Saturday, April 26, 2014

Retro A to Z Challenge: W – Whitesnake 1984 (plus R.I.P.D. Movie Review and Ninja News)

Whitesnake – Slide It In 1984

Greatest Whitesnake album ever! People tend to gravitate toward the over-commercialized album that followed, but the infectious groove of this bluesy rock album is superior. And yes, every song title is a dirty double entendre.

1984 fun facts –
*Cost of a new home - $86,730.
*Average income - $21,600.
*Cost of a movie ticket - $2.50
*Cost of a new Corvette - $23,392.
*The first commercial CD players became available
*The MTV Music Awards debuted
*Dan Marino passed for 5,084 yards, a record that would stand until Drew Brees broke it in 2011 with 5,476 yards. (Which was topped in 2013 by Payton Manning with 5,477 yards.)

Movies released –
The Terminator
Ghostbusters
Gremlins
Star Trek III: The Search for Spock
This is Spinal Tap
Beverly Hills Cop
Nightmare on Elm Street
Sixteen Candles
Starman

Music released –
Rush – Grace Under Pressure
Y & T – In Rock We Trust
Iron Maiden – Powerslave
Ratt – Out of the Cellar

Games released –
Pitfall II
Paperboy
Duck Hunter

And why is 1984 special?
It was the year Hart Johnson started college and she loved it!

Hart is the author of numerous mystery novels and serials. She hails from Ann Arbor, MI, and is the mother of two. Hart writes in her bathtub and is aiming for naked world domination. One of my first blogger buddies, Hart is a true friend and the master of snark. She blogs at Confessions of a Watery Tart.



Ninja News!

Tara Watson’s Hands-On Therapy is free April 26 - today! Download it at Amazon.

Thanks to everyone who visited me at Ellie Garratt’s site on Friday for her new Where I Write feature! I know everyone is busy with the Challenge, so I appreciate you adding one more stop.

Don’t forget - the final installment of Lord of the Clones, a video masterpiece courtesy of Father Dragon Al, is going down next Tuesday. And you will be asked to vote for your favorite! The awesome Ninja Cloner (me!) or Lord Baldernot (Mark Koopmans.)

Our fate will be in your hands…

Movie Review – R.I.P.D.

Finally caught this on NetFlix. This time, it’s the opposite of The Lone Ranger – it wasn’t as horrible as the critics claimed.

Now, it was completely derivative of movies such as Ghostbusters and Men in Black. And it was completely forgettable.
However – it was very entertaining!
Reynolds and Bridges worked well together. They had some funny lines.
It’s the proto-typical leave-your-brain-at-the-door popcorn film. And sometimes that’s all right.
Good for a rental from NetFlix.

Fan of Whitesnake? Following naked-advocate, Hart Johnson? Going to vote for me next Tuesday? Have you seen R.I.P.D.? (Think I watch too many movies?) And what do you remember about 1984…?

Three more days to go!!

112 comments:

Andrew Leon said...

I enjoyed RiPD (I know. Go ahead and gasp). It was predictable and silly in places, but it was fun, and Reynolds and Bridges were really good together.

Elephant's Child said...

1984? No memories - except surprise that the book of that name was surprisingly prophetic.
And I am really looking forward to the next exciting installment of Lord of the Clones.

L.G. Keltner said...

1984 had some good movies. I'd share some memories, but since I didn't exist yet, that would be a tad difficult. :)

Anonymous said...

Golly only three days left?
I haven't seen the film R.I,P.D
1984 were on of those years that came and went without anything much going on.

Enjoy your week-end.
Yvonne.

Anonymous said...

Those movies bring back fond memories. I enjoyed this year, pretty much.

Deniz Bevan said...

Hmm, I don't think I've listened to enough Whitesnake, only the radio hits. That was a great year for movies!
And yay for Tara!

Misha Gerrick said...

Hart's a great person.

Still waiting to watch RIPD. And no, I don't remember 1984, for I wasn't even a twinkle in my father's eye back then. :-P

Annalisa Crawford said...

