10 Amazing Overlooked Treasures of the 1980s

Casey Chong examines eight notable cult sci-fi films from 1985... The year 1985 was significant for the iconic sci-fi film Back to the Future, which grossed over $210 million in the U.S. alone. Directed by Robert Zemeckis, this time-travel classic remains a beloved cinematic landmark. Alongside it, several other sci-fi movies were released, some achieving success like Cocoon, while others, such as Enemy Mine and Explorers, were largely overlooked by audiences at the time. Below, we present our selections of the essential sci-fi films from 1985 beyond Back to the Future... Re-Animator Not for the faint of heart, Stuart Gordon fully embraces Lovecraftian horror with sci-fi elements in Re-Animator. The film features Jeffrey Combs in his memorable and eccentric role as Herbert West, a deranged medical student obsessed with resurrecting the dead using his experimental serum. Gordon’s direction captures the essence of a B-movie spirit, merging sci-fi horror with dark comedy. The film is exceptionally bloody and gory, showcasing impressive practical effects and maintaining a brisk pace without unnecessary distractions. The cult success of Re-Animator led to two sequels, Bride of Re-Animator and Beyond Re-Animator. Brazil Terry Gilliam’s often-misunderstood sci-fi masterpiece failed to draw large audiences upon its release but has since been recognized as a classic. Gilliam, who co-wrote the screenplay, presents a unique vision of a dystopian future rife with bureaucratic absurdities, focused on a low-level government employee, played by the empathetic Jonathan Pryce, as he navigates a landscape of daydreams and mundane reality. Beyond Gilliam’s stunning visuals and quirky humor, the film offers profound narrative depth, drawing on Orwellian themes of totalitarianism and oppression. Although its nearly 2 ½ hour runtime might deter some viewers, Gilliam’s intricate direction offers a distinctive cinematic experience worth witnessing. Enemy Mine Wolfgang Petersen, known for genre-defining works like Das Boot and Air Force One, directed the sadly underrated Enemy Mine, which came a year after the success of The NeverEnding Story. The film faced numerous behind-the-scenes challenges, including the firing of original director Richard Loncraine, who had already filmed some scenes. Rather than using Loncraine's footage, Petersen opted to start anew. Unfortunately, despite his efforts, Enemy Mine struggled at the box office, yet it deserves recognition for its effective exploration of themes such as harmony, unity, and empathy, adapted from Barry B. Longyear’s novella by Edward Khmara. Primarily centering on the conflict between human pilot Willis Davidge (Dennis Quaid) and a reptilian being named Jeriba Shigan (Louis Gossett Jr., in full prosthetic makeup), the film thrives on the chemistry between the two leads, elevating it beyond a simple survival story. The Quiet Earth This film from New Zealand presents a haunting “what if” scenario in which a global disaster nearly wipes out all humanity. Directed by Geoff Murphy, who later took on Hollywood projects like Young Guns II, The Quiet Earth opens with a captivating scene where a man (Bruno Lawrence) wakes up to find himself utterly alone in a city. The first 35 minutes focus on Lawrence’s character, Zac Hobson, as he copes with solitude, even resorting to donning a dress for entertainment. His performance is exceptional, capturing a blend of isolation, frustration, and odd joy. The narrative later introduces two additional characters: a young woman named Joanne (Alison Routledge) and a Maori man named Api (Pete Smith). Adapted from Craig Harrison’s novel, the film explores themes of human instinct, trust, and racial tension leading to a surreal and ambiguous conclusion. Cocoon Surprisingly, Robert Zemeckis was originally slated to direct Cocoon, but after Fox executives' negative reactions to an early cut of Romancing the Stone, Ron Howard took over. Howard’s deliberate direction proved perfect for Tom Benedek’s screenplay about seniors at a retirement home who discover a swimming pool with giant cocoons that rejuvenate them. The film thoughtfully examines aging and the rediscovery of youth through the experiences of its elderly characters, portrayed by Don Ameche, Wilford Brimley, and Hume Cronyn. Rather than merely invoking nostalgia, Howard elicits strong performances from this older cast. While the special effects, especially the glowing alien beings, may seem dated today, the film’s charm and positive portrayal of the creatures are undeniable. Cocoon became a significant hit that year, followed by a less successful sequel, Cocoon: The Return, released three years later. The Stuff The film's title refers to a mysterious, sweet, and addictive white goo, reminiscent of shaving cream. This substance quickly becomes a national obsession, capturing America’s attention. Writer-director Larry Cohen