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  • The Meg (2018)

    The Meg (2018)

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    These days, it seems that we are inundated with shark movies, with a new one coming out almost every year. Most of these are cheaply made, have terrible acting, very shoddy CGI, and are intentionally cheesy and ridiculous. Of course, every now and then, we get one that tries a bit more, such as The Shallows. Granted, no shark movie can every hope to live up to Stephen Spielberg’s Jaws, which still remains the gold standard. Shark movies we get nowadays include the Sharknado series, Mega Shark vs Giant Octopus, Sharktopus, and Jurassic Shark. Hell, at the time of writing this, there’s a new one that premiered on the SyFy channel called Santa Jaws (yeah, seriously). Amongst these made-for-TV shark movies, now we have a big-budget version of these kinds of movies with The Meg.

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    We follow rescue diver Jonas Taylor (Jason Statham), who is dealing with an incident from years ago. He was rescuing people from a downed submarine when he left some to die when the hull was attacked. While many, including Dr. Heller (Robert Taylor), think he’s crazy and a coward, Taylor believes something attacked them. Cut to the present where billionaire Jack Morris (Rainn Wilson) is meeting with Dr. Minway Zhang (Winston Chao). Dr. Zhang and his team have been constructing a giant undersea research facility called Mana One, which Morris paid for. Here, we also meet Zhang’s daughter Suyin (Li Bingbing), Jaxx Herd (Ruby Rose), and James “Mac” Mackreides (Cliff Curtis). They’re trying to explore the Mariana Trench, but things go south when a submersible they send in is attacked. Taylor is recruited to save the crew, but when a Megalodon shark is discovered, it’s all a matter of survival.

    From the setup, the plot of the film is pretty basic. At one point, Statham even points out some of the cliches about his character. Apparently, this is based on a book of the same name by Steve Alten, which I have not read. While I’m unsure how accurate this follows the book, I can say this movie is one hell of a ride. I’m sure some will roll their eyes at this, but it’s just pure fun that shouldn’t be taken seriously. I mean, this is from the director of Cool Runnings, 3 Ninjas, and both National Treasure movies we’re talking about. This is really the kind of movie you don’t need to think too hard about. It’s just the perfect August movie: not a huge summer blockbuster but not totally dreadful either. It helps that this has a pretty solid cast, with Statham obviously being the best part.

    That isn’t to say that the rest of the cast is bad, far from it even. Rainn Wilson is funny as always, Ruby Rose is pretty awesome, and Cliff Curtis is an enjoyable addition. Also, Winston Chao and Suyin do a great job, really selling the father-daughter relationship they have. There is a little girl here, namely Shuya Sophia Cai as Meiying, but rather than being annoying, she’s actually adorable. Of course, there are some pretty intense moments here, especially when the megalodon is masked in darkness. While it is primarily CGI, the shark is still a pretty intimidating presence, and you do get legitimately scared. It all leads to an exciting climax where the survivors have to try and kill the shark, and it’s awesome. There’s even a moment I won’t spoil where Statham officially enters the Action Hero Hall of Fame. I won’t say it, but you’ll know.

    Overall, this is a fun summer movie to end the season out on. With a great cast, some fairly decent camerawork, and a fun climax, The Meg will please any shark movie fan.

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  • Dr. Strangelove (1964)

    Dr. Strangelove (1964)

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    After the end of World War II in 1945, tensions between the US and the Soviet Union began to arise. While both were allies fighting against the Nazis, the two were still wary of one another. The US feared the threat of communism, while Russia viewed Americans as cowards. The USSR began spreading their communist influence throughout Eastern Europe as the US and England provided aid to Western Europe. This led to a decades-long conflict known as the Cold War, a term coined by George Orwell in 1945. For the next 40+ years, the two were engaged in a stand-still, threatening one another with total nuclear annihilation. As paranoia continued to mount, Stanley Kubrick, following his 1962 film Lolita, decided to show how absurd this conflict was. In 1964, he created the black comedy, Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb.

