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

[El Floppo]

73. Risky Business (1983)

Directed by: Paul Brickman

Starring: Tom Cruise, Rebecca De Mornay, Curtis Armstrong

Synopsis: High school senior watches his parents’ house while they’re on vacation, gets mixed up with a call girl.

I can’t believe this. I have a trig midterm tomorrow, and I’m being chased by Guido the killer pimp! - Curtis Armstrong as Miles

Breakthrough film for Tom Cruise. What a lucky SOB. I watched my folks house more than once growing up and I never got to hook up with a call girl. (There were prostitutes a few blocks from my house that I was aware of but they didn’t look like Rebecca De Mornay. More like Wendy from Breaking Bad. In fact they were pretty skanky and I would have been terrified to approach them.)

I still think this is Cruise's best film. And the soundtrack from Tangerine Dream is also excellent.

The only other movie I like him in is Tropic Thunder. Otherwise, he's smarmy and oozy.

I like him fine... But I get what you're saying. I really liked him in Magnolia, where he seemed to play a more self aware/uncertain version of that smarmy person.

I'm in the minority I know, but Risky Business never really grabbed me the way it did for my friends and peers. I understand it's inclusion based on my peers response to it, but I doubt it would make my top 100 of the decade.

 

[Psychopav]

heard they are doing another Goonies with original cast...maybe on a podcast.

Why wouldn't they just make a movie?

 

[timschochet]

72. Little Shop of Horrors (1986)

Directed by: Frank Oz

Starring: Rick Moranis, Ellen Greene, Steve Martin, and the voice of Levi Stubbs

Synopsis: A plant like alien creature comes to Earth with a plan to eat all humans and take over.

I’m just a mean green mother from outer space and I’m bad! - Levi Stubbs as Audrey II

One of the most entertaining movie musicals of all time. The music is by the team that would give us much of the Disney Renaissance (more on that later) and is tremendous. But it’s the humorous story and acting that makes this so good. Beyond the outstanding leads, Steve Martin plays a sadistic dentist while Bill Murray is one of his masochistic patients; the scene between them is comedy gold.

 

[Dan Lambskin]

Feed me Seymour!

 

[Pip's Invitation]

There were thousands of movies released in the 80's. You don't have a list of 100 that you enjoyed all the way through?

That’s the oddest thing to me about these threads.

The descriptions often state things like “boring”, “uneven” or “not for me” - so why exactly is it on this list. Seems like most people could come up with 100 movies they love in each decade so why drag in “boring” movies?

It's all about some vague definition of "greatness." Which is what Rolling Stone does.

 

[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.

This is the exact quote.

How can a movie with a description like this be in your top 100 movies?

I probably overstated it. It’s in my top 100 basically because the first half is so enjoyable.

I would compare it to the song “Can’t You Hear Me Knockin’” it’s in my top ten Stones songs of all time but the jazz ending doesn’t do much for me. I even turn it off sometimes.

Well them's fighting words. The second half of CYHMK is one of the best things the Stones ever did.

 

[Pip's Invitation]

73. Risky Business (1983)

Directed by: Paul Brickman

Starring: Tom Cruise, Rebecca De Mornay, Curtis Armstrong

Synopsis: High school senior watches his parents’ house while they’re on vacation, gets mixed up with a call girl.

I can’t believe this. I have a trig midterm tomorrow, and I’m being chased by Guido the killer pimp! - Curtis Armstrong as Miles

Breakthrough film for Tom Cruise. What a lucky SOB. I watched my folks house more than once growing up and I never got to hook up with a call girl. (There were prostitutes a few blocks from my house that I was aware of but they didn’t look like Rebecca De Mornay. More like Wendy from Breaking Bad. In fact they were pretty skanky and I would have been terrified to approach them.)

I still think this is Cruise's best film. And the soundtrack from Tangerine Dream is also excellent.

The only other movie I like him in is Tropic Thunder. Otherwise, he's smarmy and oozy.

I liked Born on the Fourth of July.

