They Live (1988)

It's time for season 9 of The Most Excellent 80s Movies!

Ice Pirates: Space Swashbuckling, Time Warps, and Robot BrothelsREBROADCASTWelcome to this episode of The Most Excellent 80s Movies Podcast! Join hosts Krissy Lenz and Nathan Blackwell, along with special guests Sean Oliver and Drew Leatham of Third Productions, as they navigate the wonderfully bonkers 1984 sci-fi comedy Ice Pirates. In a galaxy where water is the most precious commodity, space pirates raid Templar ships, stumble upon a princess in a smoke chamber, and embark on a quest involving castration conveyor belts, unicorn-riding Amazons, and a climactic time warp that ages everyone decades in minutes. This movie has everything—and we mean everything.The crew dives deep into what makes Ice Pirates such a hidden gem of '80s cinema. Despite its slashed budget (down from $20 million to $8 million, forcing a rewrite as a comedy), the film delivers genuine laughs, impressive practical effects, and surprisingly likeable characters. Robert Urich charms as the roguish lead, while Anjelica Huston and Ron Perlman steal scenes as memorable supporting pirates. The group marvels at the film's commitment to its bits—from adorable space prairie dogs to baby donkeys that pay off brilliantly in the finale. They also grapple with the movie's confusing villain structure (or lack thereof), casual '80s-era problematic moments, and a sex scene set to a slideshow called "Passion Storm" that somehow involves wasting precious water during coitus.What emerges is a consensus: Ice Pirates rates around five or six robots-shitting-themselves when watched alone, but jumps to a solid eight when experienced with friends. It's the perfect midnight screening movie—campy, ambitious, and genuinely funny rather than just laughably bad. The practical effects hold up remarkably well, the comedy lands more often than not, and the time warp sequence remains an absolute highlight of creative chaos. Sean and Drew even share the wild story of their high school's stage adaptation of the film, complete with castration scenes and Mad Max sequences somehow translated to theater.Additional Highlights:The movie features pre-LED lighting with hundreds of tiny heated bulbs on the robot designs—a fire hazard waiting to happenBruce Vilanch makes a bizarre cameo on an Amazon planet, and nobody knows whyThe "redesign" process (castration and lobotomization) includes an oddly satisfying conveyor belt sequence with enthusiastic workersRobert Urich bears an uncanny resemblance to Bill Hader, leading to mental deep-faking throughout the viewingThe film ends abruptly upon finding Earth, leaving questions about legitimate trade routes versus creating the biggest water black market everThe hosts conclude that more people need to know about Ice Pirates—it's a genuinely ambitious effort that deserves cult classic status beyond obscure VHS shelves. Deep cut recommendations include Time Bandits, Flash Gordon (1980), and Nathan's web series Voyage Trekkers.Want more Most Excellent 80s Movies? Head to TruStory.fm to explore the full network. Become a member at trustory.fm/join for early, ad-free episodes and access to the True Story FM Discord for bonus content and community discussion.Connect with us:Facebook | Instagram | BlueskyLearn more about the hosts and guests:Neighborhood Comedy TheatreSquishy StudiosThird ProductionsDrew LeathamWhat's your favorite overlooked '80s sci-fi comedy that deserves more love? ---Learn more about supporting this podcast by becoming a member. It's just $5/month or $55/year. Visit our website to learn more.

