Old Millennials Remember Movies

Don’t hate her because she’s beautiful. Hate her because she’s the smartest person in the room. While the marketing for “Legally Blonde” suggested a movie about a ‘dumb blonde squaring off against academia,’ it’s clear from the onset that Reese Witherspoon’s Elle Woods is more than equipped to handle Harvard Law School and the spoiled rich kids who think wearing pink is a crime.

The box office success of “Legally Blonde” propelled Witherspoon to the A-List (culminating in an Oscar win in 2005 for “Walk the Line.”) It’s also a pretty unusual movie with each of the three acts working in their own distinct genre.

Act I is a rom-com setup with Elle trying to win back her superficial college boyfriend.

Act II is a “college” movie where Elle struggles to connect with the other Harvard snobs.

And Act III is set in the courtroom (never mind that Elle has only completed, maybe, a single semester of law school).

Luckily, it’s all pleasantly comedic! Even after more than 20 years! Also, look! Sexism and toxic masculinity lives on forever!

Old Millennials hosts Angela and Tyler examine the legacy of “Legally Blonde,” including how the movie drastically changes the tone of its source material (the book by Amanda Brown) and whether the great Jennifer Coolidge rescues the notorious “Bend and Snap” sequence.

Also, one of the co-hosts is currently enrolled in law school! What’s realistic about the depiction? Why did Harvard agree to let their school seem… well… less than stellar? How the hell does anyone manage a near-perfect score on their LSAT exam? Seriously, that test is hard!

It’s all here in the latest episode of Old Millennials Remember Movies, including a segment where Tyler tries to remember what he learned in Criminal Law (it goes poorly). Also, inexplicably, Tyler considers himself to be the “Elle Woods of his law school.” Good luck getting the Bar to consider your admission, Bud!

Also discussed in this episode:

Dune Part 2 (2024) (Dune Part 1 discussed in episode 115)

Love Lies Bleeding (2024)

Ricky Stanicky (2024)

Damsel (2024)

Spaceman (2024)

True Detective: Night Country (2024 limited series)

Loudermilk (Netflix)

Star Trek: Prodigy (Netflix)

In this special episode of Old Millennials Remember Movies, we remember and share our favorite movies from 2023.

Despite his intense schedule of law school, continuing to write part-time, and still helping to raise our four kids, Tyler still found time to watch more than 125 movies that came out in 2023. Per usual, he came up with a pretty respectable list for his Top 10 Movies for 2023. I, on the other hand, crammed as many 2023 movies in weeks before recording (and delayed recording until March!). I also wanted to spice it up and try something different this year, so I ended up choosing specific criteria that ruled out some of the more popular movies of the year. It challenged me to watch some movies I otherwise might not have watched.

Even though our lists are pretty different, we have some fantastic crossovers. Take a break from the 80s, 90s, and early 2000s movies with the Old Millenials, and check out some great flicks from 2023 (many of which are available to stream at home).

We'll be back to our usual programming next week! We have been in the mood to re-watch Titanic, but we'll see...

Tyler's Top 10

Anatomy of a Fall

Past Lives

Spider-Man: Across the Spider-verse

Barbie

All of Us Strangers

Asteroid City

May December

Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret

Tie: Killers of the Flower Moon AND Oppenheimer (Tyler is a cheater)

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem

Angie's 2023 Top 10 

Bottoms

Polite Society

Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret

Quiz Lady

A Thousand and One

Fair Play

Past Lives

Barbie

Rye Lane

Nimona

Tyler's 2023 Honorable Mention

American Fiction

Bottoms

Dream Scenario

Godzilla Minus One

The Holdovers

The Iron Claw

John Wick: Chapter 4

Polite Society

Poor Things

The Zone of Interest

It was a great year for movies in 2023, and I'm looking forward to a strong showing in 2024 as well as some re-visits to our past-time flicks from the 80s, 90s, and early 2000s.

Thanks for Listening!

-Angie

"Hercules! Hercules Hercules!" - some Eddie Murphy character not in Disney's "Hercules."

The first half of the 1990s was a pinnacle for Disney Animation. After the run of "The Little Mermaid" (technically 1989), "Beauty and the Beast," "Aladdin" and "The Lion King" (plus Pixar's debut "Toy Story" in 1995), the studio had nowhere to go but down, though many Old Millennials (us included) will vouch for the likes of "Mulan" and "Pocahontas."

