Posted Mon Jul 18, 2011 at 01:20 PM PDT by Aaron Peck
by Aaron Peck
Topher Grace's ode to the 80s 'Take Me Home Tonight' hits Blu-ray this week. This got me thinking about teen comedies from the 80s and how there are so many movies from the "me decade" that you'd be better off watching this week.
The fact is, the Topher Grace vehicle just isn't that good. Rumor has it that it sat on the shelf for four years – filmed the same year as 'Superbad' – and was just never brought to the public's attention until now. Grace says tit's the movie's heavy cocaine use that got its release date pushed back, but methinks that the studio saw it and thought, "Gee, this film looks eerily similar to every other 80s teen comedy only it lacks any sort of charm or nostalgic value."
The 80s were a wonderful time for teen comedies. There are tons of classic teen movies from that time period that made us laugh and cringe at the same time. There were some that pushed the envelope and others that simply entertained. There are guilty pleasures along with bona fide classics. Check out the list below to see some of the movies you could watch besides sitting through 'Take Me Home Tonight'.
It's true that this isn't a movie that you think about when you think of raucous teenage comedies from the 80s, but nothing says 80s comedy like taking a trip with Marty and the Doc. 'Back to the Future' is the perfect way to – ahem – travel back in time and remember what 80s movies were all about. Even though there's a whole time travel plot going on, 'Back to the Future' nails the high school experience and is a pure slice of 80s nostalgia.
Ah, it's so nice that we're finally getting 'Better Off Dead' on Blu-ray in August. Just in time for you to push 'Take Me Home Tonight' aside for a John Cusack movie that will have you reminiscing about cheesy 80s movies that will have you laughing every time. That "2 Dollars!" kid gets me every single time. He's far more iconic that the Ball Scene in 'Take Me Home Tonight' could ever hope to be.
'Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure'
Nothing screams 80s teen awesomeness like Bill and Ted embarking on an excellent adventure that takes them throughout the span of time as they collect historical figures for a school report. It's a movie that's infinitely watchable if only for the fact that it's the role Keanu Reeves was born to play. Now let's finally get a Blu-ray release for this movie, shall we?
Our very own M. Enois Duarte gave 'The Breakfast Club' an outstanding four and a half out of five stars when he reviewed the Blu-ray not too long ago. It's true, 'The Breakfast Club' is the epitome of 80s teen comedy. What's so great about 'The Breakfast Club,' which Duarte points out in his review, is the fact that the teenage characters here aren't treated like idiotic adolescents. John Hughes pays them respect and treats them like grown ups with intelligence and insight.
'Fast Times at Ridgemont High'
Another 80s classic that is coming to Blu-ray this August. 'Fast Times at Ridgemont High' was one of those sex comedies that really pushed the boundaries of what could be put on film. One of the most famous masturbation scenes comes from 'Fast Times'. It seems timid by comparison to some of the scenes that have found their ways into movies nowadays, but back then it was pretty edgy.
Quite possibly the most influential and memorable teen comedy from the 80s. 'Ferris' became an instant classic. It's a film that has gone down through the decades, gathering new fans who weren't even born when it was made. Watching Ferris navigate his phony sick day is every bit as delightful the 73rd time around as it was the first time you watched it. It's a movie that will be loved for decades to come.
Another 80s comedy reviewed here by M. Enois Duarte and another four and a half star release. That iconic scene with John Cusack hoisting the boombox above his head is every bit as memorable as Ferris serenading thousands of Chicagoans with his rendition of "Twist and Shout." One of the best romantic comedies of all time.
'Weird Science'
I was torn over whether or not to put 'Sixteen Candles' in this slot, but I thought "What they heck! Let's go with a guilty pleasure." Two horny geeks create the perfect woman on their computer, and in perfect 80s goofiness, a lightning storm brings her to life. Now they have a sexy new friend named Lisa (Kelly LeBrock) to help them become men. Every horny adolescent's dream come true.
'Take Me Home Tonight' just wasn't the look back at the 80s that I was hoping it would be. It was forgettable at best. Just another movie that tried unsuccessfully to emulate what John Hughes did so masterfully. Do yourself a favor and dig up one of these genuine classics this week and watch something better and more nostalgic.
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