It’s being widely reported in the arts and culture pages that the 80s are back on the big screen. Some are pointing to the fact that 80s box office draws John Travolta, Mel Gibson, Harrison Ford and Bruce Willis are starring in 4 major releases this year.

Others have announced the remakes of 80s films that will find their way to a theater near you in 2010, including The A Team, The Karate Kid, Clash of the Titans and A Nightmare on Elm Street. Gag me with a spoon! Apparently, all the guys who in high school hung out at the bowling alley and played Asteroids are now in charge of green-lighting remakes at the movie studios.

I’m a mom who came of age in the 80s. I like exposing my kids to "99 Luft Balloons" - in German and English. I won’t ever make them wear duck boots, but Vans are still in style. My boys have already been through one toddler-sized black and white pair of vans with cats on them (which reminded me of the black and white checked pair I had in junior high.)

No doubt, the 80s were fun times and I wouldn’t mind a little reminiscing through the silver screen, but not with Mr T. I get that he got bad guys, but with all his glam chains (he was ahead of the curve on the bling factor), and that whole “I pity the fool” bravado, as if he’s baiting someone to mock his mohawk just so he can take them down-well, it’s not my cup of Jolt Cola (Red Bull’s ancestor, young’uns).

But since Hollywood’s going old school, I decided to look back on some popular 80s films that I saw as a teen and ponder whether any might be worth remaking for today’s kids (and nostalgic parents).  

I’ve rated them on a scale of “remake desirability” using pairs of acid wash jeans to show the film’s merit (1 pair is least desirable and 5 is greatest desirability to have it remade):
 
1. The Breakfast Club - I recently saw this on TV and it still resonates for me. Ellen Page in that Ally Sheedy role?  Rating: 4 acid wash jeans

2. Ferris Buellers Day Off - Ferris, the smoothest boy in America. There are rumors that this film could be coming...oh, but please don’t cast one of those boys who’s prettier than the girls. That’s not Ferris.  Rating: 5 acid wash jeans, plus a matching acid wash jean jacket!

3. Fast Times at Ridgemont High - Casting could be tricky. Who could ever match the delivery of Spicoli’s “Aloha, Mr. Hand.”? I actually own this film...but I can’t watch it anymore because it’s on VHS.  Rating: 3 acid wash jeans
   
4. Dead Poets Society - Standing on chairs, reciting poetry...it’s so noble! Rating: 4 acid wash jeans

5. Valley Girl - This is on the list only because it seems to have had some impact on me, despite the fact that I lived clear across the country on the east coast: my brother said I spoke like a Valley Girl and is it bad that as an adult I still say “like” way more than I should? Rating: In truth, 0 acid wash jeans

Throw on the shoulder pads, water the rad chia pet and see you at the movies!