Viewed in
2013
Formats
HDTV
Premise
Carl Weathers stars as a badass cop in Detroit.
Liked
The unintentional comedy.
Disliked
Most of it.
Thoughts
Meh. You'd hope a cop flick with Apollo Creed would be fun, but sadly not the case.
The good things were: seeing Vanity and Sharon Stone's boobs, driving a sports car through a mansion interior, semi-ninjas who were cool for the first two-thirds of the story, and occasional moments when Weathers was actually owned the screen.
Now let's go through the checklist of not good/original: a badass black cop with attitude, a superior who's had it "up to here" with our hero's shenanigans, an antagonist who's evil to the bone, a mistress who will fall for our hero, a car chase through the streets with our hero on the roof, a dude gets electrocuted crashing into a giant computer? All check. I was shocked the car didn't run through a fruit stand and that Weathers wasn't forced to turn in his badge.
Another thing that made the movie boring was the writing. The dialog was on-the-nose, bland, and full of cussing for cussing's sake (it was an '80's flick).
But enough boring stuff, let's get to the nonsensical stuff, such as: Weathers catching a runaway cab on foot, ninja mercs who can Seal Team 6 it for the majority of the plot but can't sense a sumo-sized bodyguard sneaking up on them, a song with the lyrics "Can you kiss me?/Baby undress me", Craig T. Nelson sporting a space-age heroin needle that looked like the syringe from Dark City.
Lastly, I don't know what was weirder: the furry alien residing on Nelson's forehead pretending to be his eyebrows or that Herbie Hancock and Michael Kamen composed the score.
Unless you really really really love Carl Weathers, it's safe to stay clear of this ho-hum Shaft-wannabe. As an action flick, Action Jackson unfortunately did not deserve such a cool title.
Showing posts with label 1988. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 1988. Show all posts
Akira
Viewed in
2002, 2003
Formats
DVD
Premise
The landmark anime film classic about psionic kids in post-apocalyptic Tokyo.
Thoughts
It's been forever, but it was an eye-opening classic in the anime genre. It was full of mature themes, trippy sequences, an uncompromising gritty vision, a memorable style, an interesting score, and thought-provoking ambiguity. The interpretive ending might have been too ambitious, to the point of pretentiousness. Also, the dialogue was laughable at times, as the leads just repeatedly shout each others' names.
What I would change
Nothing.
2002, 2003
Formats
DVD
Premise
The landmark anime film classic about psionic kids in post-apocalyptic Tokyo.
Thoughts
It's been forever, but it was an eye-opening classic in the anime genre. It was full of mature themes, trippy sequences, an uncompromising gritty vision, a memorable style, an interesting score, and thought-provoking ambiguity. The interpretive ending might have been too ambitious, to the point of pretentiousness. Also, the dialogue was laughable at times, as the leads just repeatedly shout each others' names.
What I would change
Nothing.
Beetlejuice
Viewed in
2002, 2004
Formats
DVD, on demand.
Premise
A recently deceased couple attempt to scare away the family moving into their house, with the 'help' of Beetle Juice.
Liked
Tim Burton's visuals, Michael Keaton's acting, and Danny Elfman's music.
Thoughts
Memory is hazy, but I recall enjoying the weird, dark, and imaginative sequences by director Tim Burton. Also I very much enjoyed the cast of Alec Baldwin, Geena Davis, Winona Ryder, Jeffery Jones, Catherine O'Hara, and especially Michael Keaton in a very un-Batman-like performance full of offbeat spunk. Of course, Danny Elfman's score kicked butt.
Could have used a better story, but was always the knock on Burton.
What I would change
Not sure.
2020 - Doesn't hold up very well. Alec Baldwin and Geena Davis are adorable. Michael Keaton is dialed up a little too much, and glad he really only appears in the last 45 minutes. The sexual predator and underage marriage aged terribly. Catherine O'Hara's unlikable step-mom character, and the head-shrinking stuff aged badly too. I still appreciate Danny Elfman's score and Tim Burton's vision, but I'm not gonna miss it if I never see it again.
Big
Viewed in
1997
Premise
A twelve year old boy wishing to be an adult gets his wish.
