The Commentary Booth

Pario Magazine
  • 4.9 (17)
  • Film Reviews
  • Updated Weekly

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. 1d ago

    American Pie 2 - 25th Anniversary Review

    This week on The Commentary Booth, we celebrate the 25th anniversary of American Pie 2 as Jamie Apps is joined by Nick L’Barrow from World Of Screens and Nick’s Flicks Fix for a nostalgic trip back to one of the defining teen comedies of the early 2000s. Jamie and Nick dig into what made this teen sex comedy a defining piece of early-2000s pop culture — from its stacked pop-punk soundtrack (Blink-182, Alien Ant Farm, Weezer) to the film's surprisingly sweet emotional core beneath the raunch. They talk nostalgia, cringe-inducing pre-9/11 airport scenes, the birth of "MILF" as a cultural term, and why Stifler remains one of the most oddly endearing idiots in comedy history. Highlights Breakdown: - 25 Years of American Pie 2: Does the 2001 sequel still deliver the laughs, or has time caught up with the American Pie franchise? - The Ultimate Early 2000s Time Capsule: From Blink-182 and Alien Ant Farm to bucket hats, cargo shorts and questionable fashion choices, we explore why the film's soundtrack and style are such a huge part of its nostalgic appeal. - The Heart Beneath the Chaos: Jim, Michelle, Oz, Heather, Finch and even Stifler are all growing up, and underneath the crude humour is a surprisingly relatable story about friendship, love and figuring out who you are. - The Funniest Moments: We revisit the superglue disaster, the infamous "Lesbians" storyline, the Shermanator, the Rule of Three and the film's talent for taking every joke just one step further than expected. - Has American Pie 2 Aged Well?: Jamie and Nick look at the film through a modern lens, discussing the jokes that haven't aged quite as well while exploring why the movie has held up better than some of its early 2000s comedy contemporaries. The pair also dive into the film's incredible pop-punk soundtrack, its unmistakable early 2000s fashion, and the little details that make American Pie 2 feel like a genuine time capsule of an era. They discuss how the film's humour has aged, the cultural differences between watching it as a teenager and revisiting it as an adult, and whether the sweetness underneath all the crude jokes is ultimately what has helped the movie survive the test of time. 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

  2. Jul 21

    The Odyssey Review (SPOILER FREE) | Christopher Nolan's Greatest Movie Yet?

    Christopher Nolan has built a career on creating unforgettable cinematic experiences, but has he delivered his greatest achievement yet? This week on The Commentary Booth, Jamie Apps is joined by 'That Movie Guy' Harry Argyle from the Love Death & Movies podcast to dive deep into The Odyssey, Nolan's breathtaking adaptation of Homer's legendary Greek epic. From jaw-dropping IMAX cinematography and terrifying mythological creatures to emotionally charged performances and surprisingly timely themes, there's plenty to unpack. The pair discuss why The Odyssey feels destined to become one of the defining cinema experiences of the decade, whether its near three-hour runtime flies by, the standout performances from Matt Damon, Tom Holland and Robert Pattinson, and why the Cyclops sequence may be one of the most intense scenes Nolan has ever directed. Highlights Breakdown: - Why The Odyssey is a genuine "must-see in IMAX" experience. - Breaking down the film's chapter-based storytelling and epic pacing. - The terrifying Cyclops encounter and Nolan's unexpected horror influences. - Matt Damon, Tom Holland and Robert Pattinson's standout performances. - How the film explores war, shame, regret and the psychological scars of conflict. - Incredible behind-the-scenes facts about filming entirely with IMAX cameras. - Jamie and Harry reveal their final ratings and whether this is the best film of 2026. They also explore the film's powerful themes of war, regret, PTSD and redemption, debate where it ranks among Nolan's impressive filmography. Jamie and Harry also break down why this is the movie you need to see on the biggest screen possible. From Nolan's custom mirror rig built to help actors maintain eye contact around a giant IMAX camera, to the 610 kilometres of 70mm film used in production. If you're wondering whether The Odyssey lives up to the enormous expectations surrounding Christopher Nolan's latest blockbuster, this spoiler-free discussion has you covered. 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

  3. Jul 14

    Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens | 50th Anniversary Review

