The 100 Greatest movies of the 80s #1 Aliens (3 Viewers)

[Alex P Keaton]

83. St. Elmo’s Fire (1985)

Directed by: Joel Schumacher

Starring: Emilio Estevez, Rob Lowe, Demi Moore, Ally Sheedy, Andrew McCarthy, Judd Nelson, Mare Winningham

Synopsis: A group of Georgetown University graduates struggle to adjust to “real life”.

Never trust a woman who says she isn’t angry- Andrew McCarthy as Kevin

“The Brat Pack”: a loose group of young Hollywood stars who dominated a certain genre of movie during the 80s. This is one of 2-3 quintessential “Brat Pack” films- the other two will show up later. It’s not the best but it’s certainly entertaining and has a warm feel to it, especially generating from the characters played by Andrew McCarthy and Mare Winningham, who are rather on the outside of the group. I should also add that Rob Lowe and Demi Moore display brief hints of depth here. (One of the things I clearly remember about this film’s debut- in Los Angeles- was how big a star Rob Lowe was. It was him and everybody else.)

I was forced to downgrade this movie a point or two for that annoying song, written by David Foster, which was a big hit for months afterward.

Relative to hype, one of the worst movies I’ve seen. Still not a bad movie — but massively overrated. Watched it during Covid. Shocked how bad it was.

It’s pretty bad lol……Judd Nelson was a total tw*t too. He lost all his coolness from The Breakfast Club instantly with his dip s*** character in St Elmos Fire……oh man….so bad.

The exciting moment in the movie is when they all go to see Rob Lowe’s band perform. Where, like 1992 Bill Clinton, he plays the saxophone.

So dumb.

 

[zamboni]

83. St. Elmo’s Fire (1985)

Directed by: Joel Schumacher

Starring: Emilio Estevez, Rob Lowe, Demi Moore, Ally Sheedy, Andrew McCarthy, Judd Nelson, Mare Winningham

Synopsis: A group of Georgetown University graduates struggle to adjust to “real life”.

Never trust a woman who says she isn’t angry- Andrew McCarthy as Kevin

“The Brat Pack”: a loose group of young Hollywood stars who dominated a certain genre of movie during the 80s. This is one of 2-3 quintessential “Brat Pack” films- the other two will show up later. It’s not the best but it’s certainly entertaining and has a warm feel to it, especially generating from the characters played by Andrew McCarthy and Mare Winningham, who are rather on the outside of the group. I should also add that Rob Lowe and Demi Moore display brief hints of depth here. (One of the things I clearly remember about this film’s debut- in Los Angeles- was how big a star Rob Lowe was. It was him and everybody else.)

I was forced to downgrade this movie a point or two for that annoying song, written by David Foster, which was a big hit for months afterward.

Relative to hype, one of the worst movies I’ve seen. Still not a bad movie — but massively overrated. Watched it during Covid. Shocked how bad it was.

It’s pretty bad lol……Judd Nelson was a total tw*t too. He lost all his coolness from The Breakfast Club instantly with his dip s*** character in St Elmos Fire……oh man….so bad.

The exciting moment in the movie is when they all go to see Rob Lowe’s band perform. Where, like 1992 Bill Clinton, he plays the saxophone.

So dumb.

It must have really been Lowe playing the sax there because he’s so off key/tempo with the band.

- YouTube

Auf YouTube findest du die angesagtesten Videos und Tracks. Außerdem kannst du eigene Inhalte hochladen und mit Freunden oder gleich der ganzen Welt teilen.

youtu.be

 

[northern exposure]

83. St. Elmo’s Fire (1985)

Directed by: Joel Schumacher

Starring: Emilio Estevez, Rob Lowe, Demi Moore, Ally Sheedy, Andrew McCarthy, Judd Nelson, Mare Winningham

Synopsis: A group of Georgetown University graduates struggle to adjust to “real life”.

Never trust a woman who says she isn’t angry- Andrew McCarthy as Kevin

“The Brat Pack”: a loose group of young Hollywood stars who dominated a certain genre of movie during the 80s. This is one of 2-3 quintessential “Brat Pack” films- the other two will show up later. It’s not the best but it’s certainly entertaining and has a warm feel to it, especially generating from the characters played by Andrew McCarthy and Mare Winningham, who are rather on the outside of the group. I should also add that Rob Lowe and Demi Moore display brief hints of depth here. (One of the things I clearly remember about this film’s debut- in Los Angeles- was how big a star Rob Lowe was. It was him and everybody else.)

