The Commentary Booth

Pario Magazine
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The Commentary Booth is a weekly entertainment podcast where we watch, & you guessed it commentate on the week that was in movies & TV. Each week, Jamie & a rotating cast of colour commentators will review what they've been watching to help you find your next viewing treat.

  1. 1 DAY AGO

    Donnie Darko 25th Anniversary Review – Is It Still a Cult Classic?

    Twenty-five years ago, a jet engine fell from the sky and changed cinema forever. Jamie Apps and Corrina Mabey reunite in The Commentary Booth to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Donnie Darko — Richard Kelly's mind-bending, genre-defying debut that launched Jake Gyllenhaal into stardom and left audiences questioning reality, time, and the nature of a very unsettling rabbit. In this special flashback episode, Jamie brings a fresh set of eyes to the film for the very first time, while Corrina (a devoted annual rewatcher) guides him through the labyrinthine twists, time loops, and philosophical rabbit holes that have made Donnie Darko a genuine cult classic. Expect spirited debate, genuine confusion, and more than a few moments of "wait, WHAT?" They dive deep into what makes this film so endlessly rewatchable: its rich thematic layers spanning mental health, teenage alienation, predestination, nihilism, and faith; its deceptively stacked early-2000s cast featuring Jake Gyllenhaal, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Drew Barrymore, Patrick Swayze, Seth Rogen, and Noah Wyle; and the remarkable behind-the-scenes story of how Drew Barrymore's Flower Films rescued the movie from obscurity for just $4.5 million. The pair unpack the film's troubled theatrical release, opening just weeks after 9/11, with all plane-crash marketing pulled at the last minute, and how a disastrous box office run ultimately couldn't stop Donnie Darko from finding its audience on DVD and becoming one of the most beloved cult films of its generation. Highlights Breakdown: Why Donnie Darko is "ADHD, the film" and requires multiple viewings The uncomfortable therapist who treats Donnie as a science experiment How Drew Barrymore saved the movie from going straight to cable The real-world tragedy that derailed the original marketing campaign Frank the rabbit, time travel theories, and that unforgettable ending Is Donnie Darko a story about mental illness, destiny, alternate timelines, or all of the above? Honestly, it might be a little bit of everything. One thing is certain, though. Twenty-five years on, we’re still trying to figure it out. So, whether you're a longtime fan or a curious first-timer, this flashback episode will send you down a rabbit hole. This week’s episode is brought to you by Australian Wrestling Cards Check out more great content from Pario Magazine on our website. ------------------------------------------------------------- SUPPORT PARIO MAGAZINE & THE COMMENTARY BOOTH - PATREON - BUY MERCH - AMAZON PRIME VIDEO - TUBEBUDDY - Subscribe to AEW Plus using my code (q0yydoz) to earn $10 in FITE credit - Shop Online With Honey - Shop Online With Satechi MY EQUIPMENT - Elgato Facecam - Rode PodMic - Elgato Wave Mic Arm LP - Streamlabs Talk Studio FOLLOW JAMIE ON SOCIAL MEDIA - Twitter - Facebook - Instagram - TikTok FOLLOW PARIO MAGAZINE ON SOCIAL MEDIA - Twitter - Facebook - Instagram

    38 min

  2. 3 MAR

    Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi (50th Anniversary Rewatch)

