The Director's Chair Network

Sixteen Candles captures the awkward, iconic teen life of 1984—join us for a nostalgic rewind! In this Retro Made: Your Pop Culture Rewind episode, host Katie and podcasters Jamie and Milo from The Eighties and Nineties Uncensored dive into John Hughes’ directorial debut, exploring its quirky characters, problematic moments, and lasting cultural impact. From Molly Ringwald’s Samantha to the wild antics of Long Duck Dong, we unpack the film’s charm and controversies while spinning the Retro Time Capsule wheel for 1984 trivia. Key segments: 0:00 Intro to Sixteen Candles and 1984 nostalgia 3:08 Flashback to 1984’s pop culture scene 7:07 Retro Time Capsule: Kool-Aid Man & more 10:45 VHS Vault: Top 1984 rentals revealed 25:03 John Hughes’ teen comedy legacy 32:05 Cast breakdown: Molly Ringwald & beyond 1:26:27 Final thoughts on Sixteen CandlesRelive the 80s with this hilarious, heartfelt classic! #1984Nostalgia #JohnHughes #RetroMoviesGrab your Walkman and join the fun!

Beethoven (1992), a nostalgic family comedy, follows a lovable St. Bernard uniting a family through chaos and charm. This RetroMade episode dives into the film’s quirky appeal, John Hughes’ surprising writing credit under a pseudonym, and its oddly dark yet successful plot. Host Katie and guest Kyle explore why this messy movie became a 90s kid culture staple, grossing $147.2 million despite its convoluted villains and shaky narrative. Discover behind-the-scenes trivia, like the casting what-ifs and the formulaic 90s family movie vibe. 0:00 - Intro to Beethoven’s big dog star legacy 2:29 - Retro Made Pop Culture Rewind begins 2:35 - Overview of Beethoven 1992 and John Hughes’ role 4:16 - 1992 box office trivia challenge 19:40 - Nostalgia of family movie nights and Blockbuster 28:11 - Breaking down Beethoven’s chaotic plot 50:36 - Cast highlights and 90s formulaic charm 1:20:33 - Final thoughts on Beethoven’s nostalgic valueRelive the 90s with Beethoven’s heartwarming chaos!

Dennis the Menace 1993 review: On RetroMade: Your Pop Culture Rewind, Katie and guest Amy Lewis from Pop Culture Retrospective dive into John Hughes’ 1993 comedy Dennis the Menace! We unpack the film’s comic strip roots, Walter Matthau’s grumpy Mr. Wilson, the jarring Switchblade Sam subplot, and 1993 pop culture trivia like Jurassic Park and Naomi Campbell. Dennis the Menace 1993 review explores John Hughes’ flawed yet nostalgic kid comedy.

Join us on Retro Made as we review the ultimate teen comedy with Ferris, Cameron, and Sloane tearing through Chicago! With guests Kevin and Eric from Six Degrees of Schwarzenegger podcast, we dive into Matthew Broderick’s charismatic performance, the hilarious outsmarting of Principal Rooney, and the unforgettable 80s vibe. From the parade’s Twist and Shout to the Ferrari’s tragic end, we discuss why this John Hughes masterpiece remains timeless. Plus, we spin the 1986 time capsule wheel for VHS rentals, retro fashion, and Billboard hits! Subscribe, leave a review, and join us for more retro film discussions. Check out Six Degrees of Schwarzenegger for action movie breakdowns!

Join host Katie and guest Craig Cohen from The Goat: A Brian DePalma Fan Podcast as they rewind to 1983 to explore the hilarious and heartwarming Mr. Mom! This John Hughes-penned classic captures Michael Keaton’s first starring role as Jack Butler, a furloughed dad navigating stay-at-home parenting chaos, from rogue vacuums to grocery store mishaps. We dive into the film’s timeless humor, 80s nostalgia (think avocado appliances and soap opera culture), and its progressive take on gender roles. Plus, we open the 1983 time capsule to revisit GI Joe, Diet Coke ads, and top VHS rentals like 48 Hrs. and Blade Runner. Perfect for retro movie fans and comedy lovers!

