Kickboxing. Sport of the future.

Title: Say Anything (1989)

Another seminal 80's teen film, "Say Anything" blended memorable sounds, dialogue and scenes that we wish were a part of our lives while we were going through our own pre-adult, pre-career, teen love angst. This gem of a movie was served up by Cameron Crowe in his directorial debut (writer of "Fast Times at Ridgemont High" and director of "Almost Famous"). "Say Anything" was another vehicle showcasing John Cusack as the quintessential sensitive male navigating through life. His movies were not about finding adventures or building cars, but they were about girls, more specifically, girls who drove his characters crazy.

Best Lines:

"If you guys know so much about women, how come you're here at like the Gas 'n' Sip on a Saturday night completely alone drinking beers with no women anywhere?"

"Kickboxing. Sport of the future."

"I gave her my heart, she gave me a pen."

The linking actor from "Sixteen Candles" is John Cusack. Although he's already a respectable name by the time "Say Anthing" was released, in "Sixteen Candles", he was just a bit above an extra.

Technorati Tags: 80's Films, Comedy, Say Anything, John Cusack

I can't believe this. They fucking forgot my birthday.

Title: Sixteen Candles (1984)

If it there's a pattern here favoring teen comedy classics, well it's because the 80's produced quite a few good ones. "Sixteen Candles" is among the best and is a timeless classic. Anthony Michael Hall was born to play Farmer Fred...errr...Farmer Ted. Molly Ringwald transformed from an innocuous actress from TV's "Facts of Life" to become the 80's teen princess. John Hughes (RIP) launched a successful franchise.

We also see John Cusack in a minor role as one of Farmer Ted's geek buddies. Of the actors in this movie, he is probably the biggest and remains relevant in today's film scene. Not to mention the blond hottie, Haviland Morris, who played Caroline Mulford who is seen here waking up with Farmer Ted in a very nice and very expensive 1974 Rolls Royce Corniche Convertible.

I recall at the time how this movie received criticism as being racist, specifically from how Long Duk Dong (Gedde Watanabe), the Chinese exchange student was portrayed. I thought it was all in good fun (I'm Asian). And Long's scenes remain as one of my guilty pleasures in cinema.

Memorable Quotes from Sixteen Candles

Lumberjack: What's your last name?
Long Duk Dong: Dong.
Lumberjack: What's your first name?
Long Duk Dong: Long.
Lumberjack: What's your middle name?
Long Duk Dong: Duk.

"I've never bagged a babe. I'm not a stud."

"I can't believe I gave my panties to a geek."

John Kapelos is the linking actor from "The Breakfast Club". He was the janitor from that movie. He has two movies I consider an 80's classic to his credit - "Nothing in Common" and "Class". I hope to post on these movies down the line.

You just bought yourself another Saturday.

Title: The Breakfast Club (1985)

Easily a top ten movie for many who appreciate the high school experience. In "The Breakfast Club", bonding forms among 5 high schoolers who had to spend a Saturday detention under the watchful eye of their extremely annoyed principal.
Highly recommended as one of the gems in movie-making. I can't believe that this movie is over 20 years old. I'm curious how the newer generation of teens would think of this movie. Anyone out there born after 1985?

There are two standout performances that's probably the best for each respective actor -- Judd Nelson as the rebellious John Bender and Paul Gleason as the tough Principal Vernon.

Memorable Quote:

"Dear Mr. Vernon, we accept the fact that we had to sacrifice a whole Saturday in detention for whatever it was we did wrong. But we think you're crazy to make an essay telling you who we think we are. You see us as you want to see us... In the simplest terms, in the most convenient definitions. But what we found out is that each one of us is a brain...
...and an athlete
...and a basket case
...a princess
...and a criminal...

Does that answer your question?

Sincerely yours,

the Breakfast Club."


"What are you gonna do about it? You think anyone's gonna believe you? You think anyone is gonna take your word over mine? I'm a man of respect around here. They love me around here. I'm a swell guy. You're a lying sack of shit and everybody knows it. Oh, you're a tough guy. Hey c'mon. Get on your feet pal. Let's find out how tough you are. I wanna know right now how tough you are."

"Just me. Just you and me. Two hits. Me hitting you. You hitting the floor. Anytime you're ready, pal."

Paul Gleason is the linking actor from "Trading Places." He was the police chief in "Die Hard" and could have reviewed that movie, but "The Breakfast Club" is too good to pass up.

Technorati Tags: 80's Films, Comedy, teen comedy, John Hughes

Merry New Year!

Title: Trading Places (1983)

From John Landis, one of the best comedies ever made. Of course, it stars Eddie Murphy. The plot is about the revenge carried out by Louis (Dan Akryod) and Billy Ray (Eddie Murphy) on the Mortimer brothers (Don Ameche and Ralph Bellamy) after Louis and Billy Ray discovered that the brothers deliberately switched their lives (Louis and Billy Ray) to settle a bet. This is also one of Eddie Murphy early works that catapulted him to stardom.

Perhaps the most memorable scene in "Trading Places" is Jamie Lee Curtis topless while in the bedroom changing.

Memorable Quotes:

Louis: Looking good, Billy Ray!
Billy Ray: Feeling good, Louis!

