Thanks for checking out our Forgotten Fridays feature. This is a feature to review some older films that maybe you have forgotten about or maybe never got around to seeing that we just want to share. They may not be old, maybe not forgotten, but they are not new. Just fun to share.

Today’s review is Red Sonja

Genre: Action/Adventure/Fantasy
Directed by: Richard Fleischer
Staring: Arnold Schwarzenegger, Brigitte Nielsen, Ernie Reyes Jr., Paul L. Smith
Released: July 3, 1985

THE GENERAL IDEA

After her family is murdered a young woman named Red Sonja becomes a master of the sword and seeks revenge on the evil queen responsible for the mayhem that has befallen her. Also, it seems the queen has stolen a powerful, carefully guarded, glowing orb right before it was meant to be destroyed, one that has powers of its’ own, allowing for the possessor to control elemental forces and call down storms and earthquakes, if they so wish. Kalidor, one of the individuals in place to oversee the destruction of the orb, joins forces with Red Sonja, as their paths may differ, but they ultimately lead to the same place. An impudent, young prince named Tarn and his guard/manservant Falkon, whose kingdom was unceremoniously wiped out by Gerden as a test for her newfound powers, soon joins them.

THE GOOD

This is 80s action just like it was meant to be seen. Simple plot, poor acting, exaggerated characters and a whole lot of kickassery. Red Sonja was a character originally introduced in Conan the Barbarian #23 for Marvel Comics. The inclusion of Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Conan like Lord Kalidor is an intentional tribute casting. The Evil Queen is played by Sandahl Bergman (who was originally offered the role of Sonja) who played the theif Valeria, a love interest to Conan in those films.

Arnie is great in this, and Red Sonja herself is creepy attractive as the very scary Brigitte Nielsen (who was married to Sylvester Stallone after appearing in this and Rocky 4) but the comedy relief comes from the young cocky Prince Tarn who at the tender age of 8 is exterting his authority and finds himself continually ignored by our heroes. Ernie Reyes Jr plays the young Prince who later had a number of roles in martial arts action films like the Ninja Turtles 2 and more recently as a stuntman on Burton’s Alice in Wonderland. Paul L. Smith who plays Tarn’s guardian appears again as the Arch Duke in Maverick.

Its a great fun film with action, campy charm and adventure.

THE BAD

This is hokey as hell. If you have to take every film too serious this will eat you alive. The action is great, but the characters themselves are hokey. The over acting is part of the charm of the film but it can grate on you if you let those things bother you. Its not a “great” film, but it sure is fun.

OVERALL

Red Sonja is a WARRIOR woman, and can actually pick up the sword she is carrying. With the proposed remake staring Rose McGowan, my biggest problem is that the star might weigh about twice as much as that sword. Rose will make a tasty pinup in the traditional scale mail bikini, but I just can’t buy her as a barbaric sword weilding warrior.

If you want to catch this film, Spike TV is offering it this weekend.

I am going to introduce a new rating system for my Forgotten Fridays picks.

TV – If you are at least a little curious, catch it if it comes on TV.
Rent – If it is something you have heard of and forgotten, or just remember enjoying this as much as I did once upon a time, go rent it.
Buy – But if you are like me, and you agree with my review you should go buy it. If its featured here, I already have.

Thanks for checking out our Forgotten Fridays feature. This is a feature to review some older films that maybe you have forgotten about or maybe never got around to seeing that we just want to share. They may not be old, maybe not forgotten, but they are not new. Just fun to share.

Today’s review is Peacemaker

Genre: Action Thriller
Directed by: Mimi Leder
Staring: George Clooney, Nicole Kidman
Released: September 26, 1997

THE GENERAL IDEA

Two trains crash somewhere in Russia, one carrying a nuclear payload. A nuclear explosion follows the crash and the world is on alert… However, White House nuclear expert Dr. Julia Kelly doesn’t think it was an accident… Special Forces Intelligence Officer Colonel Thomas Devoe doesn’t think so either… Together they must unravel a conspiracy that goes from Europe to New York, to stop a terrorist who has no demands.

THE GOOD

This film is filled with awesome suspense, great action and even better character interaction. It’s miliatary strategy, its interpersonal relationships, its intrigue and action. It has it all.

This started my love affair with the Clooney swagger. His cockiness is hard to argue with when he is always right, but its how he delivers it. And Nicole Kidman looks so uniquely beautiful in this that she almost doesn’t look like herself - in a good way. I have never seen Kidman look entirely unattractive (maybe the Hours) and this is one of my favourite films with her in it. Her character deals with the problem of being a woman in power but they don’t dwell on it long.

The real threat of the film is the terrorist, who despite having no demands DOES have a purpose. You sympathize with what he has endured, but still see the evil in his reaction. He presents a real threat and a real villain which makes the suspense that much more real.

What surprised me most is actually a spoiler, so dont read any more of this section if you don’t want to know. Kidman and Clooney build a close working relationship and learn to respect each other but they never cross into that cliche that insists this means they will be romanticly involved. I love this about the film. They do grow closer and learn to respect each other, but that doesn’t mean they have to date.

THE BAD

I have little bad to say about this movie. I love it.

The title didn’t make much sense to me. There was no “peacemaker” as all they did was stop a terrorist. They don’t stop a war, they don’t stop his entire cause. They stop one terrorist act. And the title implies there was A peacemaker, while the film clearly illustrates how the threat is stopped by the organization and co-operation of many departments and individuals. But that’s all I have to complain about, so its not a big deal.

OVERALL

A great action film with heart and smarts. It has it all. The characters are all well fleshed out and the story builds the suspense to a finale worth watching. An absolute must see for fans of political and military thrillers.

I am going to introduce a new rating system for my Forgotten Fridays picks.

TV – If you are at least a little curious, catch it if it comes on TV.
Rent – If it is something you have heard of and forgotten, or just remember enjoying this as much as I did once upon a time, go rent it.
Buy – But if you are like me, and you agree with my review you should go buy it. If its featured here, I already have.

Thanks for checking out our Forgotten Fridays feature. This is a feature to review some older films that maybe you have forgotten about or maybe never got around to seeing that we just want to share. They may not be old, maybe not forgotten, but they are not new. Just fun to share.

