Beetlejuice Review

Beetlejuice

Release Date: 8th September 1988 - Australia

Production Companies

The Geffen Company (presents)

Genre: Fantasy/Horror/

Comedy

Rating: M

Runtime: 92 minutes

Budget: $15,000,000

Box Office Gross: $74,853,729 (Worldwide)

Plot Summary

After being killed in a car accident, a married couple, Barbara and Adam Maitland, return as ghosts and find themselves stuck in their country house, unable to leave. The Maitlands try in vain to frighten off the unbearable Deetzes and their teenage daughter, Lydia, after

they buy the house. Their

attempts draw the attention

of a boisterous ghost

named Beetlejuice, whose

"help" quickly proves

dangerous to the Maitlands

and innocent Lydia.

Cast

Michael Keaton - Betelgeuse

Geena Davis - Barbara Maitland

Alec Baldwin - Adam Maitland

Winona Ryder - Lydia Deetz

Jeffrey Jones - Charles Deetz

Catherine O'Hara - Delia Deetz

Glenn Shadix - Otho

Sylvia Sidney - Juno

Maree Cheatham - Sarah Dean

Dick Cavett - Bernard 

Rachel Mittelman - Little Jane

Maurice Page - Ernie

Hugo Stranger - Old Bill

Robert Goulet - Maxie Dean

Susan Kellermann - Grace

Annie McEnroe - Jane Butterfield

Patrice Martinez - Receptionist

Adelle Lutz - Beryl

Cindy Daly - 3-Fingered Typist

Douglas Turner - Char Man

Simmy Bow - Janitor

Carmen Filpi - Messenger

J. Jay Saunders - Moving 

Man #1

Mark Ettinger - Moving Man #2

Gary Jochimsen - Dumb Football Player #1

Bob Pettersen - Dumb Football Player #2

Duane Davis - Very Dumb Football Player

Tony Cox - Preacher

Jack Angel - Preacher (Voice)

Crew

Director - Tim Burton

Story/Screenplay - Michael McDowell

Story - Larry Wilson

Screenplay - Warren Skaaren

Producers - Michael Bender,

Richard Hashimoto and

Larry Wilson

Casting Directors - Janet Hirshenson and Jane Jenkins

Production Designer - Bo Welch

Art Director - Tom Duffield

Set Decorator - Catherine Mann

Lead Person - Cheryl Carasik

Property Master - William A.

Petrotta

Costume Designer - Aggie Guerard Rodgers

Makeup Artists - Steve LaPorte and Ve Neill

Creatures and Makeup Effects - Robert Short

Director of Photography - Thomas E. Ackerman

Camera Operator - Douglas Knapp

First Assistant Director - Bill Scott

Second Assistant Directors - K.C. Colwell and Jerry Fleck

Stunt Coordinator/Stunts - Fred Lerner

Special Effects Supervisor - Chuck Gaspar

Visual Effects Supervisor - Alan Munro

Visual Effects Consultant - Rick Heinrichs

Visual Effects: VCE - Peter Kuran

Visual Effects: Sandworm Sequence -

Doug Beswick

Visual Effects: Barbara/Adam

Transportation - Tim Lawrence

Miniature Production - James Belohovek,

Thomas Conti and Rick Kess

Editor - Jane Kurson

Supervising Sound Editor - Richard L. Anderson

Sound Editors - Mark Pappas and

David E. Stone

Re-Recording Mixers - Gregg Landaker,

Steve Maslow and Kevin O'Connell

Music - Danny Elfman

Music Editors - Bob Badami and Nancy Fogarty

Awards

1989 Academy Awards

Best Makeup - Ve Neill, Steve LaPorte and Robert Short (Won)

Review

I took a trip down memory lane to revisit BEETLEJUICE, which I saw three times, and then said its name. Growing up, I couldn't watch the film because of its scary content and profanity. I had to wait until I was old enough to watch it, which I did years later. This movie put Tim Burton on the map after his feature-length directorial debut, Pee-wee's Big Adventure. Unlike the movie he previously directed, which centred on an existing comic character created by and starring the late Paul Reubens, BEETLEJUICE is an original story. The film suits Burton's unique Gothic visual style and twisted sense of humour, and is nothing like other '80s supernatural comedies, such as Ghostbusters. It's full of ingenious visual gags and outlandish production, costume, and makeup designs. Unfortunately, the story falls short, but its execution makes up for it and adds to the film's appeal.