"'Cause I'm a karate man, see! And a karate man bruises on the inside! They don't show their weakness. But you don't know that because you're a big Barry White looking motherfucker!"

"Fuck him! Now, you listen to me! I want trading reopened right now. Get those brokers back in here! Turn those machines back on!"

The linking actor is Frank Oz. The decision was tough because he has "The Great Muppet Caper" and "Labyrinth" to his 1980's movie credits. I don't consider "Star Wars: Return of the Jedi" to be a classic.

Technorati Tags: 80's Films, Comedy, Eddie Murphy, Dan Akroyd, Jamie Lee Curtis, Trading Places

A naked American man stole my balloons.

Title: An American Werewolf in London (1981)

From John Landis this is my favorite werewolf movie and one of my favorite movies of all time. Two American students were touring the English countryside when they were attacked by a lycanthrope (werewolf for the lay person). One dies, the other survived, but infected to become a werewolf in a murderous rampage about London.

Memorable Quotes:

Jack: It's a full moon.
Jack, David: Beware the moon.
David: And stick to the road. Oops.
Jack: I vote we go back to the Slaughtered Lamb

"On the moors, we were attacked by a lycanthrope, a werewolf. I was murdered, an unnatural death, and now I walk the earth in limbo until the werewolf's curse is lifted. The wolf's bloodline must be severed; the last remaining werewolf must be destroyed. It's you David."

"A naked American man stole my balloons."

The linking actor is Jenny Agutter. She was probably my first glimpse of a naked woman. Could there be a hotter actress in a nurse uniform than her? I also didn't see this movie in the theatres. I saw it on either HBO or ON TV (remember them?)

Did you know that every 7 minutes, a black person is born in this country with no soul?

Title: Amazon Women on the Moon (1987)

This movie is a montage of funny sketches shown as commercials, previews, and other fillers in between the feature late night movie, "Amazon Women on the Moon". The clips include established actors and many up-and-coming superstars of the 90's (and still today), including Michelle Pfeifer, David Alan Grier (see video), Phil Hartman, and Arsenio Hall.

Ronny Cox is the linking actor from "Beverly Hills Cop".

Technorati Tags: 80's Films, Amazon Women on the Moon, comedy, John Landis

Look, man, I ain't fallin' for no banana in my tailpipe!

Title: Beverly Hills Cop (1984)

One of the top comedies from the 80's and one of Eddie Murphy's best work. I remember the entire theatre laughing out loud when it came out. In addition to the movie as a hit, the soundtrack also made waves in the Billboard Top 40 with classics such as "Axel F" by Harold Faltermeyer, "The Heat Is On" by Glenn Frey, "Neutron Dance" by the Pointer Sisters, and "New Attitude" by Patti LaBelle -- all were top 40 hits.

Memorable Quotes:

"Tell Victor that Ramon - -the fella he met about a week ago? - -tell him that Ramon went to the clinic today, and I found out that I have, um, herpes simplex 10, and I think Victor should go check himself out with his physician to make sure everything is fine before things start falling off on the man."

"Wow. You know, it says here that by the time the average American is fifty, he has five pounds of undigested red meat in his bowels."

"Get the fuck outta here!"

The linking actor from "Spaceballs" is Michael Pniewski.

Technorati Tags: 80's Films, Comedy, Eddie Murphy, Beverly Hills Cop

May the schwartz be with you!

Title: Spaceballs (1987)

I love spoofs. The 80's had a whole collection of comedies that spoofed movies. We already saw two of them in "Airplane" (1980) and "Naked Gun" (1988). Here's another one. This time from Mel Brooks. "Spaceballs" spoofed various science fiction movies, namely "Star Wars", "Alien", and "Planet of the Apes". The cast of characters were great. Rick Moranis played a very funny Dark Helmet (Darth Vader) and Mel Brooks played Yogurt (Yoda), John Candy was hilarious as Barf (Chewbaca). Bill Pullman played Lone Starr (suppose to be Han Solo, but he looks like Starbuck from the TV Battlestar Galactica).

Memorable quotes:

"I bet she gives great helmet."

"We're gonna have go right to... ludicrous speed."

"I'm a mog: half man, half dog. I'm my own best friend!"

"Oh, my God. It's Mega Maid. She's gone from suck to blow."

Memorable Scene from movie:

Almost all the scenes with Dark Helmet are funny enough to be remembered. But I got a kick from the dancing Alien spoofing "Alien". See video.

The linking actor for this movie and "Bachelor Party" is Robert Prescott. I was going to review "Real Genius" where he played Kent Torokvei, the kiss ass blonde student. "Real Genius" was another 80s comedy classic that I hope I'll get a chance to review.

Technorati Tags: 80's Films, Comedy, Spaceballs, John Candy, Mel Brooks, Rick Moranis

Let's have a bachelor party with chicks and guns and fire trucks and hookers and drugs and booze!

Title: Bachelor Party (1984)

Not sure if this movie is considered as a teen sex comedy from the 80's, but I saw it as a teen, and still laugh my ass off when I catch it on cable. The plot is simple. After Rick (Tom Hanks) proposed to his girlfriend, Debbie (Tawny Kitaen), Rick's buddies threw a bachelor party where all kinds of hilarious antics happened to everyone involved.