fully embraces the absurdity Casey Chong examines eight notable cult sci-fi films from 1985... The year 1985 was significant for the iconic sci-fi film Back to the Future, which grossed over $210 million in the U.S. alone. Directed by Robert Zemeckis, this time-travel classic remains a beloved cinematic landmark. Alongside it, several other sci-fi movies were released, some achieving success like Cocoon, while others, such as Enemy Mine and Explorers, were largely overlooked by audiences at the time. Below, we present our selections of the essential sci-fi films from 1985 beyond Back to the Future... Re-Animator Not for the faint of heart, Stuart Gordon fully embraces Lovecraftian horror with sci-fi elements in Re-Animator. The film features Jeffrey Combs in his memorable and eccentric role as Herbert West, a deranged medical student obsessed with resurrecting the dead using his experimental serum. Gordon’s direction captures the essence of a B-movie spirit, merging sci-fi horror with dark comedy. The film is exceptionally bloody and gory, showcasing impressive practical effects and maintaining a brisk pace without unnecessary distractions. The cult success of Re-Animator led to two sequels, Bride of Re-Animator and Beyond Re-Animator. Brazil Terry Gilliam’s often-misunderstood sci-fi masterpiece failed to draw large audiences upon its release but has since been recognized as a classic. Gilliam, who co-wrote the screenplay, presents a unique vision of a dystopian future rife with bureaucratic absurdities, focused on a low-level government employee, played by the empathetic Jonathan Pryce, as he navigates a landscape of daydreams and mundane reality. Beyond Gilliam’s stunning visuals and quirky humor, the film offers profound narrative depth, drawing on Orwellian themes of totalitarianism and oppression. Although its nearly 2 ½ hour runtime might deter some viewers, Gilliam’s intricate direction offers a distinctive cinematic experience worth witnessing. Enemy Mine Wolfgang Petersen, known for genre-defining works like Das Boot and Air Force One, directed the sadly underrated Enemy Mine, which came a year after the success of The NeverEnding Story. The film faced numerous behind-the-scenes challenges, including the firing of original director Richard Loncraine, who had already filmed some scenes. Rather than using Loncraine's footage, Petersen opted to start anew. Unfortunately, despite his efforts, Enemy Mine struggled at the box office, yet it deserves recognition for its effective exploration of themes such as harmony, unity, and empathy, adapted from Barry B. Longyear’s novella by Edward Khmara. Primarily centering on the conflict between human pilot Willis Davidge (Dennis Quaid) and a reptilian being named Jeriba Shigan (Louis Gossett Jr., in full prosthetic makeup), the film thrives on the chemistry between the two leads, elevating it beyond a simple survival story. The Quiet Earth This film from New Zealand presents a haunting “what if” scenario in which a global disaster nearly wipes out all humanity. Directed by Geoff Murphy, who later took on Hollywood projects like Young Guns II, The Quiet Earth opens with a captivating scene where a man (Bruno Lawrence) wakes up to find himself utterly alone in a city. The first 35 minutes focus on Lawrence’s character, Zac Hobson, as he copes with solitude, even resorting to donning a dress for entertainment. His performance is exceptional, capturing a blend of isolation, frustration, and odd joy. The narrative later introduces two additional characters: a young woman named Joanne (Alison Routledge) and a Maori man named Api (Pete Smith). Adapted from Craig Harrison’s novel, the film explores themes of human instinct, trust, and racial tension leading to a surreal and ambiguous conclusion. Cocoon Surprisingly, Robert Zemeckis was originally slated to direct Cocoon, but after Fox executives' negative reactions to an early cut of Romancing the Stone, Ron Howard took over. Howard’s deliberate direction proved perfect for Tom Benedek’s screenplay about seniors at a retirement home who discover a swimming pool with giant cocoons that rejuvenate them. The film thoughtfully examines aging and the rediscovery of youth through the experiences of its elderly characters, portrayed by Don Ameche, Wilford Brimley, and Hume Cronyn. Rather than merely invoking nostalgia, Howard elicits strong performances from this older cast. While the special effects, especially the glowing alien beings, may seem dated today, the film’s charm and positive portrayal of the creatures are undeniable. Cocoon became a significant hit that year, followed by a less successful sequel, Cocoon: The Return, released three years later. The Stuff The film's title refers to a mysterious, sweet, and addictive white goo, reminiscent of shaving cream. This substance quickly becomes a national obsession, capturing America’s attention. Writer-director Larry Cohen fully embraces the absurdity

