Back to the Future (A+ or 4/4 stars)
If asked what I think one of the best movies ever made would be, I would undoubtedly say that one of them is 'Back to the Future' (directed by Robert Zemeckis). The year is 1985. High schooler Marty McFly (Michael J. Fox) is having some typical teenage issues. Browbeaten by his principal at school, Marty must also endure a less-than-perfect relationship btwn. his ultra nerd father George (Crispin Glover) & his drunk, haggard mother (Lea Thompson), who - in turn - suffer the bullying of middle-aged a-hole Biff Tannen (charismatic villain, Thomas F. Wilson), George's boss. Other than his patient girlfriend, Marty's ally in life is the eccentric scientist Emmett "Doc" Browne (Christopher Lloyd), who is presently working on a time machine.
One night, in the deserted parking lot of the local shopping mall, Doc demonstrates his invention (a time machine in the form of a customized De Lorean). Accidentally transported back to 1955, Marty inadvertently interferes with the relationship of his now-teenaged parents! Marty must ensure that his parents-to-be fall in love, or else he won't exist in the future. And with teenage Biff around, that makes it even harder for Marty to accomplish his goals & make it back to 1985 intact. In fact, the only (literal) thing that can get Marty back to 1985 is a bolt of lightning that will (according to record) hit the town clock tower; giving Doc Browne the necessary thrust/power for the time machine to properly transport. Chaos ensues ... but what fun chaos it is.
One of the running gags in 'BTTF' is the way the town has changed in 30 yrs. i.e., there's a fun gag when a farmer thinks the De Lorean, with its gull-wing doors, is a flying saucer from outer space). Also, when Marty wanders into town, still wearing his 1980s attire, the townsfolk look at his goose down jacket & ask him why he's wearing a life preserver. And then, of course, there's the creepy, yet humorous moment when Marty discovers that his mother "has the hots" for him. The scene in the car at the high school dance is an absolute classic.
Aside from 'BTTF' being just an absolutely exhilarating movie experience (unique concept, great opening tracking shot, nice production values, awesome music), it even provides a little fizzy hope: hope that one day we could maybe - just maybe - travel back to another time & place; maybe to when your parents or grandparents were young. Even though that concept is hogwash, the whole idea of it is invigorating. You know, 'BTTF' is going to be a Hollywood classic for all-time ... mostly because it appeals to people of all ages & backgrounds. Who wouldn't want to know a scientist pal who could transport you to another time for a wild & crazy adventure, and then get you back again? The movie provides laughs, action, romance & undeniable fun.
'BTTF' is held together by Michael J. Fox's earnest charms as Marty. As if he wasn't loved already from Taxi, Christopher Lloyd gives a star-making turn as lunatic Doc Browne. Crispin Glover is great as the nerd-turned-confident George McFly; I'm reminded of a GREAT parking lot sequence, as well as a spine-tingling 'movie magic' moment involving a kiss on a dance floor & the swell of music -- I have goose bumps even typing about that sequence. I'll wrap up with Lea Thompson because a) I have a crush on her. And b) she creates a funny, carnal performance as Marty's mom; particularly when she has the hots for her own son (from the future), unbeknownst to her. It's funny to see how our own parents may have been as naughty as us or worse. With clever writing, endearing characters, & a deft balance of nostalgia & sci-fi ... 'BTTF' is one of the best & original movies ever created.
One night, in the deserted parking lot of the local shopping mall, Doc demonstrates his invention (a time machine in the form of a customized De Lorean). Accidentally transported back to 1955, Marty inadvertently interferes with the relationship of his now-teenaged parents! Marty must ensure that his parents-to-be fall in love, or else he won't exist in the future. And with teenage Biff around, that makes it even harder for Marty to accomplish his goals & make it back to 1985 intact. In fact, the only (literal) thing that can get Marty back to 1985 is a bolt of lightning that will (according to record) hit the town clock tower; giving Doc Browne the necessary thrust/power for the time machine to properly transport. Chaos ensues ... but what fun chaos it is.
One of the running gags in 'BTTF' is the way the town has changed in 30 yrs. i.e., there's a fun gag when a farmer thinks the De Lorean, with its gull-wing doors, is a flying saucer from outer space). Also, when Marty wanders into town, still wearing his 1980s attire, the townsfolk look at his goose down jacket & ask him why he's wearing a life preserver. And then, of course, there's the creepy, yet humorous moment when Marty discovers that his mother "has the hots" for him. The scene in the car at the high school dance is an absolute classic.
Aside from 'BTTF' being just an absolutely exhilarating movie experience (unique concept, great opening tracking shot, nice production values, awesome music), it even provides a little fizzy hope: hope that one day we could maybe - just maybe - travel back to another time & place; maybe to when your parents or grandparents were young. Even though that concept is hogwash, the whole idea of it is invigorating. You know, 'BTTF' is going to be a Hollywood classic for all-time ... mostly because it appeals to people of all ages & backgrounds. Who wouldn't want to know a scientist pal who could transport you to another time for a wild & crazy adventure, and then get you back again? The movie provides laughs, action, romance & undeniable fun.
'BTTF' is held together by Michael J. Fox's earnest charms as Marty. As if he wasn't loved already from Taxi, Christopher Lloyd gives a star-making turn as lunatic Doc Browne. Crispin Glover is great as the nerd-turned-confident George McFly; I'm reminded of a GREAT parking lot sequence, as well as a spine-tingling 'movie magic' moment involving a kiss on a dance floor & the swell of music -- I have goose bumps even typing about that sequence. I'll wrap up with Lea Thompson because a) I have a crush on her. And b) she creates a funny, carnal performance as Marty's mom; particularly when she has the hots for her own son (from the future), unbeknownst to her. It's funny to see how our own parents may have been as naughty as us or worse. With clever writing, endearing characters, & a deft balance of nostalgia & sci-fi ... 'BTTF' is one of the best & original movies ever created.