Movie Night: Police Academy.

Review #609: Police Academy.

Cast
Steve Guttenberg (Carey Mahoney), Kim Cattrall (Karen Thompson), Bubba Smith (Moses Hightower), G. W. Bailey (Thaddeus Harris), George Gaynes (Eric Lassard), Donovan Scott (Leslie Barbara), David Graf (Eugene Tackleberry), Michael Winslow (Larvell Jones), Leslie Easterbrook (Debbie Callahan), Andrew Rubin (George Martin), Bruce Mahler (Douglas Fackler), Marion Ramsey (Laverne Hooks), Brant Von Hoffman (Kyle Blankes), and Scott Thomson (Chad Copeland) Directed by Hugh Wilson (#445 - Blast from the Past)

Review
After doing a Schwarzenegger film, a few french films and Canada, it's time to get back to basics, such as this film. It is odd to mention that this was actually filmed in Canada (Hamilton and Toronto to be precise), I guess Canada is a reoccurring guest on this show, which I guess is fine, writing references to Canadian stuff is fun, especially hockey (Go Jets!). But let's get to the actual film, how is it? Eh...it's okay, I guess? The problem with the movie isn't related to the film, but the fact that it was released in 1984, the year that brought us Ghostbusters, This Is Spinal Tap, Sixteen Candles, The Muppets Take Manhattan, Top Secret!, and other various comedies (that I haven't reviewed yet, like Beverly Hills Cop). Police Academy is a mediocre movie that sometimes succeeds at jokes. The movie could be described like a breeze of wind, it comes and goes without much thought about it after it leaves. Of course that would be true if this movie didn't have six sequels, two TV shows, and a remake coming...probably. The cast is extensive, and I guess if I had to say who my favorite was, I'd say Bubba Smith only because his stoic performance is refreshing given the quirks of the other characters. The movie takes time to get going, and while may not make its mark most of the time, it at least tries to be funny, and Guttenberg and Bailey do at least share a bond of mutual dislike that deliver some hilarity. It's an okay movie that while it could be better, it at least could be entertaining when you're bored or depressed late at night.

Overall I give it 5 out of 10 stars.

Movie Night: Diner.

Review #561: Diner.

Cast
Steve Guttenberg (Edward "Eddie" Simmons), Daniel Stern (Laurence "Shrevie" Schreiber), Mickey Rourke (Robert "Boogie" Sheftell), Kevin Bacon (Timothy "Fen" Fenwick Jr), Tim Daly (William "Billy" Howard), Ellen Barkin (Beth Schreiber), Paul Reiser (Modell), Kathryn Dowling (Barbara), and Michael Tucker (Bagel) Directed by Barry Levinson (#383 - The Natural)

Review
Diner was Barry Levinson's directorial debut, and his first set around the city of Baltimore (He would make three others based on the city such as Tin Men, Avalon, and Liberty Heights), this being set on the turn of the 1950's. This is a very fun film to watch, this a movie that doesn't need much of a plot to work, it's a series of events that are pretty funny but also brilliant to watch (I like this one brief scene where Reiser complains over the word nuance. It's a short scene, but it exemplifies how random conversations get between friends, even over the stupidest things) The main five actors are great, they function well with each other, and that's the point of the movie. It's just a bunch of friends reuniting with one another for the wedding of one of them, but it's not about the wedding, it's a collection of moments between friends, a movie that feels natural, a movie that has fun and it's a movie that certainly delivers.

Overall, I give it 9 out of 10 stars.

Movie Night: Short Circuit.

Review #088: Short Circuit.

Cast
Ally Sheedy (Stephanie Speck), Steve Guttenberg (Newton Crosby, Ph.D), Fisher Stevens (Ben Jabituya), Austin Pendleton (Dr. Howard Marner), G. W. Bailey (Captain Skroeder), Tim Blaney (Number 5), Brian McNamara (Frank), and Marvin J. McIntyre (Duke) Directed by John Badham.

Review
It figures to have an 80s flick be in Robot Week. No, not that one. But you get this flick. And so we have a story that's easy thin for the most part, but of course who could predict this story? No one? Any one? Oh wait, no one's here...Anyway, this film at least has some enjoyment, with it's gags and slight robotic-ness, which at least will make you remember. Heck, I was going to review without watching, as I already could remember the gags and such, but I decided to watch. The acting's standard, and the robot looks decent for the most part. This ends Part III of Robot Week.

Overall, I give it 6 out of 10 stars.