Daily Dirt: ‘The Big 80s’ were just that, especially in terms of the movies

Daily Dirt for Friday, Jan. 12, 2024

From the era before Meg Ryan had way too much plastic surgery, Bruce Willis had hair and Al Pacino wanted us to meet his little friends … welcome to today’s three thoughts that make up Vol. 836 of The Daily Dirt.

1. The decade was known as The Big ’80s largely because of all it offered in terms of pop culture, ranging from music to movies. For me, the movies resonated the most. Dozens of films from those 10 years have proven to have lasting impacts.

“Was the ’80s the golden age of movies? It might be hard to argue with that. It gave us some of the biggest movies … of all time and gave rise to the blockbuster,” writes Jamie Logie of medium.com.

Before I get to my 10 favorite movies from that memorable decade — which, by the way, is a list I revise at least once or twice a year — let me say I could easily list a top 50. So if your favorite 1980s film is not included in the following, don’t be upset. I’m sure they’re equally worthy. The 1980s was that good of a decade when it came to movies.

• 1. “When Harry Met Sally” (1989): This was one of the films that elevated Meg Ryan to “America’s Sweetheart.” It’s well-written with close to a perfect cast, including Billy Crystal in his finest performance ever. If there is such a thing, this would be the perfect romantic comedy. It’s difficult to believe that it’s 35 years old. Even when watching it today, it seems fresh and timely. 
• 2. “Die Hard” (1988): Speaking of perfect films, this might be the perfect action flick. It is a non-stop, edge-of-your-seat thriller that catapulted Bruce Willis to superstardom.
• 3. “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” (1986): This blockbuster was added to the National Film Registry in 2014. Yep, it was that good. It is also the high point of actor Matthew Broderick’s career. He hasn’t exactly been boffo box office since.
• 4. “Bull Durham” (1988): The. Best. Baseball. Movie. Ever. Susan Sarandon’s portrayal of Annie Savoy is legendary.
• 5. “The Terminator” (1984): This film made Arnold Schwarzenneger a major star. His famous line, “I’ll be back,” proved rather prophetic for his career.
• 6. “The Breakfast Club” (1985): Ladies and gentlemen, we introduce the Brat Pack. Famed director John Hughes was the king of the 1980s’ teen angst movies.
• 7. “Raiders of the Lost Ark” (1981): This is the one that started it all when it comes to this particular series. Harrison Ford was spectacular then and remains so in every subsequent viewing. It also has one of the most (unintentional?) thought-provoking endings ever.
• 8. “Back to the Future” (1985): A quality blend of sci-fi and comedy, thanks to Michael J. Fox and Christopher Lloyd.
• 9. “Dead Poets Society” (1989): Arguably, Robin Williams’ finest role. This film proved Williams was a talent in far more than comedy.
• 10. “Scarface” (1983): “Say hello to my little friend.” My favorite Al Pacino film. The excess and over-the-top approach to the movie was perfect for a decade that featured both. 

2. Some food for thought as we head into the weekend:

• A fitness trainer said to me the other day, “What kind of squats we doing today?” I responded, “Didly.”
• I was just wondering … is buttcheeks one word or should I spread them apart?
• I just saw a snowman shopping for carrots. He was picking his nose.
• I saw the sign “Please Keep Door Open” outside a room where a flatulence support group was meeting.
• It’s probably my age that tricks people into thinking I’m an adult.

3. Strange, but true: Tom Brady never took a snap in an NFL game where his team had been mathematically eliminated from the playoffs. Brady played for 23 years.

Another interesting fact about Brady: His 89,214 career passing yards represents 50.7 miles.

Steve Thought O’ The Day
My favorite character from any of those 1980s films might just be Annie Savoy.

Steve Eighinger writes daily for Muddy River News. He believes Lee Harvey Oswald acted alone, and he believes there ought to be a Constitutional amendment outlawing Astroturf and the designated hitter.