Anaconda (1997) Review: Revisiting the J.Lo Snake Thriller Before the Jack Black Reboot
Episode 299
Tuesday, December 16, 2025 • Duration 38:20
Slither into nostalgia with The Commentary Booth as hosts Jamie Apps, Corrina Mabey, and Jaxon Carr revisit the 1997 creature feature classic Anaconda!
With the Jack Black and Paul Rudd-led meta-reboot dropping on Boxing Day 2025, it's the perfect time to revisit the original Amazon adventure that made audiences squirm. This special flashback episode dives deep into the legendary giant snake thriller that somehow became both a critical disaster and a beloved cult classic.
In this episode, we break down why Anaconda is the ultimate “good bad movie,” sharing our personal ratings (five snakes out of five snakes, anyone?), dissecting its bizarre production choices, and highlighting the moments that have cemented its place in bad-movie history. We also serve up everything you need to know before the new reboot hits theatres, from its meta plotline to why this wild franchise is still striking today.
Highlights Breakdown:
- Rating the Chaos: Is Anaconda a 10/10 or a so-bad-it’s-good 3/10? The panel debates.
- Behind the Scenes Secrets: The $100,000-per-second CGI, the A-list actors who almost starred, and the voice actor behind the snake’s hisses.
- Reboot Ready: Insights into the Jack Black & Paul Rudd-led “meta reboot” and why it could be brilliantly bonkers.
- Snake Facts vs. Movie Fiction: We separate anaconda truth from Hollywood legend (no, they don’t lay eggs!).
- Personal Stories: From childhood sleepover viewings to emotional support beers, hear how this movie shaped our love for creature features.
It’s part review, part nostalgic reality-check, part survival guide for anyone planning to watch the upcoming meta-reboot. And honestly, the new version might make even less sense… but that’s probably the fun of it.
Bring It On Turns 25: Revisiting the Cheer Classic
Episode 298
Tuesday, December 9, 2025 • Duration 52:51
On this episode of The Commentary Booth, host Jamie Apps and Corrina Mabey tumble back into the world of the Toros, the Clovers, and the deeply cursed spirit stick to ask the only question that matters: Does this cheerleading classic still hold up?
This iconic cheerleading movie from 2000 starring Kirsten Dunst and Gabrielle Union has aged both brilliantly and problematically, and our hosts aren't holding back. What starts as a trip down memory lane quickly evolves into a deep dive into the film's lasting legacy, its problematic moments through a modern lens, and why it remains a defining teen movie of the 2000s.
In this flashback episode, Jamie and Corrina dissect everything from the film's groundbreaking approach to cultural appropriation and LGBTQ+ representation to its cringeworthy moments that haven't aged well. They explore how this teen comedy inadvertently became a feminist statement piece while still being packed with questionable content like the sexualisation of high schoolers and outdated language.
Highlights Breakdown:
- Aging & Legacy: Does Bring It On hold up? A discussion on its groundbreaking themes (cultural appropriation, all-female leads) versus its many problematic elements (language, stereotypes, sexualisation).
- Cast & Characters: From Kirsten Dunst’s committed silliness to Gabrielle Union’s star-making turn, and the bizarre phenomenon of 30-year-olds playing high schoolers.
- The Problematic Stuff: Unpacking the film’s use of homophobic slurs, body shaming, implied assault, and the infamous "bikini car wash."
- Cheerleading Fact vs. Fiction: Why the movie’s stunts are pure college-level fantasy, the real cost of rights, and the hidden world of competitive cheer.
Five Nights at Freddy's Review: Everything You Need to Know Before FNAF 2!
Episode 297
Tuesday, December 2, 2025 • Duration 43:50
The animatronics are powering up for another night! On this episode of The Commentary Booth, host Jamie Apps and Corrina Mabey reheat some pizza in preparation for a much-anticipated sequel. They’re revisiting the 2023 box-office phenomenon Five Nights at Freddy's to deliver a comprehensive review and the essential refresher course you need before the sequel, Five Nights at Freddy’s 2, arrives later this week.
Whether you're a longtime FNAF fan or a newcomer to the franchise, this episode delivers everything you need to know before Five Nights at Freddy's 2 hits theatres. Jamie and Corrina break down the key plot points, discuss the impressive practical effects from Jim Henson's Creature Shop, and analyse why this video game adaptation succeeded where so many others have failed.
Highlights Breakdown:
- Surprising Success: How a film they initially underestimated became a global sensation and Blumhouse's #1 highest-grossing movie of all time.
- Practical Magic: Their awe for the incredible physical animatronics created by the Jim Henson Creature Shop, and why it makes the horror more effective.
