Old Roommates

This little piggy ran all the way to the Oscars! Yes, back in 1995, critics and audiences worldwide couldn't get enough of "Babe." Nominated for a hayride-full of Academy Awards, this pig was a bit of an underdog. But now, over thirty years later, is everything better with bacon? How do the talking animals' special effects hold up in our AI world? And how many animal tragedies are too many for a "family movie." The Old Roommates pour two glasses of (oat) milk and give "Babe" a Thanksgiving week revisit through their middle-aged lens. Quit counting sheep and join them! 
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Eddie Murphy plays Prince Akeem and, with the help of a whole lotta latex, several other supporting characters in the 1988 hit, "Coming to America." Back then, the movie charmed audiences and critics alike, and solidified Murphy as box office royalty. It also gave him an opportunity to be in a rom com. But now, decades later, is 80's Eddie still a King of Comedy? Should the barbershop scenes end up on the cutting room floor? And, are our two love interests following a rose-pedaled path to heartbreak? The Old Roommates head to Queens and give it all a revisit through...

Boy meets car. Boy loves car. Car loves boy. Car turns homicidal. Yes, 1983's horror movie, "Christine" asked audiences to buckle up and suspend disbelief. Audiences and critics were mixed back then, but the film went on to become a cult classic. But now, over four decades later, does this flick violate more than the Lemon Law? Can a 1958 Plymouth be scary? Can evil cure vision challenges? And why are Arnie (Keith Gordon) and Dennis (John Stockwell) even friends to begin with? The Old Roommates fill 'er up and give this Stephen King's adaptation a revisit through their middle-aged lens...

It's Christina's birthday pick! As is tradition on the pod, she's making co-host Brian watch a movie he's never seen before. Her pick: 1992's My Cousin Vinny. We're not quite sure how the eff Brian never got around to seeing this comedy classic in his "yout" ... but here we are. Did he appreciate Marisa Tomei's Oscar-winning turn? Did he chuckle and guffaw as so many 90s audience members did way back when? And, most importantly, did Christina still love it? The Old Roommates order some Breakfast and put this Joe Pesci crowdpleaser through their middle-aged lens. Grab some grits and...

Andie MacDowell and Gerard Depardieu were an unlikely rom-com couple in 1990's Green Card. Yes, upon release, the "snob and slob" dynamic set against a rather chilly concept left audiences and critics mixed. But now, decades later, were we all a little too hard on this improbable pair? Is it even possible to root for a couple who are literally breaking the law? And why does Bronte (MacDowell) wear white shirts when she gardens? The Old Roommates smear on some Monticello face cream and discuss the Golden Globe winner through their middle-aged lens. Grab your parcels and join them! 
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"Shall we play a game?" Okay, let's play, "Where the hell are this kid's parents?" In 1983's War Games, our teenage techie (played by Matthew Broderick) is able to skip school for a week, hack into computers, and get arrested for espionage without even getting grounded. Now though, is truancy this kid's lightest offense? How does this film's "computers are people too" storyline hold up in our AI age? And why is Ally Sheedy's character such a fast runner? The Old Roommates stop their 300th game of tic-tac-toe and discuss this blockbuster through their middle-aged lens. "Dial up" and join...

Season 7 Premier!  Armed with a baseball bat and a big mouth, Joe Clark was a man with a mission: to turn around the test scores of the struggling "cauldron of violence" known as Eastside High in Paterson, New Jersey. The 1989 film, Lean on Me, chronicled Clark's plight while Morgan Freeman nailed his first starring role. But now, decades later, does this flick make us all feel like we're in detention? Why is everyone in this movie yelling? And, why fire the music teacher? The Old Roommates sign up for extra credit and revisit this crowdpleaser through their middle-aged lens. Grab a...

Plus: Our Roomie Awards! No, they can't believe it either. Brian and Christina celebrate the end of season 6 by taking a look back at their podcast year. Filled with exciting stats, fun facts, and their personal favorite episodes, this episode is bursting at its middle-aged seams. And, as mentioned, they'll rip open their envelopes to reveal the winners (and losers) of their 5th Annual Roomie Awards. Get spiffy and join them! 
Old Roommates can be reached via email at oldroommatespod@gmail.com. Follow Old Roommates on social media @OldRoommates for bonus content and please give us a rating or r...

