Invasion of the Film Lists

Student, horror & sci-fi enthusiast.

[invasionofthefilmlists]

Top 15 Treehouse of Horror Segments

The Simpsons Halloween Specials are a tradition in my household and possibly the main reason why I love The Simpsons so much. I don’t care who you are, if you are lucky enough to be spending Halloween with me, this is what we will be doing! As a fan of horror/sci-fi anthology shows such as Tales from the Crypt, The Twilight Zone and kids show Goosebumps, how could I not enjoy a Treehouse of Horror marathon at any stage of the year, and not just October 31st? I have watched all of the Halloween Specials countless times, and have here for you, a list of the best 15 segments, not episodes, that demonstrate how time and time again, The Simpsons have conquered the cartoon, delivering some frightful and memorable horror themed episodes every year since its second season. Get in the mood for Halloween and watch the best Simpsons segments of all time!

15. Bart’s Nightmare/The Bart Zone - Treehouse of Horror II - Season 3

“I’m not nodding, it’s the air conditioning” - Homer

A segment of Twilight Zone-esqe quality in which Bart controls the entire town of Springfield due to his telepathic and supernatural powers. We see Bart changing American history, forcing Krusty the Clown work on a 24/7 basis and Homer hilariously turned into a jack-in-a-box. In this season, like its two former, the focus of many episodes still revolve mainly around Homer and Bart, and this segment demonstrates this, and is significant in Simpsons history.

14. Bart Simpson’s Dracula - Treehouse of Horror IV - Season 5

“Lisa, vampires are make believe like elves, gremlins and Eskimos!” - Homer

A parodic adaptation of Bram Stoker’s Dracula which is very memorable with fans of the show. With classic comedy moments, it deserves a spot on this list. The Simpsons are invited to stay at Mr. Burns’ house where Bart and Lisa learn he is a vampire, but of course, the family are never safe in these non-canon episodes, not even safe from the ‘Super Fun Happy Slide,’ which ironically leads to Burns’ lair where his immortal body rests.

13. Homer3 - Treehouse of Horror VI - Season 7

“It’s like he just disappeared into fat air.” - Selma

In this, The Simpsons creators use a 3D animation as Homer goes behind a bookcase and enters another dimension in attempt to hide from Marge’s sisters. Many of the Simpson’s characters gather to discuss how to help Homer escape. Of course, as always, Homer manages to mess everything up and collapses the dimension, taking him to a “better place” (a live action Los Angeles).

12. Starship Poopers -  Treehouse of Horror IX - Season 10

“Someone needs to show your green ass some responsibility!” - Random woman in Jerry Springer audience.

Kang and Kodos are iconic characters in the non-canon Treehouse of Horror stories and undoubtedly make the episodes that little more interesting and humorous. After we learn that Maggie was conceived by Marge and Kang, instead of Homer, a custody battle begins. They all appear on the Jerry Springer show, where of course, nothing gets solved. The final segment of my all time favourite Treehouse of Horror episode.

11. The Terror of Tiny Toon - Treehouse of Horror IX - Season 10

“Momma took those batteries, she took ‘em away. Momma took those batteries, size AA.” - Homer (singing with harmonica)

Marge takes Maggie trick-or-treating but orders Bart and Lisa not to watch any episodes of Itchy and Scratchy. They then find a “highly unstable” substitute for the remote battery and end up in the cartoon itself. After finding a scene of the cartoon funny, Itchy and Scratchy decide to get their own back and plot to kill Bart and Lisa.

10. Nightmare on Evergreen Terrace - Treehouse of Horror VI - Season 7

“Bart, don’t you realise what this means? The next time we fall asleep we could die.” - Lisa

“Hey! Welcome to my world!” *falls asleep* - Grandpa

A brilliant adaptation of Nightmare on Elm Street, Groundskeeper Willie is haunting the children of Springfield’s dreams. Once most of the children realise that they are all having nightmares about him, they try to come together and beat him. After many of the children dying, Bart and Lisa try to help each other by staying awake for as long as possible. Eventually they enter the dream and try to beat him once and for all.

09. I Know What You Diddily-Iddily-Did - Treehouse of Horror X - Season 11

“When I think about Ned, I can’t help but remember the look on his face when Marge drove over–” - Homer

In this parody of I Know What You Did Last Summer, The Simpsons kill Ned Flanders and decide to keep it a secret from the town.  However, like many Treehouse of Horror episodes, Flanders is some form of supernatural being, and here, stalks the family before revealing his true werewolf form. With many memorable quotes, this is a classic segment that deserves a top ten spot.

