80s Flick Flashback

80s Flick Flashback

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80s Flick Flashback episodes

  • "Dirty Rotten Scoundrels" (1988) with Bethany Wells, Chris Adams, and Chad Sheppard

    This 80’s comedy classic is one remake that actually surpassed the original! The plot is simple, two con men with differing styles of grifting make a bet to see who can out-swindle a wealthy heiress on the glamorous French Riviera. From slapstick antics to razor-sharp wit, Steve Martin and Michael Caine deliver a masterclass in comedy as they pull off one hilarious scheme after another, trying to outsmart and out-con one another.

    So slick back your hair, dust up on your accents, and don’t forget to put the corks on your forks as Tim Williams and his guest co-hosts, Bethany Wells, Chris Adams, and Chad Sheppard discuss “Dirty Rotten Scoundrels” from 1988 on this episode of the 80s Flick Flashback Podcast.


    Here are some additional behind-the-scenes trivia we were unable to cover in this episode:

    • When Michael Caine was quizzed about the most crucial lesson he picked up during his years in the movie business, he reflected on his time filming "Scoundrels." He shared, "If you're working on a comedy and the crew laughs, that's a bad sign. During 'Dirty Rotten Scoundrels' with Steve Martin, not a single chuckle from the crew. Yet, it turned out to be the funniest film I've ever been a part of."

    Sources:

    Wikipedia, IMDB, Rotten Tomatoes

    https://www.mentalfloss.com/article/85884/12-facts-about-dirty-rotten-scoundrels


    We'd love to hear your thoughts on our podcast! You can share your feedback with us via email or social media. Your opinions are incredibly valuable to us, and we'd be so grateful to know what you enjoyed about our show. If we missed anything or if you have any suggestions for 80s movies, we'd love to hear them too! If you're feeling extra supportive, you can even become a subscription member through "Buy Me A Coffee". For more details and other fun extensions of our podcast, check out this link. Thank you for your support!

    • https://linktr.ee/80sFlickFlashback
    1 hr 3 min
  • "License To Drive" (1988) with Nicholas Pepin

    Are you ready for a high-octane adventure through the tumultuous world of teenage rebellion and automotive mayhem? Then jump into the driver’s seat because it's time to rediscover the laughter, hijinks, and teenage romance that made this 80s Flick a beloved cult classic.

    In the sun-soaked suburbs of California, we meet the lovesick teenager Les Anderson, whose one goal in life is to earn his driver's license and impress the girl of his dreams, Mercedes Lane. However, when Les fails his driving test, he embarks on a wild and reckless journey with his two friends after borrowing his grandfather's prized Cadillac for a night of adventure. What follows is a zany night filled with numerous car chases, unconscious dates, and Les discovering the confidence he didn’t realize he had.

    So grab your keys to the Caddy, avoid the no-parking zones, and meet us at Archie’s Drive-In as Tim Williams and guest co-host, Nicholas Pepin from "Pop Culture Roulette" Podcast discuss “License To Drive” from 1988 on this episode of the 80s Flick Flashback Podcast.


    Here are some additional behind-the-scenes trivia we were unable to cover in this episode:

    At the age of 16, Corey Haim and Corey Feldman were already world-class partiers. In Feldman’s autobiography "Coreyography", he claims during the filming of License to Drive:

    • Sam Kinison stopped by the set frequently, where Feldman says they participated in “coke-off challenges” – contests to see who could do the most rails and who could stay up the longest.
    • Feldman, newly emancipated, moved into his own two-bedroom apartment during filming. He says his apartment became “the staging area for elaborate nights” of drug-fueled parties, where he and Haim got high.
    • Haim and Feldman stalled production after a night of doing eight balls. They did arrive on set, but only after snorting more cocaine.

    Sources:

    Wikipedia, IMDB, Rotten Tomatoes

    https://www.fast-rewind.com/making_license.htm

    https://80smovieguide.com/license-to-drive

    https://decider.com/2023/07/06/heather-graham-pretty-innocent-compared-license-to-drive-co-stars-corey-feldman-corey-haim/


    We'd love to hear your thoughts on our podcast! You can share your feedback with us via email or social media. Your opinions are incredibly valuable to us, and we'd be so grateful to know what you enjoyed about our show. If we missed anything or if you have any suggestions for 80s movies, we'd love to hear them too! If you're feeling extra supportive, you can even become a subscription member through "Buy Me A Coffee". For more details and other fun extensions of our podcast, check out this link. Thank you for your support!

