Crouch Cinema Corner

In this week’s episode, we check in to The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014) and unpack one of Wes Anderson’s most celebrated and stylish films. From the film’s impressive Oscar run to its uniquely vibrant visual language, we explore why this one struck such a chord with both critics and audiences. Was it the storybook aesthetic? The perfectly controlled chaos? Or Ralph Fiennes’ career-defining comic turn as M. Gustave?

We dive into Anderson’s layered storytelling—from the graveyard to Zero’s memories—and how it all serves a deeper theme of nostalgia, memory, and the art of storytelling itself. We also geek out over aspect ratios, I Spy-style set design, and the delicate balance Anderson strikes between auteur vision and audience delight.

Expect sibling banter, some bemused eyebrow analysis, and a spirited debate about whether Grand Budapest is Anderson’s true masterpiece—or just his most crowd-pleasing confection. And of course, we try to guess each other’s star ratings.

All this and more on Crouch Cinema Corner—your weekly film fix with a brotherly twist. 🛎️🍰🎞️

This week, we're taking a cosmic surfboard ride back to the early 2000s to revisit one of Disney's most offbeat and beloved animated films: Lilo & Stitch! With the 2025 live-action remake freshly released, we decided to roll back the years and reconnect with the scrappy, heartwarming original, and shockingly, we realized we've never actually talked about this movie together before!

In true brotherly fashion, we dig into the film’s unforgettable blend of sci-fi chaos, Hawaiian family values, and chaotic alien charm. We discuss where Lilo & Stitch fits into the “in-the-wilderness” years of Disney animation, the unexpected creative freedom given to the Florida animation studio, and why Stitch was suddenly everywhere in the early 2000s (including toilet-papering Cinderella’s Castle).

We also unpack the film’s legacy—TV series, theme park rides, global fandom—and marvel at how this "B-team" project snuck its way into the Disney Hall of Fame. Along the way, we dish on early DVD memories, Disney's strange relationship with space-themed stories, and reveal our star ratings.

It’s a fun, nostalgic, and slightly chaotic episode, fitting for a film about chaos incarnate. Ohana means nobody gets left behind, so grab your Elvis CD, hop on your hovercraft, and join us for a delightful ride through one of Disney’s quirkiest gems!

In this episode, we're suiting up for a wild ride through the MCU’s 36th (!) instalment, Thunderbolts*. Billed as Marvel’s take on Suicide Squad, this ragtag team-up of misfit heroes, half-forgotten villains, and TV spin-off leftovers surprised us with unexpected depth, genuine emotion, and yes... tears.

We dive into what sets Thunderbolts* apart: a story that dares to hit the pause button on snarky quips and CGI overload to explore depression, redemption, and the power of connection – all while still packing in the superpowered showdowns. One of us even cried (editors note: both cried), and the other was just shocked Marvel still had the ability to emotionally blindside an audience.

We talk Sentry, the Void, shadow selves, and hug-powered climaxes, plus Florence Pugh’s standout performance as Yelena, and whether Bucky’s still got it as MCU’s emotional anchor. Oh, and if you’ve been feeling the Marvel malaise, this might be the one to shake you out of your superhero slump.

So grab your popcorn, hug your inner shadow, and join us as we unpack Thunderbolts* !

Adventure! Booby traps! Truffle shuffles! This week, your hosts Peter and Tim go full ‘80s as we dig into the childhood treasure map that is The Goonies. It's the first official viewing for both of us, and we dive headfirst into what makes this film a beloved classic, and why it still speaks to kids (and nostalgic adults) today.

We talk Spielberg, Donner, and Columbus: the creative power trio behind this chaotic adventure, plus a cast of kids that include a breakout Chunk (who may just be the best actor in the film). From pirate lore and teen banter to pop culture references we finally understand, we explore the magic, mayhem, and questionable parenting that define this cult favourite.

Whether you grew up yelling “Hey you guys!” or you're just discovering The Goonies for the first time, this episode is a fun, heartfelt ride through nostalgia, with plenty of laughs and a few barking cameos from our furry sidekicks (Peter's dogs).

This week, your favourite cinema-loving brothers sink their teeth into Mufasa: The Lion King, the 2024 prequel to Disney’s photorealistic Lion King remake, now streaming on Disney+. We dive into Barry Jenkins’ surprising directorial turn from Moonlight to the Pride Lands, unpack what works and what still feels like a forced roar, and debate just how emotional a CGI lion can really be.

Expect glowing praise for the jaw-dropping visuals, some healthy skepticism about musical choices, and plenty of laughs about brotherly drama, both on screen and between us. Is the film emotionally flat or surprisingly moving? Is Scar’s villain origin compelling or conveniently rushed? And did either of us actually like the Timon & Pumbaa cutaways?

Find out what we rated it, how we really feel about Disney’s “remake the DVD sequel” strategy, and why Tim is still waiting for Disney to call him with a voice acting contract.

