Episodes

With Anzac Day just around the corner, Born to Watch honours a defining moment in Australian cinema with our Gallipoli (1981) Movie Review. Directed by Peter Weir and starring a young, raw Mel Gibson alongside Mark Lee, this film is more than a war story, it’s a devastating portrait of friendship, sacrifice, and the tragic cost of blind patriotism. In this episode, Whitey and G-Man revisit the classic through a lens shaped by age, memory, and national identity. From the iconic opening scenes of...

Welcome back to Born to Watch, where this week the team tackles the endlessly rewatchable, criminally underappreciated Edge of Tomorrow (2014). Strap in as Whitey, Damo, and Dan on the Land gear up for a sci-fi action loop fest featuring Tom Cruise in one of his most against-type roles, Emily Blunt as a full-metal badass, and a time-travel plot that actually sticks the landing. Enjoy our Edge of Tomorrow (2014) Review! The boys jump right into the paradox-riddled battlefield, first marveling at...

Grab your whip and avoid the monkey brains—this week on Born to Watch, the crew takes on the franchise's wildest, weirdest, and arguably most chaotic chapter, with their Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom Review. Whitey, G-Man, and Damo dust off their fedoras and dive deep into the darker, more divisive entry in the iconic adventure trilogy. Released in 1984 as a prequel to Raiders of the Lost Ark, Temple of Doom was Spielberg and Lucas swinging for something different. What we got was a roll...

This week, the team takes on one of the biggest cinematic phenomena of the early '90s: The Bodyguard (1992). A film that smashed box office records, made slow dancing cool again, and somehow convinced us that a love story between a moody security expert and a petulant pop diva was cinema gold. On paper, this had it all: the biggest male movie star in the world, Kevin Costner and the most powerful voice on the planet, Whitney Houston, in her film debut. But does that combo equal instant classic, ...

In this emotionally charged episode of Born to Watch, the team marches into the searing heat and moral quagmire of Oliver Stone’s Platoon (1986), a film that’s arguably the definitive Vietnam War movie of its era. Whitey, G-Man, and the V8 Interrupter Dan revisit the battlefield with a mix of reverence, nostalgia, and hard truths, dissecting the film’s impact, legacy, and the deep emotional chord it struck back in the day—and still does today. Kicking off with stories of their first encounters ...

In this week’s episode of Born to Watch, the team dives deep into Escape from New York (1981), John Carpenter’s gritty, neon-lit vision of a crime-ridden future. With Kurt Russell cementing his status as an ‘80s action legend, this film delivers an unforgettable mix of tension, synth-driven suspense, and one of cinema’s most iconic antiheroes. It blends action, science fiction, and a bleak, dystopian aesthetic to create a story that has stood the test of time. The crime rate has skyrocketed, ch...

Welcome back to Born to Watch, the movie podcast where we dive deep into the films that define genres, push boundaries, and leave audiences speechless. This week, we’re tackling one of the greatest action films of the modern era with our Mad Max Fury Road (2015) Movie Review. When George Miller resurrected the Mad Max franchise in 2015, nobody expected just how monumental Fury Road would become. A two-hour adrenaline rush packed with death-defying stunts, high-speed chases, and jaw-dropping pra...

In this episode of Born to Watch, we take a wild ride back to 1985 for a Weird Science (1985) Review, where two geeky teens somehow manage to create the perfect woman with a little help from a computer, some questionable science, and a whole lot of 80s magic. But does this John Hughes cult classic still hold up today, or is it a relic best left in the past? Whitey, G Man, and Damo break it all down—the absurd plot, the unforgettable performances, and the film’s impact on pop culture. From Oingo...

1999 is often hailed as one of the greatest years in cinema history, and in this episode of Born to Watch, we’re diving deep into one of its most iconic and controversial films with our Fight Club (1999) Movie Review. David Fincher’s mind-bending psychological thriller took audiences on a chaotic ride through identity, masculinity, and anti-consumerist rebellion. With unforgettable performances from Edward Norton, Brad Pitt, and Helena Bonham Carter, Fight Club became a cult phenomenon—despite i...

Is The Howling the best werewolf movie ever made? That’s the big question on this week’s Born to Watch, where the team dives deep into this 1981 horror classic. In The Howling (1981) Movie Review, Whitey and Damo take a nostalgic trip back to one of the most iconic (and unsettling) werewolf films of all time. The crew kicks things off by reminiscing about their first encounters with The Howling. For Damo, it was a forbidden treat at the movie theater as a kid, lured in by schoolyard hype over o...

In this week's Born to Watch episode, Matt and Damo dive into a quirky 80s classic that inspired guilty pleasure rewatches and dreams of window display romance: Mannequin (1987). Join the guys as they reminisce about how Kim Cattrall's Emmy and Andrew McCarthy's Jonathan brought a spark of movie magic into their lives. From Matt's pre-teen obsession with Kim Cattrall to Damo’s confusion over the movie’s inexplicable ancient Egyptian backstory, no stone is left unturned in this Mannequin (1987) M...

We’re strapping in for a wild ride to Mars this week on Born to Watch with our 1990 sci-fi blockbuster Total Recall (1990) Review. Whitey, Gow, Damo, and Dan are back in full force for the first time in 2025 to dive into Arnold Schwarzenegger's mind-bending journey through memory wipes, mutant revolutions, and three-breasted surprises. This is peak Arnie, folks—at the top of both the box office and his biceps game. We break down the epic mind games cooked up by Paul Verhoeven, whose signature b...

