The Couch Critic
The Couch Critic is your laid-back guide to movies and TV shows that deserve your attention—or maybe don’t. Nathan dives deep into storytelling, character development, and cinematic style with a sharp eye and a wry sense of humor. Whether it’s a blockbuster hit, a hidden gem, or a cult classic, Nathan’s relatable approach ensures every episode feels like a cozy chat with a friend who just happens to love film. Perfect for casual watchers and cinephiles alike, The Couch Critic brings thoughtful critique without the fluff. Grab your favorite snack, settle in, and let Nathan guide you through the world of screen entertainment.
Episodes
258 episodes
Unraveling the Legacy of Meet Me in St. Louis: Classic Cinema or Holiday Film?
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 masterpie...
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Season 5
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Episode 33
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10:20
Batman Under the Red Hood: A Comic Fan's Review
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...
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Season 5
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Episode 32
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6:44
Bells Still Ring: The Cultural Legacy of The Polar Express
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 ye...
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Season 5
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Episode 31
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20:34
Gaming Meets Hollywood: The Minecraft Movie Surprise
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...
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Season 5
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Episode 30
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15:41
Fred Claus: When Santa's Sibling Comes to Town
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 ...
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Season 5
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Episode 29
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12:01
From Mafia to Messiah: Reviewing Alto Knights and The Chosen
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" prom...
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Season 5
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Episode 28
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15:08
Paint Cans, Blowtorches, and VHS Tapes: The Home Alone Time Capsule
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 ...
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Season 5
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Episode 27
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13:13
From Classic to Controversial: Deconstructing Disney's Snow White Remake
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 caution...
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Season 5
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Episode 26
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25:48
Holy Holiday Letdown, Batman!
What happens when you combine Batman, Christmas, and Tim Burton's gothic sensibilities? The answer might disappoint you, as we discovered in our latest deep dive into Batman Returns (1992).After welcoming back fan-favorite co-host Katy ...
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Season 5
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Episode 25
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19:42
The Seven Dwarfs, the Wicked Queen, and the Moral Magic of Disney's First
Walt Disney's groundbreaking 1937 animated masterpiece, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, stands as a cornerstone of cinematic history—but does its simplicity still resonate in our complex modern world? I journey back to where Disney feature ani...
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Season 5
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Episode 24
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20:27
A Deep Dive into "It's a Wonderful Life": Why This Movie Matters
Dive into the heartwarming world of Frank Capra's "It's a Wonderful Life" as we explore its timeless themes of hope, community, and the impact of each individual's life. In this captivating episode, we revisit the classic film starring Jimmy St...
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Season 5
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Episode 23
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24:52
When Great Directors Miss: The Mickey 17 Experience
Sometimes great directors miss the mark completely. That's exactly what happened with "Mickey 17," the latest film from the Oscar-winning director of "Parasite." What should have been an exciting sci-fi dark comedy starring Robert Pattinson as ...
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Season 5
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Episode 22
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8:41
Frosty Disappointments: An Honest Review of Jack Frost
Get ready to dive into the heartwarming yet confusing world of Jack Frost with this week’s episode. Infused with warmth and humor, Nathan navigates through Michael Keaton's layered performance, discussing how a snowman grapples with family stru...
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Season 5
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Episode 21
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10:16
Cinema Saturday: The Immersive Experience of "Last Breath"
Prepare for a gripping exploration of courage and humanity in "Last Breath," a film that redefines the limits of bravery. Join Nathan in this episode of Couch Critic’s Cinema Saturdays as he dives into the true story of seasoned deep-sea divers...
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Season 5
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Episode 20
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10:32
Finding Heart and Humility in "Babe"
Did you ever think a charming tale about a pig could touch your heartstrings as a Christmas movie? Neither did I, but on this episode of Couch Critic, we take a look at the delightful film "Babe," which might surprise you with its tender storyt...
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Season 5
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Episode 19
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5:57
Cinema Saturday: Paddington's Third Adventure - Expectations vs. Reality
Welcome to a heartfelt and engaging discussion on the latest adventure of everyone's favorite bear, Paddington, in "Paddington in Peru." With the success of "Paddington 2" setting a high bar, Nathan dives deep into what makes this franchise so ...
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Season 5
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Episode 18
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14:17
Embracing Holiday Cheer with "Elf
Remember the magic of Buddy the Elf? Join us as we wrap up February with a heartwarming tribute to the Christmas classic "Elf." I'm thrilled to welcome back my former podcast partner, Katy, for this special episode where we reminisce about our ...
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Season 5
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Episode 17
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22:25
Cinema Saturday: Navigating Nostalgia and Innovation in "Captain America: Brave New World"
Can the Marvel Cinematic Universe redeem itself with "Captain America: Brave New World"? Join me, Nathan, as I break down the latest Marvel film that dares to revisit the roots of 2008's "The Incredible Hulk." In an unexpected twist, Anthony Ma...
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Season 5
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Episode 16
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9:28
Cinema Saturday: Unraveling "Love Hurts"
Ever wondered how a Valentine's-themed martial arts film could spark a heated debate? On this episode of the Couch Critic, we welcome special guests Katy and Scotty as we dissect "Love Hurts," a film that promised a thrilling blend of romance a...
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Season 5
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Episode 15
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21:21
Gremlins Unwrapped: Chaos, Comedy, and Christmas Charm
Join us for a festive feast of chaos and charm as Bob from Static Radio (staticradio.com) returns, this time to chat about the holiday classic, Gremlins. Can you believe it? Zach Galligan and Phoebe Cates star in a movie produced by Steven Spie...
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Season 5
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Episode 14
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27:56
"National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation": The Ultimate Holiday Chaos Breakdown
What if watching a film could transport you back to the pure joy and chaos of the holiday season every single year? On this episode of The Couch Critic, we unravel the comic genius behind National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation, a movie that many...
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Season 5
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Episode 12
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7:03
Cinema Saturday: Twists and Turns of "Companion" - A Comedic Thriller Unveiled
What if a movie you thought would be a chilling horror flick turned out to be a clever, comedic thriller? This week on Cinema Saturday, join me, Nathan, your dependable Couch Critic, as I unravel the surprising layers of "Companion." Featuring ...
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Season 5
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Episode 11
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8:12
"About a Boy": It It a Christmas Movie or Just a Holiday Cameo?
What defines a Christmas movie? Is it the presence of snow, a plot set in winter, or cheerful carols filling the background? On this episode of The Couch Critic, we tackle the surprising inclusion of "About a Boy" in the holiday movie lineup. W...
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Season 5
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Episode 10
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6:40
Cinema Saturday: From Despair to Hope with "Brave the Dark"
What would it mean to be a guiding light in someone's darkest hour? This week on Cinema Saturday, join me, Nathan, as I recount the unforgettable journey depicted in Angel Studios' latest release, "Brave the Dark." Starring Sasha Bhasin, Jared ...
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Season 5
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Episode 9
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9:50
Breaking the Nut: A Dive into "Nutcracker and the Four Realms"
Ever found yourself enchanted by a movie that didn't quite hit the mark at the box office? Join us as we explore the unexpected charm of "Nutcracker and the Four Realms," starring Mackenzie Foy, Keira Knightley, Morgan Freeman, and Helen Mirren...
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Season 5
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Episode 8
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9:10