Funko Mystery Boxes Reviewed!

I don't normally participate in Black Friday and this year was no exception. However, if you're able to wake up buttcrack early to buy Inside Out for 2 bucks at 6 am, then in all seriousness, you're better than me. But honestly, I used to do Black Friday, but I can't anymore. Plus, there just isn't anything that ever catches my eye.

Ok, there's that. I'd pay any price to own a Arn Anderson figure with fist pumping action. But nothing else.

That is, until yesterday. And even then, I'm a little late.  It's my fault for being late to the party though. But in this case, it still paid off. See, Funko decided to put their all into a fun exclusive with Gamestop and gave us a great reason to wake up early(or in my case, wait three days later) with these amazing Mystery Boxes...

Ahhhh....the mysterious allure of the Mystery Box. Remember the scene in UHF where some shmuck on Wheel of Fish gave up their delicious red snapper for a mystery box containing ABSOLUTELY NOTHING?!?!?!? That's the power of a mystery box. But what if, for 20 bucks each, you were guaranteed an EXCLUSIVE FUNKO POP, TWO Reaction Figures, One pin, and a Pocket Pop! Even better, 1 in 8 boxes contained a GOLDEN Pop! Yessir. Thank you, I'll take 2! 

What exclusive Funko Pop Vinyl's were being offered, you may think? Take a look below...

Holy crap, check those out! No wonder a lot of fans went crazy over these!

So after discovering my local Gamestop had a few leftover, In fact, the clerk told me that he started with 40 and after my purchase, they were now down to 4. Not bad, actually! I had to at least pick two up just for chance of receiving a Batgirl or a 1989 Batman, my two biggest wants. (But after looking on Ebay, I wouldn't mind a gold chase variant!) I knew whatever I'd receive, I'd still have something that others just kick themselves for missing out on. So, I came home, gave my fiancee one to open and I opened the other. The contents, were a real shocker.

Laurie's Mystery Box:

Could it be...?

HOLY CRAP! BATGIRL! Score!!!! Yessss! Trying to find a Batgirl Pop Vinyl for under 50 bucks is a pain in the butt, and who doesn't love Batgirl? Laurie was very excited to pick this one out, because she likes Batgirl too! We can now put a Batgirl up on our Funko shelf next to Batman and Robin. Finally. The Terrific Trio has been assembled!

Next up, the ReAction figures. First off, Laurie is the biggest Breaking Bad fan you'll ever meet. I mean, for a good month after last Christmas, all her time was consumed in watching the entire bluray set. So, when she laid eyes on Jesse Pinkman, she was even more excited. Much like Batgirl, you can't hate Aaron Paul or his lovable druggie character of Jesse. Plus, it could be used as Todd from Bojack Horseman!


The other ReAction figure we received was a character named Dave Clark from Tomorrowland, Disney's summer flop. I literally know nothing about the movie, but he looks like he's been punched in the face or his face turned into a melty Nestle Buncha Crunch, so he's ok with me.

Ahhh...the Pocket Pop! Yes! Mrs Voorhees' baby boy himself, Jason! It was fate! Of course we'd end up with at least one horror icon. I'd prefer Freddy, but I'll accept Jason as an easy victory!

The pin isn't too spectacular. It's Deadpool, who I like, but I'm not crazy over. I prefer his old X-Force days where he was Spider-Man with a gun and swords.


Ok, so that box was pretty spectacular! A truly spectacular package to be assured. It's gonna be a hard box to beat, but I'll give it my best:

Oh my gosh...

OH CRAP, IT'S 1989 BATMAN! HOLY CRAP HOLY CRAP! YES!

I had been hoping for a Batman 89 since I started my Funko Collecting so I'm very happy to finally own one! Sure it's just an all black repaint, but look at it. IT'S KEATON'S BATMAN.
Now I just need a Bob the Goon.

The ReAction figures were also a nice score! Another Jesse Pinkman and Ali from Karate Kid! Woo! Karate Kid is one of my faves and I have Daniel and Johnny hanging up, but to be perfectly honest, Ali(well, Elizabeth Shue in general) always annoyed me. But I guess I have to keep her by default. Plus, you never know when she could do a convention.

