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  • Shrunken Heads (1994)

    Shrunken Heads (1994)

    [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”2_3,1_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]In 1972, Richard Elfman formed The Mystic Knights of Oingo Boingo, a musical theater troupe that ran for several years. However, his passions turned towards filmmaking, and he made his brother Danny the leader, who formed the band Oingo Boingo. Meanwhile, Richard set off to make his first feature film, the musical comedy Forbidden Zone in 1980. Despite negative reviews and poor box office, the film gained a considerable cult following thanks to midnight showings. Years later, Zone‘s co-writer Matthew Bright got a job working for Full Moon Features, writing Dark Angel: The Ascent. Bright had another screenplay called The Call of Mr. Sumatra, and he convinced Charles Band to have Richard Elfman direct. Charles had huge plans for this film, even announcing this would be Full Moon’s first theatrical release. Retitled Shrunken Heads, the film had a brief theatrical run in May 1994 before going to video that October.

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    Synopsis

    Tommy Larson (Aeryk Egan) is a good-natured kid who spends time hanging with his pal Bill Turner (Bo Sharon). They also make friends with the new kid Freddie Thompson (Darris Love), through their shared love of comic books. Unfortunately, the boys are the targets of a local gang called The Vipers, led by Vinnie Benedetti (A.J. Damato). It turns out that Vinnie is working for local mob boss Big Moe (Meg Foster) and wants to prove himself. However, Vinnie gets in trouble when the boys videotape his gang and try stealing money slips from Moe. Vinne kills the boys to prove his loyalty, but the local witch doctor Mr. Sumatra (Julius Harris) has his plans. Sumatra revives the boys as shrunken heads with unique abilities to exact revenge on their killers and destroy evil. But as Tommy, Bill, and Freddie follow Sumatra’s order, their humanity starts to fade.

     

    Review

    Reportedly, this was going to be Full Moon’s first theatrical release, and I can see it doing reasonably well. Compared to most other Full Moon projects around this time, Shrunken Heads is easily one of their most ambitious. It looks incredible for a film that cost $800,000, thanks to the production design and Richard Elfman’s direction. Elfman gives the movie a distinct comic book style mixed with some film noir elements circa the 1940s. There are also some impressive miniatures used to create cityscapes, and a motorized motion camera help bring them to life. Everyone from the kids to the veteran does a fantastic job, with Meg Foster and Julius Harris being the highlights. Foster is believable as an androgynous gangster who exhibits all the familiar traits while subverting them. This movie was Harris’ last film role before his death in 2004, and he made the most of it.

    Egan, Sharon, and Love work as friends, just trying to have fun while dodging the bullies and navigating the streets. A.J. Damato has fun as the stereotypical greaser bully, though he has moments where he doubts what he’s doing. Rebecca Herbst also does a solid job as Tommy’s love interest Sally, and she has terrific chemistry with Egan. Once the boys become the shrunken heads, it becomes a free-for-all as they fly around and exact their revenge. Admittedly, this is where the film’s lack of budget shows, namely in the compositing shots of the heads flying. The sequences are about on par with the compositing in Dollman, and they add to the film’s campy charm. Adding to that charm is the appropriately haunting theme by Danny Elfman and the eerie score by Richard Band. Overall, Shrunken Heads is an underrated gem in Full Moon’s catalog worth checking out.

     

    Buy Shrunken Heads from:

    Disclosure: The above link is an affiliate link, which means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.

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    Where to watch Shrunken Heads (1994)

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  • Thor: Love and Thunder (2022)

    Thor: Love and Thunder (2022)

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    On a $180 million budget, Thor: Ragnarok grossed over $850 million worldwide, becoming the 9th highest-grossing film of 2017. On top of that, the film earned the series’ highest ratings, earning a 93% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Given the overwhelming success, the executives at Marvel approached filmmaker Taika Waititi to direct the next installment. Though his contract stated he would retire after Avengers: Endgame, Chris Hemsworth stayed on so long as Waititi stuck around. At San Diego Comic-Con 2019, Marvel president Kevin Feige announced the fourth film planned for a release in November 2021. Along with Hemsworth and Tessa Thompson, Natalie Portman agreed to return after leaving the series following Thor: The Dark World. They planned to start filming in late 2020 but pushed it back to early 2021 due to the COVID-19 Pandemic. After premiering in June 2022, Thor: Love and Thunder hit theaters nationwide that July.

