Grumpy Nostalgia: Second Look Cinema

Grumpy Nostalgia

A second look at our favorite movies, without the fog of nostalgia

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TV & FilmTV & Film

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Superman 2, Deja Vu! (1981) SE04;EP08

Superman 2, Deja Vu! (1981) SE04;EP08

We're throwing in an extra "episode" this week to fill the hole created by our new release schedule. Shiny new episodes start in a few days, but in the meantime, we humbly ask all y'all to revisit this very special episode in the show's history. A personal favorite of both your hosts, this review of the glorious Superman 2 really represented a turning point in the development of the podcast. Grumpy Nostalgia started to come together after this one and it was the first episode we actually felt confident enough to ask people to listen to. We were probably wrong.

Episodes

Superman 2, Deja Vu! (1981) SE04;EP08

Superman 2, Deja Vu! (1981) SE04;EP08

We're throwing in an extra "episode" this week to fill the hole created by our new release schedule. Shiny new episodes start in a few days, but in the meantime, we humbly ask all y'all to revisit this very special episode in the show's history. A personal favorite of both your hosts, this review of the glorious Superman 2 really represented a turning point in the development of the podcast. Grumpy Nostalgia started to come together after this one and it was the first episode we actually felt confident enough to ask people to listen to. We were probably wrong.

Predator (1987) SE04;EP07

Predator (1987) SE04;EP07

Arnold takes out the intergalactic trash in this jungle epic. Half action movie, half monster movie, Predator laid the groundwork for the modern summer blockbuster (remember them?) There's biceps at every turn and kickass performances from Jesse the Body, Carl Weathers, and just about everyone else.To make things even more fun, super-cool @mollsmusings joins the squad this week to play AFI Fight Club! How many of the Top 25 Heart Pounding Movies has the crew actually seen? The results are both shocking and appalling.

Roadhouse (1989) SE04;EP06

Roadhouse (1989) SE04;EP06

Pain don't hurt, but this movie does (in all the best ways). Patrick Swayze's hair stars as the shirtless, chain-smoking philosophy major who beats up a lot of rowdy beer drinkers. And if that wasn't enough, there's Sam Eliot's moustache, Kelly Lynch, Ben Gazarra, and wrestler Terry Funk all in a plot that would make Shakespeare jealous.Plus this week were also discussing our favorite fight scenes, the Domino's Noid, and Donny Osmond doing push ups. Why are you still reading this? Listen now!

Tron (1982) SE4;EP05

Tron (1982) SE4;EP05

We're back in the theater this week to take another look at Tron, the much maligned but visionary tale from 1982 Disney. The first film to employ computer generated graphics, this innovative movie paved the way for Jar Jar, Green Lantern, and the Scorpion King. Wait, what?The boys also talk about their other favorite horrible CGI moments and 80s wuss rock so there's plenty here for everybody.

Fun-Sized Episode: Poached Pop Culture

Fun-Sized Episode: Poached Pop Culture

In this week's grumpy nugget episode, the boys present the first in a series of episodes dedicated to the phenomenon of nostalgia and it's impact on modern pop culture. But don't let that pretentious concept fool you, what they're really doing is goofing on all the recent trends ripping off stuff done years ago and claiming it for themselves. And what better place to start than with their own podcast.

The Fugitive (1993) SE04;EP03

The Fugitive (1993) SE04;EP03

In ancient times, Hollywood made grown up crime thrillers and released them in theaters. I know, right? This week the boys go back revisit an already old Harrison Ford in one of his best, yet least talked about performances as the wrongly accused doctor being pursued by Tommy Lee Jones. An action blockbuster that never needed its plot summarized on a collector's cup. Plus we talk about other "wrongfully accused" movies and actually sound insightful for once. Well, sorta.

When Harry Met Sally (1989) SE04;EP02

When Harry Met Sally (1989) SE04;EP02

The boys get soft this week and review a romantic comedy for Valentines and the awkwardness in palpable. Turns out this genre is not as cringe as they were lead to believe. It helps that Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan knock this amazing screenplay out of the park.Fall in love all over again as the boys talk about romance, loss, and Big League Chew for some reason.

Batman and Robin (1997) SE04;EP01

Batman and Robin (1997) SE04;EP01

Good? No. Bad? Sure, but who cares? The boys open season 4 with one of their most-feared attempts, the fourth installment of Batman. Clooney, Uma, and Arnold serve more cheese than any movie goer should ever have to endure. Most critics think they're super clever ragging on this one. Congratulations you're a genius. We choose to embrace and behold. We come not to bury, but to jump in the bat hole too.

Season 3 Finale: The Grumpy Awards SE03;EP26

Season 3 Finale: The Grumpy Awards SE03;EP26

The boys squeeze into their high school prom tuxedos to hand out awards for the most notorious achievements from last season 's movie picks. There's pomp, circumstance, and more wigs than anyone should ever ask for. Do not dismiss this as a pretentious, self-serving clip show. We implore you. This season 3 retrospective honors all our new friends that contributed this year as well as coming attractions for Season 4, set to debut Feb 4!

