Over summer breaks–and any other free time we have–my dad and I delve into the world of 1980s movies, a world I had never dared venture into until we began our routine movie nights. Nights of projected movies outside, homemade pizza, warm cookies, blankets, my dog losing fights to a rat, and of course, the best films I have ever seen before have dramatically altered my perception of cinema. Now, instead of going to the newest, and self-proclaimed “best” movies at the theater, I take my spot outside, turn on the projector, turn up the fire, and settle in for the next movie I will continue to think about for weeks to come.
Our movie nights have formulated a list, containing both those we have watched, and ones we will soon. Below are some movies that have been crossed off.
*A disclaimer (quoted from the man himself): I feel like this list is a bad portrayal. My favorite movies are not crap–not these B level Keanu Reeves films, I don’t even know what my favorite movies are.
#1 – Better Off Dead
Dad’s Rating and Commentary
- 9.8/10
- Truly depicts internal monologues, not just of teens but everyone
- Favorite moment/quote the most: There’s so many great quotable moments, “Go that way, really fast. If something gets in your way… turn”–that is a good one.
- Or “Do I have something on my face?”
- Not quite a 10, but don’t know what to change
My Rating and Commentary
- 9.9/10
- Genuinely is so funny and entertaining the movie goes by really fast and I wish it was longer. Interactions between people are so original.
- Favorite moment/quote the most: “I want my two dollars.”
- Such an underrated movie–actually go watch it–I’m not joking.
#2 – Real Genius
Dad’s Rating and Commentary
- 9.8/10
- “Uber nerdy and glorifies the nerdyness, the more nerdy you can be, the better off you are–I love that.”
- Favorite moment/quote the most: “It should have gone much further, much faster.”
My Rating and Commentary
- 9.3/10
- Super entertaining and unique, honestly there are no other movies with this kind of plot or the same idea.
- Favorite moment/quote the most: The bunny slippers. (See movie poster above)
#3 – Point Break
Dad’s Rating and Commentary
- 8.9/10
- Keanu Reeves acting…
- Side commentary on Keanu Reeves, “He’s a horrible actor in everything. Even John Wick but he’s an all American standout. He represents America. You can suck but still succeed–thats the brilliance about him.”
- Favorite moment/quote the most: The ending? When he fights with the surfers?
My Rating and Commentary
- 7.5/10
- I really like the plot of the film, but honestly, I could not get past watching Keanu Reeves and his very much lacking acting “skills” long enough to pay attention to the film as a whole.
- Fun and exciting though, lots of other movies I would rather spend my time on.
- Favorite moment/quote the most: Just his name. Johnny Utah? Common. That’s gold.
#4 – Stripes
Dad’s Rating and Commentary
- 9.1/10
- It’s stupid, it’s funny.
- “I love Bill Murray, he’s a better actor than Keanu.”
- Favorite moment/quote the most: The spatula and, “I just wish I hadn’t drunk all that cough syrup this morning.”
My Rating and Commentary
- 8.9/10
- Like my dad said, it is really funny in a super simple way
- Maybe a good movie to play in the background?
- Fav moment/quote the most: The ending, it’s unexpectedly super wholesome
#5 – Grosse Pointe Blank
Dad’s Rating and Commentary
- 9/10
- “A good movie, but it isn’t in my daily lexicon. There are movies I quote a lot, I just don’t have any quotes from this one.”
- Not a rom com but a cute romantic action thingy
- Favorite moment/quote the most: when he interrupts her radio show and tries to get into her good graces while she’s on the radio
My Rating and Commentary
- 9/10
- It’s a cute comforting movie to watch when you want something simple
- Unexpectedly funny
- Ok plot twist, I see you
- Favorite moment/quote the most: when he tries to hide the body of the guy he kills at a high school