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  • Rambo: First Blood Part II
    2025/08/19
    1985 was the year Sylvester Stallone went from Hollywood heavyweight to undisputed box office king. With Rocky IV on one side and Rambo: First Blood Part II on the other, he wasn't just riding the wave of 80s action; he was the wave. And while First Blood had been a surprisingly thoughtful thriller about trauma, alienation, and a veteran's struggle to reintegrate into society, its sequel shed all subtlety like a spent shell casing. What we got instead was a high-octane, Reagan-era fever dream of exploding arrows, shirtless jungle warfare, and a hero who could take down entire armies with little more than a knife, a bow, and a steely stare. Strap into your parachutr and prepare for our Rambo: First Blood Part II ReviewOn this week's Born to Watch, the boys dive into Stallone's red-bandanaed return to Vietnam. Whitey sets the scene: this isn't just a movie, it's the beginning of the "one-man war" subgenre that would dominate until Die Hard flipped the script in 1988. Damo admits he's barely watched it compared to the rest of the team, just four times, making him the weakest link in the Rambo chain, while Dan fondly recalls a childhood of VHS replays and backyard re-enactments, complete with shirtless flexing and imaginary M-60s.The episode kicks off with laughs about the film's working title, "Second Blood," which the team insists is far better than what we ended up with. From there, the conversation barrels through the film's unforgettable trailer, essentially a three-minute version of the movie that gives away every major set piece. But then again, in 1985, you weren't dissecting trailers on YouTube; you were catching glimpses of them before Back to the Future or in the lobby of Hoyts.As always, Colonel Trautman gets his share of love. Richard Crenna's grizzled commander was the heart of First Blood, but here the boys agree he's been badly sidelined, emasculated by slimy bureaucrats and robbed of his best lines. Whitey argues that Stallone intentionally clipped Trautman's wings to keep the spotlight on himself, before realising by Rambo III that the series needed more Crenna.Villains are in no short supply: Charles Napier's Murdoch oozes bureaucratic slime, Steven Berkoff delivers Cold War menace as a sneering Russian general (forehead mole and all), and Martin Kove, fresh off The Karate Kid, simmers in the background as a mercenary who doesn't get nearly enough to do. And then there's Julia Nickson as Co, whose accent is so gloriously bad it's become immortal. Her "What mean expendable?" line sends the boys into hysterics, though they're quick to admit she's stunning on screen and essential to Rambo's fleeting attempt at love.The set pieces get the full treatment too: Rambo parachuting into the jungle, the bamboo cage of leeches, the patrol boat ambush, and the climactic showdown with a hulking Russian gunship that feels like the final boss in a video game. Logic rarely applies, Rambo seems oddly immune to electrocution and, at one point, appears in what the boys can only describe as a "ceremonial Vietnamese G-string", but that's half the fun. Unlike Cobra, which the podcast tore apart in a recent episode, First Blood Part II manages to be outrageous without ever becoming dull.The team also dives into the film's legacy. Box office juggernaut? Absolutely, $300 million worldwide on a $44 million budget. Awards darling? Not quite. While it picked up an Oscar nomination for sound editing, it swept the Razzies, winning for Worst Picture, Worst Actor, and even Worst Original Song. That song, Peace in Our Life, penned by Frank Stallone, gets roasted at length—described as "mesmerisingly bad" and “patriotic cheese that makes Bon Jovi sound poetic.”But for all its flaws, there's an undeniable joy in watching Rambo: First Blood Part II. Whitey compares it to the Avengers: Endgame of 1985, pure crowd-pleasing cinema where audiences would've cheered out loud when Rambo vaporised a guard with an explosive arrow. The film may be ridiculous, but it's never boring.As always, there are detours into Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome (unanimously despised), A View to a Kill (fondly remembered for Roger Moore inventing snowboarding to the Beach Boys), and Corey Haim's werewolf flick Silver Bullet. There's also a spirited listener voicemail from loyal fan Chupperz, who demands a proper definition of "cameo" for Film School for FW, and a reminder that even when the team is tearing something apart, it's always done with affection.By the time they hit The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly, the verdict is clear: Stallone's hair deserves its own credit, Trautman deserves better, and Rambo: First Blood Part II is the kind of dumb, overblown, endlessly rewatchable 80s action that Born to Watch was made for.So if you love muscle-bound mayhem, Cold War villains, or just want to hear a bunch of Aussie legends laugh, argue, and celebrate a truly explosive piece of cinema history, this is the episode for you.JOIN THE CONVERSATIONIs Rambo: ...
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    1 時間 56 分
  • John Wick (2014)
    2025/08/12

