Rare Finds | The Wild Life (1984)

Cameron Crowe struck mega success when he wrote the teen angst comedy Fast Times at Ridgemont High (1982), which he adapted from his book published the year prior by the same title. It is indicative of the time with characters based on actual students he befriended when he spent a year undercover at Clairemont High School in San Diego. It was a herald film boasting a stellar line-up of actors, including Sean Penn, Judge Reinhold, Jennifer Jason Leigh and Phoebe Cates, whose nude scene is forever etched in the annals of the decade. Put it right up there in my top three favorite movies!

 

Crowe then took the leftover material from his book to write The Wild Life (1984). However, this “sequel” of sorts never received quite the same recognition despite featuring another solid group of talent, including Chris Penn, Eric Stoltz and Lea Thompson.

It is not released on DVD due to controversy surrounding music rights of the Eddie Van Halen soundtrack, but I was able to hunt down a fine-tuned copy on DVD-R. However, I will have to do some work on creating a better cover for a traditional case so it can fit in nicely with the collection.

My DVD-R copy of The Wild Life (1984)

The plot revolves around high school graduate Bill Conrad who yearns to get out on his own. After renting an expensive luxury apartment, he is forced to allow Tom Drake the extra bedroom to make ends meet. However, growing up for Bill is near impossible with Tom's innate desire to live the wild life. Whereas Fast Times at Ridgemont High focuses a large amount of the plot in the school, The Wild Life is set during the summertime and focuses more on relationships.

The Tom Drake character played by Chris Penn is congruent to the Jeff Spicoli character played by his brother Sean Penn in Fast Times at Ridgemont High. In the same likeness, the character of Bill Conrad played by Eric Stoltz is equated to Brad Hamilton as played by Judge Reinhold. However, the plots run in completely differing directions, and I quickly had to detach myself from viewing it as a sequel. The same motifs apply though—sex, corruption by drugs and alcohol, destruction of property—all the things that make a really great 80s teen angst film pop.

Every character has a strong position and personality that drive an incredibly sound story. I was immediately captured by the hilarious lines, anecdotes and exploits. The aged picture quality is completely forgotten as it all unfolds. Although, it is a certain shame that the film is unable to attain DVD release with digitally remastered picture. I was incessantly caught up in the comedy, and it left me wanting more as the credits started to roll.

If I was old enough to watch Fast Times at Ridgemont High and The Wild Life when they were first released, I certainly would have exploded upon news of the Fast Times (1986) TV series breaking.

Unfortunately, it only lasted one season. But, although a bit melodramatic, it still till this day fills a portion of that "I want more" gap. Ray Walston and Vincent Schiavelli reprise their roles as school teachers Mr. Hand and Mr. Vargas, and it features two of my favorite actors—Patrick Dempsey as Mike Damone and Claudia Wells as Linda Barret. All seven episodes are available in their entirety on YouTube.   

Cartoons | "Disney's Adventures of the Gummi Bears" (1985–1991)

The ultimate family animated series, “Disney’s Adventures of the Gummi Bears.” Every Saturday morning we gathered around the television to watch the Gummi-Glen Gummis—Cubbi, Sunni, Gruffi, Zummi, Tummi and Grammi—bouncing here and there and everywhere. And, after all these years, I am still trying to get my hands on some of that Gummiberry Juice.

Thought of as mere legends after humans forced their species into exile centuries prior, the magically-skilled bears live inside a tree outside the medieval kingdom of Dunwyn as the last remainders of their civilization. In the first episode, the Gummis encounter and befriend a human, Cavin—the squire of Sir Tuxford—who keeps close to him a Gummi medallion passed down by his grandfather. Throughout their many adventures, they seek to protect their secrets of magic, as well as King Gregor and his castle from the exiled Duke Sigmund Igthorn and his army of ogres.

 

 

The series includes 94 episodes. It originally debuted on NBC where it spent four seasons before subsequently moving to ABC for the final season and afternoon syndicated programming. Many of the episodes are uploaded on YouTube, and Seasons 1–3 are available on DVD.

Watching “Disney’s Adventures of the Gummi Bears” is extremely emblematic of my childhood family time. It is one of those cartoons with such well-developed characters that it is utterly impossible to pin-point a favorite. The series is charming and the adventures are so compelling that parents love to watch as well. It is an absolute classic and a precious precious gem.

Cartoons | "Denver, the Last Dinosaur" (1988–1990)

This one is quite the throwback for me and particularly special! I fondly recall the good ole days of my mom taking me to the public library to rent the VHS tape of "Denver, the Last Dinosaur." If only I could find the actual copy that I use to watch, re-watch and watch again, I would be on cloud nine! FYI, I am extremely sentimental about those sorts of things.

