Xanadu (1980)

Greek muses meet rollerskating and Olivia Newton-John. Throw in love at first sight and some gag worthy lines, and you've got yourself Xanadu. I needed to get back into dance flicks, and I heard the Broadway musical version of Xanadu had done pretty well, so I figured, why the heck not? I loved that this 80's film gave homage to the 40's time period, contrasting the drastically different dance and music styles. I felt like I was watching a musical, with the random dance breaks and moving set pieces. Did I mention Olivia Newton-John plays a goddess named Kira, sent to be Sonny's (Michael Beck) muse, so there are tons of celestial and heavenly puns. And there's also a really cute animation sequence, probably since the filmmakers recognized their version of CGI at the time looked pretty bad. And Gene Kelly has to dance of course. What else do we expect him to do? Act?

The film was basically one big music video for Olivia Newton-John. Although I admit, I'd love to go to a club like Xanadu. Any excuse to wear neon and tight pants, I gotta jump on that. I'm not surprised in the least that this was a box office flop. There's a sequence where Kira and the muses dance and sing their way through different themes, which have no purpose narratively. Like I said, one really long music video. However, the soundtrack to the movie was a huge commercial success, featuring music from Electric Light Orchestra, Cliff Richard, and The Tubes. I'd recommend this for anyone that wants a good cheesy movie to laugh at.

Olivia Newton-John's random musical sequence. A musical already randomly jolts you in and out of suspension of disbelief. This is much worse.

Spaceballs (1987)

"May the schwartz be with you"

This movie is loosely based on the movie star wars. The parody of the charters and the satirical material is what makes the movie funny. Dark Helmet is the Space Balls’ equivalent of Darth Vader. The caricature works well because both characters wear the really big black helmet, but the differences are that Darth Vader is feared and respected and Dark Helmet is funny and has a unusually large helmet LoneStar and Barf represent Han solo and Chewbacca, and as their Star Wars namesakes do, these two also have a bounty on their heads from “Pizza the Hut” (Jabba the Hut in Star Wars) . Princess Leia from Star Wars becomes princess Vespa, and Dot is a much more aggressive C3PO. These characters reference character traits from their Star Wars counterparts, but they also have their own stories to tell.

Another reason why this movie is funny and works is that the screen play is very literal to the point of stupidity. When someone wants to “jam the radar,” they typically mean that they will send frequencies out to scramble radar signals. But in Space Balls, they take a jar of raspberry jam and throw it on to the satellite. Another example of this is when Dark Helmet is looking for the princess in the desert, and he wants his men to “comb the desert” looking for her In a metaphorical sense he means the men should search the desert, but the joke is laid out when the troops take giant combs and actually comb the sand. Another thing that Mel Brooks commonly does is bring production into his movie. In the final battle dark helmet accidentally hits the film crew while fighting Lonestar. Also they watch the actual movie in the movie. They watch the movie and skip forward to see what the need to do.

Big

I stumbled across this film on Netflix and was instantly attracted to it because it starred a younger Tom Hanks.  About 15 minutes into the movie I realized that it was basically an older and male version of “13 Going On 30” starring Jennifer Garner.  Nevertheless, it was entertaining and really funny. 

The 13-year-old Joshua Baskin

It follows a similar 80s mold involving working and going upwards in the ranks of a large company.  However, for Joshua Baskin (Hanks) who is a 13-year-old stuck in a 30-year-old’s body, this upward mobility comes quite naturally because this company loves his childish perspective.  It was refreshing to see a friendlier side of the big New York companies with Joshua’s boss who really likes Joshua’s contributions.  However, what’s a movie without conflict?  Joshua encounters a rival coworker who can tell that there is something fishy about Joshua’s childish ways.

Unrealistic, of course, Joshua is able to assimilate into the company and afford living alone in New York City all in a matter of 6 weeks.  However, he does develop a love interest, which is a little awkward to consider.  Once you look past the age difference, Joshua’s relationship is a little endearing and teaches him a lot about himself. 

I would recommend this movie to someone who hasn’t seen “13 Going On 30.”  Although it is the original idea behind it, I liked “13 Going On 30” better and considered it to be a little bit more realistic (or at least as realistic as a movie of this nature can be) than “Big.”  However, Tom Hanks does a wonderful job at portraying a 13-year-old and he is a delight to watch.

