Grab your pickaxe and prepare for pure, unadulterated chaos! On this explosive episode of The Commentary Booth, hosts Jamie Apps and Corrina Mabey are reloading the 2022 Finnish action spectacle, Sisu, ahead of its highly anticipated sequel, Sisu: Road to Revenge.

They dive deep into why this Jalmari Helander film is a breath of fresh air in the World War II genre, ditching the typical American narrative for a lone, near-mute Finnish commando who transforms into an unstoppable force of nature.

Highlights Breakdown:

A Unique WWII Powerhouse: Discover why Sisu stands out by focusing on a Finnish one-man army instead of American troops, calling it "Kill Bill meets John Wick meets Inglourious Basterds."

The Man of Few Words: How the lead character barely speaks, yet steals every scene with pure presence, scars and an almost mythic reputation.

Action with a Capital "A": A rave review of the film's insane, creative, and brutally satisfying kill sequences, from minefield frenzies to underwater breath-stealing, and the fantastic cinematography that makes it all pop.

The imprisoned women and their arc: A subplot that’s easy to forget but impossible to ignore once you revisit it, especially the pitch-perfect payoff in the final act.

The Heart of the Chaos: A discussion on the film's effective chapter-based structure and the surprisingly touching emotional core of a man who just wants to be left alone.

Sequel Hype Train: First looks, predictions, and backstory revelations for Sisu: Road to Revenge, and why Jamie will be rushing to the cinema for this one.

Listen as Jamie and Corrina unpack everything from the wild kill sequences and the tense chapter structure to the unexpectedly moving character beats, the role of the imprisoned women, and how the sequel might fill in the blanks of Korpi’s past. If you’re into Kill Bill, John Wick, Tarantino or just enjoy watching one man obliterate Nazis with whatever is lying around, this episode is for you.

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Jamie Apps and Corrina Mabey defy death and dissect humanity in this week’s episode of The Commentary Booth, diving headfirst into Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein.

This isn't your grandfather's monster movie! Jamie and Corrina dive deep into why del Toro's adaptation is a profound cinematic masterpiece, arguing it's far from a simple horror flick. They explore its powerful themes of racism, generational trauma, abandonment, and the very essence of what it means to be human.

Get ready for a passionate discussion on the film's incredible craftsmanship, from the breathtaking practical sets and painstaking prosthetics to the symbolic colour theory woven into every costume and scene. They break down the "stacked" cast's phenomenal performances, including why Jacob Elordi's emotionally raw portrayal of the Creature is a career-defining turn and why Oscar Isaac makes you hate a character you usually love.

Highlights Breakdown:

- The "A+" Performances: Why Jacob Elordi deserves an Oscar for his physical and emotional range, and how Oscar Isaac perfectly embodies the descent of a mad scientist.

- Masterful Craftsmanship: An inside look from the Netflix making-of documentary at the 10-hour makeup process, intricate practical effects, and the insane coordination of cranes and lighting to avoid CGI.

- Beyond the Monster: How the film reframes the classic story into a tragic tale of prejudice, loneliness, and the cycle of abuse.

- Del Toro's Signature Touch: The brilliant use of colour coding for characters, the haunting score, and why this is the culmination of the director's lifelong obsession with the source material.

- Spoiler-Filled Analysis: Key changes from the book, the heartbreaking Ozymandias scene, and that poetic, gut-wrenching finale.

Join us as we explore the film’s emotional depth, the staggering practical effects, and why this version turns a well-known monster into a mirror of humanity itself.

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This week on The Commentary Booth, Jamie Apps and Corrina Mabey dig up the past to unmask one of America’s most terrifying killers — John Wayne Gacy. The duo dive into Devil In Disguise: John Wayne Gacy, the chilling true-crime drama that pulls audiences deep into the grim 1970s Chicago underworld where the “Killer Clown” hid in plain sight.

Across eight tense episodes, the Peacock miniseries traces Gacy’s horrifying double life as a local contractor by day and serial murderer by night. Jamie and Corrina unpack everything from Michael Chernus’ unsettling portrayal of Gacy to the show’s raw, gritty style that captures the era’s claustrophobic fear. They also discuss how the series resists glamorising violence, instead focusing on the victims and exposing the failures of a homophobic justice system that allowed Gacy’s crimes to continue for so long.