Sunglasses, Skull Faces, and the Longest Fight Scene EverREBROADCASTWelcome to this episode of The Most Excellent 80s Movies Podcast! Hosts Krissy Lenz and Nathan Blackwell are joined by returning guest Adam Marshall Rini to dissect John Carpenter's 1988 cult classic They Live. What starts as a simple tale of a drifter looking for work quickly transforms into a mind-bending sci-fi commentary on consumerism, Reaganomics, and subliminal control—once Roddy Piper finds those magical sunglasses, of course. But is this film a masterpiece of political satire or just "Noam Chomsky for 14-year-olds"? The hosts debate whether They Live is best enjoyed with tacos and beer or if it's essential viewing for understanding capitalism's grip on society.The conversation flows from the film's jarring tonal shifts—peaceful drifter to trigger-happy action hero in minutes—to that infamous alley fight scene that seems to go on longer than the movie itself. Krissy experiences the film with fresh eyes and finds herself both fascinated and bewildered by its pacing, while Nathan and Adam appreciate it as a "beer and taco movie" that hits different emotional notes depending on your age when you first watch it. They explore Carpenter's knack for making outsiders the heroes, the shocking violence of the police raid scenes, and why casting a professional wrestler was the perfect choice to reach a teenage audience. The panel also wrestles with the film's abrupt ending and that peculiar final shot that seems designed purely to earn its R rating.Additional Highlights:The group debates whether the sunglasses actually get you high or just tax your brain with information overloadDiscussion of how They Live influenced everything from Shepard Fairey's "Obey" artwork to South Park episodesAnalysis of why Keith David elevates every scene he's in, even when he's being forced to wear sunglasses against his willExamination of the film's stark division between the haves and have-nots, with no middle class in sightThe revelation that this screenplay follows textbook structure, hitting its major plot point at exactly the 30-minute markThe hosts land on vastly different ratings: Nathan gives it 8 pairs of sunglasses as a fun genre piece, Adam awards it an honorary 14 for its cultural importance to young minds, and Krissy settles on 5—acknowledging its significance while admitting it's just not for her. Their deep cut recommendations range from the video game Fallout: New Vegas to Noam Chomsky's Understanding Power to Green Day's “American Idiot,” proving this film's influence extends far beyond cinema.Learn More:Discover more about the podcast and TruStory FM at trustory.fm. Members get early, ad-free access to episodes plus exclusive bonus content—join at trustory.fm/join. Connect with the show on Facebook, Instagram, and Bluesky. Check out the hosts' creative work at Neighborhood Comedy Theatre and Squishy Studios.Have you ever wondered what you'd do if you found sunglasses that revealed hidden messages everywhere? Would you immediately start a revolution or just try to convince your skeptical best friend? ---Learn more about supporting this podcast by becoming a member. It's just $5/month or $55/year. Visit our website to learn more.

May the Schwartz Be With You: A Spaceballs Deep DiveWelcome to this episode of The Most Excellent 80s Movies Podcast! Hosts Krissy Lenz and Nathan Blackwell are joined by special guest Adam Marshall Rini to close out Season 8 with Mel Brooks' 1987 sci-fi parody Spaceballs. The trio explores whether this childhood favorite still holds up with "grown-up eyes," debating everything from Rick Moranis' concussed helmet performance to Pizza the Hut's grotesque puppet design. Spoiler alert: opinions are divided, with ratings ranging from a nostalgic seven cans of Perri-Air down to a disappointed four.What Really Works (and What Doesn't)The hosts agree that Spaceballs operates on a hit-or-miss ratio—about 50-50, which they concede is pretty solid for parody films. Nathan finds himself pleasantly surprised by how much heart the film retains compared to other spoofs, noting that Mel Brooks maintains character development even while throwing jokes at the wall. The merchandising gags, the "now/then" video scene, and Rick Moranis playing with dolls all earn praise as moments that still land decades later. However, Adam feels the weight of having seen Brooks' masterpieces like Blazing Saddles and Young Frankenstein, making Spaceballs feel disappointingly broad by comparison.Nostalgia vs. RealityThe conversation reveals how much expectation shapes our viewing experience. Nathan went in prepared to groan but found genuine enjoyment, while Adam's fond childhood memories collided with adult disappointment. Krissy appreciates the film's innocent, joyful approach to parody—it celebrates Star Wars rather than targeting it with edgy mockery. The group also notes how many dated references (Ford Galaxy cars, Michael Winslow's radar sounds) create an unintentional time capsule effect that's now charming rather than topical.Additional Highlights:The film's constant exposition and repeated revelations feel either intentionally melodramatic or surprisingly sloppyGeorge Lucas loved the movie and allowed Brooks to park the Millennium Falcon at the dinerBill Pullman's face-plant sound effect and Mel Brooks buckling a bear into a space pod remain comedy goldThe Yuma, Arizona sand dunes provided the perfect backdrop for the desert planet scenesWatching double features of Mel Brooks films reveals his decline from Blazing Saddles through Robin Hood: Men in TightsFinal VerdictDespite mixed ratings, the hosts agree Spaceballs remains a revisitable piece of 80s comedy—even if it doesn't quite reach the heights of Brooks' earlier work. Whether it's a prince or just Prince Valium depends entirely on what you bring to it.Ready to dive deeper? Head to TruStory FM to explore more episodes and learn about the network. Members get early, ad-free access plus exclusive bonus content—join at trustory.fm/join.Connect with the podcast on Facebook, Instagram, and Bluesky.Learn more about the hosts at Neighborhood Comedy Theatre and Squishy Studios.What's your take on Mel Brooks' parody style—does it hold up better than other 80s spoofs? ---Learn more about supporting this podcast by becoming a member. It's just $5/month or $55/year. Visit our website to learn more.