And I was amused by his role in Magnolia but got the sense he was playing a caricature of himself.

 

[timschochet]

71. Parenthood (1989)

Directed by: Ron Howard

Starring: Steve Martin, Mary Steenburgen, Rick Moranis, Dianne Weist, Tom Hulce, Jason Robards, Martha Plimpton, Keanu Reeves

Synopsis: Siblings face a variety of family traumas.

Parenting is like your Aunt Edna’s ***. It goes on forever and it’s just as frightening- Jason Robards as Frank.

Bittersweet ensemble comedy-drama. There are lots of funny scenes (Keanu Reeves basically playing himself is always good, Rick Moranis singing “Close to You” is money) and some very poignant ones- the exchanges between Jason Robards and Tom Hulce are so real they are almost too painful to watch. The closing moments at the hospital as Randy Newman’s score soars is classic filmmaking.

 

[John Maddens Lunchbox]

71. Parenthood (1989)

Directed by: Ron Howard

Starring: Steve Martin, Mary Steenburgen, Rick Moranis, Dianne Weist, Tom Hulce, Jason Robards, Martha Plimpton, Keanu Reeves

Synopsis: Siblings face a variety of family traumas.

Parenting is like your Aunt Edna’s ***. It goes on forever and it’s just as frightening- Jason Robards as Frank.

Bittersweet ensemble comedy-drama. There are lots of funny scenes (Keanu Reeves basically playing himself is always good, Rick Moranis singing “Close to You” is money) and some very poignant ones- the exchanges between Jason Robards and Tom Hulce are so real they are almost too painful to watch. The closing moments at the hospital as Randy Newman’s score soars is classic filmmaking.

Love this movie
Leif Phoenix who plays the Dianne Weists masturbating teenage son would turn into Joaquin Phoenix and Joker Oscar winner.

 

[zamboni]

71. Parenthood (1989)

Directed by: Ron Howard

Starring: Steve Martin, Mary Steenburgen, Rick Moranis, Dianne Weist, Tom Hulce, Jason Robards, Martha Plimpton, Keanu Reeves

Synopsis: Siblings face a variety of family traumas.

Parenting is like your Aunt Edna’s ***. It goes on forever and it’s just as frightening- Jason Robards as Frank.

Bittersweet ensemble comedy-drama. There are lots of funny scenes (Keanu Reeves basically playing himself is always good, Rick Moranis singing “Close to You” is money) and some very poignant ones- the exchanges between Jason Robards and Tom Hulce are so real they are almost too painful to watch. The closing moments at the hospital as Randy Newman’s score soars is classic filmmaking.

Love this movie
Leif Phoenix who plays the Dianne Weists masturbating teenage son would turn into Joaquin Phoenix and Joker Oscar winner.

Love it as well. And IMO Leif/Joaquin steals the movie. That scene where he’s talking on the phone to his absentee dad is gut wrenching.

 

[Manster]

72. Little Shop of Horrors (1986)

Directed by: Frank Oz

Starring: Rick Moranis, Ellen Greene, Steve Martin, and the voice of Levi Stubbs

Synopsis: A plant like alien creature comes to Earth with a plan to eat all humans and take over.

I’m just a mean green mother from outer space and I’m bad! - Levi Stubbs as Audrey II

One of the most entertaining movie musicals of all time. The music is by the team that would give us much of the Disney Renaissance (more on that later) and is tremendous. But it’s the humorous story and acting that makes this so good. Beyond the outstanding leads, Steve Martin plays a sadistic dentist while Bill Murray is one of his masochistic patients; the scene between them is comedy gold.

First of all, I typically hate musicals. And I really hated them when I was a kid. I watched it one time back when it came out, on VHS. I would re-visit, but I'm not optimistic

 

[Mr. Mojo]

73. Risky Business (1983)

Directed by: Paul Brickman

Starring: Tom Cruise, Rebecca De Mornay, Curtis Armstrong

Synopsis: High school senior watches his parents’ house while they’re on vacation, gets mixed up with a call girl.