But "Hercules?" Man, "Hercules" is weird. Trying to Disney-fi grisly mythology is a daunting task all on its own. Then attempt to add songs, an underdeveloped female pro/antagonist, and a rambling James Woods as Hades. It's a colorful movie but messy as a functional narrative.

That's not even mentioning Danny DeVito doing a dry run for Frank Reynolds on "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia," and, look, that sounds good on paper, but his sidekick character Phil might be a sex predator, which seems a little out of place here.

Old Millennials hosts Tyler and Angela try to remember if they ever even saw "Hercules" back in the 90s. They did, but, you know, it's not that memorable. Plenty to discuss nevertheless, including a nerdy breakdown of how the movie squanders its best song, "Go the Distance," by splitting it up into 20-second segments in between expository dialogue.

The Old Millennials also attempt to decipher Meg, a character with a fiery personality and a muddled backstory. We'd rather watch a movie all about Meg and why she appears to be indebted to Hades. Hercules is a dullard. Plain toast. Maybe a little  margarine. You may believe it's butter, but you won't believe they created such a dull lead for this movie.

Also discussed on this episode of Old Millennials Remember Movies

Thor: Love & Thunder (2022)

Lightyear (2022)

Minions: The Rise of Gru (2022)

The Gray Man (2022)

ChickenHare (2022)

Army of One (2016)

All this movie really needed to be great was Brendan Frasier defeating a bunch of swordfighting ghouls before turning to the camera and grin-shrugging, "Mummies!"

Lt. Dan can't go to space because he *might* get the measles, then Bill Paxton gets all sick up there. Maybe Tom Hanks is poisoning them, or they all have space dementia like Steve Buscemi.

"Baby, I compare you to a kiss from a rose on the grey."

The swooning words to Seal's mega-hit song from the "Batman Forever" soundtrack most likely refers to the relationship between Batman/Bruce Wayne and Dr. Chase Meridian, and definitely NOT the working relationship between actors Tommy Lee Jones and Jim Carrey. So the legend goes, the crusty Oscar winner did not sanction Mr. Carrey's buffoonery.

Despite stories of onset turmoil thanks to Jones and Val Kilmer (taking the cape and cowl from Michael Keaton), "Batman Forever" was a box office sensation in 1995, thanks in large part to Carrey's mid-9os superstardom. The quip-filled script and decidedly lighter touch from director Joel Schumacher was also a welcome relief to studio execs who thought Tim Burton's gloomy, grimy (and brilliant) "Batman Returns" from 1992 was way too dark for superhero-obsessed kiddos.

It wasn't just the box office. The soundtrack sold millions, McDonald's sold amazing glassware, and the studio felt so good they let Schumacher go even crazier with the 1997 sequel, "Batman & Robin." Yeesh.

So is "Batman Forever" anything substantial besides a corny 90s relic? Yes and no. The movie has some incredible production design, and, despite a few too many quips, the manic energy of Carrey suits this version of The Riddler just fine. And, wowza, Nicole Kidman is super horny for Batman in this movie. Bruce Wayne though? Eh, he's just okay.

It's Jones' Two-Face that sticks out like a half-scarred thumb. Clearly the dude wanted to be the Top Villain in the movie, and that meant going as BIG as Jim Carrey. Big mistake, Sam Gerard.

Old Millennials Remember Batman Forever

Old Millennials hosts Tyler and Angela discuss showing their very baffled kids "Batman Forever" for the first time, as well as the entire family's confusion over the age of Chris O'Donnell's Dick Grayson (aka Robin). Bruce Wayne takes him in so as to avoid paperwork at Gotham Child Services, but Dick Grayson is obviously 30 YEARS OLD.

They also discuss bat-nipples (of course), the incompetence of Commissioner Gordon and Alfred's lackadaisical approach to Wayne Manor security. Plus we have a rundown of our favorite terrible lines, from "My life's an open book, do you read?" to "Wanna take a ride in my love machine, BAEBAE?!" But we will defend a few other lines, like, say, "That's never going to heal if you don't stop picking" and "Holy rusted metal, Batman!" Because the ground... it's metal... it's full of holes...