I was a carefree ten year old in 1984 - and I think I got my own bedroom that year - only to have to go back to sharing the following year after we moved house!

Unknown said...

1984 always reminds me of Bowie's song and one of my first memories of the myths about the world ending.

Some good movies were released that year.

Cathrina Constantine said...

Whitesnake, good one. We love watching movies. Good year!

Rhonda Albom said...

I can't even remember $2.50 for a movie and I was an adult back then. I have hard similar bad reviews about the Lone Ranger. I will be skipping it.

jaybird said...

Do I think you watch too many movies? No, I think you watch as many movies as I WISH I could watch!! LOL

Sixteen Candles, will always stand out as a classic 80's movie in my mind.

Frankie Miller said...

1984 - very mixed feelings.
George Orwell's version was not achieved, thankfully.
I'll try to remember Tuesday because there's something about a Ninja Cloner!
Going to visit Hart now.
Be good.

Optimistic Existentialist said...

Terminator, Ghost Busters, and Gremlins. What a year for movies!!

Sandra Ulbrich Almazan said...

That's the year I started high school. I also made a point of waiting until 1985 to read 1984.

Unknown said...

They seriously named their album "Slide It In"?" That's pretty suggestive...

Yay for Dan Marino, Drew Brees, and especially Payton Manning - my hero!

Awesome movies released that year!

I was disappointed in RIPD. The characters, actors, and plot holes bugged me. Too bad 'coz it sounded so good...

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Andrew, we both liked the same cheesy film? Whoa...

LG, you're making me feel old...

Deniz, then you need to listen to this album.

Misha, you are so young...

Jaybird, good to know!

Fanny, appreciate that.

Sandra, smart move.

Lexa, that's blatantly suggestive!

Rusty Carl said...

1984 was another good year for movies and music. I had most of those albums you listed, and dug almost all the flicks too. I saw RIPD and thought it was fine. I just wish there was some way for folks to look at a movie like that before production and realize it's not going to make $400 million and make the budget a wee bit smaller, there was no way that was going to have the ticket sales to justify the ridiculous production costs that movie had.

Jo said...

Saw most of those films. I did NOT like The Terminator. They appear to have changed the character in follow up movies from all I heard.

LG makes you feel old. I was 46.

Tonja Drecker said...

Thanks for the reminder on Father Dragon. Can't miss that!

Mason Canyon said...

Lot of good movies came from 1984. Waves to Hart. Good luck with the Lord of the Clones.

L. Diane Wolfe said...

I saw Whitesnake on that tour. I won't tell you what the lead singer was doing with the microphone stand.

Dean K Miller said...

That' like asking if I eat too many nachos? Is that even possible?

J.L. Campbell said...

Ghostbusters and Gremlins are among my favourites.

TL said...

Thanks so much, Alex! Your support is always appreciated. :)

I'd never heard of RIPD until husband & son came grabbed it from redbox a couple weekends ago. My review after was pretty much: It had its funny/cute moments and was worth the 1.50, but had I paid theater price I'd have been peeved.

Anonymous said...

Wow, Alex! You just opened up the memory vault here. Paperboy! Oh, the hours I wasted playing that game. Yes, hours. Throwing a paper at a house while trying to escape a dog. Hilarious. Look how far we've come.

And, Powerslave? Yeah buddy!!

Elsie
AJ's wHooligan in the A-Z Challenge

Trisha said...

Whitesnake had good hair. ;)

Great movies came out that year!

Hart is awesome - love that lady!

Nope, haven't seen R.I.P.D. Sort of reminds me of the RFID we talk about in the library world, though. ;)

Jemi Fraser said...

Hart & Tara are great! :)
Loved Search for Spock ... I'm such a ST nerd :)

Huntress said...

RIPD is one I've never even heard of. Hm. Must check it out.
Hart is one of a kind, I know that for sure.

1984 was a blur since I had a three-year-old to look after. Actually so was 1981, 82, and 83.

mshatch said...

