This special two-part episode looking back at the first decade of Touchstone Pictures concludes with Mike and Chad analyzing the success of Touchstone films at the box office during the Eisner/Katzenberg regime, and how the "Disney Renaissance" brought the studio back to the forefront of the moviegoing public's collective mind. Finally, the co-host…

Before moving on to Disney's 1995 slate, let's take one final look at the first ten years of Touchstone Pictures - in Part 1 of this two-part episode, Mike and Chad touch on Disney's earliest forays into live-action films, the legacy of their animated content, and Ron Miller's wish to produce films that appealed to older audiences without the "fami…

While Touchstone did manage to win a couple of Academy Awards in 1994, the year also provided some notorious flops for the studio. Mike and Chad look back on the year that was, handing out Ronnie Awards for their favorite films and performances - though one film received the lion's share of praise, a few others stepped up to remind us why we enjoy …

It's time for another special interview episode of Out of Touchstone, as Mike had the great thrill to chat with writer/director Ron Shelton! In addition to being responsible for some of the best sports movies of the last few decades, Ron also directed two features for Touchstone Pictures: BLAZE (1989) and PLAY IT TO THE BONE (2000), and shared stor…

With ED WOOD serving as Touchstone's final film of 1994 in late September, Disney leaves themselves three months to wrap up the year with five releases across multiple genres in an attempt to make as much of a mark at the box office as possible. The results were mixed, but the films served their purpose: Hollywood Pictures brought forth sci-fi horr…

The end of Touchstone's 1994 slate brings forth one of the best films in their entire catalog: ED WOOD! In this special extended episode, Chad and Mike welcome two of their best friends from college - Mike Meyer and Sean Reynolds - for a roundtable discussion covering many aspects of this beloved entry in director Tim Burton's filmography. From the…

Disney rebounded from a difficult August 1994 with a September that brought critical acclaim but not the greatest box office results. First up, Touchstone presents a more serious Steve Martin with A SIMPLE TWIST OF FATE - both Mike and Chad lauded the performances and the subtle hints of humor, but the third act doomed the film. Thankfully, Hollywo…

It was a month of misfortune for Disney: August 1994 brought four separate flops, though one was clearly better than the others. Touchstone gave us IT'S PAT: THE MOVIE, a poor attempt to bring the popular SNL character to the big screen. What can you say about it? Not much, and Mike and Chad preferred it that way. From there, the co-hosts turned to…

It's now the Summer of 1994 and Disney has both a huge hit and a minor success at the box office - but sadly, neither of those came from Touchstone. As a result, the co-hosts get to do their customary deep dive into I LOVE TROUBLE, a film mostly remembered for the behind-the-scenes squabbles between its two stars, Nick Nolte and Julia Roberts. Mike…

We're excited to bring you another interview on Out of Touchstone as we sit down with Jim Burnstein, the writer of RENAISSANCE MAN who now serves as the Director of the Screenwriting Program at the University of Michigan. He discusses his career at length, beginning with his decision to become a writer and how he managed to navigate the film indust…

Addiction and education are the topics of the day as we wrap up Spring 1994 on Out of Touchstone by looking at two of the studio's offerings. First up is WHEN A MAN LOVES A WOMAN, which features strong dramatic performances from Meg Ryan and Andy Garcia in a hard-hitting look at the effects of alcholism on the family unit. We both enjoyed the film,…

Mike provides a brief update on the show: please bear with us through this delay, as we are excited to re-start the show and post new episodes soon. Thank you for listening!

April 1994 has arrived on Out of Touchstone, as we look at three Disney films that feature younger characters growing up somewhat quickly. First up from Touchstone Pictures is THE INKWELL, a unique look at affluent African Americans in the 1970s and the psychological progression of an impressionable young man. Mike and Chad both agreed that the fil…

It's March 1994 and Disney has decided to release three movies set during the holidays or around winter - time for the guys from Out of Touchstone to put on their warm weather clothes! First up, Mike and Chad do a deep dive into Touchstone's THE REF, a wonderfully underrated dark comedy with a stellar cast that deserves to be a Christmas staple. Fr…

We continue into February 1994 on Out of Touchstone, which features two films that include questionable romantic entanglements. We start with the unsettling Touchstone comedy MY FATHER THE HERO, which creeped out both of the hosts and made them question the laws in the Bahamas. Maybe something was lost in translation from the original French versio…

We've come to 1994 on Out of Touchstone, which brings us a series of adventures for the new year. We kick things off with the low-budget (and low-brow) comedy CABIN BOY, a star vehicle that Mike had a real hard time watching, though Chad did find it slightly enjoyable. Thankfully there were two other films released by Disney in the same month - THE…

1993 brought us several notable films and performances from the Touchstone library, so Mike and Chad take this opportunity to shine a light on their favorites. While one film dominates the Ronnie Awards due to its technical achievement and another draws praise for its superb acting, there were also a few hidden gems that the co-hosts found pleasant…

We’re looking at the role of saviors as we come to the end of 1993 on Out of Touchstone: we start with Whoopi Goldberg’s return to the fold in SISTER ACT 2, another mostly unnecessary sequel from Touchstone that doesn’t quite capture the charm of the original film. Mike and Chad then turn their gaze to period pieces involving soldiers (Disney’s THE…

