The Monster Squad (1987)

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.

When Ninjas Ruled the 80s: A Deep Dive into Daytime WarriorsWelcome to this episode of The Most Excellent 80s Movies Podcast. Prepare yourself for a crossover extravaganza as hosts Krissy Lenz and Nathan Blackwell team up with special guest Professor Dustin Morrow from The Long Rewind Podcast to tackle one of the 80s' most inexplicable obsessions—ninjas! This isn't just any ninja discussion; it's a deep exploration of Revenge of the Ninja (1983) and Ninja 3: The Domination (1984), two Canon Films masterpieces that defined the era's fascination with mystical warriors who apparently preferred fighting in broad daylight.The Canon Films Ninja RevolutionThe hosts dive into how Israeli production company Canon Films single-handedly weaponized America's ninja obsession, churning out genre-defining films starring Sho Kosugi—the first Asian actor to headline major American action films. From Salt Lake City doubling as Los Angeles to ninjas scaling palm trees to fight helicopters, these movies redefined what action cinema could be on a shoestring budget. Revenge of the Ninja emerges as the "Citizen Kane of ninja movies," featuring some of the most jaw-dropping stunt work ever captured on film, all accomplished with just a few fearless stunt performers and zero CGI.Possession, Aerobics, and V8 JuiceNinja 3: The Domination takes the conversation into even stranger territory, combining ninja action with Flashdance-inspired aerobics sequences and full-blown demonic possession. Lucinda Dickey's telecom worker/aerobics instructor becomes possessed by an evil ninja spirit, leading to some of the most bewildering cinema of the decade. The hosts explore how this unholy mashup of genres created something uniquely, unforgettably 80s—complete with neon-soaked apartments, Patrick Nagel paintings, and one of cinema's most disturbing love scenes involving tomato juice.Additional Highlights:The mystery of ninja costume storage capacity and infinite weapon suppliesWhy "daytime ninjas" were apparently a legitimate career pathCanon Films' breakneck production schedule that gave us three Lucinda Dickey movies in one yearThe Village People fight sequence that has to be seen to be believedHot tub death scenes as the ultimate 80s ninja execution methodFinal VerdictThe hosts agree these films represent peak 80s absurdity while delivering genuine thrills. Whether you're seeking unintentional comedy (Ninja 3) or surprisingly solid action filmmaking (Revenge of the Ninja), both movies offer essential viewing for understanding how ninjas conquered American pop culture one throwing star at a time.Connect & ExploreCheck out The Long Rewind podcastDiscover more about The Most Excellent 80s Movies Podcast and TruStory FM at trustory.fm. Want early, ad-free episodes plus exclusive bonus content? Join the community at trustory.fm/join.Follow the fun: Facebook | Instagram | BlueskyLearn more about the hosts' creative work: Neighborhood Comedy Theatre | Squishy StudiosWhat's your first memory of discovering ninjas in 80s pop culture? Was it through movies, toys, or those mysterious martial arts supply stores that seemed to exist in every strip mall? ---Learn more about supporting this podcast by becoming a member. It's just $5/month or $55/year. Visit our website to learn more.

When Childhood Nostalgia Meets RealityKrissy Lenz and Nathan Blackwell are joined by special guest Jordan Collier to revisit the 1985 spy comedy Spies Like Us, starring Chevy Chase and Dan Aykroyd. What happens when a beloved childhood favorite gets the modern rewatch treatment? Sometimes the results are as bumbling as the protagonists themselves.The Verdict: When Memory Lane Takes a DetourOur hosts discovered that Spies Like Us suffers from an identity crisis—never quite deciding whether it wants to be silly slapstick or serious espionage. While Jordan and Nathan remembered loving the film as kids, their adult viewing revealed a movie that couldn't nail down its tone, leaving characters without clear motivations and comedy that felt more meandering than memorable. The film's training montages and "Doctor! Doctor!" scenes still delivered laughs, but the lack of genuine tension between Chase and Aykroyd's characters left much to be desired.The consensus? Spies Like Us earns a middling 5 to 5.5 missiles out of 10—a film that works better as a nostalgic memory than a current viewing experience. Sometimes childhood classics are best left in the vault of fond recollections.Additional Takeaways:The movie needed a third character to complete the comedic trioChevy Chase's character came across as surprisingly unlikable with modern eyesThe film's tonal shifts from broad comedy to serious nuclear warfare felt jarringDan Aykroyd's spy skills were inconsistent—sometimes brilliant, sometimes bumblingThe Bob Hope cameo represented the kind of absurdist comedy the film needed more ofConnect With the HostsLearn more about this show and the TruStory FM network at trustory.fm. Want early, ad-free episodes plus bonus content? Check out membership options at trustory.fm/join.Follow the podcast: Facebook | Instagram | BlueskySupport the hosts: Neighborhood Comedy Theatre | Squishy StudiosWhat's your take on rewatching childhood favorites? Do they hold up, or are some movies better left as treasured memories? ---Learn more about supporting this podcast by becoming a member. It's just $5/month or $55/year. Visit our website to learn more.

