Battle Beyond the Stars (Roger Corman's Cult Classics) (30th Anniversary Special Edition) (1980)

Would you believe a spaceship with breasts? There's one in this 1980 Roger Corman space opera! The spaceship has a female computer personality named Nell and a decidedly feminine shape, which includes two enormous breast-like mounds on its underside. Since there is no nudity in this movie, which is unusual in a Corman film, he had to get the breasts in somewhere, so model designer/builder/art director James Cameron put them on the space craft! Very amusing indeed! Cameron went on to design bigger and better things, like the Titanic.

Battle Beyond the Stars was the biggest-budgeted movie Corman had ever made up to that time, about 2 million dollars, and his money is up there on the screen, with good sets, good props, good special effects, and a good cast. In typical Corman fashion everything except the cast was used over and over again in other space sagas he made. Waste not, want not! is his credo, and he boasts that he's never lost a dime on any of his movies. I believe it.

The plot of this movie was stolen shamelessly from Akira Kurosawa's classic Seven Samurai, so if you liked that Japanese epic and its American remake, The Magnificent Seven, you should like Battle Beyond the Stars, too. It just goes to show that if you have to steal a story, you might as well steal a great one!

The cast includes Richard Thomas, just out of his John-Boy of The Waltons role, as a poor man's Luke Skywalker recruiting mercenaries George Peppard, Robert Vaughn, Marta Kristen, and Sybil Danning, among others, to fight the evil conqueror Sador, played by John Saxon, always a good villain.

Never one to miss a trend, or start one, Corman cashed in on the phenomenal success of Star Wars with Battle Beyond the Stars. It's a fun film and I recommend this DVD widescreen edition. There's interesting commentaries by Gale Anne Hurd, John Sayles and Roger Corman, movie trailers, biographies, trivia game, scene index -but the usual Corman filmography booklet is absent here.

Roger Corman is known for being the low budget king of B-Movies. Although I am not much a fan of Corman's flash in the pan micro-budget movies this one has a certain charm that can only be brought together through some talented people behind him. Mind you this is still a low budget B-movie and it shows. Still the young at heart will appreciate enough of this film to put a smile on their face.

First off, as mentioned before, the plot is nothing new. While a lot of people would say he is ripping off Star Wars that is really not the case (although he probably is banking on the popularity of the space opera). As a matter of fact Corman, in his infinite desire to copy successful themes based Battle Beyond the Stars on the The Magnificent Seven. Which of course was copied by John Sturges in his western classic from Akira Kurosawa's masterpiece The Seven Samurai. So technically Corman didn't copy anything that wasn't already copied. Still a good plot is a good plot no matter where it came from and putting it in a science fiction setting only makes the movie that much more interesting.

What makes this story work so well is that Corman "gets" what Magnificent Seven (and Seven Samurai for that matter) were doing... at least to a point. These movies were less about the brave warriors protecting a community from evil raiders and more about the various personalities of said warriors. Battle Beyond the stars takes that to different level with the different warriors coming from different planets and cultures. While most of the character development is a little more than two dimensional the amount of various characters really make up for it. From there you have a usual space opera fare. Spaceships roaring and blowing each other up to majestic music. Villains wearing black and acting ruthless. Heroes giving pretty speeches. Nothing as noteworthy as the character interactions.

There is actually a surprising amount of well-known talent in the cast. It makes me wonder how Corman got them all on such a tight budget. We're talking people like Richard Thomas (of Waltons fame), Morgan Woodward (How the West Was Won), and Robert Vaughn (in practically the same role he played on Magnificent Seven). I would say the acting is actually quite good for the short amount of time they had to shoot the film. Special effects are on the low side, but not all that cheesy. Set designs weren't bad at all. I actually enjoyed the backdrops. The spaceship designs are really cool too, thanks to future mega-Director James Cameron. Even though there is no exciting motion control flying like Star Wars, at least the spaceships themselves were very creative. The music is an instant classic and is done by James Horner, another star in his field (he has composed music for A Beautiful Mind, The Perfect Storm, Titanic and more).

Okay enough waxing over the cool stuff. This is still a B-movie and it does have some bad drawbacks. The bad thing about the plot (and forgive me if I spoil it for anybody) is that essentially all the heroes that were rounded up to save the planet end up getting picked off one by one until only the main star is left. I hate it when movies do that... so stereotypical. You can tell a lot of the space battle scenes are the same clips from footage earlier in the film. Yeah I know... budget constraints, but it's still cheesy. The extras they have on set end up not really looking like they know what they are doing. Also some of the scenes that try and portray action and excitement end up falling a little flat. So yeah... it's still a B-movie.

We are finally getting this B-Movie gem on Blu-Ray, and since Shout Factory is releasing as part of their B-Movie release bonanza there is reason to be excited. So far Shout Factory has put out some pretty impressive looking Blu-Rays of movies you wouldn't think would ever look so good in high definition without major studio intervention. My expectations are pretty high that BBtS will look and sound better than ever. First off they announced a brand new 5.1 DTS Master audio track. Also the two commentaries from the old DVD release will be present. From there you are going to get some extra features I never seen before. Here's the breakdown:

Aforementioned Audio Commentary One with Production Manager Gale Anne Hurd and another with Directory Roger Corman and Writer John Sayles

Space Opera on a Shoestring A documentary on technical and post production of the movie with interviews from Aaron Lipstadt, Alec Gillis, Alex Hajdu, Allan Holzman, R.J. Kizer, Robert & Dennis Skotak, Thom Shouse and Tony Randel. Sorry... no James Cameron.

The Man Who Would Be Shad Brand new interview with actor Richard Thomas.

Promotional Trailers, TV commercials, Radio Spots.

In my humble opinion I believe this movie should be considered required viewing for those hardcore sci-fi fans. It's too much a strong part of the genre's heritage to pass up. That being said this is not Oscar winner by any stretch of the imagination. While it's cheap and cheesy in many, many ways it's also refined in ways you don't see in many other B-movies. The Blu-Ray (and upcoming 30th Anniversary DVD release) will have never before seen features and undoubtedly a cleaned up look. If you can forgive the fact the film has all the trappings of an ultra low budget movie and see the fact that they did a LOT with that budget then set yourself up for a treat.

Buy Battle Beyond the Stars (Roger Corman's Cult Classics) (30th Anniversary Special Edition) (1980) Now

Great memories accompany this movie for me, thankfully the producers of this DVD have honored this production with a jam-packed feature full of special features. I was not even a teenager when this movie was released back in 1980 yet a group of friends and I made the pilgrimage to a local cinema to see it. With an interesting set of diverse characters the movie plays as a science fiction version of the Seven Samurai. A "Magnificent Seven in Space" as it were, it even features Robert Vaughn of that 60s gem. The real pleasure of the DVD however is the wealth of special features. We not only have one optional audio commentary, but two very informative pieces. There are preview trailers for other Corman productions such as "Piranha". We even get a trivia game. I certainly recommend this movie.

Read Best Reviews of Battle Beyond the Stars (Roger Corman's Cult Classics) (30th Anniversary Special Edition) (1980) Here

Actually, I don't disagree with most of the comments. The extras are great (especially the commentary, although Gale Anne Hurd has a tendency, at least in the beginning, to drop little nuggets of information without any context), and it's great to have this film in widescreen HOWEVER, whomever was raving about the transfer need to wipe the dust off of their TV! It's not that it's bad, it's too good. So good that you can see every scratch and fleck of dust on whatever lousy 21-year-old print they used to master this puppy. If they were going to put in the time to make this disc, at least they could have struck a new print for the transfer.

