The Fog (1980) Review (Updated)

The Fog

Release Date: 12th June 1980 - Australia

Production Companies

AVCO Embassy Pictures

EDI (presents)

Debra Hill Productions

Distribution

StudioCanal Australia

Genre: Horror

Rating: M (Not Suitable for Young Children)

Runtime: 90 minutes

Budget: $1,100,000

Box Office Gross: $21,448,830 (Worldwide)

Plot Summary

A small, quaint coastal town in California, Antonio Bay, has turned a hundred years old. The residents of its peaceful

community have begun

preparations to celebrate

its centennial year, when

supernatural activity begins to disrupt the festivities. An impenetrable and eerie fog emerges from the shore, shrouding the village and leading to mysterious disappearances and the spilling of warm, bright red blood. Amidst the spectral glowing mist are ghosts of long-dead victims of a century-old

shipwreck that have come

to seek revenge on the

townsfolk for a crime

committed by the town's

founders 100 years ago.

Cast

Adrienne Barbeau - Stevie Wayne

Jamie Lee Curtis - Elizabeth Solley

John Houseman - Mr. Machen

Janet Leigh - Kathy Williams

Tom Atkins - Nick Castle

Nancy Kyes - Sandy Fadel

James Canning - Dick Baxter

Charles Cyphers - Dan O'Bannon

Ty Mitchell - Andy Wayne

Hal Holbrook - Father Malone

John F. Goff - Al Williams

George 'Buck' Flower - Tommy Wallace

Regina Waldon - Mrs. Kobritz

Jim Haymie - Dockmaster

Darrow Igus - Mel

John Vick - Sheriff David Simms

Jim Jacobus - Mayor

Fred Franklyn - Ashcroft

Ric Moreno - Ghost

Lee Socks - Ghost

Tommy Lee Wallace - Ghost

Bill Taylor - Bartender

Rob Bottin - Blake

Charles Nicklin - Blake (Voice)

Darwin Joston - Dr. Phibes

Laurie Arent - Child

Lindsay Arent - Child

Shari Jacoby - Child

Christopher Cundey - Child

John Strobel - Grocery Clerk

John Carpenter - Bennett (Cameo)

(Uncredited)

Debra Hill - Extra (Cameo) (Uncredited)

Crew

Writer/Director/Music - John Carpenter

Writer/Producer - Debra Hill

Script Supervisor - Jeanne Rosenberg

Associate Producers - Barry Bernardi

and Pegi Brotman

Executive Producer - Charles B. Bloch

Production Designer/Editor - Tommy Lee Wallace

Art Director - Craig Stearns

Special Makeup/Effects: Blake - Rob Bottin

Costume Designers - Stephen Loomis

and Bill Whitten

Cinematography/Effects: Blake - Dean Cundey

Camera Operator/Second Unit Camera -

Raymond Stella

Production Manager - Don Behrns

First Assistant Director - Larry Franco

Special Effects: A. & A. Special Effects -

Richard Albain Jr.

Special Photographic Effects - James F. Liles

Editor - Charles Bornstein

Special Sound Effects - Frank Serafine

Supervising Sound Editors - Gregg Barbanell

and Ron Horowitz

Re-Recording Mixers - Bob Minkler,

Richard Tyler and Ray West

Review

John Carpenter is an accomplished master of terror capable of bringing horror movies to life. Following the success of Halloween is a supernatural and ghostly tale of THE FOG, which centres on the town's residents facing an unearthly fog of shipwreck victims coming to claim them for a crime that happened 100 years ago. It is known for its moody atmosphere and is so tense that it will completely terrify you, whether you're watching it alone or with someone at midnight. The few problems with THE FOG are its lack of blood and gore. The other is Adrienne Barbeau's role, in which she doesn't interact with some of the other characters. However, the creepiness and original premise should make up for it. I like how the movie begins with an old captain telling a ghost story to young children by a campfire, a fitting start to a horror film.

Adrienne Barbeau showcased her talent as a radio announcer, yet surprisingly, she was married to the director at the time of the film's production. Jamie Lee Curtis didn't have enough material to work in a lead role as she was part of an ensemble cast. However, she shares the screen with her mother and fellow actress Janet Leigh. Dean Cundey's cinematography was brilliant, evoking the film's chilling impact, and some special effects are magnificent.

THE FOG is a visually compelling movie by John Carpenter, despite numerous production issues that caused the director to consider it his least favourite. While I partially disagree, it is a semi-decent and enjoyable film, especially for those familiar with a similar and more terrifying movie called The Mist.

Star rating: (7/10) Good Movie

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Planes, Trains and Automobiles Review

Planes, Trains and Automobiles

Release Date: 26th December 1987 - Australia

Production Companies

Paramount Pictures (presents)

Hughes Entertainment

Distribution

Paramount Pictures Australia

Genre: Comedy

Rating: M

Runtime: 92 minutes

Budget: $30,000,000

Box Office Gross: $49,752,241 (Worldwide)

Plot Summary

He is advertising executive Neal Page, trying to get home to Chicago to spend Thanksgiving with his family. Unfortunately, his flight gets rerouted to Wichita. There, he bumps

into a talkative yet

lovable salesman named

Del Griffith. Together,

they undertake a cross-

country trip that includes

various modes of

transportation, hilarious

disasters, and unforgettable

rental car shenanigans.

