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. 2d ago

    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

    40 min

  2. Jun 2

    Scary Movie 2 - 25th Anniversary Review

    Ready to take my strong hand? This week on The Commentary Booth, host Jamie Apps is joined by the horror-loving duo behind the Killer Cuts podcast — ‘The Natural’ Astrid Pizarro and Bobby Munson — for an uproarious celebration of the 25th anniversary of Scary Movie 2! Released in 2001, the Wayans brothers’ chaotic sequel follows four college students (including icons Cindy Campbell and Shorty) tricked into a weekend "experiment" at a haunted mansion. What ensues is a relentless parade of ghostly groping, possessed weed plants, projectile vomit, and one very memorable malformed hand. But does this rushed sequel hold up? Jamie, Astrid, and Bobby debate whether the film’s sketch-comedy pacing is a feature or a bug, defend the legacy of The Exorcist parody, and cringe at the jokes that aged like milk (sorry, Ray). They also break down the film’s dense web of horror references from The Haunting and Poltergeist to Hannibal, and reveal wild casting trivia involving Marlon Brando and Britney Spears. Highlights Breakdown: - Does Scary Movie 2 beat the original? (Spoiler: It’s complicated) - The "Strong Hand" Debate: Why everyone quotes this iconic scene wrong. - Lost Casting: The truth about Marlon Brando, Bill Clinton, and Christina Aguilera almost appearing. - The Dated Jokes: Why the Nike commercial parody confuses international fans and why the "What's Up" bit still works. - Horror References: From The Exorcist (perfect) to Hollow Man (the cigarette scene). - Looking Ahead: 17 film references spotted in the Scary Movie 6 trailer. Finally, the trio looks ahead to the long-awaited Scary Movie 6. With material ranging from Terrifier to The Substance and Get Out, they debate what the new film needs to do to survive in 2026. 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

    31 min

  3. May 26

    Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones | 50th Anniversary Revisit & Review

    The Star Wars 50th Anniversary celebration continues on The Commentary Boothas Jamie Apps and Corrina Mabey dive headfirst into one of the franchise’s most divisive chapters, Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones. Set 10 years after The Phantom Menace, the galaxy is on the brink of civil war. Anakin Skywalker is no longer the bright-eyed child destined for greatness, he’s reckless, emotional, and already showing signs of the darkness to come. Meanwhile, Obi-Wan Kenobi uncovers a mysterious clone army, Count Dooku begins pulling strings behind the scenes, and Padmé Amidala somehow ends up trapped in one of cinema’s most awkward romances. Jamie and Corrina hold nothing back as they dig into why Attack of the Clones is widely considered the low point of the Skywalker Saga — from the notoriously painful script (locked in just three days before cameras rolled), to the all-CGI arena battle that left its own cast looking confused, to Anakin's legendary sand monologue that somehow became one of Star Wars' most iconic, even if unintentionally hilarious, moments. But it's not all criticism. The duo also celebrate what actually works: the subtle visual storytelling genius of clone troopers always moving right-to-left on screen, the sheer joy of Samuel L. Jackson demanding a purple lightsaber and getting it, Christopher Lee's undeniable gravitas as Count Dooku, the first glimpse of the Death Star blueprints, and a sly Jango Fett head-bang Easter egg that Disney has since made even better. Highlights Breakdown: - Why Attack of the Clones remains the most controversial Star Wars prequel - Breaking down the awkward Anakin and Padmé romance - The political themes and rise of Palpatine’s power - Samuel L. Jackson demanding a purple lightsaber - The evolution of CGI and why parts of the film haven’t aged well - Yoda’s first lightsaber battle and “flippy-do” combat - Behind-the-scenes trivia about the rushed screenplay and production - Whether you're a die-hard Star Wars fan, a casual viewer revisiting the prequels, or someone who just needs to hear two people validate your feelings about this film — this is the episode for you. 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

    37 min

  4. May 19

    The Run Review & Writer/Director Interview (SPOILERS)

