80s Flick Flashback

By Timothy WilliamsTV & Film Society & Culture Film Reviews

80s Flick Flashback episodes

June 23, 2023#84 - "National Lampoon's European Vacation" (1985) with Chris Adams from "Retro Life 4 You" Podcast & Chad Sheppard
This 80’s flick sequel brings a blend of family chaos, outrageous escapades, and a sprinkle of British humor. Get ready to tag along with the Griswolds as they embark on a madcap European adventure, where every tourist spot becomes a hilarious misadventure just waiting to happen. So, grab your funky beret, power up your super-cool electronic language translator, and don’t forget to be a pig as Tim Williams and guest co-hosts, Chris Adams from "Retro Life 4 You" Podcast & Chad Sheppard, discuss “National Lampoon’s European Vacation” from 1985 on this episode of the 80s Flick Flashback.

Here are some additional behind-the-scenes trivia we were unable to cover in this episode:
After the completion of filming, Eric Idle and Chevy Chase developed a friendship. They even collaborated on a screenplay for a sequel titled National Lampoon's Australian Vacation, but unfortunately, the project was abandoned due to the difficulty of coming up with new ideas beyond a few shark-related gags.

Along with Caddyshack II (1988) and Nothing But Trouble (1991) this is one of few films Chevy Chase has said he regrets starring in and thus his least favorite Vacation movie.

Sources:
Wikipedia, IMDB, Rotten Tomatoes
https://www.slashfilm.com/870581/why-amy-heckerling-hated-working-on-national-lampoons-european-vacation/

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1 hr 12 min
June 09, 2023#83 - "Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom" (1984) with Nicholas Pepin from "Pop Culture Roulette"
Released just three years after the iconic "Raiders of the Lost Ark," this action-packed prequel takes us back to the 1930s, where we find our intrepid archaeologist, Indiana Jones in a web of peril when he becomes entangled with a ruthless cult hell-bent on capturing the mystical Sankara Stones and enslaving an entire village. Joined by reluctant lounge singer Willie Scott and the wise-cracking Short Round, Dr. Jones battles his way through treacherous jungles, dark catacombs, and a heart-stopping mine cart chase that had audiences gripping the edge of their seats!
So, grab your fedora, dust off your leather jacket, and prepare for an exotic dinner you will never forget as Tim Williams and guest co-host, Nicholas Pepin from "Pop Culture Roulette" Podcast, discuss "Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom" from 1984 on this episode of the 80s Flick Flashback.

Here are some additional behind-the-scenes trivia we were unable to cover in this episode:
One of the biggest mysteries in the Indiana Jones franchise is how the first human sacrifice victim manages to survive after having his heart ripped out of his chest. This is likely due to the magical nature of the stones.

The team of Lucas, Huyck, and Katz had been working on the production of Radioland Murders since the early 1970s. The opening music from that script was utilized in Temple of Doom. According to Spielberg, George wanted to begin the movie with a musical number that featured a Busby Berkeley dance routine. In their story meetings, George constantly reminded Steven of his desire to direct musicals, and Steven found the idea intriguing.

Sources:
Wikipedia, IMDB, Rotten Tomatoes, Box Office Mojo
“The Making of the Temple of Doom: Indiana Jones Behind the Scenes” Documentary

Send us an email or reach out to us on social media to let us know what you liked, what you loved, what we may have missed, or what 80's movie we should discuss next! You can also support the podcast by becoming a subscription member through "Buy Me A Coffee". Click on the following link for more details and other great extensions of the podcast
https://linktr.ee/80sFlickFlashback
1 hr 20 min
May 26, 2023#82 - "Platoon" (1986) with JB Huffman from "Manly Movies" Podcast
Since its release this 80’s flick is still considered by many to be one of the best war movies ever made. The director — who himself was wounded twice while serving with the US Army in Vietnam — famously put his cast through a grueling "boot camp” to help immerse them in the world of their fictional characters. With an all-star cast and loads of visually striking practical effects, this Vietnam War epic won more awards than any other film during the 59th Academy Awards. So prepare for digging foxholes, waking up with ant bites and surviving ambush duty as Tim Williams and guest co-host JB Huffman from "Manly Movies" Podcast discuss “Platoon” from 1986 on this episode of the 80’s Flick Flashback Podcast!

