Flashdance (1983)—Dream Big or Go Home?

In this energetic episode of The Most Excellent 80s Movies Podcast, hosts Krissy Lenz and Nathan Blackwell dive into the iconic 1983 film Flashdance. Neither had seen the movie before, leading to some surprising reactions as they examine this influential 80s classic through modern eyes.

Nathan reveals how Flashdance became the progenitor of the Simpson-Bruckheimer production style that dominated 80s and 90s cinema, influencing everything from Top Gun to Dirty Dancing and Footloose. The hosts discuss how this $7.5 million film that grossed nearly $100 million established the MTV-style visual language that would later evolve into the Michael Bay aesthetic.

While Krissy found herself disappointed by the movie overall (giving it just 5 out of 10 "bras removed through shirts"), both hosts agree that the dance sequences are electrifying highlights in an otherwise disjointed narrative. They examine the film's problematic message about dreams and failure—that one setback means you should abandon your ambitions altogether.

The hosts also explore the complex portrayal of Alex (Jennifer Beals) as a young woman experiencing sexual awakening while making questionable emotional decisions, and discuss the fascinating behind-the-scenes facts about Marine Jahan, the uncredited dance double who performed most of the iconic dance sequences.

Other Topics Covered:

• The problematic age gap between 18-year-old Alex and her 36-year-old boss/love interest
• The contrast between burlesque dancing at Mawby's Bar versus stripping at the club across the street
• The film's impressive soundtrack filled with 80s bangers
• Jennifer Beals' performance and her famous "bra removal through sweater" technique
• The supporting characters' abandoned dreams and limited character development
• Nathan's recommendation of All That Jazz (1979) for a more substantive dance film
• Krissy's unexpected endorsement of welding as an empowering hobby

Whether you're revisiting this classic or discovering it for the first time, this episode offers fascinating insights into how Flashdance helped shape 80s cinema despite its narrative shortcomings. As the hosts remind us, sometimes the most influential films aren't necessarily the most cohesive—but they can still deliver unforgettable moments that stand the test of time.

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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.

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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.

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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