Dirty Harry (1971) is a film that not only redefined the crime thriller genre but also cemented Clint Eastwood’s place as one of cinema’s most iconic leading men. In this week’s episode of Born to Watch, Whitey and Gow are joined by special guest Will the Worky to discuss this gritty masterpiece that follows the relentless pursuit of justice by Inspector Harry Callahan. With its unforgettable storytelling, striking cinematography, and the moral dilemmas it raises, Dirty Harry is more than just a...

When it comes to the greatest films of all time, few are as universally beloved as E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial. In this E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial Review, Whitey and Gow take a deep dive into Spielberg’s sci-fi classic, joined by a special guest to tackle “The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly” in true Born to Watch style. Whether it’s your first time experiencing this heartwarming tale or a nostalgic revisit, this episode breaks down why this film has cemented itself as one of the greatest family movi...

In this week’s episode of Born to Watch, Whitey and Damo tackle one of the most polarising blockbusters in cinematic history—Star Wars: The Last Jedi. You’ve heard it before: The Last Jedi either reignited the saga with bold creativity or sent it careening off a cliff into a galaxy far, far away from anything recognisable. For Whitey and Damo, it’s the latter, and they aren’t afraid to say it. If you’re tuning in for a spirited debate, prepare for a critical breakdown of what went wrong in the e...

Hey there, fellow watchers! It’s your host Whitey, flying solo once again for this special edition of Born to Watch. After last week’s popular solo mailbox episode, he’s back on the mic, diving deep into the year that was 2024—a year that, in Whitey’s words, wasn’t exactly Hollywood’s finest. With a trusty mix of humour, honesty, and more than a few nostalgic callbacks to the glory days of video shops, Whitey gives us his take on the Good, the Bad, and the downright Ugly movies of 2024. This epi...

As 2024 comes to a close, Born to Watch wraps up the year with a special solo episode featuring Whitey at the helm! In this relaxed and festive instalment, Whitey's Mailbag tackles three of the most intriguing questions sent in by fans. It’s the perfect mix of holiday cheer, movie talk, and podcast nostalgia—a must-listen for longtime followers and new listeners alike. 🎄 Holiday Watchlist Recommendations: Looking to keep your spirits bright through the festive season? Whitey delivers his go-to ...

Few movies blend chaos, comedy, and holiday cheer as seamlessly as Gremlins (1984). This darkly delightful gem from director Joe Dante and producer Steven Spielberg has become a holiday classic for its irreverent tone and unforgettable creatures. Whether you’re drawn in by the fuzzy charm of Gizmo or the anarchic antics of his mischievous offspring, Gremlins offers something unique: a satirical horror-comedy that’s heartwarming and horrifying. We hope you enjoy this Gremlins (1984) movie review ...

Few films define holiday nostalgia as perfectly as Home Alone. In this Home Alone (1990) Movie Review, we revisit the timeless story of Kevin McCallister, the mischievous yet resourceful eight-year-old who accidentally gets left behind during the Christmas holidays. Directed by Chris Columbus and written by the legendary John Hughes, Home Alone continues to hold a unique place in cinematic history as a family comedy that delivers heart, laughs, and the unmistakable magic of the holiday season. O...

In this Blood Diamond (2006) Movie Review, we explore Edward Zwick’s gripping drama that shines a stark light on the human cost of the diamond trade. Set against the backdrop of Sierra Leone’s brutal civil war, the film weaves an intense story of survival, greed, and redemption through the intertwined lives of a smuggler, a fisherman, and a journalist. With unforgettable performances by Leonardo DiCaprio, Djimon Hounsou, and Jennifer Connelly, Blood Diamond is a heart-pounding thriller that forc...

In the late 1980s, few movies encapsulated the aspirational vibe of the era quite like Cocktail. Released in 1988, this romantic drama, directed by Roger Donaldson and starring a magnetic Tom Cruise, is a cocktail of ambition, love, and the search for identity. For this week’s episode of Born to Watch, we’re deep-diving into this cult classic. In this Cocktail (1988) Movie Review, we’ll explore the film’s signature style, performances, and its lasting impact on pop culture. The Story of Brian...

Buckle up for this comprehensive Braveheart (1995) Movie Review - a journey into the heart of one of Hollywood’s most iconic films. Few films, like Braveheart, have managed to carve a lasting legacy in cinematic and cultural history. Released in 1995, this historical epic directed by and starring Mel Gibson became an instant classic, captivating audiences with its sweeping storytelling, larger-than-life battles, and deeply emotional core. For this week’s episode of Born to Watch, we’re diving he...

Ridley Scott’s Gladiator (2000) wasn’t just a movie—it was an event, a cultural phenomenon that revived the sword-and-sandal epic for a modern audience. In this week’s Born to Watch podcast episode, we take a deep dive with our Gladiator (2000) Movie Review, a timeless classic that set the bar for historical dramas, earning critical acclaim and five Academy Awards, including Best Picture. With stunning visuals, a poignant score, and unforgettable performances, Gladiator remains one of cinema’s g...

Few films define absurdist comedy, as well as Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy (2004). Directed by Adam McKay and starring Will Ferrell as the legendary, moustachioed newscaster Ron Burgundy, Anchorman carved a bold path through comedy with an all-star cast, offbeat humour, and unforgettable quotes that have lingered in pop culture. In this Anchorman (2004) Movie Review, we’re diving deep into what makes this cult classic not just a film but an icon of comedy—and one of the most quotable mo...