I can’t believe this. I have a trig midterm tomorrow, and I’m being chased by Guido the killer pimp! - Curtis Armstrong as Miles

Breakthrough film for Tom Cruise. What a lucky SOB. I watched my folks house more than once growing up and I never got to hook up with a call girl. (There were prostitutes a few blocks from my house that I was aware of but they didn’t look like Rebecca De Mornay. More like Wendy from Breaking Bad. In fact they were pretty skanky and I would have been terrified to approach them.)

I still think this is Cruise's best film. And the soundtrack from Tangerine Dream is also excellent.

The only other movie I like him in is Tropic Thunder. Otherwise, he's smarmy and oozy.

I liked Born on the Fourth of July.

And I was amused by his role in Magnolia but got the sense he was playing a caricature of himself.

I think his best acting was BOTFOJ. The "Who's going to love me, mom" scene really got to me.
But for an overall film, I like Risky Business.

 

[zamboni]

Cruise at his best

You’re just…a typing teacher.

 

[timschochet]

70. Ragtime (1981)

Directed by: Milos Foreman

Starring: Howard Rollins, Mary Steenbergen, Mandy Patinkin, James Olsen, Elizabeth McGovern, Brad Dourif, James Cagney

Synopsis: Several characters, both real and fictional, experience life in early 20th century New York.

I play all kinds of music, And then I play Ragtime. - Howard Rollins as Coalhouse Walker.

Interwines three stories: the real life scandal of Evelyn Nesbet, the rise of Mandy Patinkin’s character from peddler to filmmaker (based on the lives of a few Jewish Hollywood pioneers) and the completely fictional tale of Coalhouse Walker, black piano player turned terrorist. It’s this last story that dominates the latter half of the film and gives it the most drama, but all three tales are well told and interesting, and the acting is superb.

 

[timschochet]

69. A Christmas Story (1983)

Directed by: Bob Clark

Starring: Melinda Dillon, Darren McGavin, Peter Billingsly, and the voice of Jean Shepherd

Synopsis: a young boy experiences Christmastime in 1940

Now it was serious. A double dog dare! - The voice of Jean Shepherd as the adult Ralphie.

I honestly can’t remember, at this point, when I saw this movie for the first time. It has become completely ubiquitous in my mind with Christmas, much like the TV show Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer and other holiday specials. I also tend to associate it with The Wonder Years as the themes are extremely similar.

This is a lot of people’s favorite movie, or favorite Christmas movie, so there may be some complaints that it deserves a higher ranking. I don’t have any problems with it. It’s a very enjoyable bittersweet comedy, though I wouldn’t call it deep.

 

[Pip's Invitation]

69. A Christmas Story (1983)

Directed by: Bob Clark

Starring: Melinda Dillon, Darren McGavin, Peter Billingsly, and the voice of Jean Shepherd

Synopsis: a young boy experiences Christmastime in 1940

Now it was serious. A double dog dare! - The voice of Jean Shepherd as the adult Ralphie.

I honestly can’t remember, at this point, when I saw this movie for the first time. It has become completely ubiquitous in my mind with Christmas, much like the TV show Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer and other holiday specials. I also tend to associate it with The Wonder Years as the themes are extremely similar.

This is a lot of people’s favorite movie, or favorite Christmas movie, so there may be some complaints that it deserves a higher ranking. I don’t have any problems with it. It’s a very enjoyable bittersweet comedy, though I wouldn’t call it deep.

I’ve always been fascinated that this has basically the same aesthetic as another Clark movie — Porky’s. And the subject matters could not be any more different.

 

[Dan Lambskin]

69. A Christmas Story (1983)

Directed by: Bob Clark

Starring: Melinda Dillon, Darren McGavin, Peter Billingsly, and the voice of Jean Shepherd

Synopsis: a young boy experiences Christmastime in 1940

Now it was serious. A double dog dare! - The voice of Jean Shepherd as the adult Ralphie.

