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Dear Diary, Heather told us we needed to discuss this biting black comedy about a bunch of swatch-dogs, Diet Cokeheads and... an intelligently-crafted film which subsequently influenced countless other teen movies. Heathers (1988) is chocked full of subversive, quick-witted commentary, savage humor and one memorable quote after another. The upchuck factor is low, but the harshness of high school life in Heathers is still epic. ▶️ (00:45) Looking to escape her elitist high school clique, a bright and troubled teen gets roped in by her psychopathic boyfriend to murder their popular classmates, framing each to look like a suicide. So, why does Heathers still matter from a cultural and storytelling standpoint? We’ll touch on the movie’s first-time director, Michael Lehmann, writer Daniel Waters, the cast, the overall themes of the film and why the subject matter is even more controversial today. ▶️ (34:46) Picks of the Week: Both Picks deal with the disruption of normalcy in American life. Lehmann’s ridiculous, yet worthwhile second film, Meet the Applegates (1991), follows a family of insects disguised as an all-American family looking for nuclear power access to destroy humans. As if things couldn’t get weirder than that, Lindsay went the body-horror route with Brian Yuzna’s uniquely unforgettable film about the wealthy literally sucking life from the lower class in 1989’s Society. ▶️ (51:04) Although Heathers is a dark comedy, the movie deals with very serious subject matters. For this MurrayMoment, we share an NBC News op-ed piece written by Billy shortly after the Stoneman Douglas school shooting in Parkland, FL. ▶️ (56:24) Quick final thoughts on Heathers. Thirty years after the release of Heathers, the film still cuts deeply to the teenage core. It’s relevance is undeniable, as it remains a true, original piece of iconic 80s movie history. If you wanna mess with the eagles, you gotta learn how to fly, so try not to be a total pillow case.

To say Martin Scorsese is a living legend with a jaw-dropping body of work is an understatement. And while well-known for his gangster pictures, Casino (1995) sometimes gets overshadowed by the rest of his films. But not for this episode. With an impressively strong cast and striking visuals, Scorsese weaves this three-hour long epic true story into one of the best crime dramas of the 90’s. ▶️ (07:24) A casino executive (Robert De Niro) and his mobster longtime friend (Joe Pesci) end up pitted against each other involving a gaming empire and a hustler (Sharon Stone) who is playing them both. Casino is a grand saga about greed, power and who’s about to gain or lose control. Among hashing out the themes of the film, discussions will also focus on the violent imagery mixed with quick-witted humor in the film, use of narration, the impeccable cast and where Casino fits into Scorsese’s career, as well as the noticeably inspired soundtrack. ▶️ (36:31) Picks of the Week: Because we love the dude, De Niro dominates our Picks this time out. Riding the crime drama genre, Lindsay goes for the semi-true depiction of legendary mobster Al Capone vs. federal agent Eliot Ness and his crew of crimefighters in Brian De Palma’s The Untouchables (1987). Justin hones in on De Niro’s scarier side in Tony Scott’s The Fan (1996), wherein a man’s baseball obsession and fanatical love for his favorite player goes too far. ▶️ (51:00) Filmmaker Justin Hayward drops by to discuss Robert Richardson’s cinematography in Casino, and how his lighting contribution to the film made for an entirely fresh and different looking Scorsese film. ▶️ (58:56) This Casino-inspired MurrayMoment makes multiple connections to Billy and the film. But is it always possible to figure out the gritty details behind minor stories? All tangental roads lead to one movie-stealing cameo mostly every Murray-loving person fondly remembers: Zombieland (2009). ▶️ (1:07:54) Quick final thoughts on the costuming of Casino and how it plays a major role in the film. ▶️ If you haven’t seen our main feature or need to revisit, Casino is a wild ride into a world of excess and corruption. It’s a fun watch, but be glad you weren’t involved in the true story behind the film. Thanks for listening!

