A Blast from the Past

Review: Back to the Future (1986)

By Meg Davy

Back to the Future was stylish then and it's stylish now. Its atmosphere is one of a kind and there's no better way to kick off the start of Reel Dialogue's 2023/24 school year with this classic from Robert Zemeckis.

One of the many things I love about this movie is how simple they make the time traveling in it. Unlike movies like Avengers: Endgame, the audience doesn't have to think too hard about all of the consequences of time traveling. Sure, Doc mentions a few things here and there and those consequences are clearly seen in action multiple times such as Marty and his siblings disappearing from the picture, George McFly being rich while Biff waxes his car, and so on. However, it's all so straightforward and I don't have to wrap my mind around trying to think about the science or logistics behind it.

The one thing that mostly throws people off from this movie is the cringe inducing incest plot. It definitely just feels yucky as young Lorraine makes many romantic moves on Marty not knowing he's her own son. However, the movie really handles the situation well because it's obviously supposed to be weird and they make sure not to overdo it.

Another awesome thing about this movie is how quotable it is with all of its iconic lines, specifically that of Doc Brown. Christopher Lloyd does an amazing job at capturing the eccentric inventor of time travel and the audience can't help but love his character and his excitement for science. Michael J Fox and Christopher Lloyd have such a great dynamic between them both on and off screen and I always find myself wanting to know more about how these two, who are so drastically different, became such great friends.

Overall, I think this movie is and always will be awesome and I can always rely on it to cheer me up or just to have as a fun watch.