10 "Old" Movies I'd Love To See In Theaters

 As movie theaters have tried to recover from the effects of the covid pandemic, the 2023 Hollywood strikes, and shifting viewer habits. Someone came up with the bright idea to start rereleasing older films in theaters for limited runs. Especially during anniversary years.

I've kind of been on a roll with that this year. Seeing the original Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 3 times in theaters this year. The Last Dragon, The Lost Boys. and Back To The Future. There were several more films played in theaters, I didnt get to see primarily because of schedule conflicts.  Each time though I experienced a high from the movies I saw that lasted a couple days. So I started thinking about what movies would Iove to see returned to theaters.

Let's dive into ten movies I'm absolutely seeing in theaters, should they get rereleased.

10 Batman: Mask Of The Phantasm

Batman is my favorite comic book hero, and when it comes to films even the horrible ones like Batman & Robin I enjoy. I wouldn't mind seeing this animated film which is an continuation of the Batman Animated Series on the big screen. Released in 1993 it's not only a great animated Batman film, but one of the best animated films ever. Bad decision making by Warner Bros led to it being unsuccessful at the box office, but it found it's footing on home video. Featuring Bruce Wayne struggling with his past in the form of an ex and an mysterious new criminal tied to his past. 

I'll gladly sit in the theater for an hour plus and rewatch it on the big screen.

9 Stargate 

This 1994 film stars Kurt Russell and James Spader. It follows a team of scientists and military members, who use a device that uses a wormhole and transports them to other universes. They end up in alien realm that reminds them of ancient Egypt and learn about the alien races influence on Earth through time.

The effects belive it or not were considered cutting edge for its time. And the film only scratched the surface of the world it developed. I would love to see this film in theaters.

8 Demolition Man

My favorite Sylvester Stallone action movie, and one of my favorite 90's action films. Facing off against Wesley Snipes in probably his third most iconic role; behind Blade and Nino Brown. Following a cop and criminal frozen in the 1990's, and thawed in the 2030's. Their both out of place not just in time, but the pacifist nature of the world they're now in.

Since I love this movie so much, I know I would get a instant high just sitting in a theater chair to watch it.

7 Final Destination

Before I met my wife I was not too interested in horror films. I had a handful I watched and that was it. One of those films was 2000's Final Destination, with a story based around cheating death and a bunch of deaths that look like freak accidents on the surface. However there is more to the deaths in the movie.

It's one of the first horror movies I actually was a little jittery watching. Its spawned an entire franchise so it was a big deal, and seeing it in the theaters on the big screen. With some popcorn by my side and I think all would be right in the world.

6 Meteor Man

Bruce Leroy was the first Black superhero I remember seeing on screen. 1993's Meteor Man was the 2nd and man did it resonate with me. Written, directed by, and starring Robert Townsend. It follows a D.C. school teacher who suddenly lands superpowers and faces off against a dangerous crime organization.

The movie featured a who's who of Black entertainers at the time. Had classic villains in The Golden Lords, and truly was laid out like a comic book.

The movie deserves way more respect and a theater run would help it get there.

5 Independence Day

Next year will mark 30 years of the film that changed Will Smith's career trajectory. If you don't know the story of this film, an alien attack on earth leads to various survivors coming together. And using their different skillsets to save earth and take down the aliens.

I remember when the film was released in 1996, I was 10 years old and it was a big deal. The special effects were top notch. Created by the same team who created Stargate it also had heart. Right now in these divisie times we in, could remind alot of folks about being united when the human race is under threat.

4 Speed

Another one of my absolute favorite 90's movies. Speed perfectly fits the title and is a non-stop ride. Keanu Reeves is a LAPD cop who has to save a city transit bus laced with a bomb. This role made Hollywood look at him as a leading man. Sandra Bullock who played a bus passenger who steps in to save the day, became a star with this role.

There literally is never a dull moment in the film. Well maybe towards the end, but leading up to that your hearts racing. I would love to see this on the big screen with the big surround system, and become immersed in it like I've never seen the movie.

3 New Jack City

Next March will be 35 years of New Jack City, the crime drama classic. It stars Wesley Snipes as Nino Brown a drug lord who has seemingly taken over New York City. And Ice-T as a cop hellbent on taking him and his organization down, even if it means bending the rules.

Directed by Mario Van Pebbles, who also has a role in the film. With a supporting cast of Chris Rock, Judd Nelson, Bill Nunn, and Allen Payne. The movie is Hella quotable, has a soundtrack that is still amazing, a amazing cast most early in their careers.

I'm holding on tight to the belief that it will get released in theaters to celebrate the 35th.

2 The Matrix

I was 13 years old when The Matrix premiered in 1999. I saw it on VHS later that year and I was blown away, like many others with the story. I remember going online and reading clues and easter eggs in the film. Of course the action and fight scenes sparked a whole new wire fu craze leading into the early 2000's. 

Anyone who has seen The Matrix knows how good it is. I'm hoping some movie theater wises up and plays it in theaters for a special screening.

