Shows
The Couch CriticChristmas Double Feature: "Meet Me in St. Louis" & "Red One""Send us a Text!"Could "Meet Me in St. Louis" be the "Die Hard" of classic Christmas cinema, or is it just a nostalgic romp with holiday flair? We unwrap this debate on our festive episode of "Natey & Katy: At the Movies," starting with a warm and lively discussion about Judy Garland's unforgettable performance and the film's sentimental storyline. Katy gives a charming recap of the movie, exploring Garland's life and legacy, from her on-screen magic to her off-screen tragedies, including her marriage to the film's director and her legendary daughter, Liza Minnelli. We even touch on...2024-12-2522 minThe Couch CriticSurprise Saturday: Kraven the Hunter - A Predator's Tale"Send us a Text!"Is it possible for a film to have a stellar cast yet still miss the mark? Join us as we critically examine "Kraven the Hunter," a cinematic endeavor that attempts to unravel the complex dynamics of vengeance and family. Russell Crowe's performance might evoke nostalgia, but does it redeem the film's shortcomings? From inconsistent accents to a plot that seems to wander, we candidly discuss why this movie failed to meet even our modest expectations, while questioning Crowe's choice to be part of this muddled Spider-Man villain spin-off universe.As we...2024-12-2112 minThe Couch CriticSurprise Saturday: September 5, 1972 - Tragedy at the Games"Send us a Text!"What happens when the pursuit of a story collides with the sanctity of human life? Join me, Natey, for a Surprise Saturday edition of Natey and Katy: At the Movies as we unravel the intricate layers of "September 5th." This gripping film, set during the 1972 Munich Olympics, thrusts viewers into the harrowing world of an American sports broadcasting team reporting on Israeli athletes held hostage by terrorists. With standout performances by Peter Sarsgaard, John Magaro, Ben Chaplin, and Leonie Benesch, the movie paints a vivid picture of the ethical quandaries that journalists face...2024-12-1406 minThe Couch CriticSurprise Saturday: Facing "Your Monster""Send us a Text!"Have you ever wondered if a monster could help you find your voice? Join me, Nathan aka Natey, for a surprise Saturday edition of "Natey & Katy: At the Movies," where I explore the wild and whimsical world of "Your Monster," a film that daringly blends romance, comedy, and horror. I confess to my initial skepticism about a story featuring an actress who discovers her inner strength through a charming closet-dwelling monster. Yet, it turns out to be a quirky, entertaining ride, defying typical Halloween fare and filled with standout performances, notably from Tommy...2024-10-2610 minThe Couch CriticSurprise Saturday: Unpacking "Exhibiting Forgiveness""Send us a Text!"Imagine attending a movie where the mystery of what's on screen is only revealed once you're seated, and it turns out to be a cinematic exploration of forgiveness. That's exactly what happened when I, Nathan aka Natey, found myself entranced by "Exhibiting Forgiveness." This surprise screening unveiled a powerful narrative about a black artist interrupted on his path to success by the unexpected return of his estranged, recovering addict father. With poignant performances from Andre Holland, John Earl Jelks, Andra Day, and Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor, this film navigates the intricate dance of father-son relationships...2024-10-1910 minThe Couch CriticSurprise Saturday: Rolling Out with "Transformers One""Send us a Text!"What if you found out that two of the most iconic enemies in the Transformers universe started out as best friends? This special Saturday edition of Natey & Katy: At the Movies offers a thrilling solo review of "Transformers One," an animated film that dives into the untold origin story of Optimus Prime and Megatron. With an impressive voice cast that includes Chris Hemsworth, Brian Tyree Henry, Scarlett Johansson, and Keegan-Michael Key, this episode promises to unpack the layers of this action-packed film set in the world of Cybertron. I discuss the complexities and...2024-09-2809 minThe Couch CriticFrom Chaos to Balloons: Reviewing "A