Caddyshack

      Personally, I find golf boring. But after seeing Caddyshack, it made golf look fun!

     Caddyshack. Celebrating 40 years today of wackiness on the golf field. Starring Chevy Chase (Vacation and Fletch), Bill Murray (Ghostbusters), Rodney Dangerfield, Cindy Morgan, Michael O'Keefe and Ted Knight (in his final film role). Oh yeah, there's a gopher in the movie, too. Featuring songs performed by Grammy winner Kenny Loggins. And directed by the late Harold Ramis (Ghostbusters and Groundhog Day).
   The story is mainly about Danny (Michael O'Keefe), a young caddy at the Bushwood Country Club, who has no clue on what his future might lead. He plans on getting a caddy scholarship from the president of the country club, Judge Smalls (Ted Knight). The story has a few subplots, too. Such as a green keeper's (Bill Murray) attempt to kill a cute gopher, and a millionaire named Al Czverik (Dangerfield) who wants to purchase the country club. Lots of slapstick comedy to see in this movie. Even if you're not a fan of golf, give this a watch.

    This classic comedy is the best. Although, I didn't find Chevy Chase as funny as he was in the Vacation movies. I mean, he was hardly in the movie at all. But I think the real star was Rodney Dangerfield, because every scene he was in was memorable. The way he danced to Journey's "Any Way You Want It" was priceless. And let's not forget his closing line at the end. Bill Murray was great, too with the Looney-Tunes like battle between him and the gopher. The ad-libbed Cinderella Story line is also funny and memorable. A classic Bill Murray scene if you ask me. The only part I didn't like was the chocolate bar in the pool scene, and everyone thought it was doo-doo. Gross!! I literally almost threw up at that scene. But overall, great comedy.

    Parents Guide: This movie is rated R. There's some dirty stuff during the pool scene, like public nudity and sexual acts. There's also a sex scene. Ted Knight says some racist stuff on colored people and Jews. Mild language is used. And there's some cannabis smoking as well.
 
     Did You Know?: The green keeper's character was supposed to be silent, but when Bill Murray was casted for the role, Harold Ramis encouraged Murray to ad-lib lines for his character. Rodney Dangerfield was picked to be in the movie because of his many appearances on Johnny Carson. Bill Murray improvised the pitchfork scene with Peter Berkrot. Berkrot later said that he was nervous doing that scene because that pitchfork was real. Don Rickles was originally considered for Rodney Dangerfield's role. Harold Ramis wanted a live gopher in the movie, but that didn't work out.

"They call me Mr. Gopher!" 

    

Wayne's World

          You've just entered Wayne's World! A comedy based on the popular Saturday Night Live skit. Starring Mike Myers (Shrek and Austin Powers), Dana Carvey, Rob Lowe (St. Elmo's Fire and Oxford Blues), and Tia Carrere (Lilo & Stitch and Relic Hunter). Featuring a special appearance by Alice Cooper. This is one of my favorite '90s comedies of all-time.
   Heavy metal fanatic, Wayne Campbell (Myers) and his pal, Garth Algar (Carvey), host a late-night public access TV show called "Wayne's World" in a small neighborhood in the Chicago area. The show had caught the attention of handsome, street-smart advertising man, Ben Oliver (Lowe) who wants to put "Wayne's World" on his major TV network. Wayne and Garth accept the offer and hit the high life. Meanwhile, Wayne meets a beautiful singer named Cassandra (Carrere) and falls in love with her instantly. But if their show fails, Ben would have to take Cassandra away from Wayne. Watch to see if the two rock and rollers can beat this street rat from taking away Wayne's love.

I've always loved this movie. I loved every second of it when I first watched it back in 2015, which was a hard year for me. At that time, SNL was celebrating its 40th anniversary, so that was an appropriate time to watch Wayne's World. The Bohemian Rhapsody scene in the beginning is iconic in any comedy movie. I mean, most of the movie's fans emulate that scene. And the way Wayne and Garth talk to us, breaking the fourth wall, it's as if we're in the movie with them. (Just like in any other movie that breaks the fourth wall.) Oh yeah, you gotta love Garth's Foxy Lady dance. Hilarious! If you're a Saturday Night Live junkie or a junkie for great comedies, give this one a watch. 

