Throwback Thursday: The Challenger Explosion (January 28, 1986)

“I really don’t want to say goodbye to any of you people.” Christa McAuliffe Tomorrow marks the 36th anniversary of the Challenger disaster. As a kid who was hooked on science fiction, had a subscription to Odyssey magazine, visited the Johnson Space Center, and dreamed of being an astronaut in the 1980’s, the Challenger missionContinue reading “Throwback Thursday: The Challenger Explosion (January 28, 1986)”

Throwback Thursday: 1983 Kenner Star Wars Speeder Bike

“Go for help! Go!” Everyone already knows that some of the coolest toys to ever grace a peg or a store shelf were the 3 3/4 Kenner Star Wars action figures and all of the playsets, vehicles, and blasters that came with them. I can’t tell you how many hours I spent playing with thoseContinue reading “Throwback Thursday: 1983 Kenner Star Wars Speeder Bike”

Throwback Thursday: The Dirt Bike Kid (1985)

Magic Wheels Although he’s best known for 1983’s A Christmas Story, Peter Billingsley was actually a very busy child actor in the 80’s. Not only did he appear in the aforementioned Christmas classic, but he also starred in the thriller Death Valley (1982), Russkies (1987), Beverly Hills Brats (1989), and a few other films asContinue reading “Throwback Thursday: The Dirt Bike Kid (1985)”

Throwback Thursday: Uncle Buck (1989)

He’s Crude. He’s Crass. He’s Family. Take a simple comedic setup and execute it with a cast of established and soon-to-be stars and you have the successful result that is 1989’s Uncle Buck. The film was a solid success that held the number one spot at the movies for three weeks. It starred John Candy,Continue reading “Throwback Thursday: Uncle Buck (1989)”

Throwback Thursday: Flash Gordon (1980)

“Flash Gordon. Quarterback. New York Jets.” Entirely over the top and insanely fun to boot, 1980’s Flash Gordon is loud, brightly colored, and completely bonkers. It features a stellar cast loaded with actors who are well known in the science fiction and fantasy genres and boasts a soundtrack written and performed by none other thanContinue reading “Throwback Thursday: Flash Gordon (1980)”

Throwback Thursday: Wayne’s World (1992)

“Shuh?!?!? And monkeys might fly out of my butt!” In my teen years, few things made me laugh as hard as watching Mike Myers and Dana Carvey as Wayne Campbell and Garth Algar on their iconic Saturday Night Live sketch, Wayne’s World. The sketch combined two of my favorite things, comedy and metal music. ItContinue reading “Throwback Thursday: Wayne’s World (1992)”

Throwback Thursday: Friday Night Videos (1983-2002)

Cashing In On MTV’s Success As many of you are aware, I grew up in rural Louisiana with very few options when it came to television. My family could watch local ABC, NBC, and CBS affiliates as well as PBS and an independent station (when the weather was right) that would eventually become a FOXContinue reading “Throwback Thursday: Friday Night Videos (1983-2002)”

Throwback Thursday: Square Pegs (1982)

“All we have to do is click with the right clique…..” Two freshman enter Weemawee High School and do whatever they can in order to become popular in 1982’s Square Pegs. Each episode saw the freshman interact with other students and faculty at the school and featured a surprisingly solid list of guest stars andContinue reading “Throwback Thursday: Square Pegs (1982)”

Throwback Thursday: National Lampoon’s Vacation (1983)

“Sorry, folks. The park’s closed.” Arguably the launching pad for Chevy Chase’s successful cinematic career, National Lampoon’s Vacation (1983) spawned multiple sequels, introduced us to numerous actors who would go on to bigger things, and became a cornerstone for screwball comedies. The film tells the story of Clark Griswold (Chase) and his family as theyContinue reading “Throwback Thursday: National Lampoon’s Vacation (1983)”

Throwback Thursday: Krull (1983)

“The Black Fortress…where does it rise?“ My relationship with the 1983 film Krull is an odd one. I didn’t actually see the film when it was first released in theaters but my parents bought me the Atari 2600 game that tied into the film because I was enthralled with the movie. I also had aContinue reading “Throwback Thursday: Krull (1983)”