Movie Classics, films we have all heard off and can cause a frenzy if you mention to someone you haven’t seen one. So Ive decided if you’ve found yourself in this situation, I’d make a list letting you know which ones are worth while. Now of course not every classic could make it on here, for example Star Wars which will be getting a list all of its own. As usual there will be spoilers so if you’re still wanting to catch up on your own then maybe give this post a miss.
Number 5
Dirty Dancing
This 80’s hit released in 1987, starring Jennifer Grey and Patrick Swayze made everyone want to go to a holiday resort and dance to Time of my Life. The film is set in 1963 and follows the story of Baby Housman when she goes on a week holiday to a resort with her family. She is put on a pedestal by her family, expected to go to University, join the Peace Corps and eventually marry a doctor. She is the apple of her fathers eye and can do no wrong, much to the dismay of her younger sister. However whilst at the resort she meets dance instructor Johnny Castle. After circumstances mean that Baby takes Johnnys dance partners place at one of their jobs, having never danced before we see Baby’s journey, in becoming a dancer as well as her own person. The film will have you dancing out of your chair as well as shouting at your screens. It’s the perfect raining day film in my opinion. My favourite scene is one in which Johnny and Baby have done their dance and grown closer. They are in a practice room, we van see Baby relaying instructions Johnny had given her when she was first learning. There is a happy and playful atom-sphere to the scene and its as if we are seeing the real side to Baby and not the side her family want to see.
Number 4
Back to the Future
A DeLorean has never been looked at the same way again, since the time traveling film came out in 1985. It made $388.8 million at the box office and made way for two sequels. However today we are talking about the original. The film stars Michael. J. Fox as high schooler Marty Mcfly and Christoper Loyd as scientist Doc Brown. We follow Marty after he is accidentally propelled back to 1955 and finds himself in the situation, in which he must bring his mother and father together or him and his siblings would cease to exist. This film is a comedic action adventure, that is quite literally a race against time. My favourite scene is one of the last. Marty is on the stage at the dance and starts singing “Johnny. B. Goode. The scene is constructed so well, it is feel good and the perfect way to wrap up the film. It also has the added comedic dialogue that complete the scene.
Number 3
Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark
Harrison Ford is the face of many iconic characters, one of them being Indiana Jones, an archaeologist and university professor. Set in the 1930’s, Jones is given the task to find ‘The Ark of the Covenant’, which apparently hold the key to human existence. The action adventure has you constantly on the edge of your seat. I also love the chemistry between Indy and Marion, a badass woman who has a history with Indy and is more than ready to show her she doesn’t need him or anyone. My favourite scene is one that is actually ad-libbed by Harrison Ford. They are in the middle of a chase scene, when a trained swordsman appears ready to take him on, showing his skills before the fight, Indy in return just takes out his gun and on one quick motion ends the fight, looking exhausted after it. I love this as it sums the character but also the actor up perfectly, as there was a whole sword fight choreographed but Ford changed his mind, and I think it just makes the scene that little bit better.
Number 2
Ferris Bueller’s Day Off
Now onto the most iconic sick day since 1986. Matthew Broderick plays the titular character, who manages to convince his whole town he is incredibly ill (hence why he is off of school) as well as having one of the best days out with his girlfriend Sloane and his best friend Cameron. I like how this film is some light hearted fun but also deals with a lot of character development. Some in Ferris when he realises he is eventually going to have to grow up and can’t act the way he does forever, as well as with Cameron who realises almost the opposite and that he will have plenty time to act like an adult and should have fun while he’s still young. Jennifer Grey also stars as Ferris’ sister Jeanie who is always seen as second best and forgotten about due to Ferris. I like how it’s relatable to everyone with a sibling and you understand how she feels, although she is going through it on a grander scale. My favourite scene is when they are at the baseball and Cameron and Ferris are doing some kind of chant, I like how this is the first time we see them both having a great time together and shows another fun side to their friendship.
Number 1
Grease
In at number one is the oldest on this list and one of my favourites. Starring John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John. Released in 1978 but set in 1959, we follow Sandy and Danny as they deal with the trials and tribulations of being a senior in high school. Dealing with things like relationships, peer pressure and graduation. The characters are both loveable and relatable. The songs are iconic and its hard to find someone who doesn’t know at least one. It again is another easy watch and I would highly recommend it as rainy day film, or even if you just want to sing your heart out. My favourite scene is Grease has to be the Sandy reveal. Yes I know its controversial but it has always been my favourite as we are seeing a new, confident side to Sandy and she literally has Danny falling at her feet.
And there you have it, although there are many I could have included these make the top spot. Let me know if you’ve seen any of these, or even if you haven’t and your opinion.
Thanks for Reading!
Cinema & Chapters by Peggy 