Best Films Of 1981
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- DirectorGeorge MillerStarsMel GibsonBruce SpenceMichael PrestonIn the post-apocalyptic Australian wasteland, a cynical drifter agrees to help a small, gasoline-rich community get rid of a horde of bandits.Flat out one of the most interesting action films ever made.
9/10 - DirectorUlu GrosbardStarsRobert De NiroRobert DuvallCharles DurningA worldly ambitious monsignor clashes with his older brother, a cynical Los Angeles homicide detective who is investigating the brutal murder of a young prostitute.This is a very mature crime drama. Not everyone seems to appreciate or even fully understand the story. Others however feel it's great, subtle, and moving. Many critics have complained about the story, and/or the ending. Personally I think they just missed it, over their heads. At the same time, a few critics have given the film a top grade. This isn't your average sensationalized Hollywood crime film. It's far more human and real than that.
8.5/10 - DirectorJohn LandisStarsDavid NaughtonJenny AgutterJoe BelcherTwo American college students on a walking tour of Britain are attacked by a werewolf that none of the locals will admit exists.One of the very best werewolf films ever made, maybe THE best. Not everyone seemed to like the play of the horror comedy in this one, but it works well for me. I recently revisited this film and I must admit that really I even forgot how great of a film this is. I knew I liked it a lot, but I had let it sit without a rewatch for too long quite frankly. Glad I finally took it for another spin. This is truly one of the best horror films around in my view, period.
8.5/10 - DirectorMichael MannStarsJames CaanTuesday WeldWillie NelsonAn ace safe cracker wants to do one last big heist for the mob before going straight.One of the best heist films around.
8/10
See my list - 'Let's Rob A Bank' - DirectorAbel FerraraStarsZoë LundBogeyAlbert SinkysA timid and mute seamstress goes insane after being attacked and raped twice in one day, in which she takes to the streets of New York City after dark and randomly shoots men with a .45 caliber pistol.It's No Summer Of Sam, It's The Fall Of Thana
This early Abel Ferrara effort fits into the rape revenge tradition. Nonetheless it's far more interesting than most films of its type, and certainly far better overall than the vast majority of them. In fact, perhaps it is THE very best of them all. Definitely worth a watch if you're interested in these kinds of films even just a little. As far as gritty vigilante films go, this is definitely in the upper echelon. The more I watch this film, the more I appreciate it. There are many things to enjoy within it. Even some very funny moments. There is great artistic vision shown here from both the director and writer. Far more than you'd normally see in these types of films. Even if you notice the way the film is shot, it's quite great. It really is a beautifully crafted film in many ways, despite the dark and grimy themes and atmosphere. I remember the first time I ever saw this was with an old girlfriend, and after the film she said, "Well that was cute.". Warning: Your companion may not feel the same.
8/10 - DirectorBrian De PalmaStarsJohn TravoltaNancy AllenJohn LithgowA movie sound recordist accidentally records the evidence that proves that a car accident was actually murder and consequently finds himself in danger.In my view definitely one of the better De Palma films. 8/10
- DirectorSteven SpielbergStarsHarrison FordKaren AllenPaul FreemanIn 1936, archaeologist and adventurer Indiana Jones is hired by the U.S. government to find the Ark of the Covenant before the Nazis can obtain its awesome powers.The beginning of a franchise from George and Steven.
- DirectorSidney LumetStarsTreat WilliamsJerry OrbachRichard ForonjyA New York City narcotics detective reluctantly agrees to cooperate with a special commission investigating police corruption, and soon realises he's in over his head, and nobody can be trusted.If you like crime drama, this is certainly a strong and interesting one from filmmaker Sidney Lumet.
7.5/10 - DirectorOliver StoneStarsMichael CaineAndrea MarcovicciAnnie McEnroeA comic book artist loses his hand, which in turn takes on a murderous life of its own.This film starring Michael Caine seems like it might be ridiculously dumb due to its name and cover art. However it is actually quite thought provoking, and very entertaining. This film has a sort of funny brilliance to it. I think most people go in just so unready for it or something; Hence the low rating. Also, if you don't watch it from the beginning, it will most likely just seem stupid. This film only has 5,500 votes on here at this point. It's underseen and it's somewhat of a hidden gem in my view.
7.5/10 - DirectorIvan PasserStarsJeff BridgesJohn HeardLisa EichhornRichard spots a man dumping a body, and decides to expose the man he thinks is the culprit with his friend Alex Cutter.One of those films that most people enjoy better the second time through. Some people can't get into it at all because none of the characters are overly lovable. Personally I think this film is actually quite good. Good acting and fairly unusual main characters, some pretty funny moments, and a well executed story.
