Written by Helen O’Hara
SUMMARY:
Published by Portable Press in 2018, this 175-page softcover has author Helen O’Hara exploring a wide representation of fifty big-screen films best representing the 1980’s. O’Hara’s introduction indicates that she wishes to celebrate as many genres as possible. The author openly acknowledges that not every film she includes is a critical favorite, and that some may seem too similar to another ‘honoree.’ For every acclaimed title like Broadcast News, The Last Emperor, On Golden Pond, The Right Stuff, The Color Purple, Terms of Endearment, and The Accidental Tourist that isn’t included, O’Hara’s standard applies to Caddyshack, The Road Warrior, National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, Romancing the Stone, and Honey, I Shrunk the Kids.
For each year, the author lists the U.S. top-ten grossing films; the major award winners (the Academy Awards; Golden Globes; Cannes Film Festival); notable births and deaths; film debuts; and the year’s perceived Oscar injustice. Further, each year offers sections on O’Hara’s top picks. Individual entries include the film’s original U.S. and U.K. release dates; its running time; a trivia note; and O’Hara’s ‘further viewing’ picks, which she readily admits is a backdoor way to include other worthwhile films not otherwise mentioned. Supported by loads of movie photographs, promo stills, and posters, the films O’Hara selects (by year) are:
1980: The Empire Strikes Back (including Return of the Jedi); The Blues Brothers; Airplane!; and Nine to Five.
1981: Raiders of the Lost Ark.
1982: Chariots of Fire; First Blood; E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial; Tron; Blade Runner; Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan; Tootsie; and The Thing.
1983: The Evil Dead (including Evil Dead II).
1984: The Terminator; Ghostbusters; Gremlins; Beverly Hills Cop; This is Spinal Tap; A Nightmare on Elm Street; and The Karate Kid.
1985: Back to the Future; The Goonies; and The Breakfast Club.
1986: Top Gun; Aliens; Stand by Me; Ferris Bueller’s Day Off; Crocodile Dundee; Highlander; and Labyrinth.
1987: Wall Street; Predator; Lethal Weapon; Fatal Attraction; The Princess Bride; RoboCop; Dirty Dancing; and The Lost Boys.
1988: Die Hard; Beetlejuice; A Fish Called Wanda; Who Framed Roger Rabbit; Big; and Working Girl.
1989: Heathers; Batman; Do the Right Thing; The Little Mermaid; and When Harry Met Sally.
REVIEW:
The book’s title could be construed as deceptive, since distinguishing between the terms ‘best’ and ‘greatest’ is subjective by this book’s loose standards. Bolstered by colorful visuals, O’Hara’s book proves solidly entertaining without overstaying its welcome. She casually celebrates 80’s nostalgia without delving into pretentious criticism on artistic merit or pondering a genre’s common thematic threads. Carefully limited to two pages per movie, her thoughtful analysis stays on point, as to each film’s production and its cultural significance impacting the present-day. Even if one doesn’t necessarily agree with O’Hara’s reasoning, the author tactfully states her case for each film, whether she is evidently a fan or not.
Much insight into the author’s rationale can be found in the introduction, as she explains why, for instance, neither The Untouchables nor Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure met her criteria of possessing an 80’s-style vibe. Further, reading her review deciphering This is Spinal Tap and what satire its makers intended is well worth the audience’s time. The same applies to sections on Stand by Me and The Little Mermaid, among others. Saving When Harry Met Sally for last makes fitting sense (as does O’Hara’s upbeat analysis). Yet, what confirms the Best Movies of the 80s as a nostalgic tribute to the 1980’s is a closing image of a certain young boy taking his alien on an airborne bicycle ride crossing past the moon.
ADDITIONAL FEATURES:
O’Hara includes some fun miscellaneous sections such as: memorable quotes from films such as The Terminator, The Blues Brothers, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, and Wall Street; ‘best’ foreign films; famous film poster taglines; best musical moments; MTV’s influence; dubious 80’s movies (i.e. Dolph Lundgren’s live-action He-Man epic, Masters of the Universe); a tribute to 80’s action heroes; best movie theme songs; a Brat Pack tribute; and exploring Steven Spielberg’s various connections (Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon-style) to other movie contributors. An index is also included.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 8½ Stars
