1989 Movies
OSCARS Won/Nominated
IMDB Top 250
IMDB Top 250
OSCARS
KEVIN'S PICK
Best Visual Effects
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The Abyss
Dir: James Cameron Stars: Ed Harris, Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio, Michael Biehn Nearly flawless. The claustrophobia, the marital tension, the sci-fi thills, the Russian cold-war paranoia, the isolationist horror. It all works, at every turn. Really shows that James Cameron is a master filmmaker and possibly our greatest Sci-Fi artist. A DVD |
Always
Dir: Steven Spielberg Voices: Richard Dreyfuss, John Goodman, Holly Hunter This is one of the lesser Spielberg movies, but the action sequences of the forest fire-fighting are completely harrowing and the sense of loss and love are definitely effective. Sometimes the spiritualism and sorrow gets a bit sappy...but would you expect less from Spielberg? B |
OSCARS
Best Visual Effects
KEVIN'S PICK
Best Makeup
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Back to the Future Part II
Dir: Robert Zemeckis Stars: Michael J. Fox, Christopher Lloyd, Thomas F. Wilson, Lea Thompson Totally enjoyable, even though it is completely frantic and sometimes even unfocused. Part I & III are singular, linear films. Two so convoluted that Doc Brown literally has to draw the plot on a chalkboard. But come on, how could you not love it? Props to Thomas F. Wilson for stealing the show in nearly all of his different roles. A- Bluray |
Bad Taste
Dir: Peter Jackson It astonishes me that the man who ~5 years later was making the solid, fun The Frighteners, and another 5 years later, was making one of the greatest cinematic experiences of all time with The Lord of the Rings. I am SURE I could make a better movie than this over the weekend on my iPhone. It is so bad, the ADR is atrocious, the comedy falls flat, no one can act, and the gross-out stuff is just dumb. I HATED this movie so much. F |
OSCARS
Best Art Direction
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Batman
Dir: Tim Burton Stars: Michael Keaton, Jack Nicholson, Kim Basinger 1001 Movies You Must See Before You Die I am not a huge fan of Michael Keaton's Batman, but this movie is solid. Mostly due to Tim Burton's direction but almost certainly due to Jack Nicholson's Joker. It is almost as if his entire career led up to that moment. That is how good he is in the part. B+ DVD |
Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure
Dir: Stephen Herek Stars: Keanu Reeves, Alex Winter, George Carlin Quite an anomaly...because Bill & Ted have become some of the most iconic comedic characters of all time...even though the movie is a bit amateurish. There is no denying that it is fun...but it is a bit undercooked. Not as good as its sequel. B DVD |
The 'Burbs
Dir: Joe Dante Stars: Tom Hanks, Carrie Fisher, Bruce Dern, Rick Ducommun I love this movie so much. Probably the funniest thing Tom Hanks has ever done for my money. The paranoia he and his neighbors have of the freaks next door just keeps getting more and more absurd. And the movie is artificial in ways to almost be sefl aware, like the brilliant scene where they find a femur. It is so much fun!!! B+ DVD |
Casualties of War
Dir: Brian DePalma Stars: Sean Penn, Michael J. Fox Where Platoon and Full Metal Jacket so expertly exhibit the horrors and dehumanization of the Vietnam war...this one points out the grotesqueries and degenerates of that time. Its almost horrible to watch, but also mesmerizing as well. B+ |
OSCARS
Best Director
Best Supporting Actor Best Original Scrennplay |
Crimes and Misdemeanors
Dir: Woody Allen Stars: Martin Landau, Woody Allen, Angelica Huston, Sam Waterston 1001 Movies You Must See Before You Die Woody Allen made this film over 15 years before he made what I consider a masterpiece, Match Point, but they are essentially the same movie. This one is a bit lesser because of the Woody Allen-esque comedy bits in it. It doesn't quite seem to fit as it is absent from the 2005 film...but its still a solid film. B+ DVD |
OSCARS
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Dead Poet's Society
Dir: Peter Weir Stars: Robin Williams, Robert Sean Leonard, Ethan Hawke This is one of those films that feel a little artificial, but it is hard not to enjoy it. This is one of those Robin Williams softy movies that dares you to dislike it, just like his Patch Adams. Also, every teacher in the world probably considers this the best movie ever made. Attempts have been made to try to duplicate it but they are always inferior. B |
OSCARS
Best Supporting Actor
Best Original Screenplay KEVIN'S PICK
Best Original Screenplay
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Do the Right Thing
