This week on Crouch Cinema Corner, we’re plunging 25,000 feet below the surface for James Cameron’s 1989 deep-sea epic The Abyss. Our second season is all about Cameron’s big, bold, and beautiful worlds, and this film is where his fascination with the ocean truly takes shape.
Tim and Peter explore the movie’s groundbreaking underwater filmmaking, the chaos of its infamous production, and how Cameron’s obsession with human connection and technology plays out in this claustrophobic, high-pressure setting. They dive into Ed Harris and Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio’s dynamic chemistry, the film’s mix of blue-collar grit and cosmic wonder, and why Cameron just feels at home underwater.
Along the way, they compare The Abyss to other classics like Aliens and Armageddon, reflect on the movie’s heartfelt theme of “looking with better eyes,” and even debate whether Cameron might be the ultimate cinematic sea creature himself. It’s an affectionate, funny, and thoughtful look at one of his most ambitious—and misunderstood—films.
This week on Crouch Cinema Corner, we’re blasting off to LV-426 for James Cameron’s 1986 sci-fi action classic Aliens. As part of our “James Cameron Big Bioluminescence” season, we dive into the film that turned Ridley Scott’s eerie haunted-house-in-space into a full-on adrenaline rush of Colonial Marines, xenomorphs, and power loaders.
We compare Alien and Aliens and debate whether they should even be compared at all, unpack Cameron’s knack for perfect endings, and laugh our way through some of his more over-the-top production stories (some are cringe). There’s also a heartfelt discussion about Ripley’s role as a reluctant hero and how the film balances terror, action, and emotion better than almost any sequel ever made.
Along the way, we revisit a few “Crouch Faux Pas” from past episodes, adjust our Terminator star ratings, and dig into what makes Cameron’s movies so endlessly rewatchable. It’s a fun, fast-paced, and affectionately nerdy conversation about one of the greatest sequels in film history. Strap in, stay frosty, and get ready for some bug-stomping fun with Crouch Cinema Corner.
This week on Crouch Cinema Corner, we dive into the movie that made James Cameron a household name and launched Arnold Schwarzenegger into sci-fi legend status: The Terminator. Continuing our “James Cameron Bioluminescence” season, we explore Cameron’s first fully directed film and how it transformed from a low-budget slasher-style concept into one of the most influential action films of all time.
Along the way, we share some fun behind-the-scenes trivia, correct a few Piranha II missteps, and even get sidetracked imagining a version of The Terminator where he targets hedge fund managers. We discuss what makes this movie so propulsive, the brilliance of its minimal dialogue, and how Cameron’s efficient direction mirrors the unstoppable drive of the Terminator himself.
From the pounding synth score to the unforgettable opening scenes of a grimy 1984 Los Angeles, this episode is packed with nostalgic laughs, sharp insights, and plenty of appreciation for the movie that started it all. So join us as we travel back in time to where it all began.
Welcome back to Crouch Cinema Corner as we kick off Season Two and dive headfirst into the wild waters of James Cameron’s very first feature film Piranha 2: The Spawning. Before the blockbusters, the Oscars, and the billion-dollar blue aliens, there was this chaotic 1982 creature feature about flying killer fish, sunken ships, and some truly questionable dubbing.
We explore Cameron’s early filmmaking roots, from his time learning under B-movie legend Roger Corman to being thrown into this Italian production where he barely spoke the language. Along the way, we discuss the film’s surprisingly competent underwater shots, its hilariously dubbed performances, and those unmistakable glimpses of the ambitious filmmaker Cameron would become.
There are laughs, nostalgic nods, and plenty of appreciation for Lance Henriksen’s scene-stealing performance as we chart the humble (and very fishy) beginnings of one of cinema’s biggest directors. It’s a messy, fascinating start to our James Cameron journey and the perfect way to launch a new season of Crouch Cinema Corner.
It is the grand season finale of our Super Summer Spielberg Spectacular (and our first ever Season!), and we are wrapping things up in style. In this special Spielberg Cavalcade we each share our top three Spielberg films and our least favourite Spielberg entries before diving into a celebration of his film's unforgettable film scores. We also take a detour into theme park territory to talk about our favourite rides based on Spielberg films and even dream up some new ones of our own.
It has been an amazing first season of Crouch Cinema Corner and we want to thank all of you for joining us on this adventure. Get ready for plenty of laughs, some surprising picks, and a joyful send-off to season one before we set sail for new cinematic journeys ahead.
