Shazam the Halls

"Send us a Text!"This week on the show we’re diving into two very different 90s classics: a film that restored our Christmas cheer and one that… frankly, left us scratching our heads.First up is The Santa Clause — a heartwarming holiday adventure starring Tim Allen as Scott Calvin, a regular guy who literally becomes Santa Claus after an unexpected rooftop encounter with the real Saint Nick. As Scott navigates the hilarious and magical challenges of his new role — from growing a beard overnight to managing elves at the North Pole — the movie wins you over with its charm, family dynamics, and joyful take on belief and holiday spirit. We had a blast watching this one and it’s easily our favorite of the two. Then we turned to Sleepless in Seattle, the iconic Nora Ephron romantic comedy about a widower whose story on a national radio show sends countless admirers swooning — including a reporter (Meg Ryan) who becomes fixated on him from afar. While the film is beloved by many and often praised for its nostalgic tone and chemistry between Tom Hanks and Ryan, this time around it just didn’t land for us. The fate-as-romance premise felt contrived, pacing dragged, and we didn’t connect with the leads the way the movie seems to expect its audience to. If you’re choosing between these for your next movie night, stick with The Santa Clause for guaranteed feel-good family fun — and maybe save Sleepless in Seattle for when you’re in the mood for classic rom-com nostalgia, even if it’s not our favorite. Enjoy the discussion! 🎬✨Follow us: Facebook - Couch Critic Podcast Instagram - @thecouchcriticpod

"Send us a Text!"In this episode, we take a fun double-feature dive into Shazam! and Shrek the Halls—two very different holiday-adjacent watches with very different outcomes. We look back at Shazam! as a superhero movie that had charm and heart, but ultimately wasn’t the big hit many expected, falling short of making a lasting splash in the crowded comic-book movie landscape.On the flip side, Shrek the Halls turns out to be a pleasant surprise. Short, funny, and packed with the franchise’s trademark humor, it delivers a solid holiday story that actually works. Join us as we break down what clicked, what didn’t, and why one of these titles aged better than the other.Follow us: Facebook - Couch Critic Podcast Instagram - @thecouchcriticpod

"Send us a Text!"Let’s be honest.This episode is less about One Night in the Tropics and Buck Privates… and much more about how Abbott & Costello became Abbott & Costello.Yes, we talk about the movies. But mostly, we follow the spark. The moment a pairing clicks. The strange, wonderful alchemy that turns two performers into a comedy institution.These films aren’t just early entries. They’re the proving ground. The rehearsal before the spotlight. The place where timing tightens, rhythms lock in, and a duo realizes what they’re capable of together.So consider this episode a love letter to beginnings.Not just what’s on screen, but what’s being built between the lines.Follow us: Facebook - Couch Critic Podcast Instagram - @thecouchcriticpod

"Send us a Text!"This week on the podcast, we took a sleigh ride through two very different Christmas stories. One classic, one modern, both built around the big red suit.We’ll be honest. Lexie and I struggled with The Year Without Santa Claus. While we appreciate its place in Christmas movie history, it just didn’t land for us the way we hoped. The story, pacing, and characters left us a little colder than expected.On the flip side, Arthur Christmas completely surprised us. It was heartfelt, funny, fast-paced, and full of genuine Christmas spirit. Beneath the jokes and technology was a story about compassion, responsibility, and what it really means to make sure no one is forgotten.Two films. Two very different reactions. One big conversation about nostalgia, storytelling, and why some Christmas movies endure while others… maybe deserve a snow day.Follow us: Facebook - Couch Critic Podcast Instagram - @thecouchcriticpod

"Send us a Text!"One film arrives wrapped in stop-motion charm, earnest songs, and a warm glow that feels stitched into childhood itself. The other… shows up fashionably late, politely insists it’s a classic, and somehow leaves the room a little colder than expected.This week, we revisit Santa Claus Is Coming to Town and Holiday Affair, talking nostalgia, holiday expectations, and the difference between a Christmas movie that sparkles and one that merely shows up to the party. Cozy debates, gentle disappointment, and plenty of festive reflection await.Follow us: Facebook - Couch Critic Podcast Instagram - @thecouchcriticpod

