Over the Top (1987)

"I drive trucks, break arms, and arm wrestle. It's what I love to do, it's what I do best."

It's a given fact that arm wrasslin' is one of the manliest things you can do. It's true. Make a list of macho things that a tough dude can do with his life; bar brawlin', drinkin', truck drivin', arm wrasslin'. See? It fits right in there. It may be manly, but it is a strange sport to pick for an action film. At least with say, boxing, there is plenty of room within that ring to display intense fighting and nerve shredding drama; but you don't get the same level of gladiatorial majesty with two guys standing at a table holding hands. Cannon Group had the habit of making some very strange decisions in those days, which worked out great for fans of silly cinema. Not so much for Cannon, sadly.

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Meatballs (1979)

"Is that a bra you're wearing, or are you expecting an assassination attempt?"

Summer camp always looked like the most amazing adventure a teen could have, especially if under the age of 18. Living in cabins in the woods, swimming in lakes, attending campfires, making new friends, defeating bullies, chasing girls... it's no wonder it became a staple coming-of-age setting for many American genre films. Sadly it is a genre that is so purely American that I can't imagine it translating well into any other culture or country. We certainly had nothing like it when I was growing up, nor would I really want to see the likes of this set in the rural Irish countryside. It would probably feel more like a borstal prison film than any ones idea of a fun time.

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The Last American Virgin (1982)

"Come to me my big burrito!"

Released somewhere between Porkys and Fast Times at Ridgemont High, The Last American Virgin is probably the least remembered, or acclaimed, of the three. It was certainly a good summer for teen sex-comedies, with Zapped, Spring Fever and The Beach Girls also seeing a release that year. Sadly the majority of these films have all but slipped into obscurity at this point, as people tend to remember the John Hughes movies a bit more warmly than the likes of these horny teenager sleaze flicks. But still, The Last American Virgin clings on in the memories of those who have seen it, and for some pretty good reasons.

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Supergirl (1984)

"Such a pretty world. I can't wait until it's all mine"

Some films get saddled with a reputation so early on in their release that any hope of success is scuppered right away. Over inflated budgets, re-shoots and terrible scripts can all lead to dreadful advanced word-of-mouth and a box office fiasco.The 1980's had its fair share of disasters, with Heavens Gate kicking off the decade in spectacular fashion with a 44 million dollar flop. The George Lucas produced Howard the Duck wallowed in 35 million loses. Ishtar came in at a mind boggling 51 million, and barely made back Warren Beattys catering bill in box office receipts. 

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