Happy New Year’s Eve, movie lovers! This week, the Shat crew bids farewell to 2024 with a truly twisted trip back to 1999 and Joel Schumacher’s descent into darkness: 8mm. Nicholas Cage trades in his bees for smokes, Joaquin Phoenix dons the most questionable crop tops ever filmed, and we discover that apparently, “Are you a cop?” is still the universal password for underground crime rings.

Join Gene Lyons and Big D as they wrestle with the true horrors of the film: not just snuff movies, but also parenting during awkward sex scenes, inexplicably bad investigative decisions, and the economics of murder in an era where a 20-inch shovel costs less than a Big Mac combo. Is 8mm a misunderstood thriller or a time capsule of 1999’s obsession with edgy “dark detective” tales?

Find out if this cinematic black hole ends the year with a bang or just wipes itself out. Spoiler alert: It’s not the bees, but it might be the belly tees.

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This week, the Shat Crew dives into the heartwarming holiday classic: The Muppet Christmas Carol! Directed by Brian Henson and starring the legendary Michael Caine, this 1992 retelling of Charles Dickens’ beloved tale combines Victorian drama with whimsical Muppet humor. But does it still hold up today? 🤔

Join Gene and Big D as they explore the film’s unique blend of festive joy and unexpected darkness, dissect its memorable (and not-so-memorable) songs and debate the modern relevance of Dickens' moral lessons. Along the way, they celebrate Gonzo and Rizzo’s comedic brilliance, reminisce about Christmas traditions, and even reimagine A Christmas Carol with Jeff Bezos as Scrooge.

Whether you're curious about the behind-the-scenes magic (and controversies), this episode promises Muppet mayhem, holiday cheer, and thoughtful commentary on one of Disney’s quirkiest adaptations.

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This week on "Shat the Movies," we’re diving into Thief (1981), Michael Mann’s gritty, neon-lit crime drama starring James Caan. Join us as we explore the world of Frank, a professional thief with a plan, as he navigates loyalty, betrayal, and the high cost of trust.

We’ll discuss the film’s stylish direction, intense performances, and its influence on later crime thrillers. Whether you’re a fan of Mann’s work or new to this classic, tune in for a deep dive into one of the best heist films of the ‘80s!

Plot Summary: In the 1981 neo-noir crime thriller Thief, directed by Michael Mann, James Caan stars as Frank, a skilled safecracker and professional thief who dreams of leaving his criminal life behind to pursue a normal existence. Frank operates with precision and discipline, running his own crew and keeping his operations clean and professional. His ultimate goal is to settle down with his girlfriend, Jessie (Tuesday Weld), and start a family.

Frank's plans take a turn when a powerful Chicago mob boss, Leo (Robert Prosky), offers him a lucrative job with promises of financial security and a quick path to retirement. Initially reluctant, Frank agrees to the deal, lured by the prospect of fulfilling his dream. However, as he becomes entangled in Leo’s web of control, Frank realizes that walking away from the mob may be harder—and deadlier—than he anticipated.

The film features one of its most iconic scenes early on: an intense, wordless safecracking sequence that showcases Frank’s meticulous craftsmanship, set against a haunting score by Tangerine Dream. As the story unfolds, Frank’s moral code is tested, and his determination to break free from his past leads to explosive confrontations with Leo and his henchmen.

Thief is a quintessential Michael Mann film, blending atmospheric visuals, urban grit, and a character-driven story of ambition and betrayal. James Caan’s powerhouse performance captures the complexity of a man struggling to reconcile his criminal skills with his desire for a better life. The film’s themes of independence, loyalty, and personal freedom resonate through its high-stakes narrative and stunning action sequences.

Join our podcast review as we revisit Thief, discussing its intense heist scenes, iconic soundtrack, and whether this neo-noir classic still stands as one of the best in its genre today.

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This week on "Shat the Movies," we’re revisiting Some Kind of Wonderful (1987), a teen romance that’s all about love, friendship, and the search for identity. Join us as we dive into the love triangle between Keith, Watts, and Amanda, and explore how this John Hughes classic flips the typical high school drama.

We’ll discuss the film’s memorable moments, the standout performances, and why it still resonates with audiences today. Whether you’re a fan or seeing it for the first time, get ready for a fun, thoughtful look at this iconic ‘80s rom-com!

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This week, Rob Will Taylor fills in for Dick Ebert to join Gene Lyons in breaking down the 1981 sci-fi thriller Outland, starring Sean Connery.

Often described as "High Noon in space," this overlooked gem takes us to Jupiter's moon Io, where a hard-nosed marshal uncovers corruption, drug smuggling, and explosive (sometimes literally) consequences.

Rob shares why this film is a must-see for Connery fans and '80s sci-fi lovers, while Gene dives into its striking similarities with Alien.

