Sunday, December 27, 2020
Bronze Age Marvel Comics Fan? Check This Out!
Saturday, December 26, 2020
"Another Lonely Christmas"
The hectic holiday season is keeping Mike and Joseph apart, but that doesn't mean you're not getting a new episode - it's just not the type you're used to. Joseph delivers a Christmas message to everyone, Mike digs into the archives and pulls out a couple of old Christmas related clips, and then it's time for a replay of last year's "audio drama" as the "Uphill Both Ways Players" present an edited and abridged telling of Dicken's "Christmas Carol". It may not be 60 minutes of new material, but it's better than the lump of coal that Bingo the Helper Monkey wanted to give everyone! Happy holidays to everyone from the Uphill Both Ways crew!
Monday, December 21, 2020
"Christmas Wrapping" by the Waitresses
Saturday, December 19, 2020
Saturday Morning Cartoons?!?
Thursday, December 17, 2020
Movie Review - "The Legend of Baron T'oa"
All in all this is a very fun film with a well told story of a hero’s journey with some exciting action, a positive message, and is definitely well worth a watch.
Release Date (Streaming): Nov 11, 2020
Monday, December 14, 2020
8 From the 80s - Catchphrases
Friday, December 11, 2020
"Street Fighting Man"
Joseph starts things off by discussing "In Search Of" and how he uses the classic show in his classroom, then it's off to Mt. Retromore where the guys give TV Moms their due. The main event is a review/discussion about the movie "The Legend of Baron To'a" and a side discussion about the 'Islander' gimmick in professional wrestling in the 70s and 80s. It's the penultimate show of 2020!
Sunday, December 6, 2020
7 From the 70s - Gold Key Comics
Some of My Favorite Gold Key Comic Books - by Joseph Perry
I became a huge comic book fan at age six when, after moving from northern California to Corral, Idaho (population 32 when we lived there in 1968, if I recall correctly), I discovered a stack of old comics in one of the storage sheds at the ranch to which my family moved. I was already well aware of, and quite interested in, Marvel and DC superheroes thanks to coloring books, cartoons, and television shows, but the comic books I happened upon opened up a whole new world to me. Fortunately the general store in Corral and the drug store in nearby Fairfield stocked the latest issues in spinner racks stuffed full of colorful goodness.
Gold Key publishing company boasted beautiful, painted covers that set the brand’s books apart from other publishers’ titles. Though the books usually didn’t credit their writers and artists the same way that Marvel and other publishers did, Gold Key had a rich group of talented people behind their comics. Best of all, for six-year-old me, Gold Key had many titles that appealed to my love of monsters and robots, an affection that I still hold to today.
Tuesday, December 1, 2020
Here's Some News About the Site!
Joseph, Mike, and Bingo the Helper Monkey hope that everyone (who celebrates it), had a great Thanksgiving and (for some), long weekend. The time for rest is over, however, and we're prepping to debut a couple of new, semi-regular features!
First is Joseph's "7 From the 70s" where he'll muse about seven things from the 70s, all within a certain topic. For example, his first outing (which we'll be posting soon), will be about Gold Key Comics; specifically, seven different Gold Key comics that he remembers having an impact on him.
Next up is Mike's "8 From the 80s" which is pretty much exactly the same thing, only covering the decade of decadence. Plus, it will have one more entry, but that was obvious given the title, yeah?
There's other ideas floating around that the guys are trying to work out like retro reviews of movies, music, TV shows, video games, and wrestling. So keep checking back to see what we've managed to scrape together - and of course pop by every other Friday when we post the newest episode of the Uphill Both Ways podcast.
Uphill Both Ways - living in the past so you don't have to!
Friday, November 27, 2020
"A Horse With No Name"
Episode #93
It's a bit of a free-for-all this episode as the fellas present their Mt. Retromore of TV Dads and then swing into talk about the origins of the show, give thanks to some special folks, and talk a little about the future of Uphill Both Ways. The countdown to #100 continues!
https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/whenitwascool/UBW093_A_Horse_With_No_Name.mp3
Action U.S.A. on Sale Now!