In 1996, Joel and Ethan Coen brought us the highly celebrated independent film, Fargo. Together, the Coen Brothers wrote, directed, produced and edited this little-film-that-could, while making Minnesotan niceties a familiar staple in American households. Receiving critical and commercial success, this picturesque journey from Minnesota to North Dakota remains haunting over 20 years later, forever covering the great white North with blood-spotted snow. ▶️(05:00) After a man hires two thugs to kidnap his wife in order to extort money, it’s up to a small Minnesotan town police chief to connect a triple homicide to the kidnapping. Among discussing how Fargo fits into the Coen Brothers catalogue, we’ll dissect the unflappable ensemble cast, the solid character development within, the usage of the film’s realistic tone and noir style, as well as how the violence and black humor of the film intertwine. ▶️(37:14) Picks of the Week: Keeping with the isolated feeling of winter in Fargo, Justin goes for Sam Raimi’s neo-noir, “what would you do if...” crime thriller, A Simple Plan (1998). Conversely, Lindsay takes us out of blustery cold to Southern California, finding Fargo’s Frances McDormand playing a record producer reconnecting with her uptight son and fiancé in Laurel Canyon (2002). ▶️(53:20) Justin Hayward drops by to highlight Fargo’s cinematographer, Roger Deakins. For this Fargo segment, Hayward deconstructs why and how Deakins chose to light a disturbing night scene involving Steve Buscemi and Peter Stormare being pulled over by a police officer. ▶️(1:03:00) Wouldn’t ya know it? Billy dropped in on McDormand in the HBO mini-series, Olive Kitteridge (2014). We dive into their scenes together, and how the final moment of the series ends in an eerily similar way as Fargo. Fargo is chocked full of unforgettable, beautifully staged scenes and nuanced performances showing the interconnectedness of characters. Certainly a crime drama and thriller with black humor weaved throughout, Fargo remains a brilliantly constructed atmospheric film, evocative of a special time in independent film history. Yassir, you betcha, eh.

No matter what incarnation you prefer, you’ve undoubtedly heard of Batman, the masked crime fighter of Gotham City. In this episode, we take it back to 1989 for Tim Burton’s beautifully-crafted world of Batman. ▶️ (09:00) With a standard good vs. evil plot, Batman is an incredibly dark action/adventure film with a healthy dose of sadistic humor to back it. A masked millionaire looks to strike fear into the hearts of criminals in his downtrodden city. First, we go into how this version of Batman stacks up against the original comic, ‘60s TV series and subsequent films. ▶️ (17:50) Special guest and comic book savant, Wade Durbin, weighs in on Burton’s Batman being brought to the big screen, and the feelings churned up within true comic book fans. ▶️ (21:50) How did Burton’s Batman set the tone for the massive superhero genre of today? How does this movie work without a super deep plot? We’ll also go behind the scenes of film, discussing Michael Keaton’s portrayal of Batman, Jack Nicholson’s Joker and Kim Basinger’s involvement and how this film wasn’t easily greenlit. ▶️ (39:50) Picks of the Week: Lindsay continues with Jack Nicholson by way of Mike Nichols’ horror-lite, romantic werewolf thriller, aptly titled, Wolf (1994). Justin ropes us back into the comics universe with the live-action, unforgettable fan-favorite superhero movie, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (1990)! ▶️ (54:06) MurrayMoment: We all know Billy is a massive Chicago Cubs fan, but ever hear about the summer he joined the Grays Harbor Loggers minor league baseball team? Whether it was your love of superhero comics, Prince’s music, action-packed adventure movies or being suckered into brilliant mass marketing, Batman got almost everyone engaged in 1989. Episode 22 reminds you why it’s one of the best action films not to be forgotten!

Right at the end of 2018, we lost the legendary actress/director/producer, Penny Marshall. We felt we’d be remiss if we did not discuss this brilliant woman’s life and the films she left behind, with a specific focus on one of our favorites, A League of Their Own (1992). ▶️ (4:00) A League of Their Own is the fictionalized version of the true story about the first season of the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League (AAGPBL). We’ll discuss the history behind film, how the idea originated and why this all-female sports film crosses gender boundaries. We’ll also let you in how this was the hot ticket movie for every actress in Hollywood at the time. ▶️ (29:13) We’ll give you a short history on the life of the woman who resurrected the story of the AAGPBL, the wonderfully sarcastic and grumbly, sassy and smart lady from the Bronx, Penny Marshall. ▶️ (40:00) A League of Their Own May be the quintessential Marshall film, but all her movies were full the sincerest warmth, heart and laughs. Instead of our usual Picks of the Week, we tell you about each of the films Marshall directed: Jumpin’ Jack Flash (1986), Big (1988), Awakenings (1990), A League of Their Own, Renaissance Man (1994), The Preacher’s Wife (1996) and Riding in Cars with Boys (2001). ▶️ (1:15:00) As this is our Penny Marshall tribute episode, this MurrayMoment takes us back to 1977 when Saturday Night Live went live from Mardi Gras in New Orleans on primetime TV. Billy was the fresh-faced new guy on SNL, and Marshall and Cindy Williams (Laverne and Shirley) were guest starring. But did this lofty feat of going live surrounded by party-happy, belligerent drunks successfully work out? Well... there’s a reason this episode is almost impossible to find. ▶️ (1:32:50) Pretty extra special close out for this episode, “Penny Marshall,” by Erik Mauck, a song written many years ago and feels appropriate for this episode. Whether you loved her on Laverne and Shirley, felt touched by one of her films or are maybe just learning about her now, we wanted to showcase Penny Marshall’s legacy, and spotlight the inspirational A League of Their Own. Marshall was truly a trailblazer and comedy icon who left all of Hollywood heartbroken.

Sometimes there comes a movie we never want to end. Whether it’s the characters, storyline or just a opportunity to capitalize on a movie’s initial success, this is when the Sequel is born. And while there are many, many Sequels That Don’t Suck in existence, Episode 20 is our lovesong to some awesome sequels that shouldn’t be forgotten. ▶️Main Features: LETHAL WEAPON 3 (1992) and GREMLINS 2: THE NEW BATCH (1990). 🎥Danny Glover and Mel Gibson re-team with Joe Pesci and newcomer Rene Russo for the third installment of the jam-packed, buddy-cop action franchise. Bustin’ some serious buns and takin’ out gun-runners, Lethal Weapon 3 shines as the series’ finest and most entertaining sequel. 🎥Well, someone gets Gizmo wet again and all hell breaks loose. This time in a crazy, high-technology mini-world corporate building set in the heart of New York City. Gremlins 2 is complete insanity, and we love every single second of the supreme creativity and lunacy. ▶️Sequel Smackdown: We don’t need another hero, we don’t need to know the way home, all we want is to know which Mad Max sequel is better! Barring the most recent Fury Road edition, Justin and Lindsay debate Mad Max 2/The Road Warrior (1981) vs. Max Mad Beyond Thunderdome (1985). Which team are you on? ▶️Picks of the Week: The sequels just keep comin,’ but these Picks are set apart from their predecessors. Justin goes for the sequel to The Hustler (1961) with Martin Scorsese’s The Color of Money (1986). And Lindsay goes for a deep cut with podcast darling Natasha Lyonne starring in Freeway 2: Confessions of a Trickbaby (1999). ▶️MurrayMoment: Billy is no stranger to movie sequels, but for this Moment, we go into a brief history on the multiple instances he and pianoman Paul Shaffer have mingled their talents. Get ready to tap your toes for a walk down Happy Street. ▶️Episode 20 closes out the first year with this podcast, so there’s a lot crammed into it. We also wanted to thank everyone for sticking with us... without listeners, we’re like that kid talking into an unplugged mic in Wet Hot American Summer. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts, and can’t wait to top our first year with new episodes!

There’s almost no way My Cousin Vinny wouldn’t have been a hit in 1992. You’ve either seen it or know the title of the film. The story mixes a serious crime into a film that’s clearly a comedy, and it’s easy to see why it received such critical acclaim upon its release. A well-paced, entertaining watch, and though it may seem run-of-the-mill, Vinny is a unique movie that shouldn’t be swallowed into the bin of lost films. ▶️ While on a road trip, two boys are arrested for murder they didn’t commit. Caught in a serious out-of-town jam, they call upon cousin Vinny, the only attorney that will work for free. We’ll discuss what makes this movie work as a comedy, how it sustains itself on intelligent humor and isn’t a one-trick joke. Even though Vinny is the main man, the movie is an ensemble piece, so we’ll hit on why Joe Pesci, Marisa Tomei, Fred Gwynne and Ralph Macchio are a powerful group, supported by a whole cast of bit players who add a rich background to the story. We’ll round out the discussion with how the real-life law community has taken notice of the film, and also bring up the tiny controversy behind Tomei’s Oscar win for the film. ▶️ Although our Picks of the Week greatly differ, they also offer up unique brands of humor. Justin opted for Vinny director Jonathan Lynn’s first film, the beloved, Clue (1985). Love it or hate it, it’s a movie created after the murder mystery board game with wild, slapstick humor that never stops. Lindsay went the Marisa Tomei route and chose Slums of Beverly Hills (1998). Set in the mid-70s, Slums is a coming-of-age movie about a girl and her nomadic, neurotic family moving from place to place, and then become entrusted with taking in their troubled cousin straightening out her life. ▶️ We travel to steamy Florida for this one, back to a movie that made us rewind a more few times than usual. Back to a Billy Murray movie wherein people often forget he holds a hefty supporting role. Oh yes, we’re going back to that time Billy was the only guy not having sex in 1998’s swamp trash murder mystery, Wild Things. ▶️ Though we know we’re in for a somewhat predictable courtroom comedy, My Cousin Vinny never ceases to be a sharp, entertaining ride. The main characters are brash, but it’s for a purpose and only helps enrich this snappy depiction of a murder trial. Other movies can tend to glorify the American legal system... this is not one of them.

