I think it’s ok to say I’m obsessed with '80s to early '90s films (mostly the teeny bop ones).

Easily, it can be traced to my childhood. I obsessively rented the same flicks every weekend. A lot of the movies were definitely too adult for me, having no idea about relationships or love, however. Later down the road they became even better. In fact, I think I like them even more today. They were definitely a little out of style and super corny come the mid and late-90’s. I was attracted to the ones with stylish teens such as: Sarah Jessica Parker, Shannen Doherty, Dan Gauthier, Molly Ringwald, Jon Cryer, James Spader and Andrew McCarthy – that list is a poor summarization. I think I just simply love how most of the films are simple. The plots are not complex, and you can guess the ending within the first two seconds of watching. Watching 80’s movies requires no brain cells, but yet it makes you so happy. I can see why so many of them have become cult classics.


The other night I watched Cry Baby with my brother. The acting is over the top, which leaves no possibility to judge for bad acting. I’d definitely classify it as a sloppy musical (it has been on Broadway people). Who cares that it doesn’t have the greatest musical score around? I loved every second of it. Johnny Depp never fails in playing his roles, especially as a seductive Greaser – let’s not forget he’s the only one who can pull off a ghetto teardrop tattoo. Oh, and I think Hatchet-face completely stole the performance in this one – sorry Johnny. They make her so disturbingly ugly. I’m trying to blame it all on the makeup. If the life of Cry Baby were real, I’d have to say that I would want to be a “drape.” Ha, I’m totally a nerd.


So besides Cry Baby totally rocking, I’d have to say Pretty In Pink is by far my favorite. I think it’s because, when I was little I desperately wanted to fall in love. If someone would have told me it was totally heartbreaking and challenging; I would have thought differently. I guess in some ways this movie was a little more realistic. John Hughes is a genius in my book. He is one of the only writers who can relate to young people using great, unique comedy (R.I.P). He created the “Brat Pack,” that will never be recreated today. Don’t even think about placing those High School Musical kids in the same category. Of course I always wanted Andy to fall in love with Duckie. Even though today Jon Cryer isn’t so hot – physically anyway. I still to this day can pop in the soundtrack and it will take me back to a time in my life where I was a dreamer. If only my Hot Topic Pretty In Pink t-shirt still fit.


I don’t want to ramble on about ALL the 80’s films I love, because that would be boring. I guess I will just talk about more one and then list my favorites towards the end. Aw, sweet, sweet Sixteen Candles. What the heck is it about this movie that makes it so memorable? Is it Long Duk Dong? Or the amazing “Brat Pack” kids? The Geek/Farmer Ted? I guess we all knew someone that reminded us of him. You so badly wanted them to grow past their awkward phase. I think Sixteen Candles has classic movie quotes that will always be amazing, just like Heathers: “Fuck me gently with a chainsaw.” Better yet, “Did you have a tumor for breakfast?” Ok, back on topic. All the characters in the movie are important: the jock, the prom queen, the freshman, the geek, and the foreign exchange student. However, I think the Donger won the show in so many parts. “Dong…Dong, where is my automobile?” OR just the random conversations between two characters:
Jake: “I’m being serious, ok. She looks at me like she’s in love with me.”
Jock: “Maybe she’s retarded.”
Anyway, I hope that later down the road, my kids (yikes) have enjoyable movies to watch from my time. I hope it doesn’t come off as just the ones with sluts with big butts and thousands of curse words. I think we’ve got some classics though. Nothing will ever beat my favorites:

Teen Witch
Breakfast Club (duh)
Girls Just Want to Have Fun
The Goonies
Uncles Buck
Ferris Beuller’s Day Off
Weird Science
Curly Sue
Fast Times at Ridgemont High
Say Anything
Heathers
The Outsiders
The Lost Boys
Can’t Buy Me Love
Adventures in Babysitting

AMEN!