I watch a lot of 80's films. There's something about that decade that has always held my fascination. And I may be the only person who thinks this, but films from the 80's are the best. Sure we have better graphics now, but I would take watching Dirty Dancing for the millionth time any day over almost anything filmed in the last sixteen years. There is just so much heart and intellect to these films that is hard to find nowadays.
There are quite a few 80's flicks that everybody has seen; or at least has heard of. "Dirty Dancing," "Ferris Bueller's Day Off," "Sixteen Candles," "Back to the Future," "Fast Times At Ridgemont High," just to name a few. Then there are the films that have been lost with time. Perhaps they weren't popular upon release, perhaps they have simply been forgotten about. Regardless of the reason, they are good films that deserve some attention from modern audiences.
1. Private Resort (1985)
Yes, that is fetus Johnny Depp. "Private Resort" is one of his first films, and is definitely worth the watch. Jack (played by Depp) and Ben (played by Rob Morrow) are two best friends spending the summer working at a private resort. It appears to be just another beach movie, but in reality is an absolutely hilarious farce. One bad thing happens after the next, and it's so fun to watch.
2. Rumble Fish (1983)
Everybody knows about "the Outsiders"by S.E. Hinton. But did you know that three of her other books were also turned into movies during the 80's? One of them is "Rumble Fish" which is highly underrated, even though it was directed by Francis Ford Coppola himself. It stars Mickey Rourke (before the destruction of his face) as the Motorcycle Boy and Matt Dillion as his younger brother Rusty James. For the most part the entire film is in black and white. This is because the Motorcycle Boy is color blind, and the film appears to be shot through his eyes. He is partially deaf and occasionally the sound will soften, so the viewer can hear what he hears. Everything is symbolic, from the frequent mention of the passage of time, to the fish that can't be put in the same tank because they will fight each other to death being the only incorporation of color in the film.
3. Class (1983)
4. Grease 2 (1982)
Unpopular opinion time. Everybody seems to hate "Grease 2" on principle. People seem to think it's just another sequel of a film that doesn't need to exist. On the contrary, I think this is a fantastic film. And its existence doesn't in any way take away from how great its predecessor is. While the first film is about a good girl meeting a bad boy, in "Grease 2" the studious good boy Michael Carrington (played by Maxwell Caulfield) and pink lady Stephanie Zinone (Michelle Phieffer) are the focus of the story. Stephanie is not interested in Michael because she likes a man of mystery, a role Michael decidedly does not fit. So Michael does what any of us would do and disguises himself as a mysterious bad boy to win her heart. It's corny and over-the-top, but isn't that what we loved about the first "Grease?" Besides, the music is so catchy. Who doesn't want a cool-rider after watching this film?
5. Sex, Lies, and Videotape (1989)
Okay, I'll admit that perhaps to film-buffs this movie isn't over-rated. But to the general public you would be hard pressed to find somebody who knows about this film. Legend has it that the script was written in just eight days, which is amazing considering all of the fantastic, insightful lines in this film. Ann Bishop Mullany (Andie MacDowell) is in a loveless marriage to her husband John Mullany (Peter Gallagher). John is secretly sleeping with Ann's sister Cynthia Bishop (Laura San Giacomo). But then John's old college roommate and fraternity brother Graham Dalton (James Spader) comes to stay with them. Graham can be characterized as odd. He says what's on his mind, keeps to himself, and as it turns out has a hobby of filming women talking about their sex lives. He forms a friendship with Ann, and in the process disrupts the lives of everyone involved. This is basically a character study, and I swear I find something new every time I watch this film. Not to mention, it's one of my favorite James Spader films, and I adore James Spader. There's just such an atmosphere to this movie, and the characters are all so interesting and messed up in such a realistic way.
6. The Pick-up Artist (1987)
I don't know about you, but I like me a good romcom every now and then. In this film we have a young Robert Downey Jr. playing the character of Jack Jericho. Jack is a young New Yorker who has a nasty habit of carrying around a slip of paper with him, where he writes down the names and numbers of woman he would like to sleep with. This works for him, until he meets Randy Jensen (Molly Ringwald). They meet one day, and promptly get it on in his car. But that's all she wants, she doesn't want to give him any way of contacting her. Not used to being the one who gets used, Jack is intrigued and realizes that he can't get enough of Randy. This is unfortunate for Randy who is dealing with too many of her own problems to get involved with anybody, especially somebody like Jack Jericho. This film is just fun. And it's fun to see Ringwald and Downey together since he was almost cast as Duckie in Pretty in Pink.
7. Heaven Help Us (1985)
Andrew McCarthy is back. I really like his movies, okay? This film is a hard sell, considering it is very much a movie explaining why corporal punishment is bad. Of course, most people would agree with the sentiment. But not everybody wants to watch a film about it. But even though it focuses on an icky subject, this movie is so good. Michael Dunn (McCarthy) is sent to Catholic school because his grand-parents want more than anything for him to become a priest. While there he gets involved with an unlikely group of misfits, and falls in love with Mary Stuart Masterson. He's living the dream, really. Even with the darker themes, this movie is a good time. Don't believe me? Look up the scene where Michael and three of his friends are stuck in a car on the middle of bridge that it about to open to let a boat through. It's hysterical.
8. Secret Admirer (1985)
This is another farce, on the same wavelength as Private Resort. This film is difficult to explain, because it is such a messed up chain of events. Basically, a love letter is released and falls into wrong the hands. People begin to think they are being admired by the wrong person and everything gets confused. It stars C. Thomas Howell and Lori Loughlin and is extremely entertaining. I promise, you won't be bored.
9. Youngblood (1986)
I'm not a huge fan of sports movies, but even I love this film. And I swear it's not just because Rob Lowe is an actual cutie pie. Dean Youngblood (Rob Lowe) really wants to get on a Canadian hockey team, but he works on a farm in the United States and his father wants him to stay and help him with it. His brother Kelly (Jim Youngs) convinces their father to let him try out for the team. Somehow he makes it, but even though he is a good hockey player, he is a terrible fighter and can't hold his own when fights break out on the rink. All sorts of drama ensues with the opposing team, he befriends Patrick Swayze and Keanu Reeves, and falls in love along the way. There is so much more to this movie than the sports aspect, so I suggest checking it out.
10. Little Darlings (1980)
While a lot of these films have been centered on teenage boys, this film takes a look at sexuality from the perspective of young women. Ferris (Tatum O'Neil) and Angel (Kristy McNichol) are both sent to summer camp, which is divided between the girls camp and the boys camp. Their first day there the topic of sex comes up with the other girls they are rooming with, and it is revealed that they are the only virgins. As the two of them already don't get on, they make a bet to see who can lose their virginity first. But everything isn't always what it seems. This is an older 80's movie, it still has a very 70's vibe, but it's worth the watch. If you want something cute, entertaining, and heartfelt, this may be the film for you. Also, young Matt Dillion isn't hard on the eyes