We close out November with one of the best dramatic films to come out of the 90s, Ang Lee’s The Ice Storm (1997). It’s a simple story, but how this Rick Moody novel was adapted into a movie perfectly embodies American families going through transition. Although it was highly praised by critics and viewers alike, this movie often slips by the radar. Lee takes human realness, struggling with the mundane, familial claustrophobia and sexual repression, then wraps it into a story that feels familiar. Perhaps, it may even hit too close to home for some. ▶️ Set around Thanksgiving in 1973, The Ice Storm explores the inner disconnection existing in two neighboring families, and also how they are individually (and secretly) involved with one another. We’ll discuss how the film looks at human desires and what happens when we suppress our feelings or decide to act on impulses. The themes of this film run deep, focusing on the political climate of the decade, the inability for parents and children to relate, subdued emotions, adulterous escapades and the sexual exploration parallel existing from adolescence to adulthood. We also go into how the ending of the film was an extremely bold move, along with how the all-star cast greatly assists in bringing this relatable story to life. ▶️ Picks of the Week focus on other films by Sigourney Weaver. Justin opted for 1993’s Dave, which not only stars Weaver, but also Kline of The Ice Storm. The Ivan Reitman film is about what happens when a presidential impersonator assumes the place of the real Commander-in-Chief. Lindsay chose Weaver’s gut-wrenching Gorillas in the Mist (1988), a biopic about the passionate primatologist and conservationist, Dian Fossey — her life’s mission, work with gorillas and untimely murder. ▶️ This week’s MurrayMoment takes us on the journey between Weaver and Billy Murray. They’re both very different types of actors, so is it possible they could come together on a grassroots stage drama? ▶️ Though our main feature is set in the 1970s, The Ice Storm is a timeless story. It’s not just a about people experiencing their miserable lives — it’s about realizing what your life has become and what how one chooses to react. The American Dream is over, but the hangover is just beginning.

A dark November begins with our most controversial movie yet, Larry Clark’s, Kids (1995). It received an NC-17 rating upon its release, and in the subsequent years, a lot of kids have felt accurately represented on film, while parents are still shocked and the rest of the world feels sucker-punched in the gut. Nineteen-year-old Harmony Korine wrote this film about an unsupervised teenage world full of immediate gratification, curiosity, unbridled vulgarity and never thinking about consequences. Kids was a wake-up call to the world. ▶️ Taking place in a 24-hour time span, Kids follows a teen girl who, after having sex with only one person, discovers she’s been infected with HIV. She spends the rest of the movie trying to track the boy down. In between and intertwined with the main story, the film is a voyeuristic endeavor into teenage lives concerned only with drugs, sex, talkin’ smack and lots of partying. We’ll discuss the issues tackled by the controversial film, emotionally difficult scenes, how Kids sparked the careers for its director, writer, all main actors, including Chloë Sevigny and Rosario Dawson, and why this film is still important over 20 years later. ▶️ Picks of the Week go in different directions this time out. Justin went with a shocking, yet analytical depiction of how a group of teens deal with a murder of a close friend in The River’s Edge (1986). Lindsay takes us to the beginning of the end of a bygone era, filled with transparent friendships and elitist, bourgeoise college grads in The Last Days of Disco (1998). ▶️ Maybe Billy Murray wasn’t a careless, New York club-goin’ skateboarder like the ones in Kids, but he did cause some trouble in his youth. Find out how he once got kicked off a plane and arrested in this week’s MurrayMoment! ▶️ Kids may be jarring and harsh, but its ugliness is effective and meaningful. One can assume the message is only about practicing safe sex, but the honest and impactful generational voice of the film should serve as an eye-opening story that goes deeper. Take a moment to let yourself be submerged into the world of Kids — it’ll be an experience you won’t soon forget. Viewer discretion is advised.

Finally, the Halloween episode has arrived! And no other movie better illustrates the scary, fun-loving spirit of the season than Tom Holland’s Fright Night (1985). It’s not just a run-of-the-mill vampire flick... it’s responsible for altering the entire vampy genre, which has been around since the beginning of moviemaking. In the years that preceded Fright Night, many felt the vampire genre had become stale and played out, definitely moving away from being anywhere near terrifying. And in 1985, writer/director Holland changed the vampire genre landscape forever. ▶️ Fright Night skillfully blends horror and comedy, which makes for a supremely fun and entertaining film. When a teen boy-next-door type discovers his charming new neighbor is an enthralling and murderous vampire, how will he ever convince anyone to believe him? We dive into how this film reinvigorated the vampire genre with fresh blood (pun intended) and a different take on vampires, the smartly casted crew of actors, practical special effects vs. digital effects, the hauntingly sexy synth-heavy soundtrack and how a simple idea with a smartly written script can result in brilliance. ▶️ Picks of the Fright Night Week hold strong to the vampire genre. Justin chose Near Dark (1987) with Bill Paxton, an early film by Kathryn Bigelow that departed from typical vampire movies, this time going for more a western-style, action film. Lindsay went for Once Bitten (1985), a Jim Carrey vampire comedy roped into teen sex-comedies of the day more so than the vampire parody realm. ▶️ Who woulda known there was a way to connect Billy to Fright Night’s Roddy McDowall!? Find out how in this week’s MurrayMoment deep cut! ▶️ Fright Night isn’t a tired old vampire yarn and it’s not a slick, teen vampire movie either. Holland’s self-referential, directorial debut means to scare, while making you smile at the same time. It’s a treat for horror fans, and for those non-horrorheads ... You may actually enjoy being frightened this time out!

