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

    The Prestige Explained Through The eyes of Pro Wrestler JD Griffey

    Step into the ring where magic meets mayhem! In this captivating episode of The Commentary Booth: Live Via Satellite, host Jamie Apps sits down with five-time Metroplex Wrestling champion 'Shady' JD Griffey to explore how Christopher Nolan's masterpiece The Prestige mirrors the sacrifices, obsessions, and rivalries that define professional wrestling. As JD prepares for the chaotic Metroplex Wrestling Texas Rumble on February 7, he reveals how the film’s themes of obsession, sacrifice, and bitter rivalry might make it one of the most unintentionally honest films ever made about professional wrestling. Discover how the magician’s code is eerily similar to wrestling’s kayfabe, and why the greatest performance is the one the audience never fully sees. This is more than a film review; it’s a raw look at the cost of devotion and the art of deception in the world of sports entertainment. The conversation moves between film analysis and lived experience. The toll of kayfabe. The addiction to reactions. The fine line between dedication and self-destruction. There’s admiration here, but also discomfort. Wrestling, much like Nolan’s film, doesn’t flinch from the consequences of obsession, it just hides them better. Highlights Breakdown: - The Three Acts of Wrestling: How JD breaks down matches using the film's pledge, turn, and prestige structure - Living Two Incomplete Lives: The personal cost of maintaining kayfabe and character in the modern wrestling era - Obsession & Sacrifice: Why the best performers give 100% even when audiences only perceive 30-40% - The Matthew Palmer Rivalry: How JD's greatest opponent became someone who knew him better than family - Secrets of the Craft: JD's philosophy on protecting wrestling's magic in the age of social media and shows like WWE's Unreal - Texas Rumble Intentions: His vengeful plans for the February 7 Metroplex Wrestling Texas Rumble Tune in for a conversation that pulls no punches, blending film analysis with the gritty reality of the wrestling business. It’s a testament to the idea that to be the best, you must be willing to disappear and come back, for your art. FOLLOW JD GRIFFEY ON SOCIAL MEDIA: - Instagram - X/Twitter 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

    28 min

  2. JAN 20

    Australian Wrestling Story

    Pro wrestling has always lived somewhere between sport, theatre, and obsession. In this Live Via Satellite episode of The Commentary Booth, Jamie Apps sits down with writer and filmmaker Taleena Lee to explore that space, and the deeply personal journey behind her wrestling-themed anthology series, Australian Wrestling Story. What begins as a conversation about discovering wrestling in the most unexpected way slowly opens into something more intimate. Taleena traces her path from teenage fandom, through film school during COVID, to writing a six-part horror-infused TV series designed by a wrestling fan, for wrestling fans. Along the way, she speaks candidly about grief, creativity, and the strange comfort wrestling can offer when life gets heavy. Highlights Breakdown: How Taleena discovered wrestling through a storyline she initially hated The personal loss that shaped her connection to wrestling and storytelling Turning a film-school idea into a horror-infused wrestling anthology Why Australian Wrestling Story is being built for fans first Paying tribute to the Australian wrestling scene and its performers The challenges of creating independently, from writing to social media Drawing inspiration from Buffy the Vampire Slayer, American Horror Story, Yellowjackets, and the Australian independent wrestling scene, Australian Wrestling Story blends split timelines, psychological horror, and wrestling mythology into something that feels familiar but also unsettling in the best way. Taleena describes the show as “Dark Side of the Ring meets American Horror Story”, and once you hear her unpack it, that comparison sticks. Jamie and Taleena also dig into the realities of independent creation, wearing too many creative hats, building a grassroots audience online, and why paying respect to the Australian wrestling community sits at the heart of the project. It’s a thoughtful, occasionally funny, sometimes emotional conversation about storytelling, fandom, and why wrestling continues to resonate far beyond the ring. FOLLOW TALEENA ON SOCIAL MEDIA: - Instagram - TikTok 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

    16 min

  3. JAN 13

    Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope 50th Anniversary Review

    A long time ago, in a galaxy that still feels oddly close to home, The Commentary Booth kicked off its 50th anniversary Star Wars rewatch exactly the way George Lucas intended, in release order. Jamie Apps and Corrina Mabey return to where it all began, revisiting Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope ahead of the film’s upcoming 50th anniversary cinema run of the original cut. This episode is part love letter, part gentle rant, and part deep dive into how a scrappy 1977 space opera reshaped blockbuster cinema forever. Jamie and Corrina unpack the misfit cast who went on to define pop culture, the genius business gamble that turned merchandising into a goldmine, and why practical effects still hit harder than modern CGI. There’s nostalgia, frustration (yes, the special editions come up), and genuine awe at how much of modern sci-fi traces back to this single film. Along the way, they debate whether A New Hope is really Luke’s story at all, argue the spiritual versus scientific take on the Force, and reflect on the personal memories that make Star Wars more than just a franchise. Highlights Breakdown: 🎬 Why Release Order is the Only Way 📀 Original Cut vs. Remastered Rage 🤯 George Lucas’s Billion-Dollar Gamble 🎭 Cast Legacy & Hidden Stories 🌌 Practical Effects That Still Shine 🏰 Disney’s Star Wars Expansion 🥛 Blue Milk Trauma Whether you’re a lifelong fan or a newbie to the galaxy far, far away, this episode is packed with insights, laughs, and a few strong opinions about blue milk. Tune in for a heartfelt and hilarious tribute to the film that started it all. 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