Also discussed on this episode of Old Millennials Remember Movies

Chip N' Dale Rescue Rangers (2022)

Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore (2022)

Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (2022)

Everything Everywhere All At Once (2022)

The Lost City (2022)

Clifford the Big Red Dog (2021)

Moon Knight (2022 TV series)

Good Girls (TV series)

The Avengers (2012)

What if you could travel back in time to undo all the stupid decisions you made as a teenager? Sounds like a fantasy of many Old Millennials out there, or really anyone who went to high school beyond yesterday.

That's (sort of) the premise of "Peggy Sue Got Married," which sees the titular character played by Kathleen Turner pass out at her 25-year high school reunion and wake up in 1960 during her senior year. Her biggest decisions center on Charlie, the man she'd marry shortly after high school. They have two children together in the future, but Charlie also becomes a philandering car salesman, which isn't as cool as that other guy in high school who became a billionaire after writing a book about kites... or whatever.

Oh, did we mention Charlie is played by Nicolas Cage doing a high pitched voice he modeled after the character of Pokey on "The Gumby Show"? The way he says the phrase, "MY WANG!" will be burned into your ears forever.

As you might guess, Cage's bizarre acting choice created some friction with Turner, not to mention his uncle - the film's director, Francis Ford Coppola.

Believe it or not, Old Millennials hosts Tyler and Angela have plenty to say about "Peggy Sue Got Married" before they even spend a second deciphering the Nic Cage of it all. Topics include the early antics of Jim Carrey in a supporting role, Peggy Sue's grandpa, who appears to be a member of the Stonecutters alongside Homer Simpson, as well some of the story's key omissions regarding the fatalist logic of Peggy Sue's journey. Can she really change anything in the past? Or is she only here to gain a new appreciation for the life she's chosen to live?

But don't worry, Cage-fanatics, Tyler and Angela talk about him too, in particular that moment in which he goes full Nosferatu while sneaking into Peggy Sue's bedroom (Cage was just warming up for "Vampire's Kiss"). The big question: Even if you think it's a good performance, does Cage end up derailing the film's dramatic impact?

Also discussed on this episode of Old Millennials Remember Movies

The Northman (2022)

Firestarter (2022)

The Outfit (2022)

Severance (Apple TV+ series)

Samurai Rabbit: The Usagi Chronicles (Netflix series)

Valley Girl (1983)

Jurassic Park (1993)

You might be surprised to learn that the little-seen creature-feature "Lake Placid" contains more sparring between Brendan Gleeson and Oliver Platt than it does giant crocodile mayhem. And it's all the better for it!

David E. Kelley, notable creator and writer of courtroom dramas like "The Practice," "Boston Legal" and "Ally McBeal," wrote this Croc Attack flick back in 1999... for reasons unknown. It just seems like a left-field choice, amirite? Oh well, because it's super weird and filled with profanity-infused one-liners from an over-qualified cast, including Bill Pullman, Bridget Fonda, Platt and Gleeson (that "small-town-sheriff" American accent aside). Go for Pullman's lazy charm and stay for the glorious Betty White (RIP) delivering some of the best jabs in the movie in all of maybe five minutes of screen time. She's rooting for the crocodile, obviously.

Old Millennials Remember "Lake Placid"

Co-hosts Angela and Tyler jump into the water of this comedy/horror oddity, which clocks in at barely 80 minutes (it doesn't need to be longer). Tyler recalls his harsh, teenage-brain first impression of the movie as well as his subsequent reappraisal after countless cable TV viewings. Additionally, Tyler and Angela unravel the bizarre backstory of Fonda's character and try to figure out how the guy who wrote a whole television series about a smart legal professional could reduce a lead character in his high-profile blockbuster to essentially, "Woman no like be outside."

The Old Millennials also discuss the film's stellar animatronic crocodile (courtesy of Stan Winston and Co.!), the curiously small body count and all the delightful contradictions of Platt's "mythical croc scholar." Most importantly, we learn that you're supposed to say "Go" before starting Karate.

Also discussed on this episode of OMRM:

The Batman (2022)

The Bubble (2022)

All the Old Knives (2022)

The Last Days of Ptolemy Grey (Limited series)

Better Call Saul (TV series)

Russian Doll (TV series)

Drive Angry (2011)

Ghost Rider/Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance (2007/2011)

"You're out, Gobby. Out of your mind!"

