Can a Gang of Kids Really Save the World from Classic Monsters?
Welcome to this episode of The Most Excellent 80s Movies Podcast, where hosts Krissy Lenz and Nathan Blackwell venture into completely new territory with The Monster Squad (1987)—a film neither had seen before. This nostalgic cult classic brings together Universal’s greatest monsters in what should be the ultimate horror crossover, but does it hold up without those rose-tinted glasses of childhood? Join these first-time viewers as they dissect whether the magic works when you’re encountering Dracula, Frankenstein’s monster, and the Wolfman for the first time as adults.
Coming at The Monster Squad cold, both hosts find themselves intrigued by the premise but puzzled by the execution. While the movie looks great and delivers some genuinely fun moments—like Dracula’s lightning-rod cane and the mummy’s slow-motion chase scenes—they struggle to connect with characters who feel more like archetypes than actual kids. The film’s reliance on nostalgia for both 1980s adventure films and classic Universal monsters creates a double-edged sword: those with childhood memories may overlook its flaws, but newcomers are left wondering why the scary German neighbor is so accommodating and where all that dynamite came from. Still, they appreciate the earnest effort and Shane Black’s co-writing credits, ultimately landing on a solid 6 out of 10 rating.
Additional insights from the discussion:
- The problematic language choices feel particularly jarring to modern ears, even accounting for 1980s context
- Fat Kid’s pizza-as-weapon moment raises questions about just how sensitive vampires are to garlic
- The film’s treatment of individual monsters feels uneven, with Wolfman getting a complete arc while the Mummy serves mainly as comic relief
- Frankenstein’s redemption and the portal mechanics create unexpectedly emotional moments
- The army showing up because of a letter written in crayon perfectly captures the film’s tone
Both hosts acknowledge that The Monster Squad clearly resonates with those who grew up watching it, even if it didn’t quite capture their adult hearts. The movie delivers on spectacle and has undeniable charm, making it a worthwhile watch for anyone curious about this slice of 1980s monster movie nostalgia.
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Connect with the hosts: Check out Krissy at Neighborhood Comedy Theatre and Nathan at Squishy Studios. Follow the show on Facebook, Instagram, and Bluesky.
What’s your favorite 1980s monster movie that deserves a fresh look?
