Zorro may have been created over 100 years ago, but his legacy lives on through tv shows, comic books, stage plays, and movies. Dan and Jon discuss some highlights of the Zorro films that they were able to stream online and discuss possibilities for Zorro’s film future. ALSO, Dan chats with Miami stand up Cesar Gracia, a Cuban American who grew up watching Zorro tear it up.Next episode: Earth Girls are Easy (1988)Contact us, follow us on social media, or buy some merch at linktr.ee/RuinedChildhoods Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What might be remembered best for its zanily mangled bodies and Streep on Hawn demented battles, Death Becomes Her contains much more than its more memorable scenes. For some, that may be Isabella Rossellini’s wardrobe. For others, it could be Sydney Pollack’s brief appearance. Dan & Jon discuss what makes this movie memorable, where it could be improved, and how it could be brought back…because that’s what happens on Ruined Childhoods.Next Episode: ZorroContact us, follow us on social media, or buy some merch at linktr.ee/RuinedChildhoods Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tango, Cash. Cash, Tango. No matter which order you put them in, they’re a kick-ass frenemy-cop duo and Dan & Jon are excited to talk about the 1989 action classic with Kill Streak podcast’s Eric Gosselin. Jon enthusiasts may remember Eric from their partnerships including Hey, Teens! with Jon & Eric.Next Episode: Death Becomes Her (1992)Contact us, follow us on social media, or buy some merch here! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sometimes the story behind a movie is just as incredible as the movie itself. That would have made a good theme for a month of episodes, but I’m only realizing that now. Damn. This week, Dan & Jon celebrate the Werner Herzog/Klaus Kinski classic, Fitzcarraldo (1982) and share ideas for a new life for this classic film.Next episode: Tango & Cash (1989)Contact us, follow us on social media, or buy some merch here! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2 Brothers, 2 guys named Jon, 2 Van Dammes! Dan and Jon are joined by Jon Gabrus to celebrate the 1991 Corsican Brothers adaptation, Double Impact.Next episode: Fitzcarraldo (1982)Contact us, follow us on social media, or buy some merch here! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s one of the most well-known westerns and has one of the most iconic scores in film history, but this movie also coined a phrase that lives well outside the confines of cinema. Dan & Jon explore The Good, The Bad and the Ugly, despite the fact that it was created before the oxford comma.Next episode: Double Impact (1991)Contact us, follow us on social media, or buy some merch here! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Is it cheating if you have a week off from marriage? That’s the idea behind the movie-turned-term, Hall Pass, the Farrelly Brothers’ sad attempt to show that they are capable of portraying complex female characters. But when your two male leads do not much more than joke about objectifying women, perhaps this is best forgotten as a movie and only remembered as a concept. But maybe Dan & Jon have some ideas for how this can be built on and improved…Next episode: The Good, the Bad and the Uglyhttps://linktr.ee/RuinedChildhoods Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The term gaslight means to psychologically manipulate someone by convincing them that they are wrong when they are actually right. This term has had a resurgence in popularity with the rise of feminism and the #MeToo movement, but it wouldn’t exist without a remake of a movie produced 4 years earlier with the same name. 1944’s Gaslight is also known for the Oscar-winning performance of Ingrid Bergman and the screen debut of Dame Angela Lansbury, which landed her an Oscar nomination. Dan & Jon discuss the severity of gaslighting and how the term rose above the movie, which deserves to be talked about with the greats as it created the tropes that rose in popularity in the 1990s.Next episode: Hall Pass (2011)E-Mail: [email protected]: @RuinedChildhoodsPodTwitter: @Ruined_PodSupport us by buying MERCH! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The term “The Full Monty” existed before 1997, but this film re-defined it to mean in the buff. That kind of magic is why we’re talking about The Full Monty, which defied the odds from a movie that almost never got a theatrical release to getting Oscar and BAFTA wins. But here’s the real question: does this property have a future?Next episode: Gaslight (1944)E-Mail: [email protected]: @RuinedChildhoodsPodTwitter: @Ruined_PodSupport us by buying MERCH! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The first episode in our series featuring movies that coined modern phrases is 2007’s The Bucket List, featuring the silky voices of Morgan Freeman & Jack Nicholson. The term “bucket list” was invented by this movie and has entered modern vernacular, so much that it is referenced in numerous movies & TV shows. Seems like a great opportunity to revive this movie somehow, and Dan & Jon are here to figure that out.Next episode: The Full Monty (1997)E-Mail: [email protected]: @RuinedChildhoodsPodTwitter: @Ruined_PodSupport us by buying MERCH! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Back in 1933, a movie came out that foresaw the fall of Germany and possibly laid the groundwork for FDR’s New Deal. It was also the very first film depiction of a fictional president. On this episode, Jon & Dan celebrate the final movie in their month of fictional presidents, Gabriel Over the White House.Next episode: The Bucket List (2007)E-Mail: [email protected]: @RuinedChildhoodsPodTwitter: @Ruined_PodSupport us by buying MERCH! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What happens when the President and Speaker of the House are both killed and the VP is too ill to fill in for the President? The President Pro Tempore of the US Senate steps in to govern the country. But what happens if it’s also the 70s and the President Pro Tempore of the US Senate is a Black man? Well, you have a political drama featuring James Earl Jones and Burgess Meredith called The Man.Next Episode: The Bucket List (2007)E-Mail: [email protected]: @RuinedChildhoodsPodTwitter: @Ruined_PodSupport us by buying MERCH! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This 1997 classic will love forever as the movie that gave us Harrison Ford telling Gary Oldman to get off his plane. Shouldn’t that be enough? In case it isn’t, Dan & Jon have some ideas that take us into the past and the future.Next Episode: The Man (1972)E-Mail: [email protected] Instagram: @RuinedChildhoodsPod Twitter: @Ruined_Pod Support us by buying MERCH! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kevin Kline plays duel roles in the 1993 cameo-filled presidential body-swap movie, Dave. Dan & Jon talk about what this movie means to them and discuss if this film could have been made at all after the time of its release. And, of course, they talk about fake Melania.Next episode: Air Force One (1997)E-Mail: [email protected]: @RuinedChildhoodsPodTwitter: @Ruined_PodSupport us by buying MERCH! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s the 100th episode and the listeners have voted for today’s episode to feature the 1986 Savage Steve Holland cult classic, Better Off Dead. Dan & Jon talk about their own theories behind what is really happening in this surreal high school comedy and the scenes/quotes that make it a favorite film for so many people.Next episode: Dave (1993)E-Mail: [email protected]: @RuinedChildhoodsPodTwitter: @Ruined_PodSupport us by buying MERCH! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For episode 99, we’re covering 1999’s Bowfinger. This movie is a brilliantly written and performed story of fulfilling one’s dreams at all costs. Written by Steve Martin and directed by Frank Oz, Bowfinger stands the test of time and Dan & Jon are so excited to express their appreciation and imagine a world in which this movie can be brought back…especially if it involves Christine Baranski.Next episode: Better Off Dead (1985)E-Mail: [email protected]: @RuinedChildhoodsPodTwitter: @Ruined_PodSupport us by buying MERCH! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Fill my eyes with that double vision! The summer of 1998 was met with TWO movies about giant space rocks hurtling toward Earth: Deep Impact and Armageddon. Though they have slight differences, these two films are seldom mentioned without referencing the other, and this episode is no different.Next episode: Bowfinger (1999)E-Mail: [email protected]: @RuinedChildhoodsPodTwitter: @Ruined_PodSupport us by buying MERCH! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For episode 97, we explore the 1997 thriller The Game, in which Michael Douglas is forced to question what is real and what is part of an elaborate game, gifted to him by his brother, Conrad. Dan & Jon discuss their ideas to bring this timeless classic into the 2020s and compare it to other cultural success stories.Buy our shirt inspired by The Game on TeePublic.com!Next Episode: Deep Impact & Armageddon (1998) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Goldie, Bette, and Diane - name a more iconic trio. We’ll wait.On this episode, Dan and Jon celebrate the 1996 classic, The First Wives Club, and decide once and for all how it should be (and has been) brought back in modern times.Buy or merch at Teepublic.com!Next episode: The Game (1997) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Most moviegoing audiences in 1995 were turned off enough by the disaster stories coming from the set of Waterworld that, by the time it was released that July, few people were still ready to give it a fighting chance. Dan and Jon have put on the swim trunks, waited at least 30 minutes, and dived back in to revisit the film and its many controversies. Were they able to find anything salvageable in this shipwreck of a blockbuster? Might the tale of a drowned planet and the search for dry land see new life after all this time? Only one way to find out…Next Episode: The First Wives Club (1996) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When it comes to films about journalism, you needn’t go further than one co-written by the Executive Editor of Time Magazine. Written by David and Stephen Koepp. But this podcast features a different set of brothers, Dan & Jon, and they set out to celebrate 1994’s The Paper and imagine how it could be brought back today.Next Episode: Waterworld (1995)BUY OUR MERCH ON TEEPUBLIC.COM Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Find our Merch on TeePublic.comJack Lemmon and Walter Matthau may go together like peanut butter & jelly, but they also go together like orange juice & toothpaste, or such is the case in the Odd Couple or this week’s movie duo, Grumpy Old Men and Grumpier Old Men. Dan & Jon go over their history with the franchise and imagine new opportunities and old ideas for ways to bring this type of property back.Next episode: The Paper (1994) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Say what you will about Steven Seagal (go ahead, we’ll wait), but the guy definitely brought the goods for 1992’s “Die Hard on a Battleship”, Under Siege, and to a lesser extent, Under Siege 2: Dark Territory. Dan & Jon discuss this anomaly of a man while celebrating these two utterly enjoyable movies. And perhaps there’s room for a 2nd life for the franchise.BUY OUR MERCH ON TEEPUBLIC.COMNext episode: Grumpy Old Men (1993) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Travel back with Dan and Jon to a simpler time, a time when knights chivalrously rescued trampled cabaret singers and engaged on quests to retrieve Holy Grails from Upper East Side fortresses - 1991, which we learn was a great time for movies, including this Oscar-nominated release. With the disclaimer that director Terry Gilliam has shown himself to be a pompous misogynist, they reveal all of the magical details that make The Fisher King not only his best film, but one of the very best of the 1990’s. Most importantly, they determine whether or not there is any acceptable way to build on or reproduce its signature charm and emotional power.Next Episode: Under Siege (1992) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gratitude month continues on RCP as we step back into the world of Hal Ashby’s cult classic Harold & Maude. Jon shares his ongoing love for a film that he discovered years ago and continues to revisit, while Dan shares his struggle to stay awake through evening viewings despite genuinely appreciating it.Next episode: The Fisher King (1991) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Schmucks, and Schmos, and Nogoodnicks - OH MY! On this episode of Ruined Childhoods, we’re thankful for Fargo, the 1996 Coen Brothers masterpiece that was eventually adapted into a successful FX anthology series. Jon breaks down his list of categories for Coen Brothers characters, recounts his first time seeing the film, and imagines a new way to tell crime stories from unexpected places. Dan also shares his memories from his first time viewing the film and his impressions on the FX series.Next Episode: Harold and Maude (1971) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What would it be like if children’s entertainers were all corrupt…except one? How long would it take for them to break? On this episode, Dan & Jon break down the 2002 dark-as-hell comedy, Death to Smoochy, and celebrate its absurdity, astonishingly funny performances, and the brilliance of Danny DeVito’s direction.Next episode: Fargo (1996) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When two NYC yuppies and a pair of sibling Brazilianaires accidentally find their way into a house filled with bizarre execution machines and a maniacal Judge with a hatred for bankers and love for Digital Underground, you have the perfect recipe for an episode of Ruined Childhoods. Nothing But Trouble (1991) is a punchline to most, but to Dan and Jon, it’s an overlooked effort straight from the mind of the man of the month, Dan Aykroyd. Is there a case for a new life for this property or should it be sent straight to Mister Bonestripper?Next Episode: Death to Smoochy (2002) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Academy called it 1989’s best picture, but Dan and Jon have some other thoughts on what should have happened with this film and what could happen with this film. This Ayktobyr, we celebrate Driving Miss Daisy for what it was - the film that got Dan Aykroyd his Oscar nomination.Next episode: Nothing But Trouble (1989) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The second episode of “Ayktobyr” delves into the hit comedy that helped rocket Dan Aykroyd and Eddie Murphy to superstardom and showed that Jamie Lee Curtis was capable of doing more than running from Michael Myers. Dan and Jon note the relevance of the movie's themes, such as white privilege and systemic racism, while appreciating the intelligence of the underappreciated screenplay and nuanced performances from its aforementioned stars as well as Don Ameche, Ralph Bellamy, and Denholm Elliott. Does the RCP crop report predict a sequel, prequel, or remake for audiences to invest in? Only one way to find out!Next episode: Driving Miss Daisy (1989) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to AYKTOBYR! It’s our month-long celebration of actor, writer, director, producer, and purveyor of fine vodka, Mr. Dan Aykroyd. We begin with Aykroyd at his villainous best as John Cusack’s fast-talking, labor-organizing, rival (and mentor?) hitman Harry Grocer in Grosse Pointe Blank.Next episode: Trading Places (1983) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In 1960, Billy Wilder perplexed audiences with an adultery comedy that swept