This week on The Tape Store Podcast, Toby and guest co-host Jeff (sitting in for Brooke) return to 1999 and Star Wars - Episode I: The Phantom Menace.  This time, we talk about the massive and unprecedented cultural craze that surrounded this film, which was the first of a new Star Wars trilogy.  What makes this so special is that both Toby and Jeff were young adults during this time, which means we remember very well what it was like to see it all happening.  Jeff shares a unique perspective as a former movie theater manager and talks about what it was like to open up a box and see with his own eyes, the iconic Episode I teaser poster.  Toby shares his perspective as a former big-box store employee and what it was like when the toys started rolling in.  

In addition, there's the spectacular stories such as taking our local Wal-Mart by storm and ripping into boxes to snag the new Episode I action figures, the epic journey to get tickets, and of course, opening night, where we discovered "graduation Jedis".  

You don't want to miss this one.  It's a fitting end to Star Wars month here at The Tape Store and we invite you to join us.

This week at The Tape Store we continue to celebrate all things Star Wars in the month of May with 1983's Return of the Jedi.  We talk Luke Skywalker's growth and maturity and the significance of his new lightsaber, the importance of the character of Mon Mothma, Han Solo's failed attempt to get the jump on a Scout Trooper with a one heck of a backhand, the intense speeder chase on Endor, Luke's crisis in having to fight his father, and the importance of accepting one's calling no matter what challenges lie ahead.

May is Star Wars Month here at The Tape Store.  This week we kick off the festivities with 1980's Star Wars:  The Empire Strikes Back.  Widely considered the best of The Skywalker Saga, Toby and Brooke discuss what makes this film such a classic.  We talk about the strengths and weaknesses of hero Luke Skywalker and also compare and contrast him with heroine Leia Organa.  Toby discusses his lack of appreciation for the film as a kid but how he changed his heart as an adult as the film raises the stakes of the entire Saga and deepens the relationships between our favorite Rebels.  There's also the wonderful gifts that "Empire" gives us that are epic fixtures in the Star Wars Universe:  the Asteroid Field, Han's jacket, the AT-AT, Yoda, Boba Fett, Cloud City, Lando Calrissian, Han and Leia's relationship, and of course, Vader's big reveal to Luke.

We're excited to introduce a new series in The Tape Store Podcast, "The Angel Grove Chronicles", where we discuss our favorite teen superheroes, The Mighty Morphin Power Rangers.  This week we talk about the first episode, "Day of the Dumpster", where we meet Zordon and Alpha 5, some inept astronauts, Rita Repulsa and her gaggle of villainous but comical underlings, the five teens-with-attitude themselves, and of course, Bulk and Skull.  There's also some in-depth discussion about the hero's journey (courtesy of Brooke "The Literature Teacher" Manolis), the idea of being called to great responsibility, as well as our take on the philosophy behind "The Power".

We're goin' green this week at The Tape Store as we delve into the 1996 disaster film "Twister".  We talk about the story arcs of characters Bill "The Extreme" Harding (Bill Paxton) and Jo Harding (Helen Hunt), the film's excellent ensemble cast, the "steak and eggs" scene at Aunt Meg's, Dr. Melissa Reeves as a sympathetic character, and the differences between Bill and Jo's ragtag storm-chasing team set against the wealthy and underhanded antagonist storm-chaser Dr. Jonas Miller (Cary Elwes) and his "corporate sponsors".

We also discuss the film's very-90s soundtrack, and how the plot very conveniently sets our protagonists against 5 tornadoes of increasing strength.

It's the WONDER OF NATURE BABY!  Tune in and join us!

This week on The Tape Store podcast, we go back to 17th Century France, and also, 1998, to talk about the swashbuckling film "The Man in the Iron Mask".  We discuss the beloved and legendary Musketeers Athos, Porthos, Aramis, and D'Artagnan and the stellar ensemble cast of actors that filled these epic roles (John Malkovich, Gerard Depardieu, Jeremy Irons, and Gabriel Byrne, respectively).  There's also the use of accents, or lack thereof, especially those of Louis XIV and Phillipe (both played by a young Leonardo DiCaprio).  Other topics include the film's underappreciation, as well as its powerful messages of loyalty, devotion, and the idea of fighting for a greater good.

This week, we talk about the 1990 film Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.  It's a great film and full of memorable gems: Raphael dropping the D-Bomb (3 times!), Master Splinter as the World's Greatest Dad, April O'Neill's stressed out boss Charles Pennington (Jay Patterson), Elias Koteas's outrageous performance as vigilante Casey Jones, Shredder's boneheaded blunder that causes him to lose it all, the excellent film score, and the movie's gritty realism.  In addition, we give some commentary on the film's overall themes:  the meaning of family, father-son relationships, and the advantage of mental strength over physical prowess.

This week Toby and Brooke go back to BaydockviewSIDE! to discuss Saved By The Bell, Season 3, Episode 17 - S.A.T.'s.  First off, who can forget James (played by Mark Blankfield), the struggling actor who STEALS THE SHOW in his roles as the Harvard University representative and Stanley Alan Taylor?  We also talk about Zack "Mr. SAT" Morris's high-level intellect, his doomed study date with Heather (guest star Christine Taylor), Mr. Belding's at times misguided care for his students, and just how bad it can be when you're friends with Jessie "The Find of the Century" Spano when she falls short of her own lofty expectations.  In addition, we take some time to talk about our own experiences with the S.A.T.s and college both as students and now teachers.

Tune in as we talk Bayview history...

This week, The Tape Store goes to The Underground.  We talk about the 1986 Jim Henson film "Labyrinth".  While we journey through this magical film, we spend a great deal of time unpacking and analyzing the character of Jareth the Goblin King (played by the late GREAT David Bowie).  What were his motives?  Did he just want to turn baby Toby into a goblin, or was he really set on the film's headstrong protagonist Sarah (Jennifer Connelly)?  It gets pretty deep, even as far as Brooke analyzing Jareth using the Enneagram model. In addition, we talk about the power of fiction vs. the power of reality, and how maybe we could all use a little of both to make it in this world.