Mo and Max are 80s cinema nerds. They are on a quest to rank, debate, and offer fresh takes on the best of the best from the only decade that matters. From Arnold to Zoltar, they cover it all. That answer your question? Sincerely, Buzzn The Tower
Schwarzenegger: better in the 80s or 90s?
In one corner...Conan The Barbarian, Conan The Destroyer, The Terminator, Red Sonja, Commando, Raw Deal, Predator, The Running Man, Red Heat, Twins.In the other corner...Total Recall, Kindergarten Cop, Terminator 2: Judgement Day, Last Action Hero, True Lies, Junior, Eraser, Jingle All The Way, Batman & Robin, End Of Days.Today on Buzzn The Tower, Mo and Max do their best to crush their enemies and get to the chopper, as they decide which decade was the best decade for the Austrian Oak, Arnold Schwarzenegger. Sit back, relax, enjoy the show. And remember, if it bleeds, we can kill it. Hasta la vista, baby!
1/30/2024 • 55 minutes, 25 seconds
Billy Madison (1995)
Man-child Billy Madison (Adam Sandler) has been a spoiled rich kid all his life, and spends his days drinking and partying. When his father, hotel magnate Brian (Darren McGavin), becomes fed up with his son's irresponsible ways, he issues an ultimatum. Since Billy passed all his schooling thanks to his father's influence and bribes, he must retake and pass every grade in 24 weeks. Otherwise, the business will be turned over to Brian's conniving associate, Eric (Bradley Whitford). Today on Buzzn The Tower, we pee our pants, because it's cool, and chat about the 90s Sandler smash, Billy Madison. Stop looking at me swan!
1/23/2024 • 58 minutes, 2 seconds
Recasting Independence Day
In the epic adventure film `Independence Day,' strange phenomena surface around the globe. The skies ignite. Terror races through the world's major cities. As these extraordinary events unfold, it becomes increasingly clear that a force of incredible magnitude has arrived. Its mission: total annihilation over the Fourth of July weekend. The last hope to stop the destruction is an unlikely group of people united by fate and unimaginable circumstances. Today on Buzzn The Tower, we take this classic 90s film and recast the characters with other actors from the movies of the 1990s! I'm Mo Shapiro and joining me as always Will Smith to my Jeff Goldblum, Max Sanders. And with that...
1/16/2024 • 1 hour, 4 minutes, 16 seconds
Point Break (1991)
After a string of bizarre bank robberies in Southern California, with the crooks donning masks of various former presidents, a federal agent, Johnny Utah (Keanu Reeves), infiltrates the suspected gang. But this is no ordinary group of robbers. They're surfers -- led by the charismatic Bodhi (Patrick Swayze) -- who are addicted to the rush of thievery. But when Utah falls in love with a female surfer, Tyler (Lori Petty), who is close to the gang, it complicates his sense of duty. Today on Buzzn The Tower, your two favorite blue flame specials will hit the beach and talk all things Point Break. Remember, if you want the ultimate, you've got to be willing to pay the ultimate price. It's not tragic to die doing what you love, and we know you love listening to Buzzn The Tower!
1/9/2024 • 55 minutes, 59 seconds
80s Movie Resolutions
Should old acquaintance be forgot,and never brought to mind?Should old acquaintance be forgot,and the days of auld lang syne?I have no idea what that song means but today on Buzzn The Tower we're watching the ball drop, poppin bottles, and making some rad 80s Movies resolutions. I'm Mo Shapiro and joining me as always the Kathy Griffin to my Anderson Cooper, Max Sanders. And with that...Happy New Year!
1/2/2024 • 53 minutes, 57 seconds
The 80s Collector Part 7 Christmas Edition
'Twas the Tuesday after Christmas and all through the recording studio, not a creature was recording not even a word that rhymes with studio.What says Christmas more than an episode spent reminiscing about all of the movie collectables we want under our tree. Naughty or nice, today on Buzzn The Tower we're making our list, checking it twice, and we're gonna tell Santa what our favorite collectors items are from our favorite 80s Christmas movies. I'm Mo Shapiro and joining me as always the Ho to my Ho, Ho, Max Sanders. And with that...
12/26/2023 • 56 minutes, 15 seconds
Prancer (1989)
About two years ago, Buzzn The Tower had the absolute honor of having Rebecca Tickell on the show. If you don't know who Rebecca is, let me refresh your memory. In 1989 there was a movie called Prancer. It's about a farm girl who nurses a wounded reindeer she believes is one of Santa's, hoping to bring it back to health in time for Christmas. Her holiday spirit inspires those around her, something her disheartened father is having trouble understanding. You might remember her father, Sam Elliot, from such movies as Road House. And as far as the little girl with shine in her eye and Christmas in her heart, that's none other than Rebecca Tickell playing the role of Jessica Riggs. Two years ago we were lucky enough to have Rebecca on the show and now we have our first Buzzn The Tower holiday tradition! Each year we will dust off our interview, and give you all the pure joy of hearing from Jessica Riggs herself! Enjoy and Merry Christmas!
12/19/2023 • 58 minutes, 22 seconds
Is Die Hard A Christmas Movie?
It's A Wonderful Life, A Christmas Story, Home Alone, The Santa Claus, National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation, Die Hard? Yes that's right, John McClane, Hans Gruber, and Sergeant Al Powell are in the same conversation as the Grinch, Clark Griswold, and Kevin. Or are they? And if they are, what are the long reaching ramifications of such a proclamation. Today on Buzzn The Tower we step away from our typical light hearted banter and address one of the most controversial topics we have ever tackled, is Die Hard a Christmas movie? I'm Mo Shapiro and joining me as always the sugar, enriched flour, partially hydrogenated vegetable oil, polysorbate 60 and yellow dye No. 5 to my otherwise healthy diet, Max Sanders. And with that...
12/12/2023 • 51 minutes, 53 seconds
The Wizard (1989)
After his little brother, Jimmy (Luke Edwards), is put in a mental institution, Corey (Fred Savage) breaks him out and the pair run off together to California. On their travels, Corey meets a girl named Haley (Jenny Lewis) and discovers that Jimmy is a master at playing video games. With talents like his, he could easily win the top prize of $50,000 at Video Armageddon. While the three travelers hitchhike to the competition, the boys' parents hire a bounty hunter to track them down. Today on Buzzn The Tower we talk about a movie close to my heart, the 1989 video game fantasy, The Wizard. I'm Mo Shapiro and joining me as always the Sega Genesis to my Nintendo, Max Sanders. And with that...
12/5/2023 • 58 minutes, 56 seconds
Buzzn The Tower Gives Thanks
Food, football, and friendship. Show me another holiday that is built as perfectly as Thanksgiving. You don't like sweet potato pie? No problem we got pumpkin pie. Not a fan of turkey? That's cool, help yourself to one of the other fourteen side dishes at the table. You're a Panthers or Cardinals or God help you Bears fan? Don't worry, today you can ignore the ineptitude of your team and watch the 8-2 Lions beat down the Packers. A holiday rooted in gratitude sets the stage for a classic Buzzn The Tower episode. Today on the show we'll take some time to give thanks to the 80s movies, moments, and actors who filled our hearts and souls with the warm fuzzy feelings. I'm Mo Shapiro and joining me as always the cranberry sauce to an otherwise perfect Thanksgiving feast, Max Sanders. And with that...
11/28/2023 • 1 hour, 2 minutes, 12 seconds
Above The Law (1988)
A martial-arts expert and former CIA agent, Nico Toscani (Steven Seagal) is working as a Chicago cop when a relatively routine drug-trafficking investigation leads to an international conspiracy. Soon Nico and his partner, Delores "Jax" Jackson (Pam Grier), are the targets of mysterious and powerful criminals, but he refuses to back down. As Nico gets deeper into the case, he must contend with an old adversary: corrupt CIA operative Kurt Zagon (Henry Silva). And that is an unnecessarily complicated script written for the greatest Steven Seagal movie ever made. Today on Buzzn The Tower we are gonna talk all things Above The Law. I'm Mo Shapiro and joining me as always the broken wrist to my Aikido, Max Sanders. And with that...
11/21/2023 • 56 minutes, 46 seconds
The Last Dragon (1985)
In New York City, martial arts student Leroy Green (also known as "Bruce Leeroy") has dreams of becoming a great martial artist like his idol Bruce Lee. His master explains that he has almost reached the final level of martial arts accomplishment, known as "The Last Dragon." Martial artists who reach this final level are said to be able to concentrate such mystical energy into their hands that they begin to glow. Only a true martial arts master would be able to exhibit "The Glow" over his entire body. So on a mission Bruce Leeroy is sent, to find the master and complete his training. Along the way he finds deceit, lies, and a little bit of romance. Today on Buzzn The Tower we're gonna take a look at one of the greatest films ever made, that is a combination martial arts, Blaxploitation, comedy called The Last Dragon. I'm Mo Shapiro and joining me as always the Sho'nuff to my Bruce Leeroy, Max Sanders. And with that...
11/14/2023 • 57 minutes, 15 seconds
Airplane! (1980)
This spoof comedy takes shots at the slew of disaster movies that were released in the 70s. When the passengers and crew of a jet are incapacitated due to food poisoning, a rogue pilot with a drinking problem must cooperate with his ex-girlfriend turned stewardess to bring the plane to a safe landing. Today on Buzzn The Tower, we picked a hell of a week to stop smoking, as we'll be spending the next hour talking about one of the greatest comedies ever made, Airplane! I'm Mo Shapiro and joining me as always the Over to my Under, Max Sanders. And with that...Do you like movies about Gladiators?Have you ever been to a Turkish prison?
11/7/2023 • 1 hour, 47 seconds
Poltergeist (1982)
Strange and creepy happenings beset an average California family, the Freelings when ghosts commune with them through the television set. Initially friendly and playful, the spirits turn unexpectedly menacing, and, when Carol Ann goes missing, Steve and Diane turn to a parapsychologist and eventually an exorcist for help. Today on Buzzn The Tower as we continue our October thrill ride of trying to scare Max, we'll discuss the classic Spielbergian birth child, Poltergeist. I'm Mo Shapiro and joining me as always, the Carol Ann to my ghosts and ghouls, Max Sanders. And with that.
10/31/2023 • 58 minutes, 4 seconds
The Thing (1982)
In remote Antarctica, a group of American research scientists are disturbed at their base camp by a helicopter shooting at a sled dog. When they take in the dog, it brutally attacks both human beings and canines in the camp and they discover that the beast can assume the shape of its victims. A resourceful helicopter pilot (Kurt Russell) and the camp doctor (Richard Dysart) lead the camp crew in a desperate, gory battle against the vicious creature before it picks them all off, one by one. In honor of October, Halloween, and scaring Max. Today on Buzzn The Tower we'll work ourselves into a paranoid frenzy as we talk about the John Carpenter cult classic, The Thing. I'm Mo Shapiro and joining me as always the Wilford Brimley to my Kurt Russell, Max Sanders. And with that.
10/24/2023 • 1 hour, 6 minutes, 26 seconds
Action Jackson (1988)
Due to the use of excessive force in arresting a sexual predator, Detective Lt. Jericho "Action" Jackson (Carl Weathers) is demoted to police sergeant. What's worse, the father of the man he roughed up, Detroit industrialist Peter Dellaplane (Craig T. Nelson), declares war on Jackson, framing him for the murder of his own wife, Patrice (Sharon Stone). But Jericho manages to elude arrest and, with the help of a drug-addicted singer named Sydney (Vanity), goes after Dellaplane. Today on Buzzn The Tower we answer the question that no one was asking; what if you gave Dillon from Predator, gave him a badge, and made him a street cop? So sick back relax and enjoy an hour of us talking about Action Jackson, the single greatest Detroit police officer next to Axel Foley. I'm Mo Shapiro and joining me as always the surprise Biff Tannen cameo to my otherwise nonsense movie, Max Sanders. And with that...
10/17/2023 • 53 minutes, 6 seconds
The Terminator (1984)
Disguised as a human, a cyborg assassin known as a Terminator (Arnold Schwarzenegger) travels from 2029 to 1984 to kill Sarah Connor (Linda Hamilton). Sent to protect Sarah is Kyle Reese (Michael Biehn), who divulges the coming of Skynet, an artificial intelligence system that will spark a nuclear holocaust. Sarah is targeted because Skynet knows that her unborn son will lead the fight against them. With the virtually unstoppable Terminator in hot pursuit, she and Kyle attempt to escape. Today on Buzzn The Tower, Skynet becomes self-aware as we try to prevent a dystopian post-apocalyptic future, by talking about the movie of all movies, The Terminator. I'm Mo Shapiro and joining me as always the Sarah Conner to my T-800, Max Sanders. And with that...
10/10/2023 • 58 minutes, 16 seconds
Crocodile Dundee (1986)
Intrigued by the near-death experience of the rugged hunter, Michael J. "Crocodile" Dundee, after a close encounter with a monstrous saltwater crocodile, the New York City reporter, Sue Charlton, travels to Australia, to meet the legend in person. There, in the dusty hamlet of Walkabout Creek and the formidable outback, dangerous situations and unforeseen romantic complications await; however, Sue already knows that nothing compares to the urban jungle of the great Big Apple. So, like a fish out of water, Mick leaves Australia for the first time in his life for Manhattan's concrete maze, where he comes face-to-face with the complexities of modern life. But, will the unpretentious bushman ever adapt to the big city? Today on Buzzn The Tower we go down under, throw a shrimp on the barbie, and play with dead kangaroos as we visit the 1986 blockbuster, Crocodile Dundee. I'm Mo Shapiro and joining me as always the dingo that ate my baby, Max Sanders. And with that...
10/3/2023 • 1 hour, 2 minutes, 12 seconds
Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure (1989)
Bill (Alex Winter) and Ted (Keanu Reeves) are high school buddies starting a band. However, they are about to fail their history class, which means Ted would be sent to military school. They receive help from Rufus (George Carlin), a traveler from a future where their band is the foundation for a perfect society. With the use of Rufus' time machine, Bill and Ted travel to various points in history, returning with important figures to help them complete their final history presentation. Today on Buzzn The Tower we squeeze into a phone booth, travel through the circuits of time, and discuss all things Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure. I'm Mo Shapiro and joining me as always my most excellent cohost Max Sanders, and with that...
