Sign up to get updates from us
Summary In this episode of the 80s Flick Flashback Podcast, Tim Williams and co-hosts Charlie Cotter and Laramy Wells delve into the seventh installment of the Friday the 13th franchise, 'The New Blood.' They discuss the film...
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 …
Based on the true story of rebellious DJ Adrian Cronauer in 1965 Saigon, "Good Morning Vietnam" became a breakout dramatic role for Robin Williams, earning him his first Oscar nod. Join Tim Williams, Nicholas Pepin, and Chad Sheppard as they discuss this iconic 80s movie.
Ever wonder where the magic started for animated characters stepping into the live-action world? While it's practically a genre of its own today, one groundbreaking '80s flick truly pioneered the concept as a full-length feature film. Get ready to dive into the toon-tastic world of " Who Framed Roger Rabbit" from 1988!
From the visionary minds of producer Steven Spielberg and director Robert Zemeckis, this Academy Award-winning box office sensation takes us to an …
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…
In 1989, a groundbreaking film burst onto the scene, revolutionizing the cinematic landscape in unimaginable ways. With an incredible cast and cutting-edge special effects, this film captivated audiences with its deeply relatable yet hilariously flawed characters. Would you believe that it was led by none other than “Weird Al” Yankovic? Directed by Jay Levey and co-written with "Weird Al" himself, this '80s flick tells the story of George Newman, a quirky character whose caree…
Prepare for a round of laughs as we revisit one of the most cherished comedies of all time!
In 1980, after the success of "Animal House," director Harold Ramis teamed up with writing pals Brian Doyle-Murray and Douglas Kenney, along with a comedic dream team including Chevy Chase, Bill Murray, Ted Knight, and the legendary Rodney Dangerfield. The result? "Caddyshack" – a hilarious romp bringing clubhouse shenanigans to the big screen.
Known for its iconic …
This Academy Award-winning 80s Flick is a captivating, emotionally charged drama that beautifully captures the complexities of love, aging, and family. Set in the tranquil, golden hues of a New England lake, the film brings together screen legends Henry Fonda and Katharine Hepburn in a final, unforgettable collaboration. Fonda portrays Norman Thayer, a witty but grumpy elderly man facing the challenges of growing older, while Hepburn shines as his vibrant and supportive wife, Ethel. When the…
In the '80s and '90s, emotional sports dramas hit their peak with films like The Natural, Field of Dreams, and Rudy. One standout from the '80s is Hoosiers (1986), which follows Norman Dale, a disgraced middle-aged coach given a second chance at redemption in the small town of Hickory, Indiana. Set in 1951, the film explores how the tight-knit community and its strong opinions about basketball strategy shape Dale's journey. Join Tim Williams and guest co-hosts JB Huffman …
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, …
In 1989, Cameron Crowe’s Say Anything became an iconic 80s romance that captured the awkwardness and sweetness of young love. The story follows Lloyd Dobler, a charming high school grad unsure of his future but knows he wants Diane Court, the smart yet emotionally distant valedictorian. This isn’t your typical romance—Lloyd isn’t the usual leading man, and Diane isn’t the stereotypical love interest. Instead, the film subverts expectations to deliver a heartfelt, unconventional love story th…
In this episode of the 80s Flick Flashback Podcast, we dive into the quirky charm of Pee-wee’s Big Adventure (1985), a film that not only captured the essence of the 1980s but also became a pop culture touchstone. Blending childhood innocence with the decade’s irreverent humor, it launched Tim Burton’s directorial career and solidified Paul Reubens' Pee-wee Herman as an iconic figure. Join Tim Williams and his guest co-hosts Ben Carpenter & Laramy Wells as they discuss Pee-wee’s abs…
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…
In the mid-1980s, few films targeted young adults, and studios were still figuring out how to connect with the emerging Generation X. Enter St. Elmo's Fire—a quintessential 80s flick that featured a star-studded cast of rising talent: Rob Lowe, Andrew McCarthy, Mare Winningham, Emilio Estevez, Judd Nelson, Ally Sheedy, and Demi Moore. Centered around a group of recent Georgetown grads navigating the post-college world, the film perfectly captured the spirit of the Reagan era. It resonat…
Remember back in the '80s when the end of the year meant tuning into those epic countdowns on the radio? Whether it was Casey Kasem with his iconic 'American Top 40' or Rick Dees bringing the laughs with his countdown hits, there was something magical about hearing the biggest songs of the year celebrated in such a big way. Today, we’re bringing that same energy as we count down our top ten episodes of 2024 based on total downloads and listens with a long-distance dedication t…
In this special replay episode, we dive back into the chaotic, festive, and mischievous world of "Gremlins" (1984). Joined by special guest co-host Gerry D., we revisit this 80s classic that blends comedy, horror, and holiday spirit in a way only director Joe Dante can deliver. Gerry and I discuss first-time-watch memories, favorite scenes, and the timeless appeal of Gizmo and his unruly counterparts.
