NAKEDLY INGITING THE ANIMATED CULT CLASSIC 'HEAVY METAL'

<p></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheV5gkvmm7SKxgTNhsioZ_Em5Lb5YruyixUkWho-peYe6hcMbmYDFf_cTPianjNUYuR19Pr1X6dCiDrs1AcPCd7-6clEDce3st3tOT7ejzJmnyr9KklVwsx4Dn1TBBsEigSVNjsSwtVOoDnHxkhg7ZdZkQgfgz-toJgB9kjwJY1n0CYix-VU8zrtMWlZTr/s1664/Screen%20Shot%202024-10-07%20at%2011.43.15%20PM.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="898" data-original-width="1664" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheV5gkvmm7SKxgTNhsioZ_Em5Lb5YruyixUkWho-peYe6hcMbmYDFf_cTPianjNUYuR19Pr1X6dCiDrs1AcPCd7-6clEDce3st3tOT7ejzJmnyr9KklVwsx4Dn1TBBsEigSVNjsSwtVOoDnHxkhg7ZdZkQgfgz-toJgB9kjwJY1n0CYix-VU8zrtMWlZTr/s16000/Screen%20Shot%202024-10-07%20at%2011.43.15%20PM.jpeg"></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><u>Title: HEAVY METAL Year: 1981 Rating: ****</u></td></tr></tbody></table><p>The best two stories from HEAVY METAL... producer Ivan Reitman's animated/cartoon anthology with a continuously-pulsating soundtrack of acts ranging from Devo to Sammy Hagar to Don Felder to Donald Fagan to Black Sabbath... have a beginning, middle and end, and either could have stretched into full-length features: starting with a futuristic film-noir homage with modernly-grungy cab-driver HARRY CANYON (voiced by <a href="http://www.cultfilmfreaks.com/2019/08/goodstreets.html">MEAN STREETS</a> actor Richard Romanus) that includes the usual pulp-signature glib narration, chain-smoked cigarettes, crooked cops, flying cars above grounded savage hoodlums and a luscious backstabbing dame...<br></p><p></p><p></p><p>And the last a fantasy... in the mesmerizing otherworld style of Roger Dean's progressive-rock album covers combined with Ralph Bakshi's animated-fantasy-flicks <a href="http://www.cultfilmfreaks.com/2024/10/LOTR78.html">THE LORD OF THE RINGS</a> and WIZARDS (while the urban-noir resembles Bakshi's <a href="http://www.cultfilmfreaks.com/2024/10/htraffic.html">HEAVY TRAFFIC</a>)... that gave this 1981 cult classic its gorgeous flying-avian-riding poster-girl TAARNA who, sword in hand, violently protects a village like an antihero from a Spaghetti Western...</p><p><span></span></p>

action, animation, cult, eighties, exploitation, fantasy, future, harold ramis, ivan reitman, john candy, music, neo noir, richard romanus, science-fiction

NAKEDLY INGITING THE ANIMATED CULT CLASSIC 'HEAVY METAL'

Title: HEAVY METAL Year: 1981 Rating: **** The best two stories from HEAVY METAL... producer Ivan Reitman's animated/cartoon anthology w...

CHEVY CHASE DRIVES ORIGINAL 'NATIONAL LAMPOON'S VACATION'

<p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUBye7JeF40kDpzRyeDLlpJcWxm_ZQbaxVJBwapTKvJjiShuo2FgIm4KSsM12_I4AuWoqVw7-pO2Vhy5n1kmhQ_-Ur4C4KFX-iBJwT8htoe7sML2Ir6BmMhqGCPseziTXqZSR8v_cVzy6KpOmA55BdAr2K50YaysWvY0lo3E0I4M5kdo9Usk9dk9LUCw/s2210/1.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1378" data-original-width="2210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUBye7JeF40kDpzRyeDLlpJcWxm_ZQbaxVJBwapTKvJjiShuo2FgIm4KSsM12_I4AuWoqVw7-pO2Vhy5n1kmhQ_-Ur4C4KFX-iBJwT8htoe7sML2Ir6BmMhqGCPseziTXqZSR8v_cVzy6KpOmA55BdAr2K50YaysWvY0lo3E0I4M5kdo9Usk9dk9LUCw/s16000/1.jpeg"></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><u>Title: NATIONAL LAMPOON'S VACATION Year: 1983 Rating: ****1/2</u></td></tr></tbody></table><p>Chevy Chase's best actual acting performance, capturing the naive optimism of a suburban dad driving reluctant yet resilient son Anthony Michael Hall and moody wannabe stoner daughter Dana Barron as the original Rusty and Audrey... and co-starring mostly perfect wife in Beverly D'Angelo: all stuck on a cross-country trip... </p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>Our ever-optimistic hero remains stridently hopeful till exploding in a curse-laden diatribe; this after an unlucky string of adventurous stopovers at various tourist traps including a Wild West Town and (above and within) the Grand Canyon while Randy Quaid, as D'Angelo's white trash step-brother, takes things to another level: not only comically but, as Chase's polar-opposite, we see our put-upon hero more clearly...</p><p><span></span></p>

anthony michael hall, beverly d'angelo, chevy chase, comedy, cult, dana barron, eighties, franchise, harold ramis, national lampoon, randy quaid, road movie

CHEVY CHASE DRIVES ORIGINAL 'NATIONAL LAMPOON'S VACATION'

Title: NATIONAL LAMPOON'S VACATION Year: 1983 Rating: ****1/2 Chevy Chase's best actual acting performance, capturing the naive opti...

CHEVY CHASE, CINDY MORGAN & MICHAEL O'KEEFE 'CADDYSHACK'

<p> <span style="font-size: small;"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: small;"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: small;"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: small;"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: small;"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: small;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><p><span style="font-size: small;"></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2YTg4Xyfv5BoD120W7OkqCola80H12aMz8JROUJvxFsQxSr8WBrEDnCsfJ7MNJYQIczKI3F7_1Lbtj5pAkBdfjiacNVjOCTBsr6RoC-BUSqVxZcocPYFpFsOXUwS25f-cHPeZeopcCFKMU-t1OMEluaT3LL_vYU4Ulnjptz0g8RcInFiBYO5cmNijyg/s1371/Screen%20Shot%202022-10-09%20at%209.31.36%20PM.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="819" data-original-width="1371" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2YTg4Xyfv5BoD120W7OkqCola80H12aMz8JROUJvxFsQxSr8WBrEDnCsfJ7MNJYQIczKI3F7_1Lbtj5pAkBdfjiacNVjOCTBsr6RoC-BUSqVxZcocPYFpFsOXUwS25f-cHPeZeopcCFKMU-t1OMEluaT3LL_vYU4Ulnjptz0g8RcInFiBYO5cmNijyg/s16000/Screen%20Shot%202022-10-09%20at%209.31.36%20PM.jpeg"></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><u>Japenese Poster for CADDYSHACK Year: 1980 Rating: ****1/2</u></td></tr></tbody></table><p><span style="font-size: small;">Originally an ANIMAL HOUSE of golf, directed by its co-writer, Harold Ramis, CADDYSHACK morphed into an eclectic comedy starring four comic actors that </span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: medium;">—</span> had the rudimentary vision sustained </span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: medium;">—</span> probably would have been random guest appearances amid the shack-dwelling youngsters... </span></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p><span style="font-size: small;">Although a youngster's still the main character </span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: medium;">—</span></span> the straight-man pawn, Michael O'Keefe as Danny Noonan, with one of the best natural golf swings recorded on film (most actors have horrible swings even when playing pros)...</span></p><p><span style="font-size: small;"><span></span></span></p>

bill murray, chevy chase, cindy morgan, comedy, cult, eighties, ensemble, golf, harold ramis, michael o'keefe, rodney dangerfield, sport, ted knight

CHEVY CHASE, CINDY MORGAN & MICHAEL O'KEEFE 'CADDYSHACK'

Japenese Poster for CADDYSHACK Year: 1980 Rating: ****1/2 Originally an ANIMAL HOUSE of golf, directed by its co-writer, Harold Ramis, CADD...

