Cinema Psychos Movie Reviews

Brian Cottington

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. 1d ago

    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
  2. 1d ago ·  Bonus

    You Might Also Like: The Oprah Podcast

    Introducing What End-of-Life Dreams Can Teach Us About Living, with Hospice Doctor Christopher Kerr from The Oprah Podcast. Follow the show: The Oprah Podcast Oprah is joined by neurologist and hospice physician Dr. Chris Kerr to explore the mysterious phenomenon of end-of-life visitations. Through decades of research and his life-affirming book Death Is But a Dream Dr. Kerr’s work has sparked a profound paradigm shift reframing so-called “deathbed dreams” as very real end-of-life experiences. Dr. Kerr and his team have conducted more than 1,500 interviews with fully lucid patients nearing life’s end. Again and again patients describe vivid encounters with deceased loved ones that feel not dream-like, but strikingly real. Those who appear are often the people they loved most deeply—the ones who mattered most in their lives. In this episode you'll also hear from a woman whose mother experienced an “end-of-life awakening”—a phenomenon known as terminal lucidity, in which a dying person temporarily regains mental clarity and awareness, often using those precious final moments to say goodbye to loved ones. DISCLAIMER: Please note, this is an independent podcast episode not affiliated with, endorsed by, or produced in conjunction with the host podcast feed or any of its media entities. The views and opinions expressed in this episode are solely those of the creators and guests. For any concerns, please reach out to team@podroll.fm.

    You Might Also Like: The Oprah Podcast
  3. 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
  4. 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)
  5. 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?
  6. Jun 23

    Masters of The Universe (1987): EPIC or AWESOMELY BAD? | Ft. Justin from Epic Film Guys

    Masters of The Universe (1987) is the ultimate 80s movie debate. Is it a sci-fi epic, or is it a glorious, awesomely bad disaster? Let's find out. When Mattel teamed up with Cannon Films—a studio legendary for running on sheer sweat, blood, and wild choices—to bring He-Man to the big screen, the results were unforgettable. In this episode, the Cinema Psychos are joined by Justin from Epic Film Guys to dissect a film that completely chose its own path We break down how a $22 million budget led the filmmakers to abandon Eternia for Earth, why Dolph Lundgren's live-action debut remains iconic, and how Frank Langella's legendary, scene-stealing performance as Skeletor single-handedly carried the movie. From Star Wars influences to Gwildor's strange obsession with Earthly fried chicken, we leave no stone unturned in this retro movie deep dive.   🕒 CHAPTERS: 0:00 The Glorious Chaos of Cannon Films & Mattel 3:15 Falling in Love with Skeletor 6:20 80s Kids Debate: He-Man vs. TMNT 12:14 Behind the Scenes: The $22 Million Budget 21:08 Leaving Eternia: Why He-Man Landed on Earth 28:16 Is it Star Wars? Lasers, Swords, and Light Whips 42:46 Gwildor's Obsession with Fried Chicken & Ribs 52:00 Reading the Wildest Fan Reviews 1:02:40 The Final Verdict: Epic or Awesomely Bad?   🎙️ Find Justin and Epic Film Guys!: https://epicfilmguys.com 🚨 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

    Masters of The Universe (1987): EPIC or AWESOMELY BAD? | Ft. Justin from Epic Film Guys
  7. Jun 16

    We Watched The Stepfather (2009) So You Don't Have To | EPISODE 400!!

    🚨 Subscribe to our newsletter!- https://the-cinema-psychos-show.kit.com/9e9a267e76 🎉 EPISODE 400 🎉 — and we're celebrating with the remake nobody asked for. For Father's Day, BrIan and John are joined by Old Man Brad (Tomb of Terrors podcast) to review THE STEPFATHER (2009) — a PG-13 slasher remake so soulless it makes you appreciate the original even more. In this episode: • Is Dylan Walsh doing Nip/Tuck or pantomiming Terry O'Quinn? • The movie called "The Stepfather" where he's never actually a stepfather • Amber Heard's entire wardrobe: one bikini, repeated indefinitely • The most baffling grocery store meet-cute in horror history • Why this guy's browser history is his biggest threat • A "Happy Together" cover that perfectly encapsulates everything wrong with the film   CHAPTERS: Introduction [00:00] Episode 400 introduction [01:23] Celebrating Father's Day with Stepfather 2009 [01:40] Special guest, Old Man Brad [02:14] 1st Stepfather film [02:33] To the fathers of steps [03:39] Synopsis of Stepfather 2009 [09:16] Thoughts on the remake [09:48] Dylan Walsh as the Stepfather [16:24] Thoughts on Dylan Walsh's performance [18:39] Criticizing the exposition and plot holes [25:11] Criticizing Amber Heard's wardrobe [32:09] 1st kill: the cat lady [36:48] Criticizing the attic scene [55:53] Criticizing David's character [57:04] The ending [01:01:43] Brad's future plans for Tomb of Terrors [01:18:37] Final thoughts [01:19:53] John's final thoughts [01:20:49] Outro and call to action [01:24:14]   🎙️ Find Old Man Brad at Tomb of Terrors: https://open.spotify.com/show/1qzZ94eNzehFwsnOk1VDes 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

    We Watched The Stepfather (2009) So You Don't Have To | EPISODE 400!!

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About

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.