A ’90s kid’s take on ’80s movies
The other night, I was attempting to do homework until I noticed one of my favorite movies, “Teen Wolf,” was on Netflix. This caused me to put a halt to my studies and watch Styles van-surf while The Beach Boys sing “Surfin’ USA.”
While watching the movie, I realized that I watched this when I was young and even though half of the subject matter in the movie went way over my head, I still found it entertaining. I finally realized that the majority of the movies I enjoy are from the either loved or loathed time period of the 1980s. What made these movies so classic?
Movies, nowadays, find their humor in their vulgarity and ridiculousness, as opposed to the smart and clever dialogue typically found in the not too distant past. Recently, the top comedy actors are Seth Rogen and Will Ferrell, who I love, but they have a different type of humor than the classic jokesters of the ’80s. Though they were inspired by the greats, they will never be able to fill their shoes.
The special effects used, although cheesy, are another one of the reasons why I love the movies. In the ’80s, filmmakers used practical effects, as opposed to the less imaginative smooth flow of computer-generated imagery (CGI) viewers’ eyes are now accustomed to. Spoiler alert, a lot of directors are bringing practical effects back such as: Quentin Tarantino, Greg Nicotero and Christopher Nolan.
Speaking of technology finding a way into movies, it has had an influence on the musical aspect as well. Today, everything is dubstep and auto-tune, making it rare to find a soundtrack that is comprised fully of good music. Soundtracks are a big part of what makes a movie for me, and the ’80s were not lacking. Who doesn’t love the “Cocktail” or “The Lost Boys” soundtrack?
Modern movies are now all based on books such as “The Hunger Games” and “The Martian.” I, for one, love to read and love even more to see stories move from the page to the big screen, but this shows the lack of creativity in Hollywood from screenplay writers.
If movies aren’t based on a novel they are a remake of an older movie. Recently, remakes such as “Point Break,” “A Nightmare on Elm Street” or “Ghostbusters” have been released or in the works. If not remakes, unnecessary sequels are in creation such as “Underworld 5” and “Independence Day: Resurgence.” Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy watching some of these films too, but I am just pointing out that some of them are not needed and can make or break a franchise.
People have changed and so have their taste in movies. Whether it is because they are tired of seeing the same old thing or it is because film companies need to target a younger generation, Hollywood had to make a change so they could stay in business and keep up with the modern world.
I love the ’80s, even though I wasn’t alive during that time. Excuse me while I get in my T.A.R.D.I.S. and travel back to the 1980s.
Liz’s top 10 list: 1980s movies
- “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” (1986)
- “Back to the Future” (1985)
- “Ghostbusters” (1984)
- “Tron” (1982)
- “Beetlejuice” (1988)
- “Big” (1988)
- “The Goonies” (1985)
- “The Terminator” (1984)
- “E.T.” (1982)
- “The Blues Brothers” (1980)
