1986
How does Oliver Stone’s semi-autobiographical anti-war Vietnam film hold up after nearly 35 years? Does Charlie Sheen do his father proud in his take on the Vietnam War? Does Stone’s messaging come through too strongly or is it well-balanced? Tune in to this week’s show to get answers to these questions and more.
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Is Hal Ashby’s last feature film really as bad as people say or are its glimmers of neo-noir enough to make it worth talking about? How well does Jeff Bridges play an alcoholic? And what is a funicular anyway? Tune in to this week’s show to get answers to these questions and more!
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Is this the film where Oliver Stone’s angle on political filmmaking takes shape? How good is James Woods as the unlikeable protagonist? And do we really learn much about politics in El Salvador at the time? Tune in to this week’s show to get answers to these questions and more!
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After working on The Dark Crystal together, Jim Henson and Brian Froud wanted to do another project, but they had a few stipulations. One, they didn’t want to tell a story that was so dark. Two, they didn’t want it to be all puppets — they wanted to include people as well. After locking those in, they came up with a concept that included goblins stealing a baby, and away they went. Steal away with us as we add another Listener’s Choice episode with Henson’s 1986 film Labyrinth.
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With the success of their pair of Star Trek films under their belt, director Leonard Nimoy and producer Harve Bennett were asked once again to return to the well and bring forth yet another Star Trek story. This time, Nimoy had more free reign to make the film he wanted to make, and he and Bennett thought it would be nice to make something a bit lighter. Also? They wanted to feature time travel.
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There are certain people that are drawn to a movie because of reports about early screenings where audience members had to leave the theatre because the gore made them physically sick. Whether it’s an attraction to the gruesome horror films, a chance for some good jumps and frights or simply a curiosity to see what the filmmakers could have done to actually make people ill, gore can certainly boost a horror film at the box office. And that certainly was the case with David Cronenberg’s 1986 horror masterpiece The Fly, a remake of the ‘58 version which itself was based on George Langelaan’s short story. Cronenberg, however, is a filmmaker who certainly puts a lot of thought into his films, never one to simply make a gorefest, and this film certainly has more going for it. Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we delve into the last Listener’s Choice episode of the year, this time with Matthew Medrano to discuss Cronenberg’s film.
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It was the movie that had ‘hit’ written all over it. Three of the funniest actors starred together for the first time: Steve Martin, Chevy Chase and Martin Short. One of the top comedy directors – John Landis – was at the helm. But for whatever reason, ¡Three Amigos! did not find its audience. Critics were harsh on it and, while it may have made its money back, it was not deemed a success. But time has proven that some films need time to find their audiences. Now with a cult following, ¡Three Amigos! has found its staying power with its absurd comedy stylings. Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we continue our Seven Samurai family series with Landis’ 1986 film ¡Three Amigos!.
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Prince has always been a flamboyant and eclectic musician, and with the album and film “Purple Rain,” he found a new art form he enjoyed. And one he won an Oscar for — Best Original Song Score. With his next film, he had conflicts with the director so took over and directed it himself. Join us — Pete Wright and Andy Nelson — as we wrap up this year’s short guilty pleasure with Pete’s pick — Prince’s 1986 film “Under the Cherry Moon.”
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Perhaps it was because elements of the novella ‘The Body’ were autobiographical that the story has so much heart compared to Stephen King’s previous works. Perhaps it was because there weren’t supernatural elements. Or that it didn’t fall into the horror genre. Whatever the reason, ‘The Body’ and the film based on it, Rob Reiner’s 1986 film “Stand By Me,” are beautiful and touching stories about childhood, growing up, friendship, and journeys. Join us — Pete Wright and Andy Nelson — as we talk about the next film in our King series, “Stand By Me.”
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There are few sequels that can stand up to the originals as well as Aliens can to its predecessor, and it’s clear that we—Pete Wright and Andy Nelson—really like this film.
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