    Lock, load, and prepare for a ballistic ride. This week, the Born to Watch crew take on the movie that brought Keanu Reeves roaring back into the action spotlight and set a new standard for gun-fu carnage with their John Wick (2014) Review.

    Whitey, G Man, Damo, and returning guest Bones gather in the "Red Circle Russian Baths" to break down this lean, mean revenge machine. The premise is simple: they killed his puppy, they stole his car, and now John Wick is going to kill absolutely everyone. What follows is 101 minutes of exquisitely choreographed violence, ruthless headshots, and underworld world-building that's as fascinating as it is stylish.

    The boys kick things off with an "overs and unders" rewatch count, Bones leading the charge with a double-digit tally, Damo admitting he was late to the Wick party, and G Man revealing this was only his second full viewing. Whitey takes us back to his last days running a video shop in 2014, when he first discovered the movie on DVD and immediately knew it was something special.

    From there, it's a high-calibre conversation covering the sequels (John Wick 2 gets big love, John Wick 3 cops a length warning, and John Wick 4 is called out for testing bladders at nearly three hours). They crunch the numbers on the original film's body count, 84 kills for Wick alone, and swap favourite takedowns, from the Red Circle massacre to the infamous knife-to-the-chest finisher.

    But John Wick isn't just about spraying bullets. The team dive into what makes it different: the cool, calculated underworld mythology of The Continental, the gold coin economy, and the assassin's code that adds sophistication to the chaos. They agree that the "no business on Continental grounds" rule is a masterstroke, and that Ian McShane's Winston brings the perfect mix of charm and menace.

    Keanu Reeves' career gets its own spotlight, with nods to Point Break, Speed, The Matrix, and even the roles he almost played (Platoon, Starship Troopers). Supporting cast members also get their flowers: Michael Nyqvist's quietly menacing Viggo, Alfie Allen's punchable rich-kid villainy, Willem Dafoe's sniper guardian angel, and a surprise cameo from wrestling giant Kevin Nash.

    In true Born to Watch fashion, the chat spirals into side quests: hot takes on Taken's influence on modern revenge films, debates over whether Russians are cinema's ultimate gangsters, and an oddly passionate discussion on Japanese onsens and Russian bathhouses (including the etiquette of washing before soaking with strangers).

    They also unpack critical reception, David Stratton's dismissive "all gun battles" take versus The New York Times' praise for its style, wit, and box office performance, noting how word of mouth turned a modest $86 million return into the launchpad for a billion-dollar franchise.

    Signature segments return in force:

    • Hit, Sleeper, Dud, Swinger – with Interstellar and Edge of Tomorrow as hits, Frank as the sleeper, Dumb and Dumber To as the dud, and Pompeii roasted as a "swinger" that belongs in cinematic ash.
    • Snobs Report Special – veering gloriously off-topic to Alexandra Daddario's career-making scene in True Detective.
    • Question Time – covering everything from the realism of Wick's "magic pills" to whether Iosef's death was anticlimactic, and what exactly makes a headshot so satisfying.

    Through it all, the crew's affection for John Wick is undeniable. They celebrate its stripped-back storytelling, grounded stunt work, and unrelenting pace, while acknowledging its few stumbles. It's the perfect mix of 80s-style simplicity and modern fight choreography, proof that a revenge story, told well, never goes out of style.

