Generation Z Needs To Reclaim Pop Culture From 80s Kids

Lucien WD
Lucien WD
Jul 10, 2017 · 2 min read

When Empire recently conducted their latest ‘100 Greatest Movies of All Time’ poll, many were rightly bewildered by some of the films that made it into the high ranks of the list. There is no objective reality where Raiders of the Lost Ark, Jaws, Back to the Future or Alien belong further up a list of great films than Vertigo, The Apartment, even 2001: A Space Odyssey. Why does this keep happening? Damn 80s kids. They run the media now. They publish the movie blogs and edit the magazines, host the podcasts and dominate in almost every way the conversation surrounding mainstream film and TV. And it’s unhealthy.

80s kids are fond of the aforementioned films, as well as even worse picks like The Goonies and E.T., because they saw them at seminal moments in their childhoods and youths. We’re talking about the Duffer Brothers of the world, who are now injecting their own film and TV with nostalgia for a time that doesn’t interest me in the least. The Goonies simply isn’t a great film on any level, and it’s extraordinary that it even remains eligible for a ‘Greatest Movies of All Time’ list. Because, frankly, The Goonies doesn’t even belong on a ‘Greatest Movies of the Decade’ list.

I’m growing impatient, waiting for the 80s kids to lose their grasp on this part of culture. 90s kids aren’t much better: sure, they’ll put Pulp Fiction and Fight Club on their list, but also Gladiator. What I long for is a time when my generation takes control of the ‘Greatest Movies’ lists, because — I assure you — Brad Bird’s The Incredibles will take its rightful place in the Top 20 of every single countdown. As will Whiplash, Boyhood, the Planet of the Apes prequels, The Social Network, The Royal Tenenbaums, Hugo, Step Brothers… But must we wait? My fellow late-Millennial/Generation Zers! Let us revolt against those who would defame cinema with talk of The Goonies as one of the greatest films ever made. Let us take back what is rightfully ours.

Keeping You Interested.

Lucien WD

Written by

Lucien WD

Luwd Media
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