When Calculus Meets Heart: Stand and Deliver Gets the Math TreatmentWelcome to this episode of The Most Excellent 80s Movies Podcast! Hosts Krissy Lenz and Nathan Blackwell tackle the 1988 inspirational drama Stand and Deliver, starring Edward James Olmos as real-life teacher Jaime Escalante. This episode dives into whether this classroom classic still holds up or if it's just another case of sitting through endless math problems.The Good, The Bad, and The CalculusThe hosts appreciate Edward James Olmos' committed, Academy Award-nominated performance—he even underwent hair thinning for the role and followed the real teacher around for research. Lou Diamond Phillips also shines as Angel, the charismatic bad boy with hidden depths. However, Krissy and Nathan find themselves wanting more emotional depth and character development. They argue that while the movie succeeds as inspiration, it fails to show the real struggles and motivations that would drive these students to commit so deeply to advanced mathematics.The discussion takes an interesting turn when they question the practicality of teaching calculus versus life skills like tax accounting. They also critique the film's structure, noting that despite being billed as a comedy, it's more of a straightforward drama that keeps viewers at arm's length from the action. The hosts give Stand and Deliver a solid 6 out of 10, appreciating its heart while acknowledging its limitations.Additional Thoughts:The movie should have been called "Sit and Calculate" given how much sitting and math occursMore scenes showing students' home lives and personal struggles would have strengthened the narrativeThe ending needed more follow-up on what happened to these students after passing their AP examsEdward James Olmos deserved the Oscar over Michael Douglas that yearThe film lacks the dramatic tension found in other inspirational teacher moviesFinal VerdictWhile Stand and Deliver remains an earnest tribute to dedicated educators and student potential, the hosts feel it plays things too safe. It's a movie that works better in memory than on rewatch, though Olmos' powerhouse performance still delivers the goods.Ready to join the conversation about your favorite 80s movies? Learn more about The Most Excellent 80s Movies Podcast and get early, ad-free episodes plus bonus content by becoming a member at trustory.fm/join. Connect with the show on Facebook, Instagram, and Bluesky. Check out Nathan's filmmaking at Squishy Studios and catch Krissy live at the Neighborhood Comedy Theatre.What's your take on inspirational teacher movies—do they still motivate you, or do you find them lacking in real-world practicality like our hosts? ---Learn more about supporting this podcast by becoming a member. It's just $5/month or $55/year. Visit our website to learn more.