EIGHTIES 3D 'SPACEHUNTER: ADVENTURES IN THE FORBIDDEN ZONE'

<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdowg3UB1owfcU8BOHK62I6EbP-eD_XLLwjTvDenLqcEDoRNm0qeHhg1UCO37jZsHKHWm37r_XydIATVrQcO3v8yRmKGUgvv62hNQP_ESIC2AUhp2T5B9xTv5sNBs8DOS7f2BhzpY1vPQH/s1600/31.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1042" data-original-width="1600" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdowg3UB1owfcU8BOHK62I6EbP-eD_XLLwjTvDenLqcEDoRNm0qeHhg1UCO37jZsHKHWm37r_XydIATVrQcO3v8yRmKGUgvv62hNQP_ESIC2AUhp2T5B9xTv5sNBs8DOS7f2BhzpY1vPQH/s400/31.jpeg" width="400"></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><u>Molly Ringwald getting her mind sucked by the villain YEAR: 1983</u></td></tr> </tbody></table> One of those deliberate cult films without much of a following, shot in 3D in the early 1980's, and when formatted to 2D things zoom at the screen for what seems like no reason, which... like <a href="http://www.cultfilmfreaks.com/2013/10/jaws-3-sucks-greatly.html">JAWS 3D</a> and <a href="http://www.cultfilmfreaks.com/2014/04/friday-13th-3d.html">FRIDAY THE 13TH 3D</a> and other gems from this era... is half the campy fun...<br> <br> The sets, meanwhile, resemble a MAD MAX future combined with executive producer Ivan Reitman's nostalgically stylistic, homage-driven 1950's sci-fi b-movie aesthetic (with a Harold Ramis intercom voice-cameo). Then again, since Ivan's not exactly broke, there <i>are</i> gorgeous STAR WARS style matte paintings and theatrical-STAR TREK inspired ships, and the plot too is old school and pulpy, centering on a rogue bounty hunter, Peter Strauss as Wolff, sent to this not-so-desolate planet where three vixens have been kidnapped...<br>

3D, action, adventure, andrea marcovicci, eighties, ernie hudson, exploitation, fantasy, harold ramis, ivan reitman, michael ironside, molly ringwald, peter strauss, science-fiction

EIGHTIES 3D 'SPACEHUNTER: ADVENTURES IN THE FORBIDDEN ZONE'

Molly Ringwald getting her mind sucked by the villain YEAR: 1983 One of those deliberate cult films without much of a following, shot ...

THE TIMELESS IMPRESSION OF GHOSTBUSTERS

<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9k9hSPcS4Za5Exsm8mm35FgTaOOR-ZnaB2AXtOk7zKry1EFABnC87MmJapqjt5c-yYO2-dGeTG0wcFJIL3Y6l6jmdET27edkJSmHREBo73ZI3eM3gz5aQfVo4FUDFzduEX-TGvPhiiUQ/s1600/Screen+Shot+2016-07-20+at+2.32.56+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="338" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9k9hSPcS4Za5Exsm8mm35FgTaOOR-ZnaB2AXtOk7zKry1EFABnC87MmJapqjt5c-yYO2-dGeTG0wcFJIL3Y6l6jmdET27edkJSmHREBo73ZI3eM3gz5aQfVo4FUDFzduEX-TGvPhiiUQ/s400/Screen+Shot+2016-07-20+at+2.32.56+AM.png" width="400"></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><u>THE TIMELESS ORIGINAL CIRCA 1984</u></td></tr> </tbody></table> John Winger, Bill Murray’s lovable loser in the boot camp comedy STRIPES, the second of three collaborations with director Ivan Reitman beginning with MEATBALLS, had his very own theme song: a lazy piano-bar riff, whose likeness can be heard in GHOSTBUSTERS throughout Elmer Bernstein’s immense score, but only when Murray’s sarcastic Peter Venkman flirts with Signourney Weaver or clashes jovially with Dan Aykroyd's rambling Dr. Raymond Stanz, who Venkman describes as “the heart of the Ghostbusters.”And that would make Harold Ramis's Egon the lungs (or as Ramis and Reitman described him, the brains). Murray’s reluctant sidekick in STRIPES and the director of CADDYSHACK and GROUNDHOG DAY, Ramis is an essential ingredient to make the gadgets and demonic backstory completely believable and, as a team-up, one of the great things about GHOSTBUSTERS is seeing Murray play off of two science-minded serious guys. Aykroyd and Ramis wrote the film and obviously knew Murray had the stuff to steal scenes. Although the lead role was originally intended for Aykroyd’s cinema partner, the late John Belushi: who inspired the iconic green ghost, Slimer.<br>

annie potts, bill murray, comedy, dan aykroyd, eighties, franchise, harold ramis, ivan reitman, rick moranis, science-fiction, william atherton

THE TIMELESS IMPRESSION OF GHOSTBUSTERS

THE TIMELESS ORIGINAL CIRCA 1984 John Winger, Bill Murray’s lovable loser in the boot camp comedy STRIPES, the second of three collabora...

