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PODCAST

The Couch Critics

The Couch Critics

The Couch Critics is your laid-back guide to movies and TV shows that deserve your attention—or maybe don’t. Nathan, along with a rotating door of eclectic co-hosts, dives deep into storytelling, character development, and cinematic style with a sharp eye and a wry sense of humor. Whether it’s a blockbuster hit, a hidden gem, or a cult classic, Nathan’s relatable approach ensures every episode feels like a cozy chat with a friend who just happens to love film. Perfect for casual watchers and

tv & film film reviews

All Episodes

9:22

Unconditional Bonds and Cinematic Disappointments

The Couch Critics ·

2024/11/02

"Send us a Text!"Can the bond with a pet transcend even the deepest life challenges? Presley, my beloved pug, was more than just a companion; he was my anchor during a series of turbulent life events, from a broken engagement to battling depression. In this heartfelt tribute, I open the doors to my personal journey with Presley, sharing the joy and comfort he brought into my life and the lingering guilt I feel for not being there in his final moments. Through this tribute, I hope to illuminat...

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17:38

Satirical Mastery and Historical Courage

The Couch Critics ·

2024/10/29

"Send us a Text!"Charlie Chaplin dared to do what many thought impossible: mock a dictator during the rise of fascism and create a film that would echo through generations. Join us on Natey and Katy: At the Movies as we dissect "The Great Dictator," a cinematic masterpiece that was as brave as it was brilliant. You'll hear about the historical context that shaped Chaplin's vision and how his bold satire of Adolf Hitler and the Nazi regime led to the film being banned in Nazi-occupied territor...

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10:15

A Lighthearted Twist on Halloween Frights

The Couch Critics ·

2024/10/26

"Send us a Text!"Have you ever wondered if a monster could help you find your voice? Join me, Nathan aka Natey, for a surprise Saturday edition of "Natey & Katy: At the Movies," where I explore the wild and whimsical world of "Your Monster," a film that daringly blends romance, comedy, and horror. I confess to my initial skepticism about a story featuring an actress who discovers her inner strength through a charming closet-dwelling monster. Yet, it turns out to be a quirky, entertaining ...

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22:37

Layers of Genius and Emotional Depth in a Cinematic...

The Couch Critics ·

2024/10/22

"Send us a Text!"Join us for an engaging conversation with Connor, our spirited Australian movie enthusiast and fellow podcaster, as we unravel the many layers of "Good Will Hunting." We explore the film's unforgettable journey of Will Hunting—played by Matt Damon—a janitor with extraordinary mathematical talents who's guided toward self-discovery by a compassionate psychologist, played by the inimitable Robin Williams. Connor shares his admiration for the film's portrayal of hidden talents a...

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10:27

Navigating Family Bonds on the Big Screen

The Couch Critics ·

2024/10/19

"Send us a Text!"Imagine attending a movie where the mystery of what's on screen is only revealed once you're seated, and it turns out to be a cinematic exploration of forgiveness. That's exactly what happened when I, Nathan aka Natey, found myself entranced by "Exhibiting Forgiveness." This surprise screening unveiled a powerful narrative about a black artist interrupted on his path to success by the unexpected return of his estranged, recovering addict father. With poignant performances fro...

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19:52

Behind the Scenes of Hollywood's Enduring Classic

The Couch Critics ·

2024/10/15

"Send us a Text!"What makes "Singing in the Rain" an enduring masterpiece, even decades after its release? Join us as we uncover the magic of this classic musical with our special guest, Ali, a passionate cinema student and musical enthusiast hailing from Iran. Ali shares his unique perspective on why this film shines brightly on his list of top 100 movies. We explore the remarkable transition from silent films to talking pictures, along with the unforgettable performances by Gene Kelly, Dona...

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20:27

Heartfelt Animation and Musical Missteps (Special...

The Couch Critics ·

2024/10/12

"Send us a Text!"Ever wondered how a robot could bring the warmth of family bonds to life? Join me, Natey, on a special birthday episode as I explore "The Wild Robot," DreamWorks' latest heartwarming animation. With stellar voice talents like Lupita Nyong'o and Pedro Pascal, the film follows Roz, a robot unexpectedly thrust into motherhood as she raises a goose on a deserted island. My wife and I found ourselves captivated by its unique story and themes, awarding it a 4.5 out of 6, despite it...

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18:19

Revisiting a Classic and Artistry's Double-Edged Sword

The Couch Critics ·

2024/10/08

"Send us a Text!"Can a film be both a masterpiece and a bit of a snooze? That's the provocative question we tackle as we dissect the iconic 1941 classic "Citizen Kane." Orson Welles’ magnum opus might top AFI's list of the greatest movies, but we confess our mixed emotions, admiring its artistry while questioning its entertainment value for today's viewers. Discover why this cinematic cornerstone only nabbed a single Oscar for Best Writing despite its groundbreaking techniques, and ponder wit...

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24:54

Improvised Brilliance and Wartime Realities

The Couch Critics ·

2024/10/01

"Send us a Text!"Have you ever wondered how an actor's improvised lines could redefine a film's authenticity? Join us as we sit down with Bob LeMent from Static Radio (staticradio.com) to dissect Stanley Kubrick's "Full Metal Jacket." We focus on the compelling themes of the Vietnam War's dehumanizing effects and R Lee Ermey's unforgettable performance as the drill sergeant. Bob sheds light on Ermey’s unexpected casting and the incredible impact of his improvised dialogue. We also touch on Ku...

