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Ben grew up steeped in 80s movies. His love of film led him to start making his own short videos during his teen years in the late 80s, then he attended the film school at Florida State University in the early 90s. Today, Ben is an aspiring empty-nester who acts in community theater and loves talking movies with friends.
In this episode of the 80's Flick Flashback Podcast, host Tim Williams and co-hosts Ben Carpenter, Chris McMichen, and Nicholas Pepin dive into the classic comedy film 'The Naked Gun.' They discuss their first impressions, memorable scenes, character analyses, and the film's impact on comedy. The conversation also touches on trivia, behind-the-scenes insights, and the film's rewatchability. The hosts share their thoughts on the reboot and reflect on the legacy of the…
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 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…
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…
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…
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…
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 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 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."
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 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…