Chasing Childhood

All good things must come to an end eventually. When we started Chasing Childhood in mid-2020, we couldn't have imagined the joy, laughter, and new friendships it would bring into our lives. We hope that you were able to find the nostalgia (and maybe some cringe) in revisiting these childhood movies, TV shows, and 2 video games. For our finale, we answer questions sent in by our listeners, play a game, and chat with two of our favorite guest hosts: Tyler and Jackie. Thank you all so very much for coming on this 3+ year journey with us! Here's to new adventures!

After multiple requests from a friend to watch this film over the last couple of years, we're reviewing Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey (2020). It may be a modern Netflix tale, but many of the stars from this movie are quite familiar and nostalgic for us! Even though this is just a quick bonus episode, we hope you enjoy one last rewatch with us. And to Cordell, whose persistence inspired this, we're so happy we finally took your suggestion!

After discussing a modern tale last time, we decided to rewind much farther back than our childhoods for this week. To finish off the Christmas season and our very last film review, we're watching It's a Wonderful Life (1946). George Bailey's life has been a series of horrific experiences, accidents, loss, and turmoil for as long as he can remember. Every big dream shattered, every hope dashed as he discovers himself more and more wrapped up in what he feels are mediocre responsibilities to his community of Bedford Falls. After one disaster too many, he contemplates taking his life until his guardian angel Clarence shows him that if he'd never existed, this sleepy town and the people in it would be miserable without him. We have to ask: has this so-called classic earned its wings? Or do we wish it, too, had never been born? Let's find out together!

What do you get when you combine a gentle woodsman and a con artist mailman? A modern holiday movie is what! For our Christmas episode, we're exploring that very plot with Klaus (2019). Banished by his Postmaster General father to a remote island where he must prove himself as a postman, spoiled Jesper can't imagine how he'll get its violent and hateful residents to begin mailing letters. That is until he meets Klaus: a kind recluse who secretly loves making toys for the island's kids and wants to receive their letters. Children unlock the spirit of the season with their desire to believe in the magic of Klaus, igniting peace and a new culture for everyone on the island. So is this animated feature what we'd call a modern classic? Or was the entire story totally predictable? Let's find out together!

You better watch out, you better not cry, we're back this week with a movie starring Kurt Russell as Santa Claus. It may not be from our childhoods, but we're excited to dive into The Christmas Chronicles (2018). It's the first Christmas since their father passed, which puts Teddy and Kate on opposite sides of the holiday spirit this year. After their mom leaves them home alone on Christmas Eve, the pair come up with a plan to catch Santa on film. Except the entire night goes awry when they accidentally cause him to crash his sleigh in Chicago, losing his sack, magic hat, and reindeer. Together they must help Santa find his items and save Christmas. So is this Netflix movie a modern classic? Or were we disappointed with the premise? Let's find out together!

Classics are classic for a reason. Hence why we're using this week to revisit an age old ballet story with The Nutcracker Prince (1990). If you've ever seen The Nutcracker, you may know how this story plays out. Clara receives a nutcracker doll from the eccentric Uncle Drosselmeyer who has a secret agenda in pairing them up together: the nutcracker is actually his nephew! At night, Nutcracker comes to life along with the other dolls and figurines in Clara's house to battle the evil Mouse King and his army. After falling in love with Nutcracker once she's shrunk down to doll size, Clara must make the choice between spending forever in a world of fantasy or growing up in real life. Do we think this movie compares to the other versions of the tale that we've seen? Or was it an unmemorable attempt? Let's find out together!

We love robbery and fraud... Well, not us, but the characters in this story sure do! This week we're rewatching the holiday DCOM 'Twas the Night (2001). Despite how much his parents loathe it, Danny looks up to his scammer Uncle Nick and wants to take after him some day. When Uncle Nick winds up stealing money from the wrong people, he sneakily decides to hide out with Danny's family on Christmas Eve. Through a series of wacky events, Santa is accidentally knocked out in their living room which prompts Uncle Nick and Danny to take his sleigh for a joy ride, albeit with very different intentions. Soon Danny learns that his uncle is not someone to admire and Uncle Nick learns a valuable lesson about the importance of family. This movie stars the one and only Bryan Cranston, but is it actually good? Or could it not escape from beneath the DCOM corniness? Let's find out together!

