Episodes

In the pantheon of post-apocalyptic cinema, few films have achieved the iconic status of George Miller's Mad Max 2: The Road Warrior. Released in 1981, this Australian action masterpiece solidified Mel Gibson's status as a global star and redefined the genre with its raw, kinetic energy and visionary storytelling. For this week's episode of Born to Watch, we delve deep into why The Road Warrior remains a timeless classic, resonating with audiences over four decades later. Cinematic Brilliance a...

Welcome back, Born to Watch listeners! In this episode, we dive into the electrifying world of "Rocky III," the third instalment in the legendary Rocky series. Directed by and starring Sylvester Stallone, this 1982 classic reinvigorates the saga of the Italian Stallion with new challenges, unforgettable characters, and the iconic anthem "Eye of the Tiger." Overview and Plot Summary "Rocky III" begins with Rocky Balboa (Sylvester Stallone) at the pinnacle of his career. He’s the reigning heavy...

In this Second Birthday Celebration of the Born to Watch Podcast, we're diving into the abyss of the iconic 1986 science fiction masterpiece, "ALIENS", directed by James Cameron. This sequel to Ridley Scott's 1979 film "ALIEN" elevated the franchise to new heights and redefined the parameters of the sci-fi and horror genres. As we celebrate this significant milestone of our show, it's only fitting that we delve into a film that itself marked a monumental achievement in cinematic history. A Sequ...

Rebel Moon Part 2: The Scar Giver attempts to elevate its predecessor’s groundwork into a sprawling space saga in this follow-up to the ambitious yet divisive first instalment. Helmed once again by a director known for his love of grand visual feasts, the movie aims to stitch new threads into the expansive tapestry of its galaxy. However, as the Born to Watch team discovered, even the most visually stunning feasts can leave one feeling unexpectedly underwhelmed. Whitey and Damo are back in the ...

Welcome back to another episode of the Born to Watch podcast! This week, we're strapping in and taking off with a deep dive into the 1997 high-flying action thriller Con Air. Directed by Simon West, this film not only encapsulates the excess of the late ‘90s action cinema but also serves as a showcase for Nicholas Cage’s wild-eyed heroics and a cast of characters that feel ripped straight from a comic book. Con Air follows Cameron Poe, a former U.S. Army Ranger, played by Nicholas Cage with his...

Welcome back to another episode of Born to Watch, where we dive into the gritty, smoke-filled alleys of action cinema, this time with Tony Scott’s explosive 1991 film, "The Last Boy Scout." Starring Bruce Willis and Damon Wayans, this film melds the rough-and-tumble aesthetics of the early '90s with sharp dialogue and an unrelenting pace, making it a standout in the action genre. "The Last Boy Scout" opens with a rain-soaked, noir-style narrative, where Joe Hallenbeck (Bruce Willis), a disencha...

"Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back," directed by Irvin Kershner and released in 1980, stands not only as one of the most iconic sequels in cinema history but also as a pivotal turning point in the expansive Star Wars saga. As we gear up for Star Wars Day 2024, a retrospective glance at this masterpiece reveals its undiminished power to captivate and provoke thought, making it an enduring treasure in the sci-fi genre. Cinematography and Visual Innovation From Hoth's chilling winds to Dagobah's...

"Stripes" (1981), directed by Ivan Reitman and starring Bill Murray and Harold Ramis, is a quintessential early '80s comedy that perfectly captures the zeitgeist of an era that teetered between the absurdity of the Cold War and the ever-relaxing social mores. At its heart, "Stripes" is a comedic rebellion against the rigidity of military life, making it a film that resonates with the themes of individualism and anti-establishment sentiment prevalent at the time. The Plot & Characters The fil...

Welcome back, fight fans, to another round in the cinematic boxing ring with "Rocky II," a film that not only cements Sylvester Stallone's Rocky Balboa as an American cinematic icon but also offers a deeper look into the life of his rival-turned-friend, Apollo Creed, masterfully portrayed by Carl Weathers. As part of our Carl Weathers tribute tour, let's dive into how "Rocky II" contributes to the legacy of this incredible actor and character, and why this sequel punches just as hard as its pred...

When "Basic Instinct" first graced cinema screens in 1992, it didn't just arrive; it detonated with the force of a cultural and cinematic bombshell. Directed by Paul Verhoeven and penned by Joe Eszterhas, this neo-noir thriller became a topic of fervent discussion, controversy, and analysis. Damo's pick for the podcast, undoubtedly, underscores not just the film's enduring impact but also its provocative standing in the annals of movie history. So, let's dive into the icy waters of "Basic Instin...

In celebration of our 100th episode, what better film to dissect than "JAWS," the blockbuster that redefined the summer movie experience and cemented Steven Spielberg's status as a master storyteller. Released in 1975, "JAWS" not only terrorized audiences with its portrayal of a man-eating great white shark but also demonstrated the power of cinema to evoke primal fears and unforgettable suspense. Let's dive into the depths of "JAWS" and explore what makes it a cinematic masterpiece and a cultur...

In this latest episode of the Born to Watch Podcast, hosts Whitey and Gow, along with special guest Sloane Nickson, dive into the 2007 action-packed thriller, "Shooter". Directed by Antoine Fuqua and based on the novel "Point of Impact" by Stephen Hunter, "Shooter" follows the story of Bob Lee Swagger (played by Mark Wahlberg), a former Marine Corps sniper who is coaxed back into action only to be framed for a crime he didn't commit. "Shooter" starts with a bang, quite literally, setting the ...

In our latest episode of the Born to Watch Podcast, we delve into the 1976 cinematic masterpiece, "Rocky," marking our first full gathering in nearly two months. This episode is particularly poignant as we embark on our "Rocky" journey, paying homage to the late, great Carl Weathers, whose portrayal of Apollo Creed left an indelible mark on the franchise and the hearts of fans worldwide. Directed by John G. Avildsen and written by Sylvester Stallone, who also stars as the titular character, "Ro...

Napoleon Dynamite, a film that gently meanders through the life of an awkward high schooler in rural Idaho, has remarkably carved itself into the hearts of a cult following since its release in 2004. In the latest episode of the Born to Watch Podcast, hosts Whitey and Damo are joined by none other than "Australia's Best Look Back Actor," Croaksey, to unpack the nuances of this peculiar yet endearing cinematic piece. At first glance, Napoleon Dynamite appears to be a series of loosely connected ...

"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 a film that not only fans of sci-fi can appreciate but also offers plenty of laughs, excitement, and...

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 generally held in high regard." Embracing this definition, our trio sets out to bare their souls and share ...

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 theme that resonates deeply within the martial arts genre. The story follows Kurt Sloane (Jean-Claude V...

"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 both engaging and hilariously absurd. At its core, "Wayne's World" is a story about friendship, dr...

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 of redemption, survival, and the human spirit's resilience against nature's formidable challenges. ...

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 and culture. Its impact can be felt not just in the realms of cinema but also in fashion, music, a...

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, set in the richly imagined world of Middle-earth. The film opens where the first left off, with the...

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 high expectations set for modern science fiction cinema. Directed by a filmmaker known for his innova...

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 retrospective on the 1971 classic 'Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory.' The hosts share personal stori...

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 exploration of "Family Switch," "Rebel Moon," and "Maestro" from Netflix, as well as the gripping Pri...