The 100 Greatest movies of the 80s #1 Aliens (2 Viewers)

[timschochet]

8. This Is Spinal Tap (1984)

Directed by: Rob Reiner

Starting: Christopher Guest, Michael McKean, Harry Shearer

Synopsis: A documentary is made of a British rock band’s tour of the USA

(When asked what happened to the band’s first drummer):
Michael McKean as David St. Hubbins:
He died in a bizarre gardening accident…
Christopher Guest as Nigel Tufnel: Authorities said…best leave it…unsolved.

Besides being one of the funniest movies ever made, Rob Reiner’s first film may also be the best movie ever about rock and roll; it’s that good. The three leads are absolutely pitch perfect in their roles and all the guest stars are terrific as well. This one goes to 11.

 

[timschochet]

(Discussing a song)
Nigel: I’m really influenced by Mozart and Bach, and this is sort of between those, I call it a “Mach”….Its called “Lick My Love Pump”

 

[Joe Schmo]

The stonehenge bit kills me everytime!

 

[Uruk-Hai]

8. This Is Spinal Tap (1984)

Directed by: Rob Reiner

Starting: Christopher Guest, Michael McKean, Harry Shearer

Synopsis: A documentary is made of a British rock band’s tour of the USA

(When asked what happened to the band’s first drummer):
Michael McKean as David St. Hubbins:
He died in a bizarre gardening accident…
Christopher Guest as Nigel Tufnel: Authorities said…best leave it…unsolved.

Besides being one of the funniest movies ever made, Rob Reiner’s first film may also be the best movie ever about rock and roll; it’s that good. The three leads are absolutely pitch perfect in their roles and all the guest stars are terrific as well. This one goes to 11.

Absolute classic. If you had put it #1, I doubt I could make much of an argument.

 

[El Floppo]

What's wrong with being sexy?

 

[timschochet]

The stonehenge bit kills me everytime!

In ancient times, hundreds of years before the dawn of history, an ancient race of people…the Druids. No one knows who they were or what they were doing…

 

[KarmaPolice]

Yeah, that is an 80s comedy I can 100% get behind.

 

[rockaction]

When they can't find the stage is a minute of absolute hilarious filmmaking.

 

[bigbottom]

8. This Is Spinal Tap (1984)

Directed by: Rob Reiner

Starting: Christopher Guest, Michael McKean, Harry Shearer

Synopsis: A documentary is made of a British rock band’s tour of the USA

(When asked what happened to the band’s first drummer):
Michael McKean as David St. Hubbins:
He died in a bizarre gardening accident…
Christopher Guest as Nigel Tufnel: Authorities said…best leave it…unsolved.

Besides being one of the funniest movies ever made, Rob Reiner’s first film may also be the best movie ever about rock and roll; it’s that good. The three leads are absolutely pitch perfect in their roles and all the guest stars are terrific as well. This one goes to 11.

It’s just okay.

 

[Hastur]

I may get **** for this, but I don't get Steve Martin. He's just not that funny to me. He's talented, but he's not very funny, imo.

I love Steve Martin, but his movies suck. The only one I liked was Roxanne. The worst one is Pennies From Heaven. Why the heck would I want to watch average dancers re-create dances that featured Fred Astaire, etc? For reasons that made no sense. In a truly depressing POS movie? The only good (great) part is the scene with Christopher Walken.

Dirty Rotten Scoundrels and Planes, Trains and Automobiles are absolute classics. But, Martin's movies between them and The Jerk were weak.
ETA - Roxanne was very good too.

Dirty Rotten Scoundrels is an underrated movie. It's really well done.

Another Martin movie that seems to be fogotten but I liked quite a bit was All of Me with Lilly Tomlin.

Back in bowl?

 

[Gally]

I may get **** for this, but I don't get Steve Martin. He's just not that funny to me. He's talented, but he's not very funny, imo.

I love Steve Martin, but his movies suck. The only one I liked was Roxanne. The worst one is Pennies From Heaven. Why the heck would I want to watch average dancers re-create dances that featured Fred Astaire, etc? For reasons that made no sense. In a truly depressing POS movie? The only good (great) part is the scene with Christopher Walken.

Dirty Rotten Scoundrels and Planes, Trains and Automobiles are absolute classics. But, Martin's movies between them and The Jerk were weak.
ETA - Roxanne was very good too.

Dirty Rotten Scoundrels is an underrated movie. It's really well done.