I was forced to downgrade this movie a point or two for that annoying song, written by David Foster, which was a big hit for months afterward.

It's too bad there isn't a Don't Like button to click. Horrible movie. Mix a bunch of young stars with a bad script and you get....this.

 

[northern exposure]

That to me is the best Demi ever looked and I actually liked the song.

Which song...this soundtrack had multiple bangers.

Can you name one? Because other than the title track I can't.

 

[Mrs. Rannous]

It's too bad there isn't a Don't Like button to click.

If they can't deal with a laugh emoji, they would be absolutely frantic about this.

 

[Mrs. Rannous]

That to me is the best Demi ever looked and I actually liked the song.

Which song...this soundtrack had multiple bangers.

Can you name one? Because other than the title track I can't.

There's a soundtrack list on the Wiki. Other than the Billy Squier tune, I have no idea what rest are.

 

[northern exposure]

84. The Sure Thing (1985)

Directed by: Rob Reiner

Starring: John Cusack, Daphne Zuniga, Nicolette Sheridan

Synopsis: Two opposites are forced to share a roadtrip together to California.

Nick! Nick’s a real name, the kind of guy you can trust, the kind of guy you can drink a beer with, the kind of guy who doesn’t mind if you puke in his car. - John Cusack as Gib

This is a sweet romantic comedy with a lot of great lines. Not too complicated but very entertaining. For me this is the best ever role for Cusack.

It's a great movie. But better Cusack role than Say Anything, High Fidelity or Grosse Pointe Blank? I have to strongly disagree.

 

[northern exposure]

That to me is the best Demi ever looked and I actually liked the song.

Which song...this soundtrack had multiple bangers.

Can you name one? Because other than the title track I can't.

There's a soundtrack list on the Wiki. Other than the Billy Squier tune, I have no idea what rest are.

You beat me. I recognize Squier's name and Fee Waybill (from The Tubes). But no songs other than the title track.

 

[massraider]

I saw it in the theater when it came out and just never liked Elmo's fire.

Probably because every character in the movie kinda sucks in one way or another.

 

[Dr. Octopus]

is St. Elmo's Emilio's best movie after Young Guns?

Breakfast Club

Never watched St Elmo's Fire. Don't intend to.

It’s not good. I’m shocked at some of the bad movies that made this list so far.

 

[HellToupee]

83. St. Elmo’s Fire (1985)

Directed by: Joel Schumacher

Starring: Emilio Estevez, Rob Lowe, Demi Moore, Ally Sheedy, Andrew McCarthy, Judd Nelson, Mare Winningham

Synopsis: A group of Georgetown University graduates struggle to adjust to “real life”.

Never trust a woman who says she isn’t angry- Andrew McCarthy as Kevin

“The Brat Pack”: a loose group of young Hollywood stars who dominated a certain genre of movie during the 80s. This is one of 2-3 quintessential “Brat Pack” films- the other two will show up later. It’s not the best but it’s certainly entertaining and has a warm feel to it, especially generating from the characters played by Andrew McCarthy and Mare Winningham, who are rather on the outside of the group. I should also add that Rob Lowe and Demi Moore display brief hints of depth here. (One of the things I clearly remember about this film’s debut- in Los Angeles- was how big a star Rob Lowe was. It was him and everybody else.)

I was forced to downgrade this movie a point or two for that annoying song, written by David Foster, which was a big hit for months afterward.

Come on Fonzie

 

[timschochet]

82. Hollywood Shuffle (1987)

Directed by: Robert Townsend

Starring: Robert Townsend

Synopsis: An aspiring black actor in Hollywood struggles to escape stereotypes.

What you say, honky sucka pig-head jive-turkey fool? - Robert Townsend as “Dirty Larry”

A hilarious sendup of blaxploitation movies. The best scenes play out like skits from the old show In Living Color which came out only a year later and featured much of the same ensemble. Love in particular the Detective Jeri-Curl and Mandingo the slave whom Missy Anne can’t resist. Outstanding stuff.

 

[Psychopav]

83. St. Elmo’s Fire (1985)

Directed by: Joel Schumacher

Starring: Emilio Estevez, Rob Lowe, Demi Moore, Ally Sheedy, Andrew McCarthy, Judd Nelson, Mare Winningham

Synopsis: A group of Georgetown University graduates struggle to adjust to “real life”.

