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the Most Excellent 80s Movies Podcast

the Most Excellent 80s Movies Podcast

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 It’s the podcast where a filmmaker (Nathan Blackwell of Squishy Studios) and a comedian (Krissy Lenz of Neighborhood Comedy Theatre) take a hilarious look at the 80s movies we think we love or might have missed with modern eyes and probably a significant haze of nostalgia.© TruStory FM Art
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    • Spaceballs (1987)

      Spaceballs (1987)
      Jan 28 2026
      May the Schwartz Be With You: A Spaceballs Deep DiveWelcome to this episode of The Most Excellent 80s Movies Podcast! Hosts Krissy Lenz and Nathan Blackwell are joined by special guest Adam Marshall Rini to close out Season 8 with Mel Brooks' 1987 sci-fi parody Spaceballs. The trio explores whether this childhood favorite still holds up with "grown-up eyes," debating everything from Rick Moranis' concussed helmet performance to Pizza the Hut's grotesque puppet design. Spoiler alert: opinions are divided, with ratings ranging from a nostalgic seven cans of Perri-Air down to a disappointed four.What Really Works (and What Doesn't)The hosts agree that Spaceballs operates on a hit-or-miss ratio—about 50-50, which they concede is pretty solid for parody films. Nathan finds himself pleasantly surprised by how much heart the film retains compared to other spoofs, noting that Mel Brooks maintains character development even while throwing jokes at the wall. The merchandising gags, the "now/then" video scene, and Rick Moranis playing with dolls all earn praise as moments that still land decades later. However, Adam feels the weight of having seen Brooks' masterpieces like Blazing Saddles and Young Frankenstein, making Spaceballs feel disappointingly broad by comparison.Nostalgia vs. RealityThe conversation reveals how much expectation shapes our viewing experience. Nathan went in prepared to groan but found genuine enjoyment, while Adam's fond childhood memories collided with adult disappointment. Krissy appreciates the film's innocent, joyful approach to parody—it celebrates Star Wars rather than targeting it with edgy mockery. The group also notes how many dated references (Ford Galaxy cars, Michael Winslow's radar sounds) create an unintentional time capsule effect that's now charming rather than topical.Additional Highlights:
      • The film's constant exposition and repeated revelations feel either intentionally melodramatic or surprisingly sloppy
      • George Lucas loved the movie and allowed Brooks to park the Millennium Falcon at the diner
      • Bill Pullman's face-plant sound effect and Mel Brooks buckling a bear into a space pod remain comedy gold
      • The Yuma, Arizona sand dunes provided the perfect backdrop for the desert planet scenes
      • Watching double features of Mel Brooks films reveals his decline from Blazing Saddles through Robin Hood: Men in Tights
      Final VerdictDespite mixed ratings, the hosts agree Spaceballs remains a revisitable piece of 80s comedy—even if it doesn't quite reach the heights of Brooks' earlier work. Whether it's a prince or just Prince Valium depends entirely on what you bring to it.Ready to dive deeper? Head to TruStory FM to explore more episodes and learn about the network. Members get early, ad-free access plus exclusive bonus content—join at trustory.fm/join.Connect with the podcast on Facebook, Instagram, and Bluesky.Learn more about the hosts at Neighborhood Comedy Theatre and Squishy Studios.What's your take on Mel Brooks' parody style—does it hold up better than other 80s spoofs?
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      Learn more about supporting this podcast by becoming a member. It's just $5/month or $55/year. Visit our website to learn more.
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      55 min
    • Uncle Buck (1989)

      Uncle Buck (1989)
      Jan 14 2026
      He's Crude, He's Crass, He's Family: An Uncle Buck Deep DiveWelcome to this episode of The Most Excellent 80s Movies Podcast! Join hosts Krissy Lenz and Nathan Blackwell, along with special guest Heath Wilcock, as they make themselves at home with John Hughes' 1989 comedy Uncle Buck. In this lovable exploration of family dynamics, the trio discusses how John Candy's portrayal of the slovenly bachelor turned temporary guardian perfectly captures the heart of what makes this film a timeless classic—even when he's threatening to show up to school in his bathrobe.The hosts dive deep into what makes Buck Russell such a magical character, from his giant pancakes the size of trash can lids to his absurdist approach to parenting ("I have a friend in the crime tech lab"). They explore how the film balances John Hughes' signature blend of sincere character moments with cartoonish comedy, discussing everything from the iconic rapid-fire questioning scene with young Macaulay Culkin to Tia's remarkable character arc. Heath shares his lifelong love for the film, while Nathan reflects on rewatching it after 20 years, and Krissy relates to it with fresh eyes as a parent of a teenager. The conversation touches on how Uncle Buck directly inspired Hughes to write Home Alone, the film's surprisingly dark moments (kidnapping Bug, anyone?), and why John Candy remains irreplaceable in the role—despite studio interest in Tom Cruise.Additional Thoughts:
      • The clap-on moment that lights up Buck's entire building exemplifies the film's magical realism
      • Jean Louisa Kelly's performance as Tia walks the perfect line between venomous and vulnerable
      • The film's blissfully short runtime keeps everything moving without feeling episodic
      • Marcy Dahlgren-Frost remains one of cinema's strangest neighbor characters
      • Buck's laundry-in-the-microwave running gag never gets old
      Final Verdict: Heath gives it a perfect 10 giant pancakes with butter, praising the tight storytelling and character work. Nathan awards 7 pancakes, noting some episodic pacing in the middle but celebrating Hughes' cleverness and Candy's charm. Krissy serves up 9 pancakes, highlighting how well the film holds up for family viewing.Deep Cut Recommendations: Heath suggests The Haunted Hotel on Netflix for another lovable problematic uncle. Nathan offers Elf for seasonal viewing, plus Yojimbo for those seeking a samurai take on the catalyst character. Krissy rounds it out with A Confederacy of Dunces by John Kennedy Toole for comedy with a larger-than-life protagonist.Want to hear this episode early and ad-free? Become a member at trustory.fm/join for bonus content and early access to every episode!Connect with the show:
      • Facebook
      • Instagram
      • Bluesky
      Learn more about the hosts:
      • Krissy at Neighborhood Comedy Theatre
      • Nathan at Squishy Studios
      • Discover more at trustory.fm
      What's your favorite John Hughes film and why does Uncle Buck's car backfire haunt your dreams?
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      Learn more about supporting this podcast by becoming a member. It's just $5/month or $55/year. Visit our website to learn more.
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      59 min
    • Akira (1988)

