Who: Bill & Melanie, and Melanie's co-worker/friend Liesl
What: Titanic-- The RiffTrax version
Where: On DVD, with RiffTrax commentary via Liesl's computer
Why: Who thought "Titanic" could be funny?
It's a sure bet most everyone (including myself and Melanie) has seen Titanic, the story of Jack and Rose-- he's poor and happy, she's rich and unhappy. They fall in love aboard the ill-fated Titanic. The ship hits an iceberg and it sinks. Jack dies. Rose lives. A depressing movie. But a MAJOR hit that brought Director/Producer/Co-Writer/Co-Editor James Cameron 11 Academy Awards, including Best Picture for 1997.
RiffTrax has its basis in the Mystery Science Theater 3000 series. RiffTrax's head commentator Michael J. Nelson was a host and writer on that show. With RiffTrax, you can download audio commentaries for selected movies from their website (for a fee) to your computer, and play them in sync with the movie. Such is the case with the recent addition with Titanic to their play list. Nelson, along with MST3K veterans Kevin Murphy and Bill Corbett, offer their "riffs" on everything from the characters (especially Jack, Rose and her snobbish fiance Caledon Nathan Hockley) to implausible situations, the ship's ultimate tragic fate, and the music as it concludes with an outrageously off-key rendition of Celine Dion's "My Heart Will Go On". We finished the movie full of tears-- from laughter. Hard to believe this could be done from such a melancholy movie such as Titanic, but somehow RiffTrax pulled it off. Some of the comments do fall flat but more often than not, they're on target.
Movie fans looking for a different "perspective" than the usual cast and crew commentary might want to check out RiffTrax.com.
Showing posts with label Parody. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Parody. Show all posts
Saturday, December 5, 2009
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
High Anxiety
Who: Amber & Jonathan
What: High Anxiety
Where: @ home on DVD
Why: Jonathan picked it
So I'm sick on the couch, and my husband pulls out High Anxiety, a Mel Brooks movie. I can't stand Mel Brooks. But it's his birthday, so I have no complaints.
This movie wasn't half bad. Normally Mel Brooks movies are unwatchable for me. But this one wasn't too bad. I might even agree to watch it a second time!
It's a semi-parody of 3 Alfred Hitchcock movies: The Birds, Psycho and Vertigo.
Mel Brooks is a psychologist, taking a job as head doctor of a prestigious psych ward. The previous head doctor was about to implement some changes, and he mysteriously died. The head nurse is Cloris Leachman, who is unidentifiable at the ugly (and thin!) nurse. She's a bad dude, who pretty much runs the joint.
Now, I was pretty sick on the couch, so I wasn't paying 100% attention to the movie, so I might have missed a couple plot points. But Cloris Leachman is trying to run the entire mental institute by killing off anybody who gets in her way.
Mel Brooks heads to San Francisco to attend a conference. A lovely lady breaks into his room. She's the daughter of somebody who has been kidnapped by Cloris Leachman. Que a HILARIOUS psycho-based shower scene (I admit - I laughed at somebody Mel Brooks did. I hate to admit that) and a pretty funny The Birds based scene.
Have you seen the classic disaster movie The Towering Inferno? Then you'll recognize the hotel that Mel Brooks stays in! Those elevators are famous around the world! (or maybe just famous in my mind)
Mel Brooks is framed for a murder while in San Francisco. It's crazy Cloris Leachman, trying to get rid of him with out actually killing him. Stuff happens, yadda, yadda, yadda. Mel Brooks saves the day, and sings a funny song.
I can't say I "recommend" this movie, but I can't recommend anything Mel Brooks (even after seeing this decent movie, I still don't like his stuff) ...
What: High Anxiety
Where: @ home on DVD
Why: Jonathan picked it
So I'm sick on the couch, and my husband pulls out High Anxiety, a Mel Brooks movie. I can't stand Mel Brooks. But it's his birthday, so I have no complaints.
This movie wasn't half bad. Normally Mel Brooks movies are unwatchable for me. But this one wasn't too bad. I might even agree to watch it a second time!
It's a semi-parody of 3 Alfred Hitchcock movies: The Birds, Psycho and Vertigo.
Mel Brooks is a psychologist, taking a job as head doctor of a prestigious psych ward. The previous head doctor was about to implement some changes, and he mysteriously died. The head nurse is Cloris Leachman, who is unidentifiable at the ugly (and thin!) nurse. She's a bad dude, who pretty much runs the joint.
