Coming to America (1988)

“The Little Mermaid” sparked the Disney Renaissance of the ’90s, burning unforgettable songs like “Under The Sea” and “Part of Your World” into the memories of Gen X and Millennials alike. Since then, Pixar and other studios have pushed animated features to levels we never thought possible. Digital framerates, lighting, sound and design are near perfection, making Disney’s 1989 release feel a little dated. But old isn’t necessarily bad. So listener Jackson M. posed this question to Shat The Movies: Does a 35-year-old “The Little Mermaid” still hold up? And it was a tough one to answer. Plot Summary: In this episode, the Shat Crew explores whether Ariel was a nightmare child, why King Triton entrusted her safety to a singing crab and how Disney handled a teen mermaid’s transition into a human girl. In the 1989 animated musical classic The Little Mermaid, directed by Ron Clements and John Musker, Jodi Benson voices Ariel, a curious and spirited young mermaid princess with an insatiable desire to explore the human world above the sea. As the youngest daughter of King Triton (Kenneth Mars), ruler of the undersea kingdom of Atlantica, Ariel is drawn to the forbidden world of humans, much to her father’s disapproval. She collects human artifacts and dreams of living on land, where she feels she truly belongs. One night, during a daring exploration, Ariel saves Prince Eric (Christopher Daniel Barnes) from a shipwreck and instantly falls in love with him. Determined to be with Eric, Ariel makes a dangerous pact with Ursula (Pat Carroll), the sea witch. Ursula offers Ariel a chance to become human for three days in exchange for her voice. If Ariel can win Eric’s love and receive a “true love’s kiss” within that time, she will remain human forever; if she fails, she will belong to Ursula. As Ariel navigates the complexities of the human world with the help of her friends, the lovable Flounder (Jason Marin) and Sebastian (Samuel E. Wright), the Caribbean crab who serves as King Triton’s advisor, she finds herself closer to her dreams. However, Ursula’s treacherous plans threaten not only Ariel’s chance at love but also the entire underwater kingdom. The Little Mermaid is a timeless tale of courage, love, and self-discovery, featuring unforgettable songs like “Part of Your World,” “Under the Sea,” and “Kiss the Girl,” which won Academy Awards for Best Original Score and Best Original Song. Join our podcast review as we dive deep into Ariel’s undersea adventure to see if this Disney classic still enchants audiences today with its magic, music, and message. 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

15 Aug 20241h

For years, Dick Ebert has been crowing about "Cloak & Dagger" — the video game angle, the spycraft, the majesty of the San Antonio River Walk. Now it's time to see if this 1984 version of a children's movie still holds up. Starring the late Dabney Coleman, "Cloak & Dagger" transports us to a world where boys kill grown men, berets stop bullets and little girls can carry bombs through airport security. If all this sounds fun, it is. But there's a sadder side to "Cloak & Dagger." It's a film that made the Shat Crew realize Henry Thomas was doomed to always play a child from a broken home, some guys get to swear sweatpants to work and the parents of Gen X didn't care very much about their children. Plot Summary: In the 1984 adventure thriller Cloak & Dagger, directed by Richard Franklin, Henry Thomas stars as Davey Osborne, an imaginative 11-year-old boy with a passion for spy games and video games. Living with his father, Hal Osborne (Dabney Coleman), a busy Air Force officer and widower, Davey often retreats into a fantasy world where he imagines himself as a secret agent on daring missions, guided by his imaginary friend and video game hero, Jack Flack, also played by Coleman. When Davey stumbles upon a murder and discovers that a cartridge of his favorite game, "Cloak & Dagger," contains secret government information, he is thrust into a real-life spy adventure. As he tries to convince the adults around him that he has uncovered an international espionage plot, Davey finds himself pursued by dangerous agents who will stop at nothing to retrieve the cartridge. Armed only with his quick thinking and inspired by his imaginary hero, Jack Flack, Davey must navigate a world filled with danger and deception to survive. Along the way, he is joined by his best friend, Kim (Christina Nigra), and together, they must outsmart the sinister spies who have infiltrated his hometown. As the line between fantasy and reality blurs, Davey realizes that he can’t rely solely on his imagination and must summon real courage to confront the threats facing him and protect those he loves. Cloak & Dagger is a unique blend of childhood adventure, suspense, and 1980s nostalgia, featuring a story that captures the thrill of espionage while exploring themes of bravery, friendship, and the power of imagination. Tune in to our podcast review to revisit this underrated gem and find out if its mix of fantasy and real-life danger still entertains modern audiences 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