The Pocket Pop turned out to be Elsa from Frozen. Now, I'm normally an Princess Jasmine kinda guy, but I know what's hot. Frozen may be one of the most popular Disney movies I've ever seen, and my love of Disney forbids me to say anything negatory. I will say, if I got Olaf, I probably would've been able to sleep better. Snowmen, son.

And rounding out the box was a Harley Quinn pin. Two of the most popular comic mascots represented in these boxes in pin form. Not bad, actually, especially  considering Christmas could lead these pins to becoming fun stocking stuffers for friends!

So, are these a hit? In my opinion, YES. These are awesome. Didn't walk away with a gold one, but hey, we both got Funko's we liked! So really, that's what matters!

I don't know if they're going to be a monthly offering through Gamestop, but if they are, I'll gladly be lining up early to get these.

Also, check out your local Gamestop. Maybe there's a few leftover boxes in stock! Who knows, maybe you'll get a golden Pop!


-Chad

What I've Been Watching Volume 2

Watched some interesting stuff this week...


Shock 'Em Dead:

Shock 'Em Dead is one of those movies I've always heard of, but never watched. It's always alluded me for some reason. I mean, I'm sure I've passed it by at video stores at conventions for one reason or another. After watching it, I kinda regret it though.

Shock 'Em Dead tells the story of a hopeless geek named Angel Martin(played by Stephen Quadros) who, after failing at his part time pizza flipping job and an audition to become a guitarist in a local rock band, becomes dejected at every turn and receives quite the offer from the Devil: women, success, money, and some sick guitar playing. Only catch? He has to eat souls. Yup, kill people and suck up their souls like a Hoover.

It's a pretty corny movie, sure, and the acting is downright terrible, but man oh man, I gotta say this is an entertainingly bad movie. Like watching a Troma movie with a higher special effects budget. The music isn't bad, if you're a fan of bad rock music like me. The special features on the bluray are much better than you'd expect. Check them out:

Bonus Features:

1. Director's Commentary
2. Deleted & Extended Scenes
3. Interview with Director Mark Freed
4. Cast Reunion 2015
5. Actor Auditions
6. Behind The Scenes Photo Gallery
7. Cast Revisits Audition Tapes
8. Cast Views & Comments On Deleted Scenes
9. Director's Cut (deleted scenes)
10. Poster and Art Photo Gallery
11. Shock Em Dead Trailer 1990


Yup, pretty good stuff. I really enjoyed the cast reunion. Even though it's not the most widely known and popular movie, I still like hearing stories from set and the audition process. Definitely suggest picking this one up from Olive Films!



Deadly Prey and Deadliest Prey:

So unlike SED, I hadn't ever heard of this movie until I got a press release on it and to be honest, I'm kind of ok with it. It's really a very generic Rambo ripoff with an awesome theme song. Ted Prior(who resembles a less Swedish Dolph Lundgren) plays a killing machine by the name Mike Stanton who is kidnapped by the evil Col. Hogan and his mercenaries while taking the garbage out. And no I'm not talking about this movie.

Eventually the movie becomes a cat and mouse game between Stanton and Hogan. Eventually, Hogan kidnaps Stanton's wife and rapes her. Stanton gets revenge and kills him. The movie ends with him raising his arms, ala Stone Cold Steve Austin and screaming.

It's a typical 80s action movie with some terrible acting. It's a little grueling to get through, but still worth a watch. If you love shot on video action movies, this is a good addition to your collection and for that reason, I will suggest.

Now, Deadliest Prey on the other hand...

In an extra interview on the disc, director and writer David Prior practically admits he put no effort into this sequel and stole the story and scenes from the first one. This bothers me because while sequels from older movies can be successful if done right, this movie was a complete piece of terrible trash. Every scene, including being kidnapped while taking out garbage, is the same. I have absolutely nothing nice to say about this movie. I can't even suggest it.

The ONLY positive is an interview with Ted Prior where he gushes about how amazed he was that there was such a fanbase and how excited he was to do this sequel. That's it. Otherwise, I suggest you stay away from this.


The Velveteen Rabbit:

Ok, as much as I'm a rabbit enthusiast and lover, I can't recall actually reading the book as a kid. Which is funny, since I was a heavy reader. This one? For some reason just never was picked up. But while I was in a thrift store, I found this for only 69 cents! Now, why? Because while I don't remember reading it, I remember my mom actually buying this movie! Yep, It's totally a forgotten and buried memory! The cover brought back so many memories. If I recall, this was an Easter tradition for my mom and I. It's such a charming story, that if you can hunt it down, I suggest you pick it up. If not for nostalgic purposes, then just to check out a fun interpretation of the story.



