Shat the Movies: 80's & 90's Best Film Review

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, lightsabers and a lot of questionable strategy, the Rebel Alliance turns its attention to the Empire’s new and even deadlier Death Star. Luke confronts Darth Vader once more, hoping to save his father from the Emperor’s grip, while Han, Leia, and a band of unlikely Ewok allies attempt to destroy the shield generator on Endor. The fate of the galaxy hinges on battles fought in the forest and the throne room—where redemption, betrayal, and tiny bear-like warriors collide. 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 "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://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

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 manipulation, and psychological warfare. Marco served alongside Sergeant Raymond Shaw (Liev Schreiber), who has since returned home a decorated war hero and rising political star. Shaw's mother, Senator Eleanor Prentiss Shaw (Meryl Streep), is a powerful and cunning politician pushing her son toward the vice presidency. But Marco begins to suspect that their wartime memories have been tampered with—and that Shaw may be the product of mind control by a shadowy multinational corporation known as Manchurian Global. As Marco digs deeper, he uncovers a chilling conspiracy involving psychological conditioning, implanted memories, and a plan to manipulate the highest levels of the U.S. government. His grip on reality begins to waver as he races to uncover the truth and stop a sinister plot that could alter the future of American democracy. Denzel Washington gives a powerful, haunted performance as a man unraveling a web of lies, while Meryl Streep delivers a chilling turn as an ambitious mother who will stop at nothing to seize power. The film blends intense suspense with thought-provoking commentary on political corruption, the military-industrial complex, and the dangers of unchecked influence. Join our podcast review as we revisit this modern thriller, exploring its performances, themes, and whether this cerebral update of a classic still resonates in today’s political climate. 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

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 rebellion. With the police closing in and their options dwindling, Thelma and Louise must make an impossible choice that will cement their place in cinematic history. 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 "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), and the shy but determined Denise (Kelly Jo Minter). With no real teaching experience, Shoop’s unconventional methods involve field trips, bribery, and an anything-goes approach to learning, which earns him the students’ loyalty but draws the ire of the school’s administration. Meanwhile, Shoop finds himself drawn to Robin Bishop (Kirstie Alley), a fellow teacher who is far more dedicated to her job but amused by Shoop’s antics. As the summer progresses, Shoop begins to take his responsibilities more seriously, realizing that his students need more than just an easy ride to pass their exams. With their academic futures on the line, Shoop and his students must find a way to turn their laziness into success before the final test. Summer School is a quintessential 80s comedy, blending humor, heart, and a cast of quirky characters into an underdog story that celebrates unconventional teaching and second chances. Join our podcast review as we revisit this feel-good comedy, discussing its humor, memorable moments, and whether its charm still resonates today. 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

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 U.S. nuclear submarine mysteriously sinks in the Caribbean, a team of deep-sea oil drillers led by Virgil "Bud" Brigman (Ed Harris) is recruited to assist a group of Navy SEALs in the recovery mission. As tensions rise between the rig crew and the increasingly unstable SEAL leader, Lt. Hiram Coffey (Michael Biehn), the team discovers they are not alone in the ocean’s depths. Dr. Lindsey Brigman (Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio), the rig’s designer and Bud’s estranged wife, encounters an advanced, non-terrestrial intelligence (NTI) living beneath the waves. Meanwhile, Coffey, suffering from high-pressure nervous syndrome, sets a nuclear warhead to destroy the unknown beings, forcing Bud to embark on a desperate deep-sea dive to disarm it. Battling crushing pressure, limited oxygen, and human paranoia, Bud reaches the warhead, only to face what seems like certain death—until the NTIs intervene. In a breathtaking climax, the aliens reveal themselves, raising their colossal ship to the ocean’s surface and leaving humanity with a powerful message of peace. With stunning underwater cinematography, groundbreaking visual effects, and an intense mix of sci-fi, thriller, and adventure, The Abyss remains one of James Cameron’s most ambitious and visually spectacular films. 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

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://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 "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 Sergeant Troy Barlow (Mark Wahlberg), a naive reservist, Staff Sergeant Chief Elgin (Ice Cube), a pragmatic soldier, and Private Conrad Vig (Spike Jonze), an unpredictable and reckless grunt. Initially motivated by greed, the team infiltrates an Iraqi bunker in search of gold bars hidden by Saddam Hussein’s regime. However, as they navigate war-torn Iraq, they encounter civilians desperately trying to escape oppression, revealing the true human cost of the conflict. As their plan unravels, the soldiers are faced with a moral dilemma: take the gold and escape, or risk their lives to help the suffering Iraqi people. What starts as a self-serving heist turns into an unexpected rescue mission, filled with explosive confrontations, tense shootouts, and moments of dark humor. The film’s unique blend of action, satire, and social commentary highlights the absurdity of war while keeping audiences engaged with dynamic storytelling and stylish cinematography. Three Kings remains a standout war film, mixing humor, action, and political critique in a way that feels both entertaining and thought-provoking. Join our podcast review as we revisit this unconventional Gulf War adventure and discuss whether its biting satire and gripping action still hold up today. 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

The '80s were a golden age for action films, and "The Delta Force" is no exception. Starring Chuck Norris and Lee Marvin, this Cannon Films classic delivers a high-octane mix of military heroism, motorcycle-mounted rockets and one of the most absurdly patriotic finales in cinema history. Loosely inspired by the real-life hijacking of TWA Flight 847, the film follows an elite commando unit as they take on Middle Eastern terrorists in a testosterone-fueled spectacle that only the '80s could produce​. In this episode, the Shat Crew dives deep into the questionable military accuracy, over-the-top action sequences, and the sheer marketing genius behind "Delta Force "weaponry. Is this a patriotic masterpiece, a jingoistic fever dream, or just a Chuck Norris vehicle gone wild? Strap in as we break it all down—Uzi in one hand, American flag in the other​. Plot Summary:When a commercial airliner is hijacked by terrorists, the elite U.S. military unit known as Delta Force—led by Colonel Nick Alexander (Lee Marvin) and Major Scott McCoy (Chuck Norris)—is called into action. As the hostages are taken to Beirut and divided by nationality and religion, McCoy and his team embark on a daring mission to rescue them 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