Total 90s Recall

L.A. Confidential: Crooked Cops, Twisty Plots & Noir Shocks

Thu, 09 Apr 2026 05:30:00 GMT

We’re off the record, on the QT, and very hush-hush as we discuss Curtis Hanson’s 1997 Oscar-winning adaptation of L.A. CONFIDENTIAL. Rev up your 1952 Mercury and smile for the paparazzi, cos we’re heading on down to take a closer look.

Molly and Chloe wind through this complex detective thriller based on James Ellroy’s novel, mapping out the starry cast, including Kim Basinger, Russell Crowe and Guy Pearce. We give the movie’s themes of violence and public image a shakedown and consider how well it has aged since the late 90s (or not). Plus we reflect on what it means to watch a Hollywood film with problematic stars such as Kevin Spacey in a post-Me Too age.

Finally, we deal out some medals and make some top-class recommendations of what to watch next.

Little correction! The Veronica Lake film mentioned is This Gun For Hire (1942).

The quote at the start is from this 1997 interview with Russell Crowe.

Cinematographer Dante Spinotti’s inspiration, Robert Frank’s The Americans.

Claire Dederer’s essay ‘What Do We Do with the Art of Monstrous Men?’ for the Paris Review.

Check out the other films we recommended on Letterboxd

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Sleepless in Seattle: Radio Call-ins, Rom Coms & Nora Ephron

Thu, 26 Mar 2026 06:00:00 GMT

Pick up your rotary phone and tune in your radio, cos we’re chatting about Nora Ephron’s 1993 wisecracking rom com, SLEEPLESS IN SEATTLE.

Molly and Chloe map out the filmmaking choices that made an otherwise nostalgic tale of destiny and true love into a smartly scripted comedy blockbuster, and how Tom Hanks, Meg Ryan, Rob Reiner and Rosie O’Donnell’s performances dial up the humour.

Plus we call out the film’s most 90s moments, award its quirkiest details and recommend what to watch next.

Roger Ebert’s original review from 1993.

A retrospective interview with original screenwriter, Jeff Arch.

Demis Lyall-Wilson’s trailer reimagining Sleepless in Seattle as a stalker thriller.

Check out our lists on Letterboxd

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Thelma and Louise: T-birds, Stick-ups & Cliffhangers

Thu, 12 Mar 2026 06:30:00 GMT

They may be outlaws, but they’re stealin’ our hearts: to celebrate Women’s History Month, we’re talking about Ridley Scott’s 1991 feminist road-trip classic, THELMA AND LOUISE. Rev up the T-bird, we’re getting outta town and letting our hair down.

Riding shotgun with our not-so-careful lady drivers Molly and Chloe is Sarah Asante, a script consultant with an eye for a great storyline. Together they navigate the complexities of first-time screenwriter Callie Khouri’s Oscar-winning script, the iconic performances by Susan Sarandon and Geena Davis, and Scott’s timeless visual style. Plus we get under the bonnet to discuss how the film portrays misogyny, sexual violence and female empowerment.

Lastly we motor through the film’s most 90s moments, give out awards to our fave details (triple denim alert) and map out what to watch next.

Find Sarah’s Script Advantage Network here: https://www.skool.com/scripted-and-seen-4121/about

And check out Asante Space: https://asantespace.org/

The quote from Susan Sarandon at the start is from Reelin’ in the Years

Check out our lists on Letterboxd

Got an episode suggestion? Email us: total90srecall@gmail.com

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Scream: Gore, Video Stores & Drew Barrymore

Thu, 26 Feb 2026 06:00:00 GMT

What’s your favourite scary movie? Our latest episode is pulling the mask off Wes Craven’s 1996 slasher satire SCREAM. Plug in your landline and rewind those rental videos, cos we’re heading back to the very first film in the franchise.

Final girls Molly and Chloe run rampage through the film’s production history, including Kevin Williamson’s script, the casting of Neve Campbell and Courteney Cox as its scream queens and the ensemble of David Arquette, Rose McGowan, Skeet Ulrich and Matthew Lillard. And that’s not forgetting Drew Barrymore, in the pivotal role of Casey, who is most definitely not phoning in her performance. We plunge into some big topics along the way – feminism, moral panics, queer representation – and ask how much gore is too much gore?

Lastly we dissect the best 90s moments and award the best line, weapon and cameos. As Stu says, it’s a scream, baby!

All the horror films referenced in Scream: a list.

Read more about the making of Scream in this retrospective from the Hollywood Reporter.

Correction! From 2028, there will be an Oscar for Best Stunt Design for films released in 2027 (not best stunt performance as Chloe claims!)