The Condemned 2:

So because I am a host of the  Dead Air Horror and Genre Podcast, I watch a lot of unusual movies. This is one of them. Tonight, we discuss this and the Irish horror movie, The Hallow. All I'll say, is Randy Orton is just as exciting of an actor as he is on the microphone. I'll save the rest of my thoughts for the podcast. Click the link to join us between 9 and 10 for the most unusual 2 and half hours of your life!


So it's been a pretty fun week as far as movies, I'll be back some time next week to discuss more!!!

-Chad

Celebrating the 25th Anniversary of Home Alone!

Today marks the 25th anniversary of the beloved family film Home Alone which is not easy to accept. It makes me feel old. I mean, I saw this movie in the theater! But, I guess when I think about it,seeing Masters of the Universe in the theater at age 4 was 28 years ago, so it's not as bad I guess. But still, combined with the thinning hair, and back issues, this doesn't help me feel any younger.  Whatever, I guess everyone gets to that point. Pass the Geritol!

Anyway, for most if not all of us, it was love at first sight for Home Alone. We all found a new holiday movie to watch and found a new favorite star in Macauly Culkin. I remember laughing hysterically when seeing it in the theater that year and loving every second! And hey, my mom and older brother(who was at that age of "everything is dumb" phase) loved it too. It was very easy to love this movie.

Not only is Home Alone a great family film and Christmas film, but it finally hit me, it's a great ACTION movie! Yes! I know it sounds crazy and in no way am I comparing Kevin McCallister to Charles Bronson but I am saying it's one of the best family friendly-Christmas-action flicks ever and here's why...


The City:

This movie took place in the city of Chicago, which makes sense. Two cities were the setting for essentially every Christmas movie in 80s and 90s: Chicago or New York. Why not? Big beautiful cities look great in the snow with big colorful lights. It's a perfect combo. I mean, I lived in the suburbs most of my life and they look great, but seeing the lights on Rockefeller Center is much more impressive than that of a barn in Davidsonville. Just saying.

Ok, ok, ok so it's not Chicago proper, more of a suburb but it's still in the area and it is a John Hughes production, so it's already in your head that it is. You can't see John Hughes and think "oh boy, I bet this one is going to take place in my hometown of Ho-Ho-Kus New Jersey!". Just won't happen. Sorry. Although I'd love to see a John Hughes movie with all Jersey accents. How great would that be?

So, we've got the great city of Chicago to set this place. But, now we need something huge...

The Story:

Kevin McCallister is the black sheep of a rather huge family. I mean, HUGE.  So large, they had to cast Big Pete Wrigley from Adventures of Pete and Pete as one of the oldest kids.  Yup. Sadly, no cameo for Arrie the Strongest Man in the Word. Pipe! So, deciding they needed to trek the whole family across country for Christmas, they rush to the airport and whoops! they left Kevin! So, that sets up our whole movie. What's a kid to do when he has a huge house to himself on Christmas? Eat crap, destroy his brother's possessions and get in trouble. That's what I'd do! So, now we have our setup. Now to establish our hero.

The Hero:

Kevin McAllister. Professional 7 year old boy. Pizza and Pepsi lover. Burglar eliminator. This was his town, his house and his movie. Macauly Culkin became the fresh faced, lovable pint sized hero that we as movie fans were itching for in the early 90s. Well, ok. Maybe just us kids. Not all of us were fortunate enough to have access to movies like Die Hard or Predator or whatever. I mean, I did, but some didn't. From here, it also gave Mac his own career. He'd go from this to Good Son to Party Monster to eating pizza in YouTube videos. Mac was hot in the early 90s, much like any kid star that would shoot adults with a bb gun.

So in a way Kevin's ingenuity was as close to a MacGuyver/JohnMcClain as some kids could get, therefore setting them up for a love of things exploding and burning people's hair. I mean, not a lot of adults would think to use an old movie from the 1940s to put the fear of death into burglars.

Kevin's confidence in himself is rather low after his family accidentally(most likely deserved) abandons him. He goes from down int he dumps to The Punisher in no time flat. And what a great job he did at defending his house from the Sticky Bandits...

