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Released on July 3, 1985... this now iconic sci-fi comedy film by director Robert Zemeckis
would slowly become the most successful picture of that year, grossing $383 million from its
$19 million dollar budget. Family Ties heartthrob Michael J. Fox stars as a somewhat delinquent
teenager who is accidentally sent back in time 30 years, where he inadvertently jeopardizes
his own existence. Alongside him, in an extremely fun and endearing relationship is Christopher
Lloyd as the eccentric scientist responsible for converting a DMC DeLorean into a time
machine. To which Fox confusingly questions, " Ah... Are you telling me that you built
a time machine... out of a DeLorean?". The Oscar-nominated screenplay was largely inspired
from producer Bob Gale's curiosity surrounding his own parents' life in high school. Indeed,
the plot finds Fox playing matchmaker between his 17-year-old parents in the mid 1950's,
while simultaneously working with a younger version of Lloyd's character to get himself
back to the future. The plot smartly keeps things local and contained: focusing on believable
drama between the characters, rather than a bloated science fiction story. The wholesome
but stunning Lea Thompson plays Fox's rambunctious mother in a truly unique and amusing role,
while Crispin Glover brings the nerdy father character to life with an almost uncomfortable
level of realism and awkwardness. Meanwhile, the imposing Tom Wilson turns in a brilliant
performance as the school bully, expertly blending his foolish malapropisms with a threatening
demeanor. The subtle, expert-caliber performances by all involved are an earnest embodiment
of an entire generation. Phrases like, "Hey McFly", and "Great Scott" have entered our
cultural lexicon. Without drawing attention to itself, Zemeckis' trademark style, of impressively
long, unbroken shots reminds us how film can be both captivating entertainment, and an
artistic accomplishment. Delivering the film's intricate exposition is an ingenious in-film
scale-model, built as much for the characters' benefit as the audiences' - quickly and easily
explaining the consequences and goals of the movie's final act: thus allowing the dramatic
conclusion to be so much more enjoyable, as it plays out unimpeded by questions or confusion.
Similarly, a Polaroid illustrating eventual consequences of Fox's temporal escapades functions
perfectly as a ticking-clock for the audience. Well paced, never once does the tension slack,
or the narrative hurry, especially during the climatic finish, which keeps me on the
edge of my seat every time I watch. Contributing a grandiose sound usually reserved for larger
epics, the score from composer Alan Silvestri is a thrilling tour de force: lending the
picture a hefty dose of its suspense. 80's rocker Huey Lewis even contributes some upbeat
pop-ballads, as well as an ironic cameo. Themes of forgotten youth, friendship and idealism
are explored with an undeniable emotional resonance; thanks largely to the steadfast
attention to detail, where even a shy-smile or a glance says everything you need to know.
The geniuses at Industrial Light At Magic did a tremendous job with the numerous special
effects shots, with one lone exception. By all accounts, this film is a contemporary
classic, but given the lore surrounding the picture, it's amazing it was ever finished
at all. Fox is nothing short of remarkable, and endlessly relatable as the lead, but an
entire month of production was actually filmed with Eric Stotlz in the famous role of Marty
McFly. Similarly, early drafts of the script had the recognizable gull-winged time vehicle
replaced by a refrigerator... we can only imagine how much different this film might
have been without these changes. Aside from a few minor continuity errors and tiny plot
holes, this 116-minute picture is a monument of cinema, and is ostensibly flawless in doing
so. Although occasionally materialist with some of its themes, it is masterfully successful
in conveying sweeping emotions, from tension, embarrassment and guilt, to anxiety, love
and fear. More importantly though, the picture is downright hilarious half the time, like
when Fox scares Glover into asking Thompson on a date by dressing up in a radiation suit,
with a "futuristic" hair-dryer. A massive hit, and a top-50 mainstay on IMDb's top-rated
list, this time travel adventure would spawn two sequels, an animated TV series, a theme
park ride, video games, and an Academy Award for sound effects. It is extremely difficult
for me to objectively review this PG-rated adventure like I would any other film... because,
quite simply, it isn't any other film... it is my favorite film. One I have absolutely
cherished and adored since I visited Universal Studios as a kid. I've visited many of the
picture's real-life filming locations, I've sat inside several replica time machines,
and I own everything from scale-models and original movie posters to replica props signed
by the cast. Suffice it to say, I really love this film, and it is a chief reason I pursued
a career in media production. The extremely well-written characters, quotable dialogue,
seamless visuals, clever plot developments, amazing performances, and top-tier directing
make this movie an emotional, and technical marvel: delivering a truly entertaining, almost
inspirational experience only strengthened on many repeat viewings. "Back To The Future"
is an "Extraordinarily powerful and rewarding masterpiece." Now that you've listened to
the longest review I've ever written, let's see what you had to say about this wonderful
film in the YouTube comments.
"Back To The Future" on the Rate-O-Matic... the highest possible score, a TEN from each
of us. Not a single person said anything negative, with more than two-thirds of those who voted
giving it a nine or higher, you thought it was AMAZING. I've never done this before,
but as the Factor Facts show, I'm giving this a perfect score, a 100/100. A reflection of
its timeless entertainment value, technical accomplishments, and emotional impact. Without
question, this is an AMAZING film.