Netflix '80s Fix: Summer Team Up!

June 2014

June is here and time to see what's new for your Netflix streaming queue! Team up with some rad '80s movies as the summer season nears. Baseball is in full swing and everyone's favorite team from Cleveland is here to entertain. (Hey bartender! I think Jobu needs a refill!) There's also an epic journey by a cat and dog team to reunite. And then cool off with some "good humor" as a classic comedy team attempts to sells some ice cream (and a whole lot more.)

For this month's fix, I've renamed the "Watch It Again for the 80th Time" segment to the "80s Pop Ten." From now on in this segment, I'll be listing the top ten most popular '80s movies" currently available. "Overlooked and Underrated" and the "Horribly Entertaining Challenge" also return in this month's fix. Use the links to click over to Netflix and add the titles to your queue...

Major League (1989)

Rated R Add to queue

With a roster of misfit players, a baseball team owner is banking on a losing season but underestimates the motley crew's will to succeed.

I believe this was one of the first R-rated movies I ever watched. My 13-year old mind probably wasn't ready for all the language, but I remember enjoying all the different personalities of the players. It remains as my 2nd favorite baseball movie behind Field of Dreams.

The Adventures of Milo & Otis (1989)

Rated G Add to queue

When mischievous Milo the cat and his pal Otis the dog become separated, the two cross mountains, plains and snow-covered lands to find each other.

Been years since I've watched this adventure. It will be one I'll add to watch with the family this month.

Cheech & Chong's Nice Dreams (1981)

Rated R Add to queue

The kings of stoner comedy embark on an enterprise: selling ice cream from a truck. (But they're delivering more than good humor to their customers.)

I've never seen this movie although I pretty much know what to expect having seen some of their other movies. Next Movie and Get Out of My Room are also available if you need more Cheech & Chong this month.

Eddie Murphy: Delirious (1983)

Rated NR Add to queue

Flashing the wild stand-up comedy that made him a household name, Eddie Murphy unleashes uncensored observations and parodies in this 1983 live show.

Plenty of laughs to be had with this Eddie Murphy special and along with Raw which is also available.

Short Circuit 2 (1988)

Rated PG Add to queue

In this sequel to the cybernetic comedy, the friendly robot -- going by the name "Johnny" Five -- reunites with his creator, a New York City toymaker.

I remember really enjoying the first film as a kid, but don't recall if I've ever seen the sequel. I'm guessing I probably have, but the fact that it's not ingrained on my memory probably says all I need to know.

Popeye (1980)

Rated G Add to queue

During a storm that wrecks his ship, super-strong sailor Popeye washes ashore and winds up rooming at the Oyl household, where he meets Olive.

I remember watching Popeye many times as a kid on cable channels. It's another movie that I haven't seen in a long time and will enjoy rediscovering with my kids this month.

The Man From Snowy River (1982)

Rated PG Add to queue

After his father dies, cowboy Jim struggles to keep his father's farm going by taking a job breaking wild horses and falls in love along the way.

I don't remember ever watching this movie, but judging by the high rating (4.4 out of 5) on Netflix and the use of the theme at the end of Napoleon Dynamite, it's probably worth watching.

'80s Pop Ten
Here are the ten most popular '80s movies currently available on Netflix...

1. Who Framed Roger Rabbit?
2. The Untouchables
3. Ghostbusters
4. The Breakfast Club
5. Big Trouble in Little China
6. Spaceballs
7. Raging Bull
8. Das Boot: Director's Cut
9. Ferris Bueller's Day Off
10. Airplane!

Overlooked and Underrated...

Hard Lessons (1986)

Rated NR Add to queue

This drama based on real-life events tells the story of George McKenna, the tough, determined new principal of a notorious Los Angeles high school.

I don't usually recommend movies or shows I haven't seen, but in this case, I felt it was worth watching since it stars Denzel Washington. This made-for-TV movie carries a 3.8 out of 5 stars rating on Netflix with over 120,000 votes. It is one of Denzel's earliest roles as the lead character and debuted just a year before his first national recognition in Cry Freedom.

The Horribly Entertaining Challenge

Can you find enough entertainment in this horrible film to watch it in its entirety??

Chinese Boxes (1984)

Rated NR Add to queue

An American in West Berlin gets caught up in murder and intrigue after his associate is killed and a diplomat's daughter is found dead in his room.

This month's challenge maintains a 1.9 out of 5 star rating on Netflix which is currently the 4th worst (OUCH!) Will Patton has been in several movies I've enjoyed as a supporting actor but apparently this early front stage role is one to forget. I've never seen this movie, but the cover art alone was intriguing enough to make it this month's challenge. Will you take the challenge to find out why there are China Boxes (and apparently large clocks) in Germany?

If you've missed a previous month's post, check the Netflix '80s Fix archive. Some featured titles could still be available to stream. Also, feel free to comment with any movies or shows you've recently rediscovered.