0
0
The end of the decade brought some serious films to the world. Who could’ve ever known that someone loves the smell of napalm in the morning? Who could’ve thought that a badass woman would fight an alien in deep space. How about wanting to play with Warriors or going to Australia and seeing it become a dystopian world? The end of the 70s brought along some iconic films and you will enjoy all of them.
Apocalypse Now
“I love the smell of napalm in the morning.” Apocalypse Now is by far one of the best war movies that describe the Vietnam War. One that everyone should watch not for the historical atmosphere of the war but the tone and way of life that was established during the war. A film where a military man is ordered to kill an AWOL colonel. The film has many great scenes and performances. Robert Duvall is a badass and Marlon Brando commands the screen when he is own.
Alien
This was one of the best horror films ever. It is a little dated but damnit, it still has iconic scenes and set into motion one of the most fearsome creatures to hit the movie industry. It follows the crew of the commercial space tug Nostromo come into contact with a ship that has weird ass eggs, after that it gets crazy. How about the chestbuster scene? Straight up nightmares. Sigourney Weaver as Ripley showed that women could kick all types of alien ass.
Mad Max
Before Tom Hardy did the remake, Mel Gibson starred as “Mad” Max Rockatansky. In the film he is a police officer turned vigilante in a near-future Australia in the midst of societal collapse. The film is intense and fun to watch. The film is intense and has some brutal scenes in it but it is a fun ride that started a whole new franchise.
Being There
Being There is one of those films that is hilarious to watch because of the crazy idea that a simpleton could go from being a gardener to one of the highest offices in all the lands. Then you think that it happens pretty frequently in America. Sellers was fantastic as the lead character, while the supporting cast of Douglas and MacLaine was equally excellent.
Kramer vs. Kramer
If you ever need to watch a film about the impacts of divorce, Kramer vs. Kramer is it. Starring Dustin Hoffman and Meryl Streep, it tells the story of a couple’s divorce, its impact on their young son, and the evolution and views of parenting. This film shows the ugly side of divorce with a nasty court case and character assassination all over the place. The film also does a great job going into the social issues like gender roles, women’s rights, fathers’ rights and single parents.
The Warriors
“Waaaaarriors, come out to plaaaay”. The warriors is all about street gang and a crew trying to make it back to their home turf. In the mean streets of New York City, things get real and intense. This was a fun movie to watch and the quote that is spoken will give you absolute chills as he clanks the two bottles together. Nothing like street violence to watch on any given day.
Rocky II
Even though it wasn’t as great as the original, Rocky II continued the journey of the famous fighter and his rematch against Apollo Creed for the title. This time, Rocky doesn’t seem to into it as he fought and wants to move on with his life but Apollo ain’t having it as he wants to prove that Rocky was a fluke. The fight comes down to the final seconds.
Escape from Alcatraz
Alcatraz was one of the most secure prisons in the world until three people escaped from it. Starring Clint Eastwood, the film dramatizes the escape from the facility. I remember watching this film with my dad and always wanting to see the facility. This is a great film showing that anyone can escape from jail if they really want to.
When a Stranger Calls
It was a toss up putting this film in the top 10 list. The movie is meh and there are probably far better movies that came out in this year. Yet, the first 20 minutes is iconic. The first 20 minutes is probably regarded as the best in horror movie history. Even Scream had to take its inspiration for it’s beginning. That is why this film is on the list.
The Fish That Saved Pittsburgh
This film is dedicated to my mom. She was the one who said that this was one of her favorite films. Starring the great Dr. J, he joins the Pittsburgh Pythons who are a struggling professional basketball team. Struggling is too nice, they suck. When the ballboy turns to astrology to improve the team, the team recruits new members who are born under the sign of Pisces. In a hilarious film, the fortunes soon turn, and the team becomes great.