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    At Burpelson Air Force Base, General Jack D. Ripper (Sterling Hayden) has gone insane. He is convinced that the Russians have poisoned our drinking water through fluoridation, threatening our “precious bodily fluids”. As such, he orders Group Captain Lionel Mandrake (Peter Sellers) to put the base on high alert. Ripper also issues “Wing Attack Plan R”, wherein several B-52 Bombers attack various Russian targets. Meanwhile, at a secret underground base called the War Room, several officials have been assembled. As General Turgidson (George C. Scott) explains the situation, President Muffley (Sellers) tries warning the Russian premier. We also follow a crew of one of the B-52s, led by Major TJ Kong (Slim Pickens), as they prepare their run. With the threat of nuclear annihilation looming, the president’s nuclear advisor Dr. Strangelove (Sellers) tries working out how to survive. It’s a race to try and avert the situation before getting worse.

    Despite how dire the situation is, the movie presents this as an absurd black comedy. The characters are intentionally over-the-top and exaggerated caricatures and things spiral out of control to a ridiculous level. Peter Sellers plays three roles in this film: Captain Mandrake, President Muffley, and Dr. Strangelove. He does such a great job that you can buy these characters as three different people. George C. Scott is also memorable as General Buck Turgidson, who acts almost like a spoiled child. He pouts whenever he’s scolded at has an adolescent view of women and sex. Slim Pickens is fun as the stereotypically Texan Major Kong, and watch for an early role for James Earl Jones. Sterling Hayden plays General Ripper seriously enough to where he’s believable in spite of his ridiculous lines. The cast assembled does a great job between playing it straight and being as crazy as possible.

    This being one of his first major studio productions, Kubrick does an outstanding job staging these scenes. In spite of how absurd things get, this movie does have a message that’s still relevant today. Today, we live in a world where our leaders can wipe out entire countries with the press of a button. At anytime, the US, Russia, North Korea, or any other country can use nuclear weapons to take out their enemies. This movie was very ahead of its time, given that the Red Scare was still prevalent. Admittedly, some of today’s audience might find this movie to be dated and not as funny as one would believe. There is a lot of dialogue and it can be hard to follow at times. However, if you have an open mind, you’ll find that Dr. Strangelove is a great slice of absurd counter-culture satire.

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  • Caddyshack (1980)

    Caddyshack (1980)

    [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”2_3,1_3″ _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=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”]Harold Ramis was probably one of the greatest comedic talents who ever lived. It’s because of him that we have comedy classics like Ghostbusters, Stripes, and Meatballs. Prior to this, he worked for Playboy as the magazine’s joke editor and reviewer. Eventually, he worked with the famous Second City Improv Troupe and The National Lampoon Show. He worked alongside other people from Second City like John Belushi, Gilda Radner, and Bill Murray. His first major break was penning the script for 1978’s Animal House. On a budget of $3 million, the movie went on to make over $140 million. Following that film’s success, Ramis not only wrote but also worked as a first-time director on the cult comedy classic Caddyshack. The film not only helped cement Ramis as a comedy genius, but also helped Rodney Dangerfield become a comedy superstar.
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    Synopsis

    It’s somewhat difficult to discuss the plot of the film since it doesn’t really have a straightforward narrative. The film plays more of a series of sketches that’re somewhat interconnected with one another. Essentially, the main plot has to do a young caddy named Danny Noonan, played by Michael O’Keefe. He’s down-on-his luck and has aspirations to go to college, but he can’t afford it. His best bet is to get in good with Judge Smails, played by Ted Knight, for a chance at a caddy scholarship. At the same time, Smails is dealing with newcomer Al Czervik, played by Rodney Dangerfield, an eccentric real estate developer who likes to party and have fun. Also, the local groundskeeper Carl Spackler, played by Bill Murray, is hired to kill a troublesome gopher. And there’s Chevy Chase as Ty Webb, more or less the straight man in all of this.

     

    Review

    As mentioned before, this movie doesn’t so much have a plot so much as it’s stuff happening that’s somewhat connected. Plus, while you could argue that there is a central plot, there are several different subplots that come and go. There’s Danny trying to get the scholarship, Carl trying to get the gopher, and Smails trying to get rid of Czervik. Because of that, it can sometimes be hard to follow how one scene relates to another. However, what makes it work as well is the writing and especially the cast. The way it’s written, it feels less like you’re watching a movie and more like you’re watching the daily goings-on at a country club. While dominated by Dangerfield, Knight, Murray, and Chase, the rest still do a great job. O’Keefe is very likable, his relationship with Sarah Holcombe is sweet, and Cindy Morgan is a knock-out.

