The Verdict (1982)

The Verdict is a movie about a medical malpractice lawsuit that marks a milestone in Paul Newman’s career. Join us for a discussion of this deceptively good film that turns the charismatic leading man into a sad, old, washed up lawyer trying, and perhaps succeeding, to rekindle his life.

First Blood (1982)

Ask the average person what they think of when they hear the name Rambo and they’ll probably say something about an over-muscled rageaholic murdering dozens of people with weapons meant to be mounted on vehicles. Even if they know better, they’ll probably agree that this first movie in the franchise is called “Rambo”. Neither of those things is entirely accurate, so we’re setting the record straight in a podcast covering one of Sylvester Stallone’s best movies.

Conan the Barbarian (1982)

Grab your sword and strap on your sandals! We’re celebrating the return of Game of Thrones by doing a season long look at the fantasy films that came before it. From the classic to the camp, we love them all! S2F2: Fantasy kicks off with Conan the Barbarian, a film that helped launch the career of one Arnold Schwarzenegger into the stratosphere. And sure, we can quibble with some of the sillier plot points happening in the margins, and some of the casting, and a lot of the hair and makeup, but Conan is a serious film with some great set pieces, an absolutely magnetic star, and it even manages to land a few points that approach the profound. Listen to our podcast, or watch the enhanced video version below!

The Thing (1982)

Special thanks once again to Sean Ray for commissioning thus podcast for the 1982 John Carpenter sci-fi/horror classic, The Thing. The location, sense of isolation and paranoia, and atmosphere of dread this film is able to generate is incredible. Kurt Russel is iconic in his role as everyman bad*ss. And the gruesome, disturbing practical effects work still effectively sells the horrific alien action.

Blade Runner: The Final Cut (2007)

Special thanks to multi-multi-multi-commissioner Sean Ray for dialing up the number to Blade Runner: The Final Cut (2007). This edition is intended by director Ridley Scott to be the definitive version. The interesting thing is, Jim and I have always been a bit “meh” on the classic Blade Runner experience. Sure, we see how influential it is, and can understand why it was highly regarded “for it’s day”. We both felt like we saw the film with fresh eyes on this cut. Their are problems with world building and pacing here and there, but everything tracks so much cleaner, and the third act which was always a standout is now a pure joy. Thanks again, Sean! It’s not every day that a commission completely has us do a 180 on a project, this is one of those rare times!

Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan (1982)

Special thanks to Josh “Anubus21” Wilson for the conclusion of his three podcast trilogy (previously Screamers and PCU), Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan.  Arguably the greatest Trek film of all time, and featuring the unquestionably greatest Trek movie villain, Wrath holds up like a champ.  Featuring terrifying ear worms, a broad range of quality Shatnerian acting, Chekov screaming, and Ricardo Montalbán’s impressive old man chest, we try to look at the film through both critical and nostalgic lenses.