    • https://linktr.ee/80sFlickFlashback


    1 hr 12 min
  • "Running Scared" (1986) with Gerry D & Nicholas Pepin

    The buddy cop action-comedy movie hit its heyday by the end of the 1980s with genre-defining box office winners like "48 Hrs." and "Lethal Weapon." The formula is pretty straightforward - two wise-cracking detectives, who share almost nothing in common, team up and face a barrage of messy violent drama before coming together to fight the bad guys and save the day. This formula has proven to be effective, resulting in a lot of success, with occasional bright spots in the modern era.

    In 1986, a year before "Lethal Weapon" changed the game, director Peter Hyams directed this 80s flick starring two up-and-coming actors of the day, dancer Gregory Hines, and comedian Billy Crystal. Although the film didn't make any significant impact on cinema and has become largely forgotten, it remains a quality example of the genre and an entertaining film with a solid story and a memorable cast.

    So jump in the spray-painted unmarked police car, don’t lose your pants, and crank up Michael McDonald’s “Sweet Freedom” as Tim Williams and guest co-hosts Gerry D from "Totally Rad Christmas" Podcast and Nicholas Pepin from "Pop Culture Roulette" Podcast I discuss “Running Scared” from 1986 on this special replay 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 Ray and Danny were targeted by two muggers, it was obvious that the thugs were not experienced in their field. If you closely observe the tall thug in the black leather jacket, you will notice that his "pistol" was actually made up of a piece of wood with a metal rod that was kept in place by electrical tape.
    • After returning from Florida, Ray wears a Tampa Bay Buccaneers hat. At the time the movie was filmed, the Buccaneers and Chicago Bears were division rivals.


    Sources:

    Wikipedia, IMDB, Rotten Tomatoes



    We'd love to hear your thoughts on our podcast! You can share your feedback with us via email or social media. Your opinions are incredibly valuable to us, and we'd be so grateful to know what you enjoyed about our show. If we missed anything or if you have any suggestions for 80s movies, we'd love to hear them too! If you're feeling extra supportive, you can even become a subscription member through "Buy Me A Coffee". For more details and other fun extensions of our podcast, check out this link. Thank you for your support!

    • https://linktr.ee/80sFlickFlashback
    57 min
  • #100 - 80's Flick Flashback 100th Episode Special

    Get ready to test your knowledge about the silver screen sensations of the 1980s! From E.T. phoning home to Indiana Jones cracking his whip, we've got a reel-to-reel rundown of 80s movie trivia as you've never heard before. So grab your popcorn, and cozy up in your favorite recliner or bean bag chair, as eight guest co-hosts join host Tim Williams to play three rounds of 80s movie Trivia on this 100th episode of the 80s Flick Flashback Podcast!


    Team A:

    Laramy Wells (from "Moving Panels" Podcast)

    Bethany Wells

    JB Huffman (from "Manly Movies" Podcast)

    Chris Adams (from "Retro Life 4 You" Podcast)

    Team B:

    Nicholas Pepin (from "Pop Culture Roulette" Podcast)

    Gerry D (from "Totally Rad Christmas" Podcast)

    Chad Sheppard

    Vinnie Brezinsky


    "Game Show Intro" Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):

    https://uppbeat.io/t/richard-bodgers/bingo-crazy

    License code: XDCRMTU0UJB2FI0M


    We'd love to hear your thoughts on our podcast! You can share your feedback with us via email or social media. Your opinions are incredibly valuable to us, and we'd be so grateful to know what you enjoyed about our show. If we missed anything or if you have any suggestions for 80s movies, we'd love to hear them too! If you're feeling extra supportive, you can even become a subscription member through "Buy Me A Coffee". For more details and other fun extensions of our podcast, check out this link. Thank you for your support!

    • https://linktr.ee/80sFlickFlashback
    • 1 hr 2 min
    • #99 - "No Way Out" (1987) with JB Huffman from "Manly Movies" Podcast

      This rollercoaster ride of espionage and intrigue is like a maze where secrets are hidden, loyalties are deceitful, and nothing is quite what it seems. But this 80s flick isn't just your run-of-the-mill thriller; it's a mind-bending carnival ride of suspense. A Navy officer's clandestine affair takes a treacherous turn when he becomes a pawn in a high-stakes conspiracy within the Pentagon. As the plot thickens he finds himself in a race against time, desperately untangling a complex web of lies while facing the imminent threat of exposure and danger. With unexpected twists, the movie kept audiences on the edge of their seats, guessing who was playing whom until the grand finale.

