Join hosts Krissy Lenz and Nathan Blackwell, along with returning guest Adam Marshall Rini, as they dive deep into John Carpenter's politically charged sci-fi action film They Live (1988). This cult classic starring WWE legend "Rowdy" Roddy Piper delivers a scathing critique of Reaganomics and consumer culture through the lens of an alien invasion thriller.

The hosts explore how They Live serves as a perfect gateway for introducing young audiences to anti-capitalist themes through its memorable combination of professional wrestling swagger and science fiction elements. While the film may be both "undercooked and overcooked," its messaging about class warfare and media manipulation remains startlingly relevant today.

The episode features a fascinating discussion about John Carpenter's distinctive directing style, particularly his ability to craft compelling outsider characters and blend Western genre elements into urban settings. The hosts also dive into the film's practical effects, including its innovative black-and-white "alien vision" sequences and the infamous six-minute alley fight scene that has become a pop culture touchstone.

Key Topics Discussed:

• The film's commentary on 1980s consumer culture and wealth inequality
• Roddy Piper's transition from WWE superstar to action movie lead
• The significance of the iconic sunglasses reveal (30 minutes into the film)
• Keith David's crucial supporting role and chemistry with Piper
• The influence of They Live on modern media and pop culture
• Comparison to video games like Fallout: New Vegas
• The movie's lasting impact on anti-establishment messaging in film

Whether you're a longtime fan of John Carpenter's work or discovering They Live for the first time, this episode offers fresh insights into a movie that dares to ask who really controls our society – and what we're willing to do about it. The hosts rate the film on a scale of "sunglasses," leading to an interesting split between nostalgic appreciation and modern critical analysis.

Wrap up the episode with some excellent recommendations for further exploration, including Fight Club, Noam Chomsky's "Understanding Power," and Green Day's political punk rock as natural next steps for those intrigued by the themes in They Live.

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Dive into the hilarious world of role reversal with Mr. Mom (1983) in this episode of The Most Excellent 80s Movies Podcast! Hosts Krissy Lenz and Nathan Blackwell unpack this classic comedy starring Michael Keaton and Teri Garr, exploring its impact, humor, and relevance in today's world.

Discover how Mr. Mom captures the essence of 1980s family dynamics as Jack Butler (Keaton) becomes a stay-at-home dad while his wife Caroline (Garr) re-enters the workforce. The hosts discuss the film's portrayal of gender roles, parenting challenges, and workplace dynamics, offering both nostalgic appreciation and modern critique.

Krissy and Nathan dive deep into the movie's comedic elements, from Jack's hilarious misadventures in housekeeping to Caroline's navigation of the cutthroat advertising world. They explore how the film's humor, while sometimes dated, still resonates with audiences today and serves as a time capsule of 1980s American culture.

The podcast duo examines the stellar performances of Michael Keaton and Teri Garr, highlighting how their chemistry and comedic timing elevate the film. They also discuss the movie's place in John Hughes' writing career and its influence on future family comedies.

Key topics covered in this episode include:

• The film's portrayal of changing family dynamics in the 1980s
• Michael Keaton's comedic performance and career trajectory
• John Hughes' writing style and its impact on the movie
• The movie's treatment of workplace sexism and gender stereotypes
• Memorable scenes and quotable lines from Mr. Mom
• The film's box office success and cultural impact
• How Mr. Mom holds up as a time capsule of 1980s America
• Comparison to other role-reversal comedies like Three Men and a Baby
• Behind-the-scenes facts about the movie's production
• The hosts' personal ratings and recommendations

Whether you're a longtime fan of Mr. Mom or discovering it for the first time, this episode offers a fun, insightful look at a comedy classic. Join Krissy and Nathan as they celebrate the laughs, examine the cultural significance, and ponder how a modern remake might look. Don't miss this deep dive into one of the 1980s' most beloved family comedies!

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When 80s Comedy Meets Sci-Fi Brilliance
Join hosts Krissy Lenz and Nathan Blackwell as they dive into the quirky world of Real Genius, the 1985 sci-fi comedy that proves even geniuses know how to party. This episode of "The Most Excellent 80s Movies Podcast" explores how director Martha Coolidge blended teenage hijinks with cutting-edge science for a uniquely 80s experience.

Val Kilmer's Breakout Performance
At the heart of Real Genius is Val Kilmer's charismatic portrayal of Chris Knight, a senior genius who's mastered the art of balancing academia with outrageous pranks. Our hosts discuss how Kilmer's performance set the stage for his future stardom and why Chris Knight remains an iconic 80s character.

More Than Just Another Teen Comedy
While Real Genius delivers plenty of laughs, it also tackles weightier themes. The podcast delves into how the film explores the pressures of academic excellence, the ethical implications of scientific research, and the importance of using one's intellect responsibly.