Now, I was pretty sick on the couch, so I wasn't paying 100% attention to the movie, so I might have missed a couple plot points. But Cloris Leachman is trying to run the entire mental institute by killing off anybody who gets in her way.
Mel Brooks heads to San Francisco to attend a conference. A lovely lady breaks into his room. She's the daughter of somebody who has been kidnapped by Cloris Leachman. Que a HILARIOUS psycho-based shower scene (I admit - I laughed at somebody Mel Brooks did. I hate to admit that) and a pretty funny The Birds based scene.
Have you seen the classic disaster movie The Towering Inferno? Then you'll recognize the hotel that Mel Brooks stays in! Those elevators are famous around the world! (or maybe just famous in my mind)
Mel Brooks is framed for a murder while in San Francisco. It's crazy Cloris Leachman, trying to get rid of him with out actually killing him. Stuff happens, yadda, yadda, yadda. Mel Brooks saves the day, and sings a funny song.
I can't say I "recommend" this movie, but I can't recommend anything Mel Brooks (even after seeing this decent movie, I still don't like his stuff) ...
Friday, November 28, 2008
Thank You For Smoking
Who: Amber & Jonathan
What: Thank You For Smoking
Where: @ home - recorded off cable
Why: It looked interesting
What: Thank You For Smoking
Where: @ home - recorded off cable
Why: It looked interesting
This movie was enjoyable. It was cute. It was very clever. I'm just not sure I understood the point.
Not that I needed to understand the point, I enjoyed my time watching it. But if it had a point, it was way over my head.
Aaron Eckhart (as usual, I forgot his character's name already) is a lobbyist for tobacco. Basically his job is to talk about all the positives tobacco has to offer. He kicks butt at his job.
The entire movie is about his smooth talking adventures around Washington DC and various business trips, which his 13 year old son attends with him. Aaron is a good guy. He's a good dad and is teaching his son well.
Just because his job involves smoking doesn't make him a bad guy. Maybe that's the point of the movie ... don't judge a book by it's cover. Or maybe the point is 'be educated and make your own choices'.
Heck, all I know is that it was fun to watch Aaron Eckhart smooth talk his way across the US.
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
An American Carol
Who: Kerri & Scott
What: An American Carol
Where: Local Theatre
Why: It was my birthday
For my birthday Scott took me to the movies, and he knows I love the movies, and since he doesn't it's always a great treat for me to see something that's not for kids.
This is a hilarious parody of Michael Moore. He decides he wants to abolish the 4th of July and is visited by Angels to teach him a lesson on America.
If you are 'left leaning' politically you probably won't like this movie at all. As I am the face of the vast right wing conspiracy I found it absolutely hilarious! You don't get to see this point of view watching TV ever, so it was nice to have that outlet.
What: An American Carol
Where: Local Theatre
Why: It was my birthday
For my birthday Scott took me to the movies, and he knows I love the movies, and since he doesn't it's always a great treat for me to see something that's not for kids.
This is a hilarious parody of Michael Moore. He decides he wants to abolish the 4th of July and is visited by Angels to teach him a lesson on America.
If you are 'left leaning' politically you probably won't like this movie at all. As I am the face of the vast right wing conspiracy I found it absolutely hilarious! You don't get to see this point of view watching TV ever, so it was nice to have that outlet.
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Reno 911! Miami
Who: Jonathan & Amber
What: Reno 911! Miami
Where: @ home - borrowed the DVD from a friend
Why: We love the TV show
What: Reno 911! Miami
Where: @ home - borrowed the DVD from a friend
Why: We love the TV show
This movie was really funny. Although, if you've never seen the TV show, I don't think you would enjoy this movie.
The movie features our 8 favorite police officers from Reno. They get invited to Miami for a Police convention. Of course, they give the registration info to Weigel (the most moronic cop) and of course she screws it up. So now they are in Miami with no convention.
Long story short, the Miami PD needs their help! Like the TV show, they go on 911 calls, and hilarity ensues. Just wait until you see 2 of the beach officers - yowsers!
The best part of the movie is that all the random regulars from the TV show are there too. Patton Oswald, Terry (the guy on rollerskates), Pee Wee Herman (almost unrecognizable!) and others are all here.
