Cinema Psychos Movie Reviews

Brian Cottington
  • 4.0 (25)
  • Film Reviews
  • Updated Weekly

Welcome to the madhouse where film freaks and film fans of all types come to get their fix. The Cinema Psychos Show is hosted by indie filmmakers Brian Cottington and John Wooliscroft. Every week they dig into new movie reviews, cult classics, horror films, bad movies, forgotten gems, and whatever's currently breaking (or disappointing) on streaming; all from the perspective of two guys who actually make films for a living. This isn't a recap show. Expect real film analysis, genuine comedy, deep dives into what makes movies actually work, and plenty of unfiltered opinions on why Hollywood keeps getting it wrong. New releases. Cult horror. 80s classics. Streaming disasters. If it's worth talking about or too insane to ignore; it's fair game.

  1. 2d ago

    I, TONYA: Nobody in This Movie is Telling the Truth (ft. KT Baldassaro)

    Tonya Harding loved skating. The skating world never loved her back — and I, Tonya (2017) is the mockumentary-style biopic that dares to ask: who's actually the villain here? Brian sits down with KT Baldassaro (MovieRunTime & What If I Don't Like It) to break down Margot Robbie's snubbed performance, Allison Janney's Oscar-winning turn as the worst mom in cinema, Sean Eckhardt's delusional hitman fantasy, and why the Academy has a track record of punishing dark comedy. CHAPTERS: Introduction [00:00] Why I, Tonya makes a surprisingly fun rewatch [02:17] A biopic that refuses to play by the rules [03:52] When every narrator tells their own truth [05:54] The uncomfortable comedy of Tonya's abuse [07:16] How the media rewrote the Nancy Kerrigan attack [09:49] The skating world's perfect underdog villain [12:59] Lavonna Harding and the making of a monster [15:20] The performances that turn cruelty into character [18:56] Jeff's obsession fuels the entire nightmare [21:18] Why leaving an abuser is never simple [23:53] Talent, trauma, and the coach who stays [28:00] When talent loses to image and corruption [30:45] Sean is the movie's most gloriously delusional creation [31:40] How the media turned a young woman into spectacle [36:56] Learning to recognize when the media is selling b******t [39:00] The manufactured rivalry that ruined Tonya's life [42:47] We all helped make Tonya the punchline [44:30] Why dark comedy can lose the awards race [48:01] 1. Margot Robbie's unforgettable transformation [55:22] 2. The makeup scene where madness takes over [57:32] 3. Breaking the fourth wall with devastating precision [59:25] Sean's confidence is built entirely on delusion [01:02:04] The hidden craft behind I, Tonya's skating effects [01:03:47] What's coming next on Movie Runtime [01:07:43] Where to find the show and keep the conversation going [01:14:50] FOLLOW THE SHOW: 🎧 Subscribe on your favorite podcast app: https://cinemapsychosshow.com/follow 📬 Subscribe to our newsletter to vote on upcoming movies: https://the-cinema-psychos-show.kit.com/9e9a267e76 GUEST: KT Baldassaro (MovieRunTime) — Host of "What If I Don't Like It?" https://open.spotify.com/show/2iyYtsB5zeuoCJZ3D3fKJt MAIN TITLE: "Red Alert"  AUTHOR: Jack Waldenmaier PUBLISHER: Music Bakery Publishing (BMI) WARNING: UNAUTHORIZED USE OF THE MUSIC CONTAINED IN THIS PRODUCTION IS SUBJECT TO CRIMINAL PROSECUTION. All copyrights, licensing, duplication and distribution rights are held exclusively by Music Bakery Publishing (BMI). 214-636-5887  musicbakery.com

    I, TONYA: Nobody in This Movie is Telling the Truth (ft. KT Baldassaro)

  2. Aug 13

    A League of Their Own (1992): Sibling Rivalry, Sexism & the Best Casting in Movie History