He's Crude, He's Crass, He's Family: An Uncle Buck Deep DiveWelcome to this episode of The Most Excellent 80s Movies Podcast! Join hosts Krissy Lenz and Nathan Blackwell, along with special guest Heath Wilcock, as they make themselves at home with John Hughes' 1989 comedy Uncle Buck. In this lovable exploration of family dynamics, the trio discusses how John Candy's portrayal of the slovenly bachelor turned temporary guardian perfectly captures the heart of what makes this film a timeless classic—even when he's threatening to show up to school in his bathrobe.The hosts dive deep into what makes Buck Russell such a magical character, from his giant pancakes the size of trash can lids to his absurdist approach to parenting ("I have a friend in the crime tech lab"). They explore how the film balances John Hughes' signature blend of sincere character moments with cartoonish comedy, discussing everything from the iconic rapid-fire questioning scene with young Macaulay Culkin to Tia's remarkable character arc. Heath shares his lifelong love for the film, while Nathan reflects on rewatching it after 20 years, and Krissy relates to it with fresh eyes as a parent of a teenager. The conversation touches on how Uncle Buck directly inspired Hughes to write Home Alone, the film's surprisingly dark moments (kidnapping Bug, anyone?), and why John Candy remains irreplaceable in the role—despite studio interest in Tom Cruise.Additional Thoughts:The clap-on moment that lights up Buck's entire building exemplifies the film's magical realismJean Louisa Kelly's performance as Tia walks the perfect line between venomous and vulnerableThe film's blissfully short runtime keeps everything moving without feeling episodicMarcy Dahlgren-Frost remains one of cinema's strangest neighbor charactersBuck's laundry-in-the-microwave running gag never gets oldFinal Verdict: Heath gives it a perfect 10 giant pancakes with butter, praising the tight storytelling and character work. Nathan awards 7 pancakes, noting some episodic pacing in the middle but celebrating Hughes' cleverness and Candy's charm. Krissy serves up 9 pancakes, highlighting how well the film holds up for family viewing.Deep Cut Recommendations: Heath suggests The Haunted Hotel on Netflix for another lovable problematic uncle. Nathan offers Elf for seasonal viewing, plus Yojimbo for those seeking a samurai take on the catalyst character. Krissy rounds it out with A Confederacy of Dunces by John Kennedy Toole for comedy with a larger-than-life protagonist.Want to hear this episode early and ad-free? Become a member at trustory.fm/join for bonus content and early access to every episode!Connect with the show:FacebookInstagramBlueskyLearn more about the hosts:Krissy at Neighborhood Comedy TheatreNathan at Squishy StudiosDiscover more at trustory.fmWhat's your favorite John Hughes film and why does Uncle Buck's car backfire haunt your dreams? ---Learn more about supporting this podcast by becoming a member. It's just $5/month or $55/year. Visit our website to learn more.