Tune in for lively debates on head explosions, corporate greed and Sean Connery's on-screen marriages—or lack thereof. Did Outland age like fine space wine or burn out faster than a rogue asteroid? Find out in this week's review!

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In this special episode of Shat The Movies, hosts Gene Lyons and Big D take a heartfelt dive into the 2008 romantic comedy "Forgetting Sarah Marshall," honoring Hot Sauce Steve’s late father. With Jason Segel’s vulnerable humor, Kristen Bell’s sharp performance, and Mila Kunis’ charm, this Judd Apatow production blends emotional truths with laugh-out-loud moments.

Join us as we unpack the iconic Dracula puppet musical, Russell Brand's memorable Aldous Snow, and the film’s exploration of breakups, healing, and rediscovery. From awkward dinners to emotional growth, this episode delivers the perfect mix of comedy critique and personal reflection.

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On this week's episode of Shat the Movies, Gene and Big D dive into Steven Spielberg's epic 1987 coming-of-age war drama, Empire of the Sun. Commissioned by loyal listener Jeff S., this film takes us on a journey through World War II-era Shanghai.

Join us as we explore Spielberg’s masterful direction, the stunning cinematography, and Bale's standout performance in what many consider his breakout role. We’ll also discuss the historical significance of the film, its initial reception, and how it holds up decades later. Did Empire of the Sun earn its place as one of Spielberg’s most overlooked masterpieces, or does it fall short? 

Episode Highlights:

• Christian Bale's career-launching role at just 12 years old.
• The historical context of Japan's occupation of Shanghai and how Spielberg brings it to life.
• The film’s unique narrative structure and how Spielberg sets the stage for his iconic storytelling.
• More of Big D's Tales from Blockbuster 

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This week on "Shat the Movies," we’re diving into The First Power (1990)! Join us as we follow Lou Diamond Phillips’ cop on the hunt for a resurrected serial killer with a sinister supernatural ability.

We’ll unpack the film’s blend of horror, action, and thrills, exploring what makes it a unique ‘90s thriller. Whether you’re a fan or new to the film, tune in for a fun and spooky ride through this supernatural crime drama!

Plot Summary: In the 1990 supernatural thriller The First Power, directed by Robert Resnikoff, Lou Diamond Phillips stars as Russell Logan, a tough Los Angeles detective who captures a notorious serial killer, Patrick Channing (Jeff Kober), known for his ritualistic murders. Channing, dubbed “The Pentagram Killer,” is sentenced to death and executed in the gas chamber. However, Logan soon learns that Channing’s death was only the beginning. The killer made a demonic pact granting him "the first power," a supernatural ability to return from the dead with the power of possession.

Logan teams up with psychic Tess Seaton (Tracy Griffith), whose disturbing visions had helped him capture Channing initially. Now, her psychic abilities reveal that Channing has come back from the grave, more dangerous than ever. Channing’s new power allows him to inhabit the bodies of others, making him an unpredictable and unstoppable force as he resumes his killing spree. Logan, a hardened skeptic, is forced to confront the reality of the supernatural as he battles against an evil far beyond his understanding.

As the possessed Channing terrorizes the city, Logan and Tess must race against time to stop him before he claims more victims. Their investigation leads them through dark alleys, abandoned buildings, and intense confrontations that test Logan’s resolve and Tess’s psychic abilities. The film’s blend of police procedural and supernatural horror keeps the tension high, leading to a climactic showdown between Logan and the malevolent, seemingly invincible Channing.

The First Power combines intense action, horror, and suspense, featuring a chilling performance from Jeff Kober and a gritty portrayal by Lou Diamond Phillips. Join our podcast review as we dive into this 90s thriller, exploring its unique premise, memorable scares, and whether it still delivers the chills today.

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Stressed about the biggest election of our lives? Shat The Movies will transport you back to a time when America was united against global terror and supermodels roamed the runways. Join us for the 2001 Ben Stiller comedy, "Zoolander."

Hot Sauce Steve won the Shat Fantasy Football League last season and chose "Zoolander" as his prize. This cameo comedy is a true time capsule—touching on disposable fashion, millennial celebrities and a few dated jokes.

On this episode, Gene explains why "Zoolander" should be viewed with subtitles. Big D makes the case for reviewing more movies from the 2000s. And Will Farrell proves why he's the funniest guy in every movie he graces.

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"Halloween" is the most-covered franchise in the Shat The Movies catalogue, and this Spooktacular season we're bringing you "Halloween 2," courtesy of listener Rob T.

So what if it this movie mostly takes place in the same small hospital? So what if Michael Myers' backstory essentially is rewritten? This sequel has more of what we loved about the original "Halloween": great boobs, quirky Haddonfield, bloody kills and an absolutely wild Dr. Loomis. 

In this episode, Gene and Big D cover dental records, journalism, razor blades in candy, hot tubs, medical malpractice, forced sedation and getting shot in the eyeballs.

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