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    Synopsis

    After palling around with the Guardians of the Galaxy for a while, Thor (Chris Hemsworth) feels empty and alone. However, he learns that someone called Gorr the God Butcher (Christian Bale) has been killing various gods. His old friend Sif (Jamie Alexander) warns Thor that Gorr’s next target will be New Asgard, so he flies off. Upon his arrival, he and Valkyrie (Tessa Thompson) battle with shadow monsters summoned by Gorr’s Necrosword. During the fight, Thor sees his old hammer, Mjolnir, being wielded by his ex-girlfriend Dr. Jane Foster (Natalie Portman). After Gorr kidnaps several Asgardian children, Thor and co travel to Omnipotence City to recruit other gods for help. Unfortunately, Zeus (Russell Crowe) rejects their plea, so our heroes steal his thunderbolt and head out to save the children. Will they successfully defeat Gorr and rescue the children, or will they be the God Butcher’s next victims?

     

    Review

    Unfortunately, Thor: Love and Thunder is a step down in quality compared to the last movie though not without merits. For one, Chris Hemsworth offers the same level of charm and charisma we’ve come to expect as Thor. Also, Christian Bale makes for one of the better MCU villains, playing Gorr as a tragic yet terrifying figure. Surprisingly, Natalie Portman seems to be enjoying her time here, at least compared to Thor: The Dark World. While she appeared to be waiting for the check to clear in that movie, she seems much more lively here. Portman has excellent chemistry with Hemsworth, and she manages to be both all-powerful and vulnerable as a character. Like any great Marvel movie, this one has plenty of fun action sequences that get more exciting. The soundtrack is a solid blend of synth and 80s rock, particularly some of Guns N’ Roses’ best hits.

    Sadly, just like most MCU movies in recent years, this one doubles down on the humor to its detriment. Thor: Ragnarok had plenty of jokes, but Taika Waititi balanced the comedy with the more dramatic scenes. But here, it feels like five minutes of screentime can’t go by without some gag or quip sprinkled in. Admittedly, some jokes stick the landing, but even the best jokes get dragged to the ground after a while. The worst is when the heroes go to Omnipotence City, where they try cramming as many sight gags as possible. It’s another instance of tonal inconsistency plaguing many MCU movies, and I hope it gets resolved soon. While the Marvel Cinematic Universe is known for its humor, I hope they get better at balancing the tone. Overall, Thor: Love and Thunder is enjoyable enough, but it feels like a step in the wrong direction.

    [/et_pb_text][et_pb_code _builder_version=”4.17.6″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]Buy your tickets now to watch “Thor: Love & Thunder” playing in theaters starting July 8th![/et_pb_code][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.17.6″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]

    Disclosure: The above link is an affiliate link, which means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.

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  • Pieces (1982)

    Pieces (1982)

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    After graduating from the Madrid Film School, aspiring filmmaker Juan Piquer Simon directed 1964’s España Violenta, aka Violent Spain. The short was about the Spanish Civil War and was so controversial that the fascist government had Simon arrested. In 1977, Simon made his first fictional film, Where Time Began, based on the novel by Jules Verne. The film received US distribution through American International Pictures, where Simon met producers Samuel Arkoff and Dick Randall. Simon continued working with Randall on movies like Supersonic Man and Mystery on Monster Island, another Jules Verne adaptation. It was the early 1980s, and slasher films like Friday the 13th made huge profits at the box office. Wanting to capitalize on this, producers Randall and Steve Minasian asked Simon to direct a slasher film called Jigsaw. Simon agreed, and his first horror film, Pieces, premiered in Spain in 1982 and in the US in 1983.

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    Synopsis

    At a Boston college, a mysterious figure is stalking and killing various girls with a chainsaw in a gruesome fashion. Lt. Bracken (Christopher George) and his partner, Sgt Holden (Frank Braña), are hot on the case. They interview various staff members, including Dean Foley (Edmund Purdom) and Professor Brown (Jack Taylor), who they suspect is responsible. To help with the investigation, Bracken enlists local student Kendall (Ian Sera) and former tennis player Mary Riggs (Linda Day). After each murder, the killer takes various body parts off his victims, such as their arms and legs. As the body count continues, numerous suspects begin to emerge, including the groundskeeper Willard (Paul L. Smith). Who is this mysterious co-ed killer, and why are they taking pieces of their victims? Also, who randomly attacks people in the middle of the night because of lousy chop suey?