Join us for a roar-some episode of Crouch Cinema Corner as we dive into Steven Spielberg’s 1993 masterpiece Jurassic Park. This week the conversation is packed with childhood memories of first viewings on the big screen, plenty of debate over the coolest dinosaurs, and some surprising detours into the film’s production history. We marvel at Spielberg’s ability to balance wonder and terror, laugh about hiding in our (read: one of us) shirts during scary scenes, and reflect on how Jurassic Park reshaped our understanding of adventure films. With plenty of Spielberg love, Jurassic nostalgia, and dino fandom on full display, this is an episode that proves life truly does find a way.
This week on Crouch Cinema Corner we dive into Steven Spielberg’s 2005 take on War of the Worlds and its long, strange history from H. G. Wells’ original novel to Orson Welles’ infamous radio broadcast and even the 1953 sci fi classic that scarred us as kids. We swap childhood trauma stories involving alien invasions, share our favorite Spielberg family dysfunction moments, and geek out over John Williams’ spine tingling score. From Tom Cruise’s surprisingly great performance to Spielberg’s masterclass in blending practical and digital effects, we explore why this dark blockbuster still packs a punch. Along the way there is plenty of brotherly mind reading, some basement scene nostalgia, and a shared realization that Spielberg simply does not let you breathe in this movie.
This week on Crouch Cinema Corner, we’re cashing fraudulent checks and chasing dreams with Leonardo DiCaprio and Tom Hanks in Steven Spielberg’s stylish cat-and-mouse caper Catch Me If You Can! You voted for it in our Summer of Spielberg poll and now we're diving deep into cons, charm, and daddy issues.
We talk about the real-life roots of Frank Abagnale Jr.’s incredible story, Spielberg’s signature themes of broken families and childhood trauma, and the film’s surprisingly emotional heart. There's plenty of praise for Christopher Walken’s dad energy, John Williams' effervescent score (including some mind-meld moments between your podcast hosts), and that unmistakable early-2000s visual style.
From Leo’s glowing “aha” moment to that long airport hallway walk of self-reflection, we break down our favourite shots, music cues, and dysfunctional Spielberg flourishes. So grab your pilot uniform, forge a check or two, and join us for a fun and thoughtful discussion of this charming, jazzy, and surprisingly moving Spielberg gem.
It’s a bike-flying, Reese’s Pieces-eating, tear-jerking kind of week as we beam ourselves back to 1982 for Steven Spielberg’s E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial! As part of our Super Summer Spielberg Spectacular, we revisit the beloved sci-fi classic that defined a generation, and sparked some deep childhood trauma for one of us.
We talk all things E.T., from the film’s surprisingly spooky opening, to John Williams’ celestial score, to how Spielberg somehow turned a wrinkly little alien into the ultimate symbol of love and loneliness. There’s behind-the-scenes trivia, some personal horror stories involving hidden plushies and haunted puzzles, and plenty of admiration for the film’s emotional depth, visual magic, and dysfunctional family dynamics.
Grab your red hoodie, phone home, and join us for a heartfelt (and slightly haunted) ride through Spielberg’s timeless tale of friendship, fear, and glowing fingers.
You picked it and we finally listened. This week we’re diving into Steven Spielberg’s 1991 fantasy adventure Hook, where Peter Pan (Robin Williams) has grown up into a grumpy workaholic lawyer who’s forgotten all about Neverland. That is, until Captain Hook (a deliciously theatrical Dustin Hoffman) kidnaps his kids and forces him back into his pixie-dusted past.
We unpack everything from John Williams' soaring score to the film's themes of dysfunctional fatherhood, Spielbergian wonder, and why the pirate stuff is way more fun than anything the Lost Boys are up to. We lovingly roast the film’s bizarre tone swings, weird line deliveries, and attempt to make sense of the film’s wild mythology, including some truly unhinged theories about who actually wrote the Peter Pan play.
Plus: choir moments, Rufio debates, Peter Pan logic spirals, and the shocking reveal that Phil Collins is in this movie.
So join us as we fly, fight, and crow our way through this chaotic, sentimental, very-‘90s trip to Neverland.
Crack that whip and cue the trumpet, we're continuing our Spectacular Spielberg Summer Series with the one that started it all: Raiders of the Lost Ark! You voted, we listened (kind of), and this week we dive deep into the 1981 blockbuster that introduced the world to Indiana Jones and redefined adventure filmmaking. We also shamelessly veer into a few other Indiana Jones films—because once you open the Ark, you can't look away.