And just in case you haven't seen "13 Going On 30".....

The Sure Thing

So if anyone was wondering what movies would pop up when they typed in “Best 80s Romantic Comedies” on Google… this is it.  I was originally attracted to this movie because I recognized John Cusack’s name as the star.  I read the synopsis and thought I’d give it a shot because it featured college students, so naturally it would target my age group. 

“The Sure Thing” is definitely a great 80s romantic comedy, especially if you want to watch an awkward young John Cusack.  The plot is incredibly predictable and at times I got very frustrated with the stubborn characters but overall I really enjoyed it.  It pokes fun at adolescence and the lengths teenagers will go just to get laid.  John Cusack’s character, Walter “Gib” Gibson, is the complete opposite to the female lead character, Alison Brabury (played by Daphne Zuniga).  Alison is a driven, intellectual and very sheltered college freshman while Gib is quite the opposite.  However, as we all know, even the most unlikely opposites always seem to attract.

Gib's "Sure Thing"

The plot is witty, although a tad predictable, and reminds me of many of the romantic comedies of today.  It’s not the most intellectually stimulating movies and there is absolutely no action (certainly not a Die Hard) but there is friendship and the pursuit of love…or lust.  This movie also certainly has its comedic parts and I was definitely laughing out loud especially during the first part of their road trip.

All in all, the guy gets the girl and saves her from her dull boyfriend.  Like I said, quite predictable but the journey is entertaining.  I’d see it again and recommend it for my friends.

The Three Amigos!

This used to be one of my family’s favorite movies to watch when I was younger.  I remember thinking it was such a hilarious movie.  My Dad and I would laugh at the ridiculous costumes and situations that the three amigos go into.  However, I haven’t seen it for years so I was very excited to be able to re-watch it with a more critical eye.  Now watching it as a 19-year-old, I still love it. 

First of all I love the all-star cast of Steve Martin, Martin Short and Chevy Chase.  To me, these guys are some of the great comedians of their time and although this movie may not be their claim-to-fame, it is a fun showcase of their talent.  There is such a bizarre plotline and mixture of characters that these three protagonists really shine.  To me, it always seems very genuine, like the three of them are just goofing around on camera.

This movie is not “distinctly” an Eighties film.  However it does promote the idea of a group of underdogs beating out foreigners, the “bad guys” while saving a damsel in distress.  The main bad guy is El Guapo who wants to overthrow the village of Santo Poco.  The Three Amigos get roped into this mission because they lost their Hollywood job making films.

 

The "infamous" El Guapo

Overall it is a entertaining movie with scenes that will definitely have you laughing.  My favorite scenes include a singing bush, an invisible man and a desert full of singing animals.  Although it may not contain too much “ethical depth” or an elaborate storyline it is a fun movie with some incredible actors.

Arthur (1981) "Isn't fun the best thing to have?"

“I look forward to your next syllable with great eagerness.” -Hobson

Especially the drunken slurs that take over the film, because they were pretty funny! The movie is all Arthur (Dudley Moore), a rich man who does nothing but drink, spend his family’s money, and hang out with his butler and father figure, Hobson (John Gielgud). His family tells him that he must marry a woman that he does not care for or lose the vast fortune that his family would leave him. However, he is in love with another woman (Liza Minnelli), of whom his family does not approve. In the end, he chooses love over money, but you will be happy to know he gets to keep his millions of dollars too (huh, the plot sort of sounds like the one in Coming to America).

Arthur finds humor in everything and can laugh at anything, even himself. I think that this is a great trait for a person to have and found it admirable, even though he is completely intoxicated the entire time he is laughing. Arthur is a very funny character. He is like a little kid…a very drunk little kid, which is probably why his vast number of faults are completely forgivable. He is told what to do, how to sit, bribed with ice cream, obsessed with Santa Claus (even the waiter reminded him of the jolly old soul, because they both bring what is requested), and loves toys, without any resentment for this treatment. The movie ends with him ‘growing up,’ but this is a phenomenon that is absolutely overrated. I liked him just the way he is, so I was glad he does not grow up as much as his uncle tells him to. Who would want to be “a fine adult” when you can be a perfectly lovable, young-hearted person? Moore also did a really good job at being drunk. He either is a reeeallly good actor or has a lot of experience in this area! Either way, I don’t approve of how comical the movie made drinking and driving appear. Hobson, on the other hand, is unbreakable, unsmiling, monotone, and serious, which usually is not appealing. Yet, he is also a caring smart-ass and everyone and every movie needs someone like that around! He is able to put up with Arthur and do things for him even though he really doesn’t want to, but what I actually liked about him was his quick witted, sarcastic comments.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yZ195mcD8Us

