Not Another Top Ten Countdown

It happened again...I am stuck in my seat, hands buttery from too much popcorn and stairing at the credits as people shovel past me in a earnest attempt to get to the exits. As I step out of the movie theatre I am blinded by the sunlight and thinking to myself, "Wow, That movie sucked." That experience which happend not too long ago and is what inspired me to write my next article recounting my top ten favorite 1980/1990's teen movies. Now I chose to narrow this down to movies that involved either teens or High School settings. The reason being that It would be to monumental a task to try and incorporate the many different genres that the 80's and 90's produced. Remember that Raging Bull is considered one of the best movies of all time. But what people of my generation are drawn too is somewhat different to what critics and or older people are drawn too. It was an 80's movie per se but it didn't capture that 80's feel. And that's what Im trying to convey in my choices, and remember these are my favorites, If you disagree that completely alright. Now let us begin with number 10. Enjoy.



Why I like It
Now Im sure your all saying "Wow Big Surprise..." but I think That Ferris Bueller's Day Off is one of the reason sites like Retro Junk are up. Mathew Brodderick is almost the 80's posterboy because of this film. All the way from the Soundtrack, who can forget the "Oh Yeah" lyrics at the begining. Camerons house is The optimity of 80's architecture. And Ferris' girlfriend Sloane was very pretty which helped alot. I especially like the scene when they are singing Twist and Shout at the parade.







Why I like It
Bill and Teds Excellent Adventure In my opinion is the re birth of the young comic duo. Movies like Waynes World and Harold and Kumar are successors to the original slacker duo of Keanu Reeves and Alex Winter. Keanu's voice is the personification of the term Slacker. And who wouldn't want a Time Traveling Phone Booth. I leave this movie with a quote from the Film "This is a dude who, 700 years ago, totally ravaged China, and who, we were told, 2 hours ago, totally ravaged Oshman's Sporting Goods. "



Why I like It
For Me Edward Scissorhands will always be a unique favorite. Tim Burton's finest movie in my estimation. The way the film is shot it truly unique. Although the setting is not completely reminiscent of the early 90's the film still has that feel to it. I don't know about you but for the longest time I wished that there would be a Movie with Freddy Kreuger vs. Edward Scissor Hands. Talk about dextrous mayhem!



Why I like It
The Karate Kid is unquestionably one of the best underdog movies of all time. "Wax on, Wax Off" is still the best self defence advice ever given.Joe Esoposito's "Your the Best" song still pumps me up And how many times did you fend off the neighborhood bully with a well placed Crane Kick? Take that Cobra Kai!



Why I like It
Stand by Me is probably the most emotional movie on the list. It deals with real issues like death. I enjoy it because you get a sense of what a boy growing up in the 50's or 60's was like.I wish that I could have went on a trip like the kids did along the tracks,Too bad I grew up in the city! I really like the scene where Gordie tells Ace to "Suck my Fat One!" Priceless..



Why I like It
Now here's where we really break it down. The previous 5 movies were great in their own right. However the next 5 are what the whole 80's teen flicks are all about. Fast Times was great because you found yourself completely emerged in the 80's. From the fashions seen through out the movie to the mall with all the old stores. Sure the movie is field with sexual innuendo and drugs, but isn't that what the 80's were all about? A little known fact is that Fast Times at Ridgemont High is actually based on a book by Cameron Crowe. Who can forget the scene where Sean Penn is eating Pizza in class? That's totally Rad!



Why I like It
I just recently saw the Movie Three oclock High. I was surprised because The chracter of Jerry Mitchell was played by Casey Siemmaszko and He also played the tough brother in Stand By Me. I liked it becasue it was filmed in a almost realtime fashion. Jerry had till 3:00 before he would have to fight the herculean Buddy Revell. This movie also gave you a great sense of school in the 80's with the fashion. Just look at Jerry Girlfriend Franny. Her Hair and Earings scream 80's. Three Oclock High it probably the lesser known of 80's teen movies but it still captured the essence. If you don't agree ask Buddy Revell!



Why I like It
Dazed and Confused will go down as one of the
quintessential "Teenager" movies. It belongs in the same category as film masterpieces like American Graffiti and West Side Story. However for different reasons. The success of a film depends on how it connects with the people. Although I wasn't a pot smoking philosopher I can see why the movie got such warm reception by audiences. Any body who ever been in a public highschool can see the similarities. All the way from the Senior's hazing rituals and animosity towards the freshman to the feelings of uncertainty of life after school. Filled with classic moments and hilarious pranks, Dazed and Confused is a benchmark of movie making.
As Simone would say "I did it when I was a freshman, and you'll do it when you're seniors. but you're doing great. Now fry like bacon, you little freshman piggies. Fry!"




Why I like It
This choice may seem to come out of left field but when I first saw this movie I literally watched it again and again. As I said before, It is all how the movie connects to you. At the time I had just stopped working at a major retail store. I loathed it. All the nagging customers and rude managers, it was a very unpleasant time. When I watched this movie I thought "Now, that would be cool, to work with no supervision in a empty Target with a beautiful girl, Nice!" Career Opportunities also gave you a direct look back into the late 80's. Large stores were probably the best way to observe a culture. Seeing all the old logos and products really provide a surreal glimpse into the past. This movie is a Must See. Jennifer Connely alone is a factor in this movies' greatness.



Why it's the BEST
I am sure alot of you had mix feelings about some of my choices but I think a large majority will agree with me on the Goonies.This movie features some of the biggest kid stars of the 80's. It it original beyond compare. Who doesn't want to go spelunking for buried treasure? What I particularly enjoyed was the cozy setting of the movie, The Goondocks as it is put. I remember seeing a fan based website with an article and they were actually selling the house it was filmed in. For me this movie offered a little of everything. It was not to deep or too light harted. A balanced blend of humor and also a lesson. Yes The Goonies will always have a special place in my VCR. Remember "The Goonies never say never!"

Well there you have it. My Top Ten Teen Movies. It sounded simple at first but when I started thinking about each of these movies so much came to mind. It would have been futile trying to say everything I wanted too. Looking back though you can see the effects of some of those movies today. Superbad for instance is a direct predesessor of Dazed and Confused. And with movies like High School Musical the teen movie trend is alive and thriving. In conclusion I would like to thank the sites that I got some of the pictures off of and you the reader for your time. Thank you.