Natey & Katy: At the Movies

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What happens when classic cinema meets unexpected twists and turns? This week on Natey & Katy: At the Movies, we kick things off with a personal anecdote about the surprise of discovering Robert Earl Jones in "The Sting" and his connection to the legendary James Earl Jones. Our conversation takes a turn down memory lane with the unforgettable performances of Paul Newman and Robert Redford, sparking a fun debate on whether Brad Pitt’s role in "Ocean’s Eleven" was influenced by Redford. Katy, ever the skeptic, challenges the film’s appeal while we both laugh about getting lost in the complex plot and the myriad of characters.

In a delightful plot twist, Katy introduces a double feature with Pixar and Disney’s "Up," revealing she has never seen this animated gem despite its significant cultural footprint. We delve into the emotional highs and humorous moments that make "Up" a perfect pick as we transition from September to October. This episode is a blend of classic movie critique and new film excitement, sprinkled with our signature playful banter. Tune in for an engaging mix of old favorites and fresh discoveries!

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Ever wondered how some films manage to completely miss the mark despite having a stellar cast? Join me, Nathan aka Natey, as I uncover the pitfalls of "Slingshot," a sci-fi thriller that inexplicably fails to utilize the talents of Casey Affleck and Lawrence Fishburne. From Affleck's uninspired performance to a script that left me cringing, I break down why this movie felt like a chore to watch. Fishburne does his best to save it, but unfortunately, it’s not enough to lift "Slingshot" out of the cinematic abyss. Prepare yourself for a candid, no-holds-barred review that culminates in a well-deserved one out of six rating.

Switching lanes, I’ll also explore the quirky and surprisingly heartfelt comedy-drama "My Old Ass." Imagine meeting your older self through a mushroom trip—how wild would that be? Featuring Aubrey Plaza, Maisie Stella, Percy Hines White, and Maddie Ziegler, this film tackles themes of sexuality and relationships with a mix of humor and sincerity. Despite some cliched elements and unresolved plot points, the natural performances and witty script make it a worthwhile watch. Hear why this film earns a solid rating between 3.5 and 4 stars, and stick around for a preview of our upcoming discussion on the classic "The Sting." You won’t want to miss it!

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Ever wondered what it takes to watch and rank every theatrically released movie in a single year? Tim and Patrick from the Film Bros. Championship Podcast join us to share their unique journey of exploring random years and genres and uncovering hidden gems like a 1982 classic and "First Blood." Katy keeps the laughs coming with her audio mishaps and a newfound love for brookies while we dive into the magic of "Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade." Spielberg’s direction and Ford’s daring stunts get their well-deserved praise — it's an episode full of nostalgia and fun.

Our passion for Indiana Jones doesn’t stop there! We dissect the origin stories with a fond look at River Phoenix’s portrayal of young Indy. Comparing the first three near-perfect Indiana Jones films to the controversial "Kingdom of the Crystal Skull" brings plenty of laughs and debates. Shia LaBeouf and that infamous fridge scene, anyone? We share our personal rankings and favorite memories, celebrating the timeless charm that makes Indy a beloved character.

The latest installment, "Indiana Jones: Dial of Destiny," has us all talking. Did it live up to the legacy of its predecessors? We miss Spielberg’s touch but cherish the iconic scenes that remain etched in our minds. As we transition to next week’s feature, "The Sting," the conversation heats up with differing views on Robert Redford and unanimous adoration for Paul Newman. Don't miss our tradition of ending with a memorable movie quote — it’s a wrap that leaves you eagerly awaiting the next episode!

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Have you ever wondered how history can feel like it's unfolding all over again? Join us on a special Surprise Saturday episode of Natey & Katy: At the Movies as we dissect "Reagan," the latest biopic starring Dennis Quaid and Penelope Ann Miller. This film brings Ronald Reagan's presidency to life, showing him through the wary eyes of the Russians who were both fascinated and fearful of his decisive actions. We discuss Dennis Quaid's nuanced portrayal of Reagan, which moves beyond mere imitation, and Penelope Ann Miller's striking resemblance to Nancy Reagan and her compelling performance.

But it's not all serious—tune in to hear about some of the lighter moments, like Reagan's amusing bit commercials during the low points of his acting career. While we both agree that the film is meticulously crafted, I did find its comprehensive coverage a bit lengthy at times. Nevertheless, its relevance to today's political climate makes "Reagan" a must-watch. Listen as we reflect on how current events seem to echo the past, emphasizing the need for vigilance and observance in these times. Don’t miss this engaging conversation!

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Ever wondered how a film could transform a skeptic into a fan? Join us on Natey and Katy: At the Movies as we dissect the 1997 film noir masterpiece "LA Confidential." Katy starts the conversation skeptical due to her past experiences with the genre, but by the end, she’s singing praises for its unpredictable plot and rich character development. Listen in as we break down the film's portrayal of 1950s Los Angeles through the stellar performances of Kevin Spacey, Russell Crowe, Guy Pearce, and Kim Basinger. We also draw fascinating comparisons to classic noirs like "Chinatown," highlighting the film's captivating moral ambiguity and realistic depiction of police work.