9/26/2023 • 54 minutes, 46 seconds
Top 5 80s Soundtracks
Music and movies, movies and music, Cash and Tango, Tango and Cash. Our favorite movies all have one thing in common...a couple bangers of songs in them and that's what we're going to talk about. Today on Buzzn The Tower, we're going to take our critical eye...and ear, and set forth a list of our top 5 soundtracks from 80s movies. I'm Mo Shapiro and joining me as always the alto to my soprano, Max Sanders. And with that...
9/19/2023 • 1 hour, 9 minutes, 22 seconds
Detroit Lions
Mo went to Kansas City.Mo watched the Detroit Lions defeat the Kansas City Chiefs.Mo stayed up to late.Mo was not able to record an episode this week.This is Mo's voicemail.Goooooooooooooooooo Lions!See you all next week with a brand new episode!
9/12/2023 • 1 minute, 6 seconds
Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (1988)
Con artist Lawrence Jamieson (Michael Caine) is a longtime resident of a luxurious coastal resort, where he enjoys the fruits of his deceptions -- that is, until a competitor, Freddy Benson (Steve Martin), shows up. When the new guy's lowbrow tactics impinge on his own work, Jamieson resolves to get rid of him. Confident of his own duplicitous talents, Jamieson challenges Benson to a winner-takes-all competition: whoever swindles their latest mark first can stay, while the other must leave town. Today on Buzzn The Tower we unearth pure comedy gold as we chat about Dirty Rotten Scoundrels. I'm Mo Shapiro and joining me as always the Ruprecht to my Lawrence Jamieson, Max Sanders. And with that...
9/5/2023 • 1 hour, 10 minutes, 40 seconds
Valley Girl (1983)
Lovely teen Julie Richman (Deborah Foreman) is steeped in the excessive, pink-clad culture of the San Fernando Valley, complete with her narcissistic boyfriend, Tommy (Michael Bowen). At a party, however, Julie falls for an edgy Hollywood punk named Randy (Nicolas Cage), and the two begin an unlikely romance. Torn between fitting in with her superficial friends and embracing a more non-conformist lifestyle, Julie ultimately has to decide to stay with Tommy or take a risk with Randy. Today on Buzzn The Tower we are gonna dive into the movie of all movies, or at least according to Max, Valley Girl. I'm Mo Shapiro and joining me as always, the degenerate side kick who rolls with a shaven Nick Cage, Max Sanders. And with that...
8/29/2023 • 56 minutes, 39 seconds
Cobra (1986)
In America...... there's a burglaryevery 1 1 seconds......an armed robberyevery 65 seconds......a violent crimeevery 25 seconds......a murder every 24 minutes......and 250 rapes a day.Today on Buzzn The Tower we'll talk about the family friendly action film, Cobra. I'm Mo Shapiro and joining me as always the cure to my disease, Max Sanders. And with that...I'm the hero of the new world!
8/22/2023 • 1 hour, 5 minutes, 38 seconds
Feds (1988)
As a former Marine, Ellie De Witt (Rebecca De Mornay) is used to pushing herself -- but nothing has prepared her for the challenges of becoming an FBI agent. As she trains at the academy, De Witt encounters rampant sexism among her smarmy, mostly male, classmates. And, while she's a consummate athlete, De Witt's study skills are abysmal. But, with the help of book-smart trainee Janis Zuckerman (Mary Gross), she might just show her macho cohorts the error of their ways. I'm Mo Shapiro and regretting the moment I agreed to do this movie, I'm joined by Max Sanders. And with that...
8/15/2023 • 42 minutes, 41 seconds
Pee-wee's Big Adventure (1985)
On July 30th of this year the world lost Paul Reubens. Some losses just feel different. If you were a child in the 1980s, then you know Paul Reubens as Pee-wee Herman. The red bow tie, the secret word of the day, and of course an adventure to find his lost bike. Today we honor one of the most iconic characters to grace any screen as we talk about the 1985 classic, Pee-wee's Big Adventure. I'm Mo Shapiro and joining me as always the basement to my Alamo, Max Sanders. And with that...
8/8/2023 • 53 minutes, 27 seconds
Taps (1981)
Every now and again Max comes into the studio with less than 4 hours of sleep under his eyes and says "Mo I need you to carry me this episode". In the almost 3 years we've been on the air this is the first time I'll say the same. I have no intro, I'm violently hung over, we're talking about a movie I love. Today on Buzzn The Tower join Max and I as we deep dive into one of the best movies from the 80s, Taps. I'm Mo Shapiro and joining me as always the reason I drink, Max Sanders. And with that...
8/1/2023 • 53 minutes, 17 seconds
Risky Business (1983)
In 1983 Tom Cruise danced in his underwear, wore Ray-Bans, made love on a train, and said WTF! Risky Business was the adult version of Ferris Bueller's Day Off. This movie had it all, and today on Buzzn The Tower we're gonna visit the upscale suburbs of Chicago as we chat about the 80s hit, Risky Business. My name is Mo Shapiro I deal in human fulfillment, I grossed over $8,000 in one night, and joining me as always is Max Sanders who doesn't have to pay for it, because he gets it anyways. Buzzn The Tower, there is no substitute!
7/25/2023 • 1 hour, 1 minute, 54 seconds
White Water Summer (1987)
Last week we talked about Summer School, a fun light hearted Carl Reiner comedy that follows a band of misfit teens and their gym teach turned Joe Clark Lean On Me educator. But not all 80s summer movies are so sweet and silly. Some children weren't lucky enough to go on Zoo field trips and have parties at their teacher's house, Max. In the heart of the Pacific Northwest four young men were led into the wilderness by a deranged Kevin Bacon and forced to fend for themselves all under the guise of personal growth, adventure, and coming of age shenanigans. This movie would serve as a precursor to Bacon's 2000 Sci-Fi horror film Hollow Man, in that we should have known he was capable of killing a dog. So today, we'll try to understand how Ren went from saving a small town with a senior dance to trying to murder Mikey from The Goonies all while we paddle our way downstream chatting about the classic summer film, White Water Summer. I'm Mo Shapiro and joining me as always the confused cohost who wished he'd never seen this movie, Max Sanders. And with that...
7/18/2023 • 46 minutes, 20 seconds
Summer School (1987)
What if John Hughes and Savage Steve Holland had a baby and named that baby Carl Reiner and then that baby directed a movie, and that movie was about a high school gym teacher who had big plans for the summer but was forced to cancel them and had to teach an English class of misfit goof-offs but fortunately found out his unconventional brand of teaching, fun field trips, and overall partying, connected with the kids and even inspired them to succeed? Well Max then you'd have Summer School and that's exactly what we're going to chat about today on Buzzn The Tower. I'm Mo Shapiro and joining me as always the Dave Frazier to my Chainsaw Gremp, Max Sanders. And with that...
7/11/2023 • 56 minutes, 20 seconds
The Muppets Take Manhattan (1984)
In 1979 Kermit The Frog left the pond and headed for Hollywood. On the way he met a bear with a Studebaker, a weirdo with a bent nose, a pretty pig, and a dog that sand the blues, all while being hunted by the sinister owner of a frog legs restaurant chain. This debut Muppet feature filmed was called, appropriately, The Muppet Movie. In 1981 Kermit and Fozzie The Bear played news reporters who also happened to be brothers. Along with their photographer, Gonzo, they headed across the pond where they spoiled the attempted robbery of the Baseball Diamond. This gem, no pun intended, was The Great Muppet Caper. But today on Buzzn The Tower, we're heading to the city that never sleeps, the big apple, the city so nice they named it twice, as we put on makeup and dress up right and chat about a classic, The Muppets Take Manhattan. I'm Mo Shapiro and joining me as always, the Snookums to my Rowlf The Dog, Max Sanders. And with that...
7/4/2023 • 57 minutes, 40 seconds
Caddyshack (1980)
One out of every seven Americans will play at least one round of golf a year. As an avid golf, I can tell you with unwavering certainty that Carl Spackler, Al Czervik, and Ty Webb are quoted at least once during every round of golf played since 1980. So by the numbers, 40 million red blooded members of the U.S. of A. will hear one of the following quotes every year..."You'll get nothing and like it""So I got that going for me, which is nice""Thank you very little""Correct me if I'm wrong Sandy, but if I kill all the golfers they're gonna lock me up and throw away the key""Noonan, miss it, Noonan, Noonan""Somebody step on a duck?""You buy a hat like this I bet you get a free bowl of soup""Let's go, while we're young!""I bet you slice it into the woods, 100 bucks"Today on Buzzn The Tower we'll visit Bushwood Country Club as we cannonball our way through the most iconic golf movie ever, Caddyshack. I'm Mo Shapiro and joining me as always the Gunga to my Galunga, Max Sanders. And with that...
6/27/2023 • 50 minutes, 37 seconds
80s Movie Dads
I wish you all could see the look on Max's face right now. You see, he was under the impression today's episode was going to be about Caddyshack. He did all the research, prepared all the facts, but in true Father's Day fashion I've changed the topic without letting him know. I've always known that I wanted to be a dad. The desire was heavily influenced by the TV and Movies I watched as a kid. So today on Buzzn The Tower, we're going to take a trip down Mo memory lane as we discuss my favorite 80s Movie Dads. I'm Mo Shapiro and joining me as always the terrified cohost who did no preparation for this topic to my calm cool collective dad vibe, Max Sanders. And with that, Happy Father's Day Max!
6/20/2023 • 55 minutes, 34 seconds
Tango & Cash (1989)
Between 1980 and 1989 over 4,000 major studio films were released in the United States. But only one holds the distinction as the last major film released in the 80s. Tango & Cash was the exclamation point of the 1980s. Some will argue a simple period would have worked, or even a semicolon, but I say bring on the gratuitous punctuation. Today on Buzzn The Tower, we're gonna get FUBAR as we discuss all things Tango & Cash. I'm Mo Shapiro and joining me as always the Gabriel to my Ray, and with that...
6/13/2023 • 57 minutes, 36 seconds
Recasting The Breakfast Club
Dear Mr. Vernon,We accept the fact that we had to sacrifice a whole Saturday recording an episode about Short Circuit, but we think you're crazy for making us write an essay telling you why Max loves Howard The Duck. You see us as you want to see us, in the simplest terms, the most convenient definitions. Today on Buzzn The Tower we're going to recast The Breakfast Club. But what we found out is that other actors from the 1980s could play the role of a brain, and an athlete, and a basket case, a princess, and a criminal, or at least we think they can. I'm Mo Shapiro and joining me as always the forget about me to my don't you, Max Sanders. Does that answer your question?Sincerely yours, Buzzn The Tower
6/6/2023 • 55 minutes, 8 seconds
Beetlejuice (1988)
Buzzn The Tower is a podcast dedicated to the movies of the 1980s. We cover everything from Howard The Duck to Terms Of Endearment. The actors, directors, and writers of this retro decade built a rich tapestry full of delights. So to stand out amongst such bright colors is really an amazing accomplishment. Tim Burton, Michael Keaton, and Winona Ryder stood out, and thirty years later still stand out. So grab your copy of the Handbook For The Recently Deceased and get ready to talk about the ghost with the most as we visit one of the best movies of the 1980s, Beetlejuice! I'm Mo Shapiro and joining me as always the Otho to my shrimp cocktail, Max Sanders. And with that...
5/30/2023 • 56 minutes, 53 seconds
Short Circuit (1986)
80s movies had no shortage of robot love. Don't believe me...R2D2 & C3P0, The Iron Giant, Robocop, The T-800, SICO from Rocky IV, Jinx from SpaceCamp, Max (not Sanders) from Flight Of The Navigator, and many more. But one robot for better or for worse stands out from the pack. In 1986 NOVA Robotics broke the mold when they introduced us to Strategic Artificial Intelligence Nuclear Transport, or S.A.I.N.T. as we call it, prototype number 5. Today on Buzzn The Tower we're gonna to disassemble Johnny 5 and talk about Max's favorite movie Short Circuit. I'm Mo Shapiro and joining me as always the Ally Sheedy to my Steve Guttenberg, Max Sanders. And with that...
5/23/2023 • 52 minutes, 17 seconds
License To Kill (1989)
As of May, 2023 there are twenty-seven James Bond movies, but there is one in particular that stands out. Give me sharks, blackjack, martinis (shaken not stirred), ninjas, waterskiing, beautiful women, and Wayne Newton, and I'll show you Bond movie number sixteen. Today on Buzzn The Tower we'll look at one of the darkest, grittiest, James Bond adventures ever made, License To Kill. I'm Mo Shapiro and joining me as always the Moneypenny to my 007, Max Sanders. And with that...
5/16/2023 • 56 minutes, 25 seconds
Splash (1984)
There are movies and then there are career changing movies. Drew Barrymore can thank a loveable three foot tall extra terrestrial for putting her on the map. Sean Penn better add Mr. Hand to his holiday cards, because Fast Time At Ridgemont High was his coming out party. Michael Keating might be "Batman" but without Nigh Shift he might of ended up being Mr. Freeze. Nicolas Cage is basking in the moment, but owes it all to Valley Girl...for sure! And before Nicole Kidman was anything, she was a fifteen year old Aussie in the 80s classic, BMX Bandits. Despite all these examples there is one movie I left off that is solely responsible for launching the career of Hollywood's favorite actor. Had it not been for a sweet silly film about a mermaid in New York, Tom Hanks would be nothing more than a Bosom Buddy instead of the A-List star we know today. Today on Buzzn The Tower we'll take a deep dive into the ocean and talk about the career changing Ron Howard film, Splash. I'm Mo Shapiro and joining me as always the Freddie to my Allen, Max Sanders. And with that...
5/9/2023 • 57 minutes, 3 seconds
Highlander (1986)
5 steps to creating a commercial flop that becomes a cult classic.Step 1-Give me the most Scottish actor alive and make him a SpaniardStep 2-Give me a Swedish actor who speaks no English, and make him ScottishStep 3-Convince Freddie Mercury and Queen to make nine songs for your movieStep 4-Use Scottish intoxicated extras to film the large fight scenesStep 5-Have the guy who voices Mr. Krabs act terrifying in a churchLadies and gentlemen, I give you the 1986 classic Highlander. Today on Buzzn The Tower, we join the gathering, take the quickening, and discuss Highlander until only one of us is standing…because as we all know, there can be only one. I'm Mo Shapiro and joining me as always the MacLeod to my Ramirez, Max Sanders. And with that...
