The Couch Critics

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What happens when an ordinary sketchbook transforms into a portal for nightmares? Angel Studios ventures into uncharted territory with "Sketch," starring Tony Hale (Arrested Development), D'Arcy Carden, Bianca Belle, and Kue Lawrence. This bold departure from their usual faith-based dramas delivers a surprisingly nuanced exploration of mental health wrapped in a family fantasy adventure.

When a young girl's drawings mysteriously come to life after her sketchbook falls into a strange pond, her family must reunite to battle the monsters they never intended to unleash. Beneath the surface of this seemingly straightforward...

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Randy Travis narrates a timeless Christmas tale in "Annabelle's Wish," where a special bond between a mute boy and a talking cow reveals the true power of selfless love. With a star-studded voice cast including Jim Varney, Jerry Van Dyke, and Cloris Leachman, this 45-minute animated gem delivers surprising emotional depth beneath its simple exterior.

The Couch Critics dive deep into this 1997 classic, exploring how it manages to pack so much heart into such a short runtime. While Katy admits to sobbing uncontrollably at the film's poignant conclusion, Nathan approaches it...

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Comedy remakes rarely capture lightning in a bottle twice, but The Naked Gun starring Liam Neeson defies expectations by delivering genuine belly laughs while honoring Leslie Nielsen's legendary deadpan style. As someone notoriously skeptical of remakes, I approached this film with caution—and walked away thoroughly entertained.

What makes this soft reboot work brilliantly is its understanding of what made the originals special. Casting Liam Neeson (known primarily for serious action roles) mirrors Nielsen's own career trajectory from dramatic actor to comedy icon. The film cleverly positions Neeson as Nielsen's son de...

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Ever wondered what would happen if Groundhog Day had a festive makeover but lost all its charm in the process? That's exactly what we tackle in our latest episode as we dissect the ABC Family holiday film "12 Dates of Christmas."

This romantic comedy stars Amy Smart as Kate, a woman who mysteriously gets stuck in a Christmas Eve time loop after being spritzed with perfume at a department store. Forced to relive the same blind date with Mark-Paul Gosselaar's impossibly perfect character Miles—a widower who coaches hockey, helps foster children, an...

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After twenty years of misfires and disappointments, Marvel has finally done right by the First Family of comics. "Fantastic Four: First Steps" gives us something refreshingly different – a superhero team that's already comfortable with their powers, already working together as a cohesive unit, and already putting family bonds at the center of everything they do.

The podcast crew dives into what makes this adaptation succeed where others failed. From the retrofuturistic aesthetic to the perfect casting choices (Pedro Pascal's vulnerable yet brilliant Reed Richards, Vanessa Kirby's powerhouse Sue Storm), the film ca...

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Have you ever wondered what happens when enemies lay down their weapons and recognize each other's humanity? That's the remarkable true story behind "Joyeux Noël," a 2005 film that captures the extraordinary Christmas truce of 1914 during World War I.

This multilingual masterpiece brings together French, German, and Scottish perspectives as opposing soldiers spontaneously cease fighting after hearing Christmas carols drift across the battlefield. What unfolds is a powerful testament to our shared humanity – enemies sharing drinks, songs, stories, and discovering they have far more in common than differences. With stellar performances fro...

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Double disappointments and nostalgic misfires take center stage as Nathan and returning co-host Lexie tackle two recent reboots that left them questioning Hollywood's remake obsession.

First up is the animated Smurfs movie starring Rihanna as Smurfette and James Corden as No Name. What should have been a simple children's film instead delivers a confusing mess with forced humor, pointless musical numbers, and an identity crisis about its target audience. "I fell asleep during the movie," Nathan confesses, while Lexie struggles to find anything positive to say beyond "Rihanna wasn't that bad."...

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Surprise announcements and holiday hijinks take center stage as Katy returns to the podcast with some major life news before we dive into the festive world of "Eloise at Christmastime." This made-for-TV holiday film stars Julie Andrews alongside a precocious young protagonist who's determined to play cupid at The Plaza Hotel during the Christmas season.

