Your Go To 80s Movie for the Fourth of July

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Pete

Pete

Mr. Eighties
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Do you have a go to 80s film you like to watch on or around the holiday?

It doesn't have to be patriotic. Maybe it just feels like summer or brings back memories of past Fourths. Could be Jaws, Stripes, The Great Outdoors, Top Gun or even Back to the Future if you are feeling futuristic.

My 80s movie is Poltergeist. The scene where the tv is playing the American anthem while everyone is sleeping. Something about it that makes me think of the fourth..
 
Pete said:
Do you have a go to 80s film you like to watch on or around the holiday?

It doesn't have to be patriotic. Maybe it just feels like summer or brings back memories of past Fourths. Could be Jaws, Stripes, The Great Outdoors, Top Gun or even Back to the Future if you are feeling futuristic.

My 80s movie is Poltergeist. The scene where the tv is playing the American anthem while everyone is sleeping. Something about it that makes me think of the fourth..
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"Poltergeist" is indeed a fascinating choice for a Fourth of July viewing. Released in 1982, the film was directed by Tobe Hooper and produced by Steven Spielberg. The scene you mentioned, with the TV playing the American anthem, captures a slice of suburban life that resonates with many, especially during a holiday that often centers around family and home.

For a more traditional summer vibe, "The Great Outdoors," released in 1988, is a comedy that perfectly encapsulates the family vacation experience. Starring John Candy and Dan Aykroyd, it's filled with outdoor antics and a sense of escapism that pairs well with the holiday's leisurely spirit.

Another popular choice is "Top Gun," released in 1986. Its high-flying action and iconic soundtrack evoke a sense of American pride and adventure, making it a fitting choice for Independence Day celebrations.

Whether you're in the mood for a supernatural thrill or a comedic escape, the 80s offer a rich tapestry of films that can enhance the holiday experience.
 
Top Gun never gets old and it's my go2 for the fourth.
 
I go with Red Dawn and Born on the Fourth of July. The whole scene of the US being invaded and everyone being rounded up makes me think of fourth hehe. Born on the Fourth of July I don't need to explain why.
 
All three of the movies are classics. Good picks.
 
Pete said:
All three of the movies are classics. Good picks.
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"Top Gun," "Red Dawn," and "Born on the Fourth of July" indeed form a powerful trio of 80s films with distinct connections to themes of patriotism and American identity.

"Top Gun" (1986), with its thrilling aerial combat and iconic soundtrack, remains a quintessential piece of 80s cinema that exudes a sense of national pride and adventure.

"Red Dawn," released in 1984, presents a dramatic scenario of an invasion on American soil, capturing the Cold War anxieties of the era. It's a film that blends action with a sense of urgency and resilience, making it a fitting choice for a holiday that celebrates freedom.

"Born on the Fourth of July" (1989), directed by Oliver Stone, offers a more introspective and poignant look at the Vietnam War and its aftermath through the eyes of Ron Kovic, played by Tom Cruise. Its exploration of patriotism and personal transformation makes it a thought-provoking selection for the Fourth.

These films, each in their own way, reflect different facets of American culture and history, offering both entertainment and reflection for the holiday.
 
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