I honestly can’t remember, at this point, when I saw this movie for the first time. It has become completely ubiquitous in my mind with Christmas, much like the TV show Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer and other holiday specials. I also tend to associate it with The Wonder Years as the themes are extremely similar.

This is a lot of people’s favorite movie, or favorite Christmas movie, so there may be some complaints that it deserves a higher ranking. I don’t have any problems with it. It’s a very enjoyable bittersweet comedy, though I wouldn’t call it deep.

It’s good but I’m sick of it

 

[Mrs. Rannous]

69. A Christmas Story (1983)

Directed by: Bob Clark

Starring: Melinda Dillon, Darren McGavin, Peter Billingsly, and the voice of Jean Shepherd

Synopsis: a young boy experiences Christmastime in 1940

Now it was serious. A double dog dare! - The voice of Jean Shepherd as the adult Ralphie.

I honestly can’t remember, at this point, when I saw this movie for the first time. It has become completely ubiquitous in my mind with Christmas, much like the TV show Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer and other holiday specials. I also tend to associate it with The Wonder Years as the themes are extremely similar.

This is a lot of people’s favorite movie, or favorite Christmas movie, so there may be some complaints that it deserves a higher ranking. I don’t have any problems with it. It’s a very enjoyable bittersweet comedy, though I wouldn’t call it deep.

It’s good but I’m sick of it

We've tried more than once and could not get past about twenty minutes in.

 

[Don Quixote]

I’m just sad Bill and Ted did not end up at 69.

 

[Todem]

I’m just sad Bill and Ted did not end up at 69.

Bogus

 

[Don Quixote]

I’m just sad Bill and Ted did not end up at 69.

@Pip's Invitation Wait, did I miss that the laughing reaction was restored?

ETA: Just saw the thread. As Bill and Ted would say, most triumphant.

 

[zamboni]

69. A Christmas Story (1983)

Directed by: Bob Clark

Starring: Melinda Dillon, Darren McGavin, Peter Billingsly, and the voice of Jean Shepherd

Synopsis: a young boy experiences Christmastime in 1940

Now it was serious. A double dog dare! - The voice of Jean Shepherd as the adult Ralphie.

I honestly can’t remember, at this point, when I saw this movie for the first time. It has become completely ubiquitous in my mind with Christmas, much like the TV show Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer and other holiday specials. I also tend to associate it with The Wonder Years as the themes are extremely similar.

This is a lot of people’s favorite movie, or favorite Christmas movie, so there may be some complaints that it deserves a higher ranking. I don’t have any problems with it. It’s a very enjoyable bittersweet comedy, though I wouldn’t call it deep.

I’ve always been fascinated that this has basically the same aesthetic as another Clark movie — Porky’s. And the subject matters could not be any more different.

“Has anyone seen Ralphie Parker?” just doesn’t have the same ring to it.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

There's a thousand things I love about A Christmas Story but the best is this:

It seems like everything and everyone is conspiring against Ralphie and just a little bit of happiness. But when the chips are really down, his mom and dad have his back.

When he gets in the fight, not only does his mom just nurture instead of lecture, she deflects the whole thing from the dad.

And the look between father and son when the latter looks at the former and realizes - he actually gets me and he came through and got me the gun - well I tear up just typing that out.

And the mom's and kids' reaction when the duck's head is cut off is just hilarious. Melinda Dillon and the kids weren't told what was going to happen - their reaction was genuine.

 

[Tau837]

I was inspired to create my own favorite 100 movies from the 1980s to compare. Of Tim's first 32 selections, 8 are in my top 100.

 

[TripItUp]

69. A Christmas Story (1983)

Directed by: Bob Clark

Meh, lower on my list

 

[Todem]

69. A Christmas Story (1983)

Directed by: Bob Clark

Meh, lower on my list

Bah humbug.

 

[Scoresman]

Hard movie to rank. I love it but am sick of it.

 

[Todem]

Hard movie to rank. I love it but am sick of it.

I saw it in the theater in 1983. Took my kid sister to see it.

Absolutely loved it.

Of course we all of seen it to death.

