I used to fuck guys like you in prison

Movie Title: Road House (1989)

Road House was one of those movies that grew on me. When I first saw it (from my sister's LASER disc collection of all places), I thought it was a joke. I kinda thought that perhaps, director Rowdy Herrington was trying for a "black belt theater"-type of a movie that was prevalently shown in Southern California back in the 80's and early 90's. Of course, the "black belt theater" movies were Hong Kong martial arts flicks that were really crappy in acting and dialogue, but spectacular in action. The problem, I thought, was that the charm of Hong Kong-made martial arts movies do not carry over to American action films.

Still, there was something about the Road House movie that made me watch it several times on cable over the years. If you try to break it down, well, then, you need a life. But if you did anyways, you'll find so many plot holes, cheesy lines, and cliches that you'd want to switch chanel or turn off the TV.

But you didn't. Why? Because Road House was a guilty pleasure. It's a guy movie. Patrick Swayze made a movie for girls in Dirty Dancing two years earlier. Maybe he was compelled to make a guy movie to win back his macho image. I'm just sayin...

Patrick Swayze and Kelly Lynch stars in Road House

Of course, he drove a Euro car in this movie, not a muscle car. It was a nice 1986 Mercedes Benz 560 SEC.

The lines in Road House were so bad that they made you chuckle. The plot was so basic, that kudos ought to be handed out to Patrick Swayze for making the movie memorable through his character, Dalton. As a professional bouncer with a philosophy degree from NYU, Dalton used tai chi and martial arts to control physical pain. Or so it would seem. How else would he be able to tell Dr. Clay that "[p]ain don't hurt"?

While we're at it, why not hand out kudos to Rowdy Herrington and his film staff for polishing off an 80s movie in grand style. Released at the end of the 80's in May 1989, Road House was very much an 80's film bearing the time stamp of mullets, moussed-up and feathered hair, acid wash jeans, and monster trucks.

Also worth mentioning was the Road House movie band featuring Jeff Healey, a popular blues rock musician in the 80's who lost his sight as a baby. Jeff Healey also died of cancer in March 2, 2008. RIP.

Kelly Lynch as Dr. Clay in Road House and in a 2006 fundraiser.

Of course, we can't forget Kelly Lynch. Can't have a guy movie without a chick for the hero to win over. Kelly Lynch played Dr. Elizabeth Clay, the tall blonde local who became the object of Dalton's affection. Donning the popular big poofy hair of 80s fashion, Kelly Lynch was one of the few girls in the world who can make a table cloth look really sexy.

Road House Movie Quotes

Pain don't hurt.

I used to fuck guys like you in prison.

All you have to do is follow three simple rules. One, never underestimate your opponent. Expect the unexpected. Two, take it outside. Never start anything inside the bar unless it's absolutely necessary. And three, be nice.

Take the biggest guy in the world, shatter his knee and he'll drop like a stone.

If somebody gets in your face and calls you a cocksucker, I want you to be nice. Ask him to walk. Be nice. If he won't walk, walk him. But be nice. If you can't walk him, one of the others will help you, and you'll both be nice. I want you to remember that it's a job. It's nothing personal.

I want you to be nice until it's time to not be nice.

If you're gonna have a pet, keep it on a leash.

Oh man, it's a mean scene around here, man. There's blood on the floor of this joint every night.

Patrick Swayze (1952-2009) RIP

Oh my God, the quarterback is toast!

Title: Die Hard (1988)

The action blockbuster that launched Bruce Willis onto stardom. He was already an established TV star in Moonlighting. And the competition was tight for big budget action stars at the time, namely, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Sylvester Stallone, and Mel Gibson. Die Hard immediately placed Bruce Willis among them. And he seemed to outlast them all, with possibly the exception of Mel Gibson. And that would be a close call.

Hans Gruber played by Alan Rickman falling to his death in Die Hard

Another star to rise from Die Hard was Alan Rickman. His portrayal of Hans Gruber opposing Bruce Willis' John McClane was a scene stealer, if not mesmerizing. To this day, I can't say the word "detonator" without mimicking Rickman's fake German accent, at least in my head. Die Hard was his big screen debut, but he was already acting in British TV shows. Since 2001, Alan Rickman had been playing Professor Severus Snape in all the Harry Potter movies.