      Akira (1988)
      Dec 31 2025
      A Sensory Overload of Cyberpunk: Akira Takes Over Neo TokyoWelcome to this episode of The Most Excellent 80s Movies Podcast, where hosts Krissy Lenz and Nathan Blackwell are joined by special guest David Westlake to dive headfirst into Katsuhiro Otomo's groundbreaking 1988 anime masterpiece Akira. Buckle up—this one goes hard from frame one.Neo Tokyo Never Stood a ChanceThe crew tackles one of cinema's most ambitious and visually stunning films—a post-apocalyptic cyberpunk epic that defies easy explanation. Set 30 years after a catastrophic explosion that reshaped Tokyo, Akira follows biker gang leader Kaneda and his friend Tetsuo as they stumble into a military conspiracy involving psychic children, a mysterious godlike force, and power that no human was ever meant to wield.Krissy admits she was completely lost for most of the viewing experience, frantically taking notes and cross-referencing Wikipedia. Yet this confusion becomes part of the film's brilliance—Akira deliberately withholds exposition, letting mystery and ambiguity drive the narrative forward. The hosts wrestle with whether they enjoyed the experience, ultimately concluding that enjoyment isn't quite the right word. Instead, they felt changed by it.Nathan emphasizes that the film's true genius lies in its exploration of unchecked power and human inadequacy. Through Tetsuo's tragic arc—reminiscent of Anakin Skywalker's descent—the film asks a haunting question: what happens when a being with the emotional maturity of an angry teenager suddenly gains godlike abilities? The answer is absolute chaos. The violence is visceral, the destruction is relentless, and the moral landscape is deliberately murky. This isn't a film designed to comfort you; it's designed to challenge and provoke.David, experiencing Akira for the first time, identifies it as a foundational text for anime—a starting point that established countless tropes still used today. He notes how the film's aesthetic choices, from the distinctive art style to the passionate name-calling during intense moments, have become codified anime conventions. The hosts agree that while the character of Kaneda isn't particularly likable (he treats nearly everyone poorly), his cool motorcycle and sense of responsibility create an engaging protagonist despite his flaws.What Makes Akira Essential CinemaVisual Innovation: The animation is a technical revolutionPhilosophical Depth: Genuine philosophical inquiry about human nature, power, and moreMoral Ambiguity: Nearly every character exists in shades of grayGateway to Serious Storytelling: The perfect film for those ready for more challenging, adult narrativesA Masterclass in Trailer Difficulty: How do you sell this movie? The VerdictDavid appreciates the mystery, ambiguity, and groundbreaking artistry while wishing for a more likable lead character beyond his iconic bike and sense of duty. Nathan recognizes this as stunning cinema on an action, writing, and thematic level. While he won't rewatch it as frequently as lighter fare, he calls it the perfect gateway for curious teenagers seeking philosophical, intense storytelling. And Krissy feels genuinely changed by the experience, acknowledging that Akira is now part of her, informing her perspective going forward. This is a film, not just a movie—and one she'd enthusiastically recommend, though she'd warn viewers to put their phones away.Stay Excellent, Downtown MesaWant to catch David and Krissy performing? Visit Neighborhood Comedy Theatre in downtown Mesa. Check out Nathan's filmmaking work, including the feature film The Last Movie Ever Made, at his website. Krissy also co-hosts Gank That Drank, a supernatural drinking game podcast on TruStory FM.Join the CommunityLike what you heard? Become a member to get episodes a week early, ad-free access, and exclusive bonus content—like this episode's discussion of favorite animated films and shows beyond Akira. Rate, review, and subscribe wherever you listen. Tell your friends, your neighbors, and yes—even your local biker gang. Every five-star review helps immensely.Connect with us:Facebook | Instagram | BlueskyFor 80s movie lovers: Have you experienced Akira, and if so—did it blow your mind or confuse you senseless? Drop a comment and let us know what you thought of this cyberpunk classic. ---Learn more about supporting this podcast by becoming a member. It's just $5/month or $55/year. Visit our website to learn more.
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      57 min
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