     

    Review

    While American slasher films like The Prowler and The Burning were gruesome, Pieces takes it to a new level. The kills have a vicious quality that could only come from foreign slasher films, both in gore and tone. From the schoolgirl getting decapitated with a chainsaw to the reporter getting a knife through her mouth, they’re something else. The filmmakers manage to make the kills insanely bloody in a cartoonish way while mixing in some genuine sleaze. In one of the film’s most infamous kills, the victim urinates herself right before getting sliced in half. The movie works in some Giallo qualities, namely the cloaked figure with black gloves and how everyone is a suspect. Everyone has unique qualities that make them stand out and give you reasons to think they might be guilty. Could it be the neurotic professor, the womanizing student, or the standoffish dean?

    The late great Christopher George, who was the gym coach in the movie Graduation Day, is terrific as always. He has enough charisma and smartass quips to make him believable as a cop, and his scenes are a treat. Character actor Edmund Purdom from Absurd does a good job playing an unassuming dean that slowly reveals his dark secrets. Admittedly, Linda Day, aka Lynda Day George, is about as good at acting as she is at playing tennis. Also, it’s probably just the bad dubbing, but Ian Sera comes off a bit bland as the oddly womanizing Kendall. There are some dead spots during the film’s hour and twenty-five-minute runtime, but it never feels dull. It helps that the score, which is mainly composed of stock music, helps add a creepy feeling to the proceedings. Overall, Pieces is, like the tagline says, exactly what you think it is.

     

    Buy Pieces from Amazon: https://amzn.to/39vVJlM.

    Disclosure: The above link is an affiliate link, which means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.

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  • Citizen Kane (1941)

    Citizen Kane (1941)

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    After he found success on Broadway with his Mercury Theater, a young Orson Welles caught Hollywood’s attention in 1936. Following his controversial radio broadcast of “War of the Worlds” in 1938, Welles got a very lucrative offer. RKO Pictures, most well-known for producing King Kong, offered him a two-picture deal that guaranteed complete creative control. Welles wanted to adapt Joseph Conrad’s Heart of Darkness for his first project, but things stalled due to budgetary constraints. Around this time, Welles collaborated with screenwriter Herman J. Mankiewicz, who suggested an idea based on William Randolph Hearst. Hearst was a newspaper tycoon notorious for his yellow journalism, political ties and ambitions, and extravagant lifestyle. With a budget of around $800,000, Welles gathered his Mercury Theater players for one of Hollywood’s most ambitious films. After premiering at the Palace Theater in May 1941, Citizen Kane hit theater screens nationwide that September.

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    Synopsis

    Newspaper tycoon Charles Foster Kane (Orson Welles) is on his deathbed alone in his massive mansion, Xanadu. His last words, “Rosebud,” lead to local reporter Jerry Thompson (William Alland) investigating what exactly Kane meant. Thompson interviews Kane’s manager Mr. Bernstein (Everett Sloane), old friend Jedediah Leland (Joseph Cotten), and ex-wife Susan Alexander (Dorothy Comingore). Through these interviews, Thompson learns about Kane’s rise to power through gold mining and acquiring the New York Inquirer. During his rise, Kane married Emily Norton (Ruth Warrick), the niece of the then US president. Unfortunately, he sold his newspaper after the stock market crash, and his marriage disintegrated following an affair with Susan Alexander. The experience hurt Kane’s chances of running for public office, and Susan eventually left him due to his controlling ways. But the question remains, “Who or what is Rosebud and what was its significance to Charles Foster Kane?”

     

    Review

    Over 80 years after its release, Citizen Kane has been discussed, dissected, and examined by every film scholar and critic. Considering how much has already been written about the film, I’m unsure what else I can offer. That said, it’s easy to see why Citizen Kane often ranks as one of the greatest films ever made. For a first-time filmmaker without prior experience, Orson Welles shows a lot of promise as a compelling visual storyteller. Admittedly, Welles borrowed many of the techniques used from other movies, which he fully admitted in numerous interviews. That said, how he uses these techniques, such as deep focus and low-angle shots, makes it unique. Welles and cinematographer Gregg Toland use them to create a heightened sense of reality that strips away any artificial qualities. This sense is further exemplified by the sound design, where dialogue between characters overlaps and sound effects transition between shots.

