Born To Watch - A Movie Podcast

"Galaxy Quest," a film that transcends the traditional boundaries of sci-fi comedy, cleverly satirises the tropes of classic science fiction television series while simultaneously paying heartfelt homage to them. Directed by Dean Parisot and released in 1999, the movie stars an ensemble cast including Tim Allen, Sigourney Weaver, Alan Rickman, Tony Shalhoub, Sam Rockwell, and Daryl Mitchell. It's...

In this electrifying episode of "Born to Watch," your hosts Whitey, Damo, and Dan dive headfirst into the tantalizing world of "Five Guilty Pleasures," revealing those films that sit like hidden gems in their troves of cinematic joy. Dictionary.com defines a guilty pleasure as "something, such as a movie, television program, or piece of music, that one enjoys despite feeling that it is not general...

The 1989 martial arts film "Kickboxer" stands as a hallmark in the genre, resonating with fans for its robust action sequences, emotive storyline, and the charismatic presence of Jean-Claude Van Damme. This review delves into the various aspects that make "Kickboxer" a memorable and enduring film in the martial arts canon. At the core of "Kickboxer" is a tale of revenge and personal growth, a them...

"Wayne's World (1992)," a film that transcended its "Saturday Night Live" sketch origins to become a cult classic, encapsulates the early '90s like few other movies do. Directed by Penelope Spheeris and starring Mike Myers and Dana Carvey as Wayne Campbell and Garth Algar, respectively, the film is a brilliant blend of humour, music, and a touch of innocence, all wrapped up in a storyline that's b...

The 1993 action-adventure film "Cliffhanger," directed by Renny Harlin and starring Sylvester Stallone, John Lithgow, Michael Rooker, and Janine Turner, is an adrenaline-pumping ride that combines breathtaking scenery with heart-stopping action sequences. Set against the rugged backdrop of the Rocky Mountains, "Cliffhanger" not only showcases Stallone's physical prowess but also delves into themes...

The original trio push it to the limit with the 1983 classic Scarface. A bumper start to 2024 for the crew as they unpack this divisive 80's piece of drug-fuelled lore. "Scarface," released in 1983, remains a seminal piece in the landscape of American cinema, directed by Brian De Palma and written by Oliver Stone. This film has garnered a cult following and continues to influence modern filmmaking...

Whitey and Damo are joined by Jeff from MCU's Bleeding Edge and they go head first into Middle Earth again for The Two Towers (2002) "The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (2002)" is a cinematic masterpiece that continues the epic journey begun in "The Fellowship of the Ring." Directed by Peter Jackson, this second instalment in the trilogy is a compelling blend of fantasy, adventure, and drama, s...

Rebel Moon (2023) -Full Movie Review Whitey and Damo take one for the team here as they dissect the latest "style over substance, Star Wars wannabe" outing from director Zack Snyder.  In short, if you are considering watching Rebel Moon, listen to the podcast first. It's half as long as the movie and twice as entertaining.  "Rebel Moon," despite its ambitious vision, ultimately falls short of the...

This week's episode of "Born to Watch" is a special treat for movie enthusiasts! Hosts Whitey and Damo, joined by the insightful Danie (The Purp), embark on a cinematic journey, starting with an in-depth discussion of the 2023 film 'Wonka.' They'll delve into its impact on current pop culture and dissect its innovative storytelling and direction. The episode then takes a nostalgic turn with a retr...

The Streaming Wars - Whitey's Solo Pod In this special solo episode of the Born to Watch Podcast, host Whitey takes the reins while Gow, Dan, and Damo enjoy an extended Christmas and New Year break. Dive into a cozy holiday binge-watch session as Whitey shares his short reviews of three intriguing Netflix movies and a captivating Prime TV series he watched over the break.  Get ready for a short ex...

In the spirit of Christmas we thought we would re release our Xmas episode from 2022 - Love Actually (2003). The whole team where on board for this one and it could have been the episode that sealed the deal for Damo. Merry Xmas from the team at Born to Watch, we hope you have a great New Year "Love Actually," directed by Richard Curtis, is a romantic comedy that has become a staple in the genre,...

The boys are in a new locale and with a special guest in tow it's time to tackle Quentin Tarantino's masterpiece - PULP FICTION (1994) "Pulp Fiction" (1994), directed by Quentin Tarantino, is a film that defies conventional storytelling, blending dark humour, graphic violence, and a disjointed narrative to create a cinematic experience that is as unforgettable as it is controversial. This review a...