In this episode, we get into the wild synergy of Spielberg and Lucas at the peak of their powers, how Harrison Ford’s rugged charm became cinematic legend, and why the desert chase scene might be one of the greatest action sequences of all time.
Our trademark Spielberg categories return, we debate star ratings, reveal which of us tried to buy an Indiana Jones leather jacket at Walt Disney World, and confess that we may have rigged our listener poll just a little.
So grab your fedora, mind the snakes, and join us for an episode full of fun, nostalgia, and a whole lot of love for Dr. Jones.
This week on Crouch Cinema Corner, we saddle up for a heartfelt ride through War Horse, Steven Spielberg’s sweeping 2011 tale of friendship, war, and, of course, a very noble steed named Joey. As part of our Summer of Spielberg spectacular, we leave the ocean of Jaws behind and gallop full speed into the muddy trenches of World War I.
Our signature Spielberg categories return, including:
A Dysfunctional Spielberg Moment involving dueling trench calls and a near-tragic shotgun standoff.
A Notable Shot that goes full Kaminski with angelic backlighting and field-drenched cavalry charges.
A John Williams Moment that features both sweeping flute nostalgia and a trumpet cue so solemn it loops all the way back to funny.
We also dig into how War Horse channels the golden age of Technicolor filmmaking, with vintage visual flair and an emotionally earnest score that takes more than a little inspiration from classic English composers.
Join us for this cinematic trot through Spielberg’s ode to animal loyalty, rolling green hills, and the magic of melodrama.
We're gonna need a longer podcast!
This week on Crouch Cinema Corner, we're diving into the deep end with the ultimate summer blockbuster: Jaws! To kick off our Summer of Spielberg series, we revisit the 1975 classic that scared a generation out of the water and changed the movie industry forever.
We skip the behind-the-scenes lore and go straight into the movie itself, starting with our signature Spielberg-themed categories. Peter picks a perfect dysfunctional Spielberg moment inside Quint's shack, we both accidentally choose the same delightfully odd John Williams cue, and we marvel at a brilliantly framed zoom shot that sets up the entire third act.
We also get into what makes Jaws such a masterclass in character-driven storytelling. From Brody’s land-loving anxiety to Hooper’s nerdy confidence to Quint’s sea-shanty bravado, the magic of the film lies in the trio’s chemistry as much as it does in that ominous fin cutting through the surf.
Along the way, we compare Jaws to Jurassic Park, talk about childhood fears of invertebrates, debate the effectiveness of the infamous scar scene, and celebrate the unsung heroes of Spielberg’s early storytelling instincts.
This week on Crouch Cinema Corner, we get introspective with The Life of Chuck (2025), Mike Flanagan’s quietly ambitious, emotionally-layered adaptation of a Stephen King short story from If It Bleeds. Reverse storytelling? Check. Existential dread? Absolutely. Tap dancing in the middle of an apocalypse? Why not!
We dive into the film’s unique structure, and how that bold format either totally works or leaves you craving just one more beat.
Along the way, we celebrate standout performances, plus a beautiful ambient score by The Newton Brothers that made us feel things (especially during that morgue walk-and-talk). We explore how Chuck fits into the King-Flanagan cinematic universe and why this one might not have found its audience yet.
This episode is a heartfelt and hopeful reflection on life, death, and dancing through the weirdness in between. Come for the stars going out, stay for the deep thoughts.✨
This week on Crouch Cinema Corner, we sink our teeth into Robert Eggers’ Nosferatu (2024)—a chilling, beautifully shot reimagining of the silent horror classic. We turned out the lights, turned up the volume, and leaned into the shadows for a film that’s all haunting visuals, gothic romance, and delightfully spooky vibes.
We gush over the film’s masterful use of lighting (yes, you can see what’s happening in the dark!), its eerie square framing, and Eggers’ signature obsession with eyes, thresholds, and creepy folklore. From the fog-drenched streets to a hypnotic castle candlelight scene, the atmosphere is thick and deliciously dreadful.
We also dive into the cast: Nicholas Hoult’s wide-eyed, increasingly doomed performance, Lily-Rose Depp’s unexpectedly riveting possession scene, and the always-welcome Willem Dafoe as a deranged pipe-smoking psychiatrist.
With shadowy hands creeping across cities, occult shrines tucked into every frame, and one of the most unforgettable final scenes we’ve seen this year, Nosferatu might not be subtle—but it sure leaves a mark.
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.