Bonus episode time! And in celebration of Halloween, we wanted to stick to a classic horror film — Wes Craven’s A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984). It’s the movie that revived the tired slasher genre of the 1980s with a pizza-faced, claw-wielding fiend named Fred Krueger. Nightmare made him a household name, spawned six sequels and influenced countless films after it. Non-stop merchandising for Nightmare still persists today, thus showing what a strong hold the film still has on the psyche of anyone who crosses Krueger’s path. ▶️ A Nightmare on Elm Street follows a group of kids being terrorized by the same murderous creeper in their dreams, Freddy Krueger. The film easily attacks the subconscious because there’s no physical way to escape these terrifying dreams. We’ll dive deeper into the dearly departed Wes Craven’s career and how he came up with Nightmare, some history of the film, the legacy of the franchise, Robert Englund and Heather Langenkamp, as well as why Nightmare is still significant to the horror genre. ▶️ Both Picks of the Week were inspired by Wes Craven, of course. Justin goes for a surprisingly shocking, under-the-radar Craven film about black magic and living zombies, The Serpent and the Rainbow (1988). Lindsay revisits The People Under the Stairs (1991), a title you may remember, but have forgotten the sociopolitical element of eating the rich and disturbing humor under the surface. ▶️ For this extra special Episode 15, Lindsay and Justin are inspired to share their own worst nightmares. And who knows, maybe they have something in common! ▶️ What real-life person have both Billy and Nightmare’s Johnny Depp portrayed in separate movies? Although having a shared experience, Billy had a warning to give Depp for the future of his career. Find out the details in this weeks MurrayMoment! ▶️ No matter how dated it seems at times, the complexity of Nightmare’s story remains solid and deeper than ever expected, especially since it originated 30 years ago. It’s still a strong, smart film that never lets up. Our bonus episode this week is jam-packed with everything A Nightmare on Elm Street, so don’t. fall. asleep.

Horror movies don’t always have to scare you senseless or be overflowing with blood. When you’re a legendary director like John Waters, horror could certainly mean violence, but it can also be the horrid human behavior capitalizing on said violence or the suppressed psycho living under your same roof. Serial Mom (1994) is a perfect satire about a murderous mother’s influence on pop culture and how society views these unbelievable, “true” crime events. ▶️ When an ideal, all-American mom played by Kathleen Turner starts defending her family from life’s annoyances, the bodies begin to mount up. Waters’ film pokes a hole in what people think of as a “normal” family, and makes us think about our own exposure to media. With an uncommon female lead, how does Serial Mom fit in with other serial killer films? Is it possible Serial Mom is even more relavent nowadays? We deconstruct the themes behind the film, and also relive some of favorite scenes that never get old. The brilliant cast of the movie and Waters’ intended vision for the film are discussed, as well as hitting on his supremely influential career, in general. ▶️ Justin and Lindsay stick with two Waters-related movies for their Picks of the Week. The writer/director had always, and famously, teamed up with the amazingly over the top, cross-dressing actor known as Divine. The two made some of Waters’ most memorable films together. But for this Pick, Justin went with Lust in the Dust, one of very few films not written or directed by Waters, but that starred Divine. Lindsay takes the opportunity to talk about her favorite Waters film, Desperate Living— a film so trashy and filled to the brim with filth, it makes you want to shower after watching it. ▶️ If you didn’t think there was a way to connect Billy Murray to John Waters, you’re sorely mistaken. We take you behind the scenes of the Waters and Divine classic, Polyester (1981), and reveal the Murraymoment that has been hiding in plain sight. ▶️ The genre-blending Serial Mom may not frighten you to the core, but the performances and deeper understanding of the film may chill your bones on another level. Episode 14 is a truly fun film — laughing through the horror is highly advised.

We’re kicking off October with another Stephen King brainchild, Pet Sematary (1989). King has always been a sought after writer, but during the 1980s, people started to get burnt out on seeing his name. Director Mary Lambert takes this incredibly dark, heartbreaking story and makes it come to life with the ability to scare on multiple levels. ▶️ When a father crosses into some sour, supernatural territory and brings the family cat back from the dead, the way he approaches death moving forward has disastrous results. The themes of death and the ability to not let go run deep in Pet Sematary — this isn’t a light film. But because of the subject matter, almost any person can relate to the story. Does this movie still hold up almost 30 years after its release? What sets this film apart from other horror films? Justin and Lindsay answer these questions, go behind-the-scenes into the making of the film and finally have a major disagreement involving the ending of the movie. ▶️ Picks of the Week this time out are just as deep as our main feature, but buckle up for major tonal changes. Both films involve the legendary Fred Gwynne of Pet Sematary. Justin opted for the undermentioned, deeply dramatic, Ironweed (1987), starring A-list actors, Jack Nicholson and Meryl Streep and co-starring singer songwriter Tom Waits. Lindsay switches it up for a movie you surely haven’t seen in a very long time (if at all), the fantastical tale of autism, The Boy Who Could Fly (1986). ▶️ This week’s Murray moment answers the question: For an actor who is usually so particular about film roles, why did Billy Murray decide to be the voice of the title character in 2004’s Garfield? The answer, and aftermath, may surprise you and leave you questioning his initial attention to detail. ▶️ There’s non-stop drama in Episode 13! So much to talk about with Pet Sematary, who woulda known? This episode gets pretty emotional, but hey, it’s an October favorite of the podcast, so we better have a lot of ground to cover!