A Sensory Overload of Cyberpunk: Akira Takes Over Neo TokyoWelcome to this episode of The Most Excellent 80s Movies Podcast, where hosts Krissy Lenz and Nathan Blackwell are joined by special guest David Westlake to dive headfirst into Katsuhiro Otomo's groundbreaking 1988 anime masterpiece Akira. Buckle up—this one goes hard from frame one.Neo Tokyo Never Stood a ChanceThe crew tackles one of cinema's most ambitious and visually stunning films—a post-apocalyptic cyberpunk epic that defies easy explanation. Set 30 years after a catastrophic explosion that reshaped Tokyo, Akira follows biker gang leader Kaneda and his friend Tetsuo as they stumble into a military conspiracy involving psychic children, a mysterious godlike force, and power that no human was ever meant to wield.Krissy admits she was completely lost for most of the viewing experience, frantically taking notes and cross-referencing Wikipedia. Yet this confusion becomes part of the film's brilliance—Akira deliberately withholds exposition, letting mystery and ambiguity drive the narrative forward. The hosts wrestle with whether they enjoyed the experience, ultimately concluding that enjoyment isn't quite the right word. Instead, they felt changed by it.Nathan emphasizes that the film's true genius lies in its exploration of unchecked power and human inadequacy. Through Tetsuo's tragic arc—reminiscent of Anakin Skywalker's descent—the film asks a haunting question: what happens when a being with the emotional maturity of an angry teenager suddenly gains godlike abilities? The answer is absolute chaos. The violence is visceral, the destruction is relentless, and the moral landscape is deliberately murky. This isn't a film designed to comfort you; it's designed to challenge and provoke.David, experiencing Akira for the first time, identifies it as a foundational text for anime—a starting point that established countless tropes still used today. He notes how the film's aesthetic choices, from the distinctive art style to the passionate name-calling during intense moments, have become codified anime conventions. The hosts agree that while the character of Kaneda isn't particularly likable (he treats nearly everyone poorly), his cool motorcycle and sense of responsibility create an engaging protagonist despite his flaws.What Makes Akira Essential CinemaVisual Innovation: The animation is a technical revolutionPhilosophical Depth: Genuine philosophical inquiry about human nature, power, and moreMoral Ambiguity: Nearly every character exists in shades of grayGateway to Serious Storytelling: The perfect film for those ready for more challenging, adult narrativesA Masterclass in Trailer Difficulty: How do you sell this movie? The VerdictDavid appreciates the mystery, ambiguity, and groundbreaking artistry while wishing for a more likable lead character beyond his iconic bike and sense of duty. Nathan recognizes this as stunning cinema on an action, writing, and thematic level. While he won't rewatch it as frequently as lighter fare, he calls it the perfect gateway for curious teenagers seeking philosophical, intense storytelling. And Krissy feels genuinely changed by the experience, acknowledging that Akira is now part of her, informing her perspective going forward. This is a film, not just a movie—and one she'd enthusiastically recommend, though she'd warn viewers to put their phones away.Stay Excellent, Downtown MesaWant to catch David and Krissy performing? Visit Neighborhood Comedy Theatre in downtown Mesa. Check out Nathan's filmmaking work, including the feature film The Last Movie Ever Made, at his website. Krissy also co-hosts Gank That Drank, a supernatural drinking game podcast on TruStory FM.Join the CommunityLike what you heard? Become a member to get episodes a week early, ad-free access, and exclusive bonus content—like this episode's discussion of favorite animated films and shows beyond Akira. Rate, review, and subscribe wherever you listen. Tell your friends, your neighbors, and yes—even your local biker gang. Every five-star review helps immensely.Connect with us:Facebook | Instagram | BlueskyFor 80s movie lovers: Have you experienced Akira, and if so—did it blow your mind or confuse you senseless? Drop a comment and let us know what you thought of this cyberpunk classic. ---Learn more about supporting this podcast by becoming a member. It's just $5/month or $55/year. Visit our website to learn more.

