Looking Through Time: 1993 Films

Story posted March 20, 2021 in CommRadio, Arts & Entertainment by CommRadio Arts & Entertainment Staff

The CommRadio arts & entertainment staff revisits some of the most memorable and influential films from 1993.

“Jurassic Park”

“Jurassic Park” is a science fiction action film that is arguably Steven Spielberg’s best film he’s ever directed. The film was also originally a book written by Michael Crichton.

The main themes are man vs. nature, technology, and power. Through the plot and characters, the book develops ideas that argue man isn't more powerful than nature.

The book also argues that technology is a great tool when used appropriately. “Jurassic Park” premiered on June 9th, 1993, at the Uptown Theater in Washington D.C. and was released on June 11th in the United States.

It went on to gross over $912 million worldwide in its original theatrical run, becoming the highest-grossing film of 1993 and the highest-grossing film ever at the time. It received highly positive views from critics, who praised the films’ special effects, acting, John Williams’ musical score, and Spielberg’s direction.

The film won more than twenty awards, including three Academy Awards for its technical achievements in visual effects and sound design. “Jurassic Park” is considered a landmark in the development of computer-generated imagery and animatronic visual effects. – Michael Merendino

“Hocus Pocus”

When it comes to 1993, a classic film like “Hocus Pocus” should certainly come to mind.

The film is, as mentioned, a classic Halloween movie that isn’t meant to be scary but is rather charming in its delivery of main character Max Denison’s story as he discovers that some myths and legends just might be true.

“Hocus Pocus” takes place in a modern Salem, Massachusetts. Fitting to the history of the town, the story tells of three witches seeking everlasting youth that swore they would one day return following their execution. In the modern day, Denison, his younger sister Dani, Allison accidentally reawakens the witches and must find a way to stop them from fulfilling their dastardly deeds.

Aided by human-turned-cat Thackery Binx, their Halloween turns into a series of mass chaos as they try to hide the witches spellbook, preventing them from becoming immortal, until sunrise.

“Hocus Pocus” is a fun watch and should be on every viewer’s watchlist for when spooky season rolls around! - Colton Pleslusky

“Tombstone”

Kurt Russel plays the leading role as Wyatt Earp in this amazing version of the events surrounding and including the gunfight at the O.K Corral.  A former lawman trying to settle down and make an honest living.

As his family and he became more involved in the town of Tombstone, Arizona, Earp finds that his dreams for a quiet life will have to wait.

Russel was joined by fellow actor Val Kilmer as Doc Holliday, a fast-shooting drifter who happens to be friends with Earp.  Kilmer wonderfully gives life and wit to a character who is also slowly dying from Tuberculosis.

  Sam Elliot and Bill Paxton portrayed Earp’s brothers Virgil and Morgan who had accompanied Wyatt to Tombstone along with their wives.

All four men end up running into conflict with the presiding gang known as “The Cowboys” and the movie follows the action that occurs between both parties. 

In the middle of the two sides is the love interest of Russel’s character.  Dana Delany plays Josephine Marcus, a traveling performer who catches the eye of Wyatt Earp and makes him question what he wants in life.

The cinematography in “Tombstone” by William A. Fraker is able to show the audience how tense situations in the film can get.  Music provided by Bruce Broughton was able to provide the appropriate feeling to each scene.

“Tombstone” is able to immerse the audience throughout with its acting, music and visuals.  A great story in a western setting.- David Myers

“Rudy”

Directed by David Anspaugh in the 90s, “Rudy” is one of the most iconic sports films, gaining praise from both critics and audiences alike.

Based on a true story, “Rudy” tells the underdog tale of Daniel “Rudy” Ruettiger, one of the most iconic players in the history of Notre Dame football history. 

In 1972, Rudy leaves his steel mill job after the death of his best friend in order to gain admittance to the University of Notre Dame and to be a player for the Fighting Irish. 

Sean Astin (“The Goonies”) delivered an amazing performance, as did other cast members who would go on to become famous in the world of cinema- John Favreau (D-Bob) and Vince Vaughn (Jamie O’ Hara). 

Whether a person is a sports fan or not, that scene where Rudy is carried off the field and out of the stadium is both exhilarating and unforgettable. – Jon Mead

“Falling Down”

To say William Foster is having a bad day is an understatement. Michael Douglas takes the lead role, bringing forward an impressive and very real depiction of someone who’s had enough.

Douglas plays the role of William Foster, a middle-aged man dealing with the struggles of being unemployed and divorced. 

As he makes his way through the city, Foster’s anger and frustration grows exponentially as his encounters with people become even more erratic and violent, at one point even bringing a gun into a fast-food restaurant. 

In addition to being a social commentary about the struggles of everyday life, this film is thrilling, fun and at times relatable, as you can’t help but sympathize with Bill Foster. – Jon Mead

Michael Merendino is a junior majoring in telecommunications. To contact him, email michaelmerendino26@gmail.com or mam8013@psu.edu

Colton Pleslusky is a junior majoring in telecommunications. To contact him, email csp5289@psu.edu.

David Myers is a junior majoring in telecommunications.  To contact him, email at d12amyers@gmail.com

Jon Mead is a sophomore majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, email jkm6040@psu.edu.