My parents always joke they "missed the '80s" because they married and started a family that decade. They mostly say this in reference to movies, music, and other pop culture. Even though they obviously exaggerate, (my dad and I actually debated whether Andrew McCarthy was in
Pretty in Pink or not recently. I was right; he was.), I still try to share my appreciation with them. While it seems more popular to diss the decade, I feel it showed a lot of innovation in terms of film, fashion, and music. I discovered many of my favorite songs by watching '80s films. Here are a few favorites I would use to ease my parents into the '80s:
The Breakfast Club is not only one of my favorite '80s movies, it is one of my favorite movies period. I think John Hughes captures high school life perfectly, and his films say what everyone feels during it, but rarely expresses. The film's title track, "Don't You (Forget About Me)" by Simple Minds is also one of my favorite songs. It is famous, and I am sure you all have heard it before, but here is a YouTube link anyway:
Simple Minds-"Don't You (Forget About Me).
Thank goddess
Less than Zero has such a fabulous title song. I personally find this film depressing and shallow, but The Bangles' cover of "Hazy Shade of Winter" easily makes the opening credits the best part. I swear, I had this on replay over and over again last summer:
The Bangles-"Hazy Shade of Winter"
Teen Witch could qualify as shallow too. I mean, it easily conveys one must conform to society's beauty and popularity standards to find happiness. However, unlike
Less Than Zero, it is fun, cute, and does not take itself too seriously. I love this song when the main character, Louise, casts a popularity spell on herself:
Teen Witch-"Most Popular Girl". Plus, her outfits rule!
Finally, is there anything more '80s than
Flashdance? I love this movie, and its song, "Flashdance (What a Feeling)" by Irene Cara always empowers me. I think it is positive and fun to listen to:
"Flashdance (What a Feeling)"
Do you have any favorite '80s music and/or movies?
~F.
