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Post by The Mad Plumber on Nov 30, 2010 16:59:02 GMT -5
I was doing some cleaning up and I happened to find an issue of Starlog that I picked up back in 2002. The issue's theme was "25 years of Sci-Fi Movies", picking out the best sci-fi films since 1977 (the year Star Wars was released). This magazine largely inspired the title of this thread, not so much because you can see so many awesome 80s films mentioned in this magazine, because there are just so many awful 90s films listed in it. Perhaps it's because of my age, but my nostalgia is towards the 80s. I tend to equate the 90s with the worst times in my life and some of the worst in entertainment. It's my opinion that even when film or music was "bad" in the 80s, it was still good because it was the 80s. Just how bad were the 90s? Well, according this issue of Starlog, the best films of the 90s included two Roland Emmerich films and a Michael Bay film. So, if somebody wants to make a thread defending the 90s (since there is some good stuff to come from the decade), they're welcome to. This thread, however, is a tribute to the best of the 80s (the apex of film artistry). However, I'm just going to mention titles I see listed here in Starlog for my initial post. The Empire Strikes Back (1980)I suppose this sequel barely qualifies as an 80s film. It doesn't really have any distinctive traits that would lock it into being a 70s or an 80s film. I still have to mention it, both in the light of director Irvin Kershner's recent passing and the film being my absolute all-time favorite. It trumps Star Wars in technology, story, and performance. Tron (1982)I have to admit that I am eager to see this upcoming sequel, though I wonder if this new director has missed the spirit and the symbolism of the original film. I like a lot of the terminology in this film, as if it was written by people who actually have a marginal understanding of computers. It was an interesting way to look at the world of computers, and its computer graphics are still impressive to today. Ghostbusters (1984)Starlog named The Terminator as "Movie of the Year" for 1984, but I feel that Ghostbusters trumps it in many ways. It's the film that made me want to be a Ghostbuster when I was a kid. It's that awesome. Back to the Future (1985)If the 80s were to belong to any one actor, it would be Michael J. Fox. This film owes a lot to the performances of its two leads. RoboCop (1987)This is easily amongst my all-time favorite films, though the black comedy of the film was lost on me as a kid. Just how much do I love this film? Batman (1989)For those who would bobble their heads in unison and applaud The Dark Knight as being the greatest comic film ever made, you all lack perspective. Even after his strong performances in Chinatown, The Shining, and One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, Nicholson still musters an incredible amount of energy to play one of the greatest Jokers and earning himself top billing in what I would argue as being the finest comic book film ever made. The Prince songs are the icing on the cake.
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Post by Frameous on Dec 1, 2010 0:53:14 GMT -5
I too love the films of the 1980s (Blade Runner being the best IMO). One of my first posts on this board was about best films of each decade, and I said my share. Maybe if I look I can find it.
Honestly I just came in here to say, as a devout Robocop fan, that if you, in fact, are the artist of the picture above...you are my f*cking hero!
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Post by Mr. Atari on Dec 1, 2010 1:29:53 GMT -5
Perhaps it's because of my age, but my nostalgia is towards the 80s. I tend to equate the 90s with the worst times in my life and some of the worst in entertainment. It's my opinion that even when film or music was "bad" in the 80s, it was still good because it was the 80s. This. This. A million times, this. I'll add my ideas and votes later, but I couldn't let such a sagacious sentiment pass without comment.