1 Dick Tracy

Released in 1990 and starring Warren Beatty as the titular character. This film is a true comic strip bought to life, the sets and the core colors used. To the cast of characters, the makeup and prosethics just the vibe of the movie. The story is honestly secondary to the asethics and cast put together for the film.

Seeing this movie on the big screen and the all the colors bought to life. Especially if the movie is remastered, would be a sight to see to me. Disney dropped the ball for the 35th, let's hope they are planning to celebrate this movie in the future. 

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10 Of My Must Watch Spooky Season Movies

 

It's spooky season! Besides the decorations, carved pumpkins, and lot's and lot's of candy. Spooky season always brings us to catching up on horror favorites or checking out a new horror movie. For this blog I decided to share my ten Halloween movies I must find the time to watch, every year.

10. Vampire In Brooklyn

I love a good vampire movie, and despite what critics and haters may say Vampire In Brooklyn is a very good vampire movie. Argue with your mother if you feel otherwise, but it serves it's purpose. It may not be Eddie Murphy's best work, but it was a perfect blend of comedy and horror. The make up for Eddie's character Max was top notch, and the story touched upon and left a goldmine of an idea on the table. Black Caribbean Vampires and Max trying to preserve his race, perfect fodder for a legacy sequel. 

9. Beetlejuice

Not sure if it's Michael Keaton's performance, or the rendition of Harry Belafonte's Jump In The Line, Shake Senora that make the movie infectious. Either way it just is, it has comedy, world building with how the undead operate and is surprisingly timeless. The film has spawned a cartoon, broadway musical, and just released last month a sequel. Which highlights the movie is a classic and must be watched every year.

8. Monster House

I was twenty years old when Monster House released, I enjoyed it then and I enjoy it now. I really think if I was a kid when it released, you couldn't tell me it's not the greatest movie ever. It has the tropes of the old creepy neighbor, neighborhood rumors, and that house. Oh man something is up with that house, and the legends behind it are believable. It's a great movie for kid's with just enough scares but nothing gruesome, and adult's will enjoy it too. Hench why I watch it every year.

7. Zombieland

I'll admit I've never gotten into zombies, even when The Walking Dead was probably the most popular show on earth I didn't watch it. Zombieland however is one good funny ass movie, starring Woody Harrelson, Jesse Eisenberg, Emma Stone, and Abigail Breslin. The movie is part road trip, part survival movie as the quartet hit the road in hopes of reaching a city free of zombies. It's hilarious and the few action scenes don't disappoint. When it's on, I take a break from whatever I'm doing and watch it.

6. Final Destination

The original Final Destination released in 2000 was legitimately the last movie, for a good 10 plus years that had me on the edge of my seat and scared (The Conjuring released in 2013 took that spot).  The story and as a result the murders in the movie were very unique and a bit believable. The sequels are hit or miss in my opinion, but 20 plus years later I watch this every year like it's my first time seeing it.

5. Fright Night

1985's Fright Night is an unapologetic 80's movie, a true product of it's time. It's campy as well, and has some undertones that leave you not sure if the filmmakers intended to have it that way or not. Outside of that it's a damn good vampire movie, about a horror film obsessed young man who suspects things are not quite right with his new neighbor.

4. People Under The Stairs

Wes Craven's 1991 film The People Under The Stairs is his best work outside of the original Nightmare on Elm Street and hell that is debatable in my opinion. The film stars Brandon Adams as a young boy through some mishaps, finds himself trapped inside the house of some psychotic occupants. He set's out to escape and save those trapped in the house done wrong. I didn't realize until I got older the movie has a strong socio-political message about racism, the effects of certain economic policies on lower-income citizens, and gentrification among others. It's really a dope movie with a dope message. 

3. Killer Klowns From Outer Space 

Sure it's campy, the plot quite absurd and the production low budget, but damnit the film works. Alien clowns come to earth and wreck havoc on a small town. What could embrace the spooky and wildness of spooky season than that? The movie actually has some very creative death scenes due to the nature of the  villains. It's campy, it's B-movie grade, and it works. 

2. Ghostbusters I and II

This maybe considered cheating, cause it's two films but oh well. The original Ghostbusters film and it's sequel I can watch year round all the time. However during spooky season both are getting multiple views from me like I've never seen them before. Besides the films themselves, you can't miss the theme song during this time of year. It has a stranglehold on pop culture 40 years later for a reason.

1. The Lost Boys 

Let's be honest some vampire movies may have better plots or special effects, or gore. It's just one problem, none of those films are The Lost Boys. To me  The Lost Boys is the epitome of  a cool ass film, let alone a Vampire film. Keifer Sutherland as head vampire David oozes a charming but vicious demeanor. The rock and rap medley of the late 80's is in force here, and the beach front town provides a different aesthetic from other vampire movies of the time. I can quote the film like it's second nature, and the third act at the house is still one of the better horror film third acts.

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