Two of Disney's most peculiar films of 1993 are the focus of this episode of Out of Touchstone: first we look at Touchstone's THE NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS, a landmark of stop-motion animation with a fantastic soundtrack, which has since been re-branded as a full-fledged Walt Disney film. The film has a solid legacy, as compared to the other film …

The fall of 1993 brings us a few sports movies to discuss on Out of Touchstone, starting with THE PROGRAM: a melodramatic look at a struggling football team. Mike and Chad both felt the Touchstone drama was just a little too corny to be taken seriously, even though it did shed some light on important issues facing student-athletes. The co-hosts the…

We wrap up the summer of 1993 on Out of Touchstone by looking at three comedies involving resurrection and unconventional love. First up is MY BOYFRIEND'S BACK from Touchstone Pictures, a wickedly dark comedy with an outstanding supporting cast (featuring several stars in the making). Both Mike and Chad enjoyed the wackiness of the film and wish Ho…

Crime continues not to pay in the summer of 1993, and on this episode of Out of Touchstone our hosts look at the long arm of the law and some questionable decisions from reluctant criminals. We kick off with the Touchstone sequel ANOTHER STAKEOUT, which allows Mike and Chad to question why it was even made while marvelling at the power of a sweet m…

We continue in the summer of 1993 by looking at some difficult subject matter on Out of Touchstone. First up is the musical biopic WHAT'S LOVE GOT TO DO WITH IT, which features two outstanding lead performances and an unflinching look at domestic violence. From there, Chad and Mike compare the tale of Ike and Tina Turner to two films from Hollywood…

The summer of 1993 has arrived and gives us a look at precocious children and manipulative adults on Out of Touchstone. The first film that Mike and Chad discuss is the underrated Touchstone family film, LIFE WITH MIKEY, featuring Michael J. Fox as a talent agent taking in a new protegee. The child stars (Christina Vidal and David Krumholtz) are te…

The spring of 1993 brings about two films that highlight the difficulties of maturing into adulthood. First up, Mike and Chad take a deep dive into the ensemble Touchstone dramedy INDIAN SUMMER, which features a group of characters longing for their younger days. While neither co-host felt the film had much of a plot, we both loved the terrific cas…

We continue along in 1993 by looking at two exclusive clubs and the drama unfolding amongst their members. THE CEMETERY CLUB is the first group under the microscope, as Mike and Chad dissect the tale of three Jewish widows attempting to move on with their lives in this heartwarming Touchstone Picture. The performances are solid (especially Danny Ai…

We begin another year on Out of Touchstone, kicking off 1993 by looking at films involving characters fighting against the elements. First up is the harrowing Touchstone film ALIVE, the inspiring true story of a group of plane crash survivors stranded in the Andes Mountains. It's a very powerful film, but both Mike and Chad felt that it was also ha…

It's time for a special episode of Out of Touchstone as we had the pleasure of interviewing Marty Kaplan: He's a fascinating individual who has spent time working under a U.S. President and now has an esteemed academic career. But in the 1980s he was a Vice President with Touchstone Pictures, and then worked as a writer/producer for Disney in the 1…

It was a quiet year for Touchstone as 1992 saw the studio only release six films, but Mike and Chad still had a fun time picking their favorites of the bunch. While two films received the lion's share of praise, the other four still garnered attention for some wonderful performances. Franchises were established, filmmakers began relationships with …

We wrap up 1992 on Out of Touchstone by looking at shady protagonists with questionable backgrounds. First up is the Touchstone comedy CAPTAIN RON, featuring a stellar comedic turn from Kurt Russell but a dismal script with lame jokes aplenty. Finally, Chad and MIke focus on three more films - Disney's ALADDIN and THE MUPPET CHRISTMAS CAROL, and TH…

The examination of the criminal mind is the focus of this episode of Out of Touchstone, as we start by discussing Touchstone's CROSSING THE BRIDGE, a "coming of age" drama about three friends faced with the decision to engage in criminal activity. Both Mike and Chad enjoyed the performances but thought the film was a tad slow. After that, the co-ho…

We've got characters pushed to their limits on this episode of Out of Touchstone, highlighted by one of the most notorious flops in Touchstone's history: THE GUN IN BETTY LOU'S HANDBAG. While Penelope Ann Miller was great in the lead role, both Mike and Chad felt the script left a lot to be desired. The hosts also look at the stressful predicaments…

It's all about "kid power" for this episode of Out of Touchstone, as we focus on the 1992 films released by Disney aimed at young viewers. First up, Chad and Mike dissect Touchstone's 3 NINJAS, and lament about how they both feel that they missed out by not seeing the film when they were younger. From there, the hosts look at three other releases g…

We roll into the first half of 1992 on Out of Touchstone by looking at films featuring proactive leads being dropped into unfamiliar surroudings and inspring those around them. First up, the hosts dissect the wildly successful star vehicle, SISTER ACT, and focus on the merits of Whoopi Goldberg's ability to carry both a film and a tune. Though Chad…