Who should watch
Tom Hanks fans.
Thoughts
In this funny and surprisingly touching film, Hanks proved that he was more than just a romantic-comedy lead actor. While the premise has been used plenty of times before and after, this was probably one of the best. I credit the genuine, believable and funny dialogue.
What I liked best about it was that the film makers made a serious effort to make something that had heart instead of easy juvenile jokes. This was most evident in Tom Hanks' touchstone performance. There was a lot of funny stuff going on, but he played his character seriously, and fully embodied a twelve year old boy. I would consider this one of his best acting jobs, ever.
Last but not least, this film contained one of the most memorable scenes in history, in which Hanks and Robert Loggia played 'Heart and Soul' on the giant electric keyboard.
What I would change
Nothing.
1997
Premise
A twelve year old boy wishing to be an adult gets his wish.
Who should watch
Tom Hanks fans.
Thoughts
In this funny and surprisingly touching film, Hanks proved that he was more than just a romantic-comedy lead actor. While the premise has been used plenty of times before and after, this was probably one of the best. I credit the genuine, believable and funny dialogue.
What I liked best about it was that the film makers made a serious effort to make something that had heart instead of easy juvenile jokes. This was most evident in Tom Hanks' touchstone performance. There was a lot of funny stuff going on, but he played his character seriously, and fully embodied a twelve year old boy. I would consider this one of his best acting jobs, ever.
Last but not least, this film contained one of the most memorable scenes in history, in which Hanks and Robert Loggia played 'Heart and Soul' on the giant electric keyboard.
What I would change
Nothing.
Bull Durham
Viewed in
2013
Formats
HDTV
Premise
Susan Sarandon stars as a minor league baseball groupie who has to choose between grumpy veteran (Kevin Costner) or arrogant stud (Tim Robbins).
Liked
Charming cast.
Disliked
Predictable writing, lack of character obstacles.
Thoughts
Bill Simmons often described this movie as a romantic comedy disguised as a baseball movie. For the most part, I have to agree.
Probably the best part was the likable cast and their vibrant chemistry. Sarandon was convincing as a sexy muse with a quirk for poetry, Costner was charming as the sage yet grouchy old man in the club, Robbins was hilarious as the dumb young jock, and Robert Wuhl brought a smile/smirk to my face as the wisecracking assistant coach.
Every interaction between these characters crackled with energy. Even though I knew that Costner's going to school Robbins and I knew who Sarandon would end up with at the end, I wanted to see them happen. The baseball scenes were entertaining, not only was the mentor-pupil dynamic funny, but got some comedic mileage out of clubhouse shenanigans, player rituals, and inner thoughts of athletes at bat. I also liked the bittersweet truths about the precariousness of a minor league career.
Despite some attention to detail, the baseball still felt like sloppy window dressing to the rom-com arc. The movie never explained that Costner was a switch hitter, or was flat out inconsistent. The portrayal of Jose the player was a bit racially insensitive with the voodoo and chicken-sacrificing gags. And Sarandon's monologs about the romance of baseball was broad. But maybe that's just outdated given how cynical pro sports has become sense this film released.
Meanwhile, the love story also suffered from some unevenness. It was implausible that the only females were intelligent about baseball, but at the same time just wanted to bang the players. Despite trying to play up the love triangle, I found minimal resistance for Costner and Sarandon's relationship. This led to a low-energy climax (not an innuendo) and false endings that kept going (ditto).
Bull Durham was entertaining thanks to fun performances and chemistry, but in its attempt to be a romance and baseball movie, it kind of became neither. Lastly, hearing Edith Piaf's "La Vie En Rose" was amusing given its use in Inception.
2013
Formats
HDTV
Premise
Susan Sarandon stars as a minor league baseball groupie who has to choose between grumpy veteran (Kevin Costner) or arrogant stud (Tim Robbins).
Liked
Charming cast.
Disliked
Predictable writing, lack of character obstacles.
Thoughts
Bill Simmons often described this movie as a romantic comedy disguised as a baseball movie. For the most part, I have to agree.