"Leaving Las Vegas" RevisitedNicolas Cage won an Oscar (along with a case of other recognitions) for his role as Ben, an alcoholic with nothing left to lose in 1995's Leaving Las Vegas. Elisabeth Shue also scored raves and awards as Sera, Ben's angelic girlfriend / caretaker / sex worker. Yes, this heavy drama was drunk with both accolades and box office bucks. But now, decades later, does this whole ordeal leave us with a dated hangover? Does every movie hooker have to have a heart of gold? And is death-bed sex really a thing? The Old Roommates take a sobering look at...

Watch your step! This week, we're revisiting that sci-fi family classic, Honey, I Shrunk the Kids. Back in 1989, this Disney flick delighted audiences with its cute concept, its practical effects, and its ... completely terrifying fight-to-the-death bug battles. But now, decades later, does it now feel a little less than the sum of its parts? Is Rick Moranis' Wayne a bad scientist and a bad dad? Do both parents in this "family movie" have issues way bigger than shrunken kids? And why does the mud look so gross? The Old Roommates double-check their Cheerios and give this beloved blockbuster a revisit...

Sissy Spacek and Piper Laurie did the unheard of in the 70s. They both nabbed Oscar noms for a horror movie. Yes, Brian DePalma's "Carrie" was, much like Carrie White's house, a groundbreaker. Featuring telekinesis, the supernatural, religious fanaticism, and (oh yeah) an ever-flowing bucket of pig blood, "Carrie" seemed an unlikely slam dunk, but it scored big with both audiences and critics. Now, decades and remakes later, did Carrie White maybe overreact a smidge? Why did Betty Buckley get the worst of it? And how much 1970s pubic hair belongs in a film's opening credits? The Old Roommates pop...

"Don't forget. I'm also just a girl, standing in front of a boy, asking him to love her." And, boy, were we suckers for this girl. In 1999's Notting Hill, the powerhouse coupling of Julia Roberts and Hugh Grant had audiences lining up on both sides of the pond. The rom com would go on to make over $360 million. Now, decades later, does this London-set love story have us scratching our heads as much as it once tugged our hearts? Why is Emma so drawn to Will? Why is Emma so mean to Will? And, why oh why, do we...

"Kneel before Zod!" Not even a "please." Movie villains were rude back in the '80s. And Zod, Ursa, Non and Lex Luthor were no exception. Spanning cities, countries and even planets, Superman 2's bad guys really had our hero putting in the frequent flier miles. But now, decades later, does all the action leave us jetlagged. How many villains is too many? And shouldn't Superman have consulted Lois Lane about giving up ALL of his super powers? The Old Roommates find a phone booth and revisit the Christopher Reeve adventure through their middle-aged lens. Join us for a high-flying...

Marcia, Marcia, Marcia. Jan's lament was front, center and hilariously accentuated by a game cast in 1995's The Brady Bunch Movie. Thirty years ago, the film was loved by critics and audiences alike, as we witnessed The Bradys staying true to themselves during 1990's. But nowadays, where do the Bradys fit in? Are they awesomely anachronistic or just plain annoying? Are the impersonations of Carol, Marcia and Jan too good? And where's Tiger? The Old Roommates pop on potato sacks and race through a revisit of this peppy parody. Join us, but watch out for mom's favorite vase.
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Val Kilmer played Jim Morrison in 1991's The Doors to great acclaim but was, alas, snubbed by the Academy. People are strange, eh? Yes, the movie's release was attacked by fans and former band members of The Doors for its alleged inaccuracies and exaggerations. But now, years later, were movie audiences just riders on the storm of bad press? Upon rewatch, does the Oliver Stone movie provide some truth among the spectacle? And was Meg Ryan the best choice for Pam? The Old Roommates attempt to light your fire with a revisit through their middle-aged lens. Join us for a...

"My mother told me never to do this." When are we going to listen to our moms, people? The 1986 cult classic, The Hitcher, not only put the fear of hitchhikers in us, but also the fear of cops, German Shepherds, and even french fries. Rutger Hauer and C. Thomas Howell share the front seat of this dark thrillride with more than one gross-out moment. But now, decades of defeated horror villains later, what's left to be afraid of? Is there any suspense to be had when you can just drive away? And are the cops in this movie more vicious...

