80s Flick Flashback

Step onto the battlefield for one of the most powerful and critically acclaimed films of the 1980s. This week on the 80s Flick Flashback Podcast, host Tim Williams is joined by guest co-host Laramy Wells to honor the 1989 cinematic masterpiece, Glory.Together, they examine the harrowing and heroic true story of the 54th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment, one of the very first African-American units to fight for the Union during the American Civil War. From the breathtaking cinematography to the powerhouse performances that defined a generation of actors, Tim and Laramy break down why this movie remains an essential watch.In this episode, we march into:🎬 First Impressions: Our hosts share their initial memories of seeing the film and how their perspectives have changed over the decades.📜 History vs. Hollywood: We explore the historical context of the Civil War era and discuss the film's dedication to historical accuracy.⭐️ A Legendary Cast: Discussing the incredible impact of Matthew Broderick, Morgan Freeman, Cary Elwes, and Denzel Washington's unforgettable, Oscar-winning performance.🎥 Iconic Moments: A breakdown of the film’s most emotional and powerful scenes, from the campfire prayers to the devastating charge on Fort Wagner.💡 Behind-the-Scenes Trivia: Production secrets, casting choices, and facts you might not know about the making of the movie.⏪ The Nostalgia Meter: How does Glory hold up today in terms of rewatchability, and where does it rank in the pantheon of 80s cinema?Join us for a profound look back at a film that beautifully captures the courage, sacrifice, and soul of the 54th Regiment. Here are some additional behind-the-scenes trivia we were unable to cover in this episode:For the finale at Fort Wagner, the production painstakingly recreated the stake-filled moats and ramparts of the actual fort. While the real charge happened under the cover of night—rather than at sunset—the details of Shaw’s premonition of death and his decision to send away his horse are historically documented.Matthew Broderick claimed that the battle scenes didn't require much acting because he was genuinely afraid of the extremely loud explosions on-set.Morgan Freeman, drawing from his experience in the Air Force, explained how relationships within the unit were formed. He asserted that while no one becomes fast friends during training, partnerships are established based on individual strengths.Sources:Wikipedia, IMDBhttps://ew.com/movies/2019/07/19/glory-director-ed-zwick-explains-avoid-white-savior-narrative/https://www.denofgeek.com/movies/glory-and-the-legacy-of-the-most-graceful-civil-war-movie/https://warmoviebuff.blogspot.com/2013/11/10-glory-1989.htmlhttps://www.journalofthecivilwarera.org/2019/12/poetry-not-yet-written-revisiting-glory-thirty-years-later/https://themagnificent60s.com/2024/08/05/behind-the-scenes-glory-1989/Some sections were composed by Gemini (AI)We'd love to hear your thoughts on our podcast! You can share your feedback with us via email or social media.Website - https://www.80sflickflashback.com/TeePublic Store - https://www.teepublic.com/user/eighties-flick-flashbackBuy Me A Coffee - https://buymeacoffee.com/80sflickfbFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/80sflickflashbackpodcastInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/80sflickflashback/TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@80sflickflashbackEmail - [email protected]

Start spreading the news... Jason is leaving Crystal Lake today!In this episode of the 80s Flick Flashback Podcast, Tim Williams and guest co-hosts Charlie Cotter, Nicholas Pepin, and Laramy Wells punch their tickets for the SS Lazarus to discuss the eighth installment of the legendary slasher franchise: Friday the 13th Part VIII: Jason Takes Manhattan.It’s the movie that promised the Big Apple but mostly delivered a big boat. They dive deep into the murky waters of this 1989 sequel to discuss the bizarre plot holes, the confusing geography, and the sheer absurdity of Jason Voorhees stalking Times Square.In this episode, they unpack:🚢 The "Manhattan" Myth: Discussing the infamous decision to set most of the film on a cruise ship (and Vancouver).💀 The Kills: From the "boxing match" to the toxic waste dip—they rank the unique death sequences.🎭 Jason's Evolution: How the character changed by the end of the 80s and the performance behind the mask.📉 The Franchise Fatigue: A look at the box office numbers and why this film put the series on hiatus.🎬 Trivia & Plot Holes: The teleporting Jason, the inexplicable toxic waste in the sewers, and more behind-the-scenes facts.Is this the film that jumped the shark, or is it a misunderstood campy classic? Grab your hockey mask and join the debate!Here are some additional behind-the-scenes trivia we were unable to cover in this episode:In the original script, when Jason arrives at the dock, a dog begins barking at him, prompting him to kick it. However, Kane Hodder, who portrayed Jason, felt that kicking the dog was excessive, leading to the scene being removed from the final cut.In the rooftop scene where Julius punches Jason, Kane Hodder, a renowned stuntman, instructed actor V.C. Dupree to deliver a powerful blow. Hodder aimed to ensure the punches appeared authentic. By the time they reached the iconic “knockout” shot, Dupree was so exhausted that the expression of defeat on his face was entirely genuine.In an interview with Fangoria Magazine (August 1989), Kane Hodder revealed that the vomiting scene in the final act was not a special effect. Instead, it was a real occurrence, as Hodder had consumed several pitchers of water beforehand.Sources:Wikipedia, IMDBSome sections were composed by ChatGPTWe'd love to hear your thoughts on our podcast! You can share your feedback with us via email or social media.Website - https://www.80sflickflashback.com/TeePublic Store - https://www.teepublic.com/user/eighties-flick-flashbackBuy Me A Coffee - https://buymeacoffee.com/80sflickfbFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/80sflickflashbackpodcastInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/80sflickflashback/TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@80sflickflashbackEmail - [email protected]

How did a low-budget comedy about inept cadets spawn a massive franchise? In this episode of 80s Flick Flashback, Tim Williams is joined by Chad Sheppard, Laramy Wells, and Robby Retro to crack the case on Police Academy.We dive deep into the precinct to explore:The Origin Story: First impressions and personal connections to the franchise.Casting Magic: How the ensemble cast—from Steve Guttenberg to the iconic "Sound Effects Guy"—was assembled.Character Deep Dive: A spotlight on the legendary performances that defined the decade.The Verdict: We rate the rewatchability and discuss where Police Academy ranks in our nostalgia for 80s cinema.Whether you’re a die-hard fan of Mahoney or just love classic movie trivia, this episode is packed with behind-the-scenes insights you won't want to miss.Here are some additional behind-the-scenes trivia we were unable to cover in this episode:Former US President Bill Clinton once mentioned to Steve Guttenberg that this was one of his favorite movies and that it helped him get through a tough period. During his speech at the 2016 Democratic National Convention, he also said that his wife, Hillary Clinton, found his parenting decisions questionable after he watched six "Police Academy" films back-to-back with his daughter, Chelsea Clinton.The "shoe polish on the megaphone" comes from a prank played on British director Michael Winner during the filming of one of his movies. Hugh Wilson chose to use this gag after hearing the story from a crew member.Sources:Wikipedia, IMDBhttps://www.thegibsonreview.com/blog/police-academy-a-reviewSome sections were composed by ChatGPTWe'd love to hear your thoughts on our podcast! You can share your feedback with us via email or social media.Website - https://www.80sflickflashback.com/TeePublic Store - https://www.teepublic.com/user/eighties-flick-flashbackBuy Me A Coffee - https://buymeacoffee.com/80sflickfbFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/80sflickflashbackpodcastInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/80sflickflashback/TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@80sflickflashbackEmail - [email protected]

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 film, highlighting its humor and iconic moments.Here are some additional behind-the-scenes trivia we were unable to cover in this episode:The device that compelled characters to accept commands to kill someone is similar to what the parasitic life forms in "Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan" did.Leslie Nielsen's line about shooting the Shakespeare in the Park performers is a close parody of a line Clint Eastwood said about shooting a rapist in "Dirty Harry".In 1988, The Naked Gun, Who Framed Roger Rabbit, and A Fish Called Wanda formed an accidental "steamroller trilogy." Despite their differences, all three classic comedies released that year feature a character getting flattened by a steamroller.Sources:Wikipedia, IMDBhttps://www.mentalfloss.com/article/71895/18-fun-facts-about-naked-gunhttps://www.watchmojo.com/articles/top-10-hilarious-facts-about-the-naked-gun-1988Some sections were composed by ChatGPTWe'd love to hear your thoughts on our podcast! You can share your feedback with us via email or social media.Website - https://www.80sflickflashback.com/TeePublic Store - https://www.teepublic.com/user/eighties-flick-flashbackBuy Me A Coffee - https://buymeacoffee.com/80sflickfbFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/80sflickflashbackpodcastInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/80sflickflashback/TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@80sflickflashbackEmail - [email protected]

