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The Little Mermaid (1989)

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

Release Date: 08/14/2024

Close Encounters of The Third Kind (1977) show art Close Encounters of The Third Kind (1977)

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

Shat The Movies travels back to 1977 as we dive deep into Steven Spielberg's iconic sci-fi classic "Close Encounters of The Third Kind." Explore the groundbreaking visuals, unforgettable score and thought-provoking themes that have captivated audiences since its release. Dick Ebert and Gene Lyons dissect memorable moments, ask what the aliens were doing with Barry and discuss the film's impact on the genre. Whether you're a long-time fan or a newcomer to the world of extraterrestrial encounters, this episode is packed with insights, laughs, and nostalgic memories. Tune in to find out how...

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Betty Blue (1986) show art Betty Blue (1986)

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

In the 1986 French romantic drama Betty Blue (37°2 le matin), directed by Jean-Jacques Beineix, Jean-Hugues Anglade stars as Zorg, a laid-back handyman and aspiring writer living a simple life in a beachside bungalow. His world is turned upside down when he meets Betty, played by Béatrice Dalle, a passionate and impulsive young woman. Their intense relationship quickly evolves into a whirlwind romance filled with passion, creativity, and chaos. Betty, who is wild and free-spirited, encourages Zorg to pursue his dream of becoming a writer, believing in his talent more than he does. However,...

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Payback (1999) show art Payback (1999)

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

In the gritty underbelly of Chicago, Payback serves up a heaping plate of revenge and betrayal—all wrapped up in a slick, neo-noir package. Starring Mel Gibson as Porter, this 1999 hit plunges viewers into a world where loyalty is as rare as a clean getaway. After being double-crossed by his wife (Maria Bello) and his partner (Gregg Henry) during a heist, Porter finds himself on the wrong end of a bullet and a whole lot of betrayal. Left for dead and robbed of his cut, he rises from the ashes with one thing on his mind: payback. As he navigates a seedy landscape filled with mobsters, corrupt...

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A Fish Called Wanda (1988) show art A Fish Called Wanda (1988)

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

Join us on this week’s "Shat the Movies" as we dive into the 1988 comedy classic, A Fish Called Wanda! We’ll revisit the film’s hilarious heist and standout performances, promising a fun and entertaining look back at this comedy gem. Whether you're a longtime fan or new to the movie, we’ve got plenty of laughs and insights to share. Tune in for a splashy good time and see why A Fish Called Wanda still makes waves today! Plot Summary:In the 1988 comedy A Fish Called Wanda, directed by Charles Crichton, an ensemble cast led by John Cleese, Jamie Lee Curtis, Kevin Kline, and Michael Palin...

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SLC Punk! (1998) show art SLC Punk! (1998)

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

In this episode of 'Shat the Movies,' we're cranking up the volume and diving into the punk rock chaos of "SLC Punk!" from 1998. Join us as we explore the anarchic adventures of Stevo and Heroin Bob through the conservative streets of Salt Lake City. We'll laugh at the outrageous antics, critique the edgy fashion, and debate whether the film's bold statements about rebellion and conformity still resonate today. It's a raucous trip back to the '90s punk scene you won't want to miss! Plot Summary: In the 1998 cult classic SLC Punk!, directed by James Merendino, Matthew Lillard stars as Steven...

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Face/Off (1997) show art Face/Off (1997)

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

Shat The Movies' Nicolas Cage block continues with a commission for listener Frank F. And if you thought "Con Air" was wild, we dare you to watch "Face/Off." John Woo's stateside directorial debut had Dick and Gene talking about acceptable Dude Wipe usage, the proper order for face-swapping surgery, gratuitous police deaths, and how two women and one man can make a sex sandwich. Plot Summary: "Face/Off" In the 1997 action-thriller Face/Off, directed by John Woo, John Travolta stars as Sean Archer, an FBI agent obsessed with capturing Castor Troy, a notorious terrorist played by Nicolas...

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Con Air (1997) show art Con Air (1997)

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

If Michael Bay movies are orange juice, "Con Air" is orange-juice concentrate—loaded with stars, explosions and plot holes. What else would you expect from Shat The Movies commissioner extraordinaire Frank F? Simon West's directorial debut had the Shat Crew scratching their heads. The geography makes no sense. The crime makes no sense. The courts make no sense. Even prison had Dick and Gene confounded. But there was no mystery to the entertainment factor of this summer blockbuster. Cartoon bad guys, over-the-top action sequences, and some of 1997's hottest actors make "Con Air" a standout...

