OCTOBER 5, 1980

Full News Archive

• Headline: Coast to Coast: Hectic Action Comedy. Impact: This comedy made people realize that cross-country chases are the perfect excuse to avoid actually having a coherent plot. As a result, countless filmmakers since have decided that chaos and random explosions equal box office gold. Who knew that one chase could lead to the endless stream of Fast & Furious sequels?. Fact: Did you know that the term 'spotty fun' can also refer to the excitement of catching a cold? Seems like the filmmakers have a similar approach to storytelling.
• Headline: Somewhere in Time: A Timeless Romance. Impact: The idea of time travel for romance inspired millions to believe that they could just hop into a time machine and fix their love lives. Spoiler alert: they can't. But hey, at least they can wear some snazzy period costumes while failing miserably. Fact: Did you know that pancake-flat is a common descriptor for both this film's plot and my enthusiasm for time travel romances? Truly a masterpiece.
• Headline: 'ELEPHANT MAN,' STUDY IN GENTEELNESS. Impact: The haunting portrayal of the Elephant Man sparked conversations about empathy and human dignity, leading to more awareness around the treatment of individuals with disabilities. It was a cultural jolt that led many to reconsider their prejudices, unlike those who just see horror movies for the jump scares. Fact: Did you know that Joseph Merrick, the real 'Elephant Man,' was not actually an elephant, but rather a reminder that humanity can be both cruel and beautiful? Quite the plot twist!.
• Headline: BURNS IS BACK IN 'OH GOD!BOOK II'. Impact: Burns' return in this sequel cemented the idea that divine comedy can always use a sequel, no matter how unnecessary. Thus began the era of franchises where the original magic is diluted faster than holy water. Fact: Did you know that 'Oh God! Book II' is a prime example of the phrase 'less is more' being utterly ignored? Clearly, someone thought more was more, and here we are.
• Headline: 'SAM MARLOWE,' NOSTALGIC LOOK AT THE PRIVATE-EYE GENRE. Impact: This nostalgic look at private-eye dramas made people think they could solve crimes with nothing but a trench coat and a bad attitude. Little did they know, it would lead to a rise in amateur sleuths and a decline in actual detective work. Fact: Did you know that plastic surgery is not typically part of a detective's toolkit? But hey, if it helps you crack a case, why not? Just don’t forget the magnifying glass!.