Today’s review is Zapped!

Release: July 23, 1982
Genre: Comedy
Director: Robert J Rosenthal
Staring: Scott Baio, Willie Aames, Robert Mandan, Scatman Crothers, Heather Thomas

THE GENERAL IDEA

Barney is a student/science lab nerd who obtains telekinetic powers after a lab accident. Along with his best friend Peyton Nichols (Willie Aames), a wealthy playboy with a dirty mind, Barney uses his new powers for no better reasons than beating up bullies, cheating at sports and stripping girls, particularly co-star Heather Thomas.

THE GOOD

This is 80s sexploitation at its most modest. For the most part we seen teens in lingerie (because all girls had fashionable matching undergarments in the 80s) and a few quick boob shots, but the whole movie is basically just a “what would you do” exploration and there really is no point to it. But its a fun ride, and you get to see the nerdy science geek get some revenge, and the inner teased school kid in you cheers (unless you were that bully - you jerks)

This film is also what started the relationship that got Baio and Willie Aames to work together again in TV’s Charles in Charge.

THE BAD

When Baio gets these superpowers the first thing he obviously thinks to do is strip women publicly. That’s pretty much the plot of the movie. Shirts popping open, dresses flying off in the air, skirts hiking up. Oh, he also uses his powers to freak out some priests and make the bully kick his own ass. So its basically just a free for all of “what would you do with telekenisis”

OVERALL

This is a brain off fun film that is more nostalgia than quality. I remember watching the crap out of this on VHS as a kid but then I was 11, so of course it was cinema gold for me. Boobies! It gets all its ratings for the cheap thrills it inspires, but worth the laugh to see just how pointless the story is.

I am going to introduce a new rating system for my Forgotten Fridays picks.

TV – If you are at least a little curious, catch it if it comes on TV.
Rent – If it is something you have heard of and forgotten, or just remember enjoying this as much as I did once upon a time, go rent it.
Buy – But if you are like me, and you agree with my review you should go buy it. If its featured here, I already have.

Thanks for checking out our Forgotten Fridays feature. This is a feature to review some older films that maybe you have forgotten about or maybe never got around to seeing that we just want to share. They may not be old, maybe not forgotten, but they are not new. Just fun to share.

And being October, I wanted to focus on scary films.

Today’s review is Friday the 13th

Release: May 9, 1980
Director: Sean S. Cunningham
Genre: Horror/Slasher
Staring: Betsy Palmer, Adrienne King, Jeannine Taylor, Robbi Morgan, Kevin Bacon

THE GENERAL IDEA

THE GOODThis was one of those movies that TRULY frightened me and gave me nightmares. I had a hard time with this one, granted I was like nine when I saw it (evil babysitters). This made me afraid of the dark and nervous at night when camping. This has the stereotypes that were not yet present in the world of Horror. When the power goes out and one person drifts off on their own into the dark to go find out why, you don’t roll your eyes. That just made sense.

And there was no Jason. Not yet. Just a masked killer. There was mystery and there was no supernatural. This was REAL and could happen. Some Kids are hired to re-open the camp and legends resurface as to why the campground was closed and someone starts killing them. Simple and terrifying.

It is also one of the very earliest appearances of Kevin Bacon.

THE BAD

The movie is a little dated, and while much horror that followed this film is attempting to emulate the terror presented here, its hard to forget the history. While you are screaming at the TV saying “Why would you do that?? He is behind that tree waiting for you with a machete!! Don’t you Watch Horror movies? ” Well in 1980 there wasn’t a lot of this going around in film.

OVERALL

This is a great film to watch with friends around Halloween. You can wonder at the very young Kevin Bacon, wash your brain of that weak unscary remake and see the origins of the Jason Voorhees we know from the sequels that dominated pop culture ever since. SPOILER Remember that Jason was the motivation of the killings, but it wasn’t until a stinger after the credits a morning after that this turned supernatural and Jason’s aged-to-adult form leaps out of the lake taking the film’s last victim.

This is worth a watch for those who have never seen it, or just want to actually

I am going to introduce a new rating system for my Forgotten Fridays picks.

TV – If you are at least a little curious, catch it if it comes on TV.
Rent – If it is something you have heard of and forgotten, or just remember enjoying this as much as I did once upon a time, go rent it.
Buy – But if you are like me, and you agree with my review you should go buy it. If its featured here, I already have.

Thanks for checking out our Forgotten Fridays feature. This is a feature to review some older films that maybe you have forgotten about or maybe never got around to seeing that we just want to share. They may not be old, maybe not forgotten, but they are not new. Just fun to share.

Today’s review is Johnny Dangerously

Release: December 21, 1984
Genre: Comedy
Director: Amy Heckerling
Staring: Michael Keaton, Joe Piscopo, Marilu Henner, Maureen Stapleton, Peter Boyle, Dom DeLuise, Danny DeVito

THE GENERAL IDEA

Set in the 1930’s, an honest, goodhearted man is forced to turn to a life of crime to finance his neurotic mother’s skyrocketing medical bills. Johnny Kelly is a family man, proud of his brother (the District Attourney) and takes on the street name Johnny Dangerously. He runs the show differently trying to make his life of crime as clean as it can be while hiding his double life from his Mother and Brother.

THE GOOD

The charm of Michael Keaton shines brightest in this lesser known film in his catalogue, which is saying a lot with the personality this guy hefts around. But that isn’t all. The film just oozes with some great depression era gangster campiness that refuses to let you take it seriously which keeps you rolling in the fun.

Johnny Dangerously breaks the fourth wall in a public service message condemning smoking and pulling a stick of bubblegum out of his silver cigarette case. He also forbids his gang members from using foul language immortalizing “Fragging Bastidges” among film geeks.

The supporting cast is inspired as well grabbing iconic ganster types like Danny Devito, Joe Piscopo and Dom Delouise. While Piscopop plays the rival badass who wants the gang for his own truely criminal ways, Delouise gets to play the Pope. Both comicly fitting in their roles. Marilu Henner seems to have been born for that era as the character she plays is perfect for her look and demeanor.

And its all suitably kicked off by Weird Al’s “This is the Life” for an opening credits theme song. Awesomeness.