Johnny Depp played Sam, a tree-climbing, borderline-illiterate, aspiring mime. Shockingly, Sam's antics aren't even the quirkiest things taking place in 1993's Benny & Joon. Poker games with weird prizes, a snorkel-wearing sister, and a former horror movie actress are just a few of the ingredients making up this flaky crowd-pleaser. But now, decades later, is a quirky point of view appropriate for a love story involving a woman with mental illness? Is Aidan Quinn sexy or snoozy? And, why oh why, is Benny & Joon's house such an ungodly mess? The Old Roommates bust open a carton of raisins and give it...

Dopey, Happy, and a cold-blooded killer. Yes, Disney's 1937 Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs was quite the mix of spectacle, song, and skull-filled dungeons. Yet we remember it as fun for the whole family. But now, nearly 90 years later, how does this hand-drawn delight hold up in our Pixar'ed world? Do the doodles feel dated? Is all the death talk too much by today's G-Rated standards? And why does that catty Magic Mirror have such a chip on his shoulder? The Old Roommates whistle while they revisit the animated classic through their middle-aged lens. Join them for a smile and...

“So, what do you little maniacs want to do first?” As embodied by Kelly LeBrock, Lisa was full of questions, answers, and (for unknown reasons) a variety of witchy powers in the 1985 classic, Weird Science. Written and directed by John Hughes, the movie was a perverted teenage geek’s dream: building a woman to spec, controlling her, and using her to gain popularity among the cool kids. But now, nearly 40 years later, what in the name of Gloria Steinem is going on here? Is there any joy to be had in this Anthony Michael Hall of horrors? And just how convin...

Jim Carrey gave critics a new view into his talents in the Peter Weir hit, The Truman Show. Back in 1998, the psychological comedy-drama captivated audiences with its unique premise: a reality TV world that “is not fake but controlled.” Yes, we followed dear Truman as he was hoodwinked daily by everyone in his life, all for the sake of ratings. But now, decades of reality TV concepts later, is the movie interesting enough to hold up to today’s outrageous standards? Did Meryl and Marlon really kiss their real lives goodbye to live a lie? And why is Christof (Ed Harris...

After going “Psycho” for Alfred Hitchcock a while back (episode 140, but who’s counting?) we revisit another of his classics, 1948’s Rope. Upon release, Rope basically hanged itself with audiences and critics due to its deep, dark premise. Two men of questionable sexual orientation strangle the living daylights out of their friend with a … well, you know … just to do it. Heavy handed philosophies, psychological games, and one sharp Jimmy Stewart later, the film stiffed at the box office. But now, over seventy years after its release, is it now simply a gay old time? The Old Roommates dive into the pate and...

“With or Without You” and “I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For” were both number one hits in the states for Irish icons, U2. The songs are still in heavy rotation by Gen X and more, but how about the music videos? Back in the late-80s, MTV audiences were treated to two very different Bonos. In “With … ,” we saw a tormented, handtied gent. In “I Still Haven’t … ,” we witnessed a lad living for the moment. But now, decades later, does either version of the band’s lead singer prove true? And, more importantly, which music video will make The Vault? T...

Meryl Streep ate a Gummi Bear out of her hair. Roseanne Barr fell flat on her face while holding a cheese plate. Ed Begley, Jr. showed his butt. And audiences stayed away. Yes, 1989’s black comedy She-Devil struggled to find its audience upon release and didn’t even earn back its budget. But now, decades later, was this tale of romance and revenge just misunderstood? Were we really prepared to see a funny pre-Prada Streep? Were we all hoodwinked into thinking this was a Meryl vs Roseanne showdown when they only have 2.5 scenes together? And, unlike Begley’s “Bob,” does this Susan...

Can you handle the truth? Sure, back in 1992, this military courtroom drama was a critical and box office smash. Tom Cruise! Demi Moore! Jack Nicholson! And all that yelling! How could it miss? But now, decades later, are we ready to issue a Code Red on this Oscar-nominated Best Picture? Is Cruise’s cocksure persona the best fit for this heavy-handed tale of loyalty? Is Jack’s manic line readings too big for this jurisdiction? And, for the love of God, will anyone listen to Demi’s Joann, like, ever? The Old Roommates head to the mess hall and revisit all th...