    The Force has awakened once again on The Commentary Booth as Jamie Apps and Corrina Mabey continue their journey through the Star Wars saga by revisiting Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens. Released a decade after the franchise's last big-screen outing, The Force Awakens carried the enormous responsibility of reintroducing Star Wars to a new generation while satisfying millions of long-time fans. Did Disney play it too safe, or was revisiting familiar territory exactly what the galaxy far, far away needed? Jamie and Corrina dive into the film's legacy, discussing how J.J. Abrams blended nostalgia with new ideas through the introduction of Rey, Finn, Poe Dameron and Kylo Ren. They explore the film's striking visual effects, the emotional return of Han Solo, Leia Organa and Luke Skywalker, and why Daisy Ridley's Rey became an instant icon for a new generation of Star Wars fans. The pair also examine the sequel trilogy's biggest criticism, that The Force Awakens is essentially a modern retelling of A New Hope. From desert scavengers and cantinas to planet-destroying super weapons and emotional family confrontations, they break down the similarities and debate whether Disney's cautious approach ultimately helped or hurt the trilogy's future. Highlights Breakdown: The "Rehash" Debate: Was The Force Awakens a clever homage to the original trilogy or just a lazy copy-paste? First Star Wars Memories Kylo Ren Unmasked: Adam Driver's performance, the iconic cross-guard lightsaber, and the character's terrifying rage Han Solo's Fate: Did Harrison Ford get the send-off he deserved? The Rey Problem: Why was this character so beloved, and why did the subsequent films fail to capitalise on her potential? Visuals & Easter Eggs: From the "Wilson" blood handprint to the Nazi-esque First Order imagery, nothing is missed. Along the way, they discuss Adam Driver's memorable performance as Kylo Ren, Finn's unique perspective as a former stormtrooper, the emotional impact of Han Solo's death, the film's fascinating horror-inspired Force visions, and why BB-8 quickly became one of the franchise's most beloved droids. Whether you're a lifelong Star Wars devotee or discovering the sequel trilogy for the first time, join us as we revisit one of the most important and divisive chapters in modern blockbuster filmmaking. 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

  4. Jul 7

    Stone Creek Killer Review + Director Interview

    Can a gripping psychological thriller still surprise seasoned horror fans? This week on The Commentary Booth, Jamie Apps and Corrina Mabey dive into Stone Creek Killer, the chilling indie thriller that blends small-town paranoia, supernatural mystery and classic slasher influences into one suspenseful experience. Directed by Robert Enriquez, Stone Creek Killer follows police chief Karl Harding (Clayne Crawford) as he battles alcoholism, buried trauma and the terrifying possibility that he may somehow be connected to a series of brutal murders devastating his quiet town. As suspicion falls on everyone, a psychic plagued by disturbing visions may hold the only clues capable of stopping the killer before another victim falls. Jamie and Corrina discuss why the film's unpredictable mystery stands out in a genre that often reveals its hand too early. They explore the eerie atmosphere, unsettling soundtrack, practical visual effects, memorable performances and the slow-burning tension that keeps audiences second-guessing every suspect until the shocking conclusion. Jamie also sits down with director Robert Enriquez for an exclusive in-depth interview about bringing the project to life and the possibility of expanding Stone Creek Killer into a TV series. Highlights Breakdown: - Why small-town settings create the perfect backdrop for psychological thrillers. - Creating Stone Creek Killer on a budget of under $300,000 in just ten shooting days. - Balancing supernatural elements with grounded detective storytelling. - Building an unpredictable mystery without sacrificing character development. - How atmosphere, sound design and practical filmmaking techniques elevate the suspense. DVD Giveaway! Thanks to Hold Fast Public Relations and Eagle Entertainment, we're giving away three Stone Creek Killer DVDs! To enter: - Head to our Instagram post for this episode. - Tell us your favourite slasher movie in the comments. - Winners will be contacted via DM on Monday. Whether you're a fan of slow-burn thrillers, psychological horror, murder mysteries or independent filmmaking, this episode offers an in-depth look at one of the year's most intriguing indie releases. Stone Creek Killer is available to rent or buy now! 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

  5. Jun 30

    Supergirl 2026 Review: Millie Alcock Saves a Flawed DCU Sequel

    After nearly two decades of development hell across Warner Bros., Sony, and Netflix, the film finally landed on Amazon Studios—but does Masters of the Universe live up to the hype and legacy? James Gunn's rebooted DC Universe continues with Supergirl, the second cinematic chapter following the success of Superman, but does Kara Zor-El's solo adventure soar to the same heights? On this episode of The Commentary Booth, Jamie Apps is joined by Todd Eastman to break down Craig Gillespie's cosmic superhero adventure starring Australian actress Milly Alcock as Kara Zor-El. Together, they explore how Supergirl delivers a vastly different experience to Superman, trading bright optimism for a darker, more personal story centred on grief, identity, revenge, and belonging. Jamie and Todd discuss Milly Alcock's standout performance, the emotional depth she brings to a character carrying the trauma of Krypton's destruction, and why her rebellious interpretation of Supergirl offers a fascinating contrast to David Corenswet's hopeful Superman. They also examine the film's strengths, including its world-building, the introduction of different-coloured suns, emotional character moments, and surprising humour. Highlights Breakdown: - Milly Alcock's star-making performance as Supergirl - Why Kara Zor-El is the perfect foil to Superman - The emotional themes of grief, heritage, legacy and belonging - Jason Momoa's first appearance as Lobo - The introduction of red, yellow and green suns in the DCU - Did the film suffer from major editing cuts? - The future of the DCU and upcoming projects including Lanterns and Clayface The boys go deep on what makes this one different from Superman — for better and for worse — and come out the other side with a verdict that's more generous than the critical pile-on suggested it deserved. 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

