"Yes," I agreed. "If only the acting were a bit more top-notch."
"Well, with veteran character actors like Royal Dano and John Vernon, the so-so acting may have stood out more," he noted.
"I loved him in Animal House," giggled Glenor.
"Vernon does play a nasty role well, doesn't he," said Steve Brown. "His Dean Wormer is downright wicked. Speaking of wicked, more surprise Glenor?"
"More please, why yes," she said. "Oof, I meant to say please more, yes," she giggled. "Darn, I meant to say..."
She actually hiccupped right on cue. I really needed that Hot Toddy now. I turned my attention once again to the DVD.
It opens with the town's younger set smooching along Lovers Lane. Quickly ruining the peace and quiet, the Stooge-like Terenzi Brothers (no relation to the Chiodo Brothers — I hope) show up in their rented ice cream truck, with speaker blaring, to sell ice cream to the over-heated smoochers. The bumbling but industrious duo are soon driven off by the annoyed Lovers Lane hopefuls. But before Mike and Debbie can get back to their smooching, a bright object shoots across the sky and noisily lands not too far away. In true '50s horror film fashion, our lovers are off to investigate. Of course this only happens in horror films. Given a choice of heavy petting or chasing down mysterious glowing objects in the woods, I think most typical teenagers would go for the former.
While our atypical lovers head to the scene of impact, Farmer Green Gene (no, not Captain Kangaroo's buddy) and his dog Pooh, see the light and head out to investigate. He and his dog are the first ones to find the circus tent spaceship in the woods. There is a nice bit here with Royal Dano walking along the side of the tent and a killer Klown's shadow following him along. Circus fun and excitement soon turn to dread as he and his dog are captured and cotton-candyized.
Mike and Debbie discover the circus tent in the woods next, and decide to enter it. Again, your average person would probably think a circus tent plopped down in the middle of an isolated woodland setting would be rather odd; but then we wouldn't have much of a horror story, would we, if they just ran away? One interesting flub to watch for has Debbie's arm briefly disappearing behind the matte painting of the spaceship as they come upon it.
Article comments
1 - kanrei
Very original review. One of my favorite "I am so far from Sober" movies of all time. I have debated on the DVD for a while now, no more. Thank you for the inspiration.
2 - Iloz Zoc
Thanks kanrei. I really think this film would be a smash if they could work out a sequel, or remake. It's quirkly enough to make a solid Halloween-time movie.
What's really amazing is that they spent 7 grand on the popcorn gun. It actually fires popcorn. Hell, every kid should have one.
3 - kanrei
I want one now! I gotta get this DVD. I have seen the movie tons of times, but all that trivia I do not know.
I am not sure if a remake would be any good. Most of this movie's charm is how cheap everything appears, how bad the acting was and that we saw it in the 80's. I am not sure if today's audience can relax enough to enjoy a dumb movie that takes itself seriously.
We all still loves movies that are dumb and know it, but this one, like Rocky Horror, took itself serious as a horror movie first, and camp second.
4 - Iloz Zoc
Yes,the 80s was a unique time for horror films. Your point about the audience relaxing enough is probably true. The DVD commentary is interesting because they fill in the background about the characters, including Mike Tobacco and the wacky T Brothers. Those brothers always dumbfounded me. The special effects talk, especially in regard to the budget, is great, too. I always love creative stretching of the dollar. Lord knows what happened with the popcorn gun, though. They sort of went crazy with that one.
5 - kanrei
The 5th Element was the last true bad movie that pretended it wasn't bad and it was great for it. Today, movies either let the audience know that they realize they are dumb or they take themselves too seriously. Gone are the days of having a good time watching a well done b-movie.
6 - Mat Brewster
Another brilliant review. For reasons I can't possibly fathom I've never seen this film. I simply must add it to my blockbuster queue post haste.
7 - Iloz Zoc
Damn, I remember 5th Element. While watching it I thought, wtf!, but then went with it. I appreciate it more now.
Mat, I suggest you stop-----clowning around and get this baby. Ahem.
8 - kanrei
I walked out of 5th Element thinking the same thing. It wasn't until the second time I saw it that I said "Oh, I get it!"
I love bad movies when done well. I cannot tell you how many times I would sit down to watch MST3K and feel embarressed at the fact that I had actually seen the movie they were making fun of.
9 - kanrei
Iloz,
I hope you don't mind, but I linked to your site. I am always looking for the real reviews on horror flix.
10 - Mat Brewster
Ugh. That was super-ultra bad Iloz. I really don't know why I haven't seen this yet. Everytime it comes on TV I think I should watch the sucker. I've even picked it up a few times thinking I should buy it. I'll blame my wife, I guess, who really despises my love for really bad horror flicks.
11 - Iloz Zoc
When I watch a movie on MST3K that I grew up with, and thought it was super when a kid, yup, I get that feeling. But when you can make fun, and have fun with a film that's bad, it's great. There are some godawful films I've watched that were pure torture with no redeeming value whatsoever.
Wow, thanks, I'm honored you want to link to my site. I must confess I started reading your Home for Wayward Lemmings posts after your first comment. The writing style is great. Political writing is tuff to do as it requires a deft touch between satire, humor and sarcasm. I'm going to add your link to my On Writing section. You won me with "I never knew Peace Talks had half-time shows either." Go figure. And some people think Killer Klowns is bizarre.
12 - Iloz Zoc
Mat, sorry, I couldn't resist :)
13 - kanrei
Iloz,
Thank you so much. I find it the opposite. Political writing is so easy, but a good film review is near impossible.
You are my new source for Horror news.
14 - Iloz Zoc
Thanks Kanrei! I appreciate it.