Parent's Guide: This movie is rated PG-13. I wouldn't recommend this to kids due to the fact that it has a lot of innuendo. And there's some language, in fact, there was a scene where Garth talks so explicit, his voice gets drowned out by a loud noise and when he finished his rant, Wayne responds "Do you kiss your mother with that mouth!?". So, basically, not a kids movie.

Did You Know?: The movie was shot in 34 days. While filming the "Bohemian Rhapsody" sequence, both Mike Myers and Dana Carvey developed severe pain in their necks from all the head banging. There are scenes later in the movie where it becomes apparent they are trying to move their necks as little as possible. The episode of "Twilight Zone" that Garth described to the viewer doesn't exist. Wayne opening a door which shows spies training which Wayne says "I just always wanted to open a door to a room where people are being trained like in James Bond movies" foreshadows Mike Myer's spy spoof "Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery" which is a parody of the James Bond films.

Covid-19 Update

   Hi, guys. I'm sorry I haven't been posting any movie reviews recently, but this stupid pandemic has got in the way of my work. I haven't felt like writing any reviews or articles on this blog until now. Anyway, starting this week, you'll be seeing new stuff on my blog. I have a good selection of movies to talk about. Originally, I was going to post a review for the baseball romance/comedy, Fever Pitch, on Opening Day for the Red Sox. But, unfortunately, due to this virus, Opening Day was cancelled and that pretty much screwed up my plans. But I think now would be a good time to post that review. In the meantime, I'll be working on new reviews, good and bad, for everyone to read. And some articles to look at, too. Well, stay tuned for new stuff on here. See you in the movies!

Fever Pitch

This was supposed to be published on Red Sox Opening Day this year. But, due to the virus, this post was put on hold. Here now is my review for Fever Pitch.

   Happy Opening Day to my home team, the Boston Red Sox! To celebrate the Red Sox's Opening Day, I'm gonna tell you about a movie that deals with the Red Sox. From 2005, it's Fever Pitch! Starring then SNL cast member and future late-night host Jimmy Fallon and Drew Barrymore (E.T. and The Wedding Singer). Loosely based on a book called Fever Pitch: A Fan's Life, originally published in England in 1992, by Nick Hornby.
   Ben Wrightman (Jimmy Fallon) is a die-hard Red Sox fan. He's Red Sox crazy! So crazy, he has every Red Sox merchandise all over his apartment. Since he was seven, Ben's Uncle Carl (Lenny Clarke) would take him to several Red Sox games at Fenway Park. Years passed and Ben is still living in Boston and is working as a schoolteacher. He has also inherited season tickets for the Red Sox from his late uncle. During a field trip, Ben meets a workaholic executive named Lindsay Meeks (Drew Barrymore). She rejects Ben at first, but later changes her mind to go out with him. After a few dates, Ben reveals his guilty pleasure of being a Red Sox fan to Lindsay. He asks her to come to Opening Day with him. She accepts. At first the whole Red Sox thing was fine with Lindsay, until it started to go downhill with her relationship with Ben. Now she's stuck in the middle with Ben and his crazy obsession with the Red Sox.
   I love this movie one: because it's about the Red Sox, two: it takes place during the year they broke the Curse, three: it's romantic in its own way. I think this movie is popular to all Red Sox fans like me, because it dealt with the Curse Broken season and it showed what life is like being a fan of the Red Sox. Sure, it's not exciting like any other sports romance comedies, but Fever Pitch is unique in its own way for all citizens of Boston.

       PARENTS GUIDE: This movie is rated PG-13 for sexual innuendo and language. Definitely not for kids ages 5 to 10, because they won't understand the sex references and junk. There's also a porn reference in one scene. There are some scenes where female characters show cleavage. 

       DID YOU KNOW?: Ironically, Jimmy Fallon is a Yankees fan. All events except for one game with the Red Sox vs. the Yankees were real. Following the film's release, the Red Sox would win the World Series again in 2007, 2013, and 2018. New England author Stephen King makes a brief appearance in the movie, throwing the first pitch at Opening Day. 

Cats Don't Dance

  Ah, Hollywood, home of the movie stars like Cary Grant, Bette Davis, Clark Gable and W.C. Fields. I love it! Today, we're looking at Warner Bros.' Cats Don't Dance, starring Quantum Leap's Scott Bakula as Danny the Song and Dance Cat, and Jasmine Guy from A Different World as Sawyer. And featuring great choreography by the legendary Gene Kelly. 

