Born To Watch - A Movie Podcast

By: Matthew White
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  • Summary

  • Join four old mates on a cinematic journey like no other in the "Born to Watch Movie Podcast" the podcast where movies aren't just watched, they're experienced. Each week, dive into the films that reshaped their lives and, perhaps, even the world. With many thousands of hours of movie-watching under their belts, these friends bring a unique, seasoned perspective where they don't take themselves or the movies too seriously.
    © 2024 Matthew White
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Episodes
  • Tango & Cash (1989)

    Tango & Cash (1989)
    Sep 24 2024

    Few buddy cop films from the '80s pack the wild, testosterone-fueled fun that Tango & Cash (1989) does. This action-comedy, starring Sylvester Stallone and Kurt Russell, has cemented its place as a cult classic. While it may not be the most refined piece of cinema, it’s a wild ride from start to finish, showcasing all the hallmarks of the late '80s action genre – explosions, witty one-liners, and big hair.

    Plot Breakdown

    The story is as over-the-top as you'd expect. Ray Tango (Stallone) and Gabriel Cash (Russell) are rival L.A. detectives from opposite sides of the cop spectrum. Tango is the slick, Armani-suited professional, while Cash is the wild, loose cannon with a mullet and a penchant for chaos. When they’re framed for murder by a powerful crime lord (played by Jack Palance), they have to set aside their differences to clear their names and take down the real villains.

    The plot might be thin, but it is a perfect backdrop for Stallone and Russell to riff off each other. Their chemistry is undeniable, one of the film's biggest strengths. Watching these two action icons banter, bicker, and begrudgingly team up makes Tango & Cash so rewatchable.

    Characters & Performances

    Stallone and Russell are both in their element here. Stallone plays it cool and collected, contrasting his usual rough-and-tumble action hero roles (Rambo, anyone?). It’s fun to see him lean into a more polished character, still delivering killer action scenes but with a wink and a smirk.

    Kurt Russell, though, is the true scene-stealer. His portrayal of Cash, a wisecracking, reckless cop, perfectly balances charm and grit. Russell’s timing is impeccable, and he injects a level of humour that keeps the film from taking itself too seriously. Add in the hilariously over-the-top villains, including a memorable turn from Palance, and you have a film that’s never lacking in character dynamics.

    Action & Cinematography

    For fans of Born to Watch who live for classic ‘80s action, this movie delivers. The action sequences are pure chaos—ranging from high-speed car chases to daring prison escapes and warehouse shootouts. It’s a no-holds-barred spectacle of explosions, stunts, and gunfire, all shot with that frenetic, fast-paced style that made the era's action films iconic.

    The film’s climax, featuring an armoured monster truck smashing through everything in sight, epitomises absurd action excess. And it’s precisely what you want from a movie like this. Nothing is subtle or understated, and that’s the point—Tango & Cash is about having as much fun as possible on screen.

    Cultural Impact

    While Tango & Cash didn’t exactly set the box office on fire or win over critics when it was first released, it's become a cult favourite. Fans of Stallone and Russell often cite this film as a guilty pleasure, and it’s easy to see why. It’s pure escapism, a film that doesn’t pretend to be anything other than an entertaining popcorn flick. It’s also a time capsule of late '80s action cinema, blending buddy cop antics with outrageous stunts, macho bravado, and that irreverent sense of humour that feels like a precursor to films like Bad Boys and Rush Hour.

    In the larger action landscape, Tango & Cash doesn’t get mentioned as much as classics like Die Hard or Lethal Weapon, but it’s worth watching for its sheer entertainment value. Plus, it’s always a treat to see two major stars like Stallone and Russell flexing their comedic muscles while still delivering all the action their fans crave.

    Final Thoughts

    For Born to Watch listeners, if you’re in the mood for a movie that embodies everything wild and wonderful about late '80s action, Tango & Cash is an absolute must-see. It’s cheesy, loud, and over-the-top, but it knows precisely what it’s doing. The dynamic between Stallone and Russell is worth the price of admission alone, and the film’s explosive action scenes will leave you grinning. It's not high art, but it sure is high on entertainment.

    Whether you’re revisiting it for nostalgia or checking it out for the first time, Tango & Cash is a perfect example of why we love ‘80s action cinema—it’s all about the fun.

