(Re)watching 1980s Comedies for some much needed laughter and political incorrectness

As some of you might now, I am a kid from the 1980s, in fact, I was born in 1981. Therefore, it probably doesn't come as a surprise to you that I have a sweet spot for movies from the 1980s as well as for music from the 1980s.

Now, in all honesty, if you've got a little bit of taste ( and knowledge of music history ), you will know that there's quite a lot of quality music from the 1980s.
And, if you know anything about film history ( or you are as old or older than me ), you will be aware of the fact that there's a lot of pretty good ( or at least pretty fun ) movies made in those 3650 or so days.

Looking back, it seems like people were still having a laugh/ having fun, back in those days ( and I'm not just saying that because I am growing old(er). Humor wasn't censored back then.

So, in the last handful of days, I watched three different 1980s comedies, namely: Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, Tootsie and UHF, of which I had only seen the second one, Tootsie, before, decades ago.

Let's start off with:

I must say that I enjoyed D.R.S.. It kind of reminded me of the fact that Steve Martin was actually a pretty fun actor ( although I would understand why some people dislike this kind of acting ) and even Michael Caine ( who is usually seen as a pretty good actor but I've never been a fan of his ), played a pretty strong part. Let's say that they were a strong team, re-acting pretty well to each other.

And, for those interested in this, there's actually a strong female lead in it too, although the plot is kind of mis(s)leading ;<)

I am not gonna go into the story. Suffice to say that if you haven't seen this and feel like a laugh and you aren't necessarily looking for politically correct behavior and wokeness but, instead, want to see a film of its time, the 1980s, a movie that is kind of forgettable but entertaining all at once, you will probably like this movie.

Not convinced yet. Here's the trailer:

https://www.imdb.com/video/vi492159513/?playlistId=tt0095031&ref_=tt_ov_vi

Second on the list was the Dustin Hoffman vehicle Tootsie ( 1982 )

I wonder what people would think of this theme, these days? or even of the poster ( and the words used on it ), you find it above this write up. I am sure a lot of peepz would not be able to enjoy this, nowadays.

I do ( and did ).

It does not make me cringe. Then again, I studied film history and I lived through the 1980s and it's a comedy with one of my favorite actors - a great one - in the lead and a film about film making/ the movie industry.

Here's a link to its trailer:

https://www.imdb.com/video/vi1679670809/?playlistId=tt0084805&ref_=tt_ov_vi

Also, while watching this I was reminded of a movie with a somewhat similar theme, starring the late Robin Williams, a flick that came out about a decade later. I am referring to Mrs. Doubtfire (1993 ). I remember really enjoying that one as a kid and watching it a number of times on TV or VHS. I will probably give it another watch one of these days.

Third and definitely least funny was The Weird Al Yankovic flick UHF that I had never heard of before. It popped up in a list of 150 greatest comedies.

I sure wouldn't put it in there. Perhaps in a list of 'weirdest' comedy movies, trying too hard, but 'funniest' or 'greatest', big NOPE.

I don't feel like getting into this movie, aside from describing what was probably the highlight and the actor who stole the show, played by Michael Richards - an actor who, in that same year ( 1989 ), started his notorious role as Cosmo 'Kramer', in the super successful and - in my opinion - pretty damn funny - Seinfeld ( 1998 ).

In UHF plays a clumsy and seemingly brainless janitor, who turns into a successful TV show personality ( nice metaphor ), pretty much over night.

I think it was pretty much this side character that made me sit through this entire film ( spread out over two nights ).

I think it's fair to say that the 1980s was kind of a hit or miss decade, when it comes to comedies, but - nevertheless - many of my favorite comedies come from that decade, inlcuding those in the horror genre ( think Gremlins ). Whether it's due to being born in 1981 or not, if I have to pick a comedy to enjoy, I usually select one from the 80s.

What about you? Do you like 1980s comedies?

Image source(s): Tootsie, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels