Mannequin (1987)

Explicit content warning

02/11/25 • 84 min

In this week's Born to Watch episode, Matt and Damo dive into a quirky 80s classic that inspired guilty pleasure rewatches and dreams of window display romance: Mannequin (1987). Join the guys as they reminisce about how Kim Cattrall's Emmy and Andrew McCarthy's Jonathan brought a spark of movie magic into their lives. From Matt's pre-teen obsession with Kim Cattrall to Damo’s confusion over the movie’s inexplicable ancient Egyptian backstory, no stone is left unturned in this Mannequin (1987) Movie Review.

Released on February 13, 1987 (nearly 38 years to the day!), Mannequin tells the story of Jonathan Switcher, a struggling artist whose life takes an unexpected turn when his mannequin creation comes to life. Played by Cattrall, Emmy is the dream girl in window dressing form—literally. The duo's escapades in a struggling department store are filled with over-the-top characters, 80s montages, and laugh-out-loud moments, making this film a surreal yet iconic time capsule.

As the hosts explore the nostalgia factor, they note the undeniable charm of Andrew McCarthy, a quintessential Brat Pack star. Damo points out that McCarthy's relatable, down-on-his-luck artist is impossible to hate—even when dragging a mannequin around town in plain sight. Kim Cattrall, meanwhile, exudes charisma, foreshadowing her future role as the fearless Samantha in Sex and the City.

Of course, the conversation wouldn’t be complete without a nod to Mannequin's over-the-top supporting cast. James Spader shines as a sniveling antagonist, while G.W. Bailey (aka Captain Harris from Police Academy) essentially reprises his role as a bumbling authority figure. And then there's Hollywood Montrose, played by Meshach Taylor, whose flamboyant energy adds humour and heart to the film.

The soundtrack gets its due praise, with the guys singing the praises (literally) of Starship's Oscar-nominated hit, "Nothing's Gonna Stop Us Now." Fun fact: the song became one of the biggest singles of 1987, topping charts in both the U.S. and U.K. Yet despite its commercial success, Mannequin was panned by critics. Matt shares a particularly brutal review from Roger Ebert, who described the film as “dead.” Still, Damo counters with evidence of Mannequin's enduring appeal: a 46-week theatrical run and a cult following that persists today.

The team breaks down the movie’s highlights and low points in the Good, Bad, and Ugly segment. The guys rave about the film’s outrageous opening scene set in ancient Egypt, complete with comedic subtitles. However, they can't help but cringe at questionable plot points—like the inexplicable romance centered on store displays and a climactic Benny Hill-style chase through the department store. And let's not forget the scene that drove Damo to rage: Andrew McCarthy casually tossing away a perfectly good choc wedge!

Throughout the episode, Matt and Damo strike a balance between affectionate nostalgia and merciless critique. They reflect on how Mannequin epitomises the era’s campy charm while acknowledging that its caricatured characters and absurd premise could never fly in today’s world of high-concept blockbusters.

So, if you're ready for a stroll down 80s memory lane filled with synth scores, big hair, and mannequins that spring to life, this episode is for you. Tune in for laughs, trivia, and some wild tangents about department store nostalgia, robot brothels, and Wilford Brimley’s ageless face.

Don’t miss this blast from the past! Listen now on your favourite podcast platform.

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Don’t miss this blast from the past! Listen now on your favourite podcast platform.

Please follow the Podcast and join our community at

https://linktr.ee/borntowatchpodcast

https://www.borntowatch.com.au/

#MannequinMovieReview #BornToWatchPodcast #KimCattrall #80sMovies #NothingIsGonnaStopUsNow #GuiltyPleasureMovies #MovieNostalgia #AndrewMcCarthy #BratPack #HollywoodMontrose #PodcastEpisode

Previous Episode

Total Recall (1990)

We’re strapping in for a wild ride to Mars this week on Born to Watch with our 1990 sci-fi blockbuster Total Recall (1990) Review. Whitey, Gow, Damo, and Dan are back in full force for the first time in 2025 to dive into Arnold Schwarzenegger's mind-bending journey through memory wipes, mutant revolutions, and three-breasted surprises. This is peak Arnie, folks—at the top of both the box office and his biceps game.