The supporting casts in Die Hard were fantastic as well and very likeable. What little role they had, they made the most of it and had become classics themselves:

• Special agents Johnson and Johnson (Robert Davi and Grand L. Bush from Colors) were a great dry comic relief in a movie that already gave chuckles in between action.
• Argyle (De'voreaux White) ... I just can't forget that name.
• Harry Ellis (Hart Bochner). "Hans. Bubi. I'm your white knight!" This guy should have been a bigger star.
• Theo (Clarence Gilyard Jr.). See title of the post. "Oh my God, the quarterback is TOAST!" has been listed in the Urban Dictionary.
• Sergeant Al Powell. Reginal VelJohnson reprised this role in an episode of Chuck (Chuck versus Santa Claus).
• Deputy Police Chief Dwayne T. Robinson. Paul Gleason was pretty good at playing clueless authoritative figures.
• Richard Thornburg. Excellently played by William Atherton as an egotistical reporter who looked to expose John McClaine's identity for want of bumping up his career. Of course, he didn't care that doing so endangered McClane and his family. He's good at playing egotistical characters (Walter Peck in Ghost Busters and Professor Hathaway in Real Genius).

Die Hard was simply the right mix of character chemistry, action, and humor. It's an action-packed thrill ride that cannot be outdated no matter how old the film gets. Twenty one years later, it's still a great movie to watch.

This is me too Pacman!

Title: Colors (1988)

Colors starring Sean Penn and Robert Duval, directed by Dennis Hopper

In the 80's, before "bling" and gangsta became fashionable, Dennis Hopper directed a movie that was deemed controversial at the time. Colors depicted the violent crimes and familial relationships of the LA street gangs. Growing up in the 80's, drive by's and drug busts were constantly on TV, radio, and newspaper. In my hometown, Latino gangs were prevalent and when the movie came out, those who lived in any gangland areas of Southern California attested to its accuracy. It was over-the-top in many ways, but still accurate enough.

The story itself explored many complex relationship among the thug streets of Los Angeles - gangs and gangs, cops and gangs, cop and lady gangbanger, cops and cops, cops and snitches.

The relationship between the main characters Officers Bob Hodges (Robert Duval) and Danny "Pacman" McGavin (Sean Penn) was that of a mentor-newbie. Hodges, who's near retirement, was teaching Danny how to survive the streets as a cop and deal with the gangsters to gain respect. Hodges seemed to have a rapport with Frog (Trinidad Silva), an elder gangbanger who's seen it all and may have dealt with Hodges a few times before. Frog and Hodges were seen chit-chatting a few times. Frog smirking at the end when Hodges died was mildy uncomfortable. I thought those two were friends.

Colors had some of today's prolific actors in small roles: Don Cheadle, Damon Wayans, Forrest Whittaker who starred with Sean Penn in Fast Times at Ridgement High, and Mario Lopez who went on to star in Saved by the Bell and Dancing with the Stars.

What's a white guy doing in a Latino gang?

I had not seen the movie in over ten years but a couple of scenes still remain in my head. The first was Courtney Gains as Whitey. You can't miss him. He's the red-headed white guy in a Latino gang. I can't help but chuckle in the drive-by scene that Whitey spent propped up against a wall because he was too waisted to move. Courtney Gains still enjoys a cult following from his role as Malachai in Children of the Corn.

Another scene that I'm fond of was when Louisa Gomez (Maria Conchita Alonso) was discovered by Danny in the backroom with a gangbanger during a party that the cops were busting up. "This is me too, Pacman!" was just too funny to forget.

There weren't many quotes that I recall. The one that stuck with me the most was the advice that Hodges gave Danny:

There's two bulls standing on top of a mountain. The younger one says to the older one:
"Hey pop, let's say we run down there and fuck one of them cows". The
older one says: "No son. Lets walk down and fuck 'em all".

Colors is a timeless classic. The Colors soundtrack, provided by various artists such as Ice T and Salt-N-Pepa, still holds up today. Many may find the movie dated since the thug style is so prominent in today's pop culture. But Colors may have started it all.

I'm Leo Getz, and whatever you want, Leo gets

Title: Lethal Weapon 2 (1989)

Lethal Weapon 2 starring Mel Gibson and Danny Glover

The 80's were good for Mel Gibson. Yes, the 90's were good to him as well, but he became a mega star in the 80's. Who'd a thought that Lethal Weapon would become THE cop buddy franchise. It's a standard that lives today and will be for more movies to come.

The one stark difference to me between Lethal Weapon 2 and the original Lethal Weapon was the slapstick tone of the sequel. It seemed that Martin Riggs, the lethal weapon, had a makeover and now tried to be part of the close circle of cops around him instead of embracing his lone wolf past. He joked around with his colleagues, became attached with Roger Murtaugh's family, and even fell in love with Rika Van De Haas (played by the ever hot Patsy Kensit). Riggs was not the character that was introduced in the first Lethal Weapon.

