Episode 3: RoboCop

Explicit content warning

03/24/25 • 90 min

In this episode of The Regular Guy Movie Show, we take on Paul Verhoeven’s RoboCop (1987)—a film loaded with ultraviolence, corporate satire, and surprisingly heartfelt moments.

We dig into:

Whether the over-the-top violence helps or hurts the film’s impact
The satirical edge that makes RoboCop smarter than your average action flick
What still holds up in terms of effects, performances, and storytelling
And which characters (spoiler: Clarence Boddicker) steal the show

From the opening media break to that final line, we talk about what makes RoboCop such a unique ’80s film—and why it still packs a punch today.

Plus, Seth nerds out on sound design, Brian shares some surprising trivia, and Justin ponders the social dynamics of the club scene in Old Detroit.

So... does RoboCop hold up? Listen now and decide for yourself.

Listen to The Regular Guy Movie Show wherever you get your podcasts, and visit regularguymovieshow.com to suggest the next questionable classic we take on. While there, check out our blog or listen to previous show episodes.

You can also follow us on the socials!

In this episode of The Regular Guy Movie Show, we take on Paul Verhoeven’s RoboCop (1987)—a film loaded with ultraviolence, corporate satire, and surprisingly heartfelt moments.

We dig into:

Whether the over-the-top violence helps or hurts the film’s impact
The satirical edge that makes RoboCop smarter than your average action flick
What still holds up in terms of effects, performances, and storytelling
And which characters (spoiler: Clarence Boddicker) steal the show

From the opening media break to that final line, we talk about what makes RoboCop such a unique ’80s film—and why it still packs a punch today.

Plus, Seth nerds out on sound design, Brian shares some surprising trivia, and Justin ponders the social dynamics of the club scene in Old Detroit.

So... does RoboCop hold up? Listen now and decide for yourself.

You can also follow us on the socials!

Previous Episode

Episode 2: Fast Times at Ridgemont High

It's time to throw on our checkered Vans, crank up the 80s soundtrack, and dive into Fast Times at Ridgemont High. This 1982 classic is one of the most quotable high school movies of all time, launching multiple careers and setting the tone for coming-of-age films for decades. But does it still hold up, or is it just a relic of its time?

Join Seth, Justin, and Brian as they break it all down on this episode of The Regular Guy Movie Show.

In This Episode

First Impressions and Nostalgia

How old were we when we first watched Fast Times?
What was our first impression back then versus watching it today?
How did Fast Times become a cult classic despite its R rating?

The Story and Cultural Impact

How Fast Times captured high school life in the early 80s.
The film's origins: Cameron Crowe went undercover in a high school to write the book.
Amy Heckerling’s directorial debut.
Box office performance – was this a hit or a sleeper success?

The Characters – Who Still Holds Up?

Jeff Spicoli (Sean Penn) – The ultimate stoner-surfer archetype.
Stacy Hamilton (Jennifer Jason Leigh) – First loves, heartbreaks, and questionable choices.
Mark Ratner (Brian Backer) – The awkward nice guy who tries too hard.
Mike Damone (Robert Romanus) – The fast-talking hustler who turns out to be full of it.
Linda Barrett (Phoebe Cates) – Was she actually experienced or just another high school phony?
Brad Hamilton (Judge Reinhold) – A high school king on a downward spiral.
Mr. Hand (Ray Walston) – A strict teacher with no patience for Spicoli's nonsense.

Key Scenes and Discussions

The opening mall montage – A perfect time capsule of 80s culture.
Brad’s series of workplace disasters – From All-American Burger to Captain Hook Fish & Chips.
The pool scene – One of the most famous (and debated) moments in teen movie history.
Stacy and Mike’s awkward hookup – What does it say about teenage expectations versus reality?
The abortion subplot – Did Fast Times handle it well, or was it too matter-of-fact?
Spicoli vs. Mr. Hand – The battle between the laid-back stoner and the no-nonsense teacher.
The final act – Does Brad’s convenience store hero moment redeem his rough year?

Soundtrack Breakdown

How Fast Times created one of the most iconic 80s movie soundtracks.
Featuring The Go-Go’s, Jackson Browne, The Cars, Oingo Boingo, Led Zeppelin (sort of), and more.
Does the soundtrack elevate the movie, or is it better than the film itself?

Final Verdict: Does Fast Times at Ridgemont High Still Hold Up?

Does it still work as a relatable high school movie, or is it too much of an 80s relic?
Would we recommend it to a younger audience today?
Is nostalgia the only thing keeping it alive?

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Next Episode

Episode 4: Romancing the Stone

Before there was Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny, there was Joan Wilder sliding down a Colombian mudslide in heels. In this episode of The Regular Guy Movie Show, the guys travel back to 1984 to revisit Robert Zemeckis’s adventure rom-com Romancing the Stone. We talk genre-blending, iconic character arcs, and why Jack T. Colton is cooler than he had any right to be. Brian brings the trivia, Justin dives into character breakdowns, and Seth tries to not quote every single Danny DeVito line.

Topics Covered:

Genre fusion: rom-com meets action-adventure
How Joan Wilder’s arc anchors the whole film
Ralph and the underrated brilliance of Danny DeVito
Behind-the-scenes drama (and Zemeckis nearly getting fired!)
Soundtrack, special effects, and why this movie still charms

Final Verdict:
Does it hold up? Tune in for our hot takes, nostalgia trips, and whether this one still deserves a spot on your Saturday afternoon lineup.

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