By the Power of Grayskull... This Movie ExistsWelcome to this episode of The Most Excellent 80s Movies Podcast! Hosts Krissy Lenz and Nathan Blackwell are joined by special guests Jordan Collier and Derrick Tesson to tackle the 1987 sci-fi fantasy spectacle Masters of the Universe. What happens when you take beloved toys, add Dolph Lundgren in a furry loincloth, and let Cannon Films work their budget magic? A movie that should have been good but becomes a fascinating study in wasted potential.The Cosmic Key to This DiscussionThe crew dives deep into this He-Man adaptation that somehow makes its titular hero a supporting character in his own movie. While Franklin Langella chews scenery magnificently as Skeletor, delivering Shakespearean gravitas to lines like "Tell me about the loneliness of good, He-Man—is it equal to the loneliness of evil?", the film suffers from an identity crisis. Is it Star Wars? Is it Conan? The answer: it's a Cannon Films production that tries to be both and succeeds at neither.Nathan defends his childhood favorite while acknowledging its flaws, giving it a nostalgic 7 out of 10 cosmic keys. The other hosts are less forgiving, with ratings ranging from 3-6, all agreeing that the movie's biggest sin is having too much plot crammed into its runtime. The discussion reveals how Masters of the Universe exemplifies the late-80s trend of studios trying to manufacture Star Wars-level franchises without understanding what made that saga work.Additional Cosmic Revelations:Gwildor (Billy Barty) somehow became the real protagonist while He-Man watches from the sidelinesDolph Lundgren dubbed his own lines despite not being fluent in English during filmingThe film's budget constraints forced most action to Earth, making it less a He-Man movie and more a sci-fi fish-out-of-water storySkeletor's mask was later recycled for Star Trek: The Next GenerationThe movie features unexpected connections to Friends and Back to the FutureThe Final VerdictDespite universal agreement that the movie fails to live up to its potential, the hosts find entertainment value in its ambitious campiness and Langella's committed villain performance. It's a movie that epitomizes the "so bad it's almost good" category—emphasis on almost.Ready for More 80s Movie Magic?Join the conversation at trustory.fm where members get early, ad-free access plus exclusive bonus content! Connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, and Bluesky.Learn more about our hosts and guests: Squishy Studios and Neighborhood Comedy TheatreWhat's your take on 80s movies that had all the right ingredients but couldn't quite make the recipe work? ---Learn more about supporting this podcast by becoming a member. It's just $5/month or $55/year. Visit our website to learn more.

Swing for the Fences: A Deep Dive into Bull DurhamWelcome to this episode of The Most Excellent 80s Movies Podcast! Join hosts Krissy Lenz and Nathan Blackwell as they welcome special guest Nate McWhortor—a self-proclaimed superfan—to discuss the 1988 baseball romance Bull Durham. This isn't your typical sports movie; it's a sultry, quotable journey through minor league baseball that explores love, mentorship, and the religion of America's pastime.The Church of BaseballThe hosts dive deep into what makes Bull Durham unique among sports films. Unlike major league fantasies, this movie captures the gritty reality of minor league baseball—from shitty buses to $20,000 salaries. Guest Nate McWhortor brings real-world perspective, having worked for the Montgomery Biscuits after college, inspired by this very film. The discussion reveals how writer-director Ron Shelton's own minor league experience creates authentic moments that resonate with anyone who's lived the unglamorous side of professional sports.The trio explores the film's adult themes and memorable dialogue, from Kevin Costner's gruff wisdom as Crash Davis to Susan Sarandon's Annie Savoy—a poetry-loving baseball groupie who mentors young players. They analyze the unique love triangle that develops and how the film balances romance with genuine baseball storytelling. The conversation touches on everything from the film's hard R rating to its Academy Award nomination for Best Original Screenplay.Key Discussion Points:The authenticity of minor league baseball portrayal and its impact on small communitiesKevin Costner's evolution from leading man to "grumpy Costner" in this breakout roleThe film's adult themes and quotable dialogue that baseball fans still use todayHow Bull Durham differs from other 80s baseball movies like Major League and Field of DreamsThe unique perspective of having a female narrator in a male-dominated sports genreFinal VerdictThe hosts deliver their "garter ratings" with Nate giving his favorite film a perfect 10/10, while Krissy and Nathan both land on a respectable 7/10. Despite some pacing issues in the final act, everyone agrees the film holds up as both a baseball movie and a romance, though they warn it's definitely not for young viewers despite its quotable nature.Connect with the ShowDiscover more episodes and get early, ad-free access plus bonus content by becoming a member at trustory.fm/join. Learn more about the podcast and TruStory FM network at trustory.fm.Follow us: Facebook | Instagram | BlueskySupport our guests: Check out Nathan's films at Squishy Studios and catch both Krissy and Nate performing at Neighborhood Comedy Theatre in Mesa, Arizona.What's your favorite baseball movie quote that you still use in everyday conversation? ---Learn more about supporting this podcast by becoming a member. It's just $5/month or $55/year. Visit our website to learn more.