- A Refresher on the Lore: A breakdown of key elements to remember: Mike's traumatic dreams, Abby's supernatural drawings, Vanessa's secret connection, and William Afton's sinister survival.
- Sequel Speculation: What we know about Five Nights at Freddy's 2, its returning cast, new additions like Skeet Ulrich, and rumours about a darker story exploring the origins of the pizzeria's killer.
Superbad 18 Years Later, Does It Still Hold Up?
Episode 296
Tuesday, November 25, 2025 • Duration 33:00
That's right, McLovin! This week on The Commentary Booth, host Jamie Apps is joined by Aussie pro wrestler Jesse Flynn to celebrate a major milestone: the 2007 coming-of-age teen buddy comedy Superbad is officially 18 years old!
We look back at why this film hit so hard in the late 2000s, especially for anyone who grew up sneaking cheap DVDs into thick CD folders, dealing with terrible phone reception, and believing that a fake ID was the key to ultimate social success. Jamie and Jesse dig into the film’s comedy, the Judd Apatow era that helped shape it, the insane quotability, and how Jonah Hill, Michael Cera, Christopher Mintz-Plasse and a brand new Emma Stone set the tone for the next decade of teen cinema.
There’s also a surprising amount of heart in , and the conversation captures how the movie slowly reveals a story about two friends realising life is about to pull them in different directions, even if they don’t really want to admit it. Some parts definitely feel dated now, although the chaos still delivers laughs in almost every scene.
Sisu Refresher
Episode 295
Tuesday, November 18, 2025 • Duration 33:49
Grab your pickaxe and prepare for pure, unadulterated chaos! On this explosive episode of The Commentary Booth, hosts Jamie Apps and Corrina Mabey are reloading the 2022 Finnish action spectacle, Sisu, ahead of its highly anticipated sequel, Sisu: Road to Revenge.
They dive deep into why this Jalmari Helander film is a breath of fresh air in the World War II genre, ditching the typical American narrative for a lone, near-mute Finnish commando who transforms into an unstoppable force of nature.
Highlights Breakdown:
A Unique WWII Powerhouse: Discover why Sisu stands out by focusing on a Finnish one-man army instead of American troops, calling it "Kill Bill meets John Wick meets Inglourious Basterds."
The Man of Few Words: How the lead character barely speaks, yet steals every scene with pure presence, scars and an almost mythic reputation.
Action with a Capital "A": A rave review of the film's insane, creative, and brutally satisfying kill sequences, from minefield frenzies to underwater breath-stealing, and the fantastic cinematography that makes it all pop.
Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein Review
Episode 294
Tuesday, November 11, 2025 • Duration 55:37
Jamie Apps and Corrina Mabey defy death and dissect humanity in this week’s episode of The Commentary Booth, diving headfirst into Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein.
This isn't your grandfather's monster movie! Jamie and Corrina dive deep into why del Toro's adaptation is a profound cinematic masterpiece, arguing it's far from a simple horror flick. They explore its powerful themes of racism, generational trauma, abandonment, and the very essence of what it means to be human.
Get ready for a passionate discussion on the film's incredible craftsmanship, from the breathtaking practical sets and painstaking prosthetics to the symbolic colour theory woven into every costume and scene. They break down the "stacked" cast's phenomenal performances, including why Jacob Elordi's emotionally raw portrayal of the Creature is a career-defining turn and why Oscar Isaac makes you hate a character you usually love.
Highlights Breakdown:
- The "A+" Performances: Why Jacob Elordi deserves an Oscar for his physical and emotional range, and how Oscar Isaac perfectly embodies the descent of a mad scientist.
An inside look from the at the 10-hour makeup process, intricate practical effects, and the insane coordination of cranes and lighting to avoid CGI.
Devil In Disguise: John Wayne Gacy Review
Episode 293
Tuesday, November 4, 2025 • Duration 39:37
This week on The Commentary Booth, Jamie Apps and Corrina Mabey dig up the past to unmask one of America’s most terrifying killers — John Wayne Gacy. The duo dive into Devil In Disguise: John Wayne Gacy, the chilling true-crime drama that pulls audiences deep into the grim 1970s Chicago underworld where the “Killer Clown” hid in plain sight.
Across eight tense episodes, the Peacock miniseries traces Gacy’s horrifying double life as a local contractor by day and serial murderer by night. Jamie and Corrina unpack everything from Michael Chernus’ unsettling portrayal of Gacy to the show’s raw, gritty style that captures the era’s claustrophobic fear. They also discuss how the series resists glamorising violence, instead focusing on the victims and exposing the failures of a homophobic justice system that allowed Gacy’s crimes to continue for so long.