REMASTERED GREEN OF GHOSTBUSTERS

<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNuhOEpBtP4XZ1shxA4FHvIS9_W1dPez3MRROjcf50VVisCPSSKfcr-6MJ1JV1ZFZ1YNkLqPtJz8pgw7A8D7Q2BbpGB_i8mkbL2r9X6a6l6a2bnCCsYNOn3TPpJqawzrc644eLdYN1QLA/s1600/ghostbusters1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNuhOEpBtP4XZ1shxA4FHvIS9_W1dPez3MRROjcf50VVisCPSSKfcr-6MJ1JV1ZFZ1YNkLqPtJz8pgw7A8D7Q2BbpGB_i8mkbL2r9X6a6l6a2bnCCsYNOn3TPpJqawzrc644eLdYN1QLA/s1600/ghostbusters1.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ghosting in theaters again</td></tr> </tbody></table> Insanity is described as doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results. So then, watching the same movie over and over and expecting the same results would be half-crazy… And this week, GHOSTBUSTERS has reentered theaters for the 30th Anniversary, and it looks better than ever... Even after, so far, seven viewings in seven nights by yours truly... <br /> <br /> What really stands out in the remastered digitization is the color green. Not just Slimer, the rambunctious ghost based on John Belushi, who provides the GB’s their first chore, but things as simple as Dan Aykroyd’s collared shirt in the beginning, and tinges of Bill Murray’s dress clothes on the first day they set up office... <br /> <br /> Mind you, since this was 1984, Green refers to the color, not the Environment. Strange that this movie’s villain is, of all things, a persistent stiff-suit working for the EPA. Dickless would be extremely well hung in today’s PC climate. That being said, as the lead weenie herein, character-actor William Atherton ruled in a Ted Knight-like CADDYSHACK unapologetic jerk-bully fashion. And while his Walter Peck gets drenched in melted marshmallow, a year later, Mr. Atherton would practically drown in REAL SCIENCE popcorn. <br /> <br /> <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNLOAhS8az6t75Ji_yHlS0S92TVjhKKB0ii30ZWVGsw3mp9pYx1AjXELi3hiFcXGBAndUkyYC-T_3dnLITudgL6srAB8yh9ItgQwFy3f0ZLTPdd7K3yFEg4RXuoBRe2lVE4QlYm9p1wuM/s1600/4.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNLOAhS8az6t75Ji_yHlS0S92TVjhKKB0ii30ZWVGsw3mp9pYx1AjXELi3hiFcXGBAndUkyYC-T_3dnLITudgL6srAB8yh9ItgQwFy3f0ZLTPdd7K3yFEg4RXuoBRe2lVE4QlYm9p1wuM/s1600/4.jpg" width="199" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bill Murray as Dr. Peter Venkman</td></tr> </tbody></table> So there it is... of all the gorgeous remastering accomplished for GHOSTBUSTERS, soon to be transferred onto an official Blu Ray release, the color green is the most prominent... even moreso in clothing than building exterior and interior... <br /> <br /> Actually, <i>everythin</i>g looks really incredible... And best yet, no CGI was added... What was great then looks even better now...<br /> <br /> <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEJzk3g5UwTYxNeZUH7LkQjk8ebSTCvTWccE_jKZF0J1mfghX6kyonAQMHxRpo3AWzGx0vYP7W7KILPb1Dj20H1naPd3qcUEdCz5GuRYRZN2M9NLO4SoK32fkC-hkHeSAwZilAZ0PRrSg/s1600/3.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEJzk3g5UwTYxNeZUH7LkQjk8ebSTCvTWccE_jKZF0J1mfghX6kyonAQMHxRpo3AWzGx0vYP7W7KILPb1Dj20H1naPd3qcUEdCz5GuRYRZN2M9NLO4SoK32fkC-hkHeSAwZilAZ0PRrSg/s1600/3.jpg" width="188" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dan Aykroyd as Dr. Ray Stantz</td></tr> </tbody></table> So if you’re reading this, watch GHOSTBUSTERS the way it was intended: a thoroughly amazing film that somewhat derailed a legitimate cult following because of the initial box office success, the Top 10 title track (Keith Forsey's groovy instrumental break during the Revelations scene, and Elmer Berstein's dramatic score are much cooler than the Ray Parker Jr song) and the fact Bill and Dan were already popular comic actors... <br /> <br /> But cult cinema is based on risk – and a movie about hunting ghosts resulting in a standoff against a giant Marshmallow Man… if that ain't a gamble, nothing is. The fact GHOSBUSTERS turned out so perfect makes it seem predestined for greatness. And yet, there are countless avenues wherein things could have gone the other way (like the sequel)...<br /> <br /> Writers Aykroyd and the late Harold Ramis created a world so vibrantly bizarre that it takes Bill Murray’s constant sarcasm to bring things down to Earth. This combination works to counterbalance the farfetched yet completely involving premise, providing some of the funniest one-liners in history... And not to forget the sexy and smart Sigourney Weaver, who grounds Murray as he grounds the science while ultimate credit's due to Ivan Reitman, whose creative direction gives this big budget extravaganza the kind of subtle nuances that makes repeated viewings worthwhile...<br /> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAt6XsKKdBprMwGzTld4BR3WpWsSRSJ9Rt2qOlZN1H-izYYoxJJoxaxQVIQdYugZgW3gmTdwUeem9XYCHWvN4EMOPpaZxfGvFGycLID6CT_P0NkffjjXa_j1FCfl_ZR004X9JopYwc3f0/s1600/55.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="254" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAt6XsKKdBprMwGzTld4BR3WpWsSRSJ9Rt2qOlZN1H-izYYoxJJoxaxQVIQdYugZgW3gmTdwUeem9XYCHWvN4EMOPpaZxfGvFGycLID6CT_P0NkffjjXa_j1FCfl_ZR004X9JopYwc3f0/s1600/55.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">William Atherton nails the token jerk as Walter Peck</td></tr> </tbody></table> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrOJwUcVMBaSizIYWFFebl5Qu6E2cMn3ezlbC4E5tyUkByvsnLg-v3Mnk0RAKfAJrt5K5k7QYPvytYycc2FBdjuc6c72Sl8aR-_4HcwffaPyQ4vPs-Kpij7UtIZJg-Manp7tRqh49PyHw/s1600/title01_220934496.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="292" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrOJwUcVMBaSizIYWFFebl5Qu6E2cMn3ezlbC4E5tyUkByvsnLg-v3Mnk0RAKfAJrt5K5k7QYPvytYycc2FBdjuc6c72Sl8aR-_4HcwffaPyQ4vPs-Kpij7UtIZJg-Manp7tRqh49PyHw/s1600/title01_220934496.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The late Harold Ramis as Dr. Egon Spengler... He collects spores, molds, and fungus...</td></tr> </tbody></table> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzvLsqetsqOPTAJ273flHViW4Oi6p8VX2-ZakWgTXEi2Nzg0jndWW6gqv86TKNwZjzP3RVgAgb3IaPYnscXbfus2MTl2bhHvlg2-BobJOJLr7O2YddVBttAPtHOma6T2ClfOKPvO8rWBo/s1600/44.