    A League of Their Own (1992) is the rare baseball movie that isn't really about baseball — it's a sibling rivalry story, a look at 1940s sexism, and (we'd argue) one of the best examples of age-accurate casting in film history. Brian and John break down Penny Marshall's classic: Tom Hanks' pivot from comedy to the dramatic roles that led to Cast Away and Forrest Gump, the Kit/Dottie rivalry that drives the whole plot, what the film gets right (and skips) on race and sexism in the 1940s, and the ending debate that still splits fans. A movie reaction and deep-dive discussion for baseball fans and non-sports fans alike. 00:00 Introduction — A League of Their Own (1992) Review 03:53 A League of Their Own's Real Story: Sibling Rivalry Between Kit & Dottie 14:54 The Least "Baseball" Baseball Movie Ever Made 17:31 A League of Their Own and 1940s Sexism, Explained 25:05 Tom Hanks: Comedy vs. Drama in A League of Their Own 34:01 Did Dottie Drop the Ball on Purpose? (Ending Debate) 44:12 What A League of Their Own Gets Wrong on Race & Queer Representation 50:19 Every Character's Arc in A League of Their Own 54:52 The Best Age-Accurate Casting in Movie History 58:12 A League of Their Own: Listener Reviews 01:06:10 Final Thoughts on A League of Their Own (1992) FOLLOW THE SHOW: 🎧 Follow on your favorite podcast app: https://cinemapsychoshow.com/follow 🚨 Subscribe to our newsletter!- https://the-cinema-psychos-show.kit.com/9e9a267e76 MAIN TITLE: "Red Alert"  AUTHOR: Jack Waldenmaier PUBLISHER: Music Bakery Publishing (BMI) WARNING: UNAUTHORIZED USE OF THE MUSIC CONTAINED IN THIS PRODUCTION IS SUBJECT TO CRIMINAL PROSECUTION. All copyrights, licensing, duplication and distribution rights are held exclusively by Music Bakery Publishing (BMI). 214-636-5887  musicbakery.com

    A League of Their Own (1992): Sibling Rivalry, Sexism & the Best Casting in Movie History

  3. Aug 8 ·  Bonus

    Spider-Man: Brand New Day Is a MESS...But It's GREAT! | Bonus Episode

    Spider-Man: Brand New Day is a beautiful mess...and we're here for it! We weren't planning on covering this one — but after seeing Spider-Man: Brand New Day, we had to record an emergency bonus episode. Brian and John break down why this is the most grounded, consequence-driven Spider-Man movie the MCU has made yet, the surprisingly great Punisher subplot, Florence Pugh's instantly-memeable "small potatoes" scene, and how this film borrows more from Raimi's Spider-Man 2 than any prior MCU entry. ⏱️ TIMESTAMPS 0:00 – Intro: why this bonus episode exists 1:58 – Taking our kids to see it (and the No Way Home nostalgia) 3:08 – Marvel's weird, endless X-Men teasing problem 4:41 – Why this movie finally takes Spider-Man seriously 6:08 – The Punisher is back, and he's incredible in this 6:29 – Florence Pugh's "small potatoes" scene (already a meme) 10:58 – What does the Hulk actually do in this movie? 12:52 – The Punisher's chili speech (light spoilers) 15:02 – The six-armed Spider-Man that almost happened 15:22 – Organic webbing and growing into the powers 19:03 – That post-credits scene & the tease 19:25 – Final scores: do we both land on 8/10? 20:24 – Wrap-up & where to find us Light spoilers past the timestamp marked above — we keep the ending under wraps. FOLLOW THE SHOW: 🎧 Follow on your favorite podcast app: https://cinemapsychoshow.com/follow 🚨 Subscribe to our newsletter!- https://the-cinema-psychos-show.kit.com/9e9a267e76

    Spider-Man: Brand New Day Is a MESS...But It's GREAT! | Bonus Episode

  4. Aug 8

    The Rutles | The Beatles Parody That Left Paul McCartney PISSED!