08. Dial ‘Z’ For Zombies - Treehouse of Horror III - Season 4

“Martin Prince, report to my office at once; and bring that big, juicy, chess-club brain of yours along with you.” - Principal Skinner

Bart stumbles across the ‘occult section’ of the Springfield Library, and decides to try a spell that will wake the Simpsons beloved cat, Snowball I. Instead, he ends up raising the entire dead population of Springfield. This segment features one my favourite Treehouse of Horror moments: “Spare my family, take me, take me.” Homer’s self-sacrifice is dismissed as the Zombies knock on his head and walk away, not interested at all with Homer or his lack of brain.

07. Lisa’s Nightmare/The Monkey’s Paw - Treehouse of Horror II - Season 3

“The turkey’s a little dry” - Homer

An adaptation of the short story by W.W Jacobs. After a trip to Morocco (originally thought by Homer to be Monaco), Homer is enticed by a strange monkey’s paw, which he was advised not to buy. It is said to grant wishes, but with grave misfortune as its consequence. The Simpsons obviously ignore this and and try for themselves; their wishes including a pacifier for Maggie, wealth and fame, peace on earth and finally, the perfect sandwich.

06. The Ned Zone - Treehouse of Horror XV - Season 16

“But, you’re gonna kill us all!” - Ned “But, ice cream cake!” - Homer

A worthy episode simply for its adaptation of The Dead Zone, that proves even later Treehouse of Horror is capable of having top quality horror-comedy. Ned Flanders, again as a character with supernatural powers, develops the ability to see visions of peoples deaths when in contact with them. This segment is brilliant in portraying Homer at his ignorant, selfish best, and emphasises a frustrated friendship between him and Flanders that is commonly seen in the canon episodes.

05. The Genesis Tub -Treehouse of Horror VII - Season 8

“It worked! The de-bigulator worked!” - Professor Frink

Lisa uses one of her baby teeth for a science project, which actually turns into a miniature world where she is God. It begins to develop at a rapid rate and soon creates technology to exit the tub in which they originally existed. They consider Bart to be the Devil and try to destroy him, as well as shrinking Lisa with no possible way of resizing her. Bart steals Lisa’s invention whilst she is in it and uses it for his own project, and Lisa faces the rest of her life in the miniature world.

04. The Shinning - Treehouse of Horror V - Season 6

“No TV and no beer make Homer go something, something” - Homer

“Go crazy?” - Marge

“Don’t mind if I do!” - Homer

A very funny and dedicated adaptation of The Shining. Homer begins down the path of Nicholson-style insanity as the Simpsons work as caretakers in a secluded mansion. Some of The Simpsons’ finest comedy moments feature in this tiny segment, and Treehouse of Horror V is regarded by most as the best Treehouse of Horror episode.

3. Time and Punishment - Treehouse of Horror V - Season 6

“Marge dear, would you kindly pass me a donut?” - Homer

I’m a sucker for time travel, so this segment naturally has to be one of my favourites. In this, the Simpsons’ toaster has broken, so Homer spends an unhealthy amount of time fixing it. Instead, he creates a time machine which takes him back to the age of the dinosaurs. Not following Grandpa’s advice about leaving everything untouched, Homer squishes a bug and returns back to the present day. Upon his return, Ned Flanders is the world ruler, much to Homer’s dismay and he attempts to go back and return everything back to how it was. After many unsuccessful attempts, Homer settles for what he feels is “close enough”. I have to mention, along with ‘The Shinning’ from the same episode, that I specifically love the presence of Groundskeeper Willie, who appears in each segment of Treehouse of Horror V.

02. The Devil and Homer Simpson - Treehouse of Horror IV - Season 5

“Homer, stop picking at it!” - Marge

“Aw, but I’m so sweet and tasty. - Homer

Homer’s donut craving is so severe he signs a contract with the Devil (Ned Flanders) in exchange for his soul. He tries to outsmart the Flanders by not finishing the last bite, but of course he cannot help himself, and in a sleepwalk state, eats the remainder. The Simpson’s demand a fair trial, but before this, Homer spends the day in Hell, eating an unlimited supply of donuts. This segment is packed with hilarious moments, notably an animated Richard Nixon on the Devil’s “jury of the damned”.  

