I graduated from high school in 1984, and while many things in the world are just the same, many other things are radically different.
First of all, there were no cell phones in 1984. If we wanted to talk to someone on the phone, we either had to be at home or had a dime to put into a pay phone on the corner. And there was also no internet (well, actually there was, but it was a relatively unknown project for the Dept. of Defense). If we wanted to research a topic, we either had to go to the library or reference the family encyclopedia set.
And as far as email was concerned, that was nonexistent. If you wanted to write something to someone, you either had to pass them a note during class or write them a letter and put it in the mail for the postman to deliver.
The drinking age in 1984 was 18, which meant boys and girls went out to the bars to have cocktails, play pool and darts, and feverishly dance. We did not interact through social media apps and spend our time texting the opposite sex. We actually spoke to one another and learned who people really were, not who they were pretending to be behind a digital wall.
And when it came to music, you either had to rely on the radio and the few stations available or you had to carry a suitcase of cassette tapes in your car, which forced you to listen to a select number of artists. And while that approach was limiting, it certainly bred loyalty and familiarity to your favorite bands. Today, every song in history is available through Spotify (which is wonderful), but I miss reading the liner notes and looking at the album art with friends.
Computers in 1984 were large, expensive, and much less powerful compared to today’s compact devices like smartphones, tablets, and laptops. Apple introduced the Macintosh (one of the first personal computers) with its famous “1984” commercial during that year’s Super Bowl, marking a significant milestone in personal computing history and ushering a new era of creativity.
In the healthcare sphere, advances in medical technology, such as robotic surgery, personalized medicine, and telemedicine, have improved diagnosis and treatment options. Many diseases and injuries that would have killed you in 1984 can now be easily treated, and in some cases, cured.
If you wanted to go somewhere in 1984, you either had to walk, drive yourself, take public transportation, or call a cab. Today, you can use Uber or Lyft via your cellphone or hop on an electric scooter. And if you’re really progressive, you can unplug your electric car and take that for a spin.
And while AI was a thing in 1984, it was only in its infancy and barely capable of functioning. Now AI is being integrated into various applications, from voice assistants to autonomous vehicles. And voice AI is so good, that most people can’t tell a real person from the computer.
Shopping has radically changed since 1984. Back then, if you wanted to buy a unique item, you either had to find a catalog or travel to a specialized store. Nowadays, with the luxury of Amazon.com, the world is literally at your fingertips. No matter what you want, Amazon can deliver it to your door in a matter of days (if not the next day!).
Crime is another area that has seen significant change. You could literally get away with murder in 1984, but now, with the advent of DNA evidence gathering, cyber surveillance technology, CCTV cameras, and facial recognition systems, it’s almost impossible for someone to commit a crime without getting caught.
And of course, movies have changed dramatically since 1984. Many things that we thought were funny back in the day would now be considered poor taste. In some cases, that’s a good thing, but overall, there seems to be an oppressive hand on creativity in Hollywood.
In this week’s feature, “Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F,” we revisit the famous Eddie Murphy franchise that first hit theaters in — you guessed it — 1984. The “Beverly Hills Cop “franchise released three films in 10 years, then took a 30-year hiatus before the release of this new installment.
Detroit detective Axel Foley returns to Beverly Hills when his estranged daughter Jane, a defense attorney, becomes embroiled in a dangerous case involving police corruption and a framed client. That’s when dad steps in to cause his usual chaos.
Eddie Murphy continues to have an enduring charm and appeal to audiences, which is largely why this film works. The plot, action, and overall execution are not as robust as the first two films, but solid enough to keep the franchise alive and humming.
Check this one out if you’re in the mood for a little nostalgia mixed in with a contemporary storyline.
A restrained “B” for “Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F,” now available to stream on Netflix.
Got a question or comment for Dom? You can email him at [email protected].