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzvLsqetsqOPTAJ273flHViW4Oi6p8VX2-ZakWgTXEi2Nzg0jndWW6gqv86TKNwZjzP3RVgAgb3IaPYnscXbfus2MTl2bhHvlg2-BobJOJLr7O2YddVBttAPtHOma6T2ClfOKPvO8rWBo/s1600/44.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Creator Dan Aykroyd wrote a super long script years before GHOSTBUSTERS got green-lit</td></tr> </tbody></table> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNlfUCRP-W3QbP9BTPcKkaCj1ca5-ll4xjrc-fXt1xqWwhcAJpu0A5WZlTM5mEif69kxsSJ8BW-9yR7OXgOnK8Rh-BHr-z6XXQvy87K5_ttXaySBhvJlznBVLtXAHo7riSfS78wPYE2CQ/s1600/66.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNlfUCRP-W3QbP9BTPcKkaCj1ca5-ll4xjrc-fXt1xqWwhcAJpu0A5WZlTM5mEif69kxsSJ8BW-9yR7OXgOnK8Rh-BHr-z6XXQvy87K5_ttXaySBhvJlznBVLtXAHo7riSfS78wPYE2CQ/s1600/66.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spook Central Matte Painting wide shot, right before the final standoff...</td></tr> </tbody></table> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXg893-cgyS8X0OeNXCpNt36hOqemmc0MmE6ThcsqSMjuJcqIMkMUZiVrLePQqefHVsUSK1TNkWAoViFpLS13uHcaDX1RDQug4L8xcshL2_6BfNBPE_gBti4GtiVw-zL6mPHg2UyMqkfs/s1600/0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXg893-cgyS8X0OeNXCpNt36hOqemmc0MmE6ThcsqSMjuJcqIMkMUZiVrLePQqefHVsUSK1TNkWAoViFpLS13uHcaDX1RDQug4L8xcshL2_6BfNBPE_gBti4GtiVw-zL6mPHg2UyMqkfs/s1600/0.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Signourney Weaver watches the GHOSTBUSTERS make the news</td></tr> </tbody></table> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh50xYgSnPbgpVZxOdJqwEnGDC0wkfRvk6XDEYoR4o8wQ84iLwWcKudldgCpDyx57XMFXg4fpoJ0JI6_8RnYaJX9ZpRqp-YqXGzc15vPftcgQ-knn2pU-f7b_M1WMrVpv2aW7TLNaZ-WFM/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="278" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh50xYgSnPbgpVZxOdJqwEnGDC0wkfRvk6XDEYoR4o8wQ84iLwWcKudldgCpDyx57XMFXg4fpoJ0JI6_8RnYaJX9ZpRqp-YqXGzc15vPftcgQ-knn2pU-f7b_M1WMrVpv2aW7TLNaZ-WFM/s1600/1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Newscaster and a throwback hippie who walks onto the scene</td></tr> </tbody></table> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmNg1D3rYPg9nReDmlEzVRtrnfWCbf99Fhud6By921p0k8X-okFF5RebH4WTezE0pK5cxD04LoG6BtZZPuIuhjZvNsV99MWfO2QG46RCKXljQuXypxLpA6AyxHysNI3JsUM_VJkA0PTSk/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmNg1D3rYPg9nReDmlEzVRtrnfWCbf99Fhud6By921p0k8X-okFF5RebH4WTezE0pK5cxD04LoG6BtZZPuIuhjZvNsV99MWfO2QG46RCKXljQuXypxLpA6AyxHysNI3JsUM_VJkA0PTSk/s1600/2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The GHOSTBUSTERS make USA TODAY headlines as Egon gets dressed</td></tr> </tbody></table> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiirtcjr69IaRppPgbO5aoB9YhyphenhyphenyNc27xQVivzviYGiA8nR2Zgskgke3FidUdRbP66JcIMK1yieVZ7kF5cun2506yvaOjgMeTgo53TeiiRJXOP_Ma7ClsuXipAen3C-VpiM93O9svd0884/s1600/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="272" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiirtcjr69IaRppPgbO5aoB9YhyphenhyphenyNc27xQVivzviYGiA8nR2Zgskgke3FidUdRbP66JcIMK1yieVZ7kF5cun2506yvaOjgMeTgo53TeiiRJXOP_Ma7ClsuXipAen3C-VpiM93O9svd0884/s1600/3.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">NEW YORK POST covers the GHOSTBUSTERS </td></tr> </tbody></table> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_EWCb2gYBDy0HBVlhVEmf5D7mohm7mqsepYMETYJCK7ZjPcc_AmiGdxqiLzrZ3Wt4NXMDyd2NHd3FNKGKyNmhW_fTWf-jS9aUxgPeyO97lYRqTseEGLzd5ks5ljRyrHFFkaPi1seKH9Q/s1600/4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_EWCb2gYBDy0HBVlhVEmf5D7mohm7mqsepYMETYJCK7ZjPcc_AmiGdxqiLzrZ3Wt4NXMDyd2NHd3FNKGKyNmhW_fTWf-jS9aUxgPeyO97lYRqTseEGLzd5ks5ljRyrHFFkaPi1seKH9Q/s1600/4.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Larry King covers the boys and TIME magazine too</td></tr> </tbody></table> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhclsNMUmT1u99whHmrlrqej7p6o7O7pUWlLJIoqxCCacCGam_EbKDb3L0YT5K5L1mW7iShCeqPQ2f9thRNUaS5pw1Wh94TtJQTNImwmbNMZ05smGx2XRRfkaf7g1daA4Y-VO-jHwp4_Jg/s1600/5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhclsNMUmT1u99whHmrlrqej7p6o7O7pUWlLJIoqxCCacCGam_EbKDb3L0YT5K5L1mW7iShCeqPQ2f9thRNUaS5pw1Wh94TtJQTNImwmbNMZ05smGx2XRRfkaf7g1daA4Y-VO-jHwp4_Jg/s1600/5.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Egon, the brain of the GHOSTBUSTERS, and OMNI Magazine</td></tr> </tbody></table> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGYvBYTHZlCuX0IAYRP3BtgIWhy6CO-97ILBTxGuUZNWUj-IUBOAUH0qx3J-mjay-9l_6dHnCEIHutZ7HnRlGNL9-feKKVPQdFEhXi49Ggfehpmmvt2d1fX9ue0rtv02ukqJttnXtB2lc/s1600/7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="264" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGYvBYTHZlCuX0IAYRP3BtgIWhy6CO-97ILBTxGuUZNWUj-IUBOAUH0qx3J-mjay-9l_6dHnCEIHutZ7HnRlGNL9-feKKVPQdFEhXi49Ggfehpmmvt2d1fX9ue0rtv02ukqJttnXtB2lc/s1600/7.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Go see GHOSTBUSTERS in theaters, or order the Blu Ray when that happens...</td></tr> </tbody></table> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_fnvzZ6kWTsIO9FIVDqd6z3NvvamKYhogixR5j97RNKz4Lvo9lnmsM_88nShkaBzL1AfwhlcMCqymBi11XP0Xb3wQLGpDg18zIKwQ7ptszZQFyO1dqfpt-6I_kVVAAN5HtKaSL-Xb8LQ/s1600/joe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_fnvzZ6kWTsIO9FIVDqd6z3NvvamKYhogixR5j97RNKz4Lvo9lnmsM_88nShkaBzL1AfwhlcMCqymBi11XP0Xb3wQLGpDg18zIKwQ7ptszZQFyO1dqfpt-6I_kVVAAN5HtKaSL-Xb8LQ/s1600/joe.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And last but not least, Joe Franklin: "How is Elvis, and have you seen him lately?"</td></tr> </tbody></table> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb9OoxoCeedALVZJt-FXqFIqLuCOeFWnmi_n6BHFIgRXasGD8ABbcM7lENBmrbAj0YKHoFX8MGABF-LXajs78blMzg4sXdSJ9dPs4_m5ZXRSU3zI7MDZBnLI7hhEOy58RNafwSb1CLzLU/s1600/di.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb9OoxoCeedALVZJt-FXqFIqLuCOeFWnmi_n6BHFIgRXasGD8ABbcM7lENBmrbAj0YKHoFX8MGABF-LXajs78blMzg4sXdSJ9dPs4_m5ZXRSU3zI7MDZBnLI7hhEOy58RNafwSb1CLzLU/s1600/di.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.cultfilmfreaks.com/2013/08/ghostbusters.html">Click here for a much better GHOSTBUSTERS article/review</a></td></tr> </tbody></table>

