The Commentary Booth

Pario Magazine

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. 2일 전

    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

    47분
  2. 4월 7일

    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

    33분
  3. 3월 31일

    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

    39분
  4. 3월 24일

    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

    34분
  5. 3월 17일

    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

    24분
  6. 3월 10일

    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

    38분
  7. 3월 3일

    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

    51분
  8. 2월 24일

    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

    36분
4.9
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소개

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.

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