Ruined Childhoods

Most moviegoing audiences in 1995 were turned off enough by the disaster stories coming from the set of Waterworld that, by the time it was released that July, few people were still ready to give it a fighting chance. Dan and Jon have put on the swim trunks, waited at least 30 minutes, and dived back in to revisit the film and its many controversies. Were they able to find anything salvageable in this shipwreck of a blockbuster? Might the tale of a drowned planet and the search for dry land see new life after all this time? Only one way to find out…

Next Episode: The First Wives Club (1996)

When it comes to films about journalism, you needn’t go further than one co-written by the Executive Editor of Time Magazine. Written by David and Stephen Koepp. But this podcast features a different set of brothers, Dan & Jon, and they set out to celebrate 1994’s The Paper and imagine how it could be brought back today.

Next Episode: Waterworld (1995)

BUY OUR MERCH ON TEEPUBLIC.COM

Find our Merch on TeePublic.com

Jack Lemmon and Walter Matthau may go together like peanut butter & jelly, but they also go together like orange juice & toothpaste, or such is the case in the Odd Couple or this week’s movie duo, Grumpy Old Men and Grumpier Old Men. Dan & Jon go over their history with the franchise and imagine new opportunities and old ideas for ways to bring this type of property back.

Next episode: The Paper (1994)

Say what you will about Steven Seagal (go ahead, we’ll wait), but the guy definitely brought the goods for 1992’s “Die Hard on a Battleship”, Under Siege, and to a lesser extent, Under Siege 2: Dark Territory. Dan & Jon discuss this anomaly of a man while celebrating these two utterly enjoyable movies. And perhaps there’s room for a 2nd life for the franchise.

BUY OUR MERCH ON TEEPUBLIC.COM

Next episode: Grumpy Old Men (1993)

Travel back with Dan and Jon to a simpler time, a time when knights chivalrously rescued trampled cabaret singers and engaged on quests to retrieve Holy Grails from Upper East Side fortresses - 1991, which we learn was a great time for movies, including this Oscar-nominated release. With the disclaimer that director Terry Gilliam has shown himself to be a pompous misogynist, they reveal all of the magical details that make The Fisher King not only his best film, but one of the very best of the 1990’s. Most importantly, they determine whether or not there is any acceptable way to build on or reproduce its signature charm and emotional power.

Next Episode: Under Siege (1992)

Gratitude month continues on RCP as we step back into the world of Hal Ashby’s cult classic Harold & Maude. Jon shares his ongoing love for a film that he discovered years ago and continues to revisit, while Dan shares his struggle to stay awake through evening viewings despite genuinely appreciating it.

Next episode: The Fisher King (1991)

Schmucks, and Schmos, and Nogoodnicks - OH MY! On this episode of Ruined Childhoods, we’re thankful for Fargo, the 1996 Coen Brothers masterpiece that was eventually adapted into a successful FX anthology series. Jon breaks down his list of categories for Coen Brothers characters, recounts his first time seeing the film, and imagines a new way to tell crime stories from unexpected places. Dan also shares his memories from his first time viewing the film and his impressions on the FX series.

Next Episode: Harold and Maude (1971)

What would it be like if children’s entertainers were all corrupt…except one? How long would it take for them to break? On this episode, Dan & Jon break down the 2002 dark-as-hell comedy, Death to Smoochy, and celebrate its absurdity, astonishingly funny performances, and the brilliance of Danny DeVito’s direction.

Next episode: Fargo (1996)

When two NYC yuppies and a pair of sibling Brazilianaires accidentally find their way into a house filled with bizarre execution machines and a maniacal Judge with a hatred for bankers and love for Digital Underground, you have the perfect recipe for an episode of Ruined Childhoods. Nothing But Trouble (1991) is a punchline to most, but to Dan and Jon, it’s an overlooked effort straight from the mind of the man of the month, Dan Aykroyd. Is there a case for a new life for this property or should it be sent straight to Mister Bonestripper?

Next Episode: Death to Smoochy (2002)

The Academy called it 1989’s best picture, but Dan and Jon have some other thoughts on what should have happened with this film and what could happen with this film. This Ayktobyr, we celebrate Driving Miss Daisy for what it was - the film that got Dan Aykroyd his Oscar nomination.

Next episode: Nothing But Trouble (1989)