Back in the 1980s they sure knew how to make a teen movie.
The so called Age of John Hughes marked the dawn of a new era and we said “oh HELLO there” to a brand new brood of teen heart throbs like Emilio Estevez, Andrew McCarthy, Judd Nelson, Anthony Michael Hall, Robert Downey Jr, Michael J. Fox, River Phoenix, Patrick Swayze and Rob Lowe.
And then there were the women. Molly Ringwald made ginger cool, Ally Sheedy rocked ‘freak chic’, Demi Moore set hearts a’racin in St Elmo’s Fire, Jennifer Grey danced her way on outta that corner and Lea Thompson became the hottiest/freakiest flashback mother in Back to The Future.
But hey, everyone’s seen those films, right? What about the ones you don’t always hear about? Here (in no particular order) are five 80s teen movies you might just have missed!
THE OUTSIDERS (1983)
Who was in it?
C. Thomas Howell never really got the big break everyone expected despite taking the lead as Ponyboy Curtis. Patrick Swayze and Rob Lowe played his B-E-Autiful brothers while Matt Dillon and Emilio Estevez added a nice big dash of deliciousness to the Greasers. Ralph Macchio, the original Karate Kid also starred and then there was some lad by the name of Tom Cruise.
What’s it all about, Alfie?
They grew up on the outside of society. They weren’t looking for a fight. They were looking to belong
The Outsiders is one of those gritty movies that was made back when people thought kids could think for themselves. There’s angst galore in this 80s classic, based on the book by S.E. Hinton. The Outsiders is set in small town 1960s America and tells the story of a feud between two teen gangs; the penniless but tough Greasers and the wealthy Socs. It’s a bit like West Side Story without the songs and the romance.
Why should you see it?
It’s no chick flick but it’s certainly packed full of drama, action and fine lookin fellas. In short, there’s something for everyone! PLUS it’s directed by Franics Ford Coppola so you can score MAJOR brownie points with the film buffs for knowing at least one of his movies.
CAN’T BUY ME LOVE (1987)
Who was in it?
Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the early days of Dr McDreamy. Yes, Patrick Dempsey is the star of this lesser known gem. His co-star Amanda Peterson never really went on to do much more but you might just recognise that young fella who played Dempsey’s younger brother. Yeah, that’s Seth Green all right.
What’s it all about, Alfie?
Ronald is making an investment in his senior year. He’s hiring the prettiest cheerleader in school to be his girlfriend.
Can’t Buy Me Love pretty much explains itself. Ronald Miller is bored of being a geek so he comes up with a master plan: He’ll pay the finest lookin young wan in school to be his girlfriend! What could possibly go wrong? Cue a rollercoaster road of lessons in life and love that can only be found in an 80s teen flick.
Why should you see it?
If you’ve wondered what the hell was with the lawnmower at the end of Easy A then Can’t Buy Me Love is the answer to your prayers. It’s a grand bitta craic and some quality cheese that even Nicole Scherzinger could digest.
VALLEY GIRL (1983)
Who was in it?
Nicholas Cage might be the name that’s most commonly linked to this quite frankly odd 80s flick but there’s one voice that you just can’t miss; Tommy Pickles. Yup, E.G Daly, the woman behind the Rugrats’ fearless leader, actually appears on screen! Mind you, there’s a bit TOO much of her on screen at times. Tommy will never be the same again.
What’s it all about, Alfie?
She’s cool. He’s hot. She’s from the Valley. He’s not.
Valley Girl is one of those 80s films that seems a little, well, spaced out to be honest. Boy meets girl, boy is from the wrong side of the tracks, girl’s friends and a*$£hole ex disapprove. And her parents? They’re a bit too high to notice.
Why should you see it?
Merely for the laughs. Nic Cage never looked more hilarious.
RED DAWN (1984)
Who was in it?
Ok so the remake of this 80s classic features Chris Phwoar ‘Thor’ Hemsworth but back in the day the band of teens was headed up by Patrick Swayze. Lea Thompson. Jennifer Grey and Charlie Sheen were among the rebels who fought to defend their town from the invading Soviet Forces.
What’s it all about, Alfie?
In our time, no foreign army has ever occupied American soil. Until now.
Red Dawn is a Cold War driven teen flick that’s not to be missed. Patrick Swayze heads up a group of teen rebels who happen to escape into the mountains when Soviet, Nicaraguan, and Cuban troops begin landing on the football field of a Colorado high school. The gang manage to get their hands on some hunting rifles, pistols, and bows and arrows. Y’know, the kind of stuff you just find lying around. Anyway, they do their best to survive in the cold winter and outwit the KGB.
Why should you see it?
Re-makes are NEVER as good as the originals (especially in the case of Clash of The Titans – sorry Sam). PLUS it’s choc a block with cinematic propaganda. Sure every Russian is a Commie spy lads, how could you not know that?
SOME KIND OF WONDERFUL (1987)
Who was in it?
The original Marty McFly actually. Leading lad Eric Stoltz was the first choice for Back To The Future but got the sack after just a few weeks because he wasn’t funny enough. It’s probably just as well because Marty’s mammy Lea Thompson plays the girl of his dreams. Enter, Craig Sheffer aka Keith from One Tree Hill as her angry boyfriend Hardy and Mary Stuart Masterson as Watts, the best friend who realises she’s in love just when it seems like all is lost.
What’s it all about, Alfie?
Before they could stand together, they had to stand alone.
Keith and Watts are best buds form the wrong side of the tracks but their friendship is pushed to the limit when Keith lands himself a date with a hottie who floats in sophisticated circles. Her angry and rich boyfriend is having none of it and schemes to bring Keith down while Watts pines for the fella she never knew she wanted to shift, until now.
Why should you see it?
Ah sure there’s always something amusing about a boy meets girl, boy falls for wrong girl while tomboy girl pines for him. PLUS there’s an Irish twist to the choon that blares out over the closing credits.
It's Strawberry Blonde 