Dive into the comedic chaos of The Great Outdoors (1988), a John Hughes masterpiece starring John Candy and Dan Aykroyd! Join RetroMade host Katie and guest Jared Tockstein from Hyperspace Podcasting as they revisit this beloved family vacation comedy. From the infamous 96er steak challenge to water-skiing mishaps and a bald-headed bear showdown, this episode unpacks the slapstick humor, 80s nostalgia, and heartwarming family dynamics that make this film a cult classic. Perfect for fans of John Hughes, 80s movies, and retro pop culture, this podcast episode explores why The Great Outdoors remains a timeless gem. Don’t miss the fun—listen now and relive the laughter!

Uncle Buck, the 1989 John Hughes comedy starring John Candy, is a timeless family favorite! Join host Katie and guests Scott and Steve on Retromade as they dive into this 80s gem, exploring Buck Russell’s hilarious journey as an unlikely babysitter. From giant pancakes to epic clown punch-outs, we unpack the nostalgia, John Candy’s effortless charm, and why this movie still resonates. Perfect for fans of 80s comedies, John Hughes films, and heartwarming family stories. Don’t miss our fun time capsule segment with Milli Vanilli scandals and Batman mania! #unclebuck #JohnCandy #JohnHughes #80sComedy #RetroMade

Dive into the 40th anniversary of The Breakfast Club with our Season coverage of John Hughes films premiere of Retromade: Your Pop Culture Rewind! In this episode, host Katie and guest Ryan unpack why John Hughes’ iconic teen movie, released on February 15, 1985, remains a timeless masterpiece. From its $1 million budget to a $55.5 million box office haul, we explore the film’s unforgettable characters—like Bender, Claire, and Brian—hilarious one-liners (think “Eat my shorts!”), and its deep dive into teenage struggles. We discuss the Brat Pack cast, including Emilio Estevez and Molly Ringwald, the film’s improvised moments, and its lasting impact on 1980s pop culture. Plus, enjoy retro trivia, casting what-ifs (Nicolas Cage as Bender?), and debates about Saturday detention. Whether you’re a John Hughes fan or revisiting this classic teen film, this episode is packed with nostalgia and insights! Don’t forget to rate, review, and subscribe for more retro movie discussions. watch the episode ⁠here⁠email the show at⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ edzwickpodcast@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠follow on ⁠X⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠join the⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Facebook Page ⁠⁠⁠

In this exciting new Season preview , we dive deep into the iconic films of John Hughes, the mastermind behind unforgettable teen angst, heartfelt comedy, and chaotic road trips! From Shermer High to epic family vacations, Hughes' movies continue to resonate with audiences today. This season, we'll revisit the films that defined a generation and uncover lesser-known works that showcase Hughes' incredible range as a filmmaker. Plus, we’ll explore timeless questions like: How did Hughes authentically capture adolescence? How do his films hold up in the modern era? Get ready for new segments! Tune in every other week for nostalgic fun and fresh insights. Don’t forget to hit play and join us for a movie party like no other!

Heat movie analysis dives into Michael Mann’s masterpiece, exploring the legendary diner scene and failed heist in part three of our five-part series. Join host Ryan and guest co-host Sully from the Jacked Up Review Show as they unpack the intense Al Pacino and Robert De Niro face-off, the tactical brilliance of the heist crew, and Mann’s realistic crime drama style. Discover how Heat’s themes of loyalty, discipline, and mutual respect shape this 1995 classic, influencing modern films like Den of Thieves. With insights into Mann’s inspirations, including real-life detective Chuck Adamson, this episode is a must for film buffs and crime genre fans. Don’t miss Sully’s podcast plug and exclusive Heat trivia! email the show edzwickpodcast@gmail.com

