Memory Lane: Jumanji (1995)

Jumanji was one of the highlights of my childhood. I've watched it over and over again and it never gets old. Poisonous plants, giant spiders, mad monkeys, heavy rain, agressive pelicans... Whoever played that jungle-themed supernatural game would be entering some serious hardcore safari shit! I used to imagine myself playing that magical board game, it would've been quite an adventure. And I'm sure you all felt the same way if you watched this movie when you were kids.
Based on a children's book, this film is great for intense family fun, packed with graphics that we might consider... laughable, to say the least. But they sure were a great deal back in the 90s! I was fucking impressed! And you know what? Those jungle drums still echo in my mind and send a shudder down my spine. Everytime.

Memory Lane: Now and Then (1995)

Here's a coming-of-age childhood classic! A nostalgia-charged, bittersweet 1990s gem. Now and Then, set in 1970's Georgia, starred four 12-year-old American girls enjoying the most memorable Summer of their lives, which included soda-sipping in diners, vintage bikes, heat, friendship pacts, boys (oh hello, Devon Sawa!), bullies, secrets, crushes, sleepovers, puberty issues, stuffed bras (or taped bras!), midnight meet-ups in THE TREE HOUSE (who wouldn't want a tree house?! specially after watching this flick! tree house > tent) to play truth or dare... and a killer soundtrack (I think of this film whenever I listen to The Archies!).
This movie follows the adolescent adventures of tomboy Roberta (lovely Christina Ricci proved she could go beyond the Wednesday Addams type of role... and even allow a tan!), flirty Teeny, prissy Chrissy and introspective Sam, in the Indiana suburbia. Eventually, they became adults and moved on with their lives separately. The "now" part of the film reunites the friends, now in their thirties (it's 1991!), in their hometown, due to their childhood pact. The four childhood best friends gather together once again while reminiscing about when they were kids. Walking down memory lane, the group relives the small-town Summer of 1970 and all the crazy antics, from the mystery of Dear Johnny to the urban myth of Crazy Pete (this character made me feel so heartbroken...). Not to mention the skinny dipping thrill!
Now and Then features the coolest trends of the early 70s, showcasing retro/kitsch, bright-hued clothes. It also made me believe in life-long friendship, with or without pacts. If this film was not a part of your childhood (regardless of your generation), I feel sorry for you.