Probably the best part was the likable cast and their vibrant chemistry. Sarandon was convincing as a sexy muse with a quirk for poetry, Costner was charming as the sage yet grouchy old man in the club, Robbins was hilarious as the dumb young jock, and Robert Wuhl brought a smile/smirk to my face as the wisecracking assistant coach.
Every interaction between these characters crackled with energy. Even though I knew that Costner's going to school Robbins and I knew who Sarandon would end up with at the end, I wanted to see them happen. The baseball scenes were entertaining, not only was the mentor-pupil dynamic funny, but got some comedic mileage out of clubhouse shenanigans, player rituals, and inner thoughts of athletes at bat. I also liked the bittersweet truths about the precariousness of a minor league career.
Despite some attention to detail, the baseball still felt like sloppy window dressing to the rom-com arc. The movie never explained that Costner was a switch hitter, or was flat out inconsistent. The portrayal of Jose the player was a bit racially insensitive with the voodoo and chicken-sacrificing gags. And Sarandon's monologs about the romance of baseball was broad. But maybe that's just outdated given how cynical pro sports has become sense this film released.
Meanwhile, the love story also suffered from some unevenness. It was implausible that the only females were intelligent about baseball, but at the same time just wanted to bang the players. Despite trying to play up the love triangle, I found minimal resistance for Costner and Sarandon's relationship. This led to a low-energy climax (not an innuendo) and false endings that kept going (ditto).
Bull Durham was entertaining thanks to fun performances and chemistry, but in its attempt to be a romance and baseball movie, it kind of became neither. Lastly, hearing Edith Piaf's "La Vie En Rose" was amusing given its use in Inception.
Cocktail
Viewed in
2007
Premise
A young man learns about life, love and friendship taking a glamorous job as a New York bartender.
Who should watch
Tom Cruise fans.
Thoughts
I do not know what to make of this movie. Was it a guys movie? A chick flick? It was not bad, but it was not great either.
I admit that I have never been to New York nor met bartenders such as these. My favorite part was the great chemistry between Cruise and Bryan Brown. Their bar scene when they do fancy tricks like synchronized-bar tending were very fun to watch. I just do not know how realistic that was.
Other than that, everything else was pretty average. The screenplay tried, as it explored issues of love, money and priorities in the 1980's. But I just didn't care.
What I would change
Not sure.
2007
Premise
A young man learns about life, love and friendship taking a glamorous job as a New York bartender.
Who should watch
Tom Cruise fans.
Thoughts
I do not know what to make of this movie. Was it a guys movie? A chick flick? It was not bad, but it was not great either.
I admit that I have never been to New York nor met bartenders such as these. My favorite part was the great chemistry between Cruise and Bryan Brown. Their bar scene when they do fancy tricks like synchronized-bar tending were very fun to watch. I just do not know how realistic that was.
Other than that, everything else was pretty average. The screenplay tried, as it explored issues of love, money and priorities in the 1980's. But I just didn't care.
What I would change
Not sure.
Coming to America
Viewed in
2011
Formats
Cable TV
Premise
Eddie Murphy stars as an African Prince who decides to come to New York to search for his one true love.
Liked
The charming performances.
Thoughts
Overall, a well-made film.
The best part was the likeable cast. Murphy showed his versatility with a controlled performance while still oozing with charisma. This was the first time I ever saw Arsenio Hall act, and he was surprisingly funny as the sidekick. In addition, Murphy already started his "Eddie Murphy as other characters" shtick. I should have realized something was up when the opening credits mentioned makeup master Rick Baker. Murphy, along with Hall, had fun with these characters without being too distracting.
Other recognizable faces included James Earl Jones, Louie Anderson, Eriq LaSalle dead-ringing for Lionel Richie, and Samuel L. Jackson channeling an early incarnation of Jules. Strong performances were present, especially from Shari Headley and John Amos.
In the wrong hands, the plot could have been very hokey and completely offensive in today's sensibilities. Kudos to the writers for crafting characters who didn't always follow stereotypes and setting up intelligent plot twists instead of relying on cheap laughs. Even by today's standards, the story held up pretty well, and had that goofy 1980's charm.
