Predating most of the 80s classic teen comedies (John Hughes films included) was this unique film. The film is about people in the L.A. area of California who are all getting ready to watch the arrival of comet fly overhead one night, but then due to unforeseen forces (radiation or possibly some alien bacteria) all who were exposed to the comet were either immediately vaporized, or turned into zombies (those who were in a house as opposed to watching the comet outside). At first it seems only two teenage valley girls (both sisters) survived unharmed (all those who were behind steel structures remained unaffected) and all of L.A. is now their playground. The film is unique not only in its plot but also with its characters and their interactions with each other. The girls' father is in the Military Special Ops forces, and apparently he did weapon and combat training with each of them from a
very young age, so though they are typical 80s teenagers in many ways, they are different because they know their weapons and prefer Uzies, also the older sister is really into/good at video games, and nerdy things like Superman. The film is advertised as a comedy but I didn't find it that funny at all actually, (except for my favorite line of the movie: "I'm not crazy! I just don't give a fuck!") but it was still fun and enjoyable because of how unique and different it is. The movie has a very fitting 80s soundtrack and the highlight of the film (or at least most famous scene) is when the girls go on a shopping spree at an abandoned mall. As interesting as the movie was it never really built to a proper climax in my opinion and it just kind of ended without any kind of (or at least very little) resolution. I still liked it though and recommend it if you dig 80s movies, zombie movies, post-apocalyptic movies, horror comedies, or teen movies in general. The movie is now available on Instant Streaming on Netflix, or you can also find the full movie in decent quality on YouTube here. I give it a 4.25/5, and you can view the trailer below:
Not much to say about this one, it was ok but I don't see why it had 3 sequels. Special effects were good but there are better 80s creature horror comedies out there like Gremlins (1984). I give it a 3-3.5/5 (trivia: Leonardo Dicaprio's first movie was Critters 3). Trailer is below:
Dragonslayer is in the same vein as Ladyhawke (1985) Legend(1985), and The Neverending story (1984). But the best comparison I can give you is think of a much better version of Willow (1985) and if Disney made Conan the Barbarian (1982).But this film came before all of those though, so this really is the first epic 80s fantasy. But since so many epic fantasies came after it in the 80s, and some of those being so good on their own, it has now become largely forgotten and is arguably the most underrated of them all. This one paved the way for the others so expect the best features of all the others here. I should also mention this was made by Disney though you'd never know that unless you watched the movie, or saw the DVD cover found here. It may not feel that original now but it definitely was in its time, the special effects are really good although there are some green-screening that could be done better, but the acting is great this movie launched Peter Macnicol (Ghostbusters II, Numbers [tv series])'s career, and features a knighted shakespearean actor (Sir Ralph Richardson) as the wizard. I give it a 5/5. Check out the trailer below:
