Heat Wave of Nostalgia: Looking Back at Summer Movie Seasons Past

By Michael Lyons

The Summer Movie Season is as much a hallmark of the season as vacations, baseball and crowded beaches.  Now, as trips are cancelled, stadiums sit empty and residents try desperately to social distance along shorelines, the Summer Movie Season has also faded from our view, due to the ever evolving state of our world.

Eagerly awaited films such as Marvel’s “Black Widow,” the “Top Gun” sequel “Maverick” and the Disney/Pixar animated film “Soul” were once headliners for the 2020 Summer Movie Season, but they have all shifted to release dates later this year, as movie theaters continue to remain closed.

Weekend after weekend during the upcoming hot weather months now sits empty with no big movie release vying for our attention.  For movie fans, this is yet another sad by-product of our current state.  The Summer Movie Season was always filled with giddy excitement as we awaited the next potential blockbuster, sequel, franchise favorite, or all of the above.

With this Summer looking to be either without a Summer Movie Season, or a VERY delayed one, it seems an appropriate time to “throwback” to some memorable Summer Movie Seasons of the past (all of them reaching milestones this year).  They all helped create the Summer Movie Seasons we enjoy today.

Summer Movie Season 1975

Hard to believe, but forty five years ago, there really wasn’t a Summer Movie Season.  Before 1975, May through August was seen as a wasteland for movie releases.  It was thought that vacations, bar-b-ques and beaches called people outside and not into a darkened theater.

That all changed with one word...”Jaws.”  Based on the best selling novel,  Steven Spielberg’s “Jaws” took a huge bite out of the box-office, pop culture and even society (beaches were deserted that Summer).  It also knocked Hollywood for a loop, allowing them to see that audiences DID want to see a movie during the Summer.  Studios immediately started scrambling to re-shuffle release dates and plan for future Summer Seasons.

The film’s release date of June 20, 1975 not only became a watershed (pun intended) moment for “Jaws” and its immediate success at the box-office, but that date is significant in that it’s also when the Summer Movie Blockbuster and the Summer Movie Season were born.

Summer Movie Season 1980

Forty Summers ago, in 1980, the Summer Movie Season had become an expectation and this particular season launched in a major way with the release of “The Empire Strikes Back,” the first sequel to “Star Wars.”  George Lucas’ seminal space saga had kicked the Summer Movie Season into high gear in 1977 and with its May release date had even shifted the start of the Season to Memorial Day Weekend.

By 1980, Hollywood had figured out how to wisely navigate audience tastes during the warm weather months.  This was the time of year to shy away from heavy dramas, in exchange for what would eventually become easy going “popcorn movies,” which is evident in many of this Summer’s releases.

There was Stanley Kubrick’s now iconic adaptation of Stephen King’s “The Shining,” as well as films like “The Blues Brothers” and “Caddyshack,” that reflect the immense popularity of TV’s “Saturday Night Live” at the time.

And comedy was big box-office business during summer of 1980, as the Zucker Bros’ “Airplane!” Was released and re-defined the genre with a comedy that was “Shirley” unlike anything anyone had ever seen.

With a focus on lightweight Summer fare, Hollywood soon began to learn that these don’t always yield the desired box office results.  Anyone remember these 1980 Summer films: “You Can’t Stop the Music,” “Holy Moses,” or the lackluster sequel “Smokey and the Bandit Part II?”  If you answered “Nope,” you’re not alone.

Irregardless, the Summer of 1980 ushered in what would be an amazing decade chock full Summer Movie Blockbusters.

Summer Movie Season 1985

If Summer Movie Seasons have a Golden Age, it would have to be the 1980’s and smack-dab in the middle of that decade is the summer of 1985, which gave us some of the world’s most beloved and iconic films.

Thirty five years ago, Summer began with a movie and a character that seemingly defined the ‘80’s: “Rambo: First Blood Part II.”

From there, audiences were treated to what would become some other, indelible ‘80’s movies that Summer, such as “The Goonies, “Cocoon,” “St. Elmo’s Fire” and “Mad Max: Beyond Thunderdome.”

The biggest movie of this summer would also become one of the biggest movies of all time, when “Back to the Future” was released over July 4th weekend.

Robert Zemekis’ time travel comedy has gone on to become a beloved favorite of multiple generations and part of every movie lover’s DNA.

Before Summer of 1985 would wrap, audiences would get a darker side of Disney with “Return to Oz” and “The Black Cauldron”, as well as the immensely quotable “Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure.”

As the ‘80’s would continue, so would movie blockbusters and these would eventually give way to a decade of “gotta-see-it” Summer films.

Summer Movie Season 1990

During the Summer of 1989, “Batman” was released and its astronomical success ushered in an age of “Event Movies.”  These were films that were promoted and marketed to such an extent that the release felt less like an opening weekend at the local multiplex and more like an “Event.”

Many of these “Event Movies” came during the Summer and this was definitely true of the first Summer of the ‘90’s.

