Film Lag

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 outFor 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!

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: The blessing and the curse of being immortal. What would you do with it? Could you handle such a gift?The magic of being a Highlander. Does it resemble a certain other sci-fi franchise?The mystery of how immortals fund their lavish lifestyle across the ages. Beanie Babies? Pokemon cards?Sean Connery's memorable turn as Juan Sánchez-Villalobos Ramírez. Who came up with that role and backstory?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

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!

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!

This Memorial Day weekend Nick showed Melissa a Real American Hero - the 1987 VHS masterpiece G.I. Joe: The Movie! Join us as we dig into Cobra Commander's commanding performance, what cooking convention the Joes follow, and how the “death” of Duke scarred a generation. GO JOE!

Bond. James Bond. This week we watch Roger Moore's final Bond film: A View to a Kill. While he wasn't a big fan of this sprawling action movie, we found some things to like about it. Cheeky puns, for example, and Grace Jones sparring with Christopher Walken. Listen along as we dissect the tech, Bond-i-ness, extravagant chase scenes and the perfection Walken as a Bond villain. Shake your martinis and listen along with whatever spy device you have!

They say don't sweat the small stuff, but that's just what Dennis Quaid does in this week's exciting episode on Steven Spielberg's Innerspace. We don't shrink away from discussing the finer details of this 80s sci-fi flick, from face-bending special effects to blood vessels made of jello and tiny villains hiding in the back seat. Don't miss the surprising revelation about Martin Short! Tune in for a discussion of incredible proportions.

In this totally tubular episode, we're diving shell-first into the nostalgia ooze as Nick shows Melissa Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II: The Secret of the Ooze for the first time! Can this childhood favorite of Nick's stand the test of time? Will Melissa be impressed with the turtle-riffic animatronics? Crank up Vanilla Ice's Ninja Rap, grab a slice of your favorite pizza and find out! Cowabunga!

This week's film Howard The Duck isn't all its quacked up to be… literally! Tune in to hear how this 1986 sci-fi rom-com shook Melissa's faith in Nick's movie choices, animatronics, and George Lucas. Can anything save redeem this hard-boiled duck hunt? The answer – as well as the duration of the glider chase scene – may surprise you.

This week Nick and Mel go Commando – as in the 1985 classic Schwarzenegger action flick! Listen along as we discuss this film's horribly wonderful puns, why Nick can't stop thinking of a particular scene, and how we'd terminate Arnold if we were the bad guys. Let's party!

It's the end of the world as the cast of Dawn of The Dead knows it… and Melissa and Nick feel fine! Listen along as they celebrate their 20th wedding anniversary by watching Zack Snyder's classic fast zombie flick -- which was released the same month and year they got hitched! What part of this dystopian film can Melissa not get out of her head? How many homages does it deliver? Will Nick be able to stop gushing about life after zombies? Tune in for a horrific good time and find out!

Houston... we have a problem! 54 years (to the day) after the launch of NASA's finest hour, Melissa gets blasted off with Ron's Howards a zero-g drama. Can we take the intensity of this edge-of-you-seat true story? Will Melissa lose her mind with excitement over all of the NASA nerdery, dials and nobs? Tune in to find out!

Pull up a stool and flag the nearest bartender as we enjoy a round of the 80s Tim Cruise bar classic Cocktail. Listen along as we reminisce about life in the 80s, how beat poetry is appropriate in most situations and why you should start your day with a tall glass of carrot juice and a set of aerobics. Slainte!

What's that in the sky? It's 1984's: Supergirl! Listen along as we discuss Helen Slater's turn as the Man of Steel's cousin, the obsessiveness of Fay Dunaway's evil sorceress, and all the ways this movie shows that romance can go wrong. Grab a cape, soak up some rays and listen along!

Form up! Time to get in shape, fall in line and watch the goofball slapstick comedy Police Academy. We'll discuss the joy of listening to George Gaynes talk and the origin of this crazy premise. (Hint: it's not as crazy as we thought!) The first in a long line of sequels, is this the best movie in the franchise? Nick has thoughts. Tune in for more. Move out!

Do I have a concussion or did I just watch a David Lynch film? We'll be asking questions like this and more as we hash out our emotional reaction to the epic, divisive and spicy 1984 Dune. Listen along as we discuss Sting's wardrobe, Sir Patrick Stewart's mullet and cool-under-prophecy-pressure Kyle MachLachlan. Bonus: a Fatboy Slim revelation. The Sleeper awakes!

Step aside, Sir Roger Moore, Val Kilmer is The Saint, and what a blessing in disguise! Nick has been quoting this romp through Russia since the 90s and now Mel finally gets to see why. If you harbor nostalgia for the Cold War, 90s music or luscious hair, this episode is for you. Listen along as we discuss the magic of Elizabeth Shue, Kilmer's accents and who had the best hair.

Adrian! Lace up, grab your bricks and join us as we watch the 70s smash hit Rocky. Missing Carl Weathers, Nick decided it was time to finally show Mel this heavyweight classic. We attempt a blow-by-blow of this underdog story within an underdog story. (Sylvester Stallone was meta before we had any inkling of the word.) Don't leave town.

What's in the ice? Also, what's in this drink? Find out as we view and review the original 1951 sci-fi thriller: The Thing from Another World. We'll discuss the movie's staying power, the beauty of black-and-white film, and saucy flirting from the ‘50s. Keep the flamethrower handy for this one and watch the skies. Everywhere. Keep looking. Keep watching the skies.

The boys are back in town! Strap in for a gritty and unflinching bromance from 1982: 48 Hours. We discuss the nuance of Nick Nolte and Eddie Murphy's “odd couple” relationship, what makes a Beach Boy grumpy, and what to do with a baseball bat. Tune in and keep your bat handy!

