Comedy

The 1980s was absolutely instrumental in comedy filmmaking and is the reason we have so many amazing comedy flicks today. In fact, that is why they are re-booting the hell out of them right now. We can thank Ivan Reitman, John Hughes, and Howard Ramis in particular for pioneering sheer greatness in modern American comedies. Apparently “Ghostbusters” is still so popular that people are awaiting the third in the trilogy to come out any day now. Pee-Wee also scored big laughs on the big screen in two separate films, as Woody Allen and Mel Brooks did some of their funniest movies in the 80s. This was an amazing and laugh-out-loud decade for comedy films.

Allan Quatermain and The Lost City of Gold (1986)

Richard Chamberlain stars as Allan Quatermain, and Sharon Stone portrays Jesse Huston. Together, they lead an expedition with James Earl Jones as Swarma and Henry Silva as Umslopogaas to find Quatermain’s missing brother. Along the journey, they encounter treacherous terrain, hostile tribes, and face betrayal by Robert Donner’s character, Dr. Otto. In the Lost City, they defend its secrets against Otto’s greed. Their thrilling adventures forge unbreakable bonds and leave a lasting impact on their lives.

King Solomon’s Mines (1985)

Richard Chamberlain stars as Allan Quatermain, leading an expedition with Sharon Stone as Jesse Huston, seeking her missing father. They face wildlife, hostile tribes, and the enigmatic warrior Umbopa (John Rhys-Davies). Amidst betrayals by Herbert Lom and Ken Gampu’s treasure hunters, they uncover the secret of King Solomon’s Mines. Battling peril and greed, they reach the treasure, protecting it from falling into wrong hands. This action-packed adventure portrays Quatermain and Huston’s bravery in a thrilling quest through Africa’s untamed wilderness.

Splash (1984)

A young boy saved from drowning by a beautiful mermaid falls in love with her 20 years later when she returns to seek him out. Before he can choose between life on dry land or a deep-sea paradise with his dream woman, the lovers are rudely interrupted by the intervention of a scheming scientist.

The Muppet Movie (1979)

After Kermit the Frog decides to pursue a movie career, he starts his cross-country trip from Florida to California. Along the way, he meets and befriends Fozzie Bear, Miss Piggy, Gonzo and rock musicians Dr. Teeth and the Electric Mayhem. When Kermit is offered a job by Doc Hopper (Charles Durning) to advertise the fried frog legs at his restaurant chain, Kermit turns Hopper down. However, Hopper refuses to relent and pursues Kermit and his companions to a final showdown.

Stripes (1981)

Hard-luck cabbie John Winger (Bill Murray) — directionless after being fired from his job and dumped by his girlfriend — enlists in the U.S. Army with his close pal, Russell Ziskey (Harold Ramis). After his barely satisfactory performance in basic training, the irreverent Winger emerges as the figurehead for a ragtag band of Army misfits. However, his hijinks threaten to cause an international scandal when he inadvertently commandeers a military assault vehicle behind enemy lines.

That Thing You Do! (1996)

What do Spin Doctors, Dave Matthews Band, Billy Corgan and Styx have in common? They all get trashed in this episode of Shat The Movies (Cock Sparrer was spared.) It’s the 1996 comedy “That Thing You Do!” Tom Hanks wrote, directed and starred in this squeaky-clean look at the 1960s,...

Muriel’s Wedding (1994)

Ahead of Gene Lyons’ big day, Dick and Ash share their married-life wisdom as Shat The Movies travels once again to Australia for the 1994 comedy “Muriel’s Wedding.” As expected, this movie led to some fierce debate between Big D, who detests Muriel’s selfishness, and Ash, who simply adores pre-glow-up...

Outside Providence (1999)

In this coming-of-age comedy, Tim Dunphy (Shawn Hatosy) is leading a go-nowhere existence, spending his days smoking pot and hanging out with his best friend, Drugs Delaney (Jon Abrahams). But Tim’s lazy days of getting high are jettisoned after a brush with the law convinces his blue-collar dad (Alec Baldwin) to send him to a Connecticut prep school. The one saving grace of the new school is Jane (Amy Smart), a fellow student Tim falls for immediately.