The Last Starfighter (1984)

The Last Starfighter (1984)

[7]

For a movie that was no doubt jumping on the E.T. and Star Wars bandwagon, The Last Starfighter manages to carve a niche for itself. Teenager Alex Rogan (Lance Guest) wins the high score on a mysterious video game and is suddenly recruited by an alien to defend the universe from some cosmic bad asses. What counts here is charm. The Last Starfighter oozes with the stuff, and it’s not forced. I love the trailer court setting and the depiction of the tight-knit community that live there. Casting “The Music Man” himself, Robert Preston, as a charlatan recruitment officer named Centauri is a stroke of genius. You can’t help but love Preston, even when he’s peddling bullshit. Dan O’Herlihy also does a commendable job acting through heavy prosthetics as Grig, Alex’s lizard-like trainer and shipmate.

Dreamscape (1984)

Dreamscape (1984)

[4] At a government facility where psychics can enter people's dreams, a wave of deadly nightmares begins claiming lives. Once the President of the United States is affected, two psychics square off -- one wanting to save the president, and one wanting…
Gremlins (1984)

Gremlins (1984)

[10] Does it mean anything that Gremlins is my favorite Christmas movie?  Am I bad person because I eschew the sentimentality of It's A Wonderful Life for the malevolent rampage of little green monsters? Actually, sentimentality plays a big part in my…
The Terminator (1984)

The Terminator (1984)

[9] A cyborg from the future attempts to assasinate the unwitting mother of a future man who will lead humanity in a war against 'the machines.' The Terminator remains one of the best sci-fi films of the '80s. Thanks in part to his…
Romancing the Stone (1984)

Romancing the Stone (1984)

[9]

This is the ultimate romantic adventure, complete with a great cast, exotic locations, and measured doses of action, humor, and heart.  Michael Douglas and Kathleen Turner never looked better.  They have that ephemeral “chemistry”, the kind that keeps you glued to the screen, rooting for them. The screenplay by Diane Thomas is well paced and constructed, giving plenty of breathing room to a romantic relationship that evolves naturally and believably.  Director Robert Zemeckis (Back to the Future, Forrest Gump) sprinkles memorable action scenes throughout the journey, including the swing across the gorge, the Bronco chase, and the waterfall.  I like the final showdown among all the adversaries, and how a certain alligator figures into the conclusion.  I’m also fond of Alan Silvestri’s score.  It may not be the traditional big orchestra type, but the contemporary/Caribbean/piano lounge feel (odd as it may be) gives the movie a distinct, appropriate sound.

Amadeus (1984)

Amadeus (1984)

[10]

Straight biographies rarely make great film, but by filtering the subject through another man’s envy, director Milos Forman (One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest) delivers one of the best bio-films I’ve ever seen. This isn’t a film about a composer and his music (how boring would that be?) — it’s a film about an insanely jealous contemporary named Salieri. Salieri, played brilliantly by F. Murray Abraham, turns Mozart’s life and accomplishments into his own personal battle with God. Just watch Abraham pretend to be Mozart’s best friend, all while plotting to destroy him, and you quickly appreciate why the man won an Oscar for his performance.

Ghostbusters (1984)

Ghostbusters (1984)

[9] When New York City becomes increasingly afflicted with ghost-sightings and demonic possessions, it's up to a rag-tag team of self-proclaimed 'Ghostbusters' to save the world from the imminent arrival of a destructive, ancient god. Ghostbusters succeeds as both a comedy and…
Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (1984)

Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (1984)

[9] It may not be as clever or well-crafted as its predecessor, but the first Indy Jones sequel (which is technically a prequel) is still loads of fun. In place of the Nazis, we get a blood-drinking Indian cult, and in place…
Once Upon a Time in America (1984)

Once Upon a Time in America (1984)

[9] "As boys, they said they would die for each other. As men, they did." Once Upon a Time in America is an epic, gorgeous, emotionally moving gangster flick from spaghetti western maestro Sergio Leone (The Good the Bad and the Ugly).…