THE BAD

The humour is a bit dated. If you watch old 80s sitcoms and wonder why anyone thought this was ever funny, then this might not appeal to you. There is a certain frame of mind when approaching this. Its an acquired taste but one easily swallowed.

OVERALL

The film isn’t brilliant, and its not perfect. But what it is, it does really well. Its a hell of a lot of fun, charming as all get out and a perfectly enjoyable comedy. I always enjoy Michael Keaton most in his comedies and I think in part it has much to do with his appearance in this film. This was one of his earlier films right off the set of Mr.Mom and after this came Gung Ho, Beetlejuice and Batman. But no one seems to remember this one.

I am going to introduce a new rating system for my Forgotten Fridays picks.

TV – If you are at least a little curious, catch it if it comes on TV.
Rent – If it is something you have heard of and forgotten, or just remember enjoying this as much as I did once upon a time, go rent it.
Buy – But if you are like me, and you agree with my review you should go buy it. If its featured here, I already have.

Thanks for checking out our Forgotten Fridays feature. This is a feature to review some older films that maybe you have forgotten about or maybe never got around to seeing that we just want to share. They may not be old, maybe not forgotten, but they are not new. Just fun to share.

Today’s review is Adventures in Babysitting

Release: July 1 1987
Genre: Action Adventure Comedy
Director: Chris Columbus
Staring: Elisabeth Shue, Maia Brewton, Keith Coogan, Anthony Rapp, Penelope Ann Miller

THE GENERAL IDEA

Chris has a big night out planned when her boyfriend cancels on her. She agrees to babysit for a pre-teen girl who is obsessed with Thor and a teenage boy who is obsessed with the babysitter. She’s settled in for a dull night when a girlfriend calls her to say she’s marooned at a downtown bus station with very seedy characters around. The three plus one of the boy’s friends get into the parents station wagon for a trip to the inner city. All is well till the flat tire and it doesn’t get better after that.

THE GOOD

The characters are only a little stereotyped in this, which I really like. Chris (Elizabeth Shue) is super pretty and popular and is dating the jackass who thinks he is too cool (says so on his Camero’s license plate) But the boy who is crushing on the girl doesn’t get so creepy about it all, and his obnoxious friend still knows there are lines and never goes quite over the top.

The movie runs at a good pace as one disaster resolves, another begins only to find the first disaster catching up with them. The characters are fun, the lessons learned are light and the unbelievable mess they get in are still believable.. well mostly.

THE BAD

The movie doesn’t take itself too seriously so when things happen that don’t “make sense” or those “that wouldn’t happen” moments require a little glossing over. The soundtrack is forgettable, but not terrible.

OVERALL

The movie is a nice slice of the 80s without too much over the top pop culture being forced down your throat. Its a fun family friendly thrill ride that gives you some laughs and light moments. Great for kids, fun enough for adults.

I am going to introduce a new rating system for my Forgotten Fridays picks.

TV – If you are at least a little curious, catch it if it comes on TV.
Rent – If it is something you have heard of and forgotten, or just remember enjoying this as much as I did once upon a time, go rent it.
Buy – But if you are like me, and you agree with my review you should go buy it. If its featured here, I already have.

Thanks for checking out our Forgotten Fridays feature. This is a feature to review some older films that maybe you have forgotten about or maybe never got around to seeing that we just want to share. They may not be old, maybe not forgotten, but they are not new. Just fun to share.

Today’s review is Girls Just Want to Have Fun

I am a child of the 80s and films like this got me by until the next senseless action flick. Predictible Teen romance, pop music, and a hefty helping of cheese.

Release: April 25, 1985
Genre: Comedy/Cheese
Director: Alan Metter
Staring: Sarah Jessica Parker, Helen Hunt, Shannen Doherty, Lee Montgomery

THE GENERAL IDEA

Janey is new in town, and soon meets Lynne, who shares her passion for dancing in general, and “Dance TV” in particular. When a competition is announced to find a new Dance TV regular couple, Janey and Lynne are determined to audition. The only problem is that Janey’s father doesn’t approve of that kind of thing. After Janey makes it to the finals she is paired up with a rebelious boy and finds a romance and a chance to be a TV Star.

THE GOOD

This movie captured the excitement and “dream come true” buzz that goes with all those Dance and Singing reality shows and predates that whole era. But of course this predates this more recent phenomenon.

How can you not like a film that has dialog like “Velcro! Next to the Walkman and Tab, its the coolest invention of the 20th century!” and they brag about things like a 25 inch TV!! The film is just littered with pop culture references of the 80s IN the 80s with all the REALLY bad acting to boot.

The movie gives us an early peek at a teenaged Helen Hunt and Sarah Jessica Parker (A short year after dancing on Footloose). It even has a 14 year old Shannen Doherty.

And I am almost certain that Mr Sands was the Glad Garbage Bag man from commercials of the same era. And this film introduced us to “Tune in Tokyo” - a guaranteed party trick that never wins.

THE BAD

You have to have an appreciation for cheese. This movie is a stinking pile of it, but its fun and filled with some eyecandy, but if you over analyze films, you are just going to cringe all the way through this. But its crammed with nostalgia for me, so I am offering it up.

OVERALL

Sometimes you just need a “brain off” film with a little flash and fun of the 80s. Not everything needs to be over analyzed to death. This film has all the steyrotypes and really bad acting. Did I mention the bad acting?

So while I know you won’t “like” the film for its technical merits, I am hoping you can appreciate a fine aged cheese.

Most of you are going to unanimously dislike this but that’s half the fun of the subjectivity of film.

I am going to introduce a new rating system for my Forgotten Fridays picks.

TV – If you are at least a little curious, catch it if it comes on TV.
Rent – If it is something you have heard of and forgotten, or just remember enjoying this as much as I did once upon a time, go rent it.
Buy – But if you are like me, and you agree with my review you should go buy it. If its featured here, I already have.

Thanks for checking out our Forgotten Fridays feature. This is a feature to review some older films that maybe you have forgotten about or maybe never got around to seeing that we just want to share. They may not be old, maybe not forgotten, but they are not new. Just fun to share.

Today’s review is Oscar

Action star and pop culture icon of the 80s Sylvester Stallone surprised the hell out of me nailing this brilliant comedy. This is one damned funny movie that doesn’t fail to give laugh after laugh. It makes me wonder why Stallone didn’t do more straight comedies.