We break down the epic mind games cooked up by Paul Verhoeven, whose signature blend of over-the-top violence and dark humour made this a sci-fi classic. From Rob Bottin’s unforgettable practical effects (seriously, those animatronics still hold up) to Jerry Goldsmith's iconic score, the Born to Watch crew spares no detail. Did we mention the bar full of rebellious mutants and the iconic line: “Consider that a divorce”? Because that line still slaps.

But is Total Recall just a kick-ass action flick, or is there something deeper? We debate whether Doug Quaid's adventure was all a dream and how Philip K. Dick’s story inspired decades of mind-twisting movies. Plus, we marvel at Sharon Stone’s layered performance (and next-level fight scenes), give props to Michael Ironside’s rage-filled villainy, and shout out the criminally underrated Rachel Ticotin for holding her own in this testosterone fest.

It’s not all good news for Mars, though—Damo points out the planet's serious lack of workplace safety, from deadly airlock fans to bullet-prone glass domes. And Dan isn’t too impressed with Arnie’s hand-to-hand combat scenes, but hey, when you've got that physique, who needs finesse?

Of course, no Born to Watch episode is complete without some signature chaos. The guys veer off into debates about Mars real estate values, the dangers of Venusville fans, and even Arnold's fitness regimen—yes, that includes "cock day." And the trailer? Let’s just say it gave away way too much.

To wrap it all up, we hit the good, the bad, and the ugly, with shoutouts to Quato’s teeth (seriously, Gow’s obsessed), killer squib work, and those ridiculous hologram fights where henchmen just blast each other to bits.

So, get your ass to Mars and join us for one hell of an episode. You’ll be laughing, quoting, and questioning reality right along with us. Just remember: “Get ready for a surprise!”

If you enjoyed this trip to Mars with us, help spread the word by sharing Born to Watch with your friends, family, and fellow movie buffs! Every share, subscription, and download helps us grow and keep bringing you epic deep dives into the films you love. And don’t forget—leave us a five-star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ It’s a simple way to support the show and make sure more listeners discover the Born to Watch crew. Thanks for listening, and we’ll see you next time!

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Next Episode

The Howling (1981)

Is The Howling the best werewolf movie ever made? That’s the big question on this week’s Born to Watch, where the team dives deep into this 1981 horror classic. In The Howling (1981) Movie Review, Whitey and Damo take a nostalgic trip back to one of the most iconic (and unsettling) werewolf films of all time.

The crew kicks things off by reminiscing about their first encounters with The Howling. For Damo, it was a forbidden treat at the movie theater as a kid, lured in by schoolyard hype over one particular scene. Whitey recalls the unforgettable VHS cover—the infamous clawed-through poster that haunted every video rental store. But does this film still hold up more than 40 years later?

The discussion quickly turns to the werewolf genre as a whole. Why are werewolf movies so rare? What makes The Howling stand out from other lycanthropic horror films like An American Werewolf in London or Dog Soldiers? The gang breaks down the film’s eerie atmosphere, its chilling transformation sequences, and the stunning practical effects that made Rob Bottin (the man behind The Thing) a legend in Hollywood.

Of course, it wouldn’t be Born to Watch without some hilarious tangents. The guys analyze everything from the film’s oddball characters (like the ultra-horny werewolf Marsha) to its bizarre plot twists, including one of the worst sting operations in movie history. And let’s not forget the infamous werewolf sex scene—equal parts steamy and unsettling. Was it necessary? Was it too much? Or was it just the kind of batshit-crazy moment that makes ‘80s horror so much fun?

Speaking of fun, The Howling is filled with hidden gems and cool trivia, including surprise cameos from legendary director Roger Corman and future Adam Sandler film director Dennis Dugan. The team also unpacks the film’s lasting legacy, from its disastrous sequels (Howling VI: The Freaks, anyone?) to its influence on modern werewolf flicks.

And in true Born to Watch fashion, there’s plenty of debate:
🐺 How does The Howling stack up against An American Werewolf in London?
🐺 Are its werewolf transformations the best in cinema history?
🐺 Was the final news broadcast scene a stroke of genius or pure absurdity?

By the end of this episode, you’ll either be howling with laughter or rethinking your next trip to a secluded therapy retreat.

So grab your silver bullets and press play!

🎧 Listen now and let us know—where does The Howling rank on your werewolf movie list?

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