In this week's episode of Born to Watch, the boys step back into the ring for a full Creed 2015 Movie Review, diving deep into the legacy sequel that had the impossible task of continuing one of cinema's most iconic franchises.

The Rocky series is sacred ground for movie lovers, sports fans and anyone who's ever wanted to punch frozen meat in a warehouse while inspirational music blasts in the background. But can Creed escape the shadow of Rocky Balboa and become something more than just another nostalgia cash grab?

Whitey, G-Man and Dan on the Land lace up the gloves to unpack Ryan Coogler's 2015 boxing drama starring Michael B. Jordan, Sylvester Stallone and Tessa Thompson. The boys discuss whether Adonis Creed's search for identity mirrors the movie's own struggle to forge a new path while still leaning heavily on the Rocky formula fans know and love.

The crew debates whether Creed should've been a "hit it and quit it" one-off film, with Whitey arguing the sequels may have actually hurt the legacy of the original movie. There's also a breakdown of the emotional parallels between Rocky and Apollo Creed, why sports movies continue to hit men directly in the soul, and whether boxing films are basically mandatory viewing for blokes everywhere.

Dan on the Land brings his own unique "pugilist" expertise to the review after heading straight from boxing training into the recording session. Naturally, this leads to discussions about outlaw dirt bike gangs, whiskey-throttling into barbed wire fences, and whether Michael B. Jordan actually fights like a real boxer or just looks good doing it on camera.

The boys also dive into the film's incredible cinematography, especially the famous one-shot fight scene against Leo Sporino. Dan explains why the boxing choreography in Creed is miles ahead of the original Rocky films, while Whitey questions whether the movie rushes Adonis into world-level fights too quickly without earning it first.

There's a huge conversation about the movie's emotional side, too. Does Creed actually succeed as a character study in the same way the original Rocky did? Was Rocky's cancer storyline genuinely moving or just emotional manipulation? And did the filmmakers wait too long before finally unleashing the iconic Rocky music cues everyone was waiting for?

As always, the episode goes completely off the rails in classic Born to Watch fashion. The boys somehow detour into discussions about awkward TV scenes, The Wire connections, Ryan Gosling in The Big Short, The Hateful Eight, bum jokes, cowboy hats in Cape Town clubs, and why Whitey believes Pretty Ricky Conlan is one of the weakest final opponents in the entire Rocky universe.

There's also a deep dive into Ryan Coogler's career, including Fruitvale Station, Black Panther and Sinners, plus a breakdown of Michael B. Jordan's rise to superstardom. The boys discuss Stallone's Oscar-nominated performance as Rocky Balboa and whether he was robbed of the Academy Award after winning the Golden Globe.

On top of all that, you'll get the usual Born to Watch segments, including Overs and Unders, Hit/Sleeper/Dud, box office breakdowns, Rotten Tomatoes scores, and the famous Critical Thinking segment where the boys tackle the important questions, like whether you can realistically wear a grey tracksuit into a hip hop club.

If you love boxing movies, Rocky nostalgia, hilarious tangents and three Aussie idiots trying to unpack one of the best sports dramas of the modern era, this episode is for you.

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• Is Creed the best Rocky movie since the original?
• Did the sequels ruin the legacy of Creed?
• Was Stallone robbed of the Oscar?
• And most importantly… could you catch the chicken?

#Creed #Rocky #CreedReview #MichaelBJordan #SylvesterStallone #BoxingMovies #BornToWatch #MoviePodcast #SportsMovies #FilmReview

80's Action movie Draft is here, and this week Born to Watch flips the script with something completely different… and completely unhinged.

Instead of breaking down a single film, the boys jump into a full snake draft to build the ultimate lineup of 80s action movies. It sounds simple. It absolutely is not.

Whitey, Dan, Bones and DJ Glaz enter the draft with a clear plan… which lasts about 30 seconds.

The rules are straightforward. Every pick must be an action movie released between 1980 and 1989. The draft runs snake style, meaning the order flips every round. You get limited time to make your pick, justify it, and then immediately deal with the fallout from everyone else.

And there is plenty of fallout.

From the opening pick, it's clear this isn't just about building the best list. It's about blocking each other, ruining strategies, and making sure no one else gets the movie they really want.

There are early shocks, questionable decisions, and a few moments where you can feel the panic set in as certain films start disappearing off the board quicker than expected.

What makes this episode work is the mix of chaos and nostalgia.

As each round unfolds, the boys dive into what made 80s action so iconic. This was the era of larger-than-life heroes, ridiculous plots, and one-liners that still get quoted today. These weren't just movies; they were part of growing up.