    Beyond the technical qualities, the story and how it’s told make this film stand out from its contemporaries. Long before Quentin Tarantino used nonlinear storytelling in Pulp Fiction, Welles told his story through flashbacks from multiple people. Additionally, while a rise to power story was typical back then, adding the character’s downfall was unheard of. Whereas most movies back then ended happily, this one didn’t have the protagonist living happily but dying broke and alone. It helps that, alongside writing and directing, Welles is a charismatic actor that comes off as sympathetic and villainous. It’s easy to see how power and wealth corrupted Kane, but you also feel sorry for what becomes of him. While Welles is at the forefront, the rest of the cast does an excellent job recounting his story. Overall, Citizen Kane is an entertainingly poignant examination of one man’s rise to fall that deserves its acclaim.

     

    Buy Citizen Kane from Amazon: https://amzn.to/3NJdewO.

    Disclosure: The above link is an affiliate link, which means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.

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    Where to watch Citizen Kane (1941)

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  • Girls’ School Screamers (1986)

    Girls’ School Screamers (1986)

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    Being a fan of low-budget horror/science-fiction films from the 1950s-60s, John P. Finnegan wanted to make his own. He raised $100,000 from a group of friends to fund his independent project, but he didn’t know the technical side. For the crew, Finnegan held a talk at NYU to recruit film students to work on his new horror film. Under the title The Portrait, Finnegan gathered his cast and crew to film for four weeks in Philadelphia. Given that most of the cast and crew came out of film school, this would be their first professional credit. Since many horror movies back then had blood and gore, Finnegan avoided those to make his film stand out. After post-production wrapped, Finnegan took the film to New York, where Troma bought it for distribution. However, Troma edited new gore scenes into the movie and released it as Girls’ School Screamers.

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    Synopsis

    Seven students from Trinity College, an all-girls school, must stay at the Welles mansion to catalog an old art collection. Among them are Jackie (Mollie O’Mara), Elizabeth (Sharon Christopher), Kate (Mari Butler), Karen (Beth O’Malley), and Susan (Karen Krevitz). Alongside Adelle (Marcia Hinton) and Rosemary (Monica Antonucci), they work on cataloging with Sister Mary Urban (Vera Gallagher) watches them. That night, the girls hold a seance to contact Jennifer Welles, a former student who supposedly died in the mansion. Unfortunately, the seance seems to awaken some kind of ancient evil in the manor as the girls get picked off. Jackie’s boyfriend Paul (Peter Cosimano) and his friend Bruce (John Turner) arrive to help, but they too fall victim. After stumbling across a portrait of Jennifer, Jackie learns more about her and discovers a horrible secret about her death. But just who or what is killing her fellow students?

     

    Review

    While it’s not technically terrible, Girls’ School Screamers is a woefully uninteresting watch, which might be worse. Granted, it’s not as insufferable to sit through as Igor and the Lunatics, but it isn’t hilariously awful either. None of the girls stand out in any way, and you’ll have difficulty remembering their names. I had to go to the movie’s Wikipedia page to remind myself which girl was which. Also, once the girls get to the mansion, it grinds to a halt as they wander through the hallways. It’s not until the last 20 minutes or so that things start to pick up. Even then, it’s hard to care since nothing has happened for the previous 60 minutes. I can see what the filmmakers were going for in trying to create a suspenseful mystery/ghost story. Unfortunately, the execution leaves a lot to be desired.

    However, that’s not to say that this movie lacks any positive qualities, as there are a few noteworthy aspects. For one, the location they picked out looks excellent and almost feels like a character in its own right. There are also a few scenes where they build up plenty of suspense and tension to make them feel ominous. While some would view Troma’s reediting as backstabbing, I feel like the added gore scenes helped in the long run. These 28 seconds of violence caught my attention and got me invested in what was happening. Also, for all I said about the cast, it does feel like they’re trying their best as non-actors. Even if it’s not the most engaging film, you can tell the people behind it were putting in the effort. Overall, Girls’ School Screamers is a mess, but there are far worse ways to spend eighty-five minutes.

     

    Buy Girls’ School Screamers from Amazon as part of The Sexy Box: https://amzn.to/3QOuEei.

    Disclosure: The above link is an affiliate link, which means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.

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  • Elvis (2022)

    Elvis (2022)

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    Elvis Aaron Presley was not only one of the greatest musicians in history but also a worldwide pop culture icon. Often nicknamed “The King of Rock and Roll,” Elvis sold over 500 million copies worldwide and won three Grammy awards. Sadly, prescription drug abuse and poor eating habits led to his untimely death in 1977 at 42. Two years after Elvis’ death, John Carpenter directed a made-for-TV movie about his life with Kurt Russell in the lead. In April 2014, Warner Bros announced that they had entered negotiations with filmmaker Baz Luhrmann for a new biopic. In 2019, the studio cast Tom Hanks to play Colonel Tom Parker, and Austin Butler got the lead role. Filming began in January 2020 in Australia but stalled when Hanks and his wife Rita Wilson tested positive for COVID-19. Despite some other delays, Elvis finally hit the big screen in June 2022.

