Enjoy Stuff: A TechnoRetro Podcast

Enjoy the HYPE! Movie marketing has evolved over the years but no matter what form it takes, it's meant to get us all excited! Is it too much? Or is it what really makes the movie more fun? Jovial Jay and Shua look at the hype they grew up with and how we had fun with it!

 

Is movie hype fun? A lot of money is pumped into letting everyone know about your film. Trailers, interviews, products with movie images plastered everywhere….the machine makes sure we know about it. Is it too much or can it be an enjoyable experience?

 

News

Ferris Bueller is getting a spinoff!

Obi-Wan Kenobi: A Jedi’s Return makes its way to Disney+ as an exciting documentary

R.I.P.D. 2: Rise of the Damned is a sequel that snuck up on us

Need more Sega games? How about the cool, new Sega Mega Drive Mini 2?

The Child Mullet Champion has been crowned!



What we’re Enjoying

Jay checked out the Jamie Foxx, Snoop Dog vampire movie on Netflix called Day Shift. Probably not an instant classic, but a fun, vampire hunting romp. Shua is loving the funny and creative Disney+ series She-Hulk: Attorney at Law.   

 

Sci-Fi Saturdays/MCU Location Scout

Tim Burton’s Mars Attacks is an homage to the Sci-Fi films of the 50s. At the time it came out, it had some innovative effects and a ton of big named stars. Jay revisits it this week on Sci-Fi Saturdays to determine how well it has aged. Maybe not as well as we’d hoped.  And don’t forget his articles on MCULocationScout.com for some great, interactive maps of filming locations. 

 

Enjoy Movies!

In the early days of cinema, the only thing you needed to convince audiences to check out your motion picture was the fact that the picture was in motion. As audiences have become more sophisticated over the years, marketing movies has too. 

 

When we were growing up, there were a variety of creative ways to let everyone know about your movie, and it was aimed at specific audiences. For example, Star Trek: The Motion Picture was for families. Where do families eat? McDonalds! Voila! The first Happy Meal. 

 

In addition to kids' fast food toys, those quick dining establishments sometimes provided fine dinnerware, such as the Pepsi/Burger King Superman glasses in 1979. Now your family can invite people over for a fancy meal!

 

In 1989, Batman was everywhere, thanks to the marketing division. Billboards, cereal, TV, radio, everywhere! They used the well-known character of Batman by giving us simple images and using our prior knowledge to make it feel a bit more artistic. 

 

The Matrix took an unknown premise to offer us a mystery. What is the Matrix? Nobody knew back then. And we desperately wanted to find out. 

 

When Return of the Jedi came out, we enhanced our viewing experience with behind the scene TV specials that showed us exactly how they made it. Did this spoil the movie? On the contrary. We wanted to go check it out again to see how all that came together. 

 

By the time The Phantom Menace was being made, Lucasfilm took marketing to a whole new level! You couldn’t go anywhere without seeing Episode I images. Some say they may have gone too far, but we know we sure had fun in the summer of ‘99. 



Is hype a bad thing? Is it the fun part of the movie experience? Did you read all of these show notes? First person that emails me with the subject line, “Jump aboard the Hype train!” will get a special mention on the show.  Let us know. Come talk to us in the Discord channel or send us an email to EnjoyStuff@RetroZap.com

Direct download: Enjoy_Stuff_2-18.mp3
Category:Enjoy Stuff -- posted at: 3:00am EDT

He-Man and the Masters of the Universe not only introduced a generation of kids to new toys, cartoons, and movies; but it also changed the way all of those were marketed. This week we look back at the 40th anniversary of the toys and how they influenced us.

 

By the power of Greyskull, we have the scoop on how He-Man and the Masters of the Universe influenced a generation of kids and the whole toy industry. 

 

News

We have more news on the return of Quantum Leap

Get ready for a new Highlander, but this time it’s Henry Cavill 

Mark Hamill’s Jack in the Box exploits can now be read about in a FREE comic book!

Love Death + Robots has been renewed for a fourth season

Fo shizzle, you’ve just gotta try out Snoop Dogg’s new cereal, Snoop Loopz

We are pumped up about Tim Burton’s new Netflix Addam’s Family series called Wednesday



What we’re Enjoying

Shua was interested and entertained by the Disney+ documentary series called Light and Magic. It was an origin story of the innovative special effects company Industrial Light and Magic. You may be surprised how their necessity to innovate has changed the way movies are made. Jay finally got to the Hulu series Only Murders in the Building, starring Steve Martin, Martin Short, and Selena Gomex. It’s a fun mystery ride that keeps you guessing and laughing.  

 

Sci-Fi Saturdays/MCU Location Scout

Sci-Fi Saturdays look at a great outing in the Star Trek movie franchise. Star Trek: First Contact may have been the second Next Generation film, but it felt like a first epic outing. Directed by Jonathan Frakes, it was a sci-fi, time-traveling, character-developing, action packed romp through the ST universe. Jay breaks it all down and gets you pumped to revisit the Borg and the crew of the Enterprise.  And don’t forget his articles on MCULocationScout.com for some great, interactive maps of filming locations. 

