Oh, that Steve Spears has bitten off more than he can chew, challenging moi to a Fourth of July blog battle about movies. Paraphrasing another 80s' flick: "Isn't that just like a podcaster? Brings a knife to a gunfight." 

Choosing his own weapon, Steve (aka Mr. Stuck in the '80s) wants our choices of his fave decade's most patriotic films. He has five personal picks on his site that should be good for a chuckle. My thoughts on his choices are parenthetically weaved into mine:

1.The Right Stuff (1983) - Like cowboys going west, the Mercury astronauts embodied courage, swagger and determination for a changing and challenged nation. No bombs bursting in air, but the rockets' red glare illuminated the best aspects of us. (As opposed to First Blood, which dimmed them.)

2. Rocky IV (1985) - Are you ready to Cold War rumble? Soviet semi-cyborg Ivan Drago fell harder than the Berlin Wall after Rocky Balboa dished out truth, justice and the American uppercut. Extra credit for the Italian Stallion's star spangled boxing trunks. (And he could kick those teen commandos in Red Dawn all the way to Moscow.)

3. Glory (1989) - Ferris Bueller grows up to lead an African-American brigade into Civil War history. The sacrifice of these troops to preserve the Union - despite racism on both sides of the Mason-Dixon line - is a sterling example of patriotism. (Lou Gossett, Jr. in Iron Eagle had an easier tour of duty as a result.)

4. Born on the Fourth of July (1989) - Nothing is more patriotic than a soldier (Tom Cruise) fighting for his country, unless it is the same soldier realizing a mistaken war and protesting against it. (Calling Cruise's Top Gun patriotic is like calling Paris Hilton another Jane Fonda.)

5. Good Morning, Vietnam (1987) - Compassion is a frequent casualty of war. Not in this flick, in which an irreverent U.S. Armed Force Radio deejay (Robin Williams) demonstrates what sets us apart from the evildoers, when the system allows it to happen. (Therefore, why is the unfriendly fire in Platoon patriotic?)

Click here to see Steve's arguments. Tell us who won the battle. And add your choices too.