"Commando" (1985) with Nicholas Pepin
Strap on your tactical vest and load up your rocket launcher, because this week on the 80s Flick Flashback Podcast, we are diving headfirst into the ultimate one-man-army movie: 1985’s Commando.
"The Goonies" (1985) with Nicholas Pepin & Chad Sheppard
"Goonies Never Say Die!"
Grab your dubloons, dodge the Fratellis, and watch out for booby traps! This week on the 80s Flick Flashback Podcast, we are heading to the Oregon coast to unearth the absolute holy grail of 80s childhood adventure: The Goonies (1985).
"Raiders of the Lost Ark" (1981) with Ben Carpenter & Nicholas Pepin
This week on the 80s Flick Flashback Podcast, we are pulling on the fedora, grabbing the whip, and heading back to 1981 to revisit George Lucas and Steven Spielberg’s masterpiece: Raiders of the Lost Ark.
From the high-stakes history of how Indiana Jones was conceived to the incredible practical effects that still blow modern CGI out of the water, we’re unpacking why this cinematic treasure remains a timeless classic. We also dive deep into the film's casting, the enduring impact of …
"Clash of the Titans" (1981) with Chris McMichen
Release the Kraken! This week on the 80s Flick Flashback Podcast, Tim Williams and guest co-host Chris McMichen journey back to 1981 to revisit the ultimate mythological masterpiece: Clash of the Titans.
Before digital pixels took over, Ray Harryhausen’s legendary stop-motion magic brought the gods of Olympus and the monsters of the Styx to life. We’re diving deep into our earliest childhood memories of the Kraken, the terrifying (and surprisingly effective) Medusa sequence, and the …
"Cloak & Dagger" (1984) with Ben Carpenter
In this episode, Tim Williams and Ben Carpenter discuss the 1984 film 'Cloak and Dagger' and share their childhood memories, nostalgia, and behind-the-scenes trivia. They explore the cast and characters, reflecting on the impact of the film on their lives. A nostalgic journey through the 80s classic 'Cloak and Dagger' as the hosts discuss the cast, iconic scenes, 80s nostalgia, box office performance, and the enduring legacy of the film.
Takeaways
Nostalgi…
"The Transformers: The Movie" (1986) with Nicholas Pepin
In this high-octane episode, we’re diving deep into the neon-soaked, synth-heavy world of Transformers: The Movie (1986). Join host Tim Williams and special guest Nicholas Pepin from Pop Culture Roulette as they deconstruct the animated masterpiece that traumatized a generation of kids by daring to kill off Optimus Prime.
#145 - "Red Dawn" (1984) with Chris Adams
Jump in the back of Jed’s pick-up truck, count your remaining RPGs, and head to the mountains as Tim Williams and guest co-host, Chris Adams from "Retro Life 4 You" Podcast discuss “Red Dawn” from 1984 on this episode of the 80s Flick Flashback!
#140 - "Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade" (1989) with Gerry D, Nicholas Pepin & Chad Sheppard
1989 was what some might call a good year for movies. The top-grossing films could easily be mistaken for anyone's favorite 80s movies list: Batman, Lethal Weapon 2, Rain Man, Ghostbusters II. You might even consider including Tango & Cash. But only one 1989 release brought back the iconic bullwhip and fedora.
Indiana Jones returned to the big screen in a blockbuster adventure full of humor, heart, and incredible stunts. Set in 1938, our hero embarks on a mission to rescue h…
#139 - "Rambo III" (1988) with Chris Adams & JB Huffman
On this episode of 80s Flick Flashback, we're diving into a film that followed a surprising stumble for one of the biggest action stars of the decade: Sylvester Stallone's Rambo III.