 

Enjoy Toys!

In 1982, Mattel’s battle for dominance over the juggernaut of Hasbro and their Star Wars action figures finally began to put a chink in their rival’s armor when they released a new line of toys for boys called He-Man and Masters of the Universe. 

 

Despite not having background originating in movies, cartoons, or comic books, these toys used many of the aspects that boys were craving in the early 80’s, fantasy and power. To sell the toys to distributors like Toys R Us, Mattel ordered mini comics to go with the toys, and later a Lou Scheimer, Filmation animated series. 

 

The model was an incredible success! Toys flew off the shelves and their profits soared! Not only that but it set the standard for selling a wide variety of toys by using media to promote it. Transformers, GI Joe, Care Bears…You almost couldn’t watch an 80’s cartoon that wasn’t connected to a toy line. 

 

In addition to all of those and the merchandise that followed, He-Man also inspired a live action movie starring Dolf Lundgren as the title character and legendary actor Frank Langella as Skeletor. The movie went in a strange direction by mostly taking place on modern day Earth as opposed to Eternia. While it may not have been a success, it has gained a cult following. 

 

He-Man is still around today, but hasn’t achieved the success the company enjoyed in the 80’s. Either way, it made a significant impact on several industries and is beloved by a large group of fans. 

 

Did you watch Masters of the Universe? Do you have the power? Did you read all of these show notes? First person that emails me with the subject line, “Let’s ride a tiger!” will get a special mention on the show.  Let us know. Come talk to us in the Discord channel or send us an email to EnjoyStuff@RetroZap.com

Direct download: Enjoy_Stuff_2-17.mp3
Category:Enjoy Stuff -- posted at: 3:00am EDT

Steve Martin is a comedian, actor, musician, and so much more! This week we celebrate the birthday of an entertainment legend by looking back on an incredible career. Enjoy Stuff from a Wild and Crazy Guy!

 

Get ready to be amazed at the body of work from a talented entertainer! Steve Martin has been working for years to make us laugh. From The Jerk to Only Murders in the Building, we remember all the ways Steve impressed and entertained us on Enjoy Stuff.

 

News

Remembering Olivia Newton John

The Halloween Monster Cereals welcome back Frute Brute to the lineup

Later this year, a John Hughes Movie Soundtrack Collection will be released in a New Box Set called “Life Moves Pretty Fast”

Mark Hamill has fun at a Jack in the Box drive through where he once got fired

A cool site called My80sTV.com provides you with some great retro entertainment

An update on Choco Taco

Soon you can play virtual mini golf in the world of Jim Henson’s Labyrinth

There is a live action Pac-Man movie in development



What we’re Enjoying

Jay watched the popular movie Prey and was impressed with the original story and interesting new characters. He agreed it is a worthy addition to the franchise. Shua has enjoyed getting his mind blown by the twists and turns of season 4 of Westworld. It is a wild ride that keeps you guessing about what  is really going on. 

 

Sci-Fi Saturdays/MCU Location Scout

Sci-Fi Saturdays look at a John Carpenter sequel called Escape From L.A. Kurt Russel returns as Snake Pliskin in a 2013 dystopian Los Angeles prison. But it really doesn’t live up to the original, Escape from New York. Still, you can have fun and Enjoy even if it’s not what you expect.  And don’t forget his articles on MCULocationScout.com for some great, interactive maps of filming locations. 

 

Enjoy Life!

Steve Martin was born August 14, 1945. He really started entertaining people at 15 years old when he worked at the magic store in Disneyland. 

 

But after that he went on to work in Hollywood as a writer on the Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour and started developing his stand-up routine. Years of this lead to appearances on TV, especially Saturday Night Live.

 

Popularity rose to point where he got a leading role in his own movie. Carl Reiner directed him in The Jerk, his first big lead, in 1979. After that he dabbled in musicals, drama, cameos and so much more. 

 

Check out this week’s show to hear about a ton of other roles he had such as All of Me; Three Amigos; Planes, Trains, and Automobiles; Dirty Rotten Scoundrels; and more! 

 

Plus, we touch on his music, which is pretty impressive in itself, and a ton of awards he has acquired over his life. Steve Martin truly is a legend. 

 

Are you a fan of Steve Martin? What’s your favorite role? Did you read all of these show notes? First person that emails me with the subject line, “Excuuuuse Me!” will get a special mention on the show.  Let us know. Come talk to us in the Discord channel or send us an email to EnjoyStuff@RetroZap.com

Direct download: Enjoy_Stuff_2-16.mp3
Category:Enjoy Stuff -- posted at: 3:00am EDT

With so much uncertainty in the world, it can be hard to Enjoy Stuff. But sometimes that's what makes life interesting. This week we find ways to find the fun in the unknown on Enjoy Stuff.

 

Do you get anxious when you don’t know what to expect? It can be hard to get through each day when things are uncertain. This week we try to find the fun in not knowing and share what we do to cope. 

