10 Classic 80's Movies

Airplane (1980) The first year of the eighties featured films that looked like they were from the seventies. For good reason, the decade was barely over. As we all know, style doesn't change with the ticking of the clock. It takes a little time. (Hey, I dare you to try to separate film footage from the late eighties from the early nineties.) But the decade started off with a bang, with the release of "Empire Strikes Back". Since I already have another year slotted for Star Wars, I thought I'd feature the madcap parody, "Airplane" instead. It's always good for a laugh. "Nine To Five" was also released, and even though visually it's very representative of the time...I'd definitely say it deserves classic status.

Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981) What can one say about the adventure masterpiece created by Steven Spielberg, George Lucas, and Harrison Ford? Nobody needs convincing of its classic status. It features stunning set pieces, a one-of-a-kind action heroine played by Karen Allen, and perhaps film's most recognizable musical score. I think it's just about as close to the perfect adventure film as we'll ever come.

Tootsie (1982) Dustin Hoffman's cross-dressing classic has a surprising amount of heart. Sure, the idea of the plot is a little silly, but the professionalism with which it's approached is what makes it good. It would be like if the Monty Python boys had actually made a romantic comedy. Watch this one for the performances of Teri Garr, Hoffman, and Jessica Lange. It was also directed by the late great Sydney Pollack, who had a way of lending instant credibility to any film or television show that he worked on. If Pollack directed it, that's reason enough to watch it.

Star Wars: Return of the Jedi (1983) The final chapter in the Star Wars saga contained the most action, the conclusion to the various plots involved in the films, and yes...Princess Leia's gold bikini. Each Star Wars film is vastly different in so many ways, this one offers different locations, droids, those adorable little Ewoks, and one seriously awesome final battle between Darth Vader and Luke. I find that this movie, unlike so many other last installments in trilogies, pays everything off well and completely. It's a satisfying end.

Romancing the Stone (1984) This was a tough call for me, because 1984 is also the year of "Ghostbusters" and "Temple of Doom". Two of my favorites. But "Romancing the Stone" is an epic win for the adventure genre, and now that I hear they're remaking it...I think people should learn to give the original more respect. It's hard to come up with a convincing adventure, and this one really delivers. From what they're seeking to the trouble they run into to the side-characters (Devito!), it's all believable, and more importantly...really fun to watch.

Back To The Future (1985) Classic, classic, classic. These movies always have the power to make you feel great. They're practically mood enhancers in DVD form. They're empowering, they're exciting, they're nostalgic, and they're funny. They stand the test of time really well. The music alone can give you goosebumps.

Crocodile Dundee (1986) This movie seems to get lost whenever people are talking about 80's classics. For some reason, it just doesn't seem to have the cult following that so many of the others do. The eighties were a great time for the action/adventure genre, and this was a really creative addition to the genre, taking Americans all the way to a continent that we knew little about at the time. Remember, this is pre-the Australian Olympics and pre-internet, so it was a window to a culture we didn't know that much about. I think the character is Mick Dundee is very archetypal and is strong enough to stand shoulder to shoulder with other 80's heroes like John McClane.

The Princess Bride (1987) Like I've said before, it was a great time for action/adventure. Throw in some fantasy and you've got this timeless favorite. More than for any other reason, because of the source material. William Goldman's book took a tongue-in-cheek look at the idea of a fairy tale, long before movies like, "Shrek" or, "Ever After". It was the first of its kind. The first to mock fantasy while also having a genuine love for it. Rob Reiner directed the perfectly cast ensemble, and the rest is history.

Die Hard (1988) This year was another tough call for me, because it also saw the release of the fantastic "Who Framed Roger Rabbit". Two classics, two totally opposite ends of the film spectrum. But "Die Hard" has become such an American institution. It's the classic tale of a renegade, and who doesn't love a renegade?

The Burbs (1989) Much like "Tootsie", I don't hear people talk about this film very often. There was a trend in the 80's of mixing supernatural or eerie themes with mainstream movies, a la "Ghostbusters". This was one of the finest examples. Lots of movies feature cliché plots, but this one is a movie I still haven't managed to find an equal to. Tom Hanks has a huge gift for comedy, and along with the rst of the cast, this movie almost feels like it could be a two act play. It's a dark comedy, and one well worth watching. Especially if you've never seen it.