The hosts debate the show’s time jumps, reflect on the haunting realism of its cinematography, and explore why this series feels more Mindhunter and Dahmer than Ed Gein.
Highlights Breakdown:
- A Victim-Centric Masterpiece: Discover why this series stands head and shoulders above other serial killer dramatisations (looking at you, !) by placing the victims, their families, and the lasting trauma at the forefront.
IT: Welcome To Derry Review
Episode 292
Tuesday, October 28, 2025 • Duration 44:31
Grab your red balloon and steady your nerves! On this week’s episode of The Commentary Booth, Jamie Apps and Corrina Mabey descend into the sewers of Stephen King's imagination to review the first five episodes of HBO Max's chilling new series, IT: Welcome to Derry.
Serving as a direct prequel to the blockbuster It films, this series plants us in Derry, Maine, in 1962. As a new family arrives, a boy vanishes, and the town's deep-seated darkness begins to fester. Is it the return of Pennywise, or is the real horror the people of Derry themselves?
Across the episode, Jamie and Corrina unpack early impressions of the first five episodes — from its chilling opening sequence to its layered social commentary on racism, military paranoia, and generational trauma. They debate whether Pennywise’s absence makes the horror sharper, discuss how fear manifests beyond the clown, and draw parallels between Stranger Things and It’s young cast. There’s laughter, unease, and a lot of speculation about where this dark mythology will lead next.
Highlights Breakdown:
- First Impressions: Why the opening scene is a gory, tone-setting masterclass that hooks you immediately.
- Standalone Scares: How the series works perfectly for both veterans and horror newcomers.
When a young man battling mental illness witnesses an abduction that nobody believes happened, he teams up with his curmudgeonly, retired security guard neighbour to find the truth. Was it a hallucination, or is a sinister plot unfolding right under their noses? Jamie and Corrina unpack the film's masterful blend of mystery, drama, and dark comedy, exploring its poignant depiction of mental health stigma and the quest for respect.
Highlights Breakdown:
- Break down the stellar performances: Discover why Jeffrey Dean Morgan "plays Jeffrey Dean Morgan" to perfection and how Jack Quaid delivers a stunning, nuanced portrayal of a man grappling with psychosis and autism.
- Unpack the mystery: Debate the film's clever twists — is the abduction even real? We explore the expertly crafted tension that keeps you guessing until the very end.
- Spotlight the dynamic: Celebrate the fantastic on-screen chemistry between Morgan and Quaid that elevates this from a simple thriller to a compelling character study.
Revisiting The Black Phone
Episode 290
Tuesday, October 14, 2025 • Duration 42:19
In this chilling episode of The Commentary Booth, Jamie Apps and Corrina Mabey answer the call and return to the world of The Grabber with a full revisit of The Black Phone (2021), ahead of its highly anticipated sequel, The Black Phone 2. Together, they dive into the eerie genius of Scott Derrickson’s psychological horror hit, exploring its haunting themes of childhood trauma, stranger danger, and supernatural justice.
Jamie and Corrina unpack Ethan Hawke’s career-defining turn as The Grabber, the deeper symbolism behind Tom Savini’s terrifying mask designs, and how The Black Phone became a modern horror classic despite its modest $18 million budget. They also debate whether the film leans more toward horror or psychological thriller, discuss the twisted serial killer inspirations behind it, and speculate on where The Black Phone 2 might take the story next.
Highlights Breakdown:
- The Ethan Hawke Deep-Dive: Analysing his career-resurging performance as The Grabber and how he masterfully portrays four distinct, terrifying personalities.
- Mask & Lore Analysis: The significance of the four iconic masks, designed by horror legend Tom Savini, and the film's clever nods to real-life serial killers.
- Genre Debate: Is The Black Phone a straight horror film, or is it more of a psychological thriller in the vein of ?
- Sequels, Broadway, & Reboots: A rapid-fire tour through the Bring It On cinematic universe and its unlikely transition to a Lin-Manuel Miranda musical.
Whether you’re a die-hard Toros fan, a Clovers loyalist, or just love dissecting the movies of your youth, this episode is a spirited, no-holds-barred celebration and critique of a film that truly brought it.
- Personal Stories: From planned mom-daughter movie nights gone awry to the pure joy of seeing a game they love adapted with such care and respect.
Whether you're preparing for the sequel or just curious about why this video game movie actually works, this episode of The Commentary Booth has you covered. Perfect for horror fans, gaming enthusiasts, and anyone who appreciates when a film adaptation gets it right!
