the Most Excellent 80s Movies Podcast

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-Bruck...

The Darkest Indiana Jones Adventure In this episode of The Most Excellent 80s Movies Podcast, hosts Krissy Lenz and Nathan Blackwell dive into the controversial second installment of the Indiana Jones franchise, Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (1984). This prequel to Raiders of the Lost Ark takes our hero to Shanghai and then India for what many consider the darkest chapter in the series. The...

David Lynch's Dark Suburban MasterpieceJoin hosts Krissy Lenz and Nathan Blackwell with special guests Andy Nelson and Pete Wright as they dive into David Lynch's controversial classic Blue Velvet (1986), a film that exposed the dark underbelly beneath idyllic small-town America. When college student Jeffrey Beaumont (Kyle MacLachlan) discovers a severed ear in a field, he's drawn into a twisted m...

A Disney Renaissance ClassicJoin hosts Krissy Lenz and Nathan Blackwell with special guest Mandy Kaplan as they dive under the sea to explore Disney's animation breakthrough The Little Mermaid. This 1989 film marked the beginning of the Disney Renaissance and set the template for modern Disney princess stories with its memorable songs and colorful characters. The trio discusses how this film revol...

The Epic Conclusion to the Original Star Wars TrilogyJoin hosts Krissy Lenz and Nathan Blackwell, along with special guest Francis Zagarigo, as they dive into the thrilling conclusion of the original Star Wars trilogy—Return of the Jedi (1983). This episode explores how the final installment wraps up the saga with its unforgettable characters, iconic scenes, and the ultimate battle between good an...

Groundbreaking Digital Frontier or 80s Tech Fantasy? Join hosts Krissy Lenz and Nathan Blackwell with special guest Joe Malone as they venture into the neon-lit digital world of Tron (1982). This revolutionary sci-fi adventure follows computer programmer Kevin Flynn (Jeff Bridges) as he's transported inside a computer system where he must battle alongside Tron against the tyrannical Master Control...

A Frozen Adventure in a Galaxy Far, Far AwayIn this episode of The Most Excellent 80s Movies Podcast, hosts Krissy Lenz and Nathan Blackwell are joined by special guest Francis Zagarigo to discuss the iconic sequel Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back. As a certified young person who had never seen the original trilogy before, Francis brings a fresh perspective to this beloved sci-fi class...

Hello Friends of the Most Excellent 80s Movies Podcast! We are taking a short break between seasons during February and March. In the meantime please enjoy these REBROADCAST episodes, some favorites of ours, to tide you over until we return on Wednesday April 9th with new episodes! Join Filmmaker Nathan Blackwell (Voyage Trekkers, The Last Movie Ever Made) and Comedian Krissy Lenz ( Neighborhood C...

Hello Friends of the Most Excellent 80s Movies Podcast! We are taking a short break between seasons during February and March. In the meantime please enjoy these REBROADCAST episodes, some favorites of ours, to tide you over until we return on Wednesday April 9th with new episodes! Get ready to saddle up for some wildly excellent 80s action with The Most Excellent 80s Movies podcast's tubular reca...

Hello Friends of the Most Excellent 80s Movies Podcast! We are taking a short break between seasons during February and March. In the meantime please enjoy these REBROADCAST episodes, some favorites of ours, to tide you over until we return on Wednesday April 9th with new episodes! Join hosts Krissy Lenz, Nathan Blackwell and special guest Nate McWhortor ( Gank that Drank: A Supernatural Drinking...

Hello Friends of the Most Excellent 80s Movies Podcast! We are taking a short break between seasons during February and March. In the meantime please enjoy these REBROADCAST episodes, some favorites of ours, to tide you over until we return on Wednesday April 9th with new episodes! In this uproarious episode of The Most Excellent 80s Movies Podcast, hosts Krissy Lenz and Nathan Blackwell team up w...

Welcome back to The Most Excellent 80s Movies Podcast with your hosts Krissy Lenz and Nathan Blackwell! This episode dives deep into the heartfelt and iconic Rain Man (1988). From its award-winning performances by Dustin Hoffman and Tom Cruise to its unique road trip narrative, we revisit this Best Picture Oscar winner to see how it holds up through modern eyes. Prepare for thoughtful discussions,...

Join hosts Krissy Lenz and Nathan Blackwell as they dive deep into one of the most bewildering teen films of the 1980s - Dream a Little Dream (1989). This surreal body-swap comedy starring the two Coreys (Feldman and Haim) alongside veteran actors Jason Robards and Piper Laurie proves to be a fascinating mess of metaphysical poetry, teen romance, and inexplicable violence. Following a recommendati...

