There are two kinds of people in the world. Those who channel surf right past Pretty In Pink or Dirty Dancing without flinching, and those who are compelled to stop and watch (even if only for a few minutes and the 1400th time in their life). The second group knows within seconds which scene of the movie it is, the actor’s next line, almost every song on the soundtrack, as well as the performing artist.
I am, without a doubt, the second kind. And if you grew up thinking that if a boy really loved you he’d be willing to ski the K-12 (on one ski), whisper, “As you wish” in response to whatever you ask, or surprise you at your prom by ditching his usual goony threads for a snazzy suit, you’re probably with me.
Yes, yes, I’ve heard the same kinds of comments you have. “This movie, again? Haven’t you seen Peggy Sue Got Married a thousand times already?” Or, “I don’t know how in the world you can sit through Dirty Dancing one more time.” And my favorite, “Ugg, I cannot watch Princess Bride again…you’re seriously stuck in the 80s.”
Blah, blah, blah. Some people just don’t get it.
What can I say? I love the 80s and have always been unapologetically super-romantic. Was I born this way or had I simply watched too many of the most romantic movies of all time? Probably both. But the awesome thing is, I’m not alone.
Millions of others share in the belief that these unforgettable movies are just as great today as they were in the 80s. Why else would they remake classics like Grease, Dirty Dancing, and Hairspray? And why is it that most of us still prefer the original versions? Because some films are created so perfectly the first time, attempting to replicate that magic will always fall short. We know and love them like we do old friends and they’ve become part of us.
Through the years, boyfriends/girlfriends, schools, jobs, careers, homes, and spouses come and go with the seasons, but music, art, movies, experiences, and relationships play a huge part in what shapes who we are. Whether you realize it or not, they’re embedded in our hearts, souls, and cells forever.
For many, these quirky 80’s movies will always be a sweet reminder of that first kiss, high school dance, bogus journey, dream of traveling in a DeLorean time machine, becoming the next Rocky Balboa or the lead singer of one of the raddest metal bands of all time.
So, I say to my fellow 80s-loving, ultra-romantics who still sigh each time they hear ‘The Time of My Life’ or ‘Endless Love’ . . . we’re kindred. Let us continue having ‘the time of our lives’ forever and ever. To the ones who don’t get it, you’ll just have to tolerate our ‘Hopelessly Devoted’, ‘Endless Love’ of the best decade of all time—the 1980s!
You may also want to watch (over and over again) these totally adorable flicks:
The Princess Bride
Dirty Dancing
Sixteen Candles
Endless Love
Against All Odds
Pretty In Pink
When Harry Met Sally
Can’t Buy Me Love
Mannequin
Valley Girl
Secret Admirer
Mystic Pizza
Some Kind Of Wonderful
An Officer And A Gentleman
Urban Cowboy
Romancing The Stone
Better Off Dead
Peggy Sue Got Married
Footloose
Private School
The Secret Of My Success
Purple Rain
Overboard
About Last Night
Coming To America
Say Anything
Just One Of The Guys
Blind Date
Prelude To A Kiss
Kristy Jo Volchko 