The Couch Critics
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The Couch Critics is your laid-back guide to movies and TV shows that deserve your attention—or maybe don’t. Nathan, along with a rotating door of eclectic co-hosts, 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 Critics bring thoughtful critique without the fluff. Grab your favorite snack, settle in, and let Nathan and friends guide you through the world of screen entertainment.
307 Episodes
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"Send us a Text!" A last-minute detour can sometimes lead to the good stuff. When our planned Mortal Kombat review slipped to next year, we spun up a random pick and landed on Homefront—Jason Statham’s small-town powder keg that pairs bruising set pieces with a surprising dose of heart. What starts as a bid for peace from a former DEA agent becomes a slow squeeze from a local meth network, and we dig into why this familiar setup still works. We break down the film’s quiet strengths: a believ...
"Send us a Text!" The spaghetti kiss still hits. The question is what to do with everything around it. We pull up a cushion for Lady and the Tramp and get honest about why this 1955 Disney classic remains beloved, where it shows its age, and how modern context changes the way we watch. From the painterly backdrops and quietly brilliant character animation to the talk-heavy pacing that invites an accidental sofa snooze, we unpack the craft that made a simple love story between a cocker spaniel...
"Send us a Text!" Neon glows. Hearts don’t. We sat down for a triple feature of Tron, Tron Legacy, and the new Tron Ares to ask a simple question: why do these movies look so good and feel so empty? With Thomas joining the couch, we trace the franchise from its groundbreaking 1982 CGI to Ares’ timely promise of AI intrigue, then sift what sparks and what fizzles. We give the original its due for pioneering computer‑generated imagery and changing how films think about digital worlds. Then we ...
"Send us a Text!" Santa behind bars shouldn’t work as cozy holiday viewing—and yet it absolutely does. We take you into Get Santa, the British family adventure that trades cheap gags for grounded charm, where a recently paroled dad and his young son hustle to save Christmas with grit, humor, and just enough magic to glow. From the first setup to the final sleigh dash, the film proves that familiar stories can still feel alive when performances click and the tone stays honest. We dive into wh...
"Send us a Text!" Snow on the ground, carols in the air… and a rom‑com that might not actually be a Christmas movie. We sat down with Mitch and Lexie to revisit Just Friends and test how well Ryan Reynolds’ early-career charm, Anna Faris’ unhinged pop-star chaos, and a small-town reunion hold up in 2025. The result? A spirited split: one of us loves the quotable gags and brotherly slapstick, one rejects the romance and questions the holiday label, and one rides the middle—laughing at the best...
"Send us a Text!" What does a second chance really cost when the clock has been running for decades? We sat down with The Senior, Angel Studios’ new football drama about Mike Flynt, a 59-year-old who returns to college to finish what one moment stole from him. The hook is irresistible—age against odds, pride against regret—and the story carries enough truth and heart to keep us invested, even as it follows a familiar sports-movie path. We talk about why the film feels both uplifting and safe...
"Send us a Text!" A lie about the perfect home, a war hero craving a real Christmas, and a kitchen run by the world’s most lovable conspirator—Christmas in Connecticut still sparkles because it understands what we seek when life feels unsteady: warmth, laughter, and a place to belong. We sit down with returning guest Lucinda Sage Midgordon (Story Power, Classic Cinema with the Sage Sisters) to explore how a 1945 screwball romance became a timeless comfort watch—and why its themes of persona, ...
"Send us a Text!" Missing movies, busy schedules, and the commitment to never miss an episode - this quick update from Couch Critics host Nathan gives listeners a peek behind the podcast curtain. The hunt for "Call Me Claus" starring Whoopi Goldberg turned into an unexpected adventure when the holiday film proved impossible to find on any streaming service. After exhausting all options including social media outreach, Nathan discovered the movie will finally be available on Tubi starti...