Join hosts Krissy Lenz and Nathan Blackwell with special guest Alice Baker as they roundhouse kick their way through Barry Gordy's 1985 martial arts musical mashup The Last Dragon. This cult classic blends kung fu action, Motown music, and 80s pop culture into a unique cinematic experience that defies traditional genre boundaries. The hosts dive deep into the film's peculiar plot, following Leroy...

80s icon Corey Feldman joins The Most Excellent 80s Movies Podcast to discuss his new film Going Viral (2024), a nostalgic throwback that imagines what social media might have looked like in the 1980s. Hosts Krissy Lenz and Nathan Blackwell sit down with the star of classics like The Goonies and Stand By Me for an engaging conversation about this unique blend of retro aesthetics and modern technol...

National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation: A Hilarious Holiday Classic Dissected Join the hosts of The Most Excellent 80s Movies Podcast as they unwrap the comedic genius of National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation, the 1989 holiday comedy that has become a beloved family tradition for millions. Featuring special guests Adam and Megan Hughes Rini, this episode offers a deep dive into one of the most icon...

Step into the DeLorean with hosts Krissy Lenz and Nathan Blackwell as they revisit the mind-bending 1989 sequel Back to the Future Part II. This zany time-traveling adventure pushes Marty McFly and Doc Brown to their limits as they navigate multiple timelines, alternate realities, and a dystopian version of Hill Valley ruled by the villainous Biff Tannen. The hosts dive deep into how Back to the F...

Join hosts Krissy Lenz and Nathan Blackwell, along with special guest Nate McWhortor, as they dive into the cult classic Evil Dead II (1987). This episode is packed with spine-tingling insights and hilarious commentary on one of the most beloved horror-comedies of all time. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a newcomer to the franchise, you won’t want to miss this thrilling discussion! Evil Dead II...

Join hosts Nathan Blackwell and Krissy Lenz as they dive into the groundbreaking 1980 workplace comedy 9 to 5, starring Jane Fonda, Lily Tomlin, and Dolly Parton in her film debut. This feminist revenge fantasy became the first female-led film to break $100 million at the box office, but does it hold up today? The hosts explore how the film starts as a grounded workplace drama about three women de...

Join hosts Krissy Lenz and Nathan Blackwell, along with returning guest Adam Marshall Rini, as they dive deep into John Carpenter's politically charged sci-fi action film They Live (1988). This cult classic starring WWE legend "Rowdy" Roddy Piper delivers a scathing critique of Reaganomics and consumer culture through the lens of an alien invasion thriller. The hosts explore how They Live serves a...

Dive into the hilarious world of role reversal with Mr. Mom (1983) in this episode of The Most Excellent 80s Movies Podcast! Hosts Krissy Lenz and Nathan Blackwell unpack this classic comedy starring Michael Keaton and Teri Garr, exploring its impact, humor, and relevance in today's world. Discover how Mr. Mom captures the essence of 1980s family dynamics as Jack Butler (Keaton) becomes a stay-at-...

When 80s Comedy Meets Sci-Fi Brilliance Join hosts Krissy Lenz and Nathan Blackwell as they dive into the quirky world of Real Genius, the 1985 sci-fi comedy that proves even geniuses know how to party. This episode of "The Most Excellent 80s Movies Podcast" explores how director Martha Coolidge blended teenage hijinks with cutting-edge science for a uniquely 80s experience. Val Kilmer's Breakout...

Dive into the enchanting world of mermaids and romance with "The Most Excellent 80s Movies Podcast" as hosts Krissy Lenz and Nathan Blackwell make a splash discussing the 1984 hit film Splash. This delightful romantic comedy starring Tom Hanks and Daryl Hannah captures the magic of first love and the fish-out-of-water story that charmed audiences nearly four decades ago. The hosts explore the film...

This week, Krissy Lenz and Nathan Blackwell take listeners on a nostalgic journey back to 1988 with their in-depth discussion of the iconic film "Beaches." This beloved classic, starring Bette Midler and Barbara Hershey, explores the enduring bond between two vastly different women, the flamboyant Cece and the reserved Hillary, as they navigate the ups and downs of life together. Throughout the ep...

In the latest episode of The Most Excellent 80s Movies Podcast, hosts Krissy Lenz and Nathan Blackwell, along with special guest Matthew Fox from The Ethical Panda, delve into the iconic 1984 supernatural comedy, "Ghostbusters." This episode is a treasure trove for fans and newcomers alike, offering a nostalgic look at why "Ghostbusters" continues to captivate audiences nearly four decades after i...