I watch it once a year on Christmas eve.

 

[northern exposure]

69. A Christmas Story (1983)

Directed by: Bob Clark

Meh, lower on my list

That's a bold post.

 

[timschochet]

68. Rocky III (1982)

Directed by: Sylvester Stallone

Starring: Sylvester Stallone, Talia Shire, Burt Young, Carl Weathers, Burgess Meredith, Mr. T

Synopsis: Rocky Balboa must defend his world title against Clubber Lang

I don’t hate Balboa; I pity the fool! - Mr. T as Clubber Lang

The third installment of Rocky is much more fun than the second (though not quite as fun as the 4th.) Here Apollo Creed is an ally rather than adversary and that works pretty well (except that the scene where they dance and hug at the beach may be one of the gayest moment in Hollywood history.) Mr. T is a great villain and he gets my vote for toughest Rocky opponent over Drago. In fact I started a thread years ago in which I speculated that Clubber would knock Drago out if they fought.

 

[timschochet]

Word of warning: after Thursday morning I will be out of the country so I won’t be posting until after the 1st.

 

[Gally]

Word of warning: after Thursday morning I will be out of the country so I won’t be posting until after the 1st.

What I am taking from this is that starting Thursday it's up to the board to finish out the top 100 while you are gone. Challenge accepted!

 

[Andy Dufresne]

68. Rocky III (1982)

Directed by: Sylvester Stallone

Starring: Sylvester Stallone, Talia Shire, Burt Young, Carl Weathers, Burgess Meredith, Mr. T

Synopsis: Rocky Balboa must defend his world title against Clubber Lang

I don’t hate Balboa; I pity the fool! - Mr. T as Clubber Lang

The third installment of Rocky is much more fun than the second (though not quite as fun as the 4th.) Here Apollo Creed is an ally rather than adversary and that works pretty well (except that the scene where they dance and hug at the beach may be one of the gayest moment in Hollywood history.) Mr. T is a great villain and he gets my vote for toughest Rocky opponent over Drago. In fact I started a thread years ago in which I speculated that Clubber would knock Drago out if they fought.

Let's call it "awkward" and put it in the same category as the kisses between Matthau/Jackson in Hopscotch and Hackman/Hershey in Hoosiers.

 

[El Floppo]

68. Rocky III (1982)

Directed by: Sylvester Stallone

Starring: Sylvester Stallone, Talia Shire, Burt Young, Carl Weathers, Burgess Meredith, Mr. T

Synopsis: Rocky Balboa must defend his world title against Clubber Lang

I don’t hate Balboa; I pity the fool! - Mr. T as Clubber Lang

The third installment of Rocky is much more fun than the second (though not quite as fun as the 4th.) Here Apollo Creed is an ally rather than adversary and that works pretty well (except that the scene where they dance and hug at the beach may be one of the gayest moment in Hollywood history.) Mr. T is a great villain and he gets my vote for toughest Rocky opponent over Drago. In fact I started a thread years ago in which I speculated that Clubber would knock Drago out if they fought.

My prediction...

I was a HUGE rocky fan, but this one didn't do much for me.

 

[zamboni]

68. Rocky III (1982)

Directed by: Sylvester Stallone

Starring: Sylvester Stallone, Talia Shire, Burt Young, Carl Weathers, Burgess Meredith, Mr. T

Synopsis: Rocky Balboa must defend his world title against Clubber Lang

I don’t hate Balboa; I pity the fool! - Mr. T as Clubber Lang

The third installment of Rocky is much more fun than the second (though not quite as fun as the 4th.) Here Apollo Creed is an ally rather than adversary and that works pretty well (except that the scene where they dance and hug at the beach may be one of the gayest moment in Hollywood history.) Mr. T is a great villain and he gets my vote for toughest Rocky opponent over Drago. In fact I started a thread years ago in which I speculated that Clubber would knock Drago out if they fought.

Let's call it "awkward" and put it in the same category as the kisses between Matthau/Jackson in Hopscotch and Hackman/Hershey in Hoosiers.