7 Aug 20241h 6min

In this episode of Shat the Movies, we tackle Less Than Zero (1987), where college freshman Clay (Andrew McCarthy) comes back to LA to find his ex, Blair (Jami Gertz), and his childhood buddy, Julian (Robert Downey Jr.), deep into cocaine addiction With Julian owing money to the ruthless dealer Rip (James Spader), Clay's mission to help them clean up reveals the wild side of '80s excess. Join us as we dig into the intense story, killer performances, and the movie's spot in the Brat Pack era, all set to an unforgettable soundtrack. Plot Summary: In the 1987 drama Less Than Zero, directed by Marek Kanievska and based on Bret Easton Ellis's controversial novel, Andrew McCarthy stars as Clay, a clean-cut college freshman who returns home to Los Angeles for Christmas break. He is immediately pulled back into the troubled world he left behind, filled with the excesses and temptations of the wealthy, decadent 1980s elite. At the center of this world are his two close friends: Julian (Robert Downey Jr.), a charming but self-destructive young man battling a severe drug addiction, and Blair (Jami Gertz), Clay's former girlfriend who is now romantically involved with Julian. Clay is quickly confronted with the devastating consequences of his friends' choices. Julian, once a promising entrepreneur, is now deeply in debt to a ruthless drug dealer named Rip (James Spader). As Julian spirals further into his addiction, Clay is torn between his desire to help his friend and his growing frustration with the hedonistic lifestyle that seems to be consuming everyone around him. Blair, caught in her own struggles, pleads with Clay to stay and help save Julian, forcing Clay to face the harsh realities of addiction and the consequences of unchecked privilege. As the trio navigates a world filled with drugs, parties, and moral decay, Clay must decide how far he's willing to go to save his friends from themselves. The film offers a stark look at the hollow core of a generation lost in the pursuit of pleasure and materialism, set against the backdrop of a glittering but soulless Los Angeles. Less Than Zero is a haunting exploration of friendship, loss, and the dark side of 1980s excess. Join our podcast review as we examine this gritty drama and discuss whether its portrayal of youthful disillusionment and moral ambiguity still resonates with audiences 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

2 Aug 20241h 2min

Before Hulk Hogan was tearing up shirts at the Republican National Convention, he was a movie star battling galactic threats alongside Christopher Lloyd. That's why Shat The Movies die-hard Tom (formerly of Crane, Texas) asked us to review "Suburban Commando." And when the time came to crowdfund Tom's commission, Carlos The Mailman led the charge to make it happen. Fast forward a few years, and it's finally here: Gene and Dick are diving into a movie originally written for Arnold Schwarzenegger and Danny DeVito, loaded with mime jokes and featuring a young Elizabeth Moss and Undertaker. We dedicate this episode to the late Shelley Duvall, who tragically passed just hours after we recorded. Watch Live Video Recording: https://youtu.be/gsKRDYWNe4A Plot Summary: In the 1991 sci-fi comedy *Suburban Commando*, directed by Burt Kennedy, Hulk Hogan stars as Shep Ramsey, a galactic warrior from another planet on a mission to defeat the evil intergalactic tyrant, General Suitor (William Ball). After a fierce battle, Shep’s spaceship is damaged, forcing him to land on Earth for repairs. Stranded in a quiet suburban neighborhood, he must blend in with the locals while waiting for his ship to recharge. To maintain a low profile, Shep rents a room in the home of Charlie Wilcox (Christopher Lloyd), a mild-mannered architect, and his wife Jenny (Shelley Duvall). As Shep struggles to adapt to suburban life, he finds himself out of his element, battling everyday challenges like clueless neighbors, malfunctioning appliances, and local bullies. Meanwhile, Charlie grows suspicious of his unusual tenant and tries to figure out what Shep is hiding. Chaos ensues as Shep’s alien gadgets and superhuman strength lead to a series of comedic misadventures that leave the neighborhood in disarray. Things take a serious turn when General Suitor's henchmen track Shep to Earth, threatening both him and the unsuspecting Wilcox family. Charlie, who has been frustrated by Shep’s presence, must now join forces with the outlandish space hero to save his family and the planet from impending doom. Together, they must overcome their differences and learn to work as a team to defeat the alien invaders. *Suburban Commando* blends science fiction, comedy, and action, offering a lighthearted take on the classic fish-out-of-water story. With its mix of slapstick humor and superhero antics, the film showcases the charisma of Hulk Hogan and the comedic timing of Christopher Lloyd. Join our podcast review as we revisit this early 90s cult favorite and discuss whether its quirky humor and nostalgic charm still appeal to today’s audiences. 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