Dir: Spike Lee Stars: Danny Aiello, Ruby Dee, Ossie Davis, Spike Lee 1001 Movies You Must See Before You Die Some people consider Spike Lee's films a bit militant and controversial. His brilliance behind DO THE RIGHT THING is that he invites the audience to become those with an internal controversy by never quite taking a side in the racial volatility throughout the film. The tension is palpable as we all live through a hot day in a Bed-Stuy neighborhood where Sal's Pizza is the central location. Many people seem to have their prejudices, but for the most part, it is live-and-let-live. But Spike Lee's invites us to realize, and bring our own prejudices to the table, that our society has nearly evolved to a point where conflict is necessary. Very well done. Spike Lee's own character of Mookie is a bit confused and his motivations are vague...but Danny Aiello is absolutely superb. B+ |
OSCARS
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Driving Miss Daisy
Dir: Bruce Beresford Stars: Morgan Freeman, Jessica Tandy, Dan Aykroyd Such a sweet, solid, Oscar-winning film. The chemistry between Morgan Freeman and Jessica Tandy really makes this film a joy to behold. And it is that chemistry that pretty much carries the film to the status that it has. A- DVD |
OSCARS
Best Picture
Best Adapted Screenplay Best Original Score |
Field of Dreams
Dir: Phil Alden Robinson Stars: Kevin Costner, James Earl Jones, Ray Liotta 1001 Movies You Must See Before You Die I am not as huge a fan of this film as a lot of sports fans are...but it does tug at the heartstrings rather effectively...and no actor seems to love the game of baseball more than Kevin Costner. But I can't just shake the sappiness of the whole thing. B |
Ghostbusters II
Dir: Ivan Reitman Stars: Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Harold Ramis, Ernie Hudson, Sigourney Weaver, Peter MacNicol It's still funny and enjoyable, but the novelty has worn off a bit. I like Peter MacNicol's character a lot, but too many times, things just feel like a retread. It could be a lot worse though. Bill Murray still saves the movie...without him...the Ghostbusters franchise would never work. B- DVD |
OSCARS
KEVIN'S PICK
Best Picture
Best Director Best Supporting Actor Best Adapted Screenplay Best Editing Best Cinematography Best Art Direction Best Costume Design Best Sound Best Original Score |
Glory
Dir: Edward Zwick Stars: Matthew Broderick, Denzel Washington, Cary Elwes, Andre Braugher 1001 Movies You Must See Before You Die A Perfect movie. It reeks of authenticity and is incredibly important. It shows the Civil War points of view of the white officers, the black infantrymen, the white infantrymen from other regiments...and it is all poignant and understandable. The story it tells really tugs at the heart, makes patriotism run rampant, and really outlines racism in a way that isn't ham-handed. The civil wat was about freedom for all, and to watch the 54th Massachusetts fight for that right is one of the most rousing stories ever put to film. It never gets old and that music makes me tear up every time I hear it. A+ Bluray |
OSCARS
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Henry V
Dir: Kenneth Branagh Stars: Kenneth Branagh, Derek Jacobi 1001 Movies You Must See Before You Die Really shows that Kenneth Branagh had a knack for Shakespeare early on. This antiquated story and speech patterns takes some getting used to but seems effortless for him. It was obvious that he would deliver us the masterpiece that is Hamlet a few years later. Its bloody, action packed, and very well acted by Branagh. B DVD |
Honey, I Shrunk the Kids
Dir: Joe Johnston Stars: Rick Moranis This has become quite a classic. It has the easy-going tone as most live-action Disney movies but it really broke the mold with the visual and practical effects of the kids being tiny in their backyard...and Rick Moranis was a perfect piece of casting as the scientist father. Such a good time. B |
OSCARS
KEVIN'S PICK
Best Sound Effects Editing
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Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade
Dir: Steven Spielberg Stars: Harrison Ford, Sean Connery IMDB #111 Not nearly as dark as the previous film, but almost as pitch perfect as the original. The addition of Sean Connery as Harrison Ford's father is a masterstroke and it is always fun to see Dr. Jones searching for religious artifacts while fighting Nazis. Action/Adventure like this just doesn't exist anymore. A Bluray |
K-9
Dir: Rod Daniel Stars: James Belushi, Ed O'Neill Jim Belushi is no Tom Hanks....he is hardly Hooch...so his Dog Buddy Cop movie is a really dumb movie among a really dumb genre. Belushi tries to quip and name-call his way through the film in the name of comedy and it almost never works. Even as a a massive dog lover...it's a rough one. But the ending IS cute. C- |
