Ryan’s Bodacious Weekly Countdown
Top 5 Summer Movies of the 80s
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5. Dirty Dancing – Okay, so I'm a dude, and am putting my manhood on
the line here, but the “Double D” was an 80s staple, and the
summer vacation that Baby took up to Kellerman's was indeed
memorable. It's the same old story of “Boy Meets Girl,” “Boy
teaches Girl dirty dancing moves” and “Boy and Girl make out,
love each other, and get the crowd to participate in a grand
finale dance along.” Johnny (RIP Swayze . . .) knew exactly how
to wow the ladies and made sure at the end, that “nobody puts
Baby in a corner.” And honestly, with that nose, who could? |
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4. Summer School – Mr Shoop (Mark Harmon) is one moment away from
hitting up Hawaii for summer vacation, when he is forced to
teach remedial English to a group of slackers and malcontents.
Shoop manages to convey the importance of learning and
responsibility through offbeat teaching methods and personal
encounters with his students. Killer bunnies, Texas Chainsaw
Massacre and house party moments all add to the movie’s
memorable scenes. The movie didn't boost too many acting
careers, however Courtney Thorne Smith (Pam) eventually landed
on Melrose Place and then, the TV series “According to Jim” . .
. and “According to Me” that show really sucked. |
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3.
One Crazy Summer – Demi Moore. John Cusack. Bobcat Freaking
Goldthwait. It's a tri-fecta of talent . . . 80s style!! It's a
hat trick of hilarity! Well, kind of . . . I have to admit I am
biased on this one. I loved Demi Moore ever since “Blame it on
Rio.” Her smoky voice and her genuine hotness made me think even
“Wisdom” was a good movie (look it up). Maybe it was the dog
with the cone apparatus on his neck. Maybe it was the guy who
eats all the beans and sits in the chair with a suffering and
suffocating George below. Maybe it was the “chili dog!” All in
all, it is a mindless and entertaining piece of 80s nostalgia.
Just like Goldthwait's career. |
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2.
The Great Outdoors – “Reunited and it feels so Good!” Candy
and Aykroyd made us laugh until we were, well, “blue” in the
face in the Blues Brothers (okay, so Candy didn't have a huge
role but still . . . “Orange Whips” anyone?). They come together
as Chet and Roman, brother-in-laws with initial differences in
just about everything, and find ways to make the best out of the
absolute worst situations. From water skiing, to 96 ounce meat
eating, there's a scene chock full of laughs throughout. I leave
you with one question to ask yourself -- “Hot dogs . . . you know
what they're made out of?” And, if you don't know the answer,
get yourself to the store and buy the DVD. It's time to upgrade
from that old VHS tape you have. |
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1.
National Lampoon's Vacation – Clark W. Griswold. A name as
influential and important as any known to man. The movie itself
is so incredibly full of catchy quotes, that it would be
impossible to list them all on just one page. While European
Vacation was abysmal and Vegas Vacation left me unfulfilled
(Christmas Vacation was a masterpiece), the original Vacation
that introduced us to Clark, Ellen, Rusty and Audrey, to me is a
clear cut number one on this list . . . and not necessarily just
Summer 80s movies, but possibly on All Time 80s movies. It was
that good. The family's quest to get to Wally World through car
crashes, family deaths and even 2nd degree dog murder, redefined
the hurdles that a father would endure to provide for the family
he loved so dearly. Chevy Chase had a great run in the 80s, but
unfortunately, it seems his career has completely tanked since
he has gotten older. Take note of that Justin Bieber . . . once
puberty hits . . . yikes! |
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