The hosts debate the show’s time jumps, reflect on the haunting realism of its cinematography, and explore why this series feels more Mindhunter and Dahmer than Ed Gein.

Highlights Breakdown:

- A Victim-Centric Masterpiece: Discover why this series stands head and shoulders above other serial killer dramatisations (looking at you, Monster: The Ed Gein Story!) by placing the victims, their families, and the lasting trauma at the forefront.

- The Performance of a Monster: Our take on Michael Chernus's terrifyingly accurate portrayal of Gacy, capturing his chilling instant switch from charismatic public figure to menacing killer.

- Gritty 70s Authenticity: How the show’s raw, unglamorous style and clever editing choices create a gripping and respectful tone, reminiscent of fan-favourites like Mindhunter and Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story.

- Societal Failures Exposed: A deep dive into the homophobia and systemic police failures that allowed Gacy to prey on marginalised young men for far too long.

- The Final Verdict: Is the series flawless? We discuss the pros and cons, including some divisive time-jumping narrative choices in the later episodes.

Whether you’re fascinated by true crime or drawn to stories that confront the darkest corners of humanity, this episode delivers a gripping, reflective discussion about this heavy but essential watch for true crime aficionados. 

Tune in for a spoiler-filled review that explores the real monster behind the makeup.

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Grab your red balloon and steady your nerves! On this week’s episode of The Commentary Booth, Jamie Apps and Corrina Mabey descend into the sewers of Stephen King's imagination to review the first five episodes of HBO Max's chilling new series, IT: Welcome to Derry.

Serving as a direct prequel to the blockbuster It films, this series plants us in Derry, Maine, in 1962. As a new family arrives, a boy vanishes, and the town's deep-seated darkness begins to fester. Is it the return of Pennywise, or is the real horror the people of Derry themselves?

Across the episode, Jamie and Corrina unpack early impressions of the first five episodes — from its chilling opening sequence to its layered social commentary on racism, military paranoia, and generational trauma. They debate whether Pennywise’s absence makes the horror sharper, discuss how fear manifests beyond the clown, and draw parallels between Stranger Things and It’s young cast. There’s laughter, unease, and a lot of speculation about where this dark mythology will lead next.

Highlights Breakdown:

- First Impressions: Why the opening scene is a gory, tone-setting masterclass that hooks you immediately.

- Standalone Scares: How the series works perfectly for both It veterans and horror newcomers.

- Behind the Mask: Why the show is scarier for not relying solely on Pennywise, and how human evil is the true villain.

- Production Praise: The consistently fantastic CGI and a title sequence packed with hidden clues and lore.

- Era & Atmosphere: How the 1960s setting, with its Cold War paranoia and systemic racism, creates a perfect feeding ground for fear.

- Future Fear: Our theories on the rumoured three-season plan and a potential journey back to 1935 and 1908 to explore the full origin of Pennywise!

- Final Ratings: Our spoiler-free scores for the first five episodes and our high hopes for the finale.

If you're wondering whether Welcome to Derry can stand on its own, if it's truly scary, or how it sets up a potential multi-season journey through the 27-year cycle of fear, this is the review you can't miss.

IT: Welcome to Derry is streaming now on HBO Max with new episodes weekly.

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In this week’s episode of The Commentary Booth, Jamie Apps and Corrina Mabey are on high alert as they review Neighborhood Watch, the 2025 crime thriller from director Duncan Skiles, starring Jeffrey Dean Morgan and Jack Quaid.

When a young man battling mental illness witnesses an abduction that nobody believes happened, he teams up with his curmudgeonly, retired security guard neighbour to find the truth. Was it a hallucination, or is a sinister plot unfolding right under their noses? Jamie and Corrina unpack the film's masterful blend of mystery, drama, and dark comedy, exploring its poignant depiction of mental health stigma and the quest for respect.

Highlights Breakdown:

- Break down the stellar performances: Discover why Jeffrey Dean Morgan "plays Jeffrey Dean Morgan" to perfection and how Jack Quaid delivers a stunning, nuanced portrayal of a man grappling with psychosis and autism.

