Ruined Childhoods

You wanna hear some Goodfellas? Wait until you hear Dan & Jon gab about My Blue Heaven! Before they share their ideas about a new life after the movie, Dan recalls the first time they both saw the film.

Next Episode: Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde

The Warriors (1979)

“Come out to play-ay” with Dan, Jon, and The Warriors! Journey with them from the north Bronx to Coney Island as they follow The Warriors’ odyssey through a quasi-futuristic New York City even grittier than the actual NYC of the late 1970’s, which was already pretty darn gritty. Also: the Ruined Childhoods “End of the Decade” survey; new trailers for Ghostbusters: Afterlife and the Top Gun franchise.

*NOTE: Dan incorrectly credits The Romantics with writing “I Don’t Want To Lose Your Love Tonight” by The Outfield

Next Episode: My Blue Heaven (1990)

The Graduate (1967)

For this episode, Dan and Jon revisit a classic, and they have a lot to say about it. While providing background about the film and the novel on which it was based, they examine how the property has been referenced and resurrected throughout time, from the 2002 Broadway adaptation (which Dan and Jon saw during its run) to the Brad Pitt/Edward Norton commentary track on the Fight Club DVD. Also: High praise for some recent theatrical releases, including Parasite and Frozen II.

Next episode: The Warriors (1979)

This week, Dan and Jon venture back into the neo-noir, Christmastime action-comedy world of Shane Black. This time, it’s director Tony Scott pairing up Bruce Willis (fresh off the failure of Hudson Hawk) and Damon Wayans (hot off the success of In Living Color) to take on crime and corruption in the NFL. The movie not only boasts one of Halle Berry’s earliest film roles, but also shares several notable connections to the following year’s Lorenzo’s Oil.

Also: Dan reminisces about his Billy Blanks Tae-Bo workouts and shares his reservations regarding the new Mrs. Doubtfire musical.

Next episode: The Graduate (1967)

Buckle up, motherf#ckers! On this episode of Ruined Childhoods, Jon and Dan debate the afterlife for The Long Kiss Goodnight. Does Renny Harlin have a chance for a comeback? Listen and find out what Dan & Jon think!

Next episode: The Last Boy Scout

Midnight Run (1988)

On this, the monumental 40th episode of Ruined Childhoods, Dan and Jon step back into the career of filmmaker Martin Brest, this time to examine the 1988 action-comedy Midnight Run. Join them as they revisit the plot and some of the many highlights of the film as they determine what potential there is (if any) for sequels, prequels, remakes, or reboots. Also, Dan and Jon share their reviews of Dolemite is My Name, Dan shares some reflections following the closing of his high school production of A Few Good Men, and Jon challenges him to name which of the films covered in episodes 1-39 he would potentially adapt for the high school stage.

Next Episode: The Long Kiss Goodnight (1996)

What happens when a cop from Detroit with a loose interpretation of the rules has to play nice with the by-the-book Beverly Hills Police Department? Dan and Jon not only tell you exactly what happens, but they also weigh in on what could happen in the future.

Next episode: Midnight Run (1988)

Join Dan and Jon as they look back at the early-90’s Stallone/Snipes action flick Demolition Man and debate how well it has aged in the last 26 years. Jon shares his qualms with the movie, including its title, and Dan speculates as to why he’s not as troubled by these flaws. Also, Dan shares his reactions to the first episode of HBO’s Watchmen series (after dealing with some lozenge-related audio issues).

Next Episode: Beverly Hills Cop (1984, 1987, 1994)

Tom Cruise Month comes to a close with one of his most iconic films from the 90s — A Few Good Men. Dan talks about his connections with this property and Jon envisions a new life for military courtroom dramas.

Next episode: Demolition Man

We’re well into Tom Cruise Month (because we decided it’s Tom Cruise Month) and Dan & Jon are talking about the 1985 cult classic, Legend. Does this fantasy flop deserve to see the light of day or does it remain in the darkness?

Next episode: A Few Good Men