"Send us a Text!"It’s our 100th episode of Season 5, and we mark the moment by diving into three stories that couldn’t be more different but somehow belong together. We revisit the gentle holiday heart of Prancer, soar through the timeless wonder of Mary Poppins, and then head straight into Hawkins for the emotional, high-stakes series finale of Stranger Things.Joining the fun for this special episode are Lexie and Taj, bringing fresh perspectives, laughter, and plenty of couch-side commentary as we talk nostalgia, magic, belief, endings, and what it means to say goodbye to stories that have grown up with us.Three worlds. One couch. A milestone episode we won’t forget.Follow us: Facebook - Couch Critic Podcast Instagram - @thecouchcriticpod

"Send us a Text!"Let the confetti cannons of cinema explode  because The Couch Critics are ringing in the New Year with a full-on Year in Review extravaganza!This special episode gathers the whole cinematic brigade around the metaphorical couch: Lexie brings the honest brain-and-heart takes, Taj arrives with bold opinions and glorious chaos energy, Thomas rolls in with thoughtful insight and secret comedic zingers, and Katy delivers emotional wisdom and razor-sharp perspective like a stealthy movie ninja. Together, we look back at the films that wowed us, weirded us out, disappointed us, surprised us, and made us cheer like kids in the front row.We’re talking favorite movies, biggest letdowns, popcorn-worthy moments, unexpected gems, heated debates, laughter that probably went on too long, and a hopeful gaze toward what’s coming next. It’s warm, lively, slightly unhinged, and full of that Couch Critics heart. Year wrapped. Episode loaded. Grab a snack and celebrate the cinematic chaos with us!Follow us: Facebook - Couch Critic Podcast Instagram - @thecouchcriticpod

"Send us a Text!"Avatar: Fire & Ash has arrived and we’ve marched straight through the smoke to bring you the sparks, the scorch marks, and the surprises. In this episode, we break down the story, the visuals, the world-building, and whether the emotional heat truly matches the spectacle. Did it rise like a phoenix… or crumble into cinders?We’ll talk:What the film absolutely nails Where the ash settles a little too thickPerformances, tone, and big story swingsHow it stacks up in the Avatar universeOur final verdict: blazing triumph or burnt toast?Grab your mask, step into the flames with us, and let’s see what survives the fire.Follow us: Facebook - Couch Critic Podcast Instagram - @thecouchcriticpod

"Send us a Text!"This week on The Couch Critic, we twirl into Nutcracker: The Motion Picture and drift through the wistful winter world of One Magic Christmas… and let’s just say, not every holiday gift under the tree is a winner. We talk beautiful ideas, strange choices, emotional swings, missed magic, and why both films might look better wrapped in nostalgia than they actually feel on screen.If you like ballet dreams, somber Christmas angels, and a healthy dose of cinematic side-eye, this episode is for you. Grab your cocoa, brace your expectations, and join us as we gently unwrap two holiday movies that didn’t quite sparkle the way we hoped.Follow us: Facebook - Couch Critic Podcast Instagram - @thecouchcriticpod

"Send us a Text!"It’s a double dose of holiday spirit on this episode of The Couch Critic! We’re diving into the heartfelt family whirlwind of Nothing Like the Holidays, where Christmas dinner comes with laughter, love, secrets, and just a little emotional turbulence. Then we unwrap The Man Who Invented Christmas, a spirited peek behind the creation of A Christmas Carol and how one writer’s imagination reshaped the holiday we know today. We talk festive feels, found family, cultural Christmas joy, creative inspiration, and which film truly captures the heart of the season. Grab your cocoa, adjust your ugly sweater, and settle in… this one’s full of holiday warmth, spirited storytelling, and just the right amount of jingle.Follow us: Facebook - Couch Critic Podcast Instagram - @thecouchcriticpod