That might be a good spinoff thread about most awkward movie moments, although I suspect it wouldn’t last long.

 

[Dr. Octopus]

68. Rocky III (1982)

Directed by: Sylvester Stallone

Starring: Sylvester Stallone, Talia Shire, Burt Young, Carl Weathers, Burgess Meredith, Mr. T

Synopsis: Rocky Balboa must defend his world title against Clubber Lang

I don’t hate Balboa; I pity the fool! - Mr. T as Clubber Lang

The third installment of Rocky is much more fun than the second (though not quite as fun as the 4th.) Here Apollo Creed is an ally rather than adversary and that works pretty well (except that the scene where they dance and hug at the beach may be one of the gayest moment in Hollywood history.) Mr. T is a great villain and he gets my vote for toughest Rocky opponent over Drago. In fact I started a thread years ago in which I speculated that Clubber would knock Drago out if they fought.

I’ve told this story before but when I was a kid my dad took me over to his friend’s house to watch the Mike Tyson/Michael Spinks fight. It was a bunch of middle aged Italian guys and a few other kids.

Two “goombahs” were in the kitchen and they started talking about The Princess Bride and one guy says “It was a good movie but it was no Rocky III.” - as if that was the movie to judge all others by.

 

[Dr. Octopus]

(except that the scene where they dance and hug at the beach may be one of the gayest moment in Hollywood history.)

We should have a movie later on that has a few scenes that surpasses this one.

 

[Leroy Hoard]

when I was a kid my dad took me over to his friend’s house to watch the Mike Tyson/Leon Spinks fight. It was a bunch of middle aged Italian guys and a few other kids.

Two “goombahs” were in the kitchen and they started talking about The Princess Bride and one guy says “It was a good movie but it was no Rocky III.” - as if that was the movie to judge all others by

Still, that was a great line by the goombah.

 

[timschochet]

68. Rocky III (1982)

Directed by: Sylvester Stallone

Starring: Sylvester Stallone, Talia Shire, Burt Young, Carl Weathers, Burgess Meredith, Mr. T

Synopsis: Rocky Balboa must defend his world title against Clubber Lang

I don’t hate Balboa; I pity the fool! - Mr. T as Clubber Lang

The third installment of Rocky is much more fun than the second (though not quite as fun as the 4th.) Here Apollo Creed is an ally rather than adversary and that works pretty well (except that the scene where they dance and hug at the beach may be one of the gayest moment in Hollywood history.) Mr. T is a great villain and he gets my vote for toughest Rocky opponent over Drago. In fact I started a thread years ago in which I speculated that Clubber would knock Drago out if they fought.

I’ve told this story before but when I was a kid my dad took me over to his friend’s house to watch the Mike Tyson/Leon Spinks fight. It was a bunch of middle aged Italian guys and a few other kids.

Two “goombahs” were in the kitchen and they started talking about The Princess Bride and one guy says “It was a good movie but it was no Rocky III.” - as if that was the movie to judge all others by.

Great story but I think you mean Michael Spinks. Leon fought Ali.

 

[Dr. Octopus]

68. Rocky III (1982)

Directed by: Sylvester Stallone

Starring: Sylvester Stallone, Talia Shire, Burt Young, Carl Weathers, Burgess Meredith, Mr. T

Synopsis: Rocky Balboa must defend his world title against Clubber Lang

I don’t hate Balboa; I pity the fool! - Mr. T as Clubber Lang

The third installment of Rocky is much more fun than the second (though not quite as fun as the 4th.) Here Apollo Creed is an ally rather than adversary and that works pretty well (except that the scene where they dance and hug at the beach may be one of the gayest moment in Hollywood history.) Mr. T is a great villain and he gets my vote for toughest Rocky opponent over Drago. In fact I started a thread years ago in which I speculated that Clubber would knock Drago out if they fought.

I’ve told this story before but when I was a kid my dad took me over to his friend’s house to watch the Mike Tyson/Leon Spinks fight. It was a bunch of middle aged Italian guys and a few other kids.

