Ruined Childhoods

It was director Joe Dante’s follow up to his blockbuster hit, GREMLINS, and the screen debuts of Ethan Hawke and River Phoenix, two young actors who would each leave his mark on cinema despite the quite different (and, in Phoenix’s case, tragic) trajectories their careers would take. So why exactly wasn’t this movie a huge hit 35 years ago? Dan and Jon dig in and explore its troubled path to the big screen, and what might’ve been if Dante’s complete vision had made it to the final cut. Also, in part one of their month long focus on child stars, they address the tragic ends of Phoenix and co-star Amanda Peterson, Hawke’s ability to survive child stardom and achieve a vast and varied career, and the mystery of what happened to Jason Presson, who rounds out the trio of titular tweens.

Next episode: HEAVYWEIGHTS (1995) with special guest Brian “Box” Brown

In the final, sweat-drenched episode of “JOEL-ly”, we take an extended look at two of Joel Schumacher’s biggest hits, both adaptations of novels by bestselling author John Grisham. Joining us is attorney Laura Richardson, who shares some stories from her days working in Memphis and tells us what the novels and films capture best about practicing law in the southeast USA. Also, Dan shares his tangled web of possible connections between Grisham’s legal novels (“The Grishamverse”), while Jon sees potential in teaming up two specific (and, perhaps, unlikely) characters from these novels/films.

Next Episode: Explorers (1985)

Flatliners (1990)

What happens when you bring yourself to death’s door and turn back right before crossing the threshold? Joel Schumacher and a cast of impressive young Hollywood talent explore the consequences of experimentation in this psychological thriller, which Dan and Jon discuss in this episode, the third in our month of episodes celebrating the legacy of the late director. Also, Jon shares his take on the 2017 remake, and Dan speculates about the Schumacher Batman movie that could’ve been and never was.

Next episode: The Client (1994) / A Time To Kill (1996)

Anyone who has seen and remembers this film probably doesn’t need to be told how relevant it is to today’s world. In their analysis of Falling Down, Dan and Jon discuss how the themes of the film and the character of “D-Fens” (Michael Douglas) resonate today, 27 years after the film’s release. As this is also the second film of “JOEL-ly”, they also continue answering the question, “What are the signature elements in a Joel Schumacher film?”, bringing forth some unlikely connections between Falling Down and the previously covered The Lost Boys.

Next episode: Flatliners (1990)

Much like a vampire that can never age, Dan and Jon can’t seem to leave 1987 behind! In the first installment of their month-long tribute to director Joel Schumacher, they explore the world of fictional beach town Santa Carla, the setting of his horror-comedy, The Lost Boys. Dan shares his distaste for certain sparkly teen vampires while Jon sings the praises of shirtless saxophonist extraordinaire, Tim Cappello. We’ve got the Coreys Haim and Feldman in their first film together, Kiefer Sutherland, Jason Patric, Jami Gertz, and Dianne Freakin’ Wiest, not to mention “all the damn vampires” Buckle up, Starfighters! It’s one hell of a kickoff to “JOEL-LY”!

Next episode: Falling Down (1993)

The Running Man

Take another trip back to 1987 with Dan, Jon, and special guest Laura Richardson, and join them as they discuss the past, present, and future of The Running Man. In discussing this adaptation of the Richard Bachmann novel, they note the many similarities between the 2017 of the film and the 2020 in which we are currently living, as well as the various theories related to the film, including all those involving Fleetwood Mac.

Also: More on the cultural ripple effects of Hollywood Shuffle; The quintessential songs of 1987; RCP’s month-long tribute to the films of Joel Schumacher, (“Joel-lye”).

Next Episode: The Lost Boys (1987)

1987 saw the release of one of the few films of the decade to be written, produced, directed by and starring Black artists. Hollywood Shuffle, co-written by Keenan Ivory Wayans, is Robert Townsend’s satirical take on being a Black actor in Hollywood (who is not Eddie Murphy). How much has changed, if anything? Dan and Jon seek the answer to that question, as well as what role satire can play today in the ongoing struggle for equity in America, as they discuss this landmark film and the lasting influence it has had.

Next Episode: The Running Man (1987)

Dan & Jon & Owen & Larry…& Momma

On this episode, Dan and Jon imagine a new life for this remake of an adaptation.

Next episode: Hollywood Shuffle

Keith Coogan joins Dan & Jon to talk about his 1987 cult classic, Hiding Out. Keith tells stories from the set and from other career highlights, such as Adventures in Babysitting and Don’t Tell Mom the Babysitter’s Dead.

But first, Dan & Jon go over their thoughts and reflections on current world events and one of their plans for taking action. For more information, visit PODliceaCASTemy.com

Next Episode: Throw Momma from the Train

What happens when 3 career bachelors are left in charge of a baby? They have to bust a group of heroin smugglers - that’s what! On this episode of the podcast, Dan and Jon go over Three Men and a Baby & Three Men and a Little Lady. And don’t worry, they talk about the ghost.

Next episode: Hiding Out (1987)