Born To Watch - A Movie Review Podcast

Episodes

87
Dec. 26, 2023

Love Actually (2003) Christmas "Re Release"

In the spirit of Christmas we thought we would re release our Xmas episode from 2022 - Love Actually (2003). The whole team where on board for this one and it could have been the episode that sealed the deal for Damo. Merry Xmas from the team at Born to Watch, we hope you have a great New Year "Love Actually," directed by Richard Curtis, is a romantic comedy that has become a staple in the genre, especially during the holiday season. Released in 2003, the film weaves together a tapestry of stor...
86
Dec. 19, 2023

Pulp Fiction (1994)

The boys are in a new locale and with a special guest in tow it's time to tackle Quentin Tarantino's masterpiece - PULP FICTION (1994) "Pulp Fiction" (1994), directed by Quentin Tarantino, is a film that defies conventional storytelling, blending dark humour, graphic violence, and a disjointed narrative to create a cinematic experience that is as unforgettable as it is controversial. This review aims to dissect the elements that make "Pulp Fiction" a landmark in modern cinema. From the ope...
85
Dec. 12, 2023

The Breakfast Club (1985)

"The Breakfast Club," directed by John Hughes, is a seminal film of the 1980s that has transcended its era to become a timeless classic. This 1985 masterpiece delves into the lives of five high school students who, on the surface, embody the quintessential teenage stereotypes: the Brain (Anthony Michael Hall as Brian), the Athlete (Emilio Estevez as Andrew), the Basket Case (Ally Sheedy as Allison), the Princess (Molly Ringwald as Claire), and the Criminal (Judd Nelson as Bender). These characte...
84
Dec. 5, 2023

The Hangover (2009)

"The Hangover," directed by Todd Phillips, hit the screens in 2009, quickly becoming a cultural phenomenon. This comedic tour de force revolves around a bachelor party gone awry in Las Vegas. The plot hinges on a simple, yet effective premise: a group of friends wake up after a night of heavy partying, with no memory of the previous night and the groom missing. This sets the stage for a chaotic journey filled with unexpected turns. The story follows Phil (Bradley Cooper), Stu (Ed Helms), and Al...
83
Nov. 28, 2023

North Shore (1987)

"North Shore," released in 1987, is a film that encapsulates the essence of surfing culture and the timeless quest for belonging and self-discovery. Set against the stunning backdrop of Hawaii's legendary North Shore, the movie follows the journey of Rick Kane (played by Matt Adler), a young surfer from Arizona, as he navigates the challenging waves and complex social dynamics of the surfing world. The film opens in the arid deserts of Arizona, a stark contrast to the lush landscapes of Hawaii....
82
Nov. 21, 2023

National Lampoon's Vacation (1983)

"National Lampoon's Vacation," released in 1983, is a classic American road comedy film that has stood the test of time. Directed by Harold Ramis and written by John Hughes, based on his own short story, the film presents a hilariously exaggerated portrayal of a family road trip that turns into a series of misadventures. It stars Chevy Chase as Clark Griswold, a well-intentioned but bumbling father who is determined to take his family on a cross-country trip to the fictional amusement park, Wall...
81
Nov. 14, 2023

The Shawshank Redemption (1994)

"The Shawshank Redemption," directed by Frank Darabont and released in 1994, is a cinematic masterpiece that has stood the test of time. Based on Stephen King's novella "Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption," the film navigates the life of Andy Dufresne (Tim Robbins), wrongfully convicted for the murder of his wife and her lover. "The Shawshank Redemption" excels in storytelling, weaving a poignant tale of hope, friendship, and redemption. Andy's journey, marked by resilience and intelligence...
80
Nov. 7, 2023

The Batman (2022)

It's the Born to Watch dynamic duo for The Batman (2022). Whitey and Damo will take you to a place that feels familiar but by the end you will realise it's brand new. ENJOY "The Batman," directed by Matt Reeves and released in 2022, plunged audiences into a dark, rain-drenched vision of Gotham that feels both timeless and distinctly modern. This rendition of the iconic superhero sees Robert Pattinson donning the cowl as a brooding and introspective Bruce Wayne, a younger, rawer version of the c...
79
Oct. 31, 2023

