Al's Top Rated Films: 1986
Being born in 1981, the nostalgia continues. 1986 was a RAD year!
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- DirectorMartin ScorseseStarsPaul NewmanTom CruiseMary Elizabeth MastrantonioFast Eddie Felson teaches a cocky but immensely talented protégé the ropes of pool hustling, which in turn inspires him to make an unlikely comeback.Outstanding sports drama and Martin Scorsese's most underrated picture. It's also my favorite in his his entire filmography. Scorsese resurrects Paul Newman's quintessential pool hall hustling performance as "Fast Eddie Felson" from the timeless billiard inspired 1961 classic, "The Hustler". Now middle-aged and a successful liquor salesman, Eddie recruits a young, cocky and extremely talented pool player named Vincent to hit the road and score huge dough in different pool halls across the country as they work their way to a big money tournament in Atlantic City. They encounter many dramatic and comical situations along the way as Eddie teaches Vincent and his girlfriend/manager Carmen the art of the hustle. But as time moves on, Eddie starts to remember that "money won is twice as sweet as money earned," and decides to pursue his own path as a competitor. Fantastic sequel and easily Newman's best later career lead performance. I'd also have to say this is one of my favorite Tom Cruise roles as well. His innocent turned arrogant personality fit the role beautifully. Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio was also excellent as his girlfriend, Carmen. Helen Shaver, John Turturro, and Forest Whitaker have smaller, but excellent and memorable supporting roles. The score and soundtrack is also absolutely superb.
- DirectorRob ReinerStarsWil WheatonRiver PhoenixCorey FeldmanA writer recounts a childhood journey with his friends to find the body of a missing boy.Fantastic coming-of-age adventure from Rob Reiner and Stephen King set in the small town of Castlerock, Oregon, in the summer of 1959. The story follows four 12-year-old best friends named Gordie, Chris, Teddy and Vern; who spend their days together while they reflect on their troubled family lives and future ambitions. After a local story breaks about a 12-year-old boy named Ray Brower who's gone missing, Vern hears some of his older peers talking about the location of Ray's dead body, and how they were going to collect the reward money once they turn him in. Vern lets his buddies know, and they all decide to embark on a long 2-day journey to locate the body before their older peers do. Fantastic story, and easily one of my favorite coming-of-age films of all time. The entire cast was perfectly constructed, and they all share great chemistry together. It really brings back nostalgic memories of hanging with your best buddies at age 12. Wheaton, River Phoenix, Corey Feldman, and Jerry O'Connell all have fantastic lead performances. Richard Dreyfuss, Kiefer Sutherland, John Cusack, Casey Siemaszko, Gary Riley, Bradley Gregg, Jason Oliver Lipsett, Marshall Bell, Frances Lee McCain, Matt Williams, Dick Durock, Andy Lindberg, Chance Quinn, and others also had excellent supporting roles.
- DirectorHal NeedhamStarsBart ConnerLori LoughlinBill AllenThe story of one young man, Cru Jones, who has the intensity and desire to win a BMX race called Helltrack.Extraordinary sports drama from Hal Needham set in a small town during the engrossing boom of BMX and freestyle bicycles that influenced a whole generation of kids like myself. The story follows a teen named Cru Jones who loves nothing more than riding BMX bikes and attempting daring stunts with his best friends. When news hits that a massive professional BMX race sponsored by Mongoose Bicycles named "Helltrack" is coming to their small town, Cru decides he must find a way to compete at a chance to win $100,000, a new Chevrolet Corvette, and a career in BMX. With the help of his new girlfriend Christian and the support of the entire school, Cru must prove that he possesses the raw determination and talent to take down all the top pros at the Super Bowl of all BMX races. I was way into BMX bikes in the 90s, so this ended up being my most-watched film of all-time as a kid. It's literally the very best and most unique film of its kind, and there has never been anything that has come close to a BMX/Freestyle anthem like this. World famous stuntman Hal Needham handled the directing duties, and it's pure gold. I've never seen Bill Allen in any other roles besides this, and he delivered a fantastic lead performance as Cru. Bart Conner, Lori Loughlin, Jack Weston, Ray Walston, Alfie Wise, Marta Kober, Jamie Clarke, Laura Jacoby, H.B. Haggerty, Chad Hayes, Carey W. Hayes, Kellie McQuiggin, Beverley Hendry, Nancy MacDonald, and all the totally RAD BMX racers in this film were absolutely fantastic. It also has one of the best soundtracks of all time. Still a movie I watch and love today.