Bachelor Party is one of Tom Hanks early silver screen works as he transitioned from TV. I remember him as Buffy in Bosom Buddies, Uncle Ned in Family Ties, and one of the stars from Mazes and Monsters, a made-for-TV movie on Dungeons & Dragons . He never looked back, except for some memorable stints in Saturday Night Live.

Memorable Scene:

Quite a few scenes I remember - the transvestite peeing standing up in the bathroom, the scene with Nick the dick, and the one shown in the video above.

Memorable quotes:

"Let's have a bachelor party with chicks and guns and fire trucks and hookers and drugs and booze!"

"Hi, come on in! Drugs to the right, hookers to the left."

"NO, NOT HER, SHE PEES STANDING UP, NOT HER! "

The linking actor from "Star Trek: Wrath of Kahn" is Brett Baxter, who had an uncredited role in that movie. He played Nick the dick in this movie.

Technorati Tags: 80's Films, Comedy, Bachelor Party, Tom Hanks, Tawny Kitaen

From hell's heart, I stab at thee. For hate's sake, I spit my last breath at thee.

Title: Star Trek: Wrath of Khan(1982)

Not just a classic because of its ending, but this movie gave us one of the best villains in history of cinema. Khan Noonien Singh, wonderfully played by Ricardo Montalban, is number 10 in the Top 100 favorite villains as compiled by the Online Film Critics Society. More notorious than Kahn himself is the rumour that proliferated around Ricardo Montalban wearing a fake breast plate to display Khan's super physique. The director's DVD cut seems to have answered the mystery.

Memorable scene:

Death of Spock at the end while Kirk and the others looked on helplessly from the other side of the glass door.

Noteworthy

Star Trek II is also the first movie that Kirstie Alley made. She played the Vulcan Saavik. Possibly the hottest alien on the planet at the time.

Also, a few readers point out that Khan was quoting Captain Ahab in Herman Melville's Moby Dick for the titular quote of this post (see the comments). Makes sense since Khan was hunting down Captain Kirk for revenge since their encounter in the Star Trek TV episode, Space Seed.

Interestingly enough, Captain Ahab was played by Patrick Stewart in the 1998 TV movie, Moby Dick. Of course, we all know that Patrick Stewart is also Captain Jean-Luc Picard in, you know, STTNG.

Quotes from the movie:

"Scotty, I need warp speed in three minutes or we're all dead."

"Khan, I'm laughing at the "superior intellect."

"Lieutenant, you are looking at the only Starfleet cadet who ever beat the no-win scenario."

"I don't believe in the no-win scenario."

"Are you out of your Vulcan mind?"

"KHAAANNNN... KHAAANNNN!"

"From hell's heart, I stab at thee. For hate's sake, I spit my last breath at thee."

"To the last, I will grapple with thee. "

Spock: Don't grieve, Admiral. It is logical. The needs of the many outweigh...
Kirk: ...the needs of the few.

"I have been and always shall be your friend."

"Live long and prosper."

"We are gathered here today to pay final respects to our honored dead. But it should be noted that this death takes place in the shadow of new life, the sunrise of a new world; a world that our beloved comrade gave his life to protect and nourish. He did not feel this sacrifice a vain or empty one, and we will not debate his profound wisdom at these proceedings. Of my friend, I can only say this: of all the souls I have encountered in my travels, his was the most... human."

Ricardo Montalban is the linking actor from "Naked Gun". He's very entertaining in the villain role.

Did any of you catch references to this movie from JJ Abram's Star Trek 2009?

Hey Look! It's Enrico Pallazzo!

Title: Naked Gun (1988)

Continuing from the "Airplane" post, this is another classic from the team of Abrahams, Zucker and Zucker. "Naked Gun" is simply full of belly laughs and can be seen over and over again without getting old, despite having OJ Simpson as one of the stars. I wonder if he gets royalties from this movie.

Memorable scene:

The entire baseball game scene when Frank Drebin disguised himself as the umpire. See video above.

Quotes from movie:

"It's the same old story. Boy finds girl, boy loses girl, girl finds boy, boy forgets girl, boy remembers girl, girls dies in a tragic blimp accident over the Orange Bowl on New Year's Day."

"Nice beaver!"

"Oh, and one more thing: I faked every orgasm!"

"Doctors say that Nordberg has a 50 - 50 chance of living, though there's only a 10 percent chance of that."

"It's a topsy-turvy world, and maybe the problems of two people don't amount to a hill of beans. But this is our hill. And these are our beans!"

"It's true what they say: Cops and women don't mix. It's like eating a spoonful of Drano, sure it'll clean you out, but it'll leave you hollow inside."

Leslie Nielsen is the linking actor from "Airplane". He had a pretty good comedic run in the 80's.

Technorati Tags: 80's Films, Naked Gun, comedy, Leslie Nielsen

Site Reviews - April 2007

In this edition of Site Reviews, I have a blog site that reviews and discusses mostly indie films and a website that documents movie locations. Visit them when you get a chance.