In 1987, Sylvester Stallone seemed invincible. After dominating the box office in 1985 with Rocky IV and Rambo: First Blood Part II, and cementing his action hero status with 1986's Cobra, his grip on Hollywood's action throne appeared unshakable. Yet, his 1987 arm-wrestling epic, Ove…
#137 - "Superman III" (1983) with Laramy Wells
Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No, it's... Richard Pryor with a supercomputer? On this episode of the 80s Flick Flashback, Tim Williams is joined by guest co-host Laramy Wells to discuss the 80s Flick sequel that nearly torpedoed the Superman franchise with its emphasis on silly sight-gags instead of the Man of Steel mythos.
Will they defend the decision to replace arch-nemesis Lex Luthor with billionaire Ross Webster? Will they be able to make sense of a synthetic Kryptonite and …
#134 - "Conan the Barbarian" (1982) with Gerry D & Laramy Wells
This '80s flick is one of our generation's defining fantasy films. Set in the harsh, mythic world of the Hyborian Age, the story follows an epic warrior on his quest for vengeance against the sinister Thulsa Doom. This necromancer destroyed his village and left him an orphan. Upon its release, the film garnered mixed reviews—praised for its stunning production design and thrilling action, but criticized for its heavy dose of violence and subpar acting performances. Despite this, it…
#129 - "Beverly Hills Cop" (1984) with Chris McMichen
This '80s classic solidified Eddie Murphy as a superstar. Beverly Hills Cop was the top-grossing film of 1984 and earned an Oscar nomination for its screenplay. What became one of AFI's Top 100 comedies almost turned into a very different film with Sylvester Stallone, more action, and less humor. Directed by Martin Brest, the film introduced Axel Foley, a street-smart Detroit cop who investigates a murder in Beverly Hills. With its perfect mix of humor, action, and Murphy’s charm, …
#126 - "Escape From New York" (1981) with Nicholas Pepin
In the early ’70s, films like The Omega Man, Soylent Green, and THX-1138 painted a bleak future of chaos and government control. By 1981, the tone had shifted, with films like Raiders of the Lost Ark and Clash of the Titans offering escapism and classic good vs. evil battles. But then came this 80s flick, set in a dystopian 1997 where Manhattan is a prison island. The hero, a morally gray anti-hero on a mission to rescue the President, must navigate a world full of shady characters and allia…
#117 - "The Running Man" (1987) with Nicholas Pepin & Laramy Wells
80s action movie icon Arnold Schwarzenegger had already faced off against deadly alien hunters in "Predator", but that same year, he took on another action-packed sci-fi film, trading aliens for a dystopian future and a deadly reality TV show. This '80s flick was a wild departure from the original short story it was based on, but it delivered plenty of action and comedic moments. In this adaptation, convicted criminals known as "runners" must survive against professi…
#116 - "Cyborg" (1989) with Nicholas Pepin & Laramy Wells
In the not-too-distant future, civilization has been destroyed by genocide, starvation, and plague, and chaos reigns in the wastelands surrounding the collapsed Brooklyn Bridge. As guerrilla fighters battle amid the desolation, one woman, who is also a robot, harbors a secret that could save humanity. As menacing baddies seek to exploit her to monopolize the production of the world-ravaging plague’s cure, a muscled martial arts mercenary has committed to protecting her. So hold tight to the…
#115 - "Tango & Cash" (1989) with JB Huffman
An 80s flick synonymous with perhaps the most popular action genre of the eighties: the buddy-cop movie. In the wake of Lethal Weapon, there were many variations of the formula. Perhaps the most testosterone-fuelled was this 1989 cult classic that paired Sylvester Stallone and Kurt Russell as Los Angeles cops framed by Jack Palance’s evil drug lord. With generous helpings of style, odd-couple quips, and tons of action, the movie was a box office hit. But behind the scenes, it was a mess, wit…
#114 - "Masters of the Universe" (1987) with Chris Adams, Gerry D, and Laramy Wells