Trading Places (1983) SE03;EP25

Trading Places (1983) SE03;EP25

This time were going back 40 years to look at income inequality, racial prejudice, and corporate greed. Thankfully none of these things exist anymore. Aykrord and Murphy rise above a script that shows its age a bit. Plus there's men in gorilla suits and Jamie Lee Curtis! So put your Kool's out on the rug immediately and check this one out.

Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (1971) SE03;EP24

Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (1971) SE03;EP24

Ring in the New Year with joy, whimsy, and diabetes. Gene Wilder's legendary performance almost makes you forget most of the deeply disturbing content. Let's put 5 kids in a chocolate factory and make sure they all come out traumatized. Great kid movie! Plus, we also talk about the most unnecessary movie remakes and sequels. No Golden Ticket required.

The Fellowship of the Ring (2001) SE03;EP23

The Fellowship of the Ring (2001) SE03;EP23

How do you get more nerdy than two podcasters talking about Hobbits for an hour? Easy. You get three. @mollsmusings joins us this time as we gush about this phenomenal, game-changing fantasy epic. Listen to our feeble attempts to find any criticisms and we also cover our other favorite rewatchable movies. Fly, you fools!

Elf (2003) SE03;EP22

Elf (2003) SE03;EP22

For this year's holiday episode, your boys do their best to provide a snark-free review of this modern classic. So grab the Worlds Best Cup of Coffee and snuggle with us. Plus we talk about our favorite retro presents and candy! Turns out nothing from the 70s was good for you. Link in the bio. #elfmovie #willferrell #zooeydeschanel #jamescaan #jonfavreau #cottonheadedninnymuggins #naughtylist #2003 #christmasmovies #milesfinch #nostalgia #nostalgiamovie #comedypodcast #filmreviewpodcast #mst3k

Die Hard (1988) SE03;EP21

Die Hard (1988) SE03;EP21

Come to the coast, have a few laughs. This week the boys go back to Nakatomi plaza to revisit this classic 80s action original that has somehow morphed into a Christmas movie(?) We don't know about that, but what we do know we like seeing vaguely European terrorists get what's coming to them by big bad Bruce. Plus we talk about our other favorite non-xmas holiday movies.

Star Trek: The Motion Picture (1979) SE03;EP20

Star Trek: The Motion Picture (1979) SE03;EP20

Our Thanksgiving turkey for you. The boys go into the wayback to review this 70s cerebral scifi response to Star Wars. You've got Shatner's girdle, the follically-challenged Persis Khambatta (yeah, baby!), and the rest of the original cast for this slow burn but weirdly complete movie. Can a Star Wars fan and a Star Trek fan survive the same podcast? Who cares? We only wanted you to have something to listen to other than your boring family this Thanksgiving. Live long and prosper!

Waterworld (1995) SE03;EP19

Waterworld (1995) SE03;EP19

We take a new, soggy look at this maligned, yet recently redeemed 90s blockbuster. Is it a great movie? No. Is it better than we remember? Also no. Well, maybe. Yes. We cant really decide but we enjoyed revisiting this anyway just to see Costner's earrings and his iconic opening scene.

Big Box VHS Halloween, Vol 4: A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984)

Big Box VHS Halloween, Vol 4: A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984)

We wrap up our Halloween series with this extra dreamy special horror film. The crispy Freddy Krueger breaks out the cutlery and makes short work of a bunch of 80s kids, among them cute little Johnny Depp. The nostalgia hits hard as discuss this quintessential 80 horror classic as well as our favorite Halloween candy. Things get extra spooky as we are joined by our special new guests @jadezap and @letsbecomethieves !

Big Box VHS Halloween, Vol 3: The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974)

Big Box VHS Halloween, Vol 3: The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974)

As the title suggests, this is a heartfelt family film is a really inspirational tale. A triumph of the human chainsaw. Surprisingly less gory than you would think, this extremely well made horror film has set the standard for nearly 50 years. We're not entirely sure that's a good thing, but luckily, @aron_gagliardo is along to help us sort it out.

Big Box VHS Halloween, Vol 2: Bram Stoker's Dracula (1992)

Big Box VHS Halloween, Vol 2: Bram Stoker's Dracula (1992)

Our special Halloween series continues with this mega campy 90's adaptation of Dracula. Gary Oldman suffers though his inadequate castmates in the visually heavy tale. The accents are wonderfully awful and Keanu's mystery hair makes this one a real joy for the gang. It's extra spooky fun because our Alaskan homesteading warrior queen @mollsmusings joins us for the ride.

Big Box VHS Halloween, Vol 1: Evil Dead 2 (1987)

Big Box VHS Halloween, Vol 1: Evil Dead 2 (1987)

We kick off our seasonal Halloween series with the ultimate midnight movie. Bruce Campbell's subtle, nuanced performance is only matched by gallons of blood and entrails for all. Fiercely original and creative, this groundbreaking movie has been a horror benchmark for generations. Demons, flying eyeballs, and Member's Only jackets should be enough to scare anyone. Plus, everyone's favorite vet, @pinotjones, is here to explain how to cut off your own hand (should the situation present itself).