5. Octopussy (1983, Dir. John Glen)

The James Bond films from the 1980s often don't receive the credit they deserve. Though they may lack in lasting impact, they excel in thrilling action and impressive stunts. Among them, Octopussy stands out as a hidden gem.

This installment is often overlooked, possibly due to its title, which rarely features in top Bond rankings. Many view it as a lesser, more campy entry.

Critics often target the aging Roger Moore. Personally, I appreciate his portrayal in this film (which wasn't even his last). In this installment, he is paired with a Bond woman of a similar age, which is refreshing.

The plot revolves around the theft and forgery of precious gems, including a Fabergé egg discovered with a deceased secret agent.

Bond's investigation leads him to India and East Germany, where he uncovers a plot involving a nuclear bomb, devised by a deranged Russian general. Along the way, he encounters Octopussy, a crime lord whose operations seem to have a positive impact.

Initially, I shared the common view of this film, but a recent re-watch revealed its excitement and enjoyment. Although it contains a few of the worst jokes in the series, the film maintains a brisk pace and is a delight to watch.

Being the first Bond release after Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981), it emphasizes stunts and charm.

The balance of light and dark is masterful, largely due to Moore, who delivers one of his finest performances as 007. He embodies a relatable, charming hero.

His antics include tossing money to trip henchmen during a chase, pretending to be a corpse, and donning various disguises. Yet, the film also explores heavier moments, from mourning a fallen ally to evading a nuclear threat.

This adventure is expertly crafted and exhilarating.

Though some scenes might drag, I find them enjoyable.

The chase through an Indian village features Bond in a three-wheeled Tuk Tuk, leading to a thrilling shootout and even a sword fight with a performer.

One of my favorite exchanges occurs when Bond informs his ally Vijay of incoming trouble. Vijay responds, “No problem, this is a company car,” as he accelerates, performing a wheelie.

An extended train sequence showcases intense physicality, filled with creativity.

By the film's conclusion, I genuinely feel as if I’ve experienced an adventure.

Unlike many of Moore’s roles, he is surprisingly believable in the action scenes. The film's impressive stunt work and well-timed shots contribute to its success, making it a triumph for the entire cast and crew.

Perhaps the most adventurous scene involves Bond being hunted on an elephant through the jungle, where he faces leeches, a snake, and a tiger, all while maintaining composure.

I won't reveal more, but I adore this film! It reminds me of the Mission: Impossible series, particularly due to its thrilling stunts and disguises, and the feeling that Bond exhausts every ounce of energy to succeed.

He literally collapses at the climax, a rarity in action films.

4. Jumanji (1995, Dir. Joe Johnston)

Next up is another family adventure from Joe Johnston that captures the imagination brilliantly. Just as kids from the 80s saw their backyards differently after Honey, I Shrunk the Kids, those of us in the 90s forever viewed board games through the lens of Jumanji.

The premise is straightforward yet executed with flair. The film opens in 1869, with two children burying a chest accompanied by jungle drum sounds, hoping it remains undiscovered.

Fast forward to 1969, where young Alan Parrish, bullied and left without his bike, hears the captivating drumbeats that draw him to the chest.

Inside, he finds the board game Jumanji. His schoolmate Sarah visits him to return his stolen bicycle, and they inadvertently start the game. When things become chaotic, they try to quit, but Alan's dropped dice roll triggers one of the film's best lines from Sarah: “What do you mean the game thinks?” The game pulls Alan in, leaving him in a dark, foreboding jungle.

26 years later, Alan is freed when Judy and Peter, two orphaned children, move in with their aunt and are irresistibly drawn to the game’s enchanting drums. Peter rolls a five, releasing the now middle-aged Alan, who has grown a wild beard and wears plant clothing.

Realizing they must finish the game together, they persuade the adult Sarah Whittle to confront her fears and join them.

Each player rolls dice on their turn, with the game announcing the next challenge through eerie riddles. These challenges range from wild animals to monsoons, giant mosquitoes to earthquakes—everything unleashed from the game spells chaos.

Soon, the town is overrun by Jumanji's creatures, with hunter Van Pelt emerging from the game, bent on killing Alan. He symbolizes the emotional trauma inflicted on Alan by his father.

Van Pelt repeatedly taunts Alan to face him, reminiscent of Alan's father's advice to confront bullies. Alan has likely replayed these moments in his mind for 26 years. Two poignant scenes reveal Alan’s struggle to acknowledge Peter’s bravery and his instinctive criticism of Peter’s mistakes rather than nurturing him. His realization, “26 years buried in the jungle and I still became my father,” is profound.

I could discuss this film endlessly, but I’ll simply recommend watching it. It’s a fun yet occasionally frightening ride (that elephant stampede scene traumatized me), blended with somber undertones.

