80's Flick Flashback
Timothy Williams
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The 80's Flick Flashback Podcast is for everyone who either grew up watching movies in the 80's or discovered the joy of these cinematic treasures. On each episode creator and host Tim Williams, along with a guest co-host, discuss an 80's flick by sharing their first-time watch memories, favorite iconic scenes, and even learning some behind the scenes facts and stories along the way.
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3 days ago
#77 - Special: "Swamp Thing" (1982) Moving Panels with Laramy Wells Replay
For the month of March, I am taking a break from recording new episodes so that I can highlight some of the other fantastic podcasts that I have had the privilege of being a guest co-host on. This week, I will be replaying part of an episode of Moving Panels with host Laramy Wells. Laramy is a good friend of mine and has been a frequent guest on the 80’s Flick Flashback podcast going all the way back to season one. Laramy created Moving Panels to discuss movies and TV shows based, inspired, or adapted from the world of comic books and I was actually his very first guest co-host when he covered “Superman: The Movie”. We always have a great time on each other's shows and this episode was no exception. So get ready to get all botanical as Laramy Wells and I discuss “Swamp Thing” from 1982 on this special “Moving Panels” replay episode of the 80’s Flick Flashback!
Send us an email or reach out to us on social media to let us know what you liked, what you loved, what we may have missed, or what 80's movie we should discuss next!
You can also support the podcast by becoming a subscription member through "Buy Me A Coffee". Click on the following linktree link for more details and other great extensions of the podcast.
* https://linktr.ee/80sFlickFlashback --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/moviviews80sff/message
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Mar 3, 2023
#76 - Special: "Lethal Weapon" (1987) Totally Rad Christmas with Gerry D Replay
For the month of March, I am taking a break from recording new episodes so that I can highlight some of the other fantastic podcasts that I have had the privilege of being a guest co-host on.
For this one, I will be replaying part of an episode of Totally Rad Christmas with host Gerry D. This was actually the first first time I was asked to guest co-host on another '80s-themed podcast, and Gerry and I became fast friends. Totally Rad Christmas doesn’t just cover '80s Christmas movies. Gerry talks about holiday TV specials, Christmas songs, toys, decorations, and, as his logo states - “If it was gnarly during Christmas in the ’80s, he’s got it covered”. So get ready to get reacquainted with Riggs, Murtaugh, and Mr. Joshua, and decide if we’re getting too old for this…as Gerry D and I discuss “Lethal Weapon” from 1987 on this special “Totally Rad Christmas” replay episode of the 80’s Flick Flashback Podcast!
Send us an email or reach out to us on social media to let us know what you liked, what you loved, what we may have missed, or what 80's movie we should discuss next!
You can also support the podcast by becoming a subscription member through "Buy Me A Coffee". Click on the following linktree link for more details and other great extensions of the podcast.
* https://linktr.ee/80sFlickFlashback --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/moviviews80sff/message
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Feb 3, 2023
#75 - "An Officer and A Gentleman" (1982) with Ron West
Famed movie critic Roger Ebert said that this 80’s flick was the best movie about love that he’d seen in a long time. His original reviews states “Maybe that's because it's not about ‘love’ as a Hollywood concept, but about love as growth, as learning to accept other people for who and what they are. There's romance in this movie…but what makes the film so special is that the (romance) and everything else is presented within the context of its characters finding out who they are, what they stand for and what they will not stand for.” Get ready to be swept off your feet and let love lift you up where you belong as Tim Williams and guest co-host, Ron West, discuss “An Officer and A Gentleman” from 1982 on this episode of the 80’s Flick Flashback Podcast!
Here are some additional behind the scenes trivia we were unable to cover in this episode:
* In his book An Actor and a Gentleman Louis Gossett Jr. says that although he was honored to win his Oscar for this film especially being in competition with other veteran actors, he was disappointed that his co-star Richard Gere was not only not nominated for an Oscar, but he felt Gere should have been nominated and even won an Oscar for his role in this film. Many critics and others agreed with Gossett's sentiment feeling Gere should have been nominated for this performance, and as of January 2022 Gere has yet to be nominated for an Oscar.
* Paula (Debra Winger) shows Zach (Richard Gere) a photograph of her biological father, revealing that he was an Officer Candidate. The picture was actually of screenwriter Douglas Day Stewart when he graduated from Pensacola.
Sources:
Wikipedia, IMDB, Rotten Tomatoes, Box Office Mojo
https://www.eightieskids.com/things-you-might-not-have-realised-about-an-officer-and-a-gentleman/
https://www.fast-rewind.com/making_officergentleman.htm
https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/an-officer-and-a-gentleman-1982
Send us an email or reach out to us on social media to let us know what you liked, what you loved, what we may have missed, or what 80's movie we should discuss next! You can also support the podcast by becoming a subsrciption member through "Buy Me A Coffee". Click on the following linktree link for more details and other great extensions of the podcast.
* https://linktr.ee/80sFlickFlashback --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/moviviews80sff/message
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Jan 20, 2023
#74 - "Runaway Train" (1985) with J.B. Huffman from "Manly Movies" Podcast
If you’re a fan of eighties action movies, you should know The Cannon Group. Run by Israeli cousins Menahem Golan and Yoram Globus, in the eighties they cranked out a slew of low-budget action movies, most of which were hated by critics. Yet, every once in awhile they made a legitimately great movie that would even make the critics sit up and take notice. One such as this 80’s flick directed by Andrei Konchalovsky (who later made "Tango & Cash") and based on a script by Akira Kurosawa who was a legendary filmmaker in his own right. So get yourself all greased up, jump onboard and then hold on tight as Tim Williams and guest co-host JB Huffman from "Manly Movies" Podcast discuss “Runaway Train” from 1985 on this episode of the 80’s Flick Flashback Podcast!
Here are some additional behind the scenes trivia we were unable to cover in this episode:
* The film is dedicated to the memory of Richard Holley. Helicopter pilot Rick Holley was killed in a helicopter crash during filming. According to the Alaska Rails website, "his helicopter hit a power line in the canyon north of Tunnel Section". This occurred on March 9, 1985 and was listed as "helicopter accident en route to Alaska filming location”.
Sources:
Wikipedia, IMDB, Rotten Tomatoes,
https://www.joblo.com/runaway-train-1985-revisited-action-movie-review/
Send us an email or reach out to us on social media to let us know what you liked, what you loved, what we may have missed, or what 80's movie we should discuss next! You can also support the podcast by becoming a subsrciption member through "Buy Me A Coffee". Click on the following linktree link for more details and other great extensions of the podcast.
* https://linktr.ee/80sFlickFlashback --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/moviviews80sff/message
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Jan 6, 2023
#73 - "Howard the Duck" (1986) with Laramy Wells from "Moving Panels" Podcast
Countless world upon worlds. Worlds without end. In these galaxies every possible reality exits. And what is reality in any new world is mere fantasy in all others. Here, all is real and all is illusion. What is, what was and what will be start with this once maligned 80’s flick. So travel with us to Cleve-land as we jam out to Cherry Bomb’s greatest hits. But be on the look out for the DARK OVERLORD as Tim Williams and guest co-host Laramy Wells from "Moving Panels" Podcast discuss “Howard the Duck” from 1986 on this episode of the 80’s Flick Flashback Podcast!
There are no additional behind the scenes trivia for this this episode.
Sources:
Wikipedia, IMDB, Rotten Tomatoes, Box Office Mojo
https://www.eightieskids.com/13-marvelous-facts-you-never-knew-about-howard-the-duck-vidazoo/20
Send us an email or reach out to us on social media to let us know what you liked, what you loved, what we may have missed, or what 80's movie we should discuss next! You can also support the podcast by becoming a subsrciption member through "Buy Me A Coffee". Click on the following linktree link for more details and other great extensions of the podcast.
* https://linktr.ee/80sFlickFlashback
--- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/moviviews80sff/message
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Dec 23, 2022
#72 - "Santa Claus: The Movie" (1985) with Laramy Wells from "Moving Panels" Podcast
It seems strange at first that the producers of the Superman movies would move on to an epic about Santa Claus. But in a way it makes sense. Both Superman and Santa are legendary superheroes, able to cure our pains through magical intervention. Both of them can fly through the air. Both have large supporting casts: Superman has Lois Lane, Jimmy Olson and Perry White, while Santa has Mrs. Claus, the elves and, of course, Dasher, Donner and Blitzen. This 80’s Flick brought us the origin story we never knew we wanted and children of the 80’s (and early 90’s for that matter) saw the Jolly Old Elf come to life on the big screen for the very first time. So sit down with a warm up of cocoa by the fireplace under the glow of the Christmas trees lights as Tim Williams and guest co-host Laramy Wells from "Moving Panels" Podcast discuss “Santa Claus: The Movie” from 1985 on this episode of the 80’s Flick Flashback Podcast!
Here are some additional behind the scenes trivia we were unable to cover in this episode:
* In a 2019 interview John Lithgow said, "It's just one of the tackiest movies I've ever been in. It seemed cheesy and it certainly never stuck ... except in England. It is huge over there. I wish I had a nickel for every Englishman who's told me [it's their favorite film]. In England, that's half of what I'm known for."
Sources:
Wikipedia, IMDB, Rotten Tomatoes, Box Office Mojo
https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/santa-claus-the-movie-1985
Send us an email or reach out to us on social media to let us know what you liked, what you loved, what we may have missed, or what 80's movie we should discuss next! You can also support the podcast by becoming a subsrciption member through "Buy Me A Coffee". Click on the following linktree link for more details and other great extensions of the podcast.
* https://linktr.ee/80sFlickFlashback
--- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/moviviews80sff/message
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Dec 9, 2022
#71 - "Scrooged" (1988) with Gerry D. ("Totally Rad Christmas" Podcast) & Nicholas Pepin ("Pop Culture Roulette" Podcast)
Since the publication of Charles Dickens’s A Christmas Carol nearly 200 years ago, the story of Ebenezer Scrooge has become familiar fodder for adaptations of all sorts—from ballets to operas to a mime performance by Marcel Marceau. But this 80’s flick adaptation has one thing that sets it apart from the rest: Comedy. So prepare to be transported by a time-traveling taxi-cab, a violent but joyful angel ballerina, and a mute harborer of souls as Tim Williams and guest co-hosts, Gerry D. from "Totally Rad Christmas" Podcast and Nicholas Pepin from "Pop Culture Roulette" Podcast discuss “Scrooged” from 1988 on this episode of the 80’s Flick Flashback Podcast!
