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. 13H AGO

    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

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. APR 14

    Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace (50th Anniversary Rewatch)

    A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away… the hype was real. Jamie Apps and Corrina Mabey strap into their pods and blast back to 1999 as The Commentary Booth revisits Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace, timed perfectly ahead of the Skywalker Saga's landmark 50th anniversary and coinciding with the premiere of Maul: Shadow Lord on Disney+ Two Jedi escape a hostile Trade Federation blockade, stumble upon a desert slave boy with off-the-charts midichlorians, and unknowingly set in motion the fall of the Republic — all while the galaxy's most intimidating silent villain finally steps out of the shadows. Does this prequel hold up over two decades later? Jamie and Corrina leave no question unanswered, from Darth Maul's criminally short screen time to why the film's CGI-heavy sets feel more like a sterile showreel than a lived-in galaxy. Highlights Breakdown: - The clash between practical effects and early CGI, and why it still feels “off” - Darth Maul’s legacy, despite barely being in the film - The midichlorian debate and how it reshaped the Force mythology - Pod racing, politics, and pacing, what holds up and what drags - The Jar Jar Binks problem, and why he still sparks debate Plus: an exclusive interview with the creative team behind Maul: Shadow Lord, now streaming on Disney+, as they discuss the show's art style, dark themes, and what they hope Star Wars fans take away from Maul's long-overdue spotlight. Trivia, behind-the-scenes facts, a razor-turned-communicator prop secret, and a box office number that will make your jaw drop — Jamie and Corrina cover it all. Ultimately, it's better than you remember, but the franchise is about to get a whole lot worse. Buckle up for Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones next month. 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

    47 min

  5. APR 7

    Grizzly Night Review | We Didn't Expect This To Be So Emotional

    This week on The Commentary Booth, Jamie Apps and Corrina Mabey swap the popcorn for bear spray as they dive into Grizzly Night, the 2026 survival thriller from debut director Burke Doeren. Thanks to the teams at Hold Fast Public Relations and Eagle Entertainment, the duo got an early look at this gripping creature feature, available now on DVD and VOD in Australia. But don't let the "creature feature" label fool you. Grizzly Night is less Cocaine Bear and more sobering docudrama — and that's exactly what caught Jamie and Corrina off guard. Rooted in the chilling true story of the 1967 ‘Night of the Grizzlies’, the film recreates two fatal grizzly bear attacks that occurred on the very same night, just miles apart, inside Glacier National Park. It's a premise so wild that, as Jamie puts it, "if this were written as a totally made-up story, you'd be like — that's outrageous." And yet, it happened. Fact truly is stranger than fiction. Jamie and Corrina unpack the film’s unusual tone, its grounded approach to storytelling, and the way it reframes the idea of who, or what, is really to blame. There’s talk of low-budget limitations, surprisingly effective practical and CGI work, and a few moments that don’t quite land, but also a genuine appreciation for the film’s message around conservation and human responsibility. Highlights Breakdown: - Breaking down the true events behind the 1967 “Night of the Grizzlies” and how the film adapts them. - Why Grizzly Night leans more into docudrama than horror, and whether that works. - The clever filmmaking tricks that sell the tension without showing full-on attacks. - Exploring the film’s core message, shifting blame from animals to human behaviour. It’s not quite horror. Not fully drama either. Somewhere in between, maybe a little messy, but worth talking about. Corrina calls it her Bambi moment. Jamie calls it unexpectedly heartbreaking. Both agree: for a low-budget, straight-to-VOD release, Grizzly Night lands a message that is clear, important, and worth your 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

    33 min

  6. MAR 31

    Super Mario Bros (1993) Was a Disaster… But Is It Worth Rewatching?

