Best Films of 1984

These are starting to get stupid.

My least favorite Lynch film.

The sequel, not quite as good

As likable as Gene Wilder is it's tough to really enjoy this silly chauvinistic slapstick schtick.

Mid range Woody Allen

Bancroft turns in one of her better performances in this odd Sidney Lumet movie about a search for Greta Garbo

Not in the Airplane humor territory but still plenty of spoofing laughs to be had.

I'm guessing it doesn't hold up but this was an adventure I watched for a few years around Christmas as a kid.

One of my first late-night comedy memories. It doesn't hold up but still some classic scenes.

Classic low-brow comedy

Classic stoner comedy

Director: Wes Craven
His 7th movie
My 8th movie watched from the director

I think this was a creative approach to the horror genre. There are some really nice moments that will be visually memorable, otherwise it's kind of a shabby production and the acting is pretty bad. I realize these aren't terribly important for the genre, but it's still how I feel.

Added to Lists:

Top Ten Films - Wes Craven

Scared the hell out of me, but not in the way I'm sure it was intended. They may have made a valid effort to repeat the "2001" Kubrick masterpiece; but it didn't come close.

Director: Carl Reiner
His 9th Movie
My 6th movie watched from the director.

One of the last Steve Martins I had yet to see. I have known about it for about 25 years and finally got here. It's middle of the road for him. I just love him as an entertainer so even an average movie is well worth the watch and gets a decent rating.

Martin had his fair share of high-concept comedies in the 80s and this may be more of one than any other. Carl Reiner directs to the broadest of audiences, which I think limited the comedic possibilities with the concept.

Added to Lists:

Favorite High-Concept Comedies

They kick this city's ass; but it's only in the middle of the pack as far as Muppet outings go.

Feels like a missed opportunity for Williams to showcase his talent since many scenes are left unsatisfying.

A slow burn; but in the end triumphant.

Not Coppola's best but a nicely made period piece for sure, and Diane Lane is sexy as hell.

Hanks is fully entertaining in the machismo-fueled classic 80s B film.

I'm not sure why this movie is never mentioned... anywhere, it seems. It's proudly entertaining with two notable performances, from Hutton and Penn. It is also seems like a really important movie in the year it was released, 1984, making its obscurity even stranger.

Director: John Byrum
His 3rd movie
My 1st movie watched from the director

An interesting movie for 1980s Murray, as it's almost entirely dramatic and against type; but he plays it so well. His performance is hindered by poor direction and an uneven tone. His costars do a fine job, too. I really like the music and themes, it felt like an epic from the 60s and is full of beautiful and surprising moments.

Added to Lists:
Top Ten Performances - Bill Murray (Honorable Mention
The Let-It-Happen-Around-the-World Character

__________

Location: Lake Forrest, IL, USA; Paris, France

Even at a young age Roger Deakins knew how to be incredible behind the camera.

Scared the hell out of me when I was a kid.

If the internet was around, Google would have had a huge jump in mermaid porn searches after the release of this film.

A Blissful run of events intertwined with magical music. Abraham is the master of the annoyed.

When I was a kid I wished the story truly never ended.

Director: Jonathan Demme
His 8th Movie.
My 14th movie watched from the director.

I finally get the chance to watch this legendary concert film. It's creative, entertaining, and what concert movies have probably tried to top since, and likely failed. Still not as great as "The Last Waltz" but the reputation is understandable.

Classic high school comedy. Funny and stays funny through the years.

A perennial Christmas favorite

I still have the tag on my guitar, too.

An American epic that has its snags but in the end captures its characters and setting wonderfully.

The highest grossing (inflation adjusted) R-Rated comedy of all time.

I would paint fences for Miagi

Coens first feature: One hell of a start to an amazing career

No one in the LA area has named their child Sarah Conner since.

A classic for any baseball enthusiast.

Great 80s flare in a film that sounds dumb but pulls off its intentions wonderfully.

Awesome opening scene and pure awesome adventure from there on.