Everything 80s

Today, we're diving back into the Billboard charts to look at which song was number one each year from 1980 to 1989. These days, it's hard to determine a number one hit as there are many factors including sales, streaming, chart position, YouTube views, etc. But in the 80s, it was all determined by Billboard. I guarantee there will be some number one hits that will surprise you... Show Notes: http...

It seems bizarre to think, but there was a time when tourists stayed away from New York City. Coming out of the 70s, and into the early 80s, New York was a dangerous, dirty, and nearly bankrupt city. It would take an advertising campaign to help bring the city back to life. This is a look back on the famous campaign going into the 80s and a logo that is part of pop culture. This is also the story...

Jim Henson has made a lot of beloved content, but was 1981's "The Great Muppet Caper" his very best? This is a look back on the only muppet movie Henson directed, the making of the movie, why it was set (and filmed) in England, and a bunch of great behind-the-scenes things. The Everything 80s Movie Review Podcast

The boombox, or Ghetto Blaster, was a symbolic part of the 1980s. Not only was it a way to take a party everywhere you went, but it also gave rise to a new art form called Hip Hop. In this episode, we'll look at how the boombox gave rise to a new culture and allowed the sharing of creativity.  The Everything 80s Movie Review Podcast: Patreon.com/80s

Follow That Bird is a movie released by Sesame Street and Jim Henson Productions in 1985. It tells the story of Big Bird leaving Sesame Street to go live with other birds. Sounds pretty standard, doesn't it? The problem is, this film might have been a bit too much for kids with some intense themes that you wouldn't expect. We'll explore this whole subject, and also why it got crushed at the box of...

In 1981, McDonald's introduced the world to one of the most popular fast food items ever: Chicken McNuggets. This is a look back on the item that caught McDonald's off guard and lead to a chicken shortage in North America. We'll also see how they were designed by a French chef, the questionable ingredients that went into them, and how McDonald's has had to alter them for today.  Show notes: Chicke...

In the 80s, there was no bigger thrill than picking up your photos from the developer. Those days are long gone, but photography has moved into a new age. The Kodak company not only pioneered and advanced the industry—but they also changed it: and it's what led to their downfall. This is a look back on when Kodak ruled the world of pictures, and their failure to stay on top. Show notes: The Downfa...

1988's "Who Framed Roger Rabbit" was a groundbreaking movie. Not only was it a technical marvel, commercial, and critical success, but an astonishing collaboration between studios. The number of character licenses and intellectual properties used in one film could never even be attempted today—but Steven Spielberg made it happen. This is a look back on the epic movie that also helped launch a new...

It's the 35th anniversary of Back to the Future, and today on the podcast, I'm interviewing Brad Gilmore, author of "Back From the Future." We'll discuss his book, the movie, behind-the-scenes things, and whether they should ever even consider a sequel. Book: Back From the Future The Everything 80s Movie Review Podcast: Patreon.com/80s  

People have always been fascinated by Bigfoot, and we finally got to see one on the big screen in the 1980s. In Harry & the Hendersons, we got a more humanistic, light-hearted approach to the sasquatch. This is a look back on the beloved movie, the production, how the marketing failed, and the evolution into the TV show.  Show notes: Harry and the Hendersons The Everything 80s Movie Review Podcast...

If you grew up in the 80s, you knew that Leisure Suit Larry was the stuff of legend. This was the original NSFW game, but one with an interesting backstory. This is a look back on the development of the game, the controversy, and how word of mouth led to its surprising success. Show Notes: Leisure Suit Larry The Everything 80s Movie Review Podcast: Patreon.com/80s  

There are some video games that are pretty much unbeatable, and Mike Tyson's Punch-Out is at the top of the list. This is a look back on one of the most popular—and best-selling—NES games in history. We'll look at the rise of Mike Tyson, the gameplay, easter eggs, and why Mike Tyson did not like this game. Show Notes: Mike Tyson's Punch-Out! The Everything 80s Movie Review Podcast: Patreon.com/80s...

