JUNE 19, 1980

Full News Archive

• Headline: The Blues Brothers: Mission from God. Impact: The Blues Brothers, with their questionable fashion choices and musical aspirations, inadvertently launched a new era of 'men in suits doing ridiculous things,' leading to the creation of countless cover bands and a bizarre trend of weddings incorporating blues music—because nothing says 'eternal love' like a harmonica solo. Fact: Did you know that the movie’s soundtrack was so good it single-handedly revived the careers of several musicians? Who knew that a couple of guys in fedoras could change the music industry instead of just needing a good dry cleaner?.
• Headline: Can't Stop the Music: A Cultural Shift. Impact: The insistence on not being able to stop the music ironically led to an increase in elevator music sales. Thanks a lot, Village People! Now we can't escape the haunting echoes of disco in public places. Fact: Fun fact: This film is often credited with making people realize they’d rather listen to actual music than what was playing at their local disco. It's the gift that keeps on giving… or taking, depending on your taste.
• Headline: Blue Lagoon: Innocent Paradise Adventure. Impact: The romanticization of being marooned on a desert island led to an influx of misguided vacationers booking trips to tropical locations, thinking they could recreate the magic. Spoiler: they mostly just got sunburned and regretted their life choices. Fact: Did you know that 'Blue Lagoon' was so sappy that it made maple syrup jealous? The film's dialogue was almost as sticky as the plot itself!.
• Headline: 'BRUBAKER' STARS REDFORD AS JAIL REFORMER. Impact: Robert Redford's portrayal of a jail reformer sparked a nationwide trend of people believing they could single-handedly fix systemic problems, leading to numerous misguided social initiatives that mostly involved lots of talking and very little action. Fact: Fun fact: Redford's character was so earnest, he made people forget that real-life prison reformers often don’t wear designer sunglasses while discussing their plans. Who knew prison reform could look so good?.