Tag: 1980s comedy

Comedies · Uncategorized

Private Benjamin

LizLockeLeave a comment
Image credit: Private Benjamin, 1980

Sometimes I go into a movie with no advance knowledge of the plot, but many expectations based on the star, the title, the screenwriter, etc. I thought I knew what kind of viewing experience I was in for with Private Benjamin (Disc/Download), but this one shocked me again and again.

Because it’s Goldie Hawn, and because the premise involves a beautiful, wealthy lady entering the Army, I expected a fish-out-of-water comedy. Something akin to Troop Beverly Hills where a spoiled woman is forced to rough it, discovering an inner strength she didn’t know she possessed. She would probably be helped by some wonderful gal pals and find love by the end of it. You can understand my assumptions, based on the fact that both movies include Craig T. Nelson, main characters who know the difference between khaki and mushroom, and massive 1980s hair. But it turns out that halfway through Private Benjamin, Judy Benjamin takes a left turn after being sexually harassed in the elite paratrooper unit, landing herself a sweet administrative gig in Europe where she meets a dreamy French gynecologist. He’s suspected of being a communist, so she must choose between the Army and her new man. Because of her upbringing, she chooses the man. But then, the man turns out to be garbage, and she manages to choose herself in the nick of time. Phew- this movie is so bonkers, I need a DRINK.

I recently discovered the classic Army & Navy cocktail, and while I’m sure there are any number of military-themed films to enjoy this with, my pick goes to the one featuring Goldie Hawn scrubbing the latrine with an electric toothbrush. It’s a classic for a reason. While watching Private Benjamin, I recommend drinking this Army & Navy cocktail.

Army & Navy

2 oz London Dry Gin

1 oz Fresh Lemon Juice

¾ oz Orgeat

1 dash Angostura Bitters

Grapefruit Twist

Combine gin, lemon juice, orgeat, and bitters in a shaker with ice. Shake to chill, then strain into a coupe glass. Garnish with a grapefruit twist.

Because the script was co-written by Nancy Meyers, I shouldn’t be surprised that Judy has a penchant for interior décor and looks right at home in a French Chateau. But I also shouldn’t be surprised that this character triumphs over the lackluster men in her life, finding companionship and family in the most unexpected of places. Like the Army & Navy cocktail, you can’t judge Private Benjamin by its title, or its ingredients. It is a uniquely wonderful concoction, sure to put you in a good mood. Cheers!

Comedies

Fletch

LizLockeLeave a comment

Image credit: Fletch, 1985

Y’all have no idea how much I struggled this week to find a movie that fully captures 1980s comedy. I went through a lot of picks, suffered through Girls Just Want to Have Fun, realized St. Elmo’s Fire was NOT the comedic Brat Pack follow-up to The Breakfast Club I thought it would be, before landing on that tall, tan mainstay of the ’80s, Chevy Chase. If you mistakenly thought the National Lampoon’s movies were the peak of his career, then let me introduce you to Fletch (Disc/Download).

Like a precursor to Jeffrey Lebowski and Doc Sportello, Irwin M. “Fletch” Fletcher spends his days bumming around the beach, pissing off cops, and becoming embroiled in rich white lady drama. Except the difference here is that Fletch actually has a paying job, as an investigative reporter for the Los Angeles Times. He’s undercover trying to expose a drug ring when the wealthy Mr. Stanwyk (Tim Matheson) attempts to hire him for a murder/suicide indemnity plot. I can practically hear Billy Wilder’s laughter from beyond the grave. Using a variety of disguises, Fletch manages to sniff out the real criminal plot, involving the LAPD, a secret wife in Utah, and an ex-con named Gummy. It’s a wild neo-noir comedy full of hilarious one-liners, nods to classic film, and Chase’s trademark deadpan humor. Truly, I never thought this mainstay of my Saturday afternoon movie binges could pull off a Homeless Brody Jenner look, but the man is a chameleon.

Speaking of looks, Fletch has a lot of them. Everything from surgeon, to hillbilly airplane mechanic, to Lakers basketball player, to rollerskating spiritual leader. But my favorite disguise of all is Country Club Fletch, who wears his little white shorts and polo shirts like he was born to them. Let’s toast “Fancy Fletch” with this take on a classic Royal Bermuda Yacht Club daiquiri, a drink I like to call the Proper Attire.

Proper Attire

2 oz Aged gold rum

3/4 oz Falernum

3/4 oz Lime juice

3/4 oz Paula’s Texas Orange liqueur

Lime Wheel and Pineapple leaf (for garnish)

Combine Rum, Falernum, lime juice, and orange liqueur in a shaker with ice. Shake until chilled, then strain into a coupe glass. Garnish with lime wheel and pineapple leaf.

It makes me happy to know this movie has been in talks for a modern reboot because the character of Fletch is a joy in any era. But when it comes to representing the 1980s, you really can’t do better than the original. The Harold Faltermeyer score, the angry old Republican country club villains, dobermans as a security system… we really did have it all. Cheers!