    Eric Idle and Lorne Michaels teamed up in 1978 to make the greatest Beatles parody you've probably never seen — and it worked so well that Paul McCartney sent back a real letter saying he didn't find it funny, while John Lennon loved it so much he never returned his copy. This week on Cinema Psycho Show, Brian and John dig into The Rutles: All You Need Is Cash, the SNL-adjacent mockumentary packed with John Belushi, Dan Aykroyd, Bill Murray, Gilda Radner, Mick Jagger, and even George Harrison himself. We break down the Beatles history it's spoofing, argue about whether you need to be a Beatles fan to get the jokes, compare it to Spinal Tap and Young Frankenstein, and read your listener reviews. CHAPTERS: Introduction [00:00] The Rutles: A mockumentary history of the Beatles [01:10] The BBC mockumentary behind The Rutles [02:40] The Rutles blends Beatles history with Monty Python humor [03:59] Early SNL stars and the film's celebrity cameos [04:34] Discovering The Rutles as a child and revisiting it as a Beatles fan [07:29] Why The Rutles did not connect with every viewer [10:04] The Beatles' Hamburg years and the importance of context [14:24] The Rutles follows the Beatles' history through parody [17:21] Sight gags, archival footage, and the film's comic style [22:54] The surprisingly strong music of The Rutles [23:30] The Rutles corporation satirizes 1960s idealism [27:42] Why mockumentaries need a recognizable subject [29:04] How The Rutles compares with other mockumentaries [34:10] The Rutles' broadcast history and American reception [37:22] The sequel revisits The Rutles through celebrity commentary [39:08] Listener reviews of The Rutles [41:10] A collection of sketches with a thin plot [41:57] Chastity and the film's most outrageous joke [45:50] The music is excellent, but the parody stays close to the Beatles [51:21] Birthday wishes and final thoughts on The Rutles [56:56] Share the episode and tell us what you think [59:17] FOLLOW THE SHOW: 🎧 Subscribe on your favorite podcast app: https://cinemapsychoshow.com/follow 🚨 Subscribe to our newsletter!- https://the-cinema-psychos-show.kit.com/9e9a267e76   CO-HOST: John's Channel- https://www.youtube.com/@JDUBSVIDEONASTIES

    The Rutles | The Beatles Parody That Left Paul McCartney PISSED!

  5. Jul 28

    Super (2010): Is James Gunn's TWISTED Superhero Movie Really That Awful? | Ft. Josh Axelrod

    This is a spoiler-filled review and discussion of Super (2010), directed by James Gunn and starring Rainn Wilson and Elliot Page, covering the film's violence, its most divisive scene, and what it means that its director now runs DC Studios. Before James Gunn was directing Superman, he wrote and directed Super (2010) — and it's way darker than you remember. Brian and John are joined by Josh Axelrod, Director of Media & Press Relations at the Lindsay Theater, to break down Super (2010) — and this time, our guest actually came in ready to fight us on it.   Super (2010) Quick Facts: Director/Writer: James Gunn — before Guardians of the Galaxy and his current role as co-CEO of DC Studios Starring: Rainn Wilson, Elliot Page, Liv Tyler, Kevin Bacon Budget: $2.5 million | Box Office: ~$593,000 Genre: Dark Comedy / Superhero | Runtime: 96 min | Rating: R In this Super (2010) review, we cover James Gunn's unfiltered Troma origins and how they bleed into this movie, whether Frank Darbo is a hero or just a fundamentally broken person the film never makes answer for, the uncomfortable racial coding in who Frank targets, the sexual assault scene that still divides horror and superhero fans alike, and how this $2.5 million flop somehow became the blueprint for the guy now running DC Studios. Plus: our listener and critic reviews segment. No spoiler-free zone here — full spoilers ahead, so watch the movie first if you're avoiding them. Super (2010) | Director: James Gunn | Starring: Rainn Wilson, Elliot Page, Liv Tyler, Kevin Bacon | Genre: Dark Comedy / Superhero | Runtime: 96 min | Rating: R   CHAPTERS: 0:00 – Cold Open: "The Movie You're Defending, Brian" 0:15 – Welcome + Super (2010) Episode Setup 6:55 – Super Synopsis (Spoiler-Free) 5:32 – James Gunn's Unfiltered Troma Origins 14:51 – The Budget vs. The Box Office Flop 19:07 – What Is Super Actually Saying About Vigilantism? 25:35 – The Racial Coding Debate 39:43 – Trigger Warning: The Sexual Assault Scene, Examined 56:50 – Is Frank a Hero or a Fundamentally Broken Person? 1:05:13 – From Troma to DC Studios: Gunn's Full Trajectory 1:08:38 – Listener & Critic Reviews 1:18:34 – Does the Movie Let Frank Off the Hook? 1:23:12 – Josh Talks the Lindsay Theater & Pittsburgh's Film Scene 1:31:39 – Follow the Show + Sign Off   FAQ Is Super (2010) based on a true story? No — it's an original story written and directed by James Gunn about an amateur vigilante. Who plays Frank in Super (2010)? Rainn Wilson. Who plays Boltie in Super (2010)? Elliot Page. Is Super (2010) hard to watch? Yes — we break down its most divisive scene, including a trigger warning, starting at 39:43. What is James Gunn's connection to DC Studios? He's currently co-CEO of DC Studios and directed Superman (2025) — we trace how Super (2010) fits into that path starting at 1:05:13.   FOLLOW THE SHOW: 🎧 Subscribe on your favorite podcast app: https://cinemapsychoshow.com/follow   GUEST: Josh Axelrod — Director of Media & Press Relations, Lindsay Theater (Sewickley, PA) | https://www.instagram.com/jaxel22/   CO-HOST: John's Channel- https://www.youtube.com/@JDUBSVIDEONASTIES   Rainn Wilson's performance walks a wild line in this movie — and we still can't agree on whether Frank is a hero or just a guy who got lucky. Drop your reaction below — hero, menace, or both? 😳