We explore the fascinating dynamic between Eloise and her enabling nanny (played by Andrews), presenting a stark contrast to the disciplined caretaker roles Andrews portrayed in classics like Mary Poppins. Both hosts find themselves charmed by...

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Superman soars back to theaters with renewed purpose and vibrant energy in James Gunn's fresh take on the iconic superhero. David Corenswet delivers a standout performance as Kal-El/Clark Kent, bringing both warmth and strength to a character that finally feels liberated from the brooding darkness of previous DCEU iterations.

What makes this Superman special is its perfect balance of camp and heart. The film embraces Superman's inherent optimism while never sacrificing emotional depth. Corenswet's Superman doesn't curse, maintains unwavering moral principles, and genuinely believes in helping others – qualities that feel re...

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What happens when a legendary director, cutting-edge technology, and a comedy icon tackle one of literature's most beloved Christmas tales? The answer might surprise you—and not necessarily in the way Disney hoped.

Robert Zemeckis' motion capture adaptation of "A Christmas Carol" stands as one of the most faithful interpretations of Charles Dickens' ghost story ever put to screen, yet somehow manages to miss the heart that makes the tale endure. Jim Carrey's remarkable versatility shines as he portrays not only Ebenezer Scrooge but all three Christmas spirits, demonstrating his commitment to...

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Two film buffs with a shared love of cinema and a friendship spanning nearly twenty years reunite on this episode to dissect the latest installment in the Jurassic franchise.

Nathan welcomes college friend Mitch to the podcast for a raw, unfiltered conversation about Jurassic World Rebirth and whether this seventh film in the series was necessary at all. Their journey begins with fond reflections on the groundbreaking 1993 original – a film both agree stands as a "timeless, evergreen" masterpiece that never required sequels. From there, they track the franchise's gradual decline, pointing ou...

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Ever wonder why certain movies end up on Christmas lists when they have absolutely nothing to do with the holiday? That's exactly what we tackle in this episode as we dive into the Oscar-winning animated film Happy Feet.

Despite its impressive accolades and star-studded cast including Elijah Wood, Brittany Murphy, Hugh Jackman, Nicole Kidman, and the incomparable Robin Williams voicing multiple characters, Happy Feet left us surprisingly underwhelmed. I actually fell asleep during crucial parts of the film, missing much of Robin Williams' comedic genius, while Katy found herself fast-forwarding through...

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Racing engines and rogue AI battle for supremacy in this week's double feature review on Cinema Saturdays. Buckle up as we take you through Brad Pitt's adrenaline-pumping "F1" and the underwhelming horror sequel "Megan 2.0" - two films that couldn't be more different in quality and execution.

"F1" emerges as a masterclass in immersive filmmaking, capturing the intensity of Formula One racing through stunning IMAX cinematography that puts viewers directly in the driver's seat. The film follows a retired driver (Pitt) who returns to mentor a promising young talent in a compelling...

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Do Santa suits and Porsches mix? That's the question at the heart of our latest episode where we dive into the 1998 Disney holiday film "I'll Be Home for Christmas" starring 90s teen heartthrob Jonathan Taylor Thomas. 

After a long-awaited reunion, hosts Nathan and Katy find themselves on opposite sides of the critical spectrum with this nostalgic Christmas journey. Nathan questions the film's confused audience targeting and unconvincing character arc, while Katy defends JTT's charming performance and the movie's emotional core. Their friendly debate unpacks everything from the bizarre desert abandonment scene (c...

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From zombie hordes to outer space, our inaugural Cinema Sunday brings you a thought-provoking double feature that spans the spectrum of filmmaking today. Whether you're a horror enthusiast or family moviegoer, there's something here that deserves your attention.

First up, we journey into the post-apocalyptic world of "28 Years Later," the soft reboot of the iconic rage virus franchise. While newcomers to the series need not worry—this film stands remarkably well on its own. Young Alfie Williams delivers an unexpectedly powerful performance as Spike, proving that child actors can indeed be th...

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Have you ever wanted to skip all the Christmas chaos and just escape to a tropical paradise? That's exactly what Luther and Nora Krank (played by Tim Allen and Jamie Lee Curtis) attempt in "Christmas with the Kranks," and their neighborhood is not happy about it!