We'll also uncover behind-the-scenes stories about the effects used for t…
Rediscover a hidden gem of the 80s! While "Six Pack" (1982) may not be a blockbuster, it holds a special place in the cultural memory of many who grew up in that era. This forgotten flick, perhaps where some first learned about love, life, and the charm of Kenny Rogers, offers a unique blend of humor and drama.
Join us as we delve into the seemingly absurd, yet utterly charming, premise: a washed-up race car driver finds a second chance when he encounters a group of orphane…
Dive into the enchanting world of "Splash" (1984), the iconic 80s romantic comedy that redefined the boy-meets-girl story. This beloved film, where a man falls for a woman who happens to be a mermaid, charmed audiences with its unique blend of fantasy, humor, and heartwarming romance. Join us as we explore how she adapts to life on land and if her love can conquer the challenges of two vastly different worlds.
On this episode of the '80s Flick Flashback Podcast, Tim Wi…
Get ready for chills as we revisit a classic that doesn’t rely on superhuman slashers or crazed killers but still managed to freeze audiences in fear. "Poltergeist" (1982) tells the story of an ordinary suburban family haunted by supernatural forces that tap into our deepest fears. From a clown doll that springs to life, to a closet that becomes a portal to another dimension, and a tree that breaks through a bedroom window, the terror builds. But nothing is more unsettling than a y…
In 1984, amid the fears of nuclear war and the rise of consumerism, teen-centric films flourished. One often-overlooked gem stands out for its darker tone, mixing themes of consumerism, alien threats, mutation, and sinister scientists. "Night of the Comet" follows two sisters who survive a comet-induced apocalypse that turns most people into dust and some into zombies. As they navigate the desolate city, meet a fellow survivor, and face the dangers of this new world, they quickly r…
Say his name three times and he will appear. With his unruly green hair, pinstripe suit, and unusual mannerisms, the malicious spirit became a film icon. But before the dark comedy premiered, the studio and half of the cast weren't exactly convinced that audiences would be willing to take the wild ride about a bio-exorcist. The original script was vastly different, offering a darker and more deadly take before humor was eventually (and successfully) sprinkled in during production. The u…
Imagine pitching this to a movie studio in the 80s: two clueless slackers travel through time in a phone booth, rounding up historical figures for their high school history project. Not exactly an easy sell, right? But what started as a quirky stand-up routine from college pals Chris Matheson and Ed Solomon turned into a surprise hit. The film didn’t just make money—it inspired a sequel, an animated series, a comic book, and even its own breakfast cereal
So, jump into the time-traveling p…
In the 1980s, many movie fans thought the Friday the 13th series was at its best with the fourth movie, The Final Chapter, where it seemed like Jason Voorhees was finally defeated. The fifth film, A New Beginning , tried to t...
John Hughes is known for making popular movies about teenagers in the 1980s. He started as a National Lampoon's Magazine writer and then began writing scripts in 1979. In 1984, he directed "Sixteen Candles". The next year, he directed two well-known movies, "The Breakfast Club" and this '80s flick. Many people think "The Breakfast Club" is better, but this one is special because it mixes comedy with science fiction. The movie is about two unpopular boy…