Podcast
The 80s Movie Podcast is a film discussion series dedicated to exploring movies released throughout the 1980s, with a focus on how they were made, how they were received, and how they are remembered today. Hosted by Edward Havens, the show covers a wide range of films including studio blockbusters, cult favorites, overlooked dramas, genre experiments, and ambitious projects that reflect the changing landscape of Hollywood during the decade.
Each episode revisits a specific film from the 1980s, breaking down its production history, performances, themes, and cultural context. The podcast looks at both the creative decisions behind these movies and the industry conditions that shaped them, offering a closer look at the filmmakers, actors, and studios involved.
Rather than relying on nostalgia alone, The 80s Movie Podcast treats these films as artifacts of their time, examining how they fit into the broader story of 1980s cinema. The result is a deep-dive approach that highlights not just what these movies were, but why they mattered then and why they still generate discussion now.
Hearts and Armour (1984): Love, Magic, and Medieval Mayhem in a Lost Tanya Roberts Cult Fantasy – The 80s Movie Podcast 140
In this episode of The 80s Movie Podcast, host Edward Havens explores Hearts and Armour (1984), an Italian fantasy adventure inspired by Italian poet Ludovico Ariosto’s epic 1532 poem Orlando […]
Dr. Heckyl and Mr. Hype (1980): Oliver Reed’s Bizarre Cannon Films Comedy That Almost Disappeared – The 80s Movie Podcast 139
In this episode of The 80s Movie Podcast, host Edward Havens explores Dr. Heckyl and Mr. Hype (1980), a bizarre Cannon Films horror-comedy starring Oliver Reed in one of his […]
The Brotherhood of Justice (1986): Young Keanu Reeves, Kiefer Sutherland and a True Story Vigilante Movie – The 80s Movie Podcast 137
What happens when high school frustration turns into vigilante justice? In this episode of The 80s Movie Podcast, host Edward Havens explores The Brotherhood of Justice (1986), a made-for-TV movie […]
Brat Pack Movies at 40: The History, the True Members, and the Ultimate 1980s Teen Film – The 80s Movie Podcast 136
Look back at 40 years of The Brat Pack, the unofficial group of young actors whose films fundamentally defined 1980s teen culture. Host Edward Havens explores the origins of the […]
Making Mr. Right (1987): Inside Susan Seidelman and John Malkovich’s Cult Sci-Fi Android Rom-Com – The 80s Movie Podcast 135
In this episode of The 80s Movie Podcast, host Edward Havens continues the retrospective on Susan Seidelman by revisiting Making Mr. Right (1987), a sci-fi romantic comedy starring John Malkovich […]
Top 5 Fantasy Films of the 1980s with Author Todd Downing – The 80s Movie Podcast 134
Step into a world of sword-and-sorcery, dark fairy tales, and practical effects on The 80s Movie Podcast as host Edward Havens welcomes author Todd Downing. Celebrating his new book Return […]
Collision Course (1987): Inside Jay Leno and Pat Morita’s Forgotten Buddy Cop Action-Comedy – The 80s Movie Podcast 133
This week on The 80s Movie Podcast, host Edward Havens takes a deep dive into the chaotic history of Collision Course, the bizarre buddy-cop action-comedy starring late-night giant Jay Leno […]
Desperately Seeking Susan (1985): Madonna, Mistaken Identity, and Susan Seidelman’s Breakthrough Film – The 80s Movie Podcast 132
In this episode of The 80s Movie Podcast, host Edward Havens continues his series on the films of Susan Seidelman with a deep dive into Desperately Seeking Susan (1985). The […]
Brats (2024): Andrew McCarthy Revisits the Rise and Fallout of the Brat Pack – The 80s Movie Podcast 131
In this episode of The 80s Movie Podcast, host Edward Havens examines Brats (2024), Andrew McCarthy’s deeply personal documentary about the lasting impact of the “Brat Pack” label. Nearly forty […]
Smithereens (1982): Susan Seidelman’s Punk Rock Portrait of a Vanishing New York – The 80s Movie Podcast 130
In this episode of The 80s Movie Podcast, host Edward Havens begins a retrospective on Susan Seidelman by revisiting Smithereens (1982), her gritty, low-budget directorial debut. The film follows Wren, […]