A Cosmic Comedy of Questionable ChoicesWelcome to this episode of The Most Excellent 80s Movies Podcast! Hosts Krissy Lenz and Nathan Blackwell are joined by special guest Robert Fata to dive into the 1988 sci-fi rom-com My Stepmother is an Alien, starring Kim Basinger, Dan Aykroyd, and a scene-stealing debut from Alyson Hannigan. When scientist Steve Mills accidentally sends a signal to another galaxy, he inadvertently attracts the attention of gorgeous extraterrestrial Celeste, who arrives on Earth with a mission—and a magical purse named Bag. What follows is a whirlwind of awkward romance, questionable parenting, and enough '80s excess to power a small planet.The trio explores how this film—written by approximately everyone in Hollywood—manages to be simultaneously charming and deeply uncomfortable. Robert, who loved the movie as a child, confronts it with adult eyes and discovers layers of subtext he definitely wasn't picking up on at age seven. Kim Basinger's committed performance shines as she navigates everything from eating cigarette butts at parties to learning about intimacy through instructional videos provided by her alien AI companion. Meanwhile, Dan Aykroyd plays a widowed scientist who somehow seems less concerned about his daughter's emotional wellbeing than about getting remarried within 48 hours of meeting someone.The conversation delves into the film's bizarre pacing, where a three-day romance feels like both a lifetime and five minutes simultaneously. They discuss Alyson Hannigan's powerhouse crying scenes, John Lovitz's relentless commitment to being turned up to 300%, and the film's curious decision to spend entire minutes on sequences that could have been trimmed while rushing through major plot points.The hosts also grapple with how this movie might be viewed through a modern lens—particularly its treatment of relationships, consent, and the uncomfortably enthusiastic daughter who tracks her father's romantic activity like a sports statistician.Additional Highlights:The scientific accuracy (or lack thereof) of brass buttons creating intergalactic signalsKim Basinger's inexplicable obsession with Jimmy Durante as the pinnacle of human achievementWhy pre-pubescent Seth Green was already fully formed Seth GreenThe film's journey from a pitch about "a dark allegory for child abuse" to... whatever this becameRobert's ratings: 10/10 as a child, 6.5/10 as an adult; Nathan's more critical 4.5/10; Krissy agrees with the 6.5Ultimately, the hosts land on My Stepmother is an Alien being an enjoyable, if deeply flawed, time capsule of '80s comedy excess. It's a film that asks the important questions like "What if rom-coms were made exclusively by and for men?" and "How many writers does it take to make a box office bomb?" The answer to both: probably too many.Deep Cut Recommendations: The hosts share their picks for films that echo themes from My Stepmother is an Alien—from the disturbing art film Under the Skin to the Mike Myers comedy So I Married an Axe Murderer, plus the late '80s TV gem Out of This World.Want more? Become a member at trustory.fm/join for early, ad-free episodes and exclusive bonus content!Connect with the show on Facebook, Instagram, and Bluesky. Learn more about the hosts at Neighborhood Comedy Theatre and Squishy Studios.Looking for your next '80s rewatch? What forgotten sci-fi comedies from the decade deserve a second look? ---Learn more about supporting this podcast by becoming a member. It's just $5/month or $55/year. Visit our website to learn more.

