This is Spinal Tap♦

This is Spinal Tap (1984) was an interesting movie to say the least. A music teacher from my high school recommended it so I decided I should rent it. My overall impression of this movie is summed up as; hilarious and great to those who understand it (I understood some of it, I’m sure I missed many of the jokes), but it lost some of my interest for the last forty five minutes. I wouldn’t recommend it to anyone unless they follow some, or know about classic rock and rock band’s lives and memorable moments in rock history. Before you watch this movie know that it is a mockumentary, which means that it is filmed as a documentary, not a movie, and that it is a satire not to be taken seriously what so ever. The movie begins with a commercial director tells the audience of a British heavy metal band called Spinal Tap and that the film is a documentary on that band, and its second American tour and debut release of the bands new album “Smell the Glove.” The movie brings up the beginnings of the band, which were rooted in flower power type 70s music. Hilariously the band used to be called the Originals but had to change it to the New Originals because of another band with the name. The basic plot follows their tour which is not going well. From what the band manager says Spinal Tap was once able to fill giant arenas, but its audiences have grown smaller and smaller. Throughout the film some concert dates are canceled, including Boston which isn’t much of a college town! I believe three times the movie cuts to the concerts of the band, which includes a single song from the band at each concert which is nice change from ordinary movies. The band is fighting with the record company because their new album’s cover is labeled as too sexist and provocative. After some time the record company releases the album with a completely different cover without consulting the band, I won’t reveal what it is though as it is a good joke. The two main characters are the two guitarists and singers from the band named Nigel and St. Hubbins. Once St. Hubbins brings his English girlfriend on tour, she takes over some control which leads to inner band struggle. The band’s struggle leads to a couple people leaving the band but one member calls it nothing as the band has had over thirty two members over the years, haha! My favorite joke of the film would have to be the amplifier joke, which had me in near tears. A close second would be the metal detector scene. Like I said before I enjoyed this movie, but the beginning has more funny parts then the last forty five minutes or so, if anything don’t purchase it, rent it first.

A View to Kill

A View to Kill is another Bond movie from the 80’s, and is Rodger Moore’s last appearance as British Secret Service Agent 007 (at this point he is in his late 50s and he looks it). This movie had a distinctive feel to it which was immediately noticeable from the beach-like music that was played during the opening sequence in which Bond was out skiing on a mountain while on a mission to recover a lost microchip. The theme song is by Duran Duran and interestingly there was a strong neon theme during the opening sequence. Again the whole mission begins due to the death of a fellow agent, 003, who died recovering the micro-chip that Bond found on his person. This time the main action of the film doesn’t take place in the ‘third world’ rather the main suspect is a French businessman named Zorin, who is praised by Bond’s superiors as being anti-communist. Later we find out he was a member of KGB but left them (hence their desire to be rid of him), we also find out that he is the result of a doctor’s genetic experiment in WWII concentration camps in Germany. The doctor tried to create super smart Jewish babies by experimenting on pregnant woman, the problem is that while they were intelligent they were also insane (which explains quite a bit about Zorin). Most of the action of this film takes place in France and in the U.S., the main ‘thug’ is actually a woman this time (in fact Zorin’s gang is all female), her name is May Day (reminds me a lot of Lex Luthor’s Mercy), she is a surprisingly strong African American woman, who in the end, when betrayed by Zorin, sacrifices her life to stop his plans, although while she was still ‘evil’ the hairdressers had a bit of fun and in one scene her hair was styled to look like devil’s horns. Bond’s gadgetes in this film include a Louie Vouiton device that can copy whatever was last written on top of a sheet of paper, a Sharper Image credit card shaped object that can unlock windows from the outside (I’m starting to wonder if the studio had needed some help funding this movie), a ring that takes pictures, and x-ray sunglasses (and Q plays around with a robot, but that doesn’t help Bond much).

Zorin has decided that in order for him to take over the production and distribution of micro-chips he must first rid himself of Silicone Valley. To do this he has found a way to create a giant earthquake which would eat up the entire area. He is, of course, stopped by Bond and his newfound friend and geologist Stacy Sutton. Of course we only learn this after Bond (and his accomplice who is later killed by May Day) discovers that the doctor (who in essence created Zorin) was using a natural horse steroid and the micro-chips to fix Zorin’s horses to win races. Bond was drawn to Zorin when the micro-chip he recovered had only leaked after Zorin took over the company and because his horses kept winning despite their unworthy bloodlines. Oddly by the end of the film Bond is offered an award by the KGB for his work in ridding them of Zorin, he is apparently the first non-Soviet to receive this award; of course he is a bit preoccupied by Stacy back in California at the time to accept.

