Groundbreaking Digital Frontier or 80s Tech Fantasy?
Join hosts Krissy Lenz and Nathan Blackwell with special guest Joe Malone as they venture into the neon-lit digital world of Tron (1982). This revolutionary sci-fi adventure follows computer programmer Kevin Flynn (Jeff Bridges) as he's transported inside a computer system where he must battle alongside Tron against the tyrannical Master Control Program.

The hosts dive deep into what makes this film a landmark in cinema history—it was the first major film to use extensive computer-generated imagery, so groundbreaking that the Academy disqualified it from special effects nominations because they considered using computers "cheating." Despite its commercial underperformance, the film's arcade games became massive hits, showcasing its cultural impact.

Joe shares his fascinating journey with the film, initially creating a list titled "Why I Hate It" after his first viewing, only to create a contrasting "Why I Actually Really Like It" list after his second watch. The hosts agree that while the narrative sometimes falls flat and the graphics appear dated by today's standards, the film deserves recognition for pioneering digital filmmaking and presciently exploring AI concerns that remain relevant today.

Nathan, a childhood fan, rates it 7.5/10 "frisbees," while newfound Tron defender Joe gives it 7.6, and Krissy lands at 6.5, noting that even her cat refused to watch it with her.

Key topics discussed:

• Jeff Bridges' performance and undeniable charm
• The revolutionary computer graphics and special effects
• The film's religious undertones with users portrayed as godlike beings
• The iconic Light Cycle sequences
• Similarities to Star Wars' narrative structure
• Connections to modern concerns about artificial intelligence
• The unusual costume designs and world-building
• The surprising romantic "threpple" dynamics between characters

The episode concludes with movie recommendations including Blade Runner (1982), WarGames (1983), and Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow (2004) as companions to Tron. Whether you're a devoted fan or new to this digital frontier, this episode illuminates why Tron remains a fascinating artifact of early digital filmmaking and 80s sci-fi imagination.

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A Frozen Adventure in a Galaxy Far, Far Away

In this episode of The Most Excellent 80s Movies Podcast, hosts Krissy Lenz and Nathan Blackwell are joined by special guest Francis Zagarigo to discuss the iconic sequel Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back. As a certified young person who had never seen the original trilogy before, Francis brings a fresh perspective to this beloved sci-fi classic.

The hosts dive deep into what makes Empire such a standout film in the Star Wars saga. Nathan shares how this sequel takes a darker, more character-driven approach compared to the spectacle-focused original. Unlike the triumphant ending of A New Hope, Empire delivers a murkier "to be continued" conclusion that initially disappointed audiences but has since become celebrated as the franchise's pinnacle achievement.

Krissy and Francis analyze the crackling romance between Han and Leia, from their contentious banter to the iconic "I love you"/"I know" exchange. Meanwhile, Francis expresses particular delight with the ice planet Hoth and less enthusiasm for the unnecessary tauntaun deaths. The trio also discusses Yoda's introduction, marveling at how a puppet became one of cinema's most believable and profound characters.

Other topics covered:

• The Millennium Falcon's persistent mechanical problems and lovable character
• Darth Vader's dramatic dinner table reveal in Cloud City
• The controversial "I am your father" twist and its impact
• Lando Calrissian's introduction and betrayal
• The special edition changes and how they compare to the original
• Luke's questionable decision to abandon his Jedi training
• The surprisingly minimal consequences of losing a hand in the Star Wars universe

In their final ratings, both hosts give Empire a perfect 10, acknowledging its profound influence on their love of cinema, while Francis awards it a respectable 7. The episode concludes with recommendations for viewers who enjoyed Empire: Nathan suggests the Disney+ series Skeleton Crew, Krissy recommends the What We Do in the Shadows episode featuring Mark Hamill, and Francis proposes Mr. & Mrs. Smith for those who enjoy the enemies-to-lovers dynamic.

Whether you're a lifelong Star Wars fan or experiencing the trilogy for the first time, this episode offers both nostalgic appreciation and fresh insights into what makes The Empire Strikes Back an enduring sci-fi masterpiece.

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Hello Friends of the Most Excellent 80s Movies Podcast! We are taking a short break between seasons during February and March. In the meantime please enjoy these REBROADCAST episodes, some favorites of ours, to tide you over until we return on Wednesday April 9th with new episodes!

Join Filmmaker Nathan Blackwell (Voyage Trekkers, The Last Movie Ever Made) and Comedian Krissy Lenz (Neighborhood Comedy Theatre, Saturday Matinée Podcast) with special guest, multiple Emmy award-winning Leigh Ann Dolan (Busy Tonight, Phoenix Film Festival, Valley Youth Theater) as they quip their way through the world of improbable illness and ineffectual men in their conversation about Steel Magnolias. What will the Deep Cut Recommendations be? What will they rate this classic "laughter through tears" extravaganza?