    If you're a fan of tight, furious action films with a killer lead, a colourful rogues' gallery, and a fictional criminal underworld you want to explore (but not live in), this is the Born to Watch episode for you.

    JOIN THE CONVERSATION

    • Is John Wick the best modern action franchise or just a stylish headshot marathon?
    • Which kill in the Red Circle nightclub is your all-time favourite?
    • Is killing the puppy the single most effective way to make an audience cheer for revenge?


    Drop us a voicemail at https://www.borntowatch.com.au and be part of the show!

    Listen to the full episode now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your pods.


    #JohnWick #KeanuReeves #MoviePodcast #ActionMovies #BornToWatch #GunFu #RevengeMovies #CultAction #FilmReview #PopCulture #borntowatchpodcast

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    1 時間 47 分
  • Cobra (1986)
    2025/08/05

    This week on Born to Watch, the boys dive sunglasses-first into their Cobra (1986) Review, Sylvester Stallone’s 80s fever dream of fascist fashion, cult chaos, and cheeseball one-liners. In a time when Sly was king of the box office, rocking Rambo and Rocky, he went rogue and gave us… Marion Cobretti. Part cop, part Terminator, all denim.

    Whitey, G-Man, and Morgz try to unpack this absurd Dirty Harry knockoff that’s equal parts vanity project and testosterone overdose. From the opening monologue's completely made-up crime stats to the gratuitous axe-wielding cult, nothing about Cobra makes sense, and that’s half the fun.

    But it’s not all bullets and bravado. The team takes a hard look at Stallone’s creative control (spoiler: he shouldn’t have had any), the film’s bizarre product placement (Pepsi, anyone?), and a montage that includes Brigitte Nielsen posing with robots to a Robert Tepper deep cut. Seriously.

    Gow marvels at the buckle boots and slasher absurdities, Dan questions why Cobra opens a warm beer just to throw it, and Whitey can’t believe this was supposed to be the start of a franchise. There’s praise for the poster, grief for the editing, and unfiltered confusion about the serial killer cult that clinks axes in an abandoned pool.

    Also in this episode:

    • An explosive “Good, Bad, and Ugly” segment where “ugly” takes on new meaning
    • A wild tangent into Canadian trailer parks and Gow's legendary exploits as the “Ten Slayer”
    • A bonus voicemail from our mate XR8 Chupperz, who wants answers about Canadian bar fights and Gow’s taste in trailer park women

    As the crew reflects on Cobra’s place in 1986 cinema, surrounded by giants like Top Gun, Aliens, and Platoon, they ask the big questions: Could this have been good with a different cut? Did anyone actually direct this thing? And is “You're a disease, and I’m the cure” the greatest dumb action line ever written?

    Spoiler alert: Cobra ends with 41 confirmed kills. Stallone doesn’t just clean up crime; he clears the census.

    So if you love muscle-bound madness, slashers in stocking masks, or just want to laugh at a movie that takes itself way too seriously, this episode is for you.

    JOIN THE CONVERSATION
    Is Cobra a misunderstood action gem or just a flaming dumpster fire of denim and ego?
    Would you ride shotgun with Cobretti or run from his gun with the custom Cobra logo?
    Who’s scarier—the Night Slasher or that robot photo shoot montage?

    Drop us a voicemail at https://www.borntowatch.com.au and be part of the show!

    Listen to the full episode now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your pods.


    #Cobra #SylvesterStallone #BornToWatch #MoviePodcast #80sAction #CultClassic #BadMoviesWeLove #BrigitteNielsen #PepsiPlacement #GunWithALogo

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    1 時間 46 分
  • Waterworld (1995)
    2025/07/29

    Strap on your goggles and hoist the sails, this week on Born to Watch, the crew dives into a post-apocalyptic puddle with their Waterworld (1995) Review, Kevin Costner’s legendary aquatic epic that soaked Universal Studios in ambition, cash, and controversy. Whitey, G Man, and Damo reunite to wade through the waves of cinematic history, revisiting a film as infamous for its behind-the-scenes chaos as it is for its soggy storytelling.

