Amy Heckerling Essentials: Every Movie Performance Reviewed and Rated
Get ready to dive into the world of Amy Heckerling, a talented filmmaker known for her unique style and memorable characters. In this roundup article, we’ll take a closer look at some of her most iconic movies, discussing their themes, plots, and the impact they’ve had on the industry.
🍿 If you like watching movies & wish you could watch more, now you can!
With our special deals for free trials at HBO, Amazon Prime Video & Paramount+ you can finally get all your movie-marathon binges on your calendar without paying a dime! Get signed up now before you forget:
- Click here to claim your free trial offer at HBO
- Click here to claim your free trial offer at Amazon Prime Video
- Click here to claim your free trial offer at Paramount+
🍿 Happy watching!
As an Amazon Associate, I receive compensation through qualified purchases at no cost to you.
1. It’s Showtime (1976)
In the heart of 1976, experience the extraordinary world of animal actors in the docu-mystery “It’s Showtime. “ This captivating film showcases an array of memorable film clips, highlighting the immense talent and love animals possess for the world of showbiz.
2. Fast Times at Ridgemont High (1982)
Fast Times at Ridgemont High (1982) is a classic coming-of-age comedy-drama film that follows a group of SoCal high school students navigating the challenges and thrills of adolescence. The film explores the themes of teen sex, drugs, and rock n’ roll, while also presenting a realistic and humorous portrayal of high school life. Directed by Amy Heckerling and written by Cameron Crowe, the movie stars Sean Penn, Jennifer Jason Leigh, and Judge Reinhold. The ensemble cast brings the characters to life, with each one facing their own unique struggles and triumphs.
3. Johnny Dangerously (1984)
“Johnny Dangerously” is a 1980s romantic comedy film set in the 1930s. Our hero, an honest newspaper boy, is pushed into a life of crime to pay for his mother’s skyrocketing medical bills. Along the way, he becomes involved in organized crime, taking on the role of a feared gangster, while trying to protect his family.
4. National Lampoon’s European Vacation (1985)
Join the madcap antics of America’s favorite traveling family — the Griswolds — as they embark on a zany European adventure in National Lampoon’s European Vacation (1985). Packed with hilarious mayhem, the Griswolds, led by the affable Clark (Chevy Chase), find themselves in a comedic whirlwind as they tour iconic European cities like Paris, London, and Rome. Accompanied by their energetic teenage son, Rusty (Jason Lively), and their spirited daughter, Audrey (Dana Hill), this family vacation is filled with unexpected culture clashes, heart-stopping mishaps, and side-splitting hilarity.
5. Into the Night (1985)
“Into the Night” is a thrilling 1985 action-comedy-crime film helmed by renowned director John Landis, featuring a stellar cast including Jeff Goldblum, Michelle Pfeiffer, and Stacey Pickren. The film follows the story of an insomniac aerospace engineer, portrayed by Goldblum, who embarks on an exhilarating journey after unwittingly aiding a beautiful, threatened model.
6. Look Who’s Talking (1989)
Look Who’s Talking is a charming and humorous romantic comedy from 1989, directed by Amy Heckerling and starring John Travolta, Kirstie Alley, and Olympia Dukakis. The film centers around the heartwarming, and sometimes chaotic, journey of a single, career-minded woman who becomes a new mother and navigates the challenges of love and parenthood in New York City.
7. Look Who’s Talking Too (1990)
“Look Who’s Talking Too” (1990) is a heartwarming comedy-family film directed by Amy Heckerling and written by Amy Heckerling and Neal Israel. Starring John Travolta, Kirstie Alley, and Olympia Dukakis, this whimsical sequel follows the family Ubriacco as they prepare for the birth of their second child, Julie.
8. Look Who’s Talking Now (1993)
Get ready for a heartwarming and hilarious final chapter as Look Who’s Talking Now is the third and concluding installment in the adored comedy film series featuring a lovable family of humans and animals. The story unfolds when Mollie, the caring mother, unexpectedly loses her job on the same day James, the beloved father, successfully secures a new position as a corporate pilot.
9. Clueless (1995)
Clueless, released in 1995, follows the journey of Cher Horowitz (Alicia Silverstone), a wealthy and popular high school student in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles. Known for her fashion sense and social influence, Cher sees herself as a matchmaker.
10. Frank Capra’s American Dream (1997)
“Frank Capra’s American Dream” is a captivating documentary exploring the life and career of legendary filmmaker Frank Capra. Renowned for his heartwarming classics, Capra’s films continue to resonate with audiences worldwide. Hosted by acclaimed actor-director Ron Howard, this documentary offers an intimate look into the director’s personal and professional life.
11. A Night at the Roxbury (1998)
“A Night at the Roxbury” is a 1998 comedy film that tells the story of two hapless brothers, Doug (Chris Kattan) and Steve Butabi (Will Ferrell), who are determined to make their mark on the high society scene. With their sights set on owning their own dance club or at least getting into the exclusive Roxbury nightclub, this duo comes up with all kinds of schemes to make their dreams come true.