- DirectorOliver StoneStarsCharlie SheenTom BerengerWillem DafoeChris Taylor, a neophyte recruit in Vietnam, finds himself caught in a battle of wills between two sergeants, one good and the other evil. A shrewd examination of the brutality of war and the duality of man in conflict.Excellent war drama from Oliver Stone set in 1967 and follows a young and inexperienced man named Chris Taylor who leaves his squeaky clean privileged college life to enter combat in the Vietnam war. His role is trivial among the others soldiers, and is considered inferior with his lack of fighting experience. After an illegal killing occurs, power conflicts arise between the ruthless and merciless Staff Sergeant Robert Barnes and the level-headed and collaborative Sergeant Elias Grodin. Chris soon finds himself struggling to save his own life and sanity as the bloody war moves along and intense conflicts simultaneously occur within the platoon. Fantastic story and film all around. It's easily one of my favorite Oliver Stone and Vietnam war films overall. Charlie Sheen, Willem Dafoe, and Tom Berenger all deliver some of the greatest lead performances of their careers. Keith David, Francesco Quinn, Kevin Dillon, John C. McGinley, Reggie Johnson, Johnny Depp, Mark Moses, Corey Glover, Chris Pedersen, David Neidorf, Ivan Kane, and many others had great supporting roles.
- DirectorTony ScottStarsTom CruiseTim RobbinsKelly McGillisAs students at the United States Navy's elite fighter weapons school compete to be best in the class, one daring young pilot learns a few things from a civilian instructor that are not taught in the classroom.Excellent action-packed drama from Tony Scott that follows US Navy Lieutenant and skilled fighter pilot Pete "Maverick" Mitchell and his RIO Lieutenant Nicholas "Goose" Bradshaw after earning a spot at the prestigious elite flying school "Top Gun" to be trained as the best of the best aviators in the world. Maverick is known for his cocky and daring brand of flying, which catches the attention and concern of his peers and superiors. When tragedy strikes during a dogfighting training exercise, it derails Maverick's life as he attempts pick up the pieces and pursue his dream as a top pilot in his class. I loved this movie growing up, and still do. It absolutely screams "1980s" and has a charm and flair that still makes it wildly entertaining today. Also notable is the soundtrack, which I is arguably the best movie soundtrack ever created. From the opening anthem, to Kenny Loggins, Cheap Trick, Teena Marie, Berlin, Miami Sound Machine, Otis Redding, The Righteous Brothers...it's perfection through and through. Tom Cruise delivers my all-time favorite performance of his. Even if it isn't critically his best, he was perfect for the role. Anthony Edwards, Kelly McGillis, Tom Skerritt, and Val Kilmer also had great starring roles. Meg Ryan, James Tolkan, Michael Ironside, Barry Tubb, Rick Rossovich, John Stockwell, Tim Robbins, Whip Hubley, and others also had great supporting roles.
- DirectorRandal KleiserStarsJoey CramerPaul ReubensCliff De YoungIn 1978, a boy travels eight years into the future and has an adventure with an intelligent, wisecracking alien ship.Fantastic fantasy adventure from Randal Kleiser that follows a 12-year-old boy named David Freeman who mysteriously goes missing in 1978 when he's walking through the woods and accidentally knocks himself out by falling into a ravine. When he wakes up to walk out of the ravine, the year is 1986. He hasn't aged, nor does he have any memories from the past 8 years. NASA scientists work tirelessly to figure out a link between David and a mysterious spaceship they know very little about. When the spaceship starts to communicate with David telepathically, David is drawn to board the ship that's run by an alien robot, and decides to escape and take the magical ship on an adventure back home. Big nostalgic pick for me, and it's still a great film today. Joey Cramer delivered an excellent lead performance as David, and Paul Reubens (Pee-Wee Herman) was superb as the ship's intelligent alien pilot, Max. One of the better of its genre in the 80s. I still enjoy this movie to this day. Cliff De Young, Veronica Cartwright, Sarah Jessica Parker, Matt Adler, and Howard Hesseman all had very nice supporting roles.