    From the jump, the team questions Waterworld's place in pop culture infamy. Once touted as the most expensive movie ever made, this maritime Mad Max-on-water starred Costner at the peak of his fame, but was it his creative apex or the beginning of his soggy descent? The guys don’t pull punches, balancing deep dives into production lore with their trademark irreverent humour.

    Whitey sets the tone by confronting the bloated ambition of the project: “Has any Hollywood star become so famous with a catalogue with so many peaks and troughs?” Cue a wide-ranging Costner retrospective, comparing the golden days of Field of Dreams and The Untouchables to the indulgent excesses of The Postman and yes, Waterworld. The verdict? Costner might’ve been drinking his own Kool-Aid, filtered through a urine distillation machine, of course.

    G Man leads the crew through the absurd plot, where the Earth is drowned, the polar caps are melted, and dry land is a mythic memory. Costner plays the Mariner, a grim, gilled loner with webbed feet and a personality drier than the lost continent he’s searching for. The podcast doesn’t shy away from the film’s narrative flaws: characters with no backstory, Mad Max rip-offs, and a complete lack of chemistry between the leads, most notably between Costner and Jeannie Triplehorn, affectionately known as “Jeannie Triple Blurter” by the team.

    Speaking of performances, Dennis Hopper’s turn as the Deacon is eviscerated with delight. Compared to his electric villain in Speed just a year prior, Hopper here is an oily cartoon, piloting a rust-bucket Exxon Valdez filled with chain-smoking goons. “It’s a bad Beyond Thunderdome,” declares Whitey, and the panel doesn’t disagree.

    The gang revels in the film’s infamous production disasters: hurricanes, a constantly rewritten script, Costner’s massive creative control, and his falling out with director Kevin Reynolds. G Man reminds us of the legendary quote about Costner directing himself: “Now he gets to work with his favourite actor and his favourite director.” Ouch.

    Despite the floundering script, there are moments that the Born to Watch crew appreciates. The practical effects, like the massive floating Atoll set and Costner’s tricked-out trimaran, get nods of approval, even if the action sequences are undercut by choppy editing and goofy stunts. And the team can’t help but laugh at the iconic “pee filtration scene,” the rope-assisted bungee jump climax, and the infamous underwater city reveal, which defies all logic and basic physics.

    One of the episode’s standout sections is “Question Time,” where the trio tackles the film’s most baffling plot points: How does the Mariner’s boat outrun jet skis? How does dry land remain uninhabited? And why, oh why, would someone spend their life searching for paradise only to leave it five minutes after finding it?

    The boys also pay tribute to the lesser-known cast and crew: a young Jack Black in a blink-and-miss-it role, Tina Majorino (aka the Enola of Napoleon Dynamite fame), and the brilliant yet misfiring score from James Newton Howard. “He dialled it in harder than Dennis Hopper did,” quips Damo.

    By the end, the Born to Watch gang reaches a consensus: Waterworld is a cinematic curiosity, too ambitious to dismiss outright, too flawed to celebrate, and just insane enough to warrant a watch. Maybe once.

    So whether you're a fan of ‘90s action epics or just here to marvel at cinematic misfires, this Waterworld deep dive is a splash of nostalgic chaos you won’t want to miss.

    Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts!

    Join the conversation:

    • Is Waterworld an underrated cult classic or a floating disaster?
    • Would you survive in a world covered by the ocean?
    • And seriously, how does that boat outrun jet skis?