    Super (2010): Is James Gunn's TWISTED Superhero Movie Really That Awful? | Ft. Josh Axelrod

  6. Jul 22

    Fargo (1996): The Coen Brothers' "Funny Looking" Dark Comedy | Ft. Katie & Nat of The VHS Club

    Fargo (1996) turns 30 this year. On this episode of The Cinema Psycho Show, hosts Brian and John are joined by Katie and Nat from The VHS Club podcast to revisit the Coen brothers' Minnesota crime classic — including why detective Marge Gunderson spent most of the investigation with almost nothing to go on but a single vague description of her "funny looking" suspect. In this episode: Why Fargo's dialogue rewards a rewatch more than almost any crime film of the '90s Marge Gunderson's investigation, and how one bystander's description of a "funny looking" suspect drives the entire back half of the movie The real production story behind the movie's snow (there wasn't enough of it) A live read-through of listener and Letterboxd reviews of Fargo, 30 years later Final ratings and verdict from Brian, John, Katie, and Nat Quick answers: Is Fargo based on a true story? No. Despite the film's opening title card, Fargo is a work of fiction — a detail the Coens have confirmed for decades, and one the hosts dig into on this episode. Where does Fargo take place? Mostly in Brainerd, Minnesota — not the city of Fargo, North Dakota, despite the title. Who stars in Fargo? Frances McDormand as Marge Gunderson, William H. Macy as Jerry Lundegaard, Steve Buscemi as Carl Showalter, and Peter Stormare as Gaear Grimsrud. Who directed Fargo? Joel and Ethan Coen (the Coen brothers), released in 1996. CHAPTERS: Introduction [00:00] Diverting from horror to the frozen tundra [01:17] Welcome back the VHS club [02:12] Why Fargo is a summer movie [02:46] The setting is the main character [05:30] A synopsis from IMDb [07:42] The truth about the 'true story' [09:57] Meet Jerry Lundegaard and the goons [11:20] The genius of Coen brothers dialogue [13:13] The opening scene foreshadows everything [15:06] Jerry's terrible plan and why he needs money [17:05] Jerry forgets he has a son [19:22] The worst executive salesman ever [21:29] The goons head to Brainerd [22:52] Peter Stormare's character and his weird gear [25:41] The quiet violence turns dark [26:32] Enter the greatest detective in cinema [28:27] Marge: Super pregnant, super capable [30:30] Norm and Marge's relationship goals [32:09] Why the dark humor works in Minnesota [32:53] The kidnapping scene is both ridiculous and believable [35:08] The wood chipper scene and Coen brothers' sorcery [37:54] Marge puts the pieces together [39:40] The infamous TruCoat scene [40:42] Wade's stubbornness leads to disaster [42:00] Jerry's parking lot scheme and the $750,000 lie [44:40] The strange Mike Yanagita subplot [48:56] Everyone gets what they deserve [54:55] Jerry's guttural scream and final capture [58:50] The perfect, innocuous ending [01:01:50] Review time: The audience weighs in [01:04:47] Review 1: Ned Flanders origin story [01:06:25] Review 2: She never got to see how funny looking he was [01:07:38] Review 3: A negative review and oldflation [01:08:45] Review 4: Identifying with Steve Buscemi [01:12:49] What's happening at the VHS club? [01:15:17] Where to find everyone and sign off [01:19:53] 🚨 Subscribe to our newsletter!- https://the-cinema-psychos-show.kit.com/9e9a267e76 🎬 More from Katie & Nat: The VHS Club podcast — https://www.thevhsclubpod.com/ 🔔 New Cinema Psychos Show episodes weekly — https://cinemapsychosshow.com/