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9:04

Big Screen Adventures and Marketing Missteps

The Couch Critics ·

2024/09/28

"Send us a Text!"What if you found out that two of the most iconic enemies in the Transformers universe started out as best friends? This special Saturday edition of Natey & Katy: At the Movies offers a thrilling solo review of "Transformers One," an animated film that dives into the untold origin story of Optimus Prime and Megatron. With an impressive voice cast that includes Chris Hemsworth, Brian Tyree Henry, Scarlett Johansson, and Keegan-Michael Key, this episode promises to unpack t...

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21:01

Psychological Depths and Fantastical Flights

The Couch Critics ·

2024/09/24

"Send us a Text!"What makes a film truly unforgettable? Join us as Natey grapples with the disturbing world of Stanley Kubrick's "A Clockwork Orange," describing it as an unsettling and bizarre experience with a storyline he found hard to connect with. Meanwhile, Katy offers a fresh take by examining the film's themes through the lens of psychology and Christianity, sparking a deep conversation about human redemption and the possibility of change. We also draw interesting parallels between th...

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19:16

Controversial Cinema and Psychological Depths

The Couch Critics ·

2024/09/21

"Send us a Text!"Is race and cultural appropriation the new battleground? On this episode of "Natey & Katy: At the Movies," Natey and his wife Elizabeth tackle the provocative documentary "Am I Racist?" by Matt Walsh. They dissect the contentious themes and dive into Walsh's unique approach, drawing comparisons to Sacha Baron Cohen's "Borat" series. Listen as they scrutinize the believability of Walsh's disguises and share their personal ratings. They also explore the film's impact on the...

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18:10

Classic Cons and Spirited Escapes

The Couch Critics ·

2024/09/18

"Send us a Text!"What happens when classic cinema meets unexpected twists and turns? This week on Natey & Katy: At the Movies, we kick things off with a personal anecdote about the surprise of discovering Robert Earl Jones in "The Sting" and his connection to the legendary James Earl Jones. Our conversation takes a turn down memory lane with the unforgettable performances of Paul Newman and Robert Redford, sparking a fun debate on whether Brad Pitt’s role in "Ocean’s Eleven" was influence...

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12:09

Hit-or-Miss Sci-Fi and Heartfelt Humor

The Couch Critics ·

2024/09/14

"Send us a Text!"Ever wondered how some films manage to completely miss the mark despite having a stellar cast? Join me, Nathan aka Natey, as I uncover the pitfalls of "Slingshot," a sci-fi thriller that inexplicably fails to utilize the talents of Casey Affleck and Lawrence Fishburne. From Affleck's uninspired performance to a script that left me cringing, I break down why this movie felt like a chore to watch. Fishburne does his best to save it, but unfortunately, it’s not enough to lift "S...

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30:27

Ranking Adventures and Indiana Jones Magic

The Couch Critics ·

2024/09/10

"Send us a Text!"Ever wondered what it takes to watch and rank every theatrically released movie in a single year? Tim and Patrick from the Film Bros. Championship Podcast join us to share their unique journey of exploring random years and genres and uncovering hidden gems like a 1982 classic and "First Blood." Katy keeps the laughs coming with her audio mishaps and a newfound love for brookies while we dive into the magic of "Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade." Spielberg’s direction and For...

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6:37

Historical Echoes and Modern Parallels

The Couch Critics ·

2024/09/07

"Send us a Text!"Have you ever wondered how history can feel like it's unfolding all over again? Join us on a special Surprise Saturday episode of Natey & Katy: At the Movies as we dissect "Reagan," the latest biopic starring Dennis Quaid and Penelope Ann Miller. This film brings Ronald Reagan's presidency to life, showing him through the wary eyes of the Russians who were both fascinated and fearful of his decisive actions. We discuss Dennis Quaid's nuanced portrayal of Reagan, which mov...

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15:48

From Skepticism to Admiration: Exploring "LA...

The Couch Critics ·

2024/09/03

"Send us a Text!"Ever wondered how a film could transform a skeptic into a fan? Join us on Natey and Katy: At the Movies as we dissect the 1997 film noir masterpiece "LA Confidential." Katy starts the conversation skeptical due to her past experiences with the genre, but by the end, she’s singing praises for its unpredictable plot and rich character development. Listen in as we break down the film's portrayal of 1950s Los Angeles through the stellar performances of Kevin Spacey, Russell Crowe...

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10:34

Musical Memories and Filmic Faith

The Couch Critics ·

2024/08/31

"Send us a Text!"What happens when you combine a night of legendary music and a thought-provoking film? Join me on a rollercoaster of emotions as I share my exhilarating experience at the One Vision Queen Tribute Concert featuring Marc Martel at the Durham Performing Arts Center. Feel the magic of Freddie Mercury's timeless hits brought to life by Martel's uncanny vocals and the electrifying atmosphere that filled the air. This date night with my wife was nothing short of spectacular, and I'm...

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19:46

Classic Laughter: Revisiting "Some Like It Hot"

The Couch Critics ·

2024/08/27

"Send us a Text!"Ever wondered why "Some Like It Hot" remains a comedy classic after all these years? Prepare yourself for a laughter-filled episode as Katy and I celebrate hitting over 2,500 downloads with a fun and nostalgic look at this 1959 masterpiece. We start with Katy's hilarious guilty pleasure confession of indulging in a Cookout tray, setting the tone for our lively discussion. We then share our thoughts on Marilyn Monroe's iconic performance and how she epitomized the "dumb blonde...

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18:02

Beauty Battles and Space Terror

The Couch Critics ·

2024/08/24

"Send us a Text!"What's it like to watch a movie while dealing with theater disruptions and a heated audience debate over a casting choice? This week on "Natey & Katy: At the Movies," Natey dives into all the drama surrounding "Skin Care," a gripping tale of rivalry in the beauty industry. Inspired by true events, the film had Natey hooked with its compelling story and standout performances, especially by Lewis Pullman. Despite not being his usual type of film, he found himself thoroughly...

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309 results

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