Starcrash.

Review #755: Starcrash.

Cast
Caroline Munro (Stella Star), Marjoe Gortner (Akton), Judd Hamilton (Elle), David Hasselhoff (Simon), Christopher Plummer (The Emperor), Joe Spinell (Count Zarth Arn), Robert Tessier (Thor), Nadia Cassini (Corelia), and Hamilton Camp (Voice of Elle) Directed by Luigi Cozzi.

Review
With lines like "Soon I will join you as your prince of darkness", "Full battle speed!", and "What in the universe?", how can you take this seriously? Answer: You don't. One could just pass this off as a Star Wars rip-off, but it is hard to ignore the fact that Christopher Plummer (playing an Emperor who isn't a villain) stars in it, reportedly only doing the role just so he could be in Rome. John Barry (composer of 11 Bond films) composed the film, which I admit is pretty cool. Right from the opening scene, the movie already looks like a ripoff of other, better science fiction films, but I started losing it when the crew was attacked by what appear to be pink bubbles. I have to admit, I had no clue about what I would see, and...this is one really weird movie. It only makes sense that David Hasselhoff is in this movie, though he only shows up in the last 40 minutes or so. It's funny how out of all the space-sounding names in this film, he gets the most simple one. I guess Simon is a real popular name in space. The effects are certainly noteworthy, mainly because while they aren't exactly good, I can't imagine a CGI version of this being any better. While the movie was released in America in 1979, apparently it was released first in West Germany, in December of 1978...I guess West Germany wanted it more. The acting in this movie is...over-the-top, but also very hilarious to watch. I especially love the interactions between Munro and Gortner, who seem to have a very animated face about everything. I especially like Elle, the robot with emotions (because...[Answer not found]) who sounds like a cowboy. Nothing about this movie is entirely original, but the movie is interesting to watch because of all the absurdities that go on. I especially love how Akton (the sidekick to Stella) suddenly has powers to deflect lasers with his hands, use laser swords, and know about the future, yet he apparently can't save himself from being killed by what are apparently robot golems. At the end of the day, I know it is a bad movie. And yet, I'd recommend checking it out, mainly so you can see the absurdity for yourself.

Overall, I give it 6 out of 10 stars.

Twice Upon a Time.

Review #720: Twice Upon a Time.

Cast
Lorenzo Music (Ralph, The All-Purpose Animal), Julie Payne (Flora Fauna), Marshall Efron (Synonamess Botch), Hamilton Camp (Greensleeves), James Cranna (Rod Rescueman / Scuzzbopper / Frivoli Foreman), Paul Frees (Narrator / Chef of State / Judges / Bailiff), and Judith Kahan (The Fairy Godmother) Directed by John Korty and Charles Swenton.

Review
Twice Upon a Time is 75 minutes of uniqueness. It utilizes improv comedians, which means that the movie has an array of unpredictability, which also could be said for the animation. Lumage is one of the more unique processes utilized for a movie. The animators move prefabricated cut-out plastic pieces on a light table, somewhat like cutout animation. There are also multiple versions of this movie, one with a different set up involving Greensleves, one with Efron's character being raunchier (read: less PG), and this one. The one I saw on TCM Underground (which show cult films that aren't as well known late at night) was rated PG, though make what you will about the version you might see. Oh, and George Lucas was executive producer. Anyway...how's the movie? It's a Hodge-podge of characters, silliness, live action mixed with Lumage, and a story that make for a strangely satisfying movie. The characters are zany, but they seem perfect for a movie that takes a story that seems normal at first and turns it into a madcap adventure that isn't all that predictable. Lorenzo Music is a highlight, mainly because his voice fits well with how the movie goes, especially when paired with a silent character, such as Mumford, who looks just like a Tramp lookalike. The villain is over the top evil, and it works for a movie like this, which moves well. Is it dated? You could argue that, but it's a time capsule of creativity that while not particularly new age, is interesting to watch. One bright side is that some people (Henry Selick & David Fincher - both in directing films like Coraline and The Social Network, and Harley Jessup - production design and visual effects, even winning an Oscar) went on to have careers in film after this, and maybe that helps make the movie have a little legacy of its own. Take the movie for what it is: One of a kind, though with different versions.

Overall, I give it 8 out of 10 stars.