    Most of you reading this have already seen this movie several times over and can quote the most memorable lines. For those who haven’t, I won’t spoil any of the gags or lines here. Suffice to say, this is probably one of the best comedies ever made. Also, shoutout to Kenny Loggins, who’s title song I’m Alright is instantly catchy. It’s no wonder why the song is so popular even to this day. Regardless of whether or not you’ve already seen it, Caddyshack is the sort of movie you can watch over and over and still find hilarious. And, the less said about the sequel, the better…

     

    Buy Caddyshack on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3YM2fvw.

    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 Caddyshack (1980)

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  • Combat Shock (1986)

    Combat Shock (1986)

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    The Vietnam War is arguably one of the most controversial wars in history. From 1955 to 1975, American troops were sent in to fight against the Vietcong. By the end, more than 3 million people lost their lives in the conflict, including over 58,000 American troops. But for the survivors, the worst was not over for them. After the war, many American troops started experiencing shell shock, aka Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). This led drug abuse, depression, and an overall detachment from reality. There were even cases of veterans committing suicide. Soon after the war, filmmakers started exploring what such a conflict could do to someone. Films like The Deer Hunter and Apocalypse Now were among the first. Then, in 1984, aspiring filmmaker Buddy Giovinazzo brought us a film showing how a Vietnam veteran tries and fails to reintegrate into society with disastrous results. That film was Combat Shock.

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    The film centers around Frankie Dunlan (Rick Giovinazzo), a Vietnam veteran who is struggling to make ends meet. He has been out of work, his wife Cathy (Veronica Stork) is stuck at home taking care of their deformed baby, and they are about to be evicted. We learn through flashbacks that Frankie had been held captive and tortured for months before being taken to a hospital. While he was physically fine, he was and still is emotionally scarred from what he experienced. Back home, things are even worse: he goes to the unemployment office only to be told that there are no jobs for him, he owes money to a mob boss who won’t take no for an answer, and a childhood friend of his has become a junkie. This ultimately leads to Frankie spiraling out of control until he just can’t take it anymore.

    Without a doubt, Combat Shock is one of the bleakest and most shocking films of its kind. While it does have similar elements to Taxi Driver, the two are quite different. As dark and gritty as Taxi Driver is, Travis Bickle still saves the young girl, lives and has his job, and ends up with the love interest. Such is not the case with Combat Shock. It starts out bleak and depressing, and it stays that way. Even though the film is clearly low-budget and not the most well-made, this actually works to the film’s advantage. The gritty and grimy look really captures just how bleak the situation is. Plus, the performances here, especially from lead Rick Giovinazzo, are excellent. Just from his facial expressions, you can see the pain and anguish Frankie is going through. The music is also top-notch, capturing just how isolated and alone he feels.

    This film has an interesting production history behind it. Director Buddy Giovinazzo grew up in a family of musicians, though he was more interested in film. Since youth, he was always fascinated by classic horror films like Frankenstein and The Wolf Man. He was captivated by the sympathetic monster or the man becoming a monster against his free will. For his first film, he wanted to examine what it would be like if someone had a day where everything that could go wrong does. Filmed for very little money over the course of a few years, Giovinazzo struggled to make his vision a reality. The film was eventually picked up by Troma, the studio behind The Toxic Avenger, Class of Nuke ‘Em High, and Troma’s War amongst others. Unfortunately, they had to cut the film for an R-rating and was marketed as more of an action film.

    In spite of this, Giovinazzo has nothing but nice things to say about Troma and understands why they had to cut the film. In fact, Troma president Lloyd Kaufman didn’t want to have the film cut at all. Sadly, with the way the market is, audiences wouldn’t have been ready for a film like this if it were marketed correctly. Thankfully, more and more people have seen it and recognized it as one of the better films from Troma. It’s a very atypical film from the studio known for their over-the-top gore, gratuitous nudity, and generally comedic tone. Not only is this a film that explores how someone’s life can go downhill so fast, Combat Shock also shows how passion and talent can create such a breathtaking film.