“Denver, the Last Dinosaur” was released in the United States in 1988 and only ran for two seasons. It was nationally syndicated with reruns airing up until 1990. Throughout the 52 episodes, it largely focuses on environmental issues and friendship. The story begins when a group of California teens discover a prehistoric egg near the La Brea Tar Pits, which hatches a cute and friendly Corythosaurus. Naming him Denver, they decide to keep him, but inhibit the knowledge of his existence. Through their enduring adventures, they teach the English-speaking dino about teenage life while simultaneously protecting him from the public. In contrast—with help from a piece of the egg—Denver is able to take them back to his prehistoric age and teach them about the time period. The character is voiced by the legendary Pat Fraley, whom performed in many of the most memorable cartoons of the 80s and 90s. 

 

 

As hard as I try, no one from my era ever remembers this incredible animation. I feel like “Denver, the Last Dinosaur” is all mine—it’s my baby, cute and adorable! Although I will probably never track down that VHS tape I use to check out from the library, I did locate 19 of the episodes on two separate volumes of DVDs. The majority of the series is also uploaded on YouTube, but I am a tangible type of guy. Plus, it is always worth spending a little bit on those things that impacted my life the most!

The Goonies, Good Enough For Me

When fate allows it, I occasionally find myself watching a movie in the perfect moment. The lighting and weather are fitting and the mood is just right. Sunset during the summer always leaves memorable movie-watching experiences for me, but every now and then it happens on the rarest of occasions. Never was this truer than the last time I watched The Goonies (1985).
 

My copy of The Goonies (1985) starring
Sean Astin and Corey Feldman


It was probably some time in October of 2000. I was a sophomore in high school and playing football for the Oberlin Red Devils. For some odd reason, we had a Saturday morning JV game against the Norton Blue Jays on their field. It was a frigid day. Horrifically wet and muddy, just miserable. Our towns are fairly close to one another, so we were receiving the same type of weather.

When I arrived home it was sleeting, but strangely I still went up to our local A&W/gas station and bought a smoothie. I got back to the house and resided to the basement to watch some television. Right at that moment, The Goonies started playing on TBS. I had our large basement window shades open allowing the dreary weather to seep into my quarters. It was relaxing, and my setting seemed to inexplicably match that of the movie. This was hardly the first time I ever watched the The Goonies, but this time everything jived. And, here I am 13 years later still trying to recreate that moment.

Set in the “Goon Docks” neighborhood of Astoria, Oregon, the adventure comedy follows a faction of pre-teens who attempt to save their homes from inevitable foreclosure. While exploring the attic, they discover an old Spanish map and artifact that sets them out on an exploit to excavate the hidden treasure of 17th-century pirate One-Eyed Willie. However, the coordinates take them to an abandoned seaside restaurant where they encounter a family of fugitives called the Fratellis. Escaping the villains through a cavern beneath, they trapse through a series of booby traps that subsequently lead them to a pirate ship full of gold.

 

 

The Goonies is an all around feel-good film, one created especially for dreamers—one that I would fantasize about, and put myself in the shoes of Mikey or Mouth. It embodies the culture of the 80s and is certainly one of the foremost teen and pre-teen films of the decade. It is packed full with unforgotten moments. The cast is incredible. Sean Astin and Corey Feldman are both iconic stars. And, the soundtrack includes some insatiable tunes, including Cyndi Lauper’s “The Goonies ‘R’ Good Enough,” which I am felicitously listening to at this very instant. Fervent and impatient, I continue holding out for the day that my internal feelings collide with a frigid and perfectly relaxing Saturday when I can revisit this cherished movie.

Now Playing | The Last Stand starring Arnold Schwarzenegger

The quintessential 80s action hero is back! Arnold Schwarzenegger’s new flick The Last Stand opens in theaters today, and is sure to deliver 107 minutes of explosions, car stunts and combat. He stars as Sheriff Ray Owens who retired from the LAPD after his partner is left crippled and now protects border town Summerton Junction from a fragment of crime. However, when drug kingpin Gabriel Cortez escapes from an FBI prisoner convoy and blazes towards the border with an army and hostage in tow, Owens is forced to make the last stand with his crew of inexperienced officers before the convict escapes the grasp of the United States law indefinitely.

 

 

 

Growing up through the 80s and 90s was perfect timing, as I was highly influenced by a multitude of Arnold’s characters. Often on television and watched by my family during my youth, The Terminator (1984) and Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991) are my first memories of him. A cyborg assassin from the future sent to kill, and then reprogrammed to defeat evil in the sequel—captivating, especially for an action-loving adolescent!

My favorite childhood Arnold Schwarzenegger films:
The Terminator (1984)
The Running Man (1987)
Red Heat (1988)
Total Recall (1990)
Kindergarten Cop (1990)
Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991)
Last Action Hero (1993)
True Lies (1994)
Eraser (1996)
Jingle All the Way (1996)

As an Arnold enthusiast in both the motion picture business and the world of bodybuilding, I am anxiously awaiting a trip to the theater to catch his latest release. It is his first starring role since Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines (2003), so some place like the Fork & Screen at the AMC 30 in Olathe seems like a fitting location—my fingers are crossed. Undoubtedly, I will have more words after the screening, but go ahead and check it out for yourself!