We’re big fans of Bill Murray here at the podcast, so we’d be remiss if we didn’t have a special episode the week of his birthday. This time out, we went for some stellar deep cuts, focusing on 1990’s Quick Change. It’s been called the best Billy Murray movie you’ve never seen, so we think it’s high time to reintroduce this mainstream, yet obscure favorite. ▶️ Three New York bank robbers (Murray, Geena Davis and Randy Quaid) successfully pull off a multi-million dollar heist, but that wasn’t even the hard part. Getting out of New York proves to be the worst part of the entire nightmare. Quick Change is a bittersweet, breakup love letter to New York— it’s obvious there is love for the city, but the frustration and irritation of daily life has finally taken its toll. We’ll discuss the perfectly selected cast, how the film was received by critics and how this is Murray’s only directing credit to date. ▶️ For our Picks of the Week, we decided to go for supporting roles that could have used more Murray. Justin revisits Kingpin (1996), and how Murray is clearly the standout star of that film, even though he only has a few scenes. Lindsay digs deep for a partially uncredited supported role in Tootsie (1982) — yes, he did have a significant role in this cross-dressing classic. ▶️ And for this special birthday episode of Billy, we go into the 21-year long rift between our guy and his former close friend and comedy partner, Harold Ramis. What exactly happened between the two, and was it ever resolved before Ramis passed away? ▶️ Quick Change is another film that inspired this podcast, both because it’s a fabulous film and largely because it’s still not given enough credit. Twists and obstacles propel this movie forward, making it an engaging, off-beat comedy. It’s not typical one-liner style or predictable. It was a risky move to make this type of unusual comedy in the early 90s, and we bring it up from the archives so as to not forget this quirky and smart film.

For Episode 11: Part Two, Justin and Lindsay interview the creative duo behind the documentary about The Monster Squad, Wolfman’s Got Nards! André Gower, the Squad’s main star and writer/director/producer of the documentary, and writer/producer/cinematographer/editor/jack-of-all-trades, Henry McComas, talk about the ins and outs of making their film possible, the fans, legendary status of the original film that inspired this documentary, as well as their thoughts on contemporary cinema and tropes of today. Definitely a fun dive into all things Monster Squad and continuing to develop the legacy of the film!

It’s not a horror movie. It’s not a kids movie. The Monster Squad (1987) is in a class all by itself. It’s a film you either have loved from a long time or have somehow escaped. And for its hardcore fans, it’s a movie that will never die. ▶️ Dracula, Frankenstein, the Wolfman, the Mummy and Gillman all descend upon an unsuspecting town and it’s up to a group of kids to stop them from wreaking total havoc. Hey, it’s the 1980s, the time when kids totally battled evil, other worldly forces all the time, and Episode 11 susses out what makes this hybrid genre film so special. The careers of writer/director Fred Dekker and writer Shane Black are discussed, as well as the adorably perfect cast who brought this hair-raising journey to life. The practical special effects aren’t anything to sneeze at either, and neither is the rabid fan base which inspired the documentary about the film’s lasting longevity and cult status, Wolfman’s Got Nards. ▶️ Picks of the Week this time out hang tough with two films from the mind of Dekker. First, Justin explores House (1985), a film that combines horror and comedy. The camp and goofball factors may be high on this one, but the special effects and well-known tv actors of the time hold it together. Lindsay’s Pick is Dekker’s next film, Night of the Creeps (1986). For his directorial debut, Dekker combined sci-if, comedy, horror and 1950s nostalgia to piece together this film that never ceases to be entertaining and is still a mega crowd-pleaser today. ▶️ Episode 11’s MurrayMoment is a dive into where Billy developed his love for golf. Hint: It goes deeper than Caddyshack. We go into Billy’s childhood and learn about life lessons taught to him while caddying, and how he’s carried this into adulthood. ▶️ Episode 11 is a Two-Parter for The Monster Squad. Next week, we’ll release Part Two — an interview with the duo behind the documentary, Wolfman’s Got Nards! André Gower, the Squad’s main star and writer/director/producer of the documentary, and writer/producer/cinematographer/editor/jack-of-all-trades, Henry McComas, talk with Justin and Lindsay about the ins and outs of the doc, their journey into making the film possible, the fans and legendary status of The Monster Squad. We couldn’t be more excited to present The Monster Squad, Parts One and Two! If you haven’t seen this film yet, we really hope you seek it out before or after the podcast. If you know this classic close to our hearts, Episode 11 is going to be a real treat for you!

