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. 5D AGO

    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

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. MAR 10

    Donnie Darko 25th Anniversary Review – Is It Still a Cult Classic?

    Twenty-five years ago, a jet engine fell from the sky and changed cinema forever. Jamie Apps and Corrina Mabey reunite in The Commentary Booth to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Donnie Darko — Richard Kelly's mind-bending, genre-defying debut that launched Jake Gyllenhaal into stardom and left audiences questioning reality, time, and the nature of a very unsettling rabbit. In this special flashback episode, Jamie brings a fresh set of eyes to the film for the very first time, while Corrina (a devoted annual rewatcher) guides him through the labyrinthine twists, time loops, and philosophical rabbit holes that have made Donnie Darko a genuine cult classic. Expect spirited debate, genuine confusion, and more than a few moments of "wait, WHAT?" They dive deep into what makes this film so endlessly rewatchable: its rich thematic layers spanning mental health, teenage alienation, predestination, nihilism, and faith; its deceptively stacked early-2000s cast featuring Jake Gyllenhaal, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Drew Barrymore, Patrick Swayze, Seth Rogen, and Noah Wyle; and the remarkable behind-the-scenes story of how Drew Barrymore's Flower Films rescued the movie from obscurity for just $4.5 million. The pair unpack the film's troubled theatrical release, opening just weeks after 9/11, with all plane-crash marketing pulled at the last minute, and how a disastrous box office run ultimately couldn't stop Donnie Darko from finding its audience on DVD and becoming one of the most beloved cult films of its generation. Highlights Breakdown: Why Donnie Darko is "ADHD, the film" and requires multiple viewings The uncomfortable therapist who treats Donnie as a science experiment How Drew Barrymore saved the movie from going straight to cable The real-world tragedy that derailed the original marketing campaign Frank the rabbit, time travel theories, and that unforgettable ending Is Donnie Darko a story about mental illness, destiny, alternate timelines, or all of the above? Honestly, it might be a little bit of everything. One thing is certain, though. Twenty-five years on, we’re still trying to figure it out. So, whether you're a longtime fan or a curious first-timer, this flashback episode will send you down a rabbit hole. 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

    38 min

  5. MAR 3

    Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi (50th Anniversary Rewatch)

    In the latest instalment of The Commentary Booth, Jamie Apps and Corrina Mabey continue their epic 50th Anniversary Star Wars rewatch with the epic conclusion to the original trilogy, Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi. Fresh off the heels of The Empire Strikes Back's jaw-dropping revelation, our favourite rebels are back to take down the Empire once and for all. But this isn't just any rewatch. Corrina has brought her beloved Wicket backpack along for the ride, and she's ready to die on the hill that Return of the Jedi is the best Star Wars movie ever made. (Jamie strongly disagrees. He's entitled to be wrong.) In this action-packed episode, the duo dives deep into Jabba's palace (and its surprisingly moist inhabitants), the guerrilla warfare tactics of everyone's favourite space bears, and the emotional gut-punch of Vader's redemption arc. They also tackle the elephant in the room: those controversial special edition changes that added CGI singers, a very different Force ghost, and enough digital fluff to make purists weep. From Steadicam speeder bike trivia to David Lynch almost directing this thing, Jamie and Corrina leave no stone unturned. Plus, Corrina makes a compelling case for why Ewoks are actual geniuses, not just adorable fluffballs. Highlights Breakdown: 🤯 Special Edition Rage 🐻 Ewok Appreciation Society 🎬 Director Drama 👑 Jabba's Palace Deep Dive ⚔️ The Emperor's Freaky Factor 🔥 Vader's Redemption 🚀 Trivia Gold This episode is affectionate, argumentative, occasionally unhinged, and exactly what a 50th anniversary rewatch should feel like. Plus: Corrina's controversial take on midichlorians, Jamie's spy-thriller appreciation, and a promise that the prequel reviews are going to get... interesting. 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

    51 min

  6. FEB 24

    Black Hawk Down 25 Years Later: Still The Greatest War Film Ever Made?