After sitting on this info for a while now, we can finally say that ACTION U.S.A., the "lost" 80s indie action flick that Joseph and Mike featured earlier in the month is finally on sale over at Vinegar Syndrome!
Vinegar Syndrome excels at remastering old, forgotten genre films. They've done numerous old horror flicks, a bunch of action movies (and even some racy stuff for those of you into that stuff). All of their releases are limited in their production run and sometimes sell out pretty quickly, so if you're looking to grab a copy of ACTION U.S.A., we urge you to take advantage of their annual Black Friday sale and get one this weekend.
Grab your copy here! (and no, we don't get a kickback or anything - we just love this movie!)
Wednesday, November 25, 2020
The Ben Cooper, Inc. Legacy
Started in 1937 by former costume and set designer Ben Cooper, Ben Cooper, Inc. initially sold costumes of ghosts, goblins and other creatures but began licensing characters like Superman and Zorro as the popularity of their TV shows grew. If you were a kid growing up in the United States during the 60s, 70s or 80s, the chances are pretty doggone high that at one time or another you wore a Ben Cooper, Inc. costume on Halloween.
Wednesday, November 18, 2020
Retro Movie Review - "Remo Williams: The Adventure Begins"
Released in 1985 to middling reviews and a pretty crummy box office, Remo Williams is the story of a New York City cop who has his death faked and wakes up with a new face, a new name and a new job. All of this is courtesy of a super-secret crime fighting organization called CURE, run by Harold Smith (Wilford Brimley) in one of the absolute worst casting choices ever. Seriously – if the source material describes someone as lemony-faced, wearing a gray suit with skin that seems almost gray itself, Wilford Brimley is NOT what one pictures.
Anyway, Remo (Fred Ward) has been recruited to be the enforcement arm of CURE and is introduced to Chiun (Joel Grey), the reigning master of Sinanju (which, we learn, is the martial arts discipline that all others came from) who has been hired to train him. Well, introduced isn’t exactly the right word. Remo is taken by Conn MacCleary (J. A. Preston) who was, previously, the only person other than Smith who worked for CURE, on his first assignment wherein he’s supposed to simply enter an apartment and kill the occupant. Said occupant is Chiun and after failing miserably at his mission, we learn that this was merely a test. Chiun is unimpressed but is convinced to stay on and train Remo.
We’re treated to some of Remo’s training and a get to know Chiun a little (he loves soap operas!) and learn that Sinanju has provided emperors and kings with assassins throughout history. Remo learns the basics of balance, breathing, the ability to become lighter than air and to even dodge bullets. The training and history lessons are short lived, however, as Smith calls Remo in for his first mission, which Chiun is not too happy about, saying Remo needs more time to be ready. Nonetheless, Remo is briefed on his mission, sent into the field and, following an exciting set piece on the Statue of Liberty (which is encased in scaffolding since it was undergoing maintenance and repairs at the time), eventually saves the day.
One of the biggest failings of the movie is that it’s never really explained why Chiun agrees to stay and train Remo. The books, of course, DO provide plenty of background: In the books, Chiun sees Remo as the integral piece for fulfilling a prophecy and becoming the avatar of Shiva. A father-son relationship is built over the course of the early books and while Chiun constantly criticizes Remo, it’s obvious he loves him and that Remo feels the same for him, even going so far as to call Chiun “Little Father”. It’s this bond that is created between the two that is the heart and soul of the “The Destroyer” series and the fact that it is only briefly touched on in the movie (Remo does call Chiun by his nickname after Chiun slips and calls him “my son”) is one of the movie’s biggest mistakes.