Again, if you're a fan of the show, then I would recommend this movie. I'm guessing it will be on Comedy Central in about a year, so just wait it out. And if you've never seen Reno 911!, I recommend that too. I've seen commercials for it forever, and I thought it looked so lame, but it's actually quite good. All the cops are so funny, and their personalities really shine. None of them are 'bad' cops, they all do their job pretty well, but funny stuff always happens to them.
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Epic Movie
Who: Amber & Jonathan
What: Epic Movie
Where: @ home - free HBO
Why: Jonathan picked it
What: Epic Movie
Where: @ home - free HBO
Why: Jonathan picked it
What happens when you mix Narnia + Pirates + every other movie from 2006? You get a load of crap!
Well, it wasn't complete crap. It actually kind-of liked the quick pace of this movie. With in the first 5 minutes they made fun of Snakes on a Plane (love that movie!), X-Men, Nacho Libre and the Da Vinci Code. This movie really kept me on my toes.
Although it basically made fun of Narnia. 4 orphans (who look nothing alike, who are 4 different nationalities) all find a Willy Wonka golden ticket! They come to Willy's creepy factory and need a hiding place from creepy Willy. One by one they find the wardrobe and arrive in Narnia.
Once in Narnia the writers manage to throw in some Pirates of the Caribbean 2, the TV show Punked, Click and probably some other stuff I forgot.
The movie ends (thankfully!) with some good old fashioned Borat. I can't belive they made this movie, and they continue to make movies like it. Thankfully Disaster Movie was a total bomb at the box office. Maybe they'll finally stop.
Sunday, August 17, 2008
Tropic Thunder
Who: Matt (roommate) and Me
What: Tropic Thunder
Where: AMC Pleasure Island
Why: John Stewart said it was funny
A politically incorrect comedy about a troupe of actors that find themselves in the middle of real jungle being shot at by real guerilla soldiers, though they think it's all a set. Robert Downey Jr. gives one of his best performances as "the dude playing the dude disguised as another dude!" Stiller is typical Zoolander-like funny. More than a chuckle, but not quite belly laugh worthy.
I will say that I didn't realize it was rated R and was caught off guard several times (beginning with the opening scene) as to the vulgarity of this film. It certainly had it's moments of heavy laughter, but there was also many times of lull. Jack Black's character tries too hard to be humorous and misses 9 times out of 10.
In general this film is a satire about the excesses of Hollywood and the casting director couldn't have picked a better person to play the role of studio head Les Grossman than Tom Cruise. His atypical role will either crack you up or leave you feeling awkward.
All in all, I give it a rating of 2 1/2 out of 5 stars. If you haven't already scene it, wait until it comes out on DVD. Then see it if you're a Ben Stiller fan or have run out of options on a boring Saturday night.
What: Tropic Thunder
Where: AMC Pleasure Island
Why: John Stewart said it was funny
A politically incorrect comedy about a troupe of actors that find themselves in the middle of real jungle being shot at by real guerilla soldiers, though they think it's all a set. Robert Downey Jr. gives one of his best performances as "the dude playing the dude disguised as another dude!" Stiller is typical Zoolander-like funny. More than a chuckle, but not quite belly laugh worthy.
I will say that I didn't realize it was rated R and was caught off guard several times (beginning with the opening scene) as to the vulgarity of this film. It certainly had it's moments of heavy laughter, but there was also many times of lull. Jack Black's character tries too hard to be humorous and misses 9 times out of 10.
In general this film is a satire about the excesses of Hollywood and the casting director couldn't have picked a better person to play the role of studio head Les Grossman than Tom Cruise. His atypical role will either crack you up or leave you feeling awkward.
All in all, I give it a rating of 2 1/2 out of 5 stars. If you haven't already scene it, wait until it comes out on DVD. Then see it if you're a Ben Stiller fan or have run out of options on a boring Saturday night.
Saturday, August 9, 2008
Airplane!
Who: Bill
What: Airplane!
Where: Own the DVD
Why: One of my favorites and one of the funniest movies ever made.
When the crew and some passengers of Trans American Flight 209 are overcome with food poisoning, its up to ex-fighter pilot Ted Striker (Robert Hays) to overcome his fear of flying and land the plane safely. Helping him in his courageous effort are his ex-girlfriend, flight attendant Elaine Dickenson (Julie Hagerty) and fellow passenger Dr. Rumack (Leslie Nielsen). Sounds pretty serious and heavy, doesn’t it?