  6. Jun 23

    Psycho Killer Review: The Horror Film Limp Bizkit's Fred Durst Almost Directed

    A serial killer obsessed with opening the gates of hell. A grieving police officer determined to stop him. A screenplay from the writer of Se7en. On paper, Psycho Killer sounds like the next great horror thriller. So what went wrong? This week on The Commentary Booth, host Jamie Apps and Corrina Mabey dive into the 2026 horror thriller Psycho Killer, directed by Gavin Polone and written by Andrew Kevin Walker. The film follows police officer Jane Archer as she hunts the infamous "Satanic Slasher" after witnessing the brutal murder of her husband. The pair break down what makes the film's opening act so effective, from its tense atmosphere and intimidating villain to Georgina Campbell's compelling lead performance. They also discuss why the film's promising setup slowly unravels as increasingly complicated storylines, political undertones and shocking twists pull the narrative away from its strongest elements. Jamie and Corrina dig into why a script with this much pedigree behind it still managed to fall apart, and how a movie originally set to be directed by Limp Bizkit's Fred Durst somehow ended up worse off without him. Highlights Breakdown: - Why are the opening 30 minutes the strongest part of the film? - The terrifying presence of the Satanic Slasher - How the film's twists and subplots derail the central story - The surprising history of Fred Durst's involvement - Comparisons to Se7en and other iconic serial killer thrillers - The film's controversial ending and sequel possibilities Was Psycho Killer an underrated horror gem, or another example of a promising thriller that couldn't stick the landing Tune in for our spoiler-filled review! 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

  7. Jun 16

    Masters of the Universe (2026) Review | He-Man Is Back & Better Than Expected

    After nearly two decades of development hell across Warner Bros., Sony, and Netflix, the film finally landed on Amazon Studios—but does Masters of the Universe live up to the hype and legacy? This week on The Commentary Booth, host Jamie Apps is joined by Todd Eastman to dive deep into Amazon's ambitious live-action adaptation of the iconic Mattel franchise. Whether you're a lifelong He-Man fan who grew up with the original 1980s cartoon or someone discovering Eternia for the very first time, this episode breaks down everything you need to know about one of 2026's most surprising blockbuster releases. Todd brings decades of nostalgia and firsthand memories of growing up with He-Man, Battle Cat, Skeletor and the original toy line, while Jamie approaches the film from the perspective of a complete newcomer. Together we explore whether the film successfully balances fan service with accessibility, and why its commitment to embracing the colourful, campy spirit of the source material may be its greatest strength. Highlights Breakdown: - Faithful or Forgettable? The Character Designs - Nicholas Galitzine's performance as Prince Adam and He-Man - Jared Leto's surprising transformation into Skeletor - The Supporting Cast Nobody Expected - The Tone Question - 19 Years in Development - Box Office vs. Streaming Reality - Breaking down the post-credit scenes - Can the franchise survive despite a disappointing box office performance? Along the way, Jamie and Todd debate whether the film leans too heavily into comedy, examine the challenges facing modern blockbuster cinema in the streaming era, and discuss why Masters of the Universe may ultimately find its audience long after leaving theatres. If you've ever shouted "By the Power of Grayskull!" or you're simply curious whether this nostalgic revival deserves your attention, this episode has you covered. 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

  8. Jun 9

    Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith - The Best Prequel? | 50th Anniversary Review

    The dark side rises as The Commentary Booth hosts, Jamie Apps and Corrina Mabey,  conclude their journey through the Star Wars prequel trilogy with a deep dive into Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith. Widely regarded as the strongest entry in the prequel saga, Revenge of the Sith delivers the tragic downfall of Anakin Skywalker, the rise of Darth Vader, the execution of Order 66, and the birth of the Galactic Empire. But does the film truly earn its reputation, or is it simply the best of a flawed trilogy? Jamie and Corrina break down the film's darker tone, Shakespearean tragedy, and iconic moments, including Anakin's fateful turn to the dark side, Obi-Wan's heartbreaking confrontation on Mustafar, and Palpatine's masterfully orchestrated rise to power. Along the way, they discuss whether Anakin's visions of Padmé ultimately caused the very future he was trying to prevent, the effectiveness of Order 66, General Grievous' brief but memorable role, and how the film bridges the gap to the original trilogy. Highlights Breakdown: - Why Revenge of the Sith remains the standout film of the prequel trilogy - The inevitability of Anakin Skywalker's tragic fall to the dark side - Breaking down Palpatine's galaxy-spanning manipulation and long-term strategy - The emotional impact of Order 66 and the destruction of the Jedi Order - General Grievous, his unique design, and the surprising origin of his cough - Whether the story would have worked better as a prestige television series - The pair also examine the movie's biggest weaknesses, from its lengthy runtime and uneven pacing to some questionable CGI choices that haven't aged particularly gracefully. - Is Revenge of the Sith the masterpiece many fans claim it is, or simply a satisfying conclusion to an otherwise inconsistent trilogy? Join us as we revisit one of the most important chapters in Star Wars history. 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

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4.9
out of 5
17 Ratings

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
    292
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Show Website
    The Commentary Booth