Despite what it sounds like, this is an entertaining movie. It’s directed by Guy Hamilton (who helmed a few James Bond movies) and the screenplay was written by Christopher Wood (who co-wrote a couple of different James Bond films), so it has a decent pedigree behind the camera. Fred Ward does a great job at capturing Remo’s serious yet sassy personality and Joel Grey (while not Korean at all and acting under a lot of makeup) is excellent as Chiun. The action scenes, which admittedly seem a bit “small” for this type of movie, are fun and the plot, while a bit thin (especially in comparison to some of the books), is simple enough that it doesn’t get in the way of the action. There is Blu-ray release by Twilight Time Movies and it tends to show up here and there on different streaming service somewhere, so it shouldn’t be too hard to find. If you’re a fan of action films and have never seen this, you owe it to yourself to give it a watch.
Reviewed by Mike Imboden
Screenplay by: Christopher Wood
Based on The Destroyer by Warren Murphy and Richard Sapir
Genre: Action & Adventure
Distributed by: Orion Pictures
Starring: Fred Ward, Joel Grey, Wilford Brimley, Kate Mulgrew
Running time 116 minutes
Rated: PG-13
Release date: October 11, 1985
Monday, November 16, 2020
“The Legend of Baron To’a” Sees a Son Step Up to His Wrestler Father’s Legacy
The film receives a December 4th theatrical, digital, and VOD release from Gravitas Ventures & New Zealand Film Commission. The film stars Uli Latukefu, who was recently tapped to play the young Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson in an upcoming NBC production. Uphill Both Ways has the official trailer and poster for you below. Following is the official press announcement.
When his late father’s priceless championship belt is stolen by a ruthless gang, a displaced Tongan man must reconnect with his father’s legacy to defeat the barbaric gang kingpin and get the title back.
After a run-in with a corrupt cop and a vicious attack from the gang, three patched members invite Fritz to a BBQ to “break bread.” The family-oriented BBQ becomes dangerous after dark as Fritz comes face-to-face with gang leader Tahu, who has the belt draped over his shoulder. Fritz fails to reason with Tahu and is ruthlessly beaten into the streets.
Directed by: Kiel McNaughton
Written by: John Argall
Genre: Action & Adventure, Comedy
Distributor: Gravitas Ventures
Produced by: Kerry Warkia
Cast: Uli Latukefu, Nathaniel Lees, Jay Laga'aia, Shavaughn Ruakere, & John Tui
Run Time: 103m
Saturday, November 14, 2020
"Strange Things are afoot at the Circle K"
After some discussion, both Joseph and Mike have agreed that there needs to be more content here. So in the days, weeks, and months to come, expect to see some movie reviews, album reviews, TV reviews, articles, discussions, and lists (and more!), all dedicated to the two greatest decades in the 20th century.
Yep, that means more 70s! More 80s! And more retro pop-culture goodness.
Sure, this isn't the first site to cater fans of that era and, yeah, there's probably sites out there that are and will do a better job than Mike and Joe can. But the Internet is a pretty big place, and after three years of the UBW podcast they're pretty confident that they can build something pretty fun here.So put on your high-top Adidas sneakers, feather your hair back, and pop that collar. "We've got to go back, Marty!"
Friday, November 13, 2020
"Action USA" PG-Rated Trailer
Thursday, November 12, 2020
"I Want Action"
It's right there in the name, folks - this episode has wall to wall ACTION! It's a collaborative "Mt. Retromore" of 70s and 80s action movie stars as Joseph and Mike nominate and select the foursome they feel best exemplifies the genre at the time. And then it's off to the main event where the guys review and discuss the "the craziest action film you never saw", "Action USA". Filmed in 1988 with an all-but-forgotten VHS edition, this 4K Restoration & rerelease from Verdugo Entertainment is the holy grail of 80s B-Movie action flicks!
Thursday, October 29, 2020
"Dead Man's Party"
The UBW Halloween Trilogy concludes with a Mt. Retromore of giant monsters, a couple of movie recommendations, and the main topic: a review of the Rankin/Bass Halloween stop-motion classic, "Mad Monster Party". Find out what Mike and Joseph think about this almost-forgotten but cult-favorite slice of late 60s pop-culture pie (pumpkin, of course!) The countdown to episode #100 is on!