    Fargo (1996): The Coen Brothers' "Funny Looking" Dark Comedy | Ft. Katie & Nat of The VHS Club

  7. Jul 13

    Obsession: Inde Navarrette's Performance Will Haunt You | Ft. Jordan Dwayne (Jordan The Grey Witch)

    This is a spoiler-filled review and discussion of Obsession (2026), directed by Curry Barker and starring Inde Navarrette and Michael Johnston, covering the film's themes, performances, and ending. Obsession is finally on digital — and Inde Navarrette's performance as Nikki is going to haunt you. Brian and John are joined by returning guest Jordan the Grey Witch to break down Curry Barker's indie horror hit that's outgrossing studio tentpoles on a fraction of the budget — including why Bear might have the most punchable face in horror this year. We cover why this "nice guy" is actually the real monster of the movie, the wish-stick logic and how it compares to Monkey's Paw-style horror, our favorite "holy sh*t" scenes, how Obsession stacks up against Twilight Zone's "The Chaser" and Tales from the Crypt, and why original horror is quietly beating the box office right now. Plus: our Letterboxd reviews segment — including a trivia-night warning you need to hear. No spoiler-free zone here — full spoilers ahead once we get past the setup, so watch or listen to the movie first if you're avoiding them. Obsession (2026) | Director: Curry Barker | Starring: Inde Navarrette, Michael Johnston, Cooper Tomlinson | Genre: Horror | Runtime: 110 min | Rating: R Chapters: 0:00 - Cold Open: "Bear Has a Punchable Face" 0:15 - Welcome + Obsession Hits Digital 2:46 - Why Indie Horror Is Beating Studio Blockbusters 5:20 - Episode Setup 5:54 - Obsession Synopsis (Spoiler-Free) 7:22 - Behind the Scenes: The Art Director Pay Controversy 13:17 - The Real Villain: Bear's Nice-Guy Entitlement 25:42 - The Wish Stick: MacGuffin Logic and Rules 28:17 - What Would You Wish For? 32:53 - Holy Sh*t Moments: Our Favorite Scenes 47:19 - The Ending Explained 51:26 - Obsession vs. Tales from the Crypt and Twilight Zone 55:35 - Nikki vs. Pearl: Comparing Horror's Best Unhinged Performances 1:00:24 - Letterboxd Reviews (Do NOT Do Trivia) 1:07:32 - What's New With the Hosts 1:09:48 - Where to Find Everyone 1:10:57 - Sign Off 🚨 Subscribe to our newsletter!- https://the-cinema-psychos-show.kit.com/9e9a267e76 FAQ Is Obsession based on a true story? No — it's an original story inspired by "be careful what you wish for" horror like The Monkey's Paw. Who plays Nikki in Obsession? Inde Navarrette. Who plays Bear in Obsession? Michael Johnston. Is Obsession scary? Yes — we break down why in this episode, including Navarrette's performance and the film's most unsettling scenes. What does the ending of Obsession mean? We explain it in detail starting at 47:19. Guest: Jordan the Grey Witch — find her on TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube @JordanTheGreyWitch https://www.tiktok.com/@jordanthegreywitch  https://bsky.app/profile/jordanthegreywitch.bsky.social  https://www.instagram.com/jordandwayne/ Inde Navarrette's performance in this movie is unreal. And can we talk about Bear having the most punchable face in horror? Let us know what you thought of Curry Barker's Obsession. Enjoyed this episode? The best way to support the show is by leaving us a rating and review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify — it genuinely helps other horror fans find us.