Gymnastics Meets Carnage: Gymkata (1985)Welcome to this episode of The Most Excellent 80s Movies Podcast! Hosts Krissy Lenz and Nathan Blackwell pommel horse their way through one of the most wonderfully absurd action films of the 1980s—Gymkata (1985). Starring real-life Olympic gymnast Kurt Thomas in his feature film debut (and finale), this Cold War curiosity follows a gymnast-martial artist sent on a CIA mission to win "the game" in the fictional country of Parmistan. The prize? The perfect location for a Star Wars satellite defense system. The obstacles? Rope courses, arrow-wielding guards, and an entire village populated by actual asylum patients armed with pitchforks.The hosts dive into the film's bizarre logic, from the conveniently placed pommel horse in a village alley to the princess who somehow knows martial arts despite never mentioning it. They discuss the film's missed opportunities—why didn't they establish the international competitors better? Why does no one ever say "Gymkata" in the actual movie? And most importantly, why does Jonathan's dad get shot with arrows twice? Both Krissy and Nathan agree that while Gymkata delivers entertaining absurdity, it doesn't quite reach the legendary heights of so-bad-it's-great classics like Miami Connection or Ninja III: The Domination. Still, it's a fun ride through 1980s action cheese.Additional Highlights:The film was directed by Robert Clouse, who also directed Enter the Dragon—a sobering career trajectoryKurt Thomas performs genuinely impressive gymnastics throughout, even if the premise is ridiculousThe "game" has confusing rules that even the characters don't seem to understandThe movie ends with a freeze frame and text explaining the satellite placement rather than showingRating: 6.5 pitchforks out of 10—worth a watch with the right expectationsFinal ThoughtsBoth hosts land on a 6.5 rating, agreeing that Gymkata offers solid entertainment without hitting truly bananas territory. It's a honeydew melon of bad movies—pleasant enough but not the fruit you'd choose first. Nathan recommends exploring Neil Breen's filmography, particularly Fateful Findings, for those seeking more ego-driven cinema. Krissy suggests experiencing Universal Studios Halloween Horror Nights for a real-life village-of-crazies adventure.Learn More:Discover more about The Most Excellent 80s Movies Podcast and the TruStory FM network at trustory.fm. Want early, ad-free episodes plus exclusive bonus content? Become a member at trustory.fm/join.Connect With Us on Facebook, Instagram, or BlueskyAbout the Hosts:Krissy Lenz directs at Neighborhood Comedy Theatre in downtown Mesa, Arizona. Nathan Blackwell creates films with Squishy Studios.What's your favorite so-bad-it's-good 80s action movie? ---Learn more about supporting this podcast by becoming a member. It's just $5/month or $55/year. Visit our website to learn more.

We're bringing this episode back as Hollywood unveils its reimagining of The Running Man in theatres! While audiences experience this fresh take on Stephen King's dystopian thriller, we thought it was the perfect time to revisit our deep dive into the 1987 Schwarzenegger classic that first brought this dark vision of reality TV to the screen. Whether you're a longtime fan or discovering the original after seeing the new version, join us for this exploration of spandex, explosions, and some of Arnold's most memorable one-liners.Arnold Schwarzenegger Meets Dystopian Game ShowsWelcome to this episode of The Most Excellent 80s Movies Podcast! Join hosts Krissy Lenz and Nathan Blackwell as they tackle The Running Man (1987), Arnold Schwarzenegger's campy dystopian thriller where convicted criminals fight for their lives on America's most popular game show. Set in a totalitarian 2017 where the economy has collapsed and reality TV has become bloodsport, this movie delivers exactly what you'd expect: explosions, terrible one-liners, and an absurd amount of spandex-clad dancers.From Sub-Zero to Plain-ZeroKrissy and Nathan dive deep into the film's bizarre logic, questioning everything from head-exploding collars to the geography of the deadly game arena. They discuss how The Running Man predicted our current era of fake news and manipulated media—making it surprisingly more relevant today than when it was released. The hosts analyze Arnold's performance as Ben Richards, a wrongfully accused helicopter pilot who refuses to massacre civilians and ends up forced into the deadliest game show ever created. They debate whether his character is supposed to be likable (spoiler: he's kind of an a-hole to everyone) and celebrate Richard Dawson's MVP performance as the mustache-twirling villain Damon Killian.The conversation explores the film's kinship with other dystopian classics like RoboCop and Demolition Man, highlighting how it fits into that late-'80s trend of criticizing Reaganomics through sci-fi satire. Nathan and Krissy particularly enjoy