 

Rod Stewart, My Rock 'N' Roll Idol

If only I could remember just how old I was the first time I heard a Rod Stewart song. Obviously, I was quite young as I still slept with my bedside lamp on and radio playing. I recall awakening one evening immediately captured by a tune running through my room. As I laid there with my eyes wide open, I thought it was the greatest sound to ever hit my eardrums. It was “Some Guys Have All the Luck,” but I would not discover the title or the artist until several years later.

Fast-forward to age 17 when my mom and I returned home from one of our many travels to McCook, NE. I was driving my new Honda Accord, and as I parked in our driveway Rod Stewart hit the speakers with “This Old Heart of Mine.” Immediately, I recognized the voice from my youth and inquired with my mom. “Oh, I think this is that guy your dad likes,” she replied. Hilarious, who would have known that he was a fan all along!? From this point onward, I dove into every bit of Rod Stewart music I could find, and finally identified that song from my past.

 

 

 

As fortune would have it, living in the Kansas City area allowed me to witness him live in concert twice when he performed at the Sprint Center in July 2009 and April 2011. Both nights were eminently enthralling. The first time I attended with a friend, and we sang along to every song as fans our parents’ age stared at us in amazement wondering how we knew all of the lyrics.

SETLIST - JULY 28, 2009: Some Guys Have All the Luck, It’s a Heartache, This Old Heart of Mine, The First Cut is the Deepest, Havin’ a Party, You Weart It Well, Downtown Train, Tonight’s the Night, You’re in My Heart, Twistin’ the Night Away, Forever Young, Proud Mary, Have I Told You Lately, Love Train, Hot Legs, Young Turks, Have You Ever Seen the Rain, Maggie May (encore)

 

My event tee and program from the Rod Stewart
concert at Sprint Center on July 28, 2009

The second opportunity was the consummate bonding experience with my dad, and forever a beloved memory. I was overly thrilled I was with him for his first time seeing Rod and hearing his favorite song “Maggie May.” It was The Heart & Soul Tour. Stevie Nicks opened up that night, and together the two put up an epic performance.

SETLIST - APRIL 12, 2011: Love Train, Tonight’s the Night, Havin’ a Party, Passion (w/ Stevie Nicks), Leather and Lace (w/ Stevie Nicks), Forever Young, The First Cut is the Deepest, This Old Heart of Mine, Twistin’ the Night Away, Some Guys Have All the Luck, Downtown Train, Reason to Believe, You’re in My Heart, Sweet Little Rock and Roller, It’s a Heartache, Rhythm of My Heart, Knock on Wood, Have I Told You Lately, Hot Legs, Maggie May, Do You Think I’m Sexy (encore)



My event tee, program and ticket from the Rod Stewart
concert at Sprint Center on April 12, 2011

Till this day, Rod Stewart remains my favorite musical artist and “Some Guys Have All the Luck” and “This Old Heart of Mine” remain my two favorite tunes. He struts this ultimate ladies’ man mystique and with a raspy British voice, incredible lyrics and slick dance moves combined with flash, charisma and class, he is pure gold. And, I always think that if ever there is a reason to write a screenplay about my life, it should open with that fateful night as a lad when I first heard him sing.

 

Rare Finds | Happy Together (1989)

Long before starring as Dr. Derek Shepherd—better known as “McDreamy” by all of his admirers—in the ABC medical drama Grey’s Anatomy, Patrick Dempsey was stealing hearts in many of the 80s’ best romantic comedies. Can’t Buy Me Love (1987) and Loverboy (1989) go back to my earliest memories, subsequently leading to my craze for the decade. His roles as Ronald Miller and Randy Bodek secured him the spot as my favorite actor of the genre and caused me to continually search out more of his work. Although never officially released on DVD, I lucked upon a copy of Happy Together (1989) in perfect condition on DVD-R.

My DVD-R copy of Happy Together (1989)

In the role of Christopher Wooden, Dempsey stars alongside Helen Slater as Alex (Alexandra) Page. He is an aspiring playwright and incoming college freshman, whom by computer error is roomed on “the hill” with a girl. Annoyed with her overly extroverted and epicurean antics, Chris seeks alternative housing. However, in midst of their cohabitation, he starts to like and eventually falls for Alex. Through their energetic exchanges, Chris evolves emotionally and transforms his writing skills. But, when Alex’s pleasure-seeking personality starts to prove too tough to handle, we discover if he can really love her and if she can truly accept his adoration.

Watching a VHS-quality transfer of this film created an incredibly evocative sensation. The opening music sets a transcendent tone for the entire movie. The plot is both charming and magnetic. It takes authentic boy-meets-girl emotions straight out of life and interjects them in a fanciful and captivating situation. And, until the closing credits, it captures the magic of the era and the presumed innocence of love.