Quite the contrary. If you have never seen Airplane!, then you have been missing out of one of funniest movies ever made. In fact, it would be impossible to catch all the jokes in one showing. There are so many and they often come so quickly, that you’ll find something new on a second, third, fourth or more viewings. Credit (or blame, depending on your view) goes to Writers/Producers/Directors Jim Abrahams, David Zucker and Jerry Zucker, who took parody to new heights (pun intended) with Airplane! However, I do understand the humor will not be to everyone’s taste. Either its 90 minutes of carefully crafted brilliant satire or silly stupidity.
Airplane! was a huge hit upon its release in 1980, due to its on-target parody of then-popular disaster movies and the appearance of many famous faces from film, television and even sports and music. As the jokes “fly” fast and furious, look also for Peter Graves, Lloyd Bridges, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Barbara Billingsley, Joyce Bulifant (The Mary Tyler Moore Show) David Leisure (commercial’s Joe Isuzu and Empty Nest), Jill Whelan (The Love Boat) and legendary singer Ethel Merman! Surely, this is a movie not be missed. But don’t call me “Shirley”.
A sequel, appropriately titled Airplane II: The Sequel was released in 1982 without the involvement of Abrahams, Zucker and Zucker. They had already moved on to parodies of television cop shows and detective dramas with the classic but short-lived ABC series Police Squad! (Starring Leslie Nielsen), which in turn led to the successful Naked Gun movies. The trio would also send-up World War II dramas and Elvis Presley movies (!) in 1984’s Top Secret with Val Kilmer in his first starring role.
What: Airplane!
Where: Own the DVD
Why: One of my favorites and one of the funniest movies ever made.
When the crew and some passengers of Trans American Flight 209 are overcome with food poisoning, its up to ex-fighter pilot Ted Striker (Robert Hays) to overcome his fear of flying and land the plane safely. Helping him in his courageous effort are his ex-girlfriend, flight attendant Elaine Dickenson (Julie Hagerty) and fellow passenger Dr. Rumack (Leslie Nielsen). Sounds pretty serious and heavy, doesn’t it?
Quite the contrary. If you have never seen Airplane!, then you have been missing out of one of funniest movies ever made. In fact, it would be impossible to catch all the jokes in one showing. There are so many and they often come so quickly, that you’ll find something new on a second, third, fourth or more viewings. Credit (or blame, depending on your view) goes to Writers/Producers/Directors Jim Abrahams, David Zucker and Jerry Zucker, who took parody to new heights (pun intended) with Airplane! However, I do understand the humor will not be to everyone’s taste. Either its 90 minutes of carefully crafted brilliant satire or silly stupidity.
Airplane! was a huge hit upon its release in 1980, due to its on-target parody of then-popular disaster movies and the appearance of many famous faces from film, television and even sports and music. As the jokes “fly” fast and furious, look also for Peter Graves, Lloyd Bridges, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Barbara Billingsley, Joyce Bulifant (The Mary Tyler Moore Show) David Leisure (commercial’s Joe Isuzu and Empty Nest), Jill Whelan (The Love Boat) and legendary singer Ethel Merman! Surely, this is a movie not be missed. But don’t call me “Shirley”.
A sequel, appropriately titled Airplane II: The Sequel was released in 1982 without the involvement of Abrahams, Zucker and Zucker. They had already moved on to parodies of television cop shows and detective dramas with the classic but short-lived ABC series Police Squad! (Starring Leslie Nielsen), which in turn led to the successful Naked Gun movies. The trio would also send-up World War II dramas and Elvis Presley movies (!) in 1984’s Top Secret with Val Kilmer in his first starring role.
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Airplane!
Who: Amber & Jonathan
What: Airplane!
Where: @ home - Jonathan owns it
Why: Jonathan wants to sell it on ebay!
What: Airplane!
Where: @ home - Jonathan owns it
Why: Jonathan wants to sell it on ebay!
I'm guessing you will either find Airplane! hilarious or you will think it's the lamest thing on the face of the earth. Some of the jokes I don't even get ("he never had a second cup of coffee at home"), but it's still so darn funny.
I love how Leslie Neilson (the king of parody movies) is pretty much the only guy who's playing it straight. His voice tone is the same the entire movie, but he's saying hilarious stuff with a straight face - which makes it twice as funny.
