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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A Disney Renaissance Classic

Join hosts Krissy Lenz and Nathan Blackwell with special guest Mandy Kaplan as they dive under the sea to explore Disney's animation breakthrough The Little Mermaid. This 1989 film marked the beginning of the Disney Renaissance and set the template for modern Disney princess stories with its memorable songs and colorful characters.

The trio discusses how this film revolutionized Disney animation, introducing the now-standard "I Want" song with "Part of Your World" (which executives initially wanted to cut!). They explore how Ariel represented a new kind of Disney princess: rebellious, independent, and actively pursuing her dreams, even if those dreams involved marrying a handsome prince at sixteen.

From Ursula's divine inspiration (literally—she was modeled after drag queen Divine) to the spectacular voice talents of Jodi Benson, Pat Carroll, and Buddy Hackett, the podcast examines what made this film so magical. They also hilariously point out the movie's scientific inaccuracies and questionable life lessons while acknowledging its undeniable charm and cultural impact.

Key topics covered:

• How The Little Mermaid launched the Disney Renaissance
• The groundbreaking songwriting and animation techniques
• Scientific inaccuracies that plague the underwater world
• Ariel's questionable decision-making as a lovestruck teenager
• Perfect villain creation with Ursula the sea witch
• The hidden Disney princess dress references in Ariel's pink gown
• Voice actor highlights, including Mandy's date with the voice of Prince Eric!
• The film's enduring legacy and influence on subsequent Disney films
• Deep cut recommendations including Robin Hood, Enchanted, and the Descendants franchise

Whether you're a Disney adult or just appreciate the film's artistic significance, this episode captures why The Little Mermaid continues to enchant audiences decades later. As Krissy notes, "Whatever the magic is, they've got it." So grab your dinglehopper, brush up on your seagull vocabulary, and remember to be excellent to each other!

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The Epic Conclusion to the Original Star Wars Trilogy

Join hosts Krissy Lenz and Nathan Blackwell, along with special guest Francis Zagarigo, as they dive into the thrilling conclusion of the original Star Wars trilogy—Return of the Jedi (1983). This episode explores how the final installment wraps up the saga with its unforgettable characters, iconic scenes, and the ultimate battle between good and evil.

Francis shares that this was his first time watching the film and declares it his favorite of the trilogy. Nathan, on the other hand, ranks it third but acknowledges its powerful ending. The hosts debate the merits of the Jabba's Palace sequence, with Krissy humorously describing it as "a Colombian drug dealer's backyard party," complete with dancing girls and bounty hunters.

The group also examines Luke Skywalker's character arc, noting his all-black costume and monk-like demeanor, which hint at his potential temptation by the dark side. They highlight the reveal of Luke’s green lightsaber, a practical filmmaking choice that perfectly aligns with his character's evolution.

Key Topics Covered

• The impressive Jabba the Hutt puppet that weighed 2,000 pounds and cost $500,000 to build
• The problematic yet iconic "Slave Leia" metal bikini costume
• The Ewoks as an allegory for indigenous peoples overcoming technologically superior invaders
• Ian McDiarmid's scene-stealing performance as Emperor Palpatine
• The emotional redemption of Darth Vader and his sacrifice to save Luke
• The satisfying conclusion that brings the original trilogy full circle
• Special edition changes, including CGI additions and an altered musical number

Host Ratings and Deep Cut Recommendations
The hosts rate the film highly: Francis and Nathan both give it 8.5 out of 10 Ewoks, while Krissy insists it deserves a perfect 10 out of 10 Ewoks. For "deep cut" recommendations, Nathan suggests The Lord of the Rings: Return of the King as another excellent trilogy conclusion, Francis recommends Gremlins 2, and Krissy suggests Phineas and Ferb: Star Wars.

Whether you're a lifelong Star Wars fan or experiencing the trilogy for the first time, this episode captures the magic that made Return of the Jedi an unforgettable cinematic experience that continues to resonate with audiences decades later.

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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