The 90s were a golden era for high school movies, defying the standard set by John Hughes a decade prior. But few (if any) high school-set films capture the bizarre nature of student government better than Election, which skillfully weaves in the story of a civics teacher who diverts from his typical routine and lets his personal life interfere with the natural course of the student body. Broderick is back. Witherspoon gets legend status. And welcome to the acting world, Chris Klein, who was plucked from a Nebraska high school to star in his first movie.

Next episode: F for Fake (1973) • F

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It's the breakout role for Jake Gyllenhaal. It reminded us why Smurfette was created and by whom. It introduced the world to Sparkle Motion. When Donnie Darko was released in 2001, few could have anticipated its rapid rise to cult classic status, but this cerebral film spawned a theatrical adaptation, an unofficial sequel, and there are plans for an alleged official sequel. But perhaps Dan and Jon have some other ideas.

Next episode: Election (1999) • E

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When we set out to cover a movie for every letter of the alphabet, we had plenty of great options for C. However, we chose C.C. and Company instead. This film is a bizarre combination of football star Joe Namath, Ann-Margret, and Motocross. Not a single transfer of the film looks good, there are no fewer than 3 versions of the film on streaming services, but it's still highly enjoyable and best watched with friends.

Next episode: Donnie Darko (2001) • D

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Bette Midler, Lily Tomlin, Bette Midler, and Lily Tomlin?!?!?! That's right - this 1988 comedy, directed by legend Jim Abrahams features Midler and Tomlin as two sets of identical twins mixed up at a West Virginia Hospital. It doesn't matter if it gets messy at times, it's a load of fun. The movie also features baby Seth Green, Fred Ward, Edward Herrmann, Michael Gross, and Mary Gross. Dan and Jon have a blast discussing the film and have some ideas on how it could be revisited in the 21st century.

Next episode: C.C. & Company (1970) • C

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Who would have known that a simple 1997 monster movie would stand the test of time and become a true cult classic. Also, who would have known that many of its stars would be some of the most popular actors nearly 30 years later? And who can explain exactly what Jon Voight was thinking with his performance? On the 3rd series premiere, Dan and Jon celebrate Anaconda and imagine how it could be revisited in 2024, despite existing plans for a resurrection of the series.

Next episode: Big Business (1988) • B

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It's the season 2 finale! We're wrapping up our cinematic tour of the USA with Wyoming-set Cat Ballou, starring Jane Fonda and Lee Marvin. Dan and Jon celebrate its unique place in cinema history, Jane Fonda's transition from working actress to superstar to activist and how she used her star-power to raise awareness for major global issues. They also theorize how Cat Ballou could be revisited in the present day.

Next SEASON: Alphabet Yo-Yo: Films from A-Z, then Z-A

Next episode: Anaconda (1997) • A

See what native tribes reside or resided in what is now known as Wyoming

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If you listened to our episode on Nothing But Trouble (1991), you'll know that this isn't the first Dan Aykroyd/John Candy film we've covered on the podcast. This perfect odd-couple duo brings the blowhard vs. pushover dynamic into the woods of Wisconsin for The Great Outdoors, written by John Hughes and directed by Howard Deutch. Dan and Jon celebrate the wackiness, memorable lines, and unforgettably shocking moments and imagine a new future for the 80s classic.

Next episode: Cat Ballou (1965) • Wyoming

See what native tribes reside or resided in what is now known as Wisconsin

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Robert Mitchum, the original king of creep, leads this spooky tale of a murderous criminal claiming to be a preacher just so he can get $10,000 from his ex-cellmate's kids. The film features brilliant set dressing, cinematography, and performances from Mitchum, Lillian Gish, Shelley Winters, and Billy Chapin. Dan and Jon celebrate all of the things that make The Night of the Hunter a classic and imagine new ways it could be revisited.

Next episode: The Great Outdoors (1988) • Wisconsin

See what native tribes reside or resided in what is now known as West Virginia

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