  4. JAN 6

    Treats Or Trash Awards 2025 - Best & Worst Movies/TV

    The year is done, the streaming bills are higher than ever, and Jamie Apps and Corrina Mabey are back in The Commentary Booth to decide what was worth your time and what absolutely wasn’t. Welcome to the 3rd Annual Treats Or Trash Awards, a brutally honest look back at the best and worst TV shows and movies of 2025. In this jam-packed episode, Jamie and Corinna battle over rising streaming prices, reveal the platform that won the year (and the one that’s burning a hole in our wallets), and crown the ultimate TV show that dominated the conversation. But it’s not all glory, they also expose the "Ultimate Trash Fire" award winner, a show so bad it became a legendary disaster. Highlights Breakdown: 🏆 The Streaming Wars Winner: Which platform took the crown in 2025, and why are its price hikes causing subscriber rage? 🔥 The Ultimate Trash Fire Award: The unanimous pick for the worst show of the year, a true crime disaster that insulted its audience. 📺 TV Show of the Year Landslide: Discover the surprise medical drama that captivated viewers and won by a historic margin. 🎬 Movie of the Year Showdown: A nail-biting 50/50 split leads to a heated debate between a visually stunning horror masterpiece and a spellbinding musical. 👻 Hidden Gems & Late Hits: The must-watch shows that dropped too late for the awards but are already 2026 contenders. 🔮 2026 Preview: Early buzz on Project Hail Mary, Christopher Nolan’s Odyssey, and the sequels we’re already desperate to see. The climax? A fierce, friendly showdown for Movie of the Year, where a groundbreaking vampire thriller goes head-to-head with a spectacular musical. With passionate debates, surprise recommendations, and a look ahead at 2026’s most anticipated releases, this is the essential, riotous recap of your next watchlist… and what to avoid at all costs. It’s funny, frustrated, occasionally heated, and very honest. If you watched anything in 2025, you’ll probably argue with at least one of these calls. 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

  5. 12/30/2025

    The Rocky Horror Picture Show - 50th Anniversary

    It’s a jump to the left, a step to the right, and straight into absolute chaos as The Commentary Booth celebrates the 50th anniversary of The Rocky Horror Picture Show. Jamie Apps and Corrina Mabey revisit the cult musical that confused, delighted, scandalised, and rewired generations of audiences, and yes, Jamie is watching it for the first time. From dripping rain and flat tyres to corsets, aliens, and one very sweaty creation, this episode breaks down why Rocky Horror still refuses to fade quietly into pop culture history. Corrina brings the deep love, historical context, and shadow cast energy, while Jamie reacts in real time to a film that feels like Frankenstein on an acid trip, in heels. They unpack Tim Curry’s career-defining performance as Dr Frank-N-Furter, the cultural impact of midnight screenings and audience participation, the sheer weirdness of the narrative framing, and why this film made its money slowly, loudly, and unapologetically. There’s debate, disbelief, genuine affection, and the kind of off-the-rails banter that feels fitting for a movie that never plays by the rules. Highlights Breakdown: - Jamie watches The Rocky Horror Picture Show for the first time - Why Tim Curry’s Dr Frank-N-Furter became an instant icon - The history of midnight screenings and shadow casts - How the film slowly built its cult following and box office legacy - Does The Rocky Horror still resonate with modern audiences, or is it frozen in time Whether Rocky Horror is your annual ritual or something you’ve only ever known through The Time Warp, this episode captures exactly why, 50 years on, it still hits people sideways. 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

