Summer Special #27 - Gleaming the Cube (1988) [Non-Cannon ~ Episode 75]

Skate or Die, dudes! This time we watched the 1988 cult classic skateboarding adventure movie, Gleaming the Cube starring Christian Slater! That's right, it's time to take a trip to 1980s California to solve a murder and do some shredding along the way.

This is one of those films that takes a bizarre concept and runs with it without any sort of wink and nod towards the audience, which is something the decade was known for. Therefore you get a 1980s skateboarding movie with enough drama and suspense to shake a stick at. One thing I can say with 100% certainty is that you will never see another movie like Gleaming the Cube in your life. And considering this is the 1980s, that is saying something.

Of course it isn't perfect, but it is an overall unique and fun movie to watch. Check out our full opinions in the episode above.

Randy's Score: 3/5

JD's Score: 3/5

Up Next: The Manhattan Project!

Summer Special #26 - Pray for Death (1985) [Non-Cannon ~ Episode 74]

It's finally time for another Sho Kosugi flick! I've been dying to do another one for awhile now, but we just haven't had the opportunity. That changes today.

In this one, our hero faces down a syndicate of ruthless gangsters who assault his family and other innocent people until he has finally reached the limit. At which point it is ninja time! Remember: only a ninja can stop a ninja: or in this case, can deal justice to an entire cadre of murderers. And since it's Sho Kosugi, you know it's a thorough cleansing.

There isn't much else to say. With a title like Pray for Death you know what to expect, and that's more than enough for a summer popcorn romp. See the episode above for our full thoughts on this 1980s ninja flick.

Randy's Score: 3/5

JD's Score: 4/5

Up Next: Gleaming the Cube!

Summer Special #25 - Space Camp (1986) [Non-Cannon ~ Episode 73]

Summer rolls on! This week we're looking at a forgotten summer family movie that came out at an unfortunate time and disappeared as quickly as it was put out. That's right, it's 1986's Space Camp, a film that has all the ingredients for success!

On paper the movie looks like an underrated gem begging to be rediscovered. The reality is that the execution fails on every single level. Space Camp is a surprisingly terrible movie with no redeeming qualities that gets just about everything wrong that it can. It is bafflingly bad, even seperated from the advertising issues it suffered when it was released. There is a very good reason this movie has gone forgotten and will likely stay that way.

Find out how it flubs an easy concept that it gets right in the description by checking out the full episode above. You will be surprised!

Randy's Score: 1/5

JD's Score: 1/5

Up Next: Pray for Death!

Summer Special #24 - Remote Control (1988) [Non-Cannon ~ Episode 72]

We're going obscure again with the true cult classic Remote Control from 1988! In this movie from the writer and director of other beloved cult hits such as Just Before Dawn and Blue Sunshine comes this sort of tribute, parody, and wild take on 1950s alien invasion stories through a 1980s lens. There isn't a whole lot like this one, and neither would it be allowed to exist outside of the era it was made. You would never see anything like Remote Control today.

Of course, the movie isn't perfect, but it has an undeniable charm. It is especially effective for those who lived in the era the film was made. Your mileage may vary, and we go into why in today's episode. Control yourself!

Randy's Score: 2/5

JD's Score: 3/5

Up Next: Space Camp!

Summer Special #23 - Heavyweights (1995) [Non-Cannon ~ Episode 71]

This week we go a bit sideways with a now-obscure Disney movie that was actually the launching pad for a few individuals you might have heard of today. It might be a more well-known picture compared to what we usually cover, but not so much these days.

Heavyweights is a typical camp movie from the time period, only this one is focused around overweight kids being forced to go against their will and having to deal with it. It's not half bad, though it doesn't do a whole lot to stand out from the pack. That said, it is alright for what it is. Check out the full episode to hear our thoughts.

Randy's Score: 3/5

JD's Score: 3/5

Up Next: Remote Control!

Summer Special #22 - The Lost Boys (1987) [Non-Cannon ~ Episode 70]

Here's a movie we've been trying to cover for some time now. From 1987, this cult classic is still the favorite of many Gen Xers today. But does it hold up well?

Surprisingly well, actually. This is a vampire movie, of the type that existed before Anne Rice permanently ruined the monster in pop culture, where the stakes are high and the monster is suitable intimidating. On the other hand you've got an all-star cast of the kind that could only have existed at the time it was made. The Lost Boys is pretty much the full package. It is the quintessential adventure movie of its era.

Is it perfect? Not quite, but that doesn't stop us from talking about this one for a long time. See what we discuss in today's episode!

Randy's Score: 4/5

JD's Score: 4/5

Up Next: Heavyweights

Summer Special #21 - Don't Tell Mom the Babysitter's Dead (1991) [Non-Cannon ~ Episode 69]

This week we took a look at a movie neither of us were that familiar with. We wanted to try a film from that time that we simply didn't know much about but would have been in our wheelhouse growing up. So, did it work out? In a way.

Don't Tell Mom the Babysitter's Dead is not the type of movie the poster advertises itself as, in more ways than one. Despite having the director of Critters, Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure, the Mighty Ducks, Mr. Holland's Opus, Rock Star, and the original live action 101 Dalmatians, it really isn't like any of those vastly different movies at all. Unfortunately, this is ultimately to the film's detriment. There is a reason you haven't heard much about this one since its original release, even with all the advantages it should have.

That said, it isn't terrible. We discuss what it's all about in today's new summer episode! Happy 4th of July!

Randy's Score: 3/5

JD's Score: 3/5

Up Next: The Lost Boys!