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  • The Undertaker (1988)

    The Undertaker (1988)

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    Joe Spinell is probably one of the most prolific character actors of all time. Even if you don’t know his name, you’ve probably seen him in at least one movie. Spinell has been in some of the biggest movies of the 70s, including The Godfather, Rocky, and Taxi Driver amongst others. For cult movie fans, he’s probably best known for movies like Starcrash, The Last Horror Film, and most notably Maniac. Despite his rough exterior, he was one of the kindest and most well-liked people to work with. In the 80s, he wasn’t getting as much high-profile work as before, but he still found work nonetheless. Unfortunately, Spinell was in failing health, not helped by his alcoholism and drug use. He sadly died of a heart attack in 1989, but is still thought of fondly. Prior to his death, he was featured in the forgotten 1988 horror film, The Undertaker.

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    The film features Spinell as Uncle Roscoe, a local mortician who goes around killing young women and taking their bodies back to his basement. His nephew Nicky (Patrick Askin) suspects something is amiss with his uncle, so he tries to get the help of his teacher Pam (Rebecca Varon). She doesn’t believe him at first, but after Nicky gets killed by Roscoe, Pam decides to investigate further. All the while Roscoe is killing both young women and people who either annoy him or are suspicious of his actions. As Roscoe continues his killing spree, the police aren’t having much luck taking him down. Pam, along with her friend Mandy (Susan Bachli) and her boyfriend Kevin (Joe Magle), tries to figure out what Roscoe is up to.

    Unfortunately, that’s all I can really say about the plot without giving it away. However, there’s another reason why it’s somewhat difficult to talk about what happens here. I’ll get into that later as it ties into some of the problems I have with the film. Without a doubt, Joe Spinell is easily the best part of the whole film. Regardless of what follows, he is insanely captivating as the depraved mortician Uncle Roscoe. While not as menacing as his Frank Zito character from Maniac, Roscoe is so creepy and sleazy that it works. You can tell that Spinell is really giving this role his all, which is unfortunate given the rest of the cast. But going back to the positives, the film has a good look to it. It has a very grimy and gritty quality that makes it slightly more sleazy and disturbing.

    Sadly, that’s where most of my positives for the film end. Aside from Spinell, the rest of the cast is really not that interesting. A lot of the acting is pretty bad, and I doubt many of them acted again. Also, the movie is very slowly paced to the point of boredom. No joke, the first time I watched this, I nearly fell asleep. Normally, I don’t mind a slow burn that takes time out to establish the characters and what not. But here, there are times where the film really feels like it’s dragging. In addition, there are numerous subplots that are either given no introduction or are just dropped. This honestly feels like a film that’s both finished and unfinished. While it clearly looks like it’s completed, it also feels like they didn’t quite get to finish it. I wouldn’t be surprised if there was more here originally.

    In the end, it is pretty easy to see why this film was largely forgotten. It’s pretty slow, the acting isn’t very good, and it feels like a jumbled mess. There is some gore and gratuitous nudity, but it doesn’t help much, especially since there isn’t much. Even still, the movie is worth it just for Joe Spinell alone. His performance is honestly way too good for this film. I don’t mean to bad mouth the filmmakers since it seems like they tried. For that reason, The Undertaker is worth discovering, but be prepared for something with this many flaws.

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  • Blood Diner (1987)

    Blood Diner (1987)

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    As I mentioned in my review of Evil Dead II, horror-comedies can be a tricky balance, where sometimes they stray a bit too far into either direction. That being said, the 1980’s seemed to be a great time for horror-comedies given the number of them that came out. Films like An American Werewolf in London, Gremlins, and Ghostbusters have gone on to become certified classics. Then, there are films like Student Bodies, Night of the Creeps, and TerrorVision that, while not as popular, still have become cult favorites. One that is often overlooked that deserves more attention is a little gem from 1987 called Blood Diner. Originally conceived as a pseudo-sequel to the 1963 splatter film Blood Feast, Blood Diner is so outrageous and so over-the-top that once you see it, you’ll never be able to forget it.

