Pop Culture Movies and More: Back to the Future (1985)

Marty McFly, a typical American teenager of the Eighties, is accidentally sent back 30 years to 1955 in a time-travelling DeLorean invented by the slightly mad scientist Doc Brown. Upon an unintentional intervention, Marty now has to make sure his teenage parents-to-be meet and fall in love so he can get back to the future. Back to the Future, is undoubtedly one of the most phenomenal 80s movies ever made. When I was young, I'd watch this film countless times and just couldn't get enough of it. Even to this day, watching it never ceases to get old, which is a testament to the film's brilliance, that makes it the timeless masterpiece it is. Everything about this movie is exceptional from the gripping story, the stellar cast, mind-blowing special effects, the triumphant score and catchy songs. The ingredients were all there and, when combined made for a cinematic phenomenon, teaming with imagination, creativity and heart. For instance, the concept of going back in time and meeting your parents is a fascinating idea. Deriving from the thought, had you known your parents at the same age and went to school together, would you be friends? I'm certain everyone has wondered this at least once, as I know I had and so did Bob Gale the co-writer who came up with the concept. Meeting his parents on this historic journey is Marty McFly (played by Michael J. Fox) who is an unwilling time-traveller who is sent back to the 50s after the experiment goes awry. With the time machine none operationable without the scientist behind it, Dr. Emmett Brown (played by Christopher Lloyd), Marty seeks the Doc of the past to help him get back home. However, he bumps into his parents interacting with them, inadvertently intervening in their crucial meeting and jeopardising his very existence. So Marty is now tasked with playing matchmaker for his parents with the one slight issue of his mum, Lorraine, having the hots for him instead. I simply adore the plot line of him befriending his father, George McFly, and helping him to have courage, telling him "If you put your mind to it, you can accomplish anything". Although, George has to contend with the school bully, Biff who in the future, continues to exploit him. Marty, on many occasions, is forced to oppose Biff who pursues his mother and intimidates his father. My favourite interactions from the movie are between Doc and Marty. They have such an interesting bond that only grows stronger when Marty meets the younger variant. Their interactions are hilarious, heartfelt and the pair play off each other exceptionally both in terms of characters and as actors. Another factor I, and many other fans, love from this film is the kitted-out, time-travelling vehicle itself, The DeLorean. This movie made the car the most important vehicle in pop culture history and has become the dream car for many viewers, including myself. It simply looks outstanding with the countless accessories attached plus it has such a futuristic style that works perfectly for a time machine. Plus as Doc Brown so rightly put it: "The way I see it if you're gonna build a time machine into a car, why not do it with some style?" I will never forget the first time I saw the car jump through time. It accelerates to the necessary 88 mph as sparks begin to fly, lights flash and a trail of flames is left behind as it travels in the now iconic scene, which left me awe-struck. Its other finest moment is during the finale where Marty and Doc must get enough power to send the car back to the future, which is electrifying from start to finish, especially when accompanied by Alan Silvestri's remarkable score. Equally noteworthy are the featured songs with the most memorable being from Huey Lewis and the News, 'The Power Of Love' and 'Back In Time', which are both tremendously captivating hits. Overall, Back to the Future is one of the most impactful movies I have had the pleasure of growing up with. It continues to hook viewers today with its emotional, adrenaline-filled story that works very well as a stand-alone product and as the first entry of a trilogy. Yet another must-see for all movie-goers. Check out the continuing adventure in the thrilling sequel Back to the Future Part II (1989).