What Makes 80s Action Movies So Unforgettable?
The 80s action film era is remembered fondly by many film fans. These Movies were often characterized by big-budget blockbusters, intense stunts, and memorable movie moments that still inspire a huge range of admiration - as we continue to discuss those iconic movies such as "Die Hard," "Commando" and "Top Gun".
However, with a changing world, especially those influenced by changing cultural values and those that embrace more liberal ideals, as well as greater awareness of social norms that were once acceptable - there have been numerous, if not a multitude, of 80s action Movies that often make us question what may appear problematic, cringeworthy or even those moments that were simply considered an oddity of a different time period. These movies had many elements - even as a celebration of masculinity or those "unbelievable action scenes" which, when placed into modern standards make those films look quite awkward, at times, even bordering on those things that appear to be problematic. In this context, it shows just how much films reflect cultural and political values.
Why Do 1980s Action Movies Age Poorly?
While 80s action movies had some great special effects - in contrast to some modern production values. Many are aware of the strides that Hollywood has taken. There was often an approach to these productions - that might come across as outdated or even bizarre - if compared to contemporary productions. This also applies to scenes featuring a reliance on unbelievable action scenes as they often highlight a very over-the-top use of violence. Many action-packed moments from the 1980s now appear a bit far-fetched - even in their execution.
Many Action Movies from the 1980s, also highlight how some of their production techniques (a key ingredient in any film production), including special effects, were primitive, primitive, or, sometimes, even comical to those viewing them in modern times. These types of scenes may seem as if the films have not stood the test of time, often prompting criticism. As audiences go on to experience an increased reliance on digital production and more creative ways of telling a story - those 80s action scenes tend to look rather clumsy and somewhat simplistic, which may make them more of a source of humor for a modern audience.
Which 80s Action Movie Has the Most Dated Moments?
Many action movies in the 1980s feature at least one moment - that may be considered aging poorly in movies. However, the 1987 "Top Gun" movie has several - that might not be accepted in modern production.
Fans may recognize those Top Gun movie moments as a classic production but when considering "Maverick" as he appears in this film - there's a particularly strange moment - that's cringeworthy. This occurs when "Maverick" makes an attempt to win the affections of Charlie Blackwood - one of his instructors, and decides to stalk her and even enter the women's bathroom - as she prepares to go in. Even with this awkward, problematic interaction, audiences might continue to enjoy this action movie as a classic, but it may also highlight a particular aspect of those problematic tropes that might make this film appear unconventional to a modern audience.
Is Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom Offensive?
Many 1980s movies were designed as a grand adventure. Often, a quest to conquer, but with the passage of time - they have also received criticism. One of those productions includes Indiana Jones' "Temple of Doom," often a controversial, cult-classic for many.
While many consider "Indiana Jones" (and in particular its most infamous sequel, "Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom," with the Temple of Doom taking a unique spin on the overall theme. The main concern for a modern audience (who is aware of racist undertones - and may even make some associations with those who relied on cultural stereotypes to add to the overall narrative, as if those elements could make these types of stories even more compelling, it can even appear that these moments are no longer acceptable to view and could even trigger a slew of emotions) that are considered inappropriate in 2023. It includes scenes such as a banquet in which Willie Scott (Kate Capshaw) is offered a platter of monkey brains - this serves as a key moment to understand the series' problematic nature, especially as the character's journey through India has been accused of taking those aspects of stereotypes, making it unsuitable to view.
Do 80s Action Movies Often Use Misogyny in Storytelling?
Unfortunately, in the realm of 80s action movies - misogyny was quite prevalent. The character of women in films such as "Commando" and "Predator" were often considered to be damsels in distress who would need to be saved by the men. They served as a mere side attraction for those rule-breaking characters such as Arnold Schwarzenegger's iconic John Matrix or even Carl Weathers' "DutcH" Schafer in the film "Predator."
It's no surprise that some films from that era continue to face criticism and often these characters appear quite one-dimensional - and ultimately their roles serve as nothing more than a vehicle to move the story along.
Why Is Police Brutality Seen In 80s Action Movies?
Many 80s action movies, such as the highly praised, "Die Hard", which often features those characters, such as John McClane, taking on the fight against criminals and villains. These scenes can make it seem like those police officers, such as Sgt. Al Powell, have an unyielding urge to use deadly force, often appearing as if they are a trigger-happy cop . There's also a sense of overuse of deadly force. In fact, Sgt. Powell's entire arc appears to be based on how he was once triggered by the use of deadly force as a police officer.
In the 1980s - there was a tendency for law enforcement to have an overreliance on guns, especially when confronting an attacker. As this period also had a greater emphasis on crime in cities - those productions seemed to take a darker turn.
Which 1980s Movie Has the Most Questionable Special Effects?
Several 1980s movies are famous for those early forms of special effects , and Tron, in particular, stands out. Often cited as one of the first movies that featured computer-generated images, in its depiction of a virtual world.
In modern times - the special effects appear quite rudimentary. The effects look primitive, sometimes creating scenes that look rather disjointed - often the visuals might even feel incomplete. One example is that Light Cycle Race which appears within Tron, which is not just poorly rendered in a sense, that the visuals feel dated - but the sequences of the Light Cycle are quite unrealistic and can appear to be somewhat silly if compared to how Hollywood continues to showcase new technology for production.