From the main characters "drinking problem" (he forgot how to use a cup) to Kareen Abdul Jabar as the co-pilot ("have you ever been in a Turkish prison" -Captain) to the classic '70s dance movies ... I think everybody should see this movie at least once. You'll love it! (or you'll hate it). Just don't watch it before you go on an airplane trip. Your co-pilot might be a blow up doll
"The White Zone is for loading and unloading only"
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Slither
Who: Amber & Jonathan
What: Slither
Where: at home - free HBO weekend!
Why: It has "Pam" from The Office in it!
I remember seeing previews for this movie a couple months ago. Then it disappears from theathers in about 24 hours. I should've trusted the theater goers. This just wasn't a very good movie. It's kind-of one of those movies that just ENDS. I was sitting on the couch thinking, "ok, I guess I'm done watching ..."
The movie is about a giant slug who falls from outter space, and tries to take over the world, starting with one tiny town. Of course, the slug is defeated, but not until crawling into people's mouths and shooting stuff into their stomaches. Plus, "Pam" is only in like 2 movie scenes!!!
Even though I saw this movie for free, I still felt kind-of ripped off. It wasnt' worth my time. I was really hoping for a scary horror movie. Instead I got put to sleep.
What: Slither
Where: at home - free HBO weekend!
Why: It has "Pam" from The Office in it!
I remember seeing previews for this movie a couple months ago. Then it disappears from theathers in about 24 hours. I should've trusted the theater goers. This just wasn't a very good movie. It's kind-of one of those movies that just ENDS. I was sitting on the couch thinking, "ok, I guess I'm done watching ..."
The movie is about a giant slug who falls from outter space, and tries to take over the world, starting with one tiny town. Of course, the slug is defeated, but not until crawling into people's mouths and shooting stuff into their stomaches. Plus, "Pam" is only in like 2 movie scenes!!!
Even though I saw this movie for free, I still felt kind-of ripped off. It wasnt' worth my time. I was really hoping for a scary horror movie. Instead I got put to sleep.
Saturday, July 5, 2008
Get Smart
Who: Amber & Jonathan
What: Get Smart
Where: AMC Pleasure Island
Why: Jonathan wanted to see it
What: Get Smart
Where: AMC Pleasure Island
Why: Jonathan wanted to see it
This movie was HILARIOUS!!! I can't recommend this movie enough. I'm guessing it was rated PG13 (a guess), but there was little to no swearing, no nudity or sexual stuff. There were guns and violence, but nothing graphic at all. Fun for the entire family (over the age of 6).
I have no recollection of the TV show, so I have nothing to base this movie on. I assumed Steve Carrell would play a bumbling, moronic FBI type agent who would constantly almost get himself killed and blow the mission. But he was nothing like that! He was a super smart agent who was a great shot with a gun. I think he saved his partner more times than she saved him. He was a little bumbling, but nothing over the top.
A great supporting cast including The Rock, Alan Arkin (who was kind-of a moron), a giant Russian guy, David Koeckner, the dad from Everybody Hates Chris, and more. Again, I can't recommend this movie enough - just good old fashioned fun.
And a shout out to the guy who was SNORING really loudly in the theater for about 1 minute. Was the movie keeping you awake sir?
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
Dodgeball
Who: Amber
What: Dodgeball
Where: at home - Jonathan owns it
Why: Everything about this movie is classic - it's sports, Vegas, Vince Vaugh, Justin Long, etc ...
What: Dodgeball
Where: at home - Jonathan owns it
Why: Everything about this movie is classic - it's sports, Vegas, Vince Vaugh, Justin Long, etc ...
Love, love, love Dodgeball! It's one of the few movies I can watch over and over and over. Maybe it's Vince Vaugh as a good-guy cutie (I have a crush on him). And Justin Long (the Mac computer guy) getting smacked in the face and the crotch (again, and again, and again - watch the special features!) makes me smile. Maybe it's because I'm not a guy, but getting hit in the crotch with a dodgeball makes me laugh out loud everytime. Give Jason Bateman more screen time Hollywood! This guy is pure gold. And why isn't "The Ocho" on my cable provider?!?