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Post by Mighty Jack on Dec 1, 2010 2:48:38 GMT -5
In terms of entertainment, I love the 60s (from The Beatles to Bond), and most of my favorite films come from the 50s on back. So I have an old fart mentality. Though the 90s earn points for MST3K, Dark City and the Packers winning a Super Bowl (WOO-HOO!) But 80s, 80s, 80s... lets see. I didn't like Blade Runner, or even ET (Gasp, I know I'm a monster). As for Back to the Future? The first was superb but the rest I could forget. So what did I like? Oh yeah, Robo-Cop was memorable. There was also "This Is Spinal Tap" for out and out rock and roll hilarity. Batman might not have held up after all these years, but at the time... what an event. (and I have perspective, I was there living through it) Kurosawa gave us his last great epic in "Ran" We were introduced to the Coen Brothers (Blood Simple) and Steven Soderbergh (sex, lies and videotape) It marked Disney's return to filming animation classics (Little Mermaid to name my favorite) And John Carpenter (The Thing, Big Trouble, Starman) was at his peak. A few other favorite films... Blue Velvet Airplane! Das Boot The Last Emperor Gandhi Crimes and Misdemeanors Rain Man When Harry Met Sally Kagemusha Wings of Desire My Left Foot Glory Jean de Florette Hope and Glory Big Caddyshack Arthur The Road Warrior Mona Lisa My Life As A Dog Pelle the Conquerer I'll try to think of others. I was watching a lot of foreign films in the 80s but I can't remember them all.Great thread BTW - this with Mr. Atari's 80s song list took me back to some fun times. Billy Idol, first love, California Coolers... and I saw Devo live!
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Post by Justin T on Dec 1, 2010 12:04:58 GMT -5
I grew up in the late 80's, early 90's. The 80's gave me many of my favorite movies. Some that have already been mentioned that I agree with
The Empire Strikes Back Blade Runner Ghostbusters Back to the Future The Thing Big Trouble in Little China Rain Man Airplane! The Terminator
Here are a few I wish to add.
Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981): Our introduction to the world and adventues of Indiana Jones. Harrison Ford really brought this character to life, and the movie is just a fun, wonderful, exciting adventure from start to finish. It created a franchise that has produced 3 sequels, with up and down results.
Aliens (1986): Not only one of the best sequels ever, but one of the best movies of the 80's. Terminator put James Cameron on the map, and Aliens made him the Hollywood heavyweight he is today. I love just about everything in this movie, esp the performances. Sigourney Weaver should have won the Academy Award for the work she does in this movie.
The Princess Bride (1987): This is a movie I quote often with friends and family. I think i've lost count how many times I've watched it. A great combination of comedy and drama in a fairy tale story. The cast is fantastic.
The Naked Gun (1988): The recently departed Leslie Nielsen's transition from drama to comedy started in Airplane!, but it was this movie that really made him the great comedy actor he will always be remembered as. The comedy in this movie is still as good today as it was 20 years ago. Another movie I watched to death growing up. I love the first sequel 2 1/2, but not so much 33 1/3. I haven't watched this one in a long time due to OJ Simpson, but I'll have to change that.
Die Hard (1988): Not only one of the best action movies of the decade, but one that spawned a movie franchise with 3 sequels and has been imitated, ripped-off and parodied ever since. Bruce Willis was well know for his work on TV's Moonlighting, but it was as NYC cop John McClane that he became the big name star he is today. Plus you had Alan Rickman as head bad guy Hans Gruber, another plus.
I'll come with some more later unless someone else names them first.
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Post by Frameous on Dec 1, 2010 13:23:03 GMT -5
Here is that thread I was talking about: forrestcrow.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=movies&action=display&thread=14359&page=1Instead of plundering everyone else's choices, I offer theirs, along with my two cents, for posterity. I just typed a long message explaining why all of these films are great and it got deleted when I had to re-log in , so here is the paraphrased version. Wholeheartedly agree with most, especially Blade Runner and The Thing Videodrome Platoon Salvador Evil Dead Return of the Living Dead River's Edge The Beyond Blue Velvet Poltergeist American Werewolf in London Scarface (I was into it before the hip hop craze) Some 2nd tier, yet still classic movies IMO: Dragnet The Principal Bad Taste The Hidden Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2 Scanners Legend Phantasm 2 I could go on and on. I think the 1980s might look bad when it is stacked up to the 1970s, which was a magical time in film making. Still, the 80s had plenty or gems. I dislike qualifying movies into lists, but when forced to, I always say Blade Runner is my all time favorite film. So it goes without saying that it is easily my favorite 80s movie.
