Dan and Jon GUSH over the 1971 Alan J. Pakula Neo-noir Klute and they are NOT shy about it! They also celebrate the amazing Jane Fonda , the tactile audio of 70s cinema, and the lost art of a slow pace. They also share their thoughts on how Klute could be revisited in the modern era. Next episode: The Landlord (1970) Watch this episode on YouTube or Spotify Subscribe to The WALT! Contact us, follow us on social media, or buy some merch at linktr.ee/RuinedChildhoods & RuinedChildhoodsPod.com...
Dec 05, 2024•1 hr 17 min•Season 3Ep. 266
We've been building up to this one for a few weeks and now it's time to talk about Jack and Jill , Adam Sandler's attempt at a dual role/gender comedy. It may be a disaster and a dark spot on Sandler's filmography, but it gives us one of the great Al Pacino performances. Next episode: Klute (1971) Watch this episode on YouTube or Spotify Subscribe to The WALT! Contact us, follow us on social media, or buy some merch at linktr.ee/RuinedChildhoods & RuinedChildhoodsPod.com...
Nov 27, 2024•1 hr 11 min•Season 3Ep. 265
Stellan Skarsgård and Al Pacino each star in their own version of the same story - a talented but troubled homicide detective may be forced to sway the results of an investigation to save his own ass. What makes it even more challenging? They're a fish out of water in a region where the sun never sets. Erik Skjoldbjærg and Christopher Nolan each give their take on Skjoldbjærg's original story resulting in two equally fascinating films. Dan and Jon share Al Pacino anecdotes and admire each film's...
Nov 20, 2024•1 hr 15 min•Season 3Ep. 264
Marketed as a dysfunctional family romp, 1995's Home for the Holidays is actually a witty drama focusing on different generations' views on keeping up appearances, generational trauma, and minding your own damn business. Perhaps also overshadowed by a challenging production due to Robert Downey, Jr.'s substance abuse issues, this Thanksgiving film marks Jodie Foster's 2nd directorial effort, showing a strong perspective on family life when you're all the black sheep. Dan and Jon share their thou...
Nov 13, 2024•1 hr 15 min•Season 3Ep. 263
In the 1950s, nobody paid too much attention to the films of Edward D. Wood, Jr , but his films hit cult status when they were rediscovered in the 70s & 80s. While some are simply low-budget b-movie schlock, one film is an ultra-personal exploration of his own gender identity. Now, Glen or Glenda is looked upon as an important landmark in queer cinema, specifically for the transgender community. Glen or Glenda also got additional attention after it was featured in the 1994 film Ed Wood , dir...
Nov 06, 2024•1 hr 12 min•Season 3Ep. 262
Early in his career, Orson Welles was a master of storytelling, after the wild successes of Citizen Kane and War of the Worlds , Welles fell out of favor with Hollywood. After a handful of actor-for-hire jobs and independently released flops, Welles scrambled to hit it big with another hit film. And sometime during the meandering production of The Other Side of the Wind , Welles completed his pseudo-documentary about hoaxes, F for Fake . Dan and Jon celebrate the film's weirdness while celebrati...
Oct 31, 2024•1 hr 12 min•Season 3Ep. 261
The 90s were a golden era for high school movies, defying the standard set by John Hughes a decade prior. But few (if any) high school-set films capture the bizarre nature of student government better than Election , which skillfully weaves in the story of a civics teacher who diverts from his typical routine and lets his personal life interfere with the natural course of the student body. Broderick is back. Witherspoon gets legend status. And welcome to the acting world, Chris Klein , who was p...
Oct 23, 2024•1 hr 27 min•Season 3Ep. 260
It's the breakout role for Jake Gyllenhaal . It reminded us why Smurfette was created and by whom. It introduced the world to Sparkle Motion. When Donnie Darko was released in 2001, few could have anticipated its rapid rise to cult classic status, but this cerebral film spawned a theatrical adaptation, an unofficial sequel, and there are plans for an alleged official sequel. But perhaps Dan and Jon have some other ideas. Next episode: Election (1999) • E Watch this episode on YouTube or Spotify ...