- DirectorJames CameronStarsSigourney WeaverMichael BiehnCarrie HennDecades after surviving the Nostromo incident, Ellen Ripley is sent out to re-establish contact with a terraforming colony but finds herself battling the Alien Queen and her offspring.Outstanding action-packed sci-fi adventure written and directed by James Cameron. The story follows Officer Ellen Ripley waking up from hyper-sleep 57 years after the surviving the horrifying alien attack from the first film. She's quickly assigned to help a skilled and determined group of U.S. Colonial Marines rescue a space colony on the planet where the first alien originated. Meanwhile, they locate a young girl nicknamed Newt that appears to be the sole survivor of the war-ridden colony on LV-426 moon, who Ripley takes special interest in protecting. Soon they must face the horrifying wrath of the alien queen. The story and setup is far different film than the first film, and I'd have to say I like it even more. Perhaps the finest sci-fi flick I've ever seen. Sigourney Weaver arguably delivers her all-time best lead performance. Carrie Henn, Michael Biehn, Paul Reiser, Lance Henriksen, Bill Paxton, William Hope, Jenette Goldstein, Al Matthews, Mark Rolston, Ricco Ross, Colette Hiller, Daniel Kash, Cynthia Dale Scott, and others also had excellent supporting roles.
- DirectorAlan MetterStarsRodney DangerfieldSally KellermanBurt YoungTo help his discouraged son get through college, a funloving and obnoxious rich businessman decides to enter the school as a student himself.Hysterical comedy from Alan Metter that follows a wealthy and heavyset middle-aged businessman named Thorton Melon who owns a large chain of clothing stores for overweight people. When his son Jason informs him that he wants to drop out of the prestigious college he attends because he doesn't fit in, Thorton informs his nasty and cheating wife that he wants a divorce, and decides it's a great time for a life change, and heads out to attend college alongside his son Jason to help him succeed. And many things hilariously go wrong. Rodney Dangerfield was absolutely fantastic. I'd have to say it's his best lead performance of all time. Hilarious writing and a great story keeps this film in rotation at least once per year for me. It never fails to deliver laughs. Keith Gordon, Sally Kellerman, and Paxton Whitehead also have excellent starring roles. Burt Young, Terry Farrell, Robert Downey Jr., M. Emmet Walsh, Adrienne Barbeau, William Zabka, Ned Beatty, Sam Kinison, and many others had excellent supporting roles.
- DirectorJohn G. AvildsenStarsPat MoritaRalph MacchioPat E. JohnsonDaniel accompanies his mentor, Mr. Miyagi, to Miyagi's childhood home in Okinawa. Miyagi visits his dying father and confronts his old rival, while Daniel falls in love and inadvertently makes a new rival of his own.This has always been an underrated sequel to John G. Avildsen's classic 1986 coming-of-age underdog tale. The story follows Mr. Miyagi after receiving a letter from Okinawa informing him that his father had passed away, and that he needs to return to settle his family affairs. Daniel decides to join Mr. Miyagi to learn about Okinawa and his upbringing. Upon arriving, they run into his old friend and former karate student of his father's, Sato, and his nephew Chozen. Sato immediately threatens to kill Miyagi due to the way he left Okinawa decades ago, which sets off a boiling conflict between the two, and also between Daniel and Chozen. Meanwhile, Miyagi rekindles his relationship with a former sweetheart Yukie, and things heat up with Daniel and beautiful young woman named Kumiko. Ralph Macchio and Pat Morita prove to be a fantastic duo once again, and both deliver excellent lead performances. Danny Kamekona, Yuji Okumoto, Tamlyn Tomita, and Nobu McCarthy also have excellent starring roles. Martin Kove, William Zabka, Charlie Tanimoto, BD Wong, Traci Toguchi, and others also had great supporting roles.
- DirectorOliver StoneStarsJames WoodsJim BelushiMichael MurphyA burnt-out photojournalist becomes involved in a Central American revolution.Powerful historical drama/thriller from Oliver Stone set in 1980, and follows a veteran photojournalist named Richard Boyle with 20+ years of experience, who often puts himself in dangerous and deadly situations in to get the shots he needs. While he's good at his job, he also had a drinking and drug problem, along with multiple lovers and children in different countries. His delinquency lands him nearly unemployed after his wife leaves him, and he decides to hit the road with his friend Dr. Rock and head to El Salvador, where Richard believes he can find work covering the political disorder and violence surrounding the area. He soon finds himself in the middle of the Salvadoran Civil War as he works to find his other local lover and child identification cards so they aren't arrested and killed by authorities, while trying to get Pulitzer Prize winning photography of the war back to the United States. Compelling story all around. James Woods arguably delivers his all-time best lead performance. Jim Belushi, John Savage, Elpidia Carrillo, Cynthia Gibb, Tony Plana, Valerie Wildman, Juan Fernández, Michael Murphy, Colby Chester, and several others also had great supporting roles.