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Post by Frameous on Dec 1, 2010 15:08:50 GMT -5
As an interesting side note, I just saw an ad on the cable channel Encore for an 80s movie marathon from Christmas Eve to the 26th, featuring mostly comedies. For all you 80s lovers out there, you may want to check it out. Looking at the schedule, it reminded me of two movies I must ad to my list:
Fright Night Three O'Clock High
I never hear much about Three O'Clock High, but it's a personal favorite of mine. It has some excellent direction and fast paced comedy. I have always looked back more fondly to movies like it and Better Off Dead as the best of 80s teen comedies, as opposed to crowd favorites like The Breakfast Club or other John Hughes fare.
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Post by The Mad Plumber on Dec 1, 2010 16:43:44 GMT -5
Though the 90s get an edge for MST3K... Starlog doesn't mention MST3K. Big (1988)I don't think Penny Marshall is a household name when it comes to directorial work. According to Jim, huh? Okay. I think Big is more a testament of Tom Hanks' Midas touch. The film became more relevant as I became an adult, as it discusses embracing our youth when we can and to not lose perspective. Rain Man (1988)I think Leonard Maltin thinks little of this film; I guess it's yet another film inferior to Laserblast. This film was my introduction to Dustin Hoffman, but I feel that the best bit of casting was Tom Cruise as the arrogant jerk. Hoffman's character, as per his mental condition, is virtually static through the whole film; it's Cruise that enjoys growth. It's funny without being sanctimonious. A Christmas Story (1983)Maybe it's because I grew up in a small village in Michigan, but I had no idea that this film took place in 1940. I thought it took place in the 80s. I assume it tops many folks' Christmas film lists, including mine. While the late Bob Clark does not seem to enjoy a remarkable directorial portfolio, I am still grateful for the work he did in this nostalgic favorite.
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Post by Mr. Atari on Dec 1, 2010 16:59:54 GMT -5
So is this thread for all '80s movies, or just ones considered sci-fi? Either way, the correct answer is Brazil.
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Post by Mighty Jack on Dec 2, 2010 0:11:17 GMT -5
Though the 90s get an edge for MST3K... Starlog doesn't mention MST3K. Which is why I don't read Starlog Mr. Atari, I'm doing all films (since the heading doesn't specify Sci-fi, and others are posting other genres as well) Of those mentiond since I added mine - I agree with Brazil, and Aliens, those were great. Naked Gun was a hoot and I too loved 3 O'Clock High and Better Off Dead. And while I wasn't much into Breakfast Club, Hughes did give us Ferris Bueller and my favorite from him - Planes, Trains and Automobiles. Oh, and I also need to add Manon of the Spring to go with Jean de Fllorette (they are connected) And as for sci-fi/horror - anyone remember The Hidden?
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Post by Shep on Dec 2, 2010 10:57:12 GMT -5
A Christmas Story (1983)Maybe it's because I grew up in a small village in Michigan, but I had no idea that this film took place in 1940. I thought it took place in the 80s. I assume it tops many folks' Christmas film lists, including mine. While the late Bob Clark does not seem to enjoy a remarkable directorial portfolio, I am still grateful for the work he did in this nostalgic favorite. Clark's a legend, if only for this and "Black Christmas."
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Post by pablo on Dec 2, 2010 11:34:50 GMT -5
^ Black Christmas (1974) airing on TCM December 17 2 AM
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Post by Justin T on Dec 2, 2010 11:43:36 GMT -5
I almost forgot A Christmas Story, that movie holds a special place in my heart. I loved watching it during the TNT Christmas Eve marathon every year growing up.
MJ: I remember The Hidden, I have it on DVD, I've always liked it. A fun sci fi/horror movie.
