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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)

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    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.

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    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.

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    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)

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    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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  • Killjoy 3 (2010)

    Killjoy 3 (2010)

    [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 2004, aspiring Canadian filmmaker John Lechago made the low-budget horror film Blood Gnome on a budget of around $20,000. The film made six times its budget, though Lechago couldn’t find the same success with 2008’s Magus. However, his output caught the attention of Re-Animator director Stuart Gordon, who introduced him to Charles Band. Band needed someone for visual effects, and since he had a background in the field, Lechago took the job. Lechago designed the visual effects for 2008’s Dangerous Worry Dolls, which impressed Band enough to give him a chance. Around this time, Full Moon was planning on reviving several franchises, including Puppet Master and Demonic Toys. One of those franchises would be Killjoy, which hadn’t seen a release since Killjoy 2: Deliverance from Evil in 2002. Eight years later, 2010 would see the release of Killjoy 3, aka Killjoy’s Revenge.

    [/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=”70″ 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=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]

    Synopsis

    College student Sandie (Jessica Whitaker) is housesitting for her professor (Darrow Igus) while he’s away on business. She’s staying with her boyfriend Rojer (Michael Rupnow), his friend Zilla (Spiral Jackson), and her BFF Erica (Olivia Dawn York). One day, a mysterious package arrives, and they open it despite Sandie’s protest, which turns out to be a mirror. Unbeknownst to them, the mirror is a gateway to another world, where the demonic clown Killjoy (Trent Haaga) rules. Joined by his accomplices Punchy (Al Burke), Freakshow (Tai Chan Ngo), and Batty Boop (Victoria De Mare), Killjoy demands blood. One by one, the college students are pulled into Killjoy’s world and subjected to different torture methods. Eventually, the professor returns and explains the situation to the students, informing them how to defeat the demon. Will our heroes survive, or will they be Killjoy’s next victims?

     

    Review

    Of the films in the franchise so far, Killjoy 3 is arguably the best one, though it’s not saying much. It’s not as good as classics like Puppet Master III or Dollman, but it feels like a return to form. While some may be disappointed by the filmmakers ditching the urban aesthetic, it’s a welcome change to keep things fresh. What also helps is Trent Haaga’s performance, as he chews up all the scenery around him and runs rampant. Unlike the last film, he’s given more free reign to deliver lines with maniacal glee and have more fun. Victoria De Mare works great alongside Haaga and has tons of fun as the seductive yet quirky clown succubus. Along with Killjoy, the character designs of Batty Boop, Punchy, and Freakshow are incredibly unique and memorable. There’s also a great mix of horror and dark comedy sprinkled throughout.

    Unfortunately, the film sadly falls into the traps of many of the more recent Full Moon films. For one, the main actors playing the college kids are flat and not as memorable as the villains. Jessica Whitaker does put in the most effort compared to everyone else, though Spiral Jackson has some fun moments. Also, even for a movie by Full Moon, the production design is remarkably cheap, and the sets look flimsy. From what I understand, filming took place at a Chinese studio, which might explain the inferior quality. There’s also the occasional digital effect, but they add to the cheesy quality and mix in with some decent practicals. At an hour and eighteen minutes, the movie flies by quickly and will make a decent time killer. Overall, Killjoy 3 isn’t quite the return to the glory days of Full Moon Features, but it’s a good time.

     

    Buy Killjoy 3 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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  • The Godfather: Part III (1990)

    The Godfather: Part III (1990)

    [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 Patrick Glauber. 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=”{}”]On a $13 million budget, The Godfather: Part II grossed $93 million worldwide and was 1974’s sixth highest-grossing film. Despite a mixed reception from critics, the film earned six Academy Awards, including Best Director and Best Picture. Francis Ford Coppola followed this up with 1979’s Apocalypse Now, which was another hit despite numerous production problems. Unfortunately, his 1982 film One from the Heart was a colossal flop, grossing over $600,000 on a $25 million budget. Due to the financial loss, Coppola accepted an offer from Paramount to make another sequel to The Godfather. Al Pacino, Diane Keaton, and Talia Shire agreed to return, but Robert Duvall refused due to pay disputes. With a budget of $54 million, principal photography began in November 1989 and ran throughout the following year. Sixteen years after the last installment, The Godfather: Part III premiered on Christmas Day of 1990.

    [/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=”70″ 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

    Set in 1979, a 60-year-old Michael Corleone (Al Pacino) is dealing with the consequences of his rise to power. Michael meets with his now-grown children, Anthony (Franc D’Ambrosio) and Mary (Sofia Coppola), at an induction ceremony. They’ve been living with their mother and Michael’s ex-wife Kay (Diane Keaton), who’s since remarried and still resents Michael. At his sister Connie’s (Talia Shire) insistence, Michael agrees to take on his illegitimate nephew Vincent Mancini (Andy Garcia). Michael makes deals with the Vatican to pay off their debts for shares in Internazionale Immobiliare to legitimize his business. While this is happening, Mary takes an interest in Vincent, and the two start a romantic relationship. Don Altobello (Eli Wallach) wants in on the Internazionale Immobiliare but double-crosses Michael when he’s refused a share. As Michael reflects on his life choices, he is pulled back into the mafia lifestyle he tried leaving behind.