Two “goombahs” were in the kitchen and they started talking about The Princess Bride and one guy says “It was a good movie but it was no Rocky III.” - as if that was the movie to judge all others by.

Great story but I think you mean Michael Spinks. Leon fought Ali.

Yes - it was Michael Spinks, Fight lasted about 20 seconds.

 

[Todem]

68. Rocky III (1982)

Directed by: Sylvester Stallone

Starring: Sylvester Stallone, Talia Shire, Burt Young, Carl Weathers, Burgess Meredith, Mr. T

Synopsis: Rocky Balboa must defend his world title against Clubber Lang

I don’t hate Balboa; I pity the fool! - Mr. T as Clubber Lang

The third installment of Rocky is much more fun than the second (though not quite as fun as the 4th.) Here Apollo Creed is an ally rather than adversary and that works pretty well (except that the scene where they dance and hug at the beach may be one of the gayest moment in Hollywood history.) Mr. T is a great villain and he gets my vote for toughest Rocky opponent over Drago. In fact I started a thread years ago in which I speculated that Clubber would knock Drago out if they fought.

I’ve told this story before but when I was a kid my dad took me over to his friend’s house to watch the Mike Tyson/Leon Spinks fight. It was a bunch of middle aged Italian guys and a few other kids.

Two “goombahs” were in the kitchen and they started talking about The Princess Bride and one guy says “It was a good movie but it was no Rocky III.” - as if that was the movie to judge all others by.

Great story but I think you mean Michael Spinks. Leon fought Ali.

Yes - it was Michael Spinks, Fight lasted about 20 seconds.

91 seconds to be exact.

Rocky III was a great Rocky movie. Love it.

Rocky
Rocky III
Rocky IV
Rocky II
Rocky Balboa




Rocky V

 

[zamboni]

Rocky III was a great Rocky movie. Love it.

Rocky
Rocky III
Rocky IV
Rocky II
Rocky Balboa




Rocky V

Rocky XXXVIII for me

 

[timschochet]

67. Stripes (1981)

Directed by: Ivan Reitman

Starring: Bill Murray, Harold Ramis, Warren Oates, John Candy, Sean Young

Synopsis: A couple of losers decide to try their luck in the U.S. Army.

We’re Americans with a capital “A”. Do you know what that means? Do ya? It means that our forefathers were kicked out of every decent country in the world! - Bill Murray as John Winger

Classic comedy, one of the best of the era. One of the best things about it, besides the cast, is the the truly great and stirring theme music by the legendary film composer Elmer Bernstein.

 

[timschochet]

66. The Color Purple (1985)

Directed by: Steven Spielberg

Starring: Whoopie Goldberg, Margaret Avery, Danny Glover, Oprah Winfrey

Synopsis: A black girl at the start of the 20th century survives a brutal husband and many tragic events.

I loves Harpo, God knows I do. But I kill him dead fo I Iet him beat me. - Oprah Winfrey as Sophia

Hard to believe this movie is nearly 40 years old. Great acting, great story, great cinematography, great music (by the late Quincy Jones.)

But what I think of most when this film comes up is the incredible snubbing that Spielberg received at the Oscars. It was deliberate; Spielberg had made so much money with his hits that the jealous powers that be in Hollywood were not going to reward him for finally making a “serious” film. So they made him sit through the embarrassment of not getting a single award. It was their embarrassment, not his. Spielberg would go on to direct several more great “serious” movies and be vindicated.

 

[timschochet]

65. Lucas (1986)

Directed by: David Seltzer

Starring: Corey Haim, Kerri Green, Charlie Sheen, Courtney Thorne-Smith, Winona Ryder

Synopsis: A small high school kid believes his social status might change by joining the football team.

You can’t ever make me quit, EVER! - Corey Haim as Lucas.

A bittersweet high school flick, actually very thoughtful and well done until it’s rather corny ending. Lucas’ explanation of the Darwinian attraction to better developed people, which he understands intellectually but can’t handle emotionally, is the key moment of the movie. Charlie Sheen is especially good in the role of the kind hearted jock.

