What makes a throwback a throwback? And I don’t mean the definition. I mean what is it that inspires us to return to something bygone. Something containing a universal experience that can resonate years later. When theaters show movies that were originally released 10, 20+ years ago, it’s an opportunity to watch with new perspective, to challenge previous notions of quality and entertainment. Here I’ll touch on a few movies from the last 80+ years: Taxi Driver, the Dark Knight, & Wizard of Oz. Genre-bending!

I thought I had seen Taxi Driver, especially as a committed Scorcese admirer. From watching Raging Bull 20+ years ago at the historic Roxy Theater, to seeing Goodfellas way too young with my dad, to The Departed multiple times, and on. So I assumed I had seen Taxi Driver. Either I did and forgot a lot or mixed it up with something else. In any case, I had the opportunity to see it recently at a local independent theater, and it was packed. It was half price night, but still packed for a Tuesday. I’m obviously not the only cinephile in DC. It was perfect. Flawed in many ways, but still perfect. By the time the famous scene of “You talkin’ to me?” came on, it was impossible not to be completely absorbed in 1970s NYC – the dirty streets, drugs, exploited sex workers, corrupt cops, phony politicians (maybe not too disparate from 60 years later). There were elements that pushed the boundaries of what would be made today – racist monologues, underage actors in adult situations, idolization of a troubled violent vigilante. And it stays with you for days.

Another (at times melancholic) movie from another time, though more recent, is Dark Night. It was shown on its 15 year anniversary and who wouldn’t jump at the chance to see Heath Ledger’s magnetic Joker again. The opening scene is one that could be taught in film classes (some would argue that it could stand alone as a short film) and sets the tone for a succinct pace. There is melodrama, and some self righteousness, but it wouldn’t be a Batman movie without that. It was starkly apparently that there has been some progressive change since 2008. The entire leading cast was almost entirely white men, with the exception of Morgan Freeman and Maggie Gyllenhaal (with limited script options in her case). It was entertaining and especially cutting to watch Ledger – who didn’t need to steal the scene – he WAS the scene.

Speaking of scene stealers – have you seen a little dog named Toto lately? Be careful because one of film’s best villains may have him! Give Margaret Hamilton an Oscar! Watching the Wizard of Oz after many years was a totally different experience. The witch petrified me as a kid. And now I find her hilarious. How could she have scared me so – was it the music, the bike, the cackle? The movie is a joy ride across munchkin land, complete with conniving wizards and flying monkeys (also not scary now). Judy Garland was put through hell in Hollywood, but she will live on as the resourceful, kind, and very brave Dorothy. It’s ultimately a story about getting lost and finding your way home. With a really fun pair of shoes.

New movies are great (and there are so many right now: Joy Ride & Barbie!) but go back and watch some old ones. Classics or not. You may change your mind about them.

Honorable mention: Scream, Elf, The Guest, Vertigo.