With special guest Scotty (Katy's hubby), our conversation is filled with humor and enthusiasm as we encourage you to revisit this iconic movie. Tune in for a delightful mix of film critique and nostalgia that promises to reignite your love for cinema!

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What happens when you combine a night of legendary music and a thought-provoking film? Join me on a rollercoaster of emotions as I share my exhilarating experience at the One Vision Queen Tribute Concert featuring Marc Martel at the Durham Performing Arts Center. Feel the magic of Freddie Mercury's timeless hits brought to life by Martel's uncanny vocals and the electrifying atmosphere that filled the air. This date night with my wife was nothing short of spectacular, and I'm excited to take you there with every beat and note.

Switching gears, we'll explore the powerful themes in the Kendrick Brothers' latest film, "The Forge." I'll dissect its compelling portrayal of Christ-like masculinity and provide an honest assessment of its impact on the landscape of Christian cinema. With a rating of 4.5 out of 6 stars, this film raises important questions about faith and values. Don't miss this special Saturday episode packed with music, movie reviews, and heartfelt insights.

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Ever wondered why "Some Like It Hot" remains a comedy classic after all these years? Prepare yourself for a laughter-filled episode as Katy and I celebrate hitting over 2,500 downloads with a fun and nostalgic look at this 1959 masterpiece. We start with Katy's hilarious guilty pleasure confession of indulging in a Cookout tray, setting the tone for our lively discussion. We then share our thoughts on Marilyn Monroe's iconic performance and how she epitomized the "dumb blonde" stereotype, while I can't help but gush over Jack Lemmon's comedic brilliance. From the controversial modern takes on the engagement proposal scene to Tony Curtis’s humorously spot-on Cary Grant impression, our conversation offers fresh insights and plenty of reasons why this film continues to captivate audiences.

Additionally, we go behind the scenes of "Some Like It Hot," shedding light on the various challenges faced during its production, including Monroe's struggles with punctuality and addiction. This episode promises an entertaining mix of humor, analysis, and behind-the-scenes stories that will leave you eager for more.

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What's it like to watch a movie while dealing with theater disruptions and a heated audience debate over a casting choice? This week on "Natey & Katy: At the Movies," Natey dives into all the drama surrounding "Skin Care," a gripping tale of rivalry in the beauty industry. Inspired by true events, the film had Natey hooked with its compelling story and standout performances, especially by Lewis Pullman. Despite not being his usual type of film, he found himself thoroughly engaged and even motivated to research the real-life events that inspired it.

Next up, he tackles the heart-pounding suspense of "Alien: Romulus," directed by the genius behind "Don't Breathe." With intense scenes that keep you on edge and a strong performance from Cailee Spaeny, this film is a thrilling addition to the "Alien" franchise. Natey discusses its connections to past "Alien" movies and the influences from "Prometheus" and the video game "Alien Isolation." Plus, he shares the perks of AMC’s A-list program and gives a sneak peek into the upcoming discussion on "Some Like It Hot." Whether you're a fan of intense thrillers or maybe really into make-up, this episode has something for everyone.

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How can a century-old silent film captivate the digital-savvy, screen-obsessed younger generation? Join us for a journey back in time as we explore Charlie Chaplin's "The Kid," a timeless silent film that enchanted our children with its physical comedy and emotional depth. We share our family’s surprising reactions to Chaplin's visual storytelling, relying solely on physical cues and intertitles. Reflecting on its efficient runtime, we celebrate the artistry of shorter films and the enduring blend of humor and heartfelt moments Chaplin delivers. This episode underscores the importance of introducing classic, wholesome entertainment to new generations, showcasing how some masterpieces truly stand the test of time.

We delve into the emotional layers of "The Kid," discussing the heartfelt connections, especially from a parent's perspective, and the humor that resonates even today. We explore specific scenes like the dream sequence, their metaphorical significance, and Chaplin's multifaceted role in creating the film, including his mentorship of child actor Jackie Coogan. As we wrap up, we express our excitement for upcoming explorations of other classic silent films and look forward to discussing "Some Like It Hot" with Marilyn Monroe. Don't miss our heartfelt and humorous walk down memory lane as we revisit the gems of silent cinema and celebrate their timeless impact.

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Ever wondered how a star-studded cast can still lead to a cinematic letdown? Join me, Nathan aka Natey, as I pull back the curtain on "Natey and Katy: At the Movies" with a special Saturday double feature. First, I tackle "Borderlands," the much-anticipated movie adaptation of the hit video game. Despite boasting talents like Kate Blanchett and Kevin Hart, this film winds up being a misfire due to its shaky script and complex plot. My review dissects why the movie couldn't live up to its hype and why it ultimately left me unimpressed, giving it a modest four out of six rating.

Switching gears, I then explore the perplexing world of "Cuckoo," a horror thriller starring Hunter Schafer and Dan Stevens. This film takes us to a mysterious resort where a bizarre species can drive people insane. I break down its unsettling narrative and unique elements, explaining why, despite some intriguing concepts, it just didn’t resonate with me, earning a three out of six stars. Don’t miss out on this comprehensive analysis of two very different films, and be sure to join us next time as Katy and I discuss the timeless Charlie Chaplin classic, "The Kid".