     

    Review

    Despite its flaws, I felt that The Godfather: Part II was a worthy follow-up to the original classic. Unfortunately, The Godfather: Part III isn’t the stellar finale to the trilogy fans were probably hoping for. Before I go into the negatives, I want to highlight the positives as there are good qualities to the movie. For one, the performances are spectacular (for the most part), especially from Al Pacino and Diane Keaton. Also, Andy Garcia does an excellent job playing the arrogant yet loyal Vincent Mancini. Like the previous films, this one explores themes of family, loyalty, and betrayal, reflecting on the past. We see the once determined and ruthless Michael Corleone become a broken man who feels remorseful in his old age. After going through the entire trilogy, it’s interesting to see the character growth of this war hero turned mafioso.

    Now, it’s time to address the elephant in the room that’s been discussed since 1990: Sofia Coppola’s performance. Sadly, she is the weakest actor in the movie, with her line delivery coming off stilted and unnatural. Someone like Winona Ryder would’ve done a much better job, but there are some scenes even she couldn’t save. Also, there are so many subplots going on that it’s hard to keep track of what’s happening. Sure, the second film suffered from constantly switching back between the past and present, but it was easier to follow. In this film, you’ve got a plot involving the Catholic Church, finances, family turmoil, rival gangs, and forbidden romance. Even though it’s the shortest one, the movie feels so scatterbrained that it’ll feel longer than it actually is. Overall, while it has many good aspects, The Godfather: Part III is a disappointing finale to an American classic.

     

    Buy The Godfather: Part III from Amazon: https://amzn.to/4f7W3nb.

    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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  • Top Gun: Maverick (2022)

    Top Gun: Maverick (2022)

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    On a budget of $15 million, Top Gun grossed over $350 million worldwide and was the highest-grossing film of 1986. Critics were mixed, with Roger Ebert saying, “the good parts are so good, and the bad parts are so relentless.” Regardless, the film became a cultural icon that’s influenced numerous other movies and TV shows. In 2010, 24 years after the original, Paramount offered producer Jerry Bruckheimer and director Tony Scott a sequel. Tom Cruise and Val Kilmer were interested in reprising their roles, but unfortunately, plans stopped after Scott’s death in 2012. In 2017, Tom Cruise announced that Joseph Kosinski, who he worked with on 2013’s Oblivion, would be directing the sequel. The film was initially scheduled for release in 2019 but saw numerous delays for additional filming and the COVID-19 pandemic. Finally, 36 years after the original, Top Gun: Maverick soared into theaters in May 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=”90″ 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=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]

    Synopsis

    Following the first film’s events, Captain Pete “Maverick” Mitchell (Tom Cruise) now works as a test pilot. He gets assigned by Rear Admiral Chester “Hammer” Cain (Ed Harris) to NAS North Island as a TOPGUN instructor. Once there, he meets with Vice Admiral Beau “Cyclone” Simpson (Jon Hamm) and Rear Admiral Solomon “Warlock” Bates (Charles Parnell). They tell Maverick that he’s there to train some of their best pilots for an upcoming mission. Lieutenant Bradley “Rooster” Bradshaw (Miles Teller) is among these pilots, and he blames Maverick for his father’s tragic death. At the same time, Rooster has to deal with the overly arrogant Lieutenant Jake “Hangman” Seresin (Glen Powell). As training continues, Maverick meets up with his ex-girlfriend Penelope “Penny” Benjamin (Jennifer Connelly). With pressures rising and time running out, Maverick has to pull it together to ensure the mission’s success.

     

    Review

    As beloved as the first film is, most people can agree that it’s a product of its time. So when Paramount announced a sequel made decades later, only the hardcore fans seemed interested. More often than not, sequels made years after the fact tend to never live up to the original. Thankfully, not only does Top Gun: Maverick live up to its predecessor, but it exceeds the original in many ways. The movie uses nostalgia to draw you in, but thankfully, it’s not shoved down your throat like other legacy sequels. Even though watching the original would help, you could go into this without seeing the first one without being confused. Also, this film has much higher stakes than the first film, where the only stake was making top rank. You care here because the characters are trying to prevent a nuclear explosion that could ignite another world war.

    Like always, Tom Cruise is just as energetic and charismatic as ever, but he also has moments of humanity. It’s interesting seeing Maverick racked with guilt over his friend’s death and how it puts him at odds with Rooster. Speaking of, Miles Teller is great as Rooster, who not only looks almost precisely like Goose but acts like him. The scenes between him and Cruise are some of the best, and you can feel the tension between them. Jennifer Connelly does a good job, but her romance with Cruise falls flat like in the original. Val Kilmer also gets a scene with Cruise, and while it’s his only on-screen appearance, it’s a touching moment. The aerial scenes are even more exciting, and Joseph Kosinski does Tony Scott proud with his top-notch cinematography. Overall, Top Gun: Maverick is a rare instance where the sequel outshines the original in every way.

    [/et_pb_text][et_pb_code _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]Buy your tickets now to watch “Top Gun: Maverick” playing in theaters starting May 27th![/et_pb_code][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]

    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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