Today, we are looking back at the Littles! This cartoon, and movie, were based on the book of the same name that goes back to the 60s. The entire idea may have also been "borrowed," and we get into that too.  Show notes: The Littles    

Today, we're counting down the top 10 cartoons of the 1980s. With each choice, we will look at what made it great, the pop culture influence it had, and some insights into each show. Show notes: Top 10 Cartoons The Everything 80s Movie Review Podcast: Patreon.com/80s  

Rubik, The Amazing Cube was a short-lived Saturday morning cartoon show that debuted in September 1983. It was put together to capitalize on the red-hot popularity of the Rubik's Cube. It failed to find an audience with the onslaught of new kids' programming, but actually took a ground-breaking approach in the show's premise.  Show Notes: Rubik, The Amazing Cube The Everything 80s Movie Review Pod...

In this episode, I want to look at the importance—and power—of nostalgia during times of crisis. There is a reason we return to the same movies, TV shows, books, and other forms of entertainment when feeling stressed. We'll also look at why it's been harder to start new things during a time like this—and why that's not necessarily a bad thing.  Show notes: The Power of Nostalgia   

Today we are looking at the 1986 classic: Flight of the Navigator. I'll go through the plot, look at how this movie was made, some behind-the-scenes stuff, and explore some of the different themes in this childhood favorite, including how home is not just a place—it's a feeling.  Show Notes: Flight of the Navigator The Everything 80s Movie Review Podcast: Patreon.com/80s

This is the final review in the Indiana Jones trilogy - the Last Crusade. We'll look back on what made this movie so incredible and what makes it hold up today. We'll look at some behind-the-scenes things and explore the themes of the movie. And yes, I touch on The Kingdom of the Crystal Skull as we conclude this epic trilogy. Show notes: Indiana Jones The Everything 80s Movie Review Podcast: Patr...

In 1988, a relatively unknown actor was chosen to play the Caped Crusader in Tim Burton's upcoming film; Batman. And people went nuts. The great Michael Keaton backlash of 1988 was swift and severe -, especially in a time before social media. This is a look back on the controversy behind the casting of Batman.  Show Notes: The Great Michael Keaton Backlash  

Today I am reviewing the second installment of the Indiana Jones franchise: The Temple Of Doom from 1984. We'll break down the plot, look at some behind-the-scenes stuff, and explore some of the themes explored and how the violence in this movie changed the way movies would be made forever. Show notes: Indiana Jones The Everything 80s Movie Review Podcast: Patreon.com/80s

Punky Brewster was a beloved show from the 1980s, but was it too intense for kids? This episode is a look back on how this show came together, but some of the absurdly intense themes the show covered over the years. We'll also look at some unique production aspects of the show that had never been done before. Punky Power! Show Notes:  Punky Brewster

Today we are reviewing the classic 1981 action-adventure film, Indiana Jones & The Raiders Of The Lost Ark. George Lucas produced the movie, directed by Steven Spielberg, and stars Harrison Ford. We'll break down the plot, look at some behind-the-scenes stuff, and discuss some of the movie's themes. Show notes: Indiana Jones The Everything 80s Movie Review Podcast: Patreon.com/80s  

To me, the 80s is the all-time greatest decade. And if the 80s were the Beatles of decades, 1985 would be its Sgt. Peppers. So many iconic movies, toys, tv shows, and items came out during this year, and this podcast is a look back on the 19 best things that make 1985 the greatest year ever! show notes: 1985 The Everything 80s Movie Review Podcast: Patreon.com/80s  

Today we're looking back on the classic 1984 science-fiction/comedy: Ghostbusters. We'll recap the plot of the movie, look at some great behind-the-scenes stuff, and break down the very deep and interesting themes that the movie explores.  Show notes: Ghostbusters The Everything 80s Movie Review Podcast: Patreon.com/80s  

It's Hulk Hogan's Rock n' Wrestling, brother! This is a look back on not just the cartoon show, but the rise of the WWF, Hulk Hogan, and Hulkamania in the mid-80s. Show Notes: Hulk Hogan's Rock n' Wrestling