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* !
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40:27
EPISODE 11: THE GOONIES
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).
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39:10
EPISODE 10: MUFASA: THE LION KING
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.
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41:12
EPISODE 9: A COMPLETE UNKNOWN
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. 🎸🎤
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31:34
EPISODE 8: A MINECRAFT MOVIE
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.
Get ready for musings and thoughts on a variety of movies, as two Canadian film enthusiasts, The Crouch Brothers, discuss films of all eras, and try to get inside each other's minds.
Spoilers in every episode.
Hosts: Peter & Tim Crouch
Original music by: Peter Crouch
A division of the 'Crouch Cinema Corner'.