The Villains:

Marv and Harry. The Sticky/Wet Bandits. You know them already. As hilarious as they are, you'd be very foolish to overlook them as villains. They may seem silly, but they're scheme of posing as police officers and finding out who is out of town for Christmas is a rather ingenious ploy on their part. Plus, the funster in me can't resist the jolly prankster in Marv who leaves faucets running. It's just too darned awesome and funny.

Also to be noted is their ferocity. I mean, they became downright obsessed with killing a 7 year old boy who they became suspicious of. I mean, they were close to killing him too if it weren't for the old South Bend Shovel Slayer. But if they're going to do that to a kid, imagine what would've happened to an adult who pissed them off? Prolly disfigurement. Yeah, gotta be disfigurement.

The Booby Traps:

Most will remember the booby traps. It's pretty much the centerpiece of ANY good action movie. So, it should make all the sense int he world to see how The Sticky Bandits getting their comeuppance  would be the favorite of fans everywhere. My favorite? The swinging paint cans on the stairway. Check out this great montage of all the fun traps!

The Climax:

Now that the Sticky Bandit's have been been disposed of, Kevin is now reunited with his frantic mother and eventually his family. Christmas movies usually are perfect movies for those emotional "awwwww" moments that if used by other movies, they'd be made fun of so much. But with snow and Santa in it, it's ok. You won't be pushed in a locker if you say to your buddies at school for revealing you cried when Kevin saw his family walk in the door. I mean, you'll get a wedgie, but it won't be as severe.

So there you have it, my breakdown of Home Alone. Happy 25th anniversary to a fun movie that made me laugh as a kid and even now! Now, if you'll excuse me, I have a pizza from Little Nero's arriving any minute...


-Chad

PS-NECA is putting out some great Home Alone figures this year. Check these out!

Review: Mannequin by Laurie of Knit Terrors

When Chad first told me he would be receiving a screener for the blu-ray release of the 80's classic, Mannequin, I told him I would be hijacking his review. Being born in the early 80's, I remember watching Mannequin numerous times as a child. I mean, what little girl wouldn't want to be the gorgeous Kim Cattrall?

The movie kicks off in ancient Egypt, as we find Emmy (Kim Cattrall) standing in a tomb, dressed as a mummy to hide from her mother. They have an argument over Emmy's opposition to an arranged marriage and suddenly we hear thunder, the tomb shakes and Emmy is gone.

We're brought to present day Philadelphia. We meet Jonathan Switcher (Andrew McCarthy), a worker in a mannequin assembly factory. He clearly takes his job very seriously - taking six days to assemble one mannequin, while his boss tells him he should be making 3-4 in one day. He gets fired and leaves - but, wait, that mannequin resembles someone…

He picks up his girlfriend, Roxie (Carole Davis), from the department store where she works, Illustra. They split, it starts raining, his motorcycle won't work and he walks it home. He passes the Prince & Co. display window and comes face to face with the very mannequin he was fired for taking too long to assemble. Magically, his motorcycle starts working and he heads home.

The next day we meet Claire (Estelle Getty), the bigwig for Prince & Co. (Illustra's rival). She begins talking with Jonathan who is waiting for the store to open, when all of a sudden chaos breaks loose, as the sign goes haywire. He ends up holding on to the sign for dear life as it swings back and forth in the air. In that moment, Claire decides to offer him a job, for whatever it is that he does.

Claire takes Jonathan to meet Vice President of Prince & Co., Richards (James Spader), who decides to have him stock the women's underwear department. Jonathan seeks out and finds his precious mannequin, also encountering the very awesomely flamboyant guy named Hollywood (Meschach Taylor), who does the displays. 

We then get introduced to the security guard, Felix and his beloved partner in crime, a bulldog named Rambo (because he likes to draw first blood). Jonathan heads over to help Hollywood with the display, is left alone with the mannequin and suddenly, Emmy comes to life. They decide to make their first display window together, presumably all night as Jonathan wakes up in the display wondering what the hell happened, as Emmy is in her mannequin form. 