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    Synopsis

    While on his deathbed in 1997, Colonel Tom Parker (Tom Hanks) recounts how he discovered Elvis Presley (Austin Butler). In his early years, Parker was a huckster who worked at carnivals managing country singer Hank Snow (David Wenham). One day, he heard Elvis on the radio and was so impressed that he convinced Elvis to hire him. At first, things are going great for the budding rock star, but his music catches the ire of conservatives. Many parents and politicians see his music as a tool of Satan, corrupting the youth and promoting integration. Parker convinces the government to enlist Elvis into the army to try and clean up his act. While overseas, Elvis falls in love with Priscilla Beaulieu (Olivia DeJonge) and marries her once he returns home. But as Elvis’ career keeps growing, signs point to Parker having more control over him than once thought.

     

    Review

    Even if you’re not a massive fan of his music, you can’t deny Elvis Presley’s impact on pop culture. With this new movie, Baz Luhrmann deconstructs the myth and shows more of the human side of this rock star. Much like Rocketman, you see Elvis at his best and worst moments, and it’s just as raw and hard-hitting. Austin Butler does a fantastic job portraying the legendary rock star, bringing a lot of humanity to the role. After a while, you forget that it’s an actor and believe Elvis himself is in the movie. Tom Hanks also does a great job as Colonel Parker, coming off as manipulative and two-faced while also seeming innocent. Given his unique theatrical style, Luhrmann was the perfect choice to tell Elvis’ story and match his elegance. He captures the period’s look nearly perfectly without going too overboard.

    Admittedly, how they tell the story can be scattered and disorganized as it switches between Parker and Presley. The point is to show the events from two different perspectives, but it can sometimes be confusing to follow along. While Olive DeJonge is good as Elvis’ wife, she’s introduced roughly halfway into the film and doesn’t do much. The same applies to many of the other side characters, who just come and go at a moment’s notice. Also, at two hours and thirty-nine minutes in length, parts of the movie seem to drag out longer than they should. Then again, the film has a fast-enough pace that you’re never bored and there’s always something happening. Even if the movie’s slightly disjointed, it’s still an excellent deconstruction of an icon that deals with manipulation and greed. Overall, Elvis is a stylish film with great performances that fans and non-fans can enjoy.

     

    Buy Elvis from Amazon: https://amzn.to/4r3obyc.

    Disclosure: The above link is an affiliate link, which means that, at no additional cost, I will earn a commission if you click through the link and make a purchase.

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    Where to watch Elvis (2022)

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  • Space Cowboys (2000)

    Space Cowboys (2000)

    [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ fullwidth=”on” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_fullwidth_header title=”Special Review” subhead=”This review is a special request from Patreon supporter BodaciousCNO. If you’d like to support me on Patreon, click the button below.” text_orientation=”center” button_one_text=”Visit Patreon” button_one_url=”https://www.patreon.com/filmnerd” background_overlay_color=”#f96854″ _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” title_level=”h2″ background_color=”#f96854″ custom_button_one=”on” button_one_bg_color=”#052d49″ custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_padding=”25px||25px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_fullwidth_header][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”2_3,1_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]

    After working as an actor for many years, Clint Eastwood transitioned to directing with 1971’s Play Misty for Me. While he continued acting, Eastwood would go back and forth between going in front of and behind the camera. 1992 saw the release of Eastwood’s largest directorial effort, Unforgiven, which won the Oscars for Best Director and Best Picture. His career in the 1990s exploded as he directed five more films and a music video during the decade. Around the end of the decade, Eastwood got a script from writers Ken Kaufman and Howard Klausner about space exploration. Clint initially planned to star and produce, but when potential directors dropped out, he decided to take on that role. With a budget of $65 million, Eastwood set out to make an effects-heavy film, something he’d never done before. In August 2000, Space Cowboys soared its way onto theater screens in North America.