12. Molly (1999)
“Molly” is a heartwarming comedy drama release in 1999, starring Elisabeth Shue, Aaron Eckhart, and Jill Hennessy, directed by John Duigan, and written by Richard Christie. The film follows the story of a bachelor who suddenly becomes the guardian of his autistic, intellectually disabled sister. As he struggles to adapt to this new role, an experimental treatment changes the girl’s condition and opens his eyes to a new world of love and understanding.
13. Loser (2000)
Dive into the high-spirited world of “Loser, “ a hilarious comedy-romance flick released in 2000 under the direction of Amy Heckerling. Following the journey of a charming college student labeled as a “loser” by his roommates and shooed out of the dorm, the story unfolds as he navigates life as a fish-out-of-water. Along the way, he unexpectedly finds himself falling for an alluring coed who has a different kind of affection — for their haughty professor.
14. Do You Speak American? (2005)
Embark on a captivating journey with renowned journalist Robert MacNeil in “Do You Speak American? “ as they explore the ever-evolving landscape of the spoken English language across the United States. This thought-provoking documentary dives into the complexities and nuances of American English and its transformation over time, capturing the essence of this diverse nation. From cities to small towns, MacNeil showcases the rich tapestry of voices that shape our language, offering viewers an insightful look into the heart and soul of American English.
15. I Could Never Be Your Woman (2007)
“I Could Never Be Your Woman” is a captivating and uproarious comedy-drama that dives into the intricacies of love, family, and self-discovery. The narrative unfolds when a middle-aged mother finds herself drawn to a younger man, leading her daughter to embark on her initial journey of romance. The film delves into themes of age, life’s stages, and the hurdles faced while maturing in today’s world. Through breathtaking and heartrending storytelling, it presents a captivating backdrop for this touching tale.
16. Mardik: Baghdad to Hollywood (2008)
Join Mardik Martin on his incredible journey from his hometown of Baghdad to the glamorous world of Hollywood, as the talented screenwriter becomes one of the most sought-after names in the film industry. From his early enthusiasm for cinema at the age of sixteen, to writing some of the most iconic movies in history, this documentary offers a fascinating look into the life and work of an unsung hero of filmmaking.
17. Big Fan (2009)
“Big Fan” is a bold and unconventional comedy-drama that takes viewers on an unforgettable journey into the heart of a New York Giants fan, played to perfection by Patton Oswalt. The film brilliantly captures the duality of adoring your favorite sports heroes, even when they disappoint you.
18. The Nina Foch Course for Filmmakers and Actors (2010)
“The Nina Foch Masterclass for Filmmakers and Actors” is an engrossing film that dives into the lessons of the esteemed late actress, Nina Foch. Over a series of captivating presentations, aired at USC School of Cinematic Arts since the 1960s, Foch imparts incomparable advice on the intricacies of filmmaking and acting from her wealth of experience.
19. These Amazing Shadows (2011)
“These Amazing Shadows” is a captivating documentary that delves into the world of The National Film Registry, an esteemed collection of American cinema treasures. This extraordinary archive, housed within the Library of Congress, serves as a testament to the diverse and evolving nature of film and the American experience.
20. Stars in Shorts (2012)
In the 2012 movie “Stars in Shorts, “ get ready for a collection of hilarious short films featuring some of the biggest names in the industry. Sit back and enjoy as Judi Dench learns the ins and outs of Internet dating, Colin Firth disrupts Keira Knightley’s peaceful life, and Lily Tomlin becomes hopelessly lost on her way to a funeral.
21. Arbitrage (2012)
“Arbitrage” follows a man named Robert Miller, who, despite struggling personal and business issues, manages to make an egregious mistake that threatens to unravel his life, career, and empire. Desperate to salvage everything, Miller turns to a tough woman with a background in finance. This move puts him in the company of a dedicated, ambitious, and smart woman who quickly becomes both an ally and a confidante.
22. Vamps (2012)
Vamps (2012) is a delightful, horror-comedy that takes a refreshing spin on the classic vampire tale. Set in modern-day New York City, the story centers around two female vampires, Stacy (played by Alicia Silverstone) and Goody (Krysten Ritter), who find themselves entangled in daunting romantic dilemmas. As they navigate their mysterious and bloodthirsty lives, the duo must contend with a variety of challenges, including a vampire hunter inspired by Van Helsing, and a Renfield-like character who has a unique relationship with the undead.
23. Capone (2020)
In a gripping tale of crime, dementia, and redemption, “Capone” stars Tom Hardy as the infamous gangster Al Capone. After a 10-year stretch in prison, he begins to experience the unsettling symptoms of dementia, which forces him to confront the darkness of his violent past.
24. Skin: A History of Nudity in the Movies (2020)
“Skin: A History of Nudity in the Movies” is a comprehensive and enthralling documentary that explores the evolution of nudity in feature films from the silent era to the present day. Directed by Danny Wolf and co-written by Paul Fishbein, this two-hour-plus film delves into the political, sociological, and artistic changes that have shaped the history of on-screen nudity.
