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Blog #1001

The Greatest Year for Film: 1982 - 2/20/2021

After watching several film retrospectives, I got to thinking about what might be the best year for motion pictures releases.  1982 is one of the candidates I would offer.  And here are a few of my thoughts on some of the memorable films from that year and what they mean to me.


Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan

Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan - June 4th

This film saved the Star Trek franchise after the disappointing 1979 Star Trek: The Motion Picture.  I give all the credit for the success of this film to director Nicholas Meyer.  His introduction of new uniforms, the submarine warfare style of the final battle, and the overall pace and tension throughout the movie.  For many Star Trek fans, including myself, this has become one of the best in the series.


Poltergeist

Poltergeist - June 4th

This film is often promoted as being written and produced by Steven Spielberg, which hides the fact that the movie is directed by Tobe Hooper.  Yeah, The Texas Chain Saw Massacre, Tobe Hooper.  I first saw this movie on cable, and it was amazingly scary fun.


E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial

E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial - June 11th

I remember the buzz surrounding this movie and the huge word-of-mouth praise.  I recall seeing it with Mom and Jeff at the Athena Cinema on Court Street in Athens.  This may have been the first time I ever cried during a movie.  Mom felt that the movie was appropriate for Crissy to see, so a week later we went again.  This time I knew what to expect and told myself that I wouldn't cry this time.  Nope, I was wrong.  I still cried.  Damn you, Spielberg.  This was also the first time I had even seen a movie in a theather twice during its initial run.


Blade Runner

Blade Runner - June 25th

I never saw this movie in a theater and over the years with the numerous edits, I’m not sure which version was the first one I saw.  It took me many years to discover this movie, but man do I love it now.  Ridley Scott and Harrison Ford are just awesome.


The Thing

The Thing - June 25th

This is another movie I didn’t catch at the theater, but watched many times on TV.  This story has the most innovative monster concept ever.  The idea that anyone might unknowingly be a deadly life form that spreads like a virus.  John Carpenter and his team make the best use of the most ingenious practical special effects to scare the crap out of the audience.


It is hard to believe that all five of these films came out in June.  But that’s not all; Anne, Grease 2, Firefox, The Secret of NIMH and Tootsie were also released that same month.


Tron

Tron - July 9th

I begged Mom to let me see this movie unto seeing the unbelievable graphics in the trailer.  I really geeked out on the images on the big movie screen.  I felt like I had been transported inside a video game.


The Dark Crystal

The Dark Crystal - December 17th

This was another classic I found on television.  This movie felt like a whole new medium of storytelling.  Jim Henson and Frank Oz are so ingenious and creative.


And if that isn’t enough, here are some other memorable films also released in 1982: An Officer and a Gentleman, Conan the Barbarian, Fast Times at Ridgemont High, First Blood, 48 Hours, The World According to Garp and The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas.


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