80’s Flicks
July 7th, 2008
I realize today’s joke probably isn’t as funny if you haven’t seen all these movies, so sorry if I’m being too “inside.” but come one, these are some great films. I think “Fletch” and “Better Off Dead,” put up a pretty tough fight for my “favorite 80’s movie” spot. I left some important ones off this list, though. We cannot forget gems like “Uncle Buck,” and “Plains Trains and Automobiles.” I’m not exactly sure about the release dates for “Iron Eagle,” and “The Last Starfighter.” Do those count as 80’s movies?
What else? I know some of you guys have some great 80’s movies to add to the list. What am I forgetting?
July 7th, 2008 at 1:06 am
Not sure if this was one of the great movies, but it had Lou Gossett Jr and was a decent sci-fi film: Enemy Mine. Iron Eagle was defaintely an 80’s movies, and I just looked up Last Star Fighter and it was made in 1984 — I could have sworn it was a late 70’s film. I remember watching the last starfighter and thinking the graphics were so cool, then going back and watching it again. Computer annimations have come a LONG way.
I’ll also throw this out there …. Chester Copperpot!
July 7th, 2008 at 7:27 am
Does anyone remember the 80s flick called “The Quest” about a kid that goes to live by a lake and there are some strange happenings in said lake? But then the kid solves the mystery of “monster” living in the lake and is a hero? If you remember THAT movie, then we can be friends. Otherwise, give me Garbage Pail Kids The Movie everytime.
July 7th, 2008 at 8:22 am
Damon — excellent choice with “Enemy Mine.” Would you believe I watched that in Spanish class in High School? Thanks for catching the dates on those others, and… “copperpot”? what in THE world? You must explain this strangeness…
Punchface, I’ve never heard of that movie, but it reminds me of one I seriously overlooked: “The Goonies”!
July 7th, 2008 at 1:53 pm
Mike, you’re slipping….Chester Copperpot was the name of the guy who went searching for “One Eyed Willy” in “Goonies,” and the kids find his skeleton half way in.
HEY YOU GUUUUYS!!!!
July 7th, 2008 at 3:12 pm
Oh man, I AM slipping… but cut me some slack, last time I saw that movie, I was like 12, or something… I’m lucky I remember to yell “Slick Shoes” whenever I need to get out of a jam…
July 7th, 2008 at 11:26 pm
It is a travishamockery that no one has mentioned “The Karate Kid!” Where would we be without the wisdom of Mr. Miagi and the “Crane” technique? It is still one of my favorites from my childhood.
I also like an old Richard Prior movie called “Moving”. It features hilarious appearances from Randy Quaid and Dana Carvey. (If anyone knows where to get this movie on DVD, let alone eveing knowing about it, I’ll pay.)
Plus, you must mention “National Lampoon’s Vacation” when discussing great 80’s movies. The scene where Rusty and Clark “share” a beer, is a classic.
Also, “Blues Brothers” is technically an 80’s movie (released in 1980.) The scene of them leading the cops through the mall is worth the price of admission. It could literally be that, the pile up of the police cars, and them at the bank at the end of the show with the cops and Army after them. I would have scene it twice on opening weekend just with those scenes alone. Nevemind all of the great music and musicians. (Any bass player nicknamed “The Duck” is okay in my book.)
Another good one is “Explorers”, featuring River Phoenix and Ethan Hawke (1985). They travel through space in a gutted out “Tilt-a-Whirl” pod. Since that is one of my favorite rides, this movie had a chance at the word “go.” (I have to admit, I haven’t seen this in years, so it could suck. I remember liking it as a kid though.)
Finally, “Stand by Me.” This movie is great on its own and it includes one of my favorite songs “Stand by Me” by Ben E. King. What a great, young cast! (River Pheonix, Wil Wheaton – good for you Trekkies, Corey Feldman – before he developed a super huge ego, Jerry O’Connell, Kiefer “Jack Bower” Sutherland, John Cusack, and Richard Dreyfuss. That is a tough cast to beat.
(Oh, it should be mentioned that no one has mentioned a single Indiana Jones Movie. All of the first three movies were released in the 80’s.)
Wow…this is a good post. Thanks Mike!
July 8th, 2008 at 7:34 am
Stand by Me IS greatness…good call Chris B. How can you beat that cast doing a Stephen King story? I love it…Jerry O’Connell’s first movie and he has never had a better role or a better performance.
July 8th, 2008 at 12:35 pm
Man, I love where this is going! Great picks Chris! Although I think from a cultural standpoint, Blues Brothers might fit in a bit more with the late 70’s, it is still one of my favorite movies of all time, and earned a free pass into my “top 20″ list. Chris, you’re spot on with that pick and your comments on it, as usual.
As a bass player, I got a lot of inspiration from “Duck” Dunn, who was one of the great session players in the R&B Blues/Jazz scene. Look him up, he might’ve played on some records you like. I even directly stole one of his basslines and used it on the first 1000 Miles From Anywhere single, “Yo Quiero 1000MFA.”
No, I’m not linking to it, because it’s mildly embarassing.
July 9th, 2008 at 7:15 am
LINK IT LINK IT LINK IT LINK IT LINK IT!!! “P” word. Also, what is the latest on a disc of the “show” from JD? I equally want to see it and destroy it.
July 9th, 2008 at 1:15 pm
All in good time…
July 9th, 2008 at 8:19 pm
Mike, don’t give into peer pressure………………………………………………………………………………………….when it comes to drinking and smoking. However, when it comes to linking your work, GIVE IN, GIVE IN, GIVE IN!!!
July 9th, 2008 at 8:20 pm
…..come on, you know you want to.
July 9th, 2008 at 10:26 pm
Ha Ha!
….but seriously… no… one day, when the world is ready….