Retro Guardians

Dartalic Productions

2 guys talking about retro movies, games, tech, pop culture, music all from the 70s 80s and 90s.

  1. EP129 - Dennis The Menace (1993)

    5 DAYS AGO

    EP129 - Dennis The Menace (1993)

    Keywords: Dennis the Menace, 1993 film, Walter Matthau, John Hughes, nostalgia, character analysis, comedy, family film, cultural impact, movie review Summary: In this episode, hosts Ben and Jay delve into the 1993 film 'Dennis the Menace,' exploring its nostalgic value, character dynamics, and the comedic elements that made it a classic. They discuss the film's legacy, the performances of its cast, particularly Walter Matthau, and the influence of John Hughes in shaping family comedies of the era. The conversation highlights the film's humor, cultural impact, and the timelessness of its comedic style, concluding with their personal ratings and reflections on the film's relevance today. Takeaways: The film 'Dennis the Menace' was a nostalgic favorite for many who grew up in the 90s. Walter Matthau's portrayal of Mr. Wilson was iconic and memorable. The film was a financial success, making over $117 million at the box office. John Hughes' influence on family comedies is evident in the film's humor and style. The character of Dennis is portrayed as a clumsy child rather than a true menace. The film's humor is straightforward and lacks modern political agendas. The cast was filled with memorable character actors from the era. The film's slapstick comedy is reminiscent of the style popularized by 'Home Alone.' The film holds up well over time, appealing to both children and adults. The conversation emphasizes the importance of laughter and enjoyment in family films. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Dennis the Menace (1993) 03:22 The Legacy of Dennis the Menace 06:08 Character Analysis and Cast Highlights 12:43 Themes of Childhood and Humor 16:29 Cinematic Techniques and John Hughes' Influence 20:26 Final Thoughts and Ratings 22:57 Dennis The Menace (1993) Official Trailer.

    25 min
  2. EP128 - Robocop (1987)

    7 FEB

    EP128 - Robocop (1987)

    Keywords RoboCop, Paul Verhoeven, 80s movies, film analysis, sci-fi, dystopian, casting, film production, cultural impact, sound design Summary In this episode, Ben and Jay delve into the iconic 1987 film RoboCop, exploring its production history, casting choices, and the challenges faced during filming. They discuss the film's themes of identity, corporate greed, and the militarization of police, as well as its cultural impact and legacy. The conversation highlights the innovative sound design and memorable characters, particularly the villains, while reflecting on the film's satirical take on society. The hosts conclude with personal reflections on the film's significance and their ratings. Takeaways RoboCop is considered one of the greatest films of all time. The film was made on a modest budget of $13 million. Paul Verhoeven brought a unique European perspective to the film. The casting process was challenging, with many actors initially declining the role. The film's themes include identity loss and corporate greed. RoboCop's sound design played a crucial role in its success. The film's villains are memorable and well-developed. RoboCop's cultural impact is still felt today. The film was groundbreaking in its use of satire and social commentary. The legacy of RoboCop paved the way for future sci-fi films. Sound bites "They just couldn't find a director." "I give this film 10 out of 10." "This is absolutely an iconic film." Chapters 00:00 Introduction to RoboCop 03:55 The Development Journey of RoboCop 06:58 Casting and Character Development 09:53 Filming Challenges and Innovations 13:01 Themes and Satire in RoboCop 15:49 Cultural Impact and Legacy of RoboCop 19:38 The Duality of Man and Machine 22:47 Character Development and Villainy 26:40 The Climax and Confrontation 31:46 Cinematic Techniques and Impact 35:11 Legacy and Remakes 40:32 Robocop (1987) - Official Trailer

    42 min
  3. EP127 - Strange Days (1995)

    18 JAN

    EP127 - Strange Days (1995)