    Obsession: Inde Navarrette's Performance Will Haunt You | Ft. Jordan Dwayne (Jordan The Grey Witch)

  8. Jul 6

    Born on the Fourth of July (1989) | Tom Cruise's Best Performance?

    Happy 4th of July — we're doing it differently this year! Brian and John are joined by returning guest Henry O'Brien (Film Obsessive / Stuff I Watched Substack) to review Oliver Stone's BORN ON THE FOURTH OF JULY (1989) — and make the case that this is not just Tom Cruise's best performance, but one of the most underseen masterworks of American cinema. In this episode: • Why Stone's 5-act structure is a deliberate rejection of war film conventions • Tom Cruise vs. Eyes Wide Shut — where does Ron Kovic rank? • Willem Dafoe in Mexico: Robert Eggers crazy vs. balls-to-the-wall crazy • Stone & Sorkin as two sides of the same American myth coin 📬 Follow Henry O'Brien: • Film Obsessive: filmobsessive.com • Substack: Stuff I Watched • Twitter/X: @realHenryOBrien • Letterboxd: @HenryOBrien23   ⏱️ CHAPTERS 00:00 Cold open — is this Cruise's best? 01:54 Celebrating the 4th of July with Controversy 03:06 1. BBQ on the 4th of July 05:21 2. War Movies on the 4th of July 05:44 Discussing Born on the Fourth of July 18:39 Synopsis of Born on the Fourth of July 20:01 The Film's Portrayal of Propaganda and PTSD 25:21 The Use of Music in the Film 28:28 Comparing Born on the Fourth of July to Apocalypse Now 51:05 Audience's Favorite July 4th Movies 51:23 1. Jaws 53:34 2. Independence Day 2 55:48 3. Yankee Doodle Dandy and Hamilton 58:53 Hosts' Social Media and Upcoming Content 🚨 Subscribe to our newsletter!- https://the-cinema-psychos-show.kit.com/9e9a267e76   Find The Cinema Psychos Show on Youtube - 🔴 * SUBSCRIBE on YOUTUBE and SMASH THAT BELL TO OBLIVION!  — https://www.youtube.com/@cinemapsychospod?Sub_Confirmation=1 * Watch more episodes here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLmrw92zmCK5VBHWrF0807eeUEypGRd9bW * J Dub's Video Nasties (John's awesome movie channel)  - https://www.youtube.com/@JDUBSVIDEONASTIES/   Follow The Cinema Psychos Show on Socials ❤️‍🔥: * Discord: https://discord.gg/mXBaS5bTKg * Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cinemapsychosshow * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cinemapsychospod * Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cinemapsychospod * Threads: https://www.threads.net/@cinemapsychospod   Listen to The Cinema Psychos Show on: * Spotify: https://rebrand.ly/0v6eeno * Apple: https://rebrand.ly/j5nrkp7 * Amazon: https://rebrand.ly/5x5hzng * Goodpods: https://rebrand.ly/picstv6 OR LISTEN ON YOUR FAVORITE PODCAST APP! https://cinemapsychosshow.com/follow   MAIN TITLE: "Red Alert" AUTHOR: Jack Waldenmaier PUBLISHER: Music Bakery Publishing (BMI) WARNING: UNAUTHORIZED USE OF THE MUSIC CONTAINED IN THIS PRODUCTION IS SUBJECT TO CRIMINAL PROSECUTION. All copyrights, licensing, duplication and distribution rights are held exclusively by Music Bakery Publishing (BMI). 214-636-5887 musicbakery.com

    Born on the Fourth of July (1989) | Tom Cruise's Best Performance?
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Welcome to the madhouse where film freaks and film fans of all types come to get their fix. The Cinema Psychos Show is hosted by indie filmmakers Brian Cottington and John Wooliscroft. Every week they dig into new movie reviews, cult classics, horror films, bad movies, forgotten gems, and whatever's currently breaking (or disappointing) on streaming; all from the perspective of two guys who actually make films for a living. This isn't a recap show. Expect real film analysis, genuine comedy, deep dives into what makes movies actually work, and plenty of unfiltered opinions on why Hollywood keeps getting it wrong. New releases. Cult horror. 80s classics. Streaming disasters. If it's worth talking about or too insane to ignore; it's fair game.

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