Shat The Movies - The 80s & 90s Best Films Podcast

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. Subscribe Now Android: https://www.shatpod.com/android Apple/iTunes: https://www.shatpod.com/apple Help Support the Podcast Contac

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 j

This week on Shat the Movies, we’re beaming up Earth Girls Are Easy (1988)! Geena Davis stars alongside a furry, neon-colored trio of aliens played by Jeff Goldblum, Jim Carrey, and Damon Wayans in this outrageously ‘80s sci-fi musical comedy. It's got big hair, wild dance numbers, and plenty of interplanetary flirting. Tune in for a fun, glitter-filled trip through one of the weirdest rom-coms of the decade! Plot SummaryIn Earth Girls Are Easy (1988), director Julien Temple crafts a neon-soaked, musical sci-fi comedy that’s as weird as it is wonderful. Geena Davis stars as Valerie, a valley girl manicurist in Los Angeles whose love life hits rock bottom after discovering her fiancé is cheating. But things take a turn for the bizarre when a spaceship crash-lands in her pool, carrying three fuzzy, brightly colored aliens played by Jeff Goldblum, Jim Carrey, and Damon Wayans. After a quick makeover at the beauty salon, the aliens transform into irresistible human heartthrobs who quickly adapt to life in late-80

This week on Shat the Movies, we’re cracking open Instinct (1999), the psychological thriller where Anthony Hopkins goes full jungle hermit and Cuba Gooding Jr. tries to figure out why. It’s part Gorillas in the Mist, part Good Will Hunting, and totally off the rails. Tune in as we try to make sense of the madness, the monkeys, and the message! Plot SummaryYears after he goes missing in the jungles of Africa, anthropologist Ethan Powell (Anthony Hopkins) resurfaces when it’s discovered that he has murdered two poachers who were killing the gorillas he was studying. After spending an extended time living with the primates and without any human contact, Powell seems to be unhinged, and psychiatrist Theo Caulder (Cuba Gooding Jr.) is called in to try to get through to the withdrawn and angry man, who may be wiser and saner than he appears. Subscribe Now Android: https://www.shatpod.com/android Apple/iTunes: https://www.shatpod.com/apple Help Support the Podcast Contact Us: https://www.shatpod.com/contact Comm

This week, Shat the Movies finally kneels before Zod—and listener Chris Lloyd—by reviewing Superman II (1980), the sequel that gave us Terrence Stamp’s immortal sneer, Margot Kidder’s bathrobe thirst, and Christopher Reeve’s blue-eyed beefcake perfection. This episode dives headfirst into the Donner vs. Lester debate, asks how much ejaculate the Fortress of Solitude can handle, and questions Lois Lane’s true intentions once Clark Kent drops the glasses—and the powers. Gene and Big D examine everything from Superman’s bizarre morality and dubious revenge tactics to the wildly impractical Phantom Zone prison system. They also debate if memory-wiping kisses and cellophane logos deserve a place in superhero canon and why Perry White’s newsroom features a threatening photo of Bill Cosby. Whether you’re team “Mormon Dad Superman” or “Man of Steel, Woman of Kleenex,” this episode delivers laughs, awkward truths, and more than a few inappropriate questions about Kryptonian sex. Plot Summary After banishing Kryptonian

This week on Shat the Movies, we’re getting spooky with Haunted Honeymoon (1986)! Join us for a hilarious look at this dark comedy starring Gene Wilder and Gilda Radner, where a newlywed couple finds themselves trapped in a spooky mansion filled with eccentric characters. Expect plenty of laughs, wacky moments, and a fun mix of mystery and comedy. If you’re in the mood for a quirky, light-hearted romp, this is the episode for you! Plot SummaryIn the 1986 horror-comedy Haunted Honeymoon, Gene Wilder directs and stars alongside Gilda Radner and Dom DeLuise in a spooky screwball romp that blends classic Hollywood horror vibes with over-the-top farce. Wilder plays Larry Abbot, a popular radio drama actor with a case of the nerves, who travels to his family’s eerie estate to marry his co-star and fiancée, Vickie Pearle (Radner). But what should be a romantic weekend quickly descends into madness when a series of bizarre, supernatural events threaten to derail their nuptials—and Larry’s sanity. Set in a gothic mans