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    We follow two brothers, Georgie and Mikey, who witness their Uncle Anwar (Drew Godderis) being gunned by cops as children. Years later, the two grow up to start their own restaurant. However, it turns out the brothers are cannibals who are serving human meat to their customers disguised as health food. Georgie (Carl Crew) works as the chef, while Mikey (Rick Burks) works the floor. While Georgie is very socially awkward and neurotic, Mikey is very charismatic and a bit of a ladies man. One night, the brothers dig up their uncle’s grave to retrieve his brain and bring it back to life. Once restored, their uncle tells them to prepare a blood buffet and a body to resurrect the goddess Sheetar. The brothers go about killing various women and taking their body parts. Meanwhile, officers Mark Shepard (Roger Dauer) and Sheba Jackson (LaNette La France) are on the trail.

    To say that this film is pretty silly would be massively underselling it. This movie is flat-out ridiculous from beginning to end. Between the brain resurrection, the brothers serving human flesh to customers, and them trying to summon an ancient goddess, this is one crazy flick. What makes the movie work especially well are the brothers and the chemistry they have together. Carl Crew plays George with such manic energy and off-the-wall ferocity that it’s fun to see just how crazy he gets. One highlight is when he goes into the ring to fight famed wrestler Jimmy Hitler (yes, seriously). Rick Burks as Mikey, on the other hand, has such a suave charm and personality that you buy how he can have such an effect on women. While not as memorable as Carl Crew, Rick Burks is still fun to watch and he helps balance out Crew’s insanity.

    The rest of the cast is also enjoyable, especially Roger Dauer and LaNette La France as Officers Shepard and Jackson. They work well off each other, between Dauer’s blatant chauvinism and La France’s badass take-no-crap attitude. Drew Godderis, though his screen time is limited, is pretty memorable as Uncle Anwar. When he’s on screen, he’s insanely creepy and has a menacing presence to him. When it’s him as the voice of the brain, he’s very funny and sarcastic, especially when he insults his nephews. The movie has so many crazy and memorable moments that I can’t list them all since it would take some of the fun out of discovering it for yourself. Suffice it to say, this movie has topless aerobics, a naked kung-fu chick, zombies, and a stomach vagina that eats people. If none of that entices you, I don’t know what will.

    What might be surprising is that the film was directed by a woman, specifically Jackie Kong. Unfortunately, she doesn’t have many directing credits to her name. Including this, she also directed The Being, Night Patrol, and The Under Achievers. Even with a small body of work, her direction is impressive here, and it’s unfortunate she hasn’t done much else. Also, I’d be remiss without mentioning that Rick Burks died two years after the movie in a car accident. While primarily a musician, he still gave a solid performance, and it’s sad what happened to him. Still, the cast and crew have nothing but nice things to say and tell stories about how great he was. Overall, Blood Diner is a true gem in the horror-comedy genre that more people should be made aware of.

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  • Mission: Impossible – Fallout (2018)

    Mission: Impossible – Fallout (2018)

    [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}” column_structure=”2_3,1_3″][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”]Regardless of how you may feel about Tom Cruise, you can’t deny his star power. Having made it big with 80s hits Risky Business and Top Gun, Cruise has become one of the biggest actors today. Why else would 2017’s The Mummy be such a big hit in China? Regardless, he is still beloved for his charming personality, boundless energy, and willingness to do tons of crazy stunts. Since the mid-90s, Cruise has enjoyed a lot of success thanks to the Mission: Impossible franchise. In spite of the franchise’s fluctuating quality, it’s still a very popular and profitable franchise. Fast forward to 2018, 22 years since Brian De Palma (Sisters) crafted the original spy thriller. The sixth film in the franchise, Mission: Impossible – Fallout reunites much of the cast we’re used to, as well as some new ones, to bring us one of the most action-packed spectacles of the year.
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    Synopsis

    Ethan Hunt (Cruise) is tasked with retrieving three plutonium cores before a terrorist group called The Apostles get them. This group plans on using them to create nuclear weapons to, as they put it, tear down the old world. Hunt brings in his regular teammates, Luther (Ving Rhames) and Benji (Simon Pegg), but he is also assigned a new team member, CIA agent Walker (Henry Cavill). He’s been assigned to keep an eye on Hunt and his team after a mission gone wrong. Along the way, they also run into former MI6 agent Ilsa Faust (Rebecca Ferguson), who may or may not be on Hunt’s side. In the midst of this is anarchist Solomon Lane (Sean Harris) who has a personal vendetta against Hunt. What follows are car chases, motorcycle chases, on-foot chases, and a helicopter fight as our heroes race against time to save the world once again.