      So travel with us to our nation’s capitol, check your security clearance, and be sure to throw away any undeveloped Polaroid negatives as Tim Williams and guest co-host, JB Huffman from "Manly Movies" Podcast, discuss “No Way Out” from 1987 on this episode of the 80s Flick Flashback Podcast.


      Here are some additional behind-the-scenes trivia we were unable to cover in this episode:

      • During the State Dinner that Farrell and Susan attended, a Maori group performed a war dance. The director, Roger Donaldson, included this reference as a tribute to his home country of New Zealand.
      • This was the final cinematography work by John Alcott. Within days of completing the film, Alcott went to France for vacation and died. He was 52 years old. The film is dedicated to his memory.
      • It was not known at the time of the movie’s release that there existed a group of Russian sleeper agents who had been staying in the United States for many years, without anyone suspecting them. These agents had children, coworkers, friends, and neighbors who were all unaware of their true identities. In 2010, some of these "illegals" were arrested and later sent back to Russia in exchange for some Americans held in Russia.
      • Sources:

        Wikipedia, IMDB, Rotten Tomatoes

        https://filmschoolrejects.com/commentary-no-way-out/2/


        We'd love to hear your thoughts on our podcast! You can share your feedback with us via email or social media. Your opinions are incredibly valuable to us, and we'd be so grateful to know what you enjoyed about our show. If we missed anything or if you have any suggestions for 80s movies, we'd love to hear them too! If you're feeling extra supportive, you can even become a subscription member through "Buy Me A Coffee". For more details and other fun extensions of our podcast, check out this link. Thank you for your support!

        • https://linktr.ee/80sFlickFlashback
        • 1 hr 10 min
        • #98 - "Spies Like Us" (1985) with Laramy Wells from "Moving Panels" Podcast

          Set against the backdrop of heightened Cold War tensions, this 80s flick introduces us to two bumbling government employees unwittingly thrust into the world of international espionage. Tasked with a decoy mission to distract attention from a genuine covert operation, the duo becomes entangled in a web of conspiracies, encounters with KGB agents, and a journey that takes them from the treacherous terrains of Afghanistan to the frigid landscapes of the Soviet Union.

          It not only capitalizes on the chemistry between its lead actors but also serves as a parody of spy movie tropes prevalent in the '80s. Cleverly satirizing the political climate of its time, it offered a light-hearted take on the Cold War anxieties that gripped the world. By infusing humor into the serious business of espionage, the film manages to lampoon both political posturing and the conventions of the spy genre itself.

          So start studying for the foreign service exam, pull out your book on Colloquial Russian, and meet us at the Ace Tomato Company as Tim Williams and guest co-host, Laramy Wells from "Moving Panels" Podcast to discuss “Spies Like Us” from 1985 on this episode of the 80s Flick Flashback Podcast.


          Here are some additional behind-the-scenes trivia we were unable to cover in this episode:

          • Chevy Chase's co-worker asks him if he's going to take the Foreign Service Board Exam and explains "it's supposed to be all new this year. There will be 500 questions in two hours." This means that an exam taker would have to answer a question at least every 14.4 seconds.
          • Chevy Chase's character tells the test administrator, played by Frank Oz, that he's late because he was at the reading of a will. In "Knives Out" (2019), Oz plays a lawyer reading a will.
          • Chevy Chase's most successful film at the North American box office in 1985. It grossed $60 million domestically, while his other pictures Fletch (1985) and National Lampoon's European Vacation (1985) grossed $50 million and $49 million respectively. Ironically the latter two less financially successful films inspired sequels while there never was a sequel to this film.

          • Sources:

            Wikipedia, IMDB, Rotten Tomatoes, Box Office Mojo

            https://ultimateclassicrock.com/spies-like-us-movie


            We'd love to hear your thoughts on our podcast! You can share your feedback with us via email or social media. Your opinions are incredibly valuable to us, and we'd be so grateful to know what you enjoyed about our show. If we missed anything or if you have any suggestions for 80s movies, we'd love to hear them too! If you're feeling extra supportive, you can even become a subscription member through "Buy Me A Coffee". For more details and other fun extensions of our podcast, check out this link. Thank you for your support!

            • https://linktr.ee/80sFlickFlashback
            • 54 min
            • #97 - "National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation" (1989) with Bethany Wells (Abbreviated Replay)

              This 80’s flick was meant to be just another chapter in the misadventures of Clark W. Griswold and his family, but it has become one of the most surprisingly popular and most quoted holiday movies of all time. So this Christmas we are returning to Chicago for a special abbreviated version of the episode we recorded in 2021. So dig up your oversized Christmas tree, fill up your Wally World glass mugs with eggnog, and carve the overcooked turkey as Tim Williams and guest co-host, Bethany Wells, discuss “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” from 1989 on this special replay episode of the 80’s Flick Flashback podcast!


