Few films manage to mix slapstick comedy, Faustian bargains, and a surprising amount of heart quite like Bedazzled (2000). Directed by Harold Ramis and starring Brendan Fraser and Elizabeth Hurley, this remake of the 1967 British classic brings an absurd yet charming take on the consequences of wishing for a better life. Whether you’re here […]
Ah, The Last Starfighter. Released in 1984, this movie is like that retro arcade game you couldn’t stop playing as a kid—nostalgic, clunky in places, but undeniably charming. Directed by Nick Castle (yes, the guy who played Michael Myers in Halloween! Who knew?), this sci-fi cult classic blasts off with a wild concept: what if […]
If you thought Christmas movies had done it all, Red One (2024) is here to jingle your bells and flip the holiday genre on its head. Directed by Jake Kasdan and starring Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and Chris Evans, this action-comedy is less about sipping eggnog by the fire and more about drop-kicking bad guys […]
Introduction:Welcome to “Lunchtime Movie Critics,” where today, we rewind to the early 90s to revisit the John Hughes-scripted gem, “Career Opportunities.” Directed by Bryan Gordon, this film captures the quirky essence of a romantic comedy set against the backdrop of a small-town department store. Known for its iconic soundtrack and the memorable overnight antics of […]
In the pantheon of 80s comedy films, there are those titles that everyone remembers and then there are those that, like a warm summer breeze, might have gently passed by unnoticed. “The Great Outdoors,” released in 1988 and directed by Howard Deutch, deserves a spot in the sunny, nostalgic memories of anyone who treasures this […]
Introduction:Welcome back to “Lunchtime Movie Critics” where we unearth the gems and oddities of cinema history. Today, we’re exploring the 1987 cult classic “Cherry 2000,” a film that merges post-apocalyptic adventure with an unconventional love story. Directed by Steve De Jarnatt, “Cherry 2000” paints a future where human relationships are as disposable as the technology […]
In this episode of “Lunchtime Movie Critics,” we dive into the zany world of “Thumb Wars: The Phantom Cuticle,” a 1999 parody that takes a thumb-nail sized jab at the beloved “Star Wars” saga. Created by Steve Oedekerk, this short film uses thumbs with superimposed human faces to recreate and mock the iconic scenes and characters of the “Star Wars” universe. We’ll explore the humorous and often absurd ways “Thumb Wars” pokes fun at the classic sci-fi tale, from its unique thumb puppetry to the clever dialogue that twists the original lines into comedic gold. Join us as we discuss how “Thumb Wars” cleverly satirizes the epic space opera, the impact of its visual gags and pun-laden humor, and why this quirky spoof has garnered a cult following. Tune in to discover how “Thumb Wars: The Phantom Cuticle” stands out as a testament to the creative, albeit silly, possibilities of parody in cinema.
In this episode of “Lunchtime Movie Critics,” we’re packing our bags and jetting off to the romantic landscapes of France with the 1995 rom-com “French Kiss.” Directed by Lawrence Kasdan and starring Meg Ryan and Kevin Kline, this film serves up a delightful mix of romance, humor, and picturesque scenery. Join us as we delve into the charming yet chaotic story of Kate (Meg Ryan), a woman who flies to France to win back her fiancé but ends up on an unexpected adventure with a mischievous Frenchman named Luc (Kevin Kline). As we explore their evolving relationship, we’ll discuss how “French Kiss” uses classic romantic comedy tropes combined with the beautiful backdrop of France to explore themes of love, personal transformation, and cultural clash. Tune in as we dissect the performances that bring these characters to life, the comedic timing that punctuates their journey, and why “French Kiss” continues to be a beloved film for rom-com enthusiasts around the globe.
In this episode of “Lunchtime Movie Critics,” we take a deep dive into the 1992 tech-thriller “Sneakers,” a film that cleverly blends elements of espionage with sharp humor and engaging drama. Directed by Phil Alden Robinson and featuring an all-star cast including Robert Redford, Dan Aykroyd, Ben Kingsley, and Sidney Poitier, “Sneakers” is much more than your typical spy movie. We’ll explore the intriguing plot that centers around a team of security experts caught up in a complex web of deception involving a powerful decryption device. As we analyze the ensemble cast’s dynamic performances and their characters’ quirky interactions, we’ll also uncover how “Sneakers” was ahead of its time, addressing themes of surveillance, privacy, and information warfare long before they became global concerns. Join us as we decrypt the lasting impact of “Sneakers” on the genre and why this film remains a beloved classic in the realm of spy thrillers.
Divine Comedy: A Playful Dive into ‘Dogma’ (1999) Welcome, cinephiles and casual moviegoers alike, to the celestial rollercoaster that is Kevin Smith’s “Dogma.” Released in 1999, this film is a quirky, irreverent, and surprisingly thoughtful exploration of religion, belief, and a universe where God’s sense of humor is as bizarre as the film itself. Buckle […]