Hakuna Matata? More like Hakuna Emotional Nuance.

Join us this week as we plug in our amps, squint thoughtfully from the shadows, and dive into A Complete Unknown (2024), the latest stylish spin on the musical biopic — this time focused on a young Bob Dylan, portrayed with enigmatic coolness by Timothée Chalamet.

We talk all things beatnik New York, 1960s folk scenes, and James Mangold's shadowy, immersive direction. From our surprise appreciation of Mangold's back catalogue, to breaking down whether this film really understands its subject, we get into it all — including some respectful gripes, gentle ribbing of biopic tropes, and, of course, the harmonica.

Is it a traditional film about non-traditionalism? Does it evolve like Dylan did, or just dress the part? We dig into the performance, the aesthetics, and the surprising amount of full-length music.

Whether you're a Dylan diehard or just in it for the vibes, this episode hits like a moody chord in a smoky café. 🎸🎤

This week on Crouch Cinema Corner, things get a little chaotic—in the best way possible. We’re flipping the format because one of us didn't do their homework... and that's totally on purpose. Instead of a traditional review, this episode becomes a deep-dive conversation between one confused elder millennial (who opted for tea and fire-gazing over a cinema visit) and one brave soul who actually ventured into the pixelated madness that is A Minecraft Movie.

We break down the film’s wild box office success (it dethroned Mario), and unpack the movie's chaotic charm, Jack Black’s full-throttle Jack Black-ness, and Jason Momoa’s slapstick, washed-up '80s gaming legend performance. We try (and fail) to explain Minecraft’s game mechanics, marvel at Jennifer Coolidge dating a villager, and reflect on how this movie has turned into a Gen Alpha cult event—chicken jockeys, theatre riots, and all.

If you’re wondering whether you need to understand Minecraft to enjoy the movie… or whether Jason Momoa vanishing for 20 minutes should be considered a cinematic crime… this episode is for you.

Come for the confusion, stay for the chaos. 🎧 Press play and join us in the pixelated pandemonium.

Moana returns — and so does Crouch Cinema Corner! This week, we dive into Moana 2 (2024), the surprise sequel that almost sailed straight to Disney+. We break down the film’s stunning visuals, shifting tone, and how it measures up to the original’s charm. Is the magic still there without Lin-Manuel Miranda? How does Disney handle sequels to beloved modern classics? And what’s with that Marvel-style mid-credit tease? We unpack all that and more — from its behind-the-scenes streaming drama to whether it charts a bold new course or just circles the same waters. Hop in the boat — it's time for another cinematic voyage!

This week on Crouch Cinema Corner, we dive into the quirky, chaotic, and curiously charming world of Mickey-17, Bong Joon Ho’s long-awaited return to the big screen!

Based on the novel Mickey7, this nearly-original sci-fi flick stars Robert Pattinson—and, uh, also Robert Pattinson—as an “expendable” clone sent on a dangerous planetary colonization mission… again and again and again. Is it action? Is it comedy? Is it existential crisis in space? Yup!

We chat about the movie's bumpy release history, its wacky tone, and why Mickey Barnes (a.k.a. Mickey 17) might be the galaxy’s most lovable Muppet-voiced misfit. We also get into some juicy behind-the-scenes drama, give our honest star ratings (spoiler: we had fun), and ask the big questions—like what if the Expendables showed up in the third act?

From laugh-out-loud absurdity to narrative whiplash, we cover it all—including our takes on Mark Ruffalo, Toni Collette, and how many unfinished story threads are too many.

If you like original sci-fi with heart, humour, and a hint of chaos, give this one a go—and join us for the ride!

🎧 Tune in, bring your clone, and hit that red button (spoiler - it does nothing).

This week on Crouch Cinema Corner, we're dusting off our felt and sequins for a heartfelt (and slightly snarky) revisit of The Muppets (2011) — Disney’s big-screen revival of everyone’s favourite chaotic crew of puppets, penned and powered by none other than Jason Segel. Is it a love letter to the Muppets? A corporate content play? A little bit of both?

We dive into the film’s legacy sequel status, the earnestness-vs-sarcasm tug-of-war, and how Brett McKenzie’s banger musical numbers nearly steal the show. There’s praise for the chickens, the security bear, and Gonzo’s bizarre brilliance — and some real talk about whether the comedy still hits or kind of flops like Fozzie’s whoopee cushion.

Peter gets unexpectedly emotional, Tim gets existential about modern Muppet-dom, and both hosts grapple with what it means to love the idea of the Muppets in a post-Henson world. We also pour one out for the now-closed MuppetVision 3D — maybe the greatest Muppet movie of all time?

Whether you’re revisiting this one or watching for the first time, grab your Blu-ray, and join us for a Muppetational trip down memory lane.

🧸🎶💥 “Man or Muppet?” Let’s find out.