Another Martin movie that seems to be fogotten but I liked quite a bit was All of Me with Lilly Tomlin.

Back in bowl?

yes, back in bowl. Back in bowl!


ETA: Cracks me up every time.

 

[El Floppo]

A little bit TOO much perspective

And this is my favorite quote from tap

 

[El Floppo]

Dammit... And I mangled the quote.

Too much. There's too much ****ing perspective .

 

[Quint]

"You can't really dust for vomit"
"He wrote this"
"Mime is money"

the whole movie is Caddyshack-quotable

 

[Quint]

When they can't find the stage is a minute of absolute hilarious filmmaking.

wildly underrated scene

 

[Gr00vus]

The songs are so good as well. It kind of goes overlooked, but without that the movie wouldn't be quite as dead on funny.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

The songs are so good as well. It kind of goes overlooked, but without that the movie wouldn't be quite as dead on funny.

True. Tonight I'm Going To Rock You Tonight is a real banger.

 

[Mrs. Rannous]

I may get **** for this, but I don't get Steve Martin. He's just not that funny to me. He's talented, but he's not very funny, imo.

I love Steve Martin, but his movies suck. The only one I liked was Roxanne. The worst one is Pennies From Heaven. Why the heck would I want to watch average dancers re-create dances that featured Fred Astaire, etc? For reasons that made no sense. In a truly depressing POS movie? The only good (great) part is the scene with Christopher Walken.

Dirty Rotten Scoundrels and Planes, Trains and Automobiles are absolute classics. But, Martin's movies between them and The Jerk were weak.
ETA - Roxanne was very good too.

Dirty Rotten Scoundrels is an underrated movie. It's really well done.

Another Martin movie that seems to be fogotten but I liked quite a bit was All of Me with Lilly Tomlin.

Oh, yeah. I did love that one.

 

[Leroy Hoard]

Michael McKean has one of the more interesting career arcs. From Lenny on Laverne & Shirley to Spinal Tap to playing Saul's brother Chuck on Better Call Saul.

 

[Mrs. Rannous]

(Discussing a song)
Nigel: I’m really influenced by Mozart and Bach, and this is sort of between those, I call it a “Mach”….Its called “Lick My Love Pump”

This song and others are featured in the current music themes folder. Gotta love the classics.

 

[zamboni]

Michael McKean has one of the more interesting career arcs. From Lenny on Laverne & Shirley to Spinal Tap to playing Saul's brother Chuck on Better Call Saul.

Also briefly played with the '60s band Left Banke. Played guitar on this song

 

[John Maddens Lunchbox]

(Discussing a song)
Nigel: I’m really influenced by Mozart and Bach, and this is sort of between those, I call it a “Mach”….Its called “Lick My Love Pump”

This song and others are featured in the current music themes folder. Gotta love the classics.

Songs in D Minor. The saddest key of all
Props to Tim for including this one, although #11 works better.

Ozzy Osbourne’s thoughts on the movie were interesting

So, when the film was released in 1984, Ozzy sat in a cackling movie theatre and didn’t laugh once. He simply thought that it was a real documentary about a real band. He claims to have been able to relate to just about every detail. There was one scene, however, that he related to more than any other: the act of getting lost in confusing backstage hallways while trying to find the damn stage.

Ozzy wasn’t alone in not laughing, Steve Tyler also “didn’t see any humour in it” the first time he watched it.

 

[timschochet]

7. Do The Right Thing (1989)

Directed by Spike Lee

Starring: Spike Lee, Danny Aiello, John Turturro, Ossie Davis, Ruby Dee, Robin Harris

An incident in New York City in which a black man is choked to death by a police officer leads to a riot.

You wanna boycott someone? You oughtta start with the ********* barber that ****ed up your head! - Robin Harris as Sweet **** Willie

One of the most brilliant films of the last 40 years, this movie was a shock to the system when it first came out. Starting with the opening sequence featuring Rosie Perez dancing to Public Enemy to the colorful scenes of Bedford/Stuyvesant to the stunning violent ending, this film was in your face. One might be tempted to call it a “message” movie except that there really is no message here other than “**** happens”. Even so it’s a movie I discussed seriously with friends for many years afterwards. I’ve only seen it once, and that was at the movie theater when it first came out. But it remains in my mind.

 

[Mookie Gizzy]

7. Do The Right Thing (1989)

Directed by Spike Lee

Starring: Spike Lee, Danny Aiello, John Turturro, Ossie Davis, Ruby Dee, Robin Harris

An incident in New York City in which a black man is choked to death by a police officer leads to a riot.

You wanna boycott someone? You oughtta start with the ********* barber that ****ed up your head! - Robin Harris as Sweet **** Willie

One of the most brilliant films of the last 40 years, this movie was a shock to the system when it first came out. Starting with the opening sequence featuring Rosie Perez dancing to Public Enemy to the colorful scenes of Bedford/Stuyvesant to the stunning violent ending, this film was in your face. One might be tempted to call it a “message” movie except that there really is no message here other than “**** happens”. Even so it’s a movie I discussed seriously with friends for many years afterwards. I’ve only seen it once, and that was at the movie theater when it first came out. But it remains in my mind.

Props to anything with a character named Mookie in it

 

[Leroy Hoard]

7. Do The Right Thing (1989)

Directed by Spike Lee

Starring: Spike Lee, Danny Aiello, John Turturro, Ossie Davis, Ruby Dee, Robin Harris

An incident in New York City in which a black man is choked to death by a police officer leads to a riot.

You wanna boycott someone? You oughtta start with the ********* barber that ****ed up your head! - Robin Harris as Sweet **** Willie

One of the most brilliant films of the last 40 years, this movie was a shock to the system when it first came out. Starting with the opening sequence featuring Rosie Perez dancing to Public Enemy to the colorful scenes of Bedford/Stuyvesant to the stunning violent ending, this film was in your face. One might be tempted to call it a “message” movie except that there really is no message here other than “**** happens”. Even so it’s a movie I discussed seriously with friends for many years afterwards. I’ve only seen it once, and that was at the movie theater when it first came out. But it remains in my mind.

Props to anything with a character named Mookie in it

Your fellow Mookie is in the government employee thread. Small world.

 

[UncleZen]

Michael McKean has one of the more interesting career arcs. From Lenny on Laverne & Shirley to Spinal Tap to playing Saul's brother Chuck on Better Call Saul.

Also briefly played with the '60s band Left Banke. Played guitar on this song

Also played in the band "the Barbusters" in Light of Day. He played bass in that band.

 

[northern exposure]

Michael McKean has one of the more interesting career arcs. From Lenny on Laverne & Shirley to Spinal Tap to playing Saul's brother Chuck on Better Call Saul.

Also briefly played with the '60s band Left Banke. Played guitar on this song

Also played in the band "the Barbusters" in Light of Day. He played bass in that band.

The movie with Michael J Fox and Joan Jett as brother and sister?

 

[northern exposure]

8. This Is Spinal Tap (1984)

Directed by: Rob Reiner

Starting: Christopher Guest, Michael McKean, Harry Shearer

Synopsis: A documentary is made of a British rock band’s tour of the USA

(When asked what happened to the band’s first drummer):
Michael McKean as David St. Hubbins:
He died in a bizarre gardening accident…
Christopher Guest as Nigel Tufnel: Authorities said…best leave it…unsolved.

Besides being one of the funniest movies ever made, Rob Reiner’s first film may also be the best movie ever about rock and roll; it’s that good. The three leads are absolutely pitch perfect in their roles and all the guest stars are terrific as well. This one goes to 11.

So many classic lines like:

"You don’t do heavy metal in Dubly, you know."​

“I do not, for one, think that the problem was that the band was down. I think that the problem may have been that there was a Stonehenge monument on the stage that was in danger of being crushed by a dwarf."

“It’s such a fine line between stupid, and uh…clever.”

 

[Pip's Invitation]

I may get **** for this, but I don't get Steve Martin. He's just not that funny to me. He's talented, but he's not very funny, imo.

I love Steve Martin, but his movies suck. The only one I liked was Roxanne. The worst one is Pennies From Heaven. Why the heck would I want to watch average dancers re-create dances that featured Fred Astaire, etc? For reasons that made no sense. In a truly depressing POS movie? The only good (great) part is the scene with Christopher Walken.

Dirty Rotten Scoundrels and Planes, Trains and Automobiles are absolute classics. But, Martin's movies between them and The Jerk were weak.
ETA - Roxanne was very good too.

Dirty Rotten Scoundrels is an underrated movie. It's really well done.

Another Martin movie that seems to be fogotten but I liked quite a bit was All of Me with Lilly Tomlin.

Incredible physical comedy in that one.

 

[Pip's Invitation]

The stonehenge bit kills me everytime!

