Movie Marathon: 1985-1988

Ladyhawke (1985) directed by Richard Donner, starring Matthew Broderick, Rutger Hauer, Michelle Pfeiffer, John Wood, Alfred Molina.

One of my favorite '80s movies, and a favorite of my parents. There is the comedic performance of a rather young Broderick, the eerily creepy Wood (who cp-starred in Broderick's only other movie at the time, WarGames), the incandescent Pfeiffer. The soundtrack by Alan Parson's Project is strangely fitting. The story is my favorite part. I read that the marketing claimed the story was based on medieval legend, and I was surprised to find out this wasn't true. It seems like a story that should have been a legend passed down through generations. A legend with modern developments.

Phillipe Gaston- I know I promised, Lord, never again. But I also know that you know what a weak-willed person I am.

Phillipe- Are you flesh? Or are you spirit?
Isabeau D'Angou- I am sorrow.

Phillipe- Sir, the truth is I talk to God all the time. And no offense, but He never mentioned you.

Phillipe- We have come full circle, Lord. I would like to think there is some higher meaning in this. It certainly would reflect well on You.


St. Elmo's Fire (1985) directed by Joel Schumacher, starring Emilio Estevez, Rob Lowe, Andrew McCarthy, Demi Moore, Judd Nelson, Ally Sheedy, Andy MacDowell.

My favorite Brat Pack movie. There's just something about the good-natured drama that appeals to me. Who hasn't slept with a friend just because they could, or thrown away job after job because it's just not like college, or attempted suicide via cold room? Ok, I haven't done either of these things, but then, I wasn't twenty-five in the '80s. You just have to roll your eyes at the sap, and enjoy the sheer drama. "It's our time at the edge," as Billy so aptly puts it.

Another note: I read that Robert Downey Jr. was once considered for the role of Billy. Would have been a much cooler movie.

Kirby- There are several quintessential moments in a man's life: losing his virginity, getting married, becoming a father, and having the right girl smile at you.

Jules- You break my heart. Then again, you break everyone's heart.

Billy- It's cool. It ain't a party till something gets broken.


The Untouchables (1987) directed by Brian De Palma, starring Kevin Costner, Sean Connery, Andy Garcia, Robert De Niro, Patricia Clarkson, Charles Martin Smith

I love historical fiction, so this movie is on the top of my list. True, there are serious factual discrepencies, such as the fact that Smith's character, Oscar Walllace was based on a IRS agent who had nothing to do with The Untouchables, who was not killed by Capone's agents. Still, it has a great narrative, some of the quotes and scenes are classic, and it has that Chicago in the '20s feel. And of course, the actors are great. I'm not a big Costner fan, but Connery and De Niro are my favorites, plus the supporting acotrs, Clarkson and Smith are excellent. My favorite, though is Garcia as loyal sharpshooter George Stone. His exchange with Connery is excellent:

Malone- I said you're a lying member of a no-good race.
Stone- Much better than you, you stinking Irish pig.
Malone- Oh, I like him.

Malone- You just fulfilled the first rule of law enforcement: make sure when your shift ends you go home alive. Here endeth the lesson.


The Princess Bride (1987) directed by Rob Reiner, starring Cary Elwes, Mandy Patinkin, Chris Sarandon, Andre the Giant, Fred Savage, Robin Wright, Carol Kane, Billy Crystal.

A modern fairy tale, and everybody's favorite movie. I don't know anybody who can't quote this movie front to back. All I can say, is that if this is not your favorite movie, ever, you have very poor taste.

Man in Black- Look, are you just fiddling around with me, or what?
Fezzik- I want you to feel you're doing well. I hate for people to die embarrassed.

Vizzini- He didn't fall? Inconceivable!
Inigo Montoya- You keep using that word. I do not think it means what you think it means.


Willow (1988) directed by Ron Howard, starring Val Kilmer, Warwick Davis, Jeanne Whalley

Another excellent fairy tale. I remember watching this movie for the first time as a child, probaby one of the first movies I ever saw. I only recently saw it again, and found it had lost none of its magic. I loved the interaction between Davis and the infant, he's a much better actor than he gets credit for. Kilmer and Whalley have a great antagonistic chemistry, that reminds me a little bit of Nicol Williamson and Helen Mirren in Excalibur.

Madmartigan- I. . . I just wasn't myself last night.
Sorsha- I suppose my power enchanted you and you were helpless against it.
Madmartigan- Sort of.
Sorsha- Then what?
Madmartigan- It went away.
Sorsha- Went away? "I dwell in darkness without you" and it went away?

Willow- We found one of your babies in our village. Will you please take care of her?
Airk- We're going into battle, little ones. Find a woman to take care of her.
Madmartigan- He thought you were a woman, Airk!