15 FILMS For Growing UP
A list of films I watched as a youngling that impacted me greatly. These are films that started it all- you know back in the day of VHS. Most of these films were already ten years old or more when I finally watched them. Most were made in the decade I was born (1980's) but I find that they are timeless and will make sure that my children watch them someday-
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- DirectorJohn BadhamStarsMatthew BroderickAlly SheedyJohn WoodA young man finds a back door into a military central computer in which reality is confused with game-playing, possibly starting World War III.Such a lost art- fear of muclear war and the power of computers. I still do double takes when I ever hear the name 'Joshua'. Such a great film about the uncertainty of technology and of course, first love. Kinda has an 'Ender Games' feel to it- such a great gilm.
- DirectorCameron CroweStarsJohn CusackIone SkyeJohn MahoneyA noble underachiever and a beautiful valedictorian fall in love the summer before she goes off to college.Every girl wants a knight in shining armour to come rescue them- its true no matter what feminist say. This was the first film that I actually saw the power of young love- there is nothing, NOTHING better then Llyod and his boombox. 'In Your Eyes' please- this is the quintessential love story for girls who are looking for their kick-boxing, key-hiding, closet-romantic.
- DirectorRob ReinerStarsWil WheatonRiver PhoenixCorey FeldmanA writer recounts a childhood journey with his friends to find the body of a missing boy.I think everyone has the group of friends that they grow up. The ones that you are more or less forced to grow up with because they live close and go to the same school. The gang of boys in this film go on a life-changing adventure that defines their childhood. Such a great film about loyality and the pains of being pure at heart.
- DirectorJim HensonStarsDavid BowieJennifer ConnellyToby FroudSixteen-year-old Sarah must solve a labyrinth to rescue her baby brother when he is taken by the Goblin King.I wondered for a long time why my parents made me watch this film. I was like 8 and had no idea who David Bowie was- I remember thinking that this film was really messed up and I did not like it. Of course watching it over and over- because my older sister loved it- finally made it click and I believe this was the tale that started my love of fantasy.
- DirectorRob ReinerStarsCary ElwesMandy PatinkinRobin WrightA bedridden boy's grandfather reads him the story of a farmboy-turned-pirate who encounters numerous obstacles, enemies and allies in his quest to be reunited with his true love.Giants. Swords. Mutant Hamsters. True Love. Posions. Whats not to love about a farm boy in love with a princess. Such a great film about everything that is magical in the world.
- DirectorSteven SpielbergStarsRoy ScheiderRobert ShawRichard DreyfussWhen a killer shark unleashes chaos on a beach community off Cape Cod, it's up to a local sheriff, a marine biologist, and an old seafarer to hunt the beast down.Saying I was afraid of sharks as a child would be like saying the sun is hot. I was so scared of the ocean that when my family and I would vacation in FL or CA I would not go near the beach with anything but my toes. I think it was four summers of vactions after watching that I finally braved the ocean- and that was because I was forced to learn to surf. Such a great film- except the shark eating people thing....
- DirectorJohn HughesStarsMatthew BroderickAlan RuckMia SaraA popular high school student, admired by his peers, decides to take a day off from school and goes to extreme lengths to pull it off, to the chagrin of his Dean, who'll do anything to stop him.I watched this at such a great time in my life- the time in which I learned how to skip school and get away with it. If this film taught me anything it was: how to skrew the system at every level: school (Phone games- automated awesomeness), parents (keep them in the dark- mess with their heads via hot friends, put yourself about material objects they worship) and big buisness (dine & dash). Ferris gets away with it all and does it so well, how can you not root for him?
- DirectorRichard DonnerStarsSean AstinJosh BrolinJeff CohenA group of young misfits called The Goonies discover an ancient map and set out on an adventure to find a legendary pirate's long-lost treasure.We all need a little dose of fear. Goonies was mine when I was in sixth grade. Entering the House of Evil only because you want to do the right thing. This film does a great job of teaching kids that bravery is so close to stupidity sometimes.
- DirectorJohn HughesStarsSteve MartinJohn CandyLaila RobinsA Chicago advertising man must struggle to travel home from New York for Thanksgiving, with a lovable oaf of a shower-curtain-ring salesman as his only companion.I want to go on vacation with these two. Such a hilarious cross-country expidition. This was the film I discovered my love of Steve Martin- it remains today.
- DirectorRidley ScottStarsHarrison FordRutger HauerSean YoungA blade runner must pursue and terminate four replicants who stole a ship in space and have returned to Earth to find their creator.Totally on another level of awesomeness. Loved it- still do. As a kid watching this there was something otherworldly that never goes away with this film. This was my childhood Harrison Ford- no Han Solo or Indian Jones for me and I thank my dad for that.
- DirectorGeorge Roy HillStarsChevy ChaseMadolyn Smith OsborneKevin O'MorrisonA couple swap city life for the country, but their picturesque new hometown turns out to be just a little bit different to what they were expecting.It is always the squirrel. I remember watching this film and telling myself to never live in a small town or out in the middle of nowhere, because eventually you have to deal with the crazy just over the hill. Oh and it taught me to make sure I know what I am eating at all times-
- DirectorEmile ArdolinoStarsPatrick SwayzeJennifer GreyJerry OrbachSpending the summer at a Catskills resort with her family, Frances "Baby" Houseman falls in love with the camp's dance instructor, Johnny Castle.Well- yeah of course.
- DirectorJonathan LynnStarsEileen BrennanTim CurryMadeline KahnSix guests are anonymously invited to a strange mansion for dinner, but after their host is killed, they must cooperate with the staff to identify the murderer as the bodies pile up.Such an awesome film based on my favorite board game. I love the mystery and the suspence- the whole 'Who done it' with a side of comedy. Great mix of everything.
- DirectorJeremiah S. ChechikStarsChevy ChaseBeverly D'AngeloJuliette LewisThe Griswold family's plans for a big family Christmas predictably turn into a big disaster.Such the Christmas tradition in my house. The over done lights, the RV and the crazy Randy Quaid. Love it-
- DirectorHoward DeutchStarsMolly RingwaldJon CryerHarry Dean StantonA poor girl must choose between the affections of dating her childhood sweetheart or a rich but sensitive playboy.So many John Hughes films- this is the one that I find has the greatest impact on high school girls. It is the first film that really looked at the high school scene and the struggle between classes- not math, english and science: but those who have and those who do not. I love everything about this film- the classic best friend that will never be more than that, the love of your high school life that will disappoint you. It comes back to the choices that you make and the realization that no one can break you-