Puppet Show





and Spinal Tap

 

[Pip's Invitation]

8. This Is Spinal Tap (1984)

Directed by: Rob Reiner

Starting: Christopher Guest, Michael McKean, Harry Shearer

Synopsis: A documentary is made of a British rock band’s tour of the USA

(When asked what happened to the band’s first drummer):
Michael McKean as David St. Hubbins:
He died in a bizarre gardening accident…
Christopher Guest as Nigel Tufnel: Authorities said…best leave it…unsolved.

Besides being one of the funniest movies ever made, Rob Reiner’s first film may also be the best movie ever about rock and roll; it’s that good. The three leads are absolutely pitch perfect in their roles and all the guest stars are terrific as well. This one goes to 11.

So many classic lines like:

"You don’t do heavy metal in Dubly, you know."​

“I do not, for one, think that the problem was that the band was down. I think that the problem may have been that there was a Stonehenge monument on the stage that was in danger of being crushed by a dwarf."

“It’s such a fine line between stupid, and uh…clever.”

"You know, several, you know, dozens of people spontaneously combust each year. It's just not really widely reported."

"We're very lucky, in a sense, that we have two visionaries in the band. David and Nigel, they're both like - like poets, you know, like Shelley and Byron, people like that. They're two totally distinct types of visionaries, it's like fire and ice, basically, you see. I feel my role in the band is to be kind of in the middle of that, kind of like lukewarm water."

"Well, I'm sure I'd feel much worse if I weren't under such heavy sedation."

"Oh, we've got a bigger dressing room than the puppets? Oh, that's refreshing."

 

[El Floppo]

The stonehenge bit kills me everytime!

Puppet Show





and Spinal Tap

Derek Smalls song in that one is hilarious too.

 

[Pip's Invitation]

7. Do The Right Thing (1989)

Directed by Spike Lee

Starring: Spike Lee, Danny Aiello, John Turturro, Ossie Davis, Ruby Dee, Robin Harris

An incident in New York City in which a black man is choked to death by a police officer leads to a riot.

You wanna boycott someone? You oughtta start with the ********* barber that ****ed up your head! - Robin Harris as Sweet **** Willie

One of the most brilliant films of the last 40 years, this movie was a shock to the system when it first came out. Starting with the opening sequence featuring Rosie Perez dancing to Public Enemy to the colorful scenes of Bedford/Stuyvesant to the stunning violent ending, this film was in your face. One might be tempted to call it a “message” movie except that there really is no message here other than “**** happens”. Even so it’s a movie I discussed seriously with friends for many years afterwards. I’ve only seen it once, and that was at the movie theater when it first came out. But it remains in my mind.

A landmark film even just for having Samuel L. Jackson's breakout role.

 

[Pip's Invitation]

The stonehenge bit kills me everytime!

Puppet Show





and Spinal Tap

Derek Smalls song in that one is hilarious too.

"Derek Smalls on bass! He wrote this!"

 

[El Floppo]

8. This Is Spinal Tap (1984)

Directed by: Rob Reiner

Starting: Christopher Guest, Michael McKean, Harry Shearer

Synopsis: A documentary is made of a British rock band’s tour of the USA

(When asked what happened to the band’s first drummer):
Michael McKean as David St. Hubbins:
He died in a bizarre gardening accident…
Christopher Guest as Nigel Tufnel: Authorities said…best leave it…unsolved.

Besides being one of the funniest movies ever made, Rob Reiner’s first film may also be the best movie ever about rock and roll; it’s that good. The three leads are absolutely pitch perfect in their roles and all the guest stars are terrific as well. This one goes to 11.

So many classic lines like:

"You don’t do heavy metal in Dubly, you know."​

“I do not, for one, think that the problem was that the band was down. I think that the problem may have been that there was a Stonehenge monument on the stage that was in danger of being crushed by a dwarf."

“It’s such a fine line between stupid, and uh…clever.”

"You know, several, you know, dozens of people spontaneously combust each year. It's just not really widely reported."

"We're very lucky, in a sense, that we have two visionaries in the band. David and Nigel, they're both like - like poets, you know, like Shelley and Byron, people like that. They're two totally distinct types of visionaries, it's like fire and ice, basically, you see. I feel my role in the band is to be kind of in the middle of that, kind of like lukewarm water."

"Well, I'm sure I'd feel much worse if I weren't under such heavy sedation."

"Oh, we've got a bigger dressing room than the puppets? Oh, that's refreshing."