              Listen to the full episode for more fun facts and trivia!


              Sources:

              Wikipedia, IMDB, Rotten Tomatoes

              https://www.cinemablend.com/movies/national-lampoons-christmas-vacation-10-behind-the-scenes-facts-about-the-holiday-movie

              https://www.ranker.com/list/christmas-vacation-behind-the-scenes/natalie-jonah

              https://www.rollingstone.com/feature/xmas-or-bust-the-untold-story-of-national-lampoons-christmas-vacation-173969/

              https://www.mentalfloss.com/article/60330/27-things-you-might-not-know-about-christmas-vacation


              We'd love to hear your thoughts on our podcast! You can share your feedback with us via email or social media. Your opinions are incredibly valuable to us, and we'd be so grateful to know what you enjoyed about our show. If we missed anything or if you have any suggestions for 80s movies, we'd love to hear them too! If you're feeling extra supportive, you can even become a subscription member through "Buy Me A Coffee". For more details and other fun extensions of our podcast, check out this link. Thank you for your support!

              • https://linktr.ee/80sFlickFlashback
              • 56 min
              • #96 - "Trading Places" (1983) with Tyra Williams
                This 80’s flick is more than just a vehicle for laughs; it's a biting satire that skewers societal norms and exposes the fault lines of privilege and inequality. Its significance lies in using humor as a Trojan horse for razor-sharp commentary, causing audiences to laugh and reflect on the absurdity of the disparities between the haves and the have-nots.
                As we revisit this holiday cult classic, we will celebrate not only the impeccable comedic timing of its top-notch cast but also the film's ability to tackle weighty social issues with a lighthearted touch. Whether it's the memorable scenes in the commodities exchange, the rowdy party at Winthorpe's townhouse, or the unforgettable New Year’s Eve train ride, it still holds up as a great example of satirical comedy that has an impact beyond its time.
                So, look over your pork belly futures, dust off your “quart of blood” karate technique, and try not to misplace your guerrilla costume as Tim Williams and guest co-host, Tyra Williams, discuss “Trading Places” from 1983 on this episode of the 80s Flick Flashback Podcast.
                Here are some additional behind-the-scenes trivia we were unable to cover in this episode:
                In his mug shot scene in the movie "Trading Places," Dan Aykroyd's character Louis Winthorpe III is given a number, 74745058, which happens to be the same number given to John Belushi's character Jake Blues in "The Blues Brothers (1980)." This was done intentionally by Aykroyd as a tribute to Belushi, who had passed away the year before.
                In Italy, on the night of Christmas Eve, a local TV channel Italia 1 broadcasts the movie "Trading Places", which has become a popular Christmas tradition. This is similar to the way the movie "A Christmas Story" is played on a continuous loop in the United States on December 24th and 25th. Along with "Trading Places", the tradition also includes airing of other movies like the first three "Home Alone" films, "Jack Frost", and "A Nightmare Before Christmas".
                During the summer of 1983, which lasted from June to September, the movie industry expected to surpass the previous year's record-breaking $1.4 billion in theater ticket sales. The season included highly anticipated films such as "Return of the Jedi" (the third installment in the Star Wars series), "Superman III", and the latest James Bond movie, "Octopussy". More than 40 movies were scheduled for release over the 16-week period, so studios had to carefully plan their release schedules to avoid competing with each other. Paramount Studios decided to release "Trading Places" at the beginning of the summer, so it could benefit from being in theaters longer during the busy season. Comedy movies were considered a counterprogramming strategy that attracted audiences who had already seen or were not interested in the major film releases, which were mainly focused on science-fiction and superheroes. "Trading Places" was released between "Return of the Jedi" in May and "Superman III" in mid-June. Although sequels were expected to perform well due to their built-in audience, "Trading Places" was predicted to be successful thanks to its talented cast.
                Sources:
                Wikipedia, IMDB, Rotten Tomatoes
                https://screenrant.com/things-never-knew-about-trading-places-1983/#italian-christmas-tradition
                We'd love to hear your thoughts on our podcast! You can share your feedback with us via email or social media. Your opinions are incredibly valuable to us, and we'd be so grateful to know what you enjoyed about our show. If we missed anything or if you have any suggestions for 80s movies, we'd love to hear them too! If you're feeling extra supportive, you can even become a subscription member through "Buy Me A Coffee". For more details and other fun extensions of our podcast, check out this link. Thank you for your support!
                https://linktr.ee/80sFlickFlashback
                50 min
              • #95 - "The Little Mermaid" (1989)