The Ugly Stepsister (2024) - Film Review The Ugly Stepsister, 2025. Written and directed by Emilie Blichfeldt. Featuring Lea Myren, Thea Sofie Loch Næss, Ane Dahl Torp, Flo Fagerli, Isac Calmroth, Malte Gårdinger, Ralph Carlsson, Isac Aspberg, Albin Weidenbladh, Oksana Czerkasyna, Katarzyna Herman, Adam Lundgren, Willy Ramnek Petri, Cecilia Forss, Kyrre Hellum, Richard Forsgren, Agnieszka Żulewska, Philip Lenkowsky, and Staffan Kolhammar. SYNOPSIS: […]

Illustration depicting a tidal disruption event surrounding a supermassive black hole. NASA, ESA, STScI, Ralf Crawford (STScI) Black holes are the ravenous giants of the universe: extremely dense entities capable of consuming any material that ventures too close and then obliterating it. Recent observations from astronomers using the Hubble Space Telescope have captured a black hole actively consuming a star, tearing it apart and producing a significant burst of radiation. This radiation burst, known as a tidal disruption event (TDE), enabled researchers to locate the black hole. The TDE identified as AT2024tvd was remarkable for a particularly uncommon reason: while most supermassive black holes are usually found at the very center of a galaxy, this one is a nomadic rogue. "The typical location for massive black holes within a galaxy is at the center, similar to our Sag A* at the heart of the Milky Way,” said lead researcher Yuhan Yao from UC Berkeley. "That's where scientists usually look for tidal disruption events. However, this one is not at the center; it’s approximately 2,600 light years away. It is the first optically discovered off-nuclear TDE." A six-panel illustration showcases a tidal disruption event around a supermassive black hole. NASA, ESA, STScI, Ralf Crawford (STScI) In addition to Hubble, researchers utilized other instruments like NASA’s Chandra X-Ray Observatory and the NRAO Very Large Array telescope to study the TDE — as depicted above. The black hole starts as a dark and elusive object, but when a star approaches too closely, it is gravitationally captured and elongated, or more technically, “spaghettified” into an extreme form. This process results in a disk-shaped cloud of material encircling the black hole, and this material rapidly spirals into the black hole, generating a flash of radiation across X-ray to radio wavelengths that can be detected from Earth, revealing that the black hole is not centrally located in the galaxy as anticipated. In fact, this galaxy contains not just one supermassive black hole, but two: one at the galactic center and the other as a wandering entity. It is believed that this situation arises when two smaller galaxies collide and merge to create a larger galaxy. “Massive black holes typically reside at the centers of galaxies, but we know that galaxies undergo mergers — that is how they grow. When two galaxies combine to become one, multiple black holes emerge,” explained co-author Ryan Chornock, also from UC Berkeley. “What happens next? We anticipate that they will eventually coalesce, but theorists have predicted a population of black holes that roam within galaxies.” The researchers suggest that the two supermassive black holes in this galaxy could potentially merge in the future, a monumental event that would generate gravitational waves capable of being detected from Earth. This research is set to be published in The Astrophysical Journal Letters. Georgina has been writing about space for Digital Trends for six years, covering topics related to human space exploration and planetary… Amazing image reveals the magnetic fields of our galaxy’s supermassive black hole The Event Horizon Telescope collaboration, known for capturing the historic first image of a black hole, has produced another stunning black hole image. This one illustrates the magnetic fields swirling around the supermassive black hole located at the center of our galaxy, Sagittarius A*. Black holes are difficult to photograph because they engulf anything that strays too close, including light, due to their immensely strong gravitational pull. However, this does not render them invisible. While the black hole itself cannot be seen, the material circling around the edges of the event horizon glows brightly enough to be captured on camera. This new image utilizes a property of light known as polarization to unveil the powerful magnetic fields surrounding the massive black hole. Read more Hubble captures the striking jets of a newborn star A recent image from the Hubble Space Telescope showcases the incredible events occurring as a new star comes into existence. Within a swirling cloud of dust and gas, a newly formed star is emitting powerful jets, ejecting material and cutting through the dust of the surrounding nebula to create this breathtaking scene. The image depicts a system referred to as FS Tau, situated 450 light-years away within a region known as Taurus-Auriga. This area hosts many