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The Little Mermaid (1989) show art The Little Mermaid (1989)

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

“The Little Mermaid” sparked the Disney Renaissance of the ’90s, burning unforgettable songs like “Under The Sea” and “Part of Your World” into the memories of Gen X and Millennials alike. Since then, Pixar and other studios have pushed animated features to levels we never thought possible. Digital framerates, lighting, sound and design are near perfection, making Disney’s 1989 release feel a little dated. But old isn’t necessarily bad. So listener Jackson M. posed this question to Shat The Movies: Does a 35-year-old “The Little Mermaid” still hold up? And it was a tough...

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Cloak & Dagger (1984) show art Cloak & Dagger (1984)

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

For years, Dick Ebert has been crowing about "Cloak & Dagger" — the video game angle, the spycraft, the majesty of the San Antonio River Walk. Now it's time to see if this 1984 version of a children's movie still holds up. Starring the late Dabney Coleman, "Cloak & Dagger" transports us to a world where boys kill grown men, berets stop bullets and little girls can carry bombs through airport security. If all this sounds fun, it is. But there's a sadder side to "Cloak & Dagger." It's a film that made the Shat Crew realize Henry Thomas was doomed to always play a child from a...

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Less Than Zero (1987) show art Less Than Zero (1987)

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

In this episode of Shat the Movies, we tackle Less Than Zero (1987), where college freshman Clay (Andrew McCarthy) comes back to LA to find his ex, Blair (Jami Gertz), and his childhood buddy, Julian (Robert Downey Jr.), deep into cocaine addiction With Julian owing money to the ruthless dealer Rip (James Spader), Clay's mission to help them clean up reveals the wild side of '80s excess. Join us as we dig into the intense story, killer performances, and the movie's spot in the Brat Pack era, all set to an unforgettable soundtrack. Plot Summary: In the 1987 drama Less Than Zero, directed...

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More Episodes

“The Little Mermaid” sparked the Disney Renaissance of the ’90s, burning unforgettable songs like “Under The Sea” and “Part of Your World” into the memories of Gen X and Millennials alike.

Since then, Pixar and other studios have pushed animated features to levels we never thought possible. Digital framerates, lighting, sound and design are near perfection, making Disney’s 1989 release feel a little dated.

But old isn’t necessarily bad. So listener Jackson M. posed this question to Shat The Movies: Does a 35-year-old “The Little Mermaid” still hold up? And it was a tough one to answer.

Plot Summary:

In this episode, the Shat Crew explores whether Ariel was a nightmare child, why King Triton entrusted her safety to a singing crab and how Disney handled a teen mermaid’s transition into a human girl.

In the 1989 animated musical classic The Little Mermaid, directed by Ron Clements and John Musker, Jodi Benson voices Ariel, a curious and spirited young mermaid princess with an insatiable desire to explore the human world above the sea. As the youngest daughter of King Triton (Kenneth Mars), ruler of the undersea kingdom of Atlantica, Ariel is drawn to the forbidden world of humans, much to her father’s disapproval. She collects human artifacts and dreams of living on land, where she feels she truly belongs.

One night, during a daring exploration, Ariel saves Prince Eric (Christopher Daniel Barnes) from a shipwreck and instantly falls in love with him. Determined to be with Eric, Ariel makes a dangerous pact with Ursula (Pat Carroll), the sea witch. Ursula offers Ariel a chance to become human for three days in exchange for her voice. If Ariel can win Eric’s love and receive a “true love’s kiss” within that time, she will remain human forever; if she fails, she will belong to Ursula.

As Ariel navigates the complexities of the human world with the help of her friends, the lovable Flounder (Jason Marin) and Sebastian (Samuel E. Wright), the Caribbean crab who serves as King Triton’s advisor, she finds herself closer to her dreams. However, Ursula’s treacherous plans threaten not only Ariel’s chance at love but also the entire underwater kingdom.

The Little Mermaid is a timeless tale of courage, love, and self-discovery, featuring unforgettable songs like “Part of Your World,” “Under the Sea,” and “Kiss the Girl,” which won Academy Awards for Best Original Score and Best Original Song. Join our podcast review as we dive deep into Ariel’s undersea adventure to see if this Disney classic still enchants audiences today with its magic, music, and message.

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