Here are some additional behind the scenes trivia we were unable to cover in this episode:
* Screenwriters O'Donoghue and Glazer found the film's denouement, in which Murray reveals his redemption live on TV, to be the most difficult to write. They settled on the example of Christmas Eve in New York, where people are nice to each other for one night, believing it to be a "miracle we could live with".
* Murray was concerned with how he should portray the final scene, with Glazer telling him to follow the script. Wanting a central acting moment, however, Murray gave an emotional and manic performance, deviating from his marked positions and improvising his speech. Glazer and O'Donoghue thought that the actor was suffering a mental breakdown. After he was finished, the crew applauded Murray, but O'Donoghue remarked "What was that? The Jim Jones hour?" Donner turned and punched O'Donoghue in the arm, leaving him bruised for a week.
Sources:
Wikipedia, IMDB, Rotten Tomatoes,
https://www.mentalfloss.com/article/71730/22-fun-facts-about-scrooged
Send us an email or reach out to us on social media to let us know what you liked, what you loved, what we may have missed, or what 80's movie we should discuss next! You can also support the podcast by becoming a subsrciption member through "Buy Me A Coffee". Click on the following linktree link for more details and other great extensions of the podcast.
* https://linktr.ee/80sFlickFlashback --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/moviviews80sff/message
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Nov 25, 2022
#70 - "Annie" (1982) with Hanna Williams
Little Orphan Annie has been a part of American pop culture for nearly a century now—first as a comic strip which made its debut in the summer of 1924, then as a popular radio show in the 1930s, which spun off into a couple of film productions later in that decade and a hit Broadway musical in 1977. Though the musical version has been adapted to the big-screen a few times over the years, most recently in 2014, this 80’s flick version is by far the best known big-screen version. So leave the orphanage behind, jump aboard the auto-copter, and start warming up your singing voice as Tim Williams and his daughter Hanna Williams discuss “Annie” from 1982 on this episode of the 80’s Flick Flashback Podcast!
Here are some additional behind the scenes trivia we were unable to cover in this episode:
* According to assistant director Jerry Ziesmer, Huston lost interest in directing the film and often showed up to the set drunk and fell asleep in his chair. This left the crew to essentially make the movie around him with Ziesmer calling most of the shots.
* Acclaimed character actor Burgess Meredith lent his distinctive voice to the original American ad campaign, narrating the trailers, TV, and radio spots.
Sources:
Wikipedia, IMDB, Rotten Tomatoes, Box Office Mojo
https://www.mentalfloss.com/article/60530/15-things-you-may-not-have-known-about-annie
Send us an email or reach out to us on social media to let us know what you liked, what you loved, what we may have missed, or what 80's movie we should discuss next! You can also support the podcast by becoming a subsrciption member through "Buy Me A Coffee". Click on the following linktree link for more details and other great extensions of the podcast.
* https://linktr.ee/80sFlickFlashback --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/moviviews80sff/message
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Nov 11, 2022
#69 - "The Untouchables" (1987) with Nicholas Pepin from "Pop Culture Roulette" Podcast
1930. Prohibition has transformed Chicago into a City at War. Rival gangs compete for control of the city’s billion dollar empire of illegal alcohol, enforcing their will with the hand grenade and the tommy gun. It is the time of the Ganglords. It is the time of Al Capone. And now its time for Tim Williams and guest co-host Nicholas Pepin, from "Pop Culture Roulette" Podcast to discuss “The Untouchables” from 1987 on this episode of the 80’s Flick Flashback Podcast!
Here are some additional behind the scenes trivia we were unable to cover in this episode:
* Despite his Oscar win for this movie, there was some amount of criticism directed at Sean Connery for playing an Irish-American cop while using his native Scottish accent. Andy Garcia is a Cuban, portraying an Italian, who's passing himself off as a non-Italian American.
* There was originally a different ending for the movie. It was to have been a scene with the camera shooting a close-up of Robert De Niro's face as it is being warmed up for a shave. Then, the camera would have pulled up while still focused on Capone to show the audience that he has reporters around him, much like the opening scene of the movie, but this time, he is in his jail cell.
Sources:
Wikipedia, IMDB, Rotten Tomatoes, Box Office Mojo
Send us an email or reach out to us on social media to let us know what you liked, what you loved, what we may have missed, or what 80's movie we should discuss next! You can also support the podcast by becoming a subsrciption member through "Buy Me A Coffee". Click on the following linktree link for more details and other great extensions of the podcast.
* https://linktr.ee/80sFlickFlashback
--- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/moviviews80sff/message
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Nov 7, 2022
The "Weird" Bonus Episode - "Weird: The Al Yankovic Story" (2022) with Nicholas Pepin from "Pop Culture Roulette" Podcast
We don't normally sway away from our regular 80's Flicks only podcast formula, but when "Weird: The Al Yankovic Story" premiered on the Roku Channel this past weekend, we had to cover this 80's icon and the hilarious film that parodies biopic movies from the king of pop music parodies. Tim Williams and guest co-host Nicholas Pepin, from "Pop Culture Roulette" Podcast (who is a long-time "Weird Al" fan) give their SPOILER-FILLED reactions to the movie and share memories of their first exposure to the genius that is "Weird Al" Yankovic.
Send us an email or reach out to us on social media to let us know what you liked, what you loved, what we may have missed, or what 80's movie we should discuss next! You can also support the podcast by becoming a subsrciption member through "Buy Me A Coffee". Click on the following linktree link for more details and other great extensions of the podcast.
* https://linktr.ee/80sFlickFlashback --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/moviviews80sff/message
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Oct 28, 2022
#68 - "Halloween 4: The Return of Michael Myers" (1988) with Charlie Cotter
As of October 2022, there have been 11 films that continue or reimagine the story of the character known as “The Shape” that was first laid out in John Carpenter’s Halloween released in 1978. At this point in its history, the Halloween franchise has been rebooted once (by Rob Zombie in 2007) and retconned twice (by Halloween H20 in 1998 and then by Halloween in 2018), creating no less than four different continuities. After the release of “Halloween III: Season of the Witch” in 1982 became a box office and fanbase disappointment, this 80’s Flick was the first to bring back the horror icon that is Michael Myers. So lock the doors, pull out your red and white clown costume, and pick up a new William Shatner mask from the local drug store as Tim Williams and guest co-host, Charlie Cotter, discuss “Halloween 4: The Return of Michael Myers” from 1988 on this episode of the 80’s Flick Flashback Podcast!
Here are some additional behind the scenes trivia we were una…
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Oct 21, 2022
BONUS - "House" (1986) with Laramy Wells from the "Moving Panels Podcast"
After working together on the first three "Friday the 13th" movies, Steve Miner and producer Sean S. Cunningham re-teamed for something a little more kooky. From a story by Fred Dekker and a screenplay by Ethan Wiley, this forgotten 80’s flick is a full-tilt comedic-horror movie that throws in more demons, ghosts and ghouls than you can handle. So take down the "For Sale" sign, stay out of the pool, and whatever you do, don’t open the closet at midnight as Tim Williams and guest co-host.Laramy Wells from the "Moving Panels Podcast", discuss “House” from 1986 on this special Forgotten 80’s Flick bonus episode of the 80’s Flick Flashback Podcast!
Here are some additional behind the scenes trivia we were unable to cover in this episode:
* Production designer Gregg Fonseca and a crew of five spent about four weeks modifying the existing Victorian manor that included repainting the whole of the exterior, bordering the front yard with a wrought iron fence supported by sto…
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Oct 14, 2022
#67 - "An American Werewolf in London" (1981) with Gerry D. from "Totally Rad Christmas" Podcast
In terms of werewolf horror, 1981 is still the year to beat. Theatrically, the year saw the release of Wolfen, The Howling, and this 80’s flick which set the bar high for lycanthropic transformation sequences. The last to arrive on the big screen, it demonstrated how to approach a horror-comedy, emphasizing both the laughs and the scares in equal measure. More importantly, the stunning special makeup effects design and creation earned Rick Baker the first-ever Academy Award for Best Makeup. So grab your backpacks, grab a drink from the Slaughtered Lamb pub, and watch out for a full moon as Tim Williams and guest co-host, Gerry D from "Totally Rad Christmas" podcast, discuss “An American Werewolf in London” from 1981 on this episode of the 80’s Flick Flashback Podcast!
Here are some additional behind the scenes trivia we were unable to cover in this episode:
* The episode of The Muppet Show (1976) playing on the television during David's nightmare sequence is The Mu…
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Oct 7, 2022
BONUS - "The Best of Times" (1986) with J.B. Huffman from "Manly Movies" Podcast
Do you ever find yourself reminiscing about the past and remembering something you would love to go back and change, a mistake that haunts you on a regular basis. Well that is what this 80’s flick is all about, a man who for 13 years has regretted dropping the ball in a High School Football game and holds himself responsible for the town he lives in being in the doldrums ever since. So fire up the green rocket, put on your white cleats, and get ready to bring the town of Taft out of the bowels of lethargy as Tim Williams and guest co-host, J.B. Huffman, discuss “The Best of Times” from 1986 on this special forgotten 80’s flick episode of the 80’s Flick Flashback Podcast!
Here are some additional behind the scenes trivia we were unable to cover in this episode:
* The date of the football game, November 15, 1972, was actually a Wednesday. Most Varsity High School football games are played on Fridays or Saturday (if the field did not have lights).
* Robin Williams later co…
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Sep 30, 2022
#66 - "Wildcats" (1986) with Ron West
Molly McGrath is the adult daughter of a famed football coach who is desperate to be the head coach of her own team. When her wish is finally granted, Molly leaves her job coaching girls' track at an affluent high school to take over a football team at an inner-city Chicago high school —the kind of place where guard dogs are needed to patrol the campus. At first the new coach's idealism and optimism are suffocated with racial and gender prejudice, but eventually her overriding spirit begins to whip her unruly team into shape in this formulaic 80’s football flick. So grab your your engraved stopwatch, leave your mark on the school locker, and put the cat costume on the dog to stand in as the school mascot as Tim Williams and guest co-host, Ron West, discuss “Wildcats” from 1986 on this episode of the 80’s Flick Flashback Podcast!
Here are some additional behind the scenes trivia we were unable to cover in this episode:
The filming for the movie was done during the summer.…
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Sep 16, 2022
#65 - "Above the Law" (1988) with Comedian Danny Johnson from the "Behind the Bar" Podcast
In the late 80’s the American action movie was reaching its zenith. The genre had produced several bona fide superstars and was bringing big money to the box office. Action movies were the perfect vehicle for unknown talent to prove themselves. An actor that audiences had never seen before could be the lead if he had the right moves, hair, and one-liners. This 80’s flick, that introduced us to the pre-ponytailed Steven Seagal, surely fit the bill. So prepare for all of the 80’s action movie clichés: flashbacks to Vietnam; a tough, renegade cop; political subterfuge; a revenge plot; intrusive FBI agents; CIA backstabbing and much, much more as Tim Williams and guest co-host, Comedian Danny Johnson from the "Behind the Bar" podcats discuss “Above the Law” from 1988 on this episode of the 80’s Flick Flashback Podcast!