Octopussy

Octopussy was released in 1983, staring Rodger Moore this is the 13th official Bond film. The beginning sequence for this movie sets the tone for the rest of the film; the audience starts by watching agent 009, dressed up as a clown for his undercover role, being killed by knife wielding brothers (later we find that they too are part of this twisted circus) while in Germany. When 009’s body is found so is a fake Faberge egg, which sets the scene for Bond. Again Bond has his unique technology, in the beginning of this film we see him pull a plane out of a horse trailer (complete with a fake horse’s bottom in the back), this plane can apparently out fly missiles, fly fast enough and has enough maneuverability to get though closing doors, and somehow is unharmed by a bomb going off in that same building while flying through it . . . of course then it runs out of fuel. At the time the movie was being made there were some issues going on with NATO, which is then used as a plot device in the film; the Russians are planning to set off a nuclear weapon, blame it on being an American accident which would then lead to Western disarmament leaving the world clear for Russian nuclear domination (thankfully this plot is clearly outlined by Bond in one scene, just in case viewers couldn’t figure it out). The obvious fears are socialism, in one scene the unaware Soviet leader even says “world socialism will be achieved peacefully.” Again this film takes us to the ‘third world’, this time we are visiting India, which, in case we didn’t understand from the many times they mentioned the location, was defined through a series of stereotypes (such as sword swallowing, walking on hot coals, lying down on pins, tigers, elephants, and cobras).

All Bond movie have some general themes: the shot framed with the gun barrel, a beginning sequence, the 007 sequence, a quick exchange with Moneypenny, an assignment from the boss, Bond going off to some foreign location where he will meet his ally on the case (who will usually die since they are likeable characters who become friends of Bond and their death spurs him on), a minion who is extraordinarily strong but usually brainless and just follows orders from the main villain, and a Bond girl who is usually strong in her own right but is weak when it comes to James.

In this case the location is India, the ally is/was Vijay, the minion was there and as per normal his name is unimportant, and the girl is Octopussy. One thing I have to say about this particular Bond film is that the actress who had to say “that’s my little octopussy” when questioned by Bond about an octopus tattoo on her hip, ought to be given an award for being able to pull off that line. All in all not the best Bond film, and definitely not Rodger Moore’s best, but it is still a Bond film.

Top Gun

"I feel the need.....The need for speed"

Tom Cruise is here in all his 80's glamour with this blockbuster hit about friendship, love, and a drive to be the best. Oh yeah and of course flying. This movie hits a bullseye with something in it for everyone. To me the only weak link was Kelly McGillis, who I thought looked much better without the bleached hair, and who's proclamation of love for Maverick seemed out of a middle-school play.

This movie crosses all genres of films, including action, love story, tearjerker, and some war as well. The dogfight scenes must have been advanced for their time, with shots from the pilot's perspective and also of an overview of the scene. The relationships between the characters grow, with the one between Maverick and Goose at the heart of the film. Meg Ryan's character adds depth to their relationship as she allows us to see just how close Maverick is to their family. Also with a line like, "Take me to bed or loose me forever," how can't you love her character? The relationship between Maverick and Charlie also grows, it's cute, but honestly doesn't seem that important when compared to his friendship with Goose. Even his rivalry with Iceman is more interesting.

This movie brings to light the conflict between wanting to be the best and looking out for your fellow pilots. Teamwork is shown to be what pays off in the end. Between the beginning and end though we get a pilot who thinks he doesn't need anyone else and pays little to no attention to rules given him by others. This causes others to dislike him because they don't trust him to have their backs and when they're all up there they need to know they can count on each other. By the end of the movie Maverick has learned this lesson, is still reckless, but is dependable and someone who others would readily trust their lives to.

“What did one shepherd say to the other shepherd? Let's get the flock out of here!” Sergeant Roger Murtaugh (Danny Glover) and Detective Martin Riggs (Mel Gibson) team up as one of the weirdest combinations in police history in order to solve the murder of Amanda Hunsacker. However, their case quickly escalates when they realize that the murder is simply part of a much bigger drug trafficking operation. Vietnam War soldiers are producing massive amounts of heroin, and their two company commanders are getting very rich off the plot. The woman murdered was actually the daughter of the person who was laundering the drug money. Eventually the soldiers capture Murtaugh and his daughter Rianne. However, Riggs comes to the rescue and saves the two. Now truly teammate who trust each other the two men go on a shooting rampage exterminating most of the drug smuggling soldiers before symbolically killing the leader by both shooting him.

The team of Murtaugh, a seasoned veteran and Riggs a suicidal alcoholic creates not only slightly comical situations, but also suspenseful ones. This movie is one that actually did have it all. Action, humor, suspense, drama and crime make this a great movie that is definitely worth watching. Both Glover and Gibson give fine performances, however no one really cares about acting when you could just watch the gunfire and the explosions. This is a great movie, it features a little bit of everything and I would strongly recommend everyone watch it.

Sixteen Candles

Sixteen Candles written and directed by John Hughes in 1984 is one of the most popular teen movies in the 80's. Teens movies on average are about love, high school, and being accepted. Sixteen Candles is about just that. Molly Ringwald (Breakfast Club) stars as Samantha Baker. It is her sixteenth birthday, a milestone for any young girl. As she prepares for the day, she is quickly bummed when her family has forgotten about this special day. Of course, her older, prettier sister gets the spotlight because of her wedding. Saddened by being forgotten, Samantha is also upset that this milestone has not created more of a physical change in her life. That day in school, Samantha takes a "sex test" note in class. Uh oh! The note gets lost and lands in the hands of her senior crush, Jake Ryan. On top of this, she is being stalked by none other than the geekiest kid in school, Ted. He is a total loser and is trying to convince his friends that she totally wants him. Things couldn't get worse right? Wrong! Now her parents are staying with them because of the wedding. What a great birthday! Atleast she has the dance to look forward to! And bonus...Jake Ryan actually smiled at her! Every girls dream. Somehow she ends up confiding in the geek? High school surely has its random twists of fate. He gives her the great news that THE Jake Ryan has been asking about her at the dance, she obviously owes him. Atleast she helps him out by lending him her underwear, he is trying to win a dozen floppy disks afterall! Of course this classic teen film ends like many other teens films. Ted was trapped under a table. Ted then gives Jake Sam's underwear. Ted gets to drive home Jake's girlfriend, and this is used as the reason Jake and his girlfriend break up! Realllly believable! Even better she fell for the geek. Jake finally gets to Sam after her sister's wedding. And they kiss! They share a wonderful kiss while having birthday cake with of course, sixteen candles!

Full Metal Jacket

The 1987 film, Full Metal Jacket, stars R. Lee Ermey, Matthew Modine, Vincent D'Onofrio and Arliss Howard. The film starts with a boot camp in South Carolina. Sergeant Hartman immediately puts the recruits in their place. Joker, Gomer, and Cowboy are three recruits who quickly become friends. These marines each are totally different yet form a bond while being pushed around by Sergeant Hartman. His harsh commands show what life for these recruits is truly like. His nicknames Leonard Lawrence Gomer Pyle and we see the mistreatment from the drill instructor which effects his physical and psychological damage. Gomer Pyle tends to go against orders and procedures at boot camp which leads to the entire platoon to pay for his mishaps. Poor Pyle is attacked by the entire platoon during a "blanket party". After being ostersized by his drill instructor and fellow recruits, his personality totally changes, but not in a good way. He becomes sullen and though it may impress Sergeant Hartman, something is definately wrong with him. I mean the guy talks to his rifle! Sure enough, one night while Joker is on firewatch duty, Pyle is in the bathroom loading his rifle. Pyle is out for Hartman who has continually put him down since day one.

The movie changes locations and is now taking place in Vietnam. Joker is assigned to a Marine public affairs unit and has a new partner, Rafterman. Luckily for them everything is pretty quiet around them. And then it changes and the Marine base is attacked. Joker has to go into battle for the first time! Eventually Joker and Rafterman end up with Cowboy. Cowboy is soon killed by a sniper. Everyone is after the sniper who has killed their friend. When Joker finds her his rifle jams and Rafterman comes to the rescue and shoots the sniper(who happens to be a woman). However she doesn't die at firt, but Joker to his dismay fixes that. The movie doesn't have a very good ending and you a left with them marching off to the looks of another battle.

Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventures

In 1989 one of the cheesiest, but coolest movies came out Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventures. It was based around the two main characters Bill, Alex Winter, and Ted, Keanu Reeves chronicling their high-school lives, their attempt of creating a band Wyld Stallions and time travel. The boys are in a dilemma with a history report they have to present to the entire school, which they need an A on so they can pass the class. Ted really needs to pass or else his Dad is going to send him to a military academy in Alaska. They meet a man by the name of Rufus, who introduces them to the telephone booth time transporter to assist Bill and Ted with their project. They travel back in time and round up the some of the most historical figures; Napoleon, Beethoven, Billy the Kid, Ganghus Kahn, Sigmund Freud, Joan of Arc and Abe Lincoln. I’m not going to say what happens at the end because you must watch it!
It’s blatantly obvious that this film was a product of the 1980’s. The clothes were horrendous. Ted was walking around in a leather jacket that looks like it’d fit a ten year old and Bill is strutting around in a short tidied t-shirt with a sweater tied around his waist. What more do I have to say? Also, the futuristic clothing that Rufus wears is quite amusing because it’s nothing like what anyone wears today. Metal music was very popular during this ridiculous era and coincidentally Bill and Ted started a metal band, which is stereotypical of kids in the 1980’s.
I definitely recommend this movie if you haven’t seen it because it’s hilarious. Some of the scenes were very entertaining like when they went back in time and snatched Billy the Kid and Joan of Arc. There are some hilarious scenes throughout the movie but the best one was when Napoleon goes to the water park. But, don’t get me wrong there were some dull moments because let’s face it Keanu Reeves and Alex Winter aren’t really the greatest actors to ever exist and it’s probably the only role Keanu Reeves is good at playing and the same goes for Alex Winter. I urge you to watch this and you will always picture Keanu Reeves and the no name actor Alex Winter as Bill and Ted.

Fast Times

Heeeeyyyyy buuuuuddd let’s party. In 1982, the American classic Fast Times At Ridgemont High was released and it has quickly grown into one of the most popular movies ever. It was a story chronicling the lives of California teenagers who were infatuated with the mall and sex. However, the film focused particularly on the lives of Spicoli and Stacy Hamilton. Spicoli is a burnout and is having trouble in school, especially in Mr. Hands U.S history class. Stacy Hamilton has been experiencing with sex and becomes pregnant. I’m not going to say by whom because you’ll have to watch to find out. Cameron’s main theme within the movie is the rise of the youth rebellion.
This absolutely was a distinct 1980’s movie. This was the time when Sean Penn and Jennifer Jason Lee first broke into the movie scene. The fashion style of the girls in the movie is typical of the decade with all the accessories for example the scrunchies in the hair. Hairstyles portrayed for example Spicoli’s long shaggy hair and Stacy’s side ponytail were the popular hairstyles for the individual sexes. However, another feature of the movie making it distinctively 80’s is the theme, the youth rebellion. During the 1980’s especially in film, teenagers were now pushing the limits of their parents, which was never seen before in the movie industry.
There wasn’t really ever a dull moment because the comedy is hilarious throughout the entire movie thanks to Spicoli and his wicked funny one-liners. Not to mention it has one of the most famous movie scenes ever; when Linda steps out of the pool dripping wet, oh how dreamy. I really, really enjoyed this movie and highly recommend it if you’re in the mood to laugh hysterically. Actually now that I think about it, should be considered a crime not seeing this flick.

Beverly Hills Cop

In 1984 a classic police movie was born, Beverly Hills Cop. A hot-shot Detroit Detective, Axel Foley, receives a surprise visit from his buddy Mike from California. However, Mike’s stay didn’t last long in Detroit as he was murdered right in front of Axel. Foley decides to purse the murderer, Zach and follows him to California. There Detective Foley teams up with two clownshoe Beverly Hills police officers; Billy Rosewood and Sergeant John Taggart to solve Mike Tandino’s murder.
Beverly Hill’s Cop is blatantly a 1980’s movie. Eddie Murphy was in the prime of his career as an actor, and everyone knew who he was because he was a comedic icon during the decade. Also some of the clothing choices were typical of the era, for example Sergeant Taggart’s plaid suit he wears before they raid the house and Axel’s lettermen jacket. The elctronic beats in the songs throughout the movie were stereotypical of songs in the decade as well. The theme song to Beverly Hill’s Cop is one of the most well-known in movie history.
I definitely recommend this movie if you haven’t seen it because it’s very entertaining. There was never a dull moment because Beverly Hills Cop has the best of both worlds action and comedy. The action scenes were wicked intense. The one’s in particular are when Axel, Billy and John storm Victor Maitland’s house and the shootout at the warehouse. Also, the non-stop comedy from he oh so sarcastic Eddie Murphy adds to the enjoyment of watching this classic film.