    In the latest instalment of The Commentary Booth, Jamie Apps and Corrina Mabey continue their epic 50th Anniversary Star Wars rewatch with the epic conclusion to the original trilogy, Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi. Fresh off the heels of The Empire Strikes Back's jaw-dropping revelation, our favourite rebels are back to take down the Empire once and for all. But this isn't just any rewatch. Corrina has brought her beloved Wicket backpack along for the ride, and she's ready to die on the hill that Return of the Jedi is the best Star Wars movie ever made. (Jamie strongly disagrees. He's entitled to be wrong.) In this action-packed episode, the duo dives deep into Jabba's palace (and its surprisingly moist inhabitants), the guerrilla warfare tactics of everyone's favourite space bears, and the emotional gut-punch of Vader's redemption arc. They also tackle the elephant in the room: those controversial special edition changes that added CGI singers, a very different Force ghost, and enough digital fluff to make purists weep. From Steadicam speeder bike trivia to David Lynch almost directing this thing, Jamie and Corrina leave no stone unturned. Plus, Corrina makes a compelling case for why Ewoks are actual geniuses, not just adorable fluffballs. Highlights Breakdown: 🤯 Special Edition Rage 🐻 Ewok Appreciation Society 🎬 Director Drama 👑 Jabba's Palace Deep Dive ⚔️ The Emperor's Freaky Factor 🔥 Vader's Redemption 🚀 Trivia Gold This episode is affectionate, argumentative, occasionally unhinged, and exactly what a 50th anniversary rewatch should feel like. Plus: Corrina's controversial take on midichlorians, Jamie's spy-thriller appreciation, and a promise that the prequel reviews are going to get... interesting. This week’s episode is brought to you by Australian Wrestling Cards Check out more great content from Pario Magazine on our website. ------------------------------------------------------------- SUPPORT PARIO MAGAZINE & THE COMMENTARY BOOTH - PATREON - BUY MERCH - AMAZON PRIME VIDEO - TUBEBUDDY - Subscribe to AEW Plus using my code (q0yydoz) to earn $10 in FITE credit - Shop Online With Honey - Shop Online With Satechi MY EQUIPMENT - Elgato Facecam - Rode PodMic - Elgato Wave Mic Arm LP - Streamlabs Talk Studio FOLLOW JAMIE ON SOCIAL MEDIA - Twitter - Facebook - Instagram - TikTok FOLLOW PARIO MAGAZINE ON SOCIAL MEDIA - Twitter - Facebook - Instagram

    51 min

  3. 24 FEB

    Black Hawk Down 25 Years Later: Still The Greatest War Film Ever Made?

    They planned for 30 minutes. They fought for 24 hours. This week on The Commentary Booth, Jamie Apps and Corrina Mabey head back into the dust, chaos and moral grey zones of Black Hawk Down. Join us as we commemorate the film’s 25th anniversary with a deep dive into one of the most visceral, unflinching war films ever committed to screen. Based on the true events of October 1993, when 160 elite U.S. soldiers found themselves trapped in a deadly firefight in Mogadishu, this film remains a masterclass in tension, practical effects, and authentic storytelling. In this episode, Jamie and Corrina revisit Ridley Scott’s relentless war epic, not to mythologise it, but to sit with it. The noise, the panic, the mistakes, the human cost. Highlights Breakdown: - Why Black Hawk Down still feels modern despite being 25 years old - The surprisingly stacked cast and the careers it quietly launched - Practical effects, real training, and why the violence feels so confronting - The film’s rejection of clean hero narratives and patriotic gloss - How the Battle of Mogadishu reshaped modern military thinking What starts as a discussion about a stacked cast quickly turns into something heavier. Watching it now, the film feels less like a traditional war movie and more like a survival document, raw, exhausting, and deliberately uncomfortable. Jamie and Corrina unpack why the film still holds up visually, how its practical effects amplify the brutality, and why its refusal to offer easy heroes might be its most lasting strength. They also dig into the real-world context behind the Battle of Mogadishu, the controversial mission planning, and the moments where Ridley Scott chose emotional truth over strict historical accuracy. It’s a conversation that drifts between film craft, historical reflection, and that strange feeling of realising a movie you saw years ago hits very differently now. This isn’t nostalgia. It’s a re-evaluation. And it hits hard. This week’s episode is brought to you by Australian Wrestling Cards Check out more great content from Pario Magazine on our website. ------------------------------------------------------------- SUPPORT PARIO MAGAZINE & THE COMMENTARY BOOTH - PATREON - BUY MERCH - AMAZON PRIME VIDEO - TUBEBUDDY - Subscribe to AEW Plus using my code (q0yydoz) to earn $10 in FITE credit - Shop Online With Honey - Shop Online With Satechi MY EQUIPMENT - Elgato Facecam - Rode PodMic - Elgato Wave Mic Arm LP - Streamlabs Talk Studio FOLLOW JAMIE ON SOCIAL MEDIA - Twitter - Facebook - Instagram - TikTok FOLLOW PARIO MAGAZINE ON SOCIAL MEDIA - Twitter - Facebook - Instagram

    36 min

  4. 17 FEB

    Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back 50th Anniversary Review