Oct 16, 2024•1 hr 18 min•Season 3Ep. 259
When we set out to cover a movie for every letter of the alphabet, we had plenty of great options for C. However, we chose C.C. and Company instead. This film is a bizarre combination of football star Joe Namath , Ann-Margret , and Motocross . Not a single transfer of the film looks good, there are no fewer than 3 versions of the film on streaming services, but it's still highly enjoyable and best watched with friends. Next episode: Donnie Darko (2001) • D Watch this episode on YouTube or Spotif...
Oct 09, 2024•56 min•Season 3Ep. 258
Bette Midler, Lily Tomlin, Bette Midler, and Lily Tomlin?!?!?! That's right - this 1988 comedy, directed by legend Jim Abrahams features Midler and Tomlin as two sets of identical twins mixed up at a West Virginia Hospital. It doesn't matter if it gets messy at times, it's a load of fun. The movie also features baby Seth Green , Fred Ward , Edward Herrmann , Michael Gross , and Mary Gross . Dan and Jon have a blast discussing the film and have some ideas on how it could be revisited in the 21st ...
Oct 02, 2024•1 hr 1 min•Season 3Ep. 257
Who would have known that a simple 1997 monster movie would stand the test of time and become a true cult classic. Also, who would have known that many of its stars would be some of the most popular actors nearly 30 years later? And who can explain exactly what Jon Voight was thinking with his performance? On the 3rd series premiere, Dan and Jon celebrate Anaconda and imagine how it could be revisited in 2024, despite existing plans for a resurrection of the series. Next episode: Big Business (1...
Sep 25, 2024•1 hr 1 min•Season 3Ep. 256
It's the season 2 finale! We're wrapping up our cinematic tour of the USA with Wyoming-set Cat Ballou , starring Jane Fonda and Lee Marvin . Dan and Jon celebrate its unique place in cinema history, Jane Fonda's transition from working actress to superstar to activist and how she used her star-power to raise awareness for major global issues. They also theorize how Cat Ballou could be revisited in the present day. Next SEASON: Alphabet Yo-Yo: Films from A-Z, then Z-A Next episode: Anaconda (1997...
Sep 18, 2024•1 hr 4 min•Season 2Ep. 255
If you listened to our episode on Nothing But Trouble (1991), you'll know that this isn't the first Dan Aykroyd / John Candy film we've covered on the podcast. This perfect odd-couple duo brings the blowhard vs. pushover dynamic into the woods of Wisconsin for The Great Outdoors , written by John Hughes and directed by Howard Deutch . Dan and Jon celebrate the wackiness, memorable lines, and unforgettably shocking moments and imagine a new future for the 80s classic. Next episode: Cat Ballou (19...
Sep 11, 2024•1 hr 13 min•Season 2Ep. 254
Robert Mitchum , the original king of creep, leads this spooky tale of a murderous criminal claiming to be a preacher just so he can get $10,000 from his ex-cellmate's kids. The film features brilliant set dressing, cinematography, and performances from Mitchum, Lillian Gish , Shelley Winters , and Billy Chapin . Dan and Jon celebrate all of the things that make The Night of the Hunter a classic and imagine new ways it could be revisited. Next episode: The Great Outdoors (1988) • Wisconsin See w...
Sep 05, 2024•1 hr 9 min•Season 2Ep. 253
It's a Ruined Childhoods Two-fer! Dan and Jon celebrate two DC-based classics and imagines how they could be revisited. One is a James Stewart political drama. The other is a Holly Hunter / Albert Brooks / William Hurt journalism dramedy. Both are compelling. Both have been heralded as cinematic greats. Both perfectly represent the District of Columbia on celluloid. Next episode: Night of the Hunter (1955) • West Virginia Watch this episode on YouTube or Spotify Subscribe to The WALT! Contact us...
