Growing Up With "Gremlins" (1984)

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Since I had reviewed "The Goonies" previously, I thought it would be a good move to also review "Gremlins." They have a couple of similarities in that Spielberg had a hand in producing both films. The really cool thing is that "Gremlins" is a Christmas movie!

Strangely enough, I don't really remember when I became aware of the film. I know that I learned about "Critters" first, and even then I think I watched "Gremlins" when I was a bit older. Either way, it has become one of my favorite horror/comedies, and simultaneously a fun Christmas movie as well!

Directed by Joe Dante, written by Chris Columbus, and produced by Steven Spielberg, the team who worked on "Gremlins" was top-notch. 

Featuring Zach Galligan as Billy Peltzer, a young guy working at a bank in the small town of Kingston Falls, who receives a furry creature called a Mogwai as a Christmas present. Unfortunately, there are a lot of rules and regulations that come with caring for the Mogwai, and well...those rules are broken very quickly. 

Also starring in the film are, Phoebe Cates as Kate, Hoyt Axton as Billy's father, Dick Miller as Mr. Futterman, and in a small role, Corey Feldman as Billy's friend, Pete. Lastly, "Gremlins" features the voices of Howie Mandel (Gizmo), Frank Welker (Stripe) and Peter Cullen (the Gremlins) of "Transformers" fame.

As I mentioned above, the cast and crew of this film was excellent.

So let's take a look at "Gremlins."

What's special about the film is that it has the feel of a Spielberg film--it's a lot fun, the characters are likable and you root for them along the way. 

Gizmo is really cute and has some silly scenes, while the Gremlins are one part scary and another part funny. "Gremlins" superbly blends comedy with horror--siding more on the comedy side than horror. 

Some of my favorite moments include: Gremlin Christmas carolers, Mrs. Deagle being thrown from her second story window--it's morbid, but still funny. When the Gremlins are partying it up at Dorry's Tavern, and finally when most of the Gremlins are blown up in the movie theater that's playing "Snow White." Those are scenes that really make the comedy show through in this film.

"Gremlins" is a good time all around. It's not exactly for kids, but maybe for kids who are a little bit older. There are scary moments, but the overall movie is balanced well with comedy--the Dorry's Tavern scene for example. Definitely check this one out if you liked "The Goonies."

Look out for a cameo by Steven Spielberg when Billy's dad is at the convention. There is also shout-outs to Warner Bros, Disney, and "E.T." :)

Have fun!

Good

• Great cast and crew-- You can't beat Joe Dante, Chris Columbus, and Spielberg!
• Well-written script and interesting characters
• A balance of scary and silly moments

Bad

• ...I can't think of anything

Growing Up With "The Goonies" (1985)

                       

 Check out the trailer!

When I was growing up, my grandpa used to record movies for us off the T.V. Yeah, it was very much illegal, but that's how I learned about some great movies from the 80s and 90s. 

I can specifically remember turning the dial on an old-school tube T.V. to watch "The Goonies" one weekend. Now that there's a bunch of movies on Blu-Ray, I think it's kinda of taken away some of the experience of watching a film on a crappy T.V., but that's just my opinion.

"The Goonies" was written by Steven Speilberg and Christoper Columbus, those names should be familiar to you. It was also directed by Richard Donner, primarily known for directing the "Lethal Weapon" films. 

For those who are completely new to "The Goonies." The plot follows a group of adolescent kids, known as The Goonies. They all reside in Astoria, Oregon and soon their entire neighbor is going to be demolished to make way for newer houses. 

Mikey (Sean Astin), Brand (Josh Brolin) Mouth (Corey Feldman), Chunk (Jeff Cohen), and Data (Jonathon Ke Quan) stumble upon a map that may lead to buried treasure, and they decide to go after it. 

What they don't realize is that a band of criminals, the Fratellis (Anne Ramsey, Joe Pantolliano, and Robert Davi) are hiding out in the exact spot that the map points them to!

Mikey and the rest of the Goonies, along with Andy and Stef (Keri Green and Martha Plimpton) must follow the map through caves full of deadly booby traps, and not mention the Fratellis who are right on their tails. 

Can The Goonies find the buried treasure--and as a result pay off the foreclosure on their homes? Will the Fratellis catch up with them, and put a permanent end to their adventure? You'll have to find out! ;)

So let's review "The Goonies"

It's not difficult to see the appeal of this film, and it's even better to watch it as an adult. 

