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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

12:21

Cinema Saturday: Exploring "The Damned" - A Descent...

The Couch Critics ·

2025/01/11

"Send us a Text!"What if the choices of one person could unravel the fabric of an entire community? That’s the provocative question driving this week's fiery episode of Cinema Saturday, where I, Nathan, share a visceral reaction to "The Damned." Join me just hours after watching this infuriating film, as I recount the tale of a 19th-century widow whose consistent bad decision-making spirals her Icelandic fishing village into chaos. Whether it's the eerie encounters with potential zombies or t...

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14:47

Miracle Showdown: 1947 vs. 1994 - Which Santa Reigns...

The Couch Critics ·

2025/01/07

"Send us a Text!"Ever wondered how a classic holiday film holds up across decades or what makes an action movie qualify as a Christmas flick? Get ready to embark on a cinematic adventure with me on The Couch Critic as we unwrap the festive charm of "Miracle on 34th Street" in both its 1947 and 1994 versions. Discover why Macy's decided to keep their distance from the latter, and how a little nod to "It's a Wonderful Life" slipped into the remake. I'll share why the original's Dutch-speaking s...

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10:55

Cinema Saturday: Roots and Redemption - Unpacking...

The Couch Critics ·

2025/01/04

"Send us a Text!"What if a movie left you hanging yet filled with anticipation for more? Join Nathan and his wife, Elizabeth, as they kick off Cinema Saturdays 2025 with a fresh take on Angel Studios' latest film, "Homestead." This intriguing work feels more like a gateway to an exciting series than a standalone film. They share their thoughts in the new segment, "Elizabeth Likes and Dislikes," where she praises the commendable acting and the film's hopeful narrative amidst chaos but also pon...

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30:03

Reel Reflections: The Best (and Worst) of 2024

The Couch Critics ·

2025/01/01

"Send us a Text!"Why do some films leave us in awe while others fall flat? Join us, Katy, Scotty, and Nathan (aka Natey), as we close out 2024 with a look back at our journey through the IMDb 250 movies list. We share our top six-rated gems like "Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade," "Good Will Hunting," and the ultimate classic, "The Godfather." Our lively banter gives birth to our first (and last!) annual superlatives, where "The Iron Giant" shines with its perennial humor, and we express ou...

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13:42

FINAL Surprise Saturday: "The Fire Inside" Meets...

The Couch Critics ·

2024/12/28

"Send us a Text!"What happens when the inspiring true story of a trailblazing athlete meets the high-octane world of animated adventure? In our latest episode, we explore this dynamic combination by first delving into "The Fire Inside," a film that shines a spotlight on Claressa 'T-Rex' Shields, the groundbreaking boxer from Flint, Michigan. Despite its familiar storyline, the movie captivates with its intense boxing scenes and the powerful performances of Ryan Destiny and Brian Tyree Henry. ...

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22:04

Christmas Double Feature: "Meet Me in St. Louis" &...

The Couch Critics ·

2024/12/25

"Send us a Text!"Could "Meet Me in St. Louis" be the "Die Hard" of classic Christmas cinema, or is it just a nostalgic romp with holiday flair? We unwrap this debate on our festive episode of "Natey & Katy: At the Movies," starting with a warm and lively discussion about Judy Garland's unforgettable performance and the film's sentimental storyline. Katy gives a charming recap of the movie, exploring Garland's life and legacy, from her on-screen magic to her off-screen tragedies, including...

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18:45

Freedom and Redemption: Unpacking "The Shawshank...

The Couch Critics ·

2024/12/24

"Send us a Text!"What is it about "The Shawshank Redemption" that continues to captivate audiences, earning it the top spot on IMDb? Join us as we unravel the profound narrative and explore the rich performances, particularly Morgan Freeman's unforgettable portrayal. Reflecting on the theme of institutionalization, we'll dive into Brooks' heart-wrenching story, his struggles beyond prison walls, and what it reveals about our own world. Tim Robbins' Andy Dufresne stands as a beacon of hope and...

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12:21

Surprise Saturday: Kraven the Hunter - A Predator's Tale

The Couch Critics ·

2024/12/21

"Send us a Text!"Is it possible for a film to have a stellar cast yet still miss the mark? Join us as we critically examine "Kraven the Hunter," a cinematic endeavor that attempts to unravel the complex dynamics of vengeance and family. Russell Crowe's performance might evoke nostalgia, but does it redeem the film's shortcomings? From inconsistent accents to a plot that seems to wander, we candidly discuss why this movie failed to meet even our modest expectations, while questioning Crowe's c...

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22:17

An Offer You Can't Refuse: Breaking Down "The Godfather"

The Couch Critics ·

2024/12/17

"Send us a Text!"Can a film's legacy outshine its sequel, even after 50 years? Discover why we believe "The Godfather" remains the quintessential mafia masterpiece during our spirited debate on its cinematic brilliance. Katy and I dive into the Corleone family dynamics. We promise you'll gain a deeper understanding of the iconic music and masterful lighting that contribute to the film's timeless allure as we celebrate its milestone anniversary. Join us as we explore Michael Corleone's dr...

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6:21

Surprise Saturday: September 5, 1972 - Tragedy at the...

The Couch Critics ·

2024/12/14

"Send us a Text!"What happens when the pursuit of a story collides with the sanctity of human life? Join me, Natey, for a Surprise Saturday edition of Natey and Katy: At the Movies as we unravel the intricate layers of "September 5th." This gripping film, set during the 1972 Munich Olympics, thrusts viewers into the harrowing world of an American sports broadcasting team reporting on Israeli athletes held hostage by terrorists. With standout performances by Peter Sarsgaard, John Magaro, Ben C...

