The Garland cinema shows weekly films, ranging from contemporary to classics, meaning you might catch an older film that has some outdated content. That doesn’t necessarily mean that these films aren’t worth watching. The week of March 31 through April 6, they are playing Hot Rod (2007, dir. Akiva Schaffer), Vision Quest (1985, dir. Harold Becker) and The Goonies (1985, dir. Richard Donner). These older films ride the line between outdated and timeless content, as all of them have plot lines and dialogue that in 2025 might be deemed inappropriate or offensive for some audiences.
As with almost every flick from this period, not all the content has been looked back upon in a positive light. Unfortunately, ableism and fatphobia certainly occur throughout The Goonies, Hot Rod and Vision Quest. These are not light topics, but are a part of films throughout history. Indulging in older media requires a critical eye with understanding that although we can, should and do demand better representation today, films are reflective of society during that time.
Whitworth film and English professor Casey Andrews, regarding approaching triggering or outdated content, said, “There is an intellectual virtue in being able to sustain multiple points of view at once — not excusing or ignoring the problematic aspects of an artwork while also being able to think about its other qualities.”
Although this is primarily an academic way of indulging in cinema, this can be applied to casual or critique viewing. Andrews also included that he “wouldn’t say that the viewer should just ‘get over it.’” Watching with the knowledge of nuance within film, meaning understanding multiple different perspectives, will allow for a better watching experience, as long as the topics involved are not majorly upsetting for the individual.
The content in Hot Rod, starring Andy Samberg as Rod Kimble, has similar humor to the skits on Saturday Night Live, meaning that of the jokes are quirky and some are now considered old fashioned. This film is about Rod Kimble, a young man who believes that he is the next big stuntman. Unfortunately, he is terrible at stunts. Making at home videos of his attempts to jump his bike over a pool and failing miserably, he starts a charity event to help his arch nemesis, his stepfather, with his health issues. Throughout the story, he develops a crush on the girl next door and realizes the importance of relationships in his life. Watch Rod Kimble jump and tumble at 6:00 p.m. on Monday, March 31, at The Garland; free with their movie club membership.
Playing at 1:00 p.m. on April 1 is Vision Quest. A romantic drama from the eighties about a high school wrestler, Louden Swain, who’s training to beat the undefeated champion. However, when an attractive drifter moves in with him, temporarily, Louden becomes distracted. This film explores themes of the balance between health and pushing yourself to your limits, as well as how to hold on to and explore new relationships. Although the potentially unrequited love might have aged poorly, the themes and difficulties he goes through are still relevant today.
The Goonies is playing at 2:00 p.m. on April 6. An adolescent comedy that brings boyhood to the screen as a group of young boys try to find the treasure marked on an ancient map. Running into different booby traps, villains and scary older brothers, they learn to work together but be confident in themselves as well.
Approach these films with an open perspective as you catch them at The Garland for about $5. Stay tuned for reviews of these films, more upcoming flicks and other movie topics.
