The Lost Boys (1987)

"If you try to stop us, or vamp out in any way,
I'll stake you without even thinking twice about it!"

How would you feel if your mom forced you away from a city and into a small town that was known as the murder capitol of the world? To make matters worse, you're moving in with your crazy grandfather who's a little too preoccupied with taxidermy and who doesn't even own a TV. That's what Michael (Jason Patric) and Sam (Corey Haim) Emerson are faced with at the opening of the 80's classic horror flick The Lost Boys.

When Michael falls for the deceptive beauty of Star (Jami Gertz), the Emerson brothers are plunged into a world of night stalking vampires. Trying to be a part of the crowd and win Star's heart, Michael joins the ranks the local gang, led by David (Kiefer Sutherland). They seem like a fun-loving crowd at first, who "party all night and sleep all day," but by the time Michael realizes the price of fitting in he's already thirsting for blood and hiding from the sun.

Luckily, the Frog brothers (led by Corey Feldman), are on the job and ready to defend "truth, justice and the American way." Will they find out who the head vampire is in time to save Michael, Mrs. Emerson and the small town of Santa Carla? Or will the town fall before the town bullies who just happen to be blood sucking murderers?

This movie is great because even though it's supposed to be terrifying you can't help but laugh. I have to admit that this film has the best display of mullets that I've probably ever seen, and who could turn down a chance to watch Bill S. Preston, Esquire, as a blood-sucking maniac.

Better Off Dead (1985)

So, I just want to start out by saying that I love John Cusack and just about any movie that has him in it is okay with me, but for some reason this film had escaped me. It was a pleasure to go back and watch good ol' John in his prime.

Better off Dead is a story of teenage heartbreak and recovery. The film opens on Lane Meyer (Cusack), your average eighties teenage boy and his overt obsession with girlfriend Beth Truss (Amanda Wyss). Unfortunately, this passionate love affair only makes it through the first fifteen minutes of the movie when, suddenly, Lane's "bodacious" babe Beth dumps him for the captain of the ski team. After this painful break up Lane starts on a series of suicide attempts.

However, this movie isn't a drama. It's really a comedy hiding in a drama's clothing. How could it not be with a mother who cooks octopus stew, a hooker scoring younger brother, and most importantly a homicidal paper boy. I WANT MY TWO DOLLARS!!!

Like so many of the 80's teen flicks Better off Dead strives to realize through fiction what the alienation of being a teenager is really like. It highlights the experience of being the outsider in high school. Luckily, Lane finds comfort in the foreign exchange student staying with his creepy across the street neighbors.

My favorite part about this movie is the fact that it incorporates the fantastic into the everyday. Which perfectly illustrates the hyperbolic minds and emotions of teenagers in any decade.

This is a great example of the classic 80's dramedies and i would recommend it to anyone with a good sense of humor. Afterall, who needs the California Raisins when you've got a Charburger shredding on a Flying V.