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Post by BJ on Dec 2, 2010 20:54:59 GMT -5
I just thought I'd give some shout outs to some of my favorites that haven't been mentioned. This is too long, but I just couldn't drop anything.
The Right Stuff - This science fact film is basically an ode to Chuck Yeager, and an excellent look at the Mercury program. This, From the Earth to the Moon and Apollo 13 make up essential viewings for anyone interested in the space program.
Beetlejuice - Michael Keaton was a superstar in the decade, and this is probably his signature role.
Beverly Hills Cop - Eddie Murphy, Harold Faltermeyer, and "my name is" Judge Reinhold are quintessentially 80's, and together they made this a great flick. With this, Trading Places, Coming to America and Raw, Murphy is definitely up there for comedian of the decade.
Officer and a Gentleman - "I got nowhere else to go" and Love Lift Us Up Where We Belong
The Goonies - The one movie with a "fun for all ages" reputation that I totally agree with. I was obsessed with it as a kid, and it's even funnier now that I'm older.
The 'Burbs - Tom Hanks, one of the best screwball comedians of the decade, in one of his funniest films. Having grown up in '80s suburbia, this film is right up my alley
Fletch - Chevy Chase, a comedian whose cinematic shelf life lasted from 1980 right through 1989, in one of his signature roles. This film could have only succeeded in this time with this actor. I really don't know why Kevin Smith has been so keen on remaking it.
Top Gun - Love it or hate it, this is one of defining films of the decade. I happen to love it.
Do the Right Thing - Spike Lee normally just irritates me, but this is one of the best films on American racial tension ever made, with strong performances from many actors.
Full Metal Jacket - Kubrick is good.
Field of Dreams - A father/son movie about ghosts playing baseball, with Kevin Costner, Darth Vader, Poindexter, and Ray Liotta. So '80s, so good.
Born on the 4th of July - Tom Cruise made all the right moves (ba dum ching) in the 80s, and this is his finale of the decade. He may not have the most range as an actor, but he chooses roles well and always puts on a strong performance.
Romancing the Stone - Easily one of my favorite films. Only Bogey and Hepburn did the adventure romance better.
Temple of Doom - I'm an Indy nut, and I'm not ashamed to say that this is my favorite of the three (there are only three). Raiders is undeniably better, but there's something about this prequel that I keep coming back to. It's awesome to see Indy as a greedy jerk; "fortune and glory, kid."
Buckaroo Banzai - Along with Repo Man (below and from the same year) this is one of those movies that had never existed before and strongly shaped what was to come. This film served as an inspiration to Back to the Future, and to me is one of the most wall to wall fun films ever made. With it's nonsensical yet quotable lines, Peter Weller as the ultimate renaissance man, Jon Lithgow, Christopher Lloyd, Jeff Goldblum, and Ellen Barkin, this is the 80s.
Repo Man - It's incredibly weird, with inside references, completely random scenes, and a unique blend of surreal humor, drama and science fiction. Dave Mirkin (Get a Life, The Simpsons showrunner from season 5-6) names this as an inspiration for allowing his comedy to be outside the box. Like its stars (Harry Dean Stanton and Emilio Estevez), it was perfect for the 80s.
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Post by Shep on Dec 3, 2010 1:47:43 GMT -5
[quote author=plissken board=movies thread=19751 post=909027 time=1291341299Fletch - Chevy Chase, a comedian whose cinematic shelf life lasted from 1980 right through 1989, in one of his signature roles. This film could have only succeeded in this time with this actor. I really don't know why Kevin Smith has been so keen on remaking it.
[/quote]
I think Smith actually wanted to adapt (at one point anyway) "Fletch Won," which is about a young Fletch trying to make his name as a reporter. He wanted Chase to narrate, but apparently it's not gonna happen.....Yes, Chase was great doing that wise-ass type of comedy (basically playing himself lol) in "Fletch," "Caddyshack," etc.
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