- DirectorJohn HughesStarsMatthew BroderickAlan RuckMia SaraA popular high school student, admired by his peers, decides to take a day off from school and goes to extreme lengths to pull it off, to the chagrin of his Dean, who'll do anything to stop him.Excellent coming-of-age comedy drama from John Hughes that follows a very popular high-school senior named Ferris Bueller who's dead set on taking a "sick day" from school, and pulls out every trick in the book to get it done. He drags is reluctant and mentally unstable friend Cameron along with him, and successfully sneaks his girlfriend Sloane out of class by posing as her father. With nothing to stop them, Ferris puts together a list of fun events on a whim. Ferris even talks Cameron into borrowing his father's restored 1961 Ferrari 250 GT, which creates some serious drama on top of the troubles Cameron's already dealing with. Hughes knows how to write these complicated and sometimes dark high school characters all too well. The story and acting is fantastic throughout. Matthew Broderick, Alan Ruck, and Mia Sara all deliver fantastic lead performances. Jeffrey Jones, Jennifer Grey, Edie McClurg, Charlie Sheen, Cindy Pickett, Lyman Ward, Ben Stein, Richard Edson, and others also had great supporting roles.
- DirectorDavid AnspaughStarsGene HackmanBarbara HersheyDennis HopperA coach with a checkered past and a local drunk train a small-town high school basketball team to become a top contender for the state championship in 1950s Indiana.Excellent sports drama based on true events from David Anspaugh. The story is set in 1951 Indiana, and follows a washed up basketball coach and alcoholic who's given the opportunity to coach a small-town basketball team. The players are below average, and it is unlikely that they'll ever get close to making the state championships. But through hard work, determination, and struggles with teachers and parents, he ends up shaping these players into major contenders for the 1954 Indiana state champions. Great story all around. Gene Hackman delivers one of his best lead performances. It's one of my favorites of his. Barbara Hershey and Dennis Hopper also have excellent starring roles. Steve Hollar, Brad Long, David Neidorf, Kent Poole, Wade Schenck, Scott Summers, Maris Valainis, Sheb Wooley, Chelcie Ross, Robert Swan, Fern Persons, Brad Boyle, and many others had great supporting roles.
- DirectorJames FoleyStarsSean PennChristopher WalkenMary Stuart MastersonReunited with his career criminal father, tough teen Brad thinks he's found his ticket to an exciting life of crime, only to find out he's wrong.Excellent crime drama from James Foley based on a true story that follows a young, troubled, party-loving teen named Brad, who's father is a professional thief and only stops by his Mom and Grandma's home to drop off money for the family every now and then. After getting into a fight with his mom's boyfriend, Brad goes to live with his father for awhile, and desperately wants to be part of their criminal organization. His father reluctantly agrees, and the first heist goes well. But on the second, a man is murdered, which makes Brad realize his father's life isn't the life for him. He and his brothers later go to jail for tractor theft when trying desperately to raise money to leave town with his girlfriend. That forces his father to make desperate and deadly moves when he believes his entire family with rat him out to the FBI. Sean Penn and Christopher Walken both delivered a couple of their finest lead performances. Mary Stuart Masterson, Chris Penn, Millie Perkins, Eileen Ryan, Tracey Walter, R.D. Call, David Strathairn, J.C. Quinn, Candy Clark, Kiefer Sutherland, Crispin Glover, and others had great supporting roles.