Mexicandvdreview.blogspot.com

A great site to find info indie films released on DVD. The author is knowledgeable and sometimes watches up to 3 DVDs a day. "American Hardcore" made it in my movies-to-watch list because of his review. I hadn't known anything about the DVD prior to reading his article.

www.movie-locations.com

I stumbled upon this site while researching famous movie houses in Los Angeles. I was floored by the details that author Tony Reeves crafted in order to bring location details to movie lovers. Consequently, he has two books available from Amazon on movie locations.

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Technorati Tags: 80's Films, Mexicandvdreview, movie locations

Joey, do you like movies about gladiators?

Title: Airplane (1980)

Arguably one of the funniest movies ever made. The team of Abrahams, Zucker and Zucker was perfecting their slapstick formula that made us laugh throughout the 80's. Other movies they created includes all three Naked Gun series, Top Secret, and Kentucky Fried Movie. They also teamed-up for the Police Squad TV episodes in the early 80's which they brought to the big screen as the Naked Gun.

Memorable Scene from movie:

There are many memorable scenes in this movie, among them includes Joey getting a tour of the cockpit and ends up pissing off Kareem Abdul Jabbar. The video above is the jive scene from YouTube. I was hoping to post the other jive scene with the old lady speaking jive.

Memorable Quotes from Movie:

Ted Striker: Surely there must be something you can do.
Rumack: I'm doing everything I can... and stop calling me Shirley.

Captain Oveur: You ever been in a cockpit before?
Joey: No sir, I've never been up in a plane before.
Captain Oveur: You ever seen a grown man naked?

"Looks like I picked the wrong week to quit amphetamines"

Randy: Can I get you something?
Second Jive Dude: 'S'mofo butter layin' me to da' BONE! Jackin' me up... tight me!
Randy: I'm sorry, I don't understand.
First Jive Dude: Cutty say 'e can't HANG!
Jive Lady: Oh stewardess! I speak jive.
Randy: Oh, good.
Jive Lady: He said that he's in great pain and he wants to know if you can help him.
Randy: All right. Would you tell him to just relax and I'll be back as soon as I can with some medicine?
Jive Lady: Jus' hang loose, blood. She gonna catch ya up on da' rebound on da' med side.
Second Jive Dude: What it is, big mama? My mama no raise no dummies. I dug her rap!
Jive Lady: Cut me some slack, Jack! Chump don' want no help, chump don't GET da' help!
First Jive Dude: Say 'e can't hang, say seven up!
Jive Lady: Jive ass dude don't got no brains anyhow! Hmmph!

The linking actor from "Tango and Cash" is James Hong.

Technorati Tags: 80's Films, Comedy, Airplane

Rambo? Rambo's a pussy.

Title: Tango and Cash (1989)

There are cop buddy movies, and there are cop buddy movies. This one is a hidden gem among the lot starring two of the 80's action super stars - Sylvester Stallone (Tango) and Kurt Russell (Cash). "Tango and Cash" attempted to show their light quirky side. But it failed to do so for the general movie goers, hence, receiving three nominations for the Razzie awards - Worst Actor: Sylvester Stallone, Worst Screenplay - Randy Feldman, Worst ACTRESS - Kurt Russell (in drag). However, I, for one, appreciated the movie's light-heartedness. And thought that it is worth mentioning.

Additionally, we get to see a young and super hot Teri Hatcher as Kiki Tango, Ray Tango's younger sister.

Quotes from Movie:

"Well, if it isn't Armani with a badge."

"Rambo? Rambo's a pussy."

Gabriel Cash: I don't know about you, but I have an aversion to getting F.U.B.A.R...
Ray Tango: What's F.U.B.A.R.?
Gabriel Cash: Fucked-Up Beyond All Recognition.

Brion James is the linking actor from "48 Hrs" (1982).

Technorati Tags: 80's Films, Comedy, Action, cop buddy, Sylvester Stallone. Kurt Russell Teri Hatcher

I'm Dr. Doom!!!

Interesting that my favorite comic book villain is my match from this test. I thought that the only big screen Dr. Doom that I've seen was lame in "Fantastic Four" (2005). Just say "No" to the sequel.

Your results: You are Dr. Doom
Blessed with smarts and power but burdened by vanity.

Dr. Doom 65% Apocalypse 58% Lex Luthor 53% Venom 51% Magneto 50% Mr. Freeze 47% Catwoman 46% Dark Phoenix 40% Mystique 40% Juggernaut 40% Kingpin 38% Riddler 37% Two-Face 36% The Joker 34% Green Goblin 32% Poison Ivy 30%

Click here to take the Super Villain Personality Test

Technorati Tags: 80's Films, Dr. Doom, Fantastic Four, Super Villain Test

I'm a nigger with a badge which means I got permission to kick your fuckin' ass whenever I feel like it!

Title: 48 HRS. (1982)

Eddie Murphy on the verge of stardom. "48 Hrs" is Eddie's screen debut fresh from Saturday Night Live. We see the beginnings of the street-smart persona that he played and perfected many times throughout the 80's and copied by a handful of other black actors in subsequent years.

Quotes from movie:

"I'm your worst fuckin' nightmare, man. I'm a nigger with a badge which means I got permission to kick your fuckin' ass whenever I feel like it!"
"Forget this man, we ain't brothers, we ain't partners, and we aint' friends and if Ganz get's away with my money you're gonna be sorry you ever met me!"