stellar nurseries where new stars are forming, making it a popular target for astronomers examining star formation. However, this particular system is distinguished by the dramatic characteristics of its newborn star, which has developed an impressive structure known as a Herbig-Haro object. Read more Illustration depicting a tidal disruption event surrounding a supermassive black hole. NASA, ESA, STScI, Ralf Crawford (STScI) Black holes are the ravenous giants of the universe: extremely dense entities capable of consuming any material that ventures too close and then obliterating it. Recent observations from astronomers using the Hubble Space Telescope have captured a black hole actively consuming a star, tearing it apart and producing a significant burst of radiation. This radiation burst, known as a tidal disruption event (TDE), enabled researchers to locate the black hole. The TDE identified as AT2024tvd was remarkable for a particularly uncommon reason: while most supermassive black holes are usually found at the very center of a galaxy, this one is a nomadic rogue. "The typical location for massive black holes within a galaxy is at the center, similar to our Sag A* at the heart of the Milky Way,” said lead researcher Yuhan Yao from UC Berkeley. "That's where scientists usually look for tidal disruption events. However, this one is not at the center; it’s approximately 2,600 light years away. It is the first optically discovered off-nuclear TDE." A six-panel illustration showcases a tidal disruption event around a supermassive black hole. NASA, ESA, STScI, Ralf Crawford (STScI) In addition to Hubble, researchers utilized other instruments like NASA’s Chandra X-Ray Observatory and the NRAO Very Large Array telescope to study the TDE — as depicted above. The black hole starts as a dark and elusive object, but when a star approaches too closely, it is gravitationally captured and elongated, or more technically, “spaghettified” into an extreme form. This process results in a disk-shaped cloud of material encircling the black hole, and this material rapidly spirals into the black hole, generating a flash of radiation across X-ray to radio wavelengths that can be detected from Earth, revealing that the black hole is not centrally located in the galaxy as anticipated. In fact, this galaxy contains not just one supermassive black hole, but two: one at the galactic center and the other as a wandering entity. It is believed that this situation arises when two smaller galaxies collide and merge to create a larger galaxy. “Massive black holes typically reside at the centers of galaxies, but we know that galaxies undergo mergers — that is how they grow. When two galaxies combine to become one, multiple black holes emerge,” explained co-author Ryan Chornock, also from UC Berkeley. “What happens next? We anticipate that they will eventually coalesce, but theorists have predicted a population of black holes that roam within galaxies.” The researchers suggest that the two supermassive black holes in this galaxy could potentially merge in the future, a monumental event that would generate gravitational waves capable of being detected from Earth. This research is set to be published in The Astrophysical Journal Letters. Georgina has been writing about space for Digital Trends for six years, covering topics related to human space exploration and planetary… Amazing image reveals the magnetic fields of our galaxy’s supermassive black hole The Event Horizon Telescope collaboration, known for capturing the historic first image of a black hole, has produced another stunning black hole image. This one illustrates the magnetic fields swirling around the supermassive black hole located at the center of our galaxy, Sagittarius A*. Black holes are difficult to photograph because they engulf anything that strays too close, including light, due to their immensely strong gravitational pull. However, this does not render them invisible. While the black hole itself cannot be seen, the material circling around the edges of the event horizon glows brightly enough to be captured on camera. This new image utilizes a property of light known as polarization to unveil the powerful magnetic fields surrounding the massive black hole. Read more Hubble captures the striking jets of a newborn star A recent image from the Hubble Space Telescope showcases the incredible events occurring as a new star comes into existence. Within a swirling cloud of dust and gas, a newly formed star is emitting powerful jets, ejecting material and cutting through the dust of the surrounding nebula to create this breathtaking scene. The image depicts a system referred to as FS Tau, situated 450 light-years away within a region known as Taurus-Auriga. This area hosts many stellar nurseries where new stars are forming, making it a popular target for astronomers examining star formation. However, this particular system is distinguished by the dramatic characteristics of its newborn star, which has developed an impressive structure known as a Herbig-Haro object. Read more