   It's 1939, Hollywood's big year. Danny, an ambitious dancing cat, leaves for Hollywood, California. He has high hopes to get into stardom, not knowing that animals are only used for extras in movies. Danny disagrees with the whole setup and with help from his new friends, including a former dancer named Sawyer, they set out to change the situation. But bratty child star, Darla Dimple, a dark version of Shirley Temple, is out to make sure that won't happen so it wouldn't ruin her career. One way or another, Danny will be able to make his dream come true.

    I really love this movie because it's cute, it takes place in Hollywood's famous year: 1939, and it's about becoming famous. I, for one, want to be famous someday in the movie business. Like become a famous writer like I am for this blog. Even though this movie didn't do so well when it first came out, I think it deserves some love. If you love Hollywood and musicals, then this cartoon flick is for you. 

  

   Parent's Guide: This movie is rated G. So, basically, nothing to worry about. Although, the reprise of Big and Loud may frighten some younger viewers. 

Did You Know?: Matthew Broderick (Ferris Bueller and Simba) was offered the role for Danny. This movie was conceived in 1993 by Michael Jackson and to be used with live-action and computer animation. This idea never excelled. This was the final project Gene Kelly ever contributed. The movie is dedicated in his memory. 

See you in the movies!

Pee-Wee's Big Adventure

  This is an adventure story about a silly rebel and his bike. Celebrating 35 years, it's Pee-Wee's Big Adventure! Starring, of course, Pee-Wee Herman (Paul Reubens) and directed by Tim Burton. By the way, this is the very first major film where Tim Burton takes the role as a director. Surprised, aren't you? Think of this as a prototype for Tim Burton. 

    Funny cartoon-like, child-like man, Pee-Wee Herman, loves his amazing red bicycle. He loves it so much, he wouldn't sell it to his rich bully neighbor, Francis Buxton. But one day, in broad daylight, Pee-Wee's beloved bike gets stolen! (Or in this case, bike-napped!) Upset that his prized procession was stolen, Pee-Wee goes on a cross-country quest to find his red bicycle. Along the way, he meets new friends and enemies like an escaped prisoner named Mickey, a waitress with a heart of passion,  a jealous boyfriend and a mysterious trucker. Pee-Wee travels all across America to places like the Alamo, and the Warner Bros. Studio in Hollywood (which ironically is the film studio that released this movie.) You'll laugh your shoes and socks off while watching Pee-Wee go on this big wild adventure for his awesome bike. Look out for cameos by Morgan Fairchild, Twisted Sister and Milton Berle. 

    It's a huge surprise that Tim Burton directed this movie. Thank goodness he did, because it's not that creepy for kids like any other Burton movie and it's fun for the whole family. I really like this movie because it's cute and hilarious. Pee-Wee (Paul Reubens) was totally wacky and just as childish as a five-year-old. You could say he matured a little through the course of the movie, but Pee-Wee is still a likeable character. Let's talk about his bicycle. If you ask me, that bicycle is a work of art. It's bright red and full of crazy decorations and very retro looking. If I knew how to ride a bike well, I would want a bike like Pee-Wee Herman's. Overall, great comedy for all ages. Give it a watch if you're a Tim Burton fan and if you love Pee-Wee Herman.

   PARENTS GUIDE: This movie is rated PG. There's a few kissing scenes and there's a mention of being in heat. Pee-Wee looks at a woman through X-Ray glasses. We don't see what he sees, but he winks at the woman. The chase scenes could be somewhat violent, just don't try the stunts at home. There's a scene where bikers talk threats on how to hurt/kill Pee-Wee. Pee-Wee uses the word crappy in one scene. Twisted Sister's song contains the phrase: "Burn in Hell". Also, there's some nightmare scenes that could scare younger children. Like a huge scary dinosaur devouring Pee-Wee's bike, and a group of clown doctors and devils destroying the bike.
    DID YOU KNOW?: Elizabeth Daily, who played Dottie, would later go on to voice Tommy in Nickelodeon's Rugrats and Buttercup in Cartoon Network's Powerpuff Girls. Many of the movie's props belonged to Paul Reubens. This was the second time the Warner Bros. backlot was used in a comedy film. The first was Mel Brooks' Blazing Saddles, also made for Warner's.