    #BornToWatch #Waterworld #KevinCostner #MoviePodcast #90sMovies #PostApocalyptic #DennisHopper #JeanneTripplehorn #CultClassic #MadMaxOnWater #MovieReview #PodcastLife

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    1 時間 38 分
  • Moneyball (2011)
    2025/07/22

    In this week’s Born to Watch, the lads swing for the fences with their deep dive Moneyball (2011) Review. Whitey, Dan on the Land, and Will “The Worky” take to the mound to dissect why this unconventional baseball flick, starring Brad Pitt and Jonah Hill, continues to resonate over a decade later.

    From the get-go, it’s clear this isn’t your typical sports movie review. The team kicks off with backyard renovations, foot fetish tangents, and a laugh-out-loud discussion on the bizarre world of Japanese vending machines, classic Born to Watch territory. But once they find their groove, it’s all baseball, banter, and brilliance.

    Moneyball, based on the true story of Oakland A’s GM Billy Beane, gets the full pod treatment. The trio wax lyrical about Pitt’s understated performance, Hill’s against-type turn as the socially awkward numbers guy, and Philip Seymour Hoffman’s quietly simmering portrayal of sceptical coach Art Howe. Whitey makes the case for this being one of Pitt’s finest performances, yes, even better than his Oscar-winning turn in Once Upon a Time in Hollywood. Dan and Will aren’t far behind in their praise, though they’re quick to point out the poetic license the film takes with some of its real-life counterparts.

    Of course, it wouldn’t be Born to Watch without the gang tackling the “overs and unders.” Will throws a curveball with a surprisingly low watch count, while Whitey admits he’s clocked in over 40 viewings. Dan, as always, brings the analytical fire, no surprise for a man who appreciates Michael Lewis’ storytelling DNA, also behind The Big Short.

    The trio also tackles one of the episode’s core questions: Why are baseball movies so damn good? Is it the history? The romance? The slower pace that allows for actual acting? Whatever the formula, it works. From The Natural and Field of Dreams to Major League and Bull Durham, the guys rattle off their favourites with the kind of passion you only get from true movie lovers.

    There’s also an appreciation for the film’s dry, cerebral tone. Unlike other sports flicks that rely on big plays and locker room speeches, Moneyball thrives on boardroom tension, Excel spreadsheets, and quiet moments of doubt. Yet somehow, it’s riveting. It’s a film about math, risk, and the emotional cost of change, and yet it’s as compelling as any game-winning homer.

    Listeners are treated to the usual podcast hallmarks: mock trailers, roast reviews (with one critic thoroughly torn apart), and a beautifully read back-of-the-DVD synopsis that outshines the studio blurb. Whitey’s disdain for the critic who panned the movie is particularly entertaining, while Dan gives a thoughtful defence of Moneyball’s cinematic liberties.

    The episode also veers into classic BTW chaos. There’s a spirited debate on the merits of Jack and Jill (spoiler: there are none), a nostalgic dive into The Inbetweeners as a sleeper hit of 2011, and an epic sidetrack into surfing journalism and Jonah Hill’s transformation from comedy darling to surf-culture punching bag. It’s podcast whiplash in the best possible way.

    As always, the “Ordinary People” segment stands out, offering a nuanced examination of the film’s characters and the performances that bring them to life. The pod pays homage to Philip Seymour Hoffman, laments Jonah Hill’s real-life reputation despite his on-screen brilliance, and even finds time to praise an uncredited Spike Jonze cameo that nearly steals the film.

    In the end, Moneyball gets the respect it deserves, a deeply human story wrapped in a sports movie shell. For the Born to Watch crew, it’s not just about baseball; it’s about challenging the system, betting on the misfits, and finding magic in the margins.

    So whether you’re a sabermetrics savant or just love a good underdog story, this episode is a must-listen.
    Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts!


    Join the conversation:

    • Is Moneyball the smartest sports movie ever made?
    • Could you build a winning team with just data?
    • And is Brad Pitt’s Billy Beane his most underrated role?

