80s Flick Flashback

This episode of 80s Flick Flashback revisits the 1987 hit "Good Morning, Vietnam." The film marked a pivotal moment for Robin Williams, showcasing his dramatic range beyond his established comedic persona from "Mork & Mindy" and "Popeye." Loosely based on the true story of Armed Forces Radio DJ Adrian Cronauer, the movie is set in 1965 Saigon as the Vietnam conflict escalated. Williams' portrayal of the irreverent, rock-music-lovin...

Ever wonder where the magic started for animated characters stepping into the live-action world? While it's practically a genre of its own today, one groundbreaking '80s flick truly pioneered the concept as a full-length feature film. Get ready to dive into the toon-tastic world of "Who Framed Roger Rabbit" from 1988!

From the visionary minds of producer Steven Spielberg and director Robert Zemeckis, this Academy A...

This '80s flick is one of our generation's defining fantasy films. Set in the harsh, mythic world of the Hyborian Age, the story follows an epic warrior on his quest for vengeance against the sinister Thulsa Doom. This necromancer destroyed his village and left him an orphan. Upon its release, the film garnered mixed reviews—praised for its stunning production design and thrilling action, but criticized for its heavy dose o...

In 1989, a groundbreaking film burst onto the scene, revolutionizing the cinematic landscape in unimaginable ways. With an incredible cast and cutting-edge special effects, this film captivated audiences with its deeply relatable yet hilariously flawed characters. Would you believe that it was led by none other than “Weird Al” Yankovic?Directed by Jay Levey and co-written with "Weird Al" himself, this '80s flick tells...

In 1978, after Harold Ramis wrapped "Animal House", the director teamed up with pals Brian Doyle-Murray and Douglas Kenney, along with Chevy Chase, Bill Murray, Ted Knight, and the one and only, Rodney Dangerfield, to bring similar frathouse shenanigans to the clubhouse. Featuring legendary performances (many of which were completely improvised) plus an equally memorable soundtrack, this 80s flick came barreling into theaters the s...

This Academy-award-winning 80s Flick is a captivating, emotionally charged drama that beautifully captures the complexities of love, aging, and family. Set in the tranquil, golden hues of a New England lake, the film brings together screen legends Henry Fonda and Katharine Hepburn in a final, unforgettable collaboration. Fonda portrays Norman Thayer, a witty but grumpy elderly man facing the challenges of growing older, while Hepbu...

In the '80s and '90s, emotional sports dramas hit their peak with films like The Natural, Field of Dreams, and Rudy. One standout from the '80s is Hoosiers (1986), which follows Norman Dale, a disgraced middle-aged coach given a second chance at redemption in the small town of Hickory, Indiana. Set in 1951, the film explores how the tight-knit community and its strong opinions about basketball strategy shape Dale's ...

This 80s classic solidified Eddie Murphy as a superstar. Beverly Hills Cop was the top-grossing film of 1984 and earned an Oscar nomination for its screenplay. What became one of AFI's Top 100 comedies almost turned into a very different film with Sylvester Stallone, more action, and less humor. Directed by Martin Brest, the film introduced Axel Foley, a street-smart Detroit cop who investigates a murder in Beverly Hills. With ...

In 1989, Cameron Crowe’s Say Anything became an iconic 80s romance that captured the awkwardness and sweetness of young love. The story follows Lloyd Dobler, a charming high school grad unsure of his future but knows he wants Diane Court, the smart yet emotionally distant valedictorian. This isn’t your typical romance—Lloyd isn’t the usual leading man, and Diane isn’t the stereotypical love interest. Instead, the film subverts expe...

In this episode of the 80s Flick Flashback Podcast, we dive into the quirky charm of Pee-wee’s Big Adventure (1985), a film that not only captured the essence of the 1980s but also became a pop culture touchstone. Blending childhood innocence with the decade’s irreverent humor, it launched Tim Burton’s directorial career and solidified Paul Reubens' Pee-wee Herman as an iconic figure. Join Tim Williams and his guest co-hosts Be...

In the early ’70s, films like The Omega Man, Soylent Green, and THX-1138 painted a bleak future of chaos and government control. By 1981, the tone had shifted, with films like Raiders of the Lost Ark and Clash of the Titans offering escapism and classic good vs. evil battles. But then came this 80s flick, set in a dystopian 1997 where Manhattan is a prison island. The hero, a morally gray anti-hero on a mission to rescue the Presid...

In the mid-1980s, few films targeted young adults, and studios were still figuring out how to connect with the emerging Generation X. Enter St. Elmo's Fire—a quintessential 80s flick that featured a star-studded cast of rising talent: Rob Lowe, Andrew McCarthy, Mare Winningham, Emilio Estevez, Judd Nelson, Ally Sheedy, and Demi Moore. Centered around a group of recent Georgetown grads navigating the post-college world, the film per...

Remember back in the '80s when the end of the year meant tuning into those epic countdowns on the radio? Whether it was Casey Kasem with his iconic 'American Top 40' or Rick Dees bringing the laughs with his countdown hits, there was something magical about hearing the biggest songs of the year celebrated in such a big way. Today, we’re bringing that same energy as we count down our top ten episodes of 2024 based on total downloads...

In this special replay episode, we dive back into the chaotic, festive, and mischievous world of "Gremlins" (1984). Joined by special guest co-host Gerry D., we revisit this 80s classic that blends comedy, horror, and holiday spirit in a way only director Joe Dante can deliver. Gerry and I discuss first-time-watch memories, favorite scenes, and the timeless appeal of Gizmo and his unruly counterparts.

You won’t find this forgotten 80s Flick archived in the Smithsonian or on any list of Oscar-winning films. However, for thousands, maybe even millions, of Americans who grew up in the 1980s, it still holds a significant place in their cultural memory. It may be where they learned to curse, learned about love, and were introduced to the charm of country music superstar, Kenny Rogers.

This 80s Flick was just your standard love story: boy meets girl, boy falls for girl, girl turns out to be a fish. This beloved film captivated audiences with its whimsical blend of comedy, fantasy, and heartwarming romance. From the moment the mermaid first emerges from the ocean waves, the story sweeps us away on an unforgettable journey. How will she adapt to life on land? And can her budding relationship with the man who rescue...

Get ready for chills as we revisit a classic that doesn’t rely on superhuman slashers or crazed killers but still managed to freeze audiences in fear. "Poltergeist" (1982) tells the story of an ordinary suburban family haunted by supernatural forces that tap into our deepest fears. From a clown doll that springs to life, to a closet that becomes a portal to another dimension, and a tree that breaks through a bedroom window, the ter...

In 1984, amid the fears of nuclear war and the rise of consumerism, teen-centric films flourished. One often-overlooked gem stands out for its darker tone, mixing themes of consumerism, alien threats, mutation, and sinister scientists. "Night of the Comet" follows two sisters who survive a comet-induced apocalypse that turns most people into dust and some into zombies. As they navigate the desolate city, meet a fellow survivor, and...

Say his name three times and he will appear. With his unruly green hair, pinstripe suit and unusual mannerisms, the malicious spirit became a film icon. But before the dark comedy premiered the studio and half of the cast weren't exactly convinced that audiences would be willing to take the wild ride about a bio-exorcist. The original script was vastly different, offering a darker and more deadly take before humor was eventually (a...