Never trust a woman who says she isn’t angry- Andrew McCarthy as Kevin

“The Brat Pack”: a loose group of young Hollywood stars who dominated a certain genre of movie during the 80s. This is one of 2-3 quintessential “Brat Pack” films- the other two will show up later. It’s not the best but it’s certainly entertaining and has a warm feel to it, especially generating from the characters played by Andrew McCarthy and Mare Winningham, who are rather on the outside of the group. I should also add that Rob Lowe and Demi Moore display brief hints of depth here. (One of the things I clearly remember about this film’s debut- in Los Angeles- was how big a star Rob Lowe was. It was him and everybody else.)

I was forced to downgrade this movie a point or two for that annoying song, written by David Foster, which was a big hit for months afterward.

Funny I thought the song was the best thing about this movie, by far.

IMDB rating is only 6.4. Seems about right to me.

 

[El Floppo]

82. Hollywood Shuffle (1987)

Directed by: Robert Townsend

Starring: Robert Townsend

Synopsis: An aspiring black actor in Hollywood struggles to escape stereotypes.

What you say, honky sucka pig-head jive-turkey fool? - Robert Townsend as “Dirty Larry”

A hilarious sendup of blaxploitation movies. The best scenes play out like skits from the old show In Living Color which came out only a year later and featured much of the same ensemble. Love in particular the Detective Jeri-Curl and Mandingo the slave whom Missy Anne can’t resist. Outstanding stuff.

Love this movie. Townsend self financed this on credit cards, iirc.

It's hilarious, a bit dated (thankfully, since it's satirizing things in a Hollywood that have made some progress since then), but mostly a social study of the times in Hollywood for Black actors.

Sneaking into the movies, probably my favorite bit.

It's interesting to see how much has changed (lots), and how far there is to go.

Ho Cakes!

 

[Gr00vus]

84. The Sure Thing (1985)

Directed by: Rob Reiner

Starring: John Cusack, Daphne Zuniga, Nicolette Sheridan

Synopsis: Two opposites are forced to share a roadtrip together to California.

Nick! Nick’s a real name, the kind of guy you can trust, the kind of guy you can drink a beer with, the kind of guy who doesn’t mind if you puke in his car. - John Cusack as Gib

This is a sweet romantic comedy with a lot of great lines. Not too complicated but very entertaining. For me this is the best ever role for Cusack.

It's a great movie. But better Cusack role than Say Anything, High Fidelity or Grosse Pointe Blank? I have to strongly disagree.

It'd Better Off Dead, and it's not even close.

 

[Todem]

82. Hollywood Shuffle (1987)

Directed by: Robert Townsend

Starring: Robert Townsend

Synopsis: An aspiring black actor in Hollywood struggles to escape stereotypes.

What you say, honky sucka pig-head jive-turkey fool? - Robert Townsend as “Dirty Larry”

A hilarious sendup of blaxploitation movies. The best scenes play out like skits from the old show In Living Color which came out only a year later and featured much of the same ensemble. Love in particular the Detective Jeri-Curl and Mandingo the slave whom Missy Anne can’t resist. Outstanding stuff.

Sneaking into the Movies had me in stiches....this is an 80's cult classic.

 

[timschochet]

Since I’ve started this thread I’ve come up with nearly a dozen more movies that now I think should have been on it. This was really a great decade for flicks. Oh well, too late now. There are going to be some disappointments I suspect.

 

[John Maddens Lunchbox]

84. The Sure Thing (1985)

Directed by: Rob Reiner

Starring: John Cusack, Daphne Zuniga, Nicolette Sheridan

Synopsis: Two opposites are forced to share a roadtrip together to California.

Nick! Nick’s a real name, the kind of guy you can trust, the kind of guy you can drink a beer with, the kind of guy who doesn’t mind if you puke in his car. - John Cusack as Gib

This is a sweet romantic comedy with a lot of great lines. Not too complicated but very entertaining. For me this is the best ever role for Cusack.

It's a great movie. But better Cusack role than Say Anything, High Fidelity or Grosse Pointe Blank? I have to strongly disagree.