    #BornToWatch #Moneyball #BradPitt #JonahHill #BaseballMovies #Sabermetrics #SportsMovies #FilmPodcast #AaronSorkin #MichaelLewis #PhilipSeymourHoffman #UnderdogStory #MovieNight

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    1 時間 59 分
  • Shaun of the Dead (2004)
    2025/07/15

    Grab your cricket bat, raid the fridge for a cold one, and head to the Winchester, because this week, the Born to Watch crew are diving deep into one of the smartest and most beloved horror-comedies of all time with their Shaun of the Dead (2004) review.

    With G-Man MIA (probably off playing Tekken in the shed), Matt and Sir Dimmy hold the fort to break down Edgar Wright’s 2004 cult classic that reanimated the zombie genre and redefined the zombie flick with a pint of bitter and a dash of British wit.

    In this week’s episode, the lads explore how Shaun of the Dead walks the tightrope between gore and giggles, creating a film that works just as well as a slacker comedy as it does a horror satire. Damo admits to confusing it with The World’s End (don’t worry, he’s new here), while Matt reveals he’s seen the film nearly 20 times and could watch it on loop, especially with a packet of pork crackle and a Pepsi Max.

    From the iconic walk to the shop (twice), to the Queen-backed zombie beatdown in the Winchester, the boys dissect every major scene with the kind of reverence usually reserved for Tarantino or Scorsese. They also dig into Simon Pegg’s breakout role as the titular Shaun, Nick Frost’s glorious (and infuriating) turn as Ed, and the supporting cast of Britcom legends including Lucy Davis, Dylan Moran, and the ever-reliable Bill Nighy.

    They ask all the important questions:

    • Is Shaun actually a zombie at the start of the film, who awakens into humanity?
    • Could a pub really be the best place to ride out the apocalypse?
    • And how the hell did Shaun survive that crowd of flesh-eaters outside the Winchester?

    Damo goes full philosopher, questioning the human condition in the age of smartphones (spoiler: we’re all zombies), while Matt wonders why anyone would throw priceless vinyl at the undead.

    But it’s not all jokes and Queen sing-alongs, the episode also touches on the emotional beats of the film, like Shaun’s relationship with his mum and stepdad, the heartbreak of watching loved ones turn, and the surprisingly poignant ending that still manages to sneak in one last gag.

    The boys also fire off rapid takes in “The Good, The Bad and The Ugly,” with highlights like:

    • The perfect pacing and editing of the dual morning walk sequences
    • The underappreciated brilliance of the bizarro “mirror crew” scene
    • And Ed’s ability to be the most annoying – yet somehow still likeable – flatmate in cinema history

    Throw in some choice reviews from critics (both good and hilariously bad), box office trivia, and the revelation that director Edgar Wright used just $4 million to craft a film that grossed over $30 million and launched a thousand pub-themed Halloween costumes, and you’ve got yourself one hell of a breakdown.

    Oh, and yes, the team briefly wonders why cricket bats are now over $1,000, a real horror show.

    So whether you’re a diehard fan of the Cornetto Trilogy or new to the undead scene, this episode is a must-listen.

    Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts!

    Join the conversation:

    • Is Shaun of the Dead the best zombie comedy ever made?
    • Would you ride out the apocalypse in a pub?
    • And what’s the best record to throw at a zombie?


    #BornToWatch #ShaunoftheDead #EdgarWright #SimonPegg #ZombieComedy #BritishHumour #HorrorComedy #NickFrost #CornettoTrilogy #MoviePodcast

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    1 時間 32 分
  • No Country For Old Men (2007)
    2025/07/08

    Tonight, Born to Watch delves deep into the dusty, desolate West Texas badlands to dissect a modern masterpiece: the Coen Brothers’ haunting 2007 thriller, No Country for Old Men. It’s a film that sidesteps genre conventions, delivering existential dread with a bolt gun and cowboy boots. The full Born to Watch crew is in session, and from the moment Whitey’s epic intro begins, you know this episode is going to be as layered and unpredictable as Anton Chigurh himself.