Clockwork Orange" & "Up""Send us a Text!"What makes a film truly unforgettable? Join us as Natey grapples with the disturbing world of Stanley Kubrick's "A Clockwork Orange," describing it as an unsettling and bizarre experience with a storyline he found hard to connect with. Meanwhile, Katy offers a fresh take by examining the film's themes through the lens of psychology and Christianity, sparking a deep conversation about human redemption and the possibility of change. We also draw interesting parallels between the film's chaotic protagonist and Heath Ledger's iconic portrayal of the Joker. Switching gears, we then dive i...2024-09-2420 minThe Couch CriticSurprise Saturday: Confronting "Am I Racist?" & "Speak No Evil""Send us a Text!"Is race and cultural appropriation the new battleground? On this episode of "Natey & Katy: At the Movies," Natey and his wife Elizabeth tackle the provocative documentary "Am I Racist?" by Matt Walsh. They dissect the contentious themes and dive into Walsh's unique approach, drawing comparisons to Sacha Baron Cohen's "Borat" series. Listen as they scrutinize the believability of Walsh's disguises and share their personal ratings. They also explore the film's impact on the portrayal of white individuals and the monetization of DEI efforts.Shifting gears, Natey offers a thorough review of...2024-09-2119 minThe Couch CriticCons and Capers: A "The Sting" Review"Send us a Text!"What happens when classic cinema meets unexpected twists and turns? This week on Natey & Katy: At the Movies, we kick things off with a personal anecdote about the surprise of discovering Robert Earl Jones in "The Sting" and his connection to the legendary James Earl Jones. Our conversation takes a turn down memory lane with the unforgettable performances of Paul Newman and Robert Redford, sparking a fun debate on whether Brad Pitt’s role in "Ocean’s Eleven" was influenced by Redford. Katy, ever the skeptic, challenges the film’s appeal while we both l...2024-09-1817 minThe Couch CriticSurprise Saturday: Revisiting History with "Reagan""Send us a Text!"Have you ever wondered how history can feel like it's unfolding all over again? Join us on a special Surprise Saturday episode of Natey & Katy: At the Movies as we dissect "Reagan," the latest biopic starring Dennis Quaid and Penelope Ann Miller. This film brings Ronald Reagan's presidency to life, showing him through the wary eyes of the Russians who were both fascinated and fearful of his decisive actions. We discuss Dennis Quaid's nuanced portrayal of Reagan, which moves beyond mere imitation, and Penelope Ann Miller's striking resemblance to Nancy Reagan and her...2024-09-0706 minThe Couch CriticUnmasking Secrets: A "L.A. Confidential" Review"Send us a Text!"Ever wondered how a film could transform a skeptic into a fan? Join us on Natey and Katy: At the Movies as we dissect the 1997 film noir masterpiece "LA Confidential." Katy starts the conversation skeptical due to her past experiences with the genre, but by the end, she’s singing praises for its unpredictable plot and rich character development. Listen in as we break down the film's portrayal of 1950s Los Angeles through the stellar performances of Kevin Spacey, Russell Crowe, Guy Pearce, and Kim Basinger. We also draw fascinating comparisons to classic no...2024-09-0314 minThe Couch CriticSurprise Saturday: Peeling Back "Skin Care" & Exploring "Alien: Romulus""Send us a Text!"What's it like to watch a movie while dealing with theater disruptions and a heated audience debate over a casting choice? This week on "Natey & Katy: At the Movies," Natey dives into all the drama surrounding "Skin Care," a gripping tale of rivalry in the beauty industry. Inspired by true events, the film had Natey hooked with its compelling story and standout performances, especially by Lewis Pullman. Despite not being his usual type of film, he found himself thoroughly engaged and even motivated to research the real-life events that inspired it....2024-08-2418 minThe Couch CriticSurprise Saturday: Crossing into "Borderlands" and Unraveling "Cuckoo""Send us a Text!"Ever wondered how a star-studded cast can still lead to a cinematic letdown? Join me, Nathan