Over the river and through the woods, we're on our way to a new episode! It's another week of our holiday countdown and another movie about long distance travel as we review To Grandmother's House We Go (1992). Starring the Olsen twins in their peak Full House era cuteness, Julie and Sarah decide to take an impromptu trip to their great grandma's house and give their mom a well deserved vacation. The only issues are... she doesn't know they're leaving, they've never gone anywhere alone (because they're 5), and they get themselves kidnapped by a pair of holiday bandits. Lots of plot lines happen at once, but great grandma remains the OG ride or die. Was this movie just as nostalgic and fun as Lex remembered from her childhood? Or are we both staying home this Christmas? Let's find out together!

What's the farthest you've ever traveled for the holidays? Were you wearing a Santa suit and beard? This week we're kicking off our holiday season by exploring all road trip possibilities with I'll Be Home for Christmas (1998). Jake is an exceptionally selfish college student who dreams only of beaches, swindling fellow students, and his way-too-nice girlfriend Allie. When his dad offers to give him the family Porsche if he comes home for Christmas, Jake is eager to take him up on the offer until he's sabotaged by a group of college bullies. Forced to wear a Santa suit and trek his way from California to New York by foot, car, bus, plane, and dog crate in a variety of wild situations, he slowly begins to understand the true meaning of the holidays. So did this movie make us want to risk life and limb to celebrate Christmas at home? Or were we wholly unimpressed with our hero's efforts? Let's find out together!

We're all in this together! And by that we mean Steph is back and it's time to review the DCOM that took the world by storm in the early 00s: High School Musical (2006). In what is basically a modern Grease revival, Troy and Gabriella meet on a cruise and sing karaoke together, but their romance is not meant to be when they realize they'll never see each other again. Turns out genius Gabriella has transferred to Troy's school where he's the basketball star and they couldn't be more different. Yet their love of singing remains! So of course they try out for the Spring musical together and completely disrupt the high school's status quo. So did we absolutely love rewatching this Disney Channel classic? Or are we breaking free of the clichés once and for all? Let's find out together!

No. Not the remake. The original. This week, Lex is joined by pod-friends Cassidy and KD from The Killer Cuties Podcast for a fun, nostalgia-filled review of the forgotten DCOM "Under Wraps (1997)." This film follows three teenagers and one very confused mummy as they face some risky adventures while trying to reunite the mummy with his love before he turns to dust forever. To be honest, we loved this film as kids, but does it still hold up today, 26 years after its premiere? Let's find out together!

**Warning: This is not a kid friendly movie. This week's episode contains strong language and we will discuss topics of violence** Happy Halloween!! This week, Lex is joined by 2 fabulous "scream queens:" Christina and Lauren from Pickles and Vodka Podcast. We are taking a deep dive into the movie that sparked a beloved spooky season franchise with "Scream (1996)." The film follows high school student Sidney Prescott. On the anniversary of her mothers death, Sidney and her friends become targets of the costumed serial killer known as Ghostface. With the help of news reporter Gale Weathers, Sidney learns that everything is connected and must figure out the identity of the killer before they strike again. Is this beloved horror film overrated? Are the twists predictable? Most importantly, does this film deserve all of its sequels? Let's find out together!

Ok, ok... We KNOW this episode is longer than usual, but Lex just had way too much fun discussing "The Twilight Saga: New Moon" with Cat and Brittany from Fiddle and Pipe Podcast. "New Moon" is the second film of the Twilight franchise and follows Bella Swan as she struggles to cope with her age. After an incident at her birthday party, Bella and her century-old vampire boyfriend Edward Cullen break up, and Bella goes into a deep slump. She soon finds comfort by spending time with her close friend(?) Jacob Black. As things with Jacob heat up, Bella is also being hunted by the vengeful vampire Victoria, who wants to kill Bella because Edward killed her lover. Bella learns that Jacob is actually a werewolf and is faced with the decades old dilemma of #teamedward vs #teamjacob. Is this the world's greatest sequel? Do the graphics and CGI hold up today? Is the Twilight Saga completely overrated? Let's find out together!