    Right from the start, the boys are firing, rattling off 2007’s Oscar lineup, debating Juno’s place in film history, and showering praise on Daniel Day-Lewis’ oil-thirsty turn in There Will Be Blood. But tonight belongs to a different kind of monster: Javier Bardem’s Anton Chigurh. Is he cinema’s most terrifying villain? Whitey thinks he’s second only to Darth Vader, and with that hair, maybe even scarier.

    As the team recalls first viewings and rewatch counts (shoutout to G Man’s 15 and counting), the discussion spirals into tales of obsessive fans, including a local surfboard shaper who watched the movie weekly and theorised on every nuanced frame. This isn’t just a movie, it’s a layered riddle that demands attention, multiple viewings, and, apparently, a decent video store rental policy.

    Each Born to Watch host brings their own flavour to the conversation. Damo labels it a “one watcher” for its grim tone, while Dan declares it a regular “downtime” favourite on the land, fitting for a film that captures so much dusty silence and moral ambiguity. G Man and Whitey, meanwhile, dig into the deeper layers, noting how every watch reveals something new.

    The cast gets a well-deserved spotlight, with special attention paid to Javier Bardem’s quietly horrifying performance. Gow dives into Bardem’s rugby-playing past (yes, really) and his reluctance toward violent roles, ironic, considering Chigurh is basically Death with a pageboy cut. Josh Brolin’s understated turn as Llewelyn Moss also gets love, as does Tommy Lee Jones’ weary, philosophical sheriff. The gang reflects on Woody Harrelson’s all-too-brief but memorable role and Kelly Macdonald’s heartbreaking final scene.

    And in true Born to Watch fashion, the episode isn’t just about highbrow film theory; it’s a ride. Expect detours into Aussie weather patterns, rogue toasties, and the quality of Diane Lane’s 2010s filmography. There are tangents on Baywatch, Peter Phelps’ acting career, and even a debate on the New Yorker’s most pretentious film review ever written. Trust us, you won’t want to miss Whitey translating the nonsense of a critic who thinks name-dropping Elmore Leonard makes a hot take.

    As always, the team weighs in on whether the film cracks the Rank Bank. But the real joy is in the journey: Gow’s taglines, Dan’s literary deep dives, and Damo’s reluctant respect all add up to a collective conclusion: No Country for Old Men might just be the smartest film to ever feature a cattle gun.

    So, if you love Oscar-winning nihilism, coin toss-induced dread, or just want to hear a bunch of Aussie legends unravel one of the Coens’ most unnerving films, this is the episode for you.

    JOIN THE CONVERSATION

    • Is No Country for Old Men the Coens’ bleakest brilliance or just a beautifully shot nightmare?
    • Would you call it heads or tails… or just run for the hills?
    • Is Anton Chigurh cinema’s most chilling villain or just a man with a bad haircut and worse manners?

    Drop us a voicemail at https://www.borntowatch.com.au and be part of the show!

    Listen to the full episode now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your pods.

    Don’t forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and click the 🔔 to stay updated on all things Born to Watch—your weekly fix of nostalgia, nonsense, and no-holds-barred movie breakdowns.

    #NoCountryForOldMen #BornToWatch #MoviePodcast #CoenBrothers #AntonChigurh #OscarWinner #FilmReview #ModernWestern #JavierBardem #CormacMcCarthy

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    2 時間 20 分
  • Dune: Part One (2021)
    2025/07/01

    This week on Born to Watch, we're heading to the desert planet of Arrakis to break down one of the biggest sci-fi epics of recent memory in Denis Villeneuve’s Dune: Part One Review. Join Whitey and Sir Dimmy of the House Cockburn as they unpack a film that’s equal parts galactic power struggle, political thriller, and interstellar fever dream.

