Hands Off is the first musical selection of several from what I like to call 80’s Monster Comedies.

I guess in the 80’s, making silly comedies featuring werewolves, vampires and other monsters seemed like a good idea. And it was, at least I think it was, as this is perhaps my favorite sub-genre of film.

If I was ever handed the keys to a classroom at a University that didn’t particularly pride itself on their staff, I’d probably create the course “80’s Monster Comedies 101.” We’d sit around and watch these films, discuss them at length and then write needlessly analytical papers regarding their cultural context.

C’mon? You wouldn’t take that course? Fuck yeah you would. You mean I’d get college credit for writing a paper about Teen Wolf? Yes. Yes you would. But it better be a damn good paper, cause I ain’t gradin’ on no curve.

Here’s the course outline.

 

Week 1: Intro to Course / Full Moon High (1981)

Full Moon High bridges a gap between 70’s comedy and 80’s comedy. Discuss the elements of it’s 70’s sensibility. Does it make for a better or worse film in your opinion? Also, why is Alan Arkin so great? Oh he’s not? Please take this F with you on your way out the door.

 

 

 

Week 2: Teen Wolf (1985)

• Would being a Werewolf actually make you a better basketball player? And if not, is there really any objection to one playing at a high school level? Bonus points for discussion of why Bobby Finnstock is the greatest coach ever to appear on film.

 

 

 

Week 3: Once Bitten (1985)

• Fun tale of vampirism, or American morality play of underage/unprotected/anonymous sex during the AIDS era?

 

 

 

 

Week 4: My Best Friend Is A Vampire (1987)

• Interesting addition to the legacy, or sub-par knock-off of Once Bitten? Extra points for a comparison of lifted elements appearing in Joss Whedon’s Buffy the Vampire Slayer (1992)
  

 

 

 

 

Week 5: Teen Wolf Too (1987)

• Is it morally objectionable to pit a college-aged student against a creature of the night in a combat based sport like boxing?

 

 

 

Week 6: Vampire’s Kiss (1988)

• Nicholas Cage is absolutely fucking crazy in this film. It may very well be his most insane performance ever. So, here’s a Nicholas Cage wild card – make your argument as to which decade is best for Mr. Cage: The 80’s, The 90’s or The ‘00’s. Make the argument as to which is the worst. Then argue which film contains your favorite/best performance (note: those 2 distinctions might not be the same for you.)
  

 

 

 

Week 7: Monster High (1989)

• Holy shit! This movie is utter garbage. Explain exactly why this movie is so god-awful and disappointing. Then detail how it could have been a great example of an 80’s Monster Comedy.

 

 

 

 

Week 8: My Mom’s a Werewolf (1989)

• Pandering, reductive take on motherhood, or thoughtful, empowering take on menopause?

 

 

 

Week 9: Rockula (1990) and Final

• Though technically released in February of 1990, Rockula was clearly filmed during the 80’s and feels like a 80’s monster comedy through and through. Discussion of the music, Dean Cameron’s awesomeness or the opening title sequence will all be accepted.
  

• Final: Discuss 80’s Monster Comedies as a genre using examples from the entire course. Why are they great?  Why do you hate them? Why would these movies really not work in other decades?

 

As extra credit, I’ll accept papers on Teen Vamp (1988), Beverly Hills Vampire (1989), I Was A Teenage Zombie (1987) or any other film not featured in the course that you can convince me belongs in the sub-genre.

And make sure to join us next semester for the follow-up course 80’s Party Monsters.