Reggie: This your car, man?
Jack: Yeah.
Reggie: Looks like you bought this off one of the brothers.

David Patrick Kelly is the linking actor from "Commando (1985)", who is best remembered as the lead nemesis the 1979 cult classic, "The Warriors". He delivered the famous line towards the end, "Warriors, come out to play-i-ay."

Technorati Tags: 80's Films, 48 Hrs, Eddie Murphy, Nick Noelte

Site Reviews - Mar 2007

From time to time, I'll post on something that's film related, but not necessarily an 80s movie. I found 2 niche movie sites that are worth mentioning:

www.ispitonyourmovie.com

UK-based movie blog specializing in cult-movies, B-movies, horror, sci-fi, fantasy, and action films. Their current entries include articles on blockbusters such as "300" (2007), news on possible remake of a John Carpenter classic "Escape from New York" (1981), an indie favorite and recent Oscar winner "Little Miss Sunshine" (2006), along with movies that I use to watch on late night cable and local channels. This is a great site to get lost in because they review Asian movies not shown in mainstream USA.


www.dvdbeaver.com

A fantastic site with a vibrant community that explores the viewing pleasures not just from the visual and auditory senses but also to stimulate the mind and soul. Their large library includes films that date back to the 1950's. They track DVD releases from all corners of the world. Hence, this site makes an excellent source for non-English movies.

As an example, their top 10 recommended films are quite an eccentric collection:
1 2001: A Space Odyssey by Stanley Kubrick (1968)
2 Vertigo by Alfred Hitchcock (1958)
3 Ordet by Carl-Theodor Dreyer (1955)
4 Tokyo monogatari by Yasujiro Ozu (1953)
5 Fa Yeung Nin Wa by Wong Kar-Wai (2000)
6 Sunrise by FW Murnau (1927)
7 8 1/2 by Federico Fellini (1963)
7 Solyaris by Andrei Tarkovsky (1972)
9 Dekalog by Krzysztof Kieslowski (1987)
10 Stalker by Andrei Tarkovsky (1979)

I'm beginning to like this little movie project. Because now, I'll be on the hunt for a few good horror movie sites to review in the future.

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Technorati Tags: 80's Films, niche movies

Let off some steam, Bennett.

Title: Commando (1985)

The 80's were good for the future California governor. This is Arnold Schwarzenegger's 3rd entry in my website and linking to him was not that hard. I have a few more in mind.

By the time Arnold made "Commando", he was becoming a household name, and his movies were a must-see for adrenalin rush. I recall conversations with my college buddies who kept track of the body count. It was all in good fun.

We're also seeing Vernon Wells for the 3rd time in this website. He was in "The Road Warrior" and "Weird Science". Apparently, Vernon Wells built up a small following in playing the role Bennett, John Matrix's main adversary, and ex-military comrade who harbored bad feelings. Is it just me or does Bennett look like Freddy Mercury of Queen? You judge.



We are also seeing a very young Alyssa Milano as Matrix's daughter and damsel-in-distress. The babe Rae Dawn Chong is the linking actor from "Color Purple."

Quotes from movie:

"You're a funny man, Sully, I like you. That's why I'm going to kill you last.",

Matrix: Remember, Sully, when I promised to kill you last?
Sully: That's right, Matrix. You did.
Matrix: I lied.

Cindy: Can you tell me what this is all about?
Matrix: Yeah! A guy I trusted for years wants me dead.
Cindy: That's understandable - I've only known you for five minutes and I want you dead, too.

They offered me a hundred grand. You want to know something? When I found out I could get my hands on you, I said I'd do it for nothing.

Bennett: John! How's your arm John?
Matrix: Come over and find out!
Bennett: No thanks, I think I'll take a pass. John, stick your head out, one shot, right between the eyes, I'll make it quick, just for old time sake.

"Come on Bennett, throw away the chicken shit gun, you don't just want to pull the trigger, you want to put the knife in me, and look me in the eye, and see whats going on in there when you turn it, thats what you want to do, right?

"Don't disturb my friend, he's dead tired."

Cindy: What happened to Sully?
Matrix: I let him go.

Gen. Kirby: Leave anything for us?
Matrix: Just bodies"

"I don't have to try. When Matrix finishes the job, he'll be back for his daughter. Now whether she's alive or dead doesn't matter. Then he'll be after you. Now the only thing between Matrix and you, is me."
"John, I'm not going to shoot you between the eyes. I'm going to shoot you between the balls."

Scene clips:

The scene when John Matrix (Arnold Schwarzenegger) was arming himself to get his daughter. He was strapping all kinds of guns, ammos, and grenades on his person. Classic scene, very macho 80's.

For more on "Commando", you may visit www.commandofans.com.

Technorati Tags: 80's Films, Commando, Arnold Schwarzenegger, action movie

God is tryin to tell you something.

Movie title: The Color Purple (1985)

I saw this movie reluctantly with a bunch of friends. But since I didn't drive, I didn't have much choice. It wasn't until years later that I began to appreciate the depth of this movie. I saw it again for the second time close to 20 years later on cable. Maybe it was the negative portrayal of the Afro-American male that turned me off.

Worth noting is that Oprah is actually a pretty good actress. Her jail scene gets to me. But there are many other tear jerking scenes.

