Tonight, Born to Watch delves deep into the dusty, desolate West Texas badlands to dissect a modern masterpiece: the Coen Brothers’ haunting 2007 thriller, No Country for Old Men. It’s a film that sidesteps genre conventions, delivering existential dread with a bolt gun and cowboy boots. The full Born to Watch crew is in session, and from the moment Whitey’s epic intro begins, you know this episode is going to be as layered and unpredictable as Anton Chigurh himself.

Right from the start, the boys are firing, rattling off 2007’s Oscar lineup, debating Juno’s place in film history, and showering praise on Daniel Day-Lewis’ oil-thirsty turn in There Will Be Blood. But tonight belongs to a different kind of monster: Javier Bardem’s Anton Chigurh. Is he cinema’s most terrifying villain? Whitey thinks he’s second only to Darth Vader, and with that hair, maybe even scarier.

As the team recalls first viewings and rewatch counts (shoutout to G Man’s 15 and counting), the discussion spirals into tales of obsessive fans, including a local surfboard shaper who watched the movie weekly and theorised on every nuanced frame. This isn’t just a movie, it’s a layered riddle that demands attention, multiple viewings, and, apparently, a decent video store rental policy.

Each Born to Watch host brings their own flavour to the conversation. Damo labels it a “one watcher” for its grim tone, while Dan declares it a regular “downtime” favourite on the land, fitting for a film that captures so much dusty silence and moral ambiguity. G Man and Whitey, meanwhile, dig into the deeper layers, noting how every watch reveals something new.

The cast gets a well-deserved spotlight, with special attention paid to Javier Bardem’s quietly horrifying performance. Gow dives into Bardem’s rugby-playing past (yes, really) and his reluctance toward violent roles, ironic, considering Chigurh is basically Death with a pageboy cut. Josh Brolin’s understated turn as Llewelyn Moss also gets love, as does Tommy Lee Jones’ weary, philosophical sheriff. The gang reflects on Woody Harrelson’s all-too-brief but memorable role and Kelly Macdonald’s heartbreaking final scene.

And in true Born to Watch fashion, the episode isn’t just about highbrow film theory; it’s a ride. Expect detours into Aussie weather patterns, rogue toasties, and the quality of Diane Lane’s 2010s filmography. There are tangents on Baywatch, Peter Phelps’ acting career, and even a debate on the New Yorker’s most pretentious film review ever written. Trust us, you won’t want to miss Whitey translating the nonsense of a critic who thinks name-dropping Elmore Leonard makes a hot take.

As always, the team weighs in on whether the film cracks the Rank Bank. But the real joy is in the journey: Gow’s taglines, Dan’s literary deep dives, and Damo’s reluctant respect all add up to a collective conclusion: No Country for Old Men might just be the smartest film to ever feature a cattle gun.

So, if you love Oscar-winning nihilism, coin toss-induced dread, or just want to hear a bunch of Aussie legends unravel one of the Coens’ most unnerving films, this is the episode for you.

JOIN THE CONVERSATION

• Is No Country for Old Men the Coens’ bleakest brilliance or just a beautifully shot nightmare?
• Would you call it heads or tails… or just run for the hills?
• Is Anton Chigurh cinema’s most chilling villain or just a man with a bad haircut and worse manners?

Drop us a voicemail at https://www.borntowatch.com.au and be part of the show!

Listen to the full episode now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your pods.

Don’t forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and click the 🔔 to stay updated on all things Born to Watch—your weekly fix of nostalgia, nonsense, and no-holds-barred movie breakdowns.

#NoCountryForOldMen #BornToWatch #MoviePodcast #CoenBrothers #AntonChigurh #OscarWinner #FilmReview #ModernWestern #JavierBardem #CormacMcCarthy

This week on Born to Watch, we're heading to the desert planet of Arrakis to break down one of the biggest sci-fi epics of recent memory in Denis Villeneuve’s Dune: Part One Review. Join Whitey and Sir Dimmy of the House Cockburn as they unpack a film that’s equal parts galactic power struggle, political thriller, and interstellar fever dream.