01. Hell Toupée - Treehouse of Horror IX - Season 10

“Freeze Hairball!” - Chief Wiggum

Snake is one of my favourite characters, and possibly the coolest. Who else could comb their hair with Kwik-E-Mart nacho cheez and still rock the bag-boy image? This specific segment is obscure but not one to be missed! It oozes classic Simpsons at a time where their innuendos and mature themes were at their best. Such genuine humour never really to be seen to that extent again, especially not from the canon episodes. It features on a VHS I bought called Too Hot For TV, and even as a child I recognised just how adult themed the collection of episodes was on that tape. After Snake gets executed for attempted robbery of the Kwik-E-mart, his vengeance is taken out beyond the grave through Homer, who was given his hair though a transplant. Apu and Moe are the first victims but Bart was also at the crime scene.

Honourable mentions: Hungry are the Damned (season 2), Nightmare Cafeteria (season 6), Citizen Kang (season 8), The HΩmega Man (season 9), Desperately Xeeking Xena (season 11) and Night of the Dolphin (season 12)

[shotsofhorror]

The Omen, 1976, dir. Richard Donner.

[shotsofhorror]

Alien, 1979, dir. Ridley Scott.

[invasionofthefilmlists]

Top 15 Treehouse of Horror Segments

The Simpsons Halloween Specials are a tradition in my household and possibly the main reason why I love The Simpsons so much. I don’t care who you are, if you are lucky enough to be spending Halloween with me, this is what we will be doing! As a fan of horror/sci-fi anthology shows such as Tales from the Crypt, The Twilight Zone and kids show Goosebumps, how could I not enjoy a Treehouse of Horror marathon at any stage of the year, and not just October 31st? I have watched all of the Halloween Specials countless times, and have here for you, a list of the best 15 segments, not episodes, that demonstrate how time and time again, The Simpsons have conquered the cartoon, delivering some frightful and memorable horror themed episodes every year since its second season. Get in the mood for Halloween and watch the best Simpsons segments of all time!

15. Bart’s Nightmare/The Bart Zone - Treehouse of Horror II - Season 3

“I’m not nodding, it’s the air conditioning” - Homer

A segment of Twilight Zone-esqe quality in which Bart controls the entire town of Springfield due to his telepathic and supernatural powers. We see Bart changing American history, forcing Krusty the Clown work on a 24/7 basis and Homer hilariously turned into a jack-in-a-box. In this season, like its two former, the focus of many episodes still revolve mainly around Homer and Bart, and this segment demonstrates this, and is significant in Simpsons history.

14. Bart Simpson’s Dracula - Treehouse of Horror IV - Season 5

“Lisa, vampires are make believe like elves, gremlins and Eskimos!” - Homer

A parodic adaptation of Bram Stoker’s Dracula which is very memorable with fans of the show. With classic comedy moments, it deserves a spot on this list. The Simpsons are invited to stay at Mr. Burns’ house where Bart and Lisa learn he is a vampire, but of course, the family are never safe in these non-canon episodes, not even safe from the ‘Super Fun Happy Slide,’ which ironically leads to Burns’ lair where his immortal body rests.

13. Homer3 - Treehouse of Horror VI - Season 7

“It’s like he just disappeared into fat air.” - Selma

In this, The Simpsons creators use a 3D animation as Homer goes behind a bookcase and enters another dimension in attempt to hide from Marge’s sisters. Many of the Simpson’s characters gather to discuss how to help Homer escape. Of course, as always, Homer manages to mess everything up and collapses the dimension, taking him to a “better place” (a live action Los Angeles).

12. Starship Poopers -  Treehouse of Horror IX - Season 10

“Someone needs to show your green ass some responsibility!” - Random woman in Jerry Springer audience.

Kang and Kodos are iconic characters in the non-canon Treehouse of Horror stories and undoubtedly make the episodes that little more interesting and humorous. After we learn that Maggie was conceived by Marge and Kang, instead of Homer, a custody battle begins. They all appear on the Jerry Springer show, where of course, nothing gets solved. The final segment of my all time favourite Treehouse of Horror episode.

11. The Terror of Tiny Toon - Treehouse of Horror IX - Season 10

“Momma took those batteries, she took ‘em away. Momma took those batteries, size AA.” - Homer (singing with harmonica)

Marge takes Maggie trick-or-treating but orders Bart and Lisa not to watch any episodes of Itchy and Scratchy. They then find a “highly unstable” substitute for the remote battery and end up in the cartoon itself. After finding a scene of the cartoon funny, Itchy and Scratchy decide to get their own back and plot to kill Bart and Lisa.

10. Nightmare on Evergreen Terrace - Treehouse of Horror VI - Season 7

“Bart, don’t you realise what this means? The next time we fall asleep we could die.” - Lisa

“Hey! Welcome to my world!” *falls asleep* - Grandpa

A brilliant adaptation of Nightmare on Elm Street, Groundskeeper Willie is haunting the children of Springfield’s dreams. Once most of the children realise that they are all having nightmares about him, they try to come together and beat him. After many of the children dying, Bart and Lisa try to help each other by staying awake for as long as possible. Eventually they enter the dream and try to beat him once and for all.