Release: April 26, 1991
Genre: Comedy
Director: John Landis
Staring: Sylvester Stallone, Ornella Muti, Don Ameche, Peter Riegert, Tim Curry, Vincent Spano, Marisa Tomei, Elizabeth Barondes

THE GENERAL IDEA

Angelo “Snaps” Provolone made his dying father a promise on his deathbed: he would leave the world of crime and become an honest businessman. Despite having no experience in making money in a legal fashion, Snaps sets about to keep his promise. He is faced with numerous problems: henchmen who know nothing but crime, the police who are convinced he is hatching a master plan, and Oscar, who has just got his daughter pregnant.

THE GOOD

EVERYTHING. Seriously.

The characters are all a joy. Masterfully played out stereotypes that are fun to see dance about in this ballet of laughs. At the time this came out, the closest anyone thought of Stallone in a comedy was Tango and Cash, so like many people I was hesitant.

Everyone plays their part so well that I can’t tell you who my favourite is. Every time a new scene comes on with another character - that’s my new favourite. Marisa Tomei is beautiful as always, and Ornella Muti is so beautiful. As is their other daughter (Elizabeth Barondes). The one that isn’t Lisa. (that line is so funny - you will thank me later) And Tim Curry is so good I have run out of adjectives.

Dear God this is a funny movie, and Stallone is brilliant in it. But the REAL comedy masters were the writers. Each scene steps so perfectly into the next scene, and there is SO much going on and all of it is funny. The amazing part is that you can keep up. Its not hard. Unless you missed a scene cleaning up the soda that just came out of your nose.

THE BAD

Don’t go pee. If you do, make everyone suffer your absence on pause. Don’t miss a scene. Catching up on this whole intricate mess is so finely woven that if one thread is out of place its all you will see. You will miss out on the awesome interaction of characters trying to figure out what happened.

OVERALL

This is the kind of movie that makes you want to clap in the theater when its over. You might forget to exhale as it goes along so remind yourself every now and then that laughing does require oxygen.

I am going to introduce a new rating system for my Forgotten Fridays picks.

TV - If you are at least a little curious, catch it if it comes on TV.
Rent - If it is something you have heard of and forgotten, or just remember enjoying this as much as I did once upon a time, go rent it.
Buy - But if you are like me, and you agree with my review you should go buy it. If its featured here, I already have.

Thanks for checking out our Forgotten Fridays feature. This is a feature to review some older films that maybe you have forgotten about or maybe never got around to seeing that we just want to share. They may not be old, maybe not forgotten, but they are not new. Just fun to share.

Today’s review is Highlander

Short Version: While developing my own sense of adventure and fantasy in my teens, I fell in love with the magic and action that is Highlander. Then as subsequent violations of the franchise were thrust upon us, we are reminded that there can only be one.

Release: March 7, 1986
Genre: Action/Fantasy
Director: Russell Mulcahy
Staring: Christopher Lambert, Clancy Brown, Sean Connery

THE GENERAL IDEA

Born in the Highlands of Scotland in 1518, Connor Macleod is immortal. When he is wounded in battle but does not die, he is banished from his village and finding a life of solitude with a wife, he meets another like himself, Ramirez, who teaches him swordsmanship–the only way to kill another immortal is to take his head–and the ways of the immortals. Modern-day New York is the location of “The Gathering,” where Connor and the few remaining immortals must battle to the last for “The Prize.”

THE GOOD

Before I get into the heart of the film I want to touch on how amazing the soundtrack was. Queen dominates this film and it is almost confusing to think of the soundtrack album as anything but a Queen Album. And it fits the film so perfectly. Queen was in a world of their own, and so was Connor MacLeod.

The fantasy element is beautifully played. There are SO many questions that require answers, but you just don’t care. They talk about “The Prize” and you feel the urgency and desire to acquire it. It’s tangible, its real, and yet you don’t care that no one explains what the prize is (Until the epilogue) Why are they immortal? Who made them this way and to what end? What is drawing them to this final “Gathering”? But its played out so wonderfully that you just accept that this is what is happening and you get sucked into the story.

Some films suffer trying to explain to much. This movie has a LOT that needs explaining, but does a wonderful job giving you as much as you need to know so you don’t care that its not all spelled out for you.

Lambert plays his character and defines him. Sean Connery is spot on and entertaining as hell (he has some stinkers but this isn’t one of them) and his brotherly chemistry with Lambert makes you really feel his kinship with Connor. The Kurgen is deliciously evil for the sake of evil. There is no deep backstory to him. He is just an asshole. An immortal asshole. And evil. He serves his purpose and is amusing enough without ruining his hardcore evil imagery. (Watch for his neck wound held together with safety pins - awesome)

THE BAD

The effects are a little dated but cool for its time, and don’t hold up to today’s standards. This might be distracting to some.

OVERALL

This film impacted me on more than one level. It is highly under rated, and is a brand for the hardcore geek. I have to remind myself of how old this film is when people don’t understand references to Sea

Everytime they add to the mythos instead of letting this wonderful story stand on its own, they devalue the entire premise of the immortals conflict and the Gathering. I didn’t hate the TV spinoffs, but their very presence bothered me.

And for every reason that this movie is great, all the sequels are not.

There can only be ONE!!! Unless there is another.

Typically this is where we would write a “Out of 10″ rating, but since all of these Forgotten Friday reviews are going to be what I would already give a high rating to, I have made my own rating system.

TV - Make a point of watching it if you see it listed on TV.
Rent - Good enough to go out of your way to see it, but not enough to buy it.
Buy - So good. You will watch it again and again. Buy it!

So on a scale of TV, Rent or Buy I suggest BUY!

Thanks for checking out our Forgotten Fridays feature. This is something we want to try out to review some older films that maybe you have forgotten about or maybe never got around to seeing that we just want to share.

I know this is NOT a very old film, but not one that I find most people know about. If you have, then this is your reminder to make other people watch it.