 

[Mr. Mojo]

66. The Color Purple (1985)

Directed by: Steven Spielberg

Starring: Whoopie Goldberg, Margaret Avery, Danny Glover, Oprah Winfrey

Synopsis: A black girl at the start of the 20th century survives a brutal husband and many tragic events.

I loves Harpo, God knows I do. But I kill him dead fo I Iet him beat me. - Oprah Winfrey as Sophia

Hard to believe this movie is nearly 40 years old. Great acting, great story, great cinematography, great music (by the late Quincy Jones.)

But what I think of most when this film comes up is the incredible snubbing that Spielberg received at the Oscars. It was deliberate; Spielberg had made so much money with his hits that the jealous powers that be in Hollywood were not going to reward him for finally making a “serious” film. So they made him sit through the embarrassment of not getting a single award. It was their embarrassment, not his. Spielberg would go on to direct several more great “serious” movies and be vindicated.

I thought this had an excellent first half but the second half took a left turn into mediocrity.

 

[zamboni]

65. Lucas (1986)

Directed by: David Seltzer

Starring: Corey Haim, Kerri Green, Charlie Sheen, Courtney Thorne-Smith, Winona Ryder

Synopsis: A small high school kid believes his social status might change by joining the football team.

You can’t ever make me quit, EVER!

A bittersweet high school flick, actually very thoughtful and well done until it’s rather corny ending. Lucas’ explanation of the Darwinian attraction to better developed people, which he understands intellectually but can’t handle emotionally, is the key moment of the movie. Charlie Sheen is especially good in the role of the kind hearted jock.

Love this movie. Love Courtney Thorne-Smith even more.

Yeah the ending is a bit corny, but a pretty insightful film otherwise.

 

[El Floppo]

65. Lucas (1986)

Directed by: David Seltzer

Starring: Corey Haim, Kerri Green, Charlie Sheen, Courtney Thorne-Smith, Winona Ryder

Synopsis: A small high school kid believes his social status might change by joining the football team.

You can’t ever make me quit, EVER!

A bittersweet high school flick, actually very thoughtful and well done until it’s rather corny ending. Lucas’ explanation of the Darwinian attraction to better developed people, which he understands intellectually but can’t handle emotionally, is the key moment of the movie. Charlie Sheen is especially good in the role of the kind hearted jock.

Love this movie. Love Courtney Thorne-Smith even more.

Yeah the ending is a bit corny, but a pretty insightful film otherwise.

Say, That reminds me, did I ever mention...

 

[zamboni]

65. Lucas (1986)

Directed by: David Seltzer

Starring: Corey Haim, Kerri Green, Charlie Sheen, Courtney Thorne-Smith, Winona Ryder

Synopsis: A small high school kid believes his social status might change by joining the football team.

You can’t ever make me quit, EVER!

A bittersweet high school flick, actually very thoughtful and well done until it’s rather corny ending. Lucas’ explanation of the Darwinian attraction to better developed people, which he understands intellectually but can’t handle emotionally, is the key moment of the movie. Charlie Sheen is especially good in the role of the kind hearted jock.

Love this movie. Love Courtney Thorne-Smith even more.

Yeah the ending is a bit corny, but a pretty insightful film otherwise.

Say, That reminds me, did I ever mention...

Did this one appear already - or was that Summer School?

 

[Todem]

67. Stripes (1981)

Directed by: Ivan Reitman

Starring: Bill Murray, Harold Ramis, Warren Oates, John Candy, Sean Young

Synopsis: A couple of losers decide to try their luck in the U.S. Army.

We’re Americans with a capital “A”. Do you know what that means? Do ya? It means that our forefathers were kicked out of every decent country in the world! - Bill Murray as John Winger

Classic comedy, one of the best of the era. One of the best things about it, besides the cast, is the the truly great and stirring theme music by the legendary film composer Elmer Bernstein.

“Thats a fact Jack”!!!