Join us for a wild ride under the bed!The Most Excellent 80s Movies Podcast dives into the bizarre world of Little Monsters (1989), starring Fred Savage and Howie Mandel. Hosts Krissy Lenz and Nathan Blackwell are joined by comedy all-star Jenna Jacobsen from Mesa's Neighborhood Comedy Theater to dissect this attempt at creating "Beetlejuice for kids."Was this monster movie a trick or treat?Our panel discovers that Little Monsters is equal parts gross-out humor and confusing world-building. While the film tries to capture every kid's dream of causing mischief without consequences, it struggles with unclear rules about its monster underworld and features an unlikable protagonist who goes from indignant victim to gleeful prankster. The hosts debate whether Fred Savage's Brian learns any real lessons or just perpetuates cycles of bullying behavior.Production struggles show on screenThe podcast explores how ambitious creature design and elaborate set pieces were hampered by obvious budget constraints and poor lighting. Howie Mandel's manic performance as Maurice the monster feels more cocaine-fueled 80s punk than kid-friendly guide, while the film's gross-out gags land with a thud rather than laughs. Even Mandel reportedly hated making the movie due to the uncomfortable makeup and warehouse filming conditions.The verdict: Creative concept, flawed executionDespite mixed reactions from the panel (ratings ranged from 4 to 6 out of 10 horns), the hosts appreciate the film's swing-for-the-fences mentality and Ben Savage's surprisingly strong child acting performance.Other Topics Covered:Peanut butter and onion sandwiches—Fred Savage's questionable food choiceComparison to Beetlejuice and Monsters, Inc. influencesThe film's excessive use of profanity for a kids' movieDream Warriors-style climax with monster-fighting kidsCross-country chase scene logistics and plot holesDeep cut recommendations: Spirited Away, Clifford, The WizardBringing back "over the shoulder boulder holder" terminologyTune in for more 80s movie mayhem at The Most Excellent 80s Movies Podcast—where we revisit the decade's gems and disasters with modern grown-up eyes! ---Learn more about supporting this podcast by becoming a member. It's just $5/month or $55/year. Visit our website to learn more.

Holy Multimedia Event, Batman!Join hosts Krissy Lenz and Nathan Blackwell with special guests Andy Nelson and Kyle Olson as they dive deep into Tim Burton's groundbreaking Batman (1989)—recorded live at the 2025 Phoenix Fan Fusion! This wasn't just a movie—it was a cultural phenomenon that changed everything we thought we knew about comic book adaptations.Michael Keaton's Controversial Casting & PerformanceThe hosts discuss the massive fan backlash when Michael Keaton was cast as the Dark Knight, fresh off his comedic role in Beetlejuice. Thousands of angry letters poured in, but Keaton proved everyone wrong with his brooding, murderous take on Batman that shocked audiences expecting the campy 1960s TV version.Jack Nicholson's Iconic JokerFrom his pre-accident mob boss persona to his chemical-scarred transformation, Nicholson's Joker became the gold standard for Batman villains. The podcast explores his elaborate makeup process, brilliant branding schemes, and surprisingly sympathetic balloon scene that made audiences feel bad for Gotham's Clown Prince of Crime.Tim Burton's Dark Gothic VisionBurton created a Gotham City so grimy and noir it felt like 1970s New York at its worst. The hosts praise the film's revolutionary approach to superhero storytelling—taking the genre seriously for the first time since Superman while establishing the template for modern comic book movies.Other Topics Covered:• The film's massive $411 million box office success and cultural impact• Batman's surprisingly murderous methods compared to modern interpretations• The practical challenges of the original Batsuit (couldn't turn his head!)• Prince's soundtrack and the unprecedented multimedia marketing blitz• Behind-the-scenes studio mandates including the bell tower finale• Robin Williams casting controversy and Hollywood politics• Vicki Vale's problematic romance subplot and 80s dating culture• The film's influence on superhero movie merchandising• Comparing different Batman actors across generationsFinal VerdictAll four hosts give Burton's Batman a solid 8 out of 10, praising its entertainment value, groundbreaking tone, and lasting influence while acknowledging some dated elements. This episode proves why Batman (1989) remains the definitive Dark Knight for an entire generation of fans.Subscribe to The Most Excellent 80s Movies Podcast for more deep dives into the decade's greatest films! ---Learn more about supporting this podcast by becoming a member. It's just $5/month or $55/year. Visit our website to learn more.