The biggest flaw, aside from Hall's inability to keep a regal accent even in the same take, was that it was on the predictable side. But to complain about that in a rom-com is rather silly. For the most part, the scenes that you can see coming a mile away were well-executed, thanks to the writing or the performances. Also, since Murphy's character already started as a Prince with a heart of gold, there wasn't much of an arc for him.
Premise-wise, I had my doubts, but the film worked for me, thanks to winning comedic performances, an enjoyable cast, and smart writing. Not one of Murphy's best, but at least it wasn't one of his many bombs.
What I would change
Nothing.
Random
An unrecognizable Cuba Gooding Jr. was in the barbershop scene.
2011
Formats
Cable TV
Premise
Eddie Murphy stars as an African Prince who decides to come to New York to search for his one true love.
Liked
The charming performances.
Thoughts
Overall, a well-made film.
The best part was the likeable cast. Murphy showed his versatility with a controlled performance while still oozing with charisma. This was the first time I ever saw Arsenio Hall act, and he was surprisingly funny as the sidekick. In addition, Murphy already started his "Eddie Murphy as other characters" shtick. I should have realized something was up when the opening credits mentioned makeup master Rick Baker. Murphy, along with Hall, had fun with these characters without being too distracting.
Other recognizable faces included James Earl Jones, Louie Anderson, Eriq LaSalle dead-ringing for Lionel Richie, and Samuel L. Jackson channeling an early incarnation of Jules. Strong performances were present, especially from Shari Headley and John Amos.
In the wrong hands, the plot could have been very hokey and completely offensive in today's sensibilities. Kudos to the writers for crafting characters who didn't always follow stereotypes and setting up intelligent plot twists instead of relying on cheap laughs. Even by today's standards, the story held up pretty well, and had that goofy 1980's charm.
The biggest flaw, aside from Hall's inability to keep a regal accent even in the same take, was that it was on the predictable side. But to complain about that in a rom-com is rather silly. For the most part, the scenes that you can see coming a mile away were well-executed, thanks to the writing or the performances. Also, since Murphy's character already started as a Prince with a heart of gold, there wasn't much of an arc for him.
Premise-wise, I had my doubts, but the film worked for me, thanks to winning comedic performances, an enjoyable cast, and smart writing. Not one of Murphy's best, but at least it wasn't one of his many bombs.
What I would change
Nothing.
Random
An unrecognizable Cuba Gooding Jr. was in the barbershop scene.
Dirty Rotten Scoundrels
Viewed in
2010
Formats
HD TV
Premise
Steve Martin and Michael Caine star as two con artists who try to steal from rich ladies in France.
Loved
The chemistry between Martin and Caine.
Disliked
The implausible ending.
Thoughts
The two leads really carried this film.
I am at a loss of words of the quality of Caine and Martin's performances playing off each other. It was a blast. Their rivalry was electric, as they attempted to out-con each other. Their execution was flawless at their characters were put into hilarious situations and hit all the right notes of wit and pratfalls.
As for the cast, it was amusing to see the Emperor of Star Wars as a butler.
Unfortunately, two flaws prevented greatness. One, the female lead character was uninteresting, and the movie got more implausible as it went along. She did not make much for a love interest, and her cluelessness throughout the gauntlet of cons made it hard to empathize with her. As the plausibility got out of hand, the film makers threw in a giant twist at the end that was (slightly predictable,) incredibly hard to believe, thus the payoff fell with a giant thud.
Watching Caine and Martin in action was worth the price of admission, just expect a disappointing ending.
What I would change
Got rid of the ridiculous ending twist.
2010
Formats
HD TV
Premise
Steve Martin and Michael Caine star as two con artists who try to steal from rich ladies in France.
Loved
The chemistry between Martin and Caine.
Disliked
The implausible ending.
Thoughts
The two leads really carried this film.
I am at a loss of words of the quality of Caine and Martin's performances playing off each other. It was a blast. Their rivalry was electric, as they attempted to out-con each other. Their execution was flawless at their characters were put into hilarious situations and hit all the right notes of wit and pratfalls.
As for the cast, it was amusing to see the Emperor of Star Wars as a butler.
