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the Most Excellent 80s Movies Podcast

the Most Excellent 80s Movies Podcast

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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
  • 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
  • Akira (1988)

    Akira (1988)
    Dec 31 2025
    A Sensory Overload of Cyberpunk: Akira Takes Over Neo TokyoWelcome to this episode of The Most Excellent 80s Movies Podcast, where hosts Krissy Lenz and Nathan Blackwell are joined by special guest David Westlake to dive headfirst into Katsuhiro Otomo's groundbreaking 1988 anime masterpiece Akira. Buckle up—this one goes hard from frame one.Neo Tokyo Never Stood a ChanceThe crew tackles one of cinema's most ambitious and visually stunning films—a post-apocalyptic cyberpunk epic that defies easy explanation. Set 30 years after a catastrophic explosion that reshaped Tokyo, Akira follows biker gang leader Kaneda and his friend Tetsuo as they stumble into a military conspiracy involving psychic children, a mysterious godlike force, and power that no human was ever meant to wield.Krissy admits she was completely lost for most of the viewing experience, frantically taking notes and cross-referencing Wikipedia. Yet this confusion becomes part of the film's brilliance—Akira deliberately withholds exposition, letting mystery and ambiguity drive the narrative forward. The hosts wrestle with whether they enjoyed the experience, ultimately concluding that enjoyment isn't quite the right word. Instead, they felt changed by it.Nathan emphasizes that the film's true genius lies in its exploration of unchecked power and human inadequacy. Through Tetsuo's tragic arc—reminiscent of Anakin Skywalker's descent—the film asks a haunting question: what happens when a being with the emotional maturity of an angry teenager suddenly gains godlike abilities? The answer is absolute chaos. The violence is visceral, the destruction is relentless, and the moral landscape is deliberately murky. This isn't a film designed to comfort you; it's designed to challenge and provoke.David, experiencing Akira for the first time, identifies it as a foundational text for anime—a starting point that established countless tropes still used today. He notes how the film's aesthetic choices, from the distinctive art style to the passionate name-calling during intense moments, have become codified anime conventions. The hosts agree that while the character of Kaneda isn't particularly likable (he treats nearly everyone poorly), his cool motorcycle and sense of responsibility create an engaging protagonist despite his flaws.What Makes Akira Essential CinemaVisual Innovation: The animation is a technical revolutionPhilosophical Depth: Genuine philosophical inquiry about human nature, power, and moreMoral Ambiguity: Nearly every character exists in shades of grayGateway to Serious Storytelling: The perfect film for those ready for more challenging, adult narrativesA Masterclass in Trailer Difficulty: How do you sell this movie? The VerdictDavid appreciates the mystery, ambiguity, and groundbreaking artistry while wishing for a more likable lead character beyond his iconic bike and sense of duty. Nathan recognizes this as stunning cinema on an action, writing, and thematic level. While he won't rewatch it as frequently as lighter fare, he calls it the perfect gateway for curious teenagers seeking philosophical, intense storytelling. And Krissy feels genuinely changed by the experience, acknowledging that Akira is now part of her, informing her perspective going forward. This is a film, not just a movie—and one she'd enthusiastically recommend, though she'd warn viewers to put their phones away.Stay Excellent, Downtown MesaWant to catch David and Krissy performing? Visit Neighborhood Comedy Theatre in downtown Mesa. Check out Nathan's filmmaking work, including the feature film The Last Movie Ever Made, at his website. Krissy also co-hosts Gank That Drank, a supernatural drinking game podcast on TruStory FM.Join the CommunityLike what you heard? Become a member to get episodes a week early, ad-free access, and exclusive bonus content—like this episode's discussion of favorite animated films and shows beyond Akira. Rate, review, and subscribe wherever you listen. Tell your friends, your neighbors, and yes—even your local biker gang. Every five-star review helps immensely.Connect with us:Facebook | Instagram | BlueskyFor 80s movie lovers: Have you experienced Akira, and if so—did it blow your mind or confuse you senseless? Drop a comment and let us know what you thought of this cyberpunk classic. ---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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    57 m
  • My Stepmother Is an Alien (1988)

    My Stepmother Is an Alien (1988)
    Dec 17 2025
    A Cosmic Comedy of Questionable ChoicesWelcome to this episode of The Most Excellent 80s Movies Podcast! Hosts Krissy Lenz and Nathan Blackwell are joined by special guest Robert Fata to dive into the 1988 sci-fi rom-com My Stepmother is an Alien, starring Kim Basinger, Dan Aykroyd, and a scene-stealing debut from Alyson Hannigan. When scientist Steve Mills accidentally sends a signal to another galaxy, he inadvertently attracts the attention of gorgeous extraterrestrial Celeste, who arrives on Earth with a mission—and a magical purse named Bag. What follows is a whirlwind of awkward romance, questionable parenting, and enough '80s excess to power a small planet.The trio explores how this film—written by approximately everyone in Hollywood—manages to be simultaneously charming and deeply uncomfortable. Robert, who loved the movie as a child, confronts it with adult eyes and discovers layers of subtext he definitely wasn't picking up on at age seven. Kim Basinger's committed performance shines as she navigates everything from eating cigarette butts at parties to learning about intimacy through instructional videos provided by her alien AI companion. Meanwhile, Dan Aykroyd plays a widowed scientist who somehow seems less concerned about his daughter's emotional wellbeing than about getting remarried within 48 hours of meeting someone.The conversation delves into the film's bizarre pacing, where a three-day romance feels like both a lifetime and five minutes simultaneously. They discuss Alyson Hannigan's powerhouse crying scenes, John Lovitz's relentless commitment to being turned up to 300%, and the film's curious decision to spend entire minutes on sequences that could have been trimmed while rushing through major plot points.The hosts also grapple with how this movie might be viewed through a modern lens—particularly its treatment of relationships, consent, and the uncomfortably enthusiastic daughter who tracks her father's romantic activity like a sports statistician.Additional Highlights:
    • The scientific accuracy (or lack thereof) of brass buttons creating intergalactic signals
    • Kim Basinger's inexplicable obsession with Jimmy Durante as the pinnacle of human achievement
    • Why pre-pubescent Seth Green was already fully formed Seth Green
    • The film's journey from a pitch about "a dark allegory for child abuse" to... whatever this became
    • Robert's ratings: 10/10 as a child, 6.5/10 as an adult; Nathan's more critical 4.5/10; Krissy agrees with the 6.5
    Ultimately, the hosts land on My Stepmother is an Alien being an enjoyable, if deeply flawed, time capsule of '80s comedy excess. It's a film that asks the important questions like "What if rom-coms were made exclusively by and for men?" and "How many writers does it take to make a box office bomb?" The answer to both: probably too many.Deep Cut Recommendations: The hosts share their picks for films that echo themes from My Stepmother is an Alien—from the disturbing art film Under the Skin to the Mike Myers comedy So I Married an Axe Murderer, plus the late '80s TV gem Out of This World.Want more? Become a member at trustory.fm/join for early, ad-free episodes and exclusive bonus content!Connect with the show on Facebook, Instagram, and Bluesky. Learn more about the hosts at Neighborhood Comedy Theatre and Squishy Studios.Looking for your next '80s rewatch? What forgotten sci-fi comedies from the decade deserve a second look?
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    56 m
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