Fanacek

Yes, folks.  Two for the price of one.  First, I explore the 1981 short lived TV version of Foul Play, based on the 1978 Chevy Chase and Goldie Hawn almost classic.  Then, I will play dueling Uncle Bucks by comparing the 1990 version to the 2016 version, both of whom fall short of the original 1989 John Candy masterpiece.  And, as if that weren't enough, I'll explore 70s revenge flicks, meeting Va...

'Tis the season for Fanacek to ramble on about one of his favorite holiday movies, National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation and it wouldn't be Fanacek without stopping along the way to discuss such topics as the history of TV's TGIF in the 90s, meeting Rhoda and Corey Feldman, the lazy grandpa from Willy Wonka possibly committing social security fraud, and Courtney Cox's Alabama roots.  Also, Chevy C...

I loved this movie, I loved this book, and I loved this show.  Goodbye TV version of the Outsiders.  We hardly knew ye.  In this action packed "Solocek" episode, we discuss the gone too soon 1990 TV Show "The Outsiders".  But be warned, things get spicy as I also discuss young versions of Jennifer Love Hewitt, Nicole Eggert, Justine Bateman, Alyssa Milano, Drew Barrymore, and Jaime Pressly.  I als...

This is a very special episode of the show.  I was so honored to have the opportunity to speak with Ron Defore, author of the book "Growing Up in Disneyland".  Ron is the son of Hollywood royalty.  His father, Don Defore, is a star of broadway, film and television.  He is most recognized for his roles in The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet, Hazel, and It Happened On 5th Avenue.  He worked with suc...

In 1978, the Lord gave us National Lampoon's Animal House.  Not to be outdone, in 1979 Satan smited us with ABC's TV version, Delta House.  I had to take a closer look at this show.  I also take a few detours and talk about sharing a toilet with Meatloaf, Bob Saget's acts of kindness, silent rage and silent farts, making out with Valerie Bertinelli, and seeing Laurie Metcalf at a bookstore.  I may...

This a special episode featuring Solocek.  Yes folks, this is my first episode without a guest and why not?  I do most of the yapping anyway.  I wanted to squeeze in two mini episodes before Thanksgiving, so this is my gift to you: Two classic 1973 films that were turned into disastrous TV Shows. Along the way, we'll also mention Angela Lansbury's heart of gold, the Thighmaster, IMDB recommending...

Aloha, listeners.  Fanacek is back and taking a cold, hard look at the ill fated TV version of the 1982 classic, "Fast Times at Ridgemont High".  Whilst on this journey, we will also touch on ABC Afterschool Specials, Charlie Sheen maybe abusing Corey Haim, shaking hands with Richard Lewis, BibleMan, Wilford Brimley's ability to always look 90 yrs old, my run in with Dan Castellaneta, Patrick Demp...

Baby Houseman.  Baby Kellerman.  Two Babies enter, only one will be left standing.  Yes, folks, Dirty Dancing became a short lived 1988 TV Show.  And, of course, I had to do a typical Fanacek deep dive.  Along the way, we'll explore my family's decision to purchase  BetaMax over VHS, the nudity in Friday the 13 Part 4, Tim Robbins and duck sex, actors in blackface, M.A.S.H. and its relationship wi...

Picture this: Los Angeles.  1990.  A group of NBC execs think they can recapture the charm and vibe of Ferris Bueller's Day Off in a 30 minute sitcom format.  Without Broderick, without the rest of the cast, and without John Hughes.  I would give them an F, but Ferris would change the grade anyway.  Check out the episode.

Listen up Fanacek fans.  Season 2 is about to drop and it's gonna be life changing.  And by life changing, I mean pretty good.  A new theme, new awards, and all new film and TV minutia to discover and explore.   Pucker up, buttercup!

Whatcha talkin' about, Willis?  The Season 1 finale has arrived and its explosive!!  Well, maybe not explosive, but it's decent.  We take a deep dive on Mr. Luke Perry.  Along the way, we revisit Dudley being sexually assaulted, the dumb death of Jon-Erik Hexum, the many works of Aaron Spelling, and our differing opinions of Halloween Ends.  RIP, Luke.  You were one of the good ones.

Give me evil, sexy Hamlet.  Vroom Vroom!  Yes, it's England's favorite American writer and director, Sam Wanamaker.  We will explore his career while also touching on Sean Connery's badassery, David Cassidy as a TV cop, the genius of Columbo, and the relationship between Picasso and Dr. Richard Kimble's innocence.  It's a whole thing.

It's Johnny Madrid himself, James Stacy.  We'll take a deep dive into his career just like Gordon Jump tried to take a deep dive into Arnold and Dudley!  We'll also touch on fun topics like amputation, Sean Astin's multiple fathers, the Nelson Twins, Ron Rifkin complimenting my wife, and how Mr. Tarantino took some liberties with his version of the Lancer pilot.

Damn, Clu passed away last month.  I wish I had done this sooner.  Gone but not forgotten.  In this episode we talk about Christopher McDonald being clowned on Project Greenlight, The Florida Project, Billy the Kid, the horrible death of Jennifer Jason Leigh's dad, failed TV shows, The 2 Heathers (Locklear & Thomas), and Congress shutting down anti-heroes.  R.I.P. Clu Gulager.

Gary Kent met (and threatened) Charles Manson.  Enough said.  But if that isn't enough for you, we also talk about recasting Once Upon A Time in Hollywood, caveman sex, Bruce Willis's penis, Ed Wood, a fella named Dick Dagger, black exploitation films, and my family stealing HBO in the 80s.  It's life changing.

In the tradition of Blossom and Diff'rent Strokes, a very special episode of Fanacek.  I am joined by my 12 year old daughter to dive into her favorite show, Stranger Things.  We touch on actors I know, famous people I've met, Johnny Depp's poor choices, and the difference between Kenan Thompson and Keanu Reeves.  We also go through some fan theories about the upcoming season and, as always, I fin...

This guy personifies Cliff Booth.  He had the look, the stunt street cred, and a famous buddy, Burt Reynolds.  He's Hal Needham and boy did he like Smokey and the Bandit.  We dive into his career and along the way we explore my life as a video store clerk, Traci Lords, Tugboat Thomas, Singin' in the Rain, the forgotten sequels to Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, and the 80's classic "Rad".  We...

The last of the Three Georges, George Chakiris.  In this episode we dive into his career, while also touching on Ed Sullivan, Liberace, the death of Natalie Wood, German T&A films, Mickey Mantle, Elvis, Betty White, and the 1981 tearjerker....Porky's.

What can I say about George Maharis that hasn't been said before?  Well, a lot apparently.  Actor, Playgirl model, and friend of Perfecto Telles...George was a multi talented fellow.  We explore his career, The Sopranos, football movies, Shaft, Sex Bomb, and bloody Drew Barrymore shower scenes.  Trust me, it will all make sense.

So...the story goes that Rick Dalton almost got the Steve McQueen part in The Great Escape.  He never had a meeting, never had an audition, but...the rumor is that for a little while he was on a short list with the three Georges.  Peppard, Maharis, and Chakiris.  Let's explore these guys and see what makes them so damn special.   Part is is a deep dive on George Peppard...or at least it starts tha...