- DirectorBertrand BlierStarsPatrick DewaereAriel BesseMaurice RonetAfter her mother dies, fourteen-year-old Marion falls in love with her stepfather, Remy.Basically a reversion of Lolita, and a pretty decent one at that. Definitely not as good as Kubrick's film or Nabokov's original work, but a good bit better than the 1997 film version in my view. The story is well written as to pull you into it. The acting doesn't let down the script either.
7.5/10 - DirectorUli EdelStarsNatja BrunckhorstEberhard AurigaPeggy BussieckA teen girl in 1970s Berlin becomes addicted to heroin. Everything in her life slowly begins to distort and disappear as she befriends a small crew of junkies and falls in love with a drug-abusing male prostitute.The Kids Of Zoo Station
A great film to show 13 year old kids to be honest, (Depending upon their maturity level that is.). If you get them to watch this, that'll almost guarantee that they never touch hard drugs. Raw and gritty, this film shows young drug abuse as it really is, (Or at least was in the late 70's, which isn't too much different from today in terms of hard drugs use.). - DirectorLawrence KasdanStarsWilliam HurtKathleen TurnerRichard CrennaDuring an extreme heatwave, a beautiful Florida woman and a seedy lawyer engage in an affair while plotting the murder of her rich husband.From the decade of the 80's, this honestly is one of the better films of its type.
7.5/10 - DirectorWalter HillStarsKeith CarradinePowers BootheFred WardDuring a routine exercise, a team of National Guardsmen are threatened by angry and violent locals.A pretty cool flick that I've enjoyed since I was a little kid.
7.5/10 - DirectorIvan ReitmanStarsBill MurrayJohn CandyHarold RamisTwo friends who are dissatisfied with their jobs decide to join the army for a bit of fun.The best comedy of the year. Though The Hand is also somewhat funny and also American Werewolf of course. This film however is just a straight comedy.
7.5/10 - DirectorAlan AldaStarsAlan AldaCarol BurnettLen CariouThree couples vacation together every season. After one divorces, feelings of betrayal and more spawn criticisms of one another, but the things that keep them together are stronger than those which might pull them apart.
- DirectorRick RosenthalStarsJamie Lee CurtisDonald PleasenceCharles CyphersWhile Dr. Loomis hunts for Michael Myers, a traumatized Laurie is rushed to Haddonfield Memorial Hospital, and The Shape is not far behind her.In my estimation this is one of the very best horror sequels ever. Sure, the ending is not as good as the original film, but here the overall pace is faster, the kills are more creatively done, and there's a decent dose of humor in the film as well.
7/10 - DirectorCirio H. SantiagoStarsJillian KesnerDarby HintonRey MalonzoFemme fatale martial arts expert teaches the mafia a lesson.Forgotten, lost, underappreciated. Whatever you want to call it. It's rating on here makes no sense. I'd rather watch this film, than most of the modern films that most of you are rating 8 out of 10's. If you like low budget martial arts films that are somewhat funny and exploitive. Don't miss this. It is similar to many other cheesy films of its type, but it has its own unique vibe this film, it deserves more recognition.
7/10 - DirectorHelma Sanders-BrahmsStarsElisabeth StepanekNguyen Chi DanhKarl Heinz ReimannDoctors say that Veronika, a woman in her 20s, is schizophrenic. She is compliant, which makes her an easy target for men. She's religious, believing she is God's favorite child; she searches for Jesus. She has sent a letter to a filmmaker suggesting her life as the subject for a movie. We see her raped than take up with a series of men she believes are Jesus, each willing or insistent on sex. A young man with his own crisis of faith invites her to join a cult. We see her involuntarily committed to an asylum from time to time where medication and constraints await. Her wealthy parents are helpless. Will a medical professional ever talk to her? If one did, would it help?A pretty challenging film, definitely not for most people. I did however find it to be a very effective film. A gritty and uncompromising look at schizophrenia, far from pretty. Read my full review if interested.
7/10 - DirectorKathryn BigelowMonty MontgomeryStarsWillem DafoeJ. Don FergusonRobert GordonTrouble ensues when a motorcycle gang stops in a small southern town while heading to the races at Daytona.Willem Dafoe and Kathryn Bigelow both make their feature debuts in this interesting and sometimes quite funny cult favorite.
- DirectorHarold BeckerStarsGeorge C. ScottTimothy HuttonRonny CoxMilitary cadets take extreme measures to ensure the future of their academy when its existence is threatened by local condo developers.A tense situation and some good performances gives Taps its life.
7/10 - DirectorBob RafelsonStarsJack NicholsonJessica LangeJohn ColicosThe sensuous wife of a roadside diner proprietor and a rootless drifter begin a sordid, steamy affair and conspire to murder her Greek husband.Jack and Jessica!
7/10 - DirectorSteve GordonStarsDudley MooreLiza MinnelliJohn GielgudAlcoholic billionaire playboy Arthur Bach must marry a woman he does not love, or he will be cut off from his $750,000,000 fortune. But when Arthur falls in love with a poor waitress, he must decide if he wants to choose love or money.The best of the series is the original.
