The phrase “new classics” seems like an oxymoron.  I mean, how can something be new and a classic at the same time?  According to Merriam-Webster, it can mean something from the ancient Greeks or Romans; a standard of excellence; and historically memorable, among other definitions.  However, there are things, such as hit songs from the 80s, which while not falling into any of those three categories do seem to be classic.

One specific example for me is The Breakfast Club.  For people of my age, it was a movie that defined our generation. We could identify with all of the characters and their perceptions of teenage life.  As a favorite movie from my teen years, I watched it with two of my teens recently and wondered if it would impact them similarly.  The answer:  it did.  At home the other day my 15 year old daughter was flipping through channels, saw the movie, and asked her friend if she’d seen the movie.  Hearing no, she suggested they watch it, because it was that good.

So, this movie, which is only 28 years old, has withstood almost three decades of change and still rings true.  Doesn’t that qualify it as a classic, just of a newer persuasion?  I think so.  Promoting this line of thinking, we have created a new category for reviews on Flick Rev, our movie publication.  On a biweekly basis we will be publishing a classic movie review, which will highlight a movie that is 25 years or older.  While I am sure there will be movies that are much older than that, I also encourage the review of newer movies that made an impact.

What do you think?  Does my praise fall too soon for these movies?  Should more time pass before anything be considered a classic?  Or am I right in my thinking?  I’d love to hear your thoughts.  Please feel free to share in the comments.