Steph is still away *frowny face* but this week, Lex is joined by Shaleena from Everything 90s Podcast and former host of Role Call Podcast (and pod-friend), Simone. We're in the "Girl's Room" and we're ready to chat about the forgotten 1997 movie, "Tower of Terror." In this film, a journalist investigates an old mystery dating back to 1939, when 5 people vanished from the Hollywood Tower Hotel elevator on Halloween night. Does this film still hold up today, or do we wish it would vanish from our memories? Let's find out together!

**Warning: This is not a kid friendly movie. This week's episode will discuss topics of violence** Steph is away, so it's up to Lex to keep the pod rolling! This week, Lex is joined by Jackie (aka J-Quelyn) for a fun review of the 1999 Tim Burton film, "Sleepy Hollow." The film follows Ichabod Crane as he travels to the small town of Sleepy Hollow to investigate a series of brutal murders. However, Ichabod's worst fears come to life when he finds out the killings are at the hands of a mysterious supernatural villain: the Headless Horseman. This Oscar winning film came out 24 years ago, but does it still hold up today? Let's find out together!

Ready to say "I do" to another week with us? Spooky season means it's peak Tim Burton hours as we review another cult classic: Corpse Bride (2005). After butchering the rehearsal of his arranged marriage to Victoria, young Victor runs away into the forest to practice his vows and winds up accidentally married to a corpse bride named Emily. Through a series of kooky underworld events, he tries (and fails) to return to his living betrothed and explain the mix up to his sensitive undead wife. All the while, in his absence, sweet Victoria is being unwittingly married off to Emily's murderous ex-fiancé! In the end, this trio must learn what it means to sacrifice for another person and the true definition of forever. So was this twisted tale what we were expecting? Or is it just a little too weird for our tastes? Let's find out together!

This week, we're continuing our spooky season episodes with a film that puts the "boo" in boogy: "Casper Meets Wendy" (1998). While on vacation with his uncles, The Ghostly Trio, Casper meets the good little witch named Wendy and the two quickly become friends. While the two characters share grievances, Casper learns that Wendy and her aunts are on the run from an evil warlock named Desmond Spellman. Upon hearing from his magic mirror that Wendy will become the most powerful witch of all time, Desmond went full Evil Queen and decided to track Wendy down in hopes of destroying her and the chances of her power surpassing his. Now, Casper and Wendy (with the help of their families) must work together to stop Desmond from fulfilling his wicked plan. Is this Halloween crossover a dream? Or is this a total nightmare? Let's find out together!

What's your ideal world look like? This week we're exploring the concept of "other" lives with the stop motion film Coraline (2009). After moving into a rickety old house with her parents who are too busy to pay attention, Coraline makes her own entertainment by following a door in the living room wall. It leads her to an alternate world where her "other mother" is super fun and lets her do everything she's ever dreamed of–– with one catch: this dream world is too good to be true and "other mother" wants her to stay forever. Coraline must use her clever mind, unlikely friendships, and stubborn disposition to escape before she winds up with buttons for eyes. So, is this movie prime for kids? Or is it just a little too spooky for regular viewing? Let's find out together!

Feeling witchy? It's officially the start of spooky season and we're kicking it off with a 90s classic called Practical Magic (1998). Two witch sisters named Gillian and Sally Owens are raised by their aunts in a town that ostracizes them for their family's spooky history and curse: if a man falls in love with an Owens woman, he dies a very sudden death. As their lives diverge onto different paths, both women take "never falling in love" to different extremes that land them in some seriously hot water. They must learn to overcome their family's legacy, their romantic curse, and get the town on their side to defeat an evil threat that plans to destroy them all. Is this movie filled with 90s nostalgic goodness? Or do we have trouble getting past the idea of Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman as sisters? Let's find out together!

