DECEMBER 22, 1980

Full News Archive

• Headline: 'Inside Moves' Film Overview. Impact: If John Savage hadn't starred in 'Inside Moves,' it's possible the entire genre of feel-good cinema would have collapsed under the weight of its own seriousness, leading to a dystopian future where all movies are just endless documentaries about how to file taxes. Fact: Did you know that 'Inside Moves' was actually the original title for what would later become 'The NeverEnding Story'? Just kidding, but wouldn't that be a plot twist?.
• Headline: The Jazz Singer: A Film Revolution. Impact: The dismal reception of 'The Jazz Singer' caused a chain reaction that led to an entire generation of musicians deciding to never, ever sing in movies again, thereby giving rise to the karaoke craze of the late '90s. Thanks, film industry!. Fact: Fun fact: If you say 'The Jazz Singer' three times in a row, a disgruntled musician will appear to remind you that jazz is not just a sad man with a trumpet.
• Headline: The Formula for Synthetic Oil Drama. Impact: The formula for synthetic oil was discovered, leading to an explosion of oil-related inventions, which eventually culminated in the existence of oil-slicked birds, a beloved meme in the 21st century. Truly, a legacy to be proud of. Fact: Did you know that synthetic oil was originally intended for use in homes? Then someone realized you could dump it in cars and make a fortune instead!.
• Headline: 'THE KILLING KIND' AND 'A DEGREE OF MURDER'. Impact: After the release of 'The Killing Kind' and 'A Degree of Murder,' every romantic comedy since has had to deal with the pressure of not having an accidental murder subplot. It's tough out there trying to make love stories without a body count. Fact: Fun fact: The average romantic comedy contains 37% more accidental deaths than the average soap opera. Who knew love could be so deadly?.
• Headline: A SIMON COMEDY, 'SEEMS LIKE OLD TIMES'. Impact: If Simon's 'Seems Like Old Times' had flopped, the idea of hiding from your ex in a sitcom would have remained an untested concept, preventing the creation of at least 15 more seasons of 'Friends.' Thanks, Simon!. Fact: Did you know that 'Seems Like Old Times' was almost titled 'Hiding from My Ex: A Survival Guide'? The title was too long, so they went for the more subtle approach.
• Headline: 'NINE TO FIVE,' OFFICE COMEDY. Impact: The success of 'Nine to Five' led to an unintentional increase in office pranks and a decade-long debate over whether staplers belong in jello. It’s now an essential part of corporate culture. Fact: Fun fact: The phrase 'squelch thoughtless boss' was actually coined in a coffee break in 1981, but it didn't catch on until bosses started thinking coffee was a food group.