Here are some additional behind-the-scenes trivia we were unable to cover in this episode:
Big Harold falls and rolls down a hill during the opening credits. Forest Whitaker claims it was a real, unintentional fall.

When they are cleaning the latrines, you can hear "Good morning Vietnam". A recording of the real Cronauer. This film came out a year before that movie.

Military advisor Dale Dye witnessed Oliver Stone suffer an attack of post-traumatic stress disorder on-set while filming the village scene. He claimed that they had a good cry together afterwards, based on their mutual experience in Vietnam.

The final battle in the movie was a recreation of an actual event that was witnessed by technical advisor Dale Dye, who was a combat correspondent with the 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marines.

Toward the end of the film, when the reinforcements arrive after the battle, Rhah reaches into a dead VC's breast pocket, pulls something out, and keeps it, while looking around nervously. The item he is removing is heroin, which VC soldiers used as a painkiller. Many heroin-addicted U.S. troops did the same thing. The scene implies that Rhah's mystical quality is a symptom of a larger problem.
Sources:
Wikipedia, IMDB, Rotten Tomatoes
https://coffeeordie.com/5-things-platoon
"A Tour of the Inferno: The Making of Platoon" (2002) Documentary
"Brothers In Arms: The Making of Platoon" (2018) Documentary

Send us an email or reach out to us on social media to let us know what you liked, what you loved, what we may have missed, or what 80's movie we should discuss next! You can also support the podcast by becoming a subsrciption member through "Buy Me A Coffee". Click on the following linktree link for more details and other great extensions of the podcast.
https://linktr.ee/80sFlickFlashback
1 hr 21 min
May 12, 2023#81 - "Brewster's Millions" (1985) with Nicholas Pepin (from "Pop Culture Roulette" Podcast) and Chad Sheppard
Based on a 1902 novel of the same name, this 80’s flick brought together two of the 80’s greatest funnymen and an established director who wasn’t prone to making comedies. Despite primarily negative reviews, it still did well at the box office and was a mainstay on cable television over the years, making it beloved by those who were watching basic cable channels in the late 80s and early 90s. So break out the calculators, get ready to spend some cash, and watch out for the oncoming train in the back of the baseball field as Tim Williams and guest co-hosts Nicholas Pepin and Chad Sheppard discuss “Brewster’s Millions” from 1985 on this episode of the 80’s Flick Flashback Podcast!

Here are some additional behind-the-scenes trivia we were unable to cover in this episode:
Anne, Princess Royal, only daughter of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, was in Los Angeles and paid a visit to the set of Brewster's Millions as part of her itinerary. She was greeted by Candy and producer Joel Silver; Candy and the princess discussed a fire that had recently broken out at Pinewood Studios in England. She was scheduled to visit a scene involving Richard Pryor, but it was shot a day earlier, as Hill had production ahead of schedule. "I don't think she even knows Richard Pryor," an observer was quoted as saying. "I'm sure she was more excited at meeting John Candy, who's a Canadian citizen."

Walter Hill, director of The Warriors and 48 Hrs., admitted in 1988 that at the time the only film he didn't make out of passion was Brewster's Millions. Hill made the movie to "improve his bank account and success quotient."
Sources:
Wikipedia, IMDB, Rotten Tomatoes, Box Office Mojo
https://www.mentalfloss.com/article/80146/10-rich-facts-about-brewsters-millions

