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
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…
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…
Flashdance (1983) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 48:03
Flashdance (1983)—Dream Big or Go Home?In this energetic episode of The Most Excellent 80s Movies Podcast, hosts Krissy Lenz and Nathan Blackwell dive into the iconic 1983 film Flashdance. Neither had seen the movie befo…