annie potts, bill murray, dan aykroyd, eighties, harold ramis, ivan reitman, sigourney weaver, william atherton

REMASTERED GREEN OF GHOSTBUSTERS

Ghosting in theaters again Insanity is described as doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results. So then, watchin...

HAROLD RAMIS DIRECTS ROBIN WILLIAMS FOR 'CLUB PARADISE'

<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJcdW1b7FXCmLXxCLGOlvgEfzX8S3iY_NY5z4bg2s5peG-RVOTnoSz2tX2YwxdHZlK2qPz4s4ADqKqAYG9yWYOA29f9moZrnuUFOUhP1CQ40fl3nFFwH0tIN3a8z5v-5gJz369diRWA9k/s1600/club_paradise_86_cinetext_b.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJcdW1b7FXCmLXxCLGOlvgEfzX8S3iY_NY5z4bg2s5peG-RVOTnoSz2tX2YwxdHZlK2qPz4s4ADqKqAYG9yWYOA29f9moZrnuUFOUhP1CQ40fl3nFFwH0tIN3a8z5v-5gJz369diRWA9k/s1600/club_paradise_86_cinetext_b.jpg" width="143" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><u>1986 rating: ***</u></td></tr> </tbody></table> <i>This post was written after the death of Harold Ramis and Peter O'Toole and reblogged in memory of Robin Williams... And we begin with Ramis, best known as the brainy third banana in GHOSTBUSTERS or Bill Murray’s reluctant sidekick in STRIPES... He was also a terrific comedy writer, co-scripting ANIMAL HOUSE, MEATBALLS, BACK TO SCHOOL, STRIPES and GHOSTBUSTERS... </i><i> </i><br /> <br /> <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt-dl3COntwljAU4qxPe7PPTi7YGBc7Nla-qUdJ3E47RLF8XonHoSsBbqgLv3UbWyUP9juN_0BbLbM4xxsJKgGIHSLyYvG0TfH6oIzgsqxhyphenhyphen-RP7tjO0USFT49i39Uv_XJ_dTBY79A5gPp/s1600/e745a05e63a1c57ee32cd9cb2d60fa13.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="462" data-original-width="322" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt-dl3COntwljAU4qxPe7PPTi7YGBc7Nla-qUdJ3E47RLF8XonHoSsBbqgLv3UbWyUP9juN_0BbLbM4xxsJKgGIHSLyYvG0TfH6oIzgsqxhyphenhyphen-RP7tjO0USFT49i39Uv_XJ_dTBY79A5gPp/s320/e745a05e63a1c57ee32cd9cb2d60fa13.jpg" width="223" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><u>Perhaps a Lawrence nod?</u></td></tr> </tbody></table> <i>Along with writing and acting, Ramis directed such quotable classics as CADDYSHACK and NATIONAL LAMPOON’S VACATION... </i><i> </i><br /> <br /> <i>But this particular vehicle from the mid-80's is both maligned and neglected: a dark horse comedy that never quite made a splash, or even a puddle<b>. </b>In fact, Robin Williams himself said he tried to "save it"... </i><br /> <br /> CLUB PARADISE stars Williams as Jack Moniker, a Chicago fireman injured in the literal line of fire, who goes into early retirement, residing within a small Caribbean island named St. Nicholas. It’s a strange premise and an even stranger side-cast including Jimmy Cliff as local musician Jimmy Reed, owner of a run down, tax burdened hotel, and Peter O’Toole... who around this time starred in a string of quirky light comedies including CREATOR, HIGH SPIRITS and MY FAVORITE YEAR... as Englishman Anthony Cloyden Hayes, who spends most of his time at the local pub seducing a pretty critic (Joanna Cassidy). <br /> <br /> <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDdvyzEytTDlSiFrZb_E9yegJRep-wHVnqVjhuhDWGjSejkcMF1HAbVmGqmpocEZW2TUVDjrc_zQgD9cM_GzvAR1afd4qjQbGdoMRnJzSvwke_SCk_YodXxLO4J1xvuKqKVhK1kTQDoAE/s1600/clubparadise.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDdvyzEytTDlSiFrZb_E9yegJRep-wHVnqVjhuhDWGjSejkcMF1HAbVmGqmpocEZW2TUVDjrc_zQgD9cM_GzvAR1afd4qjQbGdoMRnJzSvwke_SCk_YodXxLO4J1xvuKqKVhK1kTQDoAE/s1600/clubparadise.jpg" width="184" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><u>Williams and O'Toole</u></td></tr> </tbody></table> Robin’s Moniker helps Jimmy renovate the hotel, and some of the more involving scenes are in montage form as our underdog hero, with the help of girlfriend Phillipa (Twiggy), turns this molehill into a slightly neater looking molehill that, through misleading ads centered stateside, resembles a luxurious haven, and thus the plot’s underway…<br /> <br /> With an obvious attempt to tone down Robin Williams' frantic spontaneity while toning up his body, he's more of a leading man than a hyperactive clown, and with Cliff and O’Toole aside, this is an ensemble bringing together an assortment of Second City vets including Rick Moranis, Eugene Levy, Joe Flaherty and Andrea Martin  (the only one missing is John Candy, who was beachside in SUMMER RENTAL).<br /> <br /> Moranis and Levy are the Cheech and Chong of the group although they can't seem to score: After two sexy tourists ask the boys for local ganja, the unlucky duo travel around the back-beaches, searching and searching in vain... And after this "skit" plays out, Moranis winds up windsurfing, getting caught up in a hurricane. While Levy connects with a shy Mary Gross, we sporadically cut to Moranis lost at sea: Which is an attempt at a dependable, reoccurring punch-line since it's Rick Moranis after all...<br /> <br /> <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUDeMtNpXNuAwwjYH_SSPY83zXB5RFU3dnS97mioP1Mknnbp6GOhL_HGoLf7k2w8mlz8iByxFy3rLFPPdOHwvxuVeetlgorZMTBT2mfKnDYKClNmLpJbiessaHy82WZkM9Yx95HRIEgvk/s1600/2.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUDeMtNpXNuAwwjYH_SSPY83zXB5RFU3dnS97mioP1Mknnbp6GOhL_HGoLf7k2w8mlz8iByxFy3rLFPPdOHwvxuVeetlgorZMTBT2mfKnDYKClNmLpJbiessaHy82WZkM9Yx95HRIEgvk/s320/2.jpg" width="209" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><u>A Good Sign</u></td></tr> </tbody></table> Meanwhile, Andrea Martin and her grouchy husband, played by NEWHART grouch Steven Kampman, can’t catch a break inside their grungy room: Through this mundane couple we learn just how bad the hotel is. And Robin Williams, whilst battling local chieftain Adolf Caesar in a semi-serious subplot, has to run around making sure everything works perfectly: of course nothing does and predictable havoc ensues.<br /> <br /> CLUB PARADISE is a prime example of a comedy film that’s more entertaining than actually humorous. And the SCTV connection aside, it’s difficult attributing this particular vehicle to the Harold Ramis canon...<br /> <br /> Lacking the memorable one-liners of CADDYSHACK, the engaging adventure of VACATION or the delicious depth of GROUNDHOG DAY, perhaps the late "Buddha of Comedy" wanted to try something new, or to get a busman’s pass, filming in the Caribbean instead of Chicago or New York... Like his main character, he might have needed a break from the routine: who doesn't? Either way, this CLUB, while being far from PARADISE, isn't entirely shabby. Proving that even some of Harold's misfires were <a href="http://www.cultfilmfreaks.com/2013/03/moreentertainingthanfunny.html">at least somewhat entertaining</a>.

comedy, eighties, harold ramis, peter o'toole, robin williams

HAROLD RAMIS DIRECTS ROBIN WILLIAMS FOR 'CLUB PARADISE'

1986 rating: *** This post was written after the death of Harold Ramis and Peter O'Toole and reblogged in memory of Robin Williams.....