7/10 - DirectorDaniel PetrieStarsPaul NewmanEdward AsnerKen WahlIn New York City, South Bronx's main police precinct is nicknamed Fort Apache by its employees who feel like troopers surrounded by hostiles in a wild west isolated outpost.Some great performances highlight this flick.
7/10 - DirectorJohn CarpenterStarsKurt RussellLee Van CleefErnest BorgnineIn 1997, when the U.S. president crashes into Manhattan, now a giant maximum security prison, a convicted bank robber is sent in to rescue him.Carpenter's futuristic action fantasy.
7/10 - DirectorBob ClarkStarsDan MonahanMark HerrierWyatt KnightIn 1954, a group of Florida high-school guys try to help their buddy lose his virginity, which leads them to seek revenge on a sleazy nightclub owner and his redneck sheriff brother for harassing them.Two words: Mike Hunt.
- DirectorEd HuntStarsLori LethinMelinda CordellJulie BrownThree children are born at the height of an eclipse of the sun. Ten years later, they begin to murder the people around them - even their family members.A bizarre but good horror film.
7/10 - DirectorBurt ReynoldsStarsBurt ReynoldsRachel WardVittorio GassmanTom Sharky is demoted to vice after a bust goes terribly wrong. He and his team stumble across a mob murder tied to prostitution and government.Burt
- DirectorJohn HustonStarsMichael CaineSylvester StallonePeléAs allied P.O.W.s prepare for a soccer game against the German National Team to be played in Nazi-occupied Paris, the French Resistance and British officers are making plans for the team's escape.
- DirectorRoger SpottiswoodeBuzz KulikStarsRobert DuvallTreat WilliamsKathryn HarroldD.B. Cooper parachutes with his stolen money and proceeds to contact his wife. Meanwhile, his former army sergeant, who now works as an insurance investigator, manages to identify him and decides to track him down.A pretty fun look at a fictionalized blending of the real and somewhat unknown true story.
6.5/10 - DirectorGerald PottertonJohn BrunoJohn HalasStarsRichard RomanusJohn CandyJoe FlahertyA glowing green orb that embodies ultimate evil terrorizes a young girl with an anthology of bizarre and fantastic stories.A unique piece of animation in its time mixed with some killer tunes.
6.5/10 - DirectorTerry GilliamStarsSean ConneryShelley DuvallJohn CleeseA young boy accidentally joins a band of time travelling dwarves, as they jump from era to era looking for treasure to steal.
- DirectorFrank PerryStarsFaye DunawayDiana ScarwidSteve ForrestThe abusive and traumatic adoptive upbringing of Christina Crawford at the hands of her mother, screen queen Joan Crawford, is depicted.Mean people suck.
6.5/10 - DirectorTom DeSimoneStarsLinda BlairVincent Van PattenPeter BartonFour college pledges are forced to spend the night in a deserted old mansion, where they are stalked by the monstrous survivor of a family massacre years earlier.Generally a little underrated in my view. Not a classic by any means, but certainly quite watchable for most horror fans.
6.5/10 - DirectorPeter HyamsStarsSean ConneryFrances SternhagenPeter BoyleA federal marshal stationed at a mining colony on the Jupiter moon of Io uncovers a drug-smuggling conspiracy. He gets no help from the workers or authorities when he finds himself marked for murder.
- DirectorTobe HooperStarsElizabeth BerridgeShawn CarsonJeanne AustinFour teenagers visit a local carnival for a night of innocent amusement, but soon discover that nothing there is innocent or amusing.A pretty solid 80's creeper.
6/10 - DirectorMatt CimberStarsStacy KeachPia ZadoraOrson WellesIn 1937 Nevada, silver mine caretaker Jess Tyler is reunited with his teenage daughter Kady who will do anything to persuade Jess to let her have claim to the mine.
- DirectorJim HensonStarsJim HensonFrank OzDave GoelzKermit the Frog, The Great Gonzo, and Fozzie Bear are reporters who travel to Britain to interview a rich victim of jewel thieves and help her along with her secretary, Miss Piggy.One of the best Muppet movies. Honestly though, the TV show was most often better than the Muppet films for whatever reason. At least I always thought so.
- DirectorMichael WadleighStarsAlbert FinneyDiane VenoraEdward James OlmosA New York cop investigates a series of brutal deaths that resemble animal attacks.Reasonably good.
- DirectorOz ScottMichael SchultzStarsRichard PryorCicely TysonAngel Ramirez Jr.Failed parolee Joe Braxton has one last shot at redemption: by driving school kids from Philadelphia to Washington State.Pryor rocks!
6/10 - DirectorTommy ChongStarsCheech MarinTommy ChongBenita BarrieDisguised as ice cream vendors, Cheech and Chong make--and subsequently lose--millions of dollars selling a batch of marijuana with an unusual side effect.