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the Most Excellent 80s Movies Podcast

the Most Excellent 80s Movies Podcast

De: TruStory FM
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It’s the podcast where a filmmaker (Nathan Blackwell of Squishy Studios) and a comedian (Krissy Lenz of Neighborhood Comedy Theatre) take a hilarious look at the 80s movies we think we love or might have missed with modern eyes and probably a significant haze of nostalgia.© TruStory FM Arte
Episodios
  • They Live (1988) • REBROADCAST

    They Live (1988) • REBROADCAST
    Feb 18 2026
    Sunglasses, Skull Faces, and the Longest Fight Scene EverREBROADCASTWelcome to this episode of The Most Excellent 80s Movies Podcast! Hosts Krissy Lenz and Nathan Blackwell are joined by returning guest Adam Marshall Rini to dissect John Carpenter's 1988 cult classic They Live. What starts as a simple tale of a drifter looking for work quickly transforms into a mind-bending sci-fi commentary on consumerism, Reaganomics, and subliminal control—once Roddy Piper finds those magical sunglasses, of course. But is this film a masterpiece of political satire or just "Noam Chomsky for 14-year-olds"? The hosts debate whether They Live is best enjoyed with tacos and beer or if it's essential viewing for understanding capitalism's grip on society.The conversation flows from the film's jarring tonal shifts—peaceful drifter to trigger-happy action hero in minutes—to that infamous alley fight scene that seems to go on longer than the movie itself. Krissy experiences the film with fresh eyes and finds herself both fascinated and bewildered by its pacing, while Nathan and Adam appreciate it as a "beer and taco movie" that hits different emotional notes depending on your age when you first watch it. They explore Carpenter's knack for making outsiders the heroes, the shocking violence of the police raid scenes, and why casting a professional wrestler was the perfect choice to reach a teenage audience. The panel also wrestles with the film's abrupt ending and that peculiar final shot that seems designed purely to earn its R rating.Additional Highlights:
    • The group debates whether the sunglasses actually get you high or just tax your brain with information overload
    • Discussion of how They Live influenced everything from Shepard Fairey's "Obey" artwork to South Park episodes
    • Analysis of why Keith David elevates every scene he's in, even when he's being forced to wear sunglasses against his will
    • Examination of the film's stark division between the haves and have-nots, with no middle class in sight
    • The revelation that this screenplay follows textbook structure, hitting its major plot point at exactly the 30-minute mark
    The hosts land on vastly different ratings: Nathan gives it 8 pairs of sunglasses as a fun genre piece, Adam awards it an honorary 14 for its cultural importance to young minds, and Krissy settles on 5—acknowledging its significance while admitting it's just not for her. Their deep cut recommendations range from the video game Fallout: New Vegas to Noam Chomsky's Understanding Power to Green Day's “American Idiot,” proving this film's influence extends far beyond cinema.Learn More:Discover more about the podcast and TruStory FM at trustory.fm. Members get early, ad-free access to episodes plus exclusive bonus content—join at trustory.fm/join. Connect with the show on Facebook, Instagram, and Bluesky. Check out the hosts' creative work at Neighborhood Comedy Theatre and Squishy Studios.Have you ever wondered what you'd do if you found sunglasses that revealed hidden messages everywhere? Would you immediately start a revolution or just try to convince your skeptical best friend?
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    1 h y 1 m
  • Spaceballs (1987)