After Alan escapes, he discovers his hometown has crumbled during his absence. His father devoted everything to finding him, leading to the downfall of Parrish Shoes, the town’s lifeblood.

Sarah shares her lonely 26 years, dismissed as crazy and misdiagnosed. This raises a poignant question: what’s worse—being alone in a crowd or truly isolated?

The characters in Jumanji endure their own struggles, but perhaps if they unite to conquer the game, they can reclaim their lives. This film is a remarkable adventure that deserves more recognition.

Sometimes, a film's magic lies in what remains unsaid, allowing mystery to linger. Jumanji is a concise 97 minutes, and its unanswered questions may result from time constraints. I wish modern filmmakers would take note.

As creatures erupt from the game, Alan seems familiar with them. We can assume he's encountered them in the jungle, but what if his time there means the game is part of him? After all, knowing their names suggests more than mere exposure.

Could Jumanji have kept him alive all along? The phrase “In the jungle, you must wait…” is chilling. What if the game remains undiscovered for another century?

Jumanji has sequels that are enjoyable but lack the original's depth and intrigue. I view Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle (2017) and Jumanji: The Next Level (2019) as spiritually connected but diverging from the dark, mysterious jungle depicted in the original.

3. Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003, Dir. Gore Verbinski)

What can be said about Captain Jack Sparrow? Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl is a modern classic, a well-crafted epic that often gets overshadowed by its legacy, particularly the iconic Sparrow and its many sequels. As a standalone film, it’s nothing short of amazing.

While the sequels become bogged down by excessive CGI and convoluted plots, Curse keeps the narrative straightforward. This simplicity often leads to great filmmaking—begin with a clear plot and layer in complexity.

That doesn’t mean the film lacks substance. Curse is rich with mystery, suspense, romance, humor, and sharp character arcs.

The romantic leads, Elizabeth Swann and Will Turner, share a lifelong love and a thirst for adventure. Living in a pirate-infested Caribbean, Elizabeth is fascinated by pirates, while Will despises them, training relentlessly to someday eliminate one.

Both characters are well-developed and relatable, but the standout is undoubtedly Jack Sparrow.

In retrospect, it’s easy to overlook Jack’s initial mystery, as he’s now a pop culture icon. He is introduced atop a mast, which is humorously revealed to be on a sinking boat, yet he maneuvers it as if it were by design.

He is imprisoned for risking his life to save Elizabeth and hesitating to shoot Will, who stands in his way. Additionally, we learn Jack's pistol holds just one shot, intended for a specific target—who could it be?

Jack feels both dangerous and harmless; he’s a good person, yet cunning and desperate. This duality makes him the ideal character for an adventure narrative.

The real villains are introduced next: Barbossa and his undead pirate crew. Interestingly, Barbossa’s goal isn’t malicious; he simply desires to experience life again.

After Elizabeth saves herself using her knowledge of piracy, she boards the notorious Black Pearl and conceals her true identity. This backfires, as only the blood of a Turner can break their curse.

As Will seeks to rescue Elizabeth, he frees Jack, and the two embark on a journey filled with swashbuckling, treasure hunts, and zombie confrontations, while Will uncovers the truth about his lineage.

Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl is a quintessential adventure film, featuring a compelling narrative, unforgettable characters, and iconic performances. Practical effects help keep the film timeless.

2. Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981, Dir. Steven Spielberg)

The poster for this landmark action-adventure film reads, “The Return of the Great Adventure.”

What many don’t realize is that Raiders arose from Spielberg's desire to revive his career after the lackluster reception of 1941.

Though he had directed hits like Jaws and Close Encounters of the Third Kind, the industry began to doubt his capabilities.

He was even denied the chance to direct a James Bond film, a long-held dream. Fortunately, George Lucas proposed a new idea—a tribute to the adventurous serials they loved as children.

Thus, Indiana Smith was born, later renamed Indiana Jones, and the rest is cinematic history.

Spielberg meticulously storyboarded every shot, which is evident in the film's pacing.

Raiders is a flawlessly crafted film, and its pre-planning allowed for a quicker shoot. The B-movie style meant that the budget was well-represented on screen, resulting in a significant financial success for Spielberg.

The plot revolves around the quest for the Ark of the Covenant, a buried artifact that grants invincibility to its holder.

The search becomes a race against evil as Indy discovers Hitler is also after it. Much of the film follows Indy, Marion (his former mentor’s daughter), and ally Sallah as they try to stay ahead of the Nazis to find the Ark.

The Nazis serve as faceless antagonists, though a few stand out, such as the enthusiastic bald mechanic played by Pat Roach, who eagerly anticipates his showdown with Indy.