Cast

Steve Martin - Neal Page

John Candy - Del Griffith

Lalia Robins - Susan Page

Michael McKean - State Trooper

Kevin Bacon - Taxi Racer

Dylan Baker - Owen

Carol Bruce - Joy

Olivia Burnette - Marti

Diana Douglas - Peg

Martin Ferrero - Second Motel

Clerk

Larry Hankin - Doobie

Richard Herd - Walt

Susan Kellermann - Waitress

Matthew Lawrence - Little Neal

Edie McClurg - Car Rental Agent

George Petrie - Martin

Gary Riley - Motor Thief

Charles Tyner - Gus

Susan Isaacs - Marie

Lulie Newcomb - Owen's Wife

John Randolph Jones - Cab Dispatcher

Nick Wyman - New York Lawyer

Gaetano Lisi - Cab Driver - New York

Diana Castle - Stewardess

Julie H. Morgan - Stewardess

Bill Erwin - Man on Plane

Ruth de Sosa - New York Ticket Agent

Ben Stein - Wichita Airport Representative

Kim Genelle - Receptionist

Grant Forsberg - Brand Manager

David Raiport - Cafe Patron

Andrew J. Hentz - Bus Lover

Karen Meisinger - Bus Loverette

Gary Palmer - Pilot

Diane Nieman - Earring Customer

Sylvia Vitrungs - Earring Customer

Joann Taylor - Earring Customer

Julie A. Herbert - Earring Customer

Jennifer Allswang - Earring Customer

Wendy Lee Avon - Earring Customer

Amy Meyers - Earring Customer

John Moio - Screaming Driver

Victor Vanderkloot - Screaming Driver's Wife

Lyman Ward - John (Uncredited)

William Windom - Mr. Bryant (Uncredited)

Crew

Writer/Producer/Director - John Hughes

Associate Producer/Second Unit Director -

William H. Brown

Executive Producer - Michael Clinich

Executive Producer/Unit Production Manager -

Neil Machlis

Casting Directors - Janet Hirshenson

and Jane Jenkins

Production Designer - John W. Corso

Art Director - Harold Michelson

Set Decorators - Jane Bogart and

Linda Spheeris

Costume Designer - April Ferry

Makeup Designer: John Candy - Ben Nye III

Director of Photography - Don Peterman

Location Coordinator: New York -

Lydia Dean Pilcher

First Assistant Director - Mark Radcliffe

Second Assistant Director - Arthur Anderson

First Assistant Director: Second Unit -

Richard Graves

First Assistant Director: Second Unit,

Chicago - James Giovannetti Jr.

Second Unit Director/Stunt Coordinator -

Bernie E. Dobbins

Special Effects - William Aldridge,

Stan Parks and Ken Speed (Uncredited)

Editor - Paul Hirsch

Additional Editors - Adam Bernardi,

Andrew London and Peck Prior

Supervising Sound Editors - Lon Bender

and Wylie Stateman

Re-Recording Mixers - David E. Campbell,

John T. Reitz and Gregg Rudloff

Foley Artists - Dean Drabin, Gary A. Hecker

and Alicia Stevenson

Music - Ira Newborn

Composers: Additional Score - Brian Banks

and Anthony Marinelli

Music Supervisor - Tarquin Gotch

Review

After years of making teen comedies, filmmaker John Hughes breaks out of the sub-genre to make the buddy/road comedy PLANES, TRAINS AND AUTOMOBILES. It was hilarious and groundbreaking, but often dramatic, as the film is about a mismatched pair who wind up getting through the worst of a bad situation in the middle of a holiday. Sure, there are times when the movie has funny moments that make us laugh, such as the iconic "Those Aren't Pillows!" There are heartfelt scenes that occasionally pop up in a comedy like this and give a balance.

Steve Martin and John Candy were terrific and had fantastic chemistry, but they were the best. It's a shame they never got around to working again in another movie that is almost as good, heartfelt, and hilarious as PLANES, TRAINS AND AUTOMOBILES when Candy met his untimely death in 1994. I enjoyed the soundtrack, which is remarkable. It has songs I didn't even know existed.

I appreciate how the late John Hughes was willing to shift from producing movies aimed at teens like Weird Science, The Breakfast Club, and Ferris Bueller's Day Off to comedies like PLANES, TRAINS AND AUTOMOBILES and Home Alone. It was his best work, and nothing could compare to this film with those made in modern times. I highly recommend it to fans of the filmmaker and even those who liked Steve Martin and the late John Candy.

Star rating: (10/10) Best Movie Ever

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The Goonies Review

The Goonies

Release Date: 12th December 1985 - Australia

Production Companies

Warner Bros. Pictures (presents)

Amblin Entertainment

Distribution
Roadshow Films

Genre: Family/Adventure

Rating: PG

Runtime: 114 minutes


Budget: $19,000,000

Box Office Gross: $69,656,821 (Worldwide)

Plot Summary
Threatened by the development plans, which would tear down their neighbourhood and replace it with a golf course, a group of young misfits called The Goonies stumbled upon an ancient map leading to an old pirate's treasure that would save their homes from being torn down. They set out on an adventure to look for treasure and encounter obstacles. They must find it before a family of criminals can get their hands on the doubloons.

