We're diving into the chaotic world of "Switch," where a womanizing ad executive meets his messy demise and gets a second chance at life—this time in the body of a woman! As we chat about the film's wild ride through gender dynamics and personal growth, we can't help but crack jokes about the absurdity of it all. From the hilarious jello salad that steals the Thanksgiving spotlight to the awkward moments that come with switching genders, we explore how Steve's transformation reveals the ridiculousness of toxic masculinity. Plus, we reminisce about our own Thanksgiving mishaps and the heartwarming (and sometimes cringe-worthy) lessons learned. So grab your favorite snack, kick back, and join us for a fun-filled discussion of a film that’s as thought-provoking as it is entertaining!

As the leaves change and the air turns crisp, we’re diving into the hilariously chaotic world of holiday preparations, turkey dilemmas, and a sprinkle of nostalgia. We kick things off with a light-hearted banter about the rapid approach of Thanksgiving and the inevitable family gatherings. You know how it goes—everyone's got that one dish, and this year, it’s all about the infamous jello salad featuring those delightful circus peanuts. Yeah, you heard it right! We’re talking about a dish that smells vaguely like nail polish but brings back waves of childhood memories. We joke about the trials of navigating family dynamics while secretly wondering if Aunt Gloria will finally wear pants this year. Spoiler alert: laughs are guaranteed as we recount past Thanksgivings filled with awkward questions and questionable culinary choices. Along the way, we also reminisce about classic candies, those deliciously weird treats that define our childhoods and discuss the quirky evolution of candy companies over the years, all while keeping the mood light and full of chuckles.

As the episode progresses, we delve into the world of 1991 cinema, focusing on the film “Switch,” where we explore themes of gender identity and the hilarity that ensues when a notorious womanizer finds himself reincarnated as a woman. Our discussions highlight how this film challenges stereotypes and tackles issues of masculinity and femininity with a comedic twist. We share our thoughts on the character's journey from self-absorbed jerk to a more enlightened being, offering our listeners a chance to reflect on how far we've come—and how some things are still oddly relatable today. With plenty of quips about the absurdity of the plot and character motivations, we keep the conversation fun and engaging, ensuring that you’ll want to dig into your own Thanksgiving memories or perhaps even rewatch the film yourself!

To wrap up, we take a nostalgic turn and reflect on the cultural context of the early '90s, discussing how movies like “Switch” fit into the larger conversation about gender and relationships. We dive into the playful dynamics of our own friendship, sharing laughs over the hilariously outdated stereotypes and what they say about our society today. Whether it’s about the turkey drama at family dinners or the ridiculousness of 90s cinema, we guarantee you’ll find yourself laughing along with us and perhaps reflecting on your own experiences as we navigate this wild ride together! So grab a seat at the dinner table, pour yourself a drink, and let’s get this holiday party started!

Takeaways:

• In this episode, we dive into the quirky movie 'Switch', exploring its themes of gender identity and redemption, all while laughing at the ridiculous situations our characters find themselves in.
• We discuss how 'Switch', despite being a comedy from the early 90s, touches on serious topics like sexism and toxic masculinity, showing how far we've come in understanding gender roles.
• The film features a gender swap, leading to hilarious yet insightful moments where the lead character learns what it's like to walk in someone else's shoes, or, you know, high heels!
• We also touch on the nostalgia of 90s cinema and how it influenced our perspectives on relationships and identity, making us think about the changes in comedy and storytelling over the years.
• The characters in 'Switch' are exaggerated but serve as a reflection of societal norms back then, prompting us to consider how modern adaptations might tackle these themes differently today.
• Finally, we wrap up with some fun recommendations that resonate with the themes of 'Switch', including other films that challenge gender norms and explore identity in humorous ways.