Thursday, October 15, 2020
"Psycho Killer"
While it's technically the second of the "UBW Halloween 2020" trilogy, it's the first NEW show due to last episode's updated rerun. So what's in store here? Joseph and Mike talk about their picks for the Mt. Retromore of Horror icons (find out who joins Ric Flair as the second person to make both of their lists), and then it's time for a debate, of sorts. Mike is a fan of slasher movies while Joseph prefers those of the supernatural type, so they go up against one another in an effort to illustrate why their favorite is better and if there's any common ground to be found between the two. Who wins? We won't say, but really - let's face it - you listeners are the REAL winners! Can we get a "heck, yeah!"? Anyone?
Thursday, October 1, 2020
"Clones (We're All)"
Due to circumstances beyond their control, Mike and Joseph were unable to record a new episode for this week. But that doesn't mean you're not getting a show! Step into the W.A.B.A.C. machine as we head off to the first Halloween-themed show that the fellas did back in 2017. If it's your first time listening to it, or you've already heard it, we think you're going to like it as they talk costumes, trick or treating, and what some of their favorite candy was back in the day. And we promise - episode #90 in two weeks is going to be all-new and all-awesome!
Wednesday, September 23, 2020
R.I.P. Road Warrior Animal
It's no secret that Mike and Joe are huge wrestling fans, so we here at Uphill Both Ways are saddened to hear of the passing of Road Warrior Animal. He and Hawk (along with Paul Ellering), dominated the tag-team scene for years.
Often imitated, never duplicated - as they say - they weren't always the spiked shoulder-pads wearing, face-painted monsters.Here's a look at their television debut with the 'Road Warrior' gimmick obviously that of a couple of butt-kicking, no-name takin' motorcycle badasses.
Friday, September 18, 2020
Thursday, September 17, 2020
"My Old School"
Saturday, September 5, 2020
"Hot Blooded"
Friday, August 21, 2020
"Double Vision"
Episode 86
It's time for a new regular feature (at least for now) as Mike and Joseph debut "Mt. Retromore" - their take on the game of coming up with your own "Mt. Rushmore" of a given topic. For this first shot they come up with their four professional wrestlers who they each feel were important to the sport in the 70s and 80s. A couple might be obvious, but the big question is if there are any duplicates between the lists! Then it's off to the main topic where the guys discuss remakes and reboots of TV shows and movies from the 70s and 80s. Are they in favor of this practice or do they bash it to bits? And more importantly, why did they forget Bingo's favorite movie, "King Kong"?!?
https://traffic.libsyn.com/…/wheni…/UBW086_Double_Vision.mp3
Thursday, August 6, 2020
"Mr. Big Stuff"
Episode #85
It's August and that means it's time for "Dragon King Karl Month" at the palatial When It Was Cool estate as everyone celebrates Karl's birthday. Mike and Joe do their part to liven up the festivities as they program the WABAC machine to Karl's birth year of 1971 and discuss everything from the price of a Malibu Barbie to the confetti showers of Rip Taylor. Of course there's also the usual 'What's New' and 'Mix-Tape Challenge' segments that you've come to love and look forward to as well. We've said it before, but we really mean it this time when we say "This one's got it all"!
https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/whenitwascool/UBW085.mp3
Tuesday, August 4, 2020
ICYMI
Thursday, July 23, 2020
"Cover of Rolling Stone"
Joseph talks a bit about this year's BIFAN Film Festival before the talk turns to drive-in theaters now in the age of Covid-19. Then it's off to the Mix-Tape Challenge followed by the main topic: magazines! From Highlights for Children to Rolling Stone, the fellas wax nostalgic for the old Bill Apter wrestling magazines, the black and white Warren horror mags, and everyone's favorite - TV Guide. All this and more - and none of those stinky perfume samplers and annoying subscription cards that seemed to be on every other page of magazines back in the day.
Sunday, July 19, 2020
"Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it."
A whole year.
