Al's Top Rated Films: 1989
1989 was one of my favorite years of the 1980s. Do The Right Thing, Bill & Ted, Back to the Future 2....gold!
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- DirectorSpike LeeStarsDanny AielloOssie DavisRuby DeeOn the hottest day of the year on a street in the Bedford-Stuyvesant section of Brooklyn, everyone's hate and bigotry smolders and builds until it explodes into violence.Scorching hot drama written, directed by, and starring the great Spike Lee. The story is set in the Bedford-Stuyvesant section of Brooklyn in the late 1980s on blazing 100+ degree day, and follows a young street-wise black man named Mookie who works at a local family restaurant named Sal's Famous Pizzeria with the Italian-American owner Sal, and his racist son Pino, and more open-minded son Vito. The story also follows an old idealistic drunk named Da Mayor, who's constantly trying to spread his so-called "wisdom" and win the heart of a local woman his same age, Mother-Sister. Tensions start to rise when Mookie's friend and nonconformist Buggin Out and a mean boombox-blasting misfit named Radio Raheem berate Sal for not having any pictures of important black people on his wall of fame that consist of all Italian-Americans. He riles up others in the community in an attempt to boycott Sal's Pizzeria, which sets off a chain of horrific events fueled by anger, hate, racism, and bigotry. The powerful story and messages in this film are still 100% relevant to this day. Spike Lee (Mookie) delivered his best lead performance ever, when he's normally a supporting star or side character. He held the story together beautifully. Danny Aiello (Sal), Richard Edson (Vito), and John Turturro (Pino) delivered fantastic antagonizing performances as the owners of Sal's Pizzeria. Ruby Dee (Mother-Sister) and Ossie Davis (Da Mayor) are also both fantastic, as evidenced by their past chemistry in other films. Rosie Perez (Tina), Giancarlo Esposito (Buggin Out), Joie Lee (Jade), and Bill Nunn (Radio Raheem), also delivered some of their most memorable performances. Samuel L. Jackson (Mister Señor Love Daddy), Paul Benjamin (ML), Frankie Faison (Coconut Sid), Robin Harris (Sweet Dick Willie), Roger Guenveur Smith (Smiley), Miguel Sandoval, Rick Aiello, John Savage, Martin Lawrence, Steve White, and many others had excellent supporting roles.
- DirectorRobert ZemeckisStarsMichael J. FoxChristopher LloydLea ThompsonAfter visiting 2015, Marty McFly must repeat his visit to 1955 to prevent disastrous changes to 1985...without interfering with his first trip.Superb sequel to my all-time favorite trilogy. Robert Zemeckis and Bob Gale created another sci-fi comedy adventure masterpiece that changes things up from the first film and really made the franchise a household name. The story picks up at the end of the first film, which finds Doc Brown arriving in the year 1985 to pick up and transport Marty and Jennifer to the year 2015 to prevent an incident involving their son Marty McFly Jr. and Biff's ruthless grandson Griff, that causes a domino effect and tears their family apart. After completing their task, a book with historical sports statistics that Marty foolishly buys falls into the sadistic hands of old Biff from 2015, who hi-jacks the DeLorean, and gives the book to himself in 1955 to make himself rich. Now Marty and Doc's only chance to prevent a major paradox that could destroy the entire universe, is to travel back to 1955 and steal the book back from Biff in order to set things back in proper order. The future elements of 2015 created for this film were so much fun and seemingly ground-breaking for the time. Even though the future is less advanced than they predicted, it is still a ton of fun, comical, and holds up well today. Michael J. Fox and Christopher Lloyd both deliver phenomenal lead performances that live up to the first film. Thomas F. Wilson (Biff/Griff) arguably delivers his best performance out of the entire franchise. Lea Thompson and Elisabeth Shue also had great starring roles. James Tolkan, Flea, Casey Siemaszko, Billy Zane, Darlene Vogel, Joe Flaherty, and others had great supporting roles.
- DirectorStephen HerekStarsKeanu ReevesAlex WinterGeorge CarlinTwo rock-'n-rolling teens, on the verge of failing their class, set out on a quest to make the ultimate school history report after being presented with a time machine.Bodacious music-inspired comedy adventure from Stephen Herek set in 1988 San Dimas, California, and follows two underachieving heavy metal loving high school seniors named Ted 'Theodore' Logan and Bill S. Preston 'Esquire', who must pass their oral history exam or else they won't graduate high-school. While cramming for their exam the night before, a phone booth-shaped time machine lands from the sky and a man named Rufus informs them that they are extremely important to the survival and well-being of the future as long as they graduate high school and aren't separated, and that he's there to help them complete their history report with the help of the time machine. Bill & Ted embark on a most excellent adventure as they travel throughout time and collect important historical figures to help them pass their exam and save the future. Bill & Ted are one of my favorite duos in cinema history. They just have those fun, kind, innocent personalities, and have great comedic chemistry together. I'd have to say it's my favorite film from Keanu Reeves (Ted), Alex Winter (Bill), and the great George Carlin (Rufus). And don't get me started on the soundtrack—one of my all-time favorites with cuts from Robbie Robb, Big Pig, and Shark Island (among others). The historical figures also all put on great performances: Terry Camilleri (Napoleon), Dan Shor (Billy the Kid), Tony Steedman (Socrates), Rod Loomis (Sigmund Freud), Al Leong (Genghis Khan), Jane Wiedlin (Joan of Arc), Robert V. Barron (Abraham Lincoln), Clifford David (Beethoven) were all great. Hal Landon Jr., Bernie Casey, Amy Stoch, J. Patrick McNamara, Diane Franklin, Kimberley Kates, and many others also had great supporting roles.