Grab your knee pads and get ready to shred! Hosts Krissy Lenz and Nathan Blackwell tackle the 1986 skateboarding flick Thrashin', starring baby-faced Josh Brolin fresh off The Goonies. This loose Romeo and Juliet adaptation follows Corey Webster as he navigates Venice Beach skate gangs, romance, and the ultimate downhill race—the LA Massacre.Key Discussion PointsThe 80s Sports Movie Formula: Krissy and Nathan dive deep into how Thrashin' fits the classic 80s pattern of "secret counterculture sport" movies like Bloodsport, Rad, and Over the Top. These films were made by outsiders trying to dramatize subcultures they didn’t understand, resulting in gloriously inauthentic takes on skateboarding, break dancing, and martial arts.Skateboarding in the 80s: The hosts share personal memories of 80s skate culture—from coveting skateboard magazines and stickers to the reality of how incredibly difficult skating actually is. They discuss how the film treats skaters like gangs (the good "ramp locals" vs. the evil "daggers") rather than capturing authentic skate culture.Baby Josh Brolin: Before becoming Thanos, Josh Brolin was a smooth-faced teenager learning his craft. The hosts appreciate his early charisma while noting he hadn't yet developed his signature gravitas.Other Topics CoveredRed Hot Chili Peppers' appearance as the party bandThe legendary skating pool location that real skaters cherishedNunchuck jousting as conflict resolutionHair earrings and other questionable 80s fashion choicesThe film's low-stakes Romeo and Juliet adaptationSkateboarding montages and safety gear appreciationThe absurd LA Massacre downhill race finaleFinal VerdictBoth hosts rate Thrashin' a solid 5-5.5/10—"aggressively okay" with enough charm to entertain but lacking the cheesy fun factor to make it memorable.Deep Cut RecommendationsNathan suggests Over the Top (Stallone arm wrestling) for superior 80s sports schlock, while Krissy recommends Wet Hot American Summer as the perfect parody of these types of films.Subscribe to The Most Excellent 80s Movies Podcast for more radical retro reviews! ---Learn more about supporting this podcast by becoming a member. It's just $5/month or $55/year. Visit our website to learn more.

Flashdance (1983)—Dream Big or Go Home?In this energetic episode of The Most Excellent 80s Movies Podcast, hosts Krissy Lenz and Nathan Blackwell dive into the iconic 1983 film Flashdance. Neither had seen the movie before, leading to some surprising reactions as they examine this influential 80s classic through modern eyes.Nathan reveals how Flashdance became the progenitor of the Simpson-Bruckheimer production style that dominated 80s and 90s cinema, influencing everything from Top Gun to Dirty Dancing and Footloose. The hosts discuss how this $7.5 million film that grossed nearly $100 million established the MTV-style visual language that would later evolve into the Michael Bay aesthetic.While Krissy found herself disappointed by the movie overall (giving it just 5 out of 10 "bras removed through shirts"), both hosts agree that the dance sequences are electrifying highlights in an otherwise disjointed narrative. They examine the film's problematic message about dreams and failure—that one setback means you should abandon your ambitions altogether.The hosts also explore the complex portrayal of Alex (Jennifer Beals) as a young woman experiencing sexual awakening while making questionable emotional decisions, and discuss the fascinating behind-the-scenes facts about Marine Jahan, the uncredited dance double who performed most of the iconic dance sequences.Other Topics Covered:The problematic age gap between 18-year-old Alex and her 36-year-old boss/love interestThe contrast between burlesque dancing at Mawby's Bar versus stripping at the club across the streetThe film's impressive soundtrack filled with 80s bangersJennifer Beals' performance and her famous "bra removal through sweater" techniqueThe supporting characters' abandoned dreams and limited character developmentNathan's recommendation of All That Jazz (1979) for a more substantive dance filmKrissy's unexpected endorsement of welding as an empowering hobbyWhether you're revisiting this classic or discovering it for the first time, this episode offers fascinating insights into how Flashdance helped shape 80s cinema despite its narrative shortcomings. As the hosts remind us, sometimes the most influential films aren't necessarily the most cohesive—but they can still deliver unforgettable moments that stand the test of time. ---Learn more about supporting this podcast by becoming a member. It's just $5/month or $55/year. Visit our website to learn more.