    They planned for 30 minutes. They fought for 24 hours. This week on The Commentary Booth, Jamie Apps and Corrina Mabey head back into the dust, chaos and moral grey zones of Black Hawk Down. Join us as we commemorate the film’s 25th anniversary with a deep dive into one of the most visceral, unflinching war films ever committed to screen. Based on the true events of October 1993, when 160 elite U.S. soldiers found themselves trapped in a deadly firefight in Mogadishu, this film remains a masterclass in tension, practical effects, and authentic storytelling. In this episode, Jamie and Corrina revisit Ridley Scott’s relentless war epic, not to mythologise it, but to sit with it. The noise, the panic, the mistakes, the human cost. Highlights Breakdown: - Why Black Hawk Down still feels modern despite being 25 years old - The surprisingly stacked cast and the careers it quietly launched - Practical effects, real training, and why the violence feels so confronting - The film’s rejection of clean hero narratives and patriotic gloss - How the Battle of Mogadishu reshaped modern military thinking What starts as a discussion about a stacked cast quickly turns into something heavier. Watching it now, the film feels less like a traditional war movie and more like a survival document, raw, exhausting, and deliberately uncomfortable. Jamie and Corrina unpack why the film still holds up visually, how its practical effects amplify the brutality, and why its refusal to offer easy heroes might be its most lasting strength. They also dig into the real-world context behind the Battle of Mogadishu, the controversial mission planning, and the moments where Ridley Scott chose emotional truth over strict historical accuracy. It’s a conversation that drifts between film craft, historical reflection, and that strange feeling of realising a movie you saw years ago hits very differently now. This isn’t nostalgia. It’s a re-evaluation. And it hits hard. 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

  7. FEB 17

    Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back 50th Anniversary Review

    The icy blast of Hoth hits The Commentary Booth as Jamie Apps and Corrina Mabey continue their epic 50th Anniversary Star Wars rewatch with the legendary Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back, which is often hailed as the greatest sequel of all time! In this packed episode, Jamie and Corrina dive into the darker, deeper chapter of the saga. They discuss the film’s chilling opening on the ice planet, Luke’s transformative training with the wise (and mischievous) Yoda, and the game-changing introduction of Lando Calrissian and Boba Fett. Get ready for deep dives into iconic moments like Han Solo’s daring Tauntaun rescue to the most famous (and most misquoted) line in cinematic history: “No, I am your father.” The hosts debate the impact of the 2004 CGI alterations, share fascinating behind-the-scenes trivia (like how George Lucas self-financed the film), and unpack the complex character growth of Luke, Han, and Leia. They also reveal their personal ratings and debate where this classic ranks in the original trilogy. Highlights Breakdown: 🎬 Behind-the-Scenes Secrets ❄️ The Battle of Hoth Deep Dive 🧙 Yoda's Introduction & Luke's Training 💔 Han & Leia's Romance 🤖 Iconic Moments Analysed ⚔️ The Legendary Lightsaber Duel 🎭 Special Guest Voices Strap into the Millennium Falcon and join the conversation! 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

    42 min

  8. FEB 10

    Cast Away - 25th Anniversary Review

    In this episode of The Commentary Booth, Jamie Apps & Corrina Mabey celebrate 25 years of Cast Away, the iconic survival drama that transformed Tom Hanks and made Wilson a household name. Discover the incredible production story behind this Robert Zemeckis masterpiece, including how Hanks gained and lost 50 pounds, the year-and-a-half filming schedule, and why the crew shot What Lies Beneath during breaks. We explore Chuck Nolan's harrowing journey from time-obsessed FedEx executive to island survivor, discussing the film's most intense moments: the devastating plane crash, the infamous tooth extraction, and Wilson's heartbreaking farewell. Learn surprising behind-the-scenes facts, including FedEx's involvement, the genius of the opening package sequence, and that ambiguous crossroads ending. Our conversation dives deep into Tom Hanks’ unforgettable performance, the ingenious production behind the film — including Hanks’ dramatic physical transformation and the unexpected role of Wilson the volleyball. We explore the movie’s lasting themes of isolation, hope, and human resilience, while sharing behind-the-scenes stories about director Robert Zemeckis and the unique challenges of filming. Highlights Breakdown: - Behind-the-Scenes Filming Secrets - The Unexpected Role of Wilson - Tom Hanks' Physical & Emotional Journey - FedEx’s Real-World Impact - Enduring Themes & Ambiguous Ending Does this emotional powerhouse still hold up after 25 years? Find out in this deep dive into one of cinema's greatest survival stories. 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

    41 min
See All (275)

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
    275
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Show Website
    The Commentary Booth

You Might Also Like