The Next Reel Film Podcast

“Kill your brother, you’ll feel better.”
The 80s were a transformative time for vampire films, leading studios to rethink the genre and develop sexier, edgier stories for modern audiences. Under Joel Schumacher’s direction, The Lost Boys brought together attractive young stars, iconic music, and cutting-edge special effects to create an instant cult classic. Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we continue the 1988 Academy Awards Best Visual Effects Nominees series with a conversation about The Lost Boys
Here's a hint at what we talk about:
We dive into the homoerotic subtext Schumacher wove throughout the film, from the casting to the costumes to set decor details. Though subtle, these elements enriched the story in ways we didn’t fully appreciate until now. We also discuss how the film’s Santa Cruz setting, portrayed fictionally as the murder capital Santa Carla, nicely matched its dark tale of teenage vampires. And we can’t neglect the movie’s stellar 80's soundtrack, which indelibly linked this movie with its musical era. (Plus, Sweaty Sax Guy!)
Here are a few other points in our discussion:
  • The brilliant directing choices, like shooting in POV to suggest flying (and a cheap way to do it!)
  • The fantastic practical effects, especially the garlic bathtub scene
  • The film's influence on future vampire stories, from Buffy to Twilight
  • Our favorite and least favorite characters (Who are we kidding? We love them all!)
  • Questionable plot points that now bother us... barely
The Lost Boys endures as a thoroughly entertaining vampire movie with depth beyond its horror trappings. We have a great time talking about it, so check it out then tune in. The Next Reel – when the movie ends, our conversation begins!
Film Sundries
This is a member bonus episode, but as an end-of-year gift to all of our wonderful listeners, we’re giving it to everybody. It’s a taste of what membership brings you. We have monthly member bonus episodes that only members can access. You also get other monthly member bonus episodes, access to members-only Discord channels, and early releases for every episode. Plus, no ads! And you get to vote on the movies we discuss in our members only episodes! What can we say? It pays to be a member. Learn more about supporting The Next Reel Film Podcast through your own membership — visit TruStory FM.

Creators and Guests

Host
Andy Nelson
With over 25 years of experience in film, television, and commercial production, Andy has cultivated an enduring passion for storytelling in all its forms. His enthusiasm for the craft began in his youth when he and his friends started making their own movies in grade school. After studying film at the University of Colorado Boulder, Andy wrote, directed, and produced several short films while also producing indie features like Netherbeast Incorporated and Ambush at Dark Canyon. Andy has been on the production team for award-winning documentaries such as The Imposter and The Joe Show, as well as TV shows like Investigation Discovery’s Deadly Dentists and Nat Geo’s Inside the Hunt for the Boston Bombers. Over a decade ago, he started podcasting with Pete and immediately embraced the medium. Now, as a partner at TruStory FM, Andy looks forward to more storytelling through their wide variety of shows. Throughout his career, Andy has passed on his knowledge by teaching young minds the crafts of screenwriting, producing, editing, and podcasting. Outside of work, Andy is a family man who enjoys a good martini, a cold beer, a nice cup o’ joe. And always, of course, a great movie.
Host
Pete Wright
#Movies, #ADHD, & #Podcasting • Co-founder @trustory.fm🎥 The Next Reel Family of #Film Podcasts @thenextreel.com🎙️ Taking Control: The ADHD Podcast @takecontroladhd.com📖 Co-author of Unapologetically ADHD • https://unapologeticallyadhdbook.com

What is The Next Reel Film Podcast?

A show about movies and how they connect.
We love movies. We’ve been talking about them, one movie a week, since 2011. It’s a lot of movies, that’s true, but we’re passionate about origins and performance, directors and actors, themes and genres, and so much more. So join the community, and let’s hear about your favorite movies, too.
When the movie ends, our conversation begins.