Dive into Heat Part 2 with our in-depth breakdown of Michael Mann’s iconic crime drama! Join host Ryan and guest co-host Doug as they dissect the next 34 minutes of Heat (1995), focusing on Al Pacino’s unforgettable over-the-top performance, Robert De Niro’s cool stoicism, and the intricate character moments that make this film a masterpiece. From Pacino’s “Give me all you got!” rant to the tense bank heist setup and Val Kilmer’s emotional struggles, we explore the brilliance of Mann’s direction, the star-studded cast (including Tone Loc and Henry Rollins), and the gritty realism of this crime thriller. Perfect for fans of Michael Mann, Al Pacino, Robert De Niro, and classic 90s action movies! Don’t miss our thoughts on the film’s iconic dialogue, early internet references, and the emotional weight of its characters. Check out Part 1 on the Director’s Chair Network and stay tuned for more Heat coverage!email the show edzwickpodcast@gmail.com

Michael Mann’s Heat, 90s crime drama, and Robert De Niro’s iconic performance kick off this epic 5-part series on the Director’s Chair Network! Join host Ryan co-host Craig as they dive into the first 34 minutes of Heat, dissecting the thrilling armored car heist, Al Pacino’s intense cop persona, and the authentic Michael Mann aesthetic—complete with that signature bluish tint and pulsing soundtrack. From Val Kilmer’s stoic reactions to the brutal realism of the opening sequence, we explore why this film remains a cinematic legend. Perfect for Heat fanatics, Michael Mann enthusiasts, and fans of 90s action movies! See all of Craig's stuff HERE

Dive into the sweeping epic of The Last of the Mohicans (1992), Michael Mann’s breathtaking historical drama starring Daniel Day-Lewis and Madeleine Stowe. In this episode of the Director’s Chair Network, join hosts Ryan and Katie of the  @RetromadePodcast  as they explore the film’s stunning cinematography, unforgettable score, and emotionally charged final sequence. From the intense battles to the heartfelt performances of Wes Studi and Russell Means, we unpack why this film remains a timeless classic. Perfect for fans of historical epics, Michael Mann movies, or anyone curious about The Last of the Mohicans’ lasting impact.

Manhunter (1986), Michael Mann’s chilling adaptation of Red Dragon, introduces the iconic Hannibal Lecter in a gripping psychological thriller. Join host Ryan and co-host Christian as they explore Mann’s directorial genius, the evolution of Lecter’s character, and the film’s cult status in the Hannibal universe. From William Petersen’s intense performance as Will Graham to Brian Cox’s unique take on Lecter, this episode of the Director’s Chair Network unpacks the film’s strengths, flaws, and unforgettable moments—like the controversial synth-heavy soundtrack and the missing Red Dragon ending. Perfect for fans of Silence of the Lambs, Red Dragon, or Michael Mann’s stylish filmmaking, this discussion reveals why Manhunter remains a must-watch. #Manhunter #MichaelMann #HannibalLecter #RedDragon #PsychologicalThrillerCheck out the Bladtcast here!

Join host Ryan on the Director’s Chair Network as we dive into Michael Mann’s wild 1983 flop, 'The Keep', with special guest 'Good' Doug from ‪@GoodTimesGreatMovies‬ This episode explores the oddball Nazi-demon thriller starring Scott Glenn, Ian McKellen, and Gabriel Byrne. From its Raiders-esque vibes to Tangerine Dream’s haunting score, we unpack why this mystical misfire bombed yet retains a cult charm. Expect deep dives into the book’s vampire roots, Ian McKellen’s Gandalf-like moments, and theories on Scott Glenn’s immortal enigma. Perfect for Michael Mann fans, 80s movie buffs, and horror nerds! #MichaelMann #TheKeep #80sMovies #CultFilms #MoviePodcastCheck out Doug HERE

Explore Thief, Michael Mann’s electrifying debut film, in this deep dive from Season 3 of The Director’s Chair Network! Joined by returning co-host Cayley from Once Over With Cayley and The Murder Game Podcast, we unpack the gritty brilliance of this 1981 diamond heist classic starring James Caan. Season 3 is all about Michael Mann’s films, and we kick off with Thief—from its hypnotic Tangerine Dream soundtrack to its silent, tension-filled opening, this movie sets the stage for Mann’s iconic filmography like Heat, Manhunter, and Collateral. Discover why its raw realism, standout performances (hello, James Caan!), and timeless style make it a must-watch for cinephiles.watch the episode hereemail the show at⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ edzwickpodcast@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠follow on X⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ join the⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Facebook Page ⁠⁠⁠