We’re switching gears and going for a hardcore action film, groundbreaking for its time. And 30 years after its release, Robocop (1987) feels more contemporary than ever. Futuristic law enforcement may be a wave of the future we’ve yet to achieve, but the themes of this Paul Verhoeven film still hold true today. ▶️ Revisiting Robocop, themes of corruption, privatizing government, capitalism and ultra-violence run rampant all throughout. We’ll touch on the strength of the cast, heroes and villains, as well as on where Verhoeven was coming from when he made the film. You can’t have a human reanimated into a half-robot without a lot of subtext! Starring Peter Weller, Nancy Allen and Kirkwood Smith. ▶️ For our Picks of the Week, Justin sticks with Nancy Allen for Strange Invaders, an undermentioned, yet memorable science-fiction movie about, you guessed it, body-snatching creatures from another planet. On a more earthy plain, Lindsay sticks with futuristic robot and cop life with 1984’s, Runaway, starring Tom Selleck, Gene Simmons, Cynthia Rhodes and Kirstie Alley. ▶️ Episode 10’s MurrayMoment takes us into the land of Billy‘s favorite songs to perform live. He may have a thing for Brandy and thinking she’s a fine girl, but how could this ever be linked to Robocop? We’re here to solve the mystery for you! ▶️ Somewhat prophetic and smartly done, Robocop contains a lot more than you may remember. While this is a standout, solid action film, the social commentary may be even stronger than the intense action sequence visuals. Time to revisit the totally frightening, 80s vision of future law enforcement, Robocop!

If you’ve seen Stand By Me (1986), you remember it vividly. If you’ve somehow escaped this one, the time has come to experience this Stephen King coming-of-age tale that will surely tug at your core. ▶️ Half a heartfelt, bittersweet remembrance of childhood and half road trip without the car movie, Stand By Me follows four friends as they go in search of a missing boy from their school. Directed by Rob Reiner and starring River Phoenix, Wil Wheaton, Corey Feldman and Jerry O’Connell, this film takes a look back at creating a bond that can never be touched. We’ll get to the heart of why this movie works so well, and how King and Reiner made this supremely endearing film come to life. ▶️ Chicago Filmmaker Justin Hayward comes back on the podcast for a special Scene Breakdown segment: How exactly did the Stand By Me boys outrun that train? Hayward lets us in on the secrets behind that scene! ▶️ For our Picks of the Week, Justin goes for a shining moment in Phoenix’s career with 1985’s fantastical sci-fi film, Explorers. Lindsay drudges up a forgotten werewolf movie, Silver Bullet (1985), written by King and also starring the other half of The Two Coreys, Corey Haim. ▶️ With this week’s Murray Moment, Billy babysteps his way into Richard Dreyfus’ head causing him to have a deep distain for our guy who played Bob. What exactly was it About Bob that made Dreyfus see red? ▶️ Bring back some childhood memories of bikes in the woods and best friends you’ll never forget. Join us for this podcast for one of our favorite discussions so far, Stand By Me... sincerely.

It’s the 30th anniversary of Working Girl (1988), and Justin and Lindsay want to make sure you won’t forget this inspirational, underdog tale of success in the 80’s! ▶️ Directed by Mike Nichols and starring heavy-hitters like Melanie Griffith, Sigourney Weaver and Harrison Ford, we follow a quick-witted woman trying to make her way in a boy’s club type world. Not many movies like Working Girl came out during this time, so the significance of the subject matter is discussed, along with the strength of the cast and why Working Girl is important in movie history. ▶️ Picks of the Week are connected by way of the main feature’s two stars. Justin goes for a top-notch, stalkery, thrill ride with Melanie Griffith in Pacific Heights (1990), while Lindsay keeps it creepy with serial killers on the brain and Sigourney Weaver in Copycat (1995). ▶️ The MurrayMoment closes this week out with Bill Murray‘s feelings on Ghostbusters II (1989). Can you guess how he feels about it, and maybe how this influenced the reboot of Ghostbusters in 2016? Let’s see if you may or may not feel the same way. ▶️ No matter who you are, the story of Working Girl is universal. Need inspiration? Justin and Lindsay have it for you in spades with Episode 8!

