The Darkest Indiana Jones Adventure
In this episode of The Most Excellent 80s Movies Podcast, hosts Krissy Lenz and Nathan Blackwell dive into the controversial second installment of the Indiana Jones franchise, Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (1984). This prequel to Raiders of the Lost Ark takes our hero to Shanghai and then India for what many consider the darkest chapter in the series.

The hosts explore how the film's darker tone was influenced by George Lucas and Steven Spielberg's personal lives at the time, with both going through difficult periods that affected the creative direction. Despite being considered the black sheep of the original trilogy, Temple of Doom has gained appreciation over time for its unique qualities and memorable moments.

Nathan shares his childhood memory of seeing the film in theaters and covering his eyes during the infamous heart-ripping scene—the very scene that, along with Red Dawn, prompted the creation of the PG-13 rating that changed Hollywood forever. Both hosts give the film high marks (8-8.5 out of 10), placing it just below The Last Crusade in their rankings.

Key topics discussed:

• How Temple of Doom works as a prequel set in 1935 (before Raiders)
• The incredible Shanghai club opening sequence and its filming challenges
• Short Round as one of the best sidekicks in the series who sadly never returned
• Kate Capshaw's performance as Willie Scott and her real-life sedatives for the bug scenes
• The film's cultural insensitivity issues and how they were meant to be portrayed
• Why the mine cart chase might be 20% too long but remains iconic
• Practical effects including stop-motion animation and early compositing techniques
• Indiana Jones' character as more of an anti-hero than classic hero
• The brilliant suspension bridge finale and Mola Ram as a memorable villain

In their deep cut recommendations, Nathan suggests exploring Bollywood classics like Om Shanti Om featuring Shahrukh Khan, while noting that Amrish Puri (Mola Ram) appears in the classic DDLJ. Krissy recommends checking out Ke Huy Quan's (Short Round) recent renaissance, including his Oscar-winning performance in Everything Everywhere All at Once.

Whether you're covering your eyes during the heart scene or laughing at Willie's dinner reactions, Temple of Doom remains a unique, polarizing adventure that helped define 80s action cinema.

--
We couldn't do this without your support of The Most Excellent 80s Movies Podcast! Thank you!
Join now for: $5/Month • $55/year • Learn More

David Lynch's Dark Suburban Masterpiece

Join hosts Krissy Lenz and Nathan Blackwell with special guests Andy Nelson and Pete Wright as they dive into David Lynch's controversial classic Blue Velvet (1986), a film that exposed the dark underbelly beneath idyllic small-town America.

When college student Jeffrey Beaumont (Kyle MacLachlan) discovers a severed ear in a field, he's drawn into a twisted mystery involving nightclub singer Dorothy Vallens (Isabella Rossellini) and the terrifying Frank Booth (Dennis Hopper). The hosts explore how Lynch creates a jarring contrast between 1950s suburban aesthetics and the disturbing criminal world that exists beneath the surface.

The panel discusses how Blue Velvet serves as Lynch's most accessible work while still containing his signature surrealism. Unlike his later films that abandon traditional narrative structure, Blue Velvet follows a relatively straightforward detective story, making it an excellent entry point for viewers new to Lynch's filmography. The film's lasting impact can be seen in later works like Twin Peaks, which further developed many of the themes and visual styles first explored here.

Dennis Hopper's unhinged performance as Frank Booth remains one of cinema's most memorable villains, with the hosts noting how Hopper reportedly told Lynch, "I am Frank Booth," when accepting the role that many actors had turned down due to its disturbing nature.

Topics Discussed:

• The film's juxtaposition of 1950s idealism with 1980s darkness
• Lynch's signature visual style and sound design techniques
• The voyeuristic themes and Jeffrey's seduction by darkness
• Isabella Rossellini's haunting performance as Dorothy Vallens
• How Blue Velvet compares to Lynch's other works
• The famous "Pabst Blue Ribbon" scene
• Lynch's influence on subsequent filmmakers and media
• Each host's rating of the film (on a scale of Pabst Blue Ribbons)

The episode concludes with deep-cut recommendations including The Reflecting Skin (1990), John Cheever's short story "The Swimmer," and the video games Alan Wake and Control - all works that share thematic or stylistic elements with Lynch's universe.

Whether you're a Lynch devotee or curious newcomer, this episode offers fascinating insights into a film that continues to disturb and captivate audiences over three decades after its release.

--
We couldn't do this without your support of The Most Excellent 80s Movies Podcast! Thank you!
Join now for: $5/Month • $55/year • Learn More

A Disney Renaissance Classic

Join hosts Krissy Lenz and Nathan Blackwell with special guest Mandy Kaplan as they dive under the sea to explore Disney's animation breakthrough The Little Mermaid. This 1989 film marked the beginning of the Disney Renaissance and set the template for modern Disney princess stories with its memorable songs and colorful characters.

The trio discusses how this film revolutionized Disney animation, introducing the now-standard "I Want" song with "Part of Your World" (which executives initially wanted to cut!). They explore how Ariel represented a new kind of Disney princess: rebellious, independent, and actively pursuing her dreams, even if those dreams involved marrying a handsome prince at sixteen.

From Ursula's divine inspiration (literally—she was modeled after drag queen Divine) to the spectacular voice talents of Jodi Benson, Pat Carroll, and Buddy Hackett, the podcast examines what made this film so magical. They also hilariously point out the movie's scientific inaccuracies and questionable life lessons while acknowledging its undeniable charm and cultural impact.

Key topics covered:

• How The Little Mermaid launched the Disney Renaissance
• The groundbreaking songwriting and animation techniques
• Scientific inaccuracies that plague the underwater world
• Ariel's questionable decision-making as a lovestruck teenager
• Perfect villain creation with Ursula the sea witch
• The hidden Disney princess dress references in Ariel's pink gown
• Voice actor highlights, including Mandy's date with the voice of Prince Eric!
• The film's enduring legacy and influence on subsequent Disney films
• Deep cut recommendations including Robin Hood, Enchanted, and the Descendants franchise

Whether you're a Disney adult or just appreciate the film's artistic significance, this episode captures why The Little Mermaid continues to enchant audiences decades later. As Krissy notes, "Whatever the magic is, they've got it." So grab your dinglehopper, brush up on your seagull vocabulary, and remember to be excellent to each other!

--
We couldn't do this without your support of The Most Excellent 80s Movies Podcast! Thank you!
Join now for: $5/Month • $55/year • Learn More