While Alec Baldwin and Geena Davis deliver fine performances as the sympathetic ghost couple, Michael Keaton steals the show as the titular character. Although his role had only 27 minutes of screen time, he went all out and was a perfect fit for this quirky, zany film. His comedic performance inspired other actors to play supernatural tricksters, such as Robin Williams as the Genie in Aladdin and Jim Carrey as Stanley Ipkiss in The Mask. The rest of the cast was terrific, including Jeffrey Jones and Catherine O'Hara as the obnoxious Deetz family, and Winona Ryder as Lydia, the goth teenage daughter.

The visual effects were impressive at the time, but many haven't aged well. Much of it was stop-motion animation. Danny Elfman's circus-like score is integral to the film's identity. It adds darkness and playfulness, shaping the overall tone. The movie's strongest scenes, such as the Maitlands in the underworld and the possessed dinner party, showcase its brilliance even without Beetlejuice.

While the humour is still funny, BEETLEJUICE is, in hindsight, a fun horror-comedy. It has all the hallmarks of a typical Tim Burton film, from its distinctive visuals to its dark humour. I thoroughly enjoyed watching BEETLEJUICE and would highly recommend it, just not for younger audiences.

Star rating: (8/10) Very Good Movie

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The Fog (1980) Review

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: $21,449,165 (Worldwide)

Plot Summary

Antonio Bay, a small, quaint

coastal town in California,

has turned 100, and its

peaceful community has

begun preparing to

celebrate its centennial,

just as supernatural

activity begins to disrupt

the festivities. An

impenetrable, eerie fog

rises from the shore,

shrouding the village and

causing mysterious

disappearances and warm,

bright red blood to spill.

Amid the spectral, glowing

mist, ghosts of long-dead

shipwreck victims come

to seek revenge on the

townsfolk for a crime

the town's founders

committed 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 a master of terror, bringing horror movies to life. Following the success of Halloween comes THE FOG, a supernatural, ghostly classic. The film centres on a small town whose residents face an unearthly fog of shipwreck victims coming to claim them for a crime committed 100 years ago. Known for its moody atmosphere, it's so tense it will terrify you, whether you're watching it alone or with someone at midnight. The only issue with THE FOG is its lack of blood and gore. Another is Adrienne Barbeau's role, which doesn't interact with 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 film's director during production. Jamie Lee Curtis didn't have enough material for 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, enjoyable film, especially for horror fans, even for those who have seen a similar, 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

Neal Page, an advertising executive, tries to get home to Chicago for Thanksgiving with his family. Unfortunately, his flight gets rerouted to Wichita. There, he bumps into

Del Griffith, a talkative

yet lovable salesman.

Together, they take a

cross-country trip that

includes various modes

of transportation,

hilarious mishaps, 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 subgenre to make the buddy/road comedy PLANES, TRAINS AND AUTOMOBILES. It was hilarious and groundbreaking, though often dramatic, following a mismatched pair who must get through the worst of a bad situation. Sure, the movie has funny moments that make us laugh, like the iconic "Those Aren't Pillows!" Its heartfelt scenes occasionally emerge and provide 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 remarkable soundtrack. It has songs I didn't even know existed.

