Episodes

In this episode of the "All 80s Movies Podcast," hosts Bill Bant and Jason Masek delve into the 1983 film 'The Dead Zone, based on Stephen King's novel. They discuss the film's plot, characters, and themes, highlighting the performances of Christopher Walken, Martin Sheen, and Tom Skerritt. They explore personal connections to the film, initial thoughts, and the impact of psychic powers on the protagonist, Johnny Smith. The hosts reflect on the film's emotional depth, character development, and the eerie atmosphere created by the score, ultimately leading to a deeper appreciation of the movie's tragic love story and its exploration of fate and choice. They analyze key moments, including Johnny's press conference, his interactions with law enforcement, and the chilling visions that reveal dark futures. The discussion highlights the film's exploration of fate, responsibility, and the consequences of knowledge. They explore the repercussion of altering history and the complexities of suc…

In this episode, hosts Bill Bant and Jason Masek dive into the 1982 action comedy '48 Hours', exploring its significance in the buddy cop genre, the standout performances of Eddie Murphy and Nick Nolte, and the film's gritty atmosphere. They share personal memories of the film, discuss its writing and character dynamics, and highlight favorite scenes, all while reflecting on the cultural impact of this classic 80s movie. The hosts delve into the intricacies of filmmaking, particularly focusing on long takes and the technical mastery behind action scenes. They discuss character dynamics, plot holes, and the standout performance of Eddie Murphy. The conversation also touches on the physical acting displayed in fight scenes, the significance of a pivotal bar scene, and the complexities of relationships portrayed in the film. Additionally, they critique the film's narrative structure, highlighting various complaints and plot inconsistencies, culminating in a discussion about the movie's f…

In this episode, hosts Bill Bant and Jason Masek dive into the 1989 film 'Batman,' directed by Tim Burton. They explore the film's cultural impact, the iconic performances of Michael Keaton as Batman, Jack Nicholson as the Joker, and Kim Basinger as Vicki Vale. The conversation reflects on their personal memories of the film's release, the music by Danny Elfman and Prince, and the film's dark aesthetic that redefined the superhero genre. The hosts also discuss the production design, the film's legacy, and their initial thoughts on revisiting this classic. In this part of the conversation, the hosts delve into character analyses, favorite scenes, and pivotal moments from the 'Batman' movie. They discuss the significance of the opening scene, Jack Napier's transformation into the Joker, the Batmobile's unveiling and the Joker's chaotic parade. Jason and Bill delve into the film's production trivia, discuss unfilmed scenes, its box office success and critical reception. They explore the …

In this episode, we celebrate the end of Season 4 with a unique twist: an '80s High School Comedy Cast Draft. Joined by guests Chris Valenziano, Patrick J. Doody, and Marwan Abderrazzaq, they discuss their favorite high school movies from the 1980s and draft characters to create their ultimate high school comedy. Who did we miss in our casts? Email: all80smoviespodcast@gmail.com Bill's Letterboxd Ratings: https://letterboxd.com/bill_b/list/bills-all-80s-movies-podcast-ratings/ Jason's Lett...

In this episode of the "All 80s Movies Podcast", hosts Bill Bant and Jason Masek dive into the 1982 comedy film 'The Toy,' starring Richard Pryor and Jackie Gleason. They reflect on their childhood memories of the film, discuss the cast and crew, and share their initial impressions. The conversation explores character dynamics, favorite scenes, and the film's controversial elements, ultimately leading to a discussion on its social commentary and relevance today. The hosts express surprise at the film's adult themes and the disjointed nature of its storytelling, questioning its suitability as a children's movie. They discuss the go-kart adventures, Jack's monologue with stuffed animals, the piranha incident, and the pivotal conversations about friendship and power dynamics. They spotlight Wilfrid Hyde-White's performance, share behind-the-scenes trivia, and analyze the film's box office performance and critical reception. The conversation culminates in a candid discussion about their f…