Three cheers for 90s action movies! This week Mel and Nick climb to new heights with a real nail-biter: Cliffhanger. What makes this flick so memorable? Is it the practical effects, stunning panoramas or Sylvester Stallone's biceps? Listen along as we weigh in on that and more. Keep your arms and legs in the vehicle at all times!

Light the fireworks and prepare for a crash landing! Mel and Nick ring in the New Year as they often do: by watching a classic sci-fi stunner and this year is no exception. Enemy Mine, from 1985, explores the unlikely bromance between two species and might just have you reaching for the tissues. Dennis Quaid and Louis Gosset Jr. are seemingly nothing like Kevin Costner and Morgan Freeman in Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves…or are they? Tune in to find out!

Oh fudge, Mel and Nick take their lumps and finally watch the beloved (by some) classic A Christmas Story. Can they find something to like about this movie? Will they still be horrified by the tongue on the flagpole scene? Can Ralphie's pink bunny pajamas win them over? Tune in and don't shoot your eye out!

Ho ho ho! It's the most wonderful time of the year: time for a Die Hard screening. This week Mel and Nick strap in for the action-packed Die Hard with a Vengeance and joyfully kick off the holiday season with explosions, a gold heist and John McLane. Listen along as we discuss favorite scenes, tears for Pulp Fiction and whether or not this is a “weak-quel” (read: a weak sequel). Think fast. Look alive. Die Hard.

Ten-Hut! Sean Astin scores one for the podcast this week as Rudy in the 1993 film based on a true (and incredible) motivating story. We break out the Bingo cards for this one, figure out who “The Gipper” really is and go on a rant about trophy-worthy hair. Don't miss it!

To celebrate Thanksgiving, John Candy shows Steve Martin what a true PiTA is in the 80s John Hughes classic Planes, Trains and Automobiles. If you think you're having a rough turkey day, listen along to hear how much worse it could be, and how to look through the chaos and make it a little bit better.

Ever have a strange feeling in the pit of your stomach? A question you just couldn't let go of? This week's dystopian 70s classic Soylent Green is all that and a bag of nutrient-rich biscuits! Listen along as we discuss how films rate at predicting the future, if ascots are a net gain for Charlton Heston's looks, and what our “50 years in the future nightmare scenarios” look like!

Is it a full moon? Or Gary Busey's eyes? Both are known to bring out creatures of the night and this episode is no exception. We bring the Halloween season to a close with the creature feature Silver Bullet, a must-see for fans of the werewolf genre. Listen along as we discuss why this hair-raising flick still hits the right notes (ahem, Corey Haim and Steven King) despite the dated special effects.

It's a good day to die. Strike that, it's a good day to experience the intense suspense of Flatliners! Listen along as Mel and Nick discuss the film's artistic mood, the spiritual prequel to The Lost Boys and which of the star-studded cast we'd choose if we ever needed mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. Let's hope it never comes to that…clear!

Wakey wakey, Kevin Bakey! Welcome, campers, to a showing of Friday the 13th. Join us for a fireside chat about the chills, thrills and surprises in this horror movie classic. Listen along as we talk about all things scary, from cast iron frying pans to sheep's blood. (Gross, we know, but Tom Savini sure knew what he was doing!)

As we draw closer to Halloween, the creepy-crawly hit Arachnophobia may be just what the doctor ordered. Will Nick and Mel get caught in the quirky and suspenseful web of Jeff Daniels and John Goodman? Pour a good vintage glass of wine and tune in to find out! Don't forget to check your slippers for spiders…!

‘Tis the season for spooky movies! Nick and Melissa kick off October with a flick that has major curb appeal: The ‘Burbs. Join us, neighbor, as we dish about the actors (young Tom Hanks!), favorite scenes (animal crackers, anyone?) and alternative endings. Listen along, but heed this warning: Green sky at morning? Neighbor take warning. Green sky at night? Neighbor take flight.

We celebrate the one-year anniversary of the podcast this week as Mel discovers the meaning of T-U-R-T-L-E Power while Nick gushes about his childhood favorite 1990's Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Join us as we marvel at Henson Company's puppetry (thanks Bryan Henson), dish about the blink-and-you'll-miss-them cameos, and test our skill with a turtle mask and weapon quiz. Think you know the answers? Grab a slice of pizza, push play and find out!

John Lithgow fans rejoice: our movie this week is Harry and the Hendersons! From the deep woods outside of Seattle in the 80s, this hairy adventure has us wanting to believe in Big Foot, planning our next camping trip and shopping for a dependable station wagon. (Seatbelts optional?) Listen along as Nick takes a musical quiz and schools Mel on the meaning of HBO.

Freshman year! In Revenge of the Nerds a motley crew of misfits take on the football team fraternity for the ultimate triumph story. Tune in for another Goose sighting, discussion of what nerd even means, and the perfect formula for a reboot (without all the cringey parts that aged worse than milk in a hot car). Nerd! Nerd! Nerd! We have news for the beautiful people. There's a lot more of us than there are of you!

Extra! Extra! Jump up and give a flying bell kick, because Newsies week is here! Can an energized historical musical about a kids strike in New York be Nick's love language? You betcha. Listen along as we sing (can't help it), share our favorite moments and laugh at the scathing reviews. No matter what the critics say, let us seize the day!

Come in, Houston. This week we are over the moon for the “camptivating” Space Camp! Launch with us into a discussion about cool robots, love for NASA and anything else that pops into our space-geek brains. (BSG included, naturally.) Listen along as we orbit the 80s and shoot for the stars. Max and Jinx friends, FOR-EV-ER!