Villeneuve’s Dune had a lot riding on it. Announced in 2017 and delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic, it finally arrived in 2021 with both cinema and HBO Max releases. But did it live up to the hype? Was the spice worth the squeeze? Whitey and Sir Dimmy get stuck into the sandstorm of ambition, adaptation, and a whole lot of Zimmer.

From the very start, the duo agree, this film demands the big screen. Whitey confesses to watching it via a sneaky early online drop and instantly regretting not experiencing it in the cinema. For Dimmy, it was love at first IMAX. There’s a reverence for the visuals, the grandeur, and the world-building that marks Dune as a rare modern blockbuster that dares to go deep.

But this isn’t a dry academic analysis. This is Born to Watch, where film critique meets pub banter. That means serious praise for Hans Zimmer’s thunderous, Oscar-winning score, though we do wonder if the music sometimes overshadows the movie. The team marvels at the film's scale: the ornithopters, the wormsign, the sand-soaked vistas. Arrakis feels real. The political scheming feels Shakespearean. The voice feels like Jedi mind tricks on steroids.

Naturally, the cast gets a full once-over. Timothée Chalamet is dubbed a “scrawny action hero” who somehow works as Paul Atreides. Rebecca Ferguson as Lady Jessica earns the nickname “Freckles Ferguson” and delivers the emotional heft of the film, tears, telepathy, and total commitment. Jason Momoa’s Duncan Idaho is everyone’s space-dad crush, and Stellan Skarsgård’s floating, grotesque Baron Harkonnen might just be the scariest slug in cinema history.

And then there’s Zendaya. Or… is there? While her face is plastered across posters, trailers, and marketing campaigns, she’s in the actual film for about 10 minutes, and that’s being generous. Sir Dimmy and Whitey don't hold back, calling it one of the greatest bait-and-switches in recent memory. She’s Paul’s “blue-eyed wet dream,” more vision than character, and it all but guarantees the necessity of a sequel.

The discussion also gets into the film's legacy. Is Dune the sci-fi blueprint that inspired Star Wars? Without question. From the Force-like Voice to desert-dwelling mystics and chosen one arcs, Herbert’s fingerprints are all over modern sci-fi. Villeneuve’s version just finally gives the novel the serious treatment it deserves, after the messy (but charmingly weird) David Lynch version in 1984 and a forgettable miniseries.

Of course, Born to Watch being Born to Watch, there are plenty of detours. There's debate over whether Duncan Idaho could survive in the Game of Thrones universe. There's talk of Dutch ovens, nose jobs, and the possibility of casting Mr. T as the Reverend Mother. At one point, the podcast veers into a philosophical wormhole involving one-name celebrities like Sting, Prince, and, of course, Zendaya. The House Cockburn coat of arms even gets a shoutout, shielded by fire, flanked by two swords in the shape of appendages. You really had to be there.

Despite a few gripes, underexplained lore, a traitorous doctor’s paper-thin logic, and the slightly sluggish pacing, Whitey and Sir Dimmy are all in on Dune. It’s a film that dares to take itself seriously. No snark, no winks. Just grand, immersive sci-fi storytelling. It may not be everyone's flavour of spice, but it’s a feast for those who want their blockbusters with brains.

As the credits roll and the sand settles, one thing is clear: this is only part one. And Born to Watch will be there when part two drops, with fresher takes, deeper dives, and possibly more Zendaya.

Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts!
Join the conversation:

• Is Dune a sci-fi masterpiece or a high-concept snooze?
• Was Zendaya’s screen time the greatest bait-and-switch ever?
• Would YOU ride a sandworm into battle?

Please drop us a voicemail at BornToWatch.com.au and be part of the show!