Here are some additional behind the scenes trivia we were unable to cover in this episode:
* The pictures in the opening credits, including the one of baby…
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Sep 16, 2022
BONUS - "Turk 182" (1985) with Laramy Wells from the "Moving Panels" Podcast
Taking aim squarely at the popular theme of the working man’s struggle against the in- equities in the system, this forgotten 80’s flicks tells the story of a mystery rebel in New York City whose popularity reaches almost mythic proportions before the internet, social media, and hashtags became the norm for spreading a protest message. So grab some spray paint, jump on your military motorcycle with matching sidecar as Tim Williams and guest co-host Laramy Wells from "Moving Panels" Podcast discuss “Turk 182” from 1985 on this special forgotten 80’s flick episode of the 80’s Flick Flashback Podcast!
There are no additional behind the scenes trivia for this episode.
Sources:
Wikipedia, IMDB, Rotten Tomatoes, Box Office Mojo
https://variety.com/1984/film/reviews/turk-182-1200426385/
https://thenewbev.com/blog/2016/12/breaking-point-turk-182/
Send us an email or reach out to us on social media to let us know what you liked, what you loved, what we may have missed, or what 80'…
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Sep 2, 2022
#64 - "First Blood" (1982) with Laramy Wells from the "Moving Panels" Podcast
Based loosely on David Morrell's 1972 novel of the same name, this 80’s flick was the first of a decades long franchise. Unlike the following sequels which were war adventure films set in foreign countries, this was a post-Vietnam War psychological thriller set in the United States that lacks the gore and violence that would later become a trademark of the series. So journey back with us to the small town of Hope, Washington as Tim Williams and guest co-host Laramy Wells from "Moving Panels" Podcast discuss “First Blood” from 1982 on this episode of the 80’s Flick Flashback Podcast!
Here are some additional behind the scenes trivia we were unable to cover in this episode:
* Sylvester Stallone accidentally broke the nose of Alf Humphreys (Lester) during the jail escape scene by elbowing him in the face, which is why he is seen wearing a band-aid throughout the rest of the film. Coincidentally, this is what Rambo does to a policeman in the novel during the exact same scene…
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Aug 26, 2022
BONUS - "Back to the Beach" (1987) with Chad Sheppard
For those who were not born before 1962, the beach party movies were a series of chaste comedies in which clean-cut teen idols hung out on the beach, rode the big waves, necked a little and tried to defend their lifestyle against the old fogies who were always trying to ban rock 'n' roll. The financially successful teen movies were a tie between harmless and brainless. This 80’s Flick was a musical satire poking fun at those idols and the whole genre, but did it with a lot of good humor and with the full cooperation of the victims. So grab some sunscreen, your extra-long surfboard, and watch out for a random pajama party to break out as Tim Williams and guest co-host, Chad Sheppard, discuss “Back to the Beach” from 1987 on this special “Forgotten 80’s Flicks” episode of the 80’s Flick Flashback Podcast!
There are no additional behind the scenes trivia for this episode.
Sources:
Wikipedia, IMDB, Rotten Tomatoes, Box Office Mojo, biography.com
https://www.rogerebert.com…
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Aug 19, 2022
#63 - "Rain Man" (1988) with JB Huffman from "Manly Movies" Podcast
No one was overly surprised when this 80’s flick dominated the 1989 Academy Award ceremony. It featured one of America's biggest movie stars showing a little gravitas as a self-absorbed hustler who learns the importance of family. It had an Oscar mainstay going deep into affliction, playing a character with a disorder that not many everyday moviegoers knew much about at the time. And at the helm, a respected director whose films had been gaining in prestige and popularity throughout the decade. So grab some cheese balls and apple juice before you crank up the classic Buick Roadmaster convertible as Tim Williams and guest co-host, JB Huffman from "Manly Movies" Podcast", discuss “Rain Man” from 1988 on this episode of the 80’s Flick Flashback Podcast!
* Here are some additional behind the scenes trivia we were unable to cover in this episode:
Golino auditioned for lead roles in Pretty Woman and Flatliners, but both times she lost the part to Julia Roberts during the…
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Aug 5, 2022
#62 - "Big" (1988) with Chris McMichen
Undeniably, the best of the mini-cycle of body-swap comedies from late eighties, this is the flick that revealed that Tom Hanks was capable of much more than just one-dimensional idiotic comedic roles. His transformation into the floppy walk and wide-eyed enthusiasm of a 13 year old boy is a masterclass in physical acting. It also proved that Penny Marshall was a bonafide blockbuster movie director and not just the tough-talking and boy-crazy Laverne De Fazio on TV's “Laverne & Shirley”. So grab some quarters for the Zoltar machine and make a wish as Tim Williams and guest co-host, Chris McMichen, discuss “Big” from 1988 on this episode of the 80’s Flick Flashback Podcast!
Here are some additional behind the scenes trivia we were unable to cover in this episode:
* The scene where Josh and Billy squirt silly string in poses of sneezing, barfing, etc. was not in the original script. It came from the rehearsal when Penny Marshall put Tom Hanks, Jared Rushton, and David Mosco…
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Jul 22, 2022
#61 - "The Lost Boys" (1987) with Tyra Williams
What's more traumatizing for a teenage boy than having to pack up his life and move to a new town with his brother and newly divorced mom? Nothing, other than the local gang initiation. Which, in Santa Carla, may just involve dropping from a train overpass, racing motorcycles near the cliff, and drinking blood instead of wine. Though we’ve been engulfed in some, dare I say toothless vampire entertainment in the last few decades, this 80’s flick was one of the earliest movies to update the centuries-old story of fanged immortals lusting for blood in the night for the high school set. So grab your Vampire comics, call the Frog brothers, and put on your garlic t-shirt as Tim Williams and guest co-host, Tyra Williams, discuss “The Lost Boys” from 1987 on this episode of the 80’s Flick Flashback Podcast!
Here are some additional behind the scenes trivia we were unable to cover in this episode:
* When they're eating Chinese food, David leaves his chopsticks sticking straigh…
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Jul 8, 2022
#60 - "One Crazy Summer" (1986) with Nicholas Pepin from the "Pop Culture Roulette" Podcast
This 80’s flick is sometimes described as “Better Off Dead Goes To The Beach” because it reunites young leading man John Cusack with writer-director Savage Steve Holland for a tale of teenage angst and the quest to find love. This time the quest takes us to Nantucket where our lead gets involved with cute and fuzzy bunnies, snobby preppies, insane mechanics, a killer dolphin with rabies, and a hippie-ish singer about to lose her house to a very rich lobster restaurant magnate. So don’t miss the ferry and don’t forget to pay your tab for Granny’s dinner as Tim Williams and guest co-host Nicholas Pepin from "Pop Culture Roulette" Podcast discuss “One Crazy Summer” on this episode of the 80’s Flick Flashback podcast!
Just like "One Crazy Summer" has no deleted scenes, we have no additional trivia from this episode.
Sources: Wikipedia, IMDB, Rotten Tomatoes
https://www.fastcompany.com/3055116/the-long-strange-journey-of-better-off-dead-director-savage-steve-holla…
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Jun 24, 2022
#59 - "Back to the Future" Trilogy Panel Part Two
Roads? Where we’re going, we don’t need roads. Its time to pick up where things left off as Tim Williams is joined by the "Hill Valley Save the Clock Tower Committee" (aka the Co-Host Panel) as they continue their discussion on the "Back to the Future" Trilogy for this episode of the 80’s Flick Flashback!
Panel Includes Charlie Cotter, Chad Sheppard, and Laramy & Bethany Wells ("Moving Panels" Podcast)
Pre-Recorded Segments from previous co-hosts include Ron West, Jeff Atkins, and Gerry D. ("Totally Rad Christmas" Podcast)
Here are some additional behind the scenes trivia we were unable to cover in this episode:
The first film had had slightly more subtle placement deals with various companies including Toyota, Pepsi and Miller, but in the second, these deals started to take an active place in the story. Pepsi (with the fictional ‘Pepsi Perfect’ variety) is even more prominent in the Café 80s, and there are Black and Decker products both real (the “antique” Dustbuster…
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Jun 10, 2022
#58 - "Back to the Future" Trilogy Panel Part One
In the Summer of 1985, one of the most influential sci-fi comedies ever made landed in theaters nationwide and took moviegoers on a time-traveling thrill ride while shattering box office expectations. This 80’s flick sparked a trilogy that, like most, has its hits and misses, but is still one of the most beloved trilogies in cinematic history! So climb into the DeLorean, check the flux capacitor, and get this sucker up to 88 miles per hour as Tim Williams is joined by a panel of dapper and distinguished co-hosts to discuss the “Back to the Future” Trilogy on this episode of the 80’s Flick Flashback podcast!
Co-Host Panel Includes Charlie Cotter, Chad Sheppard, and Laramy & Bethany Wells ("Moving Panels" Podcast)
Pre-Recorded Segments from previous co-hosts include Nicholas Pepin ("Pop Culture Roulette" Podcast), stand-up comedian Danny Johnson, and Chris McMichen
Here are some additional behind the scenes trivia we were unable to cover in this episode:
* Possibly the most…
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May 27, 2022
#57 - "Bull Durham" (1988) with Ron West
Like “Major League”, “The Natural” or even “Field of Dreams”, this 80’s flick is one of those sports movies that always seems to be on one of the many basic cable TV channels every Spring and Summer. It doesn’t matter whether it’s two in the afternoon or two in the morning, somewhere in the outer reaches of cable TV, the main characters can be found bickering about baseball and who’s taking who to bed. So if you believe in the church of baseball and long, slow, deep, soft, wet kisses that last three days. then grab your bat, your glove, and garter belts as Tim Williams and guest co-host, Ron West, discuss “Bull Durham” from 1988 on this episode of the 80’s Flick Flashback!
