The Addams Family (1991)

The plot isn’t terribly compelling but the upside-down dynamics of the titular family more than make up for it. They’re kooky, crafty, and hilariously morbid (young Wednesday of course is a highlight: “Are they made from real Girl Scouts?”)–and a far cry from the harried suburban Mom & Dad of 90s VHS tapes are parents Gomez and Morticia who ooze romantic passion (“How long has it been since we’ve waltzed?” “Oh Gomez.. hours”). Endlessly quotable and wholly memorable (see the bloody school play).

8

Back to the Future Part III (1990)

Enjoying a peaceable existence in 1885, Doctor Emmet Brown is about to be killed by Buford “Mad Dog” Tannen. Marty McFly travels back in time to save his friend. (IMDb)

The clever little recurring elements from the first film (clock tower, “Hey McFly!”, mom wake-up, etc.) and the continued fixing-the-future plot are extra enjoyable here as they’re repeated again in the different and fun Wild West setting. There’s some character growth too–Doc falls in love and Marty backs down (kind of)–and another great climax; only a lame crowd-pleasing ending that squashes the film’s previous discussion on the dangers of time travel taints this solid end to the trilogy.

7.5/10 (Really Good)

Back to the Future Part II (1989)

After visiting 2015, Marty McFly must repeat his visit to 1955 to prevent disastrous changes to 1985… without interfering with his first trip. (IMDb)

The brilliant irony and wacky humour from the first BttF installment are noticeably lacking here (although the two Biffs are great), with most of the jokes and deja vu moments feeling overdone. On the other hand, the plot reaches new levels of darkness and complexity, with loads of mind-bending time travel (the trip back to 1955 and the first movie is particularly enjoyable) and the introduction of alternate (and disturbing) realities, making Marty and Doc’s adventures even more thrilling.

7.5/10 (Really Good)

Back to the Future (1985)

A young man is accidentally sent thirty years into the past in a time-traveling DeLorean invented by his friend, Dr. Emmett Brown, and must make sure his high-school-age parents unite in order to save his own existence. (IMDb)

Superbly written: Seemingly inconsequential early happenings gain new significance as Marty’s trip to the past calls them back to mind in delicious deja vu moments and hilarious ironic one-liners (“Better get used to these bars, kid”); the “80s kid in the 50s” aspect provides some great scenes (see the final guitar solo); and the time travel logistics are (mostly) well-constructed. It’s an entertaining and exciting film with great turns from Fox and the hilarious Lloyd (“… some serious shit”).

8.5/10 (Amazing)