- DirectorWalter HillStarsRalph MacchioJoe SenecaJami GertzA wannabe blues-guitar virtuoso finds an old blues player and hopes he can teach him a long-lost song by legendary musician Robert Johnson.Excellent music drama from Walter Hill that follows a 17-year-old classic guitarist named Eugene Martone who becomes engrossed with blues music after attending Juilliard School for Performing Arts in New York City. He dreams of becoming a famous blues guitarist, and sets out to learn about a long lost song by legendary blues musician Robert Johnson. After learning that Johnson's longtime friend Willie Brown is still alive (and also a legendary blues musician), he decides to track Willie down so he can teach him the ways of Johnson's music as they make their way to the Mississippi Delta to learns the origins of the music. Lovely story with an absolute epic ending. Ralph Macchio, Joe Seneca, and Jami Gertz all deliver fantastic lead performances. Joe Morton, Robert Judd, Guy Killum, Steve Vai, Allan Arbus, Tim Russ, and others also had great supporting roles.
- DirectorDavid CronenbergStarsJeff GoldblumGeena DavisJohn GetzA brilliant but eccentric scientist begins to transform into a giant man/fly hybrid after one of his experiments goes horribly wrong.Excellent sci-fi/horror flick from David Cronenberg that follows a peculiar and gifted scientist named Seth Brundle who's on the brink of changing history with his new invention the he call "Telepods", which transports an object through space from one "Telepod" to the other "Telepod". When he meets a beautiful reporter from Particle Magazine named Veronica Quaife that's interested in his invention, he brings her back to his lab to give her a personal demonstration, and accidentally transforms himself into a mutated hybrid man/fly when his genes are spliced with an ordinary house-fly that snuck into the first Telepod. It turns out to be a race against time for Seth to find a cure before the house-fly genes completely take over his body and mind. Horrifying and very graphic at times, but also an excellent story all around. Both Jeff Goldblum and Geena Davis deliver excellent lead performances. John Getzm Joy Boushel, Leslie Carlson, and George Chuvalo also have very nice roles among a solid supporting cast.
- DirectorRobert HarmonStarsRutger HauerC. Thomas HowellJennifer Jason LeighA young man who escapes the clutches of a murderous hitchhiker is subsequently stalked by the hitcher and framed for his crimes.Excellent action-packed and horrifying crime thriller that follows a young man named Jim Halsey who's transporting a car from Chicago to San Diego, and decides to pickup a mysterious hitchhiker when he gets too sleepy while driving. The man's name is John Ryder, and it turns out he's a sadistic serial killer who likes to toy with his victims before brutally murdering him. He doesn't kill Jim as quickly as most of his victims, and decides to have a bit of fun while he plays crazed psychological games that prompts him to take reckless moves in fear of being killed. During an attempt at escaping, he encounters a young waitress at a diner named Nash who gets involved in the horrifying mayhem. Meanwhile, the police suspect Jim of being the murderer after Ryder frames him. C. Thomas Howell delivers one of his best lead performances, and Rutger Hauer really has the standout performance as a superb and unique villain throughout the film. Jennifer Jason Leigh also rounded out the starring cast perfectly, along with Jeffrey DeMunn.
- DirectorClint EastwoodStarsClint EastwoodMarsha MasonEverett McGillHard-nosed, hard-living Marine Gunnery Sergeant Tom Highway clashes with his superiors and his ex-wife as he takes command of a spoiled recon platoon with a bad attitude.Excellent comedy drama from Clint Eastwood set in 1983, and follows a highly decorated career veteran Marine named Gunnery Sergeant Tom Highway. He's seen his fair share of action in Korea and Vietnam, and employs fiercely assertive methods in his duties with a quick-witted and hostile attitude towards authority. He also has a drinking/anger problem that gets him in so much trouble that many of superiors would like to see him retire. He's tasked to take command and train a recon platoon with a poor attitude, and he's the perfect man to whip them into shape and make real marines. Meanwhile, he and his ex-wife face drama when he tries to enter back into her life. Excellent story all around with some great comedy added to the mix. Clint Eastwood delivered an excellent lead performance and was perfect for the role. Mario Van Peebles, Marsha Mason, Everett McGill, Moses Gunn, Eileen Heckart, Bo Svenson, Boyd Gaines, Arlen Dean Snyder, Vincent Irizarry, and many others had great supporting roles.