Here are some additional behind the scenes trivia we were unable to cover in this episode:
* “The candlesticks scene on the mound — I came up with that,” says Robert Wuhl, who played the team’s pitching coach. Apparently, a week before the film started shooting, Wuhl’s fr…
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May 13, 2022
#56 - "Friday the 13th Part 3" (1982) with Laramy Wells from the "Moving Panels" Podcast
Whenever the 13th day of the month falls on a Friday we are compelled to return to Crystal Lake to talk about one of our favorite 80’s flick slashers. This time we get the sequel that ultimately changed the direction of its franchise from a cash-grab wannabe to the bonafide horror icon it has become. So grab some 3-D glasses as Tim Williams and guest co-host, Laramy Wells from the "Moving Panels" Podcast, discuss “Friday the 13th Part 3” from 1982 on this episode of the 80’s Flick Flashback Podcast!
Here are some additional behind the scenes trivia we were unable to cover in this episode:
* According to Larry Zerner in the documentary Crystal Lake Memories: The Complete History of Friday the 13th, there was a scene in the original script where after Vera and Shelly leave the country store to head back to the barn, the motorcycle gang who terrorized them inside the store were suppose to chase them down the road. Shelley fires a corkscrew at them from a wine bottle he bought…
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Apr 29, 2022
#55 - "School Daze" (1988) with Tyra Williams
Before "A Different World" came into its own. Before "Higher Learning" and "Dear White People" critiqued the fraught relationship between Black students and white students at predominantly white institutions. And before "grown-ish", there was this 80’s flick. Multi-talented Spike Lee’s sophomore feature took a critical look at Historically Black Colleges & Universities (aka HBCUs), revealing their beauty and complexity in a decade where Black faces seemed to be only an afterthought in mainstream media. So get ready to “WAKE UP” as Tim Williams and his guest co-host, wife and HBCU graduate, Tyra Williams, discuss “School Daze” from 1988 on this episode of the 80’s Flick Flashback Podcast!
Sources:
Wikipedia, IMDB, Rotten Tomatoes, Box Office Mojo
https://ascmag.com/articles/school-daze-black-college-is-background
https://www.thrillist.com/entertainment/nation/spike-lee-school-daze-challenges-racism
Intro & Outro Music: "Total Eclipse" by Nathaniel Wyver
Send u…
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Apr 15, 2022
#54 - "Fletch" (1985) with Gerry D. of "Totally Rad Christmas Podcast"
In the mid-80s, Hollywood funnyman Chevy Chase was at the height of his fame. After a successful stint on TV’s Saturday Night Live, he’d proven himself a big box office draw in such movies as "Caddyshack" and "National Lampoon's Vacation". In 1985, Chase tried his hand at something a tiny bit more serious with this 80’s Flick - a comedy thriller which cast him in the title role as an investigative journalist with a knack for sniffing out a big story and the quick wits to bluff his way to the truth. While the movie fully capitalized on Chase’s established comedic gifts, it also allowed him to play a more heroic leading man. So sit back, relax, and grab a steak sandwich that you put on the Underhill’s tab at the tennis club as Tim Williams and guest co-host Gerry D. from "Totally Rad Christmas Podcast" discuss “Fletch” from 1985 on this episode of the 80’s Flick Flashback Podcast.
Here are some additional behind the scenes trivia we were unable to cover in this epi…
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Apr 1, 2022
#53 - "Batman" (1989) with Laramy Wells & Ron West
If you were a kid or a teenager in 1989, no other movie was more anticipated than this iconic 80’s flick. The first superhero movie to take the gritty and grounded approach, it was the comic book event of the decade and the film that transformed the campy Caped Crusader into the brooding Dark Knight. So fire up the Batmobile and meet us in Gotham City as Tim Williams and guest co-host, Laramy Wells and Ron West, discuss “Batman” from 1989 on this episode of the 80’s Flick Flashback!
Here are some additional behind the scenes trivia we were unable to cover in this episode:
* Michael Keaton was unable to hear while wearing the Batsuit. He said that his claustrophobia helped get him in the proper mood to play Batman. "It made me go inward and that's how I wanted the character to be anyway, to be withdrawn," he said.
* Batman creator Bob Kane was to make a cameo in the film, but became ill, and shooting of his scene was not re-scheduled. Kane had drawn and signed the "Batman"…
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Mar 18, 2022
#52 - Interview with 80's Actress Diane Franklin ("The Last American Virgin", "Better Off Dead", and "Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure")
She may have broke your heart as Karen in "The Last American Virgin". Or maybe she terrified you as the tormented sister and daughter in "Amityville II: The Possession". Perhaps, she inspired you to learn French when she won your heart as Monique in "Better Off Dead". Or maybe, just maybe, you spent way too much time at the Circle K hoping for a time-traveling telephone booth that could transport you to meet her as Princess Elizabeth in "Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure". No matter which 80's flick introduced you to the beauty and talent of this versatile 80's actress, today is a special treat as she joins host, Tim Williams, to share wonderful stories and memories from some of her most iconic 80's movie roles. So sit back and relax as Diane Franklin joins the discussion for the very first interview episode of the 80's Flick Flashback Podcast.
Diane Franklin's Books (Available on Amazon):
* The Excellent Adventures of the Last American, French-Exchange Babe of the 80s
* D…
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Mar 4, 2022
#51 - "Bloodsport" (1988) with Nicholas Pepin from the "Pop Culture Roulette" Podcast
If you have ever hear a crowd chanting “Kumite!” then you have entered rarified territory. You have found die-hard fans of this 80’s flick which made “the Muscles from Brussels” a bonafide movie star and also brought in the biggest box office haul for its distributor Cannon Films that year. Yes, that's THE Cannon Films, which is notorious for making some of the biggest-budget B-Movies of the decade. Some call it one of the best worst movies ever made, but, like “The Karate Kid” before it, it made kids of the 80’s think they could become martial arts masters themselves. So grab your passport, evade the CIA who are on your trail, and board the plane to Southeast Asia as Tim Williams and guest co-host, Nicholas Pepin, discuss “Bloodsport” from 1988 on this episode of the 80’s Flick Flashback Podcast!
Here are some additional behind the scenes trivia we were unable to cover in this episode:
* The majority of Bolo Yeung's lines are similar to Bruce Lee's in Ente…
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Feb 18, 2022
#50 - "Three Amigos" (1986) with Danny Johnson
In the midst of a Western revival — which included big hits like "Silverado" and "Pale Rider" — came this 80’s flick, a loving parody of the genre and a send-up of Hollywood. It has become a landmark in comedy collaboration, starring three comedy legends under the direction of a bonafide hit movie director with a script co-written by the mastermind of Saturday Night Live. So grab your sombrero and saddle up your horses for a trip to Santa Poco as Tim Williams and special guest co-host, stand-up comedian Danny Johnson, to discuss “Three Amigos” from 1986 on this episode of the 80’s Flick Flashback!
Here are some additional behind the scenes trivia we were unable to cover in this episode:
* The silent movie sequence in the film was shot in authentic, Old Hollywood environs. The production used the oldest still-standing exterior set on the Universal Studios lot, which had been built for an early 20th-century Western starring the once popular but now largely forgotten…
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Feb 4, 2022
#49 - "When Harry Met Sally..." (1989) with Bethany Wells
“Baby Fishmouth.” “I’ll have what she’s having”. The Wagon Wheel Coffee Table. And the elaborate apple pie order that has inspired thousands of elaborate apple pie orders in diners and restaurants everywhere. In the 30 plus years since this 80’s flick was released, nearly every scene has become iconic and the stuff of rom-com legend. So in honor of Valentine’s Day, cuddle up with the one you love and join Tim Williams and guest co-host, Bethany Wells, as they discuss “When Harry Met Sally” from 1989 on this episode of the 80’s Flick Flashback.
Here are some additional behind the scenes trivia we were unable to cover in this episode:
* In many romantic comedies, there is a bullying significant other or a contrived misunderstanding that would keep the two leads apart. This film is special in that it has neither of these clichés; the only thing keeping Harry and Sally apart is their own various neuroses.
* Harry is shown reading Stephen King's "Misery." The…
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Jan 21, 2022
#48 - "Better Off Dead" (1985) with Nicholas Pepin of "Pop Culture Roulette Podcast"
While some critics failed it from the outset, this 80’s flick is actually a notch more upscale than most of its fellow D-grade locker-room comedies of the era. It's gained a "cult" reputation for its overall cynical tone, its clever gags, and its zany blend of animation and live-action. A teen comedy that refused to take itself too seriously, even if the subject matter should have been. So unwrap those frozen dinners you got for Christmas, load up your snow skis in the station wagon, and for God’s sake, pay that paperboy his two dollars as Tim Williams and guest co-host, Nicholas Pepin of "Pop Culture Roulette Podcast", discuss “Better Off Dead” from 1985 on this episode of the 80’s Flick Flashback!
Here are some additional behind the scenes trivia we were unable to cover in this episode:
* What tested best with audiences? The claymation hamburger scene, which he insists he wasn’t on drugs when he wrote. “I have no excuse for being that stupid,” he says. “I did…
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Jan 7, 2022
#47 - "The Thing" (1982) with Ron West
John Carpenter directed a slew of classic films including "Escape From New York", "They Live", "Halloween", and "Big Trouble In Little China". One of his most celebrated works is this 80’s flick. Upon release, the bleak horror movie was panned by critics as boring and over-indulgent with its violence. The masses barely bothered heading to the movie theaters to see it. In the years since, however, it has found an audience who recognize its excellence. The atmosphere, special effects and performances are all top notch. So grab your box of flares, a bottle of J&B Rare Blend Scotch, and don’t freak out when we test your blood sample as Tim Williams and guest co-host, Ron West, discuss “The Thing” from 1982 on this episode of the 80’s Flick Flashback Podcast!
Here are some additional behind the scenes trivia we were unable to cover in this episode:
* While discussing the character of MacReady, John Carpenter and Kurt Russell discussed having MacReady be a former Vietna…
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Dec 24, 2021
#46 - "National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation" (1989) with Bethany Wells
This 80’s flick was meant to be just another chapter in the misadventures of Clark W. Griswold and his family. It has become one of the most surprisingly popular and oft-quoted holiday movies of all time. So dig up your oversized Christmas tree, fill up your Wally World glass mugs with eggnog, and make sure your RV’s "you know what"-er isn’t full as Tim Williams and guest co-host, Bethany Wells, discuss “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” on this episode of the 80’s Flick Flashback podcast!
Here are some additional behind the scenes trivia we were unable to cover in this episode:
* The scene where the cat bit the Christmas lights cord and got electrocuted was nearly cut from the movie. Prior to the first test screening, the studio executives wanted the scene taken out, fearing that it might offend some viewers, but producer Matty Simmons begged them to leave the scene in, and they eventually gave in to his request. After the first test screening, the test audien…
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Dec 10, 2021
#45 - “Lethal Weapon” (1987) with Nicholas Pepin of “Pop Culture Roulette Podcast”
There has been a debate raging on the internet for years as to whether or not “Die Hard” is a Christmas movie. If “Die Hard” is, in fact, a Christmas movie – which I believe it is – then this 80’s Flick deserves the same holiday movie label. A significant scene in the first act takes place at a Christmas tree farm, the soundtrack is packed with holiday carol classics, and the film ends with turkey dinner on Christmas day. With all that considered, break out the eggnog carton without a bullet hole, trim the tree you bought at the tree farm during a drug deal bust, and watch out for the “Shadow Company” and “Air America” as Tim Williams and guest co-host, Nicholas Pepin, discuss “Lethal Weapon” from 1987 on this episode of the 80’s Flick Flashback.
Here are some additional behind the scenes trivia we were unable to cover in this episode:
* One of the hardest scenes to watch in the entire franchise is when Riggs attempts to take his own life. Riggs loa…
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Nov 25, 2021
#44 - "An American Tail" (1986) with Chad Sheppard and Hanna Williams
According to Roger Ebert, this 80’s Flick is one of the most depressing children's movies of all time—but try telling that to the millions of kids who fell in love with a mischievous, rebellious, but adorable kid mouse, his emigrating family, and the diverse cast of characters who all help, in one way or another, to reunite them. If you were one of those kids then join Tim Williams, his daughter Hanna Williams, and his friend Chad Sheppard, as they discuss “An American Tail” from 1986 on this episode of the 80’s Flick Flashback!
Here are some additional behind the scenes trivia we were unable to cover in this episode:
* During production, director Don Bluth staged a demonstration of the difference between limited TV animation and the full animation used in the film. He had his staff stack up animation cels by his feet into two piles, one representing two minutes of limited animation, the other two minutes of full animation. The TV pile reached only to Bluth's shoelace…
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Nov 17, 2021
#43 - "Ghostbusters" (1984) with Laramy Wells from the "Moving Panels" Podcast
When this 80’s flick first hit the big screen, movie-goers were jump-scared by a ghostly librarian roaming the quiet aisles of a public library, a multi-story marshmallow man towering over the streets of New York, and slime, lots and lots of slime.
Fortunately, four wisecracking misfits were just a phone call away, ready to take down these paranormal pests with their proton packs and ghost traps, but behind the scenes, it took much more than a simple phone call to bring the poltergeist-ridden picture to life. So take a ride in Ecto-1, power up your proton packs, and whatever you do, don’t cross the streams, as Tim Williams and guest co-host, Laramy Wells, discuss “Ghostbusters” from 1984 on this episode of the 80’s Flick Flashback!
Here are some additional behind the scenes trivia we were unable to cover in this episode:
* Harvey Comics, creator of Casper, sued the producers, claiming the ghost in the logo was too close to the Casper character "Fatso". The court ruled…
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Oct 29, 2021
#42 - "A Nightmare On Elm Street" (1984) with Ron West
Horror movies have been around since the late 1800s, yet not all of them are remembered as fondly as others. In 1984, horror master Wes Craven introduced moviegoers to not only one of the most iconic horror movies of the decade, but one of the most iconic figures in horror’s history. So start a fresh pot of coffee, refill your caffeine pills, and whatever you do, don’t fall asleep as Tim Williams and guest co-host, Ron West, discuss “A Nightmare on Elm Street” from 1984 on this episode of the 80’s Flick Flashback!
Here are some additional behind the scenes trivia we were unable to cover in this episode:
* Krug (played by David Hess), the vicious, rapist-serial killer in Wes Craven's first horror movie, Last House on the Left, oozed with smarminess and one-liners, and liked to taunt and torture his victims before killing them, became a very similar type villain, but now in ghost form, in Nightmare on Elm Street. Again, we have a similar bad guy with a big mouth in that mov…
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Oct 15, 2021
#41 - "Friday the 13th Part 2" (1981) with Charlie Cotter
Horror sequels are tricky business. As critic Tasha Robinson notes in an essay for The Dissolve, “Horror sequels are the exact opposite of horror. Horror is about exploiting the fear of the unknown, but sequels are about capitalizing on the familiar.” So horror sequels must find the balance between delivering more of the same to audiences but also something unknown. How well does this 80’s horror flick sequel meet the criteria? Let’s find out as Tim Williams and guest co-host, Charlie Cotter, return to Crystal Lake to discuss “Friday the 13th Part 2” from 1981 on this episode of the 80’s Flick Flashback!
Here are some additional behind the scenes trivia we were unable to cover in this episode:
* Jason in this film is dressed to look exactly the same as the hooded, burlap sack killer from The Town That Dreaded Sundown (1976). The only difference is that the burlap sack he wears has only one eye hole, and his shirt has a slightly different plaid design. According to c…
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Oct 1, 2021
#40 - "The Monster Squad" (1987) with Gerry D. from the "Totally Rad Christmas" Podcast
“The Goonies”. “Stand By Me”. “Ghostbusters”. “The Little Rascals”. And “Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein”. They all share some shred of creative DNA with this bonafide 80’s cult classic. So as we kick-start this year’s spooky Halloween season, sharpen those wooden stakes you made in shop class, hide the silver bullets in your half-empty pack of cigarettes, and prepare to “Bop Til You Drop” as Tim Williams and guest co-host Gerry D discuss “The Monster Squad” from 1987 on this episode of the 80’s Flick Flashback podcast!
Here are some additional behind the scenes trivia we were unable to cover in this episode:
* Jason Hervey wears a Walter Payton shirt in this movie while his onscreen brother from The Wonder Years, Fred Savage, wears a Walter Payton jersey in Princess Bride.
* Due to licensing issues, the crew had to create characters that were suggestive -- but not exact copies -- of Universal's iconic monsters. "The challenge was to sugges…
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Sep 17, 2021
#39 - "All The Right Moves" (1983) with Ron West
Before “Friday Night Lights” there was this often forgotten 80’s flick. It’s not so much a film about the sport of high school football, but the effect of football on its characters. It features solid performances from its young actors, and became an important film in the career of its lead by showcasing the tremendous star power and acting skills of a man who would become a mega-movie-star. So grab your football pads, your cleats, and expect heavy rain to hit football field as Tim Williams and guest co-host, Ron “Rifleman” West, discuss “All the Right Moves” from 1983 on this episode of the 80’s Flick Flashback Podcast!
Here are some additional behind the scenes trivia we were unable to cover in this episode:
* Jan De Bont was the film’s cinematographer; Jan later went onto direct the movie “Speed" in 1994.
* In the scene in which Ampipe's team bus is pulling into Walnut Heights for the big game, Johnstown's Vo-Tech School in Richland Township, was used as…
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Sep 3, 2021
#38 - "Beaches" (1988) with Bethany Wells
No bikinis. No blankets. No bingo. This awkwardly titled 80’s flick is a bosom-buddy movie about a friendship that was destined to be -- like surf and turf, M&Ms, Laverne and Shirley, Lucy and Ethel, maybe even Cagney and Lacey. As most buddy movie rules require, it is a tale of enduring friendship between disparate souls, formed against the odds. There are ups and downs. Jealously and redemption. And, thanks to Bette Midler, some show-stopping musical numbers. So grab a box of tissues, because I’m sure tears will be shed, as Tim Williams and guest co-host, Bethany Wells, discuss “Beaches” from 1988 on this episode of the 80’s Flick Flashback Podcast.
Here are some additional behind the scenes trivia we were unable to cover in this episode:
* The song about Otto Titsling, the inventor of the brassiere, was first introduced by Bette Midler on a 1986 album called "Mud Will Be Flung Tonight." The story of Otto Titsling (i.e. "a two-tit sling") and Phillip de Brassiere…
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Aug 20, 2021
#37 - "Big Trouble in Little China" (1986) with Gerry D. from the "Totally Rad Christmas" Podcast
John Carpenter described this 80’s flick, which he co-wrote and directed, as an "action adventure comedy kung fu ghost story monster movie." And I can’t really add much more of an intro than that. So come aboard “The Pork Chop Express” as Tim Williams and guest co-host, Gerry D discuss “Big Trouble in Little China” from 1986 on this episode of the 80’s Flick Flashback Podcast!
Here are some additional behind the scenes trivia we were unable to cover in this episode:
* For the film's many fight scenes John Carpenter worked with martial arts choreographer James Lew, who planned every scene in detail. Carpenter stated, "I used every cheap gag - trampolines, wires, reverse movements, and upside down sets. It was much like photographing a dance.”
* John Carpenter was not entirely satisfied with Boss Film Studios, the company in charge of the film's visual effects. According to him, they took on more projects than they could handle, and some effects for the film ha…
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Aug 6, 2021
#36 - "Young Guns" (1988) with Laramy Wells from the "Moving Panels" Podcast
The western, which used to be as common in Hollywood as superhero movies are now, enjoyed a surprising revival in popularity in the late 1980s into the 90s. The genre, of course, fizzled out again and faded from memory. Film financiers didn’t see a profit in it and audiences lost their appetite for it. However, for a good 6 years westerns were cool again. They won Oscars, starred some of the biggest names in Hollywood, and inspired Bon Jovi to sing about riding on steel horses and being shot down in a blaze of glory.
It all started with this 80’s flick, which was once known as the Brat Pack western. The passion project of a 27-year-old screenwriting wunderkind and largely financed through money from Subaru dealerships, this Billy the Kid movie may have failed to garner much critical respect, yet it remains one of the most beloved modern westerns. So grab your cowboy hat, your six-shooter, and join Tim Williams and guest co-host Laramy Wells as they mount up with the Regulators to…
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Jul 23, 2021
#35 - "Top Gun" (1986) with Ron West
When hit movie producer, Jerry Bruckheimer was casually flipping through California magazine in 1983, he was suddenly struck by an image. It was a picture of fighter pilot’s helmet with a plane reflected in the visor. Staring at the page, Bruckheimer couldn’t escape one thought: “It looked like Star Wars on Earth.” That magazine picture - and its accompanying article - set into motion the creation of this iconic 80’s Flick. A script would be crafted around the story of fighter pilots - their internal rivalry with one another, heroism when called on by their country and a deeply ingrained “need for speed.” So grab your aviator sunglasses, pull out your brown leather bomber jacket, and meet us in the “Danger Zone” where Tim Williams and returning guest co-host, Ron West, discuss “Top Gun” from 1986. We might just take your breath away.
Here are some additional behind the scenes trivia we were unable to cover in this episode:
* Future NASA astronaut Scott…
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Jul 9, 2021
#34 - "Superman II" (1981) Crossover Episode with Laramy Wells ("Moving Panels" Podcast)
Stop me if you’ve heard this one before…a highly anticipated superhero sequel flick has a profound falling out due to creative differences between the movie studio producers and the original film’s director, resulting in that director being fired and a new director being brought in to reshoot scenes, re-edit the new and old footage, and generally lighten the tone with more humor. No, I’m not talking about the “The Justice League” fiasco from a few years ago. We are going all the way back to the early 1980s for this one! So hold on tight as Laramy Wells and I dig deep, or should I say go “up, up and away”, to discuss “Superman II” from 1981 for this special crossover episode with Moving Panels Podcast and the 80’s Flick Flashback!
Here are some additional behind the scenes trivia we were unable to cover in this episode:
* The 1984, ABC Television broadcast of the film used over thirty minutes of footage deleted from the theatrical release, almost all direct…
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Jun 25, 2021
#33 - "Gremlins" (1984) with Gerry D. of "Totally Rad Christmas" Podcast
Cute. Clever. Mischievous. Intelligent. Dangerous. What more is there to say about this 1984 sleeper hit that somehow morphed the well-worn snowy small town Christmas tales with little monsters your older siblings whispered about around Summer campfires or bonfires at Halloween. So turn off your Zenith television, put away your left over fried chicken, and head to Kingston Falls as Tim Williams and guest co-host, Jerry D. (from "Totally Rad Christmas" Podcast), discuss “Gremlins” from 1984 on this episode of the 80’s Flick Flashback!
Here are some additional behind the scenes trivia we were unable to cover in this episode:
* There are references to the crew's previous projects, including some Spielberg shout-outs on the Kingston Falls theater marquee (where early working titles for both "Close Encounters" and "E.T." are listed), a poster for Twilight Zone: The Movie (Spielberg and Dante's first collaboration), and a mention of Dr. Fantasy (the nickname of producer Frank Marsh…
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Jun 11, 2021
#32 - The Ultimate 80's Summer Movies
If you were a child of the 1980’s then there are just some things you’ll never forget about those lazy days of Summer. Short shorts. Tube socks. Neon colored friendship bracelets. Oakley sunglasses that you either had or wished you had. Walking around with your Sony walkman or boom box with your best cassette mixed tape with all the new pop hits you recorded off of the radio. Songs from artists like Prince, Michael Jackson, Hall & Oats, Cyndi Lauper, Kenny Loggins, Chicago, Pat Benetar, Def Leppard and Madonna, just to name a few. But nothing says Summer in the 80’s to me like Summer Movies. You’ve got blockbusters and cult classics like Back to the Future, Big Trouble in Little China, Top Gun, Major League, The Empire Strikes Back, Predator, and Summer School. But what 80’s movie is the epitome of Summer to you? That’s the question I posed to some of my previous co-hosts recently, so put on a gnarly pair of shades, break out your Magnum PI-style Hawaiian shirt, and crank u…
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May 28, 2021
#31 - "Field of Dreams" (1989) with Laramy Wells from the "Moving Panels" Podcast
If you have seen this heart-warming 80’s baseball fantasy flick, you likely have a strong opinion on it. While some are moved by its fantastical and heartfelt story of personal redemption, others dismiss it as over sentimental and even silly. Or as Richard Corliss of TIME Magazine once infamously put it, a "male weepie at its wussiest,". Either way you look at it, the Oscar-nominated movie still tugs at the heartstrings and makes us rekindle our love for America’s Pastime. So grab your bat, ball, and glove and then head to a perfectly good Iowa cornfield as Tim Williams and guest co-host Laramy Wells discuss “Field of Dreams” from 1989 on this episode of the 80’s Flick Flashback.
Here are some additional behind the scenes trivia we were unable to cover in this episode:
The scene in which Shoeless Joe Jackson (Ray Liotta) first appears in Field of Dreams is one of the most beautifully shot in the entire movie, and after the film was released, producer Charles Gordon r…
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May 14, 2021
#30 - "Sleepaway Camp" (1983) with Charlie Cotter
For about 95% of its runtime, this 80’s slasher flick operates as an oddly bloodless, weirdly sexless, and overall kind of annoying ripoff of "Friday the 13th". Writer and director Robert Hiltzik mines little tension from his story of a youth summer camp besieged by a killer dumping boiling water on pervy camp cooks and stabbing counselors in the shower, "Psycho"-style. It's all very rote and by-the-bloody-books until the film's final minutes, when a last-second twist and some wonky special effects combine into one of the most disturbing images in horror movie history. So grab an extra flashlight and watch out of night snakes as Tim Williams and guest co-host, Charlie Cotter, go to Camp Arawak to discuss all things “Sleepaway Camp” from 1983 on this episode of the 80’s Flick Flashback.
There is no additional trivia for this episode.
Sources:
Wikipedia
IMDB
Rotten Tomatoes
https://collider.com/sleepaway-camp-ending-revisited/
https://www.denofgeek.com/movies/robert-…
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Apr 30, 2021
#29 - "Ferris Bueller's Day Off" (1986) with Jeff Atkins
Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once a while you could miss this quintessential 80’s Flick. It has been called one of the classic movies about the teenage experience, as relevant to today’s Snapchatting pre-adults as it was to those coming of age in the Pac Man Mania era. This enduring popularity is thanks to its simple story – teenage boy fakes a sickness to embark on a day of antics and adventure around Chicago. The energetic cast and quotable dialogue nails the in-between psychology of adolescents. No longer children and not yet adults, the titular anti-hero and his socially awkward friend– and, to a lesser extent, his jealous sister – use this single day of wild abandon to better understand their place in the world. So fake a stomach cramp, get your best friend to steal his dad’s Ferrari, and then fool your principal to get your girlfriend out of class so you can join Tim Williams and guest co-host, Jeff Atkins, as they discuss “Ferris Buel…
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Apr 16, 2021
#28 - "The Evil Dead" (1981) with Laramy Wells from the "Moving Panels" Podcast
From Peter Jackson to Edgar Wright, this 80’s flick has influenced many of today’s biggest Hollywood directors. As it should. Famous for its practical effects and then-unprecedented amount of gore, this low-budget 1981 horror flick—about a group of friends who travel to a cabin in the woods and unleash killer demons—showed the world the power of guerilla-style indie filmmaking before it was cool. Often imitated, but never duplicated it still stands as a must see film for any horror movie fan. So grab your keys to the cabin, keep the cellar door locked and, whatever you do, don’t listen to whatever is recorded on that old reel to reel audio player, as Tim Williams and guest co-host, Laramy Wells, discuss “The Evil Dead” from 1981 on this episode of the 80’s Flick Flashback!
Here are some additional behind the scenes trivia we were unable to cover in this episode:
* The film's first cut ran at around 117 minutes, which Bruce Campbell called an impressive achievemen…
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Apr 2, 2021
#27 - "Steel Magnolias" (1989) with Bethany Wells
Since its release over three decades ago, this 80’s flick has been hailed as a celebration of women. In his original review of the film, Roger Ebert raved about the dialogue and camaraderie of the dynamic ensemble cast. “There may be no movie that better epitomizes the bond of female friendship,” HuffPost declared in 2014. “Mothers share the film with their daughters, teen girls turn to it as a sleepover staple, and men of all ages find themselves taken with the tale of six brassy Southern ladies.” So grab a slice of armadillo-shaped red velvet cake and take a seat in one of Truvy’s salon chairs, as Tim Williams and guest co-host Bethany Wells discuss “Steel Magnolias” from 1989 on this episode of the 80’s Flick Flashback!
Here are some additional behind the scenes trivia we were unable to cover in this episode:
* Sally Field screamed into a pillow for hours before the cemetery scene so her voice would be raw in order to be more evocative.
* After long days…
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Mar 19, 2021
#26 - "The Breakfast Club" (1985) with Laramy Wells from the "Moving Panels" Podcast
Praised as a quintessential piece of '80s cinema and highly regarded among the greatest high school movies of all time, the legacy of this 80’s flick had endured due to the film's eclectic cast of teenage archetypes. Writer-director John Hughes' characters weren't just derivative personalities found in the everyday, run-of-the-mill teen comedy of the day, the characters were actually rooted in genuine human problems. Working with a $1 million budget, the reflective character study was an endearing portrait of adolescence, simplistic in its approach but emotionally rich in its contrasting, multi-dimensional views of each personality. For all its cliches, the film has lasted through the generations, with newer directors calling it an inspirational work. So grab your sack lunch (or your sushi rolls) and head to biggest high school library I’ve ever seen as Tim Williams and guest co-host, Laramy Wells, mess with the bull and get the horns as they discuss “The Breakfast Club” fr…
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Mar 5, 2021
#25 - “Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back” (1980) with Chris McMichen
It’s hard to imagine that in 1980 when audiences first crowded into theaters to watch the sequel to George Lucas’ unexpected blockbuster movie Star Wars, they would the first to ever see such iconic characters as Jedi Master Yoda, smuggler turned businessman Lando Calrissian, and Mandalorian turned bounty hunter Boba Fett. Fans would leave the theaters with three long years to wait for the next installment of the franchise, which was plenty of time to ponder whether or not that Darth Vader twist was the truth or a lie, and wonder if Han Solo would ever be freed from his carbonite prison. Four decades later, the questions we were left with have long been answered, but there’s still an enduring appeal to the middle chapter of the original trilogy. In fact, many fans still consider Episode 5 as their favorite film in the entire Star Wars franchise. So grab your lightsabers, check to make sure the Millennium Falcon’s hyperdrive motivator hasn’t been damaged, and then prepare to…
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Feb 19, 2021
#24 - "The Princess Bride" (1987) with Ron West
It has been called the “Wizard of Oz” of our generation. Meaning that although it was not a blockbuster film at the time of its release, over the years it has become a rare family film that has been enjoyed by children, their parents, and even their grandparents as it has been “handed down”, in a sense, from generation to generation. It has also been known as one of the most quoted films of all time. You may think that’s “inconceivable”, but… get used to disappointment.
So prepare for a battle of wits as Tim Williams and guest co-host Ron West take on the cliffs of insanity, the pit of despair, shrieking eels, and rodents of unusual size as we discuss “The Princess Bride” from 1987 on this episode of the 80’s Flick Flashback!