    [/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_circle_counter title=”Rating” number=”80″ bar_bg_color=”#7CDA24″ _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_circle_counter][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]

    Synopsis

    NASA discovers that a Soviet communication satellite, IKON, is decaying from orbit and is about to crash onto Earth. Unfortunately, none of the engineers know how to work with the satellite’s outdated technology, so they seek outside help. Agent Sara Holland (Marcia Gay Harden) goes to recruit former engineer Frank Corvin (Clint Eastwood) to assist them. Corvin agrees if they also recruit his former teammates from “Team Daedalus,” which attempted to fly men to the moon. Among the team are William “Hawk” Hawkins (Tommy Lee Jones), Jerry O’Neill (Donald Sutherland), and “Tank” Sullivan (James Garner). Their former boss Bob Gerson (James Cromwell), who’s now a project manager, wants the team to shadow younger astronauts. However, once the press gets wind of what’s happening, the four will be working alongside the younger astronauts. Once the team launches into space, they soon learn they’ve got something more significant in-store.

     

    Review

    Space Cowboys is an entertaining drama with some science-fiction elements, featuring some of Hollywood’s finest actors. Clint Eastwood, Tommy Lee Jones, Donald Sutherland, and James Garner make the film worth watching. They feel like old friends with a long history together, and it’s great seeing them work together. Each guy has their defining characteristics, such as Sutherland being a ladies’ man and Eastwood arguing with Cromwell. The rest of the cast is also great, particularly Marcia Gay Harden and James Cromwell. A romance develops between Jones and Harden, which comes out of nowhere, but they make it believable. Once they enter space, the film switches genres, but it’s built up to where it doesn’t feel out of place. The visual effects have held up surprisingly well for a movie made twenty years ago, and the CGI looks good. The finale is exciting and has some hard-hitting moments.

    Admittedly, the plotline is somewhat cliche, being a story of old guys coming out of retirement for one last job. The movie follows the typical tropes, such as the clash between young and old and doubts about the mission’s success. Plus, when the other team members are being recruited, none seem to second guess whether they should join. It feels a little too convenient, which takes away any sense of urgency, and deflates the tension. Despite the use of tropes, there are some genuinely shocking moments, especially in the finale, that you won’t see coming. It helps that the cast has so much charisma that it makes up for the cliche story. There is some padding at slightly over two hours, but the movie flows at a decent pace. Overall, Space Cowboys isn’t anything new, but the likable cast and decent effects make it worth a watch.

     

    Buy Space Cowboys from Amazon: https://amzn.to/3Qp0RbN.

    Disclosure: The above link is an affiliate link, which means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.

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  • Dreamaniac (1986)

    Dreamaniac (1986)

    [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”2_3,1_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]After working as a production assistant for Roger Corman’s New World Pictures, a young David DeCoteau started making adult films. Under the pseudonym “David McCabe,” he directed several gay adult films, saving up for his first mainstream movie. DeCoteau raised $30K, which was enough for a 10-day shoot on 16mm film, so he developed a treatment called Succubus. Through a mutual friend, DeCoteau contacted Debra Dion, the development head at Empire Pictures and Charles Band’s then-wife. Since David already had filming locked down, Band was more than eager to join in, offering to reimburse DeCoteau’s $30K. At the time, Wes Craven’s A Nightmare on Elm Street was hugely successful, and Band wanted to capitalize on it. So, he asked David to change the title and create a new marketing campaign for this yet-to-be-made film. Under Band’s Wizard Video label, DeCoteau’s Dreamaniac hit store shelves in late 1986.

    [/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_circle_counter title=”Rating” number=”40″ bar_bg_color=”#E09900″ _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_circle_counter][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]

    Synopsis

    Heavy metal artist Adam (Thomas Bern) agrees to loan his house to his girlfriend Pat (Kim McKamy) for a party. Her sister Jodi (Lauren Peterson) wants to get into a local sorority, offering to pay Adam to use the house. Soon enough, the other guests arrive, including sorority sisters Francis (Cynthia Crass), Jan (Linda Watts), and Rosie (Lisa Emery). Meanwhile, Adam performs a ritual to summon the succubus Lily (Sylvia Summers) to help him become a rock star. Unfortunately, Adam’s plan backfires as Lily kills the partygoers one by one to appease her need for a sacrifice. Eventually, Adam falls under Lily’s spell and joins her in attacking the party guests, even going after Pat. With help from local nerd Jamie (Bob Pelham), Pat learns what Lily is and must try to stop her. But will she overpower this succubus or fall victim to the dreamaniac?