The Film's Legacy: How Superbad launched the careers of Jonah Hill, Michael Cera, and a then-unknown Emma Stone, and kicked open the door for a golden era of R-rated comedies
Iconic Scene Breakdowns: From the legendary dick drawing portfolio and Fogell's "McLovin" fake ID, to the wacky cop side-quest and Seth's unforgettable dance moves
The Heart Beneath the Humour: Analysing the surprisingly emotional core of the film, the anxiety of saying goodbye to your best friends
Does It Hold Up?: A frank discussion on the film's more dated and problematic elements 18 years later, and why the hilarious middle still makes it a top-tier rewatch
Aussie Wrestling Re-cast: Jesse takes on the ultimate challenge: casting the roles of Seth, Evan, Fogell, and the cops with stars from the Australian wrestling scene!
Whether you’ve rewatched it recently or haven’t seen it since the era of flip phones and dodgy MSN chat logs, this episode is a reminder of why Superbad became an instant cult favourite.
The imprisoned women and their arc: A subplot that’s easy to forget but impossible to ignore once you revisit it, especially the pitch-perfect payoff in the final act.
The Heart of the Chaos: A discussion on the film's effective chapter-based structure and the surprisingly touching emotional core of a man who just wants to be left alone.
Sequel Hype Train: First looks, predictions, and backstory revelations for Sisu: Road to Revenge, and why Jamie will be rushing to the cinema for this one.
Listen as Jamie and Corrina unpack everything from the wild kill sequences and the tense chapter structure to the unexpectedly moving character beats, the role of the imprisoned women, and how the sequel might fill in the blanks of Korpi’s past. If you’re into Kill Bill, John Wick, Tarantino or just enjoy watching one man obliterate Nazis with whatever is lying around, this episode is for you.
- Beyond the Monster: How the film reframes the classic story into a tragic tale of prejudice, loneliness, and the cycle of abuse.
- Del Toro's Signature Touch: The brilliant use of colour coding for characters, the haunting score, and why this is the culmination of the director's lifelong obsession with the source material.
- Spoiler-Filled Analysis: Key changes from the book, the heartbreaking Ozymandias scene, and that poetic, gut-wrenching finale.
Join us as we explore the film’s emotional depth, the staggering practical effects, and why this version turns a well-known monster into a mirror of humanity itself.
- The Performance of a Monster: Our take on Michael Chernus's terrifyingly accurate portrayal of Gacy, capturing his chilling instant switch from charismatic public figure to menacing killer.
- Gritty 70s Authenticity: How the show’s raw, unglamorous style and clever editing choices create a gripping and respectful tone, reminiscent of fan-favourites like Mindhunter and Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story.
- Societal Failures Exposed: A deep dive into the homophobia and systemic police failures that allowed Gacy to prey on marginalised young men for far too long.
- The Final Verdict: Is the series flawless? We discuss the pros and cons, including some divisive time-jumping narrative choices in the later episodes.
Whether you’re fascinated by true crime or drawn to stories that confront the darkest corners of humanity, this episode delivers a gripping, reflective discussion about this heavy but essential watch for true crime aficionados.
Tune in for a spoiler-filled review that explores the real monster behind the makeup.
- Behind the Mask: Why the show is scarier for not relying solely on Pennywise, and how human evil is the true villain.
- Production Praise: The consistently fantastic CGI and a title sequence packed with hidden clues and lore.
- Era & Atmosphere: How the 1960s setting, with its Cold War paranoia and systemic racism, creates a perfect feeding ground for fear.
- Future Fear: Our theories on the rumoured three-season plan and a potential journey back to 1935 and 1908 to explore the full origin of Pennywise!
- Final Ratings: Our spoiler-free scores for the first five episodes and our high hopes for the finale.
If you're wondering whether Welcome to Derry can stand on its own, if it's truly scary, or how it sets up a potential multi-season journey through the 27-year cycle of fear, this is the review you can't miss.
IT: Welcome to Derry is streaming now on HBO Max with new episodes weekly.
- Reveal the hidden clues: Geek out over the genius, subtle foreshadowing that pays off in a brilliantly dark and satisfying finale involving a human trafficking ring.
- Share a few laughs: From "taffy brain" insults to hand-sanitiser-as-pepper-spray, we highlight the comedic moments that provide levity without undermining the stakes.
Join us as we unpack the film’s twists, the surprising warmth in the unlikely partnership, and the subtle social commentary on how society treats mental illness.
Tune in for a spoiler-filled review that asks: Would you believe the "crazy" guy?
- Sequel & Preamble Speculation: Our first impressions of The Black Phone 2, why we're hesitant, and why a prequel focusing on The Grabber's origin story would have been a killer idea.
- Behind The Scenes: The film's incredible box office success story, emerging right after pandemic lockdowns to earn over $160 million.
If you love Blumhouse films, chilling performances, and rewatching horror with fresh eyes, this episode is for you.
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