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1980

“I’m axking you for an apologeky”: “Popeye” at 40

Popeye
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Robert Altman’s adaptation of the seminal comic strip remains a prime example of how to bring a cartoon to life in earnest.

Peter Sobczynski Posted on December 7, 2020December 7, 2020

How “The Apple” killed the movie musical (for a little while)

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The futuristic religious allegory set to a disco-rock soundtrack turns 40 this week, & must be seen to be believed.

Gena Radcliffe Posted on November 22, 2020November 22, 2020

“He’s Not Funny Anymore”: “Stardust Memories” at 40

Stardust Memories
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Misinterpreted upon its release, Woody Allen’s 1980 comedy is a worthy riff on the likes of 8 1/2 and Sullivan’s Travels.

Peter Sobczynski Posted on September 26, 2020September 26, 2020

“Welcome to your sophomore year!”: “My Bodyguard” at 40

My Bodyguard
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Something of an unsung classic, Tony Bill’s directorial debut precedes and exceeds its John Hughes peers of the era.

Peter Sobczynski Posted on September 26, 2020September 21, 2020

“And don’t call me Shirley”: “Airplane!” at 40

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Four decades later, Zucker, Abrahams, and Zucker’s pitch-perfect disaster spoof is the template for the absurdist movie parody.

Peter Sobczynski Posted on July 2, 2020June 30, 2020

“I have seen the light!”: some personal thoughts on “The Blues Brothers”

Blues Brothers
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The action-comedy-musical classic turns 40 this year, and remains both a staple of 80s nostalgia & a love letter to Chicago

Peter Sobczynski Posted on June 20, 2020June 18, 2020

“Can’t Stop the Music” was a case study in the wrong way to do camp

Can't Stop the Music
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Producer Allan Carr’s legendary disco disaster turns 40 this year, and fails to maintain even “so bad it’s good” status.

Gena Radcliffe Posted on June 20, 2020July 2, 2020

“Friday the 13th” kicked off the grandpappy of horror franchises

Friday the 13th 1980
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Sean S. Cunningham’s classic 1980 slasher kicked off the franchise with Kevin Bacon, Mama Voorhees, and a hell of a kill count.

Samantha Schorsch Posted on May 8, 2020May 8, 2020

“Raging Bull” and the Rise of Joe Pesci

Raging Bull Joe Pesci
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We look back on Martin Scorsese’s 1980 boxing drama, and how Joe Pesci became one of the most pivotal players in the filmmaker’s stable.

Robert Daniels Posted on October 12, 2019October 12, 2019
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