Even during the lively era of the Marx Brothers' films at Paramount Pictures—featuring vaudevillian chaos like Horse Feathers and Duck Soup, or Mel Brooks parodies such as Blazing Saddles and Young Frankenstein—audiences had never experienced the overwhelming number of jokes like the ones in this 80s flick. These gags are so nonstop that the weaker ones don’t even have time to linger. The film is packed with puns, pratfalls, provocations, interplay of foreground and background, double entendres, references to movies, TV shows, and commercials, along with random acts of silliness and absurdity, including many 'dad jokes'. So be sure to park in the red or white zone and purchase your smoking ticket, but don’t eat the in-flight fish meal as Tim Williams and guest co-host Nicholas Pepin from "Pop Culture Roulette" discuss “Airplane!” From 1980 on this episode of the 80s Flick Flashback podcast!Here are some additional behind-the-scenes trivia we were unable to cover in this episode:According to the Blu-ray commentary, the song "Stayin' Alive" was sped up by 10 percent for the movie's dance scene. Permission from The Bee Gees was required to speed it up.The filmmaking trio pitched the movie to Paramount as 'Animal House on a plane'—a misleading description, but a necessary tactic to sell the executives on the film's zany humor.Sources:Wikipedia, IMDBhttps://www.theguardian.com/film/2020/jul/02/airplane-film-40th-anniversary-spoof-comedySome sections were composed by ChatGPTWe'd love to hear your thoughts on our podcast! You can share your feedback with us via email or social media.​Website - https://www.80sflickflashback.com/​TeePublic Store - https://www.teepublic.com/user/eighties-flick-flashback​Buy Me A Coffee - https://buymeacoffee.com/80sflickfb​Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/80sflickflashbackpodcast​Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/80sflickflashback/​TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@80sflickflashback​Email - [email protected]

That Rudolph guy and his red nose may get most of the hype when it comes to Santa's furry transport team, but he isn't the only caribou who's earned his stripes... or, should I say, antlers. That's part of what makes this 80s flick a nostalgic centerpiece of the holidays. Most of the time, Santa's reindeer serve as background fixtures at best, so getting a story that centers around one of the less talked-about members of his flying troupe is kinda brilliant and one of the many reasons it deserves to be added to your yuletide viewing schedule, if it isn’t already.So meet us in the barn with cookies and oats as Tim Williams and guest co-host JB Huffman discuss “Prancer” from 1989 on this episode of the 80s Flick Flashback podcast!Sources:Wikipedia, IMDB, Box Office Mojohttps://www.scarymommy.com/entertainment/prancer-kids-forgotten-christmas-movieSome sections were composed by ChatGPTWe'd love to hear your thoughts on our podcast! You can share your feedback with us via email or social media.​Website - https://www.80sflickflashback.com/​TeePublic Store - https://www.teepublic.com/user/eighties-flick-flashback​Buy Me A Coffee - https://buymeacoffee.com/80sflickfb​Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/80sflickflashbackpodcast​Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/80sflickflashback/​TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@80sflickflashback​Email - [email protected]

Whenever Christmas time comes around, and you see lists of the best holiday movies — and even the most underrated ones — you’ll almost certainly never find this 80s flick on any of them. It really hasn’t managed to embed itself in Christmas pop culture like some other films have, to be sure. And that is a real shame, because while this movie isn’t high-class theater, it’s considered a favorite Yuletide watch for kids of the 80s and 90s.So meet us at the Orlando Children’s Museum with Santa’s magic sack as Tim Williams and guest co-hosts Laramy Wells and Retro Robby discuss “Ernest Saves Christmas” from 1988 on this episode of the 80s Flick Flashback podcast!Here are some additional behind-the-scenes trivia we were unable to cover in this episode:​The scene where Ernest visits his friend Vern's house was filmed on Residential Street at Disney's MGM Studios in Hollywood. The house façade gained popularity as a notable feature on the Backstage Studio Tour when the theme park opened in 1989. In 2005, the entire street was demolished to make way for the Lights, Motors, Action! Stunt Show Spectacular. That stunt show was later replaced by Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge.​Ernest's pickup full of snakes has a sign that reads "Apopka Snakes." Executive producer Joseph Akerman went to high school in Apopka, Florida, a city north of Orlando, where most filming was done.Sources:Wikipedia, IMDBhttps://www.rediscoverthe80s.com/2015/12/14-facts-about-ernest-saves-christmas.htmlhttps://mutantreviewersmovies.com/2020/12/25/justin-does-ernest-saves-christmas-1988/Some sections were composed by ChatGPTWe'd love to hear your thoughts on our podcast! You can share your feedback with us via email or social media.​Website - https://www.80sflickflashback.com/​TeePublic Store - https://www.teepublic.com/user/eighties-flick-flashback​Buy Me A Coffee - https://buymeacoffee.com/80sflickfb​Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/80sflickflashbackpodcast​Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/80sflickflashback/​TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@80sflickflashback​Email - [email protected]