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Hello Friends of the Most Excellent 80s Movies Podcast! We are taking a short break between seasons during February and March. In the meantime please enjoy these REBROADCAST episodes, some favorites of ours, to tide you over until we return on Wednesday April 9th with new episodes!

Get ready to saddle up for some wildly excellent 80s action with The Most Excellent 80s Movies podcast's tubular recap of Lethal Weapon!

Our radical hosts Krissy, Nathan, and special guest Andy Andy Nelson gnaw their way through this primo slice of buddy-cop nostalgia. It's 1987 and extreme odd couple, detectives Riggs and Murtaugh, are trading quips and bullets on the streets of LA.

The hosts serve up a bodacious summary of this classic flick starring Mel Gibson and Danny Glover as the mismatched cop duo.

Majorly Important Points:

• They dish on how this flick totally created the formula for buddy cop flicks with its wacky partners. We dig it!
• Some stuff like Riggs' grief and the villains are now kinda bogus and don't hold up. Bummer!
• The action scenes are styling and they can roll with the occasional plot holes. Sweet!
• They analyze whether the wild Western-style ending fights really move the story. Hmmm.

Other Triumphant Topics:

• This movie screams the 1980s with its cliches, tropes, and references. Classic!
• The action is almost as extreme as director Michael Bay's future flicks. Ka-boom!
• Some bits about women and doctors are now super cringe. Not cool!
• Is this really a holiday classic or just set at Christmas? We're not sure, dudes.
• They rate this radical movie between 6 and 8 "buns" out of 10.

In conclusion, this most excellent 80s flick is a pioneer of buddy cop films despite some heinous elements that don't age well.

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Join now for: $5/Month • $55/year • Learn More

Hello Friends of the Most Excellent 80s Movies Podcast! We are taking a short break between seasons during February and March. In the meantime please enjoy these REBROADCAST episodes, some favorites of ours, to tide you over until we return on Wednesday April 9th with new episodes!

Join hosts Krissy Lenz, Nathan Blackwell and special guest Nate McWhortor (Gank that Drank: A Supernatural Drinking Game Podcast) as they journey down the rabbit hole of 1988's groundbreaking live-action/animated smash hit Who Framed Roger Rabbit. In this fun and insightful episode, we look at:

• The stunning visual effects that seamlessly blended live action and animation like never before, paving the way for modern CGI
• How Robert Zemeckis brought together Disney and Warner Bros. characters on screen for the first time, an almost unthinkable crossover at the time
• Jessica Rabbit as a male fantasy icon but also a surprisingly nuanced female character who defies expectations
• The core theme of laughter as a unifying force contrasted with the humorless villains
• The not-so-subtle satire of Los Angeles development and transportation
• How well the film holds up today as an introduction to noir for kids and families

Krissy, Nate, and Nathan also share their personal memories of seeing Who Framed Roger Rabbit for the first time, get into the deeper themes, and analyze what still works and what doesn't all these years later. It's a spirited back-and-forth between two movie lovers taking a fond look back at a comedy classic.

Other topics discussed:

• The rapid-fire opening cartoon sequence introducing Roger Rabbit
• The groundbreaking interaction of cartoons and humans at the Ink & Paint Club
• The horrifying introduction of Christopher Lloyd's Judge Doom and his deadly "Dip"
• The scene-stealing performance of Bob Hoskins as Eddie Valiant
• The chase scenes and vintage Los Angeles settings
• The mystery plot and film noir tropes
• How the plot wraps up rather quickly in the end
• Comparing Who Framed Roger Rabbit to Cool World and Space Jam

So put on your best Eddie Valiant fedora and give a listen to Krissy, Nate and Nathan pay tribute to this outrageous live action/animated mashup that brought new levels of visual wizardry to the big screen. It's a spirited and enlightening dive into a comedy classic that still delights today.

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We couldn't do this without your support of The Most Excellent 80s Movies Podcast! Thank you!
Join now for: $5/Month • $55/year • Learn More

Hello Friends of the Most Excellent 80s Movies Podcast! We are taking a short break between seasons during February and March. In the meantime please enjoy these REBROADCAST episodes, some favorites of ours, to tide you over until we return on Wednesday April 9th with new episodes!

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 to The Most Excellent 80s Movies Podcast with your hosts Krissy Lenz and Nathan Blackwell! This episode dives deep into the heartfelt and iconic Rain Man (1988). From its award-winning performances by Dustin Hoffman and Tom Cruise to its unique road trip narrative, we revisit this Best Picture Oscar winner to see how it holds up through modern eyes. Prepare for thoughtful discussions, behind-the-scenes stories, and a whole lot of 80s nostalgia!