    Keywords Strange Days, RetroGuardians, movie review, technology, cyberpunk, 90s films, film analysis, character study, plot evaluation, cultural commentary Summary In this episode of Retro Guardians, hosts Jay and Ben delve into the 1995 film 'Strange Days,' exploring its themes, technological predictions, character performances, and the societal context of its release. They discuss the film's portrayal of a dystopian future, the impact of technology on human experience, and the controversial elements that sparked audience discomfort. The conversation also touches on the film's commercial failure and its subsequent cult status, highlighting the evolution of viewer expectations over time. Takeaways The film 'Strange Days' is set in a dystopian future reflecting societal anxieties. Technological predictions in the film, such as VR and AI, were ahead of their time. Angela Bassett's performance was a standout in the film. The plot was criticized for being bland despite interesting themes. The film's controversial scenes elicited discomfort from audiences. 'Strange Days' serves as a commentary on addiction and escapism. The film's commercial failure was attributed to its release timing and societal context. The hosts noted the film's grungy aesthetic has aged well. The film's themes resonate with modern societal issues, such as police brutality. Viewer expectations have changed significantly from the 90s to now. Titles Diving into 'Strange Days': A Retro Review The Dystopian Vision of 'Strange Days' Sound bites "It was a commercial flop." "It was ahead of its time." "It has aged very well." Chapters 00:00 Welcome to RetroGuardians 01:11 Exploring 'Strange Days' and Its Context 04:50 Technological Themes and Predictions 10:13 Character Analysis and Performances 17:09 Plot and Storyline Evaluation 24:48 Controversial Themes and Audience Reaction 30:41 Final Thoughts and Ratings

    37 min
  4. EP126 - Batman The Animated Series (TAS) (1992-1995)

    31/12/2025

    EP126 - Batman The Animated Series (TAS) (1992-1995)

    Keywords Batman, animated series, nostalgia, voice acting, character development, villains, serious themes, legacy, 90s cartoons, Retro Guardians Summary In this episode of Retro Guardians, hosts Ben and Jay dive into the nostalgia of 'Batman: The Animated Series,' exploring its impact on the animation landscape of the 90s. They discuss the creative process behind the show, the development of iconic characters, and the serious themes that set it apart from other cartoons of the time. The conversation highlights the memorable voice performances and the lasting legacy of Batman's rogues gallery, culminating in reflections on the show's enduring popularity and influence. Takeaways The show started in the early 90s, inspired by Tim Burton's Batman films. Bruce Timm and Eric Radomski were pivotal in the show's creation. The series introduced a darker, more adult tone to animated superhero storytelling. Paul Dini's writing significantly shaped the character of Mr. Freeze and Harley Quinn. The show tackled serious themes like mental health and depression. Voice actors like Kevin Conroy and Mark Hamill became iconic for their roles. The villains in Batman's universe are crucial to his character's depth. The series influenced future animated shows and video games. Nostalgia for the series remains strong among fans today. The show's unique art style and storytelling set it apart from contemporaries. Sound bites "This show became revolutionary." "I still love that one to this day."

    28 min
  5. EP125 - Christmas Special - National Lampoons Christmas Vacation (1989)

    24/12/2025 · BONUS

    EP125 - Christmas Special - National Lampoons Christmas Vacation (1989)

    Keywords Christmas Vacation, National Lampoon, classic cinema, holiday chaos, Chevy Chase, family dynamics, comedy, film legacy, political correctness, movie review Summary In this conversation, Ben and Jay reflect on the classic film 'National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation,' discussing its humor, relatable family dynamics, and the performances of the cast. They explore the film's misleading title, the chaos of holiday preparations, and the cultural impact of the National Lampoon franchise. The discussion also touches on the challenges of comedy in today's politically correct climate, concluding with their ratings and thoughts on the film's legacy. Takeaways The joy of seeing classic films on the big screen is unmatched. Christmas Vacation's title can be misleading as it focuses on home rather than travel. The film captures the relatable chaos of holiday family gatherings. Chevy Chase's performance is considered his prime work in comedy. The film's humor resonates with audiences due to its relatable scenarios. The character dynamics, especially with Cousin Eddie, add depth to the comedy. The slapstick humor is a highlight, especially during Christmas preparations. The film's legacy is tied to the National Lampoon brand and its cultural impact. Political correctness has changed the landscape of comedy today. The film remains a beloved classic, especially during the holiday season. Sound bites "This one's based at their home." "I had a good laugh over that." "I loved how it ended." Chapters 00:00 The Joy of Classic Cinema 02:54 Christmas Vacation: A Misleading Title 05:57 Relatable Holiday Chaos 08:42 Character Highlights and Performances 11:38 The Humor of Christmas Preparations 14:43 Plot Dynamics and Family Dynamics 17:51 The Legacy of National Lampoon 20:45 Cultural Impact and Political Correctness 23:45 Final Thoughts and Ratings