Cast

Sean Astin - Mikey

Josh Brolin - Brand

Jeff Cohen - Chunk

Corey Feldman - Mouth

Kerri Green - Andy

Martha Plimpton - Stef

Jonathan Ke Huy Quan - Data

John Matuszak - Sloth

Anne Ramsey - Mama Fratelli

Robert Davi - Jake

Joe Pantoliano - Francis

Lupe Ontiveros - Rosalita

Mary Ellen Trainor - Mrs. Walsh

Keith Walker - Mr. Walsh

Curt Hanson - Mr. Perkins

Steve Antin - Troy
Paul Tuerpe - Sheriff
Bill Bradley - Bill
Michael Paul Chan - Data's Father
Charles McDaniel - Chunk's Father
Elaine Cohen McMahon - Chunk's Mother
Nick McLean - Mouth's Father (Cameo)
Richard Donner - Policeman (Cameo) (Uncredited)
Cyndi Lauper - Herself (Cameo) (Uncredited)

Crew

Producer/Director - Richard Donner

Story/Executive Producer/Second Unit Director/
Film Editor (Uncredited) - Steven Spielberg

Screenplay - Chris Columbus
Executive Producers - Frank Marshall
and Kathleen Kennedy
Producer - Harvey Bernhard
Casting Directors - Jane Feinberg,
Mike Fenton and Judy Taylor
Production Designer - J. Michael Riva
Art Director - Rick Carter

Assistant Art Directors - Joseph C. Nemec III

and Dale Allen Pelton
Set Decorator - Linda DeScenna

Property Master - Erik L. Nelson
Costume Designer - Richard LaMotte
Makeup Creator: Sloth - Craig Reardon
Makeup Creators/Executors: Sloth -

Ellis Burman Jr., Thomas R. Burman and

Bari Dreiband-Burman

Director of Photography - Nick McLean

Director of Photography: Second Unit -

Robert M. Stevens

Camera Operator - Michael D. O'Shea
Stunt Coordinator - George Robotham
Special Effects Coordinator - Matt Sweeney
Visual Effects Supervisor - Michael J. Allister
Visual Effects Art Director: ILM - Dave Carson

Assistant Cameramen: ILM - Martin Rosenberg

and Bess Wiley
Chief Model Maker: ILM - Bill George

Matte Camera Supervisor: ILM - Craig Barron

Film Editor - Michael Kahn

Supervising Sound Editor - Richard L. Anderson

Production Sound Mixer - Willie D. Burton

Re-Recording Mixers - B. Tennyson Sebastian II,

Robert Thirlwell and Bill Varney
Music Score - Dave Grusin

Review

I remembered seeing THE GOONIES a long time ago. It's incredible how well the film has aged 35 years. It took me a long time to re-watch this nostalgic family adventure that I grew up with and has cemented itself as an all-time classic.

THE GOONIES is not your typical childhood movie. It is an entertaining thrill ride that's good enough to excite anyone. While other films from this era don't have the contemporary appeal of THE GOONIES, it attracted a new generation of youngsters who had never seen the movie. It also inspired Super 8, Stranger Things, and many more in the last thirty years. Featuring the combined creative forces of director Richard Donner, writer Chris Columbus, and collaborator Steven Spielberg, they've created something that could be considered one of the best family movies for young and old viewers.

It provided a launching pad for a few young actors, such as Sean Astin and Josh Brolin, who went on to have successful careers in the entertainment business as adults. Notably, Brolin, who is an integral part of the MCU, is playing Thanos. Despite the actors being so young, several of these players performed a fantastic job and gave performances of a lifetime. These standouts include Astin, Brolin, Corey Feldman, and Jeff Cohen. The adult actors, including Anne Ramsey, Robert Davi, and Joe Pantoliano, have acted very well against the child stars.

I would give THE GOONIES a 10 out of 10 for the best movie. In recommendation, it's a must-see film for everyone.

Star rating: (10/10) Best Movie Ever

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Flash Gordon Review

Flash Gordon

Release Date: 16th April 1981 - Australia

Production Companies

Starling Films (made by)

Dino De Laurentiis Company (Uncredited)

Famous Films (copyright)

Distribution

Universal Pictures Australia

Genre: Sci-Fi

Rating: PG

Runtime: 114 minutes

Budget: $27,000,000

Box Office Gross: $27,186,541 (Worldwide)

Plot Summary 

When a gravitational wave threatens to tear the moon from its orbital path and destroy the Earth, Doctor Zarkov embarks on a desperate rocket ride with two reluctant passengers, New York Jets quarterback Flash Gordon and the beautiful Dale Arden. The trio arrives at their destination on Mongo, where the strange energy waves originate and the despotic Ming the Merciless rules.

The evil Ming has been causing Earth's natural disasters, and he intends to destroy it. When Flash realises that the Earth and humanity are at risk, he decides to unite the warring kingdoms of Mongo and join forces with his rivals, Prince Barin and Prince Vultan, to rescue Dale, whom Ming intends to marry, and save Earth from destruction.

Cast

Sam J. Jones - Flash Gordon

Melody Anderson - Dale Arden

Max von Sydow - The Emperor Ming

Topol - Dr. Hans Zarkov

Ornella Muti - Princess Aura

Timothy Dalton - Prince Barin

Brian Blessed - Prince Vultan 

Peter Wyngarde - Klytus

Mariangela Melato - Kala

Richard O'Brien - Fico

John Hallam - Luro

Philip Stone - Zogi, the High Priest

Suzanne Danielle - Serving Girl

William Hootkins - Munson

Bobbie Brown - Hedonia

Ted Carroll - Biro

Adrienne Kronenberg - Vultan's Daughter

Stanley Lebor - Mongo Doctor
John Morton - Airline Pilot 
Burnell Tucket - Airline Co-Pilot

Robbie Coltrane - Man at Airfield

Peter Duncan - Young Treeman

Ken Sicklen - A Treeman

Tessa Hewitt - Hawk Woman

Venetia Spicer - Hawk Woman

Francis Mughan - Wounded Hawkman

Oliver MacGreevy - Klytus Observer No. 1

John Hollis - Klytus Observer No. 2

Paul Bentall - Klytus' Pilot

Leon Greene - Colonel of Battle Control Room

Tony Scannell - Ming's Officer

David Neal - Captain of Ming's Air Force

Bogdan Kominowski - Lieutenant of Ming's

Air Force

George Harris - Prince of Ardentia

Colin Taylor - King of Frigia

Doretta Dunkley - Queen of Frigia

Sally Nicholson - Queen of Azuria

Deep Roy - Princess Aura's Pet

Crew

Director - Mike Hodges

Based on the Characters - Alex Raymond

Adaptation - Michael Allin

Screenplay - Lorenzo Semple Jr.

