The Last Dragon (1985)

The Last Dragon (1985)

Author: TruStory FM January 1, 2025 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, Motown music, and 80s pop culture into a unique cinematic experience that defies traditional genre boundaries.The hosts dive deep into the film's peculiar plot, following Leroy Green's quest to achieve "the glow" while navigating between two outrageous villains: the flamboyant Sho'nuff (played brilliantly by Julius Carry) and the unhinged video game mogul Eddie Arcadian. The discussion highlights how the movie, despite being a critical failure, became a beloved cultural touchstone, particularly in the Black community, spawning memorable catchphrases and iconic scenes.The episode reveals fascinating behind-the-scenes details, including how the film nearly missed securing Bruce Lee footage rights and lost 40 pages of script in a fortunate accident that actually helped streamline the final cut. The hosts also explore the impressive Motown soundtrack, featuring collaborations with legendary musicians, though they agree some of the songs haven't aged as gracefully as others.Key Topics Covered:
  • Early career appearances by William H. Macy and Chazz Palminteri
  • The impressive roster of actors who almost played Leroy, including Denzel Washington and Lawrence Fishburne
  • Vanity's decision to choose this film over Purple Rain
  • The cultural mixing of various martial arts styles and traditions
  • The film's innovative blend of music video aesthetics with martial arts action
  • Notable fight choreography by Robert van Cleef
  • Young Ernie Reyes Jr.'s scene-stealing performance
  • The movie's influence on future films, including possible Matrix connections
  • Varying audience reactions and the film's revival screening appeal
Whether you're a longtime fan or discovering this unique piece of 80s cinema for the first time, this episode offers an entertaining deep dive into a film that perfectly encapsulates the decade's excess, style, and charm. The hosts rate it between 6-7 out of 10, agreeing that while the plot may meander, the entertainment value, particularly when watched with friends, makes it a worthwhile viewing experience.
---
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
UHF (1989) • REBROADCAST [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 53:24
Hello Friends of the Most Excellent 80s Movies Podcast! We are taking a short break between seasons during February and March. In the meantime please enjoy these REBROADCAST episodes, some favorites of ours, to tide you…
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…
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…