"The Goonies" is an adventure film at its core, but it infuses elements of other genres to compliment the main storyline.

Each character and the way they interact with each other make them feel relatable and familiar. Christopher Columbus' script is superb, and it really keeps the audience's attention. 

The biggest element, in my opinion, is the comedy. By often using adult oriented jokes, the film makes a connection to the older crowd while allowing the audience to feel close to the main characters.

Secondly, "The Goonies" has an element of suspense and danger to it. The Fratellis are armed and dangerous, and willing to go to extremes to get rid of anyone on their trail.

Lastly, there are scary scenes thrown in, and that also crosses another barrier into the horror genre of film. Thus, bringing in an even larger audience. 

The scary scenes include: Andy and Stef running into the fish on a stick--which is both funny and scary, I like it! Meeting Sloth (John Matuszak) at the gross restaurant, finding Chester Copperpot in the tunnel, and escaping the octopus--which was cut from the theatrical version.

"The Goonies" features a fantastic cast, and great performances all around. There's plenty of adventure and action, and the humor is priceless! 

If you haven't seen this movie yet--do yourself a favor--and SEE IT!

Good

Excellent script, top notch writing and story

Great acting and memorable characters

Plenty of adventure and fun

A smart sense of humor 

Bad

NOTHING!!!

Creature Feature Favorites #3: "Terrorvision" (1986)

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The horror comedy film, "Terrorvision" was directed by Ted Nicolaou (known for directing a lot of movies for the Full Moon Pictures company) and was written by Albert and Charles Band, the latter founded Full Moon Pictures after releasing this movie.

Starring in "Terrorvision" is Chad Allen (Sherman Putterman), Diane Franklin (Suzy Putterman), and Gerrit Graham (Stanley Putterman). 

"Terrorvision" begins when an alien monster is disposed of and somehow is beamed into a family's satellite dish on Earth. 

The first to discover the monster is Sherman and his Grampa (Burt Remsen). None of the other families members come in contact with the monster, so nobody else believes their story. 

Most of "Terrorvision" deals with the monster gobbling up the family--and some other people--one by one. In a typical slasher movie style, but with a comedic twist.

My favorite scene is when Sherman, Suzy, and her boyfriend O.D. (Jon Gries) try to teach the monster about food, music, and most importantly, T.V. I love when the monster tries saying their names and keeps repeating "T.V.!!!" It's really funny. The monster is actually really funny and kind of endearing.

In the following scenes, it's revealed that the monster is actually a pet who, when mutated, goes on uncontrolled eating binges. 

I won't spoil the rest of it, if you're interested in watching it. Let's just say that it doesn't exactly have a solid ending. 

So what did I think of it?

"Terrorvision" is a silly and fun b-movie that knows exactly what it's trying to do. 

The acting is nothing to write home about. There's a good mix of characters, and the main protagonists are entertaining to watch. I particularly liked Grampa, O.D. and Suzy. 

"Terrorvision" features some really cool practical special effects--the monster looks great. The scenes where people get eaten are cheesy, a bit gross, but fun. 

Overall, if you like really corny horror flicks with some comedy thrown in, I'd suggest checking out "Terrorvision." 

It's a good, schlocky time all around! It's so bad, it's good!

Good

• Excellent special creature effects
• Whacky kills
• A funny monster who is misunderstood

Bad

• Sub-par acting
• Weird parents who are swingers...uh, yeah...
• Crappy special and visual effects (it was the 80s)

                                       

Creature Feature Favorites #2: "Screamers" (1995)

Check out the trailer!

It's time to get your nerd on!

Another sci-fi creature flick I remember growing up, based on the Phillip K. Dick story entitled "Second Variety." The film's screenplay was penned in part by the uber-nerdy Dan O'Bannon, who helped create the germ that would eventually become Ridley Scott's "Alien."

Starring in the film is Peter Weller (as Colonel Joseph Hendricksson, he's from "RoboCop"), Jennifer Rubin (as Jessica Hansen, she's from "A Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors), and Roy Dupuis (as the cheese-ball, Becker).

"Screamers" is heavy on backstory, and has to do with two factions of humanity living on a backwater planet called Sirius 6B, The Alliance and the N.E.B. (New Economic Bloc) who are at war with each other--who really knows why--It has to do with radiation and nukes, I think. 

