1.
The 1980s: What popular candy was originally slated to be the favorite of E.T. in the film E.T., but the company didn’t want the candy associated with an alien?
Correct Answer
C. M&Ms
Explanation
In the film E.T., M&Ms were originally planned to be the favorite candy of the alien character. However, the company didn't want their candy to be associated with an alien, so they declined the offer. As a result, the filmmakers approached Reese's Pieces, which gladly accepted the opportunity. This decision turned out to be a huge success for Reese's Pieces, as their sales skyrocketed after the movie's release.
2.
The 1990s: Which musical artist tore up a picture of Pope John Paul II during a live taping of Saturday Night Live?
Correct Answer
B. Sinead O'Connor
Explanation
Sinead O'Connor is the correct answer because she infamously tore up a picture of Pope John Paul II during a live taping of Saturday Night Live in the 1990s. This action was a protest against the Catholic Church's handling of child abuse scandals. The incident caused a significant controversy and backlash for O'Connor, impacting her career and reputation.
3.
The 2000s: Who let the dogs out?
Correct Answer
A. Baha Men
Explanation
The correct answer is Baha Men because they are the artist who released the hit song "Who Let the Dogs Out?" in the 2000s. Nelly, Sisco, and Stone Temple Pilots are not associated with this song.
4.
The 1980s: Which of the following is NOT a rule about Gremlins from the 1984 film?
Correct Answer
B. Never let them out during the day.
Explanation
The correct answer is "Never let them out during the day." This is not a rule about Gremlins from the 1984 film. The film states that Gremlins should never be exposed to sunlight, never get them wet, and never let them eat after midnight. However, there is no rule mentioned about not letting them out during the day.
5.
The 1990s: Which two actors played opposite one another in the movie Point Break.
Correct Answer
D. Keanu Reeves and Patrick Swayze
Explanation
Keanu Reeves and Patrick Swayze played opposite one another in the movie Point Break.
6.
The 2000s: What failed sports league started in 2001?
Correct Answer
B. XFL
Explanation
The correct answer is XFL. The XFL was a professional American football league that was founded in 2001 but failed after only one season. It was a joint venture between the World Wrestling Federation (now known as WWE) and NBC. Despite initially attracting attention and viewership, the league struggled with low-quality gameplay, controversial rules, and a lack of star power. These factors ultimately led to its demise and the league ceased operations after its inaugural season.
7.
The 1980s: How many singers got together to record “We Are the World”?
Correct Answer
C. 45
Explanation
In the 1980s, a group of 45 singers came together to record the song "We Are the World." This song was written by Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie and was recorded to raise funds for African famine relief. The song became a huge success and remains an iconic collaboration in music history.
8.
The 1990s: Which character from Saved By the Bell was not a regular during the entire series?
Correct Answer
C. A.C. Slater
Explanation
A.C. Slater was not a regular character during the entire series of Saved By the Bell. He joined the show later on and became a main character, but he was not present in the earlier episodes. Zack Morris, Lisa Turtle, and Screech Powers were all regular characters throughout the entire series.
9.
The 2000s: What movie released in the 2000s garnered the largest ticket sales ever for a March release?
Correct Answer
B. 300
Explanation
The correct answer is 300. Released in 2006, 300 was a highly successful action film based on Frank Miller's graphic novel. It tells the story of the Battle of Thermopylae, where 300 Spartan warriors fought against the Persian army. The film received positive reviews for its visual style, intense action sequences, and Gerard Butler's performance as King Leonidas. It grossed over $456 million worldwide, making it the highest-grossing March release at the time and solidifying its place as a box office success in the 2000s.
10.
The 1980s: Which actor was the original choice to play Indiana Jones?
Correct Answer
A. Tom Selleck
Explanation
Tom Selleck was the original choice to play Indiana Jones in the 1980s. However, due to his commitment to the television show Magnum, P.I., he was unable to take on the role. The part eventually went to Harrison Ford, who became iconic in the role of Indiana Jones.
11.
The 1990s: According to TLC, what should you not chase?
Correct Answer
C. Waterfalls
Explanation
In TLC's song "Waterfalls" from the 1990s, they advise against chasing waterfalls. This is a metaphorical message that encourages listeners to avoid pursuing things that may seem appealing or tempting, but could ultimately lead to negative consequences or disappointment. The song emphasizes the importance of making wise choices and focusing on what truly matters in life.
12.
The 2000s: The Boston Red Sox won the World Series in 2004. Prior to that, when was the club’s last World Series Win?
Correct Answer
A. 1918
Explanation
The Boston Red Sox last won the World Series in 1918. This means that there was a long gap of 86 years between their last victory and their win in 2004.
13.
The 1980s: What spinoff from The Cosby Show had a fairly lengthy run on primetime television showcasing life at a fictional college?
Correct Answer
B. A Different World
Explanation
"A Different World" is the correct answer because it is a spinoff from "The Cosby Show" that aired in the 1980s. The show focused on the lives of Denise Huxtable and her friends as they navigate college life at the fictional Hillman College. It had a fairly lengthy run on primetime television, lasting from 1987 to 1993, and became a popular and successful show in its own right.
14.
The 1990s: What country music artist had a key role in the film Sling Blade?
Correct Answer
B. Dwight Yoakam
Explanation
Dwight Yoakam had a key role in the film Sling Blade.
15.
The 2000s: What musical group started a frenzy in the early part of the decade related to musical copyrights and outlawing peer-to-peer file-sharing networks?
Correct Answer
C. Metallica
Explanation
In the early 2000s, Metallica started a frenzy related to musical copyrights and outlawing peer-to-peer file-sharing networks. The band famously sued Napster, a popular file-sharing platform, for copyright infringement. This legal battle brought the issue of illegal downloading and sharing of music to the forefront, leading to a wider discussion on the rights of artists and the impact of technology on the music industry. Metallica's actions had a significant influence on the music landscape during that time.