5/2/2023 • 1 hour, 1 minute, 3 seconds
Teen Wolf (1985)
There is absolutely no doubt that Back To The Future is one of the most beloved films of all time. Forty years after its release, it is still considered one of the most perfect films ever made. It solidified the careers of Bob Zemeckis and Michael J. Fox and was another production notch-in-the-belt for Steven Spielberg. Lea Thompson, Christopher Lloyd, so many people owe so much to a film about a time traveling DeLorean. But let me be clear, no one and I me no one appreciates Back To The Future more than everyone involved with the making of the 1985 film, Teen Wolf. Released a little over a month after Back The Future, this four million dollar budget film road the Marty McFly wave all the way to the bank, bringing in almost eighty million dollars world-wide. People wanted more Michael J. Fox and Scott Howard was more than willing to oblige. Today on Buzzn The Tower we'll talk about eighties Twilight, aka Teen Wolf. I'm Mo Shapiro and joining me as always the Dragons to my Beavers, Max Sanders. And with that...
4/25/2023 • 57 minutes, 31 seconds
80s Collector Part 6 Action Edition
It's been awhile since we've unlocked our airport hangar of 80s movie memorabilia. Our collection has everything, from the saxophone from The Lost Boys to the Glaive from Krull. But today we are focused exclusively on 80s action movie keepsakes. So form a single file line, have your tickets ready, and get ready to walk through the hallways of the Buzzn The Tower Smithsonian museum. I'm Mo Shapiro and joining me as always the Benicio del Toro to my Ben Stiller, Max Sanders. And with that...
4/18/2023 • 57 minutes, 9 seconds
Stripes (1981)
Chicks dig me because I rarely wear underwear... ...and when I do, it's usually something unusual. But now I know why I have always lost women to guys like you. It's not just the uniform. It's the stories that you tell. So much fun and imagination. Ivan Reitman, Billy Murray, Harold Ramis, and John Candy. That my friends is a comedic dream team. Stripes is a fan favorite for a reason, one of which is it showcases Bill Murray doing what Bill Murray does best, improv! Today on Buzzn The Tower, we'll take a stroll down memory lane and talk about all things related to the comedic blockbuster, Stripes. I'm Mo Shapiro and joining me as always the big toe to my foot, Max Sanders. And with that...
4/11/2023 • 54 minutes, 57 seconds
Vision Quest (1985)
There are some sports movies that follow the formula. Scrawny picked on teen Daniel LaRusso, meets his mentor Mr. Miyagi, and uses sports to overcome the fish out of water coming of age get the girl story line. Underdog Cleveland Indians pull an amazing turnaround and upset, win over their fans win over their city and make a run at the title. Teen athlete discovers he's a werewolf, uses the performance enhancing advantage which no one seems to question or have an issue with and in the end just acts like himself to win the game. But just because a formula is used doesn't mean the movie can't be more than the formula. Sometimes the sum of the parts is greater than the whole, and that describes the 1985 movie Vision Quest. This movie was so much more than the formula and today on Buzzn The Tower we're gonna gush about the most underrated sports film ever made. I'm Mo Shapiro and joining me on my Vision Quest is my spirit guide, Max Sanders. And with that...
4/4/2023 • 1 hour, 2 minutes, 17 seconds
Innerspace (1987)
When Steven Spielberg started Amblin Entertainment he handpicked Joe Dante as one of the first directors he wanted to work with. Together, Spielberg and Dante had a hattrick of collaborations, Twilight Zone, Gremlins, and of course Innerspace. Sci-Fi Comedy is never an easy endeavor, but with the help of Martin Short and Dennis Quaid, Joe Dante delivered a classic 80s flick! Today on Buzzn The Tower we'll get a hold of both microchips and spend some time talking about Innerspace. I'm Mo Shapiro and joining me as always the Jack Putter to my Tuck Pendleton, Max Sanders and with that..
3/28/2023 • 58 minutes, 53 seconds
Twins (1988)
From 1982 to 1988, Arnold Schwarzenegger dominated the action film genre. No disrespect to the Johns, Rambo and McClane, but when you are the muscle behind The Terminator, Conan the Barbarian and Destroyer, Commando, Predator, and The Running Man, you get to own the title of 80s action hero. And yet with all that success, the Governator wanted more. With the help of Ivan Reitman and Danny DeVito, he audaciously pushed his way into comedy. Much like everything Arny has ever touched, this too turned to gold…comedy gold.Today on Buzzn The Tower we're going to talk about the movie that showed the world just how funny Arnold Schwarzenegger could be, the 1988 blockbuster, Twins. I'm Mo Shapiro, and joining me as always the Vincent to Julius Benedict Max Sanders, and with that Yakety Yak, don't talk back!
3/21/2023 • 56 minutes, 31 seconds
RoboCop (1987)
SERVE THE PUBLIC TRUSTPROTECT THE INNOCENTUPHOLD THE LAW_DIRECTIVE 4: [CLASSIFIED]_Omni Consumer Products really outdid itself when they introduced RoboCop to the city of Detroit. OCP had big plans for New Detroit, the ED-209, and officer Alex James Murphy, and we were all lucky enough to have front row seats to how it all played out. Today on Buzzn The Tower we'll jump in our SUX 6000 and drive down memory lane as we chat about the best Detroit SYFY film ever made, RoboCop. I'm Mo Shapiro and joining me as always the LEWIS to my Murphy, Max Sanders. And with that...DEAD OR ALIVE YOU'RE COMING WITH ME!
3/14/2023 • 1 hour, 9 minutes, 2 seconds
Footloose (1984)
Can't stop the music, Fast Forward, Urban Cowboy, Breakin' 2: Electric Boogaloo, Beat Street, Staying Alive, Fame, Flashdash, and Dirty Dancing. Nine dance movies from the 80s that ALMOST had it all. What are they all missing? Kevin freaking Bacon! If Kenny Loggins' guitar made love to an American flag, their love child would be Footloose. Sprinkle in some Jon Lithgow and Diane Wiest, and you've got yourself a timeless hit. Ecclesiastes assures us that there is a time to every purpose under heaven, a time to laugh and a time to weep, a time to morn and there is a time to dance...and there's also a time to talk about Footloose on Buzzn The Tower. I'm Mo Shapiro and joining me as almost always the Willard to my Ren, Max Sanders and with that...
3/7/2023 • 56 minutes, 48 seconds
Big (1988)
The space goes down, down baby, down, down the roller coaster. Sweet, sweet baby, sweet, sweet, don't let me go. Shimmy, shimmy, cocoa pop. Shimmy, shimmy, rock. Shimmy, shimmy, cocoa pop. Shimmy, shimmy, rock. I met a girlfriend - a triscuit. She said, a triscuit- a biscuit. Ice cream, soda pop, vanilla on the top. Ooh, Shelly's out, walking down the street, ten times a week. I read it. I said it. I stole my momma's credit. I'm cool. I'm hot. Sock me in the stomach three more times.In 1988 the movie Big broke records, solidified careers, and became an instant classic. Today on Buzzn The Tower we'll find a Zoltar machine and make a wish as we talk about one of the greatest movies from the 80s, Big! I'm Mo Shapiro and joining me for the first time ever the Billy to my Josh Baskin, Bruce Amwake. And with that...
2/28/2023 • 1 hour, 9 minutes, 30 seconds
Bloodsport (1988)
In 1988 the Muscles from Brussels, Jean-Claude Van Damme, appeared in his first leading role as Frank Dux, the first American fighter to win the Kumite. And as the end credits indicate this movie was based on the true events of Frank Dux life, who fought and won 329 matches between 1975 and 1980, was an undercover CIA operative who entered the Kumite to take down the Japanese mob, the Yakuza, and who with one arm tied behind his back beat up Chuck Norris. And while none of that may be true, it certainly won't stop us from loving Bloodsport and spending the next hour talking about it. So grab your ringside seat, place your bets, and get ready because today on Buzzn The Tower we talk all things Bloodsport. I'm Mo Shapiro and joining me as always, the Ray Jackson to my Frank Dukes, Max Sanders and with that…Kumite, Kumite, Kumite, Kumite!
2/21/2023 • 1 hour, 3 minutes, 4 seconds
Some Kind Of Wonderful With Special Guests Lea Thompson & Howard Deutch
A wise woman once told her love-stricken friend, “don't go mistaking paradise for a pair of long legs”. The legs she was referring to belonged to Amanda Jones (played by Lea Thompson). The advice was given by Watts (played by Mary Stuart Masterson), and the reluctant recipient of the sage warning was Keith (played by Eric Stoltz). Some Kind Of Wonderful was more than a movie, it was a love sonnet penned by John Hughes and directed by Howard Deutch. It checked all the boxes...Teen angstLoveJealousyBratty little sisterHandsome jerk boyfriendThe movie had it all! And today on Buzzn The Tower with the help of two very special guests (Lea Thompson and Howard Deutch) we're gonna deep dive into one of our favorite flicks, Some Kind Of Wonderful. I'm Mo Shapiro and joining me as always the Hardy Jenns to my Keith Nelson, Max Sanders. And with that...
2/14/2023 • 1 hour, 37 seconds
The Running Man (1987)
BY 2017 THE WORLD ECONOMY HASCOLLAPSED. FOOD, NATURAL RESOURCESAND OIL ARE IN SHORT SUPPLY. A POLICESTATE, DIVIDED INTO PARAMILITARY ZONES,RULES WITH AN IRON HAND.TELEVISION IS CONTROLLED BY THE STATEAND A SADISTIC GAME SHOW CALLED"THE RUNNING MAN" HAS BECOME THEMOST POPULAR PROGRAM IN HISTORY.ALL ART, MUSIC, AND COMMUNICATIONSARE CENSORED. NO DISSENT IS TOLERATEDAND YET A SMALL RESISTANCE MOVEMENTHAS MANAGED TO SURVIVE UNDERGROUND.WHEN HIGH-TECH GLADIATORS ARE NOTENOUGH TO SUPPRESS THE PEOPLE'SYEARNING FOR FREEDOM......MORE DIRECT METHODSBECOME NECESSARY.Today on Buzzn The Tower, we're going to talk about the 1987 masterpiece, The Running Man. I'm Mo Shapiro and joining me as always the Killian to my Ben Richards, Max Sanders. And with that...
2/7/2023 • 1 hour, 2 minutes, 33 seconds
Real Genius (1985)
Before playing Simon in The Saint, Chris in Heat, Bruce Wayne in Batman Forever, Doc Holliday in Tombstone, Jim Morrison in The Doors, Madmartigan in Willow, and Iceman in Top Gun, Val Kilmer graced the big screen as Chris Knight in Real Genius! This movie had it all, science, adventure, romance, popcorn. If you've never seen it shame on you, if you have get read because we're about to blind you with science. Today on Buzzn The Tower we'll build lasers and talk about Max's favorite movie from the 80s, Real Genius. I'm Mo Shapiro and joining me as always the Mitch Taylor to my Chris Knight, Max Sanders. And with that....Number 1 is a hard time in the making...
1/31/2023 • 1 hour, 2 minutes, 17 seconds
Cocktail (1988)
Aruba, Jamaica, ooh I wanna take yaBermuda, Bahama, come on pretty mamaKey Largo, MontegoBaby, why don't we go?JamaicaOff to the 1980sThere's a movie called CocktailIt's Tom Cruise and Elisabeth Shue, and Bryan Brown from F/X tooSome people think it stinksBut we don't care what they thinkWe'll be talking about Cocktail today, on Buzzn The TowerWith Mooooooo and MaxI'm Mo Shapiro and joining me as always the Brian Flanagan to my Doug Coughlin, Max THE BARTENDER Sanders!!! And with that...way down in Kokomo.
1/24/2023 • 1 hour, 6 minutes, 53 seconds
Sixteen Candles (1984)
John Hughes, Molly Ringwald, Anthony Michael Hall. Let me say that again, John Hughes, Molly Ringwald, Anthony Michael Hall. The 1980s were dominated with coming of age movies, but Sixteen Candles was different. It borrowed some of the raunch of Porky's, the angst of Fast Times At Ridgemont High, and the comedy of National Lampoon's Vacation. Even surrounded by a decade of teen comedic romps, Sixteen Candles managed to stand out. It did something unique. It's story wasn't just about the jock or the nerd, it was first and foremost about a young woman. Sam's journey through life, longing, and love is what made this movie an instant classic. Today on Buzzn The Tower, we'll deep dive into the movie that started it all, Sixteen Candles. I'm Mo Shapiro and joining me as always the Farmer Ted to my borrowed underwear, Max Sanders. And with that...
1/17/2023 • 1 hour, 2 minutes, 49 seconds
Who Framed Roger Rabbit (1988)
At the age of 9, life could not be any better. I had a Nintendo, WWF wrestling, and had just watched Back To The Future a couple years earlier. My days were spend eating Teddy Grahams and drinking Snapple and the weekends were reserved for my fill of Bugs Bunny and Mickey Mouse. I was happy, I was content. Little did I know that true joy, true happiness, was right around the corner. June of 1988 the groundbreaking film Who Framed Roger Rabbit changed the game forever. Ever juvenile emotion I had was set on fire. Jessica Rabbit turned me from a boy into a man overnight. What was got replaced by what could be as Disney and Warner Bros collided and my universe expanded. This was my Multiverse Of Madness. Today on Buzzn The Tower, we're going to bask in the glory that is Who Framed Roger Rabbit. I'm Mo Shapiro and joining me as always the Dip to my animated dreams, Max Sanders. And with that...
1/10/2023 • 58 minutes, 51 seconds
Lethal Weapon (1987)
What better way to kickoff 2023 than to revisit Richard Donner's second best film ever, The Goonies of course being the first. Riggs, Murtaugh, and of course Mr. Joshua. I like my Busey burning his arm with a lighter or telling Utah to "give me two." Today on Buzzn The Tower we'll deep dive in the buddy cop film that set the bar for all buddy cop films, 1987's Lethal Weapon. I'm Mo Shapiro and joining me as always the Riggs to my Murtaugh, Max Sanders. And with that, I'm getting to old for this sh#t!
