These are flicks that have stood the test of time: Centering around themes like adventure, friendship, summer and family, they are as relatable now as they were when they first released. In fact, some continue to gather fans, developing a ‘cult film’ status (meaning that they have a dedicated, passionate fan base).
The Sandlot (1993)
Genre: Sports/Comedy-Drama
Set in the summer of 1962, The Sandlot chronicles the antics of a group of baseball-crazy neighbourhood friends. The film is narrated from the point of view of Scotty Smalls, who has just moved to San Fernando Valley, Los Angeles. Like any new kid on the block, Scotty wants to fit in with the others. This is hard when you’re a baseball novice in a group of baseball fanatics. He tries out for the local sandlot team but fails spectacularly. He persists, and one of the kids, Benny “the Jet” Rodriguez, takes him under his wing. The rest of the kids too warm up to him in time. But trouble is right around the corner, in the form of Beast, the ferocious English mastiff, and possible eater of children (if neighbourhood legend is to be believed). The summer-time vibe is strong with this one — Scotty and friends enjoy carnival rides and snacks, play ball under the warm sun, cool down by the pool, and get into their fair share of (mostly harmless) trouble. This April marked the 25th anniversary of the film.
Pee-wee’s Big Adventure (1985)
Genre: Comedy/Family
Road-trips usually invoke images of a car driving off into the sunset, its occupants ready to start on a life-changing journey. A bicycle? Not so much. But how about going on a road-trip for a bicycle? That’s exactly what Pee-wee Herman does when his beloved tricked-out, white and red bike gets stolen. The police can’t help, so Pee-wee follows the only lead himself, setting out on a wild goose chase. Madcap Pee-wee goes to any lengths to recover his bicycle. Along the way, he meets a diverse cast of characters, getting into a variety of scrapes (but also getting out of them unscathed, in Pee-wee fashion!). Fans of Rowan Atkinson’s Mr Bean might find some similarities in Pee-wee’s kooky behaviour and child-like mannerisms. And an eccentric character takes a director with eccentric vision — Tim Burton, of Alice in Wonderland (2010), and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (2005). Look out for “I know you are but what am I!”, a trademark Pee-wee comeback, for any insult thrown at him.
The Goonies (1985)
Genre: Action/Thriller
This one is all about extreme adventure. What else do you get when you mix a group of enterprising kids, a lost-and-found pirate map from 1632, secret caves, criminals on the run, and hidden treasure? When the kids of Goon Dock, Oregon, stumble onto a treasure map belonging to One-eyed Willy the pirate, they know they have to take the bait. This could be their last hurrah. A country club developer plans to take over their homes for a golf course, and the ‘Goonies’, as they call themselves, will soon have to split up.
Seeing the map as an opportunity to bag some pirate loot and may be even buy back their homes, they eagerly follow the clues left behind. But they’re not the only ones hot on the trail of One-eyed Willy’s riches — so are the Fratellis, a family of local criminals. They soon realise they have bitten off a little more than they can chew, but rise up to the occasion for a wild roller-coaster ride with a dash of danger. Ideated by the prolific filmmaker Steven Spielberg, who gave us thrill-fests like E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, and Jurassic Park,The Goonies is sure to pack a summer punch!