There are stories about watching films on VHS, rewinding scenes over and over again, and seeing certain moments for the first time way earlier than probably appropriate. It's the kind of nostalgia that hits immediately if you grew up anywhere near this era.

At the same time, the strategy element starts to creep in.

Do you take the obvious pick early, or risk it sliding? Do you go sentimental, or try to build the strongest possible lineup? Do you play your own game, or just focus on destroying everyone else's?

The answers change round by round.

There are moments of pure satisfaction when a pick lands perfectly… and immediate regret when someone else snipes the next one. You can hear it in real time, the shift from confidence to panic as the board starts thinning out.

And then there's the banter.

This is Born to Watch at its absolute best. Constant interruptions, side stories that go nowhere, ridiculous comparisons, and the kind of insults that only come from years of watching movies together.

The draft becomes less about the movies and more about the personalities behind the picks.

By the halfway mark, things are properly heated.

Lists are starting to take shape, but so are the arguments. Everyone is convinced they're building the best lineup, and no one is willing to admit they've made a bad pick.

The tension builds as the rounds continue, with a few wildcard selections thrown in just to keep things unpredictable.

By the end, the big question isn't just what movies were picked… It's who actually won.

Is it the person with the strongest overall list? The smartest strategy? Or the one who managed to survive the chaos without completely losing their mind?

One thing is guaranteed: you'll be yelling at your speakers, thinking of the movies you would have taken.

And that’s exactly the point.

JOIN THE CONVERSATION

• Who had the best draft?
• What's the greatest 80s action movie of all time?
• And what did we miss?

#80sAction #MovieDraft #BornToWatch #ActionMovies #80sMovies #MoviePodcast #FilmDraft #ClassicMovies #Podcast #Cinema

Forrest Gump 1994 Review is here, and this week the boys take on one of the most iconic, quoted, and emotionally loaded films of all time… but not everything is as sweet as that box of chocolates.

Whitey, Damo, and the Work Experience Kid (still fighting for a full-time contract) dive into Forrest Gump, the Oscar-winning classic starring Tom Hanks as the unforgettable Forrest. From the jump, the episode sets the scene: 1994 was an all-time year for cinema, with heavy hitters like Pulp Fiction and The Shawshank Redemption… yet somehow, Forrest Gump took home Best Picture.

So the big question is simple: Did it deserve it?

The boys unpack the full journey of Forrest, from a kid with leg braces to a college football star, Vietnam hero, shrimp tycoon, and accidental witness to some of the biggest moments in American history. It's a movie that covers decades, and as the crew point out, it's almost impossible to summarise because Forrest does everything.

But what makes this episode hit differently is the rewatch factor.

Whitey admits he came into this expecting to pick the film apart… and instead found himself seeing it through a completely different lens. What once felt like an overly sentimental crowd-pleaser now hits harder, especially with age, experience, and a different perspective on life.

Of course, it wouldn't be Born to Watch without some serious scrutiny.

Jenny becomes a major talking point, and not in a good way. The boys don't hold back, questioning whether she might actually be one of the most frustrating characters they've ever covered. From constantly running away to treating Forrest like a fallback, her actions spark a heated debate over whether she's broken, selfish, or just plain awful.

There's also plenty of classic banter around the film's more absurd elements. The logic of certain scenes, the behaviour of random bus passengers, and even the practicality of surviving a rock to the head all get the Born to Watch treatment.

And then there's the emotion.

Despite all the jokes, this movie still lands. Hard.

The final act, particularly Forrest's relationship with his son, pushes the crew into territory they weren't expecting. For a film that can feel light and whimsical at times, it knows exactly when to hit you where it hurts.

The soundtrack also gets its moment, and rightly so. Packed with iconic tracks from across the decades, it's one of the most memorable musical lineups in film history, perfectly capturing each era Forrest drifts through.

By the end of the episode, the boys are left with a complicated verdict. Forrest Gump might not be perfect. It might be overly sentimental. It might even be a bit too long.

But it's also something more.

It's a film about perspective, simplicity, loyalty, and seeing the world in a way most people forget how to.

And maybe that's why it still resonates.

JOIN THE CONVERSATION

• Did Forrest Gump deserve Best Picture over Pulp Fiction?
• Is Jenny misunderstood… or just the worst?
• And where does Forrest rank among the greatest movie characters ever?

#ForrestGump #MoviePodcast #BornToWatch #90sMovies #FilmReview #TomHanks #MovieReview #ClassicMovies #Podcast #Cinema

Face Off 1997 Review is here, and this week the boys take a long, hard look at one of the biggest action blockbusters of the 90s… and ask the question, what the hell happened?

