agent-too Reviews

A Tiger's Tale (1987)

Weird in a Wonderful Way

[15 May 2007]

Admittedly, I first found this film while looking for more C. Thomas Howell vehicles (he's such a dream in The Hitcher, isn't he?), but I was blown away by what I found. This movie actually features a romantic relationship between Tom Howell and Ann-Margret, Kelly Preston as the ultimate whore, tiger wrestling, male nudity, and the oddest William Zabka role I think I've ever seen. (Sweet, dumb and Southern?) I don't think anyone could defend this as a particularly amazing film, but it has a lot to offer and will surely entertain you in a slack-jawed kind of way. Great for 80's fans, better for Ann-Margret fans, and absolutely perfect for anyone who's ever longed to see a little of Tom Howell's butt.

Firstborn (1984)

80's dramatic gold

[14 May 2007]

If you're an 80's film buff, you couldn't ask for anything better than Firstborn. Peter Weller being creepier than creepy, Cory Haim being earnest, Sarah Jessica Parker being mousy, and Teri Garr addicted to coke. Does it get any better? I found the film looking for more Christopher Collet flicks (he's the dreamy 13-year-old Paul of Sleepaway Camp), and he knocks this role out of the park as an engaging and increasingly troubled teen trying to keep his family together. Though the subject matter is a little heavy, Apted keeps you riveted, and Firstborn proves itself to be a heartfelt and endearing look at a family ripped apart. Not only is this Corey Haim's first film, but the entire cast is outstanding. Do yourself a favor and see it.

The Divorcee (1930)

Witty, heartbreaking, and surprising

[10 April 2007]

The Divorcée has much more to offer than the melodramatic plot may insinuate. Sparkling performances aside (including Norma Shearer's Oscar-winning turn), the film is full of witty dialogue, risqué subject matter, and a serious, adult look at divorce, not seen again for decades. The film not only showcases the largely-forgotten Shearer beautifully, an actress who continually pushed subject matter and fought for strong roles, but proves itself as a pivotal 1930's Hollywood product. The Divorcée is appreciable as a pre-code, and worth seeing for its unusually bold themes alone, but its surprising and often heartbreaking plot makes it an unusual gem.