     

    Review

    Compared to the many other action films this year, this one gives many of those a run for their money. Everything in this movie works so well. For one, Cruise is awesome as always and proves why he’s still a force to be reckoned with. Half of the fun of this movie is just seeing all the crazy stunts he performs. Plus, it’s great seeing him, Rhames, and Pegg working off each other and having a good time. You really get a sense of the camaraderie these guys have given their history together. Cavill is also memorable as a tall and broad-shouldered guy who can easily go toe-to-toe with Cruise. Ferguson is also great as a conflicted agent torn between her feelings for Hunt and her mission. Another stand-out is Vanessa Kirby as The White Widow, who has a very femme fatale quality, but also has great comedic timing.

    What can really make or break a movie like this are the action sequences, and this does not disappoint. The movie is filled with tons of intense action set-pieces that are well-filmed and well-choreographed. As mentioned earlier, many of the stunts on display here are real. For instance, Cruise really does pilot a helicopter, run for miles across rooftops, and drive a motorcycle through traffic. It’s just amazing to see how they top themselves between movies. But of course, the action sequences don’t really matter unless you like the characters or the story isn’t interesting. Like I said before, the acting is phenomenal across the board, and there is so much going on that you’re never bored. The plot will make you guess and question what’s happening, but not in a way that leaves you confused. If you’re smart and pay attention, you’ll be able to follow along just fine.

    Normally, this is where I’d get into the negatives I have with the movie. Thing is, unless something comes to me, I really can’t think of anything wrong with this movie. I guess maybe some of the villains aren’t very well-developed and maybe the plot is a bit convoluted. Honestly, many of those are nitpicks that absolutely do not take anything away from this movie. This is still a really fun, exciting, and intense action spy thriller. Even if you’ve never seen the previous films, Mission: Impossible – Fallout is still one of the best action movies in years, and it reminds us how to properly do big summer blockbusters.

     

    Buy Mission: Impossible – Fallout from Amazon: https://amzn.to/4oFFILe.

    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 Mission: Impossible – Fallout (2018)

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  • Cherry 2000 (1987)

    Cherry 2000 (1987)

    [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}” column_structure=”2_3,1_3″][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”]In 1987, Orion Pictures released the sci-fi action classic film Robocop. However, that same year, there was another sci-fi action movie they released called Cherry 2000. Directed by Steve De Jarnatt, who previously wrote Strange Brew, this film has an interesting history. For years, he was trying to get his pet project Miracle Mile off the ground. Around this time, he was given the script for Cherry 2000 from Orion after they were having trouble finding a director. After some things fell through, he decided to take the script and work on the film. It was filmed in 1985 and was supposed to come out in ’86, but for whatever reason, it only got a theatrical release in Europe. It wasn’t until ’88 when the film was released direct-to-video in the US. The film has since developed a cult following, so let’s see why people are devoted to Cherry 2000.
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    Synopsis

    Set in the far future of 2017, the film features David Andrews as Sam Treadwell, a mild-mannered businessman living with his wife Cherry. Played by the late Pamela Gidley, Cherry is actually a robot, and she ends up shorting out during a make-out session involving dish suds and bubbles. He tries taking her in for repairs, but unfortunately the repairman says that the Cherry 2000 model is no longer being manufactured anymore. However, the repairman tells him that there are leftover Cherry 2000’s in Zone 7, which is a lawless area full of dangerous bandits and scoundrels. Treadwell decides to take the chance and he hires a tracker named E. Johnson, played by Melanie Griffith. While making their way through the zone, they run into gang leader Lester (Tim Thomerson). Turns out he doesn’t take too kindly to trackers, and soon Treadwell and Johnson are on the run.

     

    Review

    One of the things that makes this movie work so well is the fantastic cast. David Andrews does a great job playing a mild-mannered working man whose world is changed once out of his home. When he leaves his futuristic city and is thrown into the desert, he sees what life is really like. Pamela Gidley, though her screen time is limited, is very stunning and fun as Cherry. The movie also has some great character actors in the mix. Some of note include Harry Carey Jr., Brion James, Ben Johnson, Tim Thomerson, and Robert Z’Dar. Thomerson, in particular, is very memorable as the eccentric Lester, who is very intense but also enjoyable to watch. Also noteworthy is Cameron Milzer as Sam’s ex-girlfriend Elaine who’s renamed to Ginger and is with Lester. She is very funny with great comedic timing and has some of the best lines in the movie.

