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

Prepare for warp speed as Gene Lyons and Big D travel back to the 24th century—and then to 2063—to review Star Trek: First Contact, the Next Generation crew’s darkest and most action-packed cinematic outing. Commissioned by listener Jeremiah as part of a sci-fi classics series, this episode dives deep into the ethics of Picard’s command decisions, the practical (and impractical) nature of Borg assimilation, and the horny weirdness of Star Trek fandom.

Along the way, Gene and Big D debate Star Trek vs. Star Wars and ponder whether the Borg Queen really does have big “ASMR energy.” They also address critical questions like: What’s the best Star Trek tech? And how many wipes does it take to remove Data’s synthetic skin?

Whether you're Team Trek or Team Wars, this episode is a hilarious, no-holds-barred deep dive into one of the franchise's most beloved films—and possibly its most awkward.

Plot Summary

In Star Trek: First Contact, Captain Jean-Luc Picard and the crew of the USS Enterprise-E defy Starfleet orders to confront the Borg, a cybernetic collective intent on assimilating Earth. After destroying a Borg cube near Earth, a Borg sphere escapes through a temporal vortex, altering the past to prevent humanity’s first contact with alien life. The Enterprise follows the Borg to April 4, 2063—just before Zefram Cochran’s historic warp flight that would attract the Vulcans.

As the crew works to ensure history stays intact, Picard battles his trauma from past assimilation, while Lieutenant Commander Data is seduced—emotionally and physically—by the sinister Borg Queen. With humanity’s future hanging in the balance, Picard must choose between revenge and reason, culminating in a high-stakes confrontation aboard a compromised Enterprise.

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This week on "Shat the Movies," we’re running headfirst into The Running Man (1987), the action-packed sci-fi thriller starring Arnold Schwarzenegger. Join us as we break down the high-stakes game show, over-the-top villains, and the unforgettable one-liners in this satirical dystopian classic. Whether you're a fan or new to it, get ready for a fast-paced and fun discussion!

Plot Summary
In the year 2019, America is a totalitarian state where the favorite television program is “The Running Man” — a game show in which prisoners must run to freedom to avoid a brutal death. Having been made a scapegoat by the government, an imprisoned Ben Richards (Arnold Schwarzenegger) has the opportunity to make it back to the outside again by being a contestant on the deadly show, although the twisted host, Damon Killian (Richard Dawson), has no intention of letting him escape.

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This week on Shat The Movies, Gene and Big D close out the original Star Wars trilogy with a deep dive into Return of the Jedi (1983). Fueled by nostalgia, Minute Maid and vodka cocktails, and the crushing realization that not all endings stick the landing, the hosts explore the Ewok invasion, Jabba's deadly circus act, Boba Fett’s humiliating demise, and the absurdity of Imperial helmet design.

From Luke’s questionable Force skills to the Empire’s laughable "elite troops," nothing escapes the Shat boys’ critical eye. Along the way, they celebrate Carrie Fisher’s iconic (if problematic) gold bikini moment, mourn for Ewoks lost in battle, and dream up a darker, deadlier version of Endor warfare. Was this the fitting finale Star Wars deserved—or an early warning of Lucas' merchandising empire run amok? Tune in to find out!

Plot Summary
A year after Han Solo’s capture, Luke Skywalker launches a risky mission to free his friend from the clutches of Jabba the Hutt.

After a daring escape involving Sarlacc pits, lightsabers and a lot of questionable strategy, the Rebel Alliance turns its attention to the Empire’s new and even deadlier Death Star.

Luke confronts Darth Vader once more, hoping to save his father from the Emperor’s grip, while Han, Leia, and a band of unlikely Ewok allies attempt to destroy the shield generator on Endor.

The fate of the galaxy hinges on battles fought in the forest and the throne room—where redemption, betrayal, and tiny bear-like warriors collide.

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This week on "Shat the Movies," we’re blasting off into Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope (1977), the film that launched a galaxy far, far away. Join us as we explore the iconic characters, groundbreaking effects, and the timeless story that started it all. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or revisiting it for the first time, tune in for a fun and nostalgic look at the movie that changed cinema forever!

Plot Summary
Star Wars: A New Hope (1977), written and directed by George Lucas, launched one of the most iconic film franchises in history. The story follows young Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill), who joins forces with Princess Leia (Carrie Fisher), rogue smuggler Han Solo (Harrison Ford), and Jedi Master Obi-Wan Kenobi (Alec Guinness) to battle the evil Galactic Empire. With memorable characters, groundbreaking special effects, and a classic hero’s journey, A New Hope redefined science fiction and changed the cinematic universe forever.

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Aside from being The King Bee's designated second-date movie, Robert Altman's "Popeye" is the film Robin Williams was born to carry. 

A charming Shelley Duvall, an incredible set piece in the town of Sweethaven, terrifically off-tune songs and mutterings designed to be enjoyed on mushrooms power this 1980 movie based on a 1929 comic strip. But is it as good as commissioner Scott H. in Friendswood, Texas, thinks?

Set sail and find out!

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