Ep 178: The Last Starfighter

Ep 178: The Last Starfighter

Author: Movie Reviews for your favorite movies July 29, 2024 Duration: 3:48:44

Ready for three Gen Xers to get misty eyed over a kids movie? Your wait is over! Today the three Movie Defenders re-live their childhood with The Last Starfighter! A film that means so much more to the three of us than just a movie, this one helped forge who we are. A timeless tale, ground breaking VFX, and a movie score that absolutely pushes all the right buttons.. The Last Starfighter is a dazzling film that captured our hearts in the 1980s. Before we jump into the galaxy, however, we break down our Top 5 Video Games we wish were tests by aliens in our 5x5 segment! So grab your video game controller, get in your Gunstars, and don't activate Deathblossom until they're all in range... it's time for The Last Starfighter on The Movie Defenders Podcast!

Click here to listen and connect anywhere: https://linktr.ee/moviedefenders

  • 00:00:00 Intro and What We've Been Watching
  • 00:34:20 Top 5 Video Games We Wish Were Alien Tests
  • 01:06:55 The Last Starfighter Discussion Starts
  • 01:32:42 Alex's Life
  • 01:43:19 Breaking the Starfighter Record
  • 01:57:24 Centauri's Surprise
  • 02:09:02 The Mission
  • 02:14:40 Alex Refuses the Call
  • 02:21:30 "... then that's all you'll ever be."
  • 02:36:19 A Scout Ship
  • 02:45:48 Beta and Gland Games
  • 02:57:01 Death Blossom
  • 03:03:33 "We die."
  • 03:06:12 Rylos Needs Alex
  • 03:15:41 One of the Best Endings Ever!

Special thanks to our amazing Patreon supporters!
Alex Kirkby 
Alexis Helman
Barrett Young
Bart German
Brett Bowen
Daryl Ewry
Ena Haynes
Eric Blattberg
Jason Chastain
Jason Mackay
Josh Evans
Joshua Loy
Katherine Boulware
Kevin Athey
Mark Nattress
Mark Martin
Megan Bush
Michael Puckett
Randal Silver
Sean Masters
Stephanie Erwy
Attack of the Killer Podcast

 


Ever feel like your favorite film just got a bad rap? The Movie Defenders is here to change the conversation. While so much film criticism focuses on flaws and nitpicks, this podcast digs into the genuine merits, clever choices, and pure joy of popular movies that often face undue ridicule. Each episode is a dedicated re-appraisal, a lively discussion that aims to articulate why a maligned blockbuster or a critically panned genre piece actually works. You’ll hear thoughtful analysis that goes beyond simple praise, exploring the artistic decisions, cultural impact, and hidden strengths that might have been overlooked. It’s for anyone who’s ever left a theater loving a movie only to see it torn apart online, or who has a soft spot for a film they’re almost embarrassed to admit they enjoy. This isn’t about blind fandom, but about giving these films a fair shake and celebrating what makes them resonate with audiences. Tune in for a refreshing take that might just make you see an old favorite-or even a former disappointment-in a completely new and appreciative light. If you believe a movie deserves a second chance, you’ve found your audio home.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

The Movie Defenders
Podcast Episodes
Ep 214: Weird Science [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:55:08
It's time to end 2025 with a bang... a weird bang... this time we watch a John Hughes classic filled with so much nostalgia and laugh our rear ends off. It's time for Weird Science! Perhaps the most misunderstood of John…
Ep 213: The Sword in the Stone [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:52:59
There is nothing better than classic Disney animation! And today the Gen Xers who host the show are throwing back to one of their favorites of all time, The Sword in the Stone! A fantastic film with so many life lessons…
Ep 212: F1 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 3:23:43
Time to rev the engines today with the blockbuster hit of Summer 2025... F1! Joseph Kosinski's follow-up effort to Top Gun: Maverick doesn't disappoint and lives up to the hype! We break down our top 5 Brad Pitt performa…
Ep 211: The Star Wars Holiday Special [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 3:17:13
Yes, it's really happening. We, the Movie Defenders, are going to defend the un-defendable. Actually, no... we aren't. But we're going to have fun! Can't defend it so let's just lean into the chaos :). We break down the…
Ep 210: Shaun of the Dead [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 3:23:35
Let's cap off spooky season with a classic and laugh our butts off while we do it... Shaun of the Dead! We look back at the movie that made Edgar Wright and Simon Pegg stars. We also look at and pick our Top 5 bars/pubs…
Ep 209: Weapons [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 3:51:52
We stay in spooky season today with one our brother Donald will be glad he missed. It's time to dive into the fantastic horror triumph... Weapons! Zach Cregger's follow-up to Barbarian hit theaters this summer... and wow…
Road Trip Reviews: Episode 19 - (AFI 10-6) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:35:07
"The End is Nigh. The Tanner Brothers are on the home stretch with the Top Ten. These are some truly epic motion pictures everyone see should see at least once. Join us for the penultimate episode of RTR Season One: Movi…
Road Trip Reviews: Episode 17 - (AFI 20-16) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:14:45
"Looks like we made it!" Top Twenty here we are! Can't believe it's finally happened, but the films recognized as numbers 20-16 by the AFI get the Tanner Brother treatment. We apologize in advance. It's a Wonderful Life…
Ep 208: The Cabin in the Woods [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 3:41:25
Scary movie season is upon us and we tee up our first movie of the season... The Cabin in the Woods! Whedon and Goddard serve up a masterpiece for us and we dive into all of it with our great friend, Megan Bush. There is…