The Ultimate History of the '80s Teen Movie: Fast Times at Ridgemont High, Sixteen Candles, Revenge of the Nerds, the Karate Kid, the Breakfast Club, Dead Poets Society, and Everything in Between

by James King

A trip back to the era of troubled teens and awesome soundtracks; of Reagan, rap, and Ridgemont High; of MTV, VHS, and Axel F; of outsiders, lost boys, and dead poets; of Bill and Ted, Brooke Shields, and the Brat Pack; of three Porky's flicks, two Coreys, and one summer when Baby refused to be put in a corner. The Ultimate History of the '80s Teen Movie goes behind the scenes of a genre where cult hits mingled with studio blockbusters, where giants like Spielberg and Coppola rubbed shoulders with baby-faced first-timers, and where future superstars Sean, Demi, and Tom all got their big break. Music, comedy, and politics all play a part in the surprisingly complex history of the '80s teen movie. And while the films might have been aimed primarily at adolescents, the best tackle universal issues and remain relevant to all ages. From a late '70s Hollywood influx to an early '90s indie scene that gave youth cinema a timely reboot, film expert James King highlights the personal struggles, the social changes, and the boardroom shake-ups that produced an iconic time in movie history.

Audio CD

Published February 22, 2022

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Reviews

[Mari · Rating 3 out of 5]

The stories behind movie making and movies is one of the areas of interest I have when looking for non-fiction books, so it'd be no stretch to guess I really wanted to enjoy this book. I saw so many movies in this time frame, saw the majority of these movies, but - maybe simply because there are so many movies to cover - this skimming, tangential examination of them just left me wanting something more, or maybe just different. Instead of learning something new and deeper about the movies I got glimpses into the film makers, actors, and studio (systems, sometimes) that led to them. Interesting in it's attempt and wishful depth, I still wouldn't recommend it for anyone looking for more than a quick look at a movie type and decade.

[Shawn Guerrero · Rating 4 out of 5]

James King's "The Ultimate History of the '80s Teen Movie" offers a reflective examination of one of cinema's most significant and influential decades. This work not only honors the films of our youth but also provides a comprehensive analysis of the cultural, social, and artistic influences that molded them. Through insights into films like 'Fast Times at Ridgemont High' and 'The Breakfast Club', King invites readers to explore the behind-the-scenes dynamics of the movies that characterized a generation.

[Stefanie Robinson · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you are interested in the behind the scenes stories of the making of some of your favorite films from the 1980s, this book may be for you! I have the Audible version, and it was a good one to listen to on my commute to and from work. I was born in 1988, so I am familiar with many of the cult classic movies from the 1980s. The Breakfast Club is one of my favorites, along with Dead Poets Society. I thought this book was entertaining.