Several of the movies we have watched have prostitutes in them and so does this one. Even though they were no Julia Roberts, what was going on in the 80’s? Were there really hookers on every corner or is this just a go-to character for Hollywood?
All of these blog movies have made me want something, and this one is no exception. I now want an extremely big train set! But to get back on track, this movie is really only 80’s in the costuming, and that is at a minimum. I would recommend putting it on your ‘movies-to-watch’ list (no real hurry though as you are not missing too much if you do not) because it is funny and if you want to do some more ethical thinking, there are definitely some topics to discuss in this flick.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5hz9_QZsWU8

The Adventures of Milo and Otis (1989) "So it finally happened!"

“I'll pull you in by your nose!” -Milo

I don’t think it was my nose that was pulled in, but I was none-the-less. This movie is soooo cute! It is about the adventures of a cat (Milo), who gets lost far from home, and a dog (his best friend, Otis), who must go find and rescue him. Their adventures are filled with lots of cute animals and, of course, a cute, happy ending. Did I mention that this movie is really cute? Well in case I did not get this point across…it is adorable!

I think the recommended age of this movie was about 4, but truly that is ridiculous. I think the recommended age should be 4-104, even if the intro song sounds like a sing-a-long song! Just because there is no violence, vulgarity, or exposed skin does not mean people who can tie their own shoes should not watch it. The structure of the film was actually very creative. The animals were followed without any digital altering and each animal’s voice and the narration were all done by Dudley Moore. So one minute he would put on the voice of a sneaky raccoon and the next he would be a girly, free-spirited deer. It was obvious that they were all done by the same person, but this made it seem like an actual comforting story with illustrations. Even with a straight forward plot and filming, the camera work helped to make sure that it did still come across as a movie with different angles. So, the scenes would sometimes be shot from an animal’s perspective, giving the impression of running at ground level or swimming underwater.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xz5YF5Vc0ps&feature=related

If only the world could be this way, with everyone getting along so easily! This movie definitely disproves the phrase ‘fighting like cats and dogs.’ Not only do all the cats and dogs get along and play, but Milo is such good friends with the chickens that they allow him to walk across their backs. It is too bad that all the different people of the world cannot take after these dogs, cats, and chickens and put aside their obvious differences.

I always knew that bunnies plotted revenge, and a movie that points this out has to be perfect, right? Well, there was one thing that put a damper on the movie for me. All over the internet there are accusations of animal cruelty in the filming process. Now this sparks arguments because it was never proven and people claim that it untrue, but it stuck in my head while I watched the movie and really bothered me. I am extremely supportive of the equal and ethical treatment of animals, so even the thought of this was nauseating to me and almost ruined the movie completely (if it is true, the movie is on my despise list). Scenes such as the one where Milo is falling off a cliff into the ocean and is being pinched by a crab had to be real. He even hits a poor baby bird and I could see the sheer panic on his face when he is stranded in the middle of the river, soaking wet. I hated these scenes and their horribleness stayed with me. Maybe that is why it was recommended for four year olds; they do not know what is really happening between the animals and what the critters were put through to get the shots.

Milo thrown off a cliff into the ocean:

I honestly can’t decide if I would recommend this movie. It seems as if it could have been made at any time, as animals cannot have 80’s hair, but this is not the deciding factor. I love animals, so I enjoy seeing a movie all about them being adorable out in nature and want to share this. But the fact that it was made in the 80’s in Japan and had a lot of trauma in the final product (which makes me wonder what footage did not make the cut) makes the possibility of animal cruelty quite real, so then I want no one to ever, ever see it (and frankly, would want it burned). I just don’t know; I’m conflicted.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kz_LSe6_E7Y

Coming to America (1988) "No journey is too great when one finds what he seeks."

“There is a very fine line between love and nausea.” –King Joffer

Well, I really loved; from where I was, the adore-puke line was not even visible! This movie is all about Akeem (Eddie Murphy), prince of Zamunda, leaving his palace because he wants to find a wife that has an opinion, unlike the barking, hopping woman he is supposed to marry. He travels to Queens (because that is where one would find a queen…duh!) with his friend and servant, Semmi (Arsenio Hall) and finds his true love and bride. But really, the plot was not what made this movie wonderful -it was the hilarity. I found myself laughing, often.

