deja Review.

Enjoy the episode and remember to like, follow and tell your friends.

As always a massive thank you to Little Foil Fish for our theme tune - ⁠ @LittleFoilFish ⁠

Mart & Trev

Subscribe to the Podcast - ⁠ @TheDejaReview

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Deja Review
01:09 Overview of The Running Man
02:06 The Original Film's Background
04:59 Character Analysis and Casting Choices
08:19 Dialogue and Writing Quality
10:16 Visual Effects and Production Quality
12:39 Cameos and Music Links
14:36 Cultural Commentary and Themes
18:03 Transition to the Remake
19:28 Remake's Development and Casting
21:25 Differences in Character Roles
23:10 Plot and Character Motivations
25:29 Filming Locations and Production Details
27:24 Advertising and Product Placement
29:21 Cameos and Easter Eggs
30:18 Cultural Parody and Social Commentary
32:43 Innovative Filming Techniques
34:10 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
35:04 Character Evolution and Audience Reception
38:36 Character Dynamics and Plot Resolutions
41:34 Comparative Analysis of Actors
44:59 Hunters: Original vs. Remake
45:56 Themes of Reality and Dystopia
48:45 Potential for Future Adaptations
49:58 5 to 1: Arnold Schwarzenegger

Keywords:
running man 1987
running man remake
arnold schwarzenegger running man
running man comparison
movie remake podcast
glen powell running man
thedejareview

#therunningman #RunningMan1987 #RunningManRemake #arnoldschwarzenegger #edgarwright #stephenking #movieremakes #scifimovies #thedejareview

Two icy horror classics. One alien threat. Two very different visions of The Thing.

In this episode of Mart and Trev’s The Deja Review, we travel back to the frozen Arctic to compare the 1951 sci-fi classic The Thing from Another World with the legendary 1982 remake The Thing directed by John Carpenter and starring Kurt Russell.

The original 1951 film introduced audiences to a terrifying alien discovered beneath the ice during the golden age of science fiction. But in 1982, John Carpenter transformed the concept into one of the most intense and paranoid horror movies ever made—complete with ground-breaking practical effects, shape-shifting aliens, and one of the most debated endings in film history.

Mart and Trev break down the origins of The Thing, the differences between the films, the unforgettable creature effects, and why the 1982 version went from box-office disappointment to cult horror masterpiece.

Is the 1951 original an underrated sci-fi classic?
Or did the 1982 remake create the definitive version of The Thing?

Lock the doors. Test the blood. Trust no one.

Two long time friends, one podcast.
This is The Deja Review.

Enjoy the episode and remember to like, follow and tell your friends.

As always a massive thank you to Little Foil Fish for our theme tune - ⁠ @LittleFoilFish ⁠

Mart & Trev

Subscribe to the Podcast - ⁠ @TheDejaReview

Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Holiday Plans
00:59 Overview of 'The Thing' (1951)
02:30 Film Synopsis and Initial Impressions
04:56 Creature Design and Special Effects Discussion
09:49 Character Dynamics and Military Influence
15:05 Themes of Isolation and Scientific Ethics
17:58 Transition to the Remake of 'The Thing'
18:56 Details of the 1982 Remake
19:51 Comparative Analysis of Original and Remake
25:07 Special Effects and Practical Techniques
29:47 Character Analysis and Plot Development
35:08 Final Thoughts on Both Films
37:33 Hilarious Errors in Body Horror Scenes
39:57 The Ambiguity of the Ending
42:51 The Impact of Special Effects on Horror
46:14 The Power of Soundtracks in Building Tension
49:11 John Carpenter's Influence and Legacy
54:59 The Debate: Original vs. Remake
57:07 5 to 1: Kurt Russell
01:12:11#thethingremastered Final Thoughts and Tributes

Keywords
The Thing, 1951, 1982, horror, sci-fi, remakes, special effects, John Carpenter, Kurt Russell

#thething #TheThing1982 #TheThing1951 #johncarpenter #kurtrussell #horrormovies #movieremakes #scifihorror #thedejareview