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. 11h ago

    The Whisper Man Review (SPOILERS)

    What happens when a film looks like one thing in the trailer, only to turn out to be something rather different once you actually press play? This week on The Commentary Booth, Jamie Apps is joined by Astrid Pizarro from the Killer Cuts Podcast to break down Netflix’s star-studded thriller, The Whisper Man. Based on Alex North’s bestselling novel, The Whisper Man follows a widowed crime writer whose eight-year-old son is abducted, forcing him to turn to his estranged father, a retired police detective, for help. As the investigation unfolds, the pair discover disturbing links to an old serial killer case involving the mysterious Whisper Man. But does Netflix's marketing sell audiences the wrong movie? We go beyond the trailer’s supernatural scares to dissect the film's real core: a gripping serial killer mystery and a profound exploration of inherited trauma.The pair also explore the film's Black Phone-esque moments, creepy background details, the mysterious blue hand, the clever use of red herrings, and the unsettling imagery surrounding the Whisper Man himself. Highlights Breakdown: The Whisper Man's misleading marketing A Stacked Cast Hidden Horror Details The Theme of Inherited Trauma They also take a closer look at the stacked cast, including Adam Scott's increasingly impressive dramatic work, Robert De Niro's involvement, and Hamish Linklater's bizarre but memorable turn as Norman Collins. They also consider whether the movie successfully answers the questions it raises, whether the Alex North novel is worth checking out, and whether the Russo Brothers' involvement can actually be felt on screen. If you love mystery, thrillers, and Robert De Niro, 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

  2. Sep 1

    Star Wars: Episode VIII - The Last Jedi

    Our Star Wars 50th anniversary rewatch continues on The Commentary Booth, and this time Jamie Apps and Corrina Mabey are heading back to a galaxy far, far away for 2017's Star Wars: Episode VIII - The Last Jedi. Written and directed by Rian Johnson, The Last Jedi sees Rey (Daisy Ridley) travel to the remote island where Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill) has isolated himself, hoping the legendary Jedi Master can help her understand and control her growing connection to the Force. Meanwhile, the Resistance faces an increasingly desperate battle against the First Order, with Poe Dameron (Oscar Isaac), Finn (John Boyega), Rose Tico (Kelly Marie Tran) and Leia Organa (Carrie Fisher) all fighting their own battles as the galaxy edges closer to collapse. But does The Last Jedi hold up nearly a decade later? Jamie and Corrina revisit one of the most divisive movies in the Star Wars saga, unpacking the film's ambitious ideas, questionable creative choices and storylines that seem to go nowhere. From Luke Skywalker's characterisation and Rey's rapidly developing powers to Kylo Ren's (Adam Driver) frustrating villain arc, the much-maligned casino planet and that unforgettable Battle of Crait, almost nothing escapes scrutiny. Highlights Breakdown: - What went wrong with Luke Skywalker's character arc? - Why the Leia space scene should have ended differently - Hidden cameos from British royalty and Tom Hardy! - Why this trilogy lacked a cohesive plan Along the way, Jamie and Corrina question whether the sequel trilogy ever had a cohesive plan, debate what could have been done differently with Kylo Ren and Leia, revisit Mark Hamill's famous criticism of Luke's characterisation, and examine the film's numerous loose ends. So, was The Last Jedi a bold attempt to take Star Wars somewhere new, or a spectacularly messy middle chapter that left Episode IX with an impossible job? Join Jamie and Corrina as The Commentary Booth puts Star Wars: Episode VIII, The Last Jedi back under the microscope. 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. Aug 25

    Labyrinth 40th Anniversary Review

    Forty years after Jim Henson’s Labyrinth first transported audiences into a strange, glitter-covered world of goblins, puppets, impossible staircases and one very memorable Goblin King, The Commentary Booth is heading back into the maze. This week, Jamie Apps and Corrina Mabey celebrate the 40th anniversary of the 1986 fantasy classic starring David Bowie and Jennifer Connelly, and, unsurprisingly, they do not exactly agree on whether Labyrinth has aged into a timeless masterpiece or a bizarre relic of 1980s filmmaking. Join duo as they debate whether this 1986 cult classic is a timeless masterpiece of puppetry and imagination, or a strange, dark fever dream that left an entire generation of children mildly traumatised. Highlights Breakdown: - David Bowie as Jareth: The Goblin King, the casting alternatives and one of the most unforgettable fantasy performances of the 1980s. - Jim Henson’s puppetry magic: A closer look at the extraordinary practical work behind Hoggle, Ludo, the Fireys and the film's many creatures. - Dream or reality? Jamie and Corrina debate what Sarah's journey actually represents and whether the entire adventure exists inside her imagination. - The film's creepiest moments: From the helping hands to the Fireys, Labyrinth proves that "kids' movie" meant something very different in the 1980s. - Two very different verdicts: But, naturally, they're both convinced they're right. - Could Labyrinth return? The pair discuss the long-rumoured sequel, the possibility of a darker reboot and what could happen if the Goblin King returned. Tune in to hear Jamie and Corrina settle the debate, share their own childhood memories (and traumas) of the film, and discuss the potential for a dark, Robert Eggers-directed reboot. 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. Aug 18