In this episode of the "All 80s Movies Podcast", hosts Bill Bant and Jason Masek delve into the 1980 classic 'Raging Bull,' directed by Martin Scorsese and starring Robert De Niro. They explore the film's themes, characters, and the emotional impact it has on viewers. The conversation covers their personal memories of the film, initial thoughts on its cinematic techniques, and favorite scenes, highlighting the film's brutal realism and masterful direction. The hosts explore its powerful opening, the complex character dynamics of Jake LaMotta, and the themes of jealousy and violence that permeate the narrative. They analyze key scenes that reveal LaMotta's inner struggles and the impact of his relationships, particularly with women and his brother. The discussion culminates in a detailed examination of LaMotta's final showdown with Sugar Ray Robinson, highlighting the brutal nature of the sport and LaMotta's self-destructive tendencies. Bill and Jason discuss the artistic choices made …

"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," hosts Bill Bant and Jason Masek dive into the 1983 film 'Flashdance,' exploring its plot, characters, and cultural impact. They share personal memories associated with the film, discuss the significance of its music and fashion, and critique its narrative structure. The conversation highlights the film's role as a trendsetter in the 1980s and reflects on the lasting impressions it has left on audiences. They discuss the fluidity of the narrative, the memorable dance sequences, and the humor interspersed throughout the film. They also touch on the power of confidence, and the cautionary tales that emerge from the characters' journeys. In the "Swiss Cheese and Complaint Department" segment, Jason and Bill delve into various issues with the film 'Flashdance', including the use of stunt doubles, the character of Alex and her background, the implications of age gaps in relationships, and the overall lack of character development. The hosts a…

"Murder, madness, mystery, and mayhem. More fun than you can imagine." For this week's episode, we are discussing the cult comedy classic 'Clue.' The movie stars Eileen Brennan, Tim Curry, Madeline Kahn, Christopher Lloyd, Michael McKean, Martin Mull and Lesley Ann Warren. Co-written and directed by Jonathan Lynn. Clue - IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0088930/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0_tt_8_nm_0_in_0_q_clue Clue - Rotten Tomatoes: https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/clue Bill's Letterboxd Ratings: htt...

"The kids of Elm Street don't know it yet, but something is coming to get them in their dreams." As we conclude our "Splatter Cinema Month," we are discussing the horror classic "A Nightmare on Elm Street" which is celebrating its 40th Anniversary. The movie stars Robert Englund, Heather Langenkang and Johnny Depp. Written and directed by Wes Craven. A Nightmare on Elm Street - IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0087800/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0_tt_8_nm_0_in_0_q_a%2520ni A Nightmare on Elm Street - ...

In this episode of the "All 80s Movies Podcast," hosts Bill Bant and Jason Masek dive into the 1988 horror remake 'The Blob.' They discuss their personal memories of the film, the plot, and the special effects that made it a standout in the horror genre. The conversation also touches on the film's director, cast, and the significance of the movie within the context of 80s cinema. With a focus on memorable scenes and character development, the hosts explore the film's impact and compare it to the original 1958 version. The hosts delve into the terrifying scenes of the blob's attacks, particularly focusing on the chilling encapsulation of characters in a phone booth and the chaos that ensues in a movie theater. They discuss the practical effects that enhance the horror experience, the late arrival of government intervention, and various complaints about plot holes and editing issues. The conversation wraps up with reflections on the film's ending and the implications of the blob's fate.…

In this episode of the "All '80s Movies Podcast," hosts Bill Bant and Jason Masek dive into the 1986 techno horror film 'Chopping Mall.' They discuss the film's plot, characters, and its cult classic status, while sharing their initial impressions and favorite moments. The conversation explores the film's production, humor, and the dynamics between characters, ultimately reflecting on the entertaining yet flawed nature of the movie. They discuss various scenes, including the infamous killbot's efficiency, the clever elevator trap set by the characters, and the tense moments in a pet shop. They also share their thoughts on character performances, particularly Barbara Crampton's, and highlight some of the film's more ridiculous elements, leading to a light-hearted critique of the movie's logic and execution. They spotlight charactor actor Dick Miller, explore trivia about the film's production, and reflect on its box office performance. The conversation also touches on favorite '80s mov…

In this episode, hosts Bill Bant and Jason Masak dive into the 1988 cult horror film 'Night of the Demons.' They discuss the film's plot, characters, and their personal experiences with horror movies from the 80s. The conversation explores the film's special effects, direction, and the thematic elements that make it a unique entry in the horror genre. They share their favorite scenes, including Angela's dance and the infamous lipstick scene, while also critiquing the pacing and character dynamics. Overall, the hosts reflect on the film's blend of humor and horror, making it a memorable Halloween watch. They highlight Linnea Quigley's role and share interesting trivia about the film's production and reception. The conversation also covers the film's box office performance and concludes with their ratings and reflections on the overall experience of watching the movie.

