Classic films hit anniversaries this year
- Brett Hiner: A Work in Progress
- April 23, 2025
- 165
As a fan of film, there are some absolute truths I live by — one being some films absolutely lose their luster when viewed on television. That is not to say the films are not as good, but the pure scale of many films deserves the traditional width (50-60 feet) and length (20-30 feet) of that white screen, a true artist’s canvas of visual storytelling.
With that belief in mind, a recent scroll through Facebook led to a wonderful discovery via a post by the Lyric Theater: All three original “Star Wars” films will come to its theater May 2-7, and all three films assuredly fit into this grand-scale epic film belief.
I would guess the showings are tied to the “May the Fourth” and “Revenge of the Fifth” social media trends that make their annual appearance every May (one of the few things social media has done right), but how lucky are we to live in a community where classic films can be seen on the big screen by generations well after their initial showing?
And, for reasons that are somewhat mind-boggling, at least in the mind of this Generation X columnist who, at times, still feels like the 8-year-old kid watching “The Empire Strikes Back” for the first time, 2025 is a year filled with some terrific film birthdays.
First up is the anniversary of the previously mentioned (and greatest) “Star Wars” film: “The Empire Strikes Back” (and if you disagree with that statement, that is OK … although your true appreciation and understanding of the galaxy far, far away needs to be questioned, preferably at the next Star Wars Galaxy Convention).
“Empire” will celebrate its 45th birthday this year, which seems insane to me, as I am sure it does to many of those who filled cinemas back in 1980 for the second film in the original trilogy series. While one could argue “The Godfather II” is the best sequel of all time, it was “Empire” that showcased the box office potential of the film sequel, leading to the many pieces of the “Star Wars” universe that have come along since. Even more amazing is creator George Lucas never had any intention to make more than one “Star Wars” film, yet the original trilogy flows so seamlessly into one another.
For fans of the horror genre, it also was 45 years ago that Jason Voorhees began terrorizing Camp Crystal Lake in the “Friday the 13th” films. While it definitely came along riding the coattails of “Halloween,” released two years earlier, “Friday the 13th” continued the popular trend of slasher films and, to date, is still the most commercially successful series of the original slashers, grossing over $600 million among the 11 films.
And let’s not forget the grandfather of the modern-day horror film, Hitchcock’s “Psycho,” which is turning an astounding 65 years old, followed closely by the original summer blockbuster, Steven Spielberg’s “Jaws,” turning 50. Both films laid the groundwork in their respective genres and continue to be two of the most important movies in the history of filmmaking.
For moviegoers who were of age when “Psycho” came out, it remains one of those memorable movie experiences where viewers vividly recall the movie moment, right down to where they were sitting in the theater, when Janet Leigh’s character, Marion Crane, met her demise in the shower of the Bates Motel.
I cannot think of a kid of my generation who did not want to be exploring along with Mikey, Chunk and Data on their quest for the treasure of One-Eyed-Willy in “The Goonies” or riding along with Marty McFly as his DeLorean hit 88 mph in “Back to the Future.” Both of those films turn 40 this year. They are joined by the angsty teens who serve detention at Shermer High School as “The Breakfast Club” also turns 40 (which might also be the first rated R film I ever saw).
Maybe the biggest shock to the system is the original “Toy Story” is turning 30. That has to age a generation of animated film lovers, as well as their parents. In my mind’s eye (and heart), there is no way this film can be this old, primarily because I attach it to the viewing habits of my children, the oldest of whom just turned 20. In fact, both of the first two “Toy Story” films predate the birth of my oldest child.
Film anniversaries give us all a chance to talk about them again and celebrate their movie enchantment, but more importantly, reflect on the memories we attach to them. This notion leads me to a final mention, a final truth.
In what I believe to be one of the most underappreciated films of all time, Robin Williams’ “Popeye” is celebrating its 45th birthday and ranks among Williams’ five best performances. It is worthy of a big-screen revival as an unheralded piece of movie musical magic. In this year of celebrated film birthdays and anniversaries, somewhere, I hope, the folks at the Lyric Theater are listening.
Brett Hiner is in his 28th year teaching English/language arts at Wooster High School, where he also serves as yearbook adviser and Drama Club adviser/director. When writing, he enjoys connecting cultural experiences, pop and otherwise to everyday life. He can be emailed at workinprogressWWN@gmail.com.