"Send us a Text!" Ever had that sinking feeling when a beloved classic gets a sequel that nobody asked for? That's exactly what happened with "Spinal Tap 2: The End Continues." As the sole audience member in an empty theater, I witnessed firsthand how this long-delayed follow-up to one of comedy's most influential mockumentaries failed to recapture any of the original's brilliance. The premise seemed promising enough: our favorite fictional rockers reunite after 15 years for one final concer...
"Send us a Text!" Magic toys come to life, Broadway-worthy musical numbers fill the screen, and Forest Whitaker sings his heart out in what might be one of the most overlooked Christmas treasures of recent years. Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey delivers something increasingly rare – a genuinely engaging, family-friendly film that doesn't sacrifice quality or emotional depth for accessibility. What makes this Netflix original stand out from the crowded holiday movie landscape? First, it's ...
"Send us a Text!" Horror franchises often struggle with endings, and "The Conjuring: Last Rites" exemplifies this challenge perfectly. Having followed Ed and Lorraine Warren's paranormal adventures through seven previous films, I approached this "final" installment with both anticipation and skepticism. Would the Warrens' swan song deliver the emotional and supernatural punch worthy of their legacy? Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga return with their trademark chemistry as the devout paranorma...
"Send us a Text!" Ever wondered what happens when uptight meets free-spirited during the holidays? The Family Stone delivers exactly that scenario with a star-studded cast bringing to life the chaos, awkwardness, and unexpected romance that can unfold during Christmas family gatherings. Diving into this 2005 holiday classic for the first time, I was genuinely surprised by how much I enjoyed it. The film follows an anxious businesswoman (Sarah Jessica Parker) who accompanies her boyfriend to ...
"Send us a Text!" What makes a film memorable? Why does a critically acclaimed movie resonate deeply with some viewers while leaving others feeling just...okay? This week on Cinema Sunday, I'm tackling the 2007 coming-of-age dramedy Juno, a film that my co-host Mitch considers one of his all-time favorites, but left me squarely in the middle ground. Diving into this Jason Reitman-directed, Diablo Cody-penned indie darling, I explore what works and what doesn't in this story of a pregnant tee...
"Send us a Text!" What makes a Christmas movie truly deserving of the title? That's the question we tackle head-on as we dive into Steven Spielberg's 2002 masterpiece "Catch Me If You Can" starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Tom Hanks. This fascinating cat-and-mouse thriller follows teenage con artist Frank Abagnale Jr. as he successfully impersonates doctors, lawyers, and airline pilots while being pursued by determined FBI agent Carl Hanratty. The film boasts an extraordinary cast delivering ca...
"Send us a Text!" Action fans, prepare for another adrenaline-fueled ride with Bob Odenkirk in Nobody 2! The Better Call Saul star proves once again he's got serious action chops as Hutch Mansell, the seemingly ordinary suburban dad with extraordinary skills. When what should have been a peaceful family vacation turns into a violent confrontation with the past, we're treated to a rollercoaster of high-octane sequences and dark humor that builds on the unexpected success of the original film. ...
"Send us a Text!" Ever wondered what happens when three movie critics with wildly different tastes tackle beloved films spanning generations? Welcome to our triple feature extravaganza where nostalgia, family dynamics, and holiday magic collide! We kick things off with "Freakier Friday," the long-awaited sequel to the 2003 body-swap comedy. Two of our hosts grew up cherishing the original, while one watched it just days before seeing the sequel—creating the perfect storm for fascinating pers...
"Send us a Text!" The unexpected charm of "Last Christmas" caught us completely off guard. What appears at first glance to be another formulaic holiday romance transforms into something much more profound and moving – a supernatural tale about second chances and the true meaning of giving. Starring Emilia Clarke as a directionless young woman working as an elf in a year-round Christmas shop and Henry Golding as the mysterious Tom who enters her life, this film brilliantly subverts expectatio...
"Send us a Text!" 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 ...
"Send us a Text!" 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....
"Send us a Text!" 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 seri...
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