Script Supervisor - June Randall

Executive Producer - Bernard Williams

Producer - Dino De Laurentiis 

Casting Director: UK - Mary Selway

Production, Set and Costume Designer -
Danoli Donati

Artists: Skies & Clouds - Tom Adams

and Count Ul De Rico
Supervising Art Director - John Graysmark

Director of Photography - Gilbert Taylor

First Assistant Director - Brian W. Cook

Second Assistant Directors - Terry Needham

and Michael Stevenson

Co-ordinator of Action and Movement -
William Hobbs

Special Effects Supervisor - George Gibbs
Special Effects Consultant - Glen Robinson

Supervisor: Special Photographic Effects -
Frank Van Der Veer

Special Photographic Effects Assistant -

Barry Nolan
Special Effects: Models and Skies - Richard Conway

Film Editor - Malcolm Cooke

Sound Editor - Jonathan Bates

Dubbing Mixers - Gerry Humphreys

and Robin O'Donoghue

Original Score - Howard Blake

Music - Queen

Marketing Director - Charles Lippincott

Review

For those modern science-fiction fans who were probably too young to remember FLASH GORDON when it was a newspaper comic strip in the mid-1930s, this 1980 cinematic version is the one you remember best. It spawned a series of famous movie serials and two television shows. Director George Lucas had long been a fan of the series and the comics and had envisioned his take on the titular character. Unfortunately, much of that changed when he failed to secure the rights from Italian film producer Dino De Laurentiis, who bought it first in the late 1960s. Ironically, Lucas would create his science-fiction franchise, Star Wars, by taking inspiration from the series.

In the wake of its success, FLASH GORDON wouldn't come out until 1980. It flopped overseas (except in the UK). However, the film went into cult status after its initial release. Since then, many people have warmed up to its campy tone and silliness. While some parts of the movie haven't aged well, Lorenzo Semple Jr.'s writing contributions owe much to the humour and cheesiness. It wasn't the biggest science-fiction movie of all time. But it still stands out for its unintentional comedy, remarkable set design, and lavish costumes.

The cast was genuinely terrific and too good for their respective roles. While everyone follows the pantomime, over-the-top direction, Max von Sydow is the only actor who delivers a sincere performance and relishes his sinister side as Ming the Merciless. Another standout feature was the music provided by Queen, which was probably not the first rock band to compose a movie soundtrack.

FLASH GORDON is worth seeing after all these years, even though it's nearly impossible to find the movie. You may stumble across it on DVD, Blu-ray, and YouTube. While the movie is far from a flop, I recommend watching FLASH GORDON for its fun factor without taking it too seriously.

Star rating: (7/10) Good Movie

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Caddyshack Review

Caddyshack


Release Date: 21st August 1980 - Australia


Production Companies
Orion Pictures 

 
Genre: Comedy

Rating: M (Not Suitable for Young Children)

Runtime: 94 minutes


Budget: $6,000,000

Box Office Gross: $39,846,344 (USA)


Plot Summary
Danny Noonan, a down-on-
his-luck teenager, works
caddying at the snobbish
Bushwood Country Club to
help pay for his college
education. To win votes
for a college scholarship
reserved for caddies,
Noonan volunteers to
caddie for a prominent
and influential club member.
Meanwhile, while
absorbing New Age advice
from wealthy golf guru Ty
Webb, Danny struggles to
prepare for the high-

pressure Caddy Day golf tournament.


Cast
Michael O'Keefe - Danny
Noonan
Ted Knight - Judge Elihu
Smails
Rodney Dangerfield - Al
Czervik
Chevy Chase - Ty Webb
Bill Murray - Carl Sparkler
Sarah Holcomb - Maggie
O'Hooligan
Scott Colomby - Tony
D'Annunzio
Cindy Morgan - Lacey
Underall
Dan Resin - Dr. Beeper
Henry Wilcoxon - The Bishop
Elaine Aiken - Mrs. Noonan
Albert Salmi - Mr. Noonan
Ann Ryerson - Grace
Brian Doyle-Murray - Lou
Loomis
Hamilton Mitchell -
Motormouth
Peter Berkrot - Angie
D'Annunzio
John F. Barmon Jr. -
Spaulding Smails
Lois Kibbee - Mrs. Smails
Brian McConnachie - Drew
Scott
Jackie Davis - Smoke
Porterhouse

Crew
Writer/Director - Harold Ramis
Writer/Producer - Douglas
Kenney
Writer - Brian Doyle-Murray

Associate Producer - Donald MacDonald
Executive Producer - Jon Peters

Casting - Wallis Nicita
Production Designer - Stan Jolley

Art Director - George Szeptycki

Set Decorators - Tom Coll and

Don K. Ivey
Director of Photography - Stevan Larner

Additional Photography - Stephen Gilbert

and James Pergola

Executives in Charge of Production - Mark Canton

and Rusty Lemorande

Second Unit Director - Ricou Browning

Supervisor of Special Effects - John Dykstra

Effects Production Supervisor - Robert Shepherd

Special Animators - Pat Brymer,

Jeffrey Burke and Grant McCune

Matte Paintings - Rocco Gioffre
Supervising Editor - David Bretherton
Editors - William C. Carruth and

Robert Barrere

Apprentice Editor - Melissa Bretherton

Sound Editor - Clive Smith

Sound Re-Recordists - Bob Minkler,

Richard Tyler and Ray West
Original Songs/Music Coordinator - Kenny Loggins
Music - Johnny Mandel

Music Production Supervisor - Bruce Botnick


Review

During my youth, I did not get to see all of CADDYSHACK and only saw bits of the sequel on Pay-TV when it was nearly over. CADDYSHACK is said to be the best golf comedy before Happy Gilmore, Adam Sandler's lowbrow comedy. Some people thought Happy Gilmore could not top the raunchiness and charm of the original 1980 movie. CADDYSHACK is outrageously funny to many viewers who grew up with its star-studded cast, and so much hilarity has ensued. The late Harold Ramis brought together a movie with comedic actors that instantly stole the spotlight and an outstanding display of versatile humour, which outweighs the plot, giving it no sense of direction. However, CADDYSHACK works better without it.