Thirty years ago, in the summer of 1990, the “Event Movie” that all else began to revolve around was Disney’s “Dick Tracy.”  Spring-boarding off the comic book success of “Batman” the year before, Disney made sure that audiences knew - through an onslaught of trailers, commercials, toys, music, theme parks and lots of other promotion - that THIS was the movie to see that Summer.

It was also a Summer of sequels, some of them good (“Back to the Future, Part III”), some not so much (“Another 48 Hours”).  Additionally, there were also some major “star power” projects, like Arnold Schwarzenegger’s “Total Recall” and Tom Cruise’s “Days of Thunder.”

This Summer was also not without its “out of nowhere” surprises, evidenced by “Ghost,” which debuted in mid July and went on to become one of the biggest films of the year and an Oscar nominated Best Picture.

While Summer 1990 definitely had its ups and downs at the box-office and “Dick Tracy” was no where near the blockbuster all had been hoping for, it was one of the films that help set the promotion template for films such as “Jurassic Park,,“ Independence Day,” and a decade full of “Event Movies.”

Summer Movie Season 1995

Twenty-five years ago this Summer, just one year after the immense success of “The Lion King,” Disney was readying for the release of their latest animated movie, “Pocahontas.”

Not only was Mickey’s marketing machine in full swing for the film, but Disney was daring to unveil the film in a massive premiere on the Great Lawn of New York’s Central Park.

“Pocahontas” was a ‘90’s Event Movie in every sense of the word and you couldn’t escape it during the Summer of ‘95.

The Summer of 1995 also became known for “Waterworld,” the epic science fiction film that was more famous for its behind the scenes saga, which is still part of Hollywood legend.

While the Summer was filled with other big Summer-weight releases, like “Casper,” “Judge Dredd” and “Batman Forvever,” it’s also fascinating to look back at a time when Summer Movie Season meant more that just sequels, re-boots and franchises.

The tear jerker “The Bridges of Madison County,” based on the best selling book, the historical epic “Braveheart,” which would win the Best Picture Oscar and the historical drama, “Apollo 13” were all a major part of the Summer movie lineup in ‘95...something that would never happen today.

This year showed, just like everything else in Hollywood, the Summer Movie Season has changed and evolved with the times.

So, as we wait for that day when we can leave a hot, hazy and humid day to find refuge again in an air conditioned theater, these echoes of Summer Movie Seasons past can help show us the impact they’ve had on our Summer Movie Seasons present, as well as those yet to come.

Here’s to a safe Summer for all.

Sources: Wikipedia

Mom’s the Word: Celebrating Mother’s Day with Classic TV Sitcoms

By Michael Lyons

Let’s face it, Moms are amazing.  And recently, with balancing work at home with home schooling, all while keeping insanity at bay, she is even more amazing.

And, then there are those Moms who are also grandmas and have to settle for “social distancing” or Face Time with their loved ones, as well as the Moms who are no longer with us that we may now think of more often thanks to all the time we have on our hands.

Yes, Moms are amazing.  This Mother’s Day, however, will be unlike any other.  It may be difficult for many and there may be a need for a laugh, in any form.

What better place to find this laughter than in episodes of some of TV’s best, most classic sitcoms, each of them centered on Moms and/or Mother’s Day.

“The Golden Girls.”  “Mother’s Day.”  Originally aired: May 7, 1988

Honestly, who better to spend Mother’s Day with than Dorothy, Rose, Blanche and Sophia (Bea Arthur, Betty White, Rue McClanahan and Estelle Getty, of course)?  This episode not only provides the usual, sharply written humor “The Golden Girls” always provided, but also gives us some great back story on each of the Girls.

As the episode opens, the ladies are awaiting Mother’s Day phone calls from each of their children, when they begin to recall past Mother’s Days, which bring about some fun flash back sequences. 

In those scenes: Dorothy visits her mother-in-law (played by the great comedienne Alice Ghostly); Blanche visits her Mother at a nursing home (in a touching sequence) and Rose travels to visit her kids (and we get more of a glimpse into her simple hometown of St. Olef).

We also travel back to Mother’s Day in Brooklyn in the ‘50’s and meet a younger Rose (played by a younger Estelle Getty) and Rose’s mom (played by Bea Arthur!).

The episode “Mother’s Day” is the perfect example of the humor and poignancy that was the hallmark of “The Golden Girls,” as well as the love, respect and reflection that is Mother’s Day itself.

“Happy Days.”  “Dance Contest.”  Originally aired: January 6, 1976

At the height of Fonzie and actor Henry Winkler’s popularity on this show comes an episode that focuses on mom, Mrs. Cunningham, a/k/a “Mrs. C” (Marion Ross).

Yearning to do and be more than a stay at home wife and mother, she secretly enters a dance contest with the only person who will take her seriously about it - that’s right, Fonzie.