#BornToWatch #Dune2021 #DenisVilleneuve #TimotheeChalamet #SpiceMustFlow #MoviePodcast #FilmReview #SciFiCinema #Zendaya #HansZimmer #MovieNerds #FilmTalk #PopCultureBreakdown #HouseCockburn #BlueEyedWetDreams #JasonMomoa #RebeccaFerguson

The heat is back on as the Born to Watch crew heads back to Beverly Hills for some high-octane hijinks, fast-talking cons, and serious shoulder-padded style. In this week’s episode, Whitey, G-Man, and Dan on the Land revisit the 1987 sequel that turned up the dial on Eddie Murphy’s star power with their Beverly Hills Cop II Review, directed by the ever-slick Tony Scott.

From the moment Axel Foley slides behind the wheel of a Ferrari to the final shootout at the oil fields, the team breaks down why this neon-soaked action-comedy remains an ‘80s icon. They revel in Murphy’s unmatched charisma, dissect the film’s bold visual flair, and relive the glory of Harold Faltermeyer’s synth-driven score and Bob Seger’s anthemic “Shakedown.”

Whitey goes deep on Tony Scott’s signature aesthetic, the burnished orange hues, the stylized action, the hyper-stylized masculinity, while G-Man keeps it grounded with sharp takes on the film’s functional but fun villainy and the lovable duo of Rosewood and Taggart. Meanwhile, Dan (pizza in hand) dishes on Eddie’s behind-the-scenes power moves and the rise of “Eddie Murphy Productions,” proving this was the moment Axel Foley became Eddie Murphy’s true alter ego.

The boys aren’t afraid to poke fun, either. From the inexplicable countdown robberies and oddly muscular strippers to baffling wardrobe coincidences (how did that blazer fit Taggart so well?), this episode’s got more questions than an alphabet heist. And don’t get them started on the extra at the Playboy Mansion doing an interpretive dance; he’s earned a permanent spot in the Bad Running Ripley Hall of Fame.

They also tip their hats to the era: the coke-fueled Simpson/Bruckheimer production madness, the bafflingly low Rotten Tomatoes scores despite the film being the second biggest box office hit of 1987, and the sheer power of a good montage scored by Seger. It’s a masterclass in style-over-substance, but sometimes style is the substance.

And of course, it wouldn’t be a Born to Watch episode without diversions into North Shore memories, Magnum P.I. comparisons, and the origin story of Dan’s legendary mustard shirt. If you know, you know.

So, whether you’re an ‘80s kid raised on VHS or just discovering that Beverly Hills had a crime problem solvable only by Detroit’s finest, this episode is a full-throttle celebration of a sequel that doesn’t just play the hits, it cranks them.

Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts!

Join the conversation:

1. Is Beverly Hills Cop II better than the original?
2. Does Tony Scott’s style elevate the film or overshadow it?
3. Which song hits harder: “Shakedown” or “The Heat Is On”?

Leave us a voicemail at BornToWatch.com.au and be part of the show!

#BornToWatch #BeverlyHillsCopII #EddieMurphy #TonyScott #80sMovies #ActionComedy #MoviePodcast #BobSeger #Shakedown #CultClassics #BeverlyHillsCop2

Step back into the Hyborian Age as the Born to Watch team revisits the sword-swinging, snake-worshipping, bass-drum-thumping fantasy epic that turned Arnold Schwarzenegger from a musclebound oddity into a bona fide cinematic icon. In this week’s episode, Matt, Damo, and Will the Worky unsheath their mics and tackle John Milius' 1982 cult classic in our Conan the Barbarian (1982) Review, a film where dialogue is sparse, but biceps and barbarism are abundant.

From the first clang of steel to the last decapitated villain, the team dissects how Conan carved a path for modern sword-and-sorcery flicks. They marvel at Basil Poledouris' thunderous score, which practically carries the film on its symphonic shoulders, because let’s face it, Arnie wasn’t hired for his monologues (all 76 words of them). The music, paired with breathtaking cinematography and operatic violence, sets a tone so grand it makes modern blockbusters feel like children's theatre.

