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30 Years On: Adventures in Babysitting


Elisabeth Shue's iconic 1980s wardrobe in Adventures in Babysitting (1987) is forever burned into the brains of Gen Xers everywhere—thanks in no small part to constant cable TV airings of the film in the late '80s and early '90s. Even today, it's impossible to see a women wearing a beige overcoat without seeing Shue, in that film, in my head. If it hasn't already happened, the ensemble should be preserved forever in the Smithsonian. After all, it's an essential reminder of our shoulder-padded youth.

Adventures in Babysitting turned thirty this year. Reaching the point in your life where you can add thirty years to the age you were when you first saw a movie is utterly depressing. Eh, let's not wallow in our own decaying states. Instead, let's celebrate a little film that meant something to many of us as children, even if today its flaws are easier to spot (some dated stereotypes being chief among them). Adventures isn't nearly as strong as a couple of other notable "one long, wild night" films—After Hours and Into the Night, both from 1985—but it has an undeniably goofy charm, making for enjoyable repeat viewings. Also, for a certain type of kid in the '80s, the characters were eminently relatable. Maybe you saw yourself in the nerdy kids that Shue was babysitting, or maybe you related to the winningly wholesome and charismatic Shue herself. Either way, if you grew up in '80s American suburbia, it was easy to fall for this film.

So, let's celebrate our collective crush on Elisabeth Shue—coolest babysitter ever. From Karate Kid to Adventures to Back to the Future Part II and III to Cocktail, Shue was everywhere and meant everything to many of us during those years. She was our older and wiser big sister, she was the kind senior girl who never failed to make us feel less invisible. Let's celebrate a young, strapping, mullet-wearing Vincent D'Onofrio, made up to resemble Thor—and then recall that a few years later, after Silence of the Lambs, when we began to see he looked a lot like a proto-Buffalo Bill. Let's celebrate how much we all wanted to have just one crazy night of adventure, with Shue as our guide. Hell, let's celebrate how much we still want that one crazy night of adventure, with Shue as our guide. I mean, we'll never be too old for that, right?

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  1. Susan LeightonNovember 27, 2017 at 8:15 PM

    I had to laugh, Mike. When this movie came out, I was a ready to go to bar hopping! Just turned 21. I am a huge fan of Vincent D'Onofrio. I think he is underrated as an actor and should have won an Academy Award by now.
    As for Elisabeth, I loved her as Sera in Leaving Las Vegas. It was such a heart wrenching film.
    Great retro as usual.

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    Replies
    1. Words Seem Out of PlaceNovember 28, 2017 at 7:19 AM

      Thank you, Susan. I really need to rewatch Leaving Las Vegas, it's been far too long. Shue was excellent in it, you're right about that.

      Delete
  2. Paul SNovember 28, 2017 at 3:16 AM

    Very enjoyable write up. I haven't seen Adventures in Babysitting in years, but I still retain a deep affection for it. I, too, grew up with this film, wearing and tearing my VHS copies till they ceased to function. I remember watching this years later and being shocked to discover that "Thor" was Vincent D'Onofrio, who would play the pudgy Private Pyle in Full Metal Jacket the same year.
    You've inspired me to watch this one (and Into the Night) again, although I'm a little afraid a revisit might tarnish my love for it.
    Thanks for the memories! "Don't f*ck with the babysitter."

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Words Seem Out of PlaceNovember 28, 2017 at 7:18 AM

      I was so into Shue back then, she just gave off such a kind, thoughtful vibe. Plus she's very funny, especially in this film. D'Onofrio is a major talent, I agree. I'm still haunted by his chilling performance in The Cell, a film I haven't seen in about 17 or 18 years!

      Into The Night is essential early Pfeiffer, no question. She's pfabulous in it, as is Goldblum, and I love the film's sweet but melancholy vibe.

      Delete
    2. Words Seem Out of PlaceNovember 28, 2017 at 7:38 AM

      And my goodness, "Don't f*ck with the babysitter!" is an all-time great line, and Shue delivers it perfectly.

      Delete
    3. Words Seem Out of PlaceNovember 28, 2017 at 9:02 AM

      And one more reply, I promise. In honor of your use of the film's standout line, I have now immortalized in GIF format at the bottom of this post. Thank you for the inspiration!

      Delete
    4. Paul SNovember 28, 2017 at 1:11 PM

      I love the GIF, it brightened a miserable night!

      Delete
  3. serenityq2July 19, 2019 at 9:29 PM

    great review. and now its the BEST film of 85. maybe its an age thing, maybe its a taste thing but to this 35 year old, its the best movie ever made. watch it at least twice a year (this year will be 3 times) and always on my birthday. just fills me with happiness and smiles with each watch. never gets boring

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