Remember the days when action figures ruled our imaginations and epic battles between good and evil played out in our living rooms? Step into 1987, when a beloved toy line and animated series leaped onto the big screen in a live-action spectacle. In this '80s flick, an intergalactic battle spills from the fantastical world of Eternia into our own. Marketed as the “Star Wars of the 80s, it didn’t quite live up to the hype. But today it is remembered as a cult classic that brought our fav…
#113 - "The Delta Force" (1986) with Gerry D & Chris Adams
Ever wondered what happens when real-life events inspire Hollywood action? Step into 1986, a time when high-octane, patriotic thrillers ruled the big screen. In this 80s action flick, we witness an elite military team led by none other than Chuck Norris and Lee Marvin, taking on a hijacking crisis with rocket-powered bravery and martial arts skill. Based loosely on actual events, this film blended explosive action with a tension-filled storyline that may not have broken box office records, b…
#108 - "InnerSpace" (1987) with Nicholas Pepin (from "Pop Culture Roulette" Podcast) and Ben Carpenter
Join Tim Williams with guests Ben Carpenter and Nicholas Pepin as they discuss the 1987 sci-fi comedy "Innerspace" on the 80s Flick Flashback Podcast. Directed by Joe Dante and produced by Steven Spielberg, this film stars a miniaturized Navy pilot injected into a hypochondriac grocery clerk, leading to a hilarious adventure. Tune in for laughs and nostalgia as they explore this imaginative twist on "Fantastic Voyage."
BONUS - "Ladyhawke" (1985) with Nicholas Pepin (from "Pop Culture Roulette" Podcast) and Chad Sheppard
Join Tim Williams and guests Nicholas Pepin and Chad Sheppard as they discuss the 1985 medieval fantasy "Ladyhawke" on the 80s Flick Flashback Podcast. This film tells the tale of two lovers cursed to transform into a hawk and a wolf, striving to lift the curse with the help of a young thief. Tune in for a magical adventure and nostalgic fun.
#101 - "Running Scared" (1986) with Gerry D from "Totally Rad Christmas" & Nicholas Pepin from "Pop Culture Roulette"
In this special replay episode of the 80s Flick Flashback podcast, Tim Williams and guest co-hosts Gerry D from "Totally Rad Christmas" Podcast and Nicholas Pepin from "Pop Culture Roulette" Podcast revisit the 1986 action-comedy "Running Scared." Directed by Peter Hyams and starring Gregory Hines and Billy Crystal, this buddy cop film may have been overshadowed by other hits of its time, but it remains a solid example of the genre with an entertaining story and…
#90 - "The Last Starfighter" (1984) with Chris Adams from "Retro Life 4 You" Podcast
For a whole generation of video-game-playing kids, this 80s flick represents a special kind of wish-fulfillment: a down-on-his-luck kid becomes a video-game champ, only to find himself recruited to fight in an interplanetary war in another galaxy. Directed by Nick Castle and produced by Gary Adelson, this fan-favorite film has since become a cherished classic, captivating generations of audiences with its thrilling blend of space adventure, cutting-edge special effects for its time, and a he…
#88 - "Star Wars: Return of the Jedi" (1983) with Chris McMichen
In the vast cosmos of cinematic history, few stories have resonated as powerfully as the Star Wars saga. This 80’s flick sequel is the third installment of George Lucas's space-faring epic and draws us back into a galaxy far, far away, where the eternal struggle between light and darkness reaches its crescendo.
The saga continues with Luke Skywalker as he discovers the truth about his family tree and battles the treacherous Emperor Palpatine with the help of his brave companions…
#86 - "Lethal Weapon 2" (1989) with Nicholas Pepin from "Pop Culture Roulette" Podcast
In 1987, Lethal Weapon took everyone by surprise when it hit theaters. It was like a bomb went off and re-ignited the buddy cop genre with a bang! The perfect mix of an established director, two lead actors with undeniable chemistry, and an up-and-coming screenwriter’s knack for snappy odd-couple banter created a formula that was ripe for a follow-up. So when Warner Bros decided to make a sequel, they went all out. They pumped up the budget, added more comedic moments, and dialed down the da…