HAROLD RAMIS DIRECTS SEVERAL MICHAEL KEATONS IN MULTIPLICITY

<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSqTno9A2T_2dyrGZYOpmcjKhxu1MZ-kG89hn6rkH7rgJbax-sJyfNsa_5Yp03kt1rAkZ8ARx88B7uPsYxx12UqfNK3mBi_KGujGcZejsFgqc72_wUpd0sdNTesE6KbSwsLpDPO0Rsniw/s1600/1.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSqTno9A2T_2dyrGZYOpmcjKhxu1MZ-kG89hn6rkH7rgJbax-sJyfNsa_5Yp03kt1rAkZ8ARx88B7uPsYxx12UqfNK3mBi_KGujGcZejsFgqc72_wUpd0sdNTesE6KbSwsLpDPO0Rsniw/s1600/1.png" width="174" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">year: 1997</td></tr> </tbody></table> <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN31hSq1PwAvYAc6b8HdlZOWi53rqUnUxULgr5_dGy0VbaJ2-bm2eL-Tz6Z42YkTbfD-yTb7f-AwD8g9-wBOYVNuAT9NdM-2S-AusylFQTWw-Mmv34riyIBCSA-JDt0JUELm9FmDTwkQg/s1600/2.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN31hSq1PwAvYAc6b8HdlZOWi53rqUnUxULgr5_dGy0VbaJ2-bm2eL-Tz6Z42YkTbfD-yTb7f-AwD8g9-wBOYVNuAT9NdM-2S-AusylFQTWw-Mmv34riyIBCSA-JDt0JUELm9FmDTwkQg/s1600/2.png" width="154" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">rating: **1/2</td></tr> </tbody></table> In this Harold Ramis vehicle starring Michael Keaton, playing himself four times, we have a full blown reunion of the ANIMAL HOUSE writing staff… Which is impossible, since Douglas Kenney fell to his death in Hawaii over fifteen years prior… But Chris Miller, who wrote the original story and co-scripted MULTIPLICITY with hired hands Lowell Ganz and Babaloo Mandell, and whose real life college years were the inspiration for the 1978 frat classic, made sure his late friend got credit in that Keaton’s name is Doug Kinney... So with Ramis, Chris Miller and the DK moniker, this should be quite a toga party, right?<br /> <br /> Sorry, but we're dealing with grownups now... And with a grueling job as a frantic underling in an architect firm, and the father of a young son and neglected wife, Doug Kinney simply doesn’t have enough of himself to go around. Thus the setup to his busy treadmill existence is more involving than funny… Michael Keaton, after his ultra serious “I’m Batman” era and a few edgy roles including a one dimensional villain in PACIFIC HEIGHTS, doesn’t seem the comic natural anymore. At times it’s like he’s still in uptight drama mode… Which is where his human Xerox copies provide attempted potential for the once-witty actor to shine again.<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div> Let’s get the farfetched, science-fiction plot out of the way, quickly, since the movie does that as well: Doug winds up meeting a scientist who clones humans, and winds up making Doug another Doug: an aggressive Alpha Male that winds up taking over his job while the real thing enjoys bungee jumping, going to the ball game, and learning how to sail.<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjj21dSc3_hHNy0FSlXOSxGrlm4OwZTZsjb2hYtPsKKsWhxvhD2k3IJfRLQFCW9r4oy5PaIDsVACrsiULLNkVLyK7_NUCjJDVL4MCw0AWmMoZSg1f3oiNXdPsGz2A8SyrjB3pV6cA9ZLI/s1600/multiplic2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjj21dSc3_hHNy0FSlXOSxGrlm4OwZTZsjb2hYtPsKKsWhxvhD2k3IJfRLQFCW9r4oy5PaIDsVACrsiULLNkVLyK7_NUCjJDVL4MCw0AWmMoZSg1f3oiNXdPsGz2A8SyrjB3pV6cA9ZLI/s1600/multiplic2.jpg" width="240" /></a></div> Soon enough, still having to deal with the wife and kid, Doug gets another copy, who turns out a metrosexual homebody, thus providing the sloppy Alpha Male Oscar his own futsy Felix, both living secretly cramped inside a guest house… The only problem is that Nice Doug – who garners Keaton's best performance here, venturing outside his usual box – is so in touch with his feminine side that the real Doug's wife… played by GROUNDHOG DAY ingenue Andie MacDowell… is too cozy with this more sensitive man.<br /> <br /> Side-characters, including Eugene Levy as a flaky construction foreman and a few office jerks, are necessary to the plot yet add very little... It's really about that one cloned guy: some of the best scenes have the three Dougs going back and forth, bickering over schedules and whatever else is thrown their way, including a sexed up co-worker who takes to Alpha Doug with lusty passion...<br /> <br /> One restaurant scene, wherein the two Doug’s identities’ almost collide, is reminiscent of a THREE’S COMPANY episode: physical hijinks evolved around keeping a secret from the "straight" character. But dueling Keatons aside, the real star are the visuals: The special effects are impressive, far beyond the days when there had to be some kind of noticeable barrier between the twin actor or actress… In fact there are particular moments where the effects team shows off: like when Doug throws something that the other catches within the same frame, proving what can be accomplished with “modern” technology.<br /> <br /> The late Harold Ramis as director moves the story along pretty well, but the main problem is there aren’t that many genuine laughs… Not even when a third Doug is created: a borderline brain-dead basket case providing Keaton a chance to get downright goofy. And while he does loosen up the more copies are created, he overreaches here, trying desperately to make up for lost humor.<br /> <br /> Perhaps if a MR. MOM clone appeared, a guy who didn’t always need the right dialogue to be witty, there would be more to enjoy here: back then it took only one Michael Keaton to get the job done.<br /> <br /> <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOx8IIcAkOR9WYWEoddY-1y-6t4Nzy_geqht8WPr7ujrdtf8cWnsdRxYKptxSZXb-JhOem9cp2cxbsztRtsCsSNnrnPDjBsyKvGoKLxPEKMdWNGuhGToIFmOKd_BL4uXyU6mOaigVJNAk/s1600/jack_black_right_in_year_one__1712911010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="167" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOx8IIcAkOR9WYWEoddY-1y-6t4Nzy_geqht8WPr7ujrdtf8cWnsdRxYKptxSZXb-JhOem9cp2cxbsztRtsCsSNnrnPDjBsyKvGoKLxPEKMdWNGuhGToIFmOKd_BL4uXyU6mOaigVJNAk/s1600/jack_black_right_in_year_one__1712911010.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">year: 2009 rating: **</td></tr> </tbody></table> <b>Okay, so let's shoehorn in another Harold Ramis movie, and YEAR ONE was, sadly, his last directorial effort...</b><br /> <br /> Judging by the title, this seems like a prehistoric caveman comedy and winds up a full blown Biblical satire centering on Neanderthals: the parody partakes on the Tree of Knowledge, Cain and Able, Abraham's sacrifice and Sodom & Gomorah.<br /> <br /> The characters are like college slacker/virgin/losers who can't get girls or any respect, only with loin cloths instead of preppy shirts and pocket protectors. Jack Black is basically playing Jack Black without any really funny lines, and yet his blunt delivery sometimes works as he counters elfin-androgynous Michael Cera's Emo-passive, ultra-dry humor.<br /> <br /> This is the polar opposite of a date flick: full of gorgeous babes, dorky dudes, and raunchy Apatow-inspired jokes. And while director Harold Ramis (providing a cameo as Cain's father) had pretty much lost his touch, believe it or not he'd done much worse (like STUART SAVES HIS FAMILY). But as bad as the story can be, the characters become so involved within this world, you can't help but be somewhat entertained by the spectacle. Perhaps the late director should be given credit for that miracle alone.