Want Battle Beyond the Stars (Roger Corman's Cult Classics) (30th Anniversary Special Edition) (1980) Discount?

In 1980, legendary low budget producer Roger Corman produced the most expensive film ($2M) of his career, a special-effects-heavy space opera in the vein of STAR WARS. That sci-fi epic, BATTLE BEYOND THE STARS, has just been re-released in a 30th Anniversary Special Edition (actually, shouldn't that be 31st Anniversary?) by Shout! Factory on both DVD and Blu-ray disc.

The planet of Akir is a desert world "with one green spot." Its inhabitants are peaceful farmers, who live by the nonviolent code of The Varda. Unfortunately, this makes them a tempting target for intergalactic despot Sador (John Saxon, ENTER THE DRAGON, QUEEN OF BLOOD), who strives for immortality by replacing his worn-out limbs and organs with transplanted replacements culled from beings like the humanoid Akira. He gives them an ultimatum submit to his rule or be destroyed then gives them time to ponder his "offer" while he scoots off to destroy a planet that has chosen to defy him. Desperate, the people of Akir send farmboy Shad (Richard Thomas, THE WALTONS, STEPHEN KING'S "IT") off in their only functioning starship, the sentient and decidedly female Nell, to buy weapons and recruit mercenaries to help them stand against Sador and his mutant armies. Shad scours the star system and ultimately returns with seven (give or take) alien defenders, but even with these valiant souls, the odds are not in their favor...

An unabashed mash-up of George Lucas' STAR WARS and Akira Kurosawa's THE SEVEN SAMURAI/Robert Sturges' THE MAGNIFICENT SEVEN, this satisfying and exciting space opera is graced with a witty, intelligent screenplay by John Sayles (PIRANHA, LONE STAR), a game cast comprised of veteran character actors and TV stars (Jeff Corey, Sam Jaffe, Robert Vaughn, George Peppard, Morgan Woodward, Marta Kristen, Sybil Danning, et al), and remarkably accomplished miniature spaceship effects by a talented crew of enthusiastic young technicians, including James Cameron and the Skotak brothers. Wrapped up in a sweeping, Jerry Goldsmith-inspired musical score by James Horner, BATTLE BEYOND THE STARS is probably the best of the STAR WARS imitators and in some ways, it's maybe a little better.

Director Jimmy T. Murakami keeps things moving at a brisk pace, and with his talented cast maintains a breezy, tongue-in-cheek tone that doesn't preclude moments of genuine heart and occasional pathos. Sayles' script is intentionally funny, with lots of amusing wordplay and sly innuendo. Everyone in the cast hits exactly the right notes to sell their comic book characters and the comfortingly familiar story. Standouts include George Peppard's (THE A-TEAM, DAMNATION ALLEY) space trucker, Cowboy; statuesque Sybil Danning's (CHAINED HEAT) stunning and sexy Valkyrie warrior, St. Exmin; and Robert Vaughn (HUSTLE, THE MAN FROM U.N.C.L.E.) as Gelt, a professional killer somewhat modeled after the character that Vaughn played in the original MAGNIFICENT SEVEN.

The special effects are a triumph of Old School/pre-CGI craftsmanship, with a variety of unique spaceship designs (especially Cameron's Nell), detailed tabletop miniature landscapes and plenty of fiery explosions. Corman, appalled at the prices quoted to him by established FX houses, ended up setting up his own special effects unit for the production, and then re-used/recyled the space shots from this movie over and over for the next couple of decades (along with Horner's score)!

The Shout! Factory Blu-ray "Roger Corman's Cult Classics" presentation of BATTLE BEYOND THE STARS is, in every way, a quantum leap over the original DVD release from Corman's own New Concorde label. That edition was non-anamorphic and sourced from a battered print that looked like it had been stored in a ditch behind his office for 25 years. This newly-remastered (from the internegative) 1080p, 1.78:1 anamorphic widescreen transfer still possesses a few random specks and scratches, but is otherwise remarkably clean and clear. Contrast and color balance are notably improved, and details are sharp and well-defined in most shots. Some of the special effects sequences are of noticeably lesser quality, but that's inherent in the FX technology of the time. Overall, it's a very impressive presentation of a 31-year old genre film. Audio options include a new 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio track and Dolby Digital 2.0 stereo. Bonus material includes the two fine commentary tracks from the original DVD release one by Corman and screenwriter John Sayles, and the other by Production Manager Gale Ann Hurd. There's a new behind-the-scenes/retrospective documentary, a video interview with star Richard Thomas, a handful of still galleries, and the original trailer, TV spot and radio ads.

For fans of 70s early 80s sci-fi (and traditional special effects), BATTLE BEYOND THE STARS is essential viewing. Smart, funny and bright, with a great cast, this cosmic adventure is endlessly entertaining. If you're already a fan of this flick, the new Shout! Factory special edition (especially the HD Blu-ray) is likely to be the definitive presentation for the forseeable future. I would have liked a few more bonus features, but it's a terrific package overall, and highly recommended.

Save 19% Off

Read More >>

Every Which Way But Loose (2008)

Okay, okay, before I start getting e-mails up the waz detailing the differences between monkeys and apes, I know Clyde (the main character in the film owns an orange, male ape) wasn't a monkey, but `Clint and his orangutan' just didn't have the same zing...Every Which Way But Loose (1978), directed by James Fargo, who, back in the mid to late 70's seemed to have a promising career, working with Eastwood earlier in 1976's The Enforcer, but after the predictable and hokey 1982 Chuck Norris martial arts actioneer Forced Vengeance, he soon found himself relegated to the domain of the small screen, directing episodes of such 80's television shows as The A-Team, Scarecrow and Mrs. King, and Hunter. Starring in the film is Clint Eastwood (Unforgiven), one time Eastwood co-habitator (that means they shacked up together, but never got hitched) Sondra Locke (The Outlaw Josey Wales, The Gauntlet), Geoffrey Lewis (Salem's Lot, Bronco Billy), and one of the more curmudgeonly actresses I've ever seen in Ruth Gordon (Rosemary's Baby, Harold and Maude). Also appearing is Beverly D'Angelo (National Lampoon's Vacation), Bill McKinney (The Outlaw Josey Wales, The Gauntlet), and John Quade (Bad Company, High Plains Drifter) as Cholla, leader of the Black Widows, what has to be the most inept biker gang ever committed to celluloid...