    What happens when a global pandemic triggers a fertility crisis, and the world stops having children? This week on The Commentary Booth, Jamie Apps and Corrina Mabey dive into The Run, the gripping new Australian dystopian sci-fi thriller written and directed by Stephen De Villiers. Set in a hauntingly familiar post-COVID landscape of sealed-off towns and germ paranoia, the film follows Mac (Callan Mulvey), an aging smuggler past his prime, who is forced to protect a runaway teenager, Aliah (Charlotte Maggi), and her infant. As Jamie and Corrina break down the film’s tense, low-key violence and powerful character drama, they draw direct comparisons to The Last of Us and The Road. Plus, stick around for an exclusive interview with writer/director Stephen De Villiers. He reveals why the budget forced a complete rewrite of the ending, how the COVID lockdowns reshaped the script, and the creepy story behind using the Australian classic ‘Come Said the Boy’ as an unsettling anthem. Highlights Breakdown: - The Last of Us, Mad Max & The Road comparisons - Pandemic parallels, lockdowns & fertility crisis themes - Exclusive interview with writer/director Stephen De Villiers - Influences from The Last of Us and Logan - Why violence is mostly implied, not graphic - Breaking down the film’s ambiguous ending - Character tension, survival themes & standout moments If you love Australian cinema, dystopian thrillers, sci-fi world-building, or post-apocalyptic survival stories, this is an episode you won’t want to miss. The Run is available to rent or buy on digital platforms from June 17 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

    59 min

  5. May 12

    Carrie (1976) Review, 50 Years Later

    Celebrate 50 years of horror history as Jamie Apps and Corrina Mabey revisit Brian De Palma’s Carrie (1976) on this week’s episode of The Commentary Booth. Few horror films have left a cultural mark quite like Carrie. Adapted from Stephen King’s first published novel and released just two years later, the film transformed a chilling coming-of-age story into one of cinema’s most unforgettable nightmares. From the infamous prom bloodbath to Sissy Spacek’s haunting performance as Carrie White, this episode unpacks why the film still resonates half a century later. Jamie and Corrina dive into the film’s lasting legacy as both a horror classic and a brutally honest reflection of bullying, isolation, religious extremism, and teenage trauma. They discuss how the film holds up 50 years on, the surprisingly bold filmmaking choices of the 1970s, and the moments that still feel unsettlingly relevant in 2026. Highlights Breakdown: - Why Carrie (1976) remains one of the greatest Stephen King adaptations ever made - The film’s disturbing portrayal of bullying, isolation, and religious abuse - Sissy Spacek and Piper Laurie’s Oscar-nominated performances - The legacy of the iconic prom scene and shocking ending - How Carrie compares to later remakes and sequels - 1970s filmmaking choices that would never happen today The pair also break down the performances from Sissy Spacek, Piper Laurie, Amy Irving, and a young John Travolta, while exploring behind-the-scenes trivia, practical effects mishaps, Stephen King adaptation history, and whether any remake has ever come close to matching the original. If you’ve ever wondered why Carrie remains one of the most iconic horror films of all time, this episode is for you. 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

    35 min

  6. May 5

    Mortal Kombat (1995) Retro Review

    This week on The Commentary Booth, Jamie Apps and Corrina Mabey revisit one of the most iconic video game adaptations of the 1990s, Mortal Kombat (1995). With Mortal Kombat II arriving in cinemas, the pair head back to the original tournament to find out whether this cult classic still holds up nearly three decades later. Three martial arts warriors journey to a faraway island to battle for the fate of the Earth realm. It's dumb. It's glorious. And it absolutely holds up more than you'd expect. From nostalgia-fuelled memories of seeing the film at the drive-in, to breaking down the surprisingly strong fight choreography, practical effects, and unforgettable techno soundtrack, Jamie and Corrina dig into what made this adaptation a standout in an era when video game movies rarely worked. They also unpack the film’s wild casting “what ifs”, including alternate choices for Johnny Cage, Sonya Blade and Raiden, plus behind-the-scenes trivia around Goro’s infamous animatronic suit and the production challenges faced by director Paul W.S. Anderson. Highlights Breakdown: - Why Mortal Kombat (1995) remains a nostalgic favourite for longtime fans - The surprisingly impressive practical effects, costumes, and production design - How the film influenced Mortal Kombat lore, including Kano becoming Australian - Why the original techno soundtrack is still iconic - Comparing the 1995 cult classic to the 2021 reboot and upcoming sequel Does Mortal Kombat deserve its reputation as one of the best early video game adaptations? How well do the visual effects and practical creature work hold up today? Has the 2021 reboot changed how audiences view this original classic? Finish him... by hitting play 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