Hop in, we're headed to paradise! We're rounding out August with a DCOM that we've been eager to review since the podcast started: The Even Stevens Movie (2003). After they're whisked away on a surprise trip to an island paradise, the Stevens family quickly discover that their luck has turned sour. Angry island natives, terrible weather, and increasingly frayed nerves begin to tear the family apart until they realize the truth: they're on a reality TV show with hidden cameras! Family love wins out over corporate greed as they learn what it means to truly have each other's backs despite their differences. Was this DCOM well worth the lengthy wait? Or should we have chosen another Disney original instead? Let's find out together!

All for one and more for us! This week we're diving into a movie from Steph's childhood that Lex has never seen known as The Three Musketeers (1993). Young D'Artagnan gets a little more than he bargained for when he arrives in Paris to join the Musketeers and finds that the evil Cardinal has completely disbanded them. Through a series of hilarious events, he winds up befriending the only three left who refuse to turn in their tunics: Athos, Aramis, and Porthos. Together they uncover the Cardinal's plot to murder the king and teach D'Artagnan what it truly means to be a Musketeer. Did Lex miss out by not watching this film as a kid? Or was it a little too "adult" for children to be viewing in the first place? Let's find out together!

What's inside the rose bush? Hopefully a new episode and no genetically modified rats. This week we're diving into another movie that Steph has never seen called The Secret of NIMH (1982). Mrs. Brisby is a hard working single mother who happens to be a field mouse in search of medicine to help her ailing son before the farmer's plow demolishes their home. During her quest for help, she encounters The Owl who sends her to find the rats of NIMH and the secret behind why her husband tragically passed away. She learns far more than she bargained for and is forced to hone bravery and kindness to get back to her children. Did Steph miss out by not watching this film with Lex as kids? Or do we both regret ever putting it on? Let's find out together!

It's a Cinderella tale with a twist! This week we're continuing our trend by having Steph watch a movie that only Lex has seen, better known as Ever After (1998). A tale as old as time, Danielle (our Cinderella) is orphaned as a child and left to tend after her wicked stepmother and her drastically opposite stepsisters. She doesn't take any mistreatment quietly, though! After meeting and falling in love with the prince over a series of days, Danielle begins to question her place in life and soon learns that only she can save herself from her fate. Was Steph as enthralled by this adaptation as Lex was during childhood? Or are we both tired of 3,000 Cinderella remakes? Let's find out together!

Ready to go on a space pirate adventure? This week we're reviewing the animated version of a literary classic with Treasure Planet (2002). Jim Hawkins is a teenage delinquent with big childhood dreams of pirates, treasure, and swashbuckling adventure. When he's unwittingly thrust into the search for the legendary Treasure Planet, Jim learns that there's more to being a hero than cool ships and swords. This is a movie about found family, growing up, and fulfilling childhood dreams, but Lex has never seen it! Was she as enamored as Steph was as a kid? Or were we both disappointed after 20+ years? Let's find out together!

Are you ready to get virtual? This week we're entering the digital realm with Scooby-Doo and the Cyber Chase (2001). After being zapped into a video game modeled after their past sleuthing adventures, the Mystery Inc crew must win all 10 levels or remain trapped in cyberspace forever. During their journey, they figure out who's responsible for both their current situation and the creation of a creepy "virus" that wants to destroy the gang for good. We often rank this movie as our 3rd favorite direct-to-video Scooby-Doo adventure, but is that still true? Or are we reconsidering our love of this computer-based tale? Let's find out together!

There's been a change to our usual line up! We're not reviewing a movie this week and instead answering some burning questions submitted by all of you. HUGE thank you to everyone who participated, we hope you enjoy the chaos and we'll see you at the end of July for our next episode!

We're ready, we're ready! To review the epic adventures of a yellow sponge and his pink sea star bestie with The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie (2004). When Plankton frames Mr. Krabs for stealing King Neptune's crown, SpongeBob and Patrick are given 6 days to find the crown in Shell City and return home to spare his life. Despite everyone accusing them of being unserious children, together they must brave many terrifying trials and tribulations (and live action cameos) to prove their worthiness and succeed in their quest. The duo learn that bravery isn't about awards or kelp mustaches, but about the goofy goober you are on the inside. As the "series finale" of SpongeBob, did this movie live up to the hype from its predecessor? Or do we prefer the TV show instead? Let's find out together!