    Please follow the Podcast and join our community at

    https://linktr.ee/borntowatchpodcast

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    1 hr and 41 mins
  • The Fugitive (1993)

    The Fugitive (1993)
    Sep 17 2024
    The Fugitive (1993) is one of those films that perfectly encapsulates the tension and pulse-pounding excitement of a great action-thriller. Directed by Andrew Davis and starring Harrison Ford and Tommy Lee Jones, this movie has earned its spot as a quintessential ‘90s action film, but it does more than just deliver spectacular stunts and edge-of-your-seat chases. At its core, The Fugitive is a cat-and-mouse game wrapped in a deeper story of justice, survival, and determination. The film explores themes of innocence and perseverance, driven by dynamic performances and sharp direction.Harrison Ford stars as Dr. Richard Kimble, a Chicago vascular surgeon falsely accused of murdering his wife. The movie opens with a gripping flashback to the fateful night of her death, immediately setting a tense and moody tone. This tension carries through the entire film as Kimble's stoic, determined search for the truth parallels Deputy U.S. Marshal Samuel Gerard’s relentless pursuit.The Performances: A Duel Between Ford and JonesHarrison Ford and Tommy Lee Jones's powerhouse performances are The Fugitive's heart. Ford's portrayal of Dr. Kimble gives the character a sympathetic resilience. His understated but deeply emotional approach perfectly embodies a man thrown into extraordinary circumstances. Throughout the movie, you can feel Kimble’s grief and frustration bubbling beneath the surface, but Ford keeps him controlled, focused, and believable. He’s not an action hero in the typical sense—he’s a regular man, resourceful and clever, but constantly on the run, thinking a step ahead while navigating an impossible situation.Tommy Lee Jones, on the other hand, is a force of nature as U.S. Marshal Gerard. His Oscar-winning performance is pure intensity, but with just the right touch of humour and wit to make him endlessly watchable. Jones takes what could have been a by-the-numbers antagonist role and breathes life into it. His portrayal of Gerard is marked by unrelenting professionalism—he’s laser-focused on catching Kimble. Yet, you sense that he also respects him, even though they’re on opposite sides of the law. Gerard’s famous line, “I don’t care,” when Kimble claims his innocence, perfectly encapsulates the no-nonsense persona Jones brings to the character. Gerard’s dedication is to his job, not the morality of Kimble’s situation.Cinematography and Direction: Crafting the ChaseAndrew Davis' masterful direction makes The Fugitive 1993 stand out even more. The movie’s pacing is relentless, rarely giving the audience a moment to breathe. From the spectacular train crash sequence early in the film to the tense scenes in the Chicago streets, Davis keeps the momentum driving forward, heightening the stakes at every turn.The cinematography by Michael Chapman plays a crucial role in this, adding layers of visual tension. The film moves from one vividly captured location to the next, whether it’s the urban sprawl of Chicago or the more rural, rugged terrain where Kimble initially escapes. Chapman often uses tight, claustrophobic shots of Kimble on the run to amplify the sense of desperation, juxtaposed with wide, sweeping shots that emphasize just how much ground the protagonist needs to cover to clear his name. The urban chase scenes through Chicago are particularly well-staged, providing the sense that Kimble could be found at any moment, hiding in plain sight in a city that’s both his home and a trap.A Puzzle That Unfolds Layer by LayerThe Fugitive is not just a film about a chase—it’s also a puzzle. The mystery surrounding Kimble’s wife’s murder slowly unravels as Kimble follows leads, figures out motives, and pieces together the conspiracy that led to his false imprisonment. The screenplay, adapted from the 1960s television series of the same name, does an excellent job of weaving this investigative element into the broader action. This adds an intellectual dimension to the film, as Kimble uses his medical expertise and calm under pressure to unearth the truth while dodging his pursuers.In this sense, The Fugitive becomes more than just a typical thriller. There’s a deeper story here about corruption and greed, as Kimble discovers that his wife’s murder was connected to a pharmaceutical conspiracy involving his colleagues. The narrative has enough twists and turns to keep viewers engaged without becoming too convoluted. By the time we reach the climax, all the pieces fall into place, but it’s the journey getting there that makes the movie so compelling.A Movie That Stands the Test of TimeOne of the reasons The Fugitive 1993 remains a classic is how well it holds up today. Many action films from that era can feel dated due to over-the-top effects or exaggerated performances, but The Fugitive strikes a timeless balance. The action is realistic, the story grounded, and the performances nuanced enough that the film never feels out of place, even three decades later.Part of ...
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    1 hr and 45 mins
  • The Exorcist (1973)