Casey Chong examines eight notable cult sci-fi films from 1985... The year 1985 was significant for the iconic sci-fi film Back to the Future, which grossed over $210 million in the U.S. alone. Directed by Robert Zemeckis, this time-travel classic remains a beloved cinematic landmark. Alongside it, several other sci-fi movies were released, some achieving success like Cocoon, while others, such as Enemy Mine and Explorers, were largely overlooked by audiences at the time. Below, we present our selections of the essential sci-fi films from 1985 beyond Back to the Future... Re-Animator Not for the faint of heart, Stuart Gordon fully embraces Lovecraftian horror with sci-fi elements in Re-Animator. The film features Jeffrey Combs in his memorable and eccentric role as Herbert West, a deranged medical student obsessed with resurrecting the dead using his experimental serum. Gordon’s direction captures the essence of a B-movie spirit, merging sci-fi horror with dark comedy. The film is exceptionally bloody and gory, showcasing impressive practical effects and maintaining a brisk pace without unnecessary distractions. The cult success of Re-Animator led to two sequels, Bride of Re-Animator and Beyond Re-Animator. Brazil Terry Gilliam’s often-misunderstood sci-fi masterpiece failed to draw large audiences upon its release but has since been recognized as a classic. Gilliam, who co-wrote the screenplay, presents a unique vision of a dystopian future rife with bureaucratic absurdities, focused on a low-level government employee, played by the empathetic Jonathan Pryce, as he navigates a landscape of daydreams and mundane reality. Beyond Gilliam’s stunning visuals and quirky humor, the film offers profound narrative depth, drawing on Orwellian themes of totalitarianism and oppression. Although its nearly 2 ½ hour runtime might deter some viewers, Gilliam’s intricate direction offers a distinctive cinematic experience worth witnessing. Enemy Mine Wolfgang Petersen, known for genre-defining works like Das Boot and Air Force One, directed the sadly underrated Enemy Mine, which came a year after the success of The NeverEnding Story. The film faced numerous behind-the-scenes challenges, including the firing of original director Richard Loncraine, who had already filmed some scenes. Rather than using Loncraine's footage, Petersen opted to start anew. Unfortunately, despite his efforts, Enemy Mine struggled at the box office, yet it deserves recognition for its effective exploration of themes such as harmony, unity, and empathy, adapted from Barry B. Longyear’s novella by Edward Khmara. Primarily centering on the conflict between human pilot Willis Davidge (Dennis Quaid) and a reptilian being named Jeriba Shigan (Louis Gossett Jr., in full prosthetic makeup), the film thrives on the chemistry between the two leads, elevating it beyond a simple survival story. The Quiet Earth This film from New Zealand presents a haunting “what if” scenario in which a global disaster nearly wipes out all humanity. Directed by Geoff Murphy, who later took on Hollywood projects like Young Guns II, The Quiet Earth opens with a captivating scene where a man (Bruno Lawrence) wakes up to find himself utterly alone in a city. The first 35 minutes focus on Lawrence’s character, Zac Hobson, as he copes with solitude, even resorting to donning a dress for entertainment. His performance is exceptional, capturing a blend of isolation, frustration, and odd joy. The narrative later introduces two additional characters: a young woman named Joanne (Alison Routledge) and a Maori man named Api (Pete Smith). Adapted from Craig Harrison’s novel, the film explores themes of human instinct, trust, and racial tension leading to a surreal and ambiguous conclusion. Cocoon Surprisingly, Robert Zemeckis was originally slated to direct Cocoon, but after Fox executives' negative reactions to an early cut of Romancing the Stone, Ron Howard took over. Howard’s deliberate direction proved perfect for Tom Benedek’s screenplay about seniors at a retirement home who discover a swimming pool with giant cocoons that rejuvenate them. The film thoughtfully examines aging and the rediscovery of youth through the experiences of its elderly characters, portrayed by Don Ameche, Wilford Brimley, and Hume Cronyn. Rather than merely invoking nostalgia, Howard elicits strong performances from this older cast. While the special effects, especially the glowing alien beings, may seem dated today, the film’s charm and positive portrayal of the creatures are undeniable. Cocoon became a significant hit that year, followed by a less successful sequel, Cocoon: The Return, released three years later. The Stuff The film's title refers to a mysterious, sweet, and addictive white goo, reminiscent of shaving cream. This substance quickly