In this episode of Film Lag, Nick introduces Chris to the 1986 classic Pretty in Pink, starring Molly Ringwald, Jon Cryer, and Andrew McCarthy. As a first-time viewer, Chris dives into the heart of this quintessential John Hughes-era teen drama, discussing:
😍The iconic love triangle: Andie, Duckie, and Blane. Was it really a love triangle? I mean, c’mon Duck Man, get the message!
👗The 80s-licious fashion: From thrifted pink dresses to Duckie’s flamboyant style, how does the film’s aesthetic hold up today?
🎭The message of the film: John Hughes is known for his comedies, but this film plays more like a drama, with deeper tones. Can Nick and Chris peel back this flick’s hormone-laden layers?
Join them as they break down the highs and lows, discuss how this film lands with modern-day dads, and debate whether Pretty in Pink still packs the same punch decades later. Tune in for laughter, nostalgia, AI fun, and maybe even a little heartbreak!
For more Film Lag fun, check out our other episodes here https://www.youtube.com/@filmlag or head to our linktree (https://linktr.ee/filmlagpodcast) for merch!
In this Film Lag episode, Nick introduces Melissa to The Indian in the Cupboard—the 1995 fantasy film starring Hal Scardino and Litefoot. As Melissa experiences the movie for the first time, they dive into some of its most memorable elements, including:
Join Nick and Melissa as they unpack this childhood favorite, share their reactions, and explore whether The Indian in the Cupboard still delivers its magic years later or just ends up making them feel small.
Tune in to find out!
For more Film Lag fun, check out our other episodes here https://www.youtube.com/@filmlag or head to our linktree (https://linktr.ee/filmlagpodcast) for merch!
In this episode of Film Lag, Nick introduces Chris to the 1985 cult classic Real Genius, starring Val Kilmer. As Chris experiences this sharp, nerdy comedy for the first time, the duo dives into the film’s standout moments, including:
⚛️ Val Kilmer’s effortlessly cool portrayal of Chris Knight, a genius who balances brilliance with mischief.
⚛️ The ethical dilemmas of scientific discovery, as the young protagonists realize their work is being manipulated for military use.
⚛️The unforgettable popcorn explosion finale, proving that revenge is best served with butter.
Join Nick and Chris as they break down the film's wit, heart, and unexpectedly deep themes. Will Chris walk away a Real Genius fan, or will the lag be too great? Tune in to find out
For more Film Lag fun, check out our other episodes here https://www.youtube.com/@filmlag or head to our linktree (https://linktr.ee/filmlagpodcast) for merch!
In this episode of Film Lag, Nick takes Melissa on a whirlwind journey through the plot of Twisters (2024), the standalone sequel to the 1996 classic Twister. Melissa doesn’t have time to watch the flick, but wants to be equipped for water cooler conversations, so she’s tapped Nick to give his ‘hot take’ and summary of the story of Kate Carter, a retired storm chaser drawn back into the chaos of Tornado Alley. Together, they’ll try to download key moments of the movie into her brain and discuss:
⏺️ Kate's Tragic Past: The devastating EF5 tornado that claimed the lives of Kate's friends and boyfriend, shaping her decision to leave storm chasing behind.
⏺️ The Tornado Wrangler: The rivalry and eventual collaboration between Kate and Tyler Owens, a reckless social media storm chaser, as they face unprecedented tornado outbreaks.
⏺️ Cutting-Edge Technology: The use of phased-array radar and innovative methods - such as middle-school dioramas - to study and combat tornadoes.
Tune as they chat about whether or not this film lives up to the original, if a soundtrack can tank a movie, and whether or not they can ride their fears! 🎙️🌪️
For more Film Lag fun, check out our other episodes here or head over our linktree for more fun & merch!
In this electrifying episode of *Film Lag*, Nick introduces Chris to the cult classic *Highlander* (1986), featuring the legendary Sean Connery. As Chris experiences the film for the very first time, the duo dives deep into its key elements:
With banter, insights, and nostalgia aplenty, this is one conversation you won’t want to miss. Tune in to find out if Chris thinks “there can be only one!” and Nick can resist rocking out to the all-Queen soundtrack! ⚔️
Nick introduces Melissa to the 80s sci-fi adventure Explorers, starring young Ethan Hawke & River Phoenix. Tune in as they discuss:
1️⃣ The magical wonder of building a spaceship in your backyard 🛠️✨
2️⃣ The nostalgic charm of 80s kid adventures 🎒🌌
3️⃣ That quirky alien encounter—what was that about?! 👽😂
Relive 80s childhood magic with us in this out of this world experience!
In this action-packed episode of Film Lag, Nick introduces invading guest Chris to the explosive world of Invasion U.S.A., starring Chuck Norris. Join them as they delve into the high-octane and adrenaline-fueled adventure that is this 80s classic.
They'll discuss:
- Chuck Norris's iconic performance an uzi-toting, lone hero with quick kicks and quips.
- The intense and gripping plot, featuring the invasion of the U.S. by a ruthless enemy force.
- Whether or not Melissa - who is missing in action this episode - was taken hostage by an invading force.
Listen in as Nick and Chris quip, ponder, and nerd out over Chuck Norris and this classic action film! 🎙️💥
Want to save America? Tune in now!
