8 Even More Forgotten Films From The 80’s You’ve Probably Never Heard Of

5. Zapped (1982)

Zapped There has been a few 80's teen comedies that have survived the test of time. Titles like Weird Science, Revenge of the Nerds and the Porkys trilogy have gone on to be experienced by subsequent generations and have become part of pop culture. But there have been a few gems that have fallen through the cracks. Zapped is one of them. Unlike some of those that rightfully deserve to be forgotten, this story about a teenager who develops telekinesis after a laboratory accident is quite charming and has all the right elements to be classed as part of those that have gone on to achieve cult status. Topless cheerleaders, the nerdy girl who is in fact the hottest female in school, the obnoxious yet kind rich friend who only has his best interests at heart and the goofy parents who completely misunderstand their beloved child. This all combines into a quirky yet funny coming of age tale, directed in a similar vein not unlike another 80's survivor Better Off Dead, and shares many heartwarming similarities in style that you can only smile at. Starring the "cheaper version" of the two Coreys, television stars Scott Baio and Willie Aames, best known for their respective roles as members of the cast on Charles in Charge, Zapped features many memorable scenes, including a nice but unusual homage to Star Trek, using the Millenium Falcon as the tool no less. Quite ingenius actually, even for a Trekkie like me. With a good support cast (that includes Scatman Crothers from Stanley Kubrick's The Shining) who all put in decent performances for an 80's teen romp comedy (more so then most from that era), it is a wonder why this has been forgotten by fans of of the genre when it should be sitting alongside their counterparts (like Better Off Dead) in any 80's comedy collection. Just don't bother with the sequel that is God awful. Most likely the reason why the original was all but buried in the annals of movie history, never to return.
 
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Passions in life: Movies, Music and Wrestling....My childhood was spent growing up in the "Outback" of Australia (I'm a little bit country) and my adulthood resided within the city limits (I'm a little bit rock and roll), so you could say that I am the best (or worst) of both worlds. A 6 foot 7 ex wannabe pro wrestler (whose career was cut short due to a busted back, NOT caused by wrestling) & muso who has a precocious cat & a habit of doing the wrong thing but for the right reasons. The story of my life???? All demos, no albums ;)