And the Grifters

 

[John Maddens Lunchbox]

Since I’ve started this thread I’ve come up with nearly a dozen more movies that now I think should have been on it. This was really a great decade for flicks. Oh well, too late now. There are going to be some disappointments I suspect.

You may as well list them now so people who are fans arent anticipating and then being disappointed.

 

[Eephus]

82. Hollywood Shuffle (1987)

Directed by: Robert Townsend

Starring: Robert Townsend

Synopsis: An aspiring black actor in Hollywood struggles to escape stereotypes.

What you say, honky sucka pig-head jive-turkey fool? - Robert Townsend as “Dirty Larry”

A hilarious sendup of blaxploitation movies. The best scenes play out like skits from the old show In Living Color which came out only a year later and featured much of the same ensemble. Love in particular the Detective Jeri-Curl and Mandingo the slave whom Missy Anne can’t resist. Outstanding stuff.

Re-watched this recently after Townsend's appearance as Sydney's father in The Bear piqued my daughter's interest. Sorry to say the humor didn't really hold up for me or especially for her (a Black woman born five years after the movie was made). Some of the sketches were still funny but more of them were just cringey in a modern context.

 

[El Floppo]

82. Hollywood Shuffle (1987)

Directed by: Robert Townsend

Starring: Robert Townsend

Synopsis: An aspiring black actor in Hollywood struggles to escape stereotypes.

What you say, honky sucka pig-head jive-turkey fool? - Robert Townsend as “Dirty Larry”

A hilarious sendup of blaxploitation movies. The best scenes play out like skits from the old show In Living Color which came out only a year later and featured much of the same ensemble. Love in particular the Detective Jeri-Curl and Mandingo the slave whom Missy Anne can’t resist. Outstanding stuff.

Re-watched this recently after Townsend's appearance as Sydney's father in The Bear piqued my daughter's interest. Sorry to say the humor didn't really hold up for me or especially for her (a Black woman born five years after the movie was made). Some of the sketches were still funny but more of them were just cringey in a modern context.

Interesting.

Like I intimated above, it's definitely zeitgeisty... And satiriZing things that arent necessarily relevant any more. Iirc, the cringe factor was intentional even back then to highlight the BS he and his peers were dealing with

 

[timschochet]

Since I’ve started this thread I’ve come up with nearly a dozen more movies that now I think should have been on it. This was really a great decade for flicks. Oh well, too late now. There are going to be some disappointments I suspect.

You may as well list them now so people who are fans arent anticipating and then being disappointed.

I considered it but no. I don’t want to ripped for days on end “Your last pick is an OK film but it’s nowhere as good as #####; this list is a joke!” Etc.

I’ll just save my humiliation for the end, and suffer then.

 

[timschochet]

81. La Bamba (1987)

Directed by: Luis Valdez

Starring: Lou Diamond Phillips, Esai Morales, Joe Pantoliano

Synopsis: East LA’s Richie Valenz aspires to rock and roll stardom.

My mom reckons I’m going to be a star. And stars don’t fall from the sky- Lou Diamond Phillips as Richie Valens

This is one the better rock bio films IMO, thanks to the heartwarming story but especially to the acting job by Esai Morales as Richie’s older brother Bob; Morales literally steals every scene he’s in playing such a great and troubled character. (This actor disappeared for years afterwards, at least to my knowledge, before showing up on the first season of Ozark as the main villain- once again a tremendous performance.)

Other great scenes include the first live performance of the title song (expertly played offscreen by Los Lobos), which captures the excitement and energy of the early rock and roll scene. And a special mention has to go to Brian Setzer of the Stray Cats playing the role he was born for: Eddie Cochran performing “Summertime Blues”.

 

[John Maddens Lunchbox]

Since I’ve started this thread I’ve come up with nearly a dozen more movies that now I think should have been on it. This was really a great decade for flicks. Oh well, too late now. There are going to be some disappointments I suspect.

You may as well list them now so people who are fans arent anticipating and then being disappointed.

I considered it but no. I don’t want to ripped for days on end “Your last pick is an OK film but it’s nowhere as good as #####; this list is a joke!” Etc.

I’ll just save my humiliation for the end, and suffer then.

Fair enough.
Some how i doubt you worry too much about what people think here.
Youve had to have extremely thick skin since the beginning

 

[Andy Dufresne]

I have seen six of the top eighteen.

 

[northern exposure]

84. The Sure Thing (1985)

Directed by: Rob Reiner

Starring: John Cusack, Daphne Zuniga, Nicolette Sheridan

Synopsis: Two opposites are forced to share a roadtrip together to California.

Nick! Nick’s a real name, the kind of guy you can trust, the kind of guy you can drink a beer with, the kind of guy who doesn’t mind if you puke in his car. - John Cusack as Gib

This is a sweet romantic comedy with a lot of great lines. Not too complicated but very entertaining. For me this is the best ever role for Cusack.

It's a great movie. But better Cusack role than Say Anything, High Fidelity or Grosse Pointe Blank? I have to strongly disagree.

And the Grifters

I'm a big Cusack fan, so I'd even add Eight Men Out and Pushing Tin to the list.

 

[Psychopav]

81. La Bamba (1987)

Directed by: Luis Valdez

Starring: Lou Diamond Phillips, Esai Morales, Joe Pantoliano

Synopsis: East LA’s Richie Valenz aspires to rock and roll stardom.

My mom reckons I’m going to be a star. And stars don’t fall from the sky- Lou Diamond Phillips as Richie Valens

This is one the better rock bio films IMO, thanks to the heartwarming story but especially to the acting job by Esai Morales as Richie’s older brother Bob; Morales literally steals every scene he’s in playing such a great and troubled character. (This actor disappeared for years afterwards, at least to my knowledge, before showing up on the first season of Ozark as the main villain- once again a tremendous performance.)

Other great scenes include the first live performance of the title song (expertly played offscreen by Los Lobos), which captures the excitement and energy of the early rock and roll scene. And a special mention has to go to Brian Setzer of the Stray Cats playing the role he was born for: Eddie Cochran performing “Summertime Blues”.

He really does have a great screen presence. I think he was in some TV stuff - maybe some Law and Order role and I want to say he was in the BSG reboot short-lived prequel series. I forget what it was called but he was good in it.

 

[Psychopav]

81. La Bamba (1987)

Directed by: Luis Valdez

Starring: Lou Diamond Phillips, Esai Morales, Joe Pantoliano

Synopsis: East LA’s Richie Valenz aspires to rock and roll stardom.

My mom reckons I’m going to be a star. And stars don’t fall from the sky- Lou Diamond Phillips as Richie Valens

This is one the better rock bio films IMO, thanks to the heartwarming story but especially to the acting job by Esai Morales as Richie’s older brother Bob; Morales literally steals every scene he’s in playing such a great and troubled character. (This actor disappeared for years afterwards, at least to my knowledge, before showing up on the first season of Ozark as the main villain- once again a tremendous performance.)

Other great scenes include the first live performance of the title song (expertly played offscreen by Los Lobos), which captures the excitement and energy of the early rock and roll scene. And a special mention has to go to Brian Setzer of the Stray Cats playing the role he was born for: Eddie Cochran performing “Summertime Blues”.

He really does have a great screen presence. I think he was in some TV stuff - maybe some Law and Order role and I want to say he was in the BSG reboot short-lived prequel series. I forget what it was called but he was good in it.

Here we go.

It was called Caprica. And it looks like he was in more Criminal Minds than Law and Order. But it seems he's worked pretty steadily all along, with 3-5 roles every year, just not in a ton of huge hit shows/films.

 

[Dr. Octopus]

81. La Bamba (1987)

Directed by: Luis Valdez

Starring: Lou Diamond Phillips, Esai Morales, Joe Pantoliano

Synopsis: East LA’s Richie Valenz aspires to rock and roll stardom.

My mom reckons I’m going to be a star. And stars don’t fall from the sky- Lou Diamond Phillips as Richie Valens

This is one the better rock bio films IMO, thanks to the heartwarming story but especially to the acting job by Esai Morales as Richie’s older brother Bob; Morales literally steals every scene he’s in playing such a great and troubled character. (This actor disappeared for years afterwards, at least to my knowledge, before showing up on the first season of Ozark as the main villain- once again a tremendous performance.)

Other great scenes include the first live performance of the title song (expertly played offscreen by Los Lobos), which captures the excitement and energy of the early rock and roll scene. And a special mention has to go to Brian Setzer of the Stray Cats playing the role he was born for: Eddie Cochran performing “Summertime Blues”.

He really does have a great screen presence. I think he was in some TV stuff - maybe some Law and Order role and I want to say he was in the BSG reboot short-lived prequel series. I forget what it was called but he was good in it.

