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TPPMorris
Reviews
Mystery Science Theater 3000: Cave Dwellers (1991)
This is why the show was created
Many people (not on this site, but in popular media) have taken MST3K to task for picking on bad films. Some columnists have complained they were taking pot shots at east targets. In their review of the theatrical version of show, the Chicago Reader (in the worst movie review I have ever read) suggested they should give this treatment to "respected" movies, such as Woody Allen's "Interiors". The reviewer then went on to complain that the chosen target was a movie he liked. Moron.
Watching this installment proves why they picked on bad movies. Not only is it easier to get the rights to broadcast them, but such stunning ineptitude deserves ridicule. But they take it even further. They find riffs off of moments the film makers were obviously not paying attention to and turn them into artistic comedy. It is like making an impressive sculpture out of plop of mud. In this case, the quotes excerpted do not even touch the surface of how funny this episode is. You really have to see it. The effect is staggering. I have seen this episode numerous times and I always laugh so hard and so continuously I have to pause the tape for breathing breaks.
Mystery Science Theater 3000: The Killer Shrews (1992)
Delirious
This was one of the best of the entire run, which for this show means it was funnier than maybe four or five episodes. Even for a show this uniformly excellent, "The Killer Shrews" was merciless above and beyond with a rapid-fire silliness that becomes surreal.
The movie itself is silly enough to be entertaining on its own. Unleash Joel and the Bots on it and the experience is sublime. This is one of the few times I would recommend seeing the film without the commentary first. It helps you appreciate more what the boys bring to the table. I wish I could quote specific jokes from the presentation. Out of context they would come off flat. Okay, just one. Synchronized drinking. If you've seen this, you know what I mean.
Super Troopers (2001)
Thank God for Simple Comedies
Although this may not be the greatest comedy of all time, at least it is a good one. The members of Broken Lizard have an infectious rapport, great comic timing and true comic inventiveness. The opening scene starts out as the oldest hippy/drug joke of all time (eating the bag of pot) which morphs into a really bizarre series gags. The rest of the movie follows this same pattern where you know the joke that is coming, but it doesn't arrive the way you thought it would. Although there are juvenile sex and gross-out jokes, they are tame and avoid the usual modern comedy stand-by--feces. How refreshing to find people amused by the simple standards of weirdness instead of embarrassment.
Jabberwocky (1977)
How can you not like this movie
After reading the other comments about this film, I am stunned by the negative reviews some have posted. What in the name of God did they think they were going to get? Are they really so offended by low budget films? Can they really not handle comedy that asks you to think? Do they insist on the middle ages being in techni-color with Errol Flynn swinging immaculately through the trees? How sad.
"Jabborwacky" was a wonderful, challenging film, with so much impressive work done on it I agree with all those who say it is a tragedy how little remembered or seen the movie is these days. Please give it a try. You could learn how to appreciate films that are not run through a development committee.
A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984)
The title says it all
Having read the comments of others on this sight, I am shocked at how many (all, as far as I can tell) view this film literally. Did they not read the title? It is "A" nightmare, not "The". The non-specific article use tells us that this film is itself the nightmare. Many have posited that all films are a waking dream. Wes Craven took this idea into the realm of our worst dreams. Those who complain about the ending being confusing or a cheat or whatever are missing the point. They were in the one and only nightmare when the film starts and do not leave it till the lights go up. That is the films true genius. Abandon logic and allow yourself to be absorbed in the vision. The joy of the film is it's originality and visual virtuosity. Stop carping over whether or not it is scary enough. Those demands are your nightmare. Take some time to fully appreciate this one.
Wrong Is Right (1982)
Why can't I find this film!
I first saw this film during it's initial run and fell in love with it immediately. I was falling out of my seat laughing. The writing was sharp, the pace brisk and the story dead-on. Sean Connery was great, but this is probably the best role and performance of Robert Conrad's life. And I was knocked about by G.D.Spradlin's quick reference to his scene in my all time favorite movie. I have since been frustrated by how difficult it is to find the film. I have yet to find it in a video store and it shows up very rarely on TV. If the chance comes up, do not let this film get passed you. It is hilarious in that I-don't-care-what-anyone-thinks way that has become lost in today's film comedies.