Aug 28, 2024•2 hr•Season 2Ep. 252
I don't know but I've been told - I've got nowhere else to go ! On this episode of the podcast, are celebrating the cinema of Washington state. Coming off an episode dedicated to Major Payne , it only feels appropriate to speak about a similar film with a very different tone, An Officer and a Gentleman . This Richard Gere / Debra Winger / Louis Gossett Jr. classic showcases immense talents, iconic moments, and Robert Loggia like we've never seen him. Dan and Jon not only share how they would rev...
Aug 21, 2024•1 hr 24 min•Season 2Ep. 251
I don't know but I've been told - Major Payne's 29 years old! On this episode of the podcast, Dan and Jon celebrate one of the few Virginia films not focused on Washington DC. This Damon Wayans classic follows a time-honored tradition of movies about kids not made for kids. Dan and Jon have some ideas of how they would revisit Major Payne 29 years after its release. Next episode: An Officer and a Gentleman (1982) • Washington See what native tribes reside or resided in what is now known as Virgi...
Aug 14, 2024•1 hr 6 min•Season 2Ep. 250
Diane Keaton is a businesswoman and business is BOOMING! But when an unexpected baby enters the picture, something's gotta give. On this episode, Dan and Jon celebrate the 1987 women-in-the-workforce meets unprepared-parent classic, Baby Boom , and imagine a new life for a 37 year old classic. Next episode: Major Payne (1995) • Virginia See what native tribes reside or resided in what is now known as Vermont Watch this episode on YouTube or Spotify Subscribe to The WALT! Contact us, follow us on...
Aug 07, 2024•1 hr 9 min•Season 2Ep. 249
Oi! Oi! Oi! Strap on your studded leather belts, dye your hair green, and fight the system! On this episode, Dan & Jon trek to Utah on their cinematic journey across these United States. This cult classic breaks down the intricacies of the 1980s punk scene in America in style and Dan & Jon share their thoughts on how to resurrect this beloved film. Next episode: Baby Boom (1987) • Vermont See what native tribes reside or resided in what is now known as Utah Watch this episode on YouTube ...
Jul 31, 2024•1 hr 2 min•Season 2Ep. 248
YEE-HAW, RANGERS! Jon and Dan are in Texas talking about the 1983 action classic, Lone Wolf McQuade , starring Chuck Norris and David Carradine in a bizarre study of beer, guns, and Texas-Style martial arts. Dan and Jon celebrates its weirdness, share some moments that stood out to them, and propose some ideas on how to bring back this tale of a sorta-renegade Texas ranger. Next episode: SLC PUNK (1998) • Utah See what native tribes reside or resided in what is now known as Texas Watch this epis...
Jul 24, 2024•1 hr 3 min•Season 2Ep. 247
RIP Shelley Duvall (1949 - 2024) Jon and Dan take their cinematic tour to Tennessee on this episode of the podcast and couldn't resist the opportunity to sing the praises of Robert Altman's classic country music-meets-political thriller classic, Nashville . This star-filled cast (including early roles for many soon-to-be stars) weaves together a story of politics, concerning both the federal government and the inner-workings of Nashville's complex music scene. **This episode was recorded on July...
Jul 17, 2024•1 hr 32 min•Season 2Ep. 246
Inspired by the story of a true crime, Badlands takes the audience on a journey through the vastness of South Dakota and into rural Montana. Dan and Jon celebrate the film, the astonishing direction by rookie Terrence Malick , and the breathtaking performances by big-screen freshmen Martin Sheen and Sissy Spacek . Next episode: Nashville (1975) • Tennessee See what native tribes reside or resided in what is now known as South Dakota Watch this episode on YouTube or Spotify Subscribe to The WALT!...
Jul 10, 2024•1 hr 22 min•Season 2Ep. 245
Capture the vibe of coastal South Carolina with an all-star 80s cast. Dan and Jon share their experiences watching The Big Chill and imagine how its legacy could be extended today. Next episode: Badlands (1973) • South Dakota See what native tribes reside or resided in what is now known as South Carolina Watch this episode on YouTube or Spotify Subscribe to The WALT! Contact us, follow us on social media, or buy some merch at linktr.ee/RuinedChildhoods & RuinedChildhoodsPod.com...