    Spaceballs (1987)
    Jan 28 2026
    May the Schwartz Be With You: A Spaceballs Deep DiveWelcome to this episode of The Most Excellent 80s Movies Podcast! Hosts Krissy Lenz and Nathan Blackwell are joined by special guest Adam Marshall Rini to close out Season 8 with Mel Brooks' 1987 sci-fi parody Spaceballs. The trio explores whether this childhood favorite still holds up with "grown-up eyes," debating everything from Rick Moranis' concussed helmet performance to Pizza the Hut's grotesque puppet design. Spoiler alert: opinions are divided, with ratings ranging from a nostalgic seven cans of Perri-Air down to a disappointed four.What Really Works (and What Doesn't)The hosts agree that Spaceballs operates on a hit-or-miss ratio—about 50-50, which they concede is pretty solid for parody films. Nathan finds himself pleasantly surprised by how much heart the film retains compared to other spoofs, noting that Mel Brooks maintains character development even while throwing jokes at the wall. The merchandising gags, the "now/then" video scene, and Rick Moranis playing with dolls all earn praise as moments that still land decades later. However, Adam feels the weight of having seen Brooks' masterpieces like Blazing Saddles and Young Frankenstein, making Spaceballs feel disappointingly broad by comparison.Nostalgia vs. RealityThe conversation reveals how much expectation shapes our viewing experience. Nathan went in prepared to groan but found genuine enjoyment, while Adam's fond childhood memories collided with adult disappointment. Krissy appreciates the film's innocent, joyful approach to parody—it celebrates Star Wars rather than targeting it with edgy mockery. The group also notes how many dated references (Ford Galaxy cars, Michael Winslow's radar sounds) create an unintentional time capsule effect that's now charming rather than topical.Additional Highlights:
    • The film's constant exposition and repeated revelations feel either intentionally melodramatic or surprisingly sloppy
    • George Lucas loved the movie and allowed Brooks to park the Millennium Falcon at the diner
    • Bill Pullman's face-plant sound effect and Mel Brooks buckling a bear into a space pod remain comedy gold
    • The Yuma, Arizona sand dunes provided the perfect backdrop for the desert planet scenes
    • Watching double features of Mel Brooks films reveals his decline from Blazing Saddles through Robin Hood: Men in Tights
    Final VerdictDespite mixed ratings, the hosts agree Spaceballs remains a revisitable piece of 80s comedy—even if it doesn't quite reach the heights of Brooks' earlier work. Whether it's a prince or just Prince Valium depends entirely on what you bring to it.Ready to dive deeper? Head to TruStory FM to explore more episodes and learn about the network. Members get early, ad-free access plus exclusive bonus content—join at trustory.fm/join.Connect with the podcast on Facebook, Instagram, and Bluesky.Learn more about the hosts at Neighborhood Comedy Theatre and Squishy Studios.What's your take on Mel Brooks' parody style—does it hold up better than other 80s spoofs?
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    55 m
  • Uncle Buck (1989)

    Uncle Buck (1989)
    Jan 14 2026
    He's Crude, He's Crass, He's Family: An Uncle Buck Deep DiveWelcome to this episode of The Most Excellent 80s Movies Podcast! Join hosts Krissy Lenz and Nathan Blackwell, along with special guest Heath Wilcock, as they make themselves at home with John Hughes' 1989 comedy Uncle Buck. In this lovable exploration of family dynamics, the trio discusses how John Candy's portrayal of the slovenly bachelor turned temporary guardian perfectly captures the heart of what makes this film a timeless classic—even when he's threatening to show up to school in his bathrobe.The hosts dive deep into what makes Buck Russell such a magical character, from his giant pancakes the size of trash can lids to his absurdist approach to parenting ("I have a friend in the crime tech lab"). They explore how the film balances John Hughes' signature blend of sincere character moments with cartoonish comedy, discussing everything from the iconic rapid-fire questioning scene with young Macaulay Culkin to Tia's remarkable character arc. Heath shares his lifelong love for the film, while Nathan reflects on rewatching it after 20 years, and Krissy relates to it with fresh eyes as a parent of a teenager. The conversation touches on how Uncle Buck directly inspired Hughes to write Home Alone, the film's surprisingly dark moments (kidnapping Bug, anyone?), and why John Candy remains irreplaceable in the role—despite studio interest in Tom Cruise.Additional Thoughts:
    • The clap-on moment that lights up Buck's entire building exemplifies the film's magical realism
    • Jean Louisa Kelly's performance as Tia walks the perfect line between venomous and vulnerable
    • The film's blissfully short runtime keeps everything moving without feeling episodic
    • Marcy Dahlgren-Frost remains one of cinema's strangest neighbor characters
    • Buck's laundry-in-the-microwave running gag never gets old
    Final Verdict: Heath gives it a perfect 10 giant pancakes with butter, praising the tight storytelling and character work. Nathan awards 7 pancakes, noting some episodic pacing in the middle but celebrating Hughes' cleverness and Candy's charm. Krissy serves up 9 pancakes, highlighting how well the film holds up for family viewing.Deep Cut Recommendations: Heath suggests The Haunted Hotel on Netflix for another lovable problematic uncle. Nathan offers Elf for seasonal viewing, plus Yojimbo for those seeking a samurai take on the catalyst character. Krissy rounds it out with A Confederacy of Dunces by John Kennedy Toole for comedy with a larger-than-life protagonist.Want to hear this episode early and ad-free? Become a member at trustory.fm/join for bonus content and early access to every episode!Connect with the show:
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Bluesky
    Learn more about the hosts:
    • Krissy at Neighborhood Comedy Theatre
    • Nathan at Squishy Studios
    • Discover more at trustory.fm
    What's your favorite John Hughes film and why does Uncle Buck's car backfire haunt your dreams?
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    Learn more about supporting this podcast by becoming a member. It's just $5/month or $55/year. Visit our website to learn more.
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    59 m
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