aka Natey, as I pull back the curtain on "Natey and Katy: At the Movies" with a special Saturday double feature. First, I tackle "Borderlands," the much-anticipated movie adaptation of the hit video game. Despite boasting talents like Kate Blanchett and Kevin Hart, this film winds up being a misfire due to its shaky script and complex plot. My review dissects why the movie couldn't live up to its hype and why it ultimately left me unimpressed...2024-08-1711 minThe Couch CriticSurprise Saturday: Drawing Adventures with "Harold and the Purple Crayon" & Escaping the "Trap""Send us a Text!"Is "Harold and the Purple Crayon" worth the family movie night? Join Natey as he dissects this adaptation of the beloved children’s book, where even a star-studded cast featuring Zachary Levi, Zooey Deschanel, and Jemaine Clement couldn't save it from a disappointing end. He'll reveal his initial misgivings, the potential the film squandered, especially concerning Clement’s role, and why the conclusion left him more than a little unsatisfied. Spoiler alert: This might not be the cozy family flick you were hoping for.Switching gears, Natey analyzes M. Night Shyamalan's thri...2024-08-1018 minThe Couch CriticSurprise Saturday: Riding the Storm with "Twisters" & Facing the Impact of "Kneecap""Send us a Text!"Ever wondered how a summer blockbuster can recapture the magic of a 90s classic? Join me and my wife Elizabeth as we break down "Twisters," a thrilling reboot of the beloved "Twister." Starring Glenn Powell, Daisy Edgar-Jones, and Anthony Ramos, this film brings back the excitement and nostalgia, all while steering clear of the global warming debate. We both found it a joyride from start to finish and awarded it an impressive 5.5 out of 6 stars. Listen in to hear our take on the action-packed scenes, memorable characters, and the potential for future sequels...2024-07-2710 minThe Couch CriticSurprise Saturday: Stepping into "Long Legs" & Breaking Bars with "Sing Sing""Send us a Text!"Can Nicolas Cage's portrayal of a satanic serial killer push the boundaries of your comfort zone? This surprise Saturday episode of "Natey and Katy: At the Movies" dives into "Long Legs," a film that left me, Natey, grappling with its disturbing themes and captivating performances. While Nicolas Cage's unsettling role stands out, the film's deep focus on Satanism and unsettling makeup choices made it difficult for me to fully appreciate. Find out why "Long Legs" earned a mixed review of three out of six, balancing intriguing moments with controversial execution.On...2024-07-2014 minThe Couch CriticDevious Schemes and Graceful Icons"Send us a Text!"Ever caught yourself grappling with the moral ambiguities of a well-tailored murder plot? This week on "Natey and Katy: At the Movies," we unravel the devious schemes of Alfred Hitchcock's "Dial M for Murder." Katy can hardly contain her excitement about her upcoming Scottish adventure, while Natey reminisces about the glitz and glam of post-4th of July fireworks. As we dissect the gripping tale of a former tennis star orchestrating his wife's murder, Katy discovers a newfound admiration for the timeless beauty and talent of Grace Kelly. We dive into Kelly's illustrious...2024-07-1618 minThe Couch CriticSurprise Screening Spectacle"Send us a Text!"What if one of the most iconic events in history was all part of a grand marketing scheme? This episode of Natey & Katy: At the Movies takes you behind the scenes of the surprise screening of "Fly Me to the Moon," where Scarlett Johansson's character, Kelly Jones, is tasked with staging a fake moon landing. Alongside standout performances from Channing Tatum, Woody Harrelson, and Jim Rash, Natey revisits the high-stakes tension of the 1960s space race, relives the nostalgia of the era, and basks in the film's unique blend of romance, drama, and...2024-07-0607 minThe Couch CriticTriumph and Struggle: War Stories on Screen"Send us a Text!"What makes a film truly patriotic? Join us for a special 4th of July episode of "Natey & Katy: At the Movies," as we explore this question through the lens of some of America's most stirring cinematic tributes. From the harrowing battles of the