Smithereens (1982)

I've wanted to see this one for a while, it seems up my alley. Overall I liked it, although it's a little repetitive, but it nails the mood and cynicism, and has a great soundtrack (mostly featuring The Feelies). Like I said, on it's own merits I liked it, but I don't think it's as good as some other entries into this genre.

Bad Girl Island (2007)

This is directed by the guy who made "Mac & Me," and all that that implies. This started off entertaining enough with a hilarious dolphin and a mystery scenario, but as it went long I quickly lost interest.

--Popkoff

Tromeo & Juliet (1996)

Haven't watched this since the late 90's. I was much younger then and probably didn't enjoy as much as I did this time around. There were 2 or 3 laugh-out-loud moments, but overall the thing that impressed me was that the actor was a lot better than I remembered. I found it funny that one of the actresses in the film had both fake piercing and tattoos. The only reason I find it funny is because Troma movies are so naturally dirty and sleazy that it seems like they could of found someone with real tats and stuff. Not a big deal, just an observation.

--Popkoff

Erik the Viking (1989)

The opening scene of this movie is hilarious. Unfortunately it never reaches that height of hilarity again. It's not unfunny mind you, it just starts off BIG. Overall it's lighthearted fare, not a bad way to spend 90 minutes.

--Popkoff

Popeye (1980)

The wondrous joy of being a fan of Robert Altman is knowing that no matter what genre the film was he's directed, he was going to leave his unique stamp on it. Look at "Popeye," a family picture, partly financed by Disney, and it's weird as hell, complete with Altman's trademark dialogue mixing and regular leading lady, Shelly Duvall (who he apparently held out for though the studio wanted Gilda Radner).

I know this film gets panned often, but consider this: Could the casting be anymore perfect? Could the universe/town be anymore perfectly realized? If made today, could Hollywood do any better??



--Popkoff

Pennies from Heaven (1981)

I was considering showing this for the marathon, but decided on "New Low." George decided to show it instead. Still great.

My Review

--Popkoff

One from the Heart (1982)

Shamelessly romantic and carefully crafted, "One from the Heart" is truly a spectacle and an astounding achievement in set design. It was so awesome seeing a young Fredric Forrest tear up the screen, in as a romantic lead no less. Harry Dean Stanton's hair is out of control in this. Nastassja Kinski has circus talents?? Raul Julia and Teri Garr are both wonderful. Oh, and how hot is Teri Garr in this? I never knew I wanted to see her breasts until now. I LOVED it!!!



--Popkoff

Glen and Randa (1971)

This bizarre post-apocalyptic oddity was apparently critically well-received when it was initially released, although you couldn't guess that based on the current IMDB rating, which is in the low 3's. I don't think it was nearly that bad, in fact it's kind of aged well. Perhaps that's mostly due to the entertaining, and unintentional goofy performance of the lead actor, Steve Curry, sporting Sideshow Bob-style hair.



The film was originally rated "X" for the amount of nudity (and imagine some of the situations), and of course, it's seems relativity tame now. The story is pretty simple, Glen and Randa are teenage lovers (and Adam and Eve metaphors) in a future with no hope, they head out into the unknown in search of the Metropolis of D.C. Comics fame. Along the way they meet a horse, Glen violently kills some non-CGI fish, and they meet a old man who aides with the birth of their child.

I enjoyed this, probably won't watch again anytime soon, but if it were to screen somewhere, I'd take in.

Also, one of my favorite tidbits was Glen's insistence on labeling everything he learns about.



--Popkoff

New Low (2010)

I saw this back at AFF 2010 and it was honestly one of my favorite movies of that year. Re-watching it today, I still really loved it. The main character might be channeling a slacker-version of a self-deprecating Woody Allen-type (which I don't mind), but some of the other characters are so well articulated that I spend most of the film thinking, "man, I know people like this."

Characters aside, what I really love about the movie is just how hilarious it is. It really has some amazing one-liners and bits. It's FREE on Hulu right, so give it a look, I'd love to know what you think.

The In Crowd (1988)

I really liked this. It would make a nice companion to the movie "Mischief." There's a showstopping dance off right in the middle of the movie.




--Popkoff