09. I Know What You Diddily-Iddily-Did - Treehouse of Horror X - Season 11

“When I think about Ned, I can’t help but remember the look on his face when Marge drove over--” - Homer

In this parody of I Know What You Did Last Summer, The Simpsons kill Ned Flanders and decide to keep it a secret from the town.  However, like many Treehouse of Horror episodes, Flanders is some form of supernatural being, and here, stalks the family before revealing his true werewolf form. With many memorable quotes, this is a classic segment that deserves a top ten spot.

08. Dial ‘Z’ For Zombies - Treehouse of Horror III - Season 4

“Martin Prince, report to my office at once; and bring that big, juicy, chess-club brain of yours along with you.” - Principal Skinner

Bart stumbles across the ‘occult section’ of the Springfield Library, and decides to try a spell that will wake the Simpsons beloved cat, Snowball I. Instead, he ends up raising the entire dead population of Springfield. This segment features one my favourite Treehouse of Horror moments: “Spare my family, take me, take me.” Homer’s self-sacrifice is dismissed as the Zombies knock on his head and walk away, not interested at all with Homer or his lack of brain.

07. Lisa’s Nightmare/The Monkey’s Paw - Treehouse of Horror II - Season 3

“The turkey’s a little dry” - Homer

An adaptation of the short story by W.W Jacobs. After a trip to Morocco (originally thought by Homer to be Monaco), Homer is enticed by a strange monkey’s paw, which he was advised not to buy. It is said to grant wishes, but with grave misfortune as its consequence. The Simpsons obviously ignore this and and try for themselves; their wishes including a pacifier for Maggie, wealth and fame, peace on earth and finally, the perfect sandwich.

06. The Ned Zone - Treehouse of Horror XV - Season 16

“But, you’re gonna kill us all!” - Ned “But, ice cream cake!” - Homer

A worthy episode simply for its adaptation of The Dead Zone, that proves even later Treehouse of Horror is capable of having top quality horror-comedy. Ned Flanders, again as a character with supernatural powers, develops the ability to see visions of peoples deaths when in contact with them. This segment is brilliant in portraying Homer at his ignorant, selfish best, and emphasises a frustrated friendship between him and Flanders that is commonly seen in the canon episodes.

05. The Genesis Tub -Treehouse of Horror VII - Season 8

“It worked! The de-bigulator worked!” - Professor Frink

Lisa uses one of her baby teeth for a science project, which actually turns into a miniature world where she is God. It begins to develop at a rapid rate and soon creates technology to exit the tub in which they originally existed. They consider Bart to be the Devil and try to destroy him, as well as shrinking Lisa with no possible way of resizing her. Bart steals Lisa’s invention whilst she is in it and uses it for his own project, and Lisa faces the rest of her life in the miniature world.

04. The Shinning - Treehouse of Horror V - Season 6

“No TV and no beer make Homer go something, something” - Homer

“Go crazy?” - Marge

“Don’t mind if I do!” - Homer

A very funny and dedicated adaptation of The Shining. Homer begins down the path of Nicholson-style insanity as the Simpsons work as caretakers in a secluded mansion. Some of The Simpsons’ finest comedy moments feature in this tiny segment, and Treehouse of Horror V is regarded by most as the best Treehouse of Horror episode.

3. Time and Punishment - Treehouse of Horror V - Season 6

“Marge dear, would you kindly pass me a donut?” - Homer

I’m a sucker for time travel, so this segment naturally has to be one of my favourites. In this, the Simpsons’ toaster has broken, so Homer spends an unhealthy amount of time fixing it. Instead, he creates a time machine which takes him back to the age of the dinosaurs. Not following Grandpa’s advice about leaving everything untouched, Homer squishes a bug and returns back to the present day. Upon his return, Ned Flanders is the world ruler, much to Homer’s dismay and he attempts to go back and return everything back to how it was. After many unsuccessful attempts, Homer settles for what he feels is “close enough”. I have to mention, along with ‘The Shinning’ from the same episode, that I specifically love the presence of Groundskeeper Willie, who appears in each segment of Treehouse of Horror V.

