Step back in time to the 1985 classic “The Goonies” as Reginald Titus Jr. and Casey G. Smith take you on an adventure through its iconic filmmaking. This episode unpacks the enduring charm of Richard Donner’s masterpiece, comparing 80s cinema practices to today’s rapid-fire digital releases and reflecting on the film’s profound cultural impact.
What We Cover
Join us as we pull back the curtain on “The Goonies,” a film that, despite a modest $19 million budget, achieved a worldwide box office total of $64 million. We explore its unique awards journey, including a Saturn Award for Best Supporting Actress (Anne Ramsey) and a Young Artist Award for Sean Astin, culminating in its preservation by the National Film Preservation Board in 2017. A significant part of our discussion the fascinating difference between film distribution then and now. The Goonies enjoyed a theatrical run of over 200 days – a stark contrast to today’s landscape where movies like “The Northman” or “The Bad Guys” are available on digital platforms mere weeks after their cinema debut. We consider how this shift impacts both filmmakers and audiences.
The conversation takes a compelling turn with a deep dive into “Atlanta”‘s “Rich Wigga, Poor Wigga” episode. We dissect Donald Glover’s direction, the striking black and white cinematography, and the episode’s rich “black surrealism.” From an intense online gaming session highlighting racial slurs and stereotypes, to a poignant real-life parallel of a Black philanthropist paying for Morehouse students’ tuition (reminiscent of the late Kevin Samuels’ impact), the episode offers social commentary. We also touch upon the documentary “White Hot: The Rise & Fall of Abercrombie & Fitch,” exposing the brand’s exclusionary marketing tactics and the internal racism that ultimately led to its downfall. This segment provides a stark look at the consequences of leveraging exclusivity and prejudice for profit.
Further film explorations include the 1984 original “Firestarter” versus its 2022 remake. We discuss the allure of practical effects in the original compared to the often sterile feel of modern CGI, illustrating how older films achieved powerful visuals with more tangible methods. The acclaimed “jeen-yuhs: A Kanye Trilogy” documentary sparks a conversation about Kanye West’s early career, his struggles against the prevailing rap archetypes, and the evolving consumption of rap music, particularly among diverse audiences. We reflect on the socio-cultural dynamics that shape who gets to tell their story in hip-hop. Lastly, we get an early look at the trailer for “Avatar: The Way of Water,” delving into James Cameron’s unparalleled dedication to cinematic technology and the immersive potential of 3D filmmaking, while also acknowledging potential thematic parallels to older films like “FernGully” and “Dances with Wolves.”
Other topics of interest include “Crimes of the Future” and the distinct body horror style of David Cronenberg, as well as the critically acclaimed series “Hacks.”
Key Moments
- 01:00 – Reflecting on how much longer films stayed in theaters in the 80s compared to today’s rapid streaming releases.
- 05:15 – Unpacking the “black surrealism” and social commentary in “Atlanta”‘s “Rich Wigga, Poor Wigga” episode.
- 29:00 – Comparing the practical effects of the original “Firestarter” to the CGI of its 2022 remake.
- 42:00 – Discussion of the “White Hot” documentary, revealing Abercrombie & Fitch’s problematic marketing and internal culture.
Gear & Films Mentioned
- Escape from New York (1981)
- Gremlins (1984)
- The Northman (2022)
- The Bad Guys (2022)
- Atlanta (TV series)
- Firestarter (1984)
- Firestarter (2022)
- White Hot: The Rise & Fall of Abercrombie & Fitch (2022)
- jeen-yuhs: A Kanye Trilogy (2022)
- Avatar: The Way of Water (2022)
- Crimes of the Future (2022)
- Hacks (TV series)
- Ghostbusters (1984)
- The Wraith (1986)
- Home Alone (1990)
- E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982)
- The Matrix (1999)
- 300 (2006)
- Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (1984)
- Throw Momma from the Train (1987)
- Young Rock (TV series)
- Moon Knight (TV series)
- Winning Time (TV series)
- Hill Street Blues (TV series)
- Home Economics (TV series)
- The Wonder Years (TV series)
- Cyndi Lauper (Artist)
- Michael Jackson (Artist)
Listener Questions
- How have theatrical release models changed dramatically since the 1980s, and what does this mean for today’s filmmakers?
- What is “black surrealism” as explored in “Atlanta,” and how does it challenge traditional storytelling tropes?
- What lessons can be learned from the differing approaches to visual effects in the original “Firestarter” versus its 2022 remake?
- What are some of the historical insights provided by the “White Hot” documentary about a major fashion brand?
- How did Filmmaker Commentary hosts react to the “jeen-yuhs” documentary and Kanye West’s early career?