"The Breakfast Club," directed by John Hughes, is a seminal film of the 1980s that has transcended its era to become a timeless classic. This 1985 masterpiece delves into the lives of five high school students who, on the surface, embody the quintessential teenage stereotypes: the Brain (Anthony Michael Hall as Brian), the Athlete (Emilio Estevez as Andrew), the Basket Case (Ally Sheedy as Allison...

"The Hangover," directed by Todd Phillips, hit the screens in 2009, quickly becoming a cultural phenomenon. This comedic tour de force revolves around a bachelor party gone awry in Las Vegas. The plot hinges on a simple, yet effective premise: a group of friends wake up after a night of heavy partying, with no memory of the previous night and the groom missing. This sets the stage for a chaotic jo...

"North Shore," released in 1987, is a film that encapsulates the essence of surfing culture and the timeless quest for belonging and self-discovery. Set against the stunning backdrop of Hawaii's legendary North Shore, the movie follows the journey of Rick Kane (played by Matt Adler), a young surfer from Arizona, as he navigates the challenging waves and complex social dynamics of the surfing world...

"National Lampoon's Vacation," released in 1983, is a classic American road comedy film that has stood the test of time. Directed by Harold Ramis and written by John Hughes, based on his own short story, the film presents a hilariously exaggerated portrayal of a family road trip that turns into a series of misadventures. It stars Chevy Chase as Clark Griswold, a well-intentioned but bumbling fathe...

"The Shawshank Redemption," directed by Frank Darabont and released in 1994, is a cinematic masterpiece that has stood the test of time. Based on Stephen King's novella "Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption," the film navigates the life of Andy Dufresne (Tim Robbins), wrongfully convicted for the murder of his wife and her lover. "The Shawshank Redemption" excels in storytelling, weaving a poign...

It's the Born to Watch dynamic duo for The Batman (2022). Whitey and Damo will take you to a place that feels familiar but by the end you will realise it's brand new. ENJOY "The Batman," directed by Matt Reeves and released in 2022, plunged audiences into a dark, rain-drenched vision of Gotham that feels both timeless and distinctly modern. This rendition of the iconic superhero sees Robert Pattin...

The Last Starfighter (1984) Whitey and Gow, and are back with another deep dive into a classic, and today we're joined by none other than Will the Plumber – our long-time fan and guest host for this episode. In the heart of the 1980s, a time when arcades reigned supreme and science fiction cinema was shaping itself into a formidable genre, Nick Castle's "The Last Starfighter" made its debut. A les...

In 1988, Eddie Murphy and director John Landis combined forces to create "Coming to America," a romantic comedy that went on to become an emblematic staple of 80s cinema. On the surface, it's a story about a prince from a fictional African country who travels to America in search of true love. But as we delve deeper, it reveals a myriad of layers that blend humour, cultural commentary, and romance...

Steven Spielberg’s “Jurassic Park (1993)” is more than just a film; it’s a cinematic journey that forever altered the trajectory of filmmaking, visual effects, and our collective imaginations. Adapted from Michael Crichton's novel of the same name, the film is a potent concoction of thrilling storytelling, groundbreaking technology, and masterful direction. Even three decades on, it remains a touc...

We head to The Overlook Hotel with a full house and a very special guest. The Shining (1980) is a movie that is burnt into pop culture and we give it the royal treatment it deserves - "Here's Johnny"!! "The Shining," directed by Stanley Kubrick and based on Stephen King's novel of the same name, unfolds the descent into madness of Jack Torrance, portrayed with an electrifying intensity by Jack Nic...

In the annals of cinema history, certain films stand out as timeless classics, and "The Karate Kid" (1984) is undeniably one of them. Directed by John G. Avildsen and starring Ralph Macchio as Daniel LaRusso and Pat Morita as Mr. Miyagi, this iconic coming-of-age film has left an indelible mark on generations of moviegoers. With its compelling characters, powerful life lessons, and memorable marti...

Whitey, Gow and Damo are together in the Panic Room to dissect "Behind Enemy Lines (2001)" - We all hadn't seen this movie for some time and it was an interesting rewatch that's for sure. Released in 2001, "Behind Enemy Lines" is a gripping war film that delves deep into the chaos and intensity of modern warfare. Directed by John Moore and starring Owen Wilson and Gene Hackman, the movie combines...

Welcome back to Born to Watch, where four old friends gather to relive the movies that have shaped their lives. In today's episode, we're diving headfirst into the action-packed world of the 1996 film "The Long Kiss Goodnight." So, grab your popcorn and settle in, because this one's a rollercoaster! Before we get started, let's break it down, Born to Watch style, with "The Good, The Bad, and The U...