Eastwood is Philo Beddoe, a truck driver who earns a little extra income as a bare-knuckled fighter in what appear to be unsanctioned street fights, with his friend Orville Boggs (Lewis), a tow truck driver as his sort of manager (well, not really manager, but Orville researches the opponents and makes the bets). Philo, along with his pet orangutan Clyde, and Orville live with Ma Boggs, a cantankerous old biddy who's constantly complaining about how Clyde defecates all over the place, and constantly steals her Oreos. Anyway, life seems to be going alright, that is until Philo falls for a country singer named Lynn Halsey-Taylor (Locke). After making the bumpity bump between the sheets and accepting a good deal of money from Philo (there is a name for women like that, but she did give Philo a rather convincing sob story), Lynn mysteriously up and leaves without so much as a how do you do, headed back to Denver...which prompts Philo to pick up and take after her, with Orville and Clyde in tow. Along the way they make a few enemies in a couple of cops who carry a grudge way to far (just let it go boys, you'll live longer) and also in a particularly lame biker group calling themselves the Black Widows, led by their portly leader Cholla (John Quade), both groups in pursuit of Philo for what we in the business like to call payback (which also happens to be the name of a really good Mel Gibson film based on a Donald Westlake book). Philo does finally find Lynn, the cops and the bikers find Philo, and Philo finds himself with the opportunity to face off against the legendary street fighter Tank Murdock, supposedly the best there is...

The production notes state that when this script was originally presented to Eastwood, it was done so in the hopes that he would pass it along to Burt Reynolds...but Eastwood, who was looking for way to break from the western genre that launched him into stardom, liked it so much he decided he wanted the role himself. Also, many around him at the time, especially the studio executives at Warner Brothers, tried to dissuade him from making the film as they didn't think it would fly, but, after the film's release it ended up being the top grossing film of Eastwood's career, so successful it spawned a popular sequel...I often wonder how many wonderful films got quashed by know nothing studio execs because the script didn't have the juice of someone like Eastwood behind them...anyway, this film is just a good time, and doesn't tend to take itself too seriously. Eastwood carries the movie, with his laid back machismo, but he did have a bit of competition in the ape and Ruth Gordon who tend to steal most of the scenes they're in (probably my favorite scene is when Ma's home alone, confronted by the biker gang searching for Philo, and is forced to use her shotgun which I think is similar to what someone might use to hunt elephants). Also, I know many people would probably like to credit individuals from `da hood' with starting the whole wearing your baseball cap crooked fad, but I contend it was actually Geoffrey Lewis' character Orville that made it popular. Locke did well, but I always felt she exuded an inherently creepy quality (check out the confrontation scene between her character and Philo near the end), no matter what film I saw her in (she appeared in like seven of Eastwood's films, that is until the relationship took the last train to splitsville), and here is no different. Maybe it's her excessively large eyeballs, or her borderline albino condition...and I really can't review this film without mentioning the soundtrack. Normally, I don't listen to country and western music, but I really did enjoy its' usage in here, featuring performers like Eddie Rabbitt, Mel Tillis, and Charlie Rich...also Locke performs one or two number surprisingly well...and the memorable theme used for the Black Widow gang...I found myself humming along every time they made their appearance in the film.

The wide screen (1.85:1) picture looks very good on this DVD, and the Dolby Digital 5.1 sound comes through reasonably clear. Special features include a theatrical trailer for the film, production notes, and a filmography for Eastwood. I would've liked to seen a cast commentary included, as I think everyone had a great time making the film, and probably could have shared some wonderful anecdotes, but whatever...this film was followed by the equally popular sequel Any Which Way You Can (1980).

Cookieman108

Wow, do you mean to say that Hollywood actually made a movie that was not condescending towards working class America? Oh, that's right, this one came out 27 years ago. Watching it for the first time since boyhood made me painfully aware of just how much our culture has changed for the worse. Nowadays, presenting a character like Philo Beddoe would necessitate the inclusion of some sort of Jerry Springer incest plot just to make it believable. Yet Eastwood's Philo is anything but the kind of immoral dullard we are so used to seeing shout onstage at his half-sister paramour; in fact, his morality is exceptional given the circumstances. His honor is can be easily juxtaposed with Sandra Locke's "hustler" mentality. Their romance is an incredible beating, but Philo takes the pain with the same grace that he does in the unofficial underground ring. My favorite part of the film is when Eastwood approaches a college girl in a country bar to say hello. She is nasty in return and looks down her irritable nose at him. The only reason she's even at the tavern is to study primitives like Philo, and then report her findings back to the civilized world. His response is in keeping with what all of us would like to say after being friendly to someone who's above that sort of thing, "What are you mad about?" I'm sure she could not even tell him even if she wanted to.

On the whole, Every Which Way But Loose, is a campy timecapsule harkening back to days when we could still laugh at what was funny, and love for reasons that aren't reasons at all. If you ask me, this one has all the intangibles of a successful movie: strong men, feminine women, motorcycle gangs, old ladies packing curses and shotguns along with an amorous orangutan who is a better mate than Sandra Locke. Yes, this one is worth every Olympia beer and pick-up truck you see onscreen.

Buy Every Which Way But Loose (2008) Now

I'm a huge Clint Eastwood fan, and I enjoy watching and discussing his deep, dark movies like "The Beguiled" and "Unforgiven." But my guilty secret is: whenever "Any Which Way You Can" show up on cable TV, I get a big goofy grin on my face, drop everything I'm doing, and watch it. I realize this film is an acquired taste, but I *love* it. It's my redneck roots coming out. The overage bikers, Clyde the orangutang, William Smith, crazy old Ruth Gordon, Geoffrey Lewis, Clint crooning with Ray Charles on the soundtrack, even Sondra Locke's singing and acting (which comes off as enjoyably campy in this context)--it's all great! And I love the message of "we rustic rural types are just as interesting as anybody else" (because these *are* my people, as I've said.) I don't think Eastwood has made a more enjoyable movie.

Read Best Reviews of Every Which Way But Loose (2008) Here

By now its unlikely that you haven't already seen this movie. This is one of those flicks like Animal House or Walking Tall that when you're flipping channels at 3:00AM its impossible to walk away from. Work be damned. But if you've been watching one of the butchered versions of this classic comedy on TBS/TNT or even AMC, then you haven't seen this movie in its full glory.

This movie is hilarious. There are so many lines in this full presentation DVD I'd never heard before including one from my Junior High days when Cholla, the leader of the wrongway biker gang refers to his boys as "GD morphodites" as they are being pummeled by a shorthanded trio of truckers. Not even the droll and ultra boring Sondra Locke (Clint, what were you thinking?) can kill the vibe of this nonstop actioner as Philo Beddoe wades through one bare knuckles contest after another. Geoffrey Lewis makes a great sidekick and very matter of factly picks up Beverly DeAngelo along the way. Ruth Gordon makes me laugh, I wish she was my grandmother. Funny funny funnneeeeeee!

The all new digital transfer and 5.1 remastering has to be seen to be believed. Most of Clint Eastwood's better films have gotten this treatment including Any Which Way You Can, Kelly's Heroes, and The Outlaw Josey Wales, among others, and they are all magnificent! 5 Towtrucks

Want Every Which Way But Loose (2008) Discount?

Yes, yes, I know...an orangutan is not a monkey...as I stated in my review of the first film, Every Which Way But Loose (1978), `Clint and his orangutan' just doesn't have the same zing...anyway, the gang from the immensely popular first film is back (well, nearly the whole gang, as the original orangutan who appeared as Clyde was replaced in this one with a younger ape), helmed by, in his directorial debut, Buddy Van Horn, who would later direct Clint Eastwood in two more films, The Dead Pool (1988), and Pink Cadillac (1989), before returning to what appears to be his true calling in performing and coordinating stunts. Returning with Eastwood is Sondra Locke (The Gauntlet), Geoffrey Lewis (Thunderbolt and Lightfoot), Ruth Gordon (Harold and Maude), and John Quade (Rancho Deluxe) as Cholla, leader of the Black Widows motorcycle gang. Also appearing is B movie veteran (look it up, he's been in like 150 films, many you probably never heard of) William Smith (Conan the Barbarian) and Harry Guardino (The Enforcer).

