9 to 5 (1980)

9 to 5 (1980)

Author: TruStory FM November 6, 2024 Duration: 50:14
Join hosts Nathan Blackwell and Krissy Lenz as they dive into the groundbreaking 1980 workplace comedy 9 to 5, starring Jane Fonda, Lily Tomlin, and Dolly Parton in her film debut. This feminist revenge fantasy became the first female-led film to break $100 million at the box office, but does it hold up today?The hosts explore how the film starts as a grounded workplace drama about three women dealing with their sexist boss (Dabney Coleman) before taking several unexpected turns into screwball comedy territory. After a marijuana-fueled evening of revenge fantasies, the story evolves into an outrageous caper involving suspected poisoning, stolen corpses, and an elaborate kidnapping scheme.While the movie's pacing occasionally drags and some scenes feel theatrical, the incredible chemistry between the three leads keeps the film engaging. The hosts give particular praise to Dolly Parton and Lily Tomlin's performances, noting how naturally they take to their roles. The film's workplace reform message - including equal pay, flexible hours, and daycare - remains surprisingly relevant, even if some of the comedy feels dated.Key Topics Discussed:
  • The iconic opening credits sequence set to Dolly Parton's 9 to 5
  • How the film shifts from office satire to madcap comedy
  • Each character's elaborate fantasy sequence for getting revenge on their boss
  • The progressive workplace changes implemented by the women
  • Sterling Hayden's cameo as the Chairman of the Board
  • The film's influence on workplace comedy genre
  • Deep cut recommendations including Sorry to Bother You and the British version of The Office
  • Discussion of Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin's later collaboration on Grace and Frankie
Nathan and Krissy rate the film 7 out of 10 "typewriters," agreeing that while some scenes drag and the tone shifts dramatically, 9 to 5 remains an entertaining time capsule of 1980s workplace culture and feminist comedy. Whether you're revisiting this classic or discovering it for the first time, there's plenty to appreciate in this pioneering film that helped pave the way for women-led comedies.
---
Learn more about supporting this podcast by becoming a member. It's just $5/month or $55/year. Visit our website to learn more.

Join filmmaker Nathan Blackwell from Squishy Studios and comedian Krissy Lenz from the Neighborhood Comedy Theatre as they dust off the VHS tapes and rewind the decade that defined blockbuster entertainment. the Most Excellent 80s Movies Podcast isn't just a nostalgic trip; it's a fresh, often hilarious dissection of the films that shaped a generation. Each episode, this duo from TruStory FM applies their distinct professional lenses-one from the world of filmmaking, the other from live comedy-to explore the movies we remember fondly, the ones we might have skipped, and the hidden gems that deserve another look. They tackle the cultural context, the now-questionable special effects, and the enduring tropes, all through a modern perspective that acknowledges the significant haze of nostalgia coloring our memories. You'll hear deep dives into character motivations, production stories, and the sheer joy of rediscovering a classic, all wrapped in a conversation that feels like hanging out with two friends who are deeply passionate about cinema. This podcast celebrates the enduring legacy of 80s film while never shying away from a good-natured roast, making for a consistently engaging and funny listen for anyone who loves the magic-and occasional madness-of that era's movies.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

the Most Excellent 80s Movies Podcast
Podcast Episodes
The Running Man (1987) • REBROADCAST [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 50:07
We're bringing this episode back as Hollywood unveils its reimagining of The Running Man in theatres! While audiences experience this fresh take on Stephen King's dystopian thriller, we thought it was the perfect time to…
The Monster Squad (1987) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 53:47
Can a Gang of Kids Really Save the World from Classic Monsters?Welcome to this episode of The Most Excellent 80s Movies Podcast, where hosts Krissy Lenz and Nathan Blackwell venture into completely new territory with The…
Spies Like Us (1985) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 50:29
When Childhood Nostalgia Meets RealityKrissy Lenz and Nathan Blackwell are joined by special guest Jordan Collier to revisit the 1985 spy comedy Spies Like Us, starring Chevy Chase and Dan Aykroyd. What happens when a be…
Stand and Deliver (1988) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 44:00
When Calculus Meets Heart: Stand and Deliver Gets the Math TreatmentWelcome to this episode of The Most Excellent 80s Movies Podcast! Hosts Krissy Lenz and Nathan Blackwell tackle the 1988 inspirational drama Stand and D…
Masters of the Universe (1987) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:00:48
By the Power of Grayskull... This Movie ExistsWelcome to this episode of The Most Excellent 80s Movies Podcast! Hosts Krissy Lenz and Nathan Blackwell are joined by special guests Jordan Collier and Derrick Tesson to tac…
Bull Durham (1988) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 59:35
Swing for the Fences: A Deep Dive into Bull DurhamWelcome to this episode of The Most Excellent 80s Movies Podcast! Join hosts Krissy Lenz and Nathan Blackwell as they welcome special guest Nate McWhortor—a self-proclaim…
Little Monsters (1989) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 50:18
Join us for a wild ride under the bed!The Most Excellent 80s Movies Podcast dives into the bizarre world of Little Monsters (1989), starring Fred Savage and Howie Mandel. Hosts Krissy Lenz and Nathan Blackwell are joined…
Batman (1989) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 58:30
Holy Multimedia Event, Batman!Join hosts Krissy Lenz and Nathan Blackwell with special guests Andy Nelson and Kyle Olson as they dive deep into Tim Burton's groundbreaking Batman (1989)—recorded live at the 2025 Phoenix…
Thrashin’ (1986) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 51:14
Grab your knee pads and get ready to shred! Hosts Krissy Lenz and Nathan Blackwell tackle the 1986 skateboarding flick Thrashin', starring baby-faced Josh Brolin fresh off The Goonies. This loose Romeo and Juliet adaptat…