The Couch Critics

"Send us a Text!" Did you ever think a charming tale about a pig could touch your heartstrings as a Christmas movie? Neither did I, but on this episode of Couch Critic, we take a look at the delightful film "Babe," which might surprise you with its tender storytelling and a fleeting holiday scene. Join me, Nathan, as I share my affection for this underappreciated gem that featu...

"Send us a Text!" Welcome to a heartfelt and engaging discussion on the latest adventure of everyone's favorite bear, Paddington, in "Paddington in Peru." With the success of "Paddington 2" setting a high bar, Nathan dives deep into what makes this franchise so cherished and whether the new installment lives up to its predecessors.  Join him as he navigates the s...

"Send us a Text!" Remember the magic of Buddy the Elf? Join us as we wrap up February with a heartwarming tribute to the Christmas classic "Elf." I'm thrilled to welcome back my former podcast partner, Katy, for this special episode where we reminisce about our podcast beginnings and share behind-the-scenes trivia about the film. From Will Ferrell's debut leading role...

"Send us a Text!" Can the Marvel Cinematic Universe redeem itself with "Captain America: Brave New World"? Join me, Nathan, as I break down the latest Marvel film that dares to revisit the roots of 2008's "The Incredible Hulk." In an unexpected twist, Anthony Mackie steers the ship as Captain America, while the formidable Harrison Ford steps into the role of Thad...

"Send us a Text!" Ever wondered how a Valentine's-themed martial arts film could spark a heated debate? On this episode of the Couch Critic, we welcome special guests Katy and Scotty as we dissect "Love Hurts," a film that promised a thrilling blend of romance and action but delivered something entirely different. With a lineup featuring Ke Huy Quan, Ariana DeBose, Mustafa...

"Send us a Text!" Join us for a festive feast of chaos and charm as Bob from Static Radio (staticradio.com) returns, this time to chat about the holiday classic, Gremlins. Can you believe it? Zach Galligan and Phoebe Cates star in a movie produced by Steven Spielberg himself, and we're here to explore all the fun trivia and nostalgia you never knew you needed. From discussing how Ho...

"Send us a Text!" What if watching a film could transport you back to the pure joy and chaos of the holiday season every single year? On this episode of The Couch Critic, we unravel the comic genius behind National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation, a movie that many claim is synonymous with Christmas itself. From Chevy Chase's unforgettable antics as Clark Griswold to the little-kn...

"Send us a Text!" What if a movie you thought would be a chilling horror flick turned out to be a clever, comedic thriller? This week on Cinema Saturday, join me, Nathan, your dependable Couch Critic, as I unravel the surprising layers of "Companion." Featuring standout performances by Sophie Thatcher, Jack Quaid, and Lucas Gage, this film takes you on an unexpected journey fol...

"Send us a Text!" What defines a Christmas movie? Is it the presence of snow, a plot set in winter, or cheerful carols filling the background? On this episode of The Couch Critic, we tackle the surprising inclusion of "About a Boy" in the holiday movie lineup. While Hugh Grant’s charming portrayal of Will Freeman and Nicholas Hoult’s impressive debut as Marcus Brewer shine, the...

"Send us a Text!" What would it mean to be a guiding light in someone's darkest hour? This week on Cinema Saturday, join me, Nathan, as I recount the unforgettable journey depicted in Angel Studios' latest release, "Brave the Dark." Starring Sasha Bhasin, Jared Harris, and Nicholas Hamilton, this powerful narrative tells the true story of Nate Williams, a young man sa...

"Send us a Text!" Ever found yourself enchanted by a movie that didn't quite hit the mark at the box office? Join us as we explore the unexpected charm of "Nutcracker and the Four Realms," starring Mackenzie Foy, Keira Knightley, Morgan Freeman, and Helen Mirren. Despite its peculiar release timing and some hiccups with continuity, this film surprised us with its imaginati...

"Send us a Text!" Unearth the secrets of modern monster tales and discover how Leigh Whannell's creative vision breathes new life into Universal classics like "The Wolfman" and "The Invisible Man." Drawing parallels between the 1986 remake of "The Fly" and the isolation themes inspired by the COVID-19 pandemic, we examine how Whannell artfully interlace...

"Send us a Text!" Ever wondered what makes "A Charlie Brown Christmas" so endearing that it remains a holiday staple year after year? Join me, Nathan, as I share my festive passion on The Couch Critic, where this nostalgic classic takes center stage. Having embodied Charlie Brown in my high school days, I recount my personal connection to this iconic character and reveal intrig...

"Send us a Text!" What happens when a British pop icon transforms into a computer-generated monkey on the silver screen? This week's episode of Cinema Saturday is anything but ordinary, as I, Nathan, navigate the unconventional biopic "Better Man," starring Robbie Williams as himself in primate form. Directed by the imaginative mind behind "The Greatest Showman,"...

"Send us a Text!" Is "Lethal Weapon" really a Christmas movie, or just an action-packed thrill ride set against a festive backdrop? Join me, Nathan, as I unpack this thought-provoking question, diving into the heart-pounding world of Mel Gibson and Danny Glover's iconic film. Discover fascinating anecdotes about Mel Gibson's career-defining choices and the daring stun...

"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 deci...

"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 latt...

"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, "El...

"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...

"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 stor...

"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 story...

"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,...

"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 t...

"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 cont...

"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 repor...