1/3/2023 • 1 hour, 4 minutes, 35 seconds
Revisiting Prancer With Rebecca Tickell
About a year ago, Buzzn The Tower had the absolute honor of having Rebecca Tickell on the show. If you don't know who Rebecca is, let me refresh your memory. In 1989 there was a movie called Prancer. It's about a farm girl nurses a wounded reindeer she believes is one of Santa's, hoping to bring it back to health in time for Christmas. Her holiday spirit inspires those around her, something her disheartened father is having trouble understanding. You might remember her father, Sam Elliot, from such movies as Road House. And as far as the little girl with shine in her eye and Christmas in her heart, that's none other than Rebecca Tickell playing the role of Jessica Riggs. About a year ago we were lucky enough to have Rebecca on the show and because Max irresponsibly went on vacation, and every person in my house has Covid, I'm doing a solo intro to our first rerun. So with that in mind, I'm Mo Shapiro and not joining me today is the former cohost of the show Max Sanders and with that let's revisit our time with Rebecca Tickell!
12/27/2022 • 58 minutes, 42 seconds
80s Collector Gift Exchange
'Tis the season to be jolly, holly, and spread 80s movie cheer. Whether you spin the dreidel or put lights in your tree, December is a month filled with reasons to give and receive. And it's also a great time to celebrate the two year anniversary of Buzzn The Tower. So today what better way to celebrate holiday emotions than to have a good old fashioned gift exchange. We'll pick items from each others favorite 80s movies, wrap them up nice and pretty, and present them as we discuss our 80s collector gift exchange. I'm Mo Shapiro and joining me as always the Aunt Bethany's lime Jello mold to my otherwise perfect dinner, Max Sanders. And with that...
12/20/2022 • 52 minutes, 37 seconds
Recasting National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation
Today we're kicking off our fun old-fashion podcast by heading out into the country in the old front-wheel-drive sleigh to embrace the frosty majesty of the winter landscape and recast one of the most important 80s holiday movies ever, National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation. As always we'll proceed with caution as we select alternative actors and actresses from the 80s to replace iconic performances given by Chevy, Beverly, Randy, and crew. We're gonna have the hap, hap, happiest podcast Max. I'm Mo Shapiro and joining me as always the Cousin Eddie to my Clark Griswold, Max Sanders. And with that...Oh boy this is a surprise Mo, it's just a real nice surprise, just a real nice surprise...
12/13/2022 • 1 hour, 2 minutes, 42 seconds
Willow (1988)
It is a time of dread… Seers have foretold the birth of a child who will bring about the downfall of the powerful queen Bavmorda. Seizing all pregnant women in the realm, the evil queen vows to destroy the child when it is born...If that doesn't scream family movie to you, I don't know what does. George Lucas, Ron Howard, Val Kilmer, R2-D2, and half the Ewoks that lived on Endor's moon gave us two full hours of magic, mystery, and of course romance. Today on Buzzn The Tower, we'll inhale Dust of Broken Heart, and fall in love again with Willow. I'm Mo Shapiro and joining me as always the Brownie to my Madmartigan, Max Sanders. And with that...Willow!
12/6/2022 • 1 hour, 15 seconds
A Christmas Story Christmas
Tis the season for Dudley Moore dressed as an elf, Cousin Eddie kidnapping Clark's boss, a holiday party at Nakatomi Plaza, and Bill Murray being visited by three ghosts. And while Santa Claus The Movie, Christmas Vacation, Die Hard, and Scrooged are classics, we cannot forget the gold standard for holiday movies. Of course I'm talking about 1983's A Christmas Story. In fact it's so treasured it runs on a 24 hour loop every Christmas Eve through Christmas Day. But today we're not talking about A Christmas Story, today we're talking about it's belated sequel, A Christmas Story Christmas. Can this new version hold up. Will it be the next Maverick or God forbit the next Coming To America 2. Today on Buzzn The Tower we'll dive into another attempt to relive the 1980s as we discuss A Christmas Story Christmas. I'm Mo Shapiro and joining me as always the most emotionally fragile person I know, Max Sanders. And with that, I triple dog dare you!
11/29/2022 • 55 minutes, 36 seconds
Giving Thanks 80s Edition
Neal Page was thankful to finally make it home to his family, and Del Griffith was thankful to have a new friend and not be alone on Thanksgiving. I'm thankful that every Thanksgiving I get to watch Planes, Trains and Automobiles despite ugly face crying during the last five minutes. The movies of the 1980s have brought so much joy to so many people. Here we are, four decades later, ranking debating and laughing about the greatest films ever made. What better way to kick off the holiday season then to give thanks for the wonderful gifts Hughes, Candy, Murray and hundreds of others have given us. Today on Buzzn The Tower we'll take time to show our gratitude and give thanks to the movies, moments, and characters of the films of the 1980s. I'm Mo Shapiro and joining me as always the podcast cohost I'm thankful to call my own, Max Sanders. And with that, lets have some buttered toast, pretzel sticks, a handful or two of popcorn, and some jellybeans.
11/22/2022 • 1 hour, 8 minutes, 42 seconds
Who Won The 80s?
The poet laureate Connor MacLeod of the clan MacLeod once said "there can be only one", and those words ring as true today as they did when he uttered them thousands of years ago. Winning isn't everything it's the only thing and the 80s were filled with winners! Actors, actresses, directors, writers, producers, and even composers who dominated the cinema during the best decade of film deserve their recognition. Today on Buzzn The Tower, we'll provide the definitive list of movie magic makers who won the 1980s. I'm Mo Shapiro and joining me as always the Dragon to my Beaver, Max Sanders. And with that...
11/15/2022 • 57 minutes, 41 seconds
Thanos Snapping The Work Of John Landis
When Thanos collected all six of the Infinity Stones, the Mad Titan snapped his fingers erasing half of all living things in the universe. Don't get me wrong that sounds terrible, but at least the remaining half had access to the Three Amigos and Coming To America. And that leads us to today's episode. Imagine if you dare, a Thanos snap that would murder half of the 1980s John Landis collection. I know it's too hard to even consider but today on Buzzn The Tower that's exactly what we'll do, as we pick our favorites and protect half of the work of Mr. Landis. I'm Mo Shapiro and joining me as always the Coleman to my Billy Ray, Max Sanders. And with that...
11/8/2022 • 1 hour, 5 minutes, 18 seconds
Top 5 Worst 80s Movies
When your spirit animal is a trash panda it's hard to imagine not liking any type of rotting food you find. In fact I've been quoted as saying the following..."Caddyshack 2 isn't that bad of a movie""I love all the Police Academy films""Guildor aside, Dolph Lundgren does a decent job as He-Man in Masters Of The Universe"And Max, well we all know he has no taste at all. But deep within the hallowed halls of our 80s film library, there exists some movies we simply can't stand. A movie or two that would make a billy goat puke. Today on Buzzn The Tower we'll list our five least favorite films from the 1980s. I'm Mo Shapiro and joining me as always the nice greasy pork sandwich served in a dirty ashtray to my primate parfait, Max Sanders. And with that, let's take out the trash!
11/1/2022 • 58 minutes, 29 seconds
100th Episode Celebration
Right now, Max is looking at me a little strange because he doesn't know that I completely hijacked the show and we're not going to be talking about Hellraiser. But there's a reason for that. I'll be going through two important things that are key to the success of Buzzn The Tower. Number one, Max's engagement and all things related to it that are 80s. And number two, a speed review of the 99 episodes that came prior to this 100th episode. Strap in, get ready, because today on Buzzn The Tower we talk all 100 episodes including this one. I'm Mo Shapiro, and joining me as always the Celina to my Max, the newly engaged Mr. Sanders, Max Sanders. And with that, watch Max panic as he has no preparation for this episode!
10/25/2022 • 1 hour, 5 minutes, 45 seconds
Hellraiser (1987)
Clive Barker is the most terrifying human being on earth. It wasn't enough that he wrote the novel The Hellbound Heart, he then needed to write a screenplay based on the novel and direct it. And as a result, we have Hellraiser. This film would make Cronenberg puke, Wes Craven scream, and Max Sanders...well we'll have to see what it did to him. Today on Buzzn The Tower, we'll become the explorers of the further regions of experience as we deep dive into Hellraiser. I'm Mo Shapiro and joining me as always the Frank to my Pinhead, Max Sanders. And with that...we have such sights to show you!
10/18/2022 • 1 hour, 1 minute, 42 seconds
Recasting A Nightmare On Elm Street
Welcome to October, a month dedicated to the horror films of the 80s! Freddy, Jason, Michael (Myers not Jackson) and of course Pinhead to name but a few. What better way to kick off the month then to revisit a true classic…and then recast it. Written and Directed by Wes Craven, A Nightmare on Elm Street started a franchise that has collectively grossed over 472 million dollars. But more importantly, has made generations of children (and some adults) afraid to fall asleep. Today on Buzzn The Tower, we'll take the original Nightmare on Elm Street and recast its characters with other actors and actresses from the 1980s. I'm Mo Shapiro and joining me as always, the Nancy Thompson to my Freddy Krueger, Max Sanders. And with that…just soak up that music Max!
10/11/2022 • 1 hour, 5 minutes, 17 seconds
80s Movie Search & Destroy
If I had to pick one 80s movie character to kill Max, it would be Howard The Duck. I'd sit quietly as he unleashed a barrage of round house kicks to Max’s face, compliments of Duck Fu. Watching him die by the hands of the very thing he loves would bring me such pleasure. But to keep things fair, I'd have to allow Max to choose an 80s movie character to defend himself. And that my friends is what we're going to be talking about. On today’s episode, we'll be choosing our killer and protector, as I attempt to seek and destroy my cohost. I'm Mo Shapiro, and joining me as always the victim of my wrath, Max Sanders. And with that…..run!
10/4/2022 • 46 minutes, 29 seconds
Recasting Adventures In Babysitting
It was the summer of 1990, I was 11 years old and about to start middle school. Everything around me was changing, my body, my feelings, especially my feelings. I became keenly aware that not only girls existed, but they were magical. On an otherwise normal Saturday night, my mom rented a movie for us to watch called Adventures In Babysitting. It was this evening that all the changes I'd been going through all seemed to make sense. On that night, I fell in love with Elisabeth Shue. And while this has nothing to do with todays episode, I felt it was important to let you all know that my love for her is just as strong today as it was 32 years ago. Today on Buzzn The Tower, we're going to recast adventures in babysitting with other actors and actresses from the 80s. And while there will be no substitute for Elisabeth Shue, we'll do our best to make her proud. I'm Mo Shapiro, and joining me as always the Brenda To my Chris, Max Sanders and with that... Nobody leaves this place without singing the blues!
9/27/2022 • 1 hour, 8 minutes, 47 seconds
Would You Rather 80s Edition Part 2
Would you rather kiss your mother in an attempt to get your father to break it up and have them fall in love so you'll be born in the future...or...have your dad tell you that you're the best at kissing and share that with your cousin while on a teeter totter in the desert? Burning 80s questions like this one and many more, many many more, in fact a plethora await you on this episode. Today we'll play a little "would you rather" 80s edition, and see if we can make even more weird than my first question. Which by the way was a Back To The Future, National Lampoon reference, not some weird Lannister Game of Thrones/House of Dragons issue. I'm Mo Shapiro and joining me as always the lesser appealing option to my slightly more appealing option, Max Sanders. And with that, would you rather?
9/20/2022 • 49 minutes, 3 seconds
Weekend At Bernie's
With great power comes great responsibility. Hosting a podcast dedicated to the best decade of film ever is not something we take lightly. The Goonies, Empire Strikes Back, Breakfast Club, the list of classics goes on forever. Carpenter, Spielberg, Hughes, Lucas, the 80s had it all! So for this reason it is our duty, nay our privilege to talk about one of the greatest films ever made, any decade. Today on Buzzn The Tower, we'll deep dive into Weekend At Bernie's. I'm Mo Shapiro and joining me as always the Larry to my Richard, Max Sanders. And with that...
9/13/2022 • 1 hour, 7 minutes, 38 seconds
Favorite 80s Movie Vehicles
An 80s movie without a choice vehicle is like a groom without a best man. Don't believe me, here are just a few to make my point... Cobretti’s 1950 Mercury Monterey Coupe Stiles "Wolfmobile" Uncle Buck's 1977 brown Mercury Marquee Brougham Joel's dad's 1979 Porsche 928 Cousin Eddie's RV Wagon Queen Family Truckster Em-50 Urban Assault Vehicle from Stripes Today on Buzzn The Tower, we'll list our Favorite 80s Movie Vehicles. I'm Mo Shapiro, and joining me as always the guy I frequently diss in the Malibu, Max Sanders. And with that, let's look under the hood!
9/6/2022 • 1 hour, 6 minutes, 37 seconds
Favorite 80s Comedic Scenes
There is nothing more difficult than making a great comedy. And within comedic cinema, there are scenes so funny, so perfect, that they live rent free in our minds for decades. In the 90s, we had Lloyd and Harry arriving at the party in their tuxedos, and Happy Gilmore boxing with Bob Barker. In the early 2000s, we watched McLovin get knocked at trying to buy beer, Prestige Worldwide perform at the Catalina Wine Mixer, and Frank The Tank go streaking. But the 80s…well that's a different story altogether. Today on Buzzn The Tower, we'll list our favorite 80s comedic scenes. I'm Mo Shapiro, and joining me as always the plethora of piñatas to my birthday celebration, Max Sanders and with that….Max what is a plethora?
8/30/2022 • 1 hour, 18 minutes, 7 seconds
Recasting Revenge Of The Nerds
The 1984 film Revenge of the Nerds is a roadmap to success for anyone not born with a jawline like Stan Gable. Have a good attitude, go to college, start your own fraternity, have a robot clean your house. Simple as that. So why mess with perfection? Because at Buzzn The Tower that's just the kind of nerds we are. Today on Buzzn The tower we'll recast Revenge Of The Nerds using actors and actresses from the 80s. I'm Mo Shapiro and joining me as always the Gilbert to my Lewis, Max Sanders. And with that, what the f$@k is a frush?