Audrey II was more than just a mean green mother from outer space. Back in 1984, and voiced by Levi Stubbs, he was the main attraction of the movie musical, Little Shop of Horrors. Based on an off-Broadway show, which itself was based on a 1960 horror comedy of the same name, the Frank Oz directed flick achieved cult classic status on VHS and Beta. But now, decades later, are we still singing its praises? Are abusive boyfriends, exploitive bosses, and blood-thirsty plants the stuff of sing-a-longs? Or is this Rick Moranis’ finest hour? The Old Roommates head down Skid Row and gi...

Oh, Archieeee. Edith Bunker (as portrayed by Jean Stapleton) was a force of nature. At turns both naïve and loud, Edith’s point of view was critical to the success of the 70’s sitcom, All in the Family, for nine seasons. Season 8, however, was a harrowing one for the beloved housewife. Yes, dear listener, we are venturing into some “very special episodes” of the acclaimed TV show. “Edith’s 50th Birthday” was a groundbreaking portrayal of s*xual assault, survival, and trauma. “Edith’s Crisis of Faith” was a gut-wrenching depiction of a murderous hate crime and how it can challenge one’s r...

John Travolta and Bruce Willis reunited – in person – for Quentin Taratino’s Pulp Fiction. A critical and box office smash, the movie was just plain cool back in 1994. Loaded with iconic characters, quotable quotes, and over 260 f-bombs, the screenplay went on to win an Oscar. But now, decades later, does this foul-mouthed bloodbath need a good scrubbing? Do these wayward, drug-addicted characters just need a good therapist and a little time in rehab? Or does the film’s coolness remain intact 30 years later? The Old Roommates hit the dance floor and give this iconic crowd-pleaser a revisit through their middle-aged lens. Li...

"Satisfaction" RevisitedJulia Roberts and Liam Neeson are mere supporting players in the 1988 dramedy Satisfaction. Originally created as a vehicle for Justine Bateman (of "Family Ties" fame), the film quickly stalled at the box office. Film critics didn't necessarily sing the praises of this tale of a cover band of misfits, either. But now, decades later, were we too hard on this summer romp? Will the musical numbers now have us yelling, "More cowbell"? And can Liam Neeson be any cuter? The Old Roommates hit the dance floor and give it all a revisit through their middle-aged lens. Listen to this. 

Angela Bassett plays Stella. And, well, Stella's got it all. Flawless beauty, a big job, a breathtaking house, and a smarty-pants son. All that's missing, alas, is a man. Back in 1998, fans of the Terry McMillan bestseller flooded theaters for the May-December romance. But now, decades later, was Stella's groove ever really gone in the first place? Why does Stella talk to herself so much? And do age differences really matter when both parties are fine as hellllllllll? The Old Roommates look for a shoulder to cry on and rewatch the rom com through a middle-aged lens. Listen to this.<...

Mini Stonehenge. Knobs that go to eleven. And love pumps. Yes, 1984's This Is Spinal Tap was a true original. The Rob Reiner mockumentary doubled its budget at the box office and became a massive hit on VHS. But now, over forty years later, does the film still reach the comedic heights we remember so well? Are the songs bangers or busts? And how many dead drummers is too many? The Old Roommates "smell the glove" and give the cult classic a revisit through their middle-aged lens. Listen to this. 
Old Roommates can be reached via email at oldroommatespod@g...

Film Fact: Geena Davis made history by being the first actress say, "Suck my d*ck" in a major motion picture. Yes, Geena's then-husband Renny Harlin pulled out all the stops in an effort to make a tough-as-nails action hero out of the Oscar winner. Though the film made back more than its budget, it didn't quite blow up the box office or ignite critics' hearts. So, why is this one of co-host Brian's favorite movies? As is tradition, for Brian's birthday, Christina watched a flick she's never seen before. Is Brian still smitten with this "long kiss"? Did Christina...

“Shakespeare in Love” RevisitedGwyneth Paltrow did drag and struck Oscar gold with her turn in 1998’s Shakespeare in Love. The John Madden film was a sexy rom com about a fictionalized love affair involving some guy named William Shakespeare. Oscar nominations and box office bucks followed. But now, decades later, was it all much ado about not much? Does all the lovey-dovey love scenes and endless poetry still affect our jaded hearts? And did this movie deserve to beat Saving Private Ryan for Best Picture? The Old Roommates grab their quills and give it all a rewatch through their middle-aged lens...