    In this week’s episode of The Commentary Booth, hosts Jamie Apps and Corrina Mabey dig up the fossilised remains of the 1993 live-action Super Mario Bros movie. Was it a misunderstood cult classic or a total game-over? Spoiler alert: it’s the latter. What unfolds is less a nostalgic celebration and more a forensic breakdown of one of the most baffling video game adaptations ever made. From its bizarre dystopian tone to its almost unrecognisable take on beloved characters, this episode explores how a globally adored franchise somehow turned into a cyberpunk fever dream. And not in a good way. Jamie and Corrina unpack everything: the behind-the-scenes chaos, constant script rewrites, and performances that feel like even the cast knew something was off. Still, buried beneath the mess are flickers of creativity, including surprisingly strong production design and visual effects that arguably deserved a better film. Highlights Breakdown: Why Super Mario Bros (1993) feels nothing like a Mario story The chaotic production, constant rewrites, and cast frustration Surprising positives, from set design to visual effects How this film shaped the future of video game adaptations Comparing the 1993 disaster to modern Mario success With the Super Mario Galaxy Movie on the horizon, this is the ultimate re-watch to appreciate how far video game adaptations have come. From the iconic (but misplaced) set designs built in an abandoned cement factory to the “de-evolution” guns that were actually repainted Duck Hunt blasters, no pipe is left unturned. 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

    39 min

  7. MAR 24

    Ready or Not (2019) Review & Sequel Preview

    This week on The Commentary Booth, we're playing hide and seek with the Le Domas family! Host Jamie Apps is joined by Corrina Mabey for her first time watching 2019 horror-comedy sensation Ready or Not, and she's wondering why she slept on this chaotic masterpiece for so long. First-time viewer Corrina brings fresh eyes to Samara Weaving's iconic performance as Grace, the bride who discovers that marrying into wealth comes with deadly consequences. There’s a lot to unpack here. The film walks a strange line between horror and comedy, sometimes leaning harder into one than the other, and that tension becomes part of the appeal. It’s messy, a bit absurd at times, but also surprisingly sharp when it wants to be. And then there’s the family, who feel just grounded enough to be believable, until they really, really aren’t. Highlights Breakdown: A fresh take on horror-comedy that still feels unpredictable Samara Weaving’s performance as a modern “final girl” with bite The chaotic family dynamic that drives both tension and humour Memorable kills, accidental or otherwise, that shift the tone fast The ending is equal parts absurd, satisfying, and slightly unsettling The conversation drifts through standout moments, unexpected laughs, and the kind of brutal chaos that somehow still feels fun. There’s also a bit of debate about what actually counts as horror these days, and whether this film even fits neatly into the genre at all. With Ready or Not 2: Here I Come on the horizon, this revisit feels less like nostalgia and more like preparation. Because if the first film is anything to go by, things are about to get even stranger. 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

    34 min

  8. MAR 17

    Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man Review – A Fitting End for Tommy Shelby?

    In this episode of The Commentary Booth, host Jamie Apps is joined by graphic designer and film fan Luke Fenech to break down Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man, the long-awaited cinematic continuation of the hit series Peaky Blinders. Directed by Tom Harper and written by Steven Knight, the film sees Cillian Murphy return as Tommy Shelby, navigating the chaos of World War II while confronting the ghosts of his past. With new faces including Barry Keoghan, Rebecca Ferguson, and Tim Roth, the story expands the world of the Shelby empire while bringing Tommy’s journey toward a powerful conclusion. Highlights Breakdown: - Does the film work as a standalone movie or require series knowledge? - Barry Keoghan's standout performance as Duke Shelby - The WWII setting and how it amplifies the stakes - Tommy's redemption arc and the poetic ending - Those chilling horror elements and trauma portrayal - The music score, cinematography, and awards potential Jamie and Luke dive into the film’s wartime setting, its emotional exploration of trauma, and the clever ways it connects back to the original series. They also debate whether the movie works as a standalone story, discuss the standout performances, and unpack whether this truly feels like the final chapter for Tommy Shelby. With the film arriving on Netflix on March 20, this spoiler-light review helps fans decide whether the cinematic return of the Peaky Blinders lives up to the legacy of the series. 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

    24 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
    280
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Show Website
    The Commentary Booth