Whitey and Gow dive back into Face/Off, the John Woo-directed chaos fest starring John Travolta and Nicolas Cage, a film that once felt groundbreaking but now might just be completely cooked.

Right from the start, the boys acknowledge the harsh reality of revisiting old favourites. What once felt like peak cinema now feels like a two-hour fever dream filled with slow motion, overacting, and some of the most questionable plot logic ever put to screen. Whitey sums it up best: the rose-coloured glasses are officially in the bin.

The episode kicks off with reflections on the late 90s blockbuster era, a time when bigger always meant better. More explosions, more slow-mo, more everything. And Face Off might just be the ultimate example of that excess. Directed by John Woo, the film leans hard into his signature style, doves, dual pistols, slow motion, and operatic action, but the question is whether it still holds up today.

There's a deep dive into the performances, particularly the bizarre dynamic where Travolta and Cage are essentially playing each other. The boys break down the "Cage-ness" of Travolta and the "Travolta-ness" of Cage, and how both actors dial everything up to eleven. Sometimes it works, sometimes it absolutely does not.

The plot itself, a cop and a terrorist swapping faces to stop a bomb, gets absolutely torn apart in classic Born to Watch fashion. The more the boys think about it, the less sense it makes. From the prison logic to the healing time of the face surgery, to the complete lack of awareness from literally every other character, the questions just keep piling up.

One of the biggest talking points is the film's runtime. At over two hours, it feels bloated, especially given the endless slow-motion sequences. What could have been a tight, high-energy action flick instead becomes a drawn-out spectacle that struggles to justify its length.

That said, it's not all bad. There are moments where the film still delivers. The core concept is undeniably bold; the action sequences, while over-the-top, are memorable; and there's a certain nostalgic charm to seeing two massive 90s stars go head-to-head in such a ridiculous premise.

The boys also touch on how the film compares to other Cage-era action hits like The Rock and Con Air, with a general consensus that Face Off might be the weakest of the bunch, mainly because it takes itself just a bit too seriously.

As always, the episode blends genuine film analysis with plenty of laughs, questionable impressions, and absolute disbelief at some of the film's creative decisions.

If you loved this movie growing up, prepare to have your memories challenged. And if you’ve never seen it, well… maybe keep those expectations in check.

JOIN THE CONVERSATION

• Has Face Off aged badly, or are we being too harsh?
• Is this peak 90s action or complete chaos?
• And who did it better, Cage or Travolta?

#FaceOff #MoviePodcast #BornToWatch #90sMovies #ActionMovies #NicolasCage #JohnTravolta #FilmReview #MovieReview #Podcast

The Poltergeist 1982 Review is here, and this one sits right in that sweet spot of childhood nostalgia and genuine horror. Back in the day, this was the movie that introduced a lot of us to scary films, not full nightmare fuel, but just enough to mess with your head when the lights went out, and the TV started crackling.

This week, Whitey, Damo, and special guest Bones dive into one of the most iconic supernatural films of the 80s, and the big question is simple: Does Poltergeist still hold up in 2026, or is it just a gateway horror that we've all outgrown?

Straight out of the gates, the boys tap into what made this film so memorable: the everyday setting. A normal suburban house, a normal family, and then chaos. No castles, no haunted mansions, just your lounge room turning against you. As Whitey points out early, the idea that something as harmless as a TV could become the centre of pure evil is what makes this movie stick.

Damo leans into the horror side of things, admitting that this one genuinely got under his skin as a kid. And it's easy to see why. From the clown doll to the tree scene and the infamous "They're here" moment, there are multiple sequences that hit differently when you're young. Watching it back now, though, the question becomes whether those moments still land, or if they've lost their punch.

Enter Bones, who brings a slightly different perspective. While most people have this film high on their childhood watch list, he admits it never really made it into his rotation. When you're choosing between Rocky, Raiders, or Predator, Poltergeist just didn't get a look in. And that creates an interesting dynamic. Is this movie elevated by nostalgia, or does it genuinely stand on its own?

What quickly becomes clear is that this film is better than it probably should be. The performances, especially from JoBeth Williams and Craig T. Nelson, give the movie real weight. The family dynamic feels believable, and when things start going wrong, you actually care. That’s not always the case with horror films, especially from this era.

The boys also break down the pacing, which is one of the film's more interesting aspects. There are long stretches of calm, almost too calm, before things escalate quickly. It creates tension, but also raises the question: Is it slightly too long in parts?

