S4E18: Red Dawn Region 1v16 (Red/Virgin)

We’re opening the Red Dawn Region, and as always the first matchup is one of the most lopsided, on paper, at least. In one corner we have Red Dawn, the 1984 John Milius film that made history as the first movie ever released with a PG-13 rating, launched the careers of Patrick Swayze, Charlie Sheen, Lea Thompson, C. Thomas Howell, and Jennifer Grey, and gave American teenagers the battle cry ‘WOLVERINES!’ In the other corner we have The Last American Virgin, the kinda disgusting 1982 Boaz Davidson teen comedy/schizophrenic drama(?) with a surprisingly incredible new wave soundtrack, but also with an ending so brutal, it leaves you wondering if the second half of the film ever saw the first half!One film is nearly a consensus pick. The other is a genuine dark horse. Neither is an average 80s movie. And this decision may not be quite as easy as we thought!Which one is MORE 80s? Vote below! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit the80sest.substack.com