Bonfire of the Vanities analysis explores Brian De Palma’s bold yet flawed 1990 film, unpacking its chaotic production and comedic misfires. In this episode of The G.O.A.T: A Brian De Palma Fan Podcast, hosts Craig and Ryan dive into why this star-studded adaptation of Tom Wolfe’s novel, starring Tom Hanks, Melanie Griffith, and Bruce Willis, missed the mark despite its ambition. From De Palma’s iconic long takes and split-screen techniques to controversial casting choices and tonal struggles, we reveal what went wrong and what still captivates. Learn behind-the-scenes gems, like Melanie Griffith’s mid-shoot transformation and the sharp media satire that feels ahead of its time.0:00 - Intro: Welcome to the Brian De Palma Fan Podcast 1:00 - Why Bonfire of the Vanities Is Free on YouTube 7:45 - De Palma’s Signature Long Takes & Technical Mastery 20:30 - Analyzing the Split-Screen Scene with Bruce Willis 29:00 - Production Chaos: Casting and Marketing Missteps 34:45 - Final Thoughts: Is Bonfire a Flawed Gem?#BonfireOfTheVanities #DePalmaPodcast #TomHanksMovies #FilmAnalysis #MovieReviewThis Bonfire of the Vanities analysis reveals why De Palma’s daring swing remains a fascinating, if imperfect, cinematic experiment.

Dive into the fascinating story of how filmmaker Pete Gelderblom re-edited Brian De Palma’s 1992 thriller Raising Cain to restore its original vision, earning De Palma’s approval for the Blu-ray release. In this podcast episode, Pete shares how a forum post sparked his journey, the challenges of restructuring the film, and De Palma’s reaction to the fan-made cut. We also explore a iconic scene from De Palma’s The Fury (1978), showcasing his visionary style. Perfect for film buffs and De Palma fans!0:00 - Intro to Brian De Palma Podcast1:15 - Pete Gelderblom on Recutting Raising Cain9:27 - De Palma’s Approval & Blu-ray Release20:44 - Analyzing The Fury’s Staircase Scene28:01 - Final Thoughts & Pete’s Future Projects#RaisingCain #BrianDePalma #DirectorsCut #FilmEditing #TheFuryDiscover how a fan’s edit became a cinematic milestone with this Raising Cain director’s cut story!

Phantom of the Paradise, a 1974 Brian DePalma masterpiece, blends gothic horror, rock opera, and cult cinema in a vibrant exploration of music and ambition. This episode dives into the film’s theatrical shock rock, Paul Williams’ genius songwriting, and its ahead-of-its-time commentary on the music industry’s excesses. We discuss the iconic “Undead” performance, its Frankenstein-inspired theatrics, and how DePalma captured the glam rock era’s over-the-top energy. Perfect for fans of cult films, heavy metal, and 70s rock, this episode also honors David Lynch’s legacy and his artistic parallels with DePalma. Check out key moments below and join us to celebrate this unsung gem!0:00 - Intro & David Lynch Tribute1:30 - Phantom of the Paradise Overview7:44 - Theatrical Shock Rock & Glam Era12:11 - “Undead” Scene Breakdown22:31 - Paul Williams’ Songwriting ImpactDiscover why Phantom of the Paradise remains a cult favorite and a must-watch for music and movie lovers. #CultMovies #BrianDePalma #70sRock

Join Craig on The Goat: A Brian De Palma Fan Podcast as he chats with author Nat Segaloff about Say Hello to My Little Friend: A Century of Scarface! We explore De Palma’s iconic film, its Howard Hawks roots, and Nat’s journey from film critic to author. 0:00 Intro & Nat Segaloff Welcome1:19 Nat’s Film Publicity Journey3:03 De Palma’s Early Career & Sisters9:00 Comedy in De Palma’s Films19:10 Scarface Book Discussion#Scarface #BrianDePalma #FilmPodcastThis episode dives into the film’s legacy and De Palma’s bold filmmaking!