8/23/2022 • 1 hour, 48 seconds
Favorite Fictional Movie Band
Todays episode, favorite fictional movie bands. Who can forget Marty McFly’s audition, with his band the Pinheads. Great riffs, solid drums, strong stage presence. To think that one judge had the audacity to say they were just too darn loud. And how about that country club 20 piece band that played at Bushwood. All it took was Al Chervick asking Ringo to play something hot, flash some singles, and boom rock and roll. Our favorite 80s movies are filled with fictional bands that made our toe tap, and it’s about time we show them some respect. Today on Buzzn The Tower, we'll pay tribute to the musical magic of bands as make believe as the films they appeared in.I'm Mo S Shapiro, Esquire.And I'm Max Maxwell, Logan.And we're Wyld Stallions!
8/16/2022 • 49 minutes, 13 seconds
Prey
What do Lindon B. Johnson, Camilla Parker Bowles, and George Lazenby have in common? They had the distinct honor of filling John F. Kennedy, Princess Diana, and Sean Connery’s James bond shoes. Greatness is rare. The replacement of greatness being great is even more rare. Scholars agree that the 1987 John McTiernan film Predator, is the greatest film ever made. And while Predator 2 was a valiant effort to recapture lightening in a bottle, for the most part all those who have followed have been a far cry from the original. So it should come as no shock to any of you that the news of a Predator prequal taking place in the 1700s, with a female lead, had a lukewarm reception from Buzzn The Tower. However as 80s film historians we must review this potential dumpster fire and give our two cents. And that’s exactly what we're going to do. Today on Buzzn The Tower we'll take a look at the latest attempt at a Predator movie as we talk all things Prey. I'm Mo Shapiro, and joining me as always the Mac to my Blain, Max Sanders. And with thatWell, long tall Sally, she's built for speedShe got everything that Uncle John needsOh, baby, yes, babyWhoo, baby, havin' me some fun tonight, yeah
8/9/2022 • 1 hour, 16 minutes, 33 seconds
Tomatometer Bargain Shopping
Rotten Tomatoes has become the preeminent film reviewer. Algorithmic vegetable mathematics provide the average Joe a look at what the pros think, and a look at what the fans think. And while you may not always agree with the rating you can't argue the gospel that is, RottenTomatoes.com As luck would have it, Max stumbled into a Tik Tok were participants were challenged to use Tomatometer ratings as point values, and create watch lists not exceeding certain established limits. Sound confusing? Don't worry, we have an entire episode to explain it. Today on Buzzn The Tower, we'll make a list of five movies each that cannot exceed 120 points. I'm Mo Shapiro and joining me as always the person whose love for Howard The Duck almost singlehandedly destroyed our podcast, Max Sanders. And with that, let's talk Tomatoes!
8/2/2022 • 1 hour, 3 minutes, 44 seconds
Why Max Loves Howard The Duck
According to the internet, here's a list of the worst films made in the 1980s...Mac and MeNo Holds BarredSmokey And The Bandit IIISupergirlDream A Little DreamJaws: The RevengeShe's Out Of ControlThe Garbage Pail Kids MovieTeen Wolf TooSuperman IV: The Quest For PeacePolice Academy 4, 5, and 6And last but certainly not least, Howard The Duck!Yet despite being one of the worst films ever made, one cohost of Buzzn The Tower prays at the webbed foot altar of this film. Today on Buzzn The Tower, I will attempt to understand why Max loves Howard The Duck. I'm Mo Shapiro and joining me as always the DARK OVERLORD to my Cajun sushi restaurant, Max Sanders. And with that...
7/26/2022 • 1 hour
Why Mo Loves The Goonies
I'm Mo Shapiro, you might know me from such podcasts as Buzzn The Tower. I like John Hughes, Predator, and karaoke. I don't like rats, Howard The Duck, or Max...my cohost. More important than any of that, I love The Goonies! Over the last eighteen months and eighty-five episodes I have tried to dedicate an entire episode to the Donner/Spielberg classic a number of times, but my cohost/arch nemesis has prevented me from living out my dream. Through shrewd negotiation I am happy to announce that today on Buzzn The Tower we will talk about all things Goonies as I defend my love for the greatest film ever made. I'm Mo Shapiro and joining me as always the Troy to my Bran, Max Sanders. And with that...Mo...YOU GOOOOOOOONIE!
7/19/2022 • 1 hour, 6 minutes, 41 seconds
Acting One-Hit Wonders
The 1980s were packed with musical one-hit wonders, but this podcast is not about music! Today on Buzzn The Tower, we're going to list our favorite Acting One-Hit Wonders from our some radical 80s flicks. I'm Mo Shapiro joining me as always the toora to my loora, Max Sanders. And with that...Come on Eileen!
7/12/2022 • 50 minutes, 15 seconds
The 80s Collector Part 4
Over three previous episodes, we have methodically filled our airport hangar museum with 80s memorabilia that would make the most refined collector jealous. Our fictional museum has such treasures as the boombox from Say Anything, Bill & Ted's phone booth from Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure, Johnny 5 from Short Circuit, Tim Cappello's saxophone from The Lost Boys, and even the Muppet babies from The Muppets Take Manhattan. With tons of imaginary space still unused, we'll continue to select the items we would want to put in our 80s movie museum. I'm Mo Shapiro and joining me as always the curator of my imagination, Max Sanders. And with that, let' s play make-believe!
7/5/2022 • 1 hour, 17 seconds
Stranger Things 80s Edition
Rarely does someone create a television show that is relevant, entertaining, and dripping with nostalgia from four decades earlier. The Duffer brothers have managed to wake John Hughes from the dead, mix him with Spielberg, throw a dash of McTiernan in there, and serve us four seasons of the single best tv series out there! So of course when we see perfection our first instinct…recast it!Today on Buzzn The tower, we'll take our favorite characters from our favorite show, Stranger Things, an and recast them with actors and actresses from the 1980s. I'm Mo Shapiro and joining me as always, the number 1 to my number 11, Max Sanders. And with that...
6/28/2022 • 59 minutes, 20 seconds
Father's Day 80s Watch List
Every third Sunday of June, we dedicate one day to the men in our lives who picked us up when we fell, taught us to throw a baseball, worked the grill in rain, sleet, and snow, and took us to see every Van Damme, Seagal, and Police Academy movie ever made. Father's Day is our chance to thank the dads, grandpas, and double grandpas that have watched, and continued to watch over us. So today we'll dust off our extensive VHS collection of the 80s greatest films and hand select some 80s movies that strike the exact right cord as we build the perfect Father's Day 80s Watch List. I'm Mo Shapiro and joining me as always the adult son who won't move out of my basement, Max Sanders. And with that, let's celebrate Father's Day!
6/21/2022 • 59 minutes, 50 seconds
80s Dream Date
After three weeks of nothing but Top Gun, we felt it was time to explore our more sensitive side. The ladies of the eighties truly captured our hearts. With hundreds of love stories that include first dates, first kisses, and special moments, it's not easy to pick a favorite. So instead of picking one, we'll smash them all together and see what we get. Today on Buzzn The Tower we'll hand pick our favorite crushes, first dates, moments, and kisses and create our 80s Dream Date. I'm Mo Shapiro and joining me as always the Farmer Ted to my Sam, Max Sanders. And with that, let's make a date!
6/14/2022 • 1 hour, 2 minutes, 22 seconds
Top Gun: Maverick (2022)
The belated movie sequel is a terrifying proposition. It starts with a movie you love and ends decades later with broken promises and a disgusting taste in your mouth. Don't believe me? Go watch Caddyshack 2, Dumb and Dumberer, Saturday Night Fever, Return To The Blue Lagoon, Son Of The Mask, Basic Instinct 2, Blues Brothers 2000, Return To Oz, or The Godfather Part III. But none of those movies had the potential to break our hearts more than Top Gun: Maverick. So after years of rumors, development, and delays, the day of judgement has arrived. In a rare departure from our usual programming, Buzzn The Tower will dedicate an entire episode to a movie not made in the 1980s, and no I'm not talking about Point Break. Today on Buzzn The Tower we'll give you our live reaction to Top Gun: Maverick. I'm Mo Shapiro and joining me as always, the disappointing sequel to my blockbuster original, Max Sanders. And with that, talk to me Max!
6/7/2022 • 1 hour, 15 minutes, 32 seconds
Rewatching & Recasting Top Gun Part 2
Todays episode, Rewatching & Recasting Top Gun Part 2Last week on part one, we engaged below the hard deck. This week we pick up were we left off, in a dog fight! Slowly but surely we'll continue to discuss Top Gun, and also provide our thoughts on recasting the characters with other actors from the 1980s!Today on Buzzn The Tower, we finish what we started as we rewatch and recast one of our favorite movies ever. Top Gun.I'm Mo Shapiro, and joining me as always, the Maverick to my Viper, Max Sanders. And with that...
5/31/2022 • 53 minutes, 44 seconds
Rewatching & Recasting Top Gun Part 1
On May 16, 1986 the a movie was released that forever changed the Navy, fighter pilots, and volleyball. Names like Don Simpson, Jerry Bruckheimer, Tom Cruise, Val Kilmer, and Kenny Loggins, were forever cemented into the foundation of 80s film. The purpose of this movie was to teach the lost art of awesomeness and insure that a handful movie watchers who saw the film had the the best experience possible.They succeeded.Today, people call it a classic. But the fans call it: TOP GUNToday on Buzzn The Tower, which in no way is legally affiliated with Top Gun and whose name and likeness is in no way a copyright violation as it is a parody of the original, we will be rewatching & recasting Top Gun. Scene by scene we'll make our case for the TOP GUN plaque, occasionally stopping to recast the main roles with other actors and actresses from the 1980sI'm Mo Shapiro, and joining me as always Slider to my Maverick, Max Sanders and with that…
5/24/2022 • 1 hour, 5 minutes, 20 seconds
80s Movie Dogs
Before Marley & Me, Homeward Bound, Beethoven, and Air Bud, there was an explosion of films starring man's best friend. And even when our favorite ruffers weren't headlining the kiosk, they often stole the show. Let us not forget if not for the brave sacrifice of a sheepdog mutt named Einstein, Marty would have never time traveled. And Jaws may have scared us from swimming, but a St. Bernard named Cujo made dry land just as scary. The 80s gave us memorable puppy performances. Today on Buzzn The tower, we'll talk about our favorite 80s movie dogs, because if there's one things we love more than the 80s, it's fluffy puppers! I'm Mo Shapiro and joining me as always the Fox to my Hound, Max Sanders and with that...
5/17/2022 • 1 hour, 7 minutes, 36 seconds
Building The Perfect 80s Police Force
Whether your prime directives are to serve the public trust or protect the innocent...dead or alive you're coming with me! Police not only play a pivotal role in keeping the peace and protecting the innocent, they also are the backbone of a whole lotta 80s movies. So with that in mind, what if we took the best cops from the best 80s movies and made the best police force around? Today on Buzzn The Tower we'll do exactly that. Piece by piece we'll construct a police force that Commandant Lassard would be proud to see. I'm Mo Shapiro and joining me as always, the Nordberg to my Frank Drebin, Max Sanders. And with that...
5/10/2022 • 59 minutes, 2 seconds
Building The Perfect 80s Movie Mom
What do Carol Brady and Cersei Lannister have in common? A thirst for blood? No. They would do anything for their children. A mother's love is as strong as the Force, as dangerous as crossing the streams, and as mystical as Gwildor's Cosmic Key. All generations have paid homage to the matriarch in film and television. But the 80s, well they did it with style! Today on Buzzn The Tower we will build the perfect 80s movie mom, borrowing from our favorite big screen mothers. I'm Mo Shapiro and joining me as always the man who will keep me from crying for the next sixty minutes, Max Sanders. And with that, Happy Mother's Day!
5/3/2022 • 53 minutes, 27 seconds
80s Movie Fantasy Draft
As a lifelong Detroit Lions fan I can tell you two things are absolutely true. One, this is our year. Two, next year is our year. But regardless of the historic success your franchise has (or lack thereof) there is always one time a year where a Super Bowl feels within reach and that my friends is the NFL draft! So with that in mind, Buzzn The Tower has decided to honor the occasion by holding an 80s Movie Fantasy Draft. The as always is to win. There will be rules, strategy, questionable decisions, and in the end two lineups going head to head as the best collection of 80s movies ever drafted. I'm Mo Shapiro and joining me as always the Mel Kiper to my Todd McShay, Max Sanders. And with that, you're on the clock.
4/26/2022 • 1 hour, 12 minutes
Labyrinth
Directed by Jim Henson, executive produced by George Lucas, starring David Bowie and Jennifer Connelly. Yet despite that lineup, a total commercial flop that broke the heart of it's creator. Labyrinth is the dictionary definition of a cult classic and luckily Jim Henson lived long enough to see how much people truly loved his dark fairytale. Today on Buzzn The Tower, we'll make our way through the Labyrinth to the castle beyond the Goblin City. It doesn't look that far..It's further than you think...time is shortI'm Mo Shapiro and joining me as always the Hoggle to my Sarah, Max Sanders. And with that, set the clock to thirteen hours and let's get after it!
4/19/2022 • 1 hour, 10 minutes, 27 seconds
Tom Hanks John Candy Movie Swap
On episode 28 of Buzzn The Tower, we pulled a Freak Friday with Arnold Schwarzenegger and Sylvester Stallone. We asked and answered a seemingly simple question; which movie, if any, could we switch these action hero Gods and still make it work? Today we're back at it, but instead of talking muscles, we're talking bones...funny bones that its, wocka wocka wocka! On today's episode we'll look at 80s catalogs of two comedy giants, John Candy and Tom Hanks, and see if we can pull a Parent Trap with their most beloved characters. I'm Mo Shapiro and joining me as always the Josh Baskin to my Chet Ripley, Max Sanders. And with that, let's get swapping!
4/12/2022 • 47 minutes, 18 seconds
80s Movie Fan Theories
The briefcase in Pulp Fiction contains Marsellus Wallace's soul. Also, Jules in Pulp Fiction is in fact Nick Fury. Elsa and Anna's parents washed up on an island and before they passed away gave birth to a little boy, named Tarzan. Jack from Titanic is a time traveler. Jar Jar Binks was in fact a Sith Lord. The internet is littered with fan theories about our favorite movies. But when you start digging in to the flicks from 80-89, you really find some tin foil hat gems! Today on Buzzn The Tower Max and I explore the far reaches of the interweb (mostly Reddit), and unearth our favorite 80s fan theories. I'm Mo Shapiro and joining me as always the nonsensical explanation to my wild theory, Max Sanders. And with that, let's dive in!