As your host Nathan dives into this holiday comedy, he admits to feeling a personal connection to the Kranks' frustrations with their nosy, Christmas-obsessed neighbors. The film's initial setup - where a couple faces intense social pressure for choosing to skip decorations and traditions...

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Dragons soar off the screen in this week's Cinema Saturday as I offer a deep-dive comparison between the animated How to Train Your Dragon and its brand-new live-action remake. The nostalgia-filled animated classic still holds up with its perfect blend of adventure and heart, earning a solid 4 out of 5 stars despite not being as kid-friendly as advertised. Those scary moments and complex dialogue might challenge the youngest viewers, but the film's imaginative world-building remains impressive.

The surprise element came when my wife and I caught the live-action adaptation starring Mason Thames...

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Welcome to another festive edition of The Couch Critic! Today we're unwrapping "Four Christmases," starring Reese Witherspoon and Vince Vaughn as a couple determined to avoid holiday family drama—until their plans literally get grounded. Suddenly facing visits to all four divorced parents in one day, they're thrust into a whirlwind of awkward moments and family dysfunction that puts their relationship to the test.

This star-studded holiday comedy boasts an impressive ensemble including Robert Duvall, Sissy Spacek, Jon Voight, Jon Favreau, Dwight Yoakam, Tim McGraw, and Kristin Chenoweth. The early scenes at...

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Grab your popcorn and settle in for a double feature that delivers exactly what movie fans crave! This week, we're diving into two action-packed films that might be flying under the radar but deserve your attention.

First up is "Karate Kid Legends," the latest installment in the beloved franchise starring Jackie Chan as Mr. Han and Ralph Macchio returning as Daniel LaRusso. Following kung fu prodigy Lee Fong as he navigates challenges in New York City, this film strikes the perfect balance between honoring its legacy and forging its own path...

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Ever had that moment where a movie franchise you've loved for decades suddenly can't keep you awake? That's exactly what happened with "Mission Impossible: The Final Reckoning." After faithfully following Ethan Hunt's adventures since 1999, I found myself dozing off during what's supposedly the grand finale of Tom Cruise's signature action series.

What went wrong? The franchise that once delivered compelling stories and breathtaking stunts has gradually lost its edge. "Dead Reckoning Part One" started the downward spiral with an increasingly outlandish storyline, and this supposed conclusion doesn't improve matters. Despite moments...

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Step through the wardrobe with us as we explore the magical world of Narnia in this week's episode. Disney's 2005 adaptation of C.S. Lewis's beloved classic has stood the test of time, maintaining both its visual splendor and its profound allegorical depth nearly two decades after release.

What makes this film exceptional is how faithfully it preserves Lewis's Christian symbolism while creating a fantastical world accessible to viewers of all backgrounds. Aslan, masterfully voiced by Liam Neeson, stands as one of cinema's most compelling Christ figures, with the film even adding...

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Disney's live-action remake machine continues churning with their latest offering, Lilo & Stitch, and I have some strong thoughts about it. While box office numbers may tell one story, the heart of this Hawaiian tale seems to have gotten lost somewhere between animation and reality.

The 2002 animated classic captured something special - the raw, emotional bond between two sisters trying to stay together after losing their parents. "Ohana means family, and family means nobody gets left behind" wasn't just a cute catchphrase; it was the emotional core that made the original resonate...

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Dickens' immortal tale of redemption takes center stage as Nathan and Katy dive into the 1970 musical adaptation "Scrooge," starring Albert Finney and Alec Guinness. What unfolds is a fascinating contrast in perspectives that perfectly captures why some Christmas classics resonate differently across audiences.

Nathan lights up with pure theatre-kid enthusiasm for this song-filled spectacle, confessing he'd never actually watched it all the way through before. The musical elements that surprised and delighted him become the cornerstone of his adoration, awarding the film a perfect 5/5 rating. His background in theater and personal...

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Death has a new bloodline, and after 14 years, the Final Destination franchise returns with a twist that attempts to tie the entire series together. What happens when a grandmother who cheated death in the 1950s passes her visions to her granddaughter decades later? The answer stretches the already flexible logic of this horror franchise to new limits.