And then there's the logic, or lack of it. Why don't they leave earlier? Why does the family seem to embrace the chaos at times? These are the kinds of questions that always come up when revisiting older films, and Poltergeist is no exception.

But despite all of that, there's something about it. Whether it's the Spielberg touch, the balance of horror and humour, or just the pure nostalgia, this is a movie that still works more often than not.

So where does it land? Is it still a classic, or just a stepping stone into better horror movies?

JOIN THE CONVERSATION

• Did Poltergeist scare you as a kid?
• Does it still hold up today?
• Is this the perfect “gateway horror” movie?
• And where does it rank among 80s classics?

Drop your thoughts in the comments
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#Poltergeist #80sHorror #MovieReview #BornToWatch #HorrorMovies #CultClassics #StevenSpielberg #80sMovies #ScaryMovies #Podcast

The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo 2011 Review is on the table this week, and the boys are diving headfirst into David Fincher’s icy, brutal, and deeply unsettling thriller. What started as scepticism about the need for an English-language remake quickly turns into appreciation, because this is one dark ride that absolutely earns its place.

Whitey, Gow, and Dan break down the 2011 adaptation of Stieg Larsson's global phenomenon, unpacking the mystery of Harriet Vanger, the twisted history of one of cinema's worst families, and the unforgettable pairing of Mikael Blomkvist and Lisbeth Salander. From the jump, the lads admit they didn't think this remake was necessary… but by the end, they're more than happy it exists.

The episode kicks off in classic Born to Watch fashion with plenty of nonsense, a bit of self-reflection about who talks the most, and a few war stories thrown in for good measure. But once they settle in, the focus shifts to Fincher's signature style, the film's haunting tone, and why Scandinavian crime stories just hit differently.

There's a big discussion around rewatchability, with Whitey firmly in the "this is a sneaky background classic" camp, while Gow sits more in one-watch territory due to the film's heavy subject matter. Dan lands somewhere in the middle, crediting Whitey for originally putting him onto the film and admitting it’s grown on him over time.

The boys also dive into the casting, with Daniel Craig delivering a more grounded, vulnerable performance compared to his Bond persona, and Rooney Mara absolutely owning the role of Lisbeth Salander. There's plenty of chat about who else could've played the role, including Natalie Portman and Scarlett Johansson, and why Mara ultimately nailed it.

One of the standout discussions centres around Stellan Skarsgård's chilling performance as Martin Vanger, particularly in the film's final act. The tension, the calm menace, and that unforgettable house scene all get the Born to Watch treatment, with the boys calling it one of the most gripping sequences they've covered on the podcast.

They also touch on how the film compares to both the original Swedish version and the novel, noting that while the movie simplifies some of the complex family dynamics, it still captures the core of the story incredibly well.

Of course, no Born to Watch episode is complete without a look at the numbers. With a 7.8 IMDb rating and an 86% Rotten Tomatoes score, the film sits alongside some seriously heavy hitters, and the boys debate whether it deserves that company.

There's also a bit of love for the iconic opening title sequence, which Whitey argues is one of the best ever put to screen, and a fair bit of criticism for the trailer, which apparently gives away far too much of the plot.

As always, the episode blends sharp insight with absolute chaos, balancing genuine film appreciation with the kind of banter you'd expect from three blokes who don't take themselves too seriously.

If you're into dark thrillers, Fincher films, or just want to hear the boys unpack one of the most disturbing mysteries of the 2010s, this is one you won't want to miss.

JOIN THE CONVERSATION

• Who talks too much, Whitey or Dan?
• Is Lisbeth Salander one of the best characters of the 2010s?
• Is this remake actually better than the original?

#TheGirlWithTheDragonTattoo #MoviePodcast #BornToWatch #FilmReview #DavidFincher #DanielCraig #RooneyMara #CrimeThriller #MovieReview #Podcast

The American Ninja 1985 Review is finally here, and this one might be the ultimate test of childhood nostalgia versus cold, hard reality. Back in the day, ninja movies were everything. You'd watch them with your mates, then head outside, convinced you could take on an entire army with nothing but a headband and a questionable understanding of martial arts. But does American Ninja actually hold up, or is it another victim of the "we loved it as kids… but it's actually rubbish" category?

This week, Whitey, Damo, and Gow step into the dojo to break down one of the most iconic and unintentionally hilarious action films of the 80s. From the opening scenes featuring hacky sacks and butterfly knives to the absolutely chaotic convoy ambush, the boys waste no time calling out just how ridiculous this movie really is. And somehow, it only gets better, or worse, depending on how you look at it, from there.

