Ruined Childhoods

We've been building up to this one for a few weeks and now it's time to talk about Jack and Jill, Adam Sandler's attempt at a dual role/gender comedy. It may be a disaster and a dark spot on Sandler's filmography, but it gives us one of the great Al Pacino performances.

Next episode: Klute (1971)

Watch this episode on YouTube or Spotify

Subscribe to The WALT!

Contact us, follow us on social media, or buy some merch at linktr.ee/RuinedChildhoods & RuinedChildhoodsPod.com

Stellan Skarsgård and Al Pacino each star in their own version of the same story - a talented but troubled homicide detective may be forced to sway the results of an investigation to save his own ass. What makes it even more challenging? They're a fish out of water in a region where the sun never sets. Erik Skjoldbjærg and Christopher Nolan each give their take on Skjoldbjærg's original story resulting in two equally fascinating films. Dan and Jon share Al Pacino anecdotes and admire each film's strengths before chiming in with their own ideas on how Insomnia could be revisited.

Next episode: Jack and Jill (2011)

Watch this episode on YouTube or Spotify

Subscribe to The WALT!

Contact us, follow us on social media, or buy some merch at linktr.ee/RuinedChildhoods & RuinedChildhoodsPod.com

Marketed as a dysfunctional family romp, 1995's Home for the Holidays is actually a witty drama focusing on different generations' views on keeping up appearances, generational trauma, and minding your own damn business. Perhaps also overshadowed by a challenging production due to Robert Downey, Jr.'s substance abuse issues, this Thanksgiving film marks Jodie Foster's 2nd directorial effort, showing a strong perspective on family life when you're all the black sheep. Dan and Jon share their thoughts on how this film could be revisited 30 years later.

Next episode: Insomnia (1997) / Insomnia (2002) • I

Watch this episode on YouTube or Spotify

Subscribe to The WALT!

Contact us, follow us on social media, or buy some merch at linktr.ee/RuinedChildhoods & RuinedChildhoodsPod.com

In the 1950s, nobody paid too much attention to the films of Edward D. Wood, Jr, but his films hit cult status when they were rediscovered in the 70s & 80s. While some are simply low-budget b-movie schlock, one film is an ultra-personal exploration of his own gender identity. Now, Glen or Glenda is looked upon as an important landmark in queer cinema, specifically for the transgender community. Glen or Glenda also got additional attention after it was featured in the 1994 film Ed Wood, directed by one of Wood's admirers, Tim Burton. Dan and Jon celebrate the aspects of Glen or Glenda that make it special and imagine new ways to revisit this cult classic in the modern era.

Next episode: Home for the Holidays (1995) • H

Watch this episode on YouTube or Spotify

Subscribe to The WALT!

Contact us, follow us on social media, or buy some merch at linktr.ee/RuinedChildhoods & RuinedChildhoodsPod.com

Early in his career, Orson Welles was a master of storytelling, after the wild successes of Citizen Kane and War of the Worlds, Welles fell out of favor with Hollywood. After a handful of actor-for-hire jobs and independently released flops, Welles scrambled to hit it big with another hit film. And sometime during the meandering production of The Other Side of the Wind, Welles completed his pseudo-documentary about hoaxes, F for Fake. Dan and Jon celebrate the film's weirdness while celebrating Welles' freak flag which he proudly flew and give their 2 cents about how the film could be brought back for a modern audience.

Next episode: Glen or Glenda 1953) • G

Watch this episode on YouTube or Spotify

Subscribe to The WALT!

Contact us, follow us on social media, or buy some merch at linktr.ee/RuinedChildhoods & RuinedChildhoodsPod.com

The 90s were a golden era for high school movies, defying the standard set by John Hughes a decade prior. But few (if any) high school-set films capture the bizarre nature of student government better than Election, which skillfully weaves in the story of a civics teacher who diverts from his typical routine and lets his personal life interfere with the natural course of the student body. Broderick is back. Witherspoon gets legend status. And welcome to the acting world, Chris Klein, who was plucked from a Nebraska high school to star in his first movie.

Next episode: F for Fake (1973) • F

Watch this episode on YouTube or Spotify

Subscribe to The WALT!

Contact us, follow us on social media, or buy some merch at linktr.ee/RuinedChildhoods & RuinedChildhoodsPod.com

It's the breakout role for Jake Gyllenhaal. It reminded us why Smurfette was created and by whom. It introduced the world to Sparkle Motion. When Donnie Darko was released in 2001, few could have anticipated its rapid rise to cult classic status, but this cerebral film spawned a theatrical adaptation, an unofficial sequel, and there are plans for an alleged official sequel. But perhaps Dan and Jon have some other ideas.

Next episode: Election (1999) • E

Watch this episode on YouTube or Spotify

Subscribe to The WALT!

Contact us, follow us on social media, or buy some merch at linktr.ee/RuinedChildhoods & RuinedChildhoodsPod.com

When we set out to cover a movie for every letter of the alphabet, we had plenty of great options for C. However, we chose C.C. and Company instead. This film is a bizarre combination of football star Joe Namath, Ann-Margret, and Motocross. Not a single transfer of the film looks good, there are no fewer than 3 versions of the film on streaming services, but it's still highly enjoyable and best watched with friends.

Next episode: Donnie Darko (2001) • D

Watch this episode on YouTube or Spotify

Subscribe to The WALT!

Contact us, follow us on social media, or buy some merch at linktr.ee/RuinedChildhoods & RuinedChildhoodsPod.com

Bette Midler, Lily Tomlin, Bette Midler, and Lily Tomlin?!?!?! That's right - this 1988 comedy, directed by legend Jim Abrahams features Midler and Tomlin as two sets of identical twins mixed up at a West Virginia Hospital. It doesn't matter if it gets messy at times, it's a load of fun. The movie also features baby Seth Green, Fred Ward, Edward Herrmann, Michael Gross, and Mary Gross. Dan and Jon have a blast discussing the film and have some ideas on how it could be revisited in the 21st century.

Next episode: C.C. & Company (1970) • C

Watch this episode on YouTube or Spotify

Subscribe to The WALT!

Contact us, follow us on social media, or buy some merch at linktr.ee/RuinedChildhoods & RuinedChildhoodsPod.com

Who would have known that a simple 1997 monster movie would stand the test of time and become a true cult classic. Also, who would have known that many of its stars would be some of the most popular actors nearly 30 years later? And who can explain exactly what Jon Voight was thinking with his performance? On the 3rd series premiere, Dan and Jon celebrate Anaconda and imagine how it could be revisited in 2024, despite existing plans for a resurrection of the series.

Next episode: Big Business (1988) • B

Watch this episode on YouTube or Spotify

Subscribe to The WALT!

Contact us, follow us on social media, or buy some merch at linktr.ee/RuinedChildhoods & RuinedChildhoodsPod.com