When it comes to streaming movies, there’s no shortage of options. Everything from the Xbox 360 perched under your boyfriend’s 32-inch HDTV to the iPad you got for Christmas last year is capable of running streaming services such as Netflix, Amazon Instant Video or Hulu. But even the almighty Netflix has its limits. And when it comes time to host movie night at your place, you don’t want to be caught with nothing to watch because of a Wi-Fi malfunction or lack of selection. Here’s a few movies you’ll want to keep handy for when you have company. Whether you screen them on DVD, Blu-Ray or VHS is totally up to you.
“Halloween,” 1978
Rob Zombie’s 2007 remake of John Carpenter’s classic was a serviceable tribute to the original, but there are fewer films that give you as much film cred as having 1978’s “Halloween” on your bookshelf. Whether you want to snuggle up with your boo or just have people over for a fun horror movie night, you’ll want to make sure to watch this one with the lights turned off.
“Back to the Future,” 1985
Everybody likes “Back to the Future” — you’d be hard pressed to find a soul that doesn’t enjoy its iconic DeLorean travel through time. In fact, Marty McFly may be responsible for an entire generation of Pepsi loyalists. The original was born of a time when nearly anything Steven Spielberg was attached to shone as the best of Hollywood. Robert Zemeckis’ Hill Valley may ooze ‘80s and ‘50s sentiment, but the story and humor never get old. Just ignore the urge to call all of your friends “butthead” after the movie’s over.
“The Goonies,” 1985
Remember what it was like to be a kid? To dream of finding a pirate ship in the cove behind your house and discover oodles of treasure along with it? Well, you can relive all of that with this 1985 classic, which was filmed right here in Oregon in the city of Astoria. The movie’s sentiment even served as the inspiration of The Ataris 2003 album, “So Long, Astoria.” Ever wonder what Big Brothers Big Sisters’ annual Truffle Shuffle race was named after? Well, after the first 10 minutes of this movie you’ll have more questions than answers.
“The Breakfast Club,” 1985
While “The Goonies” served to remind of you the days when getting home before the streetlights came on was your biggest worry, “The Breakfast Club” is a similar take on the ol’ high school days. This John Hughes classic could easily be labeled “The Real World: The High School Library.” It’s the story of five strangers, picked to serve a Saturday detention to see what happens when people stop being polite and start confessing about the cigarette burns inflicted upon them every Christmas. Don’t forget to dance along at the halfway mark.
“Kindergarten Cop,” 1990
Yet another cinematic classic filmed on the shores of Astoria. Everybody needs that one campy joke movie in the collection and Arnold Schwarzenegger’s “Kindergarten Cop” is about as good as it gets. With such classic lines as “Where did you learn this game? Did your daddy teach you?” and “It’s not a tumor!” you’ll be quoting Arnie for days with your friends, all the while wondering where you went wrong with your own life.