Today’s review is St Trinians

Release: December 21 2007
Genre: Comedy
Director: Oliver Parker, Barnaby Thompson
Staring: Talulah Riley, Rupert Everett, Colin Firth, Gemma Arterton

THE GENERAL IDEA

St Trinians proudly continues to represent the unacceptable face of British education. When the new Minister of Education announces he will personally sort the place out he doesn’t realise either the enormity of the task or that the headmistress is an old flame. The school is anyway threatened with closure by their bank; with the staff clearly a waste of space the girls realise the responsibility to save the day falls on them. Perhaps a stealing and fencing off a very valuable painting would be the way out?

THE GOOD

The movie has all the charm of highschool cliques exaggerated to the most fun extremes. The misguided youth that self govern the school are all heaps of fun. Once the dotey new comer, the neice of the Headmistress (played wonderfully by the cross dressed Rupert Everett) finds acceptance, they try to figure out which clique she belongs with. The “makeover” scene is the most fun montage I have ever seen. Silly fun.

The movie features amazing performances by the students and the supporting cast. Russell Brand is a lot like his normal self but different enough to enjoy him. This was the film that introduced me to sex on a cracker known as Gemma Arterton, and she just oozes sex appeal that made her deserving of a Bond Girl (though I like her more in this)

Overall, there is nothing too shocking about this schoolgirl movie crossed with a comical heist film. Its just plain fun and riding stereotypes.

Small roles played by Lena Headey (From Sarah Connor Chronicles) and the quizmaster (Stephen Fry) as well as a blonde Mischa Barton as the former Head Girl.

THE BAD

This movie will not appeal to everyone. It grabbed me with the racy schoolgirl fantasy and kept me with its charming play and a fun romp of a movie. It really appeals to the Brit humour at times, and the occassional rolling of eyes. But its a lot of fun. Maybe just not going to appeal to everyone.

OVERALL

If you tend to find my Forgotten Friday Picks in line with your own tastes, I suggest you take a shot at this quirky comedy.

Also as a side note, the cast of this film is re-uniting for a sequel which will star the Former Doctor David Tenant and return Gemma Arterton to her slinky hot schoolgirl role in St Trinian’s: The Legend of Fritton’s Gold

Typically this is where we would write a “Out of 10″ rating, but since all of these Forgotten Friday reviews are going to be what I would already give a high rating to, I have made my own rating system.

TV - Make a point of watching it if you see it listed on TV.
Rent - Good enough to go out of your way to see it, but not enough to buy it.
Buy - So good. You will watch it again and again. Buy it!

So on a scale of TV, Rent or Buy I suggest Rent!

Thanks for checking out our Forgotten Fridays feature. This is something we want to try out to review some older films that maybe you have forgotten about or maybe never got around to seeing that we just want to share.

Today’s review is Ladyhawke

Genre: Adventure/Comedy/Drama/Fantasy/Romance
Director: Richard Donner
Staring: Matthew Broderick, Rutger Hauer, Michelle Pfeiffer

THE GENERAL IDEA

Phillipe “The Mouse” Gaston (Broderick) is a thief, and in the opening of the film he has just escaped the inescapable dungeons of Aquilla. While attempting to dodge the city guard he comes across a dark knight who saves him. Etienne Navarre (Hauer) is accompanied by a hawk and the grateful Phillipe chooses to travel with him for safety and service.

Phillipe discovers that at night Navarre disappears and a beautiful woman named Isabeau (Pfeiffer) comes around protected by a black wolf. Phillipe soon figures out that Navarre and Isabeau are cursed for their love by the secretly evil Bishop, who fell in love with Isabeau, who loved the captain of the guard Navarre. He cursed them to forever be together but eternally apart, and at night Navarre turns into a wolf while by day Isabeau is a Hawk.

Phillipe finds out there may be a way to break the curse, but he has to stop Navarre’s temper from getting in the way.

THE GOOD

It is a beautiful romantic film with plenty of action. Broderick’s dialogue is almost a character unto itself as he continually talks with God in moments when he is alone. Some of the best dialogue in film period. I just love his discussions with God.

The most amazing thing is how the film dedicates SO much time to the trio of travellers, that their very situation IS the enemy. Its always present, but so little time is actually spent on scenes with “the badguy”. He is just there in the background and is not developed much at all. The main players are dealing with the curse and he eventually will need to be confronted about it.

Pfeiffer is a staggering woman, but no matter how hot she is in any film I will always remember this role as her most beautiful. Even with less than flattering clothes and short boyish hair, you understand why Navarre is so taken with her.

There is a great balance of characters and story. Even Navarre and Isabeau seem to grow closer to each other through their interactions with Phillipe. Despite the obvious mystical elements found in the curse that transforms these two lovers into animals, there isn’t really a lot of magic. There are no mages or wizards. Aside from this curse, the world is as gritty real as you might imagine the medieval era to be. Nothing is candy coated, buildings are rough, action is believable real and people are dirty.

THE BAD

The movie itself is one of the few I would give a 10 out of 10 to - if it wasn’t for the soundtrack. The very painful 80s synth is just SO terrible and unfitting to the film. Even at the time when pop music was littered with synth keyboards this just didnt work at all for this film.

The fact that this movie likely has the WORST soundtrack in the history of film is a testament to just how amazing the story and actors were. I would tolerate that music again and again to watch this movie.

OVERALL

You were warned about the soundtrack, so watch the movie and try to ignore it. I really wish they would remaster the movie and add a new score for a 25th Anniversary release (which will be next year) It is inspiring drama, a love story and action. And a perfect mix of the three with some comedy and fantasy to boot!

Typically this is where we would write a “Out of 10″ rating, but since all of these Forgotten Friday reviews are going to be what I would already give a high rating to, I have made my own rating system.

TV - Make a point of watching it if you see it listed on TV.
Rent - Good enough to go out of your way to see it, but not enough to buy it.
Buy - So good. You will watch it again and again. Buy it!

So on a scale of TV, Rent or Buy I suggest BUY!

Thanks for checking out our Forgotten Fridays feature. This is something we want to try out to review some older films that maybe you have forgotten about or maybe never got around to seeing that we just want to share.

