This week, a timely Thanksgiving treat breaking down one of the most durable and timeless 80s comedies of them all. It’s time to break down the magic of PLANES, TRAINS AND AUTOMOBILES! Happy holidays, everybody!

This week, a quick bonus article breaking down a certain major album released last month that seems to have let a lot of people down (though not everybody!). I’ve finally built up the energy to talk a little LIFE OF A SHOWGIRL, although it’s mostly about the way we talk about Taylor Swift, and all the little battles we’re actually fighting against when the conversation turns to her. Whee!

Today, a quick article on a horror film that still hits like a ton of bricks almost sixty years later. ROSEMARY’S BABY does its effective work amidst the upheaval and resentment of late-60s America; however, you can’t help but notice how little things have changed in the here and now. Happy Halloween!

Just in time for Halloween, let’s extend Spielberg Summer 2 deep into October by digging into the other movie in 1982 that cemented his legacy, even though it was technically directed by Tobe Hooper. POLTERGEIST has an unfortunate legacy of being a “cursed film”, an infuriating moniker that masks what made this movie haunt all these years later. It’s here!

This week, Spielberg Summer goes into overtime with a dip into TWILIGHT ZONE: THE MOVIE! Yes, it’s an anthology film most famous for the behind-the-scenes tragedy that arguably ended the New Hollywood era. Is anything in the movie (including the section directed by Spielberg himself) strong enough to overcome this dark shadow?

Spielberg Summer 2 wraps up with one of the more obscure entries in Steven’s filmography, the old-fashioned throwback ALWAYS. There’s a lot of love and sweetness to this movie, borne out of a mutual passion between star and director of a particular 40’s war film, but…ALWAYS just isn’t that great, mostly as a result of casting. Ah well, at least we get Audrey one more time.

This week, Spielberg’s signature franchise comes to its original close (even if the series would go on to drink from the cup of eternal life). INDIANA JONES AND THE LAST CRUSADE spends a little too much effort apologizing for TEMPLE OF DOOM, but makes up for it with an inspired crucial piece of casting and by…well, by being really fun and funny for two straight hours. Let’s ride off into the sunset together!

A bit of a forgotten entry in Steven Spielberg’s 80’s filmography, EMPIRE OF THE SUN is still a worthy viewing due to its gorgeous visuals, insightful script, and a great central child performance, from an actor I don’t usually even like that much! So, why doesn’t it have the same clout as some of Spielberg’s other films? It may be a matter of timing.