    45 min

  7. Apr 28

    Seven Snipers Review & Director Interview

    This week on The Commentary Booth, Jamie Apps and Corrina Mabey lock into the crosshairs of Australian action thriller Seven Snipers, a tense, character-driven film that blends high-stakes action with an unexpectedly emotional core. Starring Radha Mitchell and Tim Roth, the film follows a retired sniper forced out of hiding on a rural Australian farm when a dangerous warlord resurfaces, threatening her daughter and reigniting a deadly past. What unfolds isn’t just a battle of bullets; it’s a story about survival, trust, and the uneasy bond between a mother and daughter pushed to their limits. Jamie and Corrina unpack the film’s surprising depth, from its brutal action sequences and standout performances to its focus on maternal instinct over military spectacle. They also discuss the film’s unique visual choices, including distinct sniper perspectives, and whether the emotional stakes land as strongly as the action. Highlights Breakdown: - Why Seven Snipers isn’t the film you expect, and why that works - Tim Roth as “The Dragon”, a quiet but terrifying presence - The emotional core, a mother-daughter relationship under fire - Brutal, close-range action vs limited but noticeable VFX moments - Unique sniper POV visuals that subtly elevate the storytelling - Behind-the-scenes insights from Sandra Sciberras In our exclusive bonus interview with director Sandra Sciberras, Sandra opens up about what drew her to the script, the psychology behind casting Tim Roth as The Dragon, the spontaneous rainstorm that made the climactic duel unforgettable, how the distinct crosshair idea was born in the editing room, and why Kathryn Bigelow (The Hurt Locker, Zero Dark Thirty) has been an icon to her since her early career. It's a candid, passionate conversation with a filmmaker who truly bleeds story. This gripping new Australian action thriller is in cinemas 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

    45 min

  8. Apr 21

    Undertone Review: The Most Unsettling Horror Film of 2026

    What happens when a movie podcast reviews a horror film about a podcaster? Welcome to the meta nightmare.  This week on The Commentary Booth, Jamie Apps and Corrina Mabey dive into Undertone, the Canadian supernatural horror film written and directed by Ian Tuason in his feature directorial debut. What they find is far more disturbing than your average haunting movie. On paper, it’s about a paranormal podcaster receiving a series of disturbing audio recordings. But the deeper they go, the less it feels like a mystery, and more like a slow, suffocating descent into grief, guilt, and something… not entirely explainable. Jamie and Corrina examine why this film lives and dies by its sound design, and why you absolutely need headphones or a cinema-grade surround system to experience it the way Toussaint intended. For the review, Jamie watched Undertone with high-end audio, Corrina didn’t, and that contrast shapes a surprisingly different viewing experience. During the episode, we break down the film's masterful use of negative space and camera work that subverts every horror trope you think you know, the career-defining performance from Nina Kiri reacting to nothing but recorded voices and whispers, and the genuinely haunting concept of a Mesopotamian fertility and miscarriage entity that makes the film infinitely more sinister. Then there’s the emotional core. Beneath the supernatural elements, Undertone is dealing with caregiving, terminal illness, and the kind of prolonged grief that doesn’t really have a clean ending. It’s messy. Complicated. And, confronting. Highlights Breakdown: - The sound-first experience - Budget vs Box Office Result: $500K to $20M - Nina Kiri's one-woman show - The Abyzou mythology - Grief is the real horror By the time the credits roll, the conversation shifts to interpretation. What actually happened? Was it possession, psychological breakdown, or something in between? The film doesn’t hand you answers, which might be why it sticks. If you’re into psychological horror that trades jump scares for atmosphere and leaves you thinking long after it ends, this one’s worth the listen. 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
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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
    285
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Show Website
    The Commentary Booth