Thief (1981)

Thief (1981)

[6] James Caan plays an elite safe-cracker in this stylish crime drama from director Michael Mann (Heat, The Last of the Mohicans). When a high profile gangster (Robert Prosky) offers him a lifetime of lucrative heist opportunities, Caan takes him…
Sorcerer (1977)

Sorcerer (1977)

[7] I have a theory about why many of William Friedkin's films, including this one, are gaining newfound appreciation decades after their initial releases. I think it might be because Friedkin likes deeply flawed characters -- unlikable characters that we…
Risky Business (1983)

Risky Business (1983)

[8] Nineteen year-old Tom Cruise made his star-making turn alongside Rebecca DeMornay in writer/director Paul Brickman's directorial debut, Risky Business. Cruise plays a college-bound teen who's forced to turn his parents' upper class home into a brothel for one illustrious…
Firestarter (1984)

Firestarter (1984)

[7] A father and daughter are on the run from a secret government group that experimented on them, giving them frightening powers of telekinesis and spontaneous combustion. David Keith (An Officer and a Gentleman) and Drew Barrymore (E.T.) play our…
Near Dark (1987)

Near Dark (1987)

[7] Director Kathryn Bigelow (Strange Days, The Hurt Locker) serves up a stylish, brooding vampire tale set in the southwest. I dig Bigelow's tone, atmosphere, and terrific casting. Bigelow tapped into the Aliens ensemble to cast Bill Paxton, Lance Henriksen,…
Legend (1985)

Legend (1985)

[8]

Ridley Scott (Blade Runner, Alien) directs this lavishly mounted fantasy film that’s high on style but low on action. The sets are jaw-dropping, whether it’s the huge, scintillating fairy forest or the fiery underground dungeons of hell. Makeup artist Rob Bottin (The Howling, The Thing) showcases some spectacular Oscar-nominated work. Just look at Tim Curry (The Rocky Horror Picture Show‘s Dr. Frank-N-Furter) as Darkness, in his head-to-toe prosthetic makeup, red skin, cloven hooves, and immense black horns.  It’s one of the most breathtaking achievements in the history of movie makeup.