Send us an email or reach out to us on social media to let us know what you liked, what you loved, what we may have missed, or what 80's movie we should discuss next! You can also support the podcast by becoming a subsrciption member through "Buy Me A Coffee". Click on the following linktree link for more details and other great extensions of the podcast.
https://linktr.ee/80sFlickFlashback
1 hr 22 min
April 28, 2023#80 - "Friday the 13th: The Final Chapter" (1984) with Laramy Wells from "Moving Panels" Podcast and Charlie Cotter
This 80’s Flick has one of the most inaccurate titles ever which is easy to forgive when the movie also happens to be considered by fans of the franchise as one of the best in the series. So get ready to revisit Crystal Lake as Tim Williams and guest co-hosts Laramy Wells and Charlie Cotter discuss “Friday the 13th Part 4: The Final Chapter” from 1984 on this episode of the 80’s Flick Flashback Podcast!
Here are some additional behind-the-scenes trivia we were unable to cover in this episode:
Corey Feldman was legitimately terrified during the window shot. As per series tradition, Jason was played by yet another stuntman in 'The Final Chapter,' this time Ted White. He did not like Feldman. When it came time to film the famous scene near the end when Jason reaches through a broken window to pull Tommy out of a house, White got to act out his frustration. They had worked out the timing of when White would grab Feldman beforehand, but during filming White waited a couple of beats to the point that Feldman assumed the stunt had gone wrong. So, just as he let his guard down White grabbed him exactly as you see in the film, meaning Feldman's screams of horror were completely authentic.
Sources:
Wikipedia, IMDB and Rotten Tomatoes
Send us an email or reach out to us on social media to let us know what you liked, what you loved, what we may have missed, or what 80's movie we should discuss next! You can also support the podcast by becoming a subsrciption member through "Buy Me A Coffee". Click on the following linktree link for more details and other great extensions of the podcast.
https://linktr.ee/80sFlickFlashback
1 hr 4 min
April 14, 2023#79 - "Fast Times at Ridgemont High" (1982) with Nicholas Pepin from "Pop Culture Roulette" Podcast
The 80s is often seen as the defining era of “the teen movie”. While “The Breakfast Club” and “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” might have garnered all of the attention, it was this 80s flick that took the “teen movie” from raunchy sex-comedy to more serious themes of losing innocence, living with regret, and navigating independence at such a young age. Released to little fanfare, with many expecting it to fail, the film became a surprise hit, showing the value of the teenage market. So grab your red bikini or your checkered Vans as Tim Williams and guest co-host Nicholas Pepin from "Pop Culture Roulette" Podcast discuss “Fast Times at Ridgemont High” from 1982 on this episode of the 80’s Flick Flashback Podcast!
Here are some additional behind the scenes trivia we were unable to cover in this episode:
When Ratner is getting dating advice from Damone in Damone's bedroom, Ratner is wearing a T-shirt for the movie, Popeye (1980) which starred Ray Walston, who played Popeye Senior and then Mr. Hand.

In the novel, Spicoli dreams he's singing "Highway to Hell" by AC/DC on The Tonight Show (1962), but Johnny Carson refused to do it for the movie, and other talk show hosts (including David Letterman) also turned it down (Letterman apparently was willing to do it, but his agent wouldn't let him appear in a movie where the characters did drugs). In its place was the scene where Spicoli is interviewed by sports announcer Stu Nahan.
Sources:
Wikipedia, IMDB, Rotten Tomatoes
https://www.cinemablend.com/news/2572322/fast-times-at-ridgemont-high-awesome-totally-awesome-behind-the-scenes-facts
https://www.theuncool.com/films/fast-times-at-ridgemont-high/fast-times-at-ridgemont-high-production-notes/
https://filmschoolrejects.com/fast-times-at-ridgemont-high-commentary/
https://www.eightieskids.com/facts-you-probably-never-knew-about-fast-times-at-ridgemont-high-primis-2/
https://doyouremember.com/56132/15-things-probably-didnt-know-fast-times-ridgemont-high