    The X-Files: I Want To Believe - Vrach Frankenshteyn Review

    The truth is out there... but apparently, it involves Frankenstein monsters, organ trafficking and a surprisingly small number of aliens. On this episode of The Commentary Booth, Jamie Apps and Corrina Mabey return to the world of Fox Mulder and Dana Scully to review the new director’s cut of the 2008 sci-fi thriller The X-Files: I Want To Believe - Vrach Frankenshteyn. Mulder and Scully are pulled back into an FBI investigation involving psychic visions, a kidnapped agent, Russian scientists, organ trafficking and some truly strange Frankenstein-inspired experiments. But with the film stepping away from the franchise's iconic alien mythology, does this new cut actually feel like The X-Files? And, naturally, the conversation eventually turns to the bigger question: could The X-Files actually return? Highlights Breakdown: - How the director's cut pushes the film from PG-13 to an R rating - Jamie and Corrina debate whether abandoning the alien mythology was a mistake - The biggest changes between the original cut and the new director's cut - Why Mulder and Scully's romantic moments were removed - Billy Connolly's unexpectedly dark role as Father Joe - Why the movie struggled financially compared with the 1998 X-Files film - Could The X-Files return as a reboot or new series? So, is The X-Files: I Want To Believe - Vrach Frankenshteyn a misunderstood X-Files classic, or should Mulder and Scully have left this particular case firmly in the filing cabinet? 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. Aug 11

    Snakes On A Plane Turns 20!

    20 years. 450 real snakes. One very angry Samuel L. Jackson. The Commentary Booth is taking to the skies as Jamie Apps and Corrina Mabey revisit Snakes On A Plane to celebrate the cult action-horror-comedy’s 20th anniversary. Released in 2006, David R. Ellis' gloriously ridiculous creature feature follows FBI Agent Neville Flynn as he attempts to protect a key witness during a flight from Honolulu to Los Angeles, only for hundreds of deadly snakes to be deliberately unleashed aboard the plane. What follows is exactly the kind of chaos you'd expect from a movie called Snakes On A Plane. Twenty years on, does this B-grade schlockfest still hold up? Highlights Breakdown: 20 Years Of Snakes On A Plane Does The Movie Still Work? Samuel L. Jackson's Iconic Performance The Snake Attacks & Death Scenes CGI, 450 Real Snakes & Kitty The Internet Movie That Became A Meme 20 Years Later: Would We Recommend It? Jamie and Corrina look back at their memories of watching the movie, its bizarre blend of horror, comedy and action, and the way internet hype famously transformed the production. Originally conceived as a PG-13 thriller, the film was reportedly reworked after its online buzz exploded, with additional material helping push it into the R-rated territory audiences came to expect. The pair also dive into Samuel L. Jackson's legendary performance, the film's spectacularly ridiculous snake attacks, its Final Destination-style death sequences, questionable snake science, wildly dated 2000s technology and the sheer number of characters you find yourself actively hoping will get bitten. So buckle up, keep your feet off the floor and maybe think twice before using the plane bathroom. The Commentary Booth is back, and this time there are mother f’ing snakes on the mother f’ing plane. 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. Aug 4

    Rogue One: A Star Wars Story Review - The Best Star Wars Film?

    The Commentary Booth takes its first side quest in the Star Wars journey as Jamie Apps and Corrina Mabey revisit Rogue One: A Star Wars Story as the film hits its 10th anniversary. Directed by Gareth Edwards, this 2016 space opera swaps lightsabers and Jedi for a gritty spy-espionage thriller, following Jyn Erso and a crew of morally grey rebels on a suicide mission to steal the Death Star plans. Jamie and Corrina break down why Rogue One still stands as one of the strongest entries in the Star Wars canon: its unconventional cast of unknowns, the grounded, dirty aesthetic that separates it from the rest of the saga, and the way it threads the needle between spin-off and essential canon without ever feeling like a cash grab. They dig into K2SO's unscripted slap, the uncanny valley CGI resurrection of Peter Cushing's Tarkin, the "save the dream" mishearing debate around Forest Whitaker's Saw Gerrera, and the multi-layered chaos of the Battle of Scarif. They also weigh in on Rogue One's box office haul, its origins as a scrapped Star Wars Underworld pitch, and where it lands in their personal Star Wars rankings. Highlights Breakdown: - Why Rogue One might be the BEST Star Wars spin-off ever - The emotional gut-punch of the Battle of Scarif - K-2SO's ad-libbed slap that broke Diego Luna - Do CGI recreations work? - Where does Rogue One rank against the original trilogy? - Plus: Ewok movies, Andor talk, and hot takes galore! Where does Rogue One rank for you in the pantheon of Star Wars films? 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. Jul 28

    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

  8. 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

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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
    298
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Show Website
    The Commentary Booth