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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

19:40

Family Bonds and Timeless Tales

The Couch Critics ·

2024/08/20

"Send us a Text!"How can a century-old silent film captivate the digital-savvy, screen-obsessed younger generation? Join us for a journey back in time as we explore Charlie Chaplin's "The Kid," a timeless silent film that enchanted our children with its physical comedy and emotional depth. We share our family’s surprising reactions to Chaplin's visual storytelling, relying solely on physical cues and intertitles. Reflecting on its efficient runtime, we celebrate the artistry of shorter films ...

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11:48

Star-Studded Misfires and Mysterious Horrors

The Couch Critics ·

2024/08/17

"Send us a Text!"Ever wondered how a star-studded cast can still lead to a cinematic letdown? Join me, Nathan aka Natey, as I pull back the curtain on "Natey and Katy: At the Movies" with a special Saturday double feature. First, I tackle "Borderlands," the much-anticipated movie adaptation of the hit video game. Despite boasting talents like Kate Blanchett and Kevin Hart, this film winds up being a misfire due to its shaky script and complex plot. My review dissects why the movie couldn't li...

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26:19

Ambiguous Endings and Stellar Performances: Analyzing...

The Couch Critics ·

2024/08/13

"Send us a Text!"Prepare yourself for a gripping analysis of "No Country for Old Men," where we promise to reveal the profound themes behind its perplexing ending. Katy and I dive deep into the movie’s stark contrast from other Coen brothers' classics like "Fargo" and "The Big Lebowski," focusing on its intense scenes and minimal humor. We unpack powerful performances by Tommy Lee Jones, Javier Bardem, Josh Brolin, and Woody Harrelson, shedding light on how their characters contribute to the ...

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18:30

Starry Disappointments and Chilling Thrillers

The Couch Critics ·

2024/08/10

"Send us a Text!"Is "Harold and the Purple Crayon" worth the family movie night? Join Natey as he dissects this adaptation of the beloved children’s book, where even a star-studded cast featuring Zachary Levi, Zooey Deschanel, and Jemaine Clement couldn't save it from a disappointing end. He'll reveal his initial misgivings, the potential the film squandered, especially concerning Clement’s role, and why the conclusion left him more than a little unsatisfied. Spoiler alert: This might not be ...

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16:33

Hilarious Quests: Delving into "Monty Python and the...

The Couch Critics ·

2024/08/06

"Send us a Text!"What was your first encounter with Monty Python's iconic humor? This week, Katy and I reminisce about our initial exposure to the hilarious world of "Monty Python and the Holy Grail." We break down the wacky mix of British wit, intellectual jokes, and slapstick comedy that make this film a timeless classic. From the absurd witch trial to the unforgettable bloodthirsty rabbit, we highlight the scenes that had us laughing out loud and discuss how the movie's sketch comedy forma...

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18:55

Unlikely Allies and Chaotic Adventures

The Couch Critics ·

2024/08/03

"Send us a Text!"Ever wondered what happens when the Merc with a Mouth teams up with the ultimate mutant? Spoiler alert: It's pure, unadulterated chaos! Join Natey and our special guest Christine, who brings her theater flair and Marvel love to this hilarious episode. We dive headfirst into the wild antics of Deadpool and Wolverine, highlighting their mission to save the universe with a little help from the Time Variance Authority. With Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman leading the charge, this ...

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22:03

Unforgettable Performances and Comic Book Revivals:...

The Couch Critics ·

2024/07/30

"Send us a Text!"What makes a film truly unforgettable? Join us as we explore David Lynch's masterful 1980 film "The Elephant Man," starring Anthony Hopkins and John Hurt, through our personal lenses. From Katy's hilarious camp skit to my deep admiration for the film's black-and-white aesthetic and powerful performances, we unpack the emotional and historical layers of Joseph Merrick's story. Hear our candid reactions as we grapple with the film's intense sadness, its commentary on societal c...

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10:21

Stormy Legacy and Raw Rhythms

The Couch Critics ·

2024/07/27

"Send us a Text!"Ever wondered how a summer blockbuster can recapture the magic of a 90s classic? Join me and my wife Elizabeth as we break down "Twisters," a thrilling reboot of the beloved "Twister." Starring Glenn Powell, Daisy Edgar-Jones, and Anthony Ramos, this film brings back the excitement and nostalgia, all while steering clear of the global warming debate. We both found it a joyride from start to finish and awarded it an impressive 5.5 out of 6 stars. Listen in to hear our take on ...

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20:58

Tragic Conclusions and Iconic Performances: Examining...

The Couch Critics ·

2024/07/23

"Send us a Text!"What if you found yourself enjoying "The Bachelorette" more than a critically acclaimed classic like "Chinatown"? Join us as Katy wrestles with her mixed feelings about this iconic film noir, fresh from her trip to Scotland. As Natey steps in to clarify the often tragic nature of the genre, we debate whether the film's somber ending signifies a failure or a profound growth for the protagonist. The conversation takes unexpected turns as we compare the love interest trope to th...

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14:49

Disturbing Depths and Raw Realism

The Couch Critics ·

2024/07/20

"Send us a Text!"Can Nicolas Cage's portrayal of a satanic serial killer push the boundaries of your comfort zone? This surprise Saturday episode of "Natey and Katy: At the Movies" dives into "Long Legs," a film that left me, Natey, grappling with its disturbing themes and captivating performances. While Nicolas Cage's unsettling role stands out, the film's deep focus on Satanism and unsettling makeup choices made it difficult for me to fully appreciate. Find out why "Long Legs" earned a mixe...