- DirectorPeter WeirStarsRobin WilliamsRobert Sean LeonardEthan HawkeMaverick teacher John Keating returns in 1959 to the prestigious New England boys' boarding school where he was once a star student, using poetry to embolden his pupils to new heights of self-expression.Phenomenal drama from Peter Weir set in 1959, and follows a 17-year-old student named Todd Anderson who is sent to a prestigious all-boys prep school in Vermont. Among their faculty is a radical and idealistic teacher named John Keating who uses poetry to inspire creativity among his students. All of his students are readily inspired by his speeches and ideas; making him the most popular teacher in the school. When he encourages the boys to be free-thinkers and to question authority, it adversely effects the troubled life of Todd's friend and aspiring actor, Neil Perry, who's parents disapprove of his radical ideals, and takes action to put a stop to Neil's behavior, which causes and incident that sets the entire school in turmoil. Fantastic drama, dialogue, and characters throughout. Robin Williams, Robert Sean Leonard, and Ethan Hawke all deliver arguably their best lead performances. Josh Charles, Gale Hansen, Dylan Kussman, Allelon Ruggiero, James Waterston, Norman Lloyd, Kurtwood Smith, Carla Belver, Leon Pownall, Alexandra Powers, and others also have great supporting roles.
- DirectorEdward ZwickStarsMatthew BroderickDenzel WashingtonCary ElwesRobert Gould Shaw leads the U.S. Civil War's first all-black volunteer company, fighting prejudices from both his own Union Army, and the Confederates.Superb war drama/biography from Edward Zwick set in 1863 during the American Civil War, and follows a brave commander named Colonel Robert Gould Shaw who leads the first all-black volunteer infantry to fight in battle as they are forced to face prejudices from both the Confederates and Union soldiers on their own side. Soon they are placed on the front line and thrusted into horrific battle. Powerful film with excellent writing and messages throughout. I'd have to say it may be my favorite Civil War film of all time. The cast is top-notch, and they all deliver powerful and complex acting throughout. Matthew Broderick, Denzel Washington, Cary Elwes, and Morgan Freeman all deliver some of their finest and most excellent lead performances. Andre Braugher, Jihmi Kennedy, John Finn, Donovan Leitch Jr., Cliff De Young, Jay O. Sanders, Richard Riehle, Afemo Omilami, Mark A. Jones, and others also had great supporting roles.
- DirectorJohn HughesStarsJohn CandyMacaulay CulkinJean Louisa KellyLaid back commitment-phobe Buck babysits his brother's rebellious teenage daughter and her cute younger brother and sister.Hilarious comedy from John Hughes and my all-time favorite role from John Candy. The story follows a crude and fun-loving middle-aged bachelor named Buck Russell who's help is called upon by his desperate brother when his wife's father has a heart attack, and they need somebody to watch their three kids while they travel to Indianapolis to take care of him. The parents are workaholics and don't much care for Buck, be he's their last option. Many comical mishaps happen immediately with their young and feisty kids Maizy and Miles, but it's their angry and resentful teenage daughter Tia that will prove to be Buck's biggest test, as his life with his longtime girlfriend starts falling apart, and he must choose to make a serious change in his life instead of remaining an underachieving bachelor. John Candy delivered a fantastic lead performance, along with Jean Louisa Kelly. Gaby Hoffmann, Macaulay Culkin, Elaine Bromka, Garrett M. Brown, Amy Madigan, Laurie Metcalf, Jay Underwood, Mike Starr, Suzanne Shepherd, Dennis Cockrum, and others also had great supporting roles.
- DirectorJohn G. AvildsenStarsMorgan FreemanBeverly ToddRobert GuillaumeThe dedicated but tyrannical Joe Clark is appointed the principal of a decaying inner-city school he is determined to improve by any and all means.Very powerful drama from John G. Avildsen set in 1967 Paterson, New Jersey. The story follows a ruthless and determined African-American history teacher named Joe Clark who's appointed principal of Eastside High School, which has been plagued with drug abuse, gangs, violence, and poverty for years. Clark's methods of discipline and change are controversial and unorthodox, which immediately upsets parents, students, and teachers. But as time rolls on, they find his methods are effective as he ends up creating caring relationships with several involved after eliminating many great dangers in the school. Commanding story with great writing, and speaks of many important topical issues while also being very entertaining. Morgan Freeman delivers one of his all-time best lead performance as Principal Joe Clark. I couldn't imagine anyone better for the role. Beverly Todd, Robert Guillaume, Alan North, Lynne Thigpen, Robin Bartlett, Michael Beach, Ethan Phillips, Jermaine Hopkins, Karen Malina White, Karina Arroyave, Tony Todd, Mike Starr, and several others also had great supporting roles.
- DirectorJay LeveyStars'Weird Al' YankovicVictoria JacksonKevin McCarthyAn unemployed visionary becomes the manager of a local television station. The station becomes a success, with all sorts of hilarious sight gags and wacky humor.Extremely underrated comedy from Jay Levey and 'Weird Al' Yankovic that follows an aimless dreamer named George Newman who can't keep his mind focused enough to hold down a regular job. When his Uncle Harvey wins the failing UHF television station Channel 62 in a lucky game of poker, he appoints George and his best friend Bob to run the place. After hiring an eccentric janitor named Stanley Spadowski, they learn he also has a fantastic personality for television, which ends up making the station a huge success. However, the greedy and corrupt head of VHF network Channel 8 takes action to buy and destroy Channel 62 after they start beating them in the ratings. Fantastic writing and spoofs at every turn. It's right up there with slapstick greats like Airplane (1980) and The Naked Gun (1988). The story is unique and well laid out throughout the film. 'Weird Al' Yankovic delivers a fantastic lead performance. David Bowe, Michael Richards, and Kevin McCarthy also had excellent starring roles. Victoria Jackson, Stanley Brock, Anthony Geary, John Paragon, Fran Drescher, and so many others deliver great supporting roles.