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
The Barefoot Executive
Who: Bill
What: The Barefoot Executive
Where: Recently aired on Turner Classic Movies
Why: Classic Disney comedy fun with Kurt Russell and a chimp
In the 1960’s and 1970’s some of the most successful Disney live action films were family-friendly slapstick comedies. Thanks to repeated airings on The Wonderful World of Disney and later on The Disney Channel, these movies became semi-classics. One of them is 1971’s The Barefoot Executive. Kurt Russell stars as Steven Post, a young but ambitious mailroom clerk for the low-rated UBC Television Network (whose logo is a combination of ABC’s lower-case letters, the CBS eye and NBC’s original “living color” peacock). Post aspires to be a programmer and thinks he has a better idea of which shows would work on UBC as opposed to the flops the network puts on the air. When his girlfriend takes in a neighbor’s chimpanzee, Post discovers the chimp has a knack for picking out the top-rated programs. Using the chimp’s TV watching abilities as his own, Post quickly moves up the corporate ladder to become a top UBC executive and hailed as a programming genius. But will it last? Do Disney movies have conflict and ultimately a happy resolution?
A solid supporting cast backs up Russell which include Joe Flynn as Francis X. Wilbanks and Harry Morgan as E.J. Crampton (love those pompous-sounding character names!). John Ritter appears in one of his first major roles as Wilbank’s suspicious nephew Roger, Wally Cox plays Wilbank’s timid but sympathetic chauffer Mertons, and Heather North is Post’s girlfriend Jennifer. By the way, cartoon lovers may recognize two of the voices: North is better known as Daphne in the long-running Scooby-Doo cartoons, and Cox was the original voice of Underdog.
If you’re looking for some non-offensive, good Disney comedy fun, The Barefoot Executive is a pretty good way to spend a couple of hours on a lazy weekend afternoon.
What: The Barefoot Executive
Where: Recently aired on Turner Classic Movies
Why: Classic Disney comedy fun with Kurt Russell and a chimp
In the 1960’s and 1970’s some of the most successful Disney live action films were family-friendly slapstick comedies. Thanks to repeated airings on The Wonderful World of Disney and later on The Disney Channel, these movies became semi-classics. One of them is 1971’s The Barefoot Executive. Kurt Russell stars as Steven Post, a young but ambitious mailroom clerk for the low-rated UBC Television Network (whose logo is a combination of ABC’s lower-case letters, the CBS eye and NBC’s original “living color” peacock). Post aspires to be a programmer and thinks he has a better idea of which shows would work on UBC as opposed to the flops the network puts on the air. When his girlfriend takes in a neighbor’s chimpanzee, Post discovers the chimp has a knack for picking out the top-rated programs. Using the chimp’s TV watching abilities as his own, Post quickly moves up the corporate ladder to become a top UBC executive and hailed as a programming genius. But will it last? Do Disney movies have conflict and ultimately a happy resolution?
A solid supporting cast backs up Russell which include Joe Flynn as Francis X. Wilbanks and Harry Morgan as E.J. Crampton (love those pompous-sounding character names!). John Ritter appears in one of his first major roles as Wilbank’s suspicious nephew Roger, Wally Cox plays Wilbank’s timid but sympathetic chauffer Mertons, and Heather North is Post’s girlfriend Jennifer. By the way, cartoon lovers may recognize two of the voices: North is better known as Daphne in the long-running Scooby-Doo cartoons, and Cox was the original voice of Underdog.
If you’re looking for some non-offensive, good Disney comedy fun, The Barefoot Executive is a pretty good way to spend a couple of hours on a lazy weekend afternoon.
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Blazing Saddles
Who: Bill
What: Blazing Saddles
Where: Turner Classic Movies, April 2008
Why: In the mood for laughs
I had long been familiar with Blazing Saddles, Mel Brooks’s 1974 parody of the famed western movie genre. But I had never seen it in its entirety. So when the Turner Classic Movies channel recently aired this film, I knew the time had come to finally see it. I was not disappointed. In fact, it is a virtual guarantee that you will laugh out loud. But, be forewarned that you will probably find the humor outrageously hilarious or outrageously offensive. Or both. Either way, it is a virtual guarantee that you will laugh out loud at some point.
The story is set in the Old West, circa 1874. The citizens of Rock Ridge have been terrorized by thugs, who are determined to scare them away so that a new railroad can be routed through the small town. When this fails, the corrupt state Attorney General (Harvey Korman) convinces the Governor (Mel Brooks) to appoint a new sheriff, who happens to be black (Cleavon Little). But this plan backfires when the quick-witted new sheriff named Bart teams up with an alcoholic gunslinger named Jim aka “The Waco Kid” (Gene Wilder). As the townspeople drop their prejudices, the whole town comes together to fend off the bad guys and keep their town.
