Classic film cuts await for transition to class-free summer months
Although there may be plenty of great new films, many classics remain overlooked in the overflowing Netflix cue. With the extra free time that comes with summer, however, there are many opportunities to flash back to the past (with or without the DeLorean) and watch great movies you may have missed. Indoors, outdoors, alone or with friends or family, classics scratch that itch of nostalgia. So grab some popcorn, make yourself comfortable, and take the opportunity to screen these four timeless classics.
Released in 1985, Back to the Future tells the adventures of Marty McFly (Michael J. Fox), who accidentally travels back in time to the ‘50s after getting his hands on an experiment made by his scientist friend, Doc Brown (Christopher Lloyd). Stuck in the past with nothing but the DeLorean-turned-time machine, Marty runs into young versions of his parents (Crispin Glover and Lea Thompson), only to interfere with their past. As the movie progresses, Marty has to make them fall in love before he disappears from existence. As if that wasn’t already enough pressure, he also has to find a way to return to 1985 and save Doc. Back to the Future is filled with many funny scenes, a beautiful love story, and so much adventure. On top of that, the movie is only the first installment in a trilogy. Thankfully, Netflix brought all three films to the platform on May 1. Named one of the best science fiction films of all time, Back to the Future won’t leave you disappointed.
On the heartwarming side of classic films, Forrest Gump may make you shed a tear or two. Forrest Gump (Tom Hanks) has always stood out in life, repeatedly called stupid because of some cognitive challeges. But that hasn’t stopped him from being himself, with a source of support coming from his beloved mother (Sally Field). Forrest finds throughout his life that nothing is simple as he accomplishes more than he ever would have dreamed, with his proudest accomplishment being a promise he made to his best friend, Bubba (Mykelti Williamson). Through all of his adventures, however, Forrest always finds himself returning to the love of his life, the troubled Jenny (Robin Wright). Through it all, he helps others, sharing his optimism while not being afraid to risk his life for the people he loves. Not only will you smile at Forrest’s personality, but you’ll mourn with him. Through sentimental scenes, Forrest Gump captures the hearts of many, revisioning the past through a heartwarming lens.
Set in the 1930s, Raiders of the Lost Ark has stunned audiences with its suspense and action. Imagined through the combined might of Steven Spielberg and George Lucas, the movie tells the tale of Indiana Jones (Harrison Ford), an archaeologist hired by the U.S. government to find a religious relic before the Nazis could get their hands on it, completing their plan of world domination. At the same time, Indiana has to conquer many phobias and cooperate with his ex-girlfriend (Karen Allen) while facing perilous tasks to save the world. With the amount of suspense, the audience will be left on the edge of their seats, anxious for the result of Indiana’s quick thinking and proficiency with a whip. As the movie progresses, so does romance, seen in the conflict of past and present relationships between Indiana and Marion. Together with the suspense and acting from Harrison Ford, Raiders of the Lost Ark is the perfect adventure film, the first in a series that has inspired other films and even video game titles ranging from Tomb Raider to Uncharted.
For those with a passion for musicals, the 1965 classic, The Sound of Music, will be sure to capture your heart. Set during World War II, Music shares the story of the Von Trapp Family after Maria (Julie Andrews), a postulant who didn’t fit in at the abbey she lived in, is hired to be their governess. While there, she teaches the children music, a form of entertainment banned from the household by the widowed father, Captain von Trapp (the recently deceased Christopher Plummer). The seven Von Trapp children learn to sing and also find the meaning of family, while Captain von Trapp and Maria find themselves through each other. But just as the family feels united again, their world comes to a halt: the Nazis have reached Austria and they must escape. Through both music and story, The Sound of Music will also have you singing for days.
Once a movie is dubbed a classic, it is often overlooked, deemed too old for the younger generations. But these classics have shaped filmmaking as we know it today through their quotable dialogue, strong plot, and stunning visuals. Along with their timeless structure, some classics have created an impact on pop culture, with references to these films placed in many forms of media. As summer approaches and extra time becomes available, the opportunity to view these overlooked films appears. Before the next school year approaches, sit down with your family, invite friends, or take time out of your day to sit down and watch these stunning classics; you won’t regret it.
By Ruby Pluchinsky
Oshkosh West Index Volume 117 Issue 8
May 27, 2021