Later on, Jonathan finds Emmy, they explore the entire store in what I consider to be the most epic 80s montage I have ever seen. There's dancing, glorious music (Alisha's "Do You Dream About Me"), and multiple outfit changes. As a kid, I wanted nothing more than to be Emmy in this moment. I mean, how cool to be alone in a gigantic department store, playing dress up and dancing around? But it all comes to a halt as Hollywood enters, and Emmy changes to her mannequin self. He leaves and she comes back to life, and reminds Jonathan that he is the only person that can see her in her live form.

Shenanigans ensue with Felix and Richards (as well as Roxie and her co-worker Armand), determined to steal Jonathan's beloved mannequin. Jonathan and Emmy enjoy a night out on the town, as she snuggles up to him on his motorcycle. He wakes up naked in the middle of the store the next morning surrounded by a crowd of customers. Hollywood informs him that all of the mannequins have been stolen.

He heads to Illustra, where he encounters BJ, Richards and Roxie. Roxie storms off to the back room where the mannequins, and a giant woodchipper are. The mannequins start to get destroyed as Hollywood and Jonathan fight past security. He sees Emmy on the conveyer belt, close to her doom as he pulls her up and saves her. Emmy comes to life, while a worker looks on. Whats this? Emmy alive when someone else is around? This must be true love! 

We leave Jonathan and Emmy with a wedding in, what else but the store display window. Hollywood officiates as Jefferson Starship's classic "Nothing's Gonna Stop us Now" plays.

I firmly stand by my lifelong love for this movie and truly believe it could not have existed in any other decade. Everything works so well in Mannequin - there's a ton of physical comedy, and the music, style and the imagery is 80s perfection. It may not come with any extras (other than a trailer), but I love that it is getting new life as a blu-ray release. 

To order, please head over to Olive Films!

-Laurie

Knit-Terrors

Review: Killer Workout

If you were to ask me, "Chad, what's the best gym related slasher of the 1980s on bluray that includes more boobs in spandex than an episode of Wonder Woman?" I'd most likely respond with Death Spa only because Killer Workout(or known by it's alternate name "Aeobicide") hasn't officially been released just yet. YET.

Well, after receiving a copy of Killer Workout, I'd still standby that. But only because I think Death Spa is a tad bit more creative. Still a little goofy, cheesy, and over the top stupid at times but still more creative. At the same time, they can't really be compared since Killer Workout's main villain isn't a witch. Plus it doesn't have sequences like this:

Yeah. That's something, huh? Maybe some day I'll review Death Spa. It really is a great b-movie. Until then, let's dive into Killer Workout.

Written and directed by the man who gave us Deadly Prey, David Prior, the story revolves around a young woman who burns to death in a tanning bed accident and years later, her twin sister Rhonda runs a rather dirty and grungy health spa for young and sexy. Well, of course those young and sexy become young and dead after a mysterious slasher starts stabbing people with what appears to be a giant novelty safety pin. Now, look, I'm all for slashers using unusual weapons and new creative kills all but this movie doesn't really take many liberties in doing this which is dissapointing. With all the deadly contraptions and heavy machinery, they really could've been a little bit more creative in deaths. But it's all pretty basic and dull.

My only main issue with the bluray itself is the fact that it seems it's just a straight vhs transfer(I'm guessing from multiple sources at that) with no restoration. It does feel like I'm watching a vhs but at the same time, this is the kind of movie I don't think would even benefit from a crystal clear, hi-rez transfer. But hey, it's got an alternative opening sequence, a trailer and a fun photo gallery as bonus features.

Now, that said, as plain and bland as it is. I do think it makes a perfect double feature with Death Spa, I can see movie marathons that have would do a back-to-back screening. While I'd still suggest Death Spa before this, I can't NOT recommend this movie to you. It's the down and dirty charm of this movie that makes it what it is. Plus, it has a very 80s pop centric soundtrack which is a nice bonus. It really is. It makes the dull workout scenes a little bit more tolerable.

If you're interested in this movie, which I do suggest giving a shot, pick it up here at Olive Films.

-Chad

Mail Call From Pop! Pop! It's Trash Culture(Halloween Edition!)

My friend and fellow blogger and all around great human being, Brian Farrell of Pop! Pop! It's Trash Culture! sent me a package of surprising randomness back in April as a kind gesture. Filled with cards, books, toys, magazines and comics. It was a very kind gesture that I still appreciate very much and didn't take for granted.

So what happens when he decides to message me and tell me he had another package prepared for me?

