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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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
Wes Craven redefined horror and birthed a new kind of terror with his creation of Freddy Krueger, the disfigured dream stalker who haunts the nightmares of teenagers on Elm Street. But just when you thought it was safe to fall asleep again, Freddy returned with a vengeance in this 80s Flick sequel. This time, he's got his sights set on a new victim, Jesse Walsh, who discovers that his nightmares are all too real when Freddy attempts to take over his body.
So unpack the moving boxes, …
To the children of the ’80s, the only thing cooler than the idea of space camp is the idea behind this forgotten 80’s flick, in which Lea Thompson, Joaquin Phoenix, and their fellow teen team members must figure out how to land an actual space shuttle after a freak accident at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center launches them into outer space. It could have been one of the biggest movies of 1986, but then tragedy happened. When the Space Shuttle Challenger exploded in January of 86, so did the film’…
Before writer-director Philip Kaufman brought Tom Wolfe's best-selling book to the big screen in 1983, astronauts in movies were often just alien hunters or asteroid chasers. But under Kaufman's direction, spaceflight became a deeply human endeavor, focusing on inner strength rather than external threats. This 80s flick, which runs for over three hours and features an unconventional structure, tells the story of test pilots like Chuck Yeager and Gordon Cooper as they break the soun…
Join Tim Williams and guests Nicholas Pepin and Chad Sheppard on the 80s Flick Flashback Podcast as they dive into the 1989 comedy "Weekend at Bernie's." Picture a wild summer weekend where two young employees discover their boss dead at his beach house. Despite the chaos, they must keep up appearances to enjoy their getaway. Tune in for a fun discussion filled with slapstick humor, ridiculous antics, and unforgettable 80s nostalgia.
Join Tim Williams and Ben Carpenter on the 80s Flick Flashback Podcast as they discuss "Mr. Mom" from 1983. This comedy, starring Michael Keaton and penned by John Hughes, resonated with many due to its portrayal of men tackling domestic duties amid the economic shifts of the 80s. With its rise alongside HBO and home video rentals, "Mr. Mom" became a staple in many households. Tune in for a nostalgic look back at this iconic film.
Join Tim Williams and guest Gerry D from "Totally Rad Christmas" as they discuss the 1986 comedy "The Money Pit" on the 80s Flick Flashback Podcast. Starring Tom Hanks and Shelley Long, this film portrays a couple's DIY home improvement disasters after buying a bargain mansion. Despite mixed reviews, it remains a beloved part of Hanks' early career. Tune in for a fun look at collapsing stairs, airborne turkeys, and more.
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."
Join Tim Williams and guest Laramy Wells from "Moving Panels" as they discuss the 1983 horror film "Christine" on the 80s Flick Flashback Podcast. Based on Stephen King's novel, the story follows a geeky teen who falls for a 1958 Plymouth Fury with a deadly past. Tune in for a chilling look at this classic tale of love and terror.
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.
In the early 1980s, baseball films were scarce until Barry Levinson’s 1984 Oscar-nominated gem revitalized the genre, inspiring over 18 baseball-themed movies in the following decade. While initially seeming like a typical sports biopic, this film, "The Natural," unfolds into a profound American fable and crowd-pleasing tale. Following Roy Hobbs, a gifted player whose career is cut short, the story sees him resurface years later as an aging outfielder for the New York Knights. Arme…
In this episode of the 80s Flick Flashback Podcast, Tim Williams, along with guest co-hosts Bethany Wells and JB Huffman, dives into the 1984 dance classic "Footloose." Inspired by true events, the film takes us to a small Utah town where dancing is banned and the spirit of youth is barely a whisper. Enter Ren McCormack, a rebellious teen from Chicago, who moves to town and shakes things up by challenging this archaic law. As Ren fights for change, he wins over allies and ignites a…
In this episode of the 80s Flick Flashback Podcast, Tim Williams is joined by guest co-hosts Tyra Williams and Ben Carpenter to dive into the thrilling yet tumultuous waters of "Jaws 3D." This 1983 sequel takes the terror to Sea World Florida, where a massive shark turns the park’s underwater tunnels into its personal hunting grounds. As chaos engulfs the park, a group of brave souls must unite to survive and tackle this underwater menace. The film, a far cry from the original &quo…