Hey now! Hey now! This week's episode is what dreams are made of as we metaphorically travel to Rome, Italy and review The Lizzie McGuire Movie (2003). As the finale to the popular TV series on Disney Channel, timid Lizzie hopes to start fresh when she joins her junior high class on a graduation trip to Rome. There she meets the famous and charming singer Paulo who, along with the rest of the country, mistakes her as his former singing partner Isabella. Whisked on an adventure that tests the bonds of friendships and her ability to stand up for herself, Lizzie learns far more about herself than she anticipated. This movie had a vice grip on tweens everywhere when it first came out, but has that dwindled in the last 20 years? Or are we already designing our tear away dresses? Let's find out together!

This week's episode is supercalifragilisticexpialidocious because we have Shaleena joining us from the Everything 90s podcast! In honor of our wonderful guest, we're throwing it back with one of her childhood favorites: Mary Poppins (1964). After driving away yet another nanny while being neglected by their parents, Jane and Michael find themselves in need of a stern, kind, and practically perfect replacement. Enter Mary Poppins, who flies in with her umbrella and bottomless bag to teach not only the children some important life lessons, but their parents too. With the help of her musical friend Bert, they manage to change the dynamic of the Banks family forever. This movie is not just a beloved staple in many households, it's also a cultural classic. Do we think it's earned that title 60 years later? Or are we left wanting more? Let's find out together!

Zetus Lapetus! It's been 2 whole weeks already! We're so happy to be back with a new DCOM episode as we review a childhood favorite called Zenon: Girl of the 21st Century (1999). Even though she's basically the it-girl of the space station that she lives on, Zenon is a 13 year old with a serious knack for getting into major trouble. After she upsets the benefactor who funds the space station (and accuses him of being shady), her parents "ground" her with a 1-way ticket to earth to stay with her aunt. Fully out of her element, Zenon must learn how to adapt as an earthling, make friends, and save the space station from total annihilation. We absolutely adored this movie as kids, but are we still impressed with the futuristic storyline today? Or is it full of galaxy sized plot holes? Let's find out together!

We know it's been for-ev-errrrr since last Wednesday, but we're back! This week we plan on continuing the theme of summer vacation by taking our baseball gloves out to The Sandlot (1993). School's out and a group of junior high boys who are obsessed with baseball find themselves (unwillingly) recruiting the new kid in the neighborhood to join their team. Together they teach him how to play while experiencing the summer of a lifetime as they grow up, get into trouble, and bond as friends and heroes of their small town. Critic ratings are vastly different than the audience scores for this coming of age film, but where do we stand? Strike out or home run? Let's find out together!

Fellow kids of the playground, we give you... a new episode!! This week we're celebrating the end of the school year with the ultimate ode to summer vacation in Recess: School's Out (2001). Based on the TV show of the same name, this animated movie focuses on mischievous 4th grader TJ who winds up all alone during the summer after his friends head off to camp. During his wallowing, he discovers that weird phenomena are going down at their elementary school and decides it's time to bring all of his friends (and more!) back to solve the mystery. Along the way the group learns the importance of making childhood memories, how special friendships are when you're young, and that adults are people who also remember their own childhoods. The critic ratings for this movie were fairly low, but do we agree with their assessment? Or does the memory of summer hijinks hit a sweet spot for us? Let's find out together!

Did you remember your baby keys and a list of instructions? We hope so, because this week we're on the evening shift for Night at the Museum (2006). In a last ditch effort to secure himself a steady job and impress his son, directionless Larry finds employment at the Museum of Natural History as their overnight security guard. What he quickly learns is that once the sun sets and the doors are locked, the entire museum comes to life thanks to a magical Egyptian tablet. The big catch? Every night is absolute chaos and life-threatening, and the "retiring" security are trying to steal the tablet for themselves! This movie touches on the virtues of bravery, believing in oneself, and what can be accomplished with a little teamwork. Critics didn't love this when it released, but do we feel the sequels were earned? Or was everyone just blinded by Robin Williams on a horse? Let's find out together!