the Oscars. Jack Lemmon, Shirley MacLaine, and Fred MacMurray star in The Apartment, a tale of institutionally accepted infidelity, a peon who enables it for personal gain, and a woman caught in the middle. And 60 years after its release, Dan and Jon discuss its legacy, debate the motives of the main characters, and imagine a new life for this classic film.Next Episode: Grosse Pointe Blank (1997) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dan and Jon devote an episode to their favorite sisters - Sister Mary Clarence, Sister Mary Patrick, Sister Mary Robert, Sister Mary Lazarus, and the entire St. Katherine’s Convent! Sister Act was a huge hit in 1992, due in no small part to the performances of its phenomenal cast as well as some rousing musical numbers. While its 1993 sequel is remembered fondly, particularly for its introduction of Ms. Lauryn Hill, it was not nearly as successful as its predecessor. On this episode, Dan and Jon explore what has helped Sister Act hold up after almost 30 years, and what may have prevented its sequel from enjoying the same success. They’ll be joined by famed background actor (and their uncle) Dennis Spivack, who shares some tales from his days on set with Whoopi, et al.Also: Jon weighs in on NPR’s controversial Quick Change/Inside Man comparison; Dan recounts a minor nun-related car accident from his youthNext episode: The Apartment (1960) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What happens when Bill Murray, Geena Davis, and Randy Quaid attempt to escape New York after a daring bank robbery? Quite a bit, as it turns out. Dan and Jon revisit the offbeat comedy as it celebrates its 30th anniversary. In addition to celebrating its outstanding cast, which also includes Jason Robards, Tony Shalhoub, Phil Hartman, and Stanley Tucci, they delve into what might have prevented the movie from being a bigger hit back in 1990, as well as how it nonetheless managed to gain a following over the years.Next Episode: Sister Act (1992, 1993) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ain’t no party like a Peter Sellers party cause a Peter Sellers party is CONTROVERSIAL! In 1968’s The Party, Peter Sellers plays Hrundi V. Bakshi, an actor from India trying to make his way in Hollywood. Dan and Jon review his performance and puts it in context with other work by Sellers and director, Blake Edwards, to encourage others to watch first and judge later. Does The Party have a place in the world of a modern revisit?Next Episode: Quick Change (1990) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lewis, Gilbert, and the gang address nerd persecution in the first of this series of films that lives on as a cult classic, but is certainly not without its problems. Followed by one theatrical sequel and two made-for-TV movies (the fourth features an all-star cast), Revenge of the Nerds has been on the back burner for a reboot for years - Dan & Jon weigh in.Next episode: The Party (1968) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Bad News Bears (1976)Everyone’s favorite fictional Little League team (and the inspiration for many others) has been featured in three films, a short-lived TV series, and a remake made for the PC era. Where do they go from here? Dan and Jon attempt to answer this question while discussing what made the 1976 original so special, how its sequels failed to recapture the magic, and why the 2005 remake didn’t quite work.Next episode: Revenge of the Nerds (1984) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Wizard (1989)Our third episode “Child Star Month” features Dan and Jon’s hometown homie Jeff Rubin (The Jeff Rubin Jeff Rubin Show, College Humor, Buzzfeed), who joins them to reminisce about their childhoods and discuss The Wizard, also known as “the Nintendo movie” (which ironically does not focus much on Nintendo). They discuss how stars Fred Savage and Jenny Lewis have both transitioned from being child stars to successful adults with vibrant careers in directing, and music, but Jackey Vinson, the actor who played Lucas Barton, owner of the coveted Power Glove, had a more upsetting future. Also discussed are the curious lack of promotion in Nintendo Power magazine at the time, the unlikely roles that provide some of the best performances in the film, and Jeff’s newest creation, LiesGame.com.Next Episode: The Bad News Bears (1976-78, 2005) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dan and Jon are joined by hometown homie Brian “Box” Brown, author of the new graphic novel, Child Star, to talk about the 1995 classic, Heavyweights. This film is the 2nd in our month-long series of films celebrating child stars, in honor of the release of Brown’s book. Heavyweights features child stars Kenan Thompson, Aaron Schwartz, and Shaun Weiss, all of whom we whole-heartedly salute!Brian and the guys go over their histories with summer camps and the moments in the film that really hit home.Next episode: The Wizard (1989) with guest Jeff Rubin Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It was director Joe Dante’s follow up to his blockbuster hit, GREMLINS, and the screen debuts of Ethan Hawke and River Phoenix, two young actors who would each leave his mark on cinema despite the quite different (and, in Phoenix’s case, tragic) trajectories their