Above the Law (1988)

Above the Law (1988)

Author: TruStory FM August 26, 2026 Duration: 51:27
Baby Pictures, Bad Qi, and Above the Law: Steven Seagal’s Debut Under the Microscope
Welcome to this episode of The Most Excellent 80s Movies Show. Hosts Krissy Lenz and Nathan Blackwell welcome special guest Dorian Lenz of the Neighborhood Comedy Theatre to dig into Above the Law (1988), the film that introduced the world to Steven Seagal’s particular blend of aikido, righteous fury, and remarkable hair choices. Expect origin-story skepticism, mullet taxonomy, and a genuinely heated debate about who runs worse on camera.The trio wrestles with what it takes to launch a brand-new action hero from scratch, sizing Seagal’s debut up against the star-making runs of Van Damme, Schwarzenegger, and Chuck Norris, and questioning whether a movie this tangled holds any weight beyond nostalgia. They also can’t quite agree on whether the hero is really upholding the law, or just the character most openly ignoring it.Conversation fuel includes a full ranking of the film’s mullet hierarchy, a surprisingly serious debate about aikido’s limitations against firearms, growing admiration for a scene-stealing supporting performance, and very specific opinions about Seagal’s uniquely awkward running form.It’s a chat that stays at the premise level, sidestepping the film’s late reveals in favor of curiosity about how this particular action star got built, one bone-crushing choice at a time.TruStory FM | Membership (early, ad-free access + bonus content): Join | Socials: Facebook | Instagram | Bluesky | Learn more about the hosts: Neighborhood Comedy Theatre | Squishy StudiosWhich 80s action star do you think nailed their very first movie the hardest?
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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
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