Ruined Childhoods

The second episode of “Ayktobyr” delves into the hit comedy that helped rocket Dan Aykroyd and Eddie Murphy to superstardom and showed that Jamie Lee Curtis was capable of doing more than running from Michael Myers. Dan and Jon note the relevance of the movie's themes, such as white privilege and systemic racism, while appreciating the intelligence of the underappreciated screenplay and nuanced performances from its aforementioned stars as well as Don Ameche, Ralph Bellamy, and Denholm Elliott. Does the RCP crop report predict a sequel, prequel, or remake for audiences to invest in? Only one way to find out!

Next episode: Driving Miss Daisy (1989)

Welcome to AYKTOBYR! It’s our month-long celebration of actor, writer, director, producer, and purveyor of fine vodka, Mr. Dan Aykroyd. We begin with Aykroyd at his villainous best as John Cusack’s fast-talking, labor-organizing, rival (and mentor?) hitman Harry Grocer in Grosse Pointe Blank.

Next episode: Trading Places (1983)

In 1960, Billy Wilder perplexed audiences with an adultery comedy that swept the Oscars. Jack Lemmon, Shirley MacLaine, and Fred MacMurray star in The Apartment, a tale of institutionally accepted infidelity, a peon who enables it for personal gain, and a woman caught in the middle. And 60 years after its release, Dan and Jon discuss its legacy, debate the motives of the main characters, and imagine a new life for this classic film.

Next Episode: Grosse Pointe Blank (1997)

Dan and Jon devote an episode to their favorite sisters - Sister Mary Clarence, Sister Mary Patrick, Sister Mary Robert, Sister Mary Lazarus, and the entire St. Katherine’s Convent! Sister Act was a huge hit in 1992, due in no small part to the performances of its phenomenal cast as well as some rousing musical numbers. While its 1993 sequel is remembered fondly, particularly for its introduction of Ms. Lauryn Hill, it was not nearly as successful as its predecessor. On this episode, Dan and Jon explore what has helped Sister Act hold up after almost 30 years, and what may have prevented its sequel from enjoying the same success. They’ll be joined by famed background actor (and their uncle) Dennis Spivack, who shares some tales from his days on set with Whoopi, et al.

Also: Jon weighs in on NPR’s controversial Quick Change/Inside Man comparison; Dan recounts a minor nun-related car accident from his youth.

Next episode: The Apartment (1960)

What happens when Bill Murray, Geena Davis, and Randy Quaid attempt to escape New York after a daring bank robbery? Quite a bit, as it turns out. Dan and Jon revisit the offbeat comedy as it celebrates its 30th anniversary. In addition to celebrating its outstanding cast, which also includes Jason Robards, Tony Shalhoub, Phil Hartman, and Stanley Tucci, they delve into what might have prevented the movie from being a bigger hit back in 1990, as well as how it nonetheless managed to gain a following over the years.

Next Episode: Sister Act (1992, 1993)

Ain’t no party like a Peter Sellers party cause a Peter Sellers party is CONTROVERSIAL! In 1968’s The Party, Peter Sellers plays Hrundi V. Bakshi, an actor from India trying to make his way in Hollywood. Dan and Jon review his performance and puts it in context with other work by Sellers and director, Blake Edwards, to encourage others to watch first and judge later. Does The Party have a place in the world of a modern revisit?

Next Episode: Quick Change (1990)

Lewis, Gilbert, and the gang address nerd persecution in the first of this series of films that lives on as a cult classic, but is certainly not without its problems. Followed by one theatrical sequel and two made-for-TV movies (the fourth features an all-star cast), Revenge of the Nerds has been on the back burner for a reboot for years - Dan & Jon weigh in.

Next episode: The Party (1968)

The Bad News Bears (1976)

Everyone’s favorite fictional Little League team (and the inspiration for many others) has been featured in three films, a short-lived TV series, and a remake made for the PC era. Where do they go from here? Dan and Jon attempt to answer this question while discussing what made the 1976 original so special, how its sequels failed to recapture the magic, and why the 2005 remake didn’t quite work.

Next episode: Revenge of the Nerds (1984)

The Wizard (1989)

Our third episode “Child Star Month” features Dan and Jon’s hometown homie Jeff Rubin (The Jeff Rubin Jeff Rubin Show, College Humor, Buzzfeed), who joins them to reminisce about their childhoods and discuss The Wizard, also known as “the Nintendo movie” (which ironically does not focus much on Nintendo). They discuss how stars Fred Savage and Jenny Lewis have both transitioned from being child stars to successful adults with vibrant careers in directing, and music, but Jackey Vinson, the actor who played Lucas Barton, owner of the coveted Power Glove, had a more upsetting future. Also discussed are the curious lack of promotion in Nintendo Power magazine at the time, the unlikely roles that provide some of the best performances in the film, and Jeff’s newest creation, LiesGame.com.

Next Episode: The Bad News Bears (1976-78, 2005)

Dan and Jon are joined by hometown homie Brian “Box” Brown, author of the new graphic novel, Child Star, to talk about the 1995 classic, Heavyweights. This film is the 2nd in our month-long series of films celebrating child stars, in honor of the release of Brown’s book. Heavyweights features child stars Kenan Thompson, Aaron Schwartz, and Shaun Weiss, all of whom we whole-heartedly salute!

Brian and the guys go over their histories with summer camps and the moments in the film that really hit home.

Next episode: The Wizard (1989) with guest Jeff Rubin