I love Hart! And Starman was such a great movie.

Robin said...

I think you watch a lot of movies. Is it too many? Well, how many is too many??? I am glad you watch as many as you do. That way I can sort out the wheat from the chaff (since I don't watch nearly so many).

Birgit said...

First-Love Ghostbusters! 2nd-I shall vote for you but about what:)?? I must have missed that from previous posts. I shall check out the lady as I like snark and...wait for it......TADA!!!!!! 1984 (despite Orwell's book) was a great year:) Tada!!! I was in university, I had met some great friends and was enjoying the total year feeling carefree-Yippeeeee!:)

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Rusty, some films just don't need that big budget treatment.

Jo, they made him worse...

Diane, I don't want to know...

Dean, good point!

Tara, that's why it's perfect for a rental.

Elsie, all those hours we spent with our Ataris!

Trisha, good hair - funny!

Carol, I wonder why...

Mark Means said...

Totally agree on R.I.P.D....I liked it, too. Sure, it was a bit corny, but it was also one of those movies where I didn't feel like I had been ripped off at the door.

Not a fan of Ryan Reynolds, but still enjoyed it. :)

farawayeyes said...

RIPD was one I wish I had not watched. Ha!

Hart Johnson said...

Hugs to you Alex! Thank you so much for the shout out! Yes, 1984 was one of my FAVORITE years. The hair was a little silly, but MTV was still about music, the movies were fabulous, and I made MANY great friends moving to Oregon and starting college.

SpacerGuy said...

Its hard to believe these movies were 30 years ago.

Tina said...

I also started college in 1984! I thought I was older than Hart. Just love her - she's a hoot wherever she is. Her blog rocks, and when something from her shows up in your facebook news feed, you know it will be clever.

Terminator is one of my favorite movies and I remember watching it in my co-ed dorm in some guys room, standing room only, and the guy in the corner of the room couldn't get out in time so he puked into the beer pitcher. Took me a long time to get over that, and was a huge contributor to my status as #1 vomit phobic on the planet.
Tina @ Life is Good
A to Z Team @ Blogging From A to Z April Challenge 2014
P.S I don't think you watch too many movies, I just don't know where you get the time. I've watched a total of 3 45 minute cooking show episodes in April. Total TV time.

Tina said...

Oh, and I totally got distracted on my way to your guest spot yesterday, so heading there now. Thanks for the reminder.
Tina @ Life is Good
A to Z Team @ Blogging From A to Z April Challenge 2014

Jennifer Hawes said...

1984 had the best movies that year. Gremlins, Ghostbusters & Sixteen Candles are some of my all time faves. And the price of going to the movies was so cheap:)

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Alex .. 1984 as far as entertainment passed me by - by the sound of it. Good luck to Hart - it's good to see her here .. thankfully not naked!

Tara's Hands-on Therapy sounds interesting ...

Cheers Hilary

Pat Hatt said...

Great movies in 1984 indeed, haven't watched RIPD as it got very bad reviews, may give it a go though now. Kinda wish they would have gave the Beverly Hills Cop tv show a go, on pay cable though and not stupid CBS.

Tyrean Martinson said...

1984 rocked!
and I just can't seem to like most films with Reynolds in them . . . not sure why.
But way to go, Hart!

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Robin, I'll keep watching them for you. Will another review on Monday!

Birgit, we will be doing a dance off.

Hart, you are welcome!!

Tina, that is quite a moment to remember...

Pat, on cable it might've done well.

Chrys Fey said...

I'm ashamed to say I haven't heard of Whitesnake. I'm opening Spotify now to check out their album you mentioned. :)

LD Masterson said...

The fun facts for the year and movies released always get me. Either I think, "Oh no, that can't be that old already." or it's, "What? I thought that had been around forever." How the memory does play tricks.

D.G. Hudson said...

*Cost of a new Corvette - $23,392.
That's definitely gone up and up.

1984? The fact that the book wasn't a reality. . . and remembering that fantastic 1984commercial during some halftime. . .