We usually stick to theatrically released 80s flicks, but when Ruby Wells makes a special request, we listen! So we’re taking a detour to Sillyville! In this special episode, Ruby Wells and her mom, Bethany Wells, join the pod to defend the honor of the 1989 classic Wee Sing in Sillyville.Why does this 80s direct-to-video musical hold such a special place in their hearts? We’re talking nostalgia, Bitty Booties, and the magic of sharing movies across generations. You don’t want to miss this walk down memory lane!Sources:Wikipedia, IMDBhttps://www.buzzfeed.com/andrewfirriolo/renee-margolin-sillywhim-interviewSome sections were composed by ChatGPTWe'd love to hear your thoughts on our podcast! You can share your feedback with us via email or social media.Website - https://www.80sflickflashback.com/TeePublic Store - https://www.teepublic.com/user/eighties-flick-flashbackBuy Me A Coffee - https://buymeacoffee.com/80sflickfbFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/80sflickflashbackpodcastInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/80sflickflashback/TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@80sflickflashbackEmail - [email protected]

Long before Kim Cattrall appeared on HBO as the outspoken, sexually confident, “I’ll try anything once” Samantha Jones in Sex and the City, she played an Egyptian woman under a spell and reincarnated as a shop-window dummy.  Inspired by Pygmalion, the tale from Ovid’s Metamorphoses poem which tells the story of a sculptor who fell in love with a statue he had carved, it’s admittedly the kind of storyline that was only plausible in the 1980s.  And we loved every second of it!So hop on your motorcycle, meet us at Prince & Company Department Store, and keep an eye out for vicious guard-dog, Rambo, as Tim Williams and guest co-host, Bethany Wells, discuss “Mannequin” from 1987 on this episode of the 80s Flick Flashback podcast!Here are some additional behind-the-scenes trivia we were unable to cover in this episode:​If "Mannequin" seems a little formulaic to you, that's no accident. It was the first movie produced by Hollywood market research guru Joseph Farrell, who perfected the system of focus groups and test audiences that studios often use to tweak films and make them more commercial.​No one from the original film, except Taylor, returned for the 1991 sequel, "Mannequin 2: On the Move." This time, the dummy-come-to-life was yet another "Pretty in Pink" alum, Kristy Swanson.​Mannequin was written and directed by Michael Gottlieb, who had to wait until 1993 for another go with the Hulk Hogan vehicle "Mr. Nanny".Sources:Wikipedia, IMDB, Box Office Mojohttps://www.moviefone.com/news/mannequin-movie-facts/https://www.fast-rewind.com/trivia_mannequin.htmhttps://www.anothermag.com/fashion-beauty/11080/when-kim-cattrall-played-a-mannequin-come-to-life-in-1987Some sections were composed by ChatGPTWe'd love to hear your thoughts on our podcast! You can share your feedback with us via email or social media.​Website - https://www.80sflickflashback.com/​TeePublic Store - https://www.teepublic.com/user/eighties-flick-flashback​Buy Me A Coffee - https://buymeacoffee.com/80sflickfb​Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/80sflickflashbackpodcast​Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/80sflickflashback/​TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@80sflickflashback​Email - [email protected]

This '80s flick is to All Hallows’ Eve what "A Christmas Story" is to Christmas: a true classic deserving a 24-hour marathon and a wild all-night celebration where blood takes the place of alcohol. Director Tom Holland’s heartfelt homage to vampire movies breathed new life into a horror subgenre that was, sadly, starting to fade away, much like an undead creature of the night. It brought the vampire back into the spotlight, setting the stage for other nostalgic blood-sucking hits of the era, such as "The Lost Boys", "Near Dark", and "Bram Stoker’s Dracula".So grab your binoculars, crucifix, and garlic necklace as Tim Williams and guest co-host Chris Evans discuss “Fright Night” from 1985 on this special Halloween episode of the 80s Flick Flashback podcast!Here are some additional behind-the-scenes trivia we were unable to cover in this episode:According to Chris Sarandon, he wanted Jerry to whistle "Whistle While You Work" rather than "Strangers in the Night" when first confronting Charley. But Disney would not give their permission to use the song.To evoke a genuine frightened reaction when Charley first sees Amy as a vampire, William Ragsdale did not see the stunt actress in makeup beforehand.Evil Ed's complex death scene, designed by Edlund and Bruno, strategically used darkness and quick cuts to obscure details. They intentionally reduced the lighting, relying on elements like a swinging chandelier that Wolf Ed crashes into. Visual effects cinematographer Bill Neil stated this swinging light was crucial, as the shifting shadows allowed them to hold shots longer, making the "brief glimpses" of the character highly effective.Sources:Wikipedia, IMDB, Box Office Mojohttps://www.dreadcentral.com/lists/261132/fearsome-facts-8-things-didnt-know-fright-night-1985/Some sections were composed by ChatGPTWe'd love to hear your thoughts on our podcast! You can share your feedback with us via email or social media.​Website - https://www.80sflickflashback.com/​TeePublic Store - https://www.teepublic.com/user/eighties-flick-flashback​Buy Me A Coffee - https://buymeacoffee.com/80sflickfb​Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/80sflickflashbackpodcast​Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/80sflickflashback/​TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@80sflickflashback​Email - [email protected]