the Gen X Movie club
A podcast for aging Gen Xers.
We revisit the films of our youth and ask, “Does the film still hold up?”
We look forward to walking down memory lane with you.
Welcome to the Club!
You’re already a member. By listening to the podcast and/or visiting this website, you’ve already joined. And it costs nothing!
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The Gen X Movie Club is a monthly podcast. Each episode focuses on a particular film relevant to Gen X. Every month we’ll announce in advance the film we’ll be reviewing so that listeners can (re)watch the film on their own time. Then at a later date we’ll drop our episode and share our thoughts on this particular cultural artifact of our youth.
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As a member, you are encouraged to watch the Gen X film prior to listening to the podcast.
Ultimately, we hope that this podcast generates dialogue. If you’re solo, awesome - watch the films and listen to our podcast and compare notes. Do you agree with our assessment of the film? We’d love to hear your thoughts. We might even post your written thoughts on our Members Blog.
If you’re in a relationship, watch it as a couple. Have a cheap movie night at home. Then later in the month after listening to the podcast, go have a date night and share your thoughts with each other. Use it as an excuse to get out of the house.
If you have kids, have a family movie night. Make them sit down and watch the films of our youth (viewer discretion advised of course). Give them a glimpse into our cultural landscape. Maybe it’ll lend itself to a meaningful conversation between generations. How cool would that be?
You could even create a monthly Gen X movie night in your family or social circle. It’s an excuse to get together in this compartmentalized world we find ourselves in. Dress up, dig out your prom dress, visit a thrift store. Make a jello mold. We did an 80s karaoke wedding reception. We’re old enough to appreciate who we were and who we are now. We can even laugh at ourselves (because we’re in on the joke). Watch the film together and discuss it. Let’s get our brains working in ways that would make our high school English teachers proud.
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The Gen X Movie Club serves a few purposes.
First, The Gen X Movie Club is a fun excuse to take a walk down memory lane.
Second, we think it’s a valuable exercise to (re)visit the films of our youth. Our decades of experience allow us to (re)examine the cultural artifacts that played such a critical role in our development and worldview. We’ve changed. Does how we view these films change as well?
Third, The Gen X Movie Club is an opportunity to carve out a Gen X-specific space in the podcast sphere. (See “Why Now?” section for more on this topic.)
And finally (and perhaps most importantly), we hope this podcast generates community and connection, whether here in this virtual third space or in your own circles of family, friends, partners, pets, etc.
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Of course not! We welcome listeners from all generations.
All Episodes
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Introduction to the Gen X Movie Club
What is the Gen X Movie Club? A quick introduction to who we are and what we’re trying to do here.
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Episode 1: The Gen X Movie Club Presents Pretty in Pink
The inaugural episode of The Gen X Movie Club where do a deep dive into the John Hughes classic, “Pretty in Pink.”
Take a listen as we examine characters, themes, motivations, and ask questions such as, “Was Andie’s dad an alcoholic?” “Was Ducky a stalker?” And finally, “Will this relationship last?” The answer to the last one is pretty obvious. To us at least. Do you agree??? Let’s start a dialogue!
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Episode 2: The Gen X Movie Club Presents Say Anything
Take a listen as we dive deep into Cameron Crowe’s directorial debut in “Say Anything.” We look at the film’s larger themes of 80s social mobility, conspicuous consumption, and keeping up white middle class appearances in the US. Our analysis emphasizes the uniqueness of James Court as the villain and how the film juxtaposes Lloyd Dobler as the hero, firm in his authenticity and unexpected (yet genuine) interpersonal skills. Let us know what you think!
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Episode 3: The Gen X Movie Club Presents Some Kind of Wonderful
Take a listen as we re-examine this classic 80s love triangle between Keith, Amanda, and Watts. The characters stand out in this film for both good and bad reasons. And a major theme once again is class differences, which all play out in one epic date night.
We encourage you to (re)watch “Some Kind of Wonderful” to reacquaint yourself with this lesser known but still beloved Gex X film. Then tune in to hear our take of the film. Let us know what you think!
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Episode 4: Ferris Bueller's Day Off
Take a listen as we revisit John Hughes’ iconic 80s teen film “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off.” Both Mike and Amy saw this film in theaters and fond memories abound when reminiscing about Ferris’s adventures. But does it hold up? Will we find Matthew Broderick’s portrayal of a creative, inventive, and rebellious young mind still charming? How will the relationships between the characters land today? Perhaps we will identify more with the adults in the film?
So have a rewatch and then tune into our take on another John Hughes’ classic.
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Episode 5: Night of the Comet
In the spirit of the spooky month of October, we take a detour to a lesser known 80s film: “Night of the Comet.” We visit this old HBO horror comedy favorite. What happens when a comet decimates the Earth leaving just a handful of survivors to navigate this new reality? This film focuses on two teenage sisters as they encounter zombies, shady scientists, shopping mall bandits, and a trucker. This film is a fun ride that will exceed your low expectations.
Before listening, we encourage you to (re)watch “Night of the Comet.” and ask yourself, “Does this low-budget horror comedy hold up? “ Is it worth a rewatch? Do the “bad 80s movie” tropes increase or decrease its charm? We have our opinions. Does it line up with yours?
Available November 1, 2025
Episode 6: Red Dawn
Join us on November 1, 2025 as we (re)visit this classic 80s World War III saga “Red Dawn.” It’s an action packed film featuring a (very young) all star 80s cast. Most notably, “Red Dawn” dares to explore the possibility of war on the domestic front. What might a foreign invasion on US soil look like? And how might we react? It’s a war film with a conscience but does the message land the same today?
So between now and November 1st, we encourage you to (re)watch “Red Dawn.” Then tune in to hear our take on this epic war saga. How does this film read in 2025? Is the message the same? Have the antagonists changed over time? Are we still retelling the same narrative today? We’re curious to see if you agree with our take on this classic, star studded 80s war film.