Rusted Junk - The 80s and 90s Movies Podcast

American Beauty Review (1999)

Have you ever watched a movie that left you with so many thoughts and emotions that you couldn’t stop talking about it? Well, that's exactly what happened when we revisited the 1999 classic, American Beauty. It's a film that’s smart, provocative, and a true high point of late 90s cinema. But, oh boy, does it stir up some debates!

We dive deep into the complexities of suburban life, midlife crises, and the unforgettable performance by Kevin Spacey. Despite its brilliance, each of us had our reasons for docking it a mere 0.5 from a perfect score. Curious about what those were? We get into the nitty-gritty of character motivations, controversial themes, and even some personal anecdotes that made this film resonate on a whole different level.

Whether you're a fan of Thomas Newman's haunting score, or you find yourself pondering the film's dark yet thought-provoking ending, there's something in this discussion for everyone. So press play, and join us as we explore why American Beauty is a film that continues to captivate and challenge audiences, even decades later. 🌹

The Lost Boys Review (1987)

Hey there! 🎃 It's that time of the year again when we cozy up with a classic Halloween flick, and this week, we're sinking our teeth into the 1987 cult classic, "The Lost Boys." Ever wondered how a coastal Californian town became the epicenter of vampire chaos? Well, grab your popcorn as we delve into the dark comedy that is "The Lost Boys."

Join us as we chat about Michael and Sam's unexpected move to Santa Carla, where they soon find out that the town's not just famous for its boardwalk. Michael's transformation into a vampire under the influence of Kiefer Sutherland's mysterious David is a journey filled with humor, horror, and a touch of rebellion. And let's not forget the iconic soundtrack that makes this movie an unforgettable 80s gem!

So, whether you're here for the nostalgia or just a good laugh at the sax-playing, oiled-up bodybuilder scene, we're diving deep into what makes "The Lost Boys" a must-watch for any Halloween season. And hey, if you're up for some friendly debate, stick around as we ponder if this film truly blends horror and comedy or if it should've leaned more into one genre. Let's get spooky! 👻

Jurassic Park Review (1993)

Hey there, lovely film fans! After a three-month hiatus, we're back and roaring louder than a T-Rex with a fresh new look and shorter episodes. We listened to you, our awesome audience, and are here to deliver snappy 25-30 minute film discussions. So, grab your popcorn as we dive into the legendary world of Jurassic Park!

This week, we're revisiting the iconic 1994 classic, nominated by our regular listener, Khush. Whether you've seen it a hundred times or have been living in a cave (fitting for this film, right?), join us as we explore Spielberg's masterpiece that brought dinosaurs back to life in the most thrilling way possible.

We chat about everything from the ground-breaking CGI that still impresses today, to the unforgettable score by John Williams that gives us all the feels. Plus, we take a stroll down memory lane, reminiscing about our first encounters with the film and its awe-inspiring scenes.

Don't miss out on our candid banter about the characters, the highs and lows, and yes, even Laura Dern's unforgettable neck! We're excited to be back and can't wait to hear your thoughts. So, hit play, enjoy the ride, and as always, all feedback is welcome!

Until next time, stay awesome and keep those suggestions coming!

Starship Troopers (1997)

Welcome to the last podcast  we recorded before heading off on our Summer Break but we will be back with some exciting changes and a stormer of a film to come back with! 

 We’re diving into Paul Verhoeven’s action-packed film 'Starship Troopers' that had a hefty budget and an intriguing mix of ratings across various platforms.

With Neil Patrick Harris in the cast and a bunch of unknowns (unless you're a daytime TV aficionado), this film offers something for everyone. You can enjoy it for its intellectual critique of American imperialism or simply relish the brilliant shoot-em-up action. Either way, it’s a treat!

See you on the other side - back before you know it!

 

Axel F: A Nostalgic Dive into Beverly Hills Cop 4

Hey there! Ever wondered what happens when nostalgia meets modern filmmaking? Find out with our latest episode where we dive deep into the much-anticipated Beverly Hills Cop 4: Axel F! Trust us, we’ve got a lot to say.

We kick things off reminiscing about the golden days of Axel Foley and how Eddie Murphy's iconic character made us laugh and cheer. But, spoiler alert, this new instalment takes a sharp turn. From the promising start to the puzzling helicopter scene, we break down where the film lost its way.

We also chat about the return of some familiar faces, like Paul Reiser, Judge Reinhold, and Serge, and how they've aged (or not) over the years. Plus, we couldn't resist throwing in some fun comparisons to other classic reboots and sequels gone wrong.

So, grab your popcorn, sit back, and join us for a candid and hilarious discussion on why some things are better left in the past. And hey, if you're feeling nostalgic too, drop us a comment and let us know your thoughts!

American History X (1998)

Hey there! 🎬

In this episode, we're diving deep into the 1998 classic, American History X. Directed by Tony Kaye and starring Ed Norton, this film tackles heavy themes like racism, redemption, and the impact of hate on both family and community. It's a movie that demands your full attention and rewards you for it with some unforgettable performances.

Join Charlie, Amanda, Joe, and Dom as we discuss everything from the film's intense opening scene to its thought-provoking conclusion. We'll also touch on the film's controversial behind-the-scenes drama and the powerful messages it conveys.

Whether you're a long-time fan of the film or watching it for the first time, there's plenty to unpack.

The Big Lebowski (1998) - 'A Trip Into The 90s'

Welcome to Rusted Junk, the 80s movie podcast that's taking a delightful detour into the 90s this season. This time, we've got a real treat for you: the 1998 cult classic, The Big Lebowski. Join Charlie, Amanda, Joe, and Dom as they dive into this Coen Brothers' masterpiece starring Jeff Bridges as the iconic Jeffrey "The Dude" Lebowski.

From mistaken identities and ruined rugs to complex kidnapping plots and unforgettable bowling alley antics, we're unpacking it all. Expect laughs, debates, and maybe even a few surprises as we explore why this film has an 80% critic score on Rotten Tomatoes and a whopping 93% audience score. And yes, we'll be quoting all the best lines!

So grab your favourite beverage (white Russian, anyone?), sit back, and let's roll with The Dude. 🎳🍸

The Bodyguard (1992): A Tale of Love, Danger, and Iconic Music

Hey there, 90s movie buffs! 🌟

Do you remember "The Bodyguard" from 1992? This romantic thriller starring Kevin Costner and Whitney Houston was one of the most successful films of the year. Costner plays Frank Farmer, a former Secret Service agent turned bodyguard, hired to protect Houston's character, Rachel Marron, a famous actress and singer from an unknown stalker. Initially, Rachel sees Frank's protection measures as intrusive, but after he saves her from danger, their relationship grows closer, and they become romantically involved, complicating Frank's primary duty to protect her.

With a budget of $25 million, this film made a staggering $411 million worldwide! 🎬 And who can forget that iconic soundtrack? "I Will Always Love You" still gives us chills. But did you know it only scored 38% from critics on Rotten Tomatoes, even though the audience score was a much higher 64%? Oh, critics, you missed the mark on this one!

Join Charlie, Amanda, Joe, and Dom as they dive into the drama, the romance, and the music of "The Bodyguard." Grab your popcorn, hit play, and let's get nostalgic! 🍿