The individual scenes, varying characters, and quotable lines were amazingly funny. Some of the scenes did play off of stereotypes, but in an inoffensive way. So whether it be the moment at the palace when African-style, barely- clad performers put on a choreographed dance to drums or the times at the barbershop listening to the arguments between the older, witty Jewish man and the older, ‘all-knowing’ African American barbers, it was pure entertainment. The characters were really clever. I really like how Eddie Murphy and Arsenio Hall played multiple, varying characters. These minor characters with a range of attitudes, make-up, accents, and costumes really helped make the film; it was kind of fun to try to find them in all their different roles throughout the film.

The movie also had references to other movies, which I must say, I was very proud of myself that I noticed. So the elephant was named Babar and the bums were from the movie Trading Places (which also starred Murphy) and they made references to the flick. As for the script, I have never heard anyone say “yes, yes, fuck you too!” as happily as it was said in this movie, which I think basically says it all. Even the joke in the credits was funny. The only problem I had with the film was the dead animals, like a giant lion, that the royalty wore. I mean come on, who really wants to wear a lion? And poor kitty!

joke in credits:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0BjrG5QQZxE&feature=related

I do not think the movie really gets across one of its life lessons, the one about how someone can actually be too rich and the whole money doesn’t buy you happiness thing. Well, I say bologna! It actually made me want to be rich (I really want zebras frolicking across my gigantic garden), but with the determination to still perform a majority of my daily activities myself. Except for tying my shoes…I agree that it is sort of an overrated experience. Anyways, I know everyone needs a chuckle break in our hectic world and this movie is the perfect way to do that. The outfits and hair may be totally 80’s but the humor definitely traverses time. So, watch this movie (this is kind of an order)!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vPE4OCeKt2k

Beverly Hills Cop is one of Eddie Murphy’s funniest roles to date. The film grossed 234 million dollars in the box office making it the biggest hit of 1984 just narrowly passing Ghostbusters. Any movie with Eddie Murphy is going to be wildly funny and entertaining. He combines his comedy and acting perfectly. He also perfectly uses his comedy skills to defuse situations sometimes even playing the race card when he knows it will seal whatever deal he is working on. Axel Fowley is a Detroit cop who heads to Beverly Hills, California to solve the murder of his best friend. The difference between Beverly Hills and Detroit is like comparing night and day. Total opposites. Any movie that has an outsider in a new culture is usually pretty comical and the fact that Eddie Murphy is playing that outsider makes it even better. Everyone remembers his role as William Raymond "Billy Ray" Valentine in Trading Places where he plays the street bum turned Wall Street mogul all part of a joke between to wealthy brothers. To top the film off you have the always-amusing Judge Rheinhold also known as Brad Hamilton from Fast Times At Ridgemont High. Murphy went on to make Beverly Hills cop II and III reprising the role of Axel Fowley and pulling stunts such as stuffing bananas into the exhaust of cars while he makes a quick getaway. They are talks of making a fourth film due to Murphy’s disappointment with the third film. Bret Ratner from Rush Hour has been attached to the film saying it will be R rated.

Caddyshack (1980)

I'll be the first to say that i'm a fan of Chevy Chase. The National Lampoon movies are some of my favorites because he is in them. Caddyshack on the other hand, not so much.The film seems to have no apparent plot besides Bill Murray's character whose ultimate goal is to get the gopher who has been eating up the golf course.

I guess it is arguable that another point of the film is to find out if Danny is able to get his scholarship, but it's easy to infer that things will work out for him, as they do.

For years and years my dad has been trying to get me to watch this film. He quotes it more than any movie I can think of. Honestly, I don't get it. I did not think this movie was anything more than a sad attempt to make people laugh by using funny actors. Individually I do like the members of the cast. However, as a whole, I think they fall short of making the audience laugh here.

If you're looking for an actual laugh, this is not the movie for you.

I would recommend one of Chevy Chases's other films. While it is not a 1980's film, his 1997 film, Vegas Vacation will make you laugh for hours. Here's the trailer: http://www.imdb.com/video/screenplay/vi518062361/