In an ordinary Western, this story would be full of Intense Drama. But not in Blazing Saddles. No, the story is only the jumping off point for Wild Comedy. As such, there is occasional dialogue that could be offensive to some viewers. But again, it is all done as satire and not to be taken literally, especially when Bart and Jim go to a movie theater to watch the end of the film they’re in. This is 1874?! Not when they end up in 1974 Hollywood! It gives new meaning to the “Wild West”.
In addition to those already named, look for appearances by Slim Pickens, Madeline Kahn, Dom DeLuise, and John Hillerman (Higgins on Magnum PI). Also look for Alex Karras, best known at the time as a former Defensive Tackle for the Detroit Lions and less than ten years from co-starring in the sitcom Webster.
What: Blazing Saddles
Where: Turner Classic Movies, April 2008
Why: In the mood for laughs
I had long been familiar with Blazing Saddles, Mel Brooks’s 1974 parody of the famed western movie genre. But I had never seen it in its entirety. So when the Turner Classic Movies channel recently aired this film, I knew the time had come to finally see it. I was not disappointed. In fact, it is a virtual guarantee that you will laugh out loud. But, be forewarned that you will probably find the humor outrageously hilarious or outrageously offensive. Or both. Either way, it is a virtual guarantee that you will laugh out loud at some point.
The story is set in the Old West, circa 1874. The citizens of Rock Ridge have been terrorized by thugs, who are determined to scare them away so that a new railroad can be routed through the small town. When this fails, the corrupt state Attorney General (Harvey Korman) convinces the Governor (Mel Brooks) to appoint a new sheriff, who happens to be black (Cleavon Little). But this plan backfires when the quick-witted new sheriff named Bart teams up with an alcoholic gunslinger named Jim aka “The Waco Kid” (Gene Wilder). As the townspeople drop their prejudices, the whole town comes together to fend off the bad guys and keep their town.
In an ordinary Western, this story would be full of Intense Drama. But not in Blazing Saddles. No, the story is only the jumping off point for Wild Comedy. As such, there is occasional dialogue that could be offensive to some viewers. But again, it is all done as satire and not to be taken literally, especially when Bart and Jim go to a movie theater to watch the end of the film they’re in. This is 1874?! Not when they end up in 1974 Hollywood! It gives new meaning to the “Wild West”.
In addition to those already named, look for appearances by Slim Pickens, Madeline Kahn, Dom DeLuise, and John Hillerman (Higgins on Magnum PI). Also look for Alex Karras, best known at the time as a former Defensive Tackle for the Detroit Lions and less than ten years from co-starring in the sitcom Webster.
Monday, April 14, 2008
Walk Hard
Who: Amber & Jonathan
What: Walk Hard - the Dewey Cox Story
Where: Blockbuster rental (thanks Coke rewards!)
Why: Jonathan picked it out
I can go either way on parody movies. If I enjoy what is being made fun of, then I normally find it hysterical. However, if I don't care about the subject, then I find the parody lame. In this case, I had no feelings towards Johnny Cash or Ray Charles, or what ever they were trying to make fun of.
However, I though this movie was really, really funny! I bet there was tons of stuff I didn't understand, but it was still enjoyable.
If you are a TV or movie fan, I bet you $1,000 that you will say, "hey, that's _______!" at least 14 times during this film. I think every single person in Hollywood (past and present) is in this movie. I bet you don't recognize all 4 Beatles!?!
Side note: The unrated version (which we watched) is called unrated for a reason. Hello frontal nudity!!!
What: Walk Hard - the Dewey Cox Story
Where: Blockbuster rental (thanks Coke rewards!)
Why: Jonathan picked it out
I can go either way on parody movies. If I enjoy what is being made fun of, then I normally find it hysterical. However, if I don't care about the subject, then I find the parody lame. In this case, I had no feelings towards Johnny Cash or Ray Charles, or what ever they were trying to make fun of.
However, I though this movie was really, really funny! I bet there was tons of stuff I didn't understand, but it was still enjoyable.
If you are a TV or movie fan, I bet you $1,000 that you will say, "hey, that's _______!" at least 14 times during this film. I think every single person in Hollywood (past and present) is in this movie. I bet you don't recognize all 4 Beatles!?!
Side note: The unrated version (which we watched) is called unrated for a reason. Hello frontal nudity!!!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
