So, I recently started getting some premium cable channels for free/cheap. Yesterday one of my favorite movies from my "I want to be a bad-ass" years (12-14) was on, "Lionheart". Starring, of course, early 90's superstar Jean Claude Van Damme. Let's just say the movie has still got it, with in 4 minutes of the pool fighting scene my 6 year old son takes his eyes off the TV, and starts street fighting everything in sight. Couch, stuffed animals, his younger brother, just like I did at age 13. Now, if I can just get him to route for Johnny Lawrence in "The Karate Kid".
Fast forward to 11pm, Encore then delivers "Animal House" right to my eyes. Is any explanation needed? If so, you must of been born well into the 80's or later.... So, that made me think of all the movies I was really into over my lifetime... and here's a list. I'm starting at 1977 when i was in my mom's belly so i can list a big one....
1977: "Star Wars"
Not much to say here, My old brother = "Star Wars" nerd but, one of the ones that knows all the new movies sucked terribly. He's never stormed Skywalker Ranch either.
1978: "Animal House"
"Fat, Drunk, and Stupid is no way to go through life." Incredible.
1979: "Rocky II"
What can i say? My fave Rocky movie growing up. I probably saw this movie (with understanding) in 1984/85 and liked that Rocky won the fight.
1980: "Caddyshack"
"The world needs ditch diggers too".
Lots of honorable mentions here: "The Empire Strikes Back", "Flash Gordonempire" (Well before Ted was dreamed of I was running around saying "Flash Gordon, Quarterback, New York Jets".), "The Blues Brothers", "Friday the 13th", "Herbie Goes Bananas"... Ok, Herbie, not so much.
1981: "Raiders of the Lost Ark"
Quintessential guy movie. Doesn't matter your interests, lifestyle, or sexual orientation... Indy is one helluva Professor.
1982: "Fast Times at Ridgemont High"
Hello Phoebe Cates. Mr Hand's Ultimate understanding with Spicoli was as heartfelt moment as Hollywood can produce.
1983: "National Lampoon's Vacation"
If the Family Truckster was a real car, my dad would be restoring one right now. Honorable mention: "Trading Places","Risky Business", and "Jedi". Always had a soft spot for "Guido the Killer Pimp" because of Lana ditching him like that. Messed up.
1984: Ghostbusters
My kids love the Stay-Puff Marsh Mellow man and dancing to Ray Parker Jr. every chance they get. As much as I did in 1984. Honorable mention: "Beverly Hills Cop", "Top Secret", "Police Academy", "The Karate Kid", "Gremlins".... Poor Mrs. Deagle.
1985: "Back to the Future"
Why doesn't Lorraine remember her son looking exactly like that Calvin kid who her dad ran over with the car? I wish we could of combined "Back to the Future" and "Teen Wolf" into the ultimate MJF movie. Marty travels back to 55', Wolfs out, wins the All state basketball game, gets his parents to kiss, plays Johnny Be Good as the wolf. Two things i know is Biff would not mess with Teen Wolf, and the Skateboard scene in 1955 would of been much better if Marty was Car surfing a wolf van with Styles behind the wheel. Either way, Biff would of crashed into the manure truck and the space/time continuum would be fine. I also never changed the channel on "Spies Like us", and "Clue".
1986: "Ferris Bueller's Day Off"
One of the Ultimate teen movies. Still just as relevant as it was in 86'. Still wish they kept the part where they ate the pancreas in the movie... that always confused me. Am I alone? "Top Gun" was the first movie i knew all the lines to. Thorton Mellon doing a "Triple Lindy" is remembered every time i step onto a diving board.
1987: "Can't Buy me Love"
So, this is not a common pick An 80's formula high school movie... with the line "You shit on my house!". You'll notice the list going differently at this point. I seriously could of mentioned "Just on of the Guys" in 1985 but i rambled about Teen wolf McFly enough. I grew up with premium cable and these were my more impressionable years. "Lethal Weapon" and "GI Joe the Movie" round out my 9th year on planet Earth.
1988: "Die Hard"
The Best action movie ever made... yes. Argyle getting that punch in... perfect. Fist with your toes = bare foot in glass. Important not to leave out "Caddyshack II", Thanks to this sequel, I feel i know what elements go into a terrible sequel to a great movie. "Johnny Be Good" where Anthony Michael Hall is oddly cast as a HS football superstar being recruited, makes for a lesson in how college athletics work.... maybe. Also, Uma Thurman.
1989: "Batman"
I saw "Batman" 4 times in the Movie Theater. I was a Batman nut for about the next 4 years. Keaton > West > Bale > Kilmer > Clooney... I don't care what Bob Kane says. Indy and his dad found the grail this year. They also may of shared a hot German chick.
The 90's is gonna be a weird decade. I think i only like really dumb movies. Kevin Smith will probably rule the decade. I'll work on that tomorrow.
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