What's your favorite way to wake up in the morning? Is it a rooster singing until the sun rises? Then you're in luck, because this week we're rewatching Rock-A-Doodle (1991). Live action meets cartoon silliness in the adventurous tale of a little boy named Edmund, who's turned into a kitten by the evil Grand Duke of Owls during a terrible storm. After meeting all of the local farm animals, he learns that the only person able to save everyone from the storm (and the owls) is Chanticleer the rooster, who has the magical ability to call the sun. On their way to bring said singing friend home, the group learn about bravery, sacrifice, and the power of believing in oneself. Considering this film was relatively detested (or even forgotten) during its time, do we feel the hate was justified? Or was this a case of box office bias? Let's find out together!

Could you, like, chill for a sec? And come join us as we rewatch an early 00s cultural staple better known as Freaky Friday (2003). Tess and Anna are a mother-daughter duo who simply don't see eye-to-eye on anything, except for how much they drive each other nuts. After being given cookies at a restaurant that cause them to switch bodies until they complete the fortune inside, the pair must figure out how to switch back before Tess's wedding the next day and Anna's band audition that evening. Until then, they'll have to walk a mile in each other's shoes and live their counterpart's life for one day truly understand what it means to be selflessly loving. Body swapping movies aren't terribly new, but does this one break the mold in its own way? Or is the freakiest thing about this flick all of the time we spent watching it? Let's find out together!

Got 2-5 minutes to spare? Good, because this week we're reviewing all of the theatrically released Pixar shorts. Known for being quirky, hilarious, and/or heartwarming snippets that set the tone before a brand new Pixar flick, some of these shorts stand the test of time and some... don't. We're going in chronological order from the very first creations by this powerhouse company to their most recent, and measuring how the shorts have evolved over time both in animation style and creative storytelling. So, do these shorts all receive a "hell yeah brother" from us? Or are we classifying too many of them as "nightmare fuel"? Let's find out together!

No capes! And also no frowns, because this week we're feeling pretty super (ba dum tss) since Jackie and Tyler are joining us in person to review The Incredibles (2004). The Parr family are your average suburban citizens with normal lives and identities, except for the fact that they're all secretly mega powerful superheroes. Despite being forcibly retired from the crime fighting life, Bob Parr wishes to return to his old image as Mr. Incredible when he's offered a secret assignment by shady figures who promise to grant him all that he wants and more. Unfortunately his desire to relive the glory days winds up endangering not only his entire family, but also the world. We all know the memes and the Edna Mode of it all, but does this world famous Pixar flick hold up? Or is there another movie in the roster we would've rather seen instead? Let's find out together!

One, two, three, four, get that pod back through the door! We're continuing our Pixar month with a star-studded movie about monsters and corporate greed known as Monsters, Inc (2001). Sully and Mike are rising stars in the world of monsters, where scaring children produces screams that powers cities and come with huge accolades. The one rule? Never leave the bedroom door open because a child might get into the monster world. After young Boo accidentally comes through said door and into their lives, this chaotic duo must fight against the evil corporate powers at their job to bring her home. While perhaps not the first Pixar movie that people think of, is this worth the rewatch? Or would we have preferred a more commercially popular flick this week? Let's find out together!

Ride like the wind, Bullseye! A little over 1 year after Jackie and Tyler hosted their Toy Story takeover episode, we're revisiting the franchise by reviewing a beloved sequel to the Pixar movie that started it all: Toy Story 2 (1999). After being kidnapped during a yard sale by a greedy toy salesman, Woody finds himself at the heart of a shady business deal that will send him and the other toys from his collection to a museum in Tokyo. It's up to Buzz, Rex, Hamm, Mr. Potato Head, and Slinky Dog to save the day and rescue Woody from his terrible fate. Along the way these toys learn about overcoming one's fears, what it truly means to belong somewhere, and the bittersweet beauty of childhood impermanence. Considering how massive the original movie was, do we feel that this sequel holds up? Or would we have preferred to just play the Buzz Lightyear video game and call it a day? Let's find out together!

