Ruined Childhoods

When Ed Neumeier wrote RoboCop, he certainly didn’t expect for it to explode the way it did, ultimately resulting in an episode of RUINED CHILDHOODS!

Mentioned in this episode:
Our RoboCop Remake
RoboCop and Wrestling

Next episode: Ghost (1990)

Contact us, follow us on social media, or buy some merch at linktr.ee/RuinedChildhoods

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Inspired by an 80s episode of the Twilight Zone and worthy of a feature on Black Mirror, 1998’s The Truman Show repeatedly stands the test of time. On this episode, Dan and Jon break down the iconic Jim Carrey dramedy and theorize how it could be revisited 25 years later.

Next episode: RoboCop (1987)

Contact us, follow us on social media, or buy some merch at linktr.ee/RuinedChildhoods

Planet of the Apes (1968)

It’s not often that Dan and Jon dive deep into a franchise, but when the ongoing Planet of the Apes saga comes up, there’s not choice other than to leap head first. Not only do they go beat-by-beat through the original film series, 2001 reboot, current prequel reboot series, live action TV series, and animated TV series, but they also discuss the 1962 novel, the attempts to reboot in the early 90s, and more. And of course, Dan and Jon imagine how ELSE this series could be reimagined.

Next episode: The Truman Show (1998)

Contact us, follow us on social media, or buy some merch at linktr.ee/RuinedChildhoods

If there are two downloads on the episode, we’ll have to assume it’s Doug and Steve Butabi because Dan and Jon are talking Richard Grieco and his film debut, If Looks Could Kill. This film imagines a world where James Bond begins as a teenage dirtbag, and Dan and Jon know exactly how to revisit this cult classic.

Next episode: Planet of the Apes (1968)

Contact us, follow us on social media, or buy some merch at linktr.ee/RuinedChildhoods

It’s the worst night of your life and you can’t seem to get home. May as well listen to this episode of Ruined Childhoods. Dan and Jon talk about how this fits into the career timeline of director Martin Scorsese and go through his works one-by-one, and then suggest ways that After Hours can be revisited.

Next episode: If Looks Could Kill (1991)

Contact us, follow us on social media, or buy some merch at linktr.ee/RuinedChildhoods

Honoring the life and art of Christy Brown can be done in a few ways. Aside from reading his books and seeing his art at a gallery, watching My Left Foot isn’t a bad start. With moving performances and thoughtful direction from Jim Sheridan, this film is a great entry into the work of a genius whose physical barriers created an even greater depth to his already moving art. In this episode, Jon and Dan spitball ideas of how else Christy Brown’s work could be honored in the 21st century.

Recommended listening: Cripple Threat

Next episode: After Hours (1985)

Contact us, follow us on social media, or buy some merch at linktr.ee/RuinedChildhoods

With an Oscar win under his belt, Brendan Fraser is back in the conversation but is often celebrated for his work in his adventure movies like George of the Jungle, Journey to the Center of the Earth, and The Mummy Franchise. But before all of that, Fraser joined up with two other lesser-known actors turned mega-star actors to portray LA-rocker dudes who take a radio station hostage until they play their demo. This movie has crept into obscurity but was a staple on cable television for a number of years and is often looked upon with fondness. On this episode, Dan and Jon imagine a world in which The Lone Rangers are still out there causing a scene.

Next episode: My Left Foot (1989)

Contact us, follow us on social media, or buy some merch at linktr.ee/RuinedChildhoods

On its surface, Saturday Night Fever is a movie about disco dancing and New York nightlife. But once you get past the glitz and glamour, you enter a world of grit and grime. Dan and Jon take a deep dive into the underbelly of this 1977 drama and its 1983 sequel and theorize how new life can be brought to this famous franchise.

Next episode Airheads (1994)

Contact us, follow us on social media, or buy some merch at linktr.ee/RuinedChildhoods

Jane Fonda, Lily Tomlin, and Dolly Parton are a perfect example of on-screen chemistry and the foundation they created on 9 to 5 goes down in history as a high bar for all comedies to attempt reaching. And although it had a Broadway musical and television series, Dan and Jon theorize how else to appropriately bring back this workplace masterpiece.

Next Episode: Saturday Night Fever (1977)

Contact us, follow us on social media, or buy some merch at linktr.ee/RuinedChildhoods

When it comes to the work of Alfred Hitchcock, a few films must be mentioned — The Birds, Vertigo, North by Northwest, Psycho, and the topic of discussion on this episode, Rear Window. Yes, it’s been remade and yes there have been movies made with the same basic plot, but the 1954 classic remains unique in its ability to capture the feeling of neurosis and curiosity, while also telling the tale of a man withholding his feelings, searching for any distraction to keep him from having an ordinary life. But perhaps there is another way, and that’s what Dan and Jon set out to discuss.

Next episode: 9 to 5 (1980)

Contact us, follow us on social media, or buy some merch at linktr.ee/RuinedChildhoods