Okay, in a previous blog, I was talking about movies that turn 25 this year. Twenty-five years – it seems like only yesterday I was watching these favorites of mine at the theater!
First Blood
If you didn’t get enough Sylvester Stallone in Rocky III in 1982, you certainly must have gotten your fill with his then-new character, John Rambo, in First Blood. John was just a Vietnam vet who just wanted to be left alone, but the town police wouldn’t let that happen and he unleashed all his Green Beret experience upon them. If you enjoy a film with lots of action, this is a good one. This film is definitely the best of the Rambo series as far as I am concerned, but then I think I slept through Rambo III.
The World According to Garp
I know a movie is good when it inspires me to go and read the novel on which it is based. The World According to Garp was the first film to give us a clue that former “Mork and Mindy” funnyman Robin Williams could and would turn out to be a good, solid dramatic actor. Of course, it would be another 16 years after Garp before Robin would be honored for a similar role (a character who is both funny and sad) in Good Will Hunting with a Best Support Actor Oscar.
Fast Times at Ridgemont High
This is a great film that absolutely captures the carefree fun and anguish of teen life in the late 70s/early 80s. It also introduced us to many up and coming stars. In addition to a young Sean Penn (in an uncharacteristic stoner role), Jennifer Jason Leigh (who I believe is one of the most underrated actresses of my generation), and Judge Reinhold (few actors had more high profile movies in the 80s than Reinhold), look for a very young Anthony Edwards of “ER” fame as a stoner friend of Jeff Spicoli (Sean Penn). Eric Stolz (who’s character is only listed as Stoner Bud), and an even younger Nicolas Cage as Brad’s Friend (listed in the credits under his real name of Nicolas Coppola).
So there you have it, my favorite films of 1982. Did I leave out any of your favorites?