In this episode of Film Lag, Nick introduces Melissa to the heartwarming and hilarious world of "Cool Runnings," starring John Candy. Join them as they slide into the inspiring true* story of the Jamaican bobsled team's journey to the Winter Olympics, where they’ll discuss:
The unlikely formation of the team and how their relationships make the film shine
John Candy's touching last performance as rough-and-tumble coach Irv Blitzer, and how he measures up against other great cinematic coaches
*How much truth is in this “true” story and the movie that might have been
Ready to relive the "Cool Runnings" magic or experience it for the first time? Listen in now and go for the gold! 🎙️🏅
It just isn’t Christmas without Die Hard. In this action-packed episode of Film Lag, Nick and Melissa jump back into the world of John McClane with Live Free or Die Hard. As a die hard fan of the first Die Hard film, Melissa shares her thoughts on McClane’s jump into the digital age and how this sequel stacks up against its predecessors. Tune in to hear Melissa’s verdict and Nick’s take on this bold step for the series!
Well... It's been awhile since our last episode... and that's because sometimes we need our space... And boy-howdy do we get some in 1999's October Sky!
Join us as we welcome special guest Allen, who remembers when Sputnik was launched, and let Melissa take the reigns of the show, as this flick is a favorite of hers that Nick hasn't seen.
Will Jake Gyllenhaal's portrayal of Homer Hickam, the small-town boy with big-time dreams of rocketry and the space race, hold up? Will Nick be able to resist puns about Sputnik? Can Melissa wrangle the ramblings of Nick and Allen as they wax Americana philosophy?
Tune in and blast off into a conversation that's out of this world! 🚀
In this electrifying episode, Nick introduces Melissa to the hair-raising 1931 classic 'Frankenstein'. They'll dissect the chilling performance that turned Boris Karloff into a horror legend, unravel the tangled ethics of Dr. Frankenstein's scientific pursuits, and debate whether the monster was truly monstrous or just misunderstood. So, bolt your doors, dim the lights, and tune in for some monstrous fun!
This week on Film Lag, Nick & Melissa are introduced to the heart-pounding thriller 'Marathon Man', where Dustin Hoffman's running skills are put to the test against a backdrop of espionage and dental distress. They'll dive into the infamous "Is it safe?" scene that will make you cancel your next dentist appointment and discuss the stylish 70s cinematography running throughout this gem. Tune in to find out if Melissa will ever trust Nick's movie choices - or anything - again. Listen now, if you dare!
This week’s episode finds us sprinting into the dystopian world of The Running Man to unpack the adrenaline-pumping action of this 80s classic. Can we survive tackling the film's portrayal of a totalitarian society obsessed with reality TV, debating the ethical quandaries of the entertainment industry, and marveling at Arnold Schwarzenegger's one-liners that are as sharp as his biceps? Expect a whirlwind tour through the high-stakes game show that pits man against gladiator, and society against its own worst impulses. Tune in, turn up the volume, and let's get running!
P.S. Don’t forget to stretch!
This year’s summer break episode features a special guest star who’s back for more: Matt! Our gracious host selected the ‘86 Eddie Murphy flick The Golden Child and joined us to discuss the difference between watching this film as a kid vs. as an adult, fun facts about the movie, and if Nick’s Eddie Murphy impressions have the potential to save the world. Join us to see if good conquers evil!
Summer road trip? Check. Quality family time? Check. Slapstick shenanigans at every turn? Check. This week we tag along for the ride with Chevy Chase, Beverly D’Angelo, and the whole Griswold clan in 1983’s National Lampoon’s Vacation. Join us as we dive into the hilarious misadventures of the Griswold family as they embark on a disastrous cross-country road trip to Walley World. See you on the holiday road!
Cue the epic saxophone and put on your best 80s blazer because this week we are watching St. Elmo’s Fire. With a dreamy brat pack cast and catchy theme song, this film covers an often-overlooked time in a young person’s life: life after college. We’ll dish on the best moments, trivia and favorite characters. Join us!
It’s that special time of year again, where we celebrate and salute the best parts of America by watching the 1996 smash hit Independence Day. Surely this was good ol’ Uncle Sam’s favorite flick! Tune in for a deep dive on the worst aspect ratio to watch a movie in (4:3), how this film came about, and try not to wish you were at a BBQ.
This week Melissa gets stuck in the inescapable gravity of 1979’s The Black Hole. Join us as we navigate spacial anomalies, mad scientists, questionable outfits, and unexpected guest stars. Let’s get spacey!
Clint Eastwood, a biker and an orangutan walk into a honky-tonk bar. Maybe that sounds like a joke, but it’s the absurd plot of this week’s film: Every Which Way But Loose. Was this a comedy or an action movie? Any which genre you pick, we liked it! Like a good jukebox, this movie has a little of everything: bikers, bare-knuckle boxing, country music and a cheatin’ woman. Listen along as we croon about our favorite parts and the history of this odd little film that also happened to rake in a lot of cash.
In anticipation of epic summer trips, Nick and Melissa booked a ticket for the grandest trip of them all: 1965’s Around The World in 80 Days. Based upon the classic Jules Verne novel, the story finds English gentleman Phileas Fogg try his bloody best to traverse the globe with the latest 1870s tech. Along the way he’s helped - and often harmed - at every turn by his trusty manservant Passepartout. Will this 19th-century story told with 20th-century flair hold up to 21st-century expectations? Tune in to find out!