4/5/2022 • 1 hour, 1 minute, 41 seconds
Recasting Young Guns
Every single piece of historical knowledge I have about the Wild West is from two movies; Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure and Young Guns. And while watching Billy The Kid wreak havoc on the San Dimas Mall was fun, Young Guns probably did a better job of retelling the adventure of William H. Bonney and the Lincoln County War. Following the blueprint of The Outsiders, The Breakfast Club, and Stand By Me, Young Guns was more than a history lesson, it was another radical 80s ensemble cast. It is that very cast that we will be experimenting with. On today's episode we will recast Young Guns using actors and actresses from the 1980s. I'm Mo Shapiro, and joining me in the spirit world today is Max Sanders, and with that...
3/29/2022 • 1 hour, 4 minutes, 52 seconds
Would You Rather 80s Edition
Kiss, marry, kill?What would you take to a deserted island? Which of the five senses would you give up?What super power would you have if you could only have one?What would your three wishes be if you found the lamp?What moment would you go back to, in time, if you had a time machine?And of course, would you rather?All of these binary decision games are responsible for laughs, tears, and occasionally dry heaving from disgust. Today on Buzzn The Tower we take everything we know about 80s movies and everything we know about each other, and create our own version of Would You Rather, 80s Edition! I'm Mo Shapiro and joining me as always, the kill on my kiss, marry, kill list, Max Sanders. And with that, would you rather?
3/22/2022 • 1 hour, 29 seconds
80s Action Movie One-Liners Part 2
Last week we cranked up the action dial to eleven and set the world on fire with thirteen of our favorite one-liners from 80s action films. This week we pick up where we left off and pin down twelve more. So strap in, because your diplomatic immunity, dead or alive, is all out of bubble gum. Today on Buzzn The Tower, we somehow come up with twelve more of our favorite 80s action movie one-liners. I'm Mo Shapiro and joining me as always, the cure to my disease Max Sanders. And with that, let's get into some action!
3/15/2022 • 1 hour, 18 minutes, 48 seconds
80s Action Movie One-Liners Part 1
The one-liner is the pièce de résistance of any worthy action flick. Need some evidence? Try imagining Air Force One, 300, or Avengers: Endgame without the lines "get off my plane", "this is Sparta", "I am Ironman". As is always the case, the movies of the 1980s set the bar for the intense action Hiku. Today on Buzzn The Tower, we explore our twenty five favorite 80s action movie one-liners. I'm Mo Shapiro and joining me as always the S.O.B. who is dug in like an Alabama tick, Max Sanders. And with that, you got time to duck?
3/8/2022 • 1 hour, 16 minutes, 30 seconds
Batman
With the theatrical premier of The Batman hitting theatres this week, what better time to hop into our hot tub time machine and visit the summer of 1989. And while I'm sure Robert Pattinson will make Ben Affleck proud, who made Will Arnett proud, who made Christian Bale proud, who made George Clooney proud, who made Val Kilmer proud, who made Adam West proud, today the only Batman we'll be talking about is Michael Keaton. On today's episode we'll dive into the movie that changed all the rules and set a new bar comic book adaptations...the one, the only, Batman. I'm Mo Shapiro, and joining me as always the Jack Napier to my Carl Grissom, Max Sanders. And with that...Max you are my number one guy!
3/1/2022 • 1 hour, 17 minutes, 56 seconds
Favorite 80s Movie Tropes
Damsel in distress, journey of the reluctant hero, one last job, vengeance, coming of age, saving the planet from destruction. There are no shortage of film tropes throughout all decades, but the 80s had something special. A cliché, a story, a trope that just felt like the manifestation of acid washed jeans, Hi-C Ecto Cooler, and Ronal Reagan. Today on Buzzn The Tower we list our favorite 80s movie tropes. Clichés that appeared in abundance and worked each and every time. I'm Mo Shapiro and joining me as always the Daniel LaRusso, Luke Skywalker, Frank Dux to my Mr. Myagi, Yoda, Tanaka, Max Sanders. And with that, let's talk about 80s movie tropes!
2/22/2022 • 1 hour, 9 minutes, 5 seconds
Recasting Road House
In 1989, Director Rowdy Herrington...no really his first name was Rowdy, put together a little flick by the name of Road House. The story was simple enough. A quaint watering hole called the Double Deuce needed a cooler, a local doctor needed a lover, and a small town needed a hero. Road House won eighteen Oscars and a copy of it is preserved both in the Library Of Congress and The Smithsonian Institution. But even if that weren't true, which it certainly is, Road House exists as a reminder of what the eighties were all about! Today on Buzzn The Tower we temp fait once again by having the audacity to recast Road House, only using actors and actresses from the 1980s. I'm Mo Shapiro and joining me as always the Mijo to my Wade Garrett, Max Sanders. And with that...
2/15/2022 • 1 hour, 26 minutes, 43 seconds
Favorite 80s Movie Couples
With Valentine's Day approaching at Ludicrous Speed, we have been forced to tap into our rarely used sensitive side and talk about love. But don't worry because just like the grandpa in The Princess Bride said, they'll be fencing, fighting, torture, revenge, commercial breaks, fan spotlights, Max getting under my skin, giants, monsters, chases, escapes, true love, miracles. Today on Buzzn The Tower in honor of the mushiest time of year, we're gonna chat about our favorite 80s movie couples. The kind of happily ever after that makes you smile and warms the coldest of cold hearts. I'm Mo Shapiro and joining me as always the Officer to my Gentlemen, Max Sanders. And with that...
2/8/2022 • 1 hour, 18 minutes, 20 seconds
Big Trouble In Little China
This is Jack Burton in the Pork-Chop Express, and I'm talkin' to whoever's listenin' out there. In 1986 John Carpenter gifted us cinematic gold that he described as an "action adventure comedy kung fu ghost story monster movie". Big Trouble In Little China was his eleventh time in the directors chair, along with Kurt Russell and Kim Cattrall, they created an instant cult classic. Today on Buzzn The Tower, we will dedicate an entire episode to one our favorite movies from the 80s...actually one of our favorite movies from any era. I'm Mo Shapiro and joining me as always, the green eyed girl to my curse of no flesh, Max Sanders. And with that..."Everybody relax, I'm here"
2/1/2022 • 1 hour, 8 minutes, 5 seconds
The Movies That Made Us: Brian Volk-Weiss
Todays episode, The Movies That Made Us: Brain Volk-Weiss. If a podcast had a soulmate, Brian Volk-Weiss would be ours. The creative genius behind The Toys That Made Us and The Movies That Made Us is a true hero to the retro community. If you ever wanted a deep, behind the scenes look at classics like Ghostbusters, Back To The Future, or Aliens, Brian is your guy. Today on Buzzn The Tower we are honored to chat with our brother from another mother, creator, produce, and director of The Movies That Made Us, Brian Volk-Weiss. I'm Mo Shapiro and joining me as always, the guy who is convinced Brian will show up as promised, Max Sanders. And with that, let's cross our fingers and hope for the best!
1/25/2022 • 48 minutes, 38 seconds
Movies That Deserve The Cobra Kai Treatment
If you're not four seasons deep into Cobra Kai, then stop this podcast immediately and go watch it! Wait no, no, no, don't do that. But when you're done watching Buzzn The Tower immediately turn on Netflix and watch Cobra Kai. If you think prequels and sequels are risky, try taking one of the greatest 80s movies ever made and turning it into a TV series thirty years later! While there's no questions Daniel Son, Johnny, and Ali all deserved this opportunity, one has to ask "are there any other 80s movies that deserve the Cobra Kai treatment?" It's that very question that Buzzn The Tower will dive into today. I'm Mo Shapiro and joining me as always the Eagle Fang to my Miyagi Do, Max Sanders. And with that, let's Cobra Kai some movies!
1/18/2022 • 1 hour, 2 minutes, 14 seconds
Recasting Police Academy
Perhaps the greatest contribution of the 1980s is the Police Academy hexalogy. Never before has such a bold effort been successfully attempted. Create not just one, but six of the greatest comedic films ever, and all within a ten year span. Today on Buzzn The Tower, we take Mauser, Thompson, Proctor, Hightower, Lassard, Callahan, Tackleberry, Harris, Sweetchuck, Zed, Motor Mouth Jones, and Mahoney, and recast them with other actors from the 80s. I'm Mo Shapiro and joining me as always, the Bar to my Blue Oyster, Max Sanders. And with that...
1/11/2022 • 1 hour, 10 minutes, 26 seconds
Favorite 80s Sequels
While some may consider the often forgotten sequels of Teen Wolf and Caddyshack to be guilty pleasures, most view them as a cautionary tale of leaving good enough alone. But perhaps the bad rap movie sequels have received is a bit unfair. For every Fletch Lives, there are also some gems that made the risk of Rotten Tomatoes purgatory worth it. Today on Buzzn The Tower, we discuss our favorite 80s sequels. The movies that not only did justice to the originals, but in fact stood on their own as solid flicks. I'm Mo Shapiro and joining me as always, the Weekend at Bernie's II to my Weekend at Bernie's, Max Sanders. And with that, let's pick our favorites.
1/4/2022 • 1 hour, 12 minutes, 18 seconds
Radical 80s Movie Jams Part 2
One year ago today, Buzzn The Tower kicked off it’s podcast dominance with an episode dedicated to the songs that are inseparable from the films they debuted in. Today we pick up where we left off and add ten more musical masterpieces that were handcrafted for an 80s feature film. I’m Mo Shapiro and joining me as always the Loggins to my Kenny, Max Sanders. And with that…. DANGER ZONE!
12/28/2021 • 1 hour, 8 minutes, 13 seconds
National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation
It's that time, Christmas time is here. Everybody knows, there's not a better time of year. Clark, Ellen, Rusty, Audrey, in-laws, outlaws, and of course Cousin Eddie! This movie had it all. Today on Buzzn The Tower, we're gonna have the hap-hap-happiest Christmas as we deep dive into the holiday classic, National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation. So let's burn some dust and eat some rubber as we celebrate Santa with the Griswolds. I'm Mo Shapiro and joining me as always the Cousin Eddie to my Ellen Griswold, Max Sanders. And with that...Merry Christmas!
12/21/2021 • 1 hour, 12 minutes, 11 seconds
Prancer With Special Guest Rebecca Tickell
You know Dancer and Prancer…Wait! Stop right there. Sam Elliot, Cloris Leachman and Rebecca Tickell are seasonally responsible for making me cry and believing in Santa. Prancer by all accounts is a Christmas classic and today on Buzzn The Tower, we have the absolute honor of talking with Jessie Riggs herself, Rebecca Tickell. So please sit back, relax and enjoy a trip down Three Oaks Michigan Lane. I’m Mo Shapiro and joining me as always, the Carol Wetherby to my Jessie Riggs, Max Sanders. And with that… HE’S MAGICAL CAROL!
12/14/2021 • 58 minutes, 5 seconds
Recasting Die Hard
’Twas the night before Christmas and all through Nakatomi Plaza, not a creature was stirring… except John McClane’s wife played by Bonnie Bedelia. The explosives were wired to the rooftop with care, in hopes that the hostages would soon be there. McClane was bleeding and swearing like a trucker, but still had enough cheer to yell Yippie Kay Yay Mother….oh… hold on. The ultimate Christmas movie deserves the ultimate recasting, today on Buzzn The Tower we take the classic Christmas movie, Die Hard, and recast it with other actors from the 80s. I’m Mo Shapiro and joining me as always, the Ellis to my failed hostage negotiation, Max Sanders. And with that, come out to the coast, we’ll get together, have a few laughs!
12/7/2021 • 1 hour, 4 seconds
The 80s Movie Naughty List
Very few people wield the unforgiving power of the white bearded man from The North. I mean, we’re talking about a guy who sees you when you're sleeping. Santa is one part Freddy Krueger, one part Judge Judy mixed in with some candy canes and holiday cheer. While children across the land make a desperate last minute attempt to make the nice list, we at Buzzn The Tower have a different take. Good does not exist without evil, so today Buzzn The Tower will celebrate our favorite 80s characters who maintained top billing on Santa’s naughty list. I’m Mo Shapiro and joining me as always, the mistletoe to my awkward kiss, Max Sanders. And with that, let’s check our list twice!
11/30/2021 • 1 hour, 12 minutes, 41 seconds
Planes, Trains & Automobiles
John Hughes is to Thanksgiving what Santa is to Christmas. You cannot think of turkey, stuffing, cranberries and a cross country road trip without joyfully visiting the 1987 classic: Planes, Trains & Automobiles. With Thanksgiving only two days away, we thought it would be best to dive into the Steve Martin/John Candy classic. So today on Buzzn The Tower adjust your seat as much as you need, drop some quarters in the vibrating bed, and allow Max and I to be your soft pillows as we revisit one of the best holiday movies ever. I’m Mo Shapiro and joining me as always, the Del Griffith to my Neal Page, Max Sanders.
11/23/2021 • 1 hour, 3 minutes, 21 seconds
80s Holiday Dinner Draft
'Tis the season for turkeys, pumpkin pie, potato latkes, fruitcake and family conflict. Every family has a dad that doesn’t believe he found a reindeer, a cousin that empties their sanitation line into your street sewer or a friend who runs a TV network and is having hallucinations of three ghosts. The holidays are a time for food, friends and family. But the friends and family part can get tricky. Today on Buzzn The Tower we try to solve for this issue by drafting the perfect holiday dinner party. We’ll select characters from our favorite 80s holiday movies and break bread with all of them while trying to keep the peace… on earth…. and goodwill etc etc. I’m Mo Shapiro, and joining me as always, the candied yams to my deep fried turkey, Max Sanders.
11/16/2021 • 1 hour, 4 minutes, 4 seconds
The Best 80s Movie Endings
They say that there are two parts to every movie; the ending and everything else. Studios rely on test audiences, directors rely on their gut, and actors hope one of the two are right. A few weeks ago we covered our favorite intro scenes to 80s movies. Cobra, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off and Conan The Barbarian were a few that made that list. On today’s episode we’ll fast forward to the climax of 80s cinematic gold and produce a list of our favorite endings. I’m Mo Shapiro, and joining me as always, the last 3 minutes to my tight 90-minute masterpiece, Max Sanders. And with that, let’s start at the finish!
