This week, Shat The Movies heads to small-town Indiana, where basketball is life, second chances are rare, and Dennis Hopper is cold, coach—real cold. Commissioned by fantasy football champion Stephen J., 1986’s Hoosiers is one of the most celebrated underdog stories in sports cinema, often hailed as the “best basketball movie ever made.” But does it hold up nearly 40 years later?

Gene and Big D debate whether Gene Hackman’s Coach Norman Dale is a genius strategist or just a guy yelling “four passes!” while waiting for Jimmy Chitwood to show up. Along the way, we question the town’s obsession with high school hoops, the authenticity of Dennis Hopper’s Oscar-nominated portrayal of Shooter, and whether the film skips a pretty important historical context about race in 1950s basketball.

Was Hoosiers a masterclass in sports nostalgia, or just a paint-by-numbers blueprint for every “inspirational coach” movie that followed? And more importantly, should Ollie have ever touched the ball?

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For our Ninth Anniversary Episode, the Shat Crew draws the sword from the stone and rides into John Boorman’s epic Excalibur (1981). Commissioned by Chris, Mike, and Ollie to celebrate their father Robert’s 60th birthday, this Arthurian fever dream delivers knights, magic, and more shiny armor than a Manowar album cover.

From Nicol Williamson’s scene-stealing Merlin to Helen Mirren’s wickedly alluring Morgana, the movie is equal parts mythic grandeur and campy chaos. Gene marvels at the operatic visuals, while Big D is dazzled by the medieval carnage. Together they debate whether this is the definitive retelling of the Arthurian legend or just a two-and-a-half-hour bad trip brought to life.

As we celebrate nine years of podcasting, join us for knights in shining armor, incestuous twists and the most metal “O Fortuna” montage ever put to film. Long live the once and future pod!

Plot Summary:In Excalibur (1981), director John Boorman reimagines the Arthurian legend with a mix of operatic spectacle and raw brutality. From Uther Pendragon’s lustful betrayal to Arthur’s rise as king, the film chronicles the rise and fall of Camelot through battles, betrayal, and forbidden love. With unforgettable performances from Nicol Williamson as Merlin and Helen Mirren as Morgana, Excalibur stands as one of the most iconic—and most eccentric—fantasy films of the 1980s.

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This week on Shat the Movies, we’re taking hostages with Toy Soldiers (1991), where teen rebels face off against terrorists in a prep school under siege. Sean Astin, Wil Wheaton, and Louis Gossett Jr. bring the heat in this action-packed mix of Die Hard, The Goonies, and teenage rebellion. Gene and Big D break down the implausible plot, glorious explosions, and whether this 90s cult classic still makes the grade. Is it a hidden gem, or just juvenile fantasy with pipe bombs? Tune in and find out!

Plot Summary:Colombian terrorist Luis Cali (Andrew Divoff) takes an American prep school hostage as a means of gaining his drug lord father’s freedom. Privileged yet rebellious students Joey (Wil Wheaton), Billy (Sean Astin), Snuffy (Keith Coogan) and Hank (T.E. Russell) find that they are better equipped to deal with the threat than the mostly ineffectual government agencies sent to rescue them. With resourceful Billy as their leader, the students struggle to defeat the terrorists and save the school. Commissioned by Eric C.

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The Shat Crew trades leather jackets for Stetsons and arena rock for steel guitars with George Strait’s acting debut, Pure Country. Commissioned by listener Frank Fall, this 1992 romantic drama follows country superstar "Dusty" Chandler, who’s grown tired of the smoke, lasers, and screaming crowds. Disappearing from the spotlight, Dusty sets out to rediscover the joy of music—and maybe find love—while keeping his identity a secret.

While Big D marvels at the film’s unapologetic sincerity and old-school values, Gene wrestles with whether Dusty’s “just folks” routine is genuine or a branding exercise. From ponytails to denim tuxedos, the crew dives into the movie’s nostalgic Americana and debates whether its soundtrack is the true star.

Is Pure Country a sweet, wholesome reminder of sticking to your roots, or is it just a two-hour George Strait music video? Grab your Wranglers, crack open a cold one, and find out.

Plot Summary:In Pure Country, country music superstar Dusty Chandler grows disillusioned with the flashy trappings of fame and vanishes from the spotlight. Returning to his Texas roots under the radar, he rediscovers the simple joys of performing and falls for a local woman who doesn’t recognize him. But as love blooms, Dusty must choose between the quiet life he’s found and the career waiting for him.

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This week on Shat the Movies, it’s a date night gone completely off the rails with Mystery Date (1991)! Ethan Hawke stars as a shy teen whose dream night with the girl next door spirals into chaos involving mistaken identity, a dead body, and a punk club performance by Gwar. Gene and Big D unpack the movie’s strange tone, chaotic plot, and missed opportunities for greatness. From creepy crushes to club culture, this dark comedy has more surprises than a trunk full of corpses. Does it hold up, or should this movie stay forgotten? Tune in to find out!.

Plot Summary:Teenage Tom McHugh (Ethan Hawke) is madly in love with his ravishing next-door neighbor, Geena Matthews (Teri Polo), but becomes hopelessly tongue-tied whenever she’s around. When his parents go away on an impromptu road trip, his suave law student brother shows up and begins coaching Tom on how to pick up women. Things are going great until Tom discovers a body in the trunk of his brother’s car, and his perfect date with Geena takes multiple turns for the worse.

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The Shat Crew soars into DreamWorks territory for a film that melted even Gene’s icy heart: How to Train Your Dragon. This animated fantasy wasn’t just a box office smash—it was a coming-of-age story that redefined what kids’ movies could be, combining sweeping visuals, smart storytelling, and a surprising emotional punch.