"Final Destination: Bloodlines" breaks new ground by connecting generations through death's design. Beginning with a lengthy premonition sequence in a 1950s skyscraper, we soon discover that the granddaughter of the original survivor has been...

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Missing the magic but packed with '80s nostalgia, the 1985 film "Santa Claus" takes center stage in this solo episode of The Couch Critic. Your host Nathan dives into this peculiar Christmas movie that Katy wisely opted to skip, and for good reason!

What begins as an apparent retelling of the St. Nicholas legend quickly spirals into one of the strangest Christmas films you've probably never seen. With David Huddleston as the titular character, the film boasts an impressive supporting cast including Dudley Moore as Patch the elf and John Lithgow...

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Death always has a plan. With a sixth installment of the Final Destination franchise on the horizon after a 14-year absence, it's the perfect time to revisit the series that made us afraid of everyday activities from flying to roller coasters.

Join me as I rank all five existing Final Destination films from best to worst. Surprisingly, the original doesn't claim the top spot - that honor goes to Final Destination 3, with its unforgettable roller coaster sequence and solid performances from Mary Elizabeth Winstead. The iconic first film comes second, establishing...

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Hugh Grant dancing through 10 Downing Street. Emma Thompson crying to Joni Mitchell. A young boy dashing through airport security for love. These iconic moments from "Love Actually" have cemented its place in holiday movie history, but does this ensemble romantic comedy truly deliver on its premise about love?

We tackle this star-studded film that follows eight interconnected love stories during the Christmas season, from the Prime Minister falling for his staff member to a widower helping his stepson navigate first love. With performances by Alan Rickman, Liam Neeson, Colin Firth, Keira...

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Marvel fans rejoice! We're diving deep into "Thunderbolts*" (or should we say "The New Avengers"?) on this episode of Cinema Saturdays. After several divisive post-Endgame releases, has Marvel finally found its footing again with this ragtag team of morally ambiguous characters?

Join host Nathan and special guest Elizabeth as they break down what makes this final Phase 5 film stand out from recent MCU offerings. David Harbour's Red Guardian emerges as the comedic MVP, bringing genuine laughs that perfectly balance the film's surprisingly mature exploration of trauma and mental health. We discuss...

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Holiday rivalries reach new heights in "Deck the Halls," where Christmas spirit becomes a battleground between two suburban dads determined to outdo each other. Matthew Broderick brilliantly portrays Steve Finch, the town's self-proclaimed "Christmas guy" whose meticulously planned holiday traditions leave little room for spontaneity. When Danny DeVito's character Buddy Hall moves in across the street with dreams of making his house visible from space through an extravagant light display, their competing visions of Christmas perfection spark an all-out neighborhood war.

What makes this film stand out among holiday comedies is...

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Horror movies live and die by our connection to their characters. Why should we fear for people we don't care about? This fundamental challenge haunts Sony Pictures' latest video game adaptation "Until Dawn," a time-loop thriller that struggles to make us invest in its imperiled teens.

Based on the acclaimed 2015 PlayStation game, this adaptation follows friends trapped in a deadly cycle where mysterious entities hunt them down in increasingly gruesome ways. They must survive until dawn to break free. On paper, it sounds promising. In execution, it stumbles right from the...

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Remember that magical car that could fly, float, and bring families together? "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang" zooms back into our hearts as we revisit this 1968 musical fantasy classic starring the incomparable Dick Van Dyke. What we discovered might surprise you – did you know this whimsical children's tale was penned by Ian Fleming, creator of James Bond? This unexpected literary connection adds a fascinating layer to a film many of us cherished growing up.

At a substantial 2 hours and 24 minutes (feeling even longer with its theatrical intermission), this movie takes viewers on qu...

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Cinematic mystery boxes can yield treasures or disappointments – and this week, Nathan unpacks a decidedly strange Screen Unseen experience with A24's "The Legend of Ochi." This peculiar PG-rated creature feature stars Willem Dafoe, Emily Watson, and Finn Wolfhard in a tale about a shy village girl who discovers a wounded baby creature and embarks on a quest to return it home.

