coming of age

That Thing You Do! (1996)

What do Spin Doctors, Dave Matthews Band, Billy Corgan and Styx have in common? They all get trashed in this episode of Shat The Movies (Cock Sparrer was spared.) It’s the 1996 comedy “That Thing You Do!” Tom Hanks wrote, directed and starred in this squeaky-clean look at the 1960s,...

The Craft (1996)

“My problem isn’t with this movie: It’s with you two.” – Dick Ebert Everyone’s favorite everyman was flummoxed this week as his co-hosts drooled over “The Craft,” a movie hand-picked for them by legendary Shat The Movies listener Jen D. When Big D complained that the coven’s four witches were...

Muriel’s Wedding (1994)

Ahead of Gene Lyons’ big day, Dick and Ash share their married-life wisdom as Shat The Movies travels once again to Australia for the 1994 comedy “Muriel’s Wedding.” As expected, this movie led to some fierce debate between Big D, who detests Muriel’s selfishness, and Ash, who simply adores pre-glow-up...

Great Expectations (1998)

“Shat The Movies” has seen its share of literary adaptations but never one that inspired Big D to draw, Gene to regain his teen mojo and Ash to besmirch the good name of coastal Florida. It’s Charles Dickens’ “Great Expectations!” This 1998 drama looks great on paper, boasting a star-studded...

Outside Providence (1999)

In this coming-of-age comedy, Tim Dunphy (Shawn Hatosy) is leading a go-nowhere existence, spending his days smoking pot and hanging out with his best friend, Drugs Delaney (Jon Abrahams). But Tim’s lazy days of getting high are jettisoned after a brush with the law convinces his blue-collar dad (Alec Baldwin) to send him to a Connecticut prep school. The one saving grace of the new school is Jane (Amy Smart), a fellow student Tim falls for immediately.

Rad (1986)

The story of Cru Jones, a young man who can overcome all obstacles that prevent him from participating in the BMX race “Helltrack.” As he works towards his dream, Cru falls in love with Christian, an amateur racer. With the help of Christian and her friends, can Cru’s “Rad Racing Team” defeat the top BMX factory rider, Bart Taylor

Teen Wolf (1985)

When high school nerd Scott Howard (Michael J. Fox) learns from his father, Harold (James Hampton), that being a werewolf runs in the family, he decides to take advantage of his freakish trait. With his newfound strength and agility, Scott quickly becomes the hero of his school’s basketball team while winning over longtime crush Pamela Wells (Lorie Griffin). As he grows more popular, Scott worries he is being celebrated as a novelty rather than for who he is.

American Beauty (1999)

A telesales operative becomes disillusioned with his existence and begins to hunger for fresh excitement in his life. As he experiences a new awakening of the senses, his wife and daughter also undergo changes that seriously affect their family. Critically acclaimed, this film won Oscars for Best Screenplay, Best Director, Best Actor and Best Film.