11/9/2021 • 1 hour, 8 minutes, 56 seconds
Tim Cappello Interview
As Tina Turner toured and performed, she introduced us to a golden gem of a saxophone player by the name of Tim… Timmy to his friends. From there Tim went on to Miami Vice, Hearts of Fire, Tap, all types of opportunities to perform and act. But one decision defined him for generations to come. In 1987 Joel Schumacher’s The Lost Boys gave the world it’s first broad taste of the greased up shirtless muscular saxophone player known to all of us as sexy sax man. Often imitated never duplicated Tim Cappello set the stage for what would be an ongoing persona of what a saxophone player is and what a saxophone player should be. Lisa Simpson, Kenny G, Bill Clinton all did their best. But when we think of saxophone, we only think of one man. Today on Buzzn The Tower we are honored to have the opportunity to sit down with the man, the myth, the legend himself, Tim Cappello, and talk everything from Tina Turner to the time he was almost in Point Break! I’m Mo Shapiro and joining me for the first time, the Rockstar to my boardwalk beach bonfire, Tim Cappello. And with that, oh and I guess Max Sanders is here to, I STILL BELIEVE!
11/2/2021 • 1 hour, 11 minutes, 30 seconds
The 80s Collector Part 3 Horror Edition
In Part 1 we started building the world’s greatest 80s movie memorabilia collection. In Part 2 with the help of celebrity chef Graham Elliot, we added some rad items like the glaive from Krull, the WOPR computer from WarGames and the Auryn from The Neverending Story. Today in Part 3 we’re building out the museum to include our favorite keepsakes from 80s horror films. I’m Mo Shapiro and joining me as always, the white painted Shatner mask to my Halloween nightmare, Max Sanders. And with that, let’s build our collection!
10/26/2021 • 58 minutes, 59 seconds
80s Horror Favorites
King, Cronenberg, Holland, Kubrick and Landis all had the distinct honor of scaring the absolute hell out of a generation of movie goers. The 80s produced cult and blockbuster classics that 40 years later are often imitated but never duplicated. What better way to pay tribute to these masters of fright then to spend an hour talking about our favorite kills, stories and elements of 80s horror. I’m Mo Shapiro and joining me as always. The Children to my Corn, Max Sanders. And with that… HE WANTS YOU TOO MALACHI! HE WANTS YOU TOO!!!
10/19/2021 • 1 hour, 17 minutes, 49 seconds
Recasting The Lost Boys
Welcome to Santa Clara, murder capital of the world. With October in full swing the time has come to put our full focus on the definitive vampire movie of the 1980s. In a truly sacrilegious act, we will take the best vampire movie ever (Sorry Once Bitten!) and recast it with actors and actresses from the 1980s. Holy water, garlic and a stake through the heart can’t stop us from tampering with perfection. I’m Mo Shapiro and joining me as always, the Alan Frog to my Edgar Frog, Max Sanders. And with that, let’s recast The Lost Boys!
10/12/2021 • 1 hour, 1 minute, 49 seconds
Guiltier Pleasures 80s Movie Edition
Twenty-nine episodes ago our guilty pleasures were put on display for all to judge. Blind Fury, Masters of the Universe, Howard the Duck and Next of Kin were some of the decadent choices we served up. But that was then and this is now. We’ve developed trust with you, we can TRULY be ourselves. Today on Buzzn The Tower we’ll dive into our favorite 80s movies we’re ashamed to talk about. I’m Mo Shapiro and joining me as always, the fonzanoon to my Jack Hartounian, Max Sanders. And with that, let's get guilty!
10/5/2021 • 1 hour, 8 minutes, 39 seconds
Nightmare On Elm Street 4-7
Today’s episode, Nightmare on Elm Street 4-7. The only thing to fear is fear himself. Freddy Krueger made the 80s a scarier place and we are so glad he did! On today’s episode of Buzzn The Tower we jump into Part 2 of our Krueger box set review with our good friend Caleb. I’m Max Sanders and joining me as always, the red and green sweater to my severely burned torso, Mo Shapiro. And with that…welcome to my nightmare!
9/28/2021 • 1 hour, 14 minutes, 40 seconds
Nightmare On Elm Street 1-3
One…Two… Freddy’s coming for you… Three…Four…Better lock your door… Robert Englund and Wes Craven loaded the 80s with enough nightmare fuel to send a rocket into space. On today’s episode of Buzzn The Tower we join horror film aficionado Caleb as we deep dive into the Elm Street box set. I’m Mo Shapiro and joining me as always, the fedora to my knife glove, Max Sanders.
9/21/2021 • 1 hour, 28 minutes, 41 seconds
80s Personality Test
Have you ever gone on a blind date thinking it’ll be with Jake Ryan, only to find out it’s with Ducky? Or while scrolling through Facebook have you clicked on a short quiz to see which breakfast club member you most resemble? Today on Buzzn The Tower Max and I will give a full personality and psych profile of each other using characters from 80s movies. If you really want to know what’s behind our eyes this is the episode for you. I’m Mo Shapiro and joining me as always, the Max Sanders…to my Mo Shapiro, Max Sanders. And with that, YOU WANNA GET NUTS?! LET’S GET NUTS!
9/14/2021 • 57 minutes, 10 seconds
Back To School
There’s an entire genre of films about the high school and college experience. Sixteen Candles, Revenge of the Nerds and Real Genius, just to name a few. But there is one movie that doesn’t get the RESPECT it deserves. Today on Buzzn The Tower we’re going to change that by Triple Lindy diving headfirst into the 80s college romp Back to School. I’m Mo Shapiro and joining me as always, the Lou to my Thorton Melon, Max Sanders.
9/7/2021 • 1 hour, 44 seconds
Top 10 Sports Moments From 80s Movies
DANANA DANANA! That sound is synonymous with SportsCenter Top 10 lists, from women’s hockey to the NFL there is always a top 10 plays, shots, rebounds, goals or even celebrations list from ESPN. But what they fail to cover are some of the best sports moments of our lifetime. Today on Buzzn The Tower we’re going to list our top 10 sports moments from 80s movies. Boxing, soccer, basketball and even Kumite will make an appearance on our list. I’m Mo Shapiro and joining me as always, the Boof to my Scott Howard, Max Sanders.
8/31/2021 • 1 hour, 5 minutes, 43 seconds
Recasting Major League
Burn onnnnn big river.... burn on. In 1969 Randy Newman read an article about the heavily polluted Cuyahoga River in Ohio literally catching on fire! Little did he know that twenty years later his melodic creation would hitch itself to the greatest baseball movie ever filmed. Some will say The Natural, Bull Durham or Field of Dreams deserve that title, but to that I say "Forget about the curveball Ricky, GIVE HIM THE HEATER!" Today on Buzzn The Tower, we will tempt fate yet again as we recast the characters of Major League with other 80s actors. I'm Mo Shapiro and joining me as always, the guy who's name we could not find on IMDB or anywhere, to my Harry Doyle, Max Sanders. And with that... JUUUUUUUST A BIT OUTTTTSIDE!
8/24/2021 • 58 minutes
Remembering Patrick Swayze
Tomorrow, August 18th 2021, would have been Patrick Swayze’s 69th birthday. It is impossible to talk about 80s movies without mentioning his work. Swayze perfectly blended action hero, heartthrob and big hair into an electric career on the big screen. Today on Buzzn The Tower we’ll remember an actor who did everything from cleaning up The Double Deuce to facing the mafia with a bow and arrow. I’m Mo Shapiro, and joining me as always the Sylvia to my Sidney Schumacher, Max Sanders. And with that… She’s like the wind, through my treeeee.
8/17/2021 • 1 hour, 3 minutes, 52 seconds
The Best 80s Opening Scenes
The opening sequence of a film can make or break the movie going experience. In order to suspend reality, buy into the story, fall in love with a character, or white knuckle with suspense, you must first be hooked with the beginning of the movie. Today on Buzzn The Tower we’re going to list our favorite 80s opening scenes. The ones that, to this day, give us goosebumps and lock us in for a 90-minute cinematic thrill ride. I’m Mo Shapiro and joining me as always, The TriStar Pictures Pegasus to my MGM Lion, Max Sanders. And with that…
8/10/2021 • 1 hour, 7 minutes, 15 seconds
Most Satisfying Villain Deaths
For the death of a movie villain to truly be satisfying, two things must be true to some degree: One, the villain must be vile, detestable and pure evil. Two, the graphic nature of the villain’s death must match the vitriol they solicit. On today’s dark and disturbing episode of Buzzn The Tower we’re going to discuss movie villain deaths that left us feeling warm and fuzzy on the inside. I’m Mo Shapiro and joining me as always, the Ursula to my Prince Eric, Max Sanders. And with that, let’s talk murder!
8/3/2021 • 1 hour, 7 minutes, 4 seconds
Rocky IV
Two worlds collide, rival nations. It's a primitive clash venting years of frustrations. Bravely we hope, against all hope, there's so much at stake, seems our freedom's up against the ropes. Does the crowd understand, it it East vs. West? Or man against man? Can any nation stand alone? In 1985 Rocky Balboa ended the Cold War. Our friends over at The Nostalgia Test Podcast invited Buzzn The Tower to sit down and talk about this pivotal moment in world history. I'm Mo Shapiro and joining me as always the SICO Robot to my ungrateful Uncle Paulie, Max Sanders. And with that let's join Dan and Manny from The Nostalgia Test Podcast!
7/27/2021 • 2 hours, 3 minutes, 5 seconds
One Crazy Summer
You may have heard, but Buzzn The Tower is more than just a podcast. As 80s film historians we have a moral obligation to educate our friends, our enemies and our communities. Today we evoke our civic duties as we talk about a hidden gem called One Crazy Summer. By the time this episode is over, you’ll understand why this movie is a summer classic. I’m Mo Shapiro and joining me as always the Clay Stork to my Egg Stork, Max Sanders. And with that, OH YA THANK YOU I WILL HAVE SOME COOKIES!!!
7/20/2021 • 55 minutes, 13 seconds
Remembering Richard Donner
On July 5th, 2021 the world lost an entertainment icon. At the age of 91, Richard Donner left a legacy very few will ever come close to even touching. You cannot talk about the 80s without mentioning his work and his impact on cinema. ClarK Kent, One-Eyed Willy, Murtaugh and Riggs and a hawk that was a lady, all owe a debt of gratitude to one of Hollywood's greatest directors. On today's episode of Buzzn The Tower we'll look back at the films Donner made during the 1980s and talk about a man who's talent was only rivaled by his kindness. I'm Mo Shapiro and joining me as always, the Chunk to my Mikey, Max Sanders. And with that... "Our parents they wanted the bestest stuff for us, but they got to do what's best for them, cuz it's their time, their time up there. Down here it's our time, it's our time down here! That's all over the second we ride up Troy's bucket."
7/13/2021 • 59 minutes, 27 seconds
Epic 80s Movie Scores
The very first episode of Buzzn The Tower was called Radical 80s Movie Jams. We covered everything from Kenny Loggins Danger Zone to Ray Parker Jr's Ghostbusters. Today we head back to the realm of music with our eyes and ears on some of the most epic theatrical scores ever composed. These works of art create suspense, evoke emotions and sometimes are as popular as the movies themselves. So sit back, grab a glass of wine and enjoy a MOST… sophisticated journey to the classical music of the 80s. I’m Mo Shapiro and joining me as always, the cello playing Dana Barrett to my Vigo the Carpathian, Max Sanders. And with that, let’s get classy.
7/6/2021 • 1 hour, 15 minutes, 50 seconds
Recasting The Karate Kid
Sand the floor. Paint the fence. Get a bodybag and get ready for the All-Valley Karate Tournament, because today we're taking one of the best movies around and replacing the beloved characters with other stars from the 80s. We'll have to make tough decisions and commit to our choices. Win, lose, no matter. You make good fight, earn respect then nobody bother. I'm Mo Shapiro and joining me as always, the Daniel-san to my Mr. Miyagi, Max Sanders. And with that, let's recast The Karate Kid!
6/29/2021 • 1 hour, 4 minutes, 11 seconds
The 80s Collector Part 2 With Graham Elliot
In Part 1 Buzzn The Tower started building its fantasy collectors museum. From Lloyd Dobler's boombox to Axel Foley's jacket our collection had a strong start. Today we pick up where we left off, we'll continue to fill our airplane hanger with 80s movie memorabilia that would make Spielberg himself jealous. But this time we have a little help... I'm Mo Shapiro and joining me for the first time, the Swedish Chef to my Hurdy Gurdy Gurdy, Graham Elliot. And with that let's build our collection!
6/22/2021 • 1 hour, 12 minutes, 17 seconds
Building The Perfect 80s Dad
Good advice, bad jokes and questionable fashion sense. The rad dads of the 80s had it all! Today we’ll celebrate Father’s Day by hand picking bits and pieces of our favorite 80s dads and Frankensteining the mother of all…. or father of all patriarchs. I’m Mo Shapiro and joining me as always the Danny to my Jack Torrance, Max Sanders. And with that, let's get to work!
6/15/2021 • 1 hour, 8 minutes, 22 seconds
Stallone Schwarzenegger Movie Swap
Vice Versa, The Parent Trap, 18 again, 17 again, Face/Off, The Hot Chick, The Shaggy Dog, The Change Up. There is no shortage of Body Swap movies in Hollywood. But what if instead of Judge Reinhold and Fred Savage playing musical chairs with their souls we tried something new... something bold. Stallone and Schwarzenegger dominated the movies of the 80s from muscles to one liners they were the definition of action. But what if we had to Freaky Friday 3 of their respective films, could it be done? Should it be done? I'm Mo Shapiro and joining me as always the Brigitte Nielsen to my Arnold/Sly love triangle. And with that, let's do a movie swap!
6/8/2021 • 1 hour, 2 minutes, 22 seconds
Beverly Hills Cop
The heat is on, on the street, inside your head, on every beat. Few movies have captured lightening in a bottle like the 1984 classic Beverly Hills Cop. This is Eddie Murphy at his best, and today we're going to celebrate one of the finest movies the 80s had to offer. I'm Mo Shapiro, and joining me as always, the Detective Rosewood to my Sergeant Taggart, Max Sanders. And with that, let's ruin the buffet at the Harrow Club.
