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BonzoDog
Reviews
The Beatles Revolution (2000)
Who cares what these celebrities think?
This wasn't about the Beatles, it was about what people who later became famous thought about the Beatles. Why should we care what Tim Allen or Oscar de la Hoya think about their music? I can understand talking to people who were there and who were part of the "scene", but there was too much blah blah blah from people who didn't have anything to do with the Beatles.
The Personal History, Adventures, Experience, & Observation of David Copperfield the Younger (1935)
Some amazing character actors!
This version of David Copperfield is a little disappointing in that the lead characters (David, Agnes, Steerforth, Little Em'ly) are somewhat bland and don't reveal their depth of feeling or passion. But the actors who play the supporting characters are so superb that this version is worth seeking out for those who love Dickens' work. Aunt Betsy, Uriah Heep, Mr. Dick, Mr. Micawber, Dan Peggotty and Ham are fleshed out by actors who have true spark and understand that their characters are supposed to be a little larger than life.
W.C. Fields can act- he's not just playing himself here. Although Mr. Micawber is a somewhat Fields-ish fellow, Fields adds a touching sincerity to Micawber's belief that he will come out ahead someday to everyone's benefit. Micawber's denunciation of Uriah Heep is both fun and close to what one can picture from the novel.
A lot of plot is left out, since you can't really cram an epic like that into a 2 hour film- the BBC miniseries is better for depth of character and filling in plot holes- but this 1935 version can be considered a classic for those looking for a nice large-screen adaptation with some incredibly good character actors.
Army of Darkness (1992)
Dark comedy that's more comedy than dark
Sam Raimi and Bruce Campbell are the masters of the horror/adventure movie spoof. Scary and funny things happen at the same time, so you're not sure whether to yell or laugh. Ash is a kick-butt hero who's just selfish enough to make him fun. The Deadites are gruesome and sarcastic. Reading the quotes doesn't do justice to Campbell's delivery of his lines. Plus any hero with a chainsaw for a hand just has to be impressive. Sam Raimi never denigrates horror movies in the process of making this- he just adds another, more humorous, dimension.
The Lathe of Heaven (1980)
Finally re-released!
The Lathe of Heaven has just been re-released. It's being shown on many PBS stations, and is also now on video. This was all due to high fan demand.
This is a dreamy, scary sci-fi flick with strong moral lessons. It's almost like a play: set mostly in one place, with only three characters involved. The special effects aren't stunning, but they're perfectly effective. The story is wildly original: what would the world be like if your dreams all came true- not your daydreams, but the uncontrollable ones at night?
Home Movies (1999)
Goofy Fun that was too smart for UPN
Almost freeform animated comedy about strangely realistic kids and their view on life. Paula Poundstone was, as usual, drily funny and empathetic. Both the kids' lives and their movies about life were silly and hilarious. Once I started watching, I couldn't stop- the squiggle-vision seems like it would be annoying but it becomes fascinating. I loved this show and was truly disappointed when it was cancelled. Another piece of originality bites the dust...
Viva Variety (1997)
Underappreciated Gem of Wackiness
Thomas Lennon, Kerri Kenney and Michael Ian Black of the comedy group "The State" did a real variety show that was both homage to and parody of this near-forgotten (in the U.S., anyway) type of TV show. They had name celebrities mixed in with weird novelty acts of the type you can only find at Circus Circus in Las Vegas. They never made fun of the acts, but created characters at whom they could jab. It was too original and weird to survive, alas. I hope they all put together another original creation this good!
Tunnel Vision (1976)
The Beginning of Sophomoric Comedy
By today's standards, this movie is crude, filled with drug and lame sex humor, and just plain silly. But in 1976, this was the segue from National Lampoon to Saturday Night Live-type "sophomoric" comedy. This was also precursor to the Zucker brothers' "Kentucky Fried Movie", "Airplane" and "Police Squad" types of movies that make fun of both the subject and the medium.
Time Bandits (1981)
Best Kids Film Ever
The first kids' film I've ever seen where the lead child actor is very likable and realistic. A wildly original and intelligent plot, lots of humor and adventure, and fun cameos. Sean Connery makes a warrior king into a nice dad guy who'd rather do magic tricks. Plus a nice Roald Dahl-esque ending. Parents might cringe, but kids will cheer.
One Way Ticket to Hell (1955)
One of the Best Worst
This silly "juvenile delinquent" film is fun for a lot of reasons: there is NO dialogue, only flat narration; the female teenage lead looks like a hardened 40 year old; the narrator's analysis of psychological problems is a hoot; and the motorcycle gang looks like a troupe of Cub Scouts. Good stuff!
Quest of the Delta Knights (1993)
MSTied, and rightly so!
This stinkeroo was featured on a recent episode of Mystery Science Theater 3000, and was a hoot. It looked like a cheap student production. I could have sworn it was dubbed throughout.