Unfortunately, two flaws prevented greatness. One, the female lead character was uninteresting, and the movie got more implausible as it went along. She did not make much for a love interest, and her cluelessness throughout the gauntlet of cons made it hard to empathize with her. As the plausibility got out of hand, the film makers threw in a giant twist at the end that was (slightly predictable,) incredibly hard to believe, thus the payoff fell with a giant thud.
Watching Caine and Martin in action was worth the price of admission, just expect a disappointing ending.
What I would change
Got rid of the ridiculous ending twist.
Grave of the Fireflies
Viewed in
2002
Premise
Two orphaned siblings tough it out during WWII Japan.
Who should watch
Anime and film buffs.
Thoughts
Along with 'Akira', this movie was credited for defining modern anime. The realistic and simple style proved that anime does not have to be flashy to tell a story. Also, it had the reputation as one of the saddest movies in history.
I did not feel that emotion punch. The characters were not believable nor sympathetic. I know it was wartime, and they were orphaned, but it seemed silly that they would always do the opposite of what every adult told them, thus putting themselves into deeper and deeper holes.
What I would change
Lowered the hype.
2002
Premise
Two orphaned siblings tough it out during WWII Japan.
Who should watch
Anime and film buffs.
Thoughts
Along with 'Akira', this movie was credited for defining modern anime. The realistic and simple style proved that anime does not have to be flashy to tell a story. Also, it had the reputation as one of the saddest movies in history.
I did not feel that emotion punch. The characters were not believable nor sympathetic. I know it was wartime, and they were orphaned, but it seemed silly that they would always do the opposite of what every adult told them, thus putting themselves into deeper and deeper holes.
What I would change
Lowered the hype.
Hairspray
Viewed in
2007
Premise
In 1960's Baltimore, and pudgy girl dances her way onto the local 'American Bandstand' show then decides to integrate the show.
Who should watch
John Waters fans. Fans of the musical.
Thoughts
This was a fun, quirky film that managed to handle some serious issues lightly yet with respect. I laughed a lot at the many twisted scenes and dialog, especially the rivalry between the main character and her archnemesis from the show.
What I enjoyed the most was the casting, including John Waters, Sonny Bono and Debbie Harry. Ricki Lake was very likeable as the lead. And Divine was very interesting as the mom, because he/she did not need a fat suit. Last but not least, there was one of the greatest 'What the hell?' moments in cinema history with the hysterical and mind-boggling cameos of Pia Zadora and Ric Ocasek as stoned beatniks.
Comparing the two 'Hairspray' films, both were very funny in their own way. The 1988 version had a darker, twisted sense of humor, while the 2007 version had an infectious good feeling. Personally I liked the newer one better because it had great musical numbers and a cast I could relate to more.
NOTE: While it technically was not a musical, music played it big part.
What I would change
Nothing.
2007
Premise
In 1960's Baltimore, and pudgy girl dances her way onto the local 'American Bandstand' show then decides to integrate the show.
Who should watch
John Waters fans. Fans of the musical.
Thoughts
This was a fun, quirky film that managed to handle some serious issues lightly yet with respect. I laughed a lot at the many twisted scenes and dialog, especially the rivalry between the main character and her archnemesis from the show.
What I enjoyed the most was the casting, including John Waters, Sonny Bono and Debbie Harry. Ricki Lake was very likeable as the lead. And Divine was very interesting as the mom, because he/she did not need a fat suit. Last but not least, there was one of the greatest 'What the hell?' moments in cinema history with the hysterical and mind-boggling cameos of Pia Zadora and Ric Ocasek as stoned beatniks.
Comparing the two 'Hairspray' films, both were very funny in their own way. The 1988 version had a darker, twisted sense of humor, while the 2007 version had an infectious good feeling. Personally I liked the newer one better because it had great musical numbers and a cast I could relate to more.
NOTE: While it technically was not a musical, music played it big part.
What I would change
Nothing.
Last Temptation of Christ
Viewed in
2001
Premise
Martin Scorsese interprets Jesus' mind when he was about to be crucified.
Who should watch
Fans of the cast and director. Religiously open minded people.