I'm glad you watch lots of movies, it helps me narrow the possibilities of what to watch, and you don't do spoilers!

Kirsten said...

Wow, Lord of the Clones is a video! Now that's something to look forward to. I reserve my right to vote for the favorite based on all the facts. ;) Fun, though!
Kirsten @ A Scenic Route

Anonymous said...

I was torn about seeing R.I.P.D. and ended up passing on it when it was in theaters. If it's on Netflix, I might check it out. I have to watch the GI Joe sequel first. That's on there now.

~Patricia Lynne~
Story Dam
Patricia Lynne, YA Author

Michael Di Gesu said...

Gotta love the TART! Hart's a old blogging buddy of mine, too! Delicious sense of humor!

Must check out FD on Tuesday... should be fun.. It's also my BIRTHDAY!!! NO! NOT ANOTHER ONE! LOL.

1984 was an exciting year for me... spent half of it in Europe, modeling in Milan and Paris.... Great times!

Lisa said...

I saw RIPD and agree with you completely. Forgettable but fun. I'd like to see Reynolds and Bridges in another movie together because they had chemistry and think they be great with a better script. I remember 1984 because I saw David Bowie live, and it was "1984" as in, his song and the novel by George Orwell. I remember trying to look at the world to see if any of the predictions he'd made in the novel were in truth happening. And, they were. Even more so in 1984 and again in 2004...George Orwell was brilliant...

Rachna Chhabria said...

Yes Alex, you watch way too many movies. Is your wife too a movie buff like you? How do you find the time to watch so many movies?

cleemckenzie said...

Yep! Only three days left. I have to say I need a break. Tonight as a treat, I'm going to watch Ghostbusters and totally veg out.

Leslie S. Rose said...

'84 was big for me. I returned to my alma mater UCLA to be on the faculty of the theatre department. I totally cracked up at the name of Hart's blog. Writing myself a note to vote for you!

Roland D. Yeomans said...

Thankfully 1984 was not what George Orwell predicted -- I wonder what old George would have thought of 2014?

Elizabeth Seckman said...

1984 was my first year of high school. It's a highlight year thanks to Arnold's butt and one of my favorite-ever-movies, 16 Candles.

I liked RIP, it was worth the rental fee.

Jean Katherine Baldridge said...

I love Jeff Bridges but never saw RiPD. I thought it looked bad--not that bad? I'll reconsider.

Hart seems like fun!
WHO ARE WE GOING TO VOTE FOR???
you you YOU!!!

jean!

Liza said...

...and I got married in 1984! Also I remember my husband's cousin explaining CD's to us. We thought the idea was amazing. Think how far we have come for there!

Philip Verghese 'Ariel' said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Crystal Collier said...

Terminator, Ghostbusters, Gremlins... That was an epic year for movies, wasn't it?

I don't remember much from 1984, but I'm sure I spent most the year helping my mom around the house with my baby sisters.

True Heroes from A to Z

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

LD, it does.

DG, would never spoil a movie for someone.

Michael, my clones will dance in your honor then!

Lisa, I think they'd do well in another movie together.

Rachna, she enjoys them. I watch a lot at work.

Lee, my post was timely then!

Roland, probably would've scared him more.

Jean, thanks!!

Liza, and here we thought laserdiscs were impressive...

River Fairchild said...

Jezebel will be there on Tuesday for the Lord of the Clones. I'm not sure in what capacity Al has her in...most likely to poison the drinks of the contestants...

J E Oneil said...

Oh, wow, Duck Hunt is older than me. So I guess you can expect I don't remember anything about 1984.

A Ryan Reynolds movie that entertains. I wasn't aware that was possible.

Rawknrobyn.blogspot.com said...

I'm awestruck by a woman who writes in her bathtub. Now that's true talent!

You mean we're supposed to decide between you and Koopmans? Seems unfair, but I will take bribes.

Enjoy the weekend, Alex.
xoRobyn

Shell Flower said...

