My Life Lately
… or “How I spent a day in the 80s”
I have a confession. I am a child of the 80s who haven’t seen many classic 80s movies. I mean I think I can count all the ones I have seen on one hand. The only thing that redeems me when I am in conversations with my contemporaries is that I’ve seen The Breakfast Club (I actually own it so I get some points there, right?) Pretty sad, huh? Well, about a year and a half ago, I begin to become sort of a DVR movie hoarder, literally recording anything on premium channels that I think I would ever sit down and watch. Low and behold, these include some 80s movies that I think would ultimately help me to see if I ever find myself in a debate with someone on what the best John Hughes movie is or whether Kevin Bacon could hold his own if he ever finds himself in a dance battle. What is the best way to watch a bunch of movies? Why, having a mini-marathon party with your friends. That is just what I did this weekend.
Sixteen Candles. First up was John Hughes’ directorial debut. This wins the award for “Obvious Teenage Fantasy Come to Life” - the shy girl gets the popular guy, the geek bangs the prom queen, a house party gets out of control and no one gets in trouble. It was cute and funny at times but The Breakfast Club wins right now as being my favorite Hughes movie.
Say Anything. Loved it. My friends and I had fun with this one. The girl was slightly strange (her father is her only friend? really?), Cusack was adorable, the scene with the boom box was classic so what’s not to love?
Footloose. Bacon has got some moves, ya’ll. Let’s hope that I never come across a time where dancing is outlawed because I would not survive. This is definitely a fun movie to remind us of the great moments in life.
List of Shame
Classic 80s Movies I Still Have Yet to See:
- Dirty Dancing
- Pretty in Pink
- Fast Times at Ridgemont High
- Ferris Bueller’s Day Off
- Weird Science
- Flashdance
- Risky Business
- The Big Chill
- Dead Poets Society
When I have my 80s mini-marathon part 2, what should I watch?