The Last Starfighter (1984)

The Last Starfighter (1984) Whitey and Gow, and are back with another deep dive into a classic, and today we're joined by none other than Will the Plumber – our long-time fan and guest host for this episode. In the heart of the 1980s, a time when arcades reigned supreme and science fiction cinema was shaping itself into a formidable genre, Nick Castle's "The Last Starfighter" made its debut. A lesser-known gem compared to its contemporaries, the film crafts a narrative that is as old as story...
78
Oct. 24, 2023

Coming to America (1988)

In 1988, Eddie Murphy and director John Landis combined forces to create "Coming to America," a romantic comedy that went on to become an emblematic staple of 80s cinema. On the surface, it's a story about a prince from a fictional African country who travels to America in search of true love. But as we delve deeper, it reveals a myriad of layers that blend humour, cultural commentary, and romance in a unique blend that stands the test of time. The movie embarks on the journey of Prince Akeem o...
77
Oct. 17, 2023

Jurassic Park (1993)

Steven Spielberg’s “Jurassic Park (1993)” is more than just a film; it’s a cinematic journey that forever altered the trajectory of filmmaking, visual effects, and our collective imaginations. Adapted from Michael Crichton's novel of the same name, the film is a potent concoction of thrilling storytelling, groundbreaking technology, and masterful direction. Even three decades on, it remains a touchstone of popular culture, with its iconic scenes and soundbites reverberating through the annals of...
76
Oct. 10, 2023

The Shining (1980)

We head to The Overlook Hotel with a full house and a very special guest. The Shining (1980) is a movie that is burnt into pop culture and we give it the royal treatment it deserves - "Here's Johnny"!! "The Shining," directed by Stanley Kubrick and based on Stephen King's novel of the same name, unfolds the descent into madness of Jack Torrance, portrayed with an electrifying intensity by Jack Nicholson. Set within the isolating expanses of the Overlook Hotel, the film weaves a harrowing tale o...
75
Oct. 3, 2023

The Karate Kid (1984)

In the annals of cinema history, certain films stand out as timeless classics, and "The Karate Kid" (1984) is undeniably one of them. Directed by John G. Avildsen and starring Ralph Macchio as Daniel LaRusso and Pat Morita as Mr. Miyagi, this iconic coming-of-age film has left an indelible mark on generations of moviegoers. With its compelling characters, powerful life lessons, and memorable martial arts sequences, "The Karate Kid" has earned its place as a beloved and enduring piece of American...
74
Sept. 26, 2023

Behind Enemy Lines (2001)

Whitey, Gow and Damo are together in the Panic Room to dissect "Behind Enemy Lines (2001)" - We all hadn't seen this movie for some time and it was an interesting rewatch that's for sure. Released in 2001, "Behind Enemy Lines" is a gripping war film that delves deep into the chaos and intensity of modern warfare. Directed by John Moore and starring Owen Wilson and Gene Hackman, the movie combines heart-pounding action sequences with themes of survival, bravery, and the human spirit. Set against...
73
Sept. 19, 2023

The Long Kiss Goodnight (1996)

Welcome back to Born to Watch, where four old friends gather to relive the movies that have shaped their lives. In today's episode, we're diving headfirst into the action-packed world of the 1996 film "The Long Kiss Goodnight." So, grab your popcorn and settle in, because this one's a rollercoaster! Before we get started, let's break it down, Born to Watch style, with "The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly." The Good: "The Long Kiss Goodnight" delivers on the action front with a vengeance. Director ...
72
Sept. 16, 2023

Bonus Episode - "ALIEN - Film School for F WITS"

We have a special episode of Born to Watch for you today. We have had some feedback from our "ALIEN" episode and we have listened. Dan's "Film School" segment was essentially cut from the full episode, not because of a lack of quality but more from a time sensitive approach. We have to keep the flow of the show and the user experience at the front of all editing decisions. Whilst we know that some episodes can run a little long we believe that if the conversation is collaborative then you as the...
71
Sept. 12, 2023

LOTR - The Fellowship of the Ring (2001)

We start the journey of reviewing one of the greatest movie trilogies of all time with Lord of the Rings - The Fellowship of the Ring. We have a special correspondent call in from Hobbiton itself, Strangles joins us for Good, Bad, Ugly to discuss the blockbuster with us. "The Fellowship of the Ring" is an absolute triumph in the world of cinema, delivering a spellbinding and faithful adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien's literary masterpiece. Directed by Peter Jackson and released in 2001, this film ta...
70
Sept. 5, 2023

Alien (1979)

"In space, no one can hear you scream", is an absolutely cracking tagline for an Iconic piece of cinema. Alien (1979) is a movie really like no other and the Born to Watch team can't wait to sink their teeth into this one. We also have a special guest join us for 'Good, Bad and Ugly" and Dan goes on a tangent in "Film School". In the vast expanse of science fiction cinema, few films have achieved the enduring impact and chilling atmosphere of Ridley Scott's "Alien," released in 1979. This groun...
69
Aug. 29, 2023

Dirty Dancing (1987)

Dirty Dancing (1987) is the Born to Watch attempt at getting out of our comfort zone, well for two of us. We will let you decide which team member isn't going to put Baby in a corner. It's rare for a film to capture the essence of a generation, to become a cultural touchstone that transcends time and speaks to audiences across generations. "Dirty Dancing," directed by Emile Ardolino and released in 1987, is one such cinematic gem that has managed to do just that. With its infectious energy, hea...
68
Aug. 22, 2023

The Matrix (1999)

What pill would you take - Blue or Red? Join the Born to Watch team as we follow the white rabbit and discover "The Matrix (1999)". The movie that changed the way movies were made and expanded all our minds, this episode is life-changing. In the realm of groundbreaking cinematic experiences, few films have managed to achieve what "The Matrix" accomplished upon its release in 1999. Directed by the Wachowskis, this science fiction masterpiece not only redefined the genre but also left an indelibl...
67
Aug. 15, 2023

Dumb and Dumber (1994)

One of the great cinematic experiences of all time, "Dumb and Dumber (1994)" comes to Born to Watch. The boys will try to hold it together as they take a road trip and discover if John Denver really is full of shit. In the vast landscape of comedy films, there are few that manage to capture the essence of absurdity, slapstick humour, and sheer stupidity as brilliantly as "Dumb and Dumber." Directed by Peter Farrelly and released in 1994, this cult classic has managed to maintain its place in th...
66
Aug. 8, 2023

Grease (1978)

GREASE (1978) - was a pop culture musical phenomenon that took the world by storm and become a right of passage for any child in the 80s and beyond. The Born to Watch team tackles this classic and hand jive all the way to Graduation. Released over four decades ago, "Grease" (1978) remains an iconic and beloved musical that continues to captivate audiences of all ages with its infectious energy, memorable tunes, and timeless themes. Directed by Randal Kleiser and based on the 1971 musical of the...
65
Aug. 1, 2023

Iron Man (2008)

Iron Man (2008) is the first Marvel film that we have given the Born to Watch treatment and it's only fitting that we leave "Dan" out of the mix. The movie that started it all, "We are Born to Watch". Released in 2008, "Iron Man" marked the birth of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) and ushered in a new era of superhero films. Directed by Jon Favreau and starring Robert Downey Jr. as Tony Stark, the film tells the story of a charismatic billionaire industrialist turned unlikely hero. With its...
64
July 25, 2023

Good Will Hunting (1997)

Good Will Hunting (1997) has been a movie on the Born to Watch radar for some time. Gow had it in his Top 10 List and as the scholar of the team, it easy to see why. Written and starring two up and coming superstars, Matt Damon and Ben Affleck and with a incredible performance by Robin Williams, Good Will Hunting is life changing movie experience. Released in 1997, "Good Will Hunting" directed by Gus Van Sant is a poignant and emotionally charged drama that explores the transformative journey o...