     

    Review

    Despite this film’s quality, David DeCoteau has made some enjoyable B-movies, like Creepozoids and Sorority Babes in the Slimeball Bowl-O-Rama. Sadly, Dreamaniac is not one of those enjoyable B-movies but rather an 82-minute endurance test. But before going into the negatives, I want to spotlight a few decent aspects of this movie. For starters, Kim McKamy, aka Ashlyn Gere, is pretty likable and easy to root for as the leading lady. Also, this movie has a delightfully cheesy synth score that could only have come from the 1980s. Plus, there are gruesome gore effects, such as a decapitation by a power drill and a scene of genital mutilation. These effects are the work of Tom Schwartz, whose credits include Scanners, Galaxy of Terror, and Hell Night. Sadly, these positive qualities can’t compensate for how dull and monotonous this movie is.

    The movie’s biggest problem is that it’s boring, which is the worst thing a movie can be. Until the killings start, there is so much filler and padding that you’ll be checking your watch half the time. It doesn’t help that the cast, aside from McKamy, is either unlikable, uninteresting, or both. To her credit, Sylvia Summers is trying to be an over-the-top horror villain, but it doesn’t work. There are a few chuckle-worthy lines here and there, but most of the dialogue is utter garbage. While there are some gory moments, most of the kill scenes are substandard and lack any creativity. Plus, it has one of those “fake out” endings that will leave you more annoyed about what you just saw. Overall, Dreamaniac might be worth some laughs if you have friends and alcohol, but otherwise, it’s not worth it.

     

    Buy Dreamaniac from:

    Disclosure: The above link is an affiliate link, which means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.

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    Where to watch Dreamaniac (1986)

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  • Lightyear (2022)

    Lightyear (2022)

    [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”2_3,1_3″ _builder_version=”4.16.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”4.16.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]

    One of the most popular characters from Toy Story was space ranger Buzz Lightyear, initially voiced by Tim Allen. In 2000, the spin-off series Buzz Lightyear of Star Command premiered on ABC, running for one season with 65 episodes. One of the show’s animators was Angus MacLane, who got his start working on several Pixar feature films and shorts. MacLane co-directed 2016’s Finding Dory with Andrew Stanton, which grossed over $1 billion worldwide, becoming the third-highest-grossing film of 2016. Following this success, he pitched a Buzz Lightyear movie after becoming interested in the character through his love of science-fiction. While Tim Allen expressed interest in returning to voice the character, Chris Evans was cast as the space ranger. Given MacLane’s love of the genre, the animators took inspiration from Star Wars for the overall look of the film. Finally, Lightyear premiered at the El Capitan Theater in June 2022.

    [/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.16.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_circle_counter title=”Rating” number=”80″ bar_bg_color=”#7CDA24″ _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_circle_counter][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]

    Synopsis

    While piloting a ship housing thousands of personnel, Buzz Lightyear (Chris Evans) gets a signal to investigate a nearby planet. Accompanied by fellow space ranger and best friend Alisha Hawthorne (Uzo Aduba), he scans the terrain for intelligent life. Unfortunately, the ship gets badly damaged, forcing Buzz, Alisha, and the thousands of passengers to colonize the planet. After a year, the colony becomes a base, and Buzz volunteers to test new hyperspace fuel to return to Earth. Sadly, the test fails, and four years have passed, but Buzz insists on continuing until he gets it right. After years of failure, his robotic cat Sox (Peter Sohn) develops a formula for hyperspace fuel that works. Buzz successfully manages to travel to hyperspace, but when he returns, 22 years have passed, and robots have invaded. With help from Alisha’s granddaughter Izzy (Keke Palmer), it’s up to Buzz to stop the mechanical menace.

     

    Review

    Going into Lightyear, I had doubts about whether this spin-off could work, let alone be a good movie. Admittedly, the story is relatively basic, essentially an origin story that follows the standard beats you’d expect. You’ve got the protagonist who goes through an arc of working alone before realizing he needs help. There’s also the ragtag group of ambitious yet untrained rookies that step up to the challenge and ultimately succeed. However, while it has flaws, I’m happy to say that this is an entertaining and heartfelt sci-fi adventure worth watching. While the story isn’t revolutionary, it helps that the film has many characters you’ll come to love. Of course, there’s Buzz Lightyear, the heroic yet headstrong hero driven to prove himself and atone for his mistakes. Then there’s Sox, who I feared would be an annoying comic relief but ended up becoming endearing.