    The real stand-out, of course, is Melanie Griffith, despite what she may think of the movie. Not only is she stunningly gorgeous, but she is also an awesome badass here. She’s arguably more of the hero here than Sam is. She kills tons of guys, spouts out tons of one-liners, and does some pretty impressive car stunts. One particularly memorable one has her car dangling hundreds of feet in the air while being fired at with rocket launchers. The direction and set design are on-point, and the score from Basil Poledouris is excellent. The movie also has some relevant themes, such as the idea of love and relations being made a business. Plus, the idea of robots taking the place of real people for companionship and how robots can never replace a real human. Also, watch out for a small appearance by Laurence Fishburne.

    If there are any issues I have here, one is the lack of chemistry between Andrews and Griffith. They work well as partners but not so much as love interests. Eventually, they warm up to each other, but it still feels a bit far-fetched that they’d end up together. Also, when they find the new Cherry 2000, she acts like a child, which is odd considering how the original acts like an adult. And while you do get a sense of the world the movie takes place in, the movie doesn’t really explore the world they created. Flaws aside, I still think this is a fun and entertaining gem that is worth a watch. With a great cast, fun action, and some relevant themes, Cherry 2000 is an underrated gem of a movie.

     

    Buy Cherry 2000 from Amazon: https://amzn.to/47xjvsO.

    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 Cherry 2000 (1987)

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  • The Apple (1980)

    The Apple (1980)

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    After the massive success of Saturday Night Fever, various movies were made to capitalize on its success. Some of these included Thank God It’s Friday, Skatetown USA, and Roller Boogie. But then, there was Can’t Stop the Music, which bombed at the box office and led to the creation of the Razzies. Alongside it was Xanadu, which was a financial disappointment, but it has spawned a cult following. Around the same time, there was The Apple. Directed by Menahem Golan of The Cannon Group, this was to be his big hit. Golan planned on having this film be the next big thing, hoping that this would be his big break in the American film industry. Sadly, this wasn’t the case as the film was destroyed by critics and audiences. Overtime, it found its audience and now has a new appreciation. So what is it that makes The Apple so special?

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    Set in the far-off (at the time) future of 1994, the film takes place in a world dominated by BIM. BIM, which stands for Boogalow International Music, is a major record label that more or less runs the world. At the Worldvision Song Festival, BIM is showcasing their two latest stars, Pandi and Dandi. Things change when a young couple, Alphie and Bibi, show up to perform. While hated at first, the crowd starts to love them. Mr. Boogalow ends up sabotaging them, but still wants to sign them for a contract. While Bibi agrees to sign, Alphie realizes this isn’t right and refuses. Unfortunately, Alphie is thrown out and living in a flophouse while Bibi is a major superstar. As time goes on, Bibi realizes how evil BIM is, and she manages to get out of the contract and reunites with Alphie at a hippy commune.

    To say that this movie is crazy would only be scratching the surface of just how ludicrous this movie is. There are musical numbers almost every five minutes. It’s very colorful, it has elaborately designed costumes, and the set design is amazingly weird. Being the feature film debut of Catherine Mary Stewart, she’s pretty decent and really does come across as a young naive woman. While she does lip sync, it’s done so well that you actually believe she’s singing. George Gilmour who plays Alphie isn’t terrible, but it does feel like acting isn’t really for him. Grace Kennedy and Allan Love, who play Pandi and Dandi respectively, are a lot of fun to watch. Vladek Sheybal completely owns his role as Mr. Boogalow, and he’s clearly having a blast here. Also of note is Ray Shell as Boogalow’s assistant Snake, who is so wild and over-the-top, he is wonderful.

    While I do love this movie, I can totally understand why people wouldn’t like the film. It’s very ridiculous, nonsensical, and very loud and bombastic. The movie is very weird, it’s out there, and it has one of the biggest deus ex machina endings ever. Audiences in 1980 were not very kind to this movie. At the premiere, guests were given free copies of the soundtrack, and they hated the movie so much, they started throwing the soundtracks at the screen. Golan was so distraught by how much hate the movie got, he almost jumped off a balcony to his death. Luckily, his business partner saved him, and he may have gone a bit too far, but it’s very understandable. Here was a movie he put his heart and soul into, and people are booing it and throwing things at the screen.

    However, as time went on, a cult following started to develop and people started liking it. There are people who love it ironically, but there are those who legitimately love it. Personally, the movie is so much fun to watch that it’s hard for me to hate the movie. It’s so crazy, weird, and out there, but The Apple is the kind of movie that is too much fun to hate.

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  • 8 Million Ways to Die (1986)

    8 Million Ways to Die (1986)

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    After the release of Bonnie & Clyde, The Graduate, and Easy Rider, there was a major shift in filmmaking called the New Hollywood Movement. Throughout the 70s, many prominent directors made films that challenged social norms and taboos. Among those directors, including Steven Spielberg, Martin Scorsese, and Francis Ford Coppola, was Hal Ashby. Ashby was an editor on The Russians Are Coming, The Russians Are Coming and In the Heat of the Night. He then transitioned to directing his first film The Landlord in 1970. He also made other notable films like Harold & Maude, Shampoo, and Being There. While many directors went on to continued success in the 80s, others couldn’t reach the same heights as before. With Ashby, his later films either had a troubled production or were commercial/critical failures. This came to a head in what was his last film, 1986’s 8 Million Ways to Die.

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    Based on the Lawrence Block book, the follows Matthew Scudder (Jeff Bridges), an ex-cop turned private detective who struggles with alcoholism, which gets him fired, divorced, and distanced from his daughter. After an A.A. meeting, he’s invited to a club run by Chance Walker (Randy Brooks). There he meets a call girl named Sunny (Alexandra Paul), who goes back to his place. Failing to seduce him, she confides in him her fear of Chance and asks Scudder to convince Chance to let her go. After Scudder is told that Chance treats the girls well, Sunny ends up kidnapped, murdered, and thrown off a bridge. Soon, Scudder is convinced that a local drug dealer/crime boss known as Angel Moldonado (Andy Garcia) is responsible. Digging even deeper into the investigation, Scudder uncovers a plot by Moldonado to deal drugs through Chance’s legitimate businesses.

    Getting into what really works, the cast in this movie is phenomenal. Jeff Bridges does a great job playing a former alcoholic struggling with his demons trying to redeem himself. Rosanna Arquette, on top of being gorgeous, is also great as a call-girl who overtime develops a relationship with Scudder. Andy Garcia absolutely steals the show as Angel, always bursting with manic energy and going toe-to-toe with Scudder. While she has a smaller role, Alexandra Paul is quite gorgeous and is what starts the conflict. Randy Brooks is also fun as Chance who, while he is a crime boss, does have a set of ethics. Also, be sure to look out for James Avery, aka Uncle Phil from Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, as a D.A. The score by James Newton Howard is great, who uses mostly synth music that gives it that gritty 80s vibe.

    Unfortunately, this movie was quite the problematic production. For one, the script, originally written by Oliver Stone, was heavily rewritten by R. Lance Hill. Hill was actually hired after Ashby wrote 50 pages of a potential script, which the producers actually liked. Ashby stopped upon finding out the studio hired Hill for rewrites, not helped by Hill only reporting to the producers. Then, Hill’s version of the script was heavily rewritten by Robert Towne, under the pseudonym David Lee Henry. Honestly, you can tell since there are some plot points that are dropped and some things don’t make sense. Also, the editing in the film is very choppy, feeling almost haphazard. There are scenes that just happen without much explanation, as if scenes leading up to them were cut out. A large part of this is due to Ashby being fired after principal photography ended and the studio took over.

    Sadly, the movie was a massive flop when it came out, making only $500,000 against an $18 million budget. While it was not liked by critics at the time, it has gone on to something of a cult following. There are people who love it and people who hate it, both sides of which I can understand. But in spite of the movie’s flaws, I still actually enjoyed it. While the movie could’ve been better had the producers not interfered, what is there is still a well-done crime thriller. The cast is great, the performances are memorable, the action sequences are fun, and it has a solid 80s vibe. Overall, 8 Million Ways to Die is a flawed but well-made and underrated crime thriller.

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