- DirectorJohn LandisStarsSteve MartinChevy ChaseMartin ShortThree actors accept an invitation to a Mexican village to perform their onscreen bandit fighter roles, unaware that it is the real thing.Hilarious comedy western from John Landis set in 1916, and follows three washed up out-of-work silent western film stars named Lucky Day, Dusty Bottoms and Ned Nederlander. After getting fired from their jobs, they receive a telegram from the small impoverished Mexican village of Santo Poco, who has mistaken them for actual gunfighting heroes like they have seen in their movies. The Amigos believe they are being paid for a movie role, but they are actually being paid to stop the evil and infamous El Guapo and his band of vandals who are taking over their land and killing their people. Great story and definitely one of my childhood favorites. Steve Martin, Chevy Chase, and Martin Short all deliver possibly my favorite lead performances from each of them. They had fantastic chemistry together throughout the film. Alfonso Arau also delivered a fantastic starring role as El Guapo. Patrice Martinez, Tony Plana, Kai Wulff, Joe Mantegna, Fred Asparagus, Benita Andre, Dyana Ortelli, Loyda Ramos, Rebecca Ferratti, and others also had great supporting roles.
- DirectorSpike LeeStarsTracy Camilla JohnsTommy Redmond HicksJohn Canada TerrellStory of a woman and her three lovers.Powerful and unique comedy drama from Spike Lee that follows a beautiful and alluring young Brooklyn woman named Nola Darling and her simultaneous sexual relationships with 3 men who desperately want her to drop the other guys and date them exclusively. She struggles with each of their strong and weak points as she examines the possibility of her being a sex-addict or a one-man woman like the men in her life want. While the subject matter is controversial, it's a very unique film and a fascinating look at the independence and power of woman in the 80s era. The tension-filled and risk-taking dialogue really makes Spike Lee's first film special. Tracy Camilla Johns delivered an excellent lead performance. Tommy Redmond Hicks, John Canada Terrell, and Spike Lee also delivered excellent starring roles. Raye Dowell, Joie Lee, S. Epatha Merkerson, Bill Lee, and others also had very nice supporting roles.
- DirectorJohn BadhamStarsAlly SheedySteve GuttenbergFisher StevensNumber 5 of a group of experimental robots in a lab is electrocuted, suddenly becomes intelligent, and escapes.Underrated sci-fi family comedy from John Badham that follows an $11 million experimental military robot named "Number 5" that's programmed to be an indestructible robot-soldier that will revolutionize war and destroy anything in its path on the battle-field. When he's struck by lightning, he magically takes on a mind and personality of his own, making him very much "alive". After he escapes, the military is dead set on destroying him, as they are convinced he's the killing machine they designed him to be, when he is anything but. He ends up making friends with a caring animal-loving woman named Stephanie Speck who becomes friends with him, and works to set him free from the government. I've always had a soft spot for this film. It's a nostalgic favorite for me. Ally Sheedy, Steve Guttenberg, Fisher Stevens, Tim Blaney, and G.W. Bailey all deliver some of their finest lead performances. Austin Pendleton, Brian McNamara, Marvin J. McIntyre, and others also had very nice supporting roles.
- DirectorHoward DeutchStarsMolly RingwaldJon CryerHarry Dean StantonA poor girl must choose between the affections of dating her childhood sweetheart or a rich but sensitive playboy.Great comedy drama/romance from Howard Deutch and John Hughes that follows a poor and unpopular high-school senior named Andie. She's a bit of an outsider, and spends most of her time with her friends Iona and Duckie. One day a popular rich boy by the name of Blane takes an unexpected interest in Andie; even though their family's incomes don't line up and his friends don't approve. Meanwhile, Duckie has always had a secret crush on Andie. Tensions rise between the three as the senior prom approaches, and finds Andie having to pick between the two boys. Very nice story, and a bit of a cult classic from John Hughes. Molly Ringwald, Jon Cryer, and Andrew McCarthy all delivered great lead performances. Annie Potts, James Spader, Harry Dean Stanton, and others also had very nice supporting roles.
- DirectorRichard BenjaminStarsTom HanksShelley LongAlexander GodunovA young couple struggles to repair a hopelessly dilapidated house.Hilarious comedy from Richard Benjamin that follows a young couple named Walter Fielding and Anna Crowley, who decide to spend what little money they have on a house of their own. They end up buying a gorgeous mansion from a crook selling it for a cheap price. A deal too good to be true immediately becomes the case, as the surface beauty of the house starts to fall apart in the most comical and destructive ways. If you have ever owned a house that is constantly falling apart, this comedy truly hits home...and sometimes a little too close to home. Tom Hanks and Shelley Long deliver excellent lead performances together and have great comedic timing, but also handle the dramatic parts beautifully when their marriage is on the rocks. Alexander Godunov, Maureen Stapleton, Joe Mantegna, Philip Bosco, Josh Mostel, and others also have very nice supporting roles.