A Time Capsule of 80s Tech Dreams
The movie's centerpiece – a high-powered laser project – reflects the era's fascination with emerging technologies. Krissy and Nathan examine how Real Genius captured the spirit of 80s technological optimism while also warning about the potential misuse of scientific advancements.

Other Topics Covered:

• The film's portrayal of Pacific Tech as a "Hogwarts for science nerds"
• Memorable pranks, including the legendary popcorn house finale
• John Gries's scene-stealing performance as Lazlo Hollyfeld
• The movie's quotable dialogue and its lasting impact on pop culture
• Comparisons to other 80s teen and science-focused films

A Genius That Stands the Test of Time
As Krissy and Nathan wrap up their discussion, they reflect on why Real Genius continues to resonate with audiences nearly four decades later. Its blend of humor, heart, and brains makes it more than just another 80s comedy - it's a celebration of intellect, friendship, and the power of thinking outside the box.
Whether you're a long-time fan or discovering Real Genius for the first time, this episode offers fresh insights and plenty of nostalgia. So grab your popcorn, fire up your lasers, and join us for a most excellent journey back to 1985!

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Dive into the enchanting world of mermaids and romance with "The Most Excellent 80s Movies Podcast" as hosts Krissy Lenz and Nathan Blackwell make a splash discussing the 1984 hit film Splash. This delightful romantic comedy starring Tom Hanks and Daryl Hannah captures the magic of first love and the fish-out-of-water story that charmed audiences nearly four decades ago.

The hosts explore the film's premise, following the story of Allen Bauer, a man who can't seem to find love until he's reunited with a mermaid he encountered as a child. They discuss the chemistry between Hanks and Hannah, praising their performances as career-defining roles that almost went to other actors. The podcast delves into the film's special effects, particularly the impressive underwater scenes and mermaid transformations that still hold up today.

Krissy and Nathan highlight John Candy's memorable turn as Allen's lovable but irresponsible brother Freddie, and Eugene Levy's scene-stealing performance as the determined scientist obsessed with proving mermaids exist. They examine how Splash popularized the name Madison and influenced the "fish out of water" trope in 80s cinema.

The hosts also touch on the film's enduring charm, its exploration of love and belonging, and the bittersweet ending that leaves audiences pondering the sacrifices we make for love. They discuss how Splash balances comedy, romance, and fantasy elements to create a timeless classic that continues to captivate viewers.

Other topics covered include:

• The film's impressive practical effects, especially the underwater scenes
• The humor derived from Madison learning English through television
• The government's comically extreme reaction to discovering a mermaid
• The movie's influence on romantic comedies and fantasy films
• A brief mention of the made-for-TV sequel Splash, Too
• Comparisons to other fish-out-of-water stories like Beverly Hills Cop
• The hosts' ratings of the film and their deep-cut recommendations

Whether you're a long-time fan of Splash or discovering it for the first time, this episode of "The Most Excellent 80s Movies Podcast" offers a fun, insightful look at a beloved 80s classic. Dive in for a discussion that's sure to make you fall in love with this mermaid tale all over again.

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This week, Krissy Lenz and Nathan Blackwell take listeners on a nostalgic journey back to 1988 with their in-depth discussion of the iconic film "Beaches." This beloved classic, starring Bette Midler and Barbara Hershey, explores the enduring bond between two vastly different women, the flamboyant Cece and the reserved Hillary, as they navigate the ups and downs of life together.

Throughout the episode, Lenz and Blackwell delve into the film's emotional core, examining how the friendship between Cece and Hillary evolves over the decades. They share personal anecdotes and connections to the story, while also critically analyzing its lasting impact on popular culture. The hosts pay special attention to the movie's unforgettable musical numbers, from the tear-jerking "Wind Beneath My Wings" to the side-splitting "Otto Titsling," leaving no melodic moment unexamined.

The podcast also explores the film's structure, which revolves around the lifelong friendship between the two lead characters, and how it resonates with audiences even today. Lenz and Blackwell debate whether "Beaches" stands the test of time, sharing their honest emotional reactions and discussing how the film's themes of friendship, love, and loss continue to strike a chord with viewers.

In addition to their deep dive into "Beaches," the hosts share their unique introductions to the film and its music, offering listeners a glimpse into their personal connections to this 80s classic. They also take a closer look at the supporting characters, including John Heard's memorable turn as the "Home Alone dad," and examine how the movie portrays relationships, careers, and the pursuit of dreams.

As always, Lenz and Blackwell offer their deep-cut recommendations for listeners looking to expand their cinematic horizons. This episode's suggestions include the action-packed Indian film "RRR" and the hilarious comedy "Outrageous Fortune," ensuring that there's something for everyone.