Interestingly enough, "The Color Purple" was nominated for 11 Oscar, but didn't win a single award. Steven Spielberg went on to win many more awards, but this movie should have been one of them.

Danny Glover is my linking actor from "Lethal Weapon." I had to choose between this movie or "Silverado" (1985) but I wanted to some how pay homage to Rae Dawn Chong's hotness.

Quotes from movie:

"I think it pisses God off when you walk by the color purple in a field and don't notice it."
"The jail you plan for me is the one you're gonna rot in."
"See Daddy, sinners have souls too."
"All my life I had to fight. I had to fight my daddy. I had to fight my uncles. I had to fight my brothers. A girl child ain't safe in a family of men, but I ain't never thought I'd have to fight in my own house!"
"Boy, you goin' let this ol' nappy-headed girl cuss you out like that? You sittin' at the head of your own dinner table and actin' like a waiter."
"I loves Harpo, God knows I do. But I'll kill him dead 'fo I let him beat me."
"You a low down dirty dog, that's what's wrong. Time for me to get away from you, and enter into Creation. And your dead body'd be just the welcome mat I need."
"I'm poor, black, I might even be ugly, but dear God, I'm here. I'm here."

Scene clips:

The entry title when Shug was reunited with her father after singing, "God is tryin to tell you something." Powerful scene.


Minor Part, Supporting Casts, Extras who stood out:

Lawrence Fishburne in a small role. But it's not his first role since I remember him in "Apocalypse Now" (1979).

Technorati Tags: 80's Films, The Color Purple, Steven Spielberg, Whoopi Goldberg, Oprah,

Hate him back; it works for me.

Title: Lethal Weapon 1987

I debated between "Lethal Weapon" 1987 and "Lethal Weapon 2 " (1989) since both were released in the 80's. There are 2 characters who stood out in LW2, Leo Getz (Joe Pesci) and Rika van den Haas (Patsy Kensit). Leo Getz because he's funny, "Okay, okay, okay, okay..." And Rika because Patsy Kensit is an exquisite beauty (here's a copy of her movie "Twenty One" 1991 on VHS.)

But I chose LW because it has a much darker Martin Riggs. In LW, he's constantly on the edge of psychosis. There's always a chance of tripping out during any confrontation that would end in a disastrous result. Having a just-as-insane Mr. Joshua (Gary Busey) on the other side of the line balanced the tension between good guys vs. bad guys. In the sequels (that should have stopped at LW2), Riggs was nowhere near as perplexing. He was too normal and became uninteresting. Am I the only one who thinks that LW Riggs would have matched up well against Jet Li's character in Lethal Weapon 4?

Mel Gibson is the linking actor from "Road Warrior."

Quotes from movie:

"Look, why don't we just the cut the shit here? We both know why I was transferred. People think I'm crazy, in which case, I'm fucked and nobody wants to work with me. Or they think I'm faking to draw a psycho pension, in which case, I'm fucked and nobody wants to work with me. Basically, I'm fucked."
"I'm too old for this shit!",

Roger Murtaugh: Have you ever met anybody you didn't kill?
Martin Riggs: Well, I haven't killed you yet.

"When I was 19, I did a guy in Laos with a rifle shot at a thousand yards in high wind. Maybe eight or even ten guys in the world could have made that shot. It's the only thing I was ever good at... Well, see you tomorrow."

Martin Riggs: You know they're going to kill her, don't you?
Roger Murtaugh: Yeah.
Martin Riggs: So if you want her back, you're going to have to take her away from them.
Roger Murtaugh: I know.
Martin Riggs: You do this my way. You shoot, you shoot to kill, get as many of them as you can. All you got to do is just not miss.
Roger Murtaugh: I won't miss.
Martin Riggs: We're going to get bloody on this one, Rog.
Roger Murtaugh: Are you really crazy? Or are you as good as you say you are?
Martin Riggs: You're just gonna have to trust me."

"General McAlister. Time for you to die.",
"Go spit."

Scene clips:

The desert scene when Murtaugh was exchanging for Rianne and Riggs began picking off the mercs.

I'm including a deleted scene that would further shed some light on Riggs dark personality. (Hey look, a pun...shed light on dark!)


Minor Part, Supporting Casts, Extras who stood out:

Jackie Swanson, the hot babe who jumped at the beginning of the movie.

Technorati Tags: 80's Films, Lethal Weapon, Mel Gibson, Danny Glover, Gary Busey, action movies

YOU! You can RUN, but you can't HIDE!

Title: The Road Warrior 1981

A movie inked with testosterone. Plenty of high speed chases in cars and motorcycles with cool names (V8 Interceptor, is that even a real car?) and shoot outs in open highways. Arguably Mel Gibson's breakthrough role in the US market.

The Mad Max movies are a trilogy - "Mad Max" (1979), "Mad Max 2: The Road Warrior" (1981), and "Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome" (1985) with Tina Turner. I thought that Mad Max 2 was the best movie in the lot by far. If I could understand "Mad Max" (yes it's in English, but in heavy Aussie accent), maybe I'd appreciate it. Consequently, there are rumors of a "Mad Max 4" with Paul Walker in the lead. Also, Max's had a very cool dog. It was an Australian Cattle Dog.