In this episode of the "All 80s Movies Podcast," hosts Bill Bant and Jason Masek dive into the 1988 Western film 'Young Guns.' They discuss their nostalgic memories of the film, character performances, and favorite scenes, while also addressing the film's historical inaccuracies and the portrayal of Billy the Kid in the movie. The conversation flows through various themes, including the film's soundtrack, the dynamics between the Regulators, and the impact of the film on the Western genre. They also discuss the effectiveness of romantic subplots, and the performances of key actors. The conversation also highlights behind-the-scenes insights and the balance between fact and fiction in the film's portrayal of real events. The hosts conclude with their ratings and reflections on the film's impact and relevance.

In this episode of the "All 80s Movies Podcast," Bill and Jason discuss the 1984 college comedy 'Revenge of the Nerds.' 'Revenge of the Nerds' is a 1984 comedy film that follows a group of socially awkward college students who form their own fraternity to fight against the jocks on campus. They share their earliest memories of the movie and discuss the controversy surrounding a particular scene. They also talk about the diverse cast of characters and the humor in the film. Some favorite scenes and moments include the car ride to college with Lewis and Gilbert's dad, the inaugural party for the nerds, the talent competition, and the final speech. Overall, they appreciate the characters and the nostalgia of the movie, while acknowledging its flaws. The conversation also touches on the controversial and politically incorrect moments in the film. The film received positive reviews upon its release and was a suprised box office success for 20th Century Fox. It explores themes of acceptance…

In this episode of the "All '80s Movies Podcast," Bill and Jason kick off their "Back 2 Back to School Series" by discussing the 1987 high school comedy 'Hiding Out.' They highlight missed opportunities in the film, such as exploring the differences Max faced returning to high school, and delving deeper into the relationship between Max and Ryan. They also discuss the tonal shifts in the movie and the age difference between Max and Ryan. Favorite scenes include the action sequence at the beginning of the movie and Max's interaction with Ryan's father. They talk about the scene where Max and Ezzard bond in the school after hours, and how it could have been better developed. They also discuss the scene where Max and Patrick argue about their problems, highlighting the theme of perspective. During the "Swiss Cheese and Complaint" segement, Jason mentions his mixed feelings about the movie's focus and character development while both hosts express their complaints about John Cryer's beard…

Police Academy is a comedy film from 1984 that follows a group of misfit recruits as they go through police training. The movie is filled with hijinks, slapstick humor, and many, many jokes. The likable characters and abundance of humor are the film's strengths. The story revolves around Cadet Mahoney, played by Steve Gutenberg, who initially tries to get kicked out of the Police Academy but ends up staying and falling in love with Cadet Thompson, played by Kim Cattrall. The standout performances include G.W. Bailey as the strict Lieutenant Harris and George Gaines as the flighty Commandant Lassard. The film is known for its iconic scenes, such as the Blue Oyster Bar and Commandant Lassard with the prostitute. Overall, Police Academy is a fun and entertaining comedy that still holds up after 40 years. Jason and Bill discuss some of their favorite scenes from the movie. They highlight the comedic moments involving Tackleberry and Hightower's overnight driving lesson. They also mention …

"In 1964, Eddie Wilson had it all. He had genius. He had vision. He had the hottest rock n' roll band in the country. Then, suddenly one night, his car went off a dark New Jersey bridge. His body was never found. But his dream was never lost. And twenty years later, the mystery of Eddie Wilson begins to unravel." For this week's episode, we are discussing the 1983 Rock and Roll mystery of 'Eddie and the Cruisers.' The movie stars Michael Paré, Tom Berenger and Ellen Barkin. Co-written and direct...