Here are some additional behind the scenes trivia we were unable to cover in this episode:
Westley's headfirst dive into the quicksand was not how he was originally scripted to react — Elwes was supposed to step in and hold his nose, but…
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Feb 5, 2021
#23 - "9 to 5" (1980) with Laramy & Bethany Wells
Renown film critic, Roger Ebert called this well-beloved 80’s flick a good-hearted, simple-minded comedy that will win a place in film history. He suspected that it was primarily because it contained the movie debut of Dolly Parton. He stated “There have been other debuts this unmistakable; you could name Marilyn Monroe, James Dean, and even John Travolta. And what you'd be talking about in each case would not necessarily be a great dramatic performance in an important movie, but more about a quality of presence, a personal life force that seems to take over the screen.”
In the tradition of 1940s screwball comedies, this cult classic is composed of improbable events happening to people who are like comic caricatures instead of fully developed characters. But, like those '40s movies, it also has a dash of social commentary that can still be discussed and debated today. So tumble out of bed and stumble to the kitchen. Pour yourself a cup of ambition. Then yawn and stretch and try…
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Jan 22, 2021
#22 - "The Karate Kid Part II" (1986) with Ron West
In the eighties, the high-concept movie was in vogue. Thanks largely to 70’s blockbusters Jaws and Star Wars, the eighties saw the repackaging of formula for audiences wanting to rekindle the thrills. If the roller coaster ride ain’t broke, don’t fix it. The amount of sequels that appeared in the 1980s was unheard of before. Many, unfortunately, were poor imitations, and few did better box office than the original film. Yet some were surprisingly good, especially when talented – even visionary – filmmakers were behind the camera. Somewhere between true stinkers (like Caddyshack 2) and improvements of the original (like The Empire Strikes Back) you can find a sequel that may not live up to the original, but can still be an enjoyable continuing story. So grab your plane ticket for Okinawa, Japan and start practicing your best drum technique as Tim Williams and guest co-host Ron West discuss “The Karate Kid Part II” from 1986 on this episode of the 80’s Flick Flashback…
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Jan 7, 2021
#21 - "The Karate Kid" (1984) with Ron West
The 1980s was a golden era for blockbuster hits, and countless films released during this decade have gone on to become cult-classic films. One '80s movie that has certainly stood the test of time and continues to wax on in cinematic glory is The Karate Kid, which-- more than 30 years later-- is still adored by audiences of all ages. Not only did The Karate Kid provide an arsenal of catchphrases that seem to appropriately fit into almost any situation, it also, more importantly, inspired generations to stand up against bullies. Martial arts classes boomed thanks to this underdog story, and new people continue to be drawn to karate thanks to the heroic determination demonstrated in the film’s plot line. The Karate Kid’s legacy is also seen through a few of its sequels, its 2010 remake starring Jaden Smith and Jackie Chan, and its most recent comeback with the YouTube and Netflix series Cobra Kai. There’s a reason this film has had such an enduring appeal, as its predominant messag…
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Dec 22, 2020
#20 - “A Christmas Story” (1983) with Ron West
There’s no denying that this film has become a holiday tradition for many families around the world. Since the film’s release, it’s become regarded as a Christmas classic, and the original house shown in the movie has even been transformed into a tourist-attracting museum. Many families watch it every year around the holiday season, while cable-TV staple, TBS, plays it continuously for 24 hours at least once a year. Between the captivating storytelling, quirky characters, and overall filming styles it has stood out compared to several other similarly-styled Christmas movies over the years. So take a sip of your Ovaltine, then grab your Little Orphan Annie Secret Decoder Ring, and your Red Ryder BB Gun as Tim Williams and guest co-host, Ron West, go back to 1940-esque Indiana with Ralphie, Randy, Mother and The Old Man to discuss “A Christmas Story” on this episode of the 80’s Flick Flashback! But be careful...or you’ll shoot your eye out, kid!
Here are some additiona…
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Dec 11, 2020
#19 - "Die Hard" (1988) with Laramy Wells from the "Moving Panels" Podcast
John McTiernan‘s 1988 action tour de force is often called one of the greatest action films ever made. It’s a masterclass on every level: building entertaining characters, crafting escalating action, establishing and navigating geography, and putting an empathetic hero through the ringer in the face of extraordinary odds. McTiernan and his collaborators made this all look easy, but as the rash of Hollywood imitators quickly proved, it was anything but. So come on out the coast, we’ll have a few laughs as Laramy Wells and I take off our shoes and make fists with our toes as we discuss “Die Hard” for this episode of the 80’s Flick Flashback.
Here are some additional behind the scenes trivia we were unable to cover on this episode:
* Near the end of the film, Hans Gruber mocks John McClane by saying that the conflict wouldn't end like an American Western with "Grace Kelly riding off into the sunset with John Wayne". McClane corrects him and says he means Gary Cooper. T…
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Nov 25, 2020
#18 - "Planes, Trains and Automobiles" (1987) with Laramy Wells from the "Moving Panels" Podcast
A road trip movie, a buddy comedy and teen-angst director du jour, John Hughes’ first attempt at a holiday movie. It’s a classic double-act farce that might not fit that well in the decade it came out in. There are no guns or bad guys like 48 Hours or Lethal Weapon; no winks at Cold War anxiety a la Spies Like Us; and no time machine like Bill and Ted used in their excellent adventure. What it does share with a number of his best works is that mix of Norman Rockwell and Frank Capra in Reagan’s America late 80’s vibe. Steve Martin’s Neal wants to get home to his family for the November holiday; John Candy’s Del, as we find out by the end, doesn’t even have a home to go home to. Despite whatever hell they’ve put each other through, they’re friends after all is said and done – and you should always invite friends over for Thanksgiving when they’ve got nowhere else to go. So for this episode of the 80’s Flick Flashback, guest co-host Laramy Wells joins Tim William…
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Nov 13, 2020
#17 "Friday the 13th" (1980) with Ron West
Legendary filmmaker Georges Méliès is often credited with making the first ever horror movie, which was called was The Haunted Castle. Horror movies have no doubt evolved since the early days with many filmmakers now relying on cheap scares and gore to horrify audiences. The ‘80s, however, were a great time for horror fans, with iconic franchises like A Nightmare on Elm Street, Halloween, and Friday the 13th all getting a number of sequels in the decade. It may be hard to remember, but there was a time when the name Jason Vorhees wasn’t part of the horror lexicon. In 1980 director Sean S. Cunningham unleashed the original Friday the 13th, a film that would go on to define the slasher era through sequel after profitable sequel (though Jason’s iconic hockey mask wouldn’t actually show up until the third installment in 1982). So grab your canoes, backpacks, and machetes and come along with Ron West and I as we travel to Camp Crystal Lake to discuss the original “Friday the…
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Oct 29, 2020
#16 - “Halloween II” (1981) with Ron West
Most long-running horror franchises have that one installment which was legitimately supposed to, but ultimately, did not end the franchise. Some have several of them. In Hollywood, producers (and sometimes audiences) will quickly voice their disgust if you ever dare leave money on the table. Not that anyone knew that in 1981. Instead, all Moustapha Akkad, Irwin Yablans, John Carpenter and Debra Hill wanted to do was to make a little more money off of the slasher gold rush they’d inadvertently started in 1978, and then bow out. Doing so, though, meant making some controversial story decisions with rotating directors and final edits. The resulting sequel they produced is inferior to the original, but Tim Williams and guest co-host, Ron West, still return to Haddonfield, Illinois to find "the Shape", also known as Michael Myers, as we discuss “Halloween II”.
Here are some additional behind the scenes trivia we were unable to cover on this episode:
* One common criticism is that…
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Oct 16, 2020
#15 - “Little Shop of Horrors” (1986) with Laramy & Bethany Wells
In 1986, if you mixed Science Fiction, dark comedy, horror, doo-wop inspired musical numbers, and a director who was more famous for voicing Yoda and Miss Piggy, you probably wouldn't expect too much. But this remake of a remake became a bonafide cult classic that has been entertaining audiences for decades with its timeless soundtrack and stellar cast. So let's head downtown to Skid Row and Mr. Mushnik's Flower Shop because its Suppertime for Audrey II as Laramy and Bethany Wells join Tim Williams to discuss "Little Shop of Horrors".
***Due to a temporary recording change the audio of the main section of the podcast is split into stereo with Tim on the right side and Laramy & Bethany on the left side***
There is no extra behind the scenes trivia for this episode.
Sources: Wikipedia, Imdb, Rotten Tomatoes, and Box Office Mojo
Intro & Outro Music: “Total Eclipse” by Nathaniel Wyver
Send us an email or reach out to us on social media to let us know what you liked, what you loved…
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Oct 2, 2020
#14 - “The Last Dragon” (1985) with Ron West
As the brainchild of an up-and-coming screenwriter, an established movie director, and the mastermind behind Motown Records, Barry Gordy, a low-budget niche film mixed martial arts, heavily synthesized pop songs, supernatural adventure, Bruce Lee, and over-the-top comedy that has surprised and entertained audiences for decades after its initial box office release. The chart-topping soundtrack was just as much a part of the film as the main characters, but far from being a flimsy visual vehicle to hang some songs on, it found a way to use stylish silliness and insightful martial arts concepts to become a story of hope and purpose. If you can’t answer with confidence, “Who’s the Master?”, then prepare to “Kiss the Converse” as Ron West and I discuss “Barry Gordy’s The Last Dragon” from 1985.
Just like "The Last Dragon" has no deleted scenes, we have no additional trivia deleted from this full episode.
Sources:
Wikipedia, Rotten Tomatoes, IMDB, www.bulletproofactio…
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Sep 18, 2020
#13 - “RoboCop” (1987) with Ron West
In 1987, a new kind of gritty, ultra-violent sci-fi action movie was born, but it came with nods to comic book heroes, and classic spaghetti westerns. Helmed by a little known Dutch director with a penchant for violence and nudity and starring a method actor better known for his work in the theater than in film, on paper it must have seemed like a pretty risky prospect to the studio bosses over at Orion Pictures. It proved to be anything but, with Paul Verhoeven's provocative directorial style meshing with a clever script by Edward Neumeier and Michael Miner, "RoboCop" fused fast-paced sci-fi action with biting satire to create a film that ranks among the decade's best, even if it doesn’t hold up as well today as we had hoped.
On this episode, Tim Williams and guest co-host, Ron West, share their memories of this iconic 80's classic!
Here are some additional behind the scenes trivia we were unable to cover on this episode:
* Peter Weller hired Moni Yakim, the head of the Movemen…
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Sep 4, 2020
#12 - "The Goonies" (1985) with Ron West
1985 was a big year for movies! It was a year dominated by flying DeLoreans, Breakfast Clubs, Beverly Hills Cops, as well as massive pop artists like Madonna, Michael Jackson, Cindy Lauper, and Prince. It was also the year of one of the greatest movie adventures of them all! The secret caves. The lost map. The hidden treasure. The Fratelli’s. What an exciting time to be alive as a kid, back when you knew it was time to get home when the streetlights came on and just riding bikes with your friends meant the world was yours to explore...until dinner time at least. 1985 was the year that Austoria, Oregan got put on the map, the “truffle shuffle” became the newest dance move, and the kids from the “goon docks” took the oath that “Goonies never say die!”
