As a cinephile who has spent countless hours exploring the vast and varied landscape of cinema, I must say that these three films stand out as some of the most delightfully absurd examples of campy horror and musical comedy from the 1980s.
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and this applies to absolutely every piece of art and its various mediums. What’s beautiful for you may be ugly to others, and movies follow this same rule. Saying a movie is bad should be the result of a thorough evaluation with enough arguments because, remember, perhaps the movie isn’t bad. It’s just that you may not like it. At the very bottom of the conversation about “bad movies,” there lie those that are so, so bad, they’re actually good and fun to watch.
1980s was a golden era for B-movies, often ridiculed yet fondly watched due to their unintentionally humorous flaws. Ranging from nonsensical plots to financial constraints, these imperfections make them unique gems for many movie enthusiasts. The 80s had a distinctive horror genre, an unusual choice of music, and martial arts that deviated from the legendary Bruce Lee’s kung fu style, which characterized these so-bad-they’re-good films from the 1980s.
10 Pieces (1987)
In the movie titled “Pieces“, college students find themselves up against a merciless killer who beheads victims in broad daylight and appears to keep body parts as souvenirs. The enigma surrounding this chainsaw-loving murderer is eventually unraveled, and it’s closely connected to the film’s opening scene, which is infamous for its chilling 1980s horror introduction.
One of Hundreds That’s Just Special
Despite being just another horror movie in a crowded genre, “Pieces” stands out as an original, yet uneven production. The film leans heavily on typical slasher elements such as intense gore, nudity, and poor dubbing. However, its opening scene serves as a trial: if you can stomach the grisly 10-year-old Timmy brutally murdering his mother with an axe, then “Pieces” might be your kind of movie. Particularly noteworthy is its ending, which concludes in a poetic and extremely graphic fashion, tying up loose ends.
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9 No Retreat, No Surrender (1986)
No Retreat, No Surrender centers around Jason Stillwell, a teenager with an intense fascination for Bruce Lee. He spends his days honing his skills at his father’s dojo. However, their peaceful life is disrupted by unwelcome guests. A ruthless crime lord aims to control all the martial arts schools in the nation, forcing Jason and his family into hiding. In a bizarre turn of events, Jason receives ghostly guidance from Bruce Lee himself, right before an crucial kickboxing competition.
Attempting to Cash In on The Karate Kid’s Success
Under the guidance of martial arts choreographer Corey Yuen, the film No Retreat, No Surrender strives to deliver what its title promises: a martial arts movie seeking to cash in on the popularity of The Karate Kid. However, the production values appear quite meager, and the acting is so subpar that you might find yourself chuckling each time Jason has disagreements with his father. Jean-Claude Van Damme’s portrayal as a Soviet fighter serves as an amusing bonus due to his rather humorous acting skills.
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8 Chopping Mall (1986)
In the movie titled “Chopping Mall“, a bunch of teenagers employed at the Park Plaza Mall opt to continue their celebration into the night, once the mall is closed for business. Unfortunately, they’re oblivious to the fact that the recently installed security system features aggressive robots which become malfunctioning after being struck by lightning, leading to chaos as they indiscriminately attack anything within reach.
A Great Gateway Horror Film
Featuring a youthful Barbara Crampton, Chopping Mall offers a humorous yet insightful take on horror, subtly challenging the notion of seriousness while offering a thought-provoking critique on American consumer culture. The robots are amusingly awkward and not particularly terrifying. It serves as an excellent introduction to the thrilling world of B-movie horrors for those eager to delve into their less frightening aspects.
7 Mac and Me (1988)
The movie titled Mac and Me centers around a boy named Eric Cruise who, using a wheelchair, forms an unusual friendship with a stranded alien called MAC. As the story unfolds, it is revealed that this mysterious creature has extraordinary powers, but Eric resolves to help him reunite with his family despite this newfound knowledge. This plotline might seem familiar today, but in 1988, American audiences were taken by surprise!
Following E.T.’s Blueprint the Wrong Way
The movie is a humorous imitation of Steven Spielberg’s “E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial.” Its creation faced initial challenges since director Stewart Raffill and his team were recruited without a script already written. The only guidelines they had were that McDonald’s and Coca-Cola needed to make an appearance, and the film should attempt to mimic the structure that made Spielberg’s film a classic of family-friendly science fiction.
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6 Breakin’ 2: Electric Boogaloo (1984)
Breakin’ 2: Electric Boogaloo is a continuation of the movie Breakin’, which isn’t too shabby. In the first installment, a jazz dancer teams up with two other dancers to make waves in the breakdance world in California. In this sequel, the original trio puts on their dancing shoes once more to prevent the destruction of a community recreation center.