In this powerful episode of Shat the Movies, hosts Gene Lyons and Big D, Dick Ebert, journey down under to revisit Peter Weir's 1981 war drama Gallipoli. Commissioned by listener Mac in Texas, this Australian New Wave classic stars a young Mel Gibson and Mark Lee as two spirited athletes drawn into the brutal realities of World War I. The Shat crew reflects on how Gallipoli flips the traditional war movie formula, building deep emotional connections with its characters long before the first shots are fired. From the dusty outback to the trenches of the Dardanelles, Gene and Big D dissect the film's themes of friendship, blind patriotism, and the gut-wrenching cost of war. They also explore how the film balances coming-of-age charm with historical tragedy—right up to its final freeze frame. With heartfelt insights, personal stories, and a few unexpected laughs along the way (yes, venereal diseases and desert treks come up), this episode reminds us why some war films hurt in all the right ways. Plot SummaryGall

This week on Shat the Movies, we’re kicking some serious butt with Street Fighter (1994)! Join us as we dive into the live-action adaptation of the iconic video game, starring Jean-Claude Van Damme as Colonel Guile. It’s a chaotic, campy, action-packed ride full of over-the-top performances, questionable fight scenes, and plenty of laughs. Whether you're a fan of the game or just love ‘90s action flicks, tune in for a hilarious deep dive into this cult classic! Plot SummaryIn the 1994 action film Street Fighter, directed by Steven E. de Souza and loosely based on the hit video game series, Jean-Claude Van Damme stars as Colonel Guile, the all-American military hero leading a multinational force to stop the evil warlord General M. Bison, played with over-the-top flair by Raul Julia in his final film role. Set in the fictional nation of Shadaloo, the movie follows Guile’s mission to rescue hostages and bring down Bison’s plans for world domination. Bison has kidnapped dozens of civilians and demands a massive r

What do you get when you mix cyberpunk philosophy, a rave in a cave, and a thousand Mr. Smiths? A sequel so ambitious it broke Big D’s brain and made Gene question reality itself. This week, the Shat Crew finishes up listener Jeremiah's Sci-Fi Through The Ages series by plugging into The Matrix Reloaded, a film that doubles down on slow-mo kung fu, pleather trench coats, and high-concept jargon that may or may not mean anything. Is Neo still "The One," or just another guy with a Superman complex? Did Trinity and Neo’s love scene spark human emotion—or just a need for brain bleach? And what’s up with the Keymaker, the Merovingian, and that architect making coochie cakes? Prepare for laughs, rants, and maybe even some deep thoughts as we decode the most audacious freeway chase ever put on film. Whether you’re Team Zion or just here for the bullet time, this is The Matrix Reloaded like only Shat can deliver. Plot Summary In The Matrix Reloaded, Neo, Trinity, and Morpheus return to fight for the survival of Zion,

Prepare for warp speed as Gene Lyons and Big D travel back to the 24th century—and then to 2063—to review Star Trek: First Contact, the Next Generation crew’s darkest and most action-packed cinematic outing. Commissioned by listener Jeremiah as part of a sci-fi classics series, this episode dives deep into the ethics of Picard’s command decisions, the practical (and impractical) nature of Borg assimilation, and the horny weirdness of Star Trek fandom. Along the way, Gene and Big D debate Star Trek vs. Star Wars and ponder whether the Borg Queen really does have big “ASMR energy.” They also address critical questions like: What’s the best Star Trek tech? And how many wipes does it take to remove Data’s synthetic skin? Whether you're Team Trek or Team Wars, this episode is a hilarious, no-holds-barred deep dive into one of the franchise's most beloved films—and possibly its most awkward. Plot Summary In Star Trek: First Contact, Captain Jean-Luc Picard and the crew of the USS Enterprise-E defy Starfleet orders

This week on "Shat the Movies," we’re running headfirst into The Running Man (1987), the action-packed sci-fi thriller starring Arnold Schwarzenegger. Join us as we break down the high-stakes game show, over-the-top villains, and the unforgettable one-liners in this satirical dystopian classic. Whether you're a fan or new to it, get ready for a fast-paced and fun discussion! Plot SummaryIn the year 2019, America is a totalitarian state where the favorite television program is “The Running Man” — a game show in which prisoners must run to freedom to avoid a brutal death. Having been made a scapegoat by the government, an imprisoned Ben Richards (Arnold Schwarzenegger) has the opportunity to make it back to the outside again by being a contestant on the deadly show, although the twisted host, Damon Killian (Richard Dawson), has no intention of letting him escape. Subscribe Now Android: https://www.shatpod.com/android Apple/iTunes: https://www.shatpod.com/apple Help Support the Podcast Contact Us: https://www