    38 min
  6. EP124 - Vampire in Brooklyn (1995)

    19/12/2025

    EP124 - Vampire in Brooklyn (1995)

    Keywords Eddie Murphy, Vampire in Brooklyn, horror comedy, Wes Craven, 90s films, film analysis, movie review, nostalgia, character actors, studio interference Summary In this episode, Ben and Jay delve into Eddie Murphy's unique foray into the horror genre with 'Vampire in Brooklyn.' They explore the film's production background, the cast, and the challenges it faced due to studio interference. The conversation highlights the film's uneven tone, balancing horror and comedy, and its cultural references, particularly to Dracula. The hosts reflect on the nostalgia surrounding the film and its place in Eddie Murphy's career. Takeaways Eddie Murphy had a love-hate relationship with his career choices. 'Vampire in Brooklyn' was a surprising venture into horror for Murphy. The film features a strong supporting cast, including Angela Bassett. Wes Craven's direction brought a unique atmosphere to the film. The film struggled with balancing horror and comedy effectively. Studio interference impacted the film's final tone and direction. Eddie Murphy's character could transform into anyone he killed. The film incorporates elements of urban legends and cultural references. Nostalgia plays a significant role in the film's appeal. Despite its flaws, the film is worth watching for Eddie Murphy fans. Titles Eddie Murphy's Horror Journey Exploring 'Vampire in Brooklyn' Sound bites "Eddie pulled a movie out of nowhere." "Eddie had a love with New York City." "This film was too uneven." Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Eddie Murphy's Career 03:50 Eddie Murphy's Venture into Horror with 'Vampire in Brooklyn' 06:44 The Cast and Characters of 'Vampire in Brooklyn' 09:35 The Film's Uneven Tone and Studio Interference 12:53 Comparisons to Dracula and the Film's Themes 15:42 Final Thoughts and Nostalgia for 'Vampire in Brooklyn' 19:52 Vampire In Brooklyn (1995) - Trailer

    22 min
  7. EP123- Commando (1985)

    06/12/2025

    EP123- Commando (1985)

    Keywords Commando, Arnold Schwarzenegger, 1985 film, action movie, film history, casting, character analysis, production challenges, film legacy, 80s cinema Summary In this episode, Ben and Jay discuss the 1985 action film 'Commando,' starring Arnold Schwarzenegger. They explore the film's production history, casting choices, and the impact it had on Schwarzenegger's career. The conversation delves into memorable scenes, character dynamics, and the film's legacy in the action genre, highlighting its blend of humor and over-the-top action. Takeaways This was the very second film I ever saw him in. Arnold really wanted to break out of that. This was a personal story. The humor in this really works. Arnold's character is a father doing anything to get his daughter back. The film set up Arnold with catchphrases. The casting choices were pivotal for the film's success. The production faced challenges that shaped the final product. The film became a significant part of Arnold's legacy. It was filled with great early 80s and 90s stunt men. Titles Commando: A 40-Year Retrospective Arnold Schwarzenegger's Action Legacy Sound bites "This was a personal story." "I let him go." "How'd you learn to do that?" Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Commando 04:55 Arnold Schwarzenegger's Career and Casting 09:47 Character Dynamics and Humor 14:39 Action Sequences and Over-the-Top Moments 19:49 Film's Impact and Legacy

    27 min
  8. EP122 - Major Payne (1995)

    22/11/2025

    EP122 - Major Payne (1995)

    In this episode the Guardians look at 90's comedy extraordinnare, Damon Wayans, who plays a hardened Marine dumped into a kids’ military academy, where his brutal discipline meets a pack of soft, smart-mouthed cadets. This episode unpacks the slapstick violence, the messed-up pep talks, the surprising heart under all the yelling, and why this oddball comedy still sticks in our heads. Think tough-as-nails drill training mixed with cartoon logic. We look at what works, what aged strangely, and why Major Payne is both ridiculous and strangely lovable, even when he threatens to break a kid’s finger to cure sadness. Tune in for sarcasm, nostalgia, and a salute you might regret.

    24 min
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Ratings & Reviews

4.8
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

2 guys talking about retro movies, games, tech, pop culture, music all from the 70s 80s and 90s.

Information

  • Creator
    Dartalic Productions
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    134
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Dartalic Productions
  • Show Website
    Retro Guardians