Invasion U.S.A. (1985)

Invasion U.S.A. (1985)

Author: TruStory FM May 6, 2026 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 Jacobsen of the Very Fine Friends podcast to take on Invasion U.S.A. (1985) — the Chuck Norris one-man-army spectacular that Nathan has been lobbying to cover for years.The big question the crew keeps circling: is this a movie, or is it a spectacle? Because there's a difference, and Invasion U.S.A. lands firmly in one of those camps. The conversation digs into what happens when a studio decides the solution to a too-long cut is to remove everything that isn't an explosion — including, heartbreakingly, any resolution involving a pet armadillo. What's left is something the hosts describe as witnessing a chaotic family at a carnival, and somehow that becomes the episode's most affectionate note.Francis and Jenna bring fresh eyes and genuine Chuck Norris confusion to the table, which gives the rewatch crowd something to play off of. Whether you know the Norris filmography cold or only recognize him from over someone else's shoulder, the dynamic here keeps things lively — and surprisingly warm. This one stays at premise level throughout, so you can tune in knowing nothing.TruStory FM | Membership (early, ad-free access + bonus content): Join | Socials: Facebook | Instagram | Bluesky | Learn more about the hosts: Neighborhood Comedy Theatre | Squishy StudiosIf you had to defend the United States single-handedly, what 1985 action-movie weapon would you choose and why?
---
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
Rain Man (1988) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 56:13
Welcome back to The Most Excellent 80s Movies Podcast with your hosts Krissy Lenz and Nathan Blackwell! This episode dives deep into the heartfelt and iconic Rain Man (1988). From its award-winning performances by Dustin…
Dream a Little Dream (1989) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 45:47
Join hosts Krissy Lenz and Nathan Blackwell as they dive deep into one of the most bewildering teen films of the 1980s - Dream a Little Dream (1989). This surreal body-swap comedy starring the two Coreys (Feldman and Hai…
The Last Dragon (1985) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 54:18
Join hosts Krissy Lenz and Nathan Blackwell with special guest Alice Baker as they roundhouse kick their way through Barry Gordy's 1985 martial arts musical mashup The Last Dragon. This cult classic blends kung fu action…
Going Viral (2024) with Corey Feldman [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:18
80s icon Corey Feldman joins The Most Excellent 80s Movies Podcast to discuss his new film Going Viral (2024), a nostalgic throwback that imagines what social media might have looked like in the 1980s. Hosts Krissy Lenz…
National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (1989) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 58:11
National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation: A Hilarious Holiday Classic DissectedJoin the hosts of The Most Excellent 80s Movies Podcast as they unwrap the comedic genius of National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation, the 1989 hol…
Back to the Future Part II (1989) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 48:34
Step into the DeLorean with hosts Krissy Lenz and Nathan Blackwell as they revisit the mind-bending 1989 sequel Back to the Future Part II. This zany time-traveling adventure pushes Marty McFly and Doc Brown to their lim…
Evil Dead II (1987) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 58:20
Join hosts Krissy Lenz and Nathan Blackwell, along with special guest Nate McWhortor, as they dive into the cult classic Evil Dead II (1987). This episode is packed with spine-tingling insights and hilarious commentary o…
9 to 5 (1980) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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 th…
They Live (1988) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:01:26
Join hosts Krissy Lenz and Nathan Blackwell, along with returning guest Adam Marshall Rini, as they dive deep into John Carpenter's politically charged sci-fi action film They Live (1988). This cult classic starring WWE…