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18:54

Family & Power: The Godfather Part II

The Couch Critics ·

2024/12/10

"Send us a Text!"What if one movie could captivate audiences with a sprawling narrative that intertwines two compelling timelines? That’s precisely what "The Godfather Part II" accomplishes, and in this episode, Katy and I share our thoughts as we tackle this iconic film in our countdown of the top 250 movies, according to IMDb. We explore how the film masterfully balances the rise of Vito Corleone in the 1920s with his son Michael’s complex path to maintaining the family's power. Al Pacino a...

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14:04

Surprise Saturday: Setting Sail with Moana 2!

The Couch Critics ·

2024/12/07

"Send us a Text!"Ever wondered if a sequel can truly capture the magic of its predecessor? We tackle this intriguing question as we hint on the future transformation of our Surprise Saturdays into the newly minted Cinema Saturdays, offering you a tantalizing peek into our latest episode featuring Moana 2. I took my movie-enthusiast niece on an adventure to revisit the vibrant world of Oceania, and together we unpacked the highs and lows of Moana's latest journey. You'll hear all about our per...

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25:49

Interstellar: Journey Beyond the Stars

The Couch Critics ·

2024/12/03

"Send us a Text!"Theatre teacher Grace Jones joins us to share her deep love for cinema, kicking off with a playful conversation about the musical "Wicked," which Natey and Grace are fanatical about. With Grace's vibrant passion for film, we shift gears to discuss Christopher Nolan's "Interstellar," a movie that blends jaw-dropping visuals with Hans Zimmer's powerful score. Grace gushes over the film's exceptional sound design, while Katy adds a dash of humor recounting her husband's succinct...

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22:02

Suprise Saturday: Epics, Enchantments, and Ethics -...

The Couch Critics ·

2024/11/30

"Send us a Text!"What happens when a much-anticipated sequel falls short while a beloved musical adaptation steals the show? Join us as we navigate the ups and downs of film experiences in our latest Surprise Saturday episode. We kick off with "Gladiator 2," a movie that had us buzzing with excitement but ultimately left us questioning its ability to live up to its predecessor. Despite the star-studded cast featuring Denzel Washington and Pedro Pascal, we found the storyline lacking the origi...

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19:13

Unmasking "Parasite": A Masterclass in Deception and...

The Couch Critics ·

2024/11/26

"Send us a Text!"Can you juggle multiple Thanksgiving feasts without a hitch? Join us as we recount our own strategy-packed day of holiday indulgence, setting the scene for an episode brimming with cinematic charm. Nathan (aka Natey) and Katy break the ice with their hilarious holiday tales before diving into the genius that is Bong Joon Ho’s "Parasite." Initially wary of its creepy poster and unsettling title, we found ourselves captivated by the film's dark comedic edge, Hitchcockian flair,...

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17:31

"Are You Not Entertained?": A Dive into "Gladiator"

The Couch Critics ·

2024/11/19

"Send us a Text!"Ever wondered why "Gladiator" remains etched in our minds after all these years? Join Katy and me, Natey, as we dissect the timeless appeal of this epic film. We share our excitement for the upcoming sequel and reflect on the enduring performances by Russell Crowe and Joaquin Phoenix. Could there be a connection between the movie's themes and the curious trend of men frequently pondering the Roman Empire? Our discussion touches on the emotional core of "Gladiator," particular...

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16:02

Surprise Saturday: From "The Best Christmas Pageant...

The Couch Critics ·

2024/11/16

"Send us a Text!"Can a film adaptation ever really capture the magic of live theatre? That's what we ponder as we venture into the world of "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever," where we unexpectedly found ourselves misty-eyed. Join me, Nathan (aka Natey), and my wife as we discuss how this film not only held its own against the cherished stage version but also delivered a Christmas tale brimming with emotion and heart. With its detailed storytelling and powerful performances, we agree that it's...

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30:51

Behind the Magic of Hollywood's Timeless Classic

The Couch Critics ·

2024/11/12

"Send us a Text!"Lucinda Sage Midgordon, a former theater instructor and passionate movie enthusiast, shares her expert insights into one of cinema's most celebrated films, "Casablanca." Ever wondered how a film with an incomplete script at the start of production could become such an enduring masterpiece? Lucinda takes us behind the scenes, revealing the dramatic structure and multifaceted themes that make "Casablanca" a timeless tale of love, sacrifice, and resistance against the backdrop o...

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18:15

Unexpected Journeys and Timeless Cinematic Magic

The Couch Critics ·

2024/11/09

"Send us a Text!"Picture this: Natey's dad recommends a Hitchcock film, and we're off on an unexpected cinematic journey exploring "Lifeboat." This Surprise Saturday episode is our chance to bring you inside the tight quarters of Hitchcock's lesser-known masterpiece, where nine survivors navigate more than just the open sea. We’ll walk you through the high-stakes drama and moral quandaries that make "Lifeboat" a psychological thriller with wartime allegory woven through its seams. With insigh...

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18:16

A Nostalgic Look at Animated Charm and Iconic Classics

The Couch Critics ·

2024/11/05

"Send us a Text!"Ever wonder how a seemingly simple animated film could hold so much charm and emotion? Join us on a nostalgic journey as we celebrate the magic of Disney's WALL-E. Natey and I, Katy, recount our first experience watching this enchanting tale during its midnight release in 2008. We discuss how the initial silent sequences, reminiscent of Charlie Chaplin, captured the hearts of both kids and adults, including our own children, who found delight in WALL-E's quest for love and co...

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309 results

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