This week on Shat The Movies, Gene and Big D close out the original Star Wars trilogy with a deep dive into Return of the Jedi (1983). Fueled by nostalgia, Minute Maid and vodka cocktails, and the crushing realization that not all endings stick the landing, the hosts explore the Ewok invasion, Jabba's deadly circus act, Boba Fett’s humiliating demise, and the absurdity of Imperial helmet design. From Luke’s questionable Force skills to the Empire’s laughable "elite troops," nothing escapes the Shat boys’ critical eye. Along the way, they celebrate Carrie Fisher’s iconic (if problematic) gold bikini moment, mourn for Ewoks lost in battle, and dream up a darker, deadlier version of Endor warfare. Was this the fitting finale Star Wars deserved—or an early warning of Lucas' merchandising empire run amok? Tune in to find out! Plot SummaryA year after Han Solo’s capture, Luke Skywalker launches a risky mission to free his friend from the clutches of Jabba the Hutt. After a daring escape involving Sarlacc pits, lig

This week on "Shat the Movies," we’re blasting off into Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope (1977), the film that launched a galaxy far, far away. Join us as we explore the iconic characters, groundbreaking effects, and the timeless story that started it all. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or revisiting it for the first time, tune in for a fun and nostalgic look at the movie that changed cinema forever! Plot SummaryStar Wars: A New Hope (1977), written and directed by George Lucas, launched one of the most iconic film franchises in history. The story follows young Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill), who joins forces with Princess Leia (Carrie Fisher), rogue smuggler Han Solo (Harrison Ford), and Jedi Master Obi-Wan Kenobi (Alec Guinness) to battle the evil Galactic Empire. With memorable characters, groundbreaking special effects, and a classic hero’s journey, A New Hope redefined science fiction and changed the cinematic universe forever. Subscribe Now Android: https://www.shatpod.com/android Apple/iTunes: https://

Aside from being The King Bee's designated second-date movie, Robert Altman's "Popeye" is the film Robin Williams was born to carry.  A charming Shelley Duvall, an incredible set piece in the town of Sweethaven, terrifically off-tune songs and mutterings designed to be enjoyed on mushrooms power this 1980 movie based on a 1929 comic strip. But is it as good as commissioner Scott H. in Friendswood, Texas, thinks? Set sail and find out! Subscribe Now Android: https://www.shatpod.com/android Apple/iTunes: https://www.shatpod.com/apple Help Support the Podcast Contact Us: https://www.shatpod.com/contact Commission Movie: https://www.shatpod.com/support Support with Paypal: https://www.shatpod.com/paypal Support With Venmo: https://www.shatpod.com/venmo Shop Merchandise: https://www.shatpod.com/shop Theme Song - Die Hard by Guyz Nite: https://www.facebook.com/guyznite

This week on the pod, we're diving into the high-stakes paranoia of The Manchurian Candidate (2004), a political thriller reboot that trades Cold War chills for post-Gulf War conspiracy. Denzel Washington stars as Major Ben Marco, a decorated soldier haunted by dreams suggesting something sinister happened during his time in Kuwait. With the help of an eerie performance by Liev Schreiber and a chillingly manipulative Meryl Streep, the film leans hard into psychological suspense but does the tension still land in 2024? Tune in as we revisit this remake, break down its big themes, and ask the ultimate question: Is The Manchurian Candidate still worth voting for? Plot Summary:In the 2004 political thriller The Manchurian Candidate, directed by Jonathan Demme, Denzel Washington stars as Major Ben Marco, a Gulf War veteran plagued by disturbing dreams and lingering suspicions about his past. A remake of the 1962 classic, the film updates the Cold War paranoia to a post-9/11 world of corporate influence, political

