Ok so when I was 9 years old, maybe 10, I remember inviting a neighborhood friend over to my house after hanging out at the local pool to watch one of my favorite movies and her mom telling me no and looking appalled. So I went home and told my mom, how strange I thought it was that my friend's mom had such a strange reaction, after all I wanted to watch was Dirty Dancing.
Before you go all judgment on my mom for allowing me to watch it, let me make my case and also point out that my other favorite movie was pretty woman. Ok, so looking back on some of my favorite movies growing up I realize not all of them were exactly age appropriate but man did I take some great life lessons from them, especially as a girl who turned into a woman.
1. I begin with Dirty Dancing, at the time I thought it was a story about a girl who loved to dance with a cute guy who also loved to dance and her parents didn't like him. The whole abortion thing went right over my head, probably until I was in high school, maybe in college. When you are that young and you don't understand something in a grown up movie, you just ignore it as boring part of the movie, and well, I pretty much disregarded that story line until late high school when it dawned on me what a total ass Robie really was.
But here are the lessons I learned. First, learn to dance and find a guy that likes to dance, well because dancing is awesome. Carrying two watermelons is hard, always ask a friend for help. Also, guys will tell you almost anything to get in your pants and if you let them you might get pregnant, and here is where this movie is genius, it shows young women the reality of this situation. Most guys, will not stick around to help you, you will feel scared and desperate, and his life will go on and he will move on to another girl. Secret abortions are terrible things, full of dangerous circumstances for women. Regardless, of where you side on this issue, its a great opportunity to talk to someone about it. Also, your friends might not be able to help you raise the baby no matter how decent they are. It also thought me, that my parents don't always do right, but always mean well. What, parents aren't perfect?? Incredible. And lastly, sometimes, you have to follow your own path and go against your parents, because no one, and I mean no one, puts baby in a corner.
2. Pretty Woman. Now, sure this is another questionable storyline, about a prostitute but to me as a kid it was about a poor girl who dressed a little bit trashy who then wore beautiful clothes after falling for a rich guy. My mother never let me watch the BJ scene growing up, but later in life I still fast forward thru it, as said above, no importance given to it.
Here are the lessons that I learned. If you don't get an education, you will end up poor and wearing plastic boots and barely there clothes and no one will sell you a dress in rodeo drive. But if you are successful you can buy clothes anywhere, stay in fancy hotels and go to operas. Seriously, think about this story, it shows you two girls with little education in difficult but real situations. One gets lucky and gets a glimpse into what life could be like if she had finished school. For a brief moment the movie lets you buy into the Disney bullshit, that a man will save you from your life and make your life better, but the beauty of this movie is that the prince doesn't rescue the girl in the end, as it claims, but rather she saves herself. After all, Julia Roberts character chooses to leave her rich boy toy, take his money and go back to school and off the streets, he shows up in the end, well, because it's Julia Roberts and only a fool doesn't go back for her (I'm looking at you Lyle Lovett!) but there is no marriage proposal just a homeless guy talking about dreams and you wonder, will they make it? But does it matter, because our heroine saved herself, she doesn't need a man! And lastly, if someone comes in with money, don't judge them, make your commission and sell them the store. I mean, seriously huge mistake, right?
3. National Lampoons Christmas Vacation. Yes, I know this is totally classic 80s but what lessons could be found here? Well, first of all that all families have crazy and weird people but we love them anyways because we are family. Second, parents do so much for us as kids that we don't appreciate just to make sure we can havehappy great experiences, so clap for you dad's amazing decorations. Everyone has crappy neighbors, so feel free to hate on! Old family members should always be included in family events, if anything because they will always keep it interesting. Video your kids while they are young, time flies and if you are ever left behind, locked in an attic, you will need a way to pass the time, so don't forget to back up to the icloud. Lastly, no one loves a cheap person or working for a cheap company, so be careful of both.
4. Poltergeist. I know this is another odd choice, but this movie thought me everything I need to know about real estate. First, always ask if anyone has died or is buried in your property. They have to tell you if they know, but have no duty to disclose if you don't ask. Also, when making contact with the other side, make sure you stay away from the creepy old evil guys. And if the t.v. goes all black and white, run as fast as you can. I think these are solid lessons, along with the most important which is make sure you marriage is solid because if a poltergeist becomes obsessed with your family, you will need a strong marriage foundation to help you through the tough times.
I guess what I am telling you is that sometimes, you shouldn't worry so much about what you let your kids watch and don't judge other parents about what choices they make with their kids, because there might be a method to their madness. Or maybe they just really wanted to watch that movie and well, you can always tell your kids to close their eyes. Also, the 80s was the best decade for movies and you should hit Netflix for a weekend of life lessons and family fun, all ages included.