Thoughts
I thought it was interesting and thoughtful. I liked the examination of the human side of Jesus. Everything made logical sense based on the interpretations of the filmmakers. Films like these do not attack religion, they just make you say, 'Cool, I never thought of that'. On top of that, there was some really good acting.
What I would change
Nothing.
2001
Premise
Martin Scorsese interprets Jesus' mind when he was about to be crucified.
Who should watch
Fans of the cast and director. Religiously open minded people.
Thoughts
I thought it was interesting and thoughtful. I liked the examination of the human side of Jesus. Everything made logical sense based on the interpretations of the filmmakers. Films like these do not attack religion, they just make you say, 'Cool, I never thought of that'. On top of that, there was some really good acting.
What I would change
Nothing.
Midnight Run
Viewed in
2007
Premise
A bounty hunter attempts to take back an escaped accountant from New York to Los Angeles, with the F.B.I., the mob and other bounty hunters in pursuit.
Who should watch
Fans of Robert DeNiro and Charles Grodin. Those in the mood for something innocuous but with some edge.
Thoughts
This was a fun buddy action comedy with a twist of bitterness. Unlike most of this genre, both guys are bitter and hate each other, and DeNiro and Grodin had the perfect blend of mean. I could have watched them zing and frustrate one another forever.
Unfortunately, the filmmakers thought so too. The film was too long, and could have done away with one less pursuer. Overall, it was very funny, but they should have known to get out while they were ahead.
What I would change
Cut to the chase sooner before the film lost momentum.
2007
Premise
A bounty hunter attempts to take back an escaped accountant from New York to Los Angeles, with the F.B.I., the mob and other bounty hunters in pursuit.
Who should watch
Fans of Robert DeNiro and Charles Grodin. Those in the mood for something innocuous but with some edge.
Thoughts
This was a fun buddy action comedy with a twist of bitterness. Unlike most of this genre, both guys are bitter and hate each other, and DeNiro and Grodin had the perfect blend of mean. I could have watched them zing and frustrate one another forever.
Unfortunately, the filmmakers thought so too. The film was too long, and could have done away with one less pursuer. Overall, it was very funny, but they should have known to get out while they were ahead.
What I would change
Cut to the chase sooner before the film lost momentum.
Rain Man
Viewed in
1999
Formats
DVD
Premise
Dustin Hoffman stars as an autistic brother who inherits his father's fortune, to the chagrin of the other brother, played by Tom Cruise.
Thoughts
It's been a while, but I recall Dustin Hoffman's memorable performance. However, as a whole movie, I thought it was overrated.
What I would change
Not sure.
1999
Formats
DVD
Premise
Dustin Hoffman stars as an autistic brother who inherits his father's fortune, to the chagrin of the other brother, played by Tom Cruise.
Thoughts
It's been a while, but I recall Dustin Hoffman's memorable performance. However, as a whole movie, I thought it was overrated.
What I would change
Not sure.
They Live
Viewed in
2012
Formats
HDTV
Premise
Rowdy Roddy Piper stars as a vagabond who stumbles upon sunglasses that show that we're controlled by skull-faced alien/monster/thingies.
Loved
Two lead actors, the cheesiness.
Disliked
Slow first 30 minutes.
Thoughts
I hoped for "so bad that it's good", and for the most part it succeeded.
I have no clue what convinced director John Carpenter to cast Piper as the lead, but turned out he was the perfect fit, since it required delivering ridiculously over-the-top dialog with gusto. I don't care how many times I've heard/seen that clip, but "I'm here to kick ass and chew bubble gum. And I'm all out of bubble gum." never gets old.
The other brilliant casting was Keith David as Piper's buddy. His voice and presence just made him such a BAMF who gave Hot Rod's bravado a run for his money. The centerpiece was their hilariously long brawl in an alley over Piper trying to convince David to wear the sunglasses. There were so many false endings and WWE moves that it got a standing O from me.
Other fantastically unintentionally funny things were the nonsensical attempt to show America's decadence in the plot (and through sunglasses), no explanation about who were these formaldehyde-faces, and horribly constricting masks that prevented actors from talking out of them properly. Yet none could touch the most powerful roundhouse bottle swing in history by a chick that sent Piper flying out a glass door and down a bajillion hills.