- DirectorPeter FaimanStarsPaul HoganLinda KozlowskiJohn MeillonAn American reporter goes to the Australian outback to meet an eccentric crocodile poacher and invites him to New York City.Very nice action-packed comedy adventure from Peter Faiman that follows a New York City journalist named Sue Charlton who travels to the Australian outback to meet a quirky and legendary crocodile poacher named Mick "Crocodile" Dundee. After Mick saves Sue from a crocodile attack, she invites him to leave the jungle for the first time in his life and travel back to Manhattan with her, where he comically learns about modern urban life in the Big Apple. Very nice film to kick off the popular trilogy. Paul Hogan delivers a hilarious and iconic lead performance. Linda Kozlowski also delivered a great starring role. John Meillon, Mark Blum, Steve Rackman, David Gulpilil, Gerry Skilton, Maggie Blinco, Michael Lombard, Reginald VelJohnson, Rik Colitti, Anne Carlisle, Anne Francine, Nancy Mette, and others had very nice supporting roles.
- DirectorDon BluthStarsDom DeLuiseChristopher PlummerErica YohnWhile emigrating to the United States, a young Russian mouse gets separated from his family and must locate them while trying to survive in a new country.Great animated adventure and a nostalgic childhood favorite for myself. The story is set in 1885, and follows a young mouse named Fievel Mousekewitz who resides in the small Russian village of Shostka with his parents and siblings. Papa decides it's time they find a better life for themselves, and decides to relocate the family to America. He also claims there are no cats in America, which would be a dream come true. However, on their travels to their new home, Fievel gets separated from his family, and must embark on a dangerous quest to find them in a new world. And the cats? Yeah, America has them too. Phillip Glasser, Dom DeLuise, Nehemiah Persoff, Christopher Plummer, Erica Yohn, Amy Green, Madeline Kahn, and many others deliver excellent voice performances throughout.
- DirectorJohn CarpenterStarsKurt RussellKim CattrallDennis DunA rough-and-tumble trucker and his side kick face off with an ancient sorcerer in a supernatural battle beneath Chinatown.Cult classic action/comedy from John Carpenter that follows a tough wise-cracking truck driver named Jack Burton who gets involved in a bizarre adventure in the underground of Chinatown where they battle an evil sorcerer called David Lo Pan, among other things. The story was fascinating, but it just wasn't for me. While John Carpenter has created some of my favorite horror films, this was just a bit quirky of a story with a low-budget feel that didn't do much for me. Kurt Russell, Kim Cattrall, and Dennis Dun all delivered very nice lead performances. Suzee Pai, James Hong, Victor Wong, Carter Wong, Peter Kwong, James Pax, Chao Li Chi, Donald Li, and others also had nice supporting roles.
- DirectorBrian GibsonStarsJoBeth WilliamsCraig T. NelsonHeather O'RourkeThe Freeling family have a new house, but their troubles with supernatural forces don't seem to be over.Entertaining but underwhelming sequel to Tobe Hooper and Steven Spielberg's 1982 cult-classic horror flick. This time the direction is handled by Brian Gibson, and the story follows the Freeling family encountering more supernatural oddities after moving in with Diane's mother to recover from the trauma of the first film. The story just wasn't quite as gripping as them first. JoBeth Williams, Craig T. Nelson, and Heather O'Rourke have nice starring roles. Oliver Robins, Zelda Rubinstein, Will Sampson, Julian Beck, Geraldine Fitzgerald, and others also have nice supporting roles.
- DirectorJerry ParisStarsSteve GuttenbergBubba SmithDavid GrafThe alumni of Commandant Lassard's Police Academy (1984) return to the school to train new recruits and prevent its closure.Another funny installment in the Police Academy franchise. They're never great films, but always wildly entertaining. This time we see the original gang returning to school to train a new set of recruits after budget cuts hit the department. It's up to them to save the academy before Commandant Mauser ruins everything for them Steve Guttenberg, Bubba Smith, David Graf, Michael Winslow, Marion Ramsey, Leslie Easterbrook, Art Metrano, Bobcat Goldthwait, Tim Kazurinsky, George Gaynes, among several others have nice performances.