The Karate Kid Part III
Dir: John G. Avildsen Stars: Ralph Macchio, Pat Morita This is basically a remake of the first movie, because when they went to Okinawa in Part II...no one cared. So the filmmakers brought them back and forced Daniel into another Tournament and brought back the Cobra-Kai. It's much worse than the original but has its moments. Daniel's desperation later in the film is pretty effective. C DVD |
OSCARS
Best Sound Editing
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Lethal Weapon 2
Dir: Richard Donner Stars: Mel Gibson, Danny Glover, Joe Pesci The franchise is still pretty solid here. The whole premise is frustrating, but in a good way, playing the entire Diplomatic Immunity card. But when all is said and done, The climax is completely satisfying. Gibson and Glover are one of the most entertaining cinematic cop pairs ever. B- |
OSCARS
KEVIN'S PICK
Best Original Song
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The Little Mermaid
Dir: Ron Clements & John Musker Not my favorite of the "Golden Age" era including this, Aladdin, Beauty & the Beast, and The Lion King...but it is still solid Disney Entertainment. The creativity and message aren't as strong as those other films...but the music is phenomenal and the visuals are certainly iconic. B DVD |
Look Who's Talking
Dir: Amy Heckerling Stars: Kirstie Alley, John Tavolta, Bruce Willis It is a silly idea, but choosing to use Bruce Willis's voice as the voice of Baby Mikey is a masterstroke. He has a recognizable voice but not a goofy, stagey voice. The jokes are well-written and really exhibit what babies may actually be thinking...and that always puts a smile on my face. B |
Major League
Dir: David S. Ward Stars: Charlie Sheen, Tom Berenger, Corbin Bernsen, Wesly Snipes, Dennis Haysbert Most guys my age have their own baseball movie. Some have Field of Dreams. Some have The Sandlot. Others have Bull Durham. Mine is Major League. Each character is perfect in his own way. It is just so much fun and does the R-rated sports comedy perfectly. This is what I grew up with and it makes you laugh while exhibiting a pure love of the game. A- DVD |
OSCARS
KEVIN'S PICK
Best Actor
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My Left Foot
Dir: Jim Sheridan Stars: Daniel Day Lewis 1001 Movies You Must See Before You Die In lesser hands, My Left Foot could have come across as a stunt lacking much emotion...but under the careful hands of Director Jim Sheridan and the great Daniel Day Lewis....this story of Christy Brown is touching, funny, beautiful, and perfectly frustrating. To see how Christy was trapped in his own Cerebral Palsy body is so heartbreaking and excruciating...yet the movie does not ask for sympathy or pity. The movie wonderfully portrays a story where the lead has a hardship but overcomes it. It is a classic idea...but seeing Daniel Day Lewis at his best makes the entire movie feel original. A- |
National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation
Dir: Jeremiah S. Chechik Stars: Chevy Chase, Beverly D'Angelo, Randy Quaid One of the most quintessential Christmas movies for me every year. Not only is it hilarious, but it really does find a way to capture that Christmas spirit through the outlandish jokes and showing us how everything could go wrong, making us appreciate when the holiday season goes right. Must been seen many times every holiday season, without fail. A- Bluray |
A Nightmare on Elm Street 5: The Dream Child
Dir: Stephen Hopkins Voices: Robert Englund The Freddy Kreuger franchise is completely off the rails with this one. It isn't scary enough to be good horror. It isn't funny enough to be a comedy. It isn't gory enough to be exciting. It's just a futile effort that never recovers or gives you anything worth remembering. D- |
No Holds Barred
Dir: Thomas J. Wright Stars: Hulk Hogan, Tommy "Tiny" Lister, Kurt Fuller Probably the greatest worst movie of all time. My god...this is the worst movie that I can't get enough of. I mean...I bought the freaking bluray. Hulk Hogan was never anyone who would win an oscar...but come on now...how do you make a movie like this? AWESOME!!! D- Bluray |
OSCARS
Best Supporting Actress
Best Original Song KEVIN'S PICK
Best Supporting Actress
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Parenthood