I appreciate how the late John Hughes shifted from teen movies like Weird Science, The Breakfast Club, and Ferris Bueller's Day Off to comedies like this one and Home Alone. AUTOMOBILES was his best work, and nothing in modern times compares to it. I highly recommend it to fans of the filmmaker. It's also a must-see for fans of 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 development plans to 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. They set out on an adventure to find treasure and overcome 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 rewatch this nostalgic family adventure I grew up with, which 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 works like Super 8, Stranger Things, and many others over 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 launchpad for a few young actors, including Sean Astin and Josh Brolin, who went on to have successful careers in the entertainment industry. Notably, Brolin, who is an integral part of the MCU, is playing Thanos. Despite the actors' youth, several performed fantastically, delivering 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 orbit and destroy 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: Mongo, where 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 Earth and humanity are at risk, he decides to unite Mongo's warring kingdoms 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 as 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 first bought them in the late 1960s. Ironically, Lucas would create his science-fiction franchise, Star Wars, by taking inspiration from the series.

After its success, FLASH GORDON didn't come out until 1980. It flopped overseas (except in the UK). However, the film became a cult classic 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, much of its appeal comes from Lorenzo Semple Jr.'s humorous and cheesy script. It wasn't the biggest science fiction movie ever. But it still stands out for its unintentional comedy, remarkable set design, and lavish costumes.

The cast was genuinely terrific and perfectly suited to their respective roles. While everyone follows the pantomime and over-the-top direction, Max von Sydow is the only actor who delivers a sincere performance, relishing his sinister side as Ming the Merciless. Another standout is the music by Queen, who, while probably not the first rock band to score a movie, did a great job.

FLASH GORDON is worth seeing after all these years, even if it is nearly impossible to find. 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
as a caddie at the snobbish
Bushwood Country Club to

pay for college. 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

When I was young, I didn't get to see all of CADDYSHACK and only caught bits of the sequel on pay TV near the end. CADDYSHACK is often considered the best golf comedy before Adam Sandler's lowbrow comedy Happy Gilmore, which came along 16 years later. 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 its hilarity knows no bounds. The late Harold Ramis brought together a cast of comedic actors who instantly stole the spotlight with iconic performances and a versatile humour that outweighs the plot and leaves it directionless. However, CADDYSHACK works better without it.

Chevy Chase was the rising star, bringing Ty Webb to life as a rich golf pro who also serves 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 was funnier than ever as an obnoxious new Country Club member who was more than an uninvited guest. Bill Murray (who isn't one of my favourite actors) wasn't a big star yet when he played an eccentric assistant groundskeeper obsessed with killing a 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 it's not worth your time. It's terrible, and most of the original's star power 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 get everything ready for the holiday, including the Christmas tree and decorations. However, things don't go smoothly for the Griswolds, and to make matters worse for Clark, Ellen's hick cousin Eddie shows up uninvited and unannounced,

setting up his RV home

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 saw 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 previous two films return, including Chevy Chase, who once again portrays Clark Griswold: the optimistic father who frequently causes havoc for 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 his cousin-in-law, Eddie.

I could never stop laughing while watching this film. CHRISTMAS VACATION is the comedy film of the holiday season, and it'll be good to see it again next December. If you 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

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 find his

place. With the help of 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, stood in

their way.

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, potent classic teen drama with a simple plot, FOOTLOOSE is unforgettable and superior to the remake. It was in production during the 80s, when teen movies were a lasting trend. Since its 1984 release, it has been an undisputed pop-cultural touchstone referenced in many films, such as Guardians of the Galaxy. It also inspired the animated movie Happy Feet, which features a similar plotline for younger audiences. The film embodies teenagers' struggle for independence. It is about deciding what they will do with their lives and what journey they'll take. FOOTLOOSE sends a message that teenagers will understand: when parents control them, they often rebel and have an innate need to fulfil 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 energise FOOTLOOSE. Kevin Bacon looked very young in the movie and delivered a convincing performance that elevated his fame in Hollywood. John Lithgow creates a sympathetic yet fundamentalist character who pushes his religious views on those around him and believes that dancing is a sin. John crafted a very strict, disapproving father figure.

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

Star rating: (10/10) Best Movie Ever

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