Gonna go back in time....

I thought I would put out a short list of my favorite 80's comedies. They just don't make em' like they used to. I know the list has no Caddy Shack or Beverly Hills Cop, but that is why it is a short list. I could add another ten movies and still have more I'm sure, but when it comes to some of my all time favorites of the 80's this is what I think of.

This Is Spinal Tap (1984)

This was shown to me by a Barret Walker in 1999. It is one of the funniest movies ever. The first of many Christopher Guestfilms (best in show, waiting for guffman, etc) This one is actually directed by Rob Reiner,who hasn't made a good movie in years. This movie is so good at dry subtle humor. I have seen it hundreds of times and I still am on the

floor laughing when I watch it now. This is Spinal Tap is not just one of my favorite 80's comedies, but it is in my top 5 off all time.

Dead Men don't Wear Plaid (1982)

This also shown to me by Barret Walker is a very under rated comedy in my opinion. It is in black and white and it takes scenes from old film noir movies and inner cuts them with scenes of Steve Martin. So you have
Steve Martin talking to Humphrey Bogart.  Its brilliant just from that perspective. It also is hilarious because of Steve Martin. This is why this man is hilarious. Coincidentally this is directed by Carl Reiner, the brother of  Rob Reiner. Carl Reiner and Steve Martin made a few films together, but this one shines for me. I might even say this is the most under
rated comedy ever...In my opinion.

Mr. Mom (1983)

I have been watching this since I was a littlekid. Even though it has great performances from Jeffory Tambor, Martin Mull, and Christopher Lloyd. The thing that makes this movie amazing and hilarious is Michael Keaton. He is so funny and his timing is great. He is not in enough comedies. Though the idea of a stay at home dad is common these days, In the 80's I'm sure it was not so. This movie uses all this to make a hilarious relatable comedy with heart.

Planes, Trains, and automobiles (1987)

This is one of my favorite comedies off all time. It is also my favorite John Hughes movie. I know it has nothing to do with teenagers which is what John Hughes is known for, but I think this is just more broadly relatable and just fucking hilarious. It is timeless and the chemistry between Martin and Candy is perfect. John Candy is so amazing in this. You are so annoyed by him, but then you also feel bad for him. Not pity but  as his story unfolds you grow to love him as does Steve Martin in the film. They just do not make comedies like this anymore.

Clue (1985)

 

Christopher Lloyd, Martin Mull, Michael McKean, Madalien Kahn, Tim Curry, and those other two girls. This is why this movie is amazing.It is so clever and funny. It is like watching a play. Tim Curry alone is incredible, but everyone together running around the mansion is so quick and fun. I love that they set it in the 50's, it works so well. There are so many moments in this movie that I quote on a regular basis.

 


Ferris Buellers Day Off (1986)

Also a John Hughes movie, but this one is way more fun and less dramatic than say pretty and pink or the breakfast club. When I was little my mother let us skip school one day and we watched this movie.I mean there could not be a better way to view this film. Matthew Brodrick is super cool and funny. The soundtrack is amazing and Alan Ruck as Cameron Frye and Jeffery Jones as Ed Rooney are hilarious. Jennifer Grey who plays Ferris's sister is also amazing. I thought this was the coolest movie when I was a kid and it still holds up as a fun and funny day time watch.

Three Amigos (1986)

I know Three Amigos is pretty silly, but that is why I love it. It is such a strange premise. It is really awesome seeing these three guys really go go over the top and I think they really sell it. When i was a kid I liked  all the slap stick stuff, but now I watch it and laugh at all the subtle deliveries from Martin, Short, and Chase. So many classic moments and just weird lines, like when when El Guapo gets a sweater from his men as a birthday present. When I was young I thought it was funny and just strange, but later the fact they are giving him a sweater when they live in hot Mexico is just hilarious. Stuff like that that kinda flew over my head when I was little. I could watch this over and over again and still find

little things that I never noticed because it is hard to focus on

all three great performances.