    54 min

  6. 12/23/2025

    Episode 300: Gremlins - A Christmas Classic That Created PG-13

    Celebrate a major milestone and the holiday season with us on this extra-special 300th episode of The Commentary Booth! Your host Jamie Apps, is joined by the ever-festive guest Corrina Mabey to deck the halls and dive into the chaotic, festive horror of the 1984 classic, Gremlins. This Christmas, we’re breaking the rules! We revisit Joe Dante’s black comedy horror masterpiece, written by Chris Columbus (The Goonies, Home Alone), which follows a small town plunged into chaos when a cute Christmas gift spawns a horde of mischievous monsters. As we celebrate 300 episodes, we unwrap the film’s lasting legacy, its surprisingly dark heart, and why it’s the perfect anti-Christmas Christmas movie. Highlights Breakdown: - Costly Chaos: Discover how each gremlin puppet cost a jaw-dropping $30,000-$40,000 in the 80s (over $90,000 today!) and why security had to search cars daily to prevent theft. - Spielberg’s Save: How an executive produceer's note from Steven Spielberg created the beloved hero Gizmo and shaped the entire film. - PG-13 Origin Story: Learn how Gremlins and Indiana Jones directly led to the creation of the PG-13 rating. - Personal Festive Chaos: From Corrina’s perpetually decorated 7.5-foot flocked tree to Jamie’s “Barbie Dreamhouse-sized” Christmas tree, get a peek into our holiday madness. - Dark Turns & Lasting Legacy: We tackle Kate’s famously dark monologue, the film’s explosive box office success against Ghostbusters, and what the future holds for the franchise. Join us for a nostalgic, fun, and deep-dive review filled with trivia, laughter, and festive spirit. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or a gremlin newbie, this episode is your ticket to a wildly entertaining holiday watch. 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

    44 min

  7. 12/16/2025

    Anaconda (1997) Review: Revisiting The J.Lo Snake Thriller Before The Jack Black Reboot

    Slither into nostalgia with The Commentary Booth as hosts Jamie Apps, Corrina Mabey, and Jaxon Carr revisit the 1997 creature feature classic Anaconda! With the Jack Black and Paul Rudd-led meta-reboot dropping on Boxing Day 2025, it's the perfect time to revisit the original Amazon adventure that made audiences squirm. This special flashback episode dives deep into the legendary giant snake thriller that somehow became both a critical disaster and a beloved cult classic. In this episode, we break down why Anaconda is the ultimate “good bad movie,” sharing our personal ratings (five snakes out of five snakes, anyone?), dissecting its bizarre production choices, and highlighting the moments that have cemented its place in bad-movie history. We also serve up everything you need to know before the new reboot hits theatres, from its meta plotline to why this wild franchise is still striking today. Highlights Breakdown: - Rating the Chaos: Is Anaconda a 10/10 or a so-bad-it’s-good 3/10? The panel debates. - Behind the Scenes Secrets: The $100,000-per-second CGI, the A-list actors who almost starred, and the voice actor behind the snake’s hisses. - Reboot Ready: Insights into the Jack Black & Paul Rudd-led “meta reboot” and why it could be brilliantly bonkers. - Snake Facts vs. Movie Fiction: We separate anaconda truth from Hollywood legend (no, they don’t lay eggs!). - Personal Stories: From childhood sleepover viewings to emotional support beers, hear how this movie shaped our love for creature features. It’s part review, part nostalgic reality-check, part survival guide for anyone planning to watch the upcoming meta-reboot. And honestly, the new version might make even less sense… but that’s probably the fun of it. 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

  8. 12/09/2025

    Bring It On Turns 25: Revisiting the Cheer Classic

    On this episode of The Commentary Booth, host Jamie Apps and Corrina Mabey tumble back into the world of the Toros, the Clovers, and the deeply cursed spirit stick to ask the only question that matters: Does this cheerleading classic still hold up? This iconic cheerleading movie from 2000 starring Kirsten Dunst and Gabrielle Union has aged both brilliantly and problematically, and our hosts aren't holding back. What starts as a trip down memory lane quickly evolves into a deep dive into the film's lasting legacy, its problematic moments through a modern lens, and why it remains a defining teen movie of the 2000s. In this flashback episode, Jamie and Corrina dissect everything from the film's groundbreaking approach to cultural appropriation and LGBTQ+ representation to its cringeworthy moments that haven't aged well. They explore how this teen comedy inadvertently became a feminist statement piece while still being packed with questionable content like the sexualisation of high schoolers and outdated language. Highlights Breakdown: - Aging & Legacy: Does Bring It On hold up? A discussion on its groundbreaking themes (cultural appropriation, all-female leads) versus its many problematic elements (language, stereotypes, sexualisation). - Cast & Characters: From Kirsten Dunst’s committed silliness to Gabrielle Union’s star-making turn, and the bizarre phenomenon of 30-year-olds playing high schoolers. - The Problematic Stuff: Unpacking the film’s use of homophobic slurs, body shaming, implied assault, and the infamous "bikini car wash." - Cheerleading Fact vs. Fiction: Why the movie’s stunts are pure college-level fantasy, the real cost of Cherry Pie rights, and the hidden world of competitive cheer. - Sequels, Broadway, & Reboots: A rapid-fire tour through the Bring It On cinematic universe and its unlikely transition to a Lin-Manuel Miranda musical. Whether you’re a die-hard Toros fan, a Clovers loyalist, or just love dissecting the movies of your youth, this episode is a spirited, no-holds-barred celebration and critique of a film that truly brought it. 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

    53 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
    266
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Show Website
    The Commentary Booth