Commissioned by Cheryl, this pick launches Big D into dad mode, marveling at the Viking village’s parenting techniques and dragon integration programs, while Gene questions how the filmmakers got him gushing over a silent reptile with puppy eyes. 

Is How to Train Your Dragon the best non-Disney animated film of its generation? Could it secretly be about neurodiversity, pacifism, or simply learning to listen? And how did Toothless become one of the most iconic non-verbal characters in modern cinema?

Whether you’re a rider of Night Furies or just here for the dad feels, this episode will have you rethinking your emotional support dragons.

Plot Summary:In How to Train Your Dragon (2010), a misfit Viking teen named Hiccup befriends a wounded dragon he names Toothless, challenging everything his warrior tribe believes about dragons. As their unlikely friendship grows, Hiccup must choose between the expectations of his community and the compassion he feels for the creatures they fear. With breathtaking animation and a powerful emotional core, this DreamWorks classic redefined animated storytelling for a new generation.

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This week on Shat the Movies, we’re delving into the heart of The Deer Hunter (1978), a haunting exploration of friendship, war, and what remains behind. With powerhouse performances from Robert De Niro, Christopher Walken, and Meryl Streep, this Best Picture winner delivers brutal realism, emotional gut punches, and one very tense game of Russian roulette. Is it still a masterpiece—or just a long, grim march? Tune in and find out..

Plot Summary: The Deer Hunter (1978), directed by Michael Cimino, is a powerful war drama that follows a group of working-class friends from a Pennsylvania steel town whose lives are forever changed by the Vietnam War. Starring Robert De Niro, Christopher Walken, and John Savage, the film explores themes of friendship, trauma, and loss through a harrowing narrative that moves from small-town America to the brutal jungles of Vietnam. Known for its intense performances and the infamous Russian roulette scenes, The Deer Hunter remains a haunting examination of war’s psychological toll.

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This week on Shat The Movies, Gene and Big D rope in a modern Western classic with City Slickers (1991), a film that’s equal parts midlife meltdown, male bonding, and calf-birthing madness. Commissioned as a birthday gift from Ken to Eileen, Shat The Movies Episode 450 explores the heartfelt—and sometimes hilarious—journey of three friends finding purpose on a New Mexico cattle drive.

Gene shares personal reflections on Americana cosplay, toxic corporate life, and the ever-elusive “one thing,” while Big D opens up about aging, friendship, and why his idea of bliss is scrubbing solar panels at 6 a.m. They dive into masculinity, mental health, Billy Crystal’s Mets cap, and the emotional weight behind Jack Palance’s Oscar-winning performance.

Oh, and yes—there’s an in-depth discussion about cow afterbirth, horse anatomy, and “horse beans.” You're welcome.

Plot Summary:

City Slickers is a 1991 Western comedy directed by Ron Underwood and starring Billy Crystal, Daniel Stern, and Bruno Kirby. It follows Mitch Robbins, a disillusioned 39-year-old New Yorker stuck in a midlife crisis, who embarks on a two-week cattle drive through the Southwest with his best friends Phil and Ed.

Expecting a macho escape from their mundane lives, the trio instead face emotional reckoning, cowboy philosophy, and unexpected tenderness—including the birth of a calf Mitch names Norman. Along the way, they’re guided by the grizzled trail boss Curly (Jack Palance in an Oscar-winning role), whose “one thing” lesson helps Mitch discover what really matters. Both funny and surprisingly poignant, City Slickers blends comedy with heartfelt introspection about friendship, adulthood, and the pursuit of meaning in middle age.

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This week on Shat the Movies, we’re shedding a single tear for Cry-Baby (1990)! Johnny Depp stars in John Waters’ rockabilly musical that’s equal parts parody, punk, and pure teen rebellion. From electric chairs to tear-streaked serenades, it’s a weird, wild ride through '50s nostalgia with a twisted grin. Tune in as we dive into this cult classic and ask: was Cry-Baby cool or just confused?

Plot Summary:Cry-Baby (1990), directed by John Waters, is a rockabilly musical comedy set in 1950s Baltimore, starring Johnny Depp as Wade “Cry-Baby” Walker, the leader of a group of rebellious “Drapes.” When he falls for straight-laced “Square” Allison (Amy Locane), their romance sparks a clash between their two social worlds. Packed with campy humor, catchy tunes, and Waters’ signature subversive style, the film parodies teen musicals while celebrating the outsiders who refuse to conform.

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Check into Castle Plunkett for a supernatural comedy that mashes together horny ghosts, Irish folklore, and peak ‘80s weirdness: High Spirits! Commissioned by Sydney in Texas—lover of Beetlejuice, Elvira, and men of questionable taste—this forgotten flick from 1988 boasts an absurdly stacked cast: Steve Guttenberg, Daryl Hannah, Beverly D’Angelo, Peter O’Toole, Jennifer Tilly, and a young Liam Neeson playing a ghostly creep.

Gene and Big D dive into a movie that’s half Scooby-Doo, half ghost-sex fever dream. They explore the film’s jarring tonal shifts, from slapstick hauntings to surprisingly dark (and wet) ghost lore, complete with a mermaid musical battle and “skelping”—a euphoric ghost-human contact that raises some ethical eyebrows.

Is High Spirits an underrated gem or a tonal trainwreck haunted by studio meddling? Would Jack have stayed loyal to his ghost bride if she kept her crumbling corpse form? And why are the castle’s real ghosts so damn lazy?

Strap into your flying bed, pour a spooky drink, and join us for an episode packed with laughs, lusty spirits, and longing for the Japanese director’s cut.

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