Chevy Chase was the rising star of this film as he brought his role of Ty Webb to life as the rich golf pro who doubles as a spiritual leader. Webb teaches his caddy, Danny Noonan, played by Michael O'Keefe, to get into his golfing ways through his profound wisdom. Rodney Dangerfield was the other comedian new to this big movie. He had never been so funny as when he portrayed an obnoxious new Country Club member who was more than an uninvited guest. Bill Murray (who is not one of my favourite actors) was not yet a big star when playing an eccentric assistant groundskeeper who obsesses over killing a certain rogue gopher that ruins his golf course.

I would enjoy watching CADDYSHACK again. It's so much fun seeing the actors together as they pull out a barrel of laughs. So remember to see this film and "Be the ball." There is a sequel, but don't bother with it. It's terrible, and most of the star power from the original is gone, except for Chevy Chase.

Star rating: (10/10) Best Movie Ever

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National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation Review

National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation

Release Date: 30th November 1989 - Australia

Production Companies

Warner Bros. Pictures (presents)

Hughes Entertainment

Distribution

Roadshow Films

Genre: Comedy

Rating: M

Runtime: 97 minutes

Budget: $25,000,000

Box Office Gross: $74,382,091 (Worldwide)

Plot Summary

Clark Griswold yearns to celebrate the perfect family Christmas as the holiday season approaches. He pesters his wife, Ellen, and their two kids to have everything prepared for their seasonal celebration, including the Christmas tree and decorations. However, things don't go as smoothly for the Griswolds, and to make matters worse for Clark, his hick cousin Eddie shows up uninvited and unannounced

with his family and starts

living in their RV on the

Griswold property. Will

Clark keep it together

before the ultimate

Christmas Eve celebration

takes a more disastrous

turn?

Cast

Chevy Chase - Clark Griswold

Beverly D'Angelo - Ellen Griswold

Randy Quaid - Cousin Eddie

Juliette Lewis - Audrey Griswold

Johnny Galecki - Russ Griswold

Diane Ladd - Nora Griswold

John Randolph - Clark Griswold, Sr

E. G. Marshall - Art Smith

Doris Roberts - Frances Smith

Julia Louis-Dreyfus - Margo Chester

Miriam Flynn - Cousin Catherine

Cody Burger - Cousin Rocky

Ellen Hamilton Latzen - Cousin Ruby Sue

William Hickey - Uncle Lewis

Mae Questel - Aunt Bethany

Sam McMurray - Bill

Nicholas Guest - Todd Chester

Julia Louis-Dreyfus - Margo Chester

Nicolette Scorsese - Mary

Keith MacKechnie - Delivery Boy

Brian Doyle-Murray - Frank Shirley

Natalija Nogulich - Helen Shirley

Tony Epper - Bozo #1

Billy Hank Hooker - Bozo #2

Alexander Folk - Swat Officer

Jeremy Roberts - Cop

Woody Weaver - Cop

Michael Kaufman - Young Executive

Doug Llewelyn - Parade Announcer (Voice)

Devin Bailey - Young Clark Griswold

(Uncredited)

Crew

Director - Jeremiah S. Chechik

Writer/Producer - John Hughes

Associate Producer/Unit Production Manager -

William S. Beasley

Executive Producers - Matty Simmons
and Daniel Grodnik (Uncredited)

Producer - Tom Jacobson
Casting Directors - Risa Bramon Garcia,
Billy Hopkins and Heidi Levitt

Production Designer - Stephen Marsh
Art Director - Beala Neel

Set Decorator - Lisa Fischer

Costume Designer - Michael Kaplan

Director of Photography - Thomas Ackerman
Second Unit Director/Stunt Coordinator -
Charlie Picerni
Special Effects - Allen Hall and
Gary L. Karas

Special Visual Effects - Justin Klarenbeck

and Dave McCullough
Animator: Main Title - Bill Kroyer (Uncredited)

Editors - Jerry Greenberg and
Michael A. Stevenson

Supervising Sound Editors - Larry Kemp

and Wylie Stateman

Sound Editors - George H. Anderson,

David Baldwin, Neal Burger, Dan Hegeman,

Lou Kleinman, Glenn T. Morgan,

Victoria Rose Sampson and Mark P. Stoeckinger

Re-Recording Mixers - Doug Hemphill,

Chris Jenkins and Mark Smith

Foley Artists - Edward Steidele

and Gary A. Hecker

Music - Angelo Badalamenti

Review

Admittedly, I have never seen any of the Vacation movies, including CHRISTMAS VACATION, which I had the opportunity to view before Christmas Eve. CHRISTMAS VACATION is the last film of the series that John Hughes wrote and produced towards the end of his tenure. It celebrates the holiday spirit while keeping the movie fresh with slapstick comedy and a bit of crudeness to bring on the Yuletide laughter. A few actors from the two previous films return, like Chevy Chase, who once again portrays Clark Griswold - the optimistic father who frequently causes havoc to himself and his family instead of having a good time together. He has co-starred with the not-yet-famous actress Juliette Lewis as his daughter, future Big Bang Theory actor Johnny Galecki, and Randy Quaid, who also returns as cousin Eddie.