Oh. Snap.

So, after coming home from work, I run into a package from KingTrash himself...

Oh yes. Halloween AND Christmas had arrived early. A beautiful bounty filled with happiness and joy. Let's take a gander, shall we?

Ahhh...Otho The Obnoxious from Beetlejuice, a Catwoman PVC figure, and the Mummy From Real Ghostbusters. A nice variety of toys that I can keep around just in case I get the flu again and need someone to talk to while I'm delirious. And there's no three things I'd rather talk to while low on energy and hocking up mucus.

Ooooooh....a button and a sticker! Two of my favorite things ever. A button featuring the poster from the first TMNT movie(which happens to be one of my all time favorite movie posters) and a sticker from amazing art company Pizza Party Printing, who do some of the most amazing pop culture art you'll ever feast your eyes on. Indeed, every print they do is like a pizza party for your eyes!

Ok, this came out a little blurry, but it's obvious what these are. A WWE StackDown mystery mini figure, a pack of Elm Street stickers, Dinosaurs Attack sticker pack and TWO. YES TWO SAVED BY THE BELL CARD PACKS.


Now, last time Brian sent me a package it contained WWF cards and I reviewed the entire pack. You better believe a review of Saved By The Bell cards is coming soon...


Oh and as far as who the WWE Myster Mini was...

THIS IS STING! YES. I don't know how Brian did it, but he found me an exclusive Sting mini figure. Which goes great with my nWo mini figures that my friend Paul sent me a few weeks later. But then this happened...

Come on, guys...It's been 19 years since Starrcade...Get over it.

Then there were these. GIANT Garbage Pail Kids Stickers. A lifelong devotee of everything GPK(yes, including the movie), I had never owned these. But thankfully, this solves that. And boy oh boy, the stuff inside will come in handy for decorating my new office...

Oh if only I had a locker or something. These need to be stuck on something like yesterday...

Much like before, Brian sent me a magazine and a minibook. A digest sized Snoopy collection and an old Twilight Zone magazine featuring some fun scifi stories and info on the old tv show. Definitely some nice lunch time reading for out on the balcony of my apartment.

Brian knew how to cap this off, so he had to include an old McDonald McBoo pail! I got a McJack, which is perhaps the most disgruntled and maniacal of any McBoo pail. I mean, he just looks super angry and ready to pounce a mutha for stealing his fries and McNuggets. Beware, folks.

As you see above, he also looks like he should be in the remake of Inside Herman's Head. I think Inside McJack's Skull will do just fine on AMC. Let's make this happen...

Rounding out the package was a copy of the Wizard. My copy of the Wizard never had a copy but a former rental case. I've always wanted to own a copy with the cover and huzzah! Brian made that come true. This was very generous of him as it is a rather perfect copy. The DVD copy is nice and crystal clear, but watching this on vhs on a sick day at home? Even better!

Much thanks to Brian for his very, very gracious care package. I can't say enough about how much I appreciate this and his kindness. Please visit his blog at Pop! Pop! It's Trash Culture! for all sorts of fun stuff about pop culture!


-Chad

Stuff I've Been Watching(and you should be too!)

So, I've been a little behind in the past few weeks on movie viewing but I've finally had a little time to sit down and catch up on movies I've either received as screeners, picked at a thrift store or the local used movie/music shop. or whatever. I wanted to share my pickups for the past few weeks just because they're such an eclectic group of movies.

 THE END

This dark, dark(very dark) comedy was the second movie directed by Burt Reynolds, and is most likely his best movie as well as his first of many with his friend Dom Deluise. Burt plays a real estate agent who has 6 months to live and finds himself in rather comedic situations in trying to make the leap to the other side.

Ok. Nothing about suicide is funny, but the situations Burt finds himself in were rather funny. Especially with Dom Deluise, who plays his unstable friend, gets in the way and usually screws it up. The subject matter is rather heavy but the entire cast including Kristy McNichol, Strother Martin, Norman Fell(at his best!), and Carl Reiner makes it a fun viewing. I highly suggest this movie from Olive Films and you can pick it up here.


Sometimes They Come Back...

Tim Matheson plays a school teacher who moves back to his hometown where his brother was murdered when he was younger. Unfortunately, things get much worse as he discovers the men who killed his brother, died and...well...came back for their own brand of revenge.

