This isn't a review, this is a decision...
PART 1 – The Nutshell – If you haven’t seen it
A spoiler-free breakdown of the cult sci-fi parody Spaceballs, a film that turns blockbuster space opera on its head with absurdity, slapstick and relentless meta-humour.
An exploration of the film’s tone and rhythm, looking at how it blends visual gags, wordplay and fourth-wall breaks to create a comedy that deliberately undercuts epic storytelling at every turn.
A look at the kind of viewing experience Spaceballs offers — fast, silly, knowingly ridiculous and packed with references — without touching on specific plot turns or punchlines.
By the end of Part 1, you’ll know whether this brand of intergalactic spoof belongs on your watchlist.
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PART 2 – The Unboxing – If you’ve seen it
What Did You Miss?
The layers beneath the surface, from how the film deconstructs franchise culture and merchandising, to the way it plays with audience expectations of the sci-fi genre.
Moments that gain new meaning on reflection, including recurring visual jokes, exaggerated character archetypes and the deliberate stretching of single gags for maximum absurd effect.
A closer look at how parody is used not just for laughs, but as commentary on blockbuster filmmaking and sequel obsession.
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Paul’s Facts of the Day
A standout set of facts and trivia, including:
Behind-the-scenes production context and how the film came together under comedy legend Mel Brooks
Casting decisions that shaped its most iconic performances, including Rick Moranis and John Candy
The film’s journey from modest box office performance to enduring cult status
Creative choices that cemented its reputation as one of the boldest genre parodies of the 1980s
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Hate It or Rate It?
Marc, Darren & Paul submit their scores and Spaceballs takes its place in the Legend League.
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PART 3 – Listener Lounge
Your questions, your comments and your shout-outs, the Question of the Week and of course the reveal of next week’s movie.
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Listen Now
https://2ly.link/24tPI
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View the Legend League
Every movie we’ve featured and rated on the podcast
https://linkly.link/2Bfcv
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View the Listener League
See how listeners rated the movies they chose
https://linkly.link/2Bi9l
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Join the conversation
Voice message
https://linkly.link/2FuSQ
Email
hello@moviesinanutshell.com
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Socials
Website
https://www.moviesinanutshell.com
Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/moviesinanut
Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/moviesinanut
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Hosts
Marc Farquhar
Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/marcfarquhar
Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/themarcfarquhar
Darren Horne
LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/in/thedarrenhorne
Paul Day
Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/pauldaylive23
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Recorded at
Sunbeams Studios
https://www.thestudioatsunbeams.co.uk
Part of Annie Mawson’s Sunbeams Music Trust
https://sunbeamsmusic.org
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Music
Main Theme
BreakzStudios
https://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/?keywords=breakzstudios
Music Bed
ProtoFunk – Kevin MacLeod
https://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/?keywords=protofunk
All music licensed under Creative Commons.
