Weird Science (1985)

Could you possibly get more 80s than this one?

Truth be told: I'd be hard-pressed to think of better examples. But that's probably just me.

Even in its balls-to-the-wall bizarre story, this remains one of those funny and engaging teenage films that will leave some indelible imprints upon nubile minds. In other words: if you saw this as a kid or a teenager, you probably loved it. If you only saw this as an adult, you're probably wondering what the hell you just witnessed and subsequently poured a stiff drink to forget the insane events of this film that takes no prisoners in its depiction.

In its basis, this is a version of the Frankenstein tale. If you didn't realize this at first, there are fingers pointing towards this, seeing as the classic Universal version is shown on tv in this film, and quotes from that film are peppered throughout. Two absolute dweebs, whom even I find annoying from time to time because they're such big wusspots, decide on a whim to use a computer to try and create a woman of their own. Bizarrely, they succeed and they get their dream come true in the guise of Kelly LeBrock, which is a pretty good guise, actually. She's not only hot and hyperintelligent, she can also perform magic (don't worry, it's never explained and makes no sense, just go with it) and tries to turn the boys into independent guys who can at least get a date on their own.

Really, that is the entire plot.

There's no real cohesion here, it's basically running from point to point and in the meantime, shenanigans ensue, instigated by LeBrock's character. Also, be sure not to be blinded by the overabundance of flashy 80s fashion. Trust me, I can't remember the 80s were ever this silly, but I may have suppressed that memory. Also also: catch a ridiculously young Robert Downey Jr here.

Probably my favourite gag in the entire film is when a bunch of bikers, amongst whom we spot Michael Berryman and Vernon Wells sort of reprising his role from 'Mad Max - The Road Warrior'. They are clearly having way too much fun, especially since you can often catch glimpses of Wells trying to stifle his laughter. After they are told off by our two protagonists, check the reply by Berryman. It always cracks me up.

Oh, and Bill Paxton gets turned into a living, speaking pile of shit.

Yes, you read that correctly.

'Weird Science' is one of those timecapsules that pretty much sums up that decade. This would never be made during the 90s or now, it just wouldn't fit the frame of mind. But for zany 80s antics, zero plot and a lot of laughs, this is tough to ignore.