- DirectorJeremiah S. ChechikStarsChevy ChaseBeverly D'AngeloJuliette LewisThe Griswold family's plans for a big family Christmas predictably turn into a big disaster.Hilarious comedy from John Hughes and Jeremiah S. Chechik, the best of all the National Lampoon Vacation films, as well as arguably the greatest Christmas movie of all time. The story follows a chemical engineer, father, and husband named Clark Griswold, as he and his family are preparing for the glorious Christmas holiday. Soon a very relatable story about the whole family (and extended family) staying in the Griswold home over Christmas, turns into complete disaster with grumpy guests, decoration debacles, unexpected guests, and distress concerning his job. While Chevy Chase has never been one of my favorite actors, he delivers my all-time favorite lead performance of his to date. Beverly D'Angelo and Randy Quaid and also had fantastic starring roles. Juliette Lewis, Johnny Galecki, John Randolph, Diane Ladd, E.G. Marshall, Doris Roberts, Miriam Flynn, William Hickey, Nicholas Guest, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, and Brian Doyle-Murray all had excellent roles among the star-studded supporting cast.
- DirectorPhil Alden RobinsonStarsKevin CostnerJames Earl JonesRay LiottaIowa farmer Ray Kinsella is inspired by a voice he can't ignore to pursue a dream he can hardly believe. Supported by his wife, Ray begins the quest by turning his ordinary cornfield into a place where dreams can come true.Excellent sports drama/fantasy from Phil Alden Robinson, and one of the most unique and best baseball films I've ever seen. The story follows an Iowa farmer named Ray Kinsella that becomes obsessed by an otherworldly voice he hears from deep in his cornfields that says: "If you build it, he will come". He's soon inspired to build to a legit baseball field on his farm after a mysterious ghost of baseball great Shoeless Joe Jackson and his other seven Chicago White Sox teammates that were banned from the league for throwing the 1919 World Series, appear from the cornfields, which ends up sending Ray on a journey he was destined to take. Kevin Costner delivers one of his best and most memorable lead performances. Amy Madigan and James Earl Jones also had excellent starring roles. Gaby Hoffmann, Ray Liotta, Timothy Busfield, Burt Lancaster, and Frank Whaley all have very nice supporting roles.
- DirectorTim BurtonStarsMichael KeatonJack NicholsonKim BasingerThe Dark Knight of Gotham City begins his war on crime with his first major enemy being Jack Napier, a criminal who becomes the clownishly homicidal Joker.Excellent action-packed crime drama/thriller from Tim Burton, and one of the finest Batman films ever made. After witnessing the murder of his parents as a child, billionaire Bruce Wayne swears to protect the good people of Gotham City against injustices brought on by the dark and violent streets that are filled with crime. He's soon nicknamed "Batman" by the press. His job turns out to be much more difficult than expected after a homicidal maniac named Jack Napier, who dresses up like a raving and demented clown that goes by the name of "Joker", works to gain power as he spreads terror throughout the city. While this film isn't quite as good as the Christopher Nolan Dark Knight trilogy, Tim Burton's signature and style gives it a great feel along with a great story. Michael Keaton delivers one of his best and most memorable lead performances as Batman. All Batman fans argue about who is the best Joker, and Jack Nicholson is a pick I couldn't argue with. He played a fantastic villain. Kim Basinger, Robert Wuhl, Pat Hingle, Billy Dee Williams, Michael Gough, Jack Palance, Jerry Hall, Tracey Walter, Lee Wallace, William Hootkins, Christopher Fairbank, and others also had great supporting roles.
- DirectorBruce BeresfordStarsMorgan FreemanJessica TandyDan AykroydAn old Jewish woman and her African-American chauffeur in the American South have a relationship that grows and improves over the years.Excellent comedy drama from Bruce Beresford set in 1948 Atlanta, and follows a wealthy 72-year-old Jewish window named Daisy Werthan who's concerned son insists on hiring her a driver to safely transport her around town. The chauffeur is a 60-year-old black man named Hoke Colburn. Daisy isn't happy about the change and initially does not cooperate with Hoke, but cannot fire him since he is employed by her son. Hoke is a kind and charming man who eventually wins her over, and the rest of the film details a beautiful 20-year relationship that overcomes racial barriers and other life differences as they grown old together. The story is simple and extremely effective throughout. It unsurprisingly won 4 Oscars for how well it was done. Jessica Tandy delivers her most iconic lead performance to date, and Morgan Freeman also delivered one of his greatest roles. Dan Aykroyd, Esther Rolle, William Hall Jr., Bob Hannah, Patti LuPone, and others also had great supporting roles.