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19:17

Devious Schemes and Graceful Icons: Unpacking "Dial M...

The Couch Critics ·

2024/07/16

"Send us a Text!"Ever caught yourself grappling with the moral ambiguities of a well-tailored murder plot? This week on "Natey and Katy: At the Movies," we unravel the devious schemes of Alfred Hitchcock's "Dial M for Murder." Katy can hardly contain her excitement about her upcoming Scottish adventure, while Natey reminisces about the glitz and glam of post-4th of July fireworks. As we dissect the gripping tale of a former tennis star orchestrating his wife's murder, Katy discovers a newfoun...

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6:33

Courageous Acts and Transformative Love

The Couch Critics ·

2024/07/13

"Send us a Text!"What happens when a Texas church community decides to turn the foster system on its head by adopting 77 children? Join us for an emotional and heartfelt episode as my beautiful wife Elizabeth and I, Nathan aka Natey, share our thoughts and feelings about "Sound of Hope: The Story of Possum Trot." This powerful film by Angel Studios captures a courageous journey that is both gritty and inspiring, highlighting the themes of love, resilience, and the transformative power of comm...

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19:50

Masked Revolutionaries and Poetic Rebellion:...

The Couch Critics ·

2024/07/09

"Send us a Text!"Can a masked vigilante inspire a revolution? Find out as we dissect the 2005 dystopian thriller "V for Vendetta" in our latest episode. This discussion takes on special significance as Katy dedicates it to her late friend Greg, a fervent admirer of the film. We cover the intricate relationship between V, portrayed by Hugo Weaving, and Evey, brought to life by Natalie Portman. From thought-provoking themes of anarchy and resistance to the poetic and memorable dialogue, we unpa...

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7:44

Surprise Screening Spectacle

The Couch Critics ·

2024/07/06

"Send us a Text!"What if one of the most iconic events in history was all part of a grand marketing scheme? This episode of Natey & Katy: At the Movies takes you behind the scenes of the surprise screening of "Fly Me to the Moon," where Scarlett Johansson's character, Kelly Jones, is tasked with staging a fake moon landing. Alongside standout performances from Channing Tatum, Woody Harrelson, and Jim Rash, Natey revisits the high-stakes tension of the 1960s space race, relives the nostalg...

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16:48

Triumph and Struggle: War Stories on Screen

The Couch Critics ·

2024/07/04

"Send us a Text!"What makes a film truly patriotic? Join us for a special 4th of July episode of "Natey & Katy: At the Movies," as we explore this question through the lens of some of America's most stirring cinematic tributes. From the harrowing battles of the Civil War to the revolutionary fervor of the American Revolution, we reflect on the power of film to capture the essence of historical events and the human spirit that drives them. Nathan, aka Natey, takes us back to the 1989 class...

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22:02

Summer Heat and Emotional Turmoil: A Deep Dive into...

The Couch Critics ·

2024/07/02

"Send us a Text!"What happens when oppressive summer heat perfectly parallels the intense emotional climate of a classic film? Join us as we kick off this episode of Natey & Katy: At the Movies with a unique exploration of "Raging Bull." We share personal stories about our summer experiences and draw clever parallels between the draining heat and the movie’s theme. We dive deep into the turbulent life of boxer Jake LaMotta, played by Robert De Niro, and express our mixed feelings about th...

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17:22

Nostalgic Adventures

The Couch Critics ·

2024/06/29

"Send us a Text!"Rediscover the nostalgic magic of the '90s with our special Surprise Saturday episode featuring Katy! We take a delightful trip down memory lane as we chat about "Brink," the beloved Disney Channel Original Movie, all thanks to a fan suggestion from Katy's younger brother, Nick. Join us as we discuss the heartfelt story of Andrew "Brink" Brinker - a soul skater grappling with tough decisions to support his family while staying true to his values. From the unforgettable cast, ...

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21:12

Truth, Deception, and Dark Humor: Dissecting the...

The Couch Critics ·

2024/06/25

"Send us a Text!"Is "Fargo" really based on true events, or did the Coen Brothers pull a fast one on us? Join Natey and Katy as they break down this classic film with a playful mix of humor and analysis. They start by donning their best Midwestern accents to set the stage for discussing Jerry Lundegaard's bumbling crimes and Frances McDormand's standout performance as Marge Gunderson, which earned her a Best Actress Oscar. They also dive into a comparison with "The Big Lebowski," noting the u...

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11:05

Unveiling the Hidden Lives: Confronting Comfort and...

The Couch Critics ·

2024/06/22

"Send us a Text!"What if there's a secret society dedicated to making white people’s lives easier? Join Natey as he dissects the controversial film "The American Society of Magical Negroes" and the complex figure at its center, Aren. Natey explores how the movie confronts the societal pressure on African Americans to prioritize white comfort, often at their own expense. Justice Smith’s performance is a highlight, bringing a grounded nuance to an otherwise heavy-handed narrative. Though the fi...

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22:11

Emotional Showdowns: Warrior’s Heartfelt Struggles

The Couch Critics ·

2024/06/18

"Send us a Text!"What if a movie could make you cry in public and relate deeply to a teacher-turned-fighter’s struggles? Join us as Katy and I share our raw and heartfelt reactions to "Warrior," featuring powerhouse performances by Tom Hardy, Nick Nolte, Joel Edgerton, and Jennifer Morrison. We dive into the film’s emotionally charged plot. From the strained relationships between the brothers and their father to the intense blend of fight scenes and gripping storytelling, we unpack why this m...

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309 results

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