What Was the Worst Movie You Ever Liked or Loved?

One of my most baffling and fascinating queries to myself has been, 'What is the worst movie you ever liked or loved?'

Road House (1989)

As someone who subscribes to the belief that context is king, and that one must take the era and cultural impact of a film into account, my answer is unequivocally Road House.

The True Story Behind the Boring Protagonists

Road House, despite its cinematic trash quotient, is based on a true story. An article in a newspaper from the early 1980s described six convenience store owners in a small town outside Kansas City standing around the bloody remains of the town's kingpin, with no witnesses. Someone then crafted a story that would unfold to this dramatic conclusion, and that story became Road House.

Remarkable Casting

The casting choices in Road House are absolutely stunning. What's particularly interesting is that the two characters who are most described as boring—our protagonists, Dalton Patrick Swayze and Doc Kelly Lynch—are actually the antithesis of them. In contrast, everyone around them is absolutely fascinating.

Ben Gazzara as Brad Wesley

Ben Gazzara as Brad Wesley is a scene stealer. The movie wouldn't be the same without his character. One standout moment is when he's driving down the road and singing along to the radio, leaning back and steering with one hand. His lack of regard for oncoming traffic is evident without a single word, and he becomes the quintessential antagonist of the film.

Douglas Phillips as Jimmy

Jimmy is a combination of scary and douchey. The way he looks when lining up behind Brad is enough to make you want to attack him. It's a chilling, perfectly executed performance by someone who didn't necessarily have a stellar reputation, but in Road House, he embodied the villainous role to perfection.

Denise as Julie Michaels

Denise as Julie Michaels, who performs a striptease and dances on stage before Jimmy starts beating up six bouncers at once with a pool stick and his feet, adds another layer of badassery to the film. Her character is complex and multifaceted.

Kevin McTighe and Morgan

The character of Kevin McTighe, played by Victor Wong, is someone who seems briefed to be a villain because he has the look for it but ends up being a decent man, just wanting his Double Deuce to stop being a shithole. Morgan, the bouncer, is another interesting character who gets fired when Dalton takes over.

A Real Person: Jeff Healey

Jeff Healey, the blind guitarist, is a real person and a real band, though unfortunately, they are no longer with us. Their music adds to the authenticity and believability of the film.

Sam Elliott—Sam Elliott leads the backlash against the 0 rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Despite the film's no-holds-barred, 80s aesthetic, it is not as bad as it is often portrayed.

Lessons from My Teen Years in the 80s

While Road House sat well in my 80s nostalgia, it wasn't the only movie that garnered time and affection during my teenage years. The Breakfast Club, 6teen Candles, and Ferris Bueller's Day Off were the stars of the show then, but High Tide offered a unique take on teen angst that resonated with me.

Like many 80s films, High Tide is a classic example of a film that is universally criticized for its cheesy dialogue, dated fashion, and off-the-mark humorous moments. And yet, it offers a compelling narrative that keeps it in an undying loop in the minds of its ardent fans.

A Look at Guilty Pleasure

It's not just Road House and High Tide; my taste in movies during my teenage years also included films like Dumb and Dumber or Pretty in Pink—but I still enjoy films like Over the Top or any movie that features the iconic Corey Haim and Corey Feldman duo. These movies represent the perfect blend of wit, charm, and retro appeal that can charm even the most discerning moviegoer.

In essence, What is the worst movie you ever liked? That very question speaks to a more significant cultural phenomenon. Our tastes are shaped by our experiences and memories, and these films, with their unique charm and nostalgic value, continue to hold a place in my heart and mind, no matter what the critics may say.