It seems Philo (Eastwood) is looking to retire from bare knuckle street fighting, not because he's growing tired of it, but because, as he says, he's beginning to like the pain (a concept I won't claim to understand, but then again, there's a whole lotta things in this great wild world that confound, confuse, and perplex me, so I won't argue the point). Well, shortly after his self-imposed retirement, he's approached by some Mafioso types who are interested in having Philo go against their street fighting champion from the East, Jack Wilson, played by Smith (well, they never referred to him as `the champion', but the idea is pushed that the mob guys had to come out West to look for new action as Wilson has beaten nearly everyone worth beating in the East). They make Philo an offer he can't refuse, namely offering him a load of dough, and Philo initially accepts, but then decides against it as those around him, including Lynn (Locke), whom he made up with since the last film, are concerned that Philo may get seriously injured. Well, as you can imagine, the mob guys don't take this news too lightly, and take matters into their own hands, trying to force Philo into an East vs. West knock down, drag out, bare knuckle brawl against Wilson, whom I will say seems to live up to his reputation as a crippler. Oh yeah, the Black Widows are back, still smarting from their previous encounters with Bedoe, still looking for payback.

While Any Which Way You Can didn't match the success of the first film, that's small potatoes as it still was very popular, making a boatload of dough (I've read somewhere in the neighborhood of $75 million compared to Every Which Way But Loose's $100 million dollar return...keep in mind these are late 70's, early 80's dollars we're talking about). That's good enough to give any studio executive the warm fuzzies, but is the film any good? I think so...despite changing directors and storywriters (Jeremy Joe Kronsberg, writer of the original was replaced by Stanford Sherman, who would later pen the films Krull and The Ice Pirates), the filmmakers seemed to try and keep the original formula intact, for the most part. The film obviously displays a bigger budget, but I felt a little of the intimacy was lost between some of the characters, due to the fact the cast was expanded, featuring a great deal of different, often crazy characters (even the Black Widow gang seems to have increased their membership). Did this ruin the film? Certainly not, but I missed Lewis and especially Gordon's characters not getting as much attention as they did in the first film (Gordon tended to steal most all the scenes she was in with regards to the first). Speaking of Gordon's character of Ma, we learn she actually has a real first name in that of Zenobia...seems oddly appropriate. And is it me, or do orangutans like to kiss an awful lot? Seemed Clyde was always interested in smooching on someone, even in the first film. Nothing sez lovin' like a big, wet, hairy orangutan kiss...as with the first, Any Which Way You Can features some truly wonderful songs performed by artists like Glen Campbell, Fats Domino, Johnny Duncan, and John Durrill, and also features a duet between Ray Charles and Eastwood himself, played over the opening credits. Between you and me, I sing about as good as Clint Eastwood, which is to say not very good, but good enough to get by if I had Ray Charles backing me up. I think the thing that really makes this film work, as was true of the first film, is Clint Eastwood's seemingly inherent genial, amiable, and genuine qualities that come through the character of Philo Beddoe. He appears to be a generally nice guy, content to live his life, ape by his side, never meaning no harm, that is unless you do him, or his, wrong. Seriously, if you had to pick someone to back you up in a fight, wouldn't you choose Philo (I wouldn't choose Orville, as he's certainly loyal, but can't fight for snot, but he is good for taking a bullet, so I may reconsider)?

The wide screen (1.85:1) picture looks very good on this DVD, and the Dolby Digital 5.1 sound comes through reasonably clear. Special features include a theatrical trailer for the film, production notes, and a filmography for Eastwood (these are the exact same features as are on the DVD release of Every Which Way But Loose, except the production notes obviously differ, and are a bit skimpier here). It's too bad Warner Brothers cheaped out on including some more worthwhile features, like a cast commentary track, but I suppose that will come in a later, anniversary release (then again, probably not as Warner Brothers is notorious for their lack of extras)...oh well...it's still a great film.

Cookieman108

Save 47% Off

Read More >>

Rifftrax: Live! Christmas Short-Stravaganza! - San Diego 2009 Blu-ray

I attended the live production in Escondido with friends and it was a delight. Mike, Kevin, & Bill briefly chatted us up while we waited in line, which was really cool.

The show, unlike other Fathom live broadcasts ("Plan 9 From Outer Space", House on Haunted Hill" & "Reefer Madness"), consisted solely of shorts. As this was a Christmas themed show, they managed to scrounge up some odd little yule tide gems. Whether it was the night-terrors inducing "Christmas Dream" or the creepy and uncomfortable "Rudolph, The Red Nosed Reindeer". No, I'm not talking about the beloved Christmas staple, the Rankin-Bass claymation classic, but the Max Fleischer cartoon, made in 1948. Trust me, it's bizarre and the guys lampoon it's creepiness.

another short gives us the insecure musings of a small tree called, "Christmas Rhapsody". "A visit to Santa's Workshop", has that cheap, hokey 1960's patina that makes you laugh just watching it. Mike, Kevin & Bill's quips only make you laugh harder. The similiarly titled, "Santa's Toyshop", offers us unfunny pratfalls, a demonic-looking Mr. Sandman, a top hat wearing spider, and a platoon of toy soldiers looking to kick some chapeu wearing archnid ass!

The last two shorts aren't really holiday related. There's the 1950's offering of Hollywood actors cavorting in and around a pool for charity. Though there are a few amusing riffs in this short (The name escapes me), it was my least favorite. The other was a bit of a treat, having the talented weird Al Yankovic join in the riffing of "Three Magic Words", a short extolling the virtues of Pork. This film features the neverending harmonizing of a singing trio, The Jesters, as they instruct the world's dumbest blonde on how to make a great pork dinner. The guys really seemed to enjoy riffing this swine story, and cracked several good lines.

Interspliced in between the shorts were a look at some funny tv ads for toys made in the 50's and 60's. Since I'm roughly the same age as the Rifftrax gang, I enjoyed the trip down memory lane.

If you are a fan of the MST3K and, in particular, a fan of their riffing of shorts then you'll love this DVD. Make it part of your Christmas tradition; sitting in your favorite chair stuffing generous amounts of bacon down your maw, while watching Santa express his deepest, sorted, filthy desires to a reindeer.

Other than that, I've watched this four times since purchasing this a little over a month ago and still laugh. Saw this in the theater and as goofy as everything is, it put me in the Christmas mood. The riffing being done in front of a live audience makes a big difference. There was a little bit at the end of the theatrical show that doesn't make it into this DVD -a 1 or 2 minute taped sequence where the guys spew pixelized vomit in their office -but outside of that and the funny pre-show movie trivia, you are getting the full show. As noted elsewhere, all the shorts are about Christmas except two -one about pork and another about swimming in Hollywood. I enjoyed the pork short but the swimming one didn't have the density of gags as the other shorts. That aside, this is a DVD I could watch again and again since many shorts or portions of each are hilariously riffed. The Christmas Dream is worth the price of admission along with the David Lynch Christmas short and the mutilation of the tree of no account in Christmas Rhapsody.

