Reel to Real: What was new in 1992
This December, I’ll be turning 20.
1992 was a big year (not that I remember, I was only around for three days of it).
Bosnia-Herzegovina declared independence, there was a massive earthquake in Turkey, and China’s first McDonalds opened. It was a big year for movies too.
Here are a few movies that celebrated their 20th birthday in 2012.
“Reservoir Dogs”: I know next to nothing about Tarantino movies, besides the fact that Uma Thurman had to get her heart restarted in “Pulp Fiction.” But even I know that this is a classic.
Empire Magazine called it “the greatest independent film of all time,” and it grossed double its budget even though it was only shown in 61 theaters.
I think there are 61 theaters in driving distance of my house (not really, but come on. That’s nothing). I’m adding this one to the watch list.
“FernGully: The Last Rainforest”: Before we had “Avatar,” we had “FernGully.” Fairies live in a rainforest and are at peace with the ecosystem, but humans are trying to destroy it for their own selfish purposes.
If you had an education like mine, you watched this approximately 40 times per science class.
“Batman Returns”: I always think of this movie as being really dated, partially because I’m so used to the Nolan “Batman” movies, and also because I was a fetus when it came out.
That doesn’t mean it’s bad, of course. It has Tim Burton’s great sense of fun, and Michelle Pfeiffer’s transformation into Catwoman is one of the greatest things ever. I adore the new Batman movies, but if you want to trade the serious gloom for some dark whimsy, go with this one.
“Aladdin”: Don’t even act like you don’t know the words to all the songs.
You do. I guarantee you do.
This was the highest-grossing movie of 1992, which surprised me, because I always thought it was “The Bodyguard.”
But I guess there’s a reason that you probably only know one lyric from “The Bodyguard,” and you know all the songs to “Aladdin.” This movie had everything: the plucky orphan, the beautiful and independent princess, the villain who’s just the right mix of scary and hilarious and Robin Williams playing himself in giant blue genie form.
I’m missing a lot of movies, I know. There were too many in 1992, or any year, to include in one column.
So you tell me: what was your favorite movie from 1992, or the year you were born?


Share on Facebook
Share on Twitter
Leave your response!