andie macdowell, brian doyle murray, chris miller, comedy, douglas kenney, eugene levy, harold ramis, harris yulin, michael keaton, nineties

HAROLD RAMIS DIRECTS SEVERAL MICHAEL KEATONS IN MULTIPLICITY

year: 1997 rating: **1/2 In this Harold Ramis vehicle starring Michael Keaton, playing himself four times, we have a full blown reun...

BILL MURRAY & HAROLD RAMIS WITH PJ SOLES IN STRIPES

<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh23Aky-sR9O1cJUWVoo0pv9pvkCp70QP1IgE21RVSLJx4lozKnLks-N9xuNH9Z4OEJBRNqWmgUNJYNXpBQB6wngnGD86ot4EjgpsxW6hulxYegS-YxHUQfXFPH_qcg6FYlueSf7jDF1QU/s1600/d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh23Aky-sR9O1cJUWVoo0pv9pvkCp70QP1IgE21RVSLJx4lozKnLks-N9xuNH9Z4OEJBRNqWmgUNJYNXpBQB6wngnGD86ot4EjgpsxW6hulxYegS-YxHUQfXFPH_qcg6FYlueSf7jDF1QU/s320/d.jpg" width="196" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><u>Harold Ramis as Zitsky</u></td></tr> </tbody></table> <div style="text-align: left;"> </div> <i>"That’s my favorite kind of acting," PJ Soles said in a Cult Film Freak interview, "when something’s real and the responses are real and, you know, Bill led the way and I followed."<b> </b></i><br /> <br /> <div style="text-align: right;"> </div> <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2pJflK_NnrAMTgPc0JR364DPooDPPf47x92u73ZOovArIhKihRp4vuEu2eBX33xbTjhU0bFb44lG1UdPyVIrzE7qHeBKMr66LQ_qWxcAYT_jothyzSiwd-mXJ-nAGF_iR5ecmLDwRMzc/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2pJflK_NnrAMTgPc0JR364DPooDPPf47x92u73ZOovArIhKihRp4vuEu2eBX33xbTjhU0bFb44lG1UdPyVIrzE7qHeBKMr66LQ_qWxcAYT_jothyzSiwd-mXJ-nAGF_iR5ecmLDwRMzc/s320/1.jpg" width="205" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px; text-align: center;"><u>Bill Murray as Winger</u></td></tr> </tbody></table> After MEATBALLS, director Ivan Reitman and Bill Murray filmed STRIPES, starring Murray and Harold Ramis, who co-wrote the summer camp comedy and between both films directed Bill in the now legendary golfing venture CADDYSHACK…<br /> <br /> In STRIPES, when Bill Murray’s John Winger, attempting to prove to his best friend Russell Ziskey, played by Harold Ramis, that he isn’t too old and/or out of shape to join the military, after completing only several trudging sit-ups, Ramis quips: "I think you're ready for the Special Olympics!” Well if not that, the Army, where Winger decides to go after having enough of a nowhere existence, and being dumped by his hot blonde girlfriend, who feels John’s antics just aren’t “cute anymore.” One of the funniest scenes (embedded below) involves the two friends in the recruitment office, awkwardly answering a particular question long before the <i>Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell</i> era… "We're not homosexual... But we are willing to learn."<br /> <br /> <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWwEtKDX_1F3fYa8cBmo75cPfUWof1IhRZRq7ilFWWyTwfml4-bKom8qoKThfXcUGlP3_q1CGeL5NY2MiZejMkHBrBLahB8bbg1F6i7JAk9s3pL2KVwMz9qgGeL_xrfaQiPfGOjQhOtk_X/s1600/87496_full.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="554" data-original-width="204" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWwEtKDX_1F3fYa8cBmo75cPfUWof1IhRZRq7ilFWWyTwfml4-bKom8qoKThfXcUGlP3_q1CGeL5NY2MiZejMkHBrBLahB8bbg1F6i7JAk9s3pL2KVwMz9qgGeL_xrfaQiPfGOjQhOtk_X/s400/87496_full.jpg" width="146" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><u>Damn we love PJ</u></td></tr> </tbody></table> <div style="text-align: left;"> </div> Since Bill Murray is usually the endearing, independent rogue, it’s often missed that STRIPES really is a bonafide buddy comedy. Throughout the boot camp classic, Ramis is right by Murray’s side – they even hook up with two lady MPs together. <br /> <br /> <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8nVdBx569LmtO3qFmyAok3zIzZscjeW1IJlPBf5x0Dwkc6U5sMr0Zs6sT7ywKY48yaLkMPSI9T8roGaBaYliyudC-8Ej7cTX9q8J_jC0slYX62xbRmUaatndL39VIn0YwaFJdYkCyJX4/s1600/2.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8nVdBx569LmtO3qFmyAok3zIzZscjeW1IJlPBf5x0Dwkc6U5sMr0Zs6sT7ywKY48yaLkMPSI9T8roGaBaYliyudC-8Ej7cTX9q8J_jC0slYX62xbRmUaatndL39VIn0YwaFJdYkCyJX4/s1600/2.jpg" width="289" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><u>PJ Soles recalls STRIPES with Bill Murray</u></td></tr> </tbody></table> <span style="background-color: white;"><u>Winger’s girl, Stella, is played by ROCK N' ROLL HIGH SCHOOL and HALLOWEEN starlet PJ SOLES, who recalls a sequence with Murray, along with Sean Young and Harold Ramis, when they use the general’s house for their own personal enjoyment… </u></span><br /> <br /> <i>Our scene that ended up being in the kitchen was outside, on a hill, looking at fireworks, and we were supposed to be going into the big kiss but instead, it was three o’ clock in the morning… </i><br /> <i><br /></i> <i>We were in Westwood. It was getting late. They shot Harold and Sean’s scene… their little love scene. And Ivan was, “Uh, I don’t know, we have to show somehow that you guys like each other. We’re gonna have to do something inside because we can’t go outside now, it’s too late. We can’t have lights outside. It’s a neighborhood.”  </i><br /> <br /> <i>We were talking in the kitchen… And Bill opens the refrigerator and takes out a carrot. And I just looked at him and said, “What are you gonna do with that?” And Ivan just said, “Bring the camera in here. Let’s roll it.” And we shot that in literally twenty minutes. With coverage and everything. And I love that. It’s one of my favorite all-time scenes and because of the fact it just happened so automatically.