Overview:
It’s been 40 years since the release of “Back to the Future.” It’s a classic film loved by many. It’s interesting to look at what makes this film so unique.
“We’re sending you back to the future!” That was a line spoken in “Back to the Future.” Fans are ecstatic that this film is returning to theaters. It will show in a variety of formats. Many people regard “Back to the Future” as a classic. The movie, which is celebrating its 40th anniversary, is timeless.
“Back to the Future” has reached many generations of people. Many were born well after the movie made its way to the big screen. Comic-Con goers cosplay as many of the film’s characters. People still chant catchphrases such as “Great Scott” and “Hello McFly.” It’s interesting to look at what makes “Back to the Future” such a timeless classic.
One thing that makes “Back to the Future” stand out is its characters and cast. Additionally, there are meaningful themes in the film.
Michael J. Fox/Marty McFly
Marty McFly is the protagonist in “Back to the Future.” He is a skateboarding teenager with dreams of becoming a rock star. A DeLorean time machine accidentally sends him to 1955. He faces two challenges. He must make his parents fall in love with each other. Additionally, he must get back to 1985.
Michael J. Fox portrays the character of Marty McFly. He is perfect for the role. “Back to the Future” is a film that combines certain elements. These include drama, comedy, action, and adventure. Marty McFly is the main character. Therefore, the actor’s portrayal of him must maintain a balance of fun and seriousness. Michael J. Fox showcases this juxtaposition.
Christopher Lloyd/Doc Brown
Christopher Lloyd skillfully portrayed Dr. Emmett Brown, also known as Doc Brown. Like Marty McFly, Doc Brown must be comical but, at the same time, earnest. The way Christopher Lloyd portrays him conveys information to the audience. It conveys that Doc Brown is eccentric. However, it also shows his drive.
Lea Thompson/Lorraine Baines
The character of Lorraine Baines is Marty McFly’s mother. Lea Thompson portrayed three versions of this character. The first being the version where she is miserable. Then, when going back in time, Lorraine was a teenager. The third version is the happier Lorraine at the end of the film.
Crispin Glover/George McFly
Crispin Glover plays George McFly, Marty’s father, to the T. At the beginning of the movie, he is a bullied adult. However, in the end, it’s the opposite. George McFly is a confident, successful man. It’s like Lea Thompson’s efforts playing Lorraine Baines. It takes a certain type of actress or actor to show the contrast of the same character.
Biff Tannen/Thomas F. Wilson
Then, there’s Biff Tannen. Thomas F. Wilson plays the ultimate bully. He is big, imposing, and mean. His words and actions leave the audience waiting for his comeuppance. Thomas F. Wilson had to play Biff as a bully in 1985. Then, portray the same characteristics of him in 1955. In the end, he plays Biff as nice and having been humbled.
The other cast did a great job, also. Even some of the extras in “Back to the Future” are memorable. The film’s character dialogue reveals these themes.
Themes of “Back to the Future”
Fearing Rejection
Marty McFly is a musician. However, Marty’s school rejects his band. Therefore, they can’t play at their school dance. Afterwards, Marty talks with Jennifer. “I just don’t think I’m cut out for music,” he tells her. Jennifer tries to convince him to turn in his audition tape to a record company. However, Marty is afraid of being rejected again.
As mentioned, the DeLorean time machine sends Marty back in time. He must make his parents fall in love. However, it won’t be easy. First, he helps his dad, George, gain self-confidence.
Ironically, Marty finds George saying something that he himself had said. This involved the fear of rejection. George feared sharing his science fiction stories with others. He was worried that people might not like them. However, there’s an even bigger rejection that George fears. He’s scared of being rejected by Lorraine Baines.
Avoiding Confrontations
Before Marty goes back in time, we see his home life. His father, George, is bullied by his boss, Biff. Marty is disappointed. Therefore, George must apologize. “I’m afraid I’m just not very good at confrontations,” he says to Marty.
In 1955, Marty sees bullies tormenting his father. Biff, George’s future supervisor, is mean to him at school. The same things that Biff says to him in the first version of 1985 are repeated. These are the well-known phrases like “Hello McFly.”
Sticking up for Yourself
Marty repeats Doc Brown’s words to George in 1955. “If you put your mind to it, you can accomplish anything.” George ends up standing up to Biff. After a confrontation, George emerges the victor. He also wins the love of Lorraine. George gained self-confidence by sticking up for himself. Additionally, he found that fearing asking out Lorraine was unwarranted.
Overcoming Rejection
Marty faces challenges in 1955. Most of it centers around his parents’ school dance. George has stood up to Biff. Meanwhile, there’s a band playing.
Marty is in a hurry because he’s got to go back to 1985. But the guitarist for the band hurt his hand. He’s unable to continue playing. The dance is what prompted his parents to kiss for the first time. Therefore, it must go on. Marty takes the guitarist’s place.
Ironically, Marty’s high school rejected his band for the school dance. However, he’s playing at his parents’. George and Lorraine kiss. Marty plays a version of Chuck Berry’s “Johnny B. Goode” and gets the crowd rocking. At this time, rock and roll was just on the horizon.
Afterwards, Marty does make it back to 1985. However, playing at the dance was his opportunity to finally shine. Most importantly, he won’t fear rejection as much. Additionally, George won’t either.
“Back to the Future” Re-Release
“Back to the Future” will be re-released in theaters nationwide for a limited run on October 31, 2025. It will be shown in the following premium formats: IMAX, Dolby Cinema, 4DX, and D-Box. Tickets are on sale now. You can check showings by going to https://www.fandango.com/back-to-the-future-40th-anniversary-2025-241898/movie-overview or https://www.imax.com/movie/back-to-the-future-40th-anniversary.
Sources:
Back to the Future. (1985). Directed by Robert Zemeckis.
Johnny B. Goode. (1958). Sung by Chuck Berry.
https://www.polygon.com/back-to-the-future-imax-theaters-release-october-2025
https://screencrush.com/back-to-the-future-40th-anniversary-screenings
https://www.fandango.com/back-to-the-future-40th-anniversary-2025-241898/movie-overview
https://www.imax.com/movie/back-to-the-future-40th-anniversary
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