Childhood Memories and Great Movies

Nathaniel, I accept your blogging challenge. First, let me point out that I’m not a film critic (obviously). I do, however, enjoy good movies, particularly films that make you think. Anyway, here are a few films that I truly enjoyed as a child and adolescent.


Jaws (1975)
This Spielberg film is a masterpiece. I enjoyed every minute of it. I actually saw this film in the 80s. I had no negative comments about it at the time, which is interesting because I’m a pretty judgmental person; well, not all the time, but I have my moments. Of course, I was a young kid who hadn’t really thought much about films. That would change in the 90s.


Carrie (1976)
I was blown away. De Palma is a gifted director. It didn’t feel like a horror film, it was just a great movie that I enjoyed immensely. High school can be such a drag sometimes, and I remember empathizing with Carrie from the start. There was another thing that I got from this movie—we’re all special in some way. Carrie had telekinetic powers; unfortunately, many people were hurt in the end. As they say, payback is a bitch. Sissy Spacek was amazing.

Superman (1978)
Christopher Reeve was such a handsome man. My family and I enjoyed this film so much. Also, Margot Kidder will forever be Lois Lane in my book. She rocked! My favorite line in the movie was; “you’ve got me; who’s got you?” Oh, that really takes me back.

Dawn of the Dead (1979)
I also saw this film some time in the 80s. And for some strange reason, I fell in love with zombies. Of course, not all zombie movies are great, but the idea is quite powerful. These films feed on our basic fear of the unknown, disease, predators, blood, guts, the undead, and so on. It’s scary to think that there are zombie-like diseases in the animal kingdom. So, these films are far fetched but not beyond the realm of possibility.

Nine to Five (1980)
I think I saw this film for the first time in the late 80s. Jane Fonda, Lily Tomlin, and Dolly Parton! What a great cast. This was such a fun movie to watch. This film was kind of educational for me. Seriously! I remember being appalled by management’s lack of consideration. I was so happy when the girls took over the company. Corporate America can suck, but this film offered hope.


Excalibur (1981)
Yeah, I’m a bit of an anglophile. I just thought this film was enchanting and beautiful. I can’t remember how old I was when I first saw it, but I enjoyed it!

Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981)
I loved this film. Harrison Ford was the perfect Indiana Jones. I remember feeling so excited after watching this film. I think I wanted to be an archaeologist after watching this film. Well, I didn’t become an archaeologist/adventurer, but I love how some films can inspire you to think big.


E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982)
Spielberg did it again. This is also a magnificent film. I just loved the fact that everyone around the world had seen it. And how cute was Drew? Anyway, I loved it. I should watch it again some time.

The Secret of NIMH (1982)
What an amazing animated film. I just loved the whole idea: lab rats escape and create an impressive community. They borrow electricity from a local farmer and lead extraordinary lives. My favorite animated feature of all time.

Tootsie (1982)
I remember my mother just loved this film. Of course, I watched the film a second time in the 90s, and just fell in love with it all over again. Jessica Lange’s performance was unforgettable. Who wouldn’t fall in love Lange’s Julie Nichols?

Karate Kid (1984)
This film made me feel like I could take on the world. I actually took karate lessons after watching it. I wasn’t a total disaster, but I’m no Daniel LaRusso. Also, this film had everyone at my school uttering the same phrase over and over again: “Wax on, wax off.” Pat Morita is the man!

Howard the Duck (1986)
This wasn’t one of my favorite movies. I thought Lea Thompson was cute, and the movie was entertaining, but that’s about it. The reason I’ve decided to include this film is because it really got under my skin. For some reason, I found it somewhat disturbing. Yeah, the thought of a big duck having sex with a human (the lovely Lea) was too much for me. It still kind of creeps me out.

The Brave Little Toaster (1987)
Yes, I loved The Brave Little Toaster. It’s true. I saw this animated film on the Disney Channel. Old, forgotten appliances venture into the unknown to find their beloved owner. It kind of made me appreciate the things I grew up with—my old teddy bear, for example. It was just great animated film.


Dirty Dancing (1987)
“Nobody puts baby in a corner.” How many times have we heard that one? Yeah, I loved this film. I remember my mother used to love the soundtrack, as did I. Patrick was so hot in this movie. Great memories!


Beetle Juice (1988)
Fun, fun, fun! Yeah, I also enjoyed every minute of this movie. Michael Keaton was hilarious. Of course, the real star was Tim Burton. He’s so talented. I love his dark imagination and sense of humor.

Heathers (1989)
Yes! Winona Ryder rocked in this film. This was a very cool movie that I enjoyed from start to finish. My favorite line was: “My son's a homosexual, and I love him. I love my dead gay son.” Acceptance is such a beautiful thing.

Ghost (1990)
I don’t believe in ghosts, but I sure did enjoy this film. It had everything: suspense, humor, sensuality, and so much more. Whoopi delivered a fine performance.

Ok, I could go on and on, but I need to stop typing at some point. So, I’ll conclude this post by summarizing my thoughts. Actually, I should first point out that not all of these were summer films. However, they all left a lasting impression on my boyish and adolescent brain. The funny thing is, as a kid, I never questioned why I liked a film. It was such a natural, uncomplicated process. Now, as an “adult,” I find myself scrutinizing almost every aspect of a film. I miss the days when I just trusted my instincts. I totally agree with Nathaniel’s statement, “it's those years as a kid that inform movie love as an adult.” Interestingly, even now, there are moments when I can’t quite articulate why I like (or dislike) a certain film. These moments can be quite refreshing because they force you trust yourself without question. It's like you're a kid all over again.