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Trainspotting: Getting Trippy with Born Slippy

Thu, 12 Feb 2026 06:00:00 GMT

Choose life. Choose a job. Choose this podcast. Yup, we are getting high on the pure unadulterated cinema that is Danny Boyle’s Trainspotting to mark its 30th anniversary.

Molly and Chloe are joined by award-winning writer and director Yasmin Godo to talk about the finer points of the film, from hypodermic needles to needle drops. We plunge into the darkest, most intense scenes (including how that toilet scene was created). And we discuss the astonishing visual flair of Danny Boyle, the dangerously charming performances from Ewan McGregor, Johnny Lee Miller, Robert Carlyle, Ewen Bremner and Kelly MacDonald, and celebrate its era-defining soundtrack.

Plus we’ll take a trip through the most 90s details, hand down our verdicts on the film’s best moments, plus deal some top quality recommendations for what to watch next.

Please be aware that this episode discusses a film with sensitive topics which may not be suitable for all listeners.

The opening quote is taken from an interview with producer Andrew MacDonald for Hollywood Reporter: ‘Trainspotting Oral History: Danny Boyle, Ewan McGregor Reflect on Cult ’90s Brit Hit’

The short documentary about production and costume design Chloe references can be found here.

Molly quotes Danny Boyle’s appearance on Charlie Rose in 1996 talking about Trainspotting, which you can watch here.

And here’s an in-depth analysis of how Kubrick’s A Clockwork Orange influenced Trainspotting.

Correction! Trainspotting competed in the 49th BAFTAs in 1996, which meant it was overlooked for Best Production Design in favour of Apollo 13 (winner), Braveheart, The Madness of King George and Sense and Sensibility. It did win Best Adapted Screenplay.

Follow Yasmin on Instagram.

Yasmin’s short film for Channel 4 Random Acts, (Un)fit to Work, can be viewed by UK residents here. Her video for J Appiah’s ‘Look Back’, part of the Official Selection at Aesthetica Festival, is here.

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Truly, Madly, Deeply: Rickman, Stevenson, Minghella

Thu, 22 Jan 2026 06:00:00 GMT

Alan Rickman, we love you truly, madly, passionately... juicily? In this episode, we huddle under the blankets with Anthony Minghella’s romantic ghost story Truly, Madly, Deeply.

Molly and Chloe are looking at the film emotionally, musically, deeply, as we discuss how Minghella came to write and direct his debut film, why Juliet Stevenson is heartbreakingly perfect for the lead role, and the magic touch the late Alan Rickman brings to the film as her irritable cello-playing boyfriend who’s rather unexpectedly back from the dead.

Plus we rewind the VHS on our favourite 90s details and best moments, and recommend more films about romance, grief and the afterlife.

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A Few Good Men: Walkin’, Talkin’ & Aaron Sorkin

Thu, 08 Jan 2026 06:00:00 GMT

Can you handle the truth? This episode we’re talking fast and furiously about A Few Good Men, Rob Reiner’s 1992 military legal drama. Gather your legal files and grab your softball bat, it’s time for the ultimate courtroom showdown.

Molly and Chloe take the stand to discuss how screenwriter Aaron Sorkin set the standard for walkin’ and talkin’ screen dialogue and testify on Tom Cruise’s livewire performance as hotshot lawyer Lt Daniel Kaffee and Jack Nicholson’s legendary, scene-stealing monologue. We also cross-examine the film’s more complicated moral themes and judge whether Demi Moore’s Joanne Galloway gets a raw deal as the only woman on the team. Plus, we remember the late Rob Reiner’s incredible run of classic films in the 1980s and 1990s.

Lastly, we bang the gavel on the film’s most 90s details and best lines, and make the case for the best paperwork dramas to watch next.

Read Todd McCarthy’s original Variety review from 1992.

The interview with Rob Reiner Molly refers to is episode 702 of WTF with Marc Maron.

For the full story on what’s been going on in Guantanamo Bay since the 1990s, listen to Serial’s fourth season here.

Chloe’s Letterboxd list of paperwork movies can be found here.

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The Nightmare Before Christmas: Stop motion, Festive Notions & Poisoned Potions

Thu, 25 Dec 2025 07:00:00 GMT

What’s this? What’s this? It’s The Nightmare Before Christmas, the classic stop-motion animation that takes the term ‘festive spirits’ quite literally. Load up the coffin and gee up the skeleton reindeer, we’re going for a sleigh ride!

Molly and Chloe discuss the personalities behind the movie, including Tim Burton, director Henry Selick and composer Danny Elfman, and the production’s sometimes troubled history. We talk through the artistry that went into every intricate shot and consider the best stop-motion animations that have come out since. Plus we give out Christmas gifts to the best moments in the film and recommendations of what to watch next this Yuletide.

