The Couch Critics

"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...

"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 O...

"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&...

"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...

"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...

"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...

"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 C...

"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 structu...

"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-stake...

"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 th...

"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 th...

"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&...

"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 actr...

"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...

"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 i...

"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 rema...

"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...

"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. Disc...

"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...

"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 incl...

"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,...

"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" s...

"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...

"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 w...

"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...