There's a little boy in all of us (unless, it's a little girl, and since we don't discriminate you're welcome to stick around). He's an adventurer, out to save the world (or in most cases, his little part of it) and his imagination runs wild with delusions of grandeur, day dreams of defiance against authority, and dalliances in to dangerous territory. After all, what are little boys if not fearless, fun seeking, fist in the air rebels with a cause?
These are the films that made every eight-year-old mamas boy in the eighties want to go out and buy a whip, or a sword, or a light saber (and in some cases a microwave) to act out their greatest fantasy-being the hero. And, finally, you get to be one yourself by sharing your favorite films with the next generation of boy wonders.
Dads get ready for a trip down memory lane as we share our favorite flicks from the late 1970's and 80's- the classics you can't wait to watch with your favorite pint-sized adventurer.
This is Fodder 4 Father's Top Ten Fantasy Flicks from (in and around) the 1980's:
Gremlins (1984)
How many kids went home after watching this flick, waited til after midnight and dropped a bucket of water on their Guinea Pig? Imagine, not following the rules has consequences... If that's not a fantastic lesson for kids, what is? But, you may want to skip over the whole kitchen scene... I think Jeffrey Damer mentioned that was his favorite movie scene of all time.
Ghostbusters (1984)
"That's a big Twinkie!" This is one of the best movies ever, spawning one of the best cartoons. I'm holding my 48" action figurine of the Stay Puft Marshmellow Man as I write this wishing it was on TV right now. It's a must see. Not showing it to your kid would be child abuse (well, you know what I mean).
Star Wars (1977)
Here's a film about teaching a whiny kid to find his path in life despite his father's glaring short comings. I'm guessing Donald Trump never let his kids watch it. And you should know better than to let your kid ever watch the prequels... Jar Jar Binks? What was George Lucas on?
The Princess Bride (1987)
Forget the love story, this movie had it all- Andre the Giant, a pirate, a sword fight... and R.O.U.S.'s? I still don't know if Carey Elwes said "to the pen" or "to the pain" - it was a horrible line anyway, but it still won't detract from this great film. Plus, it will show your kid how cool grandpa can be- not!
The Goonies (1985)
From a kid that grew up overwieght, "Chuck loves Sloth"- need I say more? Sure, it's a story about a bunch of kids taking on a bunch of criminals (both the Fratelli's and the Bank) to save their parents from losing their homes- but don't we all hope our kids will strike it rich and take care of us? (See Britney Spears, Lindsey Lohan, MacKauley Culkin)
E.T.: The Extra Terrestrial (1982)
Mmmm. Reese's Pieces. This film just had it all- men from outer space, men walking around in Hazmat suits looking like their going to outer space, an alien with an extendable neck and a finger that glows, and one of the best catchphrases of the 1980's" "Phone Home!"
Again, this film had it all...Well, except for a Dad... what's up with that Steven Spielberg?
Indiana Jones: Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981)
Plot: Nerd becomes Action hero when you get him wet or leave him in a pit of snakes. Best scene is the sword (if you can call it that) fight. And, even at the age of six, Karen Allen wasn't so bad to look at. My dad told me this was based on the serials he used to watch when he was a kid. I asked him if it was a long way from the theatre to the outhouse? He told me to shut up and made me listen to more "authenitc" audio tapes of the "Shadow" and "The Lone Ranger" radio hours. Man, if not for him taking me to the movies, Sundays with my Dad sucked.
Willow (1988)
I remember liking this film, but I can't remember why? Maybe it's the name Mad Martigan, or the fact that my brother told me all the little people in the film where the same one's they used to play the Ewoks. Or, maybe it was the whole unlikely hero plot- you're never too small to get the job done! Yeah, that's probably it. Anyway, your kid will love it, and ask you to re-create that whole toboganning scene with him. Good father son bonding if you ask me.
Clash of the Titans (1981)
Aw, Claymation... I wonder how many kids watched this film and tried to make their own characters out of Play-Doh? According to this film, Zeus was the first Forty-Year-Old Virgin, as he had more action figures than anyone. Summary: The Gods are bored. They mess around with the wrong human and get their just desserts. Sounds stupid, but when you're eight, who cares - it had a flying horse and a mechanical Owl! They tried to re-make this film with CG, but it doesn't hold a candle to the original. Watch it with your kid; you'll be making a life-sized Kraken together before the credits roll.
Back to the Future (1985)
Last but not least is this classic about going back in time, helping your dad not to be a dork so he'll change his destiny, and in turn yours. It's every father's dream for his son to see what kind of a loser he was in high school...but watch this with your kid, its one of the 80's best... that is unless you're "chicken?" Bock... Bock...
Which one of your favorites did I miss? Leave a comment to add yours to the list!
Psst, it's "Chunk loves Sloth"
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