Send us an email or reach out to us on social media to let us know what you liked, what you loved, what we may have missed, or what 80's movie we should discuss next! You can also support the podcast by becoming a subsrciption member through "Buy Me A Coffee". Click on the following linktree link for more details and other great extensions of the podcast.
https://linktr.ee/80sFlickFlashback
1 hr 45 min
March 31, 2023 #78 - Special: "Predator" (1987) Retro Life 4 You with Chris Adams Replay
For the month of March, I am taking a break from recording new episodes so that I can highlight some of the other fantastic podcasts that I have had the privilege of being a guest co-host on.
This week, I will be replaying part of an episode of Retro Life 4 You with host Chris Adams. Chris reached out to me last year to guest host on an episode about Chuck Norris and we hit it off immediately. Chris loves the 80s and created Retro Life 4 You to talk about all things retro from the 2000s, the’90s, the ‘80s, and even the ‘70s if he’s feeling good. From “Dukes of Hazard” to “The Lord of the Rings Trilogy” he loves to reminisce about the greatest shows and movies from our childhoods. So light up the cigars and crank up “Long Tall Sally” on the boombox as Chris Adams and I “get to da Choppa!” to discuss “Predator” from 1987 on this special “Retro Life 4 You” replay episode of the 80’s Flick Flashback!
Send us an email or reach out to us on social media to let us know what you liked, what you loved, what we may have missed, or what 80's movie we should discuss next!
You can also support the podcast by becoming a subscription member through "Buy Me A Coffee". Click on the following linktree link for more details and other great extensions of the podcast.
https://linktr.ee/80sFlickFlashback
1 hr 2 min
March 29, 2023BONUS: "The Best 80s Directors" Panel with Nicholas Pepin, Chad Sheppard, and Laramy Wells
The 1980s were a transformational time for movies, with plenty of lesser-known debut directors being given creative freedom to make unique and innovative projects, many of which we still consider to be all-time classics today. While some of those directors continued to excel into the 90s, others made their career-defining flicks in the 80s. But which one deserves the title of Best Movie Director of the decade?
So I have called upon a panel of 80s film aficionados to discuss our recent March Madness Bracket of 80s Directors. Who won? Who should have won? And who didn’t make the top 16 of the bracket? Let’s find out on this special bonus episode of the 80s Flick Flashback Podcast!

Send us an email or reach out to us on social media to let us know what you liked, what you loved, what we may have missed, or what 80's movie we should discuss next! You can also support the podcast by becoming a subscription member through "Buy Me A Coffee". Click on the following linktree link for more details and other great extensions of the podcast.
https://linktr.ee/80sFlickFlashback
1 hr 3 min
March 17, 2023#77 - Special: "Swamp Thing" (1982) Moving Panels with Laramy Wells Replay
For the month of March, I am taking a break from recording new episodes so that I can highlight some of the other fantastic podcasts that I have had the privilege of being a guest co-host on. This week, I will be replaying part of an episode of Moving Panels with host Laramy Wells. Laramy is a good friend of mine and has been a frequent guest on the 80’s Flick Flashback podcast going all the way back to season one. Laramy created Moving Panels to discuss movies and TV shows based, inspired, or adapted from the world of comic books and I was actually his very first guest co-host when he covered “Superman: The Movie”. We always have a great time on each other's shows and this episode was no exception. So get ready to get all botanical as Laramy Wells and I discuss “Swamp Thing” from 1982 on this special “Moving Panels” replay episode of the 80’s Flick Flashback!
Send us an email or reach out to us on social media to let us know what you liked, what you loved, what we may have missed, or what 80's movie we should discuss next!
You can also support the podcast by becoming a subscription member through "Buy Me A Coffee". Click on the following linktree link for more details and other great extensions of the podcast.
https://linktr.ee/80sFlickFlashback
1 hr 21 min
March 03, 2023#76 - Special: "Lethal Weapon" (1987) Totally Rad Christmas with Gerry D Replay
For the month of March, I am taking a break from recording new episodes so that I can highlight some of the other fantastic podcasts that I have had the privilege of being a guest co-host on.
For this one, I will be replaying part of an episode of Totally Rad Christmas with host Gerry D. This was actually the first first time I was asked to guest co-host on another '80s-themed podcast, and Gerry and I became fast friends. Totally Rad Christmas doesn’t just cover '80s Christmas movies. Gerry talks about holiday TV specials, Christmas songs, toys, decorations, and, as his logo states - “If it was gnarly during Christmas in the ’80s, he’s got it covered”. So get ready to get reacquainted with Riggs, Murtaugh, and Mr. Joshua, and decide if we’re getting too old for this…as Gerry D and I discuss “Lethal Weapon” from 1987 on this special “Totally Rad Christmas” replay episode of the 80’s Flick Flashback Podcast!
Send us an email or reach out to us on social media to let us know what you liked, what you loved, what we may have missed, or what 80's movie we should discuss next!
You can also support the podcast by becoming a subscription member through "Buy Me A Coffee". Click on the following linktree link for more details and other great extensions of the podcast.
https://linktr.ee/80sFlickFlashback
1 hr 16 min

About 80s Flick Flashback

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The 80s Flick Flashback Podcast is a nostalgic journey for anyone who grew up watching movies in the 80s or discovered the joy of these cinematic gems. Each episode features creator and host Tim…

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80s Flick Flashback

80s Flick Flashback episodes

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