We're introduced to Joe, an amnesiac army private who just happens to possess elite ninja skills. No explanation, no logic, just vibes. Throw him into the Philippines, add a dodgy arms deal, a kidnapped colonel's daughter, and a bunch of ninjas who appear out of nowhere, and you've got yourself a movie that barely makes sense… but is impossible to look away from.

Gow, our resident martial arts expert and self-proclaimed dojo graduate, brings his unique perspective to the table, breaking down the "authenticity" of the ninja action, or lack thereof. Meanwhile, Damo questions everything from the acting to the storyline, and especially that unforgettable line about "witness testimony" confirming ninja involvement. Yes, that actually happens.

Whitey leads the charge as always, trying to figure out where this movie sits in the grand scheme of action cinema. Is it so bad it's good? Or just plain bad? The answer might surprise you… Or it might not.

There's plenty of laughs along the way, especially as the boys revisit scenes they hadn't seen since the early 90s. From over-the-top performances to questionable editing choices and a plot that only reveals itself in the final minutes, American Ninja is a masterclass in accidental comedy.

But here's the thing, despite all its flaws, there's still something undeniably fun about it. Maybe it's the nostalgia, maybe it's the sheer absurdity, or maybe it's just the fact that movies like this don't get made anymore.

So grab your black belt, sharpen your imaginary ninja sword, and join us as we dive headfirst into one of the most bizarre action films of the 80s.

JOIN THE CONVERSATION

Did American Ninja hold up… or should it have stayed in the video shop archives?

• Is this the ultimate "so bad it's good” movie?
• Would you have loved this if you saw it for the first time as a kid?
• Where does this rank among 80s action classics?
• And most importantly… do ninjas improve every movie?

Drop your thoughts in the comments. We want to hear from you
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Listen now and decide for yourself, does American Ninja deserve its cult status, or should it have stayed in the video shop archives?

#AmericanNinja #80sMovies #ActionMovies #NinjaMovies #BornToWatch #MovieReview #CultClassics #80sAction #SoBadItsGood #Podcast

The Bourne Identity 2002 Review kicks off a brand-new era of action cinema, and this week on Born to Watch, the boys break down the movie that changed everything.

After a chaotic start that only this crew can deliver, Whitey, Dan and Will dive into The Bourne Identity, the film that flipped the script on what an action hero looks like. Gone are the invincible muscle-bound icons of the 80s and 90s, enter Jason Bourne, a confused, calculated and absolutely lethal operator played by Matt Damon in a career-defining role.

Pulled from the ocean with no memory and two bullets in his back, Bourne is forced to piece together who he is while being hunted by the very organisation that created him. What follows is a grounded, gritty thriller that trades explosions for realism and spectacle for precision.

Whitey reflects on just how many times he's seen this video shop classic (hint: it’s borderline unhealthy), while Will comes in fresh, experiencing Bourne for the first time and questioning how this one slipped through the cracks. Dan, meanwhile, brings the chaos, including losing his phone at sea and somehow tying it back to Bourne's survival odds.

The boys dig into what makes this film stand out. The realism. The pacing. The fight choreography that feels raw and believable. And of course, Matt Damon, the unlikely action star who proved everyone wrong. From embassy escapes to park bench beatdowns, Bourne doesn’t just fight, he reacts, and that's what makes it feel so different.

There's also plenty of discussion around the supporting cast. Does Marie actually bring anything to the table? Is Chris Cooper quietly elite in everything he touches? And why is Julia Stiles getting top billing for doing absolutely nothing?

As always, things go off the rails. There's a debate around whether fishermen are the most honest blokes on earth, a deep dive into Hollywood's best and worst operators, and one of the more ridiculous breakdowns of Bourne's observational skills you'll ever hear.

The crew also revisits 2002, a massive year for film, and pits Bourne against the likes of The Two Towers, Spider-Man, and Attack of the Clones… which gets exactly the treatment you'd expect.

At its core, The Bourne Identity is more than just a great action movie; it's a reset button for the genre. It paved the way for everything that followed, from Casino Royale to John Wick, and it still holds up over two decades later.

So… does it belong in the upper tier of action films? Or is it slightly overrated?

You know the drill.

Hit play, grab a beer, and let's find out.

JOIN THE CONVERSATION

• Is Bourne the most realistic action hero ever?
• Could this movie be made the same way today?
• And seriously… how does he survive that opening scene?

#BourneIdentity #BornToWatch #MoviePodcast #ActionMovies #MattDamon #FilmReview #JasonBourne #2000sMovies #SpyThriller #MovieDiscussion