As an individual raised in the 80s, one might expect me to effortlessly quote iconic lines from films like The Princess Bride, recognize the members of the Brat Pack, and hold a special reverence for Carrie Fisher. However, my upbringing without cable and infrequent trips to the cinema meant that I didn’t even learn that Carrie Fisher was Princess Leia until about six years ago—I only watched Star Wars for the first time then. The Brat Pack? Still a mystery to me. It wasn’t until recently that I finally sat down to watch The Princess Bride.
I know what you’re thinking: how could I possibly miss out on these classics? But here’s the reality: many of the films we idolize from our youth are, in fact, not great at all. Sure, Carrie Fisher was undeniably fierce, and Star Wars has earned its legendary status, but the rest? It often ranges from disappointing to downright confusing. I may be stepping on some toes here, but here are a few cult classics that fall short of the hype.
Jaws
Upon watching Jaws for the first time with my children, I was apprehensive about how my youngest might react. However, the special effects turned out to be so laughably bad that I questioned whether it was intended to be a horror film or a comedy.
Rocky
As someone who isn’t a fan of boxing, I should have anticipated my lukewarm reaction to Rocky. While many appreciate its underdog narrative, the movie is riddled with glaring issues. For instance, Rocky’s treatment of Adrian raises significant concerns about consent and misogyny. Within the first few scenes, I found myself explaining these concepts to my kids, emphasizing that “no means no” is a vital lesson.
E.T., The Extra-Terrestrial
Now, before you bombard me with angry messages, let me clarify: I don’t think E.T. is terrible, but I also don’t consider it particularly great. Despite being an emotional film for many, I didn’t shed a tear, leaving me with several questions—like how did their mother remain oblivious to an alien living in their home?
The Princess Bride
While it certainly has its comedic moments, I found it difficult to overlook the character of Princess Buttercup, who I believe is one of the most poorly constructed characters in cinema. Although Inigo Montoya provides some much-needed humor, it’s frustrating that all the strong characters in the film are male. Watching this with my sons led to numerous discussions that I didn’t want to have.
A Christmas Story
This film struggles with a lack of engaging plot and humor. Not to mention, it perpetuates outdated stereotypes and questionable parenting methods, which left my children shocked. For instance, why would anyone think putting soap in a child’s mouth is an acceptable form of punishment?
Gremlins
This film is a source of endless nightmares for many viewers, with its unsettling themes and images.
Grease
The very first song in Grease raises eyebrows with its questionable lyrics that seem to condone date rape. Overall, the film is riddled with problematic themes, including slut-shaming and patriarchal stereotypes, making it a tough watch in today’s context.
Don’t misunderstand me; I do appreciate several 80s cult classics that have stood the test of time, including Star Wars (because Carrie Fisher is the epitome of strength), Stand By Me, and Dirty Dancing. I still need to watch Indiana Jones, Fast Times at Ridgemont High, and Heathers, so I’m withholding judgment on those.
In summary, while nostalgia often shines a rose-tinted light on these films, it’s essential to critically examine their messages and themes. Many cult classics may not hold up as well as we once thought, and it’s worth considering how they reflect societal views, especially if you’re navigating parenthood today. For those interested in family planning, you can explore more about pregnancy and home insemination at resources like Resolve, or check out California Cryobank for authoritative information. Also, if you’re looking to boost fertility supplements, visit Make a Mom.