    Even though she’s not introduced until halfway into the film, Izzy Hawthorne makes for a good sidekick alongside Buzz. Izzy’s teammates Mo Morrison (Taika Waititi) and Darby Steel (Dale Soules) have quirks that make them memorable. The animation is stunning, as with many Pixar movies, and the character design has a vintage 90s feel. Alisha helps add to the film’s heart, motivating Buzz to keep going despite getting older and eventually dying. Despite being a bit light on action, the action sequences we get are exciting and thrilling to watch. Though I mentioned how basic the story is, some genuine twists and turns here and there add to the drama. Before I forget, there is a same-sex kiss, but it’s incredibly brief and doesn’t amount to much. Overall, Lightyear may not be one of Pixar’s best movies, but it’s still a fun time worth checking out.

     

    Buy Lightyear from Amazon: https://amzn.to/3JX8sQx.

    Disclosure: The above link is an affiliate link, which means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.

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    Where to watch Lightyear (2022)

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  • Stuck on You! (1982)

    Stuck on You! (1982)

    [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section” _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”2_3,1_3″ admin_label=”row” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]In 1977, Michelle Triola tried to sue classic actor Lee Marvin after breaking up, though they were never married. Triola lost the lawsuit in the end, but the case led to defense attorney Marvin Mitchelson coining the phrase “palimony.” Essentially, palimony combines “partner” and “alimony,” where non-married partners divide their finances and property, or “marriage with no rings attached.” The verdict became national news, which caught the attention of Troma founders Lloyd Kaufman and Michael Herz. Seeing some potential, Kaufman and Herz decided to take the concept of palimony and make it into a sex comedy. Kaufman took inspiration from the works of songwriters Tom Lehrer and Stan Freberg, who were known for their political satire. In addition to talking about palimony, the movie would also be a sketch comedy revolving around historical relationships. In early 1983, Troma released their third sex comedy, Stuck on You!

    [/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_circle_counter title=”Rating” number=”60″ bar_bg_color=”#EDF000″ _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_circle_counter][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]

    Synopsis

    Bill Andrews (Mark Mikulski) and Carol Griffiths (Virginia Penta) go to Family Court over a palimony settlement. During the trial, Judge Gabriel (Professor Irwin Corey) takes the couple to his office for a private meeting. He wants to figure out how Bill and Carol met, how they became a couple, and what exactly went wrong. As Bill and Carol tell their stories, Gabriel tells them a similar story from history to help them understand. He talks about couples like Adam and Eve, Christopher Columbus and Queen Isabella, and King Arthur and Lady Guinevere. Each one struggles with issues like finding the right one, staying together for a long time, and settling arguments. Unfortunately, the stories don’t seem to help as Bill and Carol only see the negatives and decide they’ve had enough. Is there any hope for this relationship, or are Bill and Carol just not meant for each other?

     

    Review

    Of the sex comedies Troma released around this time, Lloyd Kaufman considers Stuck on You! to be the best. Compared to Squeeze Play and Waitress!, I would have to agree, as this one is at least the most creative. Admittedly, the whole palimony angle does date the movie considerably, but it does touch on relevant themes. At its heart, the film deals with the daily struggles that couples go through to keep their relationship strong. In terms of sketch comedy movies, this one isn’t as good as Kentucky Fried Movie, but it beats Movie 43. Most of the historical sketches are humorous, though they rely on tons of slapstick and double entendres. There isn’t as much nudity in this one as in the previous sex comedies, but nudity doesn’t mean lesser quality. Still, there’s a fair amount of sex to be had, but not as much nudity.

    Professor Irwin Corey is easily the movie’s highlight, with his manic energy, wisecrack remarks, and goofy demeanor. Mark Mikulski works as the lovable doofus who constantly gets into trouble, and Virginia Penta has good chemistry with him. There are also brief appearances from character actress Patricia Tallman (Army of Darkness) and stuntman Kent Shelton (Batman Begins). Like the other sex comedies, the pacing here can sometimes drag, especially if this isn’t your kind of humor. Though, unlike Waitress!, which felt like a mess of ideas, this movie at least has some structure. Also, the music is surprisingly catchy, from the classical stock music to the original songs, including a rapping rabbi. There is some filler at an hour and twenty-eight minutes, but it goes by fairly quickly. Overall, Stuck on You! is definitely the best of Troma’s sex comedies, but it still has its problems.

     

    Buy Stuck on You! from Amazon: https://amzn.to/48FR0Is.

    Disclosure: The above link is an affiliate link, which means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.

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