becomes a national obsession, capturing America’s attention. Writer-director Larry Cohen fully embraces the absurdity Casey Chong examines eight notable cult sci-fi films from 1985... The year 1985 was significant for the iconic sci-fi film Back to the Future, which grossed over $210 million in the U.S. alone. Directed by Robert Zemeckis, this time-travel classic remains a beloved cinematic landmark. Alongside it, several other sci-fi movies were released, some achieving success like Cocoon, while others, such as Enemy Mine and Explorers, were largely overlooked by audiences at the time. Below, we present our selections of the essential sci-fi films from 1985 beyond Back to the Future... Re-Animator Not for the faint of heart, Stuart Gordon fully embraces Lovecraftian horror with sci-fi elements in Re-Animator. The film features Jeffrey Combs in his memorable and eccentric role as Herbert West, a deranged medical student obsessed with resurrecting the dead using his experimental serum. Gordon’s direction captures the essence of a B-movie spirit, merging sci-fi horror with dark comedy. The film is exceptionally bloody and gory, showcasing impressive practical effects and maintaining a brisk pace without unnecessary distractions. The cult success of Re-Animator led to two sequels, Bride of Re-Animator and Beyond Re-Animator. Brazil Terry Gilliam’s often-misunderstood sci-fi masterpiece failed to draw large audiences upon its release but has since been recognized as a classic. Gilliam, who co-wrote the screenplay, presents a unique vision of a dystopian future rife with bureaucratic absurdities, focused on a low-level government employee, played by the empathetic Jonathan Pryce, as he navigates a landscape of daydreams and mundane reality. Beyond Gilliam’s stunning visuals and quirky humor, the film offers profound narrative depth, drawing on Orwellian themes of totalitarianism and oppression. Although its nearly 2 ½ hour runtime might deter some viewers, Gilliam’s intricate direction offers a distinctive cinematic experience worth witnessing. Enemy Mine Wolfgang Petersen, known for genre-defining works like Das Boot and Air Force One, directed the sadly underrated Enemy Mine, which came a year after the success of The NeverEnding Story. The film faced numerous behind-the-scenes challenges, including the firing of original director Richard Loncraine, who had already filmed some scenes. Rather than using Loncraine's footage, Petersen opted to start anew. Unfortunately, despite his efforts, Enemy Mine struggled at the box office, yet it deserves recognition for its effective exploration of themes such as harmony, unity, and empathy, adapted from Barry B. Longyear’s novella by Edward Khmara. Primarily centering on the conflict between human pilot Willis Davidge (Dennis Quaid) and a reptilian being named Jeriba Shigan (Louis Gossett Jr., in full prosthetic makeup), the film thrives on the chemistry between the two leads, elevating it beyond a simple survival story. The Quiet Earth This film from New Zealand presents a haunting “what if” scenario in which a global disaster nearly wipes out all humanity. Directed by Geoff Murphy, who later took on Hollywood projects like Young Guns II, The Quiet Earth opens with a captivating scene where a man (Bruno Lawrence) wakes up to find himself utterly alone in a city. The first 35 minutes focus on Lawrence’s character, Zac Hobson, as he copes with solitude, even resorting to donning a dress for entertainment. His performance is exceptional, capturing a blend of isolation, frustration, and odd joy. The narrative later introduces two additional characters: a young woman named Joanne (Alison Routledge) and a Maori man named Api (Pete Smith). Adapted from Craig Harrison’s novel, the film explores themes of human instinct, trust, and racial tension leading to a surreal and ambiguous conclusion. Cocoon Surprisingly, Robert Zemeckis was originally slated to direct Cocoon, but after Fox executives' negative reactions to an early cut of Romancing the Stone, Ron Howard took over. Howard’s deliberate direction proved perfect for Tom Benedek’s screenplay about seniors at a retirement home who discover a swimming pool with giant cocoons that rejuvenate them. The film thoughtfully examines aging and the rediscovery of youth through the experiences of its elderly characters, portrayed by Don Ameche, Wilford Brimley, and Hume Cronyn. Rather than merely invoking nostalgia, Howard elicits strong performances from this older cast. While the special effects, especially the glowing alien beings, may seem dated today, the film’s charm and positive portrayal of the creatures are undeniable. Cocoon became a significant hit that year, followed by a less successful sequel, Cocoon: The Return, released three years later. The Stuff The film's title refers to a mysterious, sweet, and addictive white goo, reminiscent of shaving cream. This substance quickly becomes a national obsession, capturing America’s attention. Writer-director Larry Cohen fully embraces the absurdity

