Lunchtime Movie Critics

In this episode Nancy and Wayne discuss a little known classic film called Possums, starring Mac Davis, Cynthia Sykes, and Greg Coolidge. The film follows the story of a small town's high school football team that finds itself cancelled after a 13 year losing streak. The team's announcer finds a fun way to keep the spirit of high school football alive in their small town, which leads to some unexpected antics and results.

In this episode, we introduce listeners to the 1984 classic This Is Spinal Tap.

In this episode, Wayne and Nancy talk about a classic from 1981, Zorro: The Gay Blade, starring George Hamilton. This movie is zany and full of laughs but listen carefully or you might miss an amazing zinger!

Wayne and Nancy found two absolutely perfect Christmas movies for their loyal fans! Join them as they discuss the finer points of this Sasquatch fueled romp that is only loosely based around Christmas.

As a special Thanksgiving treat, Wayne and Nancy watched Paul Blart: Mall Cop. What does this have to do with Thanksgiving you ask? Some of the movie's events take place on Black Friday! What's more Thanksgiving-esque than that? Please tune in to see what Wayne and Nancy thought about this flick and to find out what they have in mind for a special Christmas episode next month!

With Halloween soon upon us, this episode is dedicated to one of Wayne's favorite childhood movies, The Monster Squad. Join Wayne and Nancy as they talk about what makes this such an awfully great film filled with all of our favorite classic movie monsters including Dracula, Wolfman, Mummy, Frankenstein's monster, and Swamp Thing.

Wayne and Nancy use their lunch break to talk about the 1944 Cary Grant classic, Once Upon A Time. This film will delight audiences with its whimsy, over-top-acting, music loving insects, and animation. If you are a fan of Sing!, A Christmas Carol, or Cary Grant films, check out Once Upon A Time! As of this recording, Once Upon A Time was available on Amazon Prime Video.

On today's episode Wayne and Nancy use their lunchtime from work to talk about the 1998 film Six String Samurai starring Jeffrey Falcon. Tune in now to find out what we thought of this cinematic gem.

In this out-of-this-world episode of Lunchtime Movie Critics, we take a nostalgic dive into the 1984 sci-fi cult classic The Last Starfighter. What happens when a teenager’s arcade gaming skills make him the galaxy’s last hope against an alien armada? Spoiler: hilarity, cheesy special effects, and heartwarming moments ensue. Join us as we break down Alex Rogan’s journey from trailer park dreamer to intergalactic hero, analyze the memorable characters like the charming Centauri and lovable Grig, and laugh at the delightfully over-the-top villainy of Xur. We’ll also chat about the film’s groundbreaking CGI and why this movie remains a beloved time capsule of 80s pop culture. Whether you’re a fan of retro sci-fi or just love a good underdog story, this episode is sure to beam you up into the Starfighter universe. Ready your joysticks, it’s game on! Keywords: The Last Starfighter, 80s sci-fi, arcade games, movie review, cult classics, Lunchtime Movie Critics.

In this festive episode of Lunchtime Movie Critics, we dive headfirst into the wild holiday action-comedy Red One! Starring Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, Chris Evans, and a brawny J.K. Simmons as Santa Claus, this film flips the Christmas genre on its head with globetrotting adventures, over-the-top action sequences, and enough holiday spirit to deck your halls. We discuss the bonkers plot, standout performances, and whether Red One successfully balances its high-octane antics with heartfelt holiday themes. Is this the ultimate Christmas action flick, or just another lump of coal in the stocking? Tune in as we unwrap every explosive moment with our signature blend of wit, banter, and hot takes. Grab your eggnog and settle in, this episode is one sleigh ride you won't want to miss! Keywords: Red One, Dwayne Johnson, Chris Evans, J.K. Simmons, Christmas movies, holiday action-comedy, movie review, Lunchtime Movie Critics.

In this episode of "Lunchtime Movie Critics," we're rolling back the clock to 1991 to revisit "Career Opportunities." Written by John Hughes and directed by Bryan Gordon, this film takes us inside a deserted Target store for an overnight adventure with Jim Dodge, played by Frank Whaley, and Josie McClellan, portrayed by Jennifer Connelly. As the night unfolds, Jim, a dreamer stuck in a small town, and Josie, a runaway heiress, discover more about themselves and each other than they ever expected. Join us as we explore the blend of romantic comedy and light drama that "Career Opportunities" offers, discussing the performances, the memorable scenes, and how this film captures the essence of early '90s youth culture. Tune in to uncover why "Career Opportunities" is more than just a night in a department store—it's a journey of self-discovery and unexpected love.

In this episode of "Lunchtime Movie Critics," we're heading out into nature with the 1988 comedy "The Great Outdoors." Directed by Howard Deutch and written by John Hughes, this film features an unforgettable clash of personalities between family man Chet Ripley, played by John Candy, and his slick brother-in-law Roman Craig, portrayed by Dan Aykroyd. As their families collide during a vacation in the Wisconsin wilderness, hilarity ensues with bear encounters, waterskiing disasters, and raccoon invasions. Join us as we explore how "The Great Outdoors" blends slapstick comedy with heartfelt moments, examining the dynamics of family relationships and the escapades that bring them closer together. Tune in to see why this comedy remains a beloved family classic that captures the chaos and joy of family vacations in nature.

In this episode of "Lunchtime Movie Critics," we delve into the 1987 cult classic "Cherry 2000." Directed by Steve De Jarnatt, this film paints a dystopian future where human relationships and emotions are commodified through lifelike robots. Join us as we explore the story of Sam Treadwell, who embarks on a perilous journey through a post-apocalyptic wasteland to replace his malfunctioning robot companion, Cherry. Alongside tough-as-nails tracker E. Johnson, played by Melanie Griffith, Sam's quest raises profound questions about love, technology, and human connection. Tune in as we unpack the film's unique blend of action, romance, and sci-fi, examining its commentary on societal trends and its legacy in the realm of cult cinema.