- Unpack the mystery: Debate the film's clever twists — is the abduction even real? We explore the expertly crafted tension that keeps you guessing until the very end.

- Spotlight the dynamic: Celebrate the fantastic on-screen chemistry between Morgan and Quaid that elevates this from a simple thriller to a compelling character study.

- Reveal the hidden clues: Geek out over the genius, subtle foreshadowing that pays off in a brilliantly dark and satisfying finale involving a human trafficking ring.

- Share a few laughs: From "taffy brain" insults to hand-sanitiser-as-pepper-spray, we highlight the comedic moments that provide levity without undermining the stakes.

Join us as we unpack the film’s twists, the surprising warmth in the unlikely partnership, and the subtle social commentary on how society treats mental illness.

Tune in for a spoiler-filled review that asks: Would you believe the "crazy" guy?

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In this chilling episode of The Commentary Booth, Jamie Apps and Corrina Mabey answer the call and return to the world of The Grabber with a full revisit of The Black Phone (2021), ahead of its highly anticipated sequel, The Black Phone 2. Together, they dive into the eerie genius of Scott Derrickson’s psychological horror hit, exploring its haunting themes of childhood trauma, stranger danger, and supernatural justice.

Jamie and Corrina unpack Ethan Hawke’s career-defining turn as The Grabber, the deeper symbolism behind Tom Savini’s terrifying mask designs, and how The Black Phone became a modern horror classic despite its modest $18 million budget. They also debate whether the film leans more toward horror or psychological thriller, discuss the twisted serial killer inspirations behind it, and speculate on where The Black Phone 2 might take the story next.

Highlights Breakdown:

- The Ethan Hawke Deep-Dive: Analysing his career-resurging performance as The Grabber and how he masterfully portrays four distinct, terrifying personalities.

- Mask & Lore Analysis: The significance of the four iconic masks, designed by horror legend Tom Savini, and the film's clever nods to real-life serial killers.

- Genre Debate: Is The Black Phone a straight horror film, or is it more of a psychological thriller in the vein of The Silence of the Lambs?

- Sequel & Preamble Speculation: Our first impressions of The Black Phone 2, why we're hesitant, and why a prequel focusing on The Grabber's origin story would have been a killer idea.

- Behind The Scenes: The film's incredible box office success story, emerging right after pandemic lockdowns to earn over $160 million.

If you love Blumhouse films, chilling performances, and rewatching horror with fresh eyes, this episode is for you.

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Grab your helmet and brace for impact! On this episode of The Commentary Booth, Jamie Apps is joined by former NFL Network producer Casey Zeiders to tackle the chilling world of Jordan Peele's latest horror venture, HIM. This football-themed nightmare follows a young prodigy, Cam Cade, as he trains with his idol, legendary QB Isaiah, only to discover a terrifying occult secret behind his success.

We break down the stunning, artistic cinematography and ask the crucial question: does its visual style come at the cost of a coherent story? With Casey's insider perspective, we explore the film's potent themes: the brutality of football, the cult of toxic fandom, and the horrifying cost of greatness.

We dissect the film's raw power, from Emily Blunt's Oscar-worthy supporting role to the visceral fight choreography that captures the lawless early days of MMA. Is this the role that redefines The Rock's career? How does it stack up against other A24 sports classics like The Iron Claw and Uncut Gems? And does it truly capture the infamous brutality of the real "Smashing Machine"?

Highlights Breakdown:

- First Impressions: The "Jordan Peele-Produced" Hype vs. Reality

- Style over Substance? Analysing the breathtaking cinematography and disjointed story

- The "Last Supper" Shot: Breaking down the film's most powerful visual metaphor

- Football as a Brutal Religion: The gladiator analogy, toxic fandom, and blood sacrifice

- Casey's Insider Take: How film portrays the NFL-level pressure and fame

- Final Verdict: Was 'HIM' a box office fumble or a cult classic in the making?

We decode the hidden Easter eggs, including the shrine of legendary jersey numbers, geek out over the awesome San Antonio Saviours merch, and unpack the endless "I'm Him" puns. Is HIM a searing critique of sports culture in the vein of Whiplash, or a visually stunning misfire? Strap in for a deep dive into the dark heart of the gridiron.

