1981 Movies Episodes

In this episode, hosts Bill Bant and Jason Masek delve into the iconic film 'Escape from New York,' focusing on the character Snake Plissken and his mission to rescue the President from a dystopian Manhattan prison. The episode explores the career of Kurt Russell, the mastery of director John Carpenter, and the film's impact on the dystopian genre. They share personal anecdotes about their first encounters with the film, analyze character dynamics, and discuss the production design and cinematic techniques that contribute to its lasting appeal. The hosts express their admiration for the performances, particularly that of Russell, while also critiquing the film's action sequences and world-building elements. Overall, the discussion highlights the film's significance in '80s cinema and its influence on future dystopian narratives. The episode covers key scenes, character dynamics, and the film's practical effects, while also addressing some plot conveniences and critiques of the film's…

"In the future, cities will become deserts, roads will become battlefields and the hope of mankind will appear as a stranger." For this week's episode, we are discussing 1981 dystopian action movie 'Mad Max 2: The Road Warrior.' The movie stars Mel Gibson, Bruce Spence and Vernon Wells. Co-written and directed by George Miller. Mad Max 2: The Road Warrior - IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0082694/?ref_=hm_rvi_i_7 Mad Max 2: The Road Warrior - Rotten Tomatoes: https://www.rottentomatoes.com...

In this episode of the "All 80s Movies Podcast", Bill Bant and Jason Masek discuss the 1981 slasher film 'The Burning.' They talk about the plot, the cast, and the special effects, highlighting the gory kills and the impressive work of makeup artist Tom Savini. They also discuss the lack of a strong motivation for the killer, Cropsey, and the slow pacing of the film. Despite its flaws, they both enjoy the movie and appreciate its place in the slasher genre. The episode covers some of their favorite scenes of the movie 'The Burning'. The scenes include the fun and camaraderie of overnight camp experiences, the legend of Cropsey, the raft massacre scene, and some excellent camera work. The episode also highlights the need for better character development and editing in certain scenes. The episode covers various aspects of the movie 'The Burning', including critiques of certain scenes, discussions about the characters and their actions, analysis of the film's ending, and trivia about its…

In this episode, Bill and Jason discuss the 1981 crime drama 'Sharky's Machine'. They share their earliest memories of the film and their overall thoughts. They highlight the gritty cop drama genre and the performances of Burt Reynolds and Rachel Ward. They also discuss the violence in the film and the unevenness in the direction. Their favorite scene is the opening chase sequence, which they find intense and well-executed. Jason and Bill also discuss other favorite scenes from the movie 'Sharky's Machine' and analyze key moments. They highlight the romantic stakeout sequence where Sharkey falls in love with Domino from afar, the shocking death of Domino, and the confrontation between Sharkey and Victor/Albert. They also mention the intense action sequence at the end of the film and the closing shot over the credits. Some complaints include confusion about the decoding of names and the lack of clarity regarding certain plot points. They highlight inconsistencies in the film and the un…

"Just when you thought it was safe to go back to camp..." For our second episode of our third annual "Splatter Cinema Month" series, we will be going back to Crystal Lake to discuss 'Friday the 13th Part 2', starring Amy Steel, John Furey and Stu Charno. Directed by Steve Miner. Friday the 13th Part 2 - IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0082418/?ref_=nm_knf_t_1 Friday the 13th Part 2 - Rotten Tomatoes: https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/friday_the_13th_part_2 Bill's Letterboxd Ratings: https:/...

"Murder has a sound all of its own!" In this week's episode, we discuss the thriller 'Blow Out' starring John Travolta, Nancy Allen and John Lithgow. Written and directed by Brian De Palma. Blow Out - IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0082085/?ref_=tttg_ov Blow Out - Rotten Tomatoes: https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/blow_out Bill's Letterboxd Ratings: https://letterboxd.com/bill_b/list/bills-all-80s-movies-podcast-ratings/ Jason's Letterboxd Ratings: https://letterboxd.com/jasonmasek/list/ja...

"Tonight, his take home pay is $410,000...tax free." In this week's episode, we discuss the crime drama 'Thief' starring James Caan, James Belushi and Tuesday Weld. Written and directed by Michael Mann. Based on the novel "The Home Invaders" by Frank Hohimer. Thief - IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0083190/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0_tt_8_nm_0_q_thief Thief - Rotten Tomatoes: https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/1021230-thief Bill's Letterboxd Ratings: https://letterboxd.com/bill_b/list/bills-all-80s-m...