- DirectorSteven SpielbergStarsHarrison FordSean ConneryAlison DoodyIn 1938, after his father goes missing while pursuing the Holy Grail, Indiana Jones finds himself up against the Nazis again to stop them from obtaining its powers.Excellent sequel to round out Steven Spielberg's beloved Indiana Jones trilogy. The story is set two years after the events in Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981) in 1938, and follows the unwavering archaeologist as he embarks on a quest to find the Holy Grail, when he learns that his mysterious father Dr. Henry Jones went missing searching for the famed goblet. The father-son duo teams up against crooked German Nazis to stop them from obtaining its powers, and to make sure the Grail ends up in the right hands. The story is great throughout, and it's easily my second favorite film in the franchise. Harrison Ford and Sean Connery both delivered great lead performances, and had some nice comedic chemistry together. Had I liked them together as much as several fans do, I would have given this a bit higher rating. Denholm Elliott, Alison Doody, John Rhys-Davies, Julian Glover, River Phoenix, Michael Byrne, Kevork Malikyan, Robert Eddison, Richard Young, Paul Maxwell, and many others had nice supporting roles.
- DirectorRichard DonnerStarsMel GibsonDanny GloverJoe PesciRiggs and Murtaugh are on the trail of South African diplomats who are using their immunity to engage in criminal activities.Excellent sequel to the original 1987 classic crime thriller from Richard Donner. The story follows Los Angeles police officers Roger Murtaugh and Martin Riggs in pursuit of some ordinary drug dealers, when they actually find they're transporting an illegal shipment of gold in the form of Krugerrand coins from the South African government in the trunk of their BMW. The South Africans are protected by diplomatic immunity, and soon Riggs and Murtaugh are appointed to protect a loud-mouth federal witness named Leo Getz. Soon all their lives are at risk when Leo reveals information about working with the South Africans and they find out they are also involved in smuggling cocaine, while Riggs discovers a disturbing connection from his past that sends him into a state of vengeance. Great sequel all around. Mel Gibson and Danny Glover deliver excellent lead performances just as they did before. Joe Pesci also had a great starring role. Joss Ackland, Derrick O'Connor, Patsy Kensit, Darlene Love, Steve Kahan, Traci Wolfe, Mark Rolston, Jenette Goldstein, Dean Norris, and several others have nice supporting roles.
- DirectorOliver StoneStarsTom CruiseBryan LarkinRaymond J. BarryThe biography of Ron Kovic. Paralyzed in the Vietnam war, he becomes an anti-war and pro-human rights political activist after feeling betrayed by the country for which he fought.Excellent war drama and biography from Oliver Stone that follows the life of veteran Ron Kovic. After volunteering to fight in the Vietnam War for the Marines in 1965, he's wounded and paralyzed in action and sent home in 1968. He's immediately plagued with severe depression and drug addiction that paints a bleak picture of his future. By time the 1970s roles around, he turns his life around and becomes a voice and inspiration for veterans as an anti-war activist, speaker, and writer. Great story with powerful writing and acting throughout. Tom Cruise delivers one of his best and most layered lead performances to date, and held the movie together perfectly. Willem Dafoe, Raymond J. Barry, Jerry Levine, Kyra Sedgwick, Frank Whaley, Caroline Kava, Josh Evans, Bryan Larkin, Tony Frank, and others also had great supporting roles.
- DirectorHarold BeckerStarsAl PacinoEllen BarkinJohn GoodmanA detective investigating a series of murders becomes involved with a woman who may be the culprit.Underrated crime drama/mystery from Harold Becker that follows a veteran New York police detective named Frank Keller who's been working the violent and crime-ridden streets of Manhattan for 20 years. Now he and his new partner Detective Sherman Touhey are after a serial killer who they believe is a woman; who finds her victims by responding to rhyming and poetic ads from men in the lonely hearts column of the newspaper, and kills them in venerable positions while playing the classic 1959 45 RPM single "Sea of Love" on loop in the background. Trouble comes into play when Keller starts up a steamy romance with a gorgeous woman named Helen Cruger while working the case. But as time moves on, he suspects that she may be the actual killer. Excellent mystery and casting all around. Al Pacino delivers one his best lead performances. Ellen Barkin also delivered a fantastic lead role as Helen. John Goodman, Michael Rooker, Richard Jenkins, Paul Calderon, Gene Canfield, William Hickey, Larry Joshua, John Spencer, Christine Estabrook, Patricia Barry, and many others also had great supporting roles.
- DirectorRoger SpottiswoodeStarsTom HanksMare WinninghamCraig T. NelsonA detective must adopt a rambunctious dog in order to help him find a killer.Hilarious and underrated crime comedy for dog lovers from Roger Spottiswoode, that follows a small-town California detective named Scott Turner who has 3 days before he leaves town to join a big city police department to see some real action. But after one of the locals is mysteriously murdered, he puts off his trip to investigate, which the kind of case he's wanting to work. The only witness to the murder is the local's aggressive, protective, and trouble-making Mastiff named Hooch. Scott isn't a dog person, but must take care of the dog to solve the case, which results in plenty of hilarious situations as they track down police corruption and other dangers throughout the process. Great story overall, and I still love it to this day. Tom Hanks delivers one of his best lead performances. Mare Winningham, Craig T. Nelson, Reginald VelJohnson, John McIntire, Ernie Lively, Clyde Kusatsu, and others also had great supporting roles.