A Cult Classic That Will Never Be Forgotten (or Forgiven)
Seven months after the initial release, the sequel came across as rather uninspired with a paper-thin storyline that fell flat. Remarkably, esteemed critic Roger Ebert gave it three out of four stars in an unusual review. The plot is so absurd, you might find yourself wishing for the dancers to begin their routines. Maybe you could even play a game and try to tally up every dance move performed.
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5 The Last Dragon (1985)
In the 80s martial arts saga titled The Last Dragon, we follow Leroy Green, a passionate martial artist who aspires to emulate his hero, Bruce Lee. Being an African-American resident of Harlem, Leroy’s attempts to imitate his idol’s style don’t gain him much recognition. However, when another fighter steps into the ring, Leroy gets the opportunity to demonstrate his skills. Simultaneously, a powerful business tycoon plots to control the local music industry.
A Hilarious Culture Mashup
Well then, it seems The Last Dragon, which we watched in 1985, wasn’t exactly terrible, but looking back, it appears to be a misguided effort to nod at every popular trend of the era. The movie features pop music, breakdancing, martial arts, and even fantasy elements! Remarkably, director Michael Schultz managed to mix all these elements into a humorous adventure that is overloaded with dance routines and a villain whose self-introductions will have you chuckling every time.
4 Jaws: The Revenge (1987)
In “Jaws: The Revenge,” we follow the story of Ellen Brody, the widow of Chief Martin Brody, who opts to heed her family’s advice and relocate to the Bahamas following the tragic death of one of their sons due to a shark attack on Amity Island. However, it seems that a shark has trailed Ellen, and it appears to be seeking retribution for what her family had done – essentially, a vengeful shark is on the loose.
A Blasphemous Attempt at a Genre Offering
The movie, “Jaws: The Revenge,” may not have been a well-deserved sequel for many viewers, but it did manage to attract its share of fans. Despite being criticized, the film still managed to perform decently at the box office, but it seemed to be the final nail in the coffin for a franchise that had become stale and lacked fresh ideas. The film’s special effects, along with other elements, make it an entertaining watch, especially when you spot their flaws. And trust us, you will definitely notice all of the poor special effects!
3 Basket Case (1982)
“Basket Case” narrates the tale of Duane Bradley, a young man residing in a rather suspicious hotel in New York City. Accompanying him is a wicker basket that appears to conceal a living being. When Duane encounters a doctor linked to his past surgery, the gruesome murder of this doctor unveils a shocking truth: The wicker basket serves as Belial’s dwelling, Duane’s twin brother, who seeks revenge and is on a bloodthirsty pursuit of those responsible for separating him from Duane.
Before The Substance, There Was…
To put it simply, the idea behind this movie isn’t all that terrible. It’s more about how it’s been carried out. In fact, it’s one of the most campy representations in horror films from the past decade, which were typically campy themselves. However, unlike many other movies, Basket Case isn’t shy about revealing its monster – a sentient blob whose movements, captured using stop-motion, are a delight for fans of this technique. The film is surprisingly gruesome, and some critics appreciate it as a unique piece of art, awarding it a 77% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
2 Mannequin (1987)
In the movie titled “Mannequin“, Jonathan Switcher is employed as an artist who specializes in creating sculptures of lifeless objects. Despite his efforts to generate income through his craft, he repeatedly loses his jobs due to his slow pace of work. On a particular day, he discovers one of his statues on display at a department store. In an unusual turn of events, the mannequin miraculously springs to life, harboring within it the spirit of an ancient Egyptian. Can you predict if they will develop feelings for each other?
The Unbelievable Becomes a Riot
Surprisingly enough, one movie on this list was once nominated for an Academy Award – “Mannequin”. Strangely enough, the nomination was for Best Original Song, but it seems that’s about the only praiseworthy aspect of the film. The plot is rather foolish, and the attempts to create a moving love story out of a mannequin coming to life are disjointed at best. Remarkably, this movie even spawned a sequel which somehow managed to be even more subpar.
1 Can’t Stop the Music (1980)
Under the title “Can’t Stop the Music,” this film, celebrated as the standout musical event of the ’80s, is a unique blend of the best and worst elements of biopic storytelling from that decade. It presents an imaginative voyage, recounting the formation of the legendary disco group, the Village People, by a dynamic duo of DJs and composers who recognized the potential in six musicians hailing from Greenwich Village’s vibrant music scene.
A Concept That Never Worked
The movie was a massive flop at the box office, leading to the establishment of the Golden Raspberry Awards – it became the inaugural recipient of the infamously undesirable Worst Picture Award in 1980. Today, it continues to be a favorite among some ’80s enthusiasts who find pleasure in its absurdity and illogical nature. The acting by the actual members of Village People might make you cringe occasionally.
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2024-10-24 04:33