On a personal note, this is the very first movie we pimped tickets to get in. Is "pimped" the right term when you ask someone in line to buy the tickets for you because your under age?

Lastly, Vernon Wells is the linking actor from "Weird Science."

Quotes from movie:

"They kill us, we kill them! Kill them! Kill them! Kill! Kill!"
"I'm just here for the gasoline."
"I am gravely disappointed. Again you have made me unleash my dogs of war. "
"Greetings from The Humungus! The Lord Humungus! The Warrior of the Wasteland! The Ayatollah of Rock and Rolla!"

Max: If it's all the same to you... I'll drive that tanker.
Pappagallo: The offer is closed. Too late for deals.
Max: No deals. I want to drive that truck.

"Two days ago, I saw a vehicle that would haul that tanker. You want to get out of here? You talk to me."
"Don't touch please, that's a precision instrument."

Scene clips:


Opening scene high-speed chase when Mad Max (Mel Gibson) driving his V8 Interceptor was running away from Wez (Vernon Wells) and his gang pursuing in their own muscle cars. In this scene, we saw Wez getting hit on his thigh by a crossbow dart from one of his gang member that was intended for Max. Because this scene captured what a very high velocity chase could/should/or would be from the safety of my theatre seat, I particularly enjoyed Max swerving his Interceptor through a rubble of wreckage that blocked his path on the road.

Minor Part, Supporting Casts, Extras who stood out:

Bruce Spence, the Gyro Captain (I recognized him in one of the Matrix movies.)

Technorati Tags: 80's Films, Road Warrior, Mel Gibson, Science Fiction

There's going to be sex, drugs, rock'n'roll. Chips, dips, chains, whips.

Title: Weird Science 1985

One of John Hughes' classics. We love watching Anthony Michael Hall acting as geek who thinks he's a few steps ahead of everyone else. At least that's how I describe his 80's characters; not a geek who's a geek because everyone say so, but a geek because that's how he is and has no real problem struggling through life as one.

When I saw this movie in the theatres way back when, I swear that in the mall scene when Lisa (Kelly LeBrock) was walking, the song was "Pretty Woman" by Roy Orbison. Later releases on TV, DVD, and VHS (yikes) were playing something else, "Weird Science" the theme by Oingo Boingo.

Lastly, Chet, for some reason, is one of my favorite movie characters. Weird Science is worth watching just for his scenes, and Kelly LeBrock at the height of her hawtness.

Bill Paxton is my linking actor from "Terminator."

Quotes from movie:

"You're stewed, buttwad!"
"Gary was just takin' a shit!"

Wyatt: Gary?... By the way, why are we wearing bras on our heads?
Garry: [hesitates] Ceremonial.

"You know, I can't believe this, Wyatt. I'm so disappointed in us. I mean, all our lives we've been saying how great it would be if we went to parties, right? And now it's our party and we're in the john. We're in the john!"

Garry: Mom, I never toss off to anything!
Mom: [crying] You told me you were combing your hair!
Garry: But I was, I was!"

"So, what would you little maniacs like to do first?"
"I'm gonna tell Mom and Dad everything. I'm even considering makin' up some shit!"
"How 'bout a nice greasy pork sandwich served in a dirty ashtray?"
"You two donkey-dicks couldn't get laid in a morgue."
"Don't threaten me Al! You're out of shape, I'll kick your arse."

Scene clips:

All the scenes with Chet (played by Bill Paxton). Here's one


Minor Part, Supporting Casts, Extras who stood out

Robert Downey, Jr., Vernon Wells (Wez, the bad-ass mohawk dude in The Road Warrior)

Technorati Tags: 80's Films, Comedy, Weird Science, John Hughes, Kelly LeBrock

I'll be back

Title: The Terminator 1984

This movie rocketed Arnold Schwarzenegger and James Cameron into sci fi film history. A low budget flick that transcended beyond it's B-movie genre spawning video games and blockbuster sequels in "Terminator 2 - Judgment Day" (1991) and "Terminator 3 - Rise of the Machines" (2003). More recently, rumors are flying online for a Terminator 4 movie. Speculation for the lead includes The Rock and Orlando Bloom (they can't be serious about Orlando, he's an elf). The T-800 Endoskeleton is one of the easily recognizable science fiction characters, displaying in many posters, t-shirts and video game boxes, including Terminator: Dawn of Fate (PS2),

It's interesting to note that OJ Simpson was considered to play the T-800. Additionally, this is one of the the Bill Paxton sightings in small roles. Others that I recall include True Lies, Commando, Titanic , and Streets of Fire.

Scene clip:

When the Terminator attacked the police station and shot down a lot of cops. This scene (see video) was always referred to as a defense by musicians under scrutiny of releasing violent lyrics. The reasoning is simple - non-film media deserves the same standard that censors exercise for films. Terminator is considered a classic by our culture, despite the violence it portrays, especially all the cops that were gunned down.

Arnold Schwarzenegger is the linking actor from "Conan the Barbarian."