I could never resist a good laugh when watching this film. CHRISTMAS VACATION is the comedy film of the holiday season, and it'll be good to see it again next December. For those who enjoyed the movie, have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Star rating: (10/10) Best Movie Ever

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Short Circuit Review

Short Circuit

Release Date: 26th June 1986 - Australia

Production Companies

TriStar Pictures (presents)

Producers Sales Organization (PSO) (presents)

Turman-Foster Company

Distribution

Roadshow Films

Genre: Sci-Fi/Family/

Comedy

Rating: PG

Runtime: 94 minutes

Budget: $9,000,000

Box Office Gross: $40,698,303 (Worldwide)

Plot Summary

One of the series of experimental military robots called Number 5 gains human-like intelligence and consciousness after being struck by lightning and escapes. He finds a home with a young woman named Stephanie Speck, who believes him to be an alien but later befriends him. Now, its creator, Newton Crosby and his assistant are on the trail of finding him before the military plans to take him apart and permanently scrap the entire project. Can Number 5 evade the army and convince his creator that he is alive?

Cast

Tim Blaney - Number 5 (Voice)

Ally Sheedy - Stephanie Speck

Steve Guttenberg - Newton Crosby

Fisher Stevens - Ben Jabituya

Austin Pendleton - Howard Marner

G.W. Bailey - Skroeder

Brian McNamara - Frank

Marvin J. McIntyre - Duke

John Garber - Otis

Penny Santon - Mrs. Cepeda

Vernon Weddle - General Washburne

Barbara Tarbuck - Senator Mills

Fred Slyter - Norman

Billy Ray Sharkey - Zack

Robert Krantz - Reporter

Jan Speck - Reporter

Marguerite Happy - Barmaid

Howard Krick - Farmer

Marjorie Card Hughes - Farmer's Wife

Herb Smith - Gate Guard

Jack Thompson - Party Guest

William Striglos - Party Guest

Mary Reckley - Party Guest

Shay McLean - Party Guest

Eleanor C. Heutschy - Party Guest

John Badham - Cameraman (Cameo)

(Uncredited)

Crew

Director - John Badham

Writers - S.S. Wilson,

Brent Maddock and Jay Tarses (Uncredited)
Associate Producers - Gary Foster

and Dana Satler Hankins

Executive Producers - Mark Damon

and John Hyde

Supervising Producer/Second Unit

Director - Gregg Champion

Producers - David Foster and

Lawrence Turman

Co-Producer - Dennis Jones
Casting Directors - Jane Feinberg,
Mike Fenton and Judy Taylor

Animal Handlers - Dennis & William Shane Grisco

Art Director - Dianne Wager

Robots Designer/Consultant (Uncredited) -

Syd Mead

Illustrators - Jack Johnson,

Martin A. Kline, Dick Lasely and

Tom Southwell

Set Decorator - Garrett Lewis

Property Master - Gregg H. Bilson

Costumer: Men - Barry Francis Delaney

Costumer: Women - Mary E. Vogt

Director of Photography - Nick McLean

Camera Operators - Stephen E. Bridge

and Michael D. O'Shea

First Assistant Camera - Michael A. Chavez

and Bill Roe

Location Manager - Mark Indig

Unit Production Manager - Steve Perry

First Assistant Director - Jerry Ziesmer

Stunt Coordinator - Walter Scott

Special Effects Supervisor - Chuck Gaspar

Robots Engineer/Robotic Special Effects

Supervisor - Eric Allard

Animatronic Performance Supervisor/Puppeteer

(Uncredited) - Tony Urbano

Special Visual Effects - Chris Casady,

Dennis Dorney, Michael Ferriter,

Rocco Gioffre, Robert Hall, Nina Salerno,

Keith Shartle and Hoyt Yeatman

Visual Effects Consultant - Michael L. Fink

Video and Graphic Displays - Rhonda C. Gunner,

Richard E. Hollander, Gregory L. McMurry

and John C. Wash

Film Editors - Frank Morriss, Jeff Jones

and Dallas Puett

Assistant Film Editor - Kevin Stitt

Robot Voices Synthesizer - Frank Serafine

Supervising Sound Editors - Milton C. Burrow

and William L. Manger

Sound Mixer - Willie D. Burton

Re-Recording Mixers - Wayne Artman,

Tom Beckert and Tom E. Dahl

Music - David Shire

Review

The SHORT CIRCUIT series was a favourite part of my childhood. Unfortunately, I didn't see the first movie when I watched the sequel instead on pay TV. A few years later, it appeared on the Movie Extra channel. In recent years, the robot Number 5 (aka Johnny 5) has inspired another iconic robot character with mannerisms and looks, and his name was WALL-E. SHORT CIRCUIT is a family comedy that keeps the laughter for adults and young children but also pulls your heartstrings, which leads you to believe you're watching a Spielberg or a Disney movie. John Badham was an underrated film director who was benevolently clever at helming this picture than he does to his other films like Saturday Night Fever and WarGames. Somehow, he didn't get the credit he deserved for his contribution to the film industry.

Steve Guttenberg was remarkable as the scientist responsible for getting the machine operational. The other cast members were believable in their roles and created a fun and heartfelt atmospheric movie. I would give an honourable mention to Fisher Stevens for his outstanding role as an Indian comic relief. The mechanical effects were not groundbreaking or revolutionary. However, they were convincingly believable and showed how to create robots.

