Episode 58: 1995 - Conflict At The Heart Of The Decade

The year is 1995 ... and it's WAR! Never before has there been a year so divisive and wrought with opinion battle lines. Really it seems like the whole year has been designed to split opinions even after nearly two decades. We start with "Batman Forever" where opinions are at least somewhat united on loathing it, reasons are of course divided as to why but at least everyone is marching in the same general direction.

Bond returns with "Goldeneye" which in our opinion is just about the only Pierce Brosnan 007 that's worth a damn. "Bad Boys" looms into view with it's definitive example of 90s action ... but the long shadow of Michael Bay passes thought it. Oh well .. "Die Hard with a Vengeance" is another oasis of unified opinion. But then comes "Judge Dredd" which Justin, the greatest 2000AD fan in the building, is actually at peace with after the passing years, Leo and Ian are on hand to shake him.

"Johnny Mnemonic" is championed by Leo ... amazingly. Onto "12 Monkeys" which we can all agree is Gilliam's high point .... Leo disagrees. "The Quick & the Dead" proved to be another rare save point for our trio's unity. "Waterworld" is ranked as not that bad not actually a flop by Leo ... "Se7en" however is crucified for it's dumb ending by some. Furious words and insults are exchanged as the team bicker over "Usual Suspect" which Leo still loathes with a burning hatred ... much to the pain of Justin and Ian.

Still at least we can all rally around "Toy Story" and have a group love in on that ... well no .. Justin has harsh words for it. We end with "Hackers" and "Strange Days" which are both rated in turn as 'Terrible' and 'Too Long'. Really that's the year in a nut shell.

Incidental music by Kevin Macleod of incompetech.com

Direct Link: https://archive.org/download/0581995ConflictAtTheHeartOfTheDecade/058-1995-conflict-at-the-heart-of-the-decade.mp3

Episode 36: 1988 - Yippie Ki Yay Muddy Funster

This week the terrible trio arrive in the ripening year of 1988 and set upon its films with their usual vigour. It is the year of 'Die Hard' and trust us, we don't forget it. Indeed memories of other action flicks this year do not come easily. Justin and Ian turn their childhoods up to 11 and gush over 'Who Framed Roger Rabbit?' provoking the largely indifferent Leo to unleash Sue upon them and put an end to their unfounded enjoyment of this movie.

Beetlejuice is revisited and a moment is taken to muse on 'The Naked Gun' which is definitely not as funny as it used to be. Indeed there is a bit of 80s malaise starting into set in with a heavy glut of sequels culled from the decade's earlier successes, but before they can ponder this fully a small cube shaped puzzle box sends everyone to hell. Clawing their way out of the underworld the Revengeful Three note the films tumbling pass them into the void; the 80s lingering Fantasy genre finally expires with 'Willow'. Also vanishing never to be seen again is "Earth Girls are Easy' and 'Young Einstein' with its disturbing menu.

Direct Link: https://archive.org/download/036YippieKayYayFilmsOf1988/036-Yippie%20Kay%20Yay%20Films%20of%201988.mp3