PLUS! This is the last episode of this season... surprise! Ha ha. We are about to take a short break like we did last year in February and March, but this year we will have some exciting REBROADCAST episodes for you while you wait for fresh new Most Excellent 80s episodes to come at you on April 2nd!

Key Takeaways:

• Unlikely Brotherly Bond: At its core, Rain Man is a moving story about connection, empathy, and personal growth. Tom Cruise’s Charlie starts as a self-absorbed car dealer but evolves into a compassionate brother through his relationship with Raymond, an autistic savant played brilliantly by Dustin Hoffman. Their cross-country journey is filled with moments of tension, hilarity, and tenderness.
• Groundbreaking Representation: We explore the portrayal of autism in Rain Man—its impact on audiences and the conversations it sparked about neurodiversity. While Hoffman’s depiction of Raymond remains a cultural touchpoint, we also critique its limitations and the trope of the "magical savant."
• Road Trips, Rainstorms, and Redemption: The road trip format mirrors the internal transformation of its characters. Each pit stop—from counting cards in Las Vegas to intimate revelations about their shared past—brings the brothers closer together and pushes Charlie toward redemption.
• Cultural and Industry Context: Krissy and Nathan reminisce about the 80s as an era when heartfelt dramas like Rain Man dominated the box office—a stark contrast to today’s blockbuster-driven landscape. They also dive into fun facts, like how Steven Spielberg was originally slated to direct and the impact of the film’s soundtrack.

Other Topics Covered:

• Why Tom Cruise’s punchable 80s charm was perfect for this role.
• Valeria Golino’s standout performance as Charlie’s compassionate girlfriend.
• The nostalgic quirks of 80s filmmaking, from trailers to iconic soundtracks.
• A candid discussion on the ethics of actors portraying characters with disabilities.
• Memorable scenes, like the "toothpick count" and the tender dancing lesson.
• How Rain Man influenced future films and pop culture references (even The Hangover!).

Deep Cut Recommendations:

Krissy suggests The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt for its Rain Man homage and quirky humor. Nathan recommends E.T. for its focus on empathy and unlikely friendships.

Thank you for joining us on this heartfelt ride through Rain Man! Whether you’re here for the nostalgia, the analysis, or just to party on with us, we’re glad you’re along for the journey. Don’t forget to like, rate, review, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. Keep the most excellent 80s movies motto in mind: Be excellent to each other and party on, dudes!

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Join now for: $5/Month • $55/year • Learn More

Join hosts Krissy Lenz and Nathan Blackwell as they dive deep into one of the most bewildering teen films of the 1980s - Dream a Little Dream (1989). This surreal body-swap comedy starring the two Coreys (Feldman and Haim) alongside veteran actors Jason Robards and Piper Laurie proves to be a fascinating mess of metaphysical poetry, teen romance, and inexplicable violence.

Following a recommendation from previous guest Corey Feldman himself, our hosts unpack this peculiar film where an elderly couple's meditation experiment goes wrong, causing Jason Robards' consciousness to become trapped in Corey Feldman's teenage body. What follows is a two-hour journey filled with Michael Jackson dance numbers, cryptic dream sequences, and a surprisingly dark subplot involving an unhinged boyfriend with a gun.

The hosts discuss how the film's attempt to blend spiritual themes with teen comedy creates a confusing narrative that never quite comes together. They note how Corey Haim's character wasn't even in the original script, yet his improvised scenes end up being some of the most entertaining moments in the film. The podcast also explores the movie's bizarre editing choices, unnecessarily long runtime, and its struggle to maintain coherent character motivations.

Key topics covered:

• The unusual chemistry between Jason Robards and Corey Feldman
• Corey Haim's last-minute addition to the cast and his real-life broken leg
• The film's confusing dream logic and metaphysical elements
• Questionable subplot involving drugged teenagers and gun violence
• Extended Michael Jackson-inspired dance sequences
• The movie's marketing focus on "The Two Coreys" despite Haim's minimal role
• Discussion of the 1995 sequel Dream a Little Dream 2
• Comparison to other body-swap films like Freaky (2020)

In their final assessment, Krissy and Nathan rate the film three and four "broken legs" out of ten respectively, acknowledging its flaws while maintaining respect for the ambitious if misguided attempt to create something unique in the teen movie genre. While Dream a Little Dream may not be "so bad it's good," it certainly provides plenty of material for discussion and bewilderment.

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We couldn't do this without your support of The Most Excellent 80s Movies Podcast! Thank you!
Join now for: $5/Month • $55/year • Learn More