careers would take. So why exactly wasn’t this movie a huge hit 35 years ago? Dan and Jon dig in and explore its troubled path to the big screen, and what might’ve been if Dante’s complete vision had made it to the final cut. Also, in part one of their month long focus on child stars, they address the tragic ends of Phoenix and co-star Amanda Peterson, Hawke’s ability to survive child stardom and achieve a vast and varied career, and the mystery of what happened to Jason Presson, who rounds out the trio of titular tweens.Next episode: HEAVYWEIGHTS (1995) with special guest Brian “Box” Brown Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the final, sweat-drenched episode of “JOEL-ly”, we take an extended look at two of Joel Schumacher’s biggest hits, both adaptations of novels by bestselling author John Grisham. Joining us is attorney Laura Richardson, who shares some stories from her days working in Memphis and tells us what the novels and films capture best about practicing law in the southeast USA. Also, Dan shares his tangled web of possible connections between Grisham’s legal novels (“The Grishamverse”), while Jon sees potential in teaming up two specific (and, perhaps, unlikely) characters from these novels/films.Next Episode: Explorers (1985) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Flatliners (1990)What happens when you bring yourself to death’s door and turn back right before crossing the threshold? Joel Schumacher and a cast of impressive young Hollywood talent explore the consequences of experimentation in this psychological thriller, which Dan and Jon discuss in this episode, the third in our month of episodes celebrating the legacy of the late director. Also, Jon shares his take on the 2017 remake, and Dan speculates about the Schumacher Batman movie that could’ve been and never was.Next episode: The Client (1994) / A Time To Kill (1996) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Anyone who has seen and remembers this film probably doesn’t need to be told how relevant it is to today’s world. In their analysis of Falling Down, Dan and Jon discuss how the themes of the film and the character of “D-Fens” (Michael Douglas) resonate today, 27 years after the film’s release. As this is also the second film of “JOEL-ly”, they also continue answering the question, “What are the signature elements in a Joel Schumacher film?”, bringing forth some unlikely connections between Falling Down and the previously covered The Lost Boys.Next episode: Flatliners (1990) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Much like a vampire that can never age, Dan and Jon can’t seem to leave 1987 behind! In the first installment of their month-long tribute to director Joel Schumacher, they explore the world of fictional beach town Santa Carla, the setting of his horror-comedy, The Lost Boys. Dan shares his distaste for certain sparkly teen vampires while Jon sings the praises of shirtless saxophonist extraordinaire, Tim Cappello. We’ve got the Coreys Haim and Feldman in their first film together, Kiefer Sutherland, Jason Patric, Jami Gertz, and Dianne Freakin’ Wiest, not to mention “all the damn vampires” Buckle up, Starfighters! It’s one hell of a kickoff to “JOEL-LY”!Next episode: Falling Down (1993) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Running ManTake another trip back to 1987 with Dan, Jon, and special guest Laura Richardson, and join them as they discuss the past, present, and future of The Running Man. In discussing this adaptation of the Richard Bachmann novel, they note the many similarities between the 2017 of the film and the 2020 in which we are currently living, as well as the various theories related to the film, including all those involving Fleetwood Mac.Also: More on the cultural ripple effects of Hollywood Shuffle; The quintessential songs of 1987; RCP’s month-long tribute to the films of Joel Schumacher, (“Joel-lye”).Next Episode: The Lost Boys (1987) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

1987 saw the release of one of the few films of the decade to be written, produced, directed by and starring Black artists. Hollywood Shuffle, co-written by Keenan Ivory Wayans, is Robert Townsend’s satirical take on being a Black actor in Hollywood (who is not Eddie Murphy). How much has changed, if anything? Dan and Jon seek the answer to that question, as well as what role satire can play today in the ongoing struggle for equity in America, as they discuss this landmark film and the lasting influence it has had.Next Episode: The Running Man (1987) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dan & Jon & Owen & Larry…& MommaOn this episode, Dan and Jon imagine a new life for this remake of an adaptation.Next episode: Hollywood Shuffle Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Keith Coogan joins Dan & Jon to talk about his 1987 cult classic, Hiding Out. Keith tells stories from the set and from other career highlights, such as Adventures in Babysitting and Don’t Tell Mom the Babysitter’s Dead.But first, Dan & Jon go over their thoughts and reflections on current world events and one of their plans for taking action. For more information, visit PODliceaCASTemy.comNext Episode: Throw Momma from the Train Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.