Just a heads up, if you know anything about fantasy films from the 80's, then you probably know some of the entries on this list. With regards to the numbers 1 and 2, it was a tough choice between the two, but I went with the one that I'm fairly sure I saw first (I saw them both around the same time, so I'm not exactly sure) but more than that, I chose the one I've seen about 50 times. Yep, I love it that much. So I'm sorry if you don't agree, but these are my choices. Feel free to disagree. Anyway, let's get on with it!
10. The Witches of Eastwick
Jack Nicholson as the Devil... Yep, perfect casting there! And it also has Susan Sarandon, Michelle Pfeiffer and Cher as the three witches. Yeah, the cast here is awesome. But what else I like about this film is how ambiguous about everything it is. Daryl Van Horne is never actually named as the Devil, and yet everyone knows he is. The same with the three women, they are never called witches at any time in the film. It's more implied, and it makes the film so much more interesting. And it's funny. Funny as hell. Yep. Awesome film.
9. Erik the Viking
This is one of my favourite films. Which is weird, considering the film starts with an attempted rape scene, and the fact that my mum thought it would be a good idea to let me watch this film when I was 7. Yeah, brilliant parenting. But this is an awesome film! Tim Robbins goes crazy, Terry Jones has one of his funny voices on, John Cleese is... himself! And it has Eartha Kitt, which is always a bonus. Plus, I totally ship Thorfinn and Sven. Who the hell wouldn't!
8. Time Bandits
I only just noticed that I put the two former Python's next to each other. Oh well. Yeah, this is directed by Terry Gilliam. And you can tell, it gets really dark towards the end, and the it finishes. But the bits in the middle are good. Hell, I'd even say the beginning is good as well. And even though the ending is dark, it fits in the rest of the film. Plus Ian Holm plays Napoleon and Sean Connery plays Agamemnon. Only Connery could Agamemnon charming (considering he acts like dick most of the time. Don't believe me, read up on him.) It was a tough choice between this film and Gilliam's other big fantasy film that came out this decade, The Adventures of Baron Munchausen, but while do adore Baron Munchause, the unflinchingness and brutality that Time Bandits has made it a better film. Yeah, also Gilliam is one of my favourite directors, if you hadn't guessed.
7. Ladyhawke
Before he was in direct to DVD trash, Rutger Hauer was in some good movies! This is one of them! And what makes me like this film so much is just the plot. It's really romantic and sad, but it's what I think of when I think of epic fantasy romances! The whole together but apart theme is quite popular in the fantasy genre. Matthew Broderick is also good in this, and I don't mind the monologues he has with himself, though I never know if anyone else hears him and are too freaked out to comment on the fact that he's talking to himself or if they are in his head... Something to ponder about this week.
6. The Company of Wolves
This film has the most disturbing werewolf transformation I have ever seen. Imagine someone ripping off their skin until only muscle remains, and then I closed my eyes because I couldn't watch anymore. Even thinking about it makes my skin crawl. I was talking about how Time Bandits was dark, but it's nothing compared to this film. The atmosphere in this film in so eerie, it beats a lot of horror films that came out this decade. And the story is not your typical Little Red Riding Hood retelling, it plays around themes of sexual awakening and trust and love. And it has Terence Stamp in a cameo as the Devil, which is never not awesome! So, if you're looking for something a little different, then definitely check this out.
5. Legend
This film is hilarious. Imagine, young Tom Cruise running around a forest with no pants on. Yes, you heard right! But wait, it gets better! Tim Curry is the Lord of Darkness. And it's directed by Ridley Scott. Do you now see why this film is awesome? If you don't, then you need to see it. Don't argue, go and see it right now. This is pure 80's cheese at it's best, and I love every silly moment of it. And you should too.
4. My Neighbour Totoro
This film is absolutely adorable! It expresses what it was like to be a child, when the world was whatever you made of it and magic was everywhere, and yet it presents it for an adult. I wouldn't call this a kids film, and while I might show it to kids, I don't think they would appreciate the way an adult full of nostalgia would. And it is quite slow. But the reason I put this movie on the list rather than other animated movies like The Little Mermaid was mainly because it's so different from other childhood fantasy films. For starters, the father actually accepts what the daughters tell him about Totoro, and believes them! That is almost unheard of in kids fantasy movies, where they have to hide whatever creature they found because their parents can't find out for some reason. The creatures here are also very imaginative, especially the cat bus. And in all honesty, I think the gentle animation of Studio Ghibli is much more beautiful than Disney.Sorry, but I do.
3. Return to Oz
You see that poster there, presenting this film as a continuation of the original from the 1930's? Well, it's not, not at all really. At least in a thematic sense, though the ruby slippers aren't really in it either. While it retains some of the characters and settings from the original film, this sequel is a lot darker. Which makes it awesome! I love the original film, but it is a product of its time, and that sort of film wouldn't have worked in the 80's. Instead, we get a sequel that is a closer adaptation of the books, and yet can easily stand on it's own feet and be viewed without needing to watch or read the originals. I have no problem calling this one of the best (if not the best) sequel I have ever seen. Of course it flopped when it came out, but that was mainly due to people thinking it would be nice like the original. Thankfully, more and more people are seeing it now, and I would recommend it more for older kids, because there are some kinda scary moments. Like the Wheelers. They terrified me when I first saw this, and I was 15 at the time! That is some excellent filmmaking right there.
2. The Princess Bride
I spent hours agonising over whether I should put this film at number 1 or 2, but in the end I had to go with my gut and put it at number two. But just because it isn't first, doesn't mean I don't love the hell out of this film! If there was such a thing as a perfect movie, then this would be up there in the top 10. I don't know anyone who doesn't love this movie, and what's not to love. The story seems predictable, and yet there are twists and turns all the way through that keep you guessing as to what's going to happen. All the characters are memorable in some way, and they got the absolute perfect cast to play them, from Mandy Patinkin as Inigo to Chris Sarandon as Humperdinck to Christopher Guest as Rugen! Plus, there are cameos from both Billy Crystal and Peter Cook. This is the best thing that Cary Elwes has ever done, and I'd almost say the same for Rob Reiner (but he did make 2 of my other favourite movies, This Is Spinal Tap and When Harry Met Sally). There is a phrase on the internet which sums up the film perfectly; you either like The Princess Bride, or you're wrong! And I completely agree.
1. Labyrinth
Yes, David Bowie in questinably tight pants beat out one of the most almost perfect films ever! I'd apologise, but I can't hear you over the sound of "Magic Dance". I can't help it, this film is cheesier than pizza, but I love every minute of it. So much so, that I'm beginning to develop my own ideas as to why the Labyrinth exists and how it works and why Jareth takes such an interest in Sarah, and it's probably only because she's more than likely the only person to navigate the Labyrinth successfully, I mean everyone else probably gave up half-way through, and it's her reislience and determination .... I'm gonna stop. Brian Froud has one of the most imaginative minds ever, and when you combine that with Jim Henson's creativeness and puppets, magic is created. I really have no words. If you haven't seen the film, then see it! If you don't like the film, then I'm sorry you're missing out!
Thank you for reading this list. Again, if you don't like my choices, please tell me which ones you would've put on your list. But don't get at me about the order, otherwise I will throw my cat at you. And she can be very grumpy. There's nothing really left for me to say except, until next time readers, and you remind me of the babe...
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