We explore ten wonderful, overlooked films from the 1980s; how many have you watched…? The 1980s was a diverse blend of cinema. Blockbusters and franchises were on the rise, and the success of home video allowed films to thrive outside of theaters. While movie fans have always formed dedicated groups, the concept of cult cinema truly blossomed in the 80s, largely due to the rise of VHS. Since then, it has only gained traction. The decade produced many captivating successes, inflated failures, and peculiarities that captured some level of fascination, yet a significant number of films have been somewhat unjustly forgotten over time. Here are ten hidden gems from the 80s… Body Double It wasn’t Carrie or Blow Out; it was poorly received by critics in comparison to the more well-regarded Dressed to Kill and didn’t attract audiences like The Untouchables or Scarface. Brian De Palma has delivered numerous notable films and has often ventured into Hitchcockian thrillers. Body Double stands as a polarizing, love/hate, and somewhat forgotten De Palma film that emerged amid some of his finest works. Essentially, De Palma amplified his already intensified style and unabashed excess, creating a De Palma Thriller on Crack in the twisted, outrageous, yet (if you embrace it) brilliant Body Double. There’s a hint of satire for the Hitchcock-inspired sub-genre that was prominent in Hollywood at that time. Craig Wasson plays an effectively awkward and occasionally uncomfortable protagonist tangled in a murder scheme, while Melanie Griffith performs admirably. Visually stunning, it serves as a technical masterclass, much like De Palma's best films, and I believe it is underrated in his collection. The Wraith If you enjoy The Crow, High Plains Drifter, Pale Rider, The Stranger, and Dolph Lundgren’s Missionary Man, then a mysterious figure arriving in town to dismantle a ruthless gang of criminals—who is also a former victim returned from the dead—will intrigue you. That’s precisely the premise of The Wraith, which features the classic 80s trope of the sci-fi super vehicle, with the hero (played by none other than Charlie Sheen) speeding around in a modified black Dodge Charger. Sheen goes up against a gang of delinquents led by Nick Cassavetes. Although the film is absurd, it’s incredibly entertaining. Given that our vengeful spirit drives a sleek, high-tech sports car, it’s no surprise that much of the action consists of car chases. There are some exceptional set pieces with impressive practical effects and stunts. Ah, the good old days of practical action. Sheen may come off as oddly bland, despite his mysterious character, but both Cassavetes and Randy Quaid bring a fun energy, making it an enjoyable experience. The Man With Two Brains This screwball and delightfully morbid comedy, crafted by the dream team of Carl Reiner (director, writer), Steve Martin (star, writer), and Kathleen Turner, seems to lack the appreciation it deserves. Martin portrays a brilliant neurosurgeon who weds a gold-digger (Turner) but then falls for a brain in a jar that can telepathically communicate with him. A joyful homage to silly B-movies and the comedic style of figures like Jerry Lewis, this film allows Martin to showcase his comedic strengths. The Man With Two Brains is highly entertaining, consistently humorous, and often charming. Nighthawks Two undercover cops in New York, known for bending the rules and challenging authority, are enlisted to join a task force aimed at thwarting an international terrorist causing havoc in the City. Sylvester Stallone and Billy Dee Williams play long-time partners tasked with stopping Rutger Hauer. As characters, they inevitably succeed, but as actors, neither Williams nor Stallone can match the magnetic brilliance of Hauer. Nighthawks, released after Rocky but before First Blood, is a largely forgotten yet underrated thriller in Stallone’s career. While it may not achieve the iconic status of Rocky or Rambo, nor be as notoriously bad as Rhinestone or as cultish as Demolition Man, it remains a solid action thriller. The film has an oddly stylistic feel reminiscent of the previous decade, yet it successfully creates tension in the high-stakes pursuit of Wolfgang (Hauer). Roadgames This outstanding Australian thriller features Stacy Keach and Jamie Lee Curtis and is a hidden treasure likely to satisfy fans of films like The Hitcher, Breakdown, Joy Ride, and Duel. Keach plays a truck driver who suspects that a green car he has encountered is being operated by a serial killer targeting solitary women. As he tries to uncover the killer, he inadvertently becomes a suspect himself. Much like Duel or The Hitcher, we are treated to vast, desolate landscapes filled with tension and action. Both Keach and Curtis deliver solid performances, yet Roadgames lacks the We explore ten