Batman (1989)

Batman (1989)

Author: TruStory FM July 30, 2025 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 Fan Fusion! This wasn't just a movie—it was a cultural phenomenon that changed everything we thought we knew about comic book adaptations.Michael Keaton's Controversial Casting & PerformanceThe hosts discuss the massive fan backlash when Michael Keaton was cast as the Dark Knight, fresh off his comedic role in Beetlejuice. Thousands of angry letters poured in, but Keaton proved everyone wrong with his brooding, murderous take on Batman that shocked audiences expecting the campy 1960s TV version.Jack Nicholson's Iconic JokerFrom his pre-accident mob boss persona to his chemical-scarred transformation, Nicholson's Joker became the gold standard for Batman villains. The podcast explores his elaborate makeup process, brilliant branding schemes, and surprisingly sympathetic balloon scene that made audiences feel bad for Gotham's Clown Prince of Crime.Tim Burton's Dark Gothic VisionBurton created a Gotham City so grimy and noir it felt like 1970s New York at its worst. The hosts praise the film's revolutionary approach to superhero storytelling—taking the genre seriously for the first time since Superman while establishing the template for modern comic book movies.Other Topics Covered:• The film's massive $411 million box office success and cultural impact• Batman's surprisingly murderous methods compared to modern interpretations• The practical challenges of the original Batsuit (couldn't turn his head!)• Prince's soundtrack and the unprecedented multimedia marketing blitz• Behind-the-scenes studio mandates including the bell tower finale• Robin Williams casting controversy and Hollywood politics• Vicki Vale's problematic romance subplot and 80s dating culture• The film's influence on superhero movie merchandising• Comparing different Batman actors across generationsFinal VerdictAll four hosts give Burton's Batman a solid 8 out of 10, praising its entertainment value, groundbreaking tone, and lasting influence while acknowledging some dated elements. This episode proves why Batman (1989) remains the definitive Dark Knight for an entire generation of fans.Subscribe to The Most Excellent 80s Movies Podcast for more deep dives into the decade's greatest films!
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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
Blood Simple (1984) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:02:46
A Very Texas Kind of Trouble: The Gang Sits Down with Blood SimpleWelcome to this episode of The Most Excellent 80s Movies Show. Hosts Krissy Lenz and Nathan Blackwell welcome special guest Shannon Mauck of the Neighborh…
Above the Law (1988) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 51:27
Baby Pictures, Bad Qi, and Above the Law: Steven Seagal’s Debut Under the MicroscopeWelcome to this episode of The Most Excellent 80s Movies Show. Hosts Krissy Lenz and Nathan Blackwell welcome special guest Dorian Lenz…
Never Say Never Again (1983) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:02:26
He’s Not Canon, But He’s Bond: Revisiting Never Say Never AgainWelcome to this episode of The Most Excellent 80s Movies Show. Hosts Krissy Lenz and Nathan Blackwell welcome special guest Pete Wright of Trustory.fm to dig…
The Living Daylights (1987) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 56:05
The Living Daylights: Cello Cases, Cargo Nets, and Timothy Dalton’s Big DebutWelcome to this episode of The Most Excellent 80s Movies Show. Hosts Krissy Lenz and Nathan Blackwell welcome special guest Nate McWhortor to d…
A View to a Kill (1985) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:04:28
Welcome to this episode of The Most Excellent 80s Movies Show. Hosts Krissy Lenz and Nathan Blackwell welcome special guest Jeff Frank of the Knights of the Rolled Table Podcast to dig into A View to a Kill (1985), Roger…
Can’t Buy Me Love (1987) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 56:51
Nerds, Fringe, and the $1,000 Question: Can't Buy Me Love Gets Its Day in CourtWelcome to this episode of The Most Excellent 80s Movies Show. Hosts Krissy Lenz and Nathan Blackwell are joined by special guest Grace Campb…
When Harry Met Sally… (1989) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 55:06
Can Two People Just Be Friends? When Harry Met Sally… Says: Complicated.Welcome to this episode of The Most Excellent 80s Movies Show. Hosts Krissy Lenz and Nathan Blackwell are joined by special guest Mandy Kaplan of Ma…
The Untouchables (1987) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:01:46
Nobody Gets Off This Staircase: Krissy, Nathan, and Pete Take On The UntouchablesWelcome to this episode of The Most Excellent 80s Movies. Hosts Krissy Lenz and Nathan Blackwell are joined by special guest Pete Wright—po…
The Right Stuff (1983) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 52:25
Breaking Barriers: Krissy and Nathan Strap In for The Right StuffWelcome to this episode of The Most Excellent 80s Movies Show. Hosts Krissy Lenz and Nathan Blackwell strap in for Philip Kaufman's sweeping 1983 epic The…
Invasion U.S.A. (1985) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:04:24
One Man Army, Zero Armadillos: The Invasion U.S.A. SituationWelcome to this episode of The Most Excellent 80s Movies Show. Hosts Krissy Lenz and Nathan Blackwell are joined by special guests Francis Zagarigo and Jenna Ja…