Matt reminisces about watching Conan far too young, the kind of early exposure to gore and magic that forges lifelong genre fans, or scars. Damo is surprised by how little he remembered and how much more there was to appreciate in the rewatch, especially the high fantasy structure and iconic character archetypes. Meanwhile, while watching it for the first time, Will finds joy in the bizarre mix of stoic barbarism and pseudo-philosophy, and even draws connections to his favourite cult flicks.

The team dives deep into the lore, from Nietzsche quotes (anachronistically inserted, of course) to the Riddle of Steel, and unpacks Conan's journey from orphaned child to vengeful demigod. They salute James Earl Jones’ haunting performance as Thulsa Doom, complete with snake eyes and an even more chilling voice and appreciate how he lends gravitas to a film otherwise packed with loincloths and camo body paint.

There’s plenty of laughs, too. From the bizarrely tame “orgy” scene (more twister than temptation) to the ineptitude of Thulsa Doom’s guards who fall like dominoes, no absurdity is safe. The guys revel in the moments where the film leans into camp, noting that sometimes a little cheese makes the fantasy feast even better.

But it’s not all satire and side-eyes. They pay proper homage to the movie’s impact on pop culture and its clear influence on everything from Game of Thrones to Willow. There's admiration for the throwback practical effects, the majestic (if questionably choreographed) sword fights, and the sheer cinematic ambition that poured from every dust-covered frame.

Of course, no Born to Watch episode would be complete without some detours into the ridiculous. You'll hear about suspiciously hygienic cave-dwellers, the logistics of snake cult recruitment, and even a story involving an orgy, a wall, and a very confident swinger. Yep, it's that kind of episode.

So, whether you’re a lifelong Conan fan or just now discovering that sword and sorcery can be both epic and unintentionally hilarious, this episode is a glorious deep-dive into a film that helped define 1980s fantasy cinema and the Born to Watch crew wouldn’t have it any other way.

Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts!

Join the conversation:
Is Conan the most iconic role of Arnold’s career?
Does Basil Poledouris’ score make this an all-time great?
What’s the most badass moment in the film?

Please drop us a voicemail at BornToWatch.com.au and be part of the show!

#BornToWatch #ConanTheBarbarian #ArnoldSchwarzenegger #SwordAndSorcery #80sMovies #FantasyEpic #MoviePodcast #BasilPoledouris #JamesEarlJones #CultClassics

This week on Born to Watch, we lace up our Asics, slap on a second singlet, and head to the sun-soaked courts of Venice Beach as we rewind to 1992 with our White Men Can't Jump Review, a film that might be the most gloriously nineties thing we've ever reviewed. From hypercolor hats to bike shorts over trackies, this movie is a time capsule of an era when trash talk was an art form and hustling was a full-time job.

Whitey and G Man go deep on this cult classic, remembering their own basketball glory days and how this film shaped their approach to trash talk on and off the court. More than just a sports movie, White Men Can’t Jump is a gritty, witty, and surprisingly layered look at addiction, betrayal, and self-destruction, with a side of slam dunks and “yo mama” jokes.

Woody Harrelson’s Billy Hoyle is the kind of guy who can’t get out of his own way, while Wesley Snipes’ Sidney Deane has charm, ambition, and just enough hustle to burn his own mates. Together, they’re magic on the court, but it’s off the court where their flaws truly shine. Gloria, played by Rosie Perez, may be one of the most annoying characters in cinematic history, but she’s also a vital part of the film’s emotional punch, and maybe, just maybe, part of Billy’s downfall.

The boys ask the big questions: Is this actually a comedy? Or is it a cleverly disguised tragedy about two men who can't get out of their own way? Is Gloria the real villain? And why does Sidney wear a cycling cap to play basketball? There are critical breakdowns of the basketball action (which holds up surprisingly well), deep dives into the fashion, and stories of real-life trash talk glory from the Narrabeen Fitness Camp days.