Apparently you can't feed us after midnight! If you know, you know. This week we're closing out March Madness with a review of Gremlins (1984). The twisted cousins and probable inspiration behind the furby toys, these little creatures are the driving force behind all sorts of calamity in this film. When his dad gifts him a strange pet as a Christmas present, Billy is immediately fascinated by the family's newest addition and vows to take great care of his new "Mogwai" named Gizmo. Unfortunately, he's not the most responsible pet owner and soon the little gremlin sets off a chain reaction that spirals out of control for the entire town. That's the only synopsis we've got because this movie is a wild ride from start to finish. Having never seen it as kids, would we recommend this horror comedy for today's youth? Or do we think the Mogwai box was better left on the shelf in Mr. Wing's shop? Let's find out together!

Give us a new name! But actually don't, we worked hard to come up with this one. However, if you've seen a child empress lately then you might have joined us in rewatching The NeverEnding Story (1984). This well known classic from the 80s follows the combined stories of Bastien and Atreyu: one is a social outcast grieving the loss of his mom and the other is a brave warrior attempting to save his mystical land from the Nothingness. The twist is that Bastien is reading a book about Atreyu in real time, only to eventually find himself an unwitting protagonist in that very same story. While adventuring, they must conquer the hurdles of grief, self-worth, and the perseverance to keep hope alive before it's lost to the apathy and the Nothingness (of adulthood). Neither of us watched this film as children, so we wonder if it's actually worth the cultural hype today? Or would we be thrilled to never see a blinking animatronic dragon again? Let's find out together!

We're phoning home! This week we're reviewing a Steven Spielberg cultural classic: E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982). When young Elliott discovers an alien from another planet hiding out in his backyard, he quickly bonds with and comes to adore the lost little creature. ET, as he and his siblings affectionately call him, starts to learn about humanity and in turn teaches the children about his own special abilities. Unfortunately not all good things last forever and ET must return home if he wants himself and Elliott to survive. Throughout this film, we learn the beauty and hardship in letting go of a friend while also cherishing the awesome memories created together. Unfortunately the ET puppet traumatized Steph as a kid, but have we decided it's worth overcoming as adults? Or are we definitely not sharing our reese's pieces with intergalactic stowaways? Let's find out together!

It's the last of our sanity! We're headed to therapy this week by reviewing the animated movie that started it all for Lex's bird phobia: The Last Unicorn (1982). After discovering that she might be the last of her kind, a unicorn goes out in search of whatever happened to the rest of her fellow mythical creatures. Along the way she must escape an illusionist, befriend a magician, visit a grimy old castle, turn into a human, endure people yelling at her for no reason, and still somehow save all of her fellow unicorns from the sea. To say this film is overflowing with plot points would be a massive understatement, but reviewing it was a necessary hurdle for us to overcome. Now that we've seen it again as adults, is the trauma still too real? Or were we pleasantly surprised by our tolerance for the darker themes? Let's find out together!

We're the babes with the power! And this week we're kicking off March Madness with a David Bowie cult classic better known as Labyrinth (1986). After wishing away her baby brother and instantly regretting that choice, self-absorbed teen Sarah makes an unwitting deal with the goblin king Jareth to win him back. She must venture through a complicated, often life-threatening, and lesson packed labyrinth to reach baby Toby before the clock strikes midnight and he's trapped there forever. Along the way she makes a series of unexpected friends and begins to learn the value of growing up and shedding her immature behavior. This movie has a pretty significant hold on the cult classic world, but do we get the hype? Or is this flick just a little too "nothing tra la la" for us? Let's find out together!

We're finishing up February's month of love and closing things out with sibling love by rewatching Brother Bear (2003). When their eldest brother Sitka dies while defending them from an enraged bear, Denahi and young Kenai are absolutely devastated. The latter seeks revenge and eventually slays the culprit, only to upset the Spirits who transform him into a bear as both a punishment and lesson. If that wasn't bad enough, Denahi arrived ten seconds late and thinks Kenai was slain by his bear self. Now hunted by his own brother and unable to return to his human form until he finds where the lights touch the earth, Kenai must wander the Alaskan wilderness with a young cub named Koda and learn what it means to be a true brother. It's a tale of brotherly love, forgiveness, and the power of self-sacrifice, but were we as taken with the storyline as we'd hoped? Or would we have preferred a moose movie? Let's find out together!