                This late 80s underwater masterpiece invited moviegoers to revisit the beguiling world beneath the waves, where a spirited mermaid dared to dream of a life beyond the ocean's shimmering horizon. Its enduring appeal lies in its ability to resonate with audiences of all ages, weaving a narrative that transcends its fairy-tale origins. Filled with memorable songs, this story of love, sacrifice, and the pursuit of one's true self remains as poignant and relevant today as it did over three decades ago. So plunge back into the magical waters with host, Tim Williams, to rediscover the charm, music, and timeless allure that made "The Little Mermaid" from 1989 a crown jewel in Disney's animated legacy on this episode of the 80s Flick Flashback Podcast.


                Here are some additional behind-the-scenes trivia we were unable to cover in this episode:

                • This movie version of "The Little Mermaid" kept several elements from the original story written by Hans Christian Andersen. These include Ariel being the youngest of many sisters, the secret white marble statue, the polypi along the entrance to Ursula's cavern, and Ariel asking what she'll have left without her voice and the sea-witch's response. However, there is a major difference between the original story and the movie. In the original story, Ariel does not turn back into a mermaid at the end. Instead, when the sun rises on the last day, she turns to foam and dies. Later editions included her becoming a daughter of the air and rising to heaven.
                • Sources:

                  Wikipedia, IMDB, Rotten Tomatoes


                  We'd love to hear your thoughts on our podcast! You can share your feedback with us via email or social media. Your opinions are incredibly valuable to us, and we'd be so grateful to know what you enjoyed about our show. If we missed anything or if you have any suggestions for 80s movies, we'd love to hear them too! If you're feeling extra supportive, you can even become a subscription member through "Buy Me A Coffee". For more details and other fun extensions of our podcast, check out this link. Thank you for your support!

                  • https://linktr.ee/80sFlickFlashback
                  • 30 min
                  • #94 - "Adventures in Babysitting" (1987) with Bethany Wells

                    This 80s flick is a shining example of teenage adventures and unexpected chaos. This lively comedy about growing up invites us to revisit the wild night that forever changed the lives of a suburban babysitter and her diverse group of charges. The clever dialogue, surprising plot twists, and memorable characters make it a timeless favorite for those who grew up in the '80s. It reminds us that sometimes the most unforgettable nights are the unplanned ones, where the ordinary transforms into the extraordinary, and friendships are forged in the midst of unexpected adventures. So jump into the station wagon, grab your plastic Thor hammer, and get ready to sing the blues as Tim Williams and guest cohost, Bethany Wells, discuss “Adventures in Babysitting” from 1987 on this episode of the 80s Flick Flashback Podcast.


                    Here are some additional behind-the-scenes trivia we were unable to cover in this episode:

                    • For his directorial debut, Columbus said he reviewed 100 scripts. He chose Adventures in Babysitting because he felt comfortable with its scale.
                    • The tow truck driver hits a lawn jockey after reaching his house. Knocking over lawn jockeys later became a running joke in Home Alone and Home Alone 2: Lost in New York also directed by Chris Columbus.
                    • The two rival gangs on the El Train challenge each other to a fight when the train crosses "Devereux" street, an in-joke towards director Chris Columbus' wife Monica Devereux, and father-in-law Clarke Devereux who both appear in the movie.
                    • Sources:

                      Wikipedia, IMDB, Rotten Tomatoes, Box Office Mojo

                      https://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/adventures-babysitting-turns-30-keith-coogan-tells-stories/story?id=48363478

                      https://freshfiction.tv/19-things-about-adventures-in-babysitting-you-probably-didnt-know/

                      https://www.eightieskids.com/10-things-you-didnt-know-about-adventures-in-babysitting/


                      We'd love to hear your thoughts on our podcast! You can share your feedback with us via email or social media. Your opinions are incredibly valuable to us, and we'd be so grateful to know what you enjoyed about our show. If we missed anything or if you have any suggestions for 80s movies, we'd love to hear them too! If you're feeling extra supportive, you can even become a subscription member through "Buy Me A Coffee". For more details and other fun extensions of our podcast, check out this link. Thank you for your support!

                      • https://linktr.ee/80sFlickFlashback
                      • 1 hr 26 min

                      About 80s Flick Flashback

                      From the publisher's feed

                      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…