Although it seems a bit insincere after so long, we are VERY SORRY that we've not kept up on things here. We could say we were indulging in movie marathons of Stephen Spielberg and John Carpenter movies, or listening to the entire Prince catalog of music, but that's just not true. Bottom line is that we just got tired. Between adding all of the OLD content and trying to keep up with the NEW content, it got to be a bit overwhelming.
But we're re-dedicating ourselves to posting things here. New episodes and returning to posting the links to all of the OLD episodes as well. It seems that more and more people are staying away from Facebook and the toxicity that seems to fuel their fires and since that is our main outlet for our web presence we figured we needed to beef up this site and get more traffic driving here instead.
So bear with us - it's a time consuming job, but it's a job we're GOING to do.
"The question isn't what are we going to do. The question is what aren't we going to do."
Friday, July 10, 2020
"Vacation"
Episode #83
Just because Mike is on vacation doesn't mean the guys are going to let you - their loyal listeners - down! Things start with a discussion about Mike's aforementioned vacation, then it's on to the Monthly Mix-Tape Challenge where Joe answers the call to deliver a mix-tape of songs that have a guy's name in the title. Then, to keep things simple, the fellas hit the WABAC machine and deliver up an encore of their very first (and very unpolished) first episode!
https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/whenitwascool/UBW083.mp3
Saturday, June 27, 2020
"Don't You Forget About Me"
Friday, June 12, 2020
"The Joker"
Episode #81
It's time for the guys to review and discuss the third and final volume of TIME WARP: THE GREATEST CULT FILMS OF ALL-TIME - COMEDY & CAMP, the movie series looking at cult films. If you want to listen to them in order, episode #78 covers volume one (Midnight Madness) and #79 covers volume two (Horror and Sci-Fi). Of course there's the Monthly Mix-Tape Challenge featuring Joseph's mix-tape about trains as well as some random asides about Mike's "KaiJune" movie watching plan and Joe's hyping of some film festival entries including "Climate of the Hunter" by Mickey Reece. "Oh, hi Mark".
Thursday, May 28, 2020
"Still Crazy After All These Years"
Saturday, May 16, 2020
"Career of Evil"
Episode #79
The fellas review TIME WARP: THE GREATEST CULT FILMS OF ALL-TIME VOLUME 2 - HORROR & SCI-FI which is, as you can see by the title, the second volume (of three) documentary films looking at cult movies. While the movies in the documentary are mostly R-rated, the discussion stays family-friendly as the guys weigh in on their thoughts about the movie itself and the films it covers. Mike and Joseph covered Volume 1 last episode and volume 3 will be covered in episode #81, so make sure you collect all three! Of course there's the usual "What's New?" and "Mix-Tape Challenge" segments which have the guys talking about education during and after this pandemic and Joe's "Heroes" mix-tape! Next episode falls on Mike's birthday, so who knows what sort of shenanigans they'll get up to!
Thursday, April 30, 2020
"Tonight I'm Gonna Rock Ya' Tonight"
Episode #78
"...and now for something completely different". This episode, Joseph and Mike review TIME WARP: THE GREATEST CULT FILMS OF ALL-TIME VOLUME 1 - MIDNIGHT MADNESS which is, as you can see by the title, the first volume (of three) documentary films looking at cult movies. While the movies in the documentary are mostly R-rated, the discussion stays family-friendly as the guys weigh in on their thoughts about the movie itself and the films it covers. And of course there's the usual "What's New?" and "Mix-Tape Challenge" segments. Volume 2 and volume 3 will be covered in the next few episodes, so make sure you collect all three!
Saturday, April 18, 2020
"Happy Anniversary Baby"
Can you believe it's been three years already? The fellas can't, that's for sure. Join them as they look back at the previous shows and ramble on about everything from Mid-Atlantic Championship Wrestling to Joseph's favorite board game, the Voice of the Mummy. Oh yeah, and there's the Mix-Tape Challenge, of course! Grab your toast of champagne and join the guys in celebrating seventy-seven episodes!
Friday, April 17, 2020
Tuesday, April 14, 2020
Flypaper
Here it is:
Tuesday, April 7, 2020
Covid-19 Mix-Tape
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