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This week on The Commentary Booth, Jamie Apps and That Movie Guy Harry Argyle step into the cage to break down A24’s hard-hitting new biopic The Smashing Machine, directed by Benny Safdie and starring Dwayne Johnson, Emily Blunt, and Ryan Bader.

This episode delivers a deep dive into Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson's transformative performance as UFC and Pride legend Mark Kerr, exploring the brutal highs of his fighting career and the devastating lows of his personal struggles with addiction.

We dissect the film's raw power, from Emily Blunt's Oscar-worthy supporting role to the visceral fight choreography that captures the lawless early days of MMA. Is this the role that redefines The Rock's career? How does it stack up against other A24 sports classics like The Iron Claw and Uncut Gems? And does it truly capture the infamous brutality of the real "Smashing Machine"?

Highlights Breakdown:

- The magic of fighting and the euphoria of winning

- How addiction, arrogance, and painkillers led to Kerr’s devastating losses

- Dwayne Johnson’s career-defining dramatic turn

- The Pride Grand Prix prize vs today’s UFC payouts

- Why A24’s grounded realism makes this one of the most powerful sports dramas in years

Tune in for a knockout conversation filled with expert analysis, behind-the-scenes trivia, and a passionate look at one of the year's most anticipated films.

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Scotty doesn’t know, but Jamie Apps and Corrina Mabey certainly do, every Wednesday on The Commentary Booth. This week, the duo goes full backpacker mode as they celebrate EuroTrip (2004).

Freshly dumped at his high school graduation, Scotty doesn't know his life is about to get turned upside down. He embarks on an impulsive quest across Europe with his best friends to find his German pen pal, Mieke. From the hallowed halls of the Vatican to the infamous red-light districts of Amsterdam, no misadventure is left unturned.

Together, Jamie and Corinna dive deep into the film's iconic moments, from Matt Damon's legendary cameo singing "Scotty Doesn't Know" to the bizarre deleted scenes that were almost too wild for the studio. They discuss the film's surprising production secrets, its all-star cast including Michelle Trachtenberg and Vinnie Jones, and why this spiritual successor to Road Trip stands the test of time as a superior comedy.

Highlights Breakdown:

- The Infamous Song: The legacy of "Scotty Doesn't Know" and the genius of Matt Damon's cameo.

- Deep Dive on the Cast: Remembering Michelle Trachtenberg and appreciating the comedic timing of Jacob Pitts as Cooper.

- Production Secrets: How the entire movie was filmed in Prague, and the Anne Frank sex scene that was too controversial to make the final cut.

- Cult Classic Status: Analysing why EuroTrip flopped in theatres but became a beloved hit, and why our hosts prefer it over Road Trip.

- Cultural Time Capsule: A hilarious look at how the film's "stranger danger" internet themes from 2004 compare to our modern app-based world.

With witty banter, sharp nostalgia, and a dash of chaos, this episode is a love letter to the golden age of outrageous teen comedies. Buckle up, it’s not where you parked your car, but it’s definitely going to be a ride.

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This week on The Commentary Booth, Jamie Apps and Captain Sickness, Corrina Mabey go back to school to dissect the ultra-gory, socially satirical second season of Gen V, the twisted spin-off of The Boys. Picking up after Season 4 of The Boys, America is now under Homelander’s suffocating rule, and Godolkin University faces a terrifying new Dean promising students unprecedented power.

They delve into how the show brilliantly and respectfully wove the real-life tragic passing of star Chance Perdomo into its narrative core, creating a powerful emotional throughline. This episode also breaks down the season's perfect blend of teenage angst and outrageous superpowers, its sharp critique of influencer culture and far-right politics, and how it stands as a superior spin-off that seamlessly feeds into The Boys universe

Highlights Breakdown:

- How Gen V honoured Chance Perdomo within the story

- The signature gore: exploding stomachs, tentacle eyes, clown-car pledges

- Satire of politics, MAGA culture, and influencer mental health posts

- Godolkin University’s sinister new Dean and shocking twists

- DogKnot, Bush Master, and the strangest powers yet

- Crossovers, MCU parodies, and how it sets up The Boys Season 5

Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just Gen V-curious, this review covers every wild, bloody, and satirical turn. Get ready for a deep dive into the dark heart of Godolkin University!

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