Today’s review is First Knight

Release: July 7, 1995
Genre: Action/Adventure/Romance
Director: Jerry Zucker
Staring: Sean Connery, Richard Gere, Julia Ormond, Ben Cross

THE GENERAL IDEA
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At long last, the wars were over. Arthur, the great King of Camelot, had devoted his life to building a land of peace and justice. Now he wished to marry. But peace was not to last. The most powerful of Arthur’s knights, the self titled Prince Malagant, had long been jealous of the King’s glory. Now he found cause to quarrel with Arthur and left Camelot with hatred in his heart. And so the land was divided again, between those who rallied to Prince Malagant, seeking the spoils of war, and those who stayed loyal to the King.

And then there was Lancelot, a wanderer who had never dreamed of peace of Justice or Knighthood. Times were hard. A man made his living any way he could. And Lancelot had always been good with a sword. He was a fearless simple man who would compete for money and offer swordplay as entertainment.

Lancelot’s wandering path crosses with Guinevere who’s caravan is ambushed by Prince Malagant on her way to meet her fiance King Arthur.

THE GOOD

Lets just start with the cast. Was there ever a presence that deserved the title of King more than Sean Connery. His every word sounds like nobility and the strength of his voice deserves it. And this is no exception. Connery DEMANDS his presence and is every bit as fitting a King as the character deserves in this. When he speaks of bravery and brotherhood, you feel his sincerety, and when he speaks angry you shrink an inch.

And Richard Gere plays the carefree swordsman so charmingly that all women want him and every man wants to be him. It is no wonder that Guinevere is taken by him. He may come across as a brigand, but he has a code of honour that gives him the heart of a knight even if he doesn’t know it yet.

And Guinevere herself played by Julia Ormond is absolutely captivating. A beautiful woman who’s presence is approachable yet noble. When Lancelot denies his reward of a kiss from the Queen-to-be at the court festival he says it all when he announces, “I dare not kiss so lovely a lady. I have only one heart to lose” And this film made me crave to see Julia Ormond on screen again.

And lastly Prince Malagant. Pure tyrannical meglomaniac. Still ever jealous of Arthur, even with his own followers who fear him but do not respect him. He has an air of royalty but the castle ruins that make his headquarters represent the bleak comparisons of what he has and what he covets.

And then lets address the genre. This movie illustrates exactly how romance within an action adventure. Prince Malagant’s conflict is what draws all the players together but the romance is the subtle glue that binds it all into meaning. Don’t get me wrong, there is plenty of romance, but it all works.

The action is great and believable and there is a LOT of it. When there is no action, there is enough character interaction to make it worth while to wait. The drama is hearty despite the light adventure feel the movie has.

THE BAD

Malagant’s jealousy is obvious and plays perfectly to his character but they were never quite clear on what brought him “to quarrel” with Arthur. It seems he wanted more which Arthur wouldn’t give him. But its never quite clear HOW Malagant become unworthy of his seat at the Round Table. We just have to accept that he exiled himself.

OVERALL

A fantastic adventure of King Arthur and Guinevere, and the Love Triangle of Lancelot, with enough gushy lovey stuff to make the passion of the action truely majestic. Everything matters. There is no fluff in this film.

Typically this is where we would write a “Out of 10″ rating, but since all of these Forgotten Friday reviews are going to be what I would already give a high rating to, I have made my own rating system.

TV - Make a point of watching it if you see it listed on TV.
Rent - Good enough to go out of your way to see it, but not enough to buy it.
Buy - So good. You will watch it again and again. Buy it!

So on a scale of TV, Rent or Buy I suggest BUY!

Thanks for checking out our Forgotten Fridays feature. This is something we want to try out to review some older films that maybe you have forgotten about or maybe never got around to seeing that we just want to share.

Today’s review is American Flyers

Release: August 16 1985
Genre: Drama
Director: John Badham
Staring: Kevin Costner, David Marshall Grant

In my younger days (and soon again) I was quite the cycling enthusiast. I even competed on the semipro circuit placing modestly. I also took a 1200km route from Quebec City to Toronto in 12 days. Damn, I used to be in shape. And this is in part why I find American Flyers to be such an important film to me. But it also has a deep storyline that makes this exciting race movie more of a drama.

THE GENERAL IDEA

Sports physician Marcus (Costner) persuades his unstable brother David to come with him and train for a bicycle race across the Rocky Mountains. He doesn’t tell him that he has a cerebral tumor. While David powerfully heads for the victory, Marcus has to realize that the contest is now beyond his capabilities.

THE GOOD

They don’t candycoat the mechanics of the bike racing. In a lot of sports movies they change elements to make them more entertaining. Like Olympic figure skating with performance concert lighting (The lights are always on in competition skating) but we forgive it because it looks cooler. But Flyers managers to do keep the technicalities of the sport accurate to a tee and illustrates some of the strategies cyclists use to win a race.

The story is sincere. There are no story hooks that require forgiveness in it. Things happen for a purpose, there is no “convenient coincidences” to save the day. There is no miracles. There is drive, passion, and a brotherly bond. There are no pointless love interests. There is no hokey plot holes to serve the excitement of the sport. It is a great story that just gives you a real life relationship and none of the “hollywood baggage”

THE BAD

Kevin Costner is Costner. I really think that Costner is a fantastic actor when he wants to be, but typically he is just Costner. Which works out, because he seems like a really genuine guy and he plays the everyday joe very well. Costner loves his sports movies, and most of them tend to be “What if Costner was a pro ball player/pro golfer/etc?” this is no exception. People that don’t like Costner at all are not going to like this movie as it revolves entirely around him and his brother.

There are some actors I can’t stand them being the same guy, but Costner doesn’t have that affect on me.

OVERALL

The sincere storyline, great illustration of a brotherly love that we don’t often see in films anymore, and some real exciting cycling all contribute to a great film. I just love this to death because of my involvement in the sport. Still a great movie, even without all the Hollywood shine.

Typically this is where we would write a “Out of 10″ rating, but since all of these Forgotten Friday reviews are going to be what I would already give a high rating to, I have made my own rating system.

TV - Make a point of watching it if you see it listed on TV.
Rent - Good enough to go out of your way to see it, but not enough to buy it.
Buy - So good. You will watch it again and again. Buy it!

So on a scale of TV, Rent or Buy I suggest RENT! (It was a buy for me, but for different reasons. But safe to call it a Rent for anyone else)

Thanks for checking out our new feature, Forgotten Fridays. This is something we want to try out to review some older films that maybe you have forgotten about or maybe never got around to seeing that we just want to share. I have done some of these reviews in the past called Forgotten Gems, but now we want to try and bring you something on a more regular basis.

