Five Fun Foods From Forty Year Old Films

Did I come up with this post just as an excuse to use that deliciously alliterative title? No, not entirely (though I won't admit to what percentage). I celebrated 1985 in full on its 35th Anniversary, and unless Biff still has the Sports Almanac, 1985 probably remains unchanged. Me, I've probably changed some in the last 5 years - I've certainly tweaked my Top 20 of '85 Films but I'm not carrying that baggage up these stairs every time my mind changes slightly (that's what Letterboxd is for I guess). One thing that certainly hasn't changed is my weird fascination with movie foods - as in foods that appear on screen in mainstream movies. I'm quickly becoming the Mr. Skin of cinematic snacks (and I'm extremely ok with this). But really it was an excuse to revisit such a monumental movie year -- it's still early in 2025 so I'm sure I'll find more ways to do it again. In the meantime here are 5 completely-obvious-but-fun-nonetheless moments when Reagan-era sustenance took center stage. 

- Paul

Bacon, eggs, pancakes, toast, strawberries, Mr. T Cereal

Pee-wee's Big Adventure

The pain of this punchline has haunted me since I was a child; Pee-wee used what I'm guessing is a month's worth of gas & electricity to construct a complete breakfast garnished with a corn-based novelty cereal, and he takes one bite. I know that's the bit but man I hate when food goes to waste in the movies as much as I do in real life (I can't even watch when Kevin McCallister abandons his entire Macaroni & Cheese without a single forkful).

Three sandwiches, potato chips, an apple, a banana, chocolate chip cookies, milk, Coke

The Breakfast Club

Surprised as you may be, no, I have zero interest in Ally Sheedy's Cap'n Crunch/Pixie Stix sandwich - the consistency alone puts me off. I'm certainly not vying for Claire's sushi and I'm not a fan of soup or apple juice so we'll let Brian keep his four food groups. Technically I would be having Bender's lunch of absolutely nothing at all, but for the purposes of this list we'll say Andrew's massive caloric intake of mostly traditional items is the most appealing; I could certainly polish off three sandwiches as long as I'm not expected to eat a whole bag of Matt's Chocolate Chip Cookies. 

Burger - medium rare, coffee

After Hours

Another example of perfectly good grub going to waste -- perfectly great grub most likely; some hearty beef and black coffee in a Soho diner in the middle of a rainy night could set you straight. Misfortune and happenstance no doubt prevented Paul from having an otherwise incredible evening - he coulda got with Rosanna Arquette, Teri Garr, and Catherine O'Hara almost consecutively had fate not dealt him such a shitty hand. 

Chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry milkshakes

Back to the Future

Forget George's wimpy chocolate milk or Marty's crazy futuristic beverages like Tab and Pepsi Free - I'd bet you a hundred gigawatts that Lou's Diner would have kickass milkshakes. If for no better reason (and there may not even be one), this is good ol' 1955 - there's nothing "healthy" or "vegan" or "lactose-free" going on here; hell they're probably packed with animal fat and egg yolks. Baby Boomers may've aged faster but that's because they actually lived goddammit. 

Baby Ruth

The Goonies

Nothing involving Sloth seemed particularly appetizing - his damp platter of floor food seemed grosser than the Castle Freak cuisine. What does seem exceptionally appetizing is a fresh Baby Ruth -- though not just any Baby Ruth, but one in that solid white 1985 wrapper with the bold red letters. Nabisco paid $100,000 for that shot you're looking at above (which ironically was compromised in the pan & scan versions) and it works on me to the point that I will seek out a Baby Ruth... only to be disappointed by the bland modern packaging of right now. Nostalgia is a deceptive bitch.