Thrashin’ (1986)

Thrashin’ (1986)

Author: TruStory FM July 16, 2025 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 adaptation follows Corey Webster as he navigates Venice Beach skate gangs, romance, and the ultimate downhill race—the LA Massacre.Key Discussion Points
The 80s Sports Movie Formula: Krissy and Nathan dive deep into how Thrashin' fits the classic 80s pattern of "secret counterculture sport" movies like Bloodsport, Rad, and Over the Top. These films were made by outsiders trying to dramatize subcultures they didn’t understand, resulting in gloriously inauthentic takes on skateboarding, break dancing, and martial arts.Skateboarding in the 80s: The hosts share personal memories of 80s skate culture—from coveting skateboard magazines and stickers to the reality of how incredibly difficult skating actually is. They discuss how the film treats skaters like gangs (the good "ramp locals" vs. the evil "daggers") rather than capturing authentic skate culture.Baby Josh Brolin: Before becoming Thanos, Josh Brolin was a smooth-faced teenager learning his craft. The hosts appreciate his early charisma while noting he hadn't yet developed his signature gravitas.Other Topics Covered
  • Red Hot Chili Peppers' appearance as the party band
  • The legendary skating pool location that real skaters cherished
  • Nunchuck jousting as conflict resolution
  • Hair earrings and other questionable 80s fashion choices
  • The film's low-stakes Romeo and Juliet adaptation
  • Skateboarding montages and safety gear appreciation
  • The absurd LA Massacre downhill race finale
Final Verdict
Both hosts rate Thrashin' a solid 5-5.5/10—"aggressively okay" with enough charm to entertain but lacking the cheesy fun factor to make it memorable.Deep Cut RecommendationsNathan suggests Over the Top (Stallone arm wrestling) for superior 80s sports schlock, while Krissy recommends Wet Hot American Summer as the perfect parody of these types of films.Subscribe to The Most Excellent 80s Movies Podcast for more radical retro reviews!
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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
Rain Man (1988) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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Dream a Little Dream (1989) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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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…
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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…
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National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (1989) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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Duration: 48:34
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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…