dissecting the various "stalkers"—from chainsaw-wielding Buzzsaw to the singing, electrocuting Dynamo—and debate which of Arnold's infamous one-liners actually lands. They also can't help but wonder about the logistics: How do contestants actually win without killing stalkers? Why are the Running Man dancers given so much screen time? And how did the resistance set up headquarters inside the game arena?Additional Thoughts:The movie earns bonus points for "The Justice Department, Entertainment Division" and parody shows like "The Hate Boat" and "Climbing for Dollars"Jesse Ventura's Captain Freedom has the second-biggest character arc in the film (which isn't saying much)The crowd's ability to flip loyalties on a dime strains credibility, even for a ridiculous action movieNathan gives it a 7 out of 10 (but warns first-time viewers will probably rate it lower)The film failed the "Rocket Test"—Krissy's son bailed halfway through his first viewingFinal VerdictBoth hosts agree that The Running Man isn't objectively great, but it's undeniably fun—the kind of movie that gets better with repeat viewings as you embrace the camp. Nathan describes it as a "picante lime potato chip" that you have to get addicted to first. For deep cut recommendations, Nathan suggests Death Race 2000 (1975) as the perfect double feature, while Krissy recommends marathon-watching all four Expendables movies for similar over-the-top action glory.Want more Most Excellent 80s Movies content?Visit TruStory FM to explore The Most Excellent 80s Movies Podcast and other great shows. Members get early, ad-free episodes plus exclusive bonus content—learn more at trustory.fm/join.Connect with the hosts: Check out Krissy at Neighborhood Comedy Theatre and Nathan at Squishy Studios. Follow the show on Facebook, Instagram, and Bluesky.What's your favorite Arnold Schwarzenegger one-liner from The Running Man—or do you think you could write a better pun than "Sub-Zero, more like Plain-Zero"? ---Learn more about supporting this podcast by becoming a member. It's just $5/month or $55/year. Visit our website to learn more.

Can a Gang of Kids Really Save the World from Classic Monsters?Welcome to this episode of The Most Excellent 80s Movies Podcast, where hosts Krissy Lenz and Nathan Blackwell venture into completely new territory with The Monster Squad (1987)—a film neither had seen before. This nostalgic cult classic brings together Universal's greatest monsters in what should be the ultimate horror crossover, but does it hold up without those rose-tinted glasses of childhood? Join these first-time viewers as they dissect whether the magic works when you're encountering Dracula, Frankenstein's monster, and the Wolfman for the first time as adults.Coming at The Monster Squad cold, both hosts find themselves intrigued by the premise but puzzled by the execution. While the movie looks great and delivers some genuinely fun moments—like Dracula's lightning-rod cane and the mummy's slow-motion chase scenes—they struggle to connect with characters who feel more like archetypes than actual kids. The film's reliance on nostalgia for both 1980s adventure films and classic Universal monsters creates a double-edged sword: those with childhood memories may overlook its flaws, but newcomers are left wondering why the scary German neighbor is so accommodating and where all that dynamite came from. Still, they appreciate the earnest effort and Shane Black's co-writing credits, ultimately landing on a solid 6 out of 10 rating.Additional insights from the discussion:The problematic language choices feel particularly jarring to modern ears, even accounting for 1980s contextFat Kid's pizza-as-weapon moment raises questions about just how sensitive vampires are to garlicThe film's treatment of individual monsters feels uneven, with Wolfman getting a complete arc while the Mummy serves mainly as comic reliefFrankenstein's redemption and the portal mechanics create unexpectedly emotional momentsThe army showing up because of a letter written in crayon perfectly captures the film's toneBoth hosts acknowledge that The Monster Squad clearly resonates with those who grew up watching it, even if it didn't quite capture their adult hearts. The movie delivers on spectacle and has undeniable charm, making it a worthwhile watch for anyone curious about this slice of 1980s monster movie nostalgia.Want more retro movie magic? Visit TruStory FM to explore The Most Excellent 80s Movies Podcast and other great shows. Members get early, ad-free episodes plus exclusive bonus content—learn more at trustory.fm/join.Connect with the hosts: Check out Krissy at Neighborhood Comedy Theatre and Nathan at Squishy Studios. Follow the show on Facebook, Instagram, and Bluesky.What's your favorite 1980s monster movie that deserves a fresh look? ---Learn more about supporting this podcast by becoming a member. It's just $5/month or $55/year. Visit our website to learn more.