    The Exorcist (1973)
    Sep 10 2024
    When it comes to films that have left a lasting mark on the horror genre, few can rival the terrifying power of The Exorcist (1973). Directed by William Friedkin and adapted from William Peter Blatty’s 1971 novel, The Exorcist shattered boundaries with its unflinching portrayal of demonic possession and the battle between good and evil. Released in December 1973, the film captivated audiences and sparked controversy for its graphic content and shocking themes. This review will explore why The Exorcist (1973) remains a pinnacle of horror cinema, from its groundbreaking storytelling to its cultural and cinematic significance.A Simple Story Elevated by Complex ThemesAt its core, The Exorcist (1973) tells a simple yet profoundly disturbing story. It revolves around the possession of a young girl, Regan MacNeil (played by Linda Blair), and the desperate efforts of her mother, Chris (Ellen Burstyn), to save her. The family’s only hope rests with two priests, Father Karras (Jason Miller) and the seasoned exorcist, Father Merrin (Max von Sydow). While the premise seems straightforward—a child in peril, religious figures battling a supernatural force—the film digs deeper into themes of faith, guilt, and the fragility of human existence.One of the key elements that makes The Exorcist so unsettling is its exploration of faith, or rather, the loss of it. Father Karras is a man wracked by doubt. He’s a priest who has lost his mother, a psychiatrist struggling to reconcile his beliefs with the suffering he sees in the world. His personal crisis mirrors the larger question the film asks: what do we do when confronted with something truly evil? This is the tension at the heart of The Exorcist, elevating the film from mere shock value to something far more existential and terrifying.Unforgettable PerformancesThe performances in The Exorcist (1973) are nothing short of iconic, particularly that of Linda Blair as the possessed Regan. Blair’s transformation from a sweet, innocent child to a terrifying vessel for a demon is astonishing. It’s a performance that pushes the limits of what was previously expected from child actors, and it’s still regarded as one of the most chilling portrayals in horror history. Her physical and emotional range—enhanced by the groundbreaking makeup effects of Dick Smith—leaves a lasting impact. Every contorted expression every guttural sound that emerges from her during the possession sequences is haunting.Ellen Burstyn’s portrayal of a desperate mother is equally powerful. Chris MacNeil’s descent from a successful actress to a mother on the verge of breakdown is heart-wrenching. The film builds up her growing terror and helplessness as Regan worsens, creating a harrowing portrait of maternal despair.Jason Miller’s conflicted Father Karras is a revelation. His nuanced performance of a man wrestling with his faith adds emotional depth to the film’s supernatural elements. Meanwhile, Max von Sydow’s Father Merrin is the stoic, wise counterpoint to Karras’ inner turmoil. Although Merrin’s character is more of a traditional hero, von Sydow brings gravitas and world-weariness to the role, making the final confrontation all the more gripping.Pushing the Boundaries of Special EffectsIn 1973, audiences had never seen anything quite like The Exorcist. The special effects, many of which were practical, broke new ground in horror filmmaking. From Regan’s spider-walk down the stairs to the levitation scenes, the film’s visual shocks have become legendary. The makeup that transforms Blair’s face into something grotesque, the vomit spewing, the rotating head—these effects still hold up today and remain unsettling even in a world where digital effects dominate.But it’s not just the visual effects that make The Exorcist so memorable. The sound design plays a crucial role in heightening the terror. The eerie soundscape, from the unnatural voices Regan speaks to, to the house's creaking, creates a sensory overload that gets under your skin. And who could forget Mike Oldfield’s Tubular Bells? While not initially composed for the film, the track has become synonymous with The Exorcist, its hypnotic rhythm forever tied to the creeping sense of dread the movie invokes.Cultural Impact and ControversyThe release of The Exorcist (1973) sparked widespread debate and controversy. Audiences were reportedly fainting, vomiting, and fleeing theatres in panic due to the intensity of the film. In fact, the film was banned in several countries and faced resistance from religious groups who considered it blasphemous. The stark depiction of exorcism and the visceral horrors it presented hit a nerve with the public. It challenged not just what could be shown on screen but how far filmmakers could push the boundaries of audience tolerance.Despite—or perhaps because of—its controversy, The Exorcist was a massive commercial success. It became the first horror film nominated for Best ...
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    1 hr and 50 mins
Art
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