Nigel Tufnel: [folding the miniature sandwich] But if you keep folding it, then it keeps breaking...
Ian Faith: Why would you keep folding it?
Nigel Tufnel: ...and then everything has to be folded... and then you have
[holds up miniature sandwich]
Nigel Tufnel: ... this. And I don't want this. I want large bread, so I can put this...
[puts meat between two pieces of miniature bread]
Nigel Tufnel: ... so then it's like this. But this doesn't work, because then it's all...
Ian Faith: Because it hangs out like that?
Nigel Tufnel: Look! would you be holding this?
Ian Faith: No. I wouldn't want to eat...
Nigel Tufnel: No! Alright, A. Exhibit, exhibit A.

 

[El Floppo]

It’s such a fine line between stupid, and uh…clever.

I say this all the time. Sadly, not always as a joke (looking at you dopey jr draftsman)

 

[Dr. Octopus]

Best Christmas movie.

 

[KarmaPolice]

Best Christmas movie.

And arguably the best action movie.

 

[timschochet]

6. Die Hard (1988)

Directed by: John McTiernan

Starring: Bruce Willis, Alan Rickman, Reginald Veljohnson, Alexander Gudenov, Bonnie Bedelia

Synopsis: An off duty New York cop must save his wife and other hostages during a highly sophisticated robbery in Los Angeles

Come out to the coast, we’ll get together, have a few laughs- Bruce Willis as John McClane

One of the greatest action movies of all time. And there are numerous reasons for this: McClane is such a convincing “Everyman” hero, and Rickman such a great villain. Their scenes together on the phone are all magic. So are the scenes between McClane and Powell, the local officer. The action is wild and compelling especially the great fight scene between Willis and Gudenov. And the ending of the film extremely satisfying. It all works.

Is this a Christmas movie? That seems to be the debate that’s been going on for the past 35 years or so. Who cares?

 

[BLOCKED_PUNT]

Best Christmas movie.

Best Christmas movie.

And arguably the best action movie.

how did you guys post about die hard before tim posted die hard?

 

[B Maverick]

6. Die Hard (1988)

Directed by: John McTiernan

Starring: Bruce Willis, Alan Rickman, Reginald Veljohnson, Alexander Gudenov, Bonnie Bedelia

Synopsis: An off duty New York cop must save his wife and other hostages during a highly sophisticated robbery in Los Angeles

Come out to the coast, we’ll get together, have a few laughs- Bruce Willis as John McClane

One of the greatest action movies of all time. And there are numerous reasons for this: McClane is such a convincing “Everyman” hero, and Rickman such a great villain. Their scenes together on the phone are all magic. So are the scenes between McClane and Powell, the local officer. The action is wild and compelling especially the great fight scene between Willis and Gudenov. And the ending of the film extremely satisfying. It all works.

Is this a Christmas movie? That seems to be the debate that’s been going on for the past 35 years or so. Who cares?

Netflix has a series called "The Movies That Made us" that dive into several movies and how they got made. The one for Die Hard is good.

Bruce Willis was not seen as an action star due to Moonlighting. They decided to not have him on the movie posters.
Rickman was a stage actor and this was his first movie. He was dropped on 2 not 3 so his reaction was genuine.

 

[BLOCKED_PUNT]

though it's not really a Christmas movie....

 

[B Maverick]

though it's not really a Christmas movie....

You must be thinking of Die Hard 2.

 

[Dr. Octopus]

Best Christmas movie.

Best Christmas movie.

And arguably the best action movie.

how did you guys post about die hard before tim posted die hard?

I have a feel for these things.

 

[El Floppo]

Best Christmas movie.

Best Christmas movie.

And arguably the best action movie.

how did you guys post about die hard before tim posted die hard?

Tim updated the topic title with it before he posted

 

[Jayrod]

I love Die Hard but don't think I'd have it this high.

And it's a Christmas movie. I dressed up as McClane for a Christmas costume party once. It was the only time I've worn a costume as an adult.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

though it's not really a Christmas movie....

It's a tongue in cheek debate.

It may be watchable at any time, but it's best viewed AT Christmastime.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

I think my favorite part is now the exchange between Hans and Ellis:

"You're amazing. You've figured this all out already."

 

[Jayrod]

I think my favorite part is now the exchange between Hans and Ellis:

"You're amazing. You've figured this all out already."

Ellis' complete obliviousness coupled with unbridled arrogance is hilarious.

"Hans, bubby, Im your white knight."

 

[BLOCKED_PUNT]

It's a tongue in cheek debate.

I know.