02. The Devil and Homer Simpson - Treehouse of Horror IV - Season 5

“Homer, stop picking at it!” - Marge

“Aw, but I’m so sweet and tasty. - Homer

Homer’s donut craving is so severe he signs a contract with the Devil (Ned Flanders) in exchange for his soul. He tries to outsmart the Flanders by not finishing the last bite, but of course he cannot help himself, and in a sleepwalk state, eats the remainder. The Simpson’s demand a fair trial, but before this, Homer spends the day in Hell, eating an unlimited supply of donuts. This segment is packed with hilarious moments, notably an animated Richard Nixon on the Devil’s “jury of the damned”.  

01. Hell Toupée - Treehouse of Horror IX - Season 10

“Freeze Hairball!” - Chief Wiggum

Snake is one of my favourite characters, and possibly the coolest. Who else could comb their hair with Kwik-E-Mart nacho cheez and still rock the bag-boy image? This specific segment is obscure but not one to be missed! It oozes classic Simpsons at a time where their innuendos and mature themes were at their best. Such genuine humour never really to be seen to that extent again, especially not from the canon episodes. It features on a VHS I bought called Too Hot For TV, and even as a child I recognised just how adult themed the collection of episodes was on that tape. After Snake gets executed for attempted robbery of the Kwik-E-mart, his vengeance is taken out beyond the grave through Homer, who was given his hair though a transplant. Apu and Moe are the first victims but Bart was also at the crime scene.

Honourable mentions: Hungry are the Damned (season 2), Nightmare Cafeteria (season 6), Citizen Kang (season 8), The HΩmega Man (season 9), Desperately Xeeking Xena (season 11) and Night of the Dolphin (season 12)

[invasionofthefilmlists]

The Twilight Zone: Top 7 Episodes From Season 1

The 1950’s saw the true emergence of science fiction, and undoubtedly influenced the genre for the decades to follow. The Twilight Zone, (1959-1964) is the icing on the cake for the experimental decade, and allowed some of the most obscure and previously thought to be impossible stories merge onto the television screen, some being adaptations of short stories from science fiction magazines. Although each episode had something new and exciting to offer, I have watched every episode from the first season, and here are my top picks - the 7 episodes that simply cannot be missed by anyone interested in science fiction, the 1980′s Twilight Zone movie and later television series’.

Episode 12: What You Need 

Imagine meeting a seemingly ordinary man, who in fact possesses the ability to know exactly what you need hours before you need it? That is the premise of this episode, with its running theme testing the character’s morale, exposing them to greed and power, with little to no self control. This episode, like many others from this season, allows the audience to engage and put themselves in the characters situation, which is impressive for such a short tale. Based on a short story of the same name, it has inspired music and other stories, notably by Stephen King.

Episode 8: Time Enough at Last

One of the most well-known and popularly referenced episodes of the first season. A shy bank teller does not have enough time to read due to restrictions at work and home. However, after locking himself in a bank vault for his lunch break, he finds that he has survived a nuclear disaster, killing everyone and destroying everything around him, except for the public library. Now he has all of the time in the world to read... Or does he?

Episode 21: Mirror Image

Many, if not all of the female lead episodes of this season feature the theme of gradual insanity, which perhaps reflects the idea of a female lead role in this cinematic era. As a female, it would almost be wrong of me not to explore this, and introduce you to one episode in particular that demonstrates this. Mirror Image is perhaps the most obscure of these, and reveals to the audience, the idea of doppelgängers. Honourable episodes which include either a female lead or strong female character include,  The Sixteen-Millimeter Shrine, The Hitch-Hiker, Nightmare as a Child and A World of His Own.

Episode 25: People Are Alike All Over

After a Mars landing leaves one of two astronauts dead, the remaining and most skeptical of the two fears for his life, wondering just what is out there on the Red Planet. However, the friendly people who greet him look just like humans, only with the extra ability to read minds, and welcome him to the planet and provide him with aid. The hospitable Martians allow him to believe he is safe and build him a replica Earth-style home, only with one condition. He is now trapped behind bars while people stare into his home, and it is quickly realised that he has become part of an exhibit, like a zoo animal. This episode explores the frustration captive animals must face when kept in close proximity. Regardless of how authentic the habitat may seem, it can never possibly be enough for any creature, and if anything, it questions whether or not we should feel sympathy for him, as we humans do the exact same thing on our own planet.

Episode 1: Where is Everybody?

The first couple of episodes have a running theme of isolation and loneliness. Rod Serling had, whether accidental or not, created this atmosphere not only to test the characters, but to test the audience and really allow them to picture themselves in each bizarre situation. Where is Everybody? - the first episode, is a fine example of how loneliness, even for the smallest amount of time, can challenge one's coping mechanisms and lead to total insanity. It tells the story of a man who cannot find anybody in his town, but is left tiny clues which suggest that someone is close by, or maybe even watching him.