Dir: Ron Howard Stars: Steve Martin, Mary Steenburgen, Dianne Wiest, Keanu Reeves, Jason Robards, Tom Hulce, Rick Moranis The first movie that really showed me how wonderful and heartfelt a Ron Howard movie can be. This movie is a perfectly believable slice-of-life dramedy. It shows how parents of every age and quality deal with their kids...with every imaginable scenario...but it is perfectly balanced, funny, and touching. Great Stuff. A- DVD |
Pet Semetary
Dir: Mary Lambert Stars: Fred Gwynne A horrifying Stephen King Novel, but a mediocre made-for-tv quality film adaptation. There is something inherently spooky about making things that you once loved unconditionally now a thing of nightmares...but it never really elevates itself to solid horror entertainment like other cinematic King fare has in the past. C |
Police Academy 6: City Under Siege
Dir: Peter Bonerz Stars: Bubba Smith, David Graf, Michael Winslow Just watch this film. You won't believe what passed as cinema back in the day. This is the worst, cartoony nonsense imaginable. BUT...that terribleness is oddly charming at points. I saw this in the theater when I was 9, and even then...all I was concerned about was if the main villain was Freddy Kreuger. D- DVD |
See No Evil, Hear No Evil
Dir: Arthur Hiller Stars: Richard Pryor, Gene Wilder, Kevin Spacey This movie is not done very well...but when you have Richard Pryor and Gene Wilder headlining your movie, it is very hard to go totally wrong. There are a few jokes here that are absolutely SPOT on, and I acutally think those scenes belong to Wilder. The hijinx are very silent movie-era lunacy. B- DVD |
She's Out of Control
Dir: Stan Dragoti Stars: Tony Danza, Wallace Shawn, Ami Dolenz God this movie is awful. Nothing that happens is even the least bit realistic and the weird, extreme way Tony Danza sexualizes his own daughter is so creepy that it sucks all the life, comedy, sweetness, and reality right out of the film. And any movie that destroys a mint Jaguar XKE has to be terrible. D- |
Troop Beverly Hills
Dir: Jeff Kanew Stars: Shelley Long, Craig T. Nelson I have to admit, most of my affection for this movie come's from my wife's enthusiasm while watching it. It is silly and enjoyable, and most of it spurns from Shelley Long's hilarious performance. This is obviously what the horrible The Boss was inspired by...and this is infinitely better. B Bluray |
Turner & Hooch
Dir: Roger Spottiswoode Stars: Tom Hanks, Mare Winningham, Craig T. Nelson The better of the two cop/dog buddy movies of 1989. This one is a bit superior because of Hanks and the dog is cuter. The funny parts are funnier, the serious parts ore more serious, and the sad parts are sadder. Not too shabby. Also...Hanks's reactions to the frustrations of dog ownership are simply more natural and recognizable than the vitriol that James Belushi has for his dog in K-9. B |
UHF
Dir: Jay Levey Stars: "Weird" Al Yankovic, Victoria Jackson, Kevin McCarthy, Michael Richards For anyone that is familiar with Weird Al Yankovic's zaniness, UHF is a perfect example of his hilarity if it were translated to Television. It's outrageous to a point of near abstract art. Most of it only works BECAUSE it is Yankovic. Otherwise it might seem a bit more stupid. B+ DVD |
Weekend at Bernie's
Dir: Ted Kotcheff Stars: Andrew McCarthy, Jonathan Silverman Man-oh-man do I miss the 80s. When movies can have such outrageously stupid ideas and plotlines and actually pull them off in near-classic fashion. This is one of the most perfect examples of it. Guy dies...two goofballs try to act like he's still alive. So simple...and still enjoyable. No way a movie like this would succeed today. B DVD |
OSCARS
Best Original Screenplay
KEVIN'S PICK
Best Actress
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When Harry Met Sally
Dir: Rob Reiner Stars: Billy Crystal, Meg Ryan, Carrie Fisher 1001 Movies You Must See Before You Die These days, the tropes in this movie have moved into cliche territory...but in this film, the romance/friendship between Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan is beautiful, funny, sad, and completely authentic. I loved how great the screenplay was to a point that Crystal didn't seem like he was trying too hard to be funny...which is usually my problem with him. I really liked it...even though the "wrapped up in a bow" ending seemed a bit uninspired...but inevitable. A- |
The Wizard
Dir: Todd Holland Stars: Fred Savage, Beau Bridges, Christian Slater Basically a 90-minute Nintendo commercial...but it is so ridiculously corny and nostalgic, that it is impossible not to like. What other movie has the audacity to make Beau Bridges character arc about excelling at The Adventures of Link? What other movie can get away with the line, "I love the Power Glove. It's so bad!" What other movies can get away with making the Universal Studios tour an action sequence? Hilariously goofy. B DVD |