SHORT CIRCUIT is not your typical family feature. It's unique and different from what people usually expect. It was the attraction for this movie, as it created a new style, a light-hearted sci-fi comedy that suggests the possibility of a living robot who gains a spark of humanity. If you've seen this movie, you will know it has a touching and uplifting story, and many following films have replicated its concept. SHORT CIRCUIT still stands out as one of the best and most nostalgic films.

Star rating: (10/10) Best Movie Ever

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Footloose (1984) Review

Footloose

Release Date: 12th April 1984 - Australia

Production Companies

Paramount Pictures (presents)

Phoenix Pictures

IndieProd Company Productions

Distribution 

Paramount Pictures Australia

Genre: Drama/Music

Rating: M

Runtime: 106 minutes


Budget: $8,200,000

Box Office Gross: $80,040,027 (Worldwide)


Plot Summary

When city boy Ren

McCormack moves from
the big city of Chicago with
his family to a small
Midwestern town, he
discovers that the place he
now calls home has
outlawed dancing and

rock music. Ren's fight for

change is an uphill battle

as he struggles to fit in.

Helped by his new friend

Willard Hewitt and

rebellious teenager Ariel

Moore, he could shake up

this conservative town.

However, Ariel's powerful

father, Reverend Shaw

Moore, is blocking their

path.

Cast

Kevin Bacon - Ren McCormack 

Lori Singer - Ariel Moore

John Lithgow - Rev. Shaw Moore

Dianne Wiest - Vi Moore

Chris Penn - Willard

Sarah Jessica Parker - Rusty

John Laughlin - Woody

Elizabeth Gorcey - Wendy Jo

Sam Dalton - Mr. Gurntz 

Frances Lee McCain - Ethel McCormack

Jim Youngs - Chuck Cranston

Douglas Dirkson - Burlington Cranston

Lynne Marta - Lulu Warnicker

Arthur Rosenberg - Wes Warnicker

Timothy Scott - Andy Beamis

Alan Haufrect - Coach Roger Dunbar

Linda MacEwen - Eleanor Dunbar

Kim Jensen - Edna 

Michael Telmont - Travis

Leo Geter - Rich

Ken Kemp - Jeff

Russ McGinn - Herb

H.E.D. Redford - Widdoes

Jay Bernard - Harvey

Meghan Broadhead - Sarah Warnicker

Mimi Broadhead - Amy Warnicker 

Gene Pack - Bernie

Marcia Dangerfield - Virginia

Crew

Director - Herbert Ross

Writer - Dean Pitchford

Executive Producer - Daniel Melnick

Producers - Lewis J. Rachmil and Graig Zadan

Casting Directors - Mike Fenton,

Jane Feinberg and Marci Liroff

Casting Director: New York - Margery Simkin
Production Designer - Ron Hobbs

Set Decorator - Mary Olivia Swanson

Property Master - C.J. Maguire
Costumes - Gloria Gresham

Makeup Artist - Daniel C. Striepeke
Director of Photography - Ric Waite

Second Assistant Director - Robert Engleman
Choreographer - Lynne Taylor-Corbett

Stunt Coordinator - Max Kleven

Special Effects - Wayne Beauchamp

Editor - Paul Hirsch

Assistant Editors - David Handman

and Peck Prior

Supervising Sound Editor - Gordon Ecker

Sound Effects Editors - Robert Bradshaw,

Randy Kelly, Bob Newlan and

Wylie Stateman

Re-Recording Mixers - David E. Campbell,

John T. Reitz and Gregg Rudloff

Score Adaptation - Miles Goodman

Music Supervisor - Becky Shargo

Writer/Producer/Performer: "Footloose" 

and "I'm Free (Heaven Helps the Man)" -

Kenny Loggins

Awards

1985 Academy Awards

Best Music, Original Song "Footloose" -

Kenny Loggins and Dean Pitchford (Nominated)

Best Music, Original Song "Let's Hear It for the Boy" -

Tom Snow and Dean Pitchford (Nominated)

Review

A straightforward and potent classic teen drama with a simple plot, FOOTLOOSE is an ageless classic, unforgettable, and superior to the remake. It was in production when teen movies were a lasting trend in the 80s. Since its release in 1984, it has been a heavily undisputed pop cultural touchstone referenced in many films, such as Guardians of the Galaxy. It has also inspired an animated movie with a similar plotline aimed at younger audiences called Happy Feet. This film represents the values of teenagers fighting for their independence. To decide what they will do with their lives and what journey they'll take. FOOTLOOSE sends a message that teenagers will understand that when parents control them, they often rebel and have this innate need to achieve their greatest dreams and desires.

I didn't watch this movie for the dancing. Instead, I preferred the film's inspiring message and the upbeat tunes that create energy in FOOTLOOSE. Kevin Bacon looked so young in the movie and nailed the role with a convincing performance that elevated his Hollywood fame. John Lithgow creates a sympathetic yet extremist character who pushes his religious views on those around him and believes dancing to be a sin. John crafted the role of a very strict and disapproving father figure.

Although it's aimed at a teen audience, FOOTLOOSE remains one of the generation's best teen drama movies. Even today, its story and message are still very relevant. I strongly recommend viewing this fantastic movie. You won't regret it.

Star rating: (10/10) Best Movie Ever

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Dune (1984) Review

Dune

Release Date: 14th December 1984 - Australia

Production Companies

Dino De Laurentiis Company
Estudios Churubusco Azteca S.A.

Genre: Sci-Fi

Rating: PG

Runtime: 137 minutes
                 177 minutes
                 (extended cut)


Budget: $42,000,000

Box Office Gross: $31,501,189 (Worldwide)

Plot Summary

In the distant future, the universe and space travel heavily rely on the spice that can only come from the planet Dune. Now, a young son of the noble Duke Leto named Paul Atreides must not only avenge his father's betrayal and murder at the hands of the evil Baron Harkonnen. He has to find the secret of Dune and lead the Fremen in freeing the planet and its residents from the despotic rule of the Emperor, which was his destiny.

