Still Watching the Skies: Episode 63 “Slipstream”

Cody, Robert, and Nat journey back to 1989 to look at a film with a lot of ambition that misfired along the way in SLIPSTREAM.

SLIPSTREAM has an impressive pedigree behind it. Gary Kurtz, the producer of AMERICAN GRAFFITI, STAR WARS, and THE DARK CRYSTAL, financed the film. Steven Lisberger had TRON to his credit as a director. The cast includes Mark Hamill, Bill Paxton, Bob Peck, F. Murray Abraham, Ben Kingsley, and Robbie Coltrane. Elmer Bernstein did the score.
So, what went wrong? Apparently a lot, as we try to make sense of the movie. We can start with the big one, what’s it about anyways? How do you tie in a post-apocalyptic world, scattered traces of civilization, a relentless bounty hunter, airplane chases, religion, and whatever else can be crammed in?

That said, there’s ambition to be admired. And practical effects. And individual performances. SLIPSTREAM is a mess, but not an unwatchable one.

As a bonus, everyone on the podcast has seen PARASITE. And, we have a lot to say about the movie without jumping over the spoiler wall. Short story, it’s one of the best movies of the year.

You’re not going to need to journey through a post-apocalyptic world by any means available to listen to this episode. You can give us a play below or Download the episode. Also, feel free to let us know what you think by commenting below or Email Us at [email protected] as we appreciate feedback.
Time tracks:
SLIPSTREAM Discussion: 0:00 to 31:03
PARASITE Discussion: 31:03 to 49:37
Next Film and Outro: 49:37 to End
Next month, we take a look at the film that probably killed Cannon Studios with 1987’s MASTERS OF THE UNIVERSE. We’ll be joined by Sean Gerber and John Bierly of Fandalorians. We hope you’ll join us too.
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