- DirectorJames CameronStarsEd HarrisMary Elizabeth MastrantonioMichael BiehnA civilian diving team is enlisted to search for a lost nuclear submarine and faces danger while encountering an alien aquatic species.Excellent and epic mystery adventure from James Cameron set in the future year 1994, and follows a team of civilian underwater oil rig workers who are enlisted to assist a team of Navy SEALs recover a nuclear submarine that's encountered an alien species in some of the deepest waters on Earth. The story was excellent all around, and undoubtedly deserves the Oscar is won for best visual effects and the nominations it earned for cinematography, art direction, and sound. It's a visual masterpiece through and through. The cast was reportedly put through plenty of danger and ill treatment throughout the film, but they all deliver great acting. Ed Harris, Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio, and Michael Biehn all had excellent lead performances. Leo Burmester, Todd Graff, John Bedford Lloyd, Kimberly Scott, J.C. Quinn, Captain Kidd Brewer Jr., George Robert Klek, Christopher Murphy, Adam Nelson, Jimmie Ray Weeks, and several others had great supporting roles.
- DirectorDavid S. WardStarsTom BerengerCharlie SheenCorbin BernsenThe new owner of the Cleveland Indians puts together a purposely horrible team so they'll lose and she can move the team. But when the plot is uncovered, they start winning just to spite her.Hilarious sports comedy from David S. Ward that follows the new owner of the Cleveland Indians baseball team, Rachel Phelps, and how she deliberately builds a comically terrible team so they'll lose; which would result in moving the franchise to Miami to reap the benefits of a new stadium and warmer weather. When the players learn about her plan, they miraculously start winning games and upping attendance numbers, which systematically ruining her plans. Very funny story with great writing and dialogue throughout. Tom Berenger, Charlie Sheen, and Corbin Bernsen all deliver some of their best lead performances. Margaret Whitton, James Gammon, Rene Russo, Wesley Snipes, Chelcie Ross, Dennis Haysbert, Andy Romano, Bob Uecker, Steve Yeager, Peter Vuckovich, Stacy Carrolland, Richard Pickren, and so many others had great supporting roles.
- DirectorGus Van SantStarsMatt DillonKelly LynchJames Le GrosA pharmacy-robbing dope fiend and his crew pop pills and evade the law.Underrated crime drama from Gus Van Sant set in 1971 Portland, Oregon, and follows a 26-year-old man named Bob Hughes, who heads up an eccentric team of drug addicts with his wife, who steal prescription narcotics like morphine and speed from drugstores and hospitals to support their habits, while also trading them for other street drugs. Before long, Narcotics Detective Gentry and his team are hot on his tail as they follow his every move. Bob must decide if he wants to keep traveling down this deadly path or to clean up and go straight. Matt Dillon and Kelly Lynch both deliver excellent lead performances. James Le Gros and Heather Graham also had great starring roles. Max Perlich, James Remar, William S. Burroughs, Grace Zabriskie, Beah Richards, and others also had great supporting roles.
- DirectorTodd HollandStarsFred SavageLuke EdwardsJenny LewisA boy and his brother run away from home and hitch cross-country, with help from a girl they meet, to compete in the ultimate video-game championship.Underrated comedy drama/adventure from Todd Holland and easily the best 1980s video game inspired film of all-time. The story follows a troubled boy named Corey and his 9-year-old half-brother Jimmy who suffers from a mental disorder after his sister drowned years earlier. After a family quarrel, they decide to run away to California where they have great memories of the past. They run into a nomadic girl named Haley along the way, and they soon learn Jimmy is a video game "wizard". After seeing advertisement for a huge video game tournament in California with a $50,000 grand prize, they work to get him to the tournament as they run into all sorts of comedic and drama-filled debacles along their adventure. Anyone who grew up with the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) would find this movie extremely nostalgic. There really isn't a single movie out there quite like it. While it isn't the best film ever, I still love this movie to this day. It also has a great soundtrack. Fred Savage, Luke Edwards, and Jenny Lewis all deliver excellent lead performances and have great chemistry together. Beau Bridges, Christian Slater, and Will Seltzer also had great starring roles. Jackey Vinson, Frank McRae, Wendy Phillips, Sam McMurray, and Steven Grives also had great supporting roles.
- DirectorTed KotcheffStarsAndrew McCarthyJonathan SilvermanCatherine Mary StewartTwo idiots try to pretend that their murdered employer is really alive, leading the hitman to attempt to track him down to finish him off.Hysterical comedy adventure from Ted Kotcheff that follows two best friends and coworkers named Larry Wilson and Richard Parker who are looking to move up the corporate ladder as entry level employees in a large New York City business firm. After they find information that exposes an embezzlement scheme within the company, the owner invites them to his lavish beach house in The Hamptons for a job well done. But when they arrive, they find Bernie dead. While they think he overdosed on drugs, they comically pretend he's alive so they can reap the benefits of a the perfect vacation of booze, women, and fun. But after finding out that he was murdered and that a hitman is still lurking around the area, things get hectic as they try to save their own lives and solve the mystery. Being such a big Bill & Ted fan, I found Larry Andrew McCarthy & Jonathan Silverman to be a similarly entertaining and excellent duo. They both delivered excellent lead performances. Terry Kiser was also excellent as Bernie. Catherine Mary Stewart, Don Calfa, Catherine Parks, Eloise DeJoria, Greg Salata, and many others also had great supporting roles.
- DirectorJoe DanteStarsTom HanksBruce DernCarrie FisherAn overstressed suburbanite and his neighbors are convinced that the new family on the block is part of a murderous Satanic cult.Hilarious comedy mystery/thriller from Joe Dante that follows a typical suburban father named Ray Peterson who takes a week of vacation to relax and be at peace. When a strange and mysterious family of neighbors moves in across the street, all of Ray's speculative neighbors let their imaginations run wild, and immediately assume they are up to no good as they seem to confine themselves inside the house while odd experiments seem to be conducted in their basement. Before long, they work each other up into a tizzy and take some crazed actions to solve the mystery, and things comically unravel when their curiosity gets the better of them. Tom Hanks delivers an excellent lead performance like he usually does. Bruce Dern, Rick Ducommun, Corey Feldman, Carrie Fisher, Wendy Schaal, Henry Gibson, Theodore Gottlieb, Courtney Gains, Gale Gordon, Dick Miller, Robert Picardo, Cory Danziger, Nicky Katt, and others also had great supporting roles.
