coming of age

Good Morning, Vietnam (1987)

This week on Shat the Movies, we’re signing on with Good Morning, Vietnam (1987), the war comedy that promised nonstop laughs and delivered something stranger, sadder, and more complicated. Robin Williams turns in one of his most electric performances as Armed Forces Radio DJ Adrian Cronauer, bringing chaos to the...

Heavyweights (1995)

This week, Gene and Big D tackle a commission with a personal touch: Zach — a top 0.5% Shat the Movies listener and fitness industry pro — was gifted a review of the 1995 Disney comedy Heavyweights. Written by Judd Apatow and Steven Brill, the film follows a group of...

American Pie (1999)

This week on Shat the Movies, we’re revisiting American Pie (1999), the movie that launched a thousand awkward teen comedies and permanently changed how people look at baked goods. Gene and Big D break down the friendships, bad decisions, late 90s soundtrack, and whether this coming-of-age comedy still works or...

Gallipoli (1981)

Archy (Mark Lee) and Frank (Mel Gibson) are two young Australian sprinters who want to join the army to fulfill their sense of duty. Turned down because they are too young, the pair hop a freight train to Perth, where they are allowed to join up. They board a troop ship headed to Cairo and, after training in the shadows of the Great Pyramids, the boys are finally sent to the front line, where their speed makes them candidates for messengers in one of the war’s bloodiest battles.

Empire of The Sun (1987)

On this week’s episode of Shat the Movies, Gene and Big D dive into Steven Spielberg’s epic 1987 coming-of-age war drama, Empire of the Sun. Commissioned by loyal listener Jeff S., this film takes us on a journey through World War II-era Shanghai. Join us as we explore Spielberg’s masterful...

SLC Punk! (1998)

Set against the backdrop of Salt Lake City’s conservative culture, rebellious punk Stevo (Matthew Lillard) and his best friend Bob (Michael A. Goorjian) live life on the edge, rejecting authority and embracing chaos. But as Stevo faces the inevitable crossroads between reckless youth and adulthood, he begins to question his ideals, friendships, and the true meaning of rebellion. With its blend of humor, angst, and heart, SLC Punk! captures the wild spirit of the punk movement while delivering an unexpectedly emotional punch.

That Thing You Do! (1996)

Wily band manager Mr. White helps a small town band achieve big time success when they release a Beatles-style pop song in 1964. Pennsylvania band the “Oneders” become a sensation after their drummer breaks his arm, and is replaced by jazz enthusiast, Guy Patterson, who injects something a bit different into their music.

The Craft (1996)

After transferring to a Los Angeles high school, Sarah (Robin Tunney) finds that her telekinetic gift appeals to a group of three wannabe witches, who happen to be seeking a fourth member for their rituals. Bonnie (Neve Campbell), Rochelle (Rachel True) and Nancy (Fairuza Balk), like Sarah herself, all have troubled backgrounds, which combined with their nascent powers lead to dangerous consequences. When a minor spell causes a fellow student to lose her hair, the girls grow power-mad.