My complaints would be that the first act was too long and slow. I wanted Piper to run out of bubble gum sooner. Also, the score kept playing the same tune repetitively throughout.
They Live was a great bad 1980's flick. And it had some surprising charm thanks to Rowdy Rod and Goliath from Gargoyles.
2012
Formats
HDTV
Premise
Rowdy Roddy Piper stars as a vagabond who stumbles upon sunglasses that show that we're controlled by skull-faced alien/monster/thingies.
Loved
Two lead actors, the cheesiness.
Disliked
Slow first 30 minutes.
Thoughts
I hoped for "so bad that it's good", and for the most part it succeeded.
I have no clue what convinced director John Carpenter to cast Piper as the lead, but turned out he was the perfect fit, since it required delivering ridiculously over-the-top dialog with gusto. I don't care how many times I've heard/seen that clip, but "I'm here to kick ass and chew bubble gum. And I'm all out of bubble gum." never gets old.
The other brilliant casting was Keith David as Piper's buddy. His voice and presence just made him such a BAMF who gave Hot Rod's bravado a run for his money. The centerpiece was their hilariously long brawl in an alley over Piper trying to convince David to wear the sunglasses. There were so many false endings and WWE moves that it got a standing O from me.
Other fantastically unintentionally funny things were the nonsensical attempt to show America's decadence in the plot (and through sunglasses), no explanation about who were these formaldehyde-faces, and horribly constricting masks that prevented actors from talking out of them properly. Yet none could touch the most powerful roundhouse bottle swing in history by a chick that sent Piper flying out a glass door and down a bajillion hills.
My complaints would be that the first act was too long and slow. I wanted Piper to run out of bubble gum sooner. Also, the score kept playing the same tune repetitively throughout.
They Live was a great bad 1980's flick. And it had some surprising charm thanks to Rowdy Rod and Goliath from Gargoyles.
Twins
Viewed in
1992
Formats
Syndicated TV (standard def)
Premise
Arnold Schwarzenegger and Danny DeVito star as long lost twins
Thoughts
Don't remember much, but I liked it a lot when I was a gullible, dumb kid.
What I would change
Not sure.
1992
Formats
Syndicated TV (standard def)
Premise
Arnold Schwarzenegger and Danny DeVito star as long lost twins
Thoughts
Don't remember much, but I liked it a lot when I was a gullible, dumb kid.
What I would change
Not sure.
Who Framed Roger Rabbit
Viewed in
1991
Premise
A pioneering movie in which animation and live action merge into one crazy world.
Who should watch
Movie and animation buffs. Bob Hoskins fans.
Thoughts
I'm pretty sure the studio tried to market this as a children's movie. Granted that I was a wimp as a kid, but I hated and did not understand it when they played it at my kiddie day care every month. Naturally, I was turned off by the darker themes of murder and death and did not understand the weird sensations whenever I saw Jessica Rabbit.
It was a different story when you're older. Everything about it rocked. There was a load of cameos from famous cartoon characters from Warner Brothers and Disney. I also got a kick out of the satire and interactions between the live action and animated characters. Kudos to the film makers for their hard technical work to make all the interactions seamless. The underrated Bob Hoskins was a natural working with invisible actors.
This film was important as well as entertaining.
What I would change
I would still disagree about this being a children's movie.
1991
Premise
A pioneering movie in which animation and live action merge into one crazy world.
Who should watch
Movie and animation buffs. Bob Hoskins fans.
Thoughts
I'm pretty sure the studio tried to market this as a children's movie. Granted that I was a wimp as a kid, but I hated and did not understand it when they played it at my kiddie day care every month. Naturally, I was turned off by the darker themes of murder and death and did not understand the weird sensations whenever I saw Jessica Rabbit.
It was a different story when you're older. Everything about it rocked. There was a load of cameos from famous cartoon characters from Warner Brothers and Disney. I also got a kick out of the satire and interactions between the live action and animated characters. Kudos to the film makers for their hard technical work to make all the interactions seamless. The underrated Bob Hoskins was a natural working with invisible actors.
This film was important as well as entertaining.
What I would change
I would still disagree about this being a children's movie.
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