It also pays to be a fan of Mystery Science Theater 3000 to understand the audience reaction to Prince of Space.

Sincerely,

Big McLarge Huge

Buy Rifftrax: Live! Christmas Short-Stravaganza! - San Diego 2009 Blu-ray Now

This is a different kind of DVD. The MST guys are live. Weird Al makes a visit. If you are a MST fan, you will enjoy this DVD.

Read Best Reviews of Rifftrax: Live! Christmas Short-Stravaganza! - San Diego 2009 Blu-ray Here

The guys of Rifftrax are back, live and in living color with their sharp wits and clever lines ready to aim at some of the worst shorts based around the wonderful holiday of Christmas. Before and after each short the guys keep the live audience entertained with their banter.

"Christmas Toyshop"-Two kids are visited by a creepy sandman who helps them dream of christmas, and chatting with Santa who couldn't look more uninterested if he tried. Meanwhile their dad plays Santa and tries to set up the tree and the gifts, too bad he's a stumbling idiot. Oh and there's also a story that Santa tells the children in the form of a bunch of toys fighting a giant spider. The jokes are quite good here as the material is just the right kind of goofy for them.

"A Visit to Santa"-Ultra cheap one here where two children want to meet Santa so they write a letter to him, he reads it in his lazyboy in a basement (I kid you not). The kids are brought to Santa's shop by an elf and they see all the toys that are made. It is such a creepy, cheap and awful film that the guys use some of their best jokes in this one. So hilarious throughout.

"Christmas Rhapsody"-We see the littliest tree in a forest cut down and used as a christmas tree for a family. Thats about it folks, however the guys do get some good jokes off at this one.

"Three Magic Words"-Weird Al Yankovic joins the guys for this odd film about three guys who sing about the wonders of cooking, preparing and serving different dishes using pork. Its really odd and kinda creepy how the three guys keep popping up at odd times, but most of the jokes are funny even Weird Al fits in fine.

Mike and Bill present a gift to Kevin in the form of an old commercial about a battery operated dog named Gaylord. A few good jokes here, but its over before you know it.

"Twas The Night Before Christmas"-The classic rhyme is told as a family gets ready for bed to wake up Christmas morning, the dad sees Santa and his reindeer taking off to start delivering presents. Its well meaning but still pretty bad, thankfully the guys do a great job with this one.

Kevin and Mike present a gift to Bill, a commercial for some flight simulator called Jimmy Jet, which is very short, but the skit they do afterwards was funny.

"A Christmas Dream"-A girl gets some new gifts for christmas and casts her old doll to the side, but that night Santa comes in and makes the young girl dream the old doll coming to life. What follows is a series of creepy stuff the doll does to impress the girl enough so she won't get rid of it again. The guys do some great work here as they just seem stunned by the sheer madness of this short.

"Parade of Aquatic Champions"-Some footage of random people competiting in various swimming games, while a narrator talks about who they are. Its not a christmas short but it is quite funny as they always do well with these dull shorts.

Bill and Kevin present their gift to Mike which is the famous and very disturbing commercial for the toy named Ding-a-Ling. Oh the reactions alone are worth watching this.

"Rudolph: The Red Nosed Reindeer"-A 1940's cartoon retelling of the classic christmas tale of the world's most famous reindeer. The problem with this one is the images and suggestive material was horrifying on its own. Thankfully the guys rip on just about everything here and the funniest line of the night comes when Kevin reacts to something Santa says to Rudolph which causes the theater to explode in laughter for about 30 seconds straight.

This is a fun dvd which shows the guys at some of their high points as they have fun with some of the worst Christmas films ever.

Want Rifftrax: Live! Christmas Short-Stravaganza! - San Diego 2009 Blu-ray Discount?

This 90-ish minute collection of Christmas-related shorts (plus a couple of non-Christmas efforts for good measure) is easily the best release from the Rifftrax crew yet. These guys really seem to hit their stride with short films. The highlights are "A Visit to Santa's Workshop", featuring two kids who speak incoherently and a Santa that sounds like a wise guy (the Rifftrax crew suggest that it was made by David Lynch), and a Rudolph cartoon that turns inexplicably suggestive to the point that the audience is just screaming laughter and the riffers miss some lines. These shorts would have you on the floor laughing even without the riffing.

There's also three old commercials for toys that will leave you going "Wow. Just...wow."

Plus, Weird Al Yankovic guest riffs one of the shorts.

My two negatives for this release...There are times where it's hard to understand what the riffers are saying...Kevin in particular...because of the echoing sound of the live performance. And it would have been nice if they included the shorts as standalone extra features.

Still...this will be the funniest Christmas show you own. A must for your Christmas collection.

Save 10% Off

Read More >>

The Kings of Summer (2013)

"The Kings of Summer" (2013 release; 93 min.) brings the story of two best friends, Joe and Patrick, both 15 and just having finished their HS freshman year. Joe's dad is heavy-heanded ("my house, my rules!") and Patrick's parents are outright bizzare. Joe hatches a plan to build a cottage out in the woods over the summer. They are joined a strange kid, Biaggio, who works himself up to be a great (and funny) sidekick. As the boys are working on building the shack, they are equally enjoying being out in the woods or daydraming when they feel like it. Once the cottage has been built, they invite some achool friends over, including beautiful Kelly (played by up-and-coming Erin Moriarty). Joe is smitten by her, but she seems to be attracted more to Patrick. At this point we are about half-way into the movie and to tell you more of the plot would ruin your viewing experience, you'll just have to see for yourself how it all plays out.

Several comments: a few months ago we had a fantastic coming-of-age movie called "Mud", and now this movie. It is hard to truly compare the two, as "The Kings of Summer" is a very different kind of "coming of age" movie, with the boys being 4-5 years older than in "Mud". Here, the themes are more directed towards the tensions with the parents on the one hand, and surrounding the girl on the other hand. Stylistically, the movie is a curious mix of a number of genres, some scenes being almost sitcom-like, others reminding of magic-realism (lots of late afternoon orange sunlight) and of nature-adventure (lots of shots of animals in the woods), yet other scenes building suspense on the outcome of it all. Somehow it works. The fact that this is a fairly short movie works to its advantage as this zips by in no time. Kudos also to Ryan Miller for scoring that nice soundtrack. I would be remiss not to mention that this movie was filmed entirely in Ohio (where I am). Director Jordan Vogt-Roberts makes it look beautiful!

This movie was well received at the 2013 Sundance film festival (where it was shown as "Toy's House"). The movie opened today here at my local art-house theatre in Cincinnati, but regretfully the screening I attended was not well attended. I hope that is not a sign of things to come. Regardless, "The Kings of Summer" is a different kind of coming-of-age movie that is worth checking out, be it in the theatre or on DVD.

"Kings of Summer" does something that few movies are able to do. It captures a moment perfectly. For anyone who has been a middle class fifteen year boy this is a movie that captures that perfectly and then tells a great nontraditional coming of age teenage rebellion story. For everyone who has never been a fifteen year old boy it tells an excellent with amazing characters. Every actor in this movie is fantastic. This movie should not be missed.

Buy The Kings of Summer (2013) Now

One of the best movies of 2013 so far has been the coming-of-age drama MUD. And now, during a summer blockbuster season, another coming-of-age drama/comedy has arrived. THE KINGS OF SUMMER had a very enticing trailer, making it look like a good-natured story of three boys who run away from home to live in the nearby forest in a house of their own construction. It features funny actors such as Nick Offerman and Megan Mullaly. (Yes, I know they are husband and wife in real life.)