6/1/2021 • 59 minutes, 55 seconds
Top 11 80s Sci-Fi Movies Part 2
Last week on Buzzn The Tower we covered 11 through 6: Akira, Tron, They Live, The Last Starfighter, Escape from New York and Dune. This week we're going to get to the heart of our Sci-Fi romance with our top 5. I'm Mo Shapiro, and joining me as always, the Jonesy the Cat to my Ellen Ripley, Max Sanders. And with that, THAT'S IT MAN, GAME OVER MAN, GAME OVER!!! WHAT ARE WE GONNA DO?!
5/25/2021 • 59 minutes, 38 seconds
Top 11 80s Sci-Fi Movies Part 1
Science fiction... the final frontier. These are the favorite sci-fi movies of Buzzn The Tower. It's two part mission... to explore 80s movies, to seek out new facts to rank and debate...to boldly go where no podcast has gone before. I'm Mo Shapiro, joining me as always, the Spock to my Admiral Kirk, Max Sanders. And with that... KHHHHHHAAAAAAAAANNNNN!!!!!
5/18/2021 • 53 minutes, 14 seconds
Buzzn The Tower Mother's Day Special
Every year on the second Sunday of May we take time to honor and celebrate the wonderful women who brought us into this world. The very existence of humanity and, more importantly, the 80s, can be tracked back to some incredible moms. Buzzn The Tower itself would not be here today if not for the love, compassion and overwhelming patience of two wonderful matriarchs. So what way better to show our love to the special women in our lives than to highlight our favorite moms from our favorite 80s movies. Today we'll laugh, we'll cry, we'll cry some more and then we'll laugh, and in the end... we'll probably cry some more. I'm Mo Shapiro and joining me as always, the only person I know who loves his mom as much as I do, Max Sanders. And with that, Happy Mother's Day!
5/11/2021 • 1 hour, 14 minutes, 49 seconds
Remembering John Candy
Canada's three greatest exports are beer, hockey and John Candy. This gift from the Great White North gave us dozens of performances that still warm our hearts to this day. Rather than focus on how we lost him too soon, today we'll rejoice in the gifts he left behind. John Candy owned the 80s, and in honor of that Buzzn The Tower will dedicate an episode to remembering his life, impact and performances. I'm Mo Shapiro and joining me as always, the Tom Tuttle from Tacoma to my Chet Riley, Max Sanders. And with that, take this quarter go downtown and have a rat gnaw that thing off your face!
5/4/2021 • 1 hour, 11 minutes, 53 seconds
Drafting The Perfect Comedy
In honor of the 2021 NFL Draft, Buzzn The Tower is putting together two fiercely competitive rosters of comedic geniuses. Directors, writers, and actors will be chosen throughout this ten round fantasy draft. The result? The best 80s comedy ever made. Strategy, player evaluation and a little luck will all be needed as we try to create a movie even Vince Lombardi would be proud of. I'm Mo Shapiro and joining me as always, the Mel Kiper Jr. to my Todd McShay, Max Sanders. And with that... Max you're on the clock.
4/27/2021 • 1 hour, 10 minutes, 51 seconds
Game Of Thrones 80s Edition
Buzzn The Tower is traveling back to the 80s. Max is in his DeLorean, I'm in the phone booth, and we're going straight to HBO to pitch George R. R. Martin's novels, A Song of Ice and Fire. The Starks, Targaryens and Lannisters are getting a radical makeover. From the Iron Islands to Westeros the locations and stories will remain the same, but we'll need the best 80s actors and actresses to step into these iconic roles. I'm Mo Shapiro and joining me as always, the Hodor to my Bran Stark, Max Sanders. And with that, I am the three-eyed Raven!
4/20/2021 • 1 hour, 13 minutes, 38 seconds
Top 10 80s Comedy Duos
Lucille Ball & Desi Arnaz, Laurel & Hardy, Abbott & Costello, Spade & Farley, Key & Peele... Mo & Max. Some comedic duos are in a class of their own, if you are listening to this podcast you no doubt love comedy, comedic duos and realize the 80s had plenty of both. Today we're going to list our Top 10 80s Comedic Duos from our favorite movies. I'm Mo Shapiro and joining me as always, the punchline to my joke, Max Sanders. And with that, let's get our laugh on!
4/13/2021 • 1 hour, 5 minutes, 46 seconds
Recasting The Empire Strikes Back
Evading the dreaded Imperial Starfleet, a pair of Podcasters have decided to recast The Empire Strikes Back with different actors from the 80s. From their secret base on the remote ice world of Michigan, Buzzn The Tower will restore balance to the force. How do you try and replace such a prolific cast? No, try not. Do, or do not. There is no try. I'm Mo Shapiro and joining as always, the warm Tauntaun intestines to my unconscious Luke Skywalker, Max Sanders and with that I thought they smelled bad on the outside!
4/6/2021 • 1 hour, 19 minutes, 50 seconds
Who You Gonna Call? Ghostbusters!
1984 is widely considered the greatest year for movies of all time. Temple of Doom, The Terminator, Beverly Hills Cop, and The Karate Kid just to name a few. One movie in particular stood above the rest as a cultural and spiritual life changing event. New York City is heading for a disaster of biblical proportions; Old Testament, real wrath of God type stuff, forty years of darkness, earthquakes, volcanos, human sacrifice, dogs and cats living together, MASS HYSTERIA!!! I'm Mo Shapiro and joining me as always, the Zuul to my Vinz Clortho, Max Sanders. And with that, let's go bust some ghosts!
3/30/2021 • 1 hour, 4 minutes, 28 seconds
Thanos Snapping The Work Of John Hughes
Despite our greatest efforts the Mad Titan has recovered all of the Infinity Stones. However, this Endgame has a twist. When Thanos snaps his fingers half of the 1980s John Hughes catalog will disappear forever. The world's greatest 80s movie Avengers, Mo & Max, have been assembled to choose which movies stay and which movies go. I'm Mo "Captain America" Shapiro, and joining me as always, the Molly Ringwald to my Anthony Michael Hall, Max "Black Widow" Sanders. And with that... Buzzn The Tower ASSEMBLE!
3/23/2021 • 1 hour, 18 minutes, 50 seconds
Guilty Pleasures 80s Movie Edition
In case you didn't know, this podcast is dedicated to the movies of the 1980s. And found within that rich tapestry of action, drama, horror, and comedy are some of the finest films ever made. But lurking in the shadows, in places you'll never admit, are some movies that would make a billy goat puke. Even worse than the actual films, is the fact that we still love and watch them. We're not here to judge, in fact, quite the opposite. Today we're going to confess to our guiltiest 80s movie pleasures, the movies that are so bad... we kind of think they're good. I'm Mo Shapiro, and joining me as always, the Blanky to my Brave Little Toaster, Max Sanders. And with that...if no one's looking... let's admit to our guilty pleasures.
3/16/2021 • 1 hour, 9 minutes, 38 seconds
Weird Sciencing The Perfect 80s Action Hero
The 1980s defined action hero Shangri-La. From J.J. McQuade to John Matrix there was never a shortage of biceps, bullets and blackbelts on the big screen. Today we're going to borrow Gary and Wyatt's brilliant idea from Weird Science. But instead of making a woman named Lisa, we're going to Frankenstein the perfect 80s action hero. I'm Mo "Dark Shadow" Shapiro and with me as always, the Jean Claude to my Van Damme, Max "Viper Blood" Sanders. And with that, let's make a monster!
3/9/2021 • 1 hour, 6 minutes, 55 seconds
Recasting Back To The Future
There are movies and then there are MOVIES. You'd be hard pressed to find a single person alive who doesn't know who Marty McFly is, or how many gigawatts are needed for time travel. Today we're going to do the unthinkable and go back in time to 1985... and technically 1955 too, and recast Back To The Future with different actors from the 80s. We don't have a DeLorean or a phone both or even a hot tub, but that won't stop us from revisiting one of our favorite 80s films. I'm Mo Shapiro and joining me as always, the Eric Stoltz to my Michael J. Fox, Max Sanders. And with that, let's see if you bastards can do 90!
3/2/2021 • 1 hour, 1 minute, 40 seconds
It's An 80s Movie Dance Off Part 2
Last week we started our top 25 countdown by covering the bottom 15. This week we'll rank our top 10 best dance scenes of 80s cinema. So grab your BMX bike or Strategic Artificially Intelligent Nuclear Transport, Johnny Five to his friends, and get ready to boogie down. I'm your host Mo Shapiro, and with me as always, the steel town girl to my Saturday night, Max Sanders. And with that, let's dance!
2/23/2021 • 1 hour, 14 minutes, 24 seconds
It's An 80s Movie Dance Off Part 1
Ren McCormack knew the salvation of his town relied on a dance. Johnny Castle wasn't about to let anyone put baby in a corner. Films have a long standing romance with dance, whether it's Gene Kelly splashing in puddles or Kid 'n Play tearing it up at a house party. Cinematic dance scenes have spanned every decade and, as always, the 80s did it best. Today, in Part 1 we are going to rank our top 25 through 11, 80s movie dance scenes. I'm Mo Shapiro and with me as always, the Willard to my Ren, Max Sanders. And with that....I THOUGHT THIS WAS A PARTY, LET'S DANCE!!!
2/16/2021 • 58 minutes, 29 seconds
Mo Shapiro's Day Off
The question isn't what are we going to do. The question is what aren't we going to do. Straight from the playbook of Ferris Bueller we're gonna take a day off, splicing and dicing all of the greatest parts of our 80s movies to make an adventure worth talking about. Minding the P's and Q's of everything Ferris Bueller, we're going to make the most out of this day. Because it's pretty tough to come up with a new illness, if I gotta go for 10 I'm probably gonna have to barf up a lung, so we better make this one count. I'm Mo Shapiro and joining me as always, the Sloane Peterson to my Abe Froman, Max Sanders. And with that, let's start our day off!
2/9/2021 • 54 minutes, 31 seconds
The 80s Collector
From lightsabers to Howard The Duck’s recliner, our favorite movies from the 80s are filled with items we want, can’t have, or maybe we can. Today we're going to explore what we want in our own personal collection. I'm Mo Shapiro and joining me as always, the flux capacitor to my DeLorean, Max Sanders. And with that, let's curate our museum!
2/2/2021 • 1 hour, 1 minute, 40 seconds
Talk Nerdy To Me
Whether you’re a dork, a nerd, a dweeb or you just feel a little out of place, there’s some 80s movie that made you feel a little bit more normal. We’ve put together a list of our 10 favorite 80s nerds. Spanning the best decade of film with the biggest dorks you could imagine. I’m Mo Shapiro and with me as always, the Cameron to my Ferris, Max Sanders.
1/26/2021 • 52 minutes, 51 seconds
Yo Bartender Jobu Needs A Refill
We're going to take all the best practices from all our favorite 80s films and put together the ultimate bar. A place where you’d want to go if everybody knew your name. A place where you’d want to have a beer, a cocktail or even just spend a little bit of time reminiscing about the best decade ever. I’m Mo Shapiro and with me as always, The Bunny to my pot of boiling vengeful water, Max Sanders.
1/19/2021 • 1 hour, 17 minutes, 24 seconds
Congrats It's An 80's Baby Part 2
We’re going to hop back into the only right way to raise a child in the crazy world we live in, which is a steady dose of your favorite 80s films. In Part 2 we cover the must see 1980s movies for the tumultuous adolescent years of 12 through 18. I’m Mo Shapiro and with me as always, the Flanagan to my Coughlin, Max Sanders.
1/12/2021 • 51 minutes, 30 seconds
Congrats It's An 80's Baby Part 1
We’re going to hop into the only right way to raise a child in the crazy world we live in, which is a steady dose of your favorite 80s films. In Part 1 we cover the must see 1980s movies for the fundamental ages of 5 through 11. I’m Mo Shapiro and with me as always, the Dalton to my Garrett, Max Sanders.
1/5/2021 • 49 minutes, 41 seconds
How We Got To The Chopper
We’re going to dive into everything Predator. This movie didn’t happen by accident, it took a look of serendipity, good luck and Arnold Schwarzenegger to get us there. So please join us! I’m Mo Shapiro and with me as always, the Dillon to my Dutch, Max Sanders.
12/29/2020 • 1 hour, 5 minutes, 30 seconds
Buzzn The Tower Holiday Special Part 2
In Part 2, Santa Claus continues checking his list twice and deciding which 80s movie characters are naughty or nice. Part 1 has shown us that Santa is an unforgiving judicial monster who won't let you slide. So as we go into Part 2 remember someone has to make these difficult decisions. I'm Mo "Kris Kringle" Shapiro and with me as always the Rambo to my Trautman, Max "Patch" Sanders. And with that let's pick up where we left off.
12/21/2020 • 43 minutes, 58 seconds
Buzzn The Tower Holiday Special Part 1
December is our favorite month of the year. Sitting on our couch curled up with a blanket, watching John McClane say yippee ki yay and waiting for Ralphie to get his Red Ryder BB Gun. In Part 1, we are going to play the role of Santa and explore all of our favorite 80s Christmas films and make a definitive list of who really was naughty or nice. I'm Ho Ho Ho Mo Shapiro and joining me as always the Rusty to my Clark, Max Merry Christmas Sanders. And with that lets check our list twice.
12/21/2020 • 45 minutes, 57 seconds
Recasting The Princess Bride
Buttercup was raised on a small farm in the country of Florin. If this is the first time you’ve heard that sentence you’re missing out on one of the best movies ever made. Today we’re going to embark on a most INCONCIEVABLE journey as we try to recast The Princess Bride with actors and actresses from the same 80s era. I’m Mo Shaprio and with me as always, the rodent of unusual size to my fire swamp, Max Sanders. And with that let’s recast!
12/17/2020 • 57 minutes, 59 seconds
Radical 80s Movie Jams
Our favorite 80s movies have one thing in common; a song or two that are inseparable from the film. Today we're gonna dive into our favorite original songs that were made just for the movies they debuted in. I'm your host Mo Shapiro, joining me as always, the Riggs to my Murtaugh, Max Sanders. And with that, let's jump in!