Whitesnake is a cool band. 1984 was a rough year for me as I had to move across the country with my family due to a corporate takeover at my dad's work. Definitely a life-changer.

debi o'neille said...

Confessions of the Watery Tart? Who can resist a blog with a name like that – I'll be on my way over in a few minutes.
Of your list, my favorite 1984 movies are naturally Sixteen Candles and Starman, and I actually can choose between the two.
Deb@ http://debioneille.blogspot.com

Fundy Blue said...

Hi Alex! I've never heard of Whitesnake before. But I'm listening to them on You Tube now! I like them! Thank you!

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

River, that's why I'm not drinking...

JE, oh! He's not that bad.

Robyn, I will send bribes!

Fundy, cool!

T. Powell Coltrin said...

Not a fan of that band. I am a huge fan of Harts...and you.

Will I make it to the end? :)

Lynda Dietz said...

THIS IS SPINAL TAP!! One of my all-time favorite movies, and one my husband and I quote frequently, even after all these years.

Oh, all those other things were great...but Spinal Tap...I'm laughing just thinking about them.

Kathe W. said...

one can never watch too many movies!
That's like saying one reads too many books!

Susan Gourley/Kelley said...

That was a lot of good movies in '84. That is going to be a difficult decision between you and Mark. Your movie reviews have saved me some time and money.

Leovi said...

Very great Whitesnake! I went to see them in Barcelona but eventually stopped the concert! A real shame!

mooderino said...

I can't reveal my vote, you never know, old baldy might win me over.

mood
Moody Writing

Unknown said...

I realy liked Whitesnake 'Love Hunter', and the cover, I was an immature juvenile! R.I.P.D. was ok. I enjoyed Bridges as a cowboy lawman similar to his True Grit role.

Susan Kane said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
kaykuala said...

Such a treasure trove you have under your wings and I'm utterly overwhelmed. Honest to goodness, we meet many times but never talk. You are such a talented guy, Alex a#1 bestseller on many counts!

Not to miss you forthwith: 1) Already registered for IWSG yesterday(first post hopefully will be Wed 09) 2)Had already placed IWSG and this blog on my blog list. You've taken on a noble cause,keep the good flag flying!

Hank

Arlee Bird said...

You do seem to watch a lot of movies especially considering all the other stuff you do.

Lee
Wrote By Rote
An A to Z Co-host blog

Tony Laplume said...

1984 was also known for...Big Brother! He's watching you!

mail4rosey said...

Ann Arbor is a good place to go to college. I hear they've got a pretty good school there. ;)

My husband just emailed me a song from that Ratt album to watch on YouTube. Reminiscing about his youth. :)

Susan Kane said...

I tried to delete my above comment. Tuesday is going to be a rotten day, and I had just read the dr. directions.

anyway, I hope your Tuesday is marvelous!!

ilima said...

Haha, I should try writing in the bathtub. :) And Sixteen Candles...what ever happened to Jake Ryan?

Carrie-Anne said...

I was way too young to have political opinions, but I remember watching news about the 1984 presidential election on The MacNeil/Lehrer NewsHour. I also remember going with my parents to see Jesse Jackson speaking at some outdoor venue. It was also the year we were back in Pittsburgh.

Suze said...

Honestly, what a great year. :)

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Teresa, that's fan enough! And you'll make it.

Lynda, we quote it all the time as well.

Susan, may my movie reviews sway your opinion...

Leovi, they stopped it? Why?

Moody - traitor!

Hank! Welcome to the IWSG and here. Thanks and you will find the IWSG is the most supportive bunch of writers you will ever meet.

Rosey, that's funny!

Susan, I'm sorry.

Ilima, no idea...

Vidya Sury said...

'84 was the year I started working.I also remember seeing The Terminator, Ghostbusters, Beverly Hills Cop and Nightmare on Elm Street. Twice - the city we lived in was so warm, the cinema's air-conditioning beckoned. Oh, I remember the MTV music awards! Except, we saw a taped version, thanks to a generous friend.

'84 was also the year I found Whitesnake!