Ok, so while Tim Matheson is a really underrated actor, this movie isn't the most exciting. I can't say it's my favorite Stephen King adaptation. But I wonder if it would've been different had it been a theatrical release instead of tv movie directed by Tom McLoughlin(yes, of Friday the 13th Part 6 fame). Nothing wrong with tv horror movies but this one falls flat for me. If you are a fan of this movie though, which I know there are fans of it, you can buy it here from Olive Films.



Electric Boogaloo:

I've been waiting 3 years now since this was announced. I'm a huge fan of Cannon Films and have been since seeing Masters of the Universe on the big screen on my birthday in 1987, so I knew I had to see this. Done by the same director of Not Quite Hollywood, Mark Hartley, everyone who's name is not Chuck Norris who was ever in a Cannon movie is interviewed and discusses their favorite moments and memories of the eccentric Cannon Films group. Now, while there's more disgruntled nature and anger towards Cannon, it's still a fun documentary to watch, especially to hear the stories of just off kilter and goofy the founders Manahem Golan and Yoram Globus were. Whether they were printing ads for movies that haven't even been made, casting stars who don't quite fit into the movies, and giving Chuck Norris a 5 movie deal, which since I'm not a fan of him, I find kinda silly from the getgo anyway.

Cannon is one of the most interesting stories in Hollywood history and quite frankly, should have their story told. And this is a very fun look at their most memorable history. I can't suggest this much higher than I am right now. Seriously. Great fun, great stories and stuff I had never heard. I picked this up at Walmart for $5. FIVE. DOLLARS. Yes, I'm serious. Head to WalMart now and get yourself a copy.


TEEN WITCH:

A former rental of Teen Witch for a buck. I dare you to Top That.


You can't.



So these are movie suggestions for the week. If I find more this week while I'm out and about, I'll report back here with more suggestions. Hopefully, I can find some more goofy stuff to watch.


-Chad

Review: Meteor Man

1993 was a much different time for superhero movies. Despite Batman's success, a lot of studios still weren't pumping out superhero movies every other month like they are now.In fact, being a comic book fanatic at that time, I was surprised when we did get comic book or superhero movies just because they were so rare. Now, when these movies would come out, they'd usually be panned by critics and laughed at by audiences who weren't ten years old. But what happens when a movie is made for those over the age of ten and doesn't involve child-pandering goofiness helmed by an experienced and respected comedy writer and director? You get Meteor Man.

Meteor Man, the brain child of Robert Townsend, of the hilarious Hollywood Shuffle, was the alterego of a local inner city school teacher Jefferson Reed who gained powers after being hit by a meteor looking to clean up Washington DC's gang problems. He uses his powers for good and decides to set a good example for those who live in the neighborhood to take a stand against violence and local gang The Golden Lords.

Now, confession, I really wanted to see this as a kid due to the advertisements on the back of Marvel Comics, but I never got to. So when I received a screener, I was very excited to right that wrong. However, while it has it's funny moments, I assume this is a movie I should've seen back in 1993. Now, there's nothing wrong with this movie that should hinder you from buying it, which I would recommend doing, but it's just very dated.

PRO'S:

• Robert Townsend plays a great teacher and a pretty good superhero. It comes off as Greatest American Hero at times and I think that's part of it's charm.
• Rest of the cast: Eddie Griffin, who I'm a huge fan of his comedy, James Earl Jones, Marla Gibbs, child rap group Another Bad Creation, Robert Guillaume, Sinbad, Bill Cosby, Big Daddy Kane, Luther Vandross(yep, you read right), Frank Gorshin and so many others round out the cast and make the movie enjoyable.
• Soundtrack: The movie starts off with the Michael Jackson song "Can't Let Her Get Away". Nuff said.
• Jokes: There's a lot of good comedy, as Robert and Eddie play coworkers and friends. Eddie plays the less responsible goofball to Robert's straight man and usually delivers fun stuff.

CON'S:

• Dated: As I said, it's a little dated, but if you were around back then it will bring back nostalgia, I'm sure. While the movie is set in DC, you can clearly tell it was filmed in Baltimore. Well, that is if you're like me and lived in Maryland...

That's really the only con I can think of. It's an enjoyable movie that I suggest. You can pick it up at Olive Films now!