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Suburban Commando (1991)

Shat the Movies: 80's & 90's Best Film Review

Release Date: 07/25/2024

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Shat the Movies: 80's & 90's Best Film Review

This week, the Shat The Movies boys dust off their prep school blazers and follow Robin Williams into Welton Academy for 1989’s Dead Poets Society. Commissioned by listener Rob F., this Oscar-winning coming-of-age drama gave the world “Carpe Diem,” a standing-on-desks finale, and enough inspiration to launch a thousand “cool teacher” clichés. But does it still move us 35 years later, or has it become too earnest for its own good? Gene and Big D wrestle with their own school baggage while debating whether John Keating is a saintly mentor or a reckless enabler who lit fires in his...

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Shat the Movies: 80's & 90's Best Film Review

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Shat the Movies: 80's & 90's Best Film Review

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Shat the Movies: 80's & 90's Best Film Review

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Shat the Movies: 80's & 90's Best Film Review

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Shat the Movies: 80's & 90's Best Film Review

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Shat the Movies: 80's & 90's Best Film Review

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Before Hulk Hogan was tearing up shirts at the Republican National Convention, he was a movie star battling galactic threats alongside Christopher Lloyd.

That's why Shat The Movies die-hard Tom (formerly of Crane, Texas) asked us to review "Suburban Commando." And when the time came to crowdfund Tom's commission, Carlos The Mailman led the charge to make it happen.

Fast forward a few years, and it's finally here: Gene and Dick are diving into a movie originally written for Arnold Schwarzenegger and Danny DeVito, loaded with mime jokes and featuring a young Elizabeth Moss and Undertaker.

We dedicate this episode to the late Shelley Duvall, who tragically passed just hours after we recorded.

Watch Live Video Recording: https://youtu.be/gsKRDYWNe4A

Plot Summary:

In the 1991 sci-fi comedy *Suburban Commando*, directed by Burt Kennedy, Hulk Hogan stars as Shep Ramsey, a galactic warrior from another planet on a mission to defeat the evil intergalactic tyrant, General Suitor (William Ball). After a fierce battle, Shep’s spaceship is damaged, forcing him to land on Earth for repairs. Stranded in a quiet suburban neighborhood, he must blend in with the locals while waiting for his ship to recharge. To maintain a low profile, Shep rents a room in the home of Charlie Wilcox (Christopher Lloyd), a mild-mannered architect, and his wife Jenny (Shelley Duvall).

As Shep struggles to adapt to suburban life, he finds himself out of his element, battling everyday challenges like clueless neighbors, malfunctioning appliances, and local bullies. Meanwhile, Charlie grows suspicious of his unusual tenant and tries to figure out what Shep is hiding. Chaos ensues as Shep’s alien gadgets and superhuman strength lead to a series of comedic misadventures that leave the neighborhood in disarray.

Things take a serious turn when General Suitor's henchmen track Shep to Earth, threatening both him and the unsuspecting Wilcox family. Charlie, who has been frustrated by Shep’s presence, must now join forces with the outlandish space hero to save his family and the planet from impending doom. Together, they must overcome their differences and learn to work as a team to defeat the alien invaders.

*Suburban Commando* blends science fiction, comedy, and action, offering a lighthearted take on the classic fish-out-of-water story. With its mix of slapstick humor and superhero antics, the film showcases the charisma of Hulk Hogan and the comedic timing of Christopher Lloyd. Join our podcast review as we revisit this early 90s cult favorite and discuss whether its quirky humor and nostalgic charm still appeal to today’s audiences.

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