Matinee Minutia: Stella (1990) - The Divine Ms. M.'s Selfless Motherhood

Episode 804: Show Notes

This week, DJ and Matt travel back to a world of cargo pants, Aquanet, and dial-up—1990! Before diving into Bette Midler’s heartbreaking turn as a single mom, the duo catches up on Lula May's questionable Thanksgiving invitation and Cooter Jack’s latest shenanigans in the basement. Once the VCR stops blinking, the focus turns to the 1990 remake of Stella, exploring the class divide, a mother's ultimate sacrifice, and the enduring power of Bette Midler's talent.

Key Segments

• [00:00:02] Welcome & Trailer Park Thanksgiving: Fall banter, dealing with leaves6. The high-stakes invitation to Lula May's for a possibly hunted turkey.
• [00:02:45] Trapped in Time: The Year is 1990: World events like the release of Nelson Mandela, the start of the Gulf War, German reunification, and the launch of the Hubble Space Telescope8. Notable figures passing away, including Greta Garbo and Sammy Davis Jr.9.
• [00:04:15] The Movie Lineup: Discussing the big hits of the time: Home Alone, Ghost, and Dances with Wolves10101010. The selection of the feature film: Stella.
• [00:07:21] Feature Film Discussion: Stella (1990): The plot, starring Bette Midler as Stella Claire 1212, a feisty, independent working-class woman 13131313who has a child with the upper-class Dr. Stephen Dallas (Stephen Collins)14141414.
• [00:11:14] Setting the Scene: Watertown, NY in the Late 60s: Discussing the film's setting as a working-class "bedroom community" 15and how the 1990 remake addressed modern issues like the availability of the birth control pill and a woman’s reproductive choices.
• [00:14:01] The Class Divide and Sacrifice: Stella's realization that her world is not enough for her daughter, Jenny17. Frustration over Stella repeatedly turning down financial help from the wealthy father.
• [00:20:21] Director Spotlight: John Ehrman: Highlighting his extensive career in American television, including episodes of Star Trek, The Outer Limits 19, and winning an award for directing the miniseries Roots.
• [00:23:00] Star Spotlight: Bette Midler: Celebrating the Divine Ms. M. 21, an EGOT winner 2222, and her early career roots in the gay community23. Career highlights include The Rose 24, Beaches 25252525, Hocus Pocus 26, and The First Wives Club27272727.
• [00:33:14] The Embarrassing Florida Trip: The climactic scene where Stella's vibrant, "Carmen Miranda-esque" style 28clashes with the muted colors of Jenny's wealthy friends 29, causing Jenny immense embarrassment30.
• [00:37:34] The Birthday Party Disaster & Eileen Brennan: Stella and best friend Ed Munn (John Goodman) 31are arrested after a bar fight, witnessed by the judgmental PTA head, Mrs. Wilkerson (Eileen Brennan)32. This leads to the ultimate humiliation: no one showing up to Jenny's 16th birthday party33.
• [01:23:16] Supporting Cameos: Spotlighting Ben Stiller as the "bad boy boyfriend" 34and his surprising love for Star Trek35.
• [01:27:29] Stella in the Modern Era: Reimagining a contemporary remake, where Ed Munn (John Goodman's character) is positioned as the classic "nice guy" trope 36and would ideally get sober.

Best Quotes

• "Apparently we are invited to the trailer for Thanksgiving this year."
• "Most people who know Lula Mae know you don't want to [touch this]
• "The film you're watching today is Stella, about a feisty working class single mother played by Bette Midler, who sacrifices her relationship with her child so she can grow up having a better life..."
• "But Stella was released in 1990, directed by John Ehrman, and as you heard, stars Bette Midler as Stella Claire."
• (On the Florida trip wardrobe) "It's almost as if everyone else is being dressed by Martha Stewart. And Bette Midler has gone to Gloria Estefan's wardrobe."

Takeaways:

• In this episode, we dive into the wild world of Halloween traditions and spooky treats, including our favorite candies that have haunted our childhoods. It's a sugar rush of nostalgia!
• We chat about classic Halloween activities and the quirky costumes we wore growing up, revealing some hilarious stories that will make you chuckle and reminisce about those good old days.
• Elvira, Mistress of the Dark, is not just a campy horror film; it explores themes of individuality and empowerment while mixing in a hefty dose of sass and supernatural antics that keep us entertained.
• The podcast highlights the rich connections between characters and actors, including fun facts about Cassandra Peterson and her journey in the entertainment industry that add depth to our appreciation of Elvira's legacy.