What starts as an intriguing premise quickly unravels into narrative confusion. Nathan breaks down how the film introduces compelling elements – like a mysterious bite that causes swelling, the protagonist's unex...

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Meet Me in St. Louis sparks a fascinating debate about what truly constitutes a Christmas movie. Does a film need to center around the holiday itself, or is it enough that Christmas simply occurs within the narrative? This vibrant MGM masterpiece from 1944 follows the Smith family through four seasons in turn-of-the-century St. Louis, culminating in a poignant Christmas segment that forever changed holiday music.

The unquestionable star is Judy Garland, whose musical talent shines throughout, particularly during her heart-wrenching performance of "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" – a song that originated fr...

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Gotham's darkest secrets resurface in "Batman Under the Red Hood" as a mysterious vigilante forces the Dark Knight to confront his greatest failure. This week on Cinema Saturdays, we explore this emotional DC animated feature that brings one of Batman's most tragic storylines to life.

What happens when Batman's moral code is challenged by someone who knows his methods all too well? The Red Hood's arrival in Gotham reopens old wounds and brings buried memories into the light, creating a compelling narrative that stands strong despite some casting choices that might...

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The Polar Express stands as a landmark in animation history – the very first full-length computer motion capture film, earning a place in the Guinness Book of World Records alongside other Tom Hanks pioneering projects like Toy Story. Twenty years since its release, hosts Nathan and Katy analyze whether this Christmas classic holds up or falls into the uncanny valley.

Katy shares her deep personal connection to the story, explaining how both the original book and film bring tears to her eyes with the iconic line "the bell still rings for all th...

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Unexpected joy from unlikely places - that's what this week's Cinema Saturday episode delivers as we dive into the surprisingly entertaining world of The Minecraft Movie. When I first saw the trailer, my expectations couldn't have been lower. A movie based on a video game with no real storyline? It seemed destined for the pile of forgettable video game adaptations.

What I discovered instead was a genuinely fun cinematic experience that captures the spirit of randomness and imagination that makes Minecraft so beloved. Director Jared Hess (of Napoleon Dynamite fame) brings...

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Christmas movies should warm our hearts and inspire holiday spirit, but do they all deliver? My long-awaited review of "Fred Claus" finally arrives, exploring whether this Vince Vaughn and Paul Giamatti vehicle deserves a place in your holiday rotation.

What happens when Santa's bitter older brother reluctantly joins the North Pole operation? On paper, this premise sounds promising—a fresh take on Christmas mythology through complicated family dynamics. Unfortunately, the execution leaves much to be desired. Paul Giamatti emerges as the film's saving grace, bringing genuine warmth and emotion to Santa Cl...

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From the gritty streets of mob-controlled New York to the dusty roads of first-century Jerusalem, this week's double feature takes us through vastly different cinematic worlds with surprising results.

Robert De Niro's "Alto Knights" promised to be a quintessential mafia film with the legendary actor taking on dual roles as crime bosses Frank and Vito. While the prosthetics and visual differentiation between characters impressed, the film ultimately delivers a lukewarm experience that struggles to justify its place among 2025's most anticipated releases. Despite its documentary-style approach to the real-life takedown of...

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Christmas movies come in many forms, from the overtly festive to those that merely use the holiday as a backdrop for their storytelling. Home Alone, the 1990 classic starring Macaulay Culkin as the resourceful Kevin McAllister, falls somewhere in the middle of that spectrum – a film so deeply associated with Christmas that it's become a holiday tradition, yet one that could theoretically work in any season.

Revisiting this beloved film through adult eyes reveals fascinating dimensions that may have escaped us as children. The chemistry between Joe Pesci and Daniel Stern as bu...

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Disney's latest attempt to refresh their animated classics crashes headlong into the pitfalls of modernization with the Snow White remake. What should have been a loving tribute to the film that built the Disney empire instead becomes a cautionary tale about straying too far from what made the original magical.

The fundamental disconnect begins with the characterization of Snow White herself. As Katy astutely observes, "Beauty and strength don't have to all look like shouting in your face." The gentle, kind-hearted princess we remember has been transformed into someone unrecognizable, wearing...