And that’s not all for Christmas cheer. Chloe and Molly challenge each other to a 90s movie quiz, with varying levels of competitiveness…

The ‘Making of The Nightmare Before Christmas’ documentary Chloe references can be found here.

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Sense and Sensibility: Flirtation, Feminism & Regency Frocks

Thu, 11 Dec 2025 07:00:00 GMT

We joyfully announce our new episode about SENSE & SENSIBILITY, in honour of the 250th birthday of Miss Jane Austen. Adapted from that august lady’s 1811 novel, this beloved picture was decorated with many pretty awards and kind remarks upon its release in the year of 1995.

Ms Molly and Miss Chloe are delighted to welcome costume designer Miss Eleanor Bull, who was part of the Oscar-winning team behind Poor Things. We discuss all the particulars of Sense & Sensibility, including the handsome and witty cast, the talent of star and scriptwriter Mrs Emma Thompson and the directorial eye of Mr Ang Lee.

Thanks to Eleanor’s expertise, we consider the elegant work of the costumers Mrs Beavan and Mr Bright, who dressed Miss Kate Winslet, Mr Hugh Grant and the rest in the first style of Regency fashion.

Last but certainly by no means least, we remember that most excellent performer, Mr Alan Rickman, ten years after his sad death.

We also bestow awards for Best Outfit, Most Improved Character and more, and offer our suggestions of what to view next. While the discussion does tend towards the indelicate when matters arise pertaining to Mr Willoughby, it is an altogether enlightening conversation.

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Dazed and Confused: Stoners, Slackers & Teen Spirit

Thu, 27 Nov 2025 07:00:00 GMT

Alright, alright, alright! It’s back to ’76 with Richard Linklater’s freewheeling cult classic, Dazed and Confused. Fill your trunk with beers, put on some classic rock and hit the road, cos it’s time for some L-I-V-I-N’.

Molly and Chloe take a ride through the 1993 movie’s themes: disaffected teens, post-Vietnam cynicism and living for the moment. We talk about Linklater’s approach to casting the then-unknown Matthew McConaughey, Ben Affleck, Parker Posey and Milla Jovovich, and how he created a naturalistic, authentic vibe with mixtapes and improv.

Plus we raise a beer to the most 70s looks and most American moment, and salute one of the best soundtracks of the 90s.

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Four Weddings and a Funeral: Bonking Brits, Bridesmaids & Comedy Beats

Thu, 13 Nov 2025 13:43:30 GMT

We cordially invite you to 1994, to witness the marriage of Hugh Grant’s charming star-making performance and Richard Curtis’s screamingly funny screenplay. Rev up the Land Rover, wear your best hat, and yes, smoking is permitted at the wedding breakfast.

Molly and Chloe get stuck into the buffet of excruciating social faux pas, nineties fashion and romantic regrets. We lift the veil on what makes the film’s comic moments shine, how inherited wealth was displayed then and now, and whether the film’s portrayal of straight and gay relationships rings true today. And of course we crown Kristin Scott Thomas as our Maid of Honour.

We also throw out some bouquets to the Most Gorgeous Look and most 90s moments, and raise a toast to the very best of Britflick swearing.

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Jurassic Park: T-rex, VFX & Jeff Goldblum’s Chest

Thu, 13 Nov 2025 07:00:00 GMT

What made Jurassic Park a roaring success back in 1993? Was it the compelling science fiction story, a star-studded cast, awe-inspiring visual effects or … Jeff Goldblum monologuing while bare-chested?

For our very first episode, Molly and Chloe are joined by visual effects supervisor Russell Darling. He explains what made Steven Spielberg’s classic blockbuster such a groundbreaking movie, with its blend of animatronics and computer-generated imagery. (And Russell should know: he worked on the sequel, The Lost World!)

We analyse how all the filmmaking tricks come together to make memorable scenes like the T-rex’s night-time attack and the raptors running amok in the kitchen. And we ask why screenwriter Michael Crichton’s fascination with chaos theory resonates in an age of hubristic billionaire technologists…

Plus we pick our favourite 90s moments and crown the funniest death, best dinosaur and much more.

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Total 90s Recall trailer

Fri, 07 Nov 2025 11:51:44 GMT

Rewind back to the 90s with Molly and Chloe as we watch all the best, worst and coolest movies of the decade.

Some films were blockbusters, others cult classics. And some totally bombed. We’re watching these films and asking ourselves if they really were as good, or bad, as we remember. Plus we invite our expert industry friends to give us some insights on how well these films hold up. What's aged badly? Which film is a forever classic?

Updates every second and fourth Thursday of the month.

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