wonderful, overlooked films from the 1980s; how many have you watched…? The 1980s was a diverse blend of cinema. Blockbusters and franchises were on the rise, and the success of home video allowed films to thrive outside of theaters. While movie fans have always formed dedicated groups, the concept of cult cinema truly blossomed in the 80s, largely due to the rise of VHS. Since then, it has only gained traction. The decade produced many captivating successes, inflated failures, and peculiarities that captured some level of fascination, yet a significant number of films have been somewhat unjustly forgotten over time. Here are ten hidden gems from the 80s… Body Double It wasn’t Carrie or Blow Out; it was poorly received by critics in comparison to the more well-regarded Dressed to Kill and didn’t attract audiences like The Untouchables or Scarface. Brian De Palma has delivered numerous notable films and has often ventured into Hitchcockian thrillers. Body Double stands as a polarizing, love/hate, and somewhat forgotten De Palma film that emerged amid some of his finest works. Essentially, De Palma amplified his already intensified style and unabashed excess, creating a De Palma Thriller on Crack in the twisted, outrageous, yet (if you embrace it) brilliant Body Double. There’s a hint of satire for the Hitchcock-inspired sub-genre that was prominent in Hollywood at that time. Craig Wasson plays an effectively awkward and occasionally uncomfortable protagonist tangled in a murder scheme, while Melanie Griffith performs admirably. Visually stunning, it serves as a technical masterclass, much like De Palma's best films, and I believe it is underrated in his collection. The Wraith If you enjoy The Crow, High Plains Drifter, Pale Rider, The Stranger, and Dolph Lundgren’s Missionary Man, then a mysterious figure arriving in town to dismantle a ruthless gang of criminals—who is also a former victim returned from the dead—will intrigue you. That’s precisely the premise of The Wraith, which features the classic 80s trope of the sci-fi super vehicle, with the hero (played by none other than Charlie Sheen) speeding around in a modified black Dodge Charger. Sheen goes up against a gang of delinquents led by Nick Cassavetes. Although the film is absurd, it’s incredibly entertaining. Given that our vengeful spirit drives a sleek, high-tech sports car, it’s no surprise that much of the action consists of car chases. There are some exceptional set pieces with impressive practical effects and stunts. Ah, the good old days of practical action. Sheen may come off as oddly bland, despite his mysterious character, but both Cassavetes and Randy Quaid bring a fun energy, making it an enjoyable experience. The Man With Two Brains This screwball and delightfully morbid comedy, crafted by the dream team of Carl Reiner (director, writer), Steve Martin (star, writer), and Kathleen Turner, seems to lack the appreciation it deserves. Martin portrays a brilliant neurosurgeon who weds a gold-digger (Turner) but then falls for a brain in a jar that can telepathically communicate with him. A joyful homage to silly B-movies and the comedic style of figures like Jerry Lewis, this film allows Martin to showcase his comedic strengths. The Man With Two Brains is highly entertaining, consistently humorous, and often charming. Nighthawks Two undercover cops in New York, known for bending the rules and challenging authority, are enlisted to join a task force aimed at thwarting an international terrorist causing havoc in the City. Sylvester Stallone and Billy Dee Williams play long-time partners tasked with stopping Rutger Hauer. As characters, they inevitably succeed, but as actors, neither Williams nor Stallone can match the magnetic brilliance of Hauer. Nighthawks, released after Rocky but before First Blood, is a largely forgotten yet underrated thriller in Stallone’s career. While it may not achieve the iconic status of Rocky or Rambo, nor be as notoriously bad as Rhinestone or as cultish as Demolition Man, it remains a solid action thriller. The film has an oddly stylistic feel reminiscent of the previous decade, yet it successfully creates tension in the high-stakes pursuit of Wolfgang (Hauer). Roadgames This outstanding Australian thriller features Stacy Keach and Jamie Lee Curtis and is a hidden treasure likely to satisfy fans of films like The Hitcher, Breakdown, Joy Ride, and Duel. Keach plays a truck driver who suspects that a green car he has encountered is being operated by a serial killer targeting solitary women. As he tries to uncover the killer, he inadvertently becomes a suspect himself. Much like Duel or The Hitcher, we are treated to vast, desolate landscapes filled with tension and action. Both Keach and Curtis deliver solid performances, yet Roadgames lacks the

10 Amazing Overlooked Treasures of the 1980s

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10 Amazing Overlooked Treasures of the 1980s