- DirectorArthur HillerStarsRichard PryorGene WilderJoan SeveranceDave is deaf, and Wally is blind. They witness a murder, but it was Dave who was looking at her, and Wally who was listening.Hilarious crime comedy from Arthur Hiller that follows two men who witness a murder. The problem is, Dave sees the killer, but is deaf; while Wally is blind, and hears the killer. When the police realize they're useless witnesses, they soon become the prime suspects in the murder. While Dave and Wally manage to escape from the police, it isn't long before the real criminals involved catch up with them. And they aren't taking any chances leaving them alive. Great story with laughs all around. Richard Pryor and Gene Wilder are always one of my favorite comedy duos, and they deliver excellent lead performances once again. Joan Severance, Kevin Spacey, Alan North, Anthony Zerbe, Louis Giambalvo, Kirsten Childs, Audrie Neenan, Lauren Tom, John Capodice, and many others also had great supporting roles.
- DirectorIvan ReitmanStarsBill MurrayDan AykroydSigourney WeaverThe discovery of a massive river of ectoplasm and a resurgence of spectral activity allows the staff of Ghostbusters to revive the business.Excellent and seamless sequel to the original action-packed sci-fi classic. Ivan Reitman, Dan Aykroyd, and Harold Ramis' all return for writing and directing duties that made the first film so great. The story takes place 5 years after the Ghostbusters destroyed the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man in the first film, and there hasn't been any ghost troubles since. The guys find themselves out of work until they discover a huge river of ectoplasm in the city's sewer system, which causes supernatural events start occurring again. The story is great all around, and it blends perfectly with all the best qualities of the first film. Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Harold Ramis, Sigourney Weaver, and Ernie Hudson all deliver excellent lead performances. Rick Moranis, Annie Potts, Peter MacNicol, Harris Yulin, David Margulies, Kurt Fuller, Janet Margolin, Wilhelm von Homburg, and several others also had very nice supporting roles.
- DirectorUli EdelStarsJennifer Jason LeighStephen LangBurt YoungSet in Brooklyn during the 1950s against a backdrop of union corruption and violence. A prostitute falls in love with one of her customers. Also a disturbed man discovers that he is homosexual.Hard-hitting drama from Uli Edel set in 1952 Brooklyn, New York, and paints a bleak picture of a struggling neighborhood plagued with disturbing traits such as union corruption, brutally violent gangs, male and female prostitution and the customers that fall in love with them, individuals suffering from identity crisis', rampant drug use, homophobia, domestic violence, and gang rape. The film is based on a book by Hubert Selby Jr., and much of the disturbing nature of it is reminiscent of his best known novel/work—Requiem for a Dream (2000). Jennifer Jason Leigh is the main star, and she delivers a complex and unsettling lead performance as the prostitute, Tralala. Stephen Lang, Burt Young, Peter Dobson, Jerry Orbach, Stephen Baldwin, Sam Rockwell, Jason Andrews, James Lorinz, Ricki Lake, and others also had very nice supporting roles.
- DirectorEric LukeStarsJay UnderwoodAlan ThickeRobyn LivelyChip, the android boy is back. This time, he is off to college, suffering from a computer virus and in love with Roberta, another android. Will there be a happy ending?Great family comedy and sequel to one of the most overlooked TV film trilogies in Disney's collection. The story follows the curious and clueless teenage android Chip after evolving so much from the first film. Now he's on his way to college! All sorts of comical situations and awkward dealings with students and teachers present themselves. From struggling to fit in with the cool crowd, to fighting a relentless computer virus he accidentally intakes, to meeting another human-like android, Roberta, it's a fun and entertaining ride throughout. Jay Underwood, Alan Thicke, Robyn Lively, and Katie Barberi all deliver great lead performances. Greg Mullavey, Dey Young, and Scott Nell also delivered very nice supporting roles.
- DirectorMichael LehmannStarsWinona RyderChristian SlaterShannen DohertyAt Westerburg High where cliques rule, jocks dominate and all the popular girls are named Heather, it's going to take a Veronica and mysterious new kid to give teen angst a body count.Great crime comedy drama from Michael Lehmann that follows an ordinary high-school girl named Veronica Sawyer who tries to fit in by associating with the three most popular girls in school filled with popular social cliques, when she becomes enamored with a new mysterious student named Jason 'J.D.' Dean. They start to date and fall into a distressing cycle of hate, murder, and revenge when it comes to these crazed cliques. This film has a very low-budget and indy feel to it, but it's some of the best acting I've seen from both Winona Ryder or Christian Slater. Very interesting and unique dialogue throughout, but the production value does it bring it down a touch for myself. Shannen Doherty, Lisanne Falk, Kim Walker, Penelope Milford, Glenn Shadix, and several others have nice supporting roles.