Not only do they show that they have the right moves in the contest, but thanks to jealously from husband Howard (Tom Bosley), the family also realizes how much they have taken Marion for granted.  Hidden within the show’s humor and innocence is a great message about all that moms do for us each day.

“The Odd Couple” “The Odd Couples.”  Originally aired: October 27, 1972.

Oscar (Jack Klugman) is expecting a visit from his mother...but he never told his mom he was divorced.  Instead of facing the music, he asks his ex-wife Blanche (Brett Somers) to move back in with him and pretend they’re still married.

This also means that room mate Felix (Tony Randall) has to move out, temporarily and do the same with his ex-wife Gloria (Janis Hansen).

What follows is hysterical pretending and misunderstanding humor, as well as the usual, solid character comedy between slovenly Oscar and finicky Felix.  The episode also sheds light on the enduring bond and relationships between mothers and their children.

“The Honeymooners.” “Hello Mom.”  Originally aired: December 5, 1955

The always explosive Ralph Kramden (Jackie Gleason) really blows his top when he receives a telegram from “mother,” stating that she will be arriving soon.  He informs his wife Alice (Audrey Meadows) that there is NO way that her mother will come for a visit.

This causes some understandable marital strife, with Ralph moving in with best friend Norton (Art Carney).

In the end, it turns out that it isn’t Alice’s Mother, but Ralph’s “Momma” who arrives and she is welcomed with open arms by Alice.  This gives Ralph pause to reflect on how he has been acting and leaves the audience thinking about how mothers and mothers-in-law become part of our extended family as well as who we are as a family.

Along with flowers, memories and love, here’s hoping one or all of these episodes bring some laughs this Mother’s Day.

Wishing a peaceful, safe and Happy Mother’s Day to all.

Sources:

“The Honeymooners Companion” by Donna McCrohan

IMDb 

A “Star” is Born Again: Celebrating the 40th Anniversary of “The Empire Strikes Back”

By Michael Lyons

There are so many ways that “The Empire Strikes Back” could have gone wrong that it’s still amazing how right it went.

There was a lot riding on the sequel to 1977’s “Star Wars,” which, at the time, was the highest grossing and most popular film of all time that had punched a hole in our popular culture.  It would have been so easy, from a creative perspective, to simply duplicate the original, after all, fans would have come out to watch Luke Skywalker read the Tatooine phone book.

All involved with “The Empire Strikes Back” did just the opposite, creating a whole new and original movie that deepens the story, world and the characters from the original, in ways that film students still marvel at to this day. 

In fact debates rage among fans as to whether “The Empire Strikes Back” is the best of the “Star Wars” films as well as film critics who contend that it’s one of the best movie sequels ever made.

This month marks the 40th anniversary of “The Empire Strikes Back” and with “Star Wars Day” (“May the 4th be with You”) just around the corner, it’s the perfect time to celebrate this first of the “Star Wars” sequels.

The film continues the saga of the Rebels fighting The Empire, but this time finds a story telling method to split up Luke, Han and Lea, sending them off on independent adventures, which not only provide great character development,but also allows the audience to meet new characters and see more of the Galaxy that George Lucas had created.

Luke (with R2D2) goes to planet Dagobah to train with the diminutive Jedi master Yoda, a character who would emerge as one of the most reflective, inspirational and popular in the series.

Han, Lea and Chewie (with C3PO in tow) head to Cloud City to enlist the help of old friend Lando Calrissien, while staying one step ahead of bounty hunter Bobba Fett.

Along the way, double crosses happen, love is revealed, characters are placed in carbonate and new family lineage is discovered (four decades later, still no spoilers).

The entire cast from the original - Mark Hamil, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Peter Mayhew, Anthony Daniels, David Prowse, etc. - return, joined by impressive new comers, Billy Dee Williams all smooth as Lando and Frank Oz, through his masterful, Muppet skills, delivering a heartfelt performance as Yoda.

Irvin Kershner takes over the directing reigns from George Lucas and delivers some truly compelling moments, from the opening battle on the ice planet Hoth to the climactic duel between Luke and Darth Vader, as well as subtle, emotional sequences, like Han and Lea professing their feelings and Luke confronting his own past.

Released May 21, 1980, “The Empire Strikes Back” was a summer box-office behemoth, proving what many already knew: that audiences wanted more of this world that George Lucas had introduced us to just three short years prior.

The careful craftsmanship that went into “The Empire Strikes Back” also showed that this was a film that truly respected its audience and fan base, opening a world that continues to evolve and grow in popularity to this day.

As the familiar “camera iris” closed, the music swelled and the credits rolled at the conclusion of “The Empire Strikes Back” forty years ago, audiences  and “Star Wars” fans were left with a “cliff hanger” and would have to wait three years for the resolution.

But, we didn’t mind.  In fact, four decades later, we still eagerly await what will happen next in the “Star Wars” Galaxy.

Continue to stay safe everyone.  May the 4th and the Force be with us all.

Sources:

IMDb

Wikipedia