He was one of the bosses on NYPD Blue for a few seasons.

 

[TripItUp]

81. La Bamba (1987)

Directed by: Luis Valdez

Starring: Lou Diamond Phillips, Esai Morales, Joe Pantoliano

Always liked this one. Would make my top 100 for certain.

 

[Doug B]

And a special mention has to go to Brian Setzer of the Stray Cats playing the role he was born for: Eddie Cochran performing “Summertime Blues”.

Marshall Crenshaw got a memorable turn as Buddy Holly, as well. EDIT: Not just covering Holly’s music in character, but also executing the chilling-in-retrospect coin-toss scene.

 

[Dennis Castro]

I just watched Hollywood Shuffle based on the comments in this thread. Liked it.

Is it bad that I saw my same dinnerware on the table during the kitchen scene?

 

[Mrs. Rannous]

And a special mention has to go to Brian Setzer of the Stray Cats playing the role he was born for: Eddie Cochran performing “Summertime Blues”.

Oh, yeah. He has the chops. That's why I did an entire MAD category on him.

 

[Dr. Octopus]

81. La Bamba (1987)

Directed by: Luis Valdez

Starring: Lou Diamond Phillips, Esai Morales, Joe Pantoliano

Synopsis: East LA’s Richie Valenz aspires to rock and roll stardom.

My mom reckons I’m going to be a star. And stars don’t fall from the sky- Lou Diamond Phillips as Richie Valens

This is one the better rock bio films IMO, thanks to the heartwarming story but especially to the acting job by Esai Morales as Richie’s older brother Bob; Morales literally steals every scene he’s in playing such a great and troubled character. (This actor disappeared for years afterwards, at least to my knowledge, before showing up on the first season of Ozark as the main villain- once again a tremendous performance.)

Other great scenes include the first live performance of the title song (expertly played offscreen by Los Lobos), which captures the excitement and energy of the early rock and roll scene. And a special mention has to go to Brian Setzer of the Stray Cats playing the role he was born for: Eddie Cochran performing “Summertime Blues”.

They showed this movie in the auditorium at our college. After I was taking with some girl who “loved the movie” but also said “I wish they didn’t make him die at the end and I would have liked it even better”. I didn’t have the heart to tell her.

She ended up posing for Playboy when they did they Girls of the Big East issue .

 

[northern exposure]

81. La Bamba (1987)

Directed by: Luis Valdez

Starring: Lou Diamond Phillips, Esai Morales, Joe Pantoliano

Synopsis: East LA’s Richie Valenz aspires to rock and roll stardom.

My mom reckons I’m going to be a star. And stars don’t fall from the sky- Lou Diamond Phillips as Richie Valens

This is one the better rock bio films IMO, thanks to the heartwarming story but especially to the acting job by Esai Morales as Richie’s older brother Bob; Morales literally steals every scene he’s in playing such a great and troubled character. (This actor disappeared for years afterwards, at least to my knowledge, before showing up on the first season of Ozark as the main villain- once again a tremendous performance.)

Other great scenes include the first live performance of the title song (expertly played offscreen by Los Lobos), which captures the excitement and energy of the early rock and roll scene. And a special mention has to go to Brian Setzer of the Stray Cats playing the role he was born for: Eddie Cochran performing “Summertime Blues”.

Morales really stood out in a role opposite Sean Penn in the teenage gang/juvenile dentition center film - "Bad Boys" in the early 80s.

 

[kupcho1]

I’m shocked at some of the bad movies that made this list so far.

Have you never opened a "greatest" thread by tim before???

 

[timschochet]

80. Cocoon (1985)

Directed by: Ron Howard

Starring: Don Ameche, Wilford Brimley, Hume Cronyn, Jessica Tandy, Gwen Verdon, Jack Gilford, Steve Guttenberg

Synopsis: Space aliens settle next to a retirement home and their power inadvertently brings youth and energy to some of the retirees.

Well I’ll tell ya, the way nature’s been treating us, I don’t mind cheating her a little. - Wilford Brimley as Ben Luckett

Ostensibly a science fiction film, this movie is actually a vehicle for some of the older great character actors of the time to show off their skills, which they do, particularly Brimley, Cronyn, and Tandy who are all outstanding. The chemistry between Hume Cronyn and Jessica Tandy, who were deeply in love in real life but also went through personal trials very similar to those depicted by their characters in the movie, is incredible. This is both heartwarming and bittersweet and it’s hard to watch and avoid a tear or two,

 

[El Floppo]

Laugh emoji.