- DirectorJoe JohnstonStarsRick MoranisMatt FrewerMarcia StrassmanThe scientist father of a teenage girl and boy accidentally shrinks his and two other neighborhood teens to the size of insects. Now the teens must fight diminutive dangers as the father searches for them.Great family comedy adventure from Joe Johnston that follows a scientist and father named Wayne Szalinski who's relentlessly working on his futuristic matter-shrinking machine in his attic that all of his scientific colleagues would love to see. While he's away from the house, a mishap occurs and ends up shrinking his kids and the neighbor kids to the size smaller than an ant. When the kids are accidentally thrown out with the garbage, they break free, and embark on an epic adventure back through their backyard (more like jungle) while encountering many dangers and deadly insects along the way home, where Wayne can hopefully return them to their normal size. Rick Moranis, Marcia Strassman, Thomas Wilson Brown, Jared Rushton, Amy O'Neill, Robert Oliveri, Kristine Sutherland, and Matt Frewer all have excellent starring performances. Mark L. Taylor, Carl Steven, and otherds also had nice supporting roles.
- DirectorJohn GlenStarsTimothy DaltonRobert DaviCarey LowellA vengeful James Bond goes rogue to infiltrate and take down the organization of a drug lord who has murdered his friend's new wife and left him near death.Solid James Bond flick, and one of only 2 films in the franchise that star Timothy Dalton as Bond. Rather than the calm, cool, and collected James Bond we normally see, we follow Bond after his 'license to kill' was squashed after a brutal encounter with Colombian drug lord Franz Sanchez, who killed his friend's new wife, and nearly does the same to him. Now we see a Bond full of vengeance as he goes undercover to take Sanchez down. This was probably the first Jame Bond film I've ever seen, and I've always enjoyed it, even if it isn't one of my favorites today. Timothy Dalton delivers a great lead performance. Carey Lowell, Benicio Del Toro, Robert Davi, Talisa Soto, Anthony Zerbe, Frank McRae, Everett McGill, and others also had very nice supporting roles.
- DirectorChristopher GuestStarsKevin BaconJennifer Jason LeighEmily LongstrethFilm school grad Nick Chapman thought his career was made after his award winning short film, but discovered Hollywood wasn't as easy as it seems.Very nice comedy drama from Christopher Guest that follows a promising young movie director named Nick Chapman, who wins the student film award presented by the National Film Institute, and gets his first taste at fame when producers start flocking over his work. When he thinks he's made it, his ego gets in the way of his relationships, as a heap of empty Hollywood promises never come to fruition. When he comes back to reality and starts mending his life back together, timing proves to be an incredible thing after he makes a low-budget music video that puts him back in the limelight. Kevin Bacon delivered a very nice lead performance. Emily Longstreth, J.T. Walsh, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Michael McKean, Teri Hatcher, Don Franklin, Fran Drescher, Eddie Albert, Martin Short, and others had great supporting roles.
- DirectorRod DanielStarsJim BelushiMel HarrisKevin TigheTo stop an elusive criminal, a maverick detective enlists the aid of a police dog who's an unusually intelligent smart alec.Very nice action-packed crime comedy from Rod Daniel that follows an eccentric San Diego narcotics detective named Michael Dooley who enlists the help of a rambunctious drug-sniffing German Shepherd named Jerry Lee, who comically ruins Dooley's personal life while also creating trouble while they track down a drug kingpin he's determined to catch. I've always likes this movie as a kid, and it really went hand in hand with another dog-friendly childhood favorite—Turner & Hooch. Jim Belushi delivers a great lead performance. Ed O'Neill, Mel Harris, Kevin Tighe, Rando (Jerry Lee), James Handy, Daniel Davis, Cotter Smith, Pruitt Taylor Vince, and others also had very nice roles.
- DirectorJeff KanewStarsShelley LongCraig T. NelsonBetty ThomasA soon to be divorced Beverly Hills socialite is determined to prove to her husband and herself that she can finish what she starts out to do, by becoming a den mother to a troop of Beverly Hills Girl Scouts.Underrated comedy adventure from Jeff Kanew that follows a wealthy, sophisticated and snobby woman named Phyllis Nefler who comically attempts to prove to her disapproving soon-to-be ex-husband that she can take on responsibility and do something important with her life by being the leader Girl Scouts Troop Beverly Hills. While most of the troops are earning badges for camping, cooking, first aid, and other survival methods, Troop Beverly Hills is focusing on crafting, fashion, and other atypical projects. The girls also mostly start out as rich and snobby, but all learn life lessons along the way, along with Phyllis. While the audience for this film is clearly aimed at girls, I always really enjoyed film. Nice story with very good well-developed characters and acting throughout. Shelley Long, Craig T. Nelson, Betty Thomas, Mary Gross, and Jenny Lewis all had great performances, among many others.
- DirectorMark DiSalleDavid WorthStarsJean-Claude Van DammeDennis AlexioDennis ChanKurt Sloane must learn the ancient kick boxing art of Muay Thai in order to avenge his brother.Very nice action-packed sports thriller from Mark DiSalle and David Worth, that follows the U.S. kickboxing champion Eric Sloan and his devoted brother and cornerman Kurt. After Eric is brutally paralyzed in the ring by Thailand champion Tong Po, Kurt swears revenge against him and dives deep into the ancient Muay Thai art of kickboxing so that he can defeat Tong Po. Solid story with superb action all around. Even if his acting isn't great, the martial arts action makes up for it. Jean-Claude Van Damme delivers one of his best lead performances. Dennis Alexio, Dennis Chan, Michel Qissi, Rochelle Ashana, Haskell V. Anderson III, Ka-Ting Lee, Richard Foo, and others also had very nice supporting roles.