Jul 03, 2024•1 hr 42 min•Season 2Ep. 244
When it comes to Rhode Island cinema, accessing the work of the Farrelly Brothers is a good start. This film may not be directed by Peter or Bobby, but was co-written by the duo based on Peter's novel . The movie may have its flaws, but they were likely implemented due to studio notes and a particularly evil executive. Next episode: The Big Chill (1983) • South Carolina See what native tribes reside or resided in what is now known as Rhode Island Watch this episode on YouTube or Spotify Subscrib...
Jun 26, 2024•1 hr 8 min•Season 2Ep. 243
Yo-ho-ho and a bottle of rum! Who are we? JOHNNY DEPP ??? On this episode, Jon and Dan are in Puerto Rico featuring a movie filmed and set on the Island of Enchantment, The Rum Diary . Next episode: Outside Providence (1999) • Rhode Island Subscribe to The WALT! Contact us, follow us on social media, or buy some merch at linktr.ee/RuinedChildhoods...
Jun 19, 2024•1 hr 16 min•Season 2Ep. 242
Before there was Dr. Richard Kimball, Henry Turner, or Dutch Van Den Broeck there was John Book. In this Peter Weir classic, Harrison Ford is a Philadelphia detective who is uncovering a murderous plot within his own precinct, but the only way to stay safe and expose the crooked cops is to hide out in Amish Country with the boy who witnessed a murder ( Lucas Haas ) and his hot mom ( Kelly McGillis ). Next episode: The Rum Diary (2011) • Puerto Rico See what native tribes reside or resided in wha...
Jun 12, 2024•1 hr 25 min•Season 2Ep. 241
HEY YOU GUYS! Jon has a thorough chat with Behman Zakeri, owner of the Walsh's house from the Goonies! Listen to their chat about what it takes to own a piece of film history. ALSO, this BONUS episode is released on GOONIES DAY, which occurs every year on June 7, which was the original release date of The Goonies in 1985. Follow @GooniesHome on Instagram Follow Behman on TikTok • watch "Data" zipline! Next episode: Witness (1985) • Pennsylvania Subscribe to The WALT! Contact us, follow us on soc...
Jun 07, 2024•1 hr 3 min•Season 2Ep. 240
HEY YOU GUYS! It's finally time for Dan and Jon to talk about The Goonies , the Richard Donner classic and share how they would bring back this adventure classic in 2024. Next episode: Witness (1985) • Pennsylvania See what native tribes reside or resided in what is now known as Oregon Subscribe to The WALT! Contact us, follow us on social media, or buy some merch at linktr.ee/RuinedChildhoods...
Jun 05, 2024•1 hr 29 min•Season 2Ep. 239
Oklahoma cowboys may be a dime a dozen, but ones that are eternal and nocturnal? Katheryn Bigelow's Near Dark covers that territory with what may be the only vampire western. The film features an amazing cast ( Bill Paxton , Lance Henriksen , Jenette Goldstein ) and score ( Tangerine Dream ), and Dan and Jon have some thoughts on how it could be properly brought back. Next episode: The Goonies (1985) • Oregon See what native tribes reside or resided in what is now known as Oklahoma Subscribe to ...
May 29, 2024•1 hr 14 min•Season 2Ep. 238
The town of Clyde, OH may be real, but this story that takes place there is too strange to be true. On this episode, Dan and Jon celebrate Welcome Home, Roxy Carmichael , the tale of a quirky teenage adoptee imagining a better life with the celebrity she believes is her biological mother. The cast features Winona Ryder and Jeff Daniels . Next episode: Near Dark (1987) • Oklahoma See what native tribes reside or resided in what is now known as Ohio Subscribe to The WALT! Contact us, follow us on ...
May 22, 2024•55 min•Season 2Ep. 237