In order to protect against invaders, the Alliance created Autonomous Mobile Swords, also known as Screamers. They got their name because of the squealing sound they make as they approach their target. 

Alliance soldiers wear tags to keep themselves safe from the Screamers. Those who are not wearing their tags, are quickly dismembered and killed.

I should mention that the first type of Screamers borrow underground. It's reminiscent of the Graboids from "Tremors." 

It's revealed as the film progresses that there are two more type of Screamers, some disguised as soldiers and others as little boys (Davids). Whoever is really behind the Screamers wants to wipe out all the humans on the crappy planet the film takes place on. 

"Screamers" covers themes such as paranoia and how technology can actually do more harm than good.

So what did I think of it...hmmm...

Well, "Screamers" is both good and kinda meh. 

As I stated above, the story is deep, but the film spends too much screen time explaining everything that I nearly fell asleep. Seriously? Show don't tell, c'mon!

On the other hand, the acting is decent, and Peter Weller does a good job, except for some of his line deliveries feel weird at times. Jennifer Rubin is alright, too. 

The effects are sub-par, but there was a cool scene with a wonky stop motion Screamer. It's a low budget sci-fi flick from 1995, so you can imagine...

There's enough action happening to keep the audience interested, but the middle is pretty dry and boring. The highlights would be: the tense scene in the command center, the return to the Alliance base, and the final conflict between Henricksson and his old friend, Chuck. 

Let's put it this way, if you like your sci-fi horror with a large side of silly, this one's for you. Funny thing is, they play it completely straight in the movie. 

Have fun!

Good: 

A semi-rich story

Decent acting from the cast (Becker and Ross are the exceptions)

Tense moments with the Screamers

Bad:

Annoying characters (Becker and Ross)

Low budget special and visual effects

Awkward sappy love story tied in, it's just...not right...

Some bad dialogue from certain characters

Creature Freature Favorites #1: "Carnosaur" (1993)

Growing up in the the 90s, my grandpa would always take me to the video store on the weekend to pick out a movie to watch. I remember being scared out of my mind just walking through the horror movie aisle at my local video store. Seeing all those weird looking monsters and grotesque images on the box covers. Those memories are what inspired me to write up some reviews of my favorite creature flicks from my formative years. 

Check out the trailer!

Written and directed by Adam Simon and partly produced by legendary b-movie producer, Roger Corman, "Carnosaur" was actually released prior to the blockbuster smash "Jurassic Park." While it beat "JP" out of the gate, this schlocky flick wasn't really aiming for the big time. 

"Carnosaur" is about a secret organization that is attempting to breed dinosaurs by combining the DNA of chickens, vultures, iguanas, and other such reptiles. When a Deinonychus--which is really a janky-looking puppet-- is birthed as a result of the experiment, it goes on a rampage and kills the scientists and ordinary people living in the desert. 

The film follows Doc Smith (Raphael Sbarge), a drunkard security guard and Ann or "Thrush" (Jennifer Runyon), an environmental activist. Both of them uncover the strange plot of the Eunice Corporation who is trying to bring back dinosaurs, a project spearheaded by Dr. Jane Tiptree (Diane Ladd). 

Memorable scenes from "Carnosaur" include: 

Clint Howard (Ron Howard's brother) getting his head ripped off by the Deinonychus as it swings down from the rafters.

A group of unsuspecting young adults being disemboweled by the Deinonychus while frolicking in their Jeep. 

And finally, the big showdown with the T-Rex with a skid loader. 

I have to mention, that the ending of the movie is very unexpected and dark.

The effects are low-budget and cheap looking, but that's the charm of it. The acting isn't so great, but it's not cringe-worthy either. The kills are over-the-top and gruesome, and the epic final conflict with the T-Rex is the definite highlight of the film.

I would place "Carnosaur" squarely in the "It's So Bad It's Good" category of horror films.

Get your friends together, have some drinks, and enjoy the mayhem! 


Good

• Lots of brutal and gory kills 
• Practical effects--for better or worse, really
• Lots of 90s cheese!
• The climatic reveal of the T-Rex and ensuing battle

Bad

• Lousy acting all around
• Poor effects--not all practical effects are good!
• A pretty weak plot, nothing spectacular