Ruined Childhoods

What Women Want (2000)

What are the potentials and pitfalls of a movie in which a misogynistic advertising executive gains the power to hear women’s thoughts? Dan and Jon brave the waters of Mel Gibson’s filmography to revisit the Nancy Meyers comedy, which featured Gibson in his pre-drunk racist/sexist breakdown days playing Nick Marshall, the aforementioned ad exec. In doing so, they debate the viability of the concept and potential variations that could be successful today, including the 2019 remake, What Men Want.

Next Episode: Tootsie (1982)

Dan & Jon break into a nearby pool and dive into 1985’s Cocoon. Ron Howard’s sci-fi comedy classic is a prime example of an 80s alien movie that totally holds up, but Dan and Jon imagine what it might be like with a life in the 21st century.

Next episode: What Women Want (2000)

Special Guest: SCOTT WIENER

On this episode, Dan and Jon are in Austin, Texas with their brother Scott to talk about the character that shaped their lives (as well as many others), Pee-wee Herman (Paul Reubens). From Pee-wee’s Big Adventure to Pee-wee’s Playhouse to Big Top Pee-wee to Pee-wee’s Big Holiday, just about everything is covered - including his appearances in Cheech and Chong’s Next Movie and Back to the Beach.

Special thanks to French Fry Phil for the clip that you hear at the top of the show. Please remember to rate & review the show on Apple Podcasts and tell your friends!

Next episode: Cocoon (1985)

Mickey Mouse & Bugs Bunny? Daffy Duck & Donald Duck? Eddie Valiant & Roger Rabbit?! On this episode of Ruined Childhoods, Dan & Jon discuss the 1988 classic animation-meets-live-action romp, Who Framed Roger Rabbit. Have there been attempts to resurrect the property in the past? Are there future plans? Dan and Jon give an overview and share their ideas on expanding the Roger Rabbitverse.

Next episode: Pee-wee Herman

No time for love, Starfighters! On this episode, Dan & Jon give an overview of the ongoing legacy of Indiana Jones and give their ideas on ways the franchise can move forward in a way that won’t ruin any childhoods.

Next episode: Who Framed Roger Rabbit

A Week of Kindness and the Last Crusade

Dan & Jon hit the road and explore this true classic in counter-culture cinema. But first, Dan goes over some news from upcoming sequels/remakes.

Next episode: The world of Indiana Jones

Dan & Jon soar through their first year of Ruined Childhoods like Cliff Secord (AKA The Rocketeer) soars over Hollywoodland, California. They also ruminate on their recent experiences seeing Bad Boys for Life and Ghostbusters with orchestral accompaniment.

Next episode: Easy Rider (1969)

Dan and Jon dig in to one of the more unlikely franchises in cinema, which began with the release of the original Tremors 30 years ago this month, and has since spawned sequels, a prequel, and two (failed) TV series. After all the different directions in which this franchise has already gone, is there anything they could possibly suggest that hasn’t already been tried? Listen in and see what they have in mind for the future of the Graboids, Shriekers, Assblasters, and other members of the subterranean species.

Also: Dan and Jon share their takes on the Academy Award nominations for the first 34 minutes.

Next episode: We celebrate one year of RUINED CHILDHOODS with The Rocketeer (1991)

School Ties might not be a classic movie for most, but it sure is for Dan & Jon. They share their thoughts and memories about this Brendan Fraser drama as they celebrate the early careers of Brendan, Matt Damon, Ben Affleck, and many other future stars.

COWARDS!!!!!

Next Episode: Tremors

When Robert Louis Stevenson wrote The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, he knew that in 2020, two ding-a-lings would celebrate its legacy and discuss ideas to further its life on something called a podcast. They talk about the films, tv movies, spoofs, stage productions, variations, and even theme restaurants based on the original classic texts.

Oh, and DAN’S BLOG!

Next episode: School Ties (1992)