    The icy blast of Hoth hits The Commentary Booth as Jamie Apps and Corrina Mabey continue their epic 50th Anniversary Star Wars rewatch with the legendary Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back, which is often hailed as the greatest sequel of all time! In this packed episode, Jamie and Corrina dive into the darker, deeper chapter of the saga. They discuss the film’s chilling opening on the ice planet, Luke’s transformative training with the wise (and mischievous) Yoda, and the game-changing introduction of Lando Calrissian and Boba Fett. Get ready for deep dives into iconic moments like Han Solo’s daring Tauntaun rescue to the most famous (and most misquoted) line in cinematic history: “No, I am your father.” The hosts debate the impact of the 2004 CGI alterations, share fascinating behind-the-scenes trivia (like how George Lucas self-financed the film), and unpack the complex character growth of Luke, Han, and Leia. They also reveal their personal ratings and debate where this classic ranks in the original trilogy. Highlights Breakdown: 🎬 Behind-the-Scenes Secrets ❄️ The Battle of Hoth Deep Dive 🧙 Yoda's Introduction & Luke's Training 💔 Han & Leia's Romance 🤖 Iconic Moments Analysed ⚔️ The Legendary Lightsaber Duel 🎭 Special Guest Voices Strap into the Millennium Falcon and join the conversation! This week’s episode is brought to you by Australian Wrestling Cards Check out more great content from Pario Magazine on our website. ------------------------------------------------------------- SUPPORT PARIO MAGAZINE & THE COMMENTARY BOOTH - PATREON - BUY MERCH - AMAZON PRIME VIDEO - TUBEBUDDY - Subscribe to AEW Plus using my code (q0yydoz) to earn $10 in FITE credit - Shop Online With Honey - Shop Online With Satechi MY EQUIPMENT - Elgato Facecam - Rode PodMic - Elgato Wave Mic Arm LP - Streamlabs Talk Studio FOLLOW JAMIE ON SOCIAL MEDIA - Twitter - Facebook - Instagram - TikTok FOLLOW PARIO MAGAZINE ON SOCIAL MEDIA - Twitter - Facebook - Instagram

    42 min

  5. 10 FEB

    Cast Away - 25th Anniversary Review

    In this episode of The Commentary Booth, Jamie Apps & Corrina Mabey celebrate 25 years of Cast Away, the iconic survival drama that transformed Tom Hanks and made Wilson a household name. Discover the incredible production story behind this Robert Zemeckis masterpiece, including how Hanks gained and lost 50 pounds, the year-and-a-half filming schedule, and why the crew shot What Lies Beneath during breaks. We explore Chuck Nolan's harrowing journey from time-obsessed FedEx executive to island survivor, discussing the film's most intense moments: the devastating plane crash, the infamous tooth extraction, and Wilson's heartbreaking farewell. Learn surprising behind-the-scenes facts, including FedEx's involvement, the genius of the opening package sequence, and that ambiguous crossroads ending. Our conversation dives deep into Tom Hanks’ unforgettable performance, the ingenious production behind the film — including Hanks’ dramatic physical transformation and the unexpected role of Wilson the volleyball. We explore the movie’s lasting themes of isolation, hope, and human resilience, while sharing behind-the-scenes stories about director Robert Zemeckis and the unique challenges of filming. Highlights Breakdown: - Behind-the-Scenes Filming Secrets - The Unexpected Role of Wilson - Tom Hanks' Physical & Emotional Journey - FedEx’s Real-World Impact - Enduring Themes & Ambiguous Ending Does this emotional powerhouse still hold up after 25 years? Find out in this deep dive into one of cinema's greatest survival stories. This week’s episode is brought to you by Australian Wrestling Cards Check out more great content from Pario Magazine on our website. ------------------------------------------------------------- SUPPORT PARIO MAGAZINE & THE COMMENTARY BOOTH - PATREON - BUY MERCH - AMAZON PRIME VIDEO - TUBEBUDDY - Subscribe to AEW Plus using my code (q0yydoz) to earn $10 in FITE credit - Shop Online With Honey - Shop Online With Satechi MY EQUIPMENT - Elgato Facecam - Rode PodMic - Elgato Wave Mic Arm LP - Streamlabs Talk Studio FOLLOW JAMIE ON SOCIAL MEDIA - Twitter - Facebook - Instagram - TikTok FOLLOW PARIO MAGAZINE ON SOCIAL MEDIA - Twitter - Facebook - Instagram