Patsy Kensit costars in Lethal Weapon 2

Still hot: Patsy Kensit at the 2009 BAFTA TV Award

Still, despite the funnier and more endearing buddy cop relation (bromance by today's standard), Lethal Weapon 2 was memorable for Leo Getz, superbly played by Joe Pesci who went on to star in other unforgettable movies such as My Cousin Vinny and Goodfellas. I thought that Joe Pesci stole pretty much any scene he was in simply because I wanted to hear what's he gonna say next. Joe Pesci had some of his better movie quotes and funniest moments as Leo Getz.

Funny Leo Getz Quotes

• Oh okay, bad cop, bad cop. [after initially meeting Riggs and Murtaugh]
• I'm Leo Getz, and whatever you want, Leo gets.
• Okay, okay, okay, okay, this is the best part okay? You make a tax deduction on interest payments you don't even make! Am I an innovator? Am I a genius? [explaining money laundering to Riggs and Murtaugh]
• They FUCK YOU at the drive-thru!
• Hey hey hey! Listen, if we're going, shouldn't I have a gun?

Get away from her you bitch!

Title: Aliens (1986)

I'm glad I got around to reviewing Aliens. It's one of my favorite movies. It's a simple, yet action pack film -- a group of US Space Marines along with Ripley as a private consultant were dispatched to investigate why a corporate colony stopped communicating with planet Earth. Sigourney Weaver reprises her soon-to-be iconic role as Ellen Ripley, the tough as nail survivor of the exploration ship Nostromo.

Aliens: Corporal Hicks (Michael Biehn) shows Ellen Ripley how to use a pulse rifle

It's a sequel to the first movie, Alien (1979), which was shot as a sci-fi horror (tagline: "In space, no one can hear you scream"). This one is sci-fi action. Definitely action. Superbly written and directed by James Cameron also known for Terminator, Titanic, etc.

I particularly like the time period. As a deep space movie, it is set before many elements of space exploration have been perfected. So there is no hyperspace travel, there is no beam-me-up technology, and there are no laser guns.

In this time setting, James Cameron excels in giving sci-fi and action fans brute force military technology modernized for a not-too-distant-future space exploration. Some gadgets are the coolest because of the raw power they project. Dropship instead of parachutes and helicopters. APC (Armored Personnel Carrier) instead of humvee. And twenty three years later, the pulse rifle is still the most badass gun in cinema. It's basically American firepower against aliens.

The best scene is when Ripley and the remaining marines were making their last stand. Everytime I watch this movie, I still flinch whenever an alien breaks through the defenses and pops out of nowhere.

Aliens Video Clip: Hudson's death scene

Also, the best character in Aliens is played by Bill Paxton. He gives a very memorable comic relief as Private Hudson, the cocky and loud-mouthed marine who's not as courageous as he sounds. He has the best lines.

Hudsons quotes in Aliens

Aliens Promo Poster

Just what he said. You figure out when he said it.

• I say we grease this rat-fuck son-of-a-bitch right now.
• What do you mean, "'They' cut the power?" How could they cut the power, man? They're animals!
• Hey Vasquez, have you ever been mistaken for a man?
• Is this gonna be a standup fight, sir, or another bughunt?
• We're on an express elevator to hell; going down!
• Let's just bug out and call it even, OK?
• That's it man, game over man, game over!
• Seventeen DAYS? Hey man, I don't wanna rain on your parade, but we're not gonna last seventeen HOURS!
• Why don't you put her in charge?
• Right, right. Somebody said "alien" she thought they said "illegal alien" and signed up!
• They're all around us, man. Jesus!
• We're all gonna die man.
• It wasn't funny, man.

Lastly, I'm fortunate to have seen Aliens in the big screen. If you haven't had the chance, keep an eye out for a theater around you that would show it. It's an experience you won't forget.

The only problem with kicking the shit out of you is that it would be too easy

Title: Streets of Fire (1984)

This movie is a very underrated and fun movie to watch. It really didn't pick up a cult following and not a lot of people talk about it. But the tongue-in-cheek performances by Rick Moranis, Eric Roberts Michael Pare, and Willem Defoe are amazing. The music is great. I still have my Streets of Fire CD soundtrack. And "Tonight is what it means to be young" is one of the catchiest tunes ever. The movie is also visually stimulating as it transforms a city into an urban fantasy land. By that, I mean that the landscape is not grungy, yet because it's the home of a motorcycle gang, there is still danger.