In this episode of "Lunchtime Movie Critics," we dive into the zany world of "Thumb Wars: The Phantom Cuticle," a 1999 parody that takes a thumb-nail sized jab at the beloved "Star Wars" saga. Created by Steve Oedekerk, this short film uses thumbs with superimposed human faces to recreate and mock the iconic scenes and characters of the "Star Wars" universe. We'll explore the humorous and often absurd ways "Thumb Wars" pokes fun at the classic sci-fi tale, from its unique thumb puppetry to the clever dialogue that twists the original lines into comedic gold. Join us as we discuss how "Thumb Wars" cleverly satirizes the epic space opera, the impact of its visual gags and pun-laden humor, and why this quirky spoof has garnered a cult following. Tune in to discover how "Thumb Wars: The Phantom Cuticle" stands out as a testament to the creative, albeit silly, possibilities of parody in cinema.

In this episode of "Lunchtime Movie Critics," we're packing our bags and jetting off to the romantic landscapes of France with the 1995 rom-com "French Kiss." Directed by Lawrence Kasdan and starring Meg Ryan and Kevin Kline, this film serves up a delightful mix of romance, humor, and picturesque scenery. Join us as we delve into the charming yet chaotic story of Kate (Meg Ryan), a woman who flies to France to win back her fiancé but ends up on an unexpected adventure with a mischievous Frenchman named Luc (Kevin Kline). As we explore their evolving relationship, we'll discuss how "French Kiss" uses classic romantic comedy tropes combined with the beautiful backdrop of France to explore themes of love, personal transformation, and cultural clash. Tune in as we dissect the performances that bring these characters to life, the comedic timing that punctuates their journey, and why "French Kiss" continues to be a beloved film for rom-com enthusiasts around the globe.

In this episode of "Lunchtime Movie Critics," we take a deep dive into the 1992 tech-thriller "Sneakers," a film that cleverly blends elements of espionage with sharp humor and engaging drama. Directed by Phil Alden Robinson and featuring an all-star cast including Robert Redford, Dan Aykroyd, Ben Kingsley, and Sidney Poitier, "Sneakers" is much more than your typical spy movie. We'll explore the intriguing plot that centers around a team of security experts caught up in a complex web of deception involving a powerful decryption device. As we analyze the ensemble cast's dynamic performances and their characters' quirky interactions, we’ll also uncover how "Sneakers" was ahead of its time, addressing themes of surveillance, privacy, and information warfare long before they became global concerns. Join us as we decrypt the lasting impact of "Sneakers" on the genre and why this film remains a beloved classic in the realm of spy thrillers.

In this episode of "Lunchtime Movie Critics," we explore Kevin Smith's 1999 film "Dogma," a provocative and humor-laden take on religion, belief, and divine intervention. Join us as we navigate through the film's intricate plot, where two fallen angels devise a plan to re-enter Heaven, threatening the very existence of the universe. We'll dissect the characters, from the skeptic protagonist Bethany to the scene-stealing Metatron, played by Alan Rickman, and delve into the dynamic performances that bring this celestial comedy to life. Alongside our analysis, we discuss the film's themes of faith and free will, its bold commentary on religious dogma, and the unique blend of satire and sincerity that makes "Dogma" both controversial and beloved. Tune in as we take a playful yet insightful dive into the holy chaos of "Dogma," examining how it challenges viewers while delivering a dose of divine comedy.

In this episode of "Lunchtime Movie Critics," we delve into the controversial and notoriously divisive "Movie 43," released in 2013. Known for its unique structure as an anthology of short comedy films, "Movie 43" features an ensemble cast of Hollywood stars in various outrageous and often shocking scenarios. Directed by a collective of filmmakers, including Peter Farrelly, this film has been both criticized and celebrated for its extreme humor and unconventional narrative approach. We'll examine the segments that make up "Movie 43," discuss the performances of its all-star cast, and explore why this film has been labeled one of the most hated and misunderstood movies in recent memory. Join us as we try to unpack the madness and the method behind "Movie 43," a film that defies easy categorization and elicits strong reactions from every corner of the cinema world.

In this episode of "Lunchtime Movie Critics," we lace up our bowling shoes and dive into the 1996 sports comedy "Kingpin." Directed by the Farrelly brothers and starring Woody Harrelson, Randy Quaid, and Bill Murray, this film mixes outrageous humor with a touching story of redemption and resilience. We'll explore the quirky characters, memorable performances, and the underdog narrative that make "Kingpin" a standout cult classic in the sports comedy genre. Join us as we discuss how the film balances crude gags with heartfelt moments, and why it continues to resonate with audiences years after its release. Whether you're a fan of bowling, comedies, or just great cinema, this episode is right up your alley!

In this episode, we're dissecting the 1997 action thriller "Face/Off," directed by John Woo and starring John Travolta and Nicolas Cage. This film takes us on a high-octane ride through a story of identity swap, revenge, and redemption, as FBI agent Sean Archer (Travolta) and terrorist Castor Troy (Cage) undergo an experimental face transplant surgery, switching identities. We delve into the unique plot twists, the intense performances of Travolta and Cage, and the stylistic direction of John Woo, known for his balletic violence and slow-motion action sequences. Join us as we explore how "Face/Off" blends elements of sci-fi with psychological drama and relentless action, making it a standout film of the late '90s. Whether you're a fan of groundbreaking action or intricate character studies, this episode will offer a fresh look at the film’s innovative concept and its impact on the genre.