THE GOONIES [1985]

The collaborative efforts of storytellers Chris Columbus & Steven Spielberg with director Richard Donner resulted in one of the defining films of many folk's childhood, The Goonies.
With it's spirited and nostalgic sense of adventure it remains a timeless classic for anybody as a child dreamed of something bigger and better hidden within their everyday life.  Shining with a particularly entertaining child cast (take note of Jeff Cohen as Chunk), The Goonies blends Indiana Jones and The Hardy Boys for one exciting trap after another.   It's a little loud and sloppily put together when it comes to a clean storyline but it really doesn't matter when you're in it for the memories or showing it to the kids for the first time.  Good times.

3½ hilarious sounds of vomit out of 5

Superman II: The Richard Donner Cut (2006)

Richard Donner shot Superman I + II back to back, but production stopped on II before it was finished. For reasons too long to explain Richard Lester shot a new version of II and it got released. That film contained footage from both directors but was primarily Lester's. This superior cut is as close to Donner’s original vision as was possible to get. Wiki claims that approximately 83% of the footage is Donner’s.
It’s still flawed but less so. Much of the crap has been trimmed (although the fight over Metropolis remains). Superman is more forceful in his decision making. Marlon Brando's scenes are restored. Unreleased cues from John Williams are used. Almost everything is better. Even if you own the other one, still buy this one.

A super strong 3½ restorations out of 5

Superman: The Movie (1978)

The original cosplayer needs no introduction. The first 50 minutes are fantastic. Director Donner brought a real sense of scope and intimacy with his framing and his timing, but the remainder of the film is less successful.
When Reeve appears a shift in the story begins and it’s a bad one. I'm not blaming Reeve, he was perfect. The problem is Lex Luthor is non-threatening. The dilemma that Superman faces is underplayed and the resolution is weak.
I believe what makes the film so enduring is Reeve's and Kidder’s onscreen chemistry and the iconic musical score.
The extended cut adds extra Brando, which pleased me greatly.

3 cheers for bulletproof spandex out of 5

The Omen (1976)

The film that single-handedly caused kids named Damien to get bullied at school, the Omen is a 1970’s suspense/horror film that relies on mood and pace to elicit an eerie sense of dread in the viewer. Gregory Peck is utterly believable as the Senator with an evil little shit for a son.
Throw in horror convention, a creepy nanny, a house that lacks life and a biblical poem and you have a classic that looks dated but still manages to shock and entertain. Goldsmith's score adds an extra layer of eerie.

4 kitchen utensils out of 5

Scrooged (1988)

This is not a perfect film. But it's a film I flock to year and year again, so that's got to count for something. Essentially Charles Dickens meets Beetlejuice, this modern adaptation of the oft told tale is probably the most consistently watchable as a whole. It's also pretty damn dark to boot. Elfman's score is an integral part of the charm, but Bill Murray holds his own too, along with Carol Kane, Karen Allen and Bobcat Goldthwait. At its heart, it's the same story you've heard repeated year after year, but it's the one I'll always cherish the most.

4.5 taxi cabs to hell out of 5