The movie ended up being more (and less) than what I expected. It is a far darker, more serious exploration of the family lives of these boys, particularly Joe (Nick Robinson) who lives with his recently widowed father (Offerman) a bitter, sarcastic man who is gruff almost to the point of abuse on his teen son. The two are "dealing" with their loss by lashing out at each other, and Joe finally has enough and decides to move out. He encourages his friend Patrick (Gabriel Basso) to join him. Patrick has very overbearing parents who are experts at embarrassing him. These two old friends are joined by the VERY odd Biaggio (Moises Arias), a bit of an outcast who simply clings to these two and becomes part of their lives.

The movie constantly struggles with tone. It clearly wants to be full of lighthearted moments...gentle humor and ironic observations about how kids and parents often don't see eye-to-eye. Yet the relationship between Joe and his dad is so caustic that we are much more likely to cringe than chuckle or smile. The actors play everything straight, which is what they SHOULD do, but the script makes it tough to balance the comedy and drama. The two want to exist at the same time, but the drama smothers that comedy. There certainly are laughs in the film, particularly around the odd (and highly unbelievable) Biaggio.

In fact, much of the film just felt false. Biaggio is a quirky kid, no doubt with some deep mental challenges. But his strange utterances are mostly funny...but in a way that makes you realize this character could not exist in the real world. He is a comic construction. That's fine...except the film clearly intends to be "realistic." Also, Joe's dad is, I'm sure, meant to be a character for whom we feel some sympathy. A nice, gruff dad who is rattled to the core by his wife's death. But he is SO mean to everyone around him that it's hard not to hate him. He just doesn't feel well thought out. It's possible a guy like this exists...but he just feels wrong.

I liked individual scenes in the film, and I enjoyed many of the performances. It has plenty to recommend it. But the screenplay (and by extension the direction) clearly aspires to more meaning than is actually contained therein. Coming-of-age films have hard-won lessons, tears, laughter and a sense of relief and of character maturing. This film checks all those boxes, but clumsily. And of course these kinds of films need to have some sort of romance as well. Yet the female character in this film is made to behave in ways towards the 2nd half that betray her behavior in the first half. Instead of a sweetness, an innocence, KINGS OF SUMMER is more bitter and angry.

Don't get me wrong...I don't need my movies to be sweet and gentle and happy. But when the film is harsh and bitter even though you can tell it WANTS to be sweet and gentle...that's a problem. So while I marginally recommend KINGS OF SUMMER, I can't also help feeling very let down by it.

Read Best Reviews of The Kings of Summer (2013) Here

This may not attract audiences immediately, due to the lack of over-the-top CGI and big name celebs... however it is easily in the top five movies of the past decade. With a very well wrote script, incredibly talented cast, and a story that will have you laughing and on the edge of your seat; this movie is not to be missed. Kings of Summer is a film that teens and adults can relate to, and has you wishing you could join the cast in their summer adventure.

Want The Kings of Summer (2013) Discount?

A couple of high school boys frustrated with their home lives set off with another kid to run away and build a makeshift house. The local community is searching for them while they learn to live off the land. The appearance of a girl that the leader of the boys likes creates a rift within them. This unlikely scenario is fun to watch, with its likeable characters, and familiar teenage angst. Problems with girls and parents are typical of teen boys, but the building of a home and being able to not be found are quite unusual. This one is pretty good, though flawed, so The Kings of Summer is a likeable film.

Save 19% Off

Read More >>

Overboard (1987)

This movie is reminiscent of classic comedies of the 60's. Goldie Hawn and Kurt Russell have amazing chemistry, but so many funny moments you will laugh out loud. Goldie learning how to be a homemaker is priceless, and she does the physical comedy so well. This movie flows continuously from beginning to end. It does not lag in any part. It is a keeper, and a good addition to any collection.

No matter how many times I watch this movie (and believe me, I've watched it many, many, many times) it's always enjoyable. Goldie Hawn stars as Joanna Stayton, an incrediblly rich, incredibly bored and incredibly bitchy woman with nothing left to do while her yacht is docked at a small coastal Oregon town called Elk's Cove but to hire a carpenter named Dean Proffitt (Kurt Russell, gotta love him) to remodel her closet. But when the job isn't done to her satisfaction, he winds up overboard along with all his tools. He vows to get revenge on her and the opportunity presents itself when Joanne falls overboard in the middle of the night and is later discovered by a crew of Portuguese men on a garbage barge. But Joanna has amnesia and can't remember who she is. And her husband Grant is all to happy to pretend he doesn't know her and leave her in the hospital. But when Dean sees the "amnesia lady" on the news, he recognizes Joanna and hatches a plan to get revenge and get the money she owes him. But neither one expects to fall in love with the other. Overboard is a fun and funny movie that also teaches us the lesson that money doesn't buy us complete happiness. It can for you though if you buy Overboard because it's worth watching hundreds of times over. I love it! Enjoy!

Buy Overboard (1987) Now

Probably my favorite comedy movie of all time (starring Goldie Hawn & Kurt Russell), Overboard has it all!

A five star cast, hilarious dialogue, great comedic timing, and marvelous chemistry between Hawn & Russell easily adds up to more than five stars worth of fun. Supporting cast members like Roddy McDowell, Katherine Helmond, and Edward Herrmann make more than the most from their roles, and really shine. The actors who portray Mrs. Berberich, the school principal, and Dr. Korman, the psychiatrist, really do their part to add comedic punch as well.

The movie opens with Goldie Hawn as JoAnna Stayton, a bored, pampered, demanding and imperious heiress--husband Grant is an equally shallow and pompous aristocrat. They openly despise each other, treat the help like servants, are enamored with possessions over people, and are proof positive that money does not buy happiness.

Enter Kurt Russell as carpenter Dean Profitt, hired to build a new closet on the Stayton yacht. When petualnt Hawn refuses to pay him for his work and knocks him overboard, Russell vows he will make her pay. He soon gets his chance when JoAnna falls overboard herself and husband Grant is too preoccupied watching Lifestyles of the Rich & Famous (ostensibly to see if he made it onto a list of the top ten yacht owners!) to hear her cries for help and save her.

Once rescued and suffering from amnesia, JoAnna is taken to the mental ward of a local hospital where she terrorizes staff members with her fits and vicious snits. Only too glad to be rid of her, they fall for Dean Profitt's story that this is his missing wife, Annie, and he is permitted to take her "home."

The Profitt "residence" turns out to be a down-and-out homestead reminiscent of the farm from Green Acres, complete with car parts and debris all over the yard, a limping dog in a cast, and four unruly boys demolishing everything in sight. Watching Hawn acclimate to this nightmare is totally hilarious. At one point she sighs..."So, this is my life....I didn't marry very well, did I?" Too, too funny!

By movie's end, Hawn has transformed the unruly household into a happy family home, fallen in love with Russell and his children, and morphed into a real human being. A funny, funny movie with a feel good ending, Overboard is highly underrated. I urge you to watch it and share the humor!