The action scene involving Marion is particularly engaging, balancing humor and tension. The truck chase remains a highlight, featuring the unforgettable stunt of Indy climbing beneath the speeding vehicle to regain control.

While I personally lean toward James Bond, it’s entirely possible to enjoy both characters. Elements like individual films, new leading ladies, and even casting Sean Connery as Indy’s father in The Last Crusade keep the Bond connection alive.

There’s much more to discuss—from supporting characters to the iconic sound design (those punches were reportedly created by hitting leather jackets)—but the opening sequence involving the Idol alone is rich with iconic moments and imagery.

Raiders is remarkable, but I don’t need to tell you that. You’ve likely seen it.

Three sequels exist, ranging from just as good to entertaining. I grew up watching Temple of Doom and Last Crusade, finding the former has the best pacing and the latter the strongest conclusion. However, Raiders remains an unparalleled adventure film, epitomizing action and excitement.

1. Back to the Future (1985, Dir. Robert Zemeckis)

What could surpass the adventure perfection of Raiders? Perhaps the ultimate film of all time, Back to the Future, which chronicles the misadventures of Marty McFly.

Some films capture lightning in a bottle; Back to the Future features the most famous bolt of lightning outside of Frankenstein. This film is briskly paced and filled with vibrant characters, memorable dialogue, and iconic moments.

Who wouldn’t want a DeLorean? It surpasses any other cinematic vehicle pairing.

Most time travel films don’t emphasize the machine itself, but Back to the Future excels in its details, and Marty’s stylish time travel method is no exception.

The plot unfolds satisfyingly, and I won’t spoil it here. If you haven’t seen it, do so immediately—it’s a must-watch.

Set in 1985, Marty McFly—a slacker, guitarist, skateboarder, and girl chaser—meets his eccentric mentor, Doc Brown, to test a new invention. Through a series of wild events, Marty finds himself in 1955 Hill Valley, where he must enlist the younger Doc's help to return home.

They have only one chance, relying on a lightning bolt that will strike the courthouse clock tower soon. There’s a twist: Marty inadvertently interferes with his parents' first meeting.

This is what makes Back to the Future the ultimate adventure—Marty must rectify his actions to secure his own existence.

The film brilliantly blends sci-fi, comedy, buddy dynamics, and romance with high stakes. It’s fitting for a time travel tale to have such a pressing deadline.

I’ve barely scratched the surface. The brilliance of Back to the Future lies in its details and how effortlessly it delivers them.

The cast is perfectly synchronized, all in on the humor.

Marty’s father, George, is central to the story, while his mother, Lorraine, plays a vital role in this predominantly male narrative.

Biff, George’s bully, provides memorable moments, particularly during the skateboard chase where Biff and his friends pursue Marty. Their collective shout of “SHIT!” before crashing into a manure truck always brings a smile to my face.

Composer Alan Silvestri faced pressure to deliver a captivating score, especially after Spielberg's reservations about his previous work. In a surprising turn, Silvestri created a memorable score that solidified his partnership with Zemeckis. Interestingly, Spielberg later hired him for Ready Player One, marking a rare instance where Spielberg didn’t collaborate with John Williams.

Marty is a relatable hero, capable yet approachable, embodying the kind of person we all aspire to be.

Contrary to popular belief, he does change through his experiences.

Upon returning to 1985 and seeing the car he longed for, it’s a gratifying moment. However, his reaction to Jennifer's surprise visit is even more poignant, highlighting the importance of relationships over material possessions.

Earlier, Jennifer reminded Marty of Doc Brown’s advice: “If you put your mind to it, you can accomplish anything.” Marty uses this wisdom to inspire his father, which ultimately helps him overcome his self-doubt.

I believe Marty also learns the value of believing in others.

George needed Marty’s faith, and he exceeded expectations. The same applies to Doc Brown; without Marty, he may never have invented time travel.

Jennifer believes in Marty, but he hasn’t fully embraced that support. Perhaps this journey will grant him a new perspective, enabling him to achieve his dreams.

Back to the Future has two fantastic sequels. While they may not reach the original’s heights, they are still inventive and charming. My only critique of Part II is its lack of the original's emotional depth, though it's an exhilarating ride with stunning effects. Part III offers more heart and realistic stakes but shifts to a less appealing Old West setting. Nonetheless, it remains charming and features one of cinema's best climaxes.

The original is a cinematic masterpiece, practically flawless.

It’s impossible not to adore, endlessly rewatchable, and serves as a stellar example of screenplay structure, dialogue, world-building, and efficient storytelling.

Back to the Future truly encompasses everything. It’s funny, heartfelt, and perhaps the most thrilling film you’ll ever encounter. The adventure extends beyond time travel; it never truly ends.

Thank you for reading!