It may be the most talked about movie you love or have never seen. In this episode, Justin and Lindsay discuss the uncomfortable summer horror classic, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974). ▶️ Director Tobe Hooper’s vision for the film will be discussed, behind the scenes tidbits, why it’s still as frightening as ever, and also the film’s importance in cinema and horror movie history. We’ll also hit on how the movie differs from, and also set the stage for, many films to come after it. ▶️ During our Pick of the Week section, we’ll revisit the ridiculous 90s teen comedy about love and cannibalism, My Boyfriend’s Back. Then, we’ll bring it back home for Hooper’s second dive into the south with The Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2. ▶️ Rounding out Episode 7, we go to what 1974 meant for Billy Murray and Gilda Radner. But in his own words, this MurrayMoment leads us to the last time he saw Gilda before she passed away. ▶️ We’ve got a lot of ground to cover this episode! Love it or hate it, join us for this well-celebrated horror film that changed the genre forever!

It was only a matter of time before a John Hughes movie would come up. This time out, Justin and Lindsay discuss the ridiculous, fantastical world of Hughes’ 1985 classic, Weird Science. They hit on subjects like puberty, the role of Kelly LeBrock in the film, where this movie fits into Hughes’ career and a ton of reasons why Weird Science is an unforgettable watch. ▶️ Riding the Hughes wave hard this podcast, the Picks of the Week are She’s Having a Baby (Kevin Bacon and Elizabeth McGovern) and The Great Outdoors (John Candy and Dan Aykroyd). ▶️ In his first guest appearance on the podcast, we welcome Chicago filmmaker Justin Hayward. He lends his expertise to give us a deeper look into the technical side of the craft. This episode, he talks about the use of editing with a scene from the John Hughes holiday classic Planes, Trains and Automobiles. ▶️ The MurrayMoment is quite the trip this go ‘round. Ever heard of a completed, feature length film that includes Gremlins’ Zach Galligan and Billy Murray in the cast, but hasn’t been released to the public? It exists! ▶️ Episode 6 has so much coming at you, plastic tubes and pots and pans, bits and pieces, magic from the hand, so let's dive deep into the universe of Weird Science!

▶️ Justin and Lindsay talk all things Arnold Schwarzenegger in John McTiernan’s 1987 action, sci-if thriller, Predator! Is this just another bro’d out action movie or maybe something with a deeper message? Don’t miss Justin’s confession about his favorite action star, while Lindsay gets mesmerized by Arnie’s eyes. ▶️ Picks of the Week include Ivan Reitman’s totally believable tale of estranged siblings, Twins starring Arnie and Danny Devito; and Robert Zemeckis’ story of the Hollywood undead, Death Becomes Her with Goldie Hawn, Meryl Streep and Bruce Willis. ▶️ This week’s MurrayMoment features a shift for our boy with a long lost scene from 1981’s, Stripes, featuring Harold Ramis on an acid trip. Episode 5 turns into quite a ride! Production credits Written & Produced by Justin Johnson & Lindsay Reber Introduction by Mary Timmel Original Music by Matt Pace Logo Design by Beau Shoulders

▶️ This week, Justin and Lindsay explore the legendary film that made men nationwide cross their legs a little harder, Adrian Lyne’s Fatal Attraction. This bunnyboiler helped popularize the obsessive stalker movie trend that is still widely used today, and also forever immortalized those crazy Glenn Close curls! ▶️ Picks of the Week: Justin chose Adrian Lyne’s coming of age first feature, Foxes. Lindsay went with the Michael Douglas and Kathleen Turner divorce saga, The War of th Roses. ▶️ What flamboyantly famous singer did both Michael Douglas and our Billy impersonate? Find out in this week’s MurrayMoment! Production credits : Written & Produced by Justin Johnson & Lindsay Reber Introduction by Mary Timmel Original Music by Matt Pace Logo Art By Beau Shoulders

▶️ Justin and Lindsay take on Reality Bites (1994), the film that honed in on the life struggles of love, the future, and defining the Generation X crowd, 20-somethings and slacker-types of the 1990s. Ben Stiller’s directorial debut, as well as pivotal moments in the careers of the main cast, including Winona Ryder and Janeane Garofalo. ▶️ Picks of the Week: The Cable Guy, Romy and Michele’s High School Reunion. ▶️ How did our Billy come to the rescue of The Royal Tenenbaums’ director, Wes Anderson? Find out in this week’s MurrayMoment!

Justin and Lindsay discuss Joel Schumacher’s 1987 teen vampire film The Lost Boys. They talk about their picks of the week. Justin talks about Lucas and Lindsay talks about Lethal Weapon. Murray Moment Final thoughts and outro.

Justin and Lindsay talk about the format of the show. They discuss Tim Burton’s Ed Wood as well as the man himself. They talk about their picks of the week movies. Justin talks about Edward Scissorhands and Lindsay talk about Glen or Glenda. Murray Moment Show wrap up and outro

Lindsay and Justin discuss what the podcast is about and how it started. They also give some background on themselves and how their love of movies began.