Although teen me enjoyed this one.

 

[timschochet]

79. Empire of the Sun (1987)

Directed by: Steven Spielberg

Starring: Christian Bale, John Malkovich, Miranda Richardson

Synopsis: During the fall of Shanghai in January of 1942, a young British boy is stranded from his family.

I was dreaming about God, he was playing tennis. - Christian Bale as Jim

This film came out when I was 22 and I remember being tremendously excited to see it. I loved the subject matter (I was and still am a huge James Clavell fan who has covered similar topics in a few of his novels), I love epic films, and I love Spielberg. Seemed like a perfect fit.

And it was…for about the first half. The opening scenes are extremely compelling, The actual fall of the city, and Jim’s separation from his parents, is completely awesome, filmmaking of the highest level. Jim’s journey back to his now abandoned home, his meetup with the Americans led by John Malkovich, his eventually being sent to a family detention camp with the other whites captured- all great drama.

But the second half- what can I say? It’s gloomy and dull. It’s like the film completely slows down, runs out of a story to tell. It’s miserable and things get worse and worse but the main reaction is…boredom.

The first half of this movie makes it good enough to be on this list. The second half prevents it from being any higher. Yet another great score by John Williams.

 

[Pip's Invitation]

79. Empire of the Sun (1987)

Directed by: Steven Spielberg

Starring: Christian Bale, John Malkovich, Miranda Richardson

Synopsis: During the fall of Shanghai in January of 1942, a young British boy is stranded from his family.

I was dreaming about God, he was playing tennis. - Christian Bale as Jim

This film came out when I was 22 and I remember being tremendously excited to see it. I loved the subject matter (I was and still am a huge James Clavell fan who has covered similar topics in a few of his novels), I love epic films, and I love Spielberg. Seemed like a perfect fit.

And it was…for about the first half. The opening scenes are extremely compelling, The actual fall of the city, and Jim’s separation from his parents, is completely awesome, filmmaking of the highest level. Jim’s journey back to his now abandoned home, his meetup with the Americans led by John Malkovich, his eventually being sent to a family detention camp with the other whites captured- all great drama.

But the second half- what can I say? It’s gloomy and dull. It’s like the film completely slows down, runs out of a story to tell. It’s miserable and things get worse and worse but the main reaction is…boredom.

The first half of this movie makes it good enough to be on this list. The second half prevents it from being any higher. Yet another great score by John Williams.

My father and stepmother took us to see this in the theater. I was 16. I was bored out of my mind.

 

[Dr. Octopus]

79. Empire of the Sun (1987)

Directed by: Steven Spielberg

Starring: Christian Bale, John Malkovich, Miranda Richardson

Synopsis: During the fall of Shanghai in January of 1942, a young British boy is stranded from his family.

I was dreaming about God, he was playing tennis. - Christian Bale as Jim

This film came out when I was 22 and I remember being tremendously excited to see it. I loved the subject matter (I was and still am a huge James Clavell fan who has covered similar topics in a few of his novels), I love epic films, and I love Spielberg. Seemed like a perfect fit.

And it was…for about the first half. The opening scenes are extremely compelling, The actual fall of the city, and Jim’s separation from his parents, is completely awesome, filmmaking of the highest level. Jim’s journey back to his now abandoned home, his meetup with the Americans led by John Malkovich, his eventually being sent to a family detention camp with the other whites captured- all great drama.

But the second half- what can I say? It’s gloomy and dull. It’s like the film completely slows down, runs out of a story to tell. It’s miserable and things get worse and worse but the main reaction is…boredom.

The first half of this movie makes it good enough to be on this list. The second half prevents it from being any higher. Yet another great score by John Williams.

My father and stepmother took us to see this in the theater. I was 16. I was bored out of my mind.

Wait until you see 78.

 

[shuke]

83. St. Elmo’s Fire (1985)

Directed by: Joel Schumacher

Starring: Emilio Estevez, Rob Lowe, Demi Moore, Ally Sheedy, Andrew McCarthy, Judd Nelson, Mare Winningham

Synopsis: A group of Georgetown University graduates struggle to adjust to “real life”.

Never trust a woman who says she isn’t angry- Andrew McCarthy as Kevin

“The Brat Pack”: a loose group of young Hollywood stars who dominated a certain genre of movie during the 80s. This is one of 2-3 quintessential “Brat Pack” films- the other two will show up later. It’s not the best but it’s certainly entertaining and has a warm feel to it, especially generating from the characters played by Andrew McCarthy and Mare Winningham, who are rather on the outside of the group. I should also add that Rob Lowe and Demi Moore display brief hints of depth here. (One of the things I clearly remember about this film’s debut- in Los Angeles- was how big a star Rob Lowe was. It was him and everybody else.)

I was forced to downgrade this movie a point or two for that annoying song, written by David Foster, which was a big hit for months afterward.

Pretty good cocktail sauce.

 

[Mrs. Rannous]

But the second half- what can I say? It’s gloomy and dull. It’s like the film completely slows down, runs out of a story to tell. It’s miserable and things get worse and worse but the main reaction is…boredom.

This describes how I feel about How Green Was My Valley. It's like Eeyore wrote a movie.

 

[Dr. Octopus]

But the second half- what can I say? It’s gloomy and dull. It’s like the film completely slows down, runs out of a story to tell. It’s miserable and things get worse and worse but the main reaction is…boredom.

Sounds like a movie that should be in the Top 100 of a decade!!!

 

[Pip's Invitation]

But the second half- what can I say? It’s gloomy and dull. It’s like the film completely slows down, runs out of a story to tell. It’s miserable and things get worse and worse but the main reaction is…boredom.

Sounds like a movie that should be in the Top 100 of a decade!!!

Would be interesting to see how people rank Old School in a 2000s list. The first half is one of the funniest things I’ve ever seen. The second half is awful and basically a scene-by-scene recreation of the Revenge of the Nerds plot, minus the rapey parts.

 

[shuke]

But the second half- what can I say? It’s gloomy and dull. It’s like the film completely slows down, runs out of a story to tell. It’s miserable and things get worse and worse but the main reaction is…boredom.

Sounds like a movie that should be in the Top 100 of a decade!!!

 

[northern exposure]

But the second half- what can I say? It’s gloomy and dull. It’s like the film completely slows down, runs out of a story to tell. It’s miserable and things get worse and worse but the main reaction is…boredom.

Sounds like a movie that should be in the Top 100 of a decade!!!

Would be interesting to see how people rank Old School in a 2000s list. The first half is one of the funniest things I’ve ever seen. The second half is awful and basically a scene-by-scene recreation of the Revenge of the Nerds plot, minus the rapey parts.

My memory must not be as good as your memory. I just remember "ear muffs", Frank The Tank, We're Going Streaking, etc. and overall a very funny film. I don't remember a clear delineation between the first and second half of the movie.

 

[Pip's Invitation]

But the second half- what can I say? It’s gloomy and dull. It’s like the film completely slows down, runs out of a story to tell. It’s miserable and things get worse and worse but the main reaction is…boredom.

Sounds like a movie that should be in the Top 100 of a decade!!!

Would be interesting to see how people rank Old School in a 2000s list. The first half is one of the funniest things I’ve ever seen. The second half is awful and basically a scene-by-scene recreation of the Revenge of the Nerds plot, minus the rapey parts.

My memory must not be as good as your memory. I just remember "ear muffs", Frank The Tank, We're Going Streaking, etc. and overall a very funny film. I don't remember a clear delineation between the first and second half of the movie.

Everything you mentioned is in the first half of the movie.

 

[Tau837]

 

[Dr. Octopus]

But the second half- what can I say? It’s gloomy and dull. It’s like the film completely slows down, runs out of a story to tell. It’s miserable and things get worse and worse but the main reaction is…boredom.

Sounds like a movie that should be in the Top 100 of a decade!!!

Would be interesting to see how people rank Old School in a 2000s list. The first half is one of the funniest things I’ve ever seen. The second half is awful and basically a scene-by-scene recreation of the Revenge of the Nerds plot, minus the rapey parts.

My memory must not be as good as your memory. I just remember "ear muffs", Frank The Tank, We're Going Streaking, etc. and overall a very funny film. I don't remember a clear delineation between the first and second half of the movie.

Ha I was going to reply “all I really remember about that movie is the bits at this point.” It had some plot but damn if I know what it was.