Episode 5: Walking Distance

As soon as I began watching this episode, all I could think about is Back to the Future. Without any research or prior knowledge to this story, I just knew it had been a huge influence on the successful movie franchise. Again, it explores loneliness, with a strong sense of nostalgia that all must feel when reliving events from childhood. In this, a man called Martin Sloan (Marty McFly right?) visits him hometown to discover that nothing has changed since he was a child, and he has in fact traveled back to the 1930′s. Gig Young is a brilliant actor and in my opinion, performed one of the best leading roles in the season.

Episode 14: Third from the Sun 

Without a doubt the greatest episode of the season. It is a perfect example how television or cinema can trick a person and mislead them completely, just by leaving out the tiniest of detail. I was left shocked, amazed and completely mind blown at the end of this episode, and I guarantee others were too. In this episode, a family receive knowledge of the apocalypse, and have to act quickly and quietly to ensure their evacuation is successful. So what is this big twist? I urge you to watch and find out.

The first season in its entirety was nothing short of outstanding. Each episode written and shot with a Hitchcock/Noir-esque atmosphere that not only reminds or introduces its audience to classic television, but provides us with a sense of contemporary - a glimpse of the countless influences this show has created and inspired, that in most cases are uncanny.  

[invasionofthefilmlists]

Metropolis

Germany, 1927 Directed by: Fritz Lang Cast: Brigitte Helm, Alfred Abel, Gustav Fröhlich

Fritz Lang intelligently captures the fear of Germany's future in this anti-capitalist science fiction epic. Telling the story of a privileged man, Freder, and pacifist preacher and helper of the underprivileged, Maria, and their journey as they strive for revolution in this corrupt metropolis. It is accurately considered as one of the first films to spark the science fiction genre in cinema, but it is a film much deeper than the ahead-of-its-time special effects and a since growing cult following. A nation struggling from the aftermath of one war and building up to another, a nation in debt and her citizens in poverty, that is the real underlying message of this film. Soon after its release, it was prevented from distribution and reedited, with many scenes now forever lost and replaced with narrative slides. However, as disappointing as that may seem, the film's story is still intact and remains a true classic; not to be missed for any science fiction fan.

[invasionofthefilmlists]

Top 10 Teen* Heartthrobs of the 80’s

*Because we all know they were really mid-20’s alcoholics, engaged to supermodels.

The 1980’s saw an elite group of actors frequently working together, dubbed by David Blum in a famous magazine cover story as The Brat Pack. After discovering the limited spaces within this group, I was severely disappointed. To be an ‘official’ member, the actor must have played a main role in either The Breakfast Club (1985) or St. Elmo's Fire (1986). In my opinion, the majority who have worked in a film featuring a Brat Pack member deserve to be one, especially all actors included in this list who aren’t already. As a teenager growing up in the 21st Century, I had what was considered by friends a very weird taste in men, which is far from the truth if I say so myself. I would tell them how only a few decades ago, these men were pin-ups on many teenage girls’ bedroom walls and were very much adored. I also came across an amazing book as a young teen featuring pictures of 70’s and 80’s heartthrobs. Many of these pictures flaunting the incredibly hairy chests of once-upon-a-time-studs in tight shorts and sometimes not much else. I’m pretty certain all actors in this list were in that book, some of them maybe not as naked as I’d have liked. So, rather than my initial plans to classify this as a definitive Brat Pack actor list, instead, 5 essential 80’s teen actors and heartthrobs.

05. Michael J. Fox

The 80’s was a good decade for the petite and wise cracking beauty Michael J. Fox. 1985 was the year for Teen Wolf and the smash hit Back To The Future that well and truly put him on the map and made him an instant star. He also lit up our screens with The Secret of My Succe$s in 1987 and the adaptation of Jay McInerney’s book Bright Lights, Big City. Then in 1989 he took his talent to a more dramatic approach to his career starring alongside Sean Penn in Brian De Palma’s Casualties of War, rounding off the 80’s with the second Back To The Future installment. The Canadian cutie had much to offer Hollywood and is now a household name.

Best 80’s role: Brantley Foster/Carlton Whitfield - (The Secret of my Succe$s)

04. Eric Stoltz

The incredibly underrated actor whose career could have been completely different. With Michael J. Fox being first choice and later confirming he would accept the role of Marty McFly in the epic Back to the Future (1985) trilogy, Stoltz was given the boot. I often find myself wondering just how different that film franchise would be today if Stoltz starred instead. His sympathetic role in Some Kind of Wonderful (1987) is almost the gender reverse of Molly Ringwald’s in Pretty in Pink (1986). He plays the lower-class teen destined for academic greatness but instead more concerned with social status and beautiful girl-next-door Amanda Jones. Stoltz never made it into the Brat Pack hype and deserved more credit than he was given in the decade. Not just for acting ability but for his undeniable good looks. His later career has given him a hint of success and has seen him working with many great actors and directors such as Quentin Tarantino. 

