The Worst to Best Ranking of Robert Zemeckis Films

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#2 in my ranking of Robert Zemeckis films.

Reflecting on my perspective of storytelling, I’ve made it clear that I find themes to be the most captivating aspect while plots are comparatively less engaging. However, movies like “Back to the Future” prove that this is simply a matter of personal taste, as this film is primarily plot-driven and has captured the hearts of many. The reason it works so well is due to Zemeckis’ unique handling of a storyline-heavy production. From his early days with “I Wanna Hold Your Hand,” it’s been evident that the duo of Zemeckis and Gale enjoyed crafting characters with distinct personalities and placing them in intricate plots with well-defined objectives to propel them forward. These relatable characters serve as the lubricant, ensuring the plot runs smoothly, contributing significantly to the film’s success. During their time at film school, the two were immersed in a community that admired the French New Wave, but they had a passion for creating light-hearted Hollywood films. With “Back to the Future,” they achieved this goal spectacularly.

An intriguing aspect of Marty McFly is that he doesn’t undergo a personal transformation in this movie. Instead, he gains some insights about his parents, yet these insights don’t significantly alter him. At the end of the film, he remains the same individual as at the beginning. This contradicts typical screenwriting principles, but it effectively works due to the thrilling journey Marty embarks on. The plot presents him with a challenge (traveling back in time from 1985 to 1955), which requires him to find solutions. Along the way, he encounters various hurdles that he must surmount, including damaging his own parents’ unremarkable and imperfect relationship. This is where character development occurs, primarily in characters who have a direct connection to Marty and his return journey.

As a die-hard fan, I’d rephrase it like this: “In the thrilling tale, Marty and my all-time favorite scientist buddy, Doc Brown, find themselves in trouble after Libyan attackers strike at Doc’s groundbreaking time machine test, ingeniously designed inside a futuristic DeLorean. This creative choice not only adds an electrifying time travel element to the story but also fuels the heart-pounding action. The climax is equally exhilarating, with Doc meeting his unfortunate end and Marty narrowly escaping, only to be accidentally hurled back in time without any backup fuel. Before he even has a chance to strategize, he encounters both of his parents in this bizarre, sunny, yet terrifying alternate reality that I desperately need to flee.

In a skilful blend, the protagonist’s adventure into the unknown world and his insights into his parents’ youth are artfully woven together, ensuring the narrative never seems slow or aimless. The rapid unfolding of events leading to his parents’ union, although brief, gives Marty a personal incentive to engage in their relationship from the start. The enigmatic 1955 Doc Brown motivates this engagement due to vague fears about the universe’s end and concerns for Marty’s own survival, as he is destined to vanish if things aren’t rectified. The objectives are evident and align with Marty’s character, making it easy for the audience to accompany him on this time-traveling adventure. It doesn’t matter that Marty doesn’t transform; what matters is that the audience likes him and supports his struggle as he overcomes one challenge after another, all while embarking on a journey that is exciting yet well-defined.

Marty needs to outline his course of action, which involves both preparing for the time-travel lightning strike with Doc and mending the broken relationship he damaged. Meanwhile, George’s character undergoes transformation as he moves beyond a potential romance with Loraine, instead learning to win her affections. This growth, surprisingly guided by his self-assured son, transforms George into a more confident individual.

In this movie, the intricate plot resembling a puzzle and surpassing the complexity achieved by Zemeckis and Gale in their previous works is beautifully resolved during the climax. The clock tower introduced at the beginning, the malfunctioning DeLorean starter, the tree landing on the cable, the visual reference to Harold Lloyd’s iconic pose from Safety Last! and a clock at the start of the film, among other elements, seamlessly align in a harmonious fashion. As we watch Marty and Doc triumph over all obstacles to achieve their aim, it provides a satisfying emotional release.

The movie clearly showcases the signature style of Zemeckis and Gale at their best, being both entertaining and well-executed. The initial wide shot, which presents Doc’s workshop, mirrors Hitchcock’s opening shot in “Rear Window,” offering intriguing insights into characters and plot elements subtly. The pace is brisk, avoiding any drag caused by excessive details, instead propelling the narrative effectively. It’s full of energy, enjoyable, and skillfully put together. Essentially, Zemeckis and Gale are having a blast with this production, and they generously include the audience in their fun ride.

Rating: 4/4

In response to being queried repeatedly by Back to the Future enthusiasts, Tom Wilson (characterized as Biff) chose to express his answers musically, composing a song instead. Truly impressive!

— All The Right Movies (@ATRightMovies) July 12, 2022

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2025-01-24 00:30