 

News

Remembering Nichelle Nichols

Green candy bars?! Must be Halloween

Get ready for National Mustard Day by enjoying a mustard donut

Jake Gyllenhaal is going to star in a Rad House reboot

And Selena Gomex will do the same with Working Girl (well, she probably won’t be playing a bouncer)



What we’re Enjoying

Shua finally got around to seeing the Nicholas Cage action comedy The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent. Nicholas Cage plays Nicholas Cage and Pedro Pascal plays Nicholas Cage lover, Javi Gutierrez. There’s a ton of Nicholas Cage and there’s a ton of laughs. Jay checked out the new film Honor Society with Angourie Rice and Gaten Matarazzo

 

Sci-Fi Saturdays/MCU Location Scout

It may be August, but it can still be Independence Day. That’s the movie Jay analyzes this week on Sci-Fi Saturdays. This legendary Roland Emerich disaster, popcorn movie was a big hit in the summer of 1996 and had everyone feeling the excitement of watching the world get destroyed. (Not so much fun when it actually happens) Jay breaks it down and looks at special FX, Societal Commentary, and fun.  And don’t forget his articles on MCULocationScout.com for some great, interactive maps of filming locations. 

 

Enjoy Life!

Pandemics, climate change, political uprisings, dogs and cats living together. It’s safe to say that the citizens of planet Earth have a lot on our minds these days. This can make it pretty tricky to face each day. 

 

But here at Enjoy Stuff, we try to find the fun in everything, even uncertainty. The entertainment we watch can be full of the unknown as well. When we were younger, The Empire Strikes Back left us with questions that we didn’t get answers to for three years. As a kid, that can mess you up. 

 

Disaster movies, horror movies, even dramas build up a sense of tension to get to an exciting climax. It’s fun to watch but can be harder to deal with when it’s really you. We look at some of the things we can do to keep a sense of hope in this crazy world. 

 

What do you do to cope with uncertainty? How do you find hope? First person that emails me with the subject line, “The only thing constant is change” will get a special mention on the show.  Let us know. Come talk to us in the Discord channel or send us an email to EnjoyStuff@RetroZap.com

 

Direct download: Enjoy_Stuff_2-15.mp3
Category:Enjoy Stuff -- posted at: 3:00am EDT

Powerful women influence history. As we grew up we watched some very strong female characters that helped to shape culture and bring about positive change. Let's remember great characters from the 70s, 80s, and 90s and how they inspired us!

 

What women inspired us growing up? Of course our moms. But we were so entrenched in movies and TV that there’s no way we could have escaped the influence of the characters that we saw there. Let’s explore the female characters that shaped us. 

 

News

RIP Tony Dow, Paul Sorvino, and TRON actor David Warner

No Bueno! Chaco Taco is going away for good! 

Light & Magic, is now streaming on Disney+

Get ready for a spicy way to start your day with Cinna Fuego Toast Crunch!

Just in time for school to start, Post is releasing two new snack packs; Starburst All Pink Juicy Gels and Fruity Pebbles Yogurt Snack Packs

Matt Frewer will be b-b-back as Max in a new series on AMC  

Check out some retro news from San Diego Comic Con



What we’re Enjoying

In anticipation of the new She-Hulk series on Disney+, Jay pulled out the 2004 She-Hulk comics by Dan Slott. These are great stories that we may or may not be seeing in the new series. But either way, it’s always fun to Enjoy Stuff. Shua has been listening to a book by John Scalzi called The Kaiju Preservation Society and narrated by Wil Wheaton. It’s a story of a guy that gets a job with a group of people that are observing and taking care of giant Kaijus on another Earth. 

 

Sci-Fi Saturdays/MCU Location Scout

This week Jay revisits a 1995 sci-fi movie with Peter Weller called Screamers. It’s adapted from a book by Philip K Dick and written by Dan O’Bannon. These sound great, but don’t really translate very successfully. Either way, you get some decent effects and action scenes with 90s cheese. And don’t forget his articles on MCULocationScout.com for some great, interactive maps of filming locations. 

 

Enjoy Life!

Our incredible Moms worked so hard to raise us and we appreciate everything they did. But they weren’t the only women that we learned from as we grew up. As we watched movies and TV when our minds were impressionable, we got to see women have more opportunities and take charge to show the world that they were a force to be reckoned with. 

 

Those characters helped to shape our view of culture and inspire us to be supportive partners in the challenge to give everyone equal opportunity. These characters were just a sampling of the many female influences we had, but they embodied some very positive characteristics. Listen in as we talk about actresses that showed independence, intelligence, strength, leadership, determination, and humor. 

 

Who were the female characters that inspired you? How did they make a positive difference in your life? First person that emails me with the subject line, “Still, she persisted” will get a special mention on the show.  Let us know. Come talk to us in the Discord channel or send us an email to EnjoyStuff@RetroZap.com

Direct download: Enjoy_Stuff_2-14.mp3
Category:Enjoy Stuff -- posted at: 3:00am EDT

1