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In the latest episode of The Most Excellent 80s Movies Podcast, hosts Krissy Lenz and Nathan Blackwell, along with special guest Matthew Fox from The Ethical Panda, delve into the iconic 1984 supernatural comedy, "Ghostbusters." This episode is a treasure trove for fans and newcomers alike, offering a nostalgic look at why "Ghostbusters" continues to captivate audiences nearly four decades after its initial release.

During their discussion, the hosts explore the film's unforgettable characters and groundbreaking special effects, dissecting the elements that contribute to its lasting appeal. They dive into the chemistry of the iconic trio—Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, and Harold Ramis—whose improvisational skills greatly contributed to the movie’s success. Additionally, they tackle some of the ethical dilemmas and problematic elements of the film, such as the portrayal of women and certain controversial behaviors of the characters, examining these issues through a modern lens.

The episode also highlights the impressive practical effects, especially the memorable Stay Puft Marshmallow Man sequence, and discusses the challenges and mixed receptions surrounding the sequels and attempts to revive the franchise. Further topics of conversation include the film's status as a quintessential 80s comedy, the often-overlooked role of Winston Zeddemore played by Ernie Hudson, the impact of cameo appearances and casting decisions like Rick Moranis as Louis Tully, and the enduring appeal of the "Ghostbusters" theme song.

With their signature blend of humor, insight, and deep pop culture knowledge, Krissy, Nathan, and Matthew offer a fresh and engaging perspective on "Ghostbusters." This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to relive the magic of this cult classic or discover its charms for the first time.

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In this uproarious episode of The Most Excellent 80s Movies Podcast, hosts Krissy Lenz and Nathan Blackwell team up with special guest Jared Washburn to revisit the 1989 cult classic "UHF," starring the incomparable Weird Al Yankovic. Prepare for a nostalgic journey filled with laughter as they delve into this delightfully bizarre comedy that has become a cherished gem, particularly among those who grew up in the 80s and 90s.

Throughout the episode, the trio shares their personal connections and admiration for "UHF," highlighting its status as a cult favorite. They praise Weird Al’s commitment to his uproarious parodies and characters, particularly his unforgettable portrayals of Indiana Jones and Rambo, which are considered major highlights of the film. The discussion also covers the unique, episodic structure of "UHF," which features an array of commercial parodies and vignettes that contribute to its charm, despite straying from a traditional narrative.

Michael Richards' portrayal of Stanley Spadowski, the janitor turned children’s show host, is acknowledged as particularly memorable, with his natural charm and goofiness bringing a special light to the film. The episode doesn’t shy away from exploring other significant aspects, including the influence of Weird Al’s music on the film’s tone, the challenges of objectively rating a nostalgic favorite, and recommendations for similar comedies like "Wayne's World" and "Empire Records."

The hosts also discuss the film's timeless appeal compared to other parody films of its era, the impact of "UHF" on Weird Al’s career, and its surprising initial box office failure. Whether you’re revisiting "UHF" or discovering it for the first time, this episode of The Most Excellent 80s Movies Podcast promises a celebration of the unique humor and enduring legacy of Weird Al Yankovic and the creative minds behind "UHF." Join Krissy, Nathan, and Jared for an episode that’s sure to evoke both laughter and a deep appreciation for this iconic film.

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Welcome back baseball fans and 80s movie buffs! In this week's episode of The Most Excellent 80s Movies Podcast, hosts Krissy and Nathan discuss the 1989 fantasy film Field of Dreams with fellow podcaster and filmmaker, Tommy Metz III.

This nostalgic baseball movie stars Kevin Costner as Iowa farmer Ray Kinsella, who hears a mysterious voice telling him to build a baseball diamond in his cornfields. After Ray builds the field, the ghosts of Shoeless Joe Jackson and other players banned from baseball for alleged game-fixing in the 1919 World Series emerge from the crops to play ball again. The hosts reflect on Field of Dreams' sentimental exploration of family, redemption, and second chances.

Field of Dreams skillfully balances sentimentality with elements of fantasy and the supernatural to avoid becoming overly sappy or precious. The scenes with Shoeless Joe retain a sense of mystery and discovery.

The excellent ensemble cast features memorable performances by James Earl Jones, Amy Madigan, and the actors playing the ghostly ballplayers.

Comparing Field of Dreams to similar fantasy films like The Natural

Examining the movie's nostalgic, timeless portrayal of the rural Midwest

Appreciating the emotive score by James Horner

Analysis of the mysterious voice and its cryptic instructions

Debate over the meaning of Terrence Mann entering the cornfield at the end

Conclusion

Field of Dreams continues to captivate audiences more than 30 years later thanks to its winning blend of fantasy, nostalgia, and emotional resonance. Its exploration of how we can heal connections with family and history makes it a lasting classic. Tune in next week when Krissy and Nathan review another unforgettable 80s movie!

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