"Wulfgar, an international terrorist holds the City of New York hostage, but Deke DaSilva, the most dangerous cop known to man, can take him down." In this week's episode, we discuss the crime thriller 'Nighthawks' starring Sylvester Stallone, Rutger Hauer and Billy Dee Williams. Directed by Bruce Malmuth. Nighthawks - IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0082817/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1 Nighthawks - Rotten Tomatoes: https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/1015095-nighthawks Bill's Letterboxd Ratings: https:/...

"Lock the doors... here come the Neighbors." In this week's episode we discuss John Belushi's final film, the comedy 'Neighbors' also starring Dan Aykroyd and Cathy Moriarty. Directed by John G. Avildsen. Based on the book by Thomas Berger. Neighbors - IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0082801/?ref_=tttg_tg_tt Neighbors trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HUO1OugYbRk Neighbors - Rotten Tomatoes: https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/1014804-neighbors Bill's Letterboxd Ratings: https://letterbo...

"It's a hot summer. Ned Racine is waiting for something special to happen. And when it does... He won't be ready for the consequences." In this week's episode, we discuss the Neo-noir classic 'Body Heat' starring William Hurt, Richard Crenna and making her feature film debut, Kathleen Turner. Written and directed by Lawrence Kasdan. Body Heat - IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0082089/?ref_=tttg_tg_tt Body Heat trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zPOjV9Gdk7U Body Heat - Rotten Tomatoes: ...

"You will feel the power. Live the adventure. Experience the fantastic." In this week's episode, we discuss the epic adventure movie 'Clash of the Titans' starring Harry Hamlin, Judi Bowker and Sir Laurence Olivier. This movie was directed by Desmond Davis and features the amazing stop motion special effects of Ray Harryhausen. Clash of the Titans IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0082186/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_3 Clash of the Titans Movie Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ojw1sau98Jg Clash of...

"The story of a man who wanted to keep the world safe for democracy...and meet girls." In this week's episode, we pay tribute to the late Ivan Reitman, by discussing his comedy classic 'Stripes' which he directed. The movie stars Bill Murray, Harold Ramis, Sean Young, P.J. Soles and John Candy. Stripes IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0083131/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0 Stripes Movie Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yajlukh8sic Stripes - Rotten Tomatoes: https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/stri...

"The Return of the Great Adventure." For our last movie of season 1, we will be discussing one of the biggest blockbusters of the 80's, "Raiders of the Lost Ark". Starring Harrison Ford, Karen Allen and Paul Freeman, this movies was directed by Steven Spielberg based on a story by George Lucas. Raiders of the Lost Ark - IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0082971/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0 Raiders of the Lost Ark trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XkkzKHCx154 Raiders of the Lost Ark - Rotten Tomat...

"Beware the Moon." For our final episode of our "Splatter Cinema Month" series, we will be discussing the horror/comedy classic, 'An American Werewolf in London' starring David Naughton, Jenny Agutter and Griffin Dunne. The movie was written and directed by John Landis. An American Werewolf in London - IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0082010/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0 An American Werewolf in London trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bRVH3z_erjA An American Werewolf in London - Rotten Tomatoes:...

"No one comes close to JAMES BOND 007" In this week's episode we discuss the 1981 James Bond adventure 'For Your Eyes Only' starring Roger Moore, Carole Bouquet, Topol and Julian Glover. This movie was directed by John Glen. For Your Eyes Only - IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0082398/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0 For Your Eyes Only trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e0iF8TCk4Fw For Your Eyes Only - Rotten Tomatoes: https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/for_your_eyes_only Bill's Letterboxd Ratings: ht...

"In the Dark Ages, Magic was a weapon. Love was a mystery. Adventure was everywhere... And Dragons were real. " In this episode we discuss the 1981 fantasy adventure 'Dragonslayer' starring Peter MacNicol and Caitlin Clarke. Directed by Matthew Robbins. Dragonslayer - IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0082288/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_3 Dragonslayer trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IoXVqhDpd4U Dragonslayer - Rotten Tomatoes: https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/dragonslayer Bill's Letterboxd Rating...

"Their goal was freedom... " In this week's episode we kick around the 1981 soccer drama 'Victory' starring Michael Caine, Sylvester Stallone and Pele'. Directed by the legendary John Huston. Victory - IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0083284/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0 Victory trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MO2yuDWi-IA Victory - Rotten Tomatoes: https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/1022576-victory Bill's Letterboxd Ratings: https://letterboxd.com/bill_b/list/bills-all-80s-movies-podcast-ratings...