The storyline is simple. A rising rock singer gets kidnapped by the motorcycle gang during a club concert. The owner of the club calls on her brother, who is also the ex-boyfriend the rock singer, for help because he's in the military and that he might be able to help. The plot is more of a comic book style maybe that's why I liked it so much.

My favorite character is Billy Fish played by Rick Moranis. He's the rock singer's (Ellen Aim played by Diane Lane) manager. He also has a crush on her and would like nothing more than to have his cake and eat it too. By that I mean rescue Ellen and get rid of her ex-boyfriend Tom Cody. Eric Roberts Michael Pare excellently plays the role of the military-mercenary hero. He simply looks the part of a trench coat-wearing gun slinger.

You know, Sir, I do admire you, and I sure would like to touch the gun that's gonna kill Billy the Kid.

TITLE: Young Guns (1988)

A fast paced modern Western with a twist of brat packing is how I can describe the Young Guns movie. It's an entertaining story of the Lincoln County War when Billy the Kid and his band of Regulators took on their adversaries.

The movie featured six up-and-comers who were determined to bring their own personality in their characters. The ones who stood out were Emilio Estevez (William H Bonney aka Billy the Kid), Casey Siemaszko (Charley), and Lou Diamond Philips (Chavez).

Emilio Estevez played the wild and self-assured Billy the Kid. He became the leader of the Regulators when Dick (Charlie Sheen) died as they were being hunted down by Murphy (Jack Palance). Seemingly psychotic, Billy the Kid knew how to keep the Regulators from falling apart.

With his speech:

"See, you get yourself 3 or 4 good pals; then you've got yourself a tribe. And there ain't nothing stronger than that."

Billy the Kid spurred on the Regulators to keep fighting instead of giving up and running away.

Casey Siemaszko played Charley, the sympathy puppy of the crew. Maybe because Charley seemed slow witted that the "Pals" speech affected him the most.

Lou Diamond Phillips played Chavez, a Mexican-Indian among white cowboys. Chavez was on the receiving end of many rascists remarks coming from Dirty Steve, a Regulator, and others. He and Doc (Kiefer Sutherland) formed a strong bond.

What I like about Chavez was the mystic elements he brought by drawing from Indian philosophies. He was also an expert knife fighter and throwing knives looked so much cooler than shooting. Since he was shrouded with mysteries, he was the x-factor of the group. Somehow, when things were not going right for the Regulators, we knew that he was gonna do something unexpected to turn the tide. Chavez was the guy who snuck out of the house during the siege who managed to round up the horses for their get away.

Another thing I remembered about Young Guns was how surprised I was when Charlie Sheen died. At the time, I thought that major stars do not get killed in the movies. But when he just laid on the ground after getting shot by Buck Shot Roberts (Brian Keith), apparently they do.

SELECTED YOUNG GUNS MOVIE QUOTES

"I'm not a pistoleer or a knifesmith like that greaser Chavez Chavez over there. I'm a pugilist."

"I could've killed ya Dick. I could've killed ya. But I don't wanna kill ya I wanna eat."

"Advices from Lincoln report that Jose Chavez Y Chavez moved to California where he changed his name and took work on a fruit ranch. Josiah 'Doc' Scurlock is reported to have left the West for the East, taking with him a celestial bride, her mother and fourteen brothers and sisters. Susan McSween went on to see both her husband's and John Tunstall's dreams to fruition, by becoming one of most prominent cattlewomen of all time. Governor Axtel was forced to resign by President Rutherford B. Hayes and both the Murphy-Dolan faction and the Santa Fe Ring collapsed. William H. Bonney, also known as 'Billy the Kid' continued to ride, never leaving New Mexico. He was caught in Fort Sumner by Sheriff Pat Garret and killed. Sources report that he was unarmed, and shot in the dark. He was buried with Charley Bowdre at Old Fort Sumner. Advices report that sometime later, an unidentified person snuck into the graveyard and chiseled an inscription. The epitaph read only one word... 'Pals'."

The Young Guns movie script is available at Movie Scripts On Line.

2008 is the 20th anniversary of Young Guns! Congrats. The Young Guns DVD can be purchased from Amazon.com.

Technorati Tags: 80's Films, western, action, Young Guns, Kiefer Sutherland, Emilio Estevez, Charlie Sheen, Lou Diamond Phillips, Casey Siemaszko, movie review

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

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

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

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

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