The 1980s gave rise to the summer blockbuster. Before then, the summer wasn't seen as an effective time to release movies. That definitely changed, and this was mainly thanks to Steven Spielberg and George Lucas. But which summer had the best movies?

In this look back at one of my favorite episodes ever, I rank every 1980s summer to see which one was the very best. How does 1985 compare to the juggernaut that was 1989? Which summer was the real dark horse with a ton of classic offerings? Which summer is maybe not as good as we remember?

The 1980s changed summer movies forever, and the effects are still being felt to this day. 

If you want some more 1980s movie content, you can check out the Everything 80s Movie Review Podcast over at Patreon.com/80s

 

The 1980s ushered in a new era of cartoons, toys, and action figures the likes we had never seen before. But what made this era so different? And why did we love the toys that we did? What makes for a good toy? Is it functionality? Backstory? Interaction? Marketing? Or the fact our friends had them? This is also a look at the government deregulation, trade embargos, capitalism, and even war that had a major influence on one of the biggest eras of toys ever. 

Special Guest: Dan Larson from Toy Galaxy 

Support the Show: Patreon.com/80s

 

After an epic four hours of Stranger Things: Volume 2, it's time to recap episodes 8 and 9 and then wrap up what was a truly remarkable season. For both episodes, we will break down the plot, and look at all the themes, observations, and 1980s references. We look ahead to what may be in store for the 5th season, and how season 4 could not have come at a better time for Netflix.

Chrissy, this is for you... 

Support the show at Patreon.com/80s

Check out the 1980s-based book, "Tommy and the Cosmic Champions"

 

Here's a special preview of the new season of Cautionary Tales from Pushkin Industries. On Cautionary Tales, best-selling author Tim Harford shares stories of human error, natural disasters, and tragic catastrophes from history that contain important lessons for today.

In this episode, you'll hear about the Hyatt Regency Hotel disaster. With its splendid modern architecture, The Hyatt Regency was the place to be seen in Kansas City in 1981. Beneath space-age walkways, guests drank, laughed, and danced... not realizing that 60 tons of glass, concrete, and steel hanging above their heads was about to come crashing down. One hundred fourteen people died. But why? Was it cheap materials? Shoddy construction? Or a tiny error that seemed so insignificant that no one paid attention?

Hear more from Cautionary Tales wherever you get your podcasts. 

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People sure were scared of the devil back in the 80s. As the fear of Satanic cults grew, one simple role-playing game became the spokesperson for all the evils facing youth: Dungeons and Dragons. How did this game that appealed to creative people become blamed for so many terrible events?

This is a look back on the rise of Dungeons and Dragons and the fear that swept through the nation. A game that was played by a niche community was now on network news and fear and hysteria were being pumped into every living room in the country. Why was D&D singled out? And did it become the scapegoat because of negligent parenting...

If you want to support this show--and get access to the Everything 80s Movie Review Podcast--you can head over to Patreon.com/80s to learn more.

Show Notes: Dungeons and Dragons. 

 

Was 1985 the best year of the decade? If it's not, then it's pretty damn close. In this review of 1985, we'll look back on all the notable movies, TV shows, cartoons, technology, music, sports, and world events that made up a pretty astounding year.

1985 is also the year of one of the biggest marketing disasters in history, some of the most significant films of the decade, and a new source of entertainment that would change the lives of kids forever. To me, it's the best year of the decade; but is it as good as you remember? Listen up to find out!

If you want to support this show--and get access to The Everything 80s Movie Review Podcast--you can check out Patreon.com/80s to learn more. 

 

You may not know the name Rax, but they played a significant role in the fast-food game during the 80s--and you've no doubt seen their influence in the industry to this day. The company goes back to the 1960s but rose to prominence during the 80s.

In the 80s, they started to add a huge amount of items, changed their decor, and aimed to be the "champagne of fast-food restaurants." Heading into the late 80s, the company was in financial trouble and the restaurant that was "fast food for adults" would introduce one of the most bizarre characters ever to try and save the company: Mr. Delicious.

If you want to support the show--and get access to  the Everything 80s Movie Review Podcast--you can check out Patreon.com/80s to learn more

Show Notes: Rax restaurants

 

Whoa nelly, this has been a doozy. I'm going to recap everything that went on during Volume 1 of Stranger Things season 4. We will do a plot summary breakdown of what transpired over the last 7 episodes, explore some of the deep themes used this season, look at the movies that influenced it (one horror movie, specifically), look at the importance of music during this season, and uncover all the Easter eggs and 1980s references I could find!

Spoiler warnings if you haven't seen season 4 yet

Support the show: Patreon.com/80s

Show Notes: Stranger Things Season 4 Recap

 

It's almost here... After nearly three years, Stranger Things is back with its highly anticipated fourth season--and it couldn't come at a better time for Netflix. In this preview show, we'll do a recap of season 3, discuss everything we know about the plot and production, do a trailer breakdown, discuss theories, and look at another great commercial crossover. 

Season 4 promises to be bigger, better, scarier, longer, and WAY more expensive than the other seasons--and I hope you're as excited as I am!

If you want to support this show--and get access to the Everything 80s Movie Review Podcast--you can check out Patreon.com/80s to learn more. Tell 'em Large Marge sent ya.

When Crocodile Dundee was released in 1986, it caught everyone by surprise. The movie from Down Under starring an actor no one knew became a monster hit. This is a look back on the Crocodile Dundee franchise and the man behind the croc: Paul Hogan.

Hogan's story is a true rags-to-riches tale and how he went from Australian celebrity to worldwide star. We look at how this film came together, why no one expected it to be a hit, Paul Hogan's rise to fame, the sequels, the surprising film role that Hogan turned down, and the ultimate crossover movie that never came to be. 

If you want to support this show--and get access to the Everything 80s Movie Review Podcast--you can consider supporting me at Patreon.com/80s. Tell 'em Large Marge sent ya...