Reviewing the Timeless Classic ‘Back to the Future
Released in 1985, Back to the Future is one of the most iconic and beloved sci-fi comedies of all time. Directed by Robert Zemeckis and produced by Steven Spielberg, the movie became an instant classic that still holds up incredibly well over 30 years later. Let’s take a trip back in time and review this timeless pop culture phenomenon.
From the Opening Scene, You’re Hooked
The movie immediately pulls you in from the opening scene set in Doc Brown’s garage as a group of terrorists arrive to kill him. The tension ramps up before we’re thrown back to earlier that day and introduced to the main characters – 17-year-old Marty McFly and his eccentric scientist friend Doc Emmett Brown. Their friendship and rapport are established quickly and the audience instantly connects with Marty as he tries to make his way through high school and play guitar in hopes of one day being a rockstar.
When Doc reveals his latest invention – a DeLorean time machine – the stage is perfectly set for the wild adventures to come. The script’s blend of action, comedy, and heart is evident from the very first act and hooks viewers in for the rest of the thrilling ride.
At Its Core, It’s a Story of Friendship
While the time travel provides all the excitement, at its heart, Back to the Future is a story of friendship. When Doc gets murdered by terrorists and Marty accidentally travels back to 1955, he must track down the younger version of Doc and get his help to return to the future. Seeing Christopher Lloyd and Michael J. Fox interact as different-aged versions of Doc and Marty is not only hilarious but creates a meaningful relationship that resonates at the core of the trilogy.
Marty pretending to be Darth Vader to convince Young Doc to help him get “back to the future” leads to one of the most delightfully funny scenes. Their friendship is truly the emotional anchor that makes the over-the-top sci-fi concepts work so wonderfully.
Non-Stop Laughs
Back to the Future is simply one of the funniest and most purely entertaining comedies ever made. From Marty waking up in 1955 to find his mother has developed a crush on him after he accidentally interfered with his parent’s meeting to Marty pretending to be an extraterrestrial in a radiation suit, the movie piles on one hilarious scenario after another.
The contrasts between the reserved 1950s and outrageous 1980s are milked for continuous laughs. Seeing Marty navigate the notoriously uptight 1955 Hill Valley and get confused reactions to his era’s fashion, music, and lingo is comedy gold. The movie is endlessly quotable with lines like “Where we’re going, we don’t need roads” becoming etched in pop culture history.
Jaw-Dropping Special Effects
While the writing, directing, and performances make the movie work so well, Back to the Future also broke new ground in special effects. The scenes of Doc’s car speeding at 88 mph and vanishing in flashes of light as it travels through time are simply stunning, especially for a mid-80s movie. The effects team did an amazing job conveying the concept of time travel in a way that was believable and visually appealing.
Even smaller touches like making Eric Stoltz appear as Marty’s father after the timeline change are seamlessly done. The hoverboard sequence also stands out for its ahead-of-its-time use of green screen technology. It’s easy to take these kinds of special effects for granted nowadays, but they were groundbreaking at the time.
A Perfectly Cast Ensemble
It’s impossible to imagine anyone but Michael J. Fox as Marty McFly. Fox has a boyish charm and razor-sharp comedic timing that makes him so likable and fun to watch. Christopher Lloyd is equally brilliant as Doc Brown – perfectly walking the line between mad scientist and warm friend.
The supporting cast shines too, from Lea Thompson as Lorraine, Crispin Glover as George McFly, and Thomas F. Wilson as bully Biff Tannen. Even smaller roles like James Tolkan as the humorless Mr. Strickland are perfectly cast. The actors embody these characters completely and their interactions are a total delight.
An Endlessly Re-Watchable Adventure
While many movies lose their magic after the first viewing, Back to the Future is perhaps more enjoyable to revisit and catch clever details you may have missed. The movie sets up intricate cause-and-effect relationships as past and future alternate versions of Hill Valley are showcased. It rewards repeat viewings as you catch the subtle ways Marty’s actions reverberate through the space-time continuum.
Few movies are as endlessly re-watchable as Back to the Future. It’s the kind of feel-good adventure flick the whole family can enjoy together. The film has aged wonderfully and holds up better than ever thanks to its brilliant writing, direction, acting, and effects. It remains an absolute classic.
Conclusion
34 years after its release, Back to the Future remains one of the best sci-fi comedies ever made and a pillar of popular culture. With its dazzling effects, hilarious script, charismatic performances, and sheer entertainment value, the magic of Zemeckis’ hit still shines. We may never get hoverboards or time machines, but we’ll always have this iconic trip back in time to enjoy.
FAQs
Q: Who directed Back to the Future?
A: Back to the Future was directed by Robert Zemeckis, who co-wrote the script with Bob Gale.
Q: How many Back to the Future movies are there?
A: There are 3 movies total in the Back to the Future trilogy. The first was released in 1985, the second in 1989, and the third in 1990.
Q: What period does Marty travel back to?
A: In the first Back to the Future movie, Marty accidentally travels back to the year 1955 and meets teen versions of his parents.
Q: What is Doc Brown’s full name?
A: Doc’s real name is Dr. Emmett Lathrop Brown. He’s an eccentric local scientist who invents the DeLorean time machine.
Q: Who plays the bully Biff Tannen?
A: Biff Tannen is played by Thomas F. Wilson in all 3 Back to the Future movies. He’s the main antagonist who bullies Marty’s father George.