DJ & Matt discuss the trivia behind the 1986 Horror, Sci-Fi film "Invaders from Mars" starring Karen Black & Louise Fletcher.

Recommendations: "The Faculty" (1998) and "The Monster Squad" (1987)

Next Time: "Elvira: Mistress of The Dark" To Be Released on 10/31

In their Season Premiere DJ & Matt discuss the trivia behind the 1995 Conspiracy Thriller, Action, Crime, Drama "The Net" starring Sandra Bullock and Jeremy Northam. Next Time: "Invaders from Mars" (1986) To Be Released 10/24

Write to DJ & Matt at [email protected] Leave a comment on our page at matineeminutiae.com Follow the show on BlueSky. View our our videos on Odysee. Friend DJ on Facebook

DJ & Matt discuss the trivia behind the 1980 Period Drama, Fantasy, Romance "Somewhere In Time" starring Christoper Reeves, Jane Seymour and Christopher Plummer. Our Season Finale. New Episide Resume in September

Recommendations: The Time Traveler's Wife (2009), and Starman (1984)

Write to DJ & Matt at [email protected] Leave a comment on our page at matineeminutiae.com Follow the show on BlueSky. View our our videos on Odysee. Friend DJ on Facebook

DJ & Matt discuss the trivia behind the 1989 Drama, Fantasy, Romance "Always" starring Holly Hunter, Richard Dreyfuss and John Goodman. A Steven Spielberg Film.

Recommendations: Heaven Can Wait (1978) and Ghost (1990)

Next Time: Our Season Finale "Somewhere In Time" (1980)

Write to DJ & Matt at [email protected] Leave a comment on our page at matineeminutiae.com Follow the show on BlueSky. View our our videos on Odysee. Friend DJ on Facebook

DJ & Matt discuss the trivia behind the 1988 Adventure, Comedy, Romance film "Vibes" starring Cyndi Lauper, Jeff Goldblum and Peter Falk. Next Time: Always (1989) To Be Released 8/15.

Recommendations: "Romancing The Stone" (1984), "High Spirits" (1988)

Write to DJ & Matt at [email protected] Leave a comment on our page at matineeminutiae.com Follow the show on BlueSky. View our our videos on Odysee. Friend DJ on Facebook

DJ & Matt discuss the trivia behind the 1980 Comedy, Crime Film "How To Beat The High Cost of Living" starring Susan Saint James, Jane Curtain and Jessica Lange. Next Time: Vibes (1988) To Be Released on 8/01

Recommendations: "Crackers" (1984) and "The Best Little Whorehouse In Texas" (1982)

Write to DJ & Matt at [email protected] Leave a comment on our page at matineeminutiae.com Follow the show on BlueSky. View our our videos on Odysee. Friend DJ on Facebook

DJ & Matt discuss the trivia behind the 1973 Caper, Comedy, Crime Drama "The Sting" starring Paul Newman and Robert Redford.

Recommendations: "Going In Style" (1979), "Klute" (1971)

Next Time: How To Beat The High Cost of Living (1980) To Be Released 7/18

Write to DJ & Matt at [email protected] Leave a comment on our page at matineeminutiae.com Follow the show on BlueSky. View our our videos on Odysee. Friend DJ on Facebook

DJ & Matt discuss the trivia behind the 2022 Romantic Comedy "Bros" starring Billy Eichner and Luke MacFarlane. Happy Pride! Next Time: The Sting

Recommendations: "Going In Style" (1979), "Klute" (1971)

Write to DJ & Matt at [email protected] Leave a comment on our page at matineeminutiae.com Follow the show on BlueSky View the new home of our recording sessions on Odysee. Friend DJ on Facebook