In this episode of the "All 80s Movies Podcast," Bill Bant and Jason Masek discuss their favorite villains and bad guys/girls from '80s movies. The '80s produced some iconic villains and bad guys in movies. These characters were memorable for their evil deeds, menacing presence, and quotable lines. They each share their top 10 picks, including Darth Vader from 'The Empire Strikes Back' and Clarence Boddicker from 'RoboCop.' They also mention other notable villains like Pinhead from 'Hellraiser' and Franz Sanchez from 'Licence to Kill'. The conversation is filled with nostalgia and appreciation for these memorable characters.

'Alien Nation' is a buddy cop movie set in a world where aliens have landed on Earth and are trying to assimilate into human society. The movie explores themes of discrimination and bigotry, but falls short in fully exploring the potential of its premise. The standout performance comes from Mandy Patinkin, who brings depth and likability to his character. The film has some intense and memorable scenes, such as the shootout in Slag Town and the chase through the dark tunnel. However, the plot becomes convoluted and rushed towards the end, and the movie misses opportunities to delve deeper into the complexities of the alien-human relationship. The plot of the movie is simple, but the way it is presented is convoluted and confusing. The audience is introduced to various characters and subplots without clear connections, making it difficult to follow the story. The lack of development and explanation for certain characters and events, such as the murder of newcomer Warren Hubely and the i…

In this week's episode, Bill and Jason discuss 'Caddyshack' starting with their earliest memories and their initial thoughts of the movie. They highlight the comedic performances of Chevy Chase, Rodney Dangerfield, and Ted Knight. They also discuss the lack of a coherent plot and the scattershot nature of the movie. The hosts mention their favorite scenes, including Ty Webb's life lessons and the introduction of Rodney Dangerfield's character. Overall, they find the movie amusing and enjoyable. The conversation also touches on the underdeveloped characters and the misleading opening of the movie. In the final part of the conversation, the hosts discuss the ending of the film and clarify some confusion around the bet and match play. Bill and Jason share some additional facts and trivia about the film, including the behind-the-scenes disorganization and the tragic death of writer Douglas Kenny. They conclude the episode with their favorite golf movies and give their rating for Caddyshac…

In this episode of the All 80s Movies podcast, Bill Bant and Jason Masek discuss the 1989 film 'Field of Dreams.' 'Field of Dreams' is a magical and sentimental movie that celebrates the love of baseball and the power of dreams. The film follows Ray Kinsella, a farmer who hears a mysterious voice telling him to build a baseball field in his cornfield. As he follows this calling, he encounters the ghosts of legendary baseball players, including Shoeless Joe Jackson. Through these encounters, Ray learns about forgiveness, reconciliation, and the importance of pursuing one's dreams. The movie explores themes of family, nostalgia, and the enduring spirit of America's pastime. Bill and Jason share their earliest memories of the movie and discuss its themes of following your dreams and reconciling with the past. They praise the performances of Kevin Costner, Amy Madigan, Ray Liotta, and James Earl Jones, and highlight the magical realism and romanticism of the film. They also express thei…

In this episode of the "All 80s Movies Podcast", Bill Bant and Jason Masek discuss the 1985 teenage comedy 'Secret Admirer.' They share their earliest memories of the film and discuss the cast, including C. Thomas Howell, Lori Loughlin, and Kelly Preston. They also talk about the film's music score, composed by Jan Hammer of 'Miami Vice' fame. They highlight their favorite scenes, including the van chase scene after the party at the Kappa Omega house, the introduction of Fred Ward as Lieutenant Lou Fimple and the scene when Michael finally asks Toni out, but she rejects him due to feeling used. Another favorite scene is when Michael races to the dock to catch Toni before she leaves for a year-long school program, and they meet in the water and embrace. 'Secret Admirer' is a fun and simple '80s romantic comedy that is worth watching for its young and adult stars. The B-story about the parental affairs is lacking and unnecessary, but the performances of the main leads, including C. Thom…

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…