We cover everything from the impeccable chemistry between Harrelson and Snipes to the deeper themes that still resonate today. And yes, we’ve got the stats: box office, critical reception, director Ron Shelton’s sporting film pedigree, and why this movie may be more about green than black or white.

So grab your Gatorade, stretch out like Billy on the sideline, and settle in for a Born to Watch deep cut that’ll take you back to a simpler time—when all you needed was a ball, a dream, and someone to hustle.

Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts!
Join the conversation:
Is Billy Hoyle the most frustrating character in sports movie history?
Was Gloria's Jeopardy obsession genius or just plain annoying?
Who had the better game—Billy or Sydney?

Please drop us a voicemail at BornToWatch.com.au and be part of the show!

#BornToWatch #WhiteMenCantJump #WesleySnipes #WoodyHarrelson #RosiePerez #90sBasketball #MovieHustle #TrashTalkLegends #RonShelton #MoviePodcast

This week on Born to Watch, we dive headfirst into the bug-infested chaos of Paul Verhoeven’s 1997 cult classic, with our Starship Troopers (1997) Review. It’s brutal, brilliant, and batshit insane and we wouldn’t have it any other way.

With the Born to Watch crew all lined up in the co-ed showers, Whitey, Damo, Dan, and special guest Matty Beer Geek go deep (but not too deep) on the movie that was mocked at release but has grown into a beloved sci-fi satire. Is this just a brainless space action flick? Or is it a razor-sharp takedown of fascism and militarism? Or both? Spoiler: it’s both.

We break down the iconic moments: the ridiculously perfect jawlines of Casper Van Dien and Denise Richards, Michael Ironside chewing scenery like the legend he is, and Jake Busey's teeth doing most of the acting for him. From Zegema Beach to brain bug psychic probes, we cover it all.

Expect plenty of laughs as the boys recall their first times watching it, at sweaty cinemas, VHS marathons, and maybe even the odd midnight screening. Plus, some heartfelt debate: Dizzy or Carmen? Would you sign up to be a citizen or sit back and let the bugs win? And yes, we do get very specific about the co-ed shower logistics (spoiler: prep is key).

There’s also time for a raucous trip down 1997 memory lane. Damo sweats it out in the back row, Dan’s off riding dirt bikes through Romania and eating 19 types of salami, and Matty brings his A-game from the West. We revisit the hottest music of the year, the infamous Playboys of McDonald's video rental section, and mourn the box office fate of Starship Troopers. This misunderstood gem lost money but gained a cult following.

With a budget that would make even the Federation blush, and CGI bugs that still look better than some 2025 blockbusters, Starship Troopers is pure Verhoeven: provocative, pervy, and politically charged.

We also take aim at the critical drubbing this movie received on release, some reviewers clearly didn’t get the joke. We shine a light on the film’s relevance today: Would the satire hit harder in a post-Hunger Games, post-Fury Road world? Is this what our future looks like if TikTok replaces civics education?

In true Born to Watch fashion, we ask the tough questions:

• Is this Verhoeven's secret masterpiece?
• Who's worse: Carmen or the bugs?
• And most importantly, how do you prep for a co-ed shower in boot camp?

Whether you’re a superfan who’s seen it 30 times or a rookie just enlisting in the Mobile Infantry, this episode is for you. So load your Morita rifle, shout “Kill ‘em all!”, and join us as we break down Starship Troopers the only way we know how, boobs, bugs, banter, and all.

Because remember: everyone fights. No one quits. And we were Born to Watch.

🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts!

📣 Join the conversation:
💬 Is Starship Troopers a misunderstood masterpiece or fascist propaganda in disguise?
🔥 Would you follow Rico into battle or hide in the co-ed showers?
🐛 Is this Paul Verhoeven's smartest dumb movie or his dumbest smart one?

