The Couch Critic
The Couch Critic is your laid-back guide to movies and TV shows that deserve your attention—or maybe don’t. Nathan dives deep into storytelling, character development, and cinematic style with a sharp eye and a wry sense of humor. Whether it’s a blockbuster hit, a hidden gem, or a cult classic, Nathan’s relatable approach ensures every episode feels like a cozy chat with a friend who just happens to love film. Perfect for casual watchers and cinephiles alike, The Couch Critic brings thoughtful critique without the fluff. Grab your favorite snack, settle in, and let Nathan guide you through the world of screen entertainment.
The Couch Critic
Finding Heart and Humility in "Babe"
Did you ever think a charming tale about a pig could touch your heartstrings as a Christmas movie? Neither did I, but on this episode of Couch Critic, we take a look at the delightful film "Babe," which might surprise you with its tender storytelling and a fleeting holiday scene. Join me, Nathan, as I share my affection for this underappreciated gem that features James Cromwell as the kind-hearted Farmer Hoggett and the late Christine Cavanaugh as the voice behind the plucky piglet, Babe. Cavanaugh's voice acting prowess will leave you in awe, especially once you realize she's also the voice of Chuckie from Rugrats and Dexter from Dexter's Laboratory. With a whopping 48 piglets used on set, there's no shortage of fun facts to tickle your fancy, and we'll navigate through the charming yet slightly overlong narrative that makes this film a family favorite.
Now let's be real—when it comes to Christmas spirit, "Babe" offers merely a glimmer in one memorable scene, earning it a modest one-star holiday rating. Yet, this film's message of pursuing your dreams despite the odds is timeless, making it a five-star watch in my book. Tune in to hear why I believe this endearing story of a pig striving to find his place is worth your time, even outside the Yuletide context. And don’t miss the tantalizing hint about next episode’s movie mystery. Think you can guess what film our next quote comes from? Send us your guesses via the link in our show notes.
On the couch. We're laughing, crying, feeling it all, breaking down the big screen, the hits and the flaws. Grab your seat, press play. Let's take the pic. Lights camera action. Episode of the Couch Critic.
Speaker 2:I am your host, nathan, and we finally made it to the month of March and I'm marching on to the beat of the drum of Christmas movies. And this one is another one that I don't understand why it's on this list, but I'm going to talk about it anyway, because I actually really enjoy this movie. This movie is Babe and it stars James Cromwell as Farmer Haggett, james Cromwell as Farmer Haggett, madga Zubansky as Esma Haggett and the late Kristen Kavanaugh as Babe. And did you know that Kristen Kavanaugh also did the voices of Chucky Fenster from Rugrats and Dexter from Dexter's Laboratory? I didn't know about Dexter, I knew about Chucky, but I didn't know about Dexter. I knew about Chucky, but I didn't know about Dexter. I think that's pretty impressive. And because baby pigs grow so fast, 48 pigs were used during the filming for the role of Babe. 48 pigs, that's a lot of bacon.
Speaker 2:So let's dive right into my likes and dislikes of this movie. The first and foremost, my biggest like is that it is actually a wholesome film. I don't think there is one hint of foul language. This entire movie. It is a, I consider, a perfect family film. Now, yes, there are moments of somewhat creepiness, there are moments where wolves attack the sheep and it can get kind of gruesome. It doesn't go full out show the violence, but it does show some of the aftermath and Babe does go into like a slaughter room of the farm and so that's kind of creepy but it's like a split second thing. So other than that, this movie is so good and this the subtleness of of it all, just the subtleness of the cuteness. The story is great. It's a very much a encouraging story, overcoming the odds, doing what everyone else thinks is impossible, and just proving people wrong that when you have a calling in life, no matter what anybody else says, no matter whether anyone else thinks you're qualified, you can go after others. What essentially is what you're supposed to be doing with your life? And I think, to take this pig and tell this story in such a heartwarming way, I think it's just a perfect film. I think it's great.
Speaker 2:I do think it's a little long, so that's the only dislike I would have, but you don't really notice it, except for the fact that they have those little chapters I would call them with the mice who say the title of the next chapter going forward. I think that was a little redundant. I think you could have just gone straight through the film without having that and I don't think it would have felt as long. But, like I said, this movie is perfect. I gave it a five general rating, a five out of five stars.
Speaker 2:But I'm talking about Christmas movies and there's only one real moment. It's kind of like the movie about a boy and how there's not really that much to do with Christmas except like it's sprinkled throughout, and this one doesn't really have a sprinkling throughout. There's only really one scene where they're trying to decide whether they're going to have duck or whether they're going to have pig for Christmas, and that's the extent of Christmas for this movie. So while I do think it is a perfect film overall, I do think as a Christmas movie this movie will get a one out of five stars. But I still thought it was great and it's just a fun time. And that is my thoughts about Babe as a Christmas film. So take a listen to what I'm going to be talking about next episode.
Speaker 1:I know you're alive, so you better start talking.
Speaker 2:Hey, hey, hey, that thing's hot. What are you doing? I'm your father. All right, man, that's it. Okay, you're grounded.
Speaker 1:Come here, charlie. It's me, dad, honest, I can explain everything.
Speaker 2:Now, if you think you know where that's from, comment in the comments or send us some fan mail by clicking the send us a text link in the show notes. You never know, you might get a shout out if you get the right answer, of course. So this is the Couch Critic, where every movie gets its close upup it's not just a movie, it's a way of life.
Speaker 1:We'll watch it together, day or night night, so settle in close and don't miss a flick. This is the moment for the couch critic.