    41 min

  6. 3 FEB

    'World Breaker' Brick Savage: How No Country For Old Men Fuels His Wrestling Chaos

    What does one of wrestling’s most intimidating forces have in common with one of cinema’s coldest villains? In this episode of The Commentary Booth: Live Via Satellite, Jamie Apps is joined by former Metroplex Champion ‘Worldbreaker’ Brick Savage, dialling in from Texas as he prepares for the Metroplex Wrestling Texas Rumble on February 7. The conversation spirals from the brutal deserts of No Country For Old Men into the psychology of modern pro wrestling, and it gets intense fast. Brick breaks down why the Coen Brothers’ neo-Western classic has stuck with him for years, from Anton Chigurh’s terrifying calm to the film’s obsession with fate, preparation, and consequences. He draws clear parallels between Javier Bardem’s methodical villain and his own in-ring philosophy, staying three steps ahead, never rushing, and letting inevitability do the damage. Highlights Breakdown: Why No Country For Old Men feels like a horror film without being one Anton Chigurh as the blueprint for a great wrestling villain Proactive vs reactive characters, in film and in the ring Building moments, not just matches How Texas, violence, and morality shape Brick Savage’s persona What fans should expect from Brick at the Metroplex Texas Rumble Brick’s advice on digging deep within to create an authentic and intimidating character Athena’s Influence: How the MPX owner and wrestling star is elevating the entire promotion Along the way, the pair unpack proactive versus reactive storytelling, why violence in film can be honest rather than gratuitous, and how wrestling characters, like movie villains, live or die by the smallest details. With the Texas Rumble looming, Brick also opens up about sacrifice, intimidation, and why being a force of nature still scares people in 2026. It’s part film analysis, part wrestling masterclass, and quietly one of the most revealing conversations Brick Savage has had on record. FOLLOW BRICK SAVAGE ON SOCIAL MEDIA: - Instagram - X/Twitter - Facebook - YouTube This week’s episode is brought to you by Australian Wrestling Cards Check out more great content from Pario Magazine on our website. ------------------------------------------------------------- SUPPORT PARIO MAGAZINE & THE COMMENTARY BOOTH - PATREON - BUY MERCH - AMAZON PRIME VIDEO - TUBEBUDDY - Subscribe to AEW Plus using my code (q0yydoz) to earn $10 in FITE credit - Shop Online With Honey - Shop Online With Satechi MY EQUIPMENT - Elgato Facecam - Rode PodMic - Elgato Wave Mic Arm LP - Streamlabs Talk Studio FOLLOW JAMIE ON SOCIAL MEDIA - Twitter - Facebook - Instagram - TikTok FOLLOW PARIO MAGAZINE ON SOCIAL MEDIA - Twitter - Facebook - Instagram

    32 min

  7. 27 JAN

    The Prestige Explained Through The eyes of Pro Wrestler JD Griffey

    Step into the ring where magic meets mayhem! In this captivating episode of The Commentary Booth: Live Via Satellite, host Jamie Apps sits down with five-time Metroplex Wrestling champion 'Shady' JD Griffey to explore how Christopher Nolan's masterpiece The Prestige mirrors the sacrifices, obsessions, and rivalries that define professional wrestling. As JD prepares for the chaotic Metroplex Wrestling Texas Rumble on February 7, he reveals how the film’s themes of obsession, sacrifice, and bitter rivalry might make it one of the most unintentionally honest films ever made about professional wrestling. Discover how the magician’s code is eerily similar to wrestling’s kayfabe, and why the greatest performance is the one the audience never fully sees. This is more than a film review; it’s a raw look at the cost of devotion and the art of deception in the world of sports entertainment. The conversation moves between film analysis and lived experience. The toll of kayfabe. The addiction to reactions. The fine line between dedication and self-destruction. There’s admiration here, but also discomfort. Wrestling, much like Nolan’s film, doesn’t flinch from the consequences of obsession, it just hides them better. Highlights Breakdown: - The Three Acts of Wrestling: How JD breaks down matches using the film's pledge, turn, and prestige structure - Living Two Incomplete Lives: The personal cost of maintaining kayfabe and character in the modern wrestling era - Obsession & Sacrifice: Why the best performers give 100% even when audiences only perceive 30-40% - The Matthew Palmer Rivalry: How JD's greatest opponent became someone who knew him better than family - Secrets of the Craft: JD's philosophy on protecting wrestling's magic in the age of social media and shows like WWE's Unreal - Texas Rumble Intentions: His vengeful plans for the February 7 Metroplex Wrestling Texas Rumble Tune in for a conversation that pulls no punches, blending film analysis with the gritty reality of the wrestling business. It’s a testament to the idea that to be the best, you must be willing to disappear and come back, for your art. FOLLOW JD GRIFFEY ON SOCIAL MEDIA: - Instagram - X/Twitter This week’s episode is brought to you by Australian Wrestling Cards Check out more great content from Pario Magazine on our website. ------------------------------------------------------------- SUPPORT PARIO MAGAZINE & THE COMMENTARY BOOTH - PATREON - BUY MERCH - AMAZON PRIME VIDEO - TUBEBUDDY - Subscribe to AEW Plus using my code (q0yydoz) to earn $10 in FITE credit - Shop Online With Honey - Shop Online With Satechi MY EQUIPMENT - Elgato Facecam - Rode PodMic - Elgato Wave Mic Arm LP - Streamlabs Talk Studio FOLLOW JAMIE ON SOCIAL MEDIA - Twitter - Facebook - Instagram - TikTok FOLLOW PARIO MAGAZINE ON SOCIAL MEDIA - Twitter - Facebook - Instagram