- DirectorJohn G. AvildsenStarsRalph MacchioPat MoritaRobyn LivelyOstracised villain John Kreese attempts to gain revenge on Daniel and Miyagi, with the help of a Vietnam War comrade, the wealthy owner of a toxic waste disposal business.Solid and entertaining sequel in the Karate Kid universe from John G. Avildsen. While this is the weakest film in the franchise (with Ralph Macchio), it still has its shining moments, and maps out a large portion of the story that makes up the Cobra Kai (2018–2024) Netflix series. After John Kreese and Cobra Kai were defeated in the previous films, Kreese contacts his now rich and successful Vietnam War buddy Terry Silver to help take revenge against Daniel and Miyagi. And they do so in the most brutal fashion! Ralph Macchio and Pat Morita both deliver very nice lead performances, but neither are their best. Thomas Ian Griffith, Martin Kove, and Sean Kanan (Mike Barnes) had the best performances, and really amped up the Cobra Kai storyline, which is heavily referenced in season 5. Robyn Lively, Jonathan Avildsen, William Christopher Ford, Pat E. Johnson, Gabriel Jarret, and others had solid supporting roles.
- DirectorJim McBrideStarsDennis QuaidWinona RyderJohn DoeThe life and career of wildly controversial rock 'n' roll star Jerry Lee Lewis.Very interesting biography and music drama that follows the life of famed piano rock 'n' roll star Jerry Lee Lewis (1935–2022). The story is set mainly set in 1956, and follows his break into show business, creating a signature rock sound, and faces questions of morality from religious folks; especially after his scandalous marriage to his 13-year-old cousin. Nicely done story all around and really speaks of the times of the south in the 1950s. Dennis Quaid and Winona Ryder and very nice lead performances. John Doe, Stephen Tobolowsky, Trey Wilson, Alec Baldwin, Steve Allen, Lisa Blount, and others also had nice supporting roles.
- DirectorAmy HeckerlingStarsJohn TravoltaKirstie AlleyOlympia DukakisAfter a single, career-minded woman is left on her own to give birth to the child of a married man, she finds a new romantic chance in a cab driver. Meanwhile, the point-of-view of the newborn baby is narrated through voice-over.Very nice comedy drama from Amy Heckerling that follows a single New York City accountant named Mollie that wholly focused on her career. That is until she has a baby with a married man and is left to raise him alone. But along her struggles, she meets a devoted cab driver named James who may be the ticket to happiness for her and her son. Very nice film all around, and it was fun coming from the perspective of the baby boy, Mikey. John Travolta, Kirstie Alley, and Bruce Willis (voice of Mikey) all deliver nice lead roles. Olympia Dukakis, George Segal, Abe Vigoda, Twink Caplan, and others also had nice supporting roles.
- DirectorRichard GreenbergStarsFred SavageHowie MandelDaniel SternA boy discovers an incredible and gruesome world of monsters under his bed.Nice family comedy fantasy/adventure that I rented from Blockbuster plenty growing up. The story follows a young boy named Brian who's about to meet the world of mysterious and sometimes terrifying monsters that lives under his bed. The bed works as a sort of transporting device that sends you to a bizarre underworld where they all live. He soon makes friends with a jokester and fun-loving monster named Maurice as fun adventures turn to extreme danger. Solid and unique story all around. Fred Savage, Howie Mandel, Daniel Stern, Margaret Whitton, Rick Ducommun, Frank Whaley, and Ben Savage all had nice performances.
- DirectorPeter BonerzStarsBubba SmithDavid GrafMichael WinslowThose bumbling cadets take to the streets when three inept goons successfully orchestrate a metropolitan crime wave.Solid sequel in the Police Academy saga even without Steve Guttenberg. The story follows a trio of burglars who start up a crime wave right under the nose of the cops, and it's up to Commandant Lassard and the rest of the academy to take them down. While the storylines and concepts are still recycled from film to film, I actually found this to be one of the most entertaining and re-watchable films in the collection. Bubba Smith, David Graf, Michael Winslow, Leslie Easterbrook, Marion Ramsey, Lance Kinsey, G.W. Bailey, George Gaynes, and many others had nice performances.
- DirectorDominique Othenin-GirardStarsDonald PleasenceDanielle HarrisEllie CornellOne year after the events of Halloween 4: The Return of Michael Myers (1988), the Shape returns to Haddonfield once again in an attempt to kill his now-mute niece.Solid enough sequel in the Halloween saga, but it's one of the worst in the bunch. After waking up from a 1-year coma, we find Michael Myers traveling back to Haddonfield to kill his mute niece Jamie, who's been living in a mental institution since Michael tried to kill her a year earlier. Dr. Sam Loomis intervenes enters the picture again to help stop Michael's horrific mayhem. The story is decent, but it's pretty repetitive compared to its predecessors. Donald Pleasence, Danielle Harris, and Ellie Cornell all deliver very nice lead performances. Wendy Foxworth, Tamara Glynn, Beau Starr, Jonathan Chapin, Matthew Walker, and others also had solid supporting roles.
- DirectorChris WalasStarsEric StoltzDaphne ZunigaLee RichardsonThe almost-human son of "Brundlefly" searches for a cure to his mutated genes while being monitored by a nefarious corporation that wishes to continue his father's experiments.Unfortunately the sequel to arguably 1986's best horror flick falls pretty flat. The story picks the story up after Veronica dies when giving birth to Seth's mutated son at the end of the first film. Now that he is fully grown, he's now searching for a cure to his mutated genes while continuing his father's experiments. The film is much more gruesome and shocking, and fails to bring the quality of the first film in several ways. Not terrible, but forgettable. Daphne Zuniga, Eric Stoltz, and Lee Richardson all deliver fine lead performances among an average supporting cast.