Cast

Kyle MacLachlan - Paul Atreides

Sean Young - Chani

Sting - Feyd-Rautha

Patrick Stewart - Gurney

Halleck

Francesca Annis - Lady

Jessica

Jürgen Prochnow - Duke

Leto Atreides

Richard Jordan - Duncan

Idaho

Dean Stockwell - Dr.

Wellington Yueh

Freddie Jones - Thufur

Hawat

Max von Sydow - Dr. Kynes

Linda Hunt - Shadout Mapes

Everett McGill - Stilgar

Alicia Witt - Alia

Virginia Madsen - Princess Irulan

José Ferrer - Padishah

Emperor Shaddam IV

Siân Phillips - Reverend

Mother Gaius Helen Mohiam

Kenneth McMillan - Baron

Vladimir Harkonnen

Brad Dourif - Piter De Vries

Jack Nance - Nefud

Paul L. Smith - The Beast Rabban

Leonardo Cimino - The

Baron's Doctor

Silvana Mangano - Reverend Mother Ramallo

Danny Corkill - Orlop

Honorato Magaloni - Otheym

Judd Omen - Jamis

Molly Wryn - Harah

David Lynch - Spice Worker

(Cameo) (Uncredited)

William Phipps - Narrator

(TV Version) (Uncredited)

Crew

Screenplay/Director - David
Lynch

Based on the Novel "Dune" - Frank Herbert

Executive Producer - Dino De Laurentiis

Producer - Raffaella De Laurentiis

Technical Advisor - Gerald Green

Casting Director - Jane Jenkins

Production Designer -
Anthony Masters
Supervising Art Director - Pier Luigi Basile
Art Director - Benjamin
Fernandez

Assistant Art Directors, Jose Maria Alarcon, Peter Childs, Raul Paton Garcia, Kevin Phipps and Gilberto de Anda (Uncredited)

Draughtsmen - Miguel Chang, Steve Cooper, Ferdinando Giovannoni and Giles Masters
Set Decorator - Giorgio Desideri

Costume Designer - Bob Ringwood

Wardrobe Supervisors - Thomas Casterline and Nadia Vitali

Head of Construction: Stillsuit - Mark Siegel

Creative Makeup - Giannetto De Rossi

Cinematographer - Freddie Francis

Cinematographers/Supervisors: Additional Unit -

James Davis and Frederick Elmes

Production Coordinator - Golda Offenheim

Stunt Coordinator - Richard Humphreys

Fight Coordinator - Kiyoshi Yamasaki

Creature Creator - Carlo Rambaldi

Special Effects Coordinator - Charles L. Finance

Special Effects Flying Unit Chief - John K. Stirber

Special Photographic Effects - Barry Nolan

Mechanical Special Effects - Kit West

Additional Special Visual Effects - Albert Whitlock
Model Unit Supervisor - Brian Smithies
Foreground Miniatures - Emilio Ruiz del Rio

Motion Control - Eric Swenson

Film Editor - Antony Gibbs

Assistant Film Editor - Penelope Shaw

Sound Designer - Alan Splet

Sound Editors - Teresa Eckton,

Leslie Shatz and Les Wiggins

Re-Recording Mixers – Bill Varney,

Steve Maslow and Gregg Landaker

Music - Toto

Composers: Prophecy Theme - Brian &

Roger Eno and Daniel Lanois

Awards

1985 Academy Awards
Best Sound - Bill Varney, Steve Maslow,
Kevin O'Connell and Nelson Stoll (Nominated)

Review

I have never reviewed a David Lynch feature before, as I have not seen one except for DUNE. The film adaptation of DUNE has become a big part of my life after Star Wars. I'm sad to say it was a financial flop during its release, adding to a dismal reception among readers and fanatics of Frank Herbert's acclaimed sci-fi book series. Unfortunately, halfway through the filming process, the director, David Lynch, lost control of the movie due to pressure to cut the film's length. His original vision of DUNE was severely compromised in post-production when numerous scenes got trimmed, deleted, re-shot, and arranged in a way that seemed so disorganised. The changes also reduced the overall running time of the movie to just over two hours.

It was not until 1988 that the extended cut release, which aired on television, was further edited. Previously filmed scenes used as stock footage and censorship have been added to this version, not by the decision of Lynch, and this did not please him, as he requested his name to be changed in the opening credits to "Alan Smithee" and "Judas Booth" instead. Since the 1988 re-release, it has gained a following through the online community and remained a cult favourite to all people who were into sci-fi, films by David Lynch, or even the source material from Frank Herbert. After watching the film's theatrical cut, the plot seems inconsistent, with most scenes misplaced and what seems like a disastrous butchery. We can all forget the bad stuff in this stale version as the film has glorious, elaborate sets, costume and makeup design, and some VFX, which complement the movie and make the bad things about DUNE more bearable.

The acting is good. Some classic actors proved terrific choices for names, such as Kyle MacLachlan in his debut role as Paul Atreides and Sean Young as the film's leading lady. The supporting actors, like future Star Trek alumnus Patrick Stewart, Sting, and Max von Sydow, also have their place in the movie. The background score by rock band Toto creates a genuine ambience not heard in any other classic sci-fi film.

DUNE has its moments, but it leaves us wondering if a director's cut of Lynch's version would do this movie justice. In my opinion, DUNE doesn't deserve the bad feedback it received at the box office, which nearly cost David Lynch's directorial career, which DUNE should have finished under his supervision.

Star rating: (7/10) Good Movie

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