Quotes from movie:

"I came across time for you Sarah. I love you; I always have."
"You still don't get it, do you? He'll find her. That's what he does. That's all he does! You can't stop him. He'll wade through you, reach down her throat, and pull her fucking heart out."
"Listen. And understand. That terminator is out there. It can't be bargained with. It can't be reasoned with. It doesn't feel pity, or remorse, or fear. And it absolutely will not stop, ever, until you are dead."
"Fuck you, asshole"
"You're terminated, fucker."
"Why didn't you bring any weapons, something more advanced? Don't you have, uh, ray guns? Show me a piece of future technology."
"Get out."

Sarah Connor: What did he just say?
Gas Station Attendant: He said there's a storm coming in.
Sarah Connor: I know.

Minor Part, Supporting Casts, Extras who stood out

Bill Paxton, Lance Henriksen

Technorati Tags: 80's Films, movies, Sci Fi, Terminator, Arnold Schwarzenegger, James Cameron

To crush your enemies, to see them driven before you, and to hear the lamentations of their women.

Title: Conan the Barbarian 1982

The California governor in action. I read quite a lot of Conan the Barbarian series by Robert E. Howard. Apparently, Howard has another barbarian-type character named, Cormac MacArt. I read one book about him, "The Undying Wizard" that was written by Andrew J. Offutt.

The movie is just so-so by general standards. But it remains as one of the better sword and sorcery movies out there. My linking actor from "Empire Strikes Back" is James Earl Jones.

Quotes from movie:

"Crom, I have never prayed to you before. I have no tongue for it. No one, not even you, will remember if we were good men or bad. Why we fought, or why we died. All that matters is that two stood against many. That's what's important! Valor pleases you, Crom... so grant me one request. Grant me revenge! And if you do not listen, then to HELL with you!"

"Do you want to live forever?"

"To crush your enemies, to see them driven before you, and to hear the lamentations of their women."

There's also a lot of grunting by Schwarzenegger.

Minor Part, Supporting Roles, Extras who stood out:

Valerie Quennessen (co-star "Summer Lovers") played the abducted princess in this movie.

Technorati Tags: 80's Films, Conan the Barbarian, fantasy, action, movies

No. I am your father.

Title: Star Wars Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back 1980

The movie series that gave birth to a culture. Since the release of "Star Wars Episode IV - A New Hope" (1977), there hasn't been any other movie that permeated every subsequent generation of youth. In fact, the kids at the time the first Star Wars hit the theatre in 1977, should have children of their own now, just ripe for indoctrination to the Star Wars galaxy.

There are six movies in the Star Wars saga. In order of release after Episode IV are "Star Wars Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back" (1980), "Star Wars Episode VI - Return of the Jedi" (1983), "Star Wars - Episode I, The Phantom Menace" (1999), "Star Wars - Episode II, Attack of the Clones" (2002), and "Star Wars - Episode III, Revenge of the Sith" (2005). The movies themselves are a billion dollar industry in terms of box office, rentals, and DVD sales. In addition, merchandises such as the Star Wars action figures, tie fighters and x-wing fighters models, t-shirts, posters, and others are all some of the most highly sought after movie collectibles. In fact, Star Wars items are amongst the top searches on eBay.

The cast of characters are well known in cinematic literature. The Empire is championed by Darth Vader, Emperor Palpatine, Darth Maul,the Stormtroopers, Count Dooku, General Grievous, and a few others that I may have missed. On the other side, the rebels are led by Princess Leia, Luke Skywalker, Han Solo, Chewbacca, R2D2, C3PO, Obi Wan Kenobi, Yoda, Lando Calrissian, Mace Windu, Padme and other good guys. In between the conflicting sides are other seedy characters, one of which, we enjoyed a lot as an action figure - Boba Fett. He is joined by Greedo, Jabba the Hut, and other bounty hunters.

Much like many other fans, I thought that "The Empire Strikes Back" is the best of the series. We were introduced to and intrigued by Boba Fett, who remains as one of the enigmatic characters in sci-fi films today. His demise in "Return of the Jedi", however, was disappointing. We just wanted more from our favorite action figure. Harrison Ford is my linking actor from "Blade Runner."

Quotes from movie:

"Right now I feel like I could take on the whole Empire myself."
"Why, you stuck up, half-witted, scruffy-looking nerf-herder."
"Luke. Don't give in to hate. That leads to the Dark Side."
"Sir, the possibility of successfully navigating an asteroid field is approximately 3,720 to 1."
"Laugh it up, fuzzball."
"No. Try not. Do... or do not. There is no try."
"Obi-Wan has taught you well. "
"I have a bad feeling about this..."

Princess Leia: I love you.
Han Solo: I know.

Scene clips:



The title of this entry. It's one of the most shocking twist in cinema history. Maybe even the biggest.

Here's a deleted scene that may help explain more.


Remarks

The only 80's movie in the Top 10 of IMDb's All Time Top 250. I still put up the Hoth planet battle as one of the best battle scenes in cinema. Other scenes I refer to includes the opening battle scene in "Saving Private Ryan", the seige of Helm's Deep in "The Lord of the Rings - The Two Towers", and the opening battle scene in "Gladiator". Additionally, I felt sad and couldn't wait for the sequel when Han Solo was frozen at the end. Lastly, the thought of Princes Leia kissing Luke gave me the willies after I found out in a later scene that they were brothers and sisters.

Technorati Tags: 80's Films, Star Wars, Empire Strikes Back, Sci Fi, movies