Strap in and sip some Wild Turkey as Shat The Movies takes a wild ride with Thelma & Louise! In this episode, the Shat Crew breaks down the iconic 1991 film that redefined the road-movie genre. We explore the unforgettable performances of Geena Davis and Susan Sarandon, the feminist themes that sparked conversations for decades, and the breakout role that put Brad Pitt on the Hollywood map. Did Thelma & Louise set the gold standard for female-led action films, or is it just a crime spree in a convertible? We discuss the film’s impact, its unforgettable ending, and how it holds up more than 30 years later.  Plot Summary: When two best friends, Thelma (Geena Davis) and Louise (Susan Sarandon), embark on a weekend road trip to escape their mundane lives, their journey takes a drastic turn. After a terrifying encounter at a roadside bar, the duo finds themselves on the run from the law, leading to a thrilling cross-country escape filled with stolen cars, unexpected romance, and a growing sense of rebellio

This week on "Shat the Movies," we’re heading to Summer School (1987), where a laid-back gym teacher, played by Mark Harmon, ends up teaching a summer school class full of misfit students. Join us as we break down the movie’s fun blend of comedy, heart, and unforgettable characters. Whether you're a fan or a first-time viewer, get ready for a laugh-filled trip back to the '80s! Plot Summary: In the 1987 comedy Summer School, directed by Carl Reiner, Mark Harmon stars as Freddy Shoop, a laid-back high school gym teacher whose summer plans take an unexpected detour when he’s forced to teach remedial English to a class of underachieving misfits. Shoop, more interested in surfing and relaxing than academics, has no choice but to take the job if he wants to keep his tenure. At first, Shoop struggles to connect with his students, a rowdy group of slackers, class clowns, and troublemakers, including the horror-obsessed duo Chainsaw (Dean Cameron) and Dave (Gary Riley), the pregnant teenager Rhonda (Shawnee Smith), a

James Cameron takes us two miles under the sea for an intense, visually stunning, and sometimes completely ridiculous deep-sea adventure in The Abyss (1989). This sci-fi classic introduces us to oil-rig roughnecks, paranoid Navy SEALs, and aliens who can manipulate water—but not basic human communication. In this episode, Gene Lyons and Big D dive deep into The Abyss’ groundbreaking special effects, the film’s unrelenting tension, and Cameron’s signature mix of brilliance and insanity. Gene wrestles with his newfound fear of liquid breathing, while Big D wonders how Ed Harris survived a death-defying swim in nothing but a t-shirt. Plus, the hosts debate why James Cameron insists on writing dialogue for blue-collar workers when he’s clearly never met one. From nuclear warheads at the bottom of the ocean to CPR-by-slap techniques, The Abyss is a movie that demands discussion. Is it a masterpiece, a mess, or both? Join us as we explore the depths of one of Cameron’s most ambitious projects. Plot Summary:  When a

In this episode, Big D and a very high Gene Lyons break down After Hours' absurd twists, New York’s bygone grit, and whether Griffin Dunne is the last true everyman leading man. Along the way, they debate Paul’s romantic prospects, the dangers of pre-cell phone nightlife, and whether David Lynch is actually a genius or just weird for weird’s sake. Join us as we uncover After Hours’ hidden brilliance, discuss why Gene should never be left alone with a paper-mâché kit, and witness the power of 5mg gummies on podcasting. Plot Summary:  What happens when Martin Scorsese trades gangsters for bagel paperweights, punk rockers, and the strangest night in SoHo history? After Hours (1985) takes us on a surreal, darkly comedic odyssey through late-night Manhattan, where a hapless word processor named Paul (Griffin Dunne) just wants to make it home—but the city has other plans. Subscribe Now Android: https://www.shatpod.com/android Apple/iTunes: https://www.shatpod.com/apple Help Support the Podcast Contact Us: https:

This week on "Shat the Movies," we’re exploring Three Kings (1999), a gritty, action-packed satire set during the Gulf War. Join us as we dive into the film’s blend of humor, action, and social commentary, led by an all-star cast including George Clooney, Mark Wahlberg, and Ice Cube. Whether you’re a fan of the genre or new to the film, get ready for a thought-provoking and entertaining discussion! Plot Summary:In the 1999 war satire Three Kings, directed by David O. Russell, George Clooney, Mark Wahlberg, and Ice Cube star as a group of disillusioned U.S. soldiers stationed in Iraq at the end of the Gulf War. When they discover a hidden map leading to a stash of stolen Kuwaiti gold, they embark on what they believe will be a quick and easy heist. However, their mission takes an unexpected turn, forcing them to confront the brutal realities of war, morality, and human suffering. Major Archie Gates (George Clooney), a cynical and seasoned Special Forces officer nearing retirement, leads the operation alongside