A fangirl and a film critic pick the best and worst films of 2025

On the eve of the Oscar Nominations, as the entertainment award season just gets into full swing, producer KellieAnn Halvorsen (the fangirl) and guest host Rachel Wagner (the film critic) come together to pick the best and worst films of 2025. It is no secret that there is a big difference between what audiences and critics think of movies, but even among critics there are some great debates about what makes a movie award-winning. Rachel discusses this process as the Utah Film Critics Association already listed their 2025 favorites in a lively debate. She also shares her top films of 2025 and worst films of 2025.

Together, they emphasize the importance of ignoring other people and enjoying what you enjoy! Like Rachel does on The Hallmarkies Podcast, and how KellieAnn has chosen her stupidly-fun pick of the year with Amazon’s “The Playdate.”

The brains behind Fan Effect are connoisseurs of categories surpassing nerdy, with a goal to publish a weekly "What to Watch on the Weekend" minisode taken from KSL-TV's Friday segment, and two deep-dives a month on shows, creative works, artists, local events, and other fandom topics. 

Based in the beautiful Beehive State, Fan Effect celebrates Utah's unique fan culture as it has been declared The Nerdiest State in America by TIME, and is hosted by KSL Movie Show's Andy Farnsworth and Deseret News / KSL Podcasts' KellieAnn Halvorsen.

Listen regularly on your favorite platform, at kslnewsradio.com, or on the KSLNewsRadio App. Join the conversation on Facebook @FanEffectShow, or Instagram @FanEffectShow.

Fan Effect is sponsored by Megaplex Theatres, Utah's premier movie entertainment company.

Beyond Sci-Fi, Fantasy, Gaming and Tech, the brains behind Fan Effect are connoisseurs of categories surpassing the nerdy. Brilliant opinions and commentary on all things ‘geek’, but surprising knowledge and witty arguments over pop culture, Star Trek, MARVEL vs DC, and a wide range of movies and TV shows. 

Based in the beautiful beehive state, Fan Effect celebrates Utah's unique fan culture as it has been declared The Nerdiest State in America by TIME, and is hosted by KSL Movie Show's Andy Farnsworth and KSL Podcasts' KellieAnn Halvorsen.  

Fan Effect is sponsored by Megaplex Theatres, Utah's premiere movie entertainment company.