    Villeneuve’s Dune had a lot riding on it. Announced in 2017 and delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic, it finally arrived in 2021 with both cinema and HBO Max releases. But did it live up to the hype? Was the spice worth the squeeze? Whitey and Sir Dimmy get stuck into the sandstorm of ambition, adaptation, and a whole lot of Zimmer.

    From the very start, the duo agree, this film demands the big screen. Whitey confesses to watching it via a sneaky early online drop and instantly regretting not experiencing it in the cinema. For Dimmy, it was love at first IMAX. There’s a reverence for the visuals, the grandeur, and the world-building that marks Dune as a rare modern blockbuster that dares to go deep.

    But this isn’t a dry academic analysis. This is Born to Watch, where film critique meets pub banter. That means serious praise for Hans Zimmer’s thunderous, Oscar-winning score, though we do wonder if the music sometimes overshadows the movie. The team marvels at the film's scale: the ornithopters, the wormsign, the sand-soaked vistas. Arrakis feels real. The political scheming feels Shakespearean. The voice feels like Jedi mind tricks on steroids.

    Naturally, the cast gets a full once-over. Timothée Chalamet is dubbed a “scrawny action hero” who somehow works as Paul Atreides. Rebecca Ferguson as Lady Jessica earns the nickname “Freckles Ferguson” and delivers the emotional heft of the film, tears, telepathy, and total commitment. Jason Momoa’s Duncan Idaho is everyone’s space-dad crush, and Stellan Skarsgård’s floating, grotesque Baron Harkonnen might just be the scariest slug in cinema history.

    And then there’s Zendaya. Or… is there? While her face is plastered across posters, trailers, and marketing campaigns, she’s in the actual film for about 10 minutes, and that’s being generous. Sir Dimmy and Whitey don't hold back, calling it one of the greatest bait-and-switches in recent memory. She’s Paul’s “blue-eyed wet dream,” more vision than character, and it all but guarantees the necessity of a sequel.

    The discussion also gets into the film's legacy. Is Dune the sci-fi blueprint that inspired Star Wars? Without question. From the Force-like Voice to desert-dwelling mystics and chosen one arcs, Herbert’s fingerprints are all over modern sci-fi. Villeneuve’s version just finally gives the novel the serious treatment it deserves, after the messy (but charmingly weird) David Lynch version in 1984 and a forgettable miniseries.

    Of course, Born to Watch being Born to Watch, there are plenty of detours. There's debate over whether Duncan Idaho could survive in the Game of Thrones universe. There's talk of Dutch ovens, nose jobs, and the possibility of casting Mr. T as the Reverend Mother. At one point, the podcast veers into a philosophical wormhole involving one-name celebrities like Sting, Prince, and, of course, Zendaya. The House Cockburn coat of arms even gets a shoutout, shielded by fire, flanked by two swords in the shape of appendages. You really had to be there.

    Despite a few gripes, underexplained lore, a traitorous doctor’s paper-thin logic, and the slightly sluggish pacing, Whitey and Sir Dimmy are all in on Dune. It’s a film that dares to take itself seriously. No snark, no winks. Just grand, immersive sci-fi storytelling. It may not be everyone's flavour of spice, but it’s a feast for those who want their blockbusters with brains.

    As the credits roll and the sand settles, one thing is clear: this is only part one. And Born to Watch will be there when part two drops, with fresher takes, deeper dives, and possibly more Zendaya.

    Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts!
    Join the conversation:

    • Is Dune a sci-fi masterpiece or a high-concept snooze?
    • Was Zendaya’s screen time the greatest bait-and-switch ever?
    • Would YOU ride a sandworm into battle?

    Please drop us a voicemail at BornToWatch.com.au and be part of the show!

    #BornToWatch #Dune2021 #DenisVilleneuve #TimotheeChalamet #SpiceMustFlow #MoviePodcast #FilmReview #SciFiCinema #Zendaya #HansZimmer #MovieNerds #FilmTalk #PopCultureBreakdown #HouseCockburn #BlueEyedWetDreams #JasonMomoa #RebeccaFerguson

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