Join hosts Krissy Lenz and Nathan Blackwell as they dive deep into one of the most bewildering teen films of the 1980s - Dream a Little Dream (1989). This surreal body-swap comedy starring the two Coreys (Feldman and Haim) alongside veteran actors Jason Robards and Piper Laurie proves to be a fascinating mess of metaphysical poetry, teen romance, and inexplicable violence.

Following a recommendation from previous guest Corey Feldman himself, our hosts unpack this peculiar film where an elderly couple's meditation experiment goes wrong, causing Jason Robards' consciousness to become trapped in Corey Feldman's teenage body. What follows is a two-hour journey filled with Michael Jackson dance numbers, cryptic dream sequences, and a surprisingly dark subplot involving an unhinged boyfriend with a gun.

The hosts discuss how the film's attempt to blend spiritual themes with teen comedy creates a confusing narrative that never quite comes together. They note how Corey Haim's character wasn't even in the original script, yet his improvised scenes end up being some of the most entertaining moments in the film. The podcast also explores the movie's bizarre editing choices, unnecessarily long runtime, and its struggle to maintain coherent character motivations.

Key topics covered:

• The unusual chemistry between Jason Robards and Corey Feldman
• Corey Haim's last-minute addition to the cast and his real-life broken leg
• The film's confusing dream logic and metaphysical elements
• Questionable subplot involving drugged teenagers and gun violence
• Extended Michael Jackson-inspired dance sequences
• The movie's marketing focus on "The Two Coreys" despite Haim's minimal role
• Discussion of the 1995 sequel Dream a Little Dream 2
• Comparison to other body-swap films like Freaky (2020)

In their final assessment, Krissy and Nathan rate the film three and four "broken legs" out of ten respectively, acknowledging its flaws while maintaining respect for the ambitious if misguided attempt to create something unique in the teen movie genre. While Dream a Little Dream may not be "so bad it's good," it certainly provides plenty of material for discussion and bewilderment.

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Join hosts Krissy Lenz and Nathan Blackwell with special guest Alice Baker as they roundhouse kick their way through Barry Gordy's 1985 martial arts musical mashup The Last Dragon. This cult classic blends kung fu action, Motown music, and 80s pop culture into a unique cinematic experience that defies traditional genre boundaries.

The hosts dive deep into the film's peculiar plot, following Leroy Green's quest to achieve "the glow" while navigating between two outrageous villains: the flamboyant Sho'nuff (played brilliantly by Julius Carry) and the unhinged video game mogul Eddie Arcadian. The discussion highlights how the movie, despite being a critical failure, became a beloved cultural touchstone, particularly in the Black community, spawning memorable catchphrases and iconic scenes.

The episode reveals fascinating behind-the-scenes details, including how the film nearly missed securing Bruce Lee footage rights and lost 40 pages of script in a fortunate accident that actually helped streamline the final cut. The hosts also explore the impressive Motown soundtrack, featuring collaborations with legendary musicians, though they agree some of the songs haven't aged as gracefully as others.

Key Topics Covered:

• Early career appearances by William H. Macy and Chazz Palminteri
• The impressive roster of actors who almost played Leroy, including Denzel Washington and Lawrence Fishburne
• Vanity's decision to choose this film over Purple Rain
• The cultural mixing of various martial arts styles and traditions
• The film's innovative blend of music video aesthetics with martial arts action
• Notable fight choreography by Robert van Cleef
• Young Ernie Reyes Jr.'s scene-stealing performance
• The movie's influence on future films, including possible Matrix connections
• Varying audience reactions and the film's revival screening appeal

Whether you're a longtime fan or discovering this unique piece of 80s cinema for the first time, this episode offers an entertaining deep dive into a film that perfectly encapsulates the decade's excess, style, and charm. The hosts rate it between 6-7 out of 10, agreeing that while the plot may meander, the entertainment value, particularly when watched with friends, makes it a worthwhile viewing experience.

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80s icon Corey Feldman joins The Most Excellent 80s Movies Podcast to discuss his new film Going Viral (2024), a nostalgic throwback that imagines what social media might have looked like in the 1980s. Hosts Krissy Lenz and Nathan Blackwell sit down with the star of classics like The Goonies and Stand By Me for an engaging conversation about this unique blend of retro aesthetics and modern technology.

Feldman describes Going Viral as a family-friendly adventure that captures the essence of 80s filmmaking while exploring an alternate reality where viral video fame existed alongside Nintendo Game Boys and arcade machines. The film follows a teen's quest for video stardom that takes a dark turn when a mysterious AI offers fame at a concerning price. With authentic period details like Pac-Man cabinets and Goonies posters decorating the background, the movie creates what Feldman calls a "parallel universe" version of 80s technology.

The conversation takes an introspective turn as Feldman discusses his approach to acting roles throughout his career, explaining how he's always strived to avoid typecasting by making each character distinct. He also shares candid insights about his journey through Hollywood, including his experiences with low-budget films in the early 90s and his pride in more serious artistic endeavors like The Birthday, which recently received its long-awaited US release.

Key Topics Covered:

• Details about Going Viral and its unique premise combining 80s aesthetics with modern social media concepts
• Feldman's role as a burnt-out competitive arcade gamer
• The careful attention to period detail in the film's production design
• Feldman's thoughts on what makes a good "background movie" for family viewing
• Discussion of Dream a Little Dream as a pivotal film in Feldman's career
• His experience contributing music to film soundtracks
• Reflections on working with legendary actors like Jason Robards and Harry Dean Stanton

The episode concludes with Feldman recommending Dream a Little Dream as the next film for the podcast to review, praising it as the "quintessential end of the 80s movie" that marked a more mature direction for himself and costar Corey Haim.

Catch Going Viral on Amazon and Apple for a fresh take on 80s nostalgia with a modern twist.

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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