25 Juli 20241h 23min

If you thought “woman football coach in 1986” was the daring part of “Wildcats,” think again. This Goldie Hawn classic was raunchy, sneaky and full of representation. “Wildcats” got Big D to open up about being a soft child. It gave Gene a chance to talk about his illustrious football career. And it provided a cautionary tale about grownups partying with teens. In this episode, Dick writes a fanfic mashup of “Wildcats” and “Adventures in Babysitting” while Gene learns how to make children listen. Wholesome! Molly McGrath (Goldie Hawn) is following her dreams when she quits her cushy girls track coaching position at Prescott High to become the boys football coach at inner-city Central High. Even though she’s faced with both racial and gender prejudices, she whips the team into shape, so they can compete against Prescott High in the final. All the while, Molly is also dealing with her ex-husband, Frank Needham (James Keach), who is trying to get custody of their two young daughters. Plot Summary: In the 1986 sports comedy Wildcats, directed by Michael Ritchie, Goldie Hawn stars as Molly McGrath, a determined high school track coach who dreams of coaching football. Molly, who has grown up around the sport thanks to her father’s coaching legacy, is eager to break into the male-dominated field of high school football coaching. Despite her knowledge and passion, Molly faces skepticism and resistance from the school administration and her male colleagues, who doubt her ability to handle a rough sport. When an opportunity arises to coach the Central High Wildcats, a struggling inner-city team with a notorious losing streak, Molly jumps at the chance to prove herself. The Wildcats are a chaotic group of undisciplined players, led by quarterback Levander ‘Bird’ Williams (Wesley Snipes) and wide receiver Trumaine (Woody Harrelson), who are initially resistant to having a woman coach. Molly faces additional challenges, including managing the players’ antics, dealing with her condescending ex-husband Frank (James Keach), and facing her skeptical male peers. However, Molly brings her own brand of motivation, blending tough love, humor, and innovative coaching techniques to win over her team. As Molly pushes her players to believe in themselves and each other, they begin to transform from a ragtag group into a cohesive and competitive unit. She not only teaches them the fundamentals of football but also instills values like teamwork, perseverance, and respect. Through ups and downs, the Wildcats rally under Molly’s leadership, defying expectations and striving to turn their season around. Wildcats is a heartwarming and humorous story about breaking barriers and challenging stereotypes, featuring spirited performances from Goldie Hawn and a young Wesley Snipes and Woody Harrelson. Join our podcast review as we revisit this 80s sports comedy and explore whether its charm and message still resonate with today’s audiences. 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

18 Juli 20241h 5min

After his family is killed in Japan by ninjas, Cho and his son Kane come to America to start a new life. He opens a doll shop but is unwittingly importing heroin into the dolls. When he finds out that his friend has betrayed him, Cho must prepare for the ultimate battle he has ever been involved in. Watch Live Video Recording: https://youtu.be/gsKRDYWNe4A Android: https://shatpod.com/android Apple: https://shatpod.com/apple All: https://shatpod.com/subscribe CONTACT Email: hosts@shatpod.com Website: https://shatpod.com/movies Leave a Voicemail: Web: https://shatpod.com/voicemail Leave a Voicemail: Call: (914) 719-7428 SUPPORT THE PODCAST Donate or Commission: https://shatpod.com/support Shop Merchandise: https://shatpod.com/shop Theme Song - Die Hard by Guyz Nite: https://www.facebook.com/guyznite

10 Juli 202456min

Dick Ebert and Gene Lyons break down the 2009 Oscar hopeful starring Morgan Freeman and Matt Damon. After his 27-year imprisonment and subsequent election as President of South Africa, Nelson Mandela faced the task of unifying a country divided by race. Only months after the end of Apartheid, divisions still exist between the country's whites and blacks, something Mandela notices during an international rugby match. Realizing black supporters cheer on the opposing side when their white Springboks take to the field.  Watch Live Video Recording: https://youtu.be/gsKRDYWNe4A Android: https://shatpod.com/android Apple: https://shatpod.com/apple All: https://shatpod.com/subscribe CONTACT Email: hosts@shatpod.com Website: https://shatpod.com/movies Leave a Voicemail: Web: https://shatpod.com/voicemail Leave a Voicemail: Call: (914) 719-7428 SUPPORT THE PODCAST Donate or Commission: https://shatpod.com/support Shop Merchandise: https://shatpod.com/shop Theme Song - Die Hard by Guyz Nite: https://www.facebook.com/guyznite

3 Juli 20241h 12min

In today's zombie-saturated entertainment landscape, it's hard to believe there was a time when movie zombies actually ate brains, couldn't be killed and liked to show their boobs. We're taking you back to 1985 for Dan O'Bannon's "The Return of The Living Dead." Listener Kevin commissioned this wacky approach to the undead, inspiring the Shat Crew to examine whether "The Return of The Living Dead" had a hidden message on immigration, whether gravity is the ultimate weapon against zombies and whether Ernie was actually a Nazi in hiding. In this episode, we also discuss Trash's legendary striptease and recommend "The Return of The Livind Dead" get the "Rocky Horror Picture Show" treatment.  Android: https://shatpod.com/android Apple: https://shatpod.com/apple All: https://shatpod.com/subscribe CONTACT Email: hosts@shatpod.com Website: https://shatpod.com/movies Leave a Voicemail: Web: https://shatpod.com/voicemail Leave a Voicemail: Call: (914) 719-7428 SUPPORT THE PODCAST Donate or Commission: https://shatpod.com/support Shop Merchandise: https://shatpod.com/shop Theme Song - Die Hard by Guyz Nite: https://www.facebook.com/guyznite

27 Juni 20241h 4min