A new year of films brings a new format to our podcast, as we kick off 1992 by dissecting only one Touchstone film, the stage adaptation NOISES OFF. Mike and Chad discuss their favorite moments and performances from the ensemble comedy, highlighting the terrific work done by the late Christopher Reeve and John Ritter. In the second half of the show…

Another year has come and gone, which gives Mike and Chad a chance to pick their favorite films and performances from the 1991 Touchstone films. The year provided several surprises from the studio - both good and bad - but two gangster films seems to shine the brightest. We say goodbye to Ernest P. Worrell and "The Queen of Touchstone", but also lo…

We bring 1991 to a close on this episode of Out of Touchstone, with two films featuring families adding new members. First up, the hosts discuss BILLY BATHGATE, the organized crime thriller starring Dustin Hoffman and a young Nicole Kidman. Both Mike and Chad agree that the acting and storytelling are superb, and wonder why this wasn't a bigger hit…

Touchstone ventures back into the thriller genre, and says goodbye to a beloved character on this episode of Out of Touchstone. Known for her “bubbly” persona in a comedy-filled career, Goldie Hawn plays against type and headlines our first film, DECEIVED. The thriller also features the late John Heard as Hawn’s husband, who may or may not have a s…

The fall of 1991 sees Disney venturing into serious issues with two intriguing films on this episode of Out of Touchstone. First comes TRUE IDENTITY, an exploration of race and society wrapped in a screwball comedy package. The tone is uneven but Lenny Henry is a joy to watch. Finally, the co-hosts have wildly different opinions on PARADISE, a Sout…

We continue into 1991 on Out of Touchstone, using surgical precision to dissect two medical-themed films. First comes the zany comedy WHAT ABOUT BOB?, which presented some serious issues for Mike as he wasn't quite ready to laugh at mental illness, though Chad felt it was harmless. But the guys were in agreement on THE DOCTOR, an underrated gem fea…

1991 has arrived on Out of Touchstone, bringing both satire and farce in the year's first two films. We start with the final film from the "Queen of Touchstone", Bette Midler, as she stars opposite the legendary Woody Allen in SCENES FROM A MALL. Both of the co-hosts love a nice trip to the mall, but not this cinematic look into marital unhappiness…

It's the first year of a new decade, and Mike and Chad look back and give their picks for the highlights from Touchstone's 1990 slate of films. Two blockbusters commanded most of the attention of the year, but lesser known and underappreciated gems also get their due on this episode. Plus, the hosts get another chance to remind you to NOT watch FIR…

We put a bow on 1990 with two holiday releases on Out of Touchstone: First up, Mike and Chad dissect the unnecessary sequel THREE MEN AND A LITTLE LADY, which once again features alpha males behaving badly, and this time there's no baby to bail them out. Then the hosts turn their attention to the fraudulent nuptials of GREEN CARD, director Peter We…

Road trip! 1990 rolls along into North Carolina on Out of Touchstone, bringing forth two underwhelming comedies with fantasy elements (or are they fantasies with comedic elements?). BETSY'S WEDDING is the first film to be discussed, as Mike and Chad admonish Italian stereotypes and question Molly Ringwald's post-adolescent acting career. Finally, t…

The summer of 1990 has arrived on Out of Touchstone, as Mike and Chad look at two films featuring a variety of good guys out to fight crime. First up is the deplorable FIRE BIRDS, a feature-length Army recruitment video with some of the worst dialogue you'll ever hear - but it's got Tommy Lee Jones and he's always awesome. Finally, the hosts look a…

The spring of 1990 continues on Out of Touchstone, as Mike and Chad discuss two movies for which they held low expectations and wound up being pleasantly surprised. The first is ERNEST GOES TO JAIL, as Jim Varney ("The Clown Prince of Touchstone") returns to the role of Ernest P. Worrell to get some of his biggest laughs in his most adult-oriented …

It's the biggest Out of Touchstone episode yet, as we come to one of the studio's biggest films, PRETTY WOMAN. From its humble beginning as a dark story centered on a drug-addicted prostitute to the glossy finished product with Pygmalion-esque touches courtesy of director Garry Marshall, the film inspired a lengthy discussion for Mike and Chad. In …

It's a new year and a new decade for Out of Touchstone, as we kick off 1990 with a star vehicle as well as a visionary director's artistic statement. First up is STELLA, a remake of the soapy melodrama starring the Queen of Touchstone, Bette Midler. The story has been told before and doesn't need to be told again. Finally, the hosts discuss WHERE T…

We've wrapped up the 1980's on Out of Touchstone, which gives Mike and Chad the chance to look back and scrutinize the films of 1989. After discussing the notable moments and most successful films of the year - both commercially and artistically - the guys hand out Ronnie Awards for their favorite achievements from Touchstone's releases.…

We wrap up 1989 on Out of Touchstone by looking at two interesting but average films. First up, Mike and Chad do their best medical student impressions by dissecting GROSS ANATOMY, focusing on the underrated talent of both Christine Lahti and Matthew Modine. Then the guys head south to "the great state of Louisiana" for BLAZE, starring a mumbling P…