Today is Saturday, but yesterday became unbearably busy for me, so I apologize. But I still wanted to share a gem I have mentioned before.

Today’s review is Noises Off!

Release: March 20, 1992
Genre: Comedy
Director: Peter Bogdanovich
Staring: Carol Burnett, Michael Caine, Denholm Elliott, Julie Hagerty, Marilu Henner, Mark Linn-Baker, Christopher Reeve, John Ritter and Nicollette Sheridan

See, the International Friends might not know this, but John was actually a roommate of mine back in our younger days. Doug was an unofficial roommate often just spending the majority of the summer at our place as did Wormwood, another TMB Alum. The house I owned at the time was the central hub of our group of friends and that 4 bedroom four level back-split went down in history as a fraternity house of sorts. At one point I had 3 official roommates and about 3-4 more who just lived there. We also had a total of nine couches.

I didn’t want to spend any of my money on something as silly as cable so the movie rental place up the street which offered 7movies for 7 days for 7bucks got a lot of our business. There was always a stack of generic VHS white plastic movie shells on the entertainment unit.

One of those movies, which quickly became a purchase was Noises Off! We wore out that movie.

THE GENERAL IDEA

Lloyd Fellowes (Michael Caine) is the director of a theater company. He’s desperately trying to get his production together, despite the best efforts of the cast, the crew, and Lady Luck. We follow the production from final rehearsals, through opening night, and onto the tour: as with any group of actors forced to work closely together for any great length of time, romances and arguments are bound to break out. Quite often, what’s happening on stage is nothing compared to what’s happening backstage.

THE GOOD

The Play within the Movie is called “Nothing On”, and you only get to see the first part introducing the characters and some of the hijinks, and then skips ahead to the end with a line involving Sardines and some struck poses that make you wonder how the play came to this conclusion. But you don’t need to know. This story is about the actors putting on the show and this is where the genius lies. You are exposed to as much of the play as you need to just to get to the real story.

The Cast. When you hear the term “ensemble cast” it refers to a group where no one is the clear star, but the group itself is the star. I think this movie defines that term better than any other film. Some ensemble casts have a “clear lead” but this film works every personality as just another ingredient in a wonderful salad of laughs. None of them were super stars, but each had their degrees of success. Just check out this lineup:

Carol Burnett, Michael Caine, Denholm Elliott, Julie Hagerty, Marilu Henner, Mark Linn-Baker, Christopher Reeve, John Ritter and Nicollette Sheridan.

Each of these actors are just brilliant in this movie. They all have strong personalities which all play a critical part and of course clash throughout the production. And each one of them plays an actor who is playing an actor in a play. It’s always clear when they are being “themselves” or when the actor is acting. Within this stage production we see what happens backstage and get a look at how a show gets put on. They all have their character quirks and they all shine in them.

The late John Ritter putts his pratfalls and physical comedy to the limit in this movie and not always “in the play”. Also no longer with us Christopher Reeve plays a soft spoken pacifist who gets a nosebleed if he witnesses violence. Which just punctuates the comedy of the falls, kicks, punches and other tomfoolery “on set”.

The comedic timing of each of these players is spot on. A line doesn’t drop without the rim shot to follow. The running gags never get tired.

I was in stitches for probably half of this movie and smiling during the rest of it.

THE BAD

Nicollette Sheridan spends the majority of this movie in lingerie. You hope to see more, but you don’t.

Aside from that, I’ve got nothing. Seriously.

OVERALL

This movie has repeat watching value that wont tire you or bore you. A rare quality. Dare I say that you will NOT find another ensemble as brilliantly mixed as this bunch. They may not have been superstars in their individual right, but together they combine to make the most amazing production which guarantees laughs and memorable lines.

The line by Carol Burnett that always gets me is “I’m sorry, I can’t see that far with this leg” - Sounds silly, but in the context of this complex scene there is nothing more perfect for her to say. You will just have to watch it.

Typically this is where we would write a “Out of 10″ rating, but since all of these Forgotten Friday reviews are going to be what I would already give a high rating to, I have made my own rating system.

TV - Make a point of watching it if you see it listed on TV.
Rent - Good enough to go out of your way to see it, but not enough to buy it.
Buy - So good. You will watch it again and again. Buy it!

So on a scale of TV, Rent or Buy I suggest BUY!

Thanks for checking out our new feature, Forgotten Fridays. This is something we want to try out to review some older films that maybe you have forgotten about or maybe never got around to seeing that we just want to share. I have done some of these reviews in the past called Forgotten Gems, but now we want to try and bring you something on a more regular basis.

Today’s review is Solarbabies

Most of the films that I recall in the 80s everyone has heard of. However there are a pile of movies a little left of the paved road that are dear to me. Perhaps to you as well. Solarbabies is one of those movies. Some of you might have heard of it, but I won’t be surprised if you haven’t.

Release: November 26, 1986
Genre: Sci-Fi/Adventure
Director: Alan Johnson
Staring: Jami Gertz, Jason Patric , Lukas Haas, Peter DeLuise, Adrian Pasdar, Sarah Douglas, Charles Durning

THE GENERAL IDEA

In a future in which most water has disappeared from the Earth, an orphanage, run by the despotic rulers of the new Earth is more like a prison. A group of kids have formed a “skateball” team and call themselves Solarbabies. The youngest member of the team (their mascot) finds an orb of special power, but is stolen by a mysterious outsider who escapes the orphanage. The Solarbabies escape from the orphanage and try to cross the wasteland looking for the orb as the stormtroopers search for them and the orb. They discover what is left of this postapocalyptic world, and an adventure that will change everything they know.

THE GOOD

There is a solid story that was very reminiscent of teenage independance in the 80s. There seemed to be a lot of movies where kids are left to fend for themselves. This film takes a strong sense of loneliness that is only staved off by friendship and “the family you choose” mentality. Looking back on it, I found the “gang” to be more realistic than some of their contemporaries of the time that just seemed to be a cluster of exaggerated personalities. However, at the time I was more fascinated by the roller skates, and how cute a teenage Jami Gertz was.