Best 80’s role: Keith Nelson (Some Kind of Wonderful)

03. Christian Slater

"Greetings and salutations." Mimicking that Nicholson stare and flaunting a bad-boy charm, Christian Slater certainly had it all. Even from first glance across the smoky lunch hall of Westerburg High, girls were hooked. Rebel-gone-mad Jason Dean was the polar opposite of what teens were used to in a heartthrob, but they certainly didn’t mind the change. From this one movie alone, there was no doubt that Christian Slater was destined for heartthrob status. Heathers (1988) helped kick off his now very creditable career and exposed him to brilliant roles, which he took full advantage of. I’d like to make a special mention to his character Mark Hunter in Pump up the Volume, which was released in 1990. Despite it just missing the mark for being an 80’s teen film, it definitely displayed qualities strong enough to make an exception. 

Best 80’s role: J.D. (Heathers) 

02. James Spader

The actor that deserved Brat Pack status more than any other - James Spader. He accompanied Andrew McCarthy in many of his definitive roles and is highly significant in all of them. Best playing the rich, outspoken teenage brat who takes great satisfaction in sabotaging the lives of his high school peers. However, due to him not being in St. Elmo's Fire or The Breakfast Club, he could not “officially” be named a member. His role in Tuff Turf (1985) is unforgettable and sees him in one of his only lead roles of the decade. This doesn’t matter though, because he is the definition of pure talent, which is later expressed through more mature roles.  

Best 80’s role: Morgan Hiller (Tuff Turf)

01. Andrew McCarthy

Even as a teenager growing up in the 21st century, I noticed Andrew McCarthy’s absolute perfection from the second I saw him. Pretty in Pink (1986) exposed me to his sensitive stare and left an imprint on my teenage heart; instantly sparking obsession. He oozes something no other Brat Pack member had, genuine compassion. Behind the scenes, alcohol abuse took it’s toll, but his compassionate performances in the most beautiful 80’s teen movies will maintain a legacy for generations to come. He is sometimes overlooked by other Brat Packer’s, Esteves, Lowe and even Nelson but viewers must give him credit. He is the sexiest 1980’s heartthrob without a doubt and deserves the top spot!

Best 80’s roles: Clay (Less Than Zero)

[invasionofthefilmlists]

3 Essential South Korean Directors

During the 20th Century, the world watched as South Korea emerged as a country once nearly stripped of independence and hope. From being a baton passed from nation to nation and almost being swallowed up by communism, to one of the most powerful countries in the Pacific. Industrialisation has allowed South Korea to pick itself up and become a contender in a world of developed nations. The cinema of South Korea reflects upon this, and while during the Cold War, so little as 10 native films would be released per year and directors would even be arrested for touching upon certain themes within their movies, it is safe to say they have come a long way. To the sophisticated, to the brutal, to the genuinely insane – these film makers are simply not afraid to shock an audience. From beautifully crafted screenplays to elegant uses of colour, there is little left to be experimented with, and what successful experimentation it has all been. Some of these directors are now in Hollywood, playing with the bigger budgets and the wider audiences, but will their English language scripts live up to their already flawless legacies? The three directors in this list have made a huge impact on modern cinema and make South Korean cinema impossible to ignore for any serious film enthusiast.

Jee-woon Kim

Kim’s work is comparatively stylish to other directors such as Chan-wook Park, but his films have a dimension of difference that helped provide their own cult following and admiration worldwide. The intelligent film-maker uses deep colour and atmospheric music to transform already stunning visuals, and has an adaptable gift that prevents him from being afraid to experiment with an array of genres, successfully delivering every time. His comedic take on a western, The Good, The Bad, The Weird, is an exceptionally entertaining film with many quirky elements that allow it to stand out as something more than a tacky or unsuccessful satirical picture. While his sophisticated and genius gangster thriller, A Bittersweet Life, gives the audience a brooding and brutal hybridity; shot perfectly with an extraordinary use of set and costume design. It is difficult to choose a single element for it to be remembered or defined by, and as far as casting goes, Lee Byung-hun (whom has worked with Kim on a number of films) was a first-class choice.