Civil War to the revolutionary fervor of the American Revolution, we reflect on the power of film to capture the essence of historical events and the human spirit that drives them. Nathan, aka Natey, takes us back to the 1989 classic "Glory," a film that doesn't shy away from the pain...2024-07-0416 minThe Couch CriticSummer Heat and Emotional Turmoil"Send us a Text!"What happens when oppressive summer heat perfectly parallels the intense emotional climate of a classic film? Join us as we kick off this episode of Natey & Katy: At the Movies with a unique exploration of "Raging Bull." We share personal stories about our summer experiences and draw clever parallels between the draining heat and the movie’s theme. We dive deep into the turbulent life of boxer Jake LaMotta, played by Robert De Niro, and express our mixed feelings about the film’s lack of a redemptive arc and its overall bleak tone. Howe...2024-07-0221 minThe Couch CriticTruth, Deception, and Dark Humor"Send us a Text!"Is "Fargo" really based on true events, or did the Coen Brothers pull a fast one on us? Join Natey and Katy as they break down this classic film with a playful mix of humor and analysis. They start by donning their best Midwestern accents to set the stage for discussing Jerry Lundegaard's bumbling crimes and Frances McDormand's standout performance as Marge Gunderson, which earned her a Best Actress Oscar. They also dive into a comparison with "The Big Lebowski," noting the unique storytelling styles and unforgettable quotable lines that make both films...2024-06-2521 minThe Couch CriticTrapped in Shadows"Send us a Text!"What happens when a young artist gets trapped in a mystical Irish forest, stalked by menacing creatures every night? Find out on this special Surprise Saturday episode of "Natey and Katy: At the Movies" as Natey unravels the eerie tale of "The Watchers." Directed by Ishana Shyamalan, wife of the renowned M. Night Shyamalan, this film stars Dakota Fanning, Georgina Campbell, Olwen Fouéré, and Oliver Finnegan. With mysterious creatures lurking and rules to follow, the suspense is palpable. Join him as he dissects the plot, illuminates its connections to M. Night Shyamalan's si...2024-06-1511 minThe Couch CriticTragedy and Triumph Behind the Ropes"Send us a Text!"What makes a film unforgettable? In today's Surprise Saturday episode of Natey and Katy: At the Movies, Nathan, aka Natey, revisits the compelling story of "The Iron Claw." This powerful movie left a lasting impression when we first discussed it in our year-in-review episode. Now available on Max, "The Iron Claw" dives deep into the real-life saga of the Von Erich brothers, professional wrestlers who dominated the 1980s. With standout performances by Zac Efron, Jeremy Allen White, Harris Dickinson, and Lily James, this film is a true testament to the strength and tragedy...2024-06-0813 minThe Couch CriticA Cinematic Journey Through Adversity and Hope"Send us a Text!"Can an optometrist’s journey from hardship to triumph inspire you to see the world differently? Natey brings you a heartwarming Surprise Saturday Edition of Natey and Katy: At the Movies, highlighting the powerful film "Sight" by Angel Studios. Join him as Terry Chen, Greg Kinnear, Natasha Mumba, and Fionnula Flanagan share the incredible true story of Dr. Ming Wang, whose perseverance through adversity in China led to his success and impact in America. Hear the touching tale of Kajal, a young girl from India, whose life is transformed through Dr. Wang’s unwa...2024-06-0113 minThe Couch CriticThe Enigmatic Allure of "The Dude" and the Weight of Lost Potential"Send us a Text!"Ever wondered why "The Big Lebowski" turned from a box-office dud to a cultural phenomenon? Join me, Natey, and my cohost Katy, as we peel back the layers of this enigmatic cult classic to see what all the fuss is about. We unravel the story of Jeff "The Dude" Lebowski's bizarre adventure and share our candid reactions to our first encounters with the film. While I went in skeptical, my curiosity was piqued by its status among die-hard fans. Katy, too, found herself caught off-guard, expecting a tale of gridiron glory rather than...2024-05-1417 min