Waiting for this episode was like waiting for–– you guys already know. We're revisiting an early 00s take on a fairytale classic with A Cinderella Story (2004). Samantha is a diner waitress and unpopular high school student who is overworked by her shallow stepmother and clumsy stepsisters. Her only solace is the online flirtationship she has with a user called Nomad, who wants to meet her on the night of their school's Homecoming Halloween dance. With the help of her diner family and best friend, she manages to sneak out to the dance to meet her true love with one predictable caveat: she must return to the diner before midnight or face her stepmother's wrath. We've reviewed quite a few Cinderella remakes on the pod, but does this one hold up to the more traditional versions? Or would we rather rewatch Brandy's movie instead? Let's find out together!

Is this heaven? No, it's Chasing Childhood (so pretty darn close). We're taking this van cross-country to visit Iowa and the unexplainable Field of Dreams (1989). After purchasing a giant farm for his family, Ray begins hearing a strange voice in his cornfield telling him to plow under a huge section and build a baseball diamond. For what reason? To attract the ghosts of famous baseballs players, of course. Unfortunately the mysterious directives don't stop with Shoeless Joe Jackson and they take Ray on a road trip across the US while the bank closes in on his loan for the farm back home. This is the story about a father and son's love for baseball and each other, healing personal trauma, and second chances at the perfect day, but does it hold up after all of these years? Or will we not be emerging from the corn stalks any time soon? Let's find out together!

Skadoosh! We're back and tackling another semi-modern DreamWorks epic better known as Kung Fu Panda (2008). This hilarious movie centers around Po, a clumsy panda residing in the Valley of Peace who has always wanted to become a Kung Fu legend like his heroes: the Furious Five. After accidentally winding up in the center of a tournament to select the prophesied Dragon Warrior, Po is chosen by wise Master Oogway and begins a journey of self-discovery. He must train hard and learn to believe in himself if he has any hope of defeating the vicious and recently escaped Tai Lung. DreamWorks has churned out tons of great movies over the years, but does this one deserve a top spot? Or are we too old now to appreciate Jack Black's humor? Let's find out together!

Are you ready to hit 88 MPH and see some serious sh**? This week we're securing our flux capacitor to time travel all the way Back to the Future (1985). After discovering that his friend Doc Brown has created a time machine out of a DeLorean car, high school student Marty McFly is accidentally sent back in time 30 years to 1955. In order to return to the future and prevent tragic events from occurring, Marty must find Doc Brown in this decade and also make his parents fall in love all over again. This quintessential 80s film is a story about love, friendship, and the power that comes from being really, really good at guitar. Since it's Lex's first time viewing, does she think it holds up to the massive cultural hype? Or was the January watch list a total bust for these hosts? Let's find out together!

How's your green thumb? Hopefully useful because this week we're going to meet the expert while reviewing A Troll in Central Park (1994). Stanley comes from a world of hideous, frightening trolls where behaving otherwise means being turned to stone by Queen Gnorga. Except Stanley isn't terrifying at all and he actually has a secret talent: he can grow living flowers with just a touch. Banished to the concrete jungle of New York City, his pod accidentally winds up in Central Park where he meets two children who can help him defeat evil Queen Gnorga for good. This is a little known Don Bluth film that exists deep in the vault, but is it there for a good reason? Or do we think this movie wasn't advertised properly? Let's find out together!

School's out and detention is in! This week we're kicking off a mini marathon of old school classics that we have never seen before with The Breakfast Club (1985). Five students with completely different backgrounds, personalities, and motivations all wind up in detention for equally different reasons. While total opposites on the surface, each of them soon learn that perhaps they have far more in common than anyone expected. This is a story about the teenage experience, from overwhelming angst to the strange bonds that form the middle of growing-up pains. Considered an 80s classic by many, somehow we've never seen it before! So how does this film hold up to our first-time watch? Are we impressed with its cultural impact or do we feel that it doesn't actually hold up to a modern lens? Let's find out together!