On this episode, Tim Williams and guest co-host, Ron West, share their memories of this iconic 80's classic! They also share their favorite characters, movie moments, and behind the scenes trivia along the way.
Here are so…
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Aug 21, 2020
#11 - “Aliens” (1986) with Laramy Wells
In 1986, young up and coming writer-director, James Cameron, took the tall task of tackling a sequel to director Ridley Scott's space-thriller, "Alien". With returning cast member, Sigorney Weaver, he not only moved the story forward, he exceeded all expectations with a bonafide box office hit as well an award-winning and ground-breaking classic we know simply as "Aliens".
On this episode, Tim Williams and guest co-host Laramy Wells share their memories of this iconic 80's flick. They also share favorite characters, movie moments, and behind the scenes trivia along the way.
Here are additional behind the scenes trivia we were unable to cover on this episode:
* Actors who played Marines were asked to read Robert A. Heinlein's novel Starship Troopers and undergo military training, which included running, lifting weights, learning salutes, marches, deployments, and maneuvers, for two weeks. Cameron wanted the Marines to train together so that they would form bonds that would show…
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Aug 7, 2020
#10 - “Dirty Dancing” (1987) with Tyra Williams
In 1987 a small Connecticut-based direct-to-video company made their first feature film for a true theatrical release. With low expectations from investors due to a female-driven plot in the midst of a testosterone-heavy Summer blockbuster season, this small movie became a word of mouth sleeper hit, made a dancing football player turned actor into a bonafide sex symbol movie star, and birthed the world-wide phenomenon called, “Dirty Dancing”.
On this episode, Tim Williams and guest co-host Tyra Williams share their memories of this 80's romantic classic. They also share favorite characters, movie moments, and behind the scenes trivia along the way.
Here are additional behind the scenes trivia we were unable to cover on this episode:
* Cynthia Rhodes asked Eleanor Bergstein to write the scene where Penny tells Baby that she doesn't sleep around. It was written the night before it was filmed, and David Chapman built the locker room for it on such short notice that it was a s…
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Jul 23, 2020
#9 - “Major League” (1989) with Charlie Cotter
When you think of great movies about major league baseball, there aren’t too many to choose from. “Bull Durham” was about the minor leagues. “Field of Dreams” was about ghosts of former players meeting on a cornfield in Iowa to play again. “The Sandlot” and “Bad News Bears” were about kids and their love for the national pastime. And “A League of Their Own” and “The Natural” captured baseball, but baseball of the past. In 1989 only one film was able to capture major league baseball in modern times. And that film took the longsuffering Cleveland Indians all the way to the playoffs and “Major League” became a bonafide hit movie for baseball fans everywhere.
On this episode, Tim Williams shares his memories and guest co-host Charlie Cotter shares his first-time watch reactions of this 80's comedy classic. They also share favorite lines, characters, scenes, and behind the scenes trivia along the way.
Here are additional behind the scenes trivia we were un…
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Jul 10, 2020
#8 - “Predator” (1987) with Laramy Wells
Released in on June 12, 1987, up and coming director John McTiernan’s second film introduced action and horror fans to a brand new kind of extra-terrestrial threat. It was a bonafide box office hit when released due to its star-studded macho cast, while solidifying Arnold Schwarzenegger’s rising star power status. Alongside Schwarzenegger, the film cast Carl Weathers, Bill Duke, Jesse Ventura, Sonny Landham, Richard Chaves, and Shane Black as a group of commando mercenaries on a rescue mission in Central America who unknowingly encounter an alien creature bigger, badder, and more powerful than they are. The hunter we call…Predator.
On this episode Tim Williams and guest co-host Laramy Wells discuss the 1987 Sci-Fi Action Blockbuster - “Predator”.
Here are additional behind the scenes trivia that we were not able to cover on this episode:
Both McTiernan and Schwarzenegger lost 25 pounds during the film. Schwarzenegger's weight loss was a professional choice while McTiernan…
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Jun 26, 2020
#7 - “Summer School” (1987) with Laramy Wells
The 1980's in Hollywood was filled with more high school movies about slackers and smart-alecks than anyone actually needed, especially when it came to featuring students who looked like they were older than the teachers. Summer School was always perhaps the most underrated of the decade’s tributes to academic slackers because what it lacked in the typical star power of, say, a John Hughes film, it more than made up for in creating arguably one of the most creative collection of “teenage” misfits than any film of the genre. At the same time, it showed that Mark Harmon, who was probably best known at the time for his role as the HIV-positive Dr. Robert Caldwell on St. Elsewhere, had a strong sense of comedy, while also confirming (along with her debut on Cheers that same year) that Kirstie Alley was much, much more than just a really attractive Vulcan.
On this episode, Tim Williams and guest co-host Laramy Wells, share their memories (from Tim) and first-time reactions (f…
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Jun 12, 2020
#6 - “National Lampoon’s Vacation” (1983) with Chris McMichen
In July of 1983, director Harold Ramis took us on a cross-country comedic adventure with one of the most well-known, and often most beloved families in pop culture today - The Griswolds. The Griswold’s first cinematic adventure takes us from Chicago to California as the good-hearted, but dimwitted patriarch, Clark W. Griswold, attempts to drive his family to “Wally World” for a good, old fashioned family Vacation.
* On this episode, Tim Williams and guest co-host, Chris McMichen, share their memories of this 80's classic, tell a few of their own family vacation stories, and give some behind the scenes trivia along the way.
* There are no additional trivia notes for this episode.
* Sources: Wikipedia, Imdb, Rotten Tomatoes, and Today.com
Send us an email or reach out to us on social media to let us know what you liked, what you loved, what we may have missed, or what 80's movie we should watch next!
* Email - moviviewspodcast@gmail.com
* Facebook - Moviviews News & R…
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May 29, 2020
#5 - “The Shining” (1980) with Laramy Wells
In 1980, director Stanley Kubrick, released a film that would haunt and terrify audiences for years to come. His own adaptation of a best-selling Steven King novel has split audiences and critics, some calling it an “overreaching, multi-leveled botch” while others hail it as a “masterpiece of modern horror.” No matter where you stand, there is no escaping the tension and madness that fills nearly every frame of…”The Shining”.
* On this episode, Tim Williams and guest co-host Laramy Wells discuss their first times watching "The Shining", how much it differs from the book, and some of the behind the scenes stories and conspiracy theories.
* Here are some additional behind the scenes trivia we didn't get to talk about during the episode:
* To get Jack Nicholson in the right agitated mood, he was fed only cheese sandwiches for two weeks, which he hates. Stanley Kubrick originally wanted Slim Pickens to play the part of Hallorann, but Pickens wanted nothing to…
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May 14, 2020
#4 - “War Games” (1983) with Chris McMichen
Released in June of 1983, “War Games” made young Matthew Broderick and Ally Sheedy movie stars while it irrevocably changed our views of how computers could work and what dangers “hacking” those computers could do to the national safety of our country. A razor sharp script, stand out performances, and what was considered cutting edge technology at the time, “War Games” changed the way political thrillers have been made since. “Would you like to play a game?”
* On this episode, Tim Williams and guest co-host, Chris McMichen, share their memories of this 80's classic, what they picked up on after re-watching it, and how hard it would be to reboot it with today's techonology.
* Here are some additional behind the scenes stories we didn't get to talk about during the episode:
* According to John Badham, the scene of the jeep trying to crash through the gate at NORAD and turning over was an actual accident. The jeep was supposed to continue through the gate. They ad…
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May 1, 2020
#3 - “Stand By Me” (1986) with Laramy Wells
A tender and poignant story of four friends who spend the last weekend of the Summer of 1959 looking for the body of a missing local boy, “Stand By Me” won the hearts of critics and audiences in the Fall of 1986. Starring Wil Wheaton, River Phoenix, Corey Feldman, and newcomer Jerry O’Connell, the movie still stands as one of the most influential and also most beloved coming-of-age films of the 1980’s.
* On this episode, Tim Williams and guest co-host, Laramy Wells, share their memories of this 80's classic, what they picked up on after rewatching it, and the differences between the film and Stephen King's "The Body" which it is based on.
* Here are some additional behind the scene stories we didn't get to talk about during the episode. Wil Wheaton, River Phoenix and Jerry O'Connell soaked Corey Feldman's clothes in beer, then dried them so he smelled like a wino.
* Rob Reiner "agonized" over the pie-eating scene because he was having trouble trying to envision w…
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Apr 16, 2020
#2 - “Coming to America” (1988) with Ron West
In 1988, Eddie Murphy re-teamed with "Trading Places" director, John Landis, to make his tour-de-force, multi-character playing masterpiece known as "Coming To America". It officially made Eddie a bonafide movie star and gave us one of the most memorable and most quoted comedy movies of the decade.
On this episode, Tim Williams and guest co-host Ron West share their memories of this 80's classic and what they picked up on after re-watching it more recently.
Show Notes:
Here are some additional behind the scenes stories we didn't get to talk about during the episode.
John Landis is quoted as saying "What we discovered was that the makeup freed Eddie. Once he was in the makeup, he was just as fresh as when he was 19. In fact, the people who made The Nutty Professor said they loved working with Sherman Klump, but they hated working with Eddie Murphy. Photographer Bruce McBroom, who's worked with Murphy on multiple films, said the actor "owned [a] character and inhabited it," and could…
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Apr 1, 2020
#1 - “Raiders of the Lost Ark” (1981) with Jeff Tinkle
Released on June 12, 1981, George Lucas, Steven Spielberg, and Harrison Ford introduced a new kind of hero in professor, archaeologist, and fedora-wearing adventurer, Indiana Jones. They also launched one of the greatest and most beloved franchises in movie history.
On this episode, Tim Williams and guest co-host Jeff Tinkle share their memories of this 80’s classic and what they picked up on after re-watching it more recently.
Show Notes:
Here are some additional behind the scenes stories we didn't get to talk about during the episode.
* When Brody first goes to Indy's house to discuss the mission, Jones is dressed the way he is because he is entertaining a young woman in his bedroom. The script originally planned to show her before moving to the next scene, to give Indy a more worldly persona (like James Bond). However, her appearance was cut, as Steven Spielberg thought that being a playboy did not fit Indy's character.
* Most of the "body blow" sounds were created by hi…
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