Essential viewing: A Tale of Two Sisters (2003) Featuring in a long line of adaptations of the fairy tale, Janghwa Hongryeon jeon; Kim’s script loosely uses the idea and transforms it into an irresolute nonlinear horror story, romanticised with use of a dark, yet delicate soundtrack. Its eerie atmosphere throughout makes it an essential Jee-woon Kim film. Upon their return from a mental institution, tension reprises between two sisters and their stepmother. The two sisters who are practically inseparable have to learn to adapt to life at home after being away for so long, and difficulty is frequently expressed from the entire family. The film has been described as difficult to follow, sometimes without a clear distinction between dream and reality, but nonetheless has a lot to offer its viewers in terms of shock, suspense and terror.

Chan-wook Park 

Park is arguably the definitive modern South Korean director. His most successful and well known film, Oldboy (2003) truly put his eye for direction on the map, allowing him to become a global sensation and furthermore helped establish the South Korean cinematic new wave.  

Essential viewing: Thirst (2009) By no means neglecting Oldboy’s importance in Park’s catalogue, it is vital when admiring his work to watch Thirst. Undoubtedly one of the most powerful takes on vampirism to emerge from modern cinema, capturing a completely different outlook to what others have done with the mainstream and popular horror genre. The challenges faced by almost all of the characters are unusual and unique for a vampire story, especially for the main character portrayed by the brilliant Kang-ho Song. It is a crazy love story focused around the despair of a catholic priest turned immortal killer. And with a striking use of bold colours and swift special effects, is has been described as Park’s most mature work to date.

Joon-ho Bong

Since gaining international success, mainly from his big-budget monster movie, The Host (2006), which has since been compared to such films as Jurassic Park and Jaws, Bong has become an asset to the South Korean film industry. The Host remains one of the most expensive films to be made in Korea, and tells the story of a sea-monster inhabitant of the Han River who begins to terrorise the city of Seoul. The main protagonist, Kang-ho Song, dives at daring depths to save his daughter who was captured, and once again proves himself to be a wise choice for a main role. Bong has an adaptable style and his work previous to this, Memories of Murder (2003), is regarded as one of the best modern thrillers worldwide; showcasing his ability to evoke a range of emotions from the viewer, accompanied with an eerie soundtrack and haunting cinematography. His other works include dark comedy, Barking Dogs Never Bite (2000), and more recently, his directorial debut in Hollywood, the sci-fi action movie Snowpiercer (2012), accompanied once again by Song in a starring role. 

Essential viewing: Mother (2009)

This unusual yet relevant film is expressive and emotional, creating a new area for revenge thrillers to be explored through. Bong’s story powerfully displays the lengths a mother would extend to avenge in the name of her son. Bin Won makes a rare appearance and stars as the simple-minded son who is accused of murder.  

Thanks for reading. If you have any questions or would like a movie recommendation, just ask!

[invasionofthefilmlists]

Run Lola Run (Lola Rennt)

Germany, 1998 Directed by: Tom Tykwer Cast:  Franka Potente, Moritz Bleibtreu, Herbert Knaup If there’s one aspect of cinema I literally go crazy for, it’s trilogies. I can’t help but love the number three when associated with movies. It’s like a collection, a fully completed story with very little left undiscovered. And while sometimes a question or number of questions left at the end of a film can be exciting and give the film new depth and meaning, who doesn’t take comfort in a solid conclusion once in a while? What makes Tom Tykwer’s masterpiece absolute brilliance in my eyes, is that this is not a trilogy of movies or a trio of short stories in one. In fact, this has both ideas rolled into it, which gives us viewers 80 minutes of pure thrill. Hoping the third attempt Lola has to save her boyfriend in serious financial trouble goes smoothly. Each time Lola, our heroine for the movie gets to start over, she is fully aware of her previous mistakes, thus taking another approach. With her almost supernatural advantage to go back and change time, each time she does tread that little differently, every person she encounters’ life is changed dramatically, and we are lucky enough to even see a series of flashing snapshots into these characters futures. What’s also interesting about Tykwer’s style is his subtle precision and detail, not just with character development and suspense, but the tiny detail that even after viewing 10 times you may only just discover. Franka Potente plays a valiant young girl who would do literally anything to save her panicked lover in his irrational state. Her feisty attitude and personality is apparent throughout, and even though there is little dialogue, and said dialogue is subtitled to us non-German speakers, her determination is inspiring. And with a soundtrack so relevant, so stylish and so brilliant, who can possibly resist wanting to watch this short but gripping movie over and over again? Not to mention the unique camera angles and visionary experimental scenes, this is definitely a must see for cult movie lovers. An English language remake is simply not necessary, the original is perfection.