The cat. The bat. The bird. Yes, 1992’s Batman Returns was stuffed to the gills with iconic characters. Danny DeVito’s Penguin and Michelle Pfeiffer’s Catwoman took center stage while Michael Keaton’s caped crusader basically drove around and posed a lot. Hardly mattered. Audiences flocked to see this sex-charged sequel. But now, decades later, is this dimly lit superhero hit too dark? Is the Penguin too gross? And is Catwoman too horny for this PG-13 flick? The Old Roommates throw on some black latex and revisit it all through their middle-aged lens. Listen to this.
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Martin Scorsese went full Hitchcock for the remake of the thriller, Cape Fear. Extreme closeups, ominous music, and unusual camera angles pulled the director into new waters back in 1991. And, much like DeNiro's Max Cady to a human cheek, audiences ate it up. But now, decades later, was this dark tale worth retelling? Did Nick Nolte's evidence-hiding lawyer deserve this torture? And does the film's bonkers "houseboat of horrors" final act sink this sick flick or elevate it to iconic status? The Old Roommates close all the blinds (a few times) and revisit it all through their middle-aged lens. Listen...

"Is that hair gel?" Yes, the Farrelly brothers really laid the gags on thick (eww) in the 1998 smash, There's Something About Mary. Ben Stiller's Ted took on a murderous hitchhiker, a drug-fueled dog, and a devious Matt Dillon, all for the chance to win the heart of Cameron Diaz. But now, decades later, does this 2-hour rom-com succeed in explaining why? Would this comedy work without its grosser moments? And did the flick's treatment of characters with mental and physical challenges make our co-hosts cringe or cackle? The Old Roommates zip up and revisit it all through their middle-aged lens...

River Phoenix got an Oscar nomination for his role as Danny Pope, the son of two fugitives on the run from the FBI. Though it sounds like an action-packed thriller, Running on Empty was anything but. The film dealt with the hopes, heartaches, and fears of the Pope family, but audiences in 1988 turned a cold shoulder. Now, decades later, is it time for the Sidney Lumet sleeper to come out of the shadows? Was this Phoenix's finest hour? And couldn't the ending have been a li'l happier? The Old Roommates cut a slice of "Sam cake" and give it a...

“You killed my cat!” Nope, 1989’s War of the Roses was not a movie for cat people. Or dog people. Or even newlyweds. No. The Danny DeVito-directed comedy divided audiences with its brutal takedown of marriage and divorce. Critics were more in sync, bestowing raves for the film’s leads: Michael Douglas and Kathleen Turner. But now, decades later, how does this “War” hold up when every deadly divorce now gets its own Netflix documentary? Are the lovey-dovey Romancing the Stoners still convincing in their most vicious scenes? And why is that foot job scene so disturbing? The Old Roommates grab a ladde...

Spoiler Alert: No new episode – but tune in anyway for a sneak peek at what’s to come in 2025. Happy New Year to one and all!
Old Roommates can be reached via email at oldroommatespod@gmail.com. Follow Old Roommates on social media @OldRoommates for bonus content and please give us a rating or review!

Johnny Depp played the titular role in Tim Burton’s timeless tale of isolation and acceptance. Edward Scissorhands, the character, was a naïve stranger, a robotic creation, and eventually … a cold-blooded killer? Yes, the tone of this quirky cult classic was all over the place and had a real downer of an ending. But now, decades later, are the film’s darkest moments the ones that shine brightest? Is Depp’s chemistry with then-IRL love, Winona Ryder, delightful or distracting? And does Edward have real anger management issues? The Old Roommates revisit all the magic and mayhem of this 1990’s fantasy t...

Jessica Tandy won the Best Actress Oscar for her role as an elderly Jewish widow in 1989’s Driving Miss Daisy. Tandy and Morgan Freeman gave us a complicated decades-long friendship; a friendship challenged by bigotry, illiteracy, and Patti LuPone. The film would go on to win Best Picture of the year. But now, decades later, did this sorta-simple story deserve all its accolades? Is the character of Hoke, by its sheer existence, offensive? And what does it say about a late-80’s America when this flick is showered with awards and Spike Lee’s racially charged Do the Right Thing is ign...