    28 min

  8. 20 JAN

    Australian Wrestling Story

    Pro wrestling has always lived somewhere between sport, theatre, and obsession. In this Live Via Satellite episode of The Commentary Booth, Jamie Apps sits down with writer and filmmaker Taleena Lee to explore that space, and the deeply personal journey behind her wrestling-themed anthology series, Australian Wrestling Story. What begins as a conversation about discovering wrestling in the most unexpected way slowly opens into something more intimate. Taleena traces her path from teenage fandom, through film school during COVID, to writing a six-part horror-infused TV series designed by a wrestling fan, for wrestling fans. Along the way, she speaks candidly about grief, creativity, and the strange comfort wrestling can offer when life gets heavy. Highlights Breakdown: How Taleena discovered wrestling through a storyline she initially hated The personal loss that shaped her connection to wrestling and storytelling Turning a film-school idea into a horror-infused wrestling anthology Why Australian Wrestling Story is being built for fans first Paying tribute to the Australian wrestling scene and its performers The challenges of creating independently, from writing to social media Drawing inspiration from Buffy the Vampire Slayer, American Horror Story, Yellowjackets, and the Australian independent wrestling scene, Australian Wrestling Story blends split timelines, psychological horror, and wrestling mythology into something that feels familiar but also unsettling in the best way. Taleena describes the show as “Dark Side of the Ring meets American Horror Story”, and once you hear her unpack it, that comparison sticks. Jamie and Taleena also dig into the realities of independent creation, wearing too many creative hats, building a grassroots audience online, and why paying respect to the Australian wrestling community sits at the heart of the project. It’s a thoughtful, occasionally funny, sometimes emotional conversation about storytelling, fandom, and why wrestling continues to resonate far beyond the ring. FOLLOW TALEENA ON SOCIAL MEDIA: - Instagram - TikTok This week’s episode is brought to you by Australian Wrestling Cards Check out more great content from Pario Magazine on our website. ------------------------------------------------------------- SUPPORT PARIO MAGAZINE & THE COMMENTARY BOOTH - PATREON - BUY MERCH - AMAZON PRIME VIDEO - TUBEBUDDY - Subscribe to AEW Plus using my code (q0yydoz) to earn $10 in FITE credit - Shop Online With Honey - Shop Online With Satechi MY EQUIPMENT - Elgato Facecam - Rode PodMic - Elgato Wave Mic Arm LP - Streamlabs Talk Studio FOLLOW JAMIE ON SOCIAL MEDIA - Twitter - Facebook - Instagram - TikTok FOLLOW PARIO MAGAZINE ON SOCIAL MEDIA - Twitter - Facebook - Instagram

    16 min
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About

The Commentary Booth is a weekly entertainment podcast where we watch, & you guessed it commentate on the week that was in movies & TV. Each week, Jamie & a rotating cast of colour commentators will review what they've been watching to help you find your next viewing treat.

Information

  • Creator
    Pario Magazine
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    272
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Show Website
    The Commentary Booth