Read Best Reviews of Overboard (1987) Here

Among the films I can easily remember growing up as a teen and seeing it played over and over on HBO, it was the 1987 film "Overboard" starring Goldie Hawn and Kurt Russell. And with a lot of talk about the upcoming remake starring Jennifer Lopez and Will Smith, it doesn't surprise me that the film is now being released on Blu-ray.

"Overboard" is one of Director Gary Marshall's ("Pretty Woman", "Beaches", "Runaway Bride") earlier films, written by Leslie Dixon ("Mrs. Doubtfire", "Hairspray", Limitless") that was a flop in the box office but pretty much became a cult film because of its popularity on cable and even 25-years-later, I still see this film while channel surfing late at night and I have no doubt in my mind that people of today's generation are enjoying this late '80s film.

VIDEO:

"Overboard" is presented in 1080p High Definition (widescreen 1:85:1). First, its important for me to mention that a lot of late '80s and also early '90s films were not shot with great film stock. In fact, more than likely you will noticed certain catalog titles looking its age in HD. For "Overboard", you will notice that there is a good amount of grain but also a lot of noise and also a look that is not exactly the most pristine and shows its age.

With that being possibly the bad news, the good news is that the film looks much better than what one would see on television, on VHS and on DVD. The other good news is that there are many scenes that actually do look good and brings out the detail of the film. While the opening title sequence may look its age, as the film progresses, it actually looks much better. Granted, you will see white speckles from time-to-time but one thing where this film is fortunate is that most of it is shot outdoors and thus the sunlight really makes certain scenes come out vibrant.

So, if you really love this film, Blu-ray is the way to go!

AUDIO & SUBTITLES:

"Overboard" is presented in English 2.0 DTS-HD Master Audio, Spanish Mono and French Dolby Surround. The soundtrack is front-channel driven. Dialogue and even the '80s synth music comes out quite clear. Overall, it's a good lossless soundtrack but I chose to watch this film with stereo on all channels (set on my receiver) for a more immersive soundscape.

Subtitles are in English, Spanish and French.

SPECIAL FEATURES:

"Overboard" comes with the original theatrical trailer.

JUDGMENT CALL:

One thing that I remember about this film is when I was a teenager was that I felt that Goldie Hawn was a hot actress and with her and Kurt Russell being a real-life couple, that the two had amazing chemistry.

Watching it in 2011, Goldie Hawn looks beautiful in the film and interesting to see how Goldie back then and her daughter Kate Hudson (today) look so much alike and yes, she and Kurt Russell have amazing chemistry and for the most part, despite the film is a popcorn romantic comedy and as many critics have called it an updated "screwball comedy" with a redneck attitude.

Some love it, some hate it but at the time, when one of the younger children spoke like Pee-Wee Herman, maybe today it seems a bit overplayed but heck, even back then...everyone tried to speak and laugh like Pee-Wee Herman. Granted, parents probably may have not liked the stereotypical portrayal of the redneck family, especially with the young kids talking about a woman's bodyparts and looking at nudie magazines but the sex jokes and overall comedy was not for the refined movie-goer.

And probably that is why this film had so much success on cable. At the time, Americans were more in-tune of what was coming out from the more younger crowd ala the Brat Pack talents during the late '80s and Goldie Hawn and Kurt Russell were not an exciting box office pairing (their previous film "Swing Shift" back in 1984 also didn't do that well). But like many Americans, once this film started showing up on cable TV, it was watched many times.

And the intriguing thing about this film is that if you bypass the critic reviews for this film, you will see so many people who actually gave the film high ratings within the last 25-years. And personally, I don't think this film can be remade it today's society, especially with the kids talk about T&A so freely. It's not going to happen. So, I can only imagine the remake being tailored for modern sensibilities and it'll be interesting to see how far the remake will go.

But most importantly, what made this film work is because both Kurt Russell and Goldie Hawn have great chemistry and the fact that they were a real life couple, the characters seemed real and convincing. Because these two talents are in love, you can tell on film that the characters that they play are really in love. It's all in the details and the emotions and it made this film quite enjoyable.

For parents who watched the trailer, bare in mind, this is definitely not a family film. Granted, the banality of naughty or misbehaved children has been overdone in movies but in the case of this film alone, these kids like to talk about women's boobs and their butt and read nudie magazines and speak profanity. It was rated PG back in 1987 but wouldn't be surprised if a film like this would receive a rated-R in today's movie rating system (as one or two words of profanity easily gets a film an "R" rating).

As for the Blu-ray release, this is a barebones release and the PQ is not the greatest but its probably the better of any video version that has been released thus far. If you are passionate about the film and still have that old VHS copy, then definitely upgrade to Blu-ray!

Overall, "Overboard" is a romantic comedy with likeable characters, a fun story and a typical happy ending. By no means is it the best when it comes to romantic comedies but it is a cheerful romantic comedy with that '80s style and if you loved the film back then, no doubt you will love the film today!

Want Overboard (1987) Discount?

Maybe this movie seems better than it actually is because so many other comedies haven't worked and weren't funny. In any case, this one works, and manages to be funny all the way through, when it almost doesn't seem like it should be funny at all. It's light-hearted and low-brow. A poverty-stricken carpenter is determined to get his just payment from a rich and very snobby woman, who is amnesiac after an accident, and installs her in his shabby house as his supposed wife and mother to his large brood of brats. As nasty as she was, we can't help but feel sorry for her, and perhaps we find the story uplifting because although she really does land in an awful situation, she muddles through, right on to a happy ending. Kurt Russell and Goldie Hawn appear to be having a great time as the mismatched couple, and the story and humour feel fresh.

Save 54% Off

Read More >>

Insignificance (The Criterion Collection) (1985)

Those who say that "The Man Who Fell To Earth" (1976) was Nicolas Roeg's last great movie either have not seen "Insignificance"(1985) or have vastly underestimated it. All the trademarks of a Roeg film are here; surrealism, spectacular visuals and a uniquely intelligent story.The idea that Marilyn Monroe and Albert Einstien had an intimate relationship is explored here with great gusto. Misconceptions about Monroe's intelligence and Einstien's intellectual elitism are shattered here although her baseball player husband(DiMaggio)is what the viewer would expect.The climax is both unpredictable and mind blowing. All in all, Russell and veteran cast are great and Roeg's craftsmanship is uniformly excellent.

In this quirky highly original film director Nicolas Roeg posits the theoretical question, what would happen if Albert Einstein, Marilyn Monroe, Joe DiMaggio and Senator Joe McCarthy were all gathered together in the same hotel room for one evening in 1953?

An eclectic gathering indeed. If it helps you to conceptualize where this film is headed, think of this as an evening of psychotherapy for the rich and famous. Marilyn wants to be loved for her brain, yet continually relies on her sex appeal for attention. Her husband and sports legend Joe DiMaggio wants to express his deep feelings of love for his wife but can't seem to express himself without a pack of baseball cards in his hand. Meanwhile Senator Joe McCarthy is busy scowling and perfusely sweating as he continues a campaign of threats and intimidation against everyone in the room.

Einstein's quiet evening alone has definitely taken an unexpected turn. Between the emotional angst displayed by the vulnerable sex kitten, the inept attempt at reconcillation by her superstar husband and the politics of fear levied by the Senator, the usually aloof, unattached scientist finds himself in an environment beyond his control, even for one of his mental capabilities. It turns out to be an evening of personal discovery for all involved.

'Insignificance' is really a mixed bag, one of those films you either get it or you don't. Not by any means a great movie, but it has its moments, the best moment being Marilyn's attempt to impress Dr. Einstein by explaining his theory of relativity using toy trains and flashlights as props. Very cute, thank you Theresa Russell!

This may not be a film that would stand up well to alot of repeat viewings but worth a viewing nonetheless. Starring; Michael Emil as Albert Einstein, Theresa Russell as Marilyn Monroe, Gary Busey as Joe DiMaggio and Tony Curtis as Joe McCarthy.

Buy Insignificance (The Criterion Collection) (1985) Now

CONTAINS A FEW SPOILERS. While "Two Deaths" (1995) showed a few flashes of the directorial brilliance that seemed to come so easily to Nicholas Roeg between the early seventies and the mid-eighties, I would argue that "Insignificance" was his last great film. Roeg was not a writer, but he managed to put his unique stamp on nearly every film he directed between his mesmerizing solo directing debut, "Walkabout" (he was co-director on "Performance" prior to that), and this allegorical gem, "Insignificance." This film followed by two years Roeg's underrated "Eureka," a film which baffled the suits at MGM/UA, and was not released until a couple years after it was completed. "Insignificance," with a script adapted by Terry Johnson from his stage play, was a more low budget film than "Eureka," and, to paraphrase another interesting director, Whit Stillman, when a lot of dollars are involved your movie is more likely to get sabotaged by "jerks." I can't decide myself if Theresa Russell's portrayal of "the actress" in this film is the high water mark of her career, or if that came in 1981 in "Bad Timing: a Sensual Obsession," her first collaboration with Roeg, whose wife she had become by the time "Insignificance" was shot. I had the pleasure of interviewing Ms. Russell in 1981, during her promotional tour for "Bad Timing," and she told me at the time she considered her work opposite Dustin Hoffman in "Straight Time" the acting she was most proud of to that point in her career. But to "Insignificance" itself, this is a movie I find fascinating, but which I'm sure some would find utterly pretentious. What saves it from that charge is the humor that runs through this film, despite the seriousness of the subject matter: the unleashing of atomic weapons, communist witch-hunts, and, while it may see of lesser importance, the nature and burdens of celebrity and having to live up to some manufactured image of oneself. The rest of the cast is uniformly excellent. It is appropriate that Tony Curtis, at least lately a decidedly right wing, anti-gay activist who campaigned against "Brokeback Mountain getting Best Picture, is cast as "the senator," who is obviously meant to be Joe McCarthy. Curtis, a fine actor, brings some of the smarmy charm of his character from "Sweet Smell of Success" to this film as well, albeit a charm filtered through an alcoholic haze. Gary Busey is perfect as the famous former baseball player, who realizes his glory days are gone, and that he will forever live in the shadow of his wife's greater fame. And Michael Emil, so good in a number of his brother, Henry Jaglom's quirky low budget films ("Sitting Ducks," "Always") is fine as "the professor," who has come urge the US government to not use his great discovery for additional destructive purposes, but to use it to promote peace--a position for which the senator has no sympathy. The scene in which Russel, as the actress, demonstrates her understanding of the professor's theory of relativity using a toy train set is not to be missed. Roeg never made a film this interesting again. After a few attempts at films of substance, such as the failed "Track 29," derailed by a weak script, Roeg signed on to direct more mainstream fare. Some like "The Witches" were at least competent and entertaining films. Others, like the TV mini series "Samson and Delilah," seem beneath him. In the end, Roeg was the victim of the passing of the time of the powerful director in commercial film making. Some of the strong (and/or commercially successful) still survive, but many, like Roeg, have had to abandon the adventurous path of their earlier films in order to maintain a viable, or semi-viable career.

Read Best Reviews of Insignificance (The Criterion Collection) (1985) Here

I've never been a fan of director Nicolas Roeg.

I prefer straightforward storytelling in my movies and his work is just too cryptic and experimental for my taste.

Nevertheless, even aside from Roeg's kaleidoscopic images, I'm not quite sure I get the complete message that screenwriter Terry Johnson is trying to put across in INSIGNIFICANCE, an adaptation of his stage play that deals with a fictional meeting between 1950s icons Marilyn Monroe (Theresa Russell), Albert Einstein (Michael Emil), Joe DiMaggio (Gary Busey) and Senator Joseph McCarthy (Tony Curtis), none of whom are specifically identified in the film.

Perhaps the movie is about the burden of "celebrity," or the fact that "knowledge is not necessarily truth," or maybe it's about those ideas and a few others. Certainly there are many different thoughts tossed about in the picture's 108 minute running time.

Einstein, played by Emil with a childlike innocence, and Monroe are the central figures in the piece, and the scene in which she uses flashlights and various toys to explain to him his "theory of relativity" is a delight. Also memorable is a scene with the scientist and the DiMaggio character where the great athlete justifies his "celebrity" with the fact that he was featured in 13 series of bubblegum baseball cards.

Busey is marvelous as DiMaggio, as is Ms. Russell in capturing the persona of Monroe. Indeed, all of the actors shine in their individual roles. It is their performances, as well as many of the well-written scenes from the original stage play, rather than Roeg's flair for "opening up" the action, that make INSIGNIFICANCE worth watching.

Among the extras in The Criterion Collection edition of the 1985 film are recent interviews with Roeg, his producer (Jeremy Thomas) and the film's editor (Tony Lawson). There is also a vintage "Making of" featurette and a 26-page booklet filled with essays about the picture.

© Michael B. Druxman

Want Insignificance (The Criterion Collection) (1985) Discount?

Note: Will require a multi-region DVD player to view in the America's.

In this quirky highly original film director Nicolas Roeg posits the theoretical question, what would happen if Albert Einstein, Marilyn Monroe, Joe DiMaggio and Senator Joe McCarthy were all gathered together in the same hotel room for one evening in 1953?

An eclectic gathering indeed. If it helps you to conceptualize where this film is headed, think of this as an evening of psychotherapy for the rich and famous. Marilyn wants to be loved for her brain, yet continually relies on her sex appeal for attention. Her husband and sports legend Joe DiMaggio wants to express his deep feelings of love for his wife but can't seem to express himself without a pack of baseball cards in his hand. Meanwhile Senator Joe McCarthy is busy scowling and perfusely sweating as he continues a campaign of threats and intimidation against everyone in the room.

Einstein's quiet evening alone has definitely taken an unexpected turn. Between the emotional angst displayed by the vulnerable sex kitten, the inept attempt at reconcillation by her superstar husband and the politics of fear levied by the Senator, the usually aloof, unattached scientist finds himself in an environment beyond his control, even for one of his mental capabilities. It turns out to be an evening of personal discovery for all involved.

'Insignificance' is really a mixed bag, one of those films you either get it or you don't. Not by any means a great movie, but it has its moments, the best moment being Marilyn's attempt to impress Dr. Einstein by explaining his theory of relativity using toy trains and flashlights as props. Very cute, thank you Theresa Russell!

This may not be a film that would stand up well to alot of repeat viewings but worth a viewing nonetheless. Starring; Michael Emil as Albert Einstein, Theresa Russell as Marilyn Monroe, Gary Busey as Joe DiMaggio and Tony Curtis as Joe McCarthy.

Save 47% Off

Read More >>