#BornToWatch #StarshipTroopers #PaulVerhoeven #CultClassics #MoviePodcast #SciFiMovies #FilmSatire #90sMovies #CinephileLife #PodcastLife

Clint Eastwood might be known for playing grizzled, hard-as-nails lawmen, but in our In the Line of Fire (1993) Review, he takes things in a different direction, just slightly. This week, the Born to Watch crew dives into this overlooked 90s political thriller that pits Eastwood’s aging Secret Service agent Frank Horrigan against one of cinema’s most memorable villains: John Malkovich as the terrifying Mitch Leary.

Whitey, G-Man, and Will “The Worky” are in studio to unpack the deadly game of cat and mouse that unfolds in Wolfgang Petersen’s taut, tense, and occasionally trope-heavy flick. What follows is a mix of movie breakdowns, personal throwbacks, accidental roastings, and a bold declaration that Malkovich might just rival Hannibal Lecter as one of the great screen psychopaths.

Eastwood: Still Got It (But Also, He’s 63)
Gow calls Eastwood’s performance “Dirty Harry with a blue pill next to the bed.” Whitey thinks it’s flirty, even charming, a rare side of Clint. Will just seems shocked that he’s now the Born to Watch Eastwood expert. The team debates whether Frank Horrigan is one of Clint’s best post-Unforgiven roles or just another iteration of his go-to tough guy with a badge and a haunted past.

Malkovich: BAFTA Noms, Creepy Vibes, and a Murderous Basement
John Malkovich steals the show as Mitch Leary, a former CIA assassin with a grudge, a creepy lair that looks suspiciously like Buffalo Bill’s basement, and a habit of tormenting Clint over the phone. His calm delivery, terrifying intensity, and sheer unpredictability earned him an Academy Award nomination and earned our crew’s unanimous praise. The guys marvel at his screen presence, his range, and yes, his mysterious career choices.

’90s Tropes and Why We Love Them
The gang agrees: In the Line of Fire is soaked in ‘90s action movie tropes, and that’s not a complaint. From overbearing chiefs of staff and cheesy one-liners to conveniently timed sniper reveals and romantic subplots with massive age gaps, the movie wears its era on its sleeve. Renee Russo’s chemistry with Clint is questionable at best, and her role sparks a deep (and hilarious) debate about whether she’s “a good sort” or a “right-light good sort.”

Clint’s Dating Age Gap: A Cinematic Tradition
With Eastwood at 63 and Russo at 39, the romantic tension raises eyebrows. “She’s two years younger than his daughter,” Whitey points out. “It could’ve been a father-daughter thing.” The conversation doesn’t stop there; it spirals into references to Seinfeld, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, and Monty Burns.

Cat, Mouse, and Jazz Piano
This movie isn’t just about bullets and bravado — it’s got emotional weight too. Frank’s regret over JFK’s assassination adds gravitas to the plot, and the constant tension between him and Leary plays out over landlines and cassette recorders. The team loves the phone calls, the psychological warfare, and yes, Clint’s real-life jazz piano skills.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• Eastwood’s “grizzled flirt” energy gets rated
• Malkovich’s villain performance gets compared to movie greats
• The trailer’s original JFK-themed edit sparks a nostalgic digression
• ‘90s newsagents, porno mags, and the glory days of inside sport magazines
• Damo cops heat in the Snobs Report beef from a random footy guy

It’s a movie about obsession, redemption, and running beside the presidential limo at 60+. It’s also a conversation packed with pop culture tangents, Eastwood trivia, and plenty of digs at Morgs (who’s nowhere to defend himself).

LISTEN NOW on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your pods.

Join the conversation:

• Is In the Line of Fire Clint’s last great performance?
• Did Malkovich deserve the Oscar?
• Is 63 too old to be jogging beside the president’s car?

Drop us a voicemail at BornToWatch.com.au and let us know.

#InTheLineOfFire #ClintEastwood #JohnMalkovich #BornToWatchPodcast #90sThriller #MoviePodcast #ReneeRusso #SecretServiceMovie