While "X-Men" became a superhit in the 2000 (in the YEAR 2000!), the real onslaught of superhero movies began in 2002 with Sam Raimi's "Spider-Man," a sometimes-silly-but-undeniably entertaining origin story about everyone's favorite wall crawler.

Yes, that Green Goblin mask looked stupid in 2002, so much so that future iterations of the character rarely returned to the face covering (it's pointedly out of commission early on in "No Way Home"). By oh my, what a spectacularly over-the-top performance by Willem Dafoe, playing two wildly different sides to OG baddie Norman Osborn.

Old Millennials Remember Movies hosts Tyler and Angela were just finishing up high school upon the release of "Spider-Man," and one host gave the film a notoriously mixed review in print back in the day. Has his attitude changed, or is he still going on and on about the masterful "Spider-Man 2" and the presence of GOAT Spidey-villain, Doctor Octopus? DOC OCK!!!

The Old Millennials discuss early 2000s CGI, the tricky balancing act of origin stories, the joy J.K. Simmons brings to the screen in such a small role as J. Jonah Jameson, and the underrated charm of Kirsten Dunst as Mary Jane Watson. Plus, hey, isn't that Octavia Spencer and Joe Mangia... Mangianellia.... that werewolf guy from "True Blood?"

Tyler and Angela also split on Tobey Maguire... is his aw-shucks performance as Peter Parker anything? They also question whether or not their 4-year-old is now permanently scarred by watching Willem Dafoe cackle like a murderous maniac.

Plus, hey, be warned, we totally spoil various elements of "Spider-Man: No Way Home." Look, it's been out for months, and even the TV commercials for the Blu-ray keep showing the worst kept secret in Hollywood. We warned you!

Also discussed on this episode of Old Millennials Remember Movies

Turning Red (2022)

Death on the Nile (2022)

Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021)

In a battle of prominent sequels of the 1990s, only the best make it to the Final Four... unless one of the Old Millennials Hosts screws up the seeding... then anything can happen! That's right, "Lethal Weapon 4" has a shot at glory!

In our third installment of a (late) March tradition, Old Millennials hosts Tyler and Angela compare brackets and argue about 32 (ish) 90s-era sequels to decide the best of the best. Keep in mind, these are sequels, and, well, most of them aren't really that great.

Our bracket begins with four definitive quadrants:

Comedy Sequels - including titles like "Addams Family Values," "Wayne's World 2" and an explosive play-in game between "Hot Shots: Part Deux" and a "Very Brady Sequel." Also, listen to Tyler needlessly defend "City Slickers 2: The Legend of Curly's Gold."

Sequels for the Kids - can anything beat Pixar's "Toy Story 2"? "Home Alone 2: Lost in New York" and a couple "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" sequels want a shot. Also, watch out "3 Ninjas Knuckle Up." LOL, it has no shot.

Blockbuster Sequels - Tyler and Angela set up a bloodbath between some of the decade's most successful films, from "Terminator 2: Judgment Day" to various "Batmans," a "Jurassic Park" and more.

Outliers and oddities - Listen, don't think to hard about the logic of this final pack of nine titles (which includes a battle between "Look Who's Talking" sequels. We couldn't fit everything easily, okay! Anyway, check out a "Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit," an "Army of Darkness" and a beloved "Star Trek" entry.

Tyler plays the game with his heart, while Angela builds a complicated points system to determine the TRUE choice. There will be disagreements. There will be tears. There will be some baffling movie opinions.

Also in this episode, Tyler shares a few highlights from his virtual experience at the South by Southwest 2022 film festival, including takes on movies available now or will soon be available. Also, Angela breaks Tyler's heart over the new "West Side Story."

Also discussed on this episode of Old Millennials Remember Movies

Scream (Scream 5) (2022) plus Scream 3 and 4

Jackass Forever (2022)

Licorice Pizza (2022)

West Side Story (2022)

Master (2022)

Emergency (2022)

Spin Me Around (2022)

Cha Cha Real Smooth (2022)

I Love My Dad (2022)

Check out these past March Madness Bracket Battles from OMRM:

Battle of Old Millennials Sports Movies 

Battle of Disney Animation Sidekicks