</i><br /> <br /> <div style="text-align: left;"> </div> <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGgSOjhqbUpg2HXcYR_DNS6Q_O8NkiAlIwpHIBqTBgE2fgzF4qPhIy9XgSiVcp9n5rv3J5-VfjXjK0mhviigvIBc4JpHwp9Ncdm4zzicLg-Rk1gdbPl240typMwImKhGjLmbOUqxehmAM/s1600/bill_murray-stripes1981-1340.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGgSOjhqbUpg2HXcYR_DNS6Q_O8NkiAlIwpHIBqTBgE2fgzF4qPhIy9XgSiVcp9n5rv3J5-VfjXjK0mhviigvIBc4JpHwp9Ncdm4zzicLg-Rk1gdbPl240typMwImKhGjLmbOUqxehmAM/s320/bill_murray-stripes1981-1340.jpg" width="228" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><u>Conrad Dunn at Psycho</u></td></tr> </tbody></table> And yet, STRIPES is not all fun and games. The opening twenty minutes, showing Murray’s downfall as a taxi driver, his breakup and the enevitable game-changing decision, has the somber cadence of a movie that’s not relying on joke-a-minute laughs. Winger is a real guy with real troubles, and has no idea what he’s getting into…<br /> <br /> <div style="text-align: right;"> </div> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6fsRbgycrRE9tQgHmXXZV7D1Vx11-mbLJLO8Jip4jUm6o-roDtJI9SdMX9inHA44C2aMaFfc0jkvOAD9T2fg-fbArSxQ8cV_Qw5-Ap6pHzFRuOgM4YdIXx2semsNrIhA4PEJq7o_XrYjG/s1600/maxresdefault.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="485" data-original-width="150" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6fsRbgycrRE9tQgHmXXZV7D1Vx11-mbLJLO8Jip4jUm6o-roDtJI9SdMX9inHA44C2aMaFfc0jkvOAD9T2fg-fbArSxQ8cV_Qw5-Ap6pHzFRuOgM4YdIXx2semsNrIhA4PEJq7o_XrYjG/s400/maxresdefault.jpg" width="122" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><u>HulkaMania!</u></td></tr> </tbody></table> Some great performances came out of the dire situation of two completely inept friends stuck in the hellish Boot Camp, including one scene leading up to the romantic tryst PJ Soles recollected...<br /> <br /> <div style="text-align: right;"> </div> When Winger attempts to go AWOL and Ramis’s Russell chases him outside the barracks, the two have it out, arguing intensely surrounded by ominous tanks...<br /> <br /> Murray and Ramis are quite funny together, but they can get down and dirty too. There’s a real edge to their chemistry here... And in films before and after, Ramis wrote many of the characters that made Bill Murray an icon.<br /> <br /> <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvhmp4HP9eFvreV-kQbKxldJSIpwQ-uUpJ3E0hiXeT5Xdhs8jBug86ufCdD5-RSgCVGjuaUiWLLyqr7y3JcLcyjc-U9GKDwy2Qa-DVNA0yx05qwjpI8JwkKku8wXuIU1yjdI7ITqc5Os6U/s1600/Screen+Shot+2017-10-26+at+12.21.28+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1031" data-original-width="560" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvhmp4HP9eFvreV-kQbKxldJSIpwQ-uUpJ3E0hiXeT5Xdhs8jBug86ufCdD5-RSgCVGjuaUiWLLyqr7y3JcLcyjc-U9GKDwy2Qa-DVNA0yx05qwjpI8JwkKku8wXuIU1yjdI7ITqc5Os6U/s320/Screen+Shot+2017-10-26+at+12.21.28+PM.jpg" width="173" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px; text-align: center;"><u>This should be real!</u></td></tr> </tbody></table> One of the great character-actors from the 1970’s, Warren Oates, playing the gruff Sgt. Hulka, inserts an edgy brand of realism throughout the comedic proceedings. One scene that brings out intense acting on Murray's part has Hulka and Winger meeting alone in the barracks bathroom... Hulka takes off his helmet and challenges Winger to punch him in the gut, off the record. In this scene a subliminal connection occurs between the two loggerheads. Meanwhile, Oates' edgy dynamic is countered by John Larroquette who, playing the doofus Captain Stillman, is truly the unlikable antagonist and plays more for the zaniness of the picture.<br /> <br /> <div style="text-align: right;"> </div> <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4OMjys8TI0pHhjaHSP3QAsECJLRIcQIMJjrrBqzwJXl4sd0S-U95hTgOExOIuUSk0IKCtFt_YDIG8mabMRNuoAUyyxjoV-j8lMqK1SOHX-0Zc1tBGTDZs-x41zJ-NshvKzBlbWZihqZ4/s1600/bill_murray-stripes1981-2210.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4OMjys8TI0pHhjaHSP3QAsECJLRIcQIMJjrrBqzwJXl4sd0S-U95hTgOExOIuUSk0IKCtFt_YDIG8mabMRNuoAUyyxjoV-j8lMqK1SOHX-0Zc1tBGTDZs-x41zJ-NshvKzBlbWZihqZ4/s320/bill_murray-stripes1981-2210.jpg" width="317" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><u>RIP for Harold Ramis on 2/24/2014</u></td></tr> </tbody></table> John Candy’s Ox is the endearing scene-stealer, and winds up, during the troop's night out, mud wrestling a bevy of babes... But let’s shed some light on a few wonderful character actors, including John Diehl as the dimwitted Cruiser, who has played everything from a vice cop to a psychotic… Speaking of which, one of the most memorable rants comes from Conrad Dunn's Francis <i>Psycho</i> Sawyer: “Now, any of you homos touch me, and I’ll kill ya,” he growls during the troop's initial introduction. Leading to Hulka’s now iconic reply, “Lighten up, Francis.” <br /> <br /> <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQABHmSVdN9Ln6LumJECiFcCZxPcLk_XJNgH5pb3l4Qmg-gaD4VU6r9spi8mvo5gL34QNfFo6HCDugNJCbgi2juId0QP4iaNcQ35oHlrYu0OWqOGFMgeuc-t-TFpJJNA9qKYYncKJ3mvi3/s1600/Screen+Shot+2017-10-26+at+12.14.55+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1099" data-original-width="418" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQABHmSVdN9Ln6LumJECiFcCZxPcLk_XJNgH5pb3l4Qmg-gaD4VU6r9spi8mvo5gL34QNfFo6HCDugNJCbgi2juId0QP4iaNcQ35oHlrYu0OWqOGFMgeuc-t-TFpJJNA9qKYYncKJ3mvi3/s320/Screen+