Great memories, Alex!

Vidya
With #TeamDamyanti for the A to Z Challenge
http://vidyasury.com

Anonymous said...

I was worried RIPD's best scenes were in the trailer. Man, life was good in '84. Hard to believe things have changed so much... (Now I'm sounding like a crusty codger.)

randi lee said...

I remember being two, ;-)

Yes, though--I agree! That Whitesnake album rocked my world when I discovered it as a teenager. Probably another tape I wore out or CD I scratched from too much use.

I'm going to go check out Hart right now!

Sherry Ellis said...

Ghost busters is a classic!

I don't know Hart Johnson. I'll have to hop over and visit.

Leovi said...

Whenever I see him relate to the 1984 novel of the same title of Orwell!

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Vida, awesome!

Milo, no crustier than me...

Randi Lee, good for you!

Truedessa said...

Hi Alex,

Always enjoy reading the tidbits here. Hey, you never know they might
come in handy for summer trivia
nights as local restaurants start
adding them to their outside patio
activities..sometimes you can win
great prizes.

Truedessa said...

Alex, almost forgot great job with
the A to Z..you are a ninja that rocks..and thanks for the support
at my site..always glad to see you
appear.

Julie Flanders said...

This movie list brings back a lot of memories of going to the movies in junior high. I honestly didn't know Whitesnake had an album before the "Here I Go Again" days.

James Garcia Jr said...

Oh, you got me again, Alex! Just dangle some music and I'm faithfully here...
I played the hell out of that Whitesnake cassette back in the day. You're right about their later albums. The hits are great, bvut you really don't play the cd all the way through. Only with Slide it in, can you do that.
You also mentioned Y & T, Maiden and Rush, of course. Great stuff as always.
Hmm? I recall Squier's tune "(Another) 1984" off of Signs of Life. Brian May played the solo.
-Jimmy

Liz Blocker said...

All I can think of is the book 1984, which of course wasn't written in 1984 at all.

I'll definitely come vote for you on Tuesday! And YAY TARA!!

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Trudessa, I rock at trivia games. And thank you - I really appreciate that.

Julie, they had five albums before this one.

James, you rocked the same things I did!

Liz, thanks!

Unknown said...

THAT was a good year for movies! Can't wait to see Al's final installment--it's been a highly entertaining video series:) Heading over to Ellie's now!

WriterlySam
Echoes of Olympus
A to Z #TeamDamyanti

Cassie Mae said...

My hubby watched RIPD and said he didn't remember much of it, lol. But it was good while he was watching!

S. L. Hennessy said...

Best year ever (year I was born haha).

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

I agree with your review of RIPD

1984 was a good year for movies!

Notes Along the Way with Mary Montague Sikes said...

Arnold in a happier time. A little sad! There was a movie at an earlier time - 1984.

Mary Montague Sikes

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Samantha, Al's done a great job.

Cassie, that about sums it up.

SL, you are so young...

Donna K. Weaver said...

This is the year hubby and I got married. :D

I found the jokes in RIPD to be forced. They tried to hard to be funny and it didn't work for me.

Kristin Smith said...

Ahhh! Only three more days! It's kind of bitter/sweet...

Love me some Watery Tart...she has a fantastic sense of humor!!

!984, even though I was a young'un, had some great movies. I mean, Ghostbusters...all time classic!

Nicole said...

Ah, the 80s! Gotta love 'em. Whitesnake is great!

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Donna, that's awesome!

SC Author said...

Ghostbusters!!! I really need to watch that movie.

Michelle Wallace said...

Lord Of The Clones final instalment? Can't wait!!
Hart is really popping out those books... she's on part 11 or 12 of her serial (if I'm not mistaken...) and she is really funny!

Mina Burrows said...

RIPD, huh? Sounds interesting. I need to check it out. Thanks!

Ella said...

I have wanted to see RIPD-thanks for sharing your review!

Cheers to Hart and her naked view of the world~ Off to wish her Congrats!

The Happy Whisk said...

That it had a 4 in it.