The minimal effects are quite decent considering this film was made in 1986. They are not so cheesey that they take you out of the film, even by todays standards. The story is the real star here and it weaves a wonderful story of friendship and adventure at its heart. No gritty darkness or ultra real violence that seems to be the only trigger for entertainment these days, but still it manages to tell the tale of this strange fictional future.

Sarah Douglas plays the suit behind the enforcer cop and she is more menacing than the leader of the cops. Its no wonder she exudes an evil spirit as she was earlier seen as Ursa in Superman 2. Her part is brief but effective. She could recite nursery rhymes and still make it clear that their militaristic goals are evil.

Also in a supporting role of the strange outsider who first steals the orb from the Solarbabies, Heroes’ Adrian Pasadar (pictured above as in the movie) makes one of his earliest appearances in film.

Also, the orb has a name. It’s Bodhi. Before Patrick Swayze ever used it in Point Break.

THE BAD

The despotic leader of the Protectorate hardly makes for a menacing opposition. He reminds me of the bumbling LtHarris from Police Academy. Without the bumbling. He just doesn’t have the presence to lead a police force that is supposed to embody evil. If not for his sidekick enforcer, I wouldn’t find them a threat at all even though they are the ones with the guns.

And for the love of Zod, the Rollerskates. Ok, we can accept that there was quad skates instead of the inline rollerblades far more popular today, but they were a gimmick in this film and nothing more. The late 80s were clinging onto their quad roller skates that managed to maintain decades of popularity over many other fads of the time and they wanted them to be cool in this movie too. The Solarbabies played a game like lacrosse on skates. It’s what binds these orphans together - the only entertainment or joy they had in their dismal lives. When they break out of the complex they took to their skates to escape across the wasteland which conveniently had plenty of roads for them to run off on. The inclusion of rollerskates was completely uneccessary.

Also the group of friends is, by todays standards, a tired stereotype. Despite having less exaggerated personalities than most other films of the time, The Solarbabies are a Breakfast club gang with their handicapped sidekick, alpha male leader, hot brunette, nerdy computer guy, token black kid who breakdances and the musclebound jock. Watching this with years of those stereotypes used over and over takes away from their “uniqueness” in its time. So in that aspect it doesn’t hold up well.

OVERALL

TV - Make a point of watching it if you see it listed on TV.
Rent - Good enough to go out of your way to see it, but not enough to buy it.
Buy - So good. You will watch it again and again. Buy it!

So on a scale of TV, Rent or Buy I suggest Rent!

Everything else is out of stock at the rental place tonight? Check out the Not-New releases shelf and see if your local store carries a copy!

Thanks for checking out our new feature, Forgotten Fridays. This is something we want to try out to review some older films that maybe you have forgotten about or maybe never got around to seeing that we just want to share. I have done some of these reviews in the past called Forgotten Gems, but now we want to try and bring you something on a more regular basis.

Today’s review is The Power of One

Release: March 27, 1992
Genre: Drama
Director: John G. Avildsen
Staring: Morgan Freeman, Stephen Dorff, Fay Masterson, Armin Mueller-Stahl, Daniel Craig

THE GENERAL IDEA

compassionate novel about the coming of age of a white anti-apartheid activist during the years of World War II in South Africa. Seven-year-old P.K. is a white English South African raised on his family’s farm by his Zulu nanny. When his mother takes ill, he is sent away to an Afrikaner boarding school, where he is picked on and nearly killed by the school bully during a pep rally for Hitler. Surviving and carrying on his life, he earns life inspiration from a number of unlikely sources. A Jailed German professor (who teaches him languages, music and philosophy), an African prisoner (who teaches him how to box), and finally finds an unlikely bond in the culture of that time with an African boxer from a shantytown.

Together they invoke the folk legend of the Rainmaker (the one who will bring harmony) and PK begins to teach literacy to the Africans, while he falls in love with the daughter of the Apartheid leader.

THE GOOD

The storytelling in this film is beautiful on a number of levels. Not only do we get a solid feel for each stage of his life, but the pacing doesn’t make it seem like “chapters” but just a natural progression. Three actors take on the role of PK, but you really feel the sense of growth of the character.

The best part of the movie has to be the supporting cast. PK may be the central figure and an inspiring one for sure. What he endures and lives through only serves to help him grow until he is a man of his own right. But he gets there by those who inspire and teach him along the way.

Some very notable performances sit on opposite ends of the spectrum. A jailed African prisoner, Herr Piet (Morgan Freeman) teaches PK to box, and this is hands down my favourite Freeman performance in anything he has been in. Piet becomes a mentor and friend to PK. Though Piet teaches PK much, he is also inspired by him as well.

The opposite would be PK’s nemesis. The bully in his boarding school where PK was only 8 abused and tormented PK to the point that it nearly kills him. This abusive Nazi obsessed youth Botha, who is played by a young Daniel Craig. Their paths cross again when PK is older and Botha has not forgotten PK.

The setting is also beautifully laid out. The strong themes of rising above the blind hate embodied by Apartheid could easily have been shoved down your throat, but instead through the growth and life of PK you simply see it as the status quo. It is told from the perspective of a white man, who also suffers his own kind of separation. Sure it offends the sensibilities of our modern thinking, but it is presented in a way that you can accept it, and see how people lived with it.

THE BAD

The only complaint I could even begin to fathom is the repeated complaint that the book is far more inspiring than the film. I don’t know that my soul could bear the burden of such influence considering how emotionally this movie impacted me, as I have only heard this from the account of others.

OVERALL

The movie is wonderfully told, and it is an inspiring and tragic tale of one man’s life in the midst of adversity. When I first saw this movie in 1992, I was changed at my core. It was just that powerful of a movie. You feel every little victory and you pain at every loss. The film drained me emotionally at my first viewing and easily sits at the top of my favourite films of all time.

Typically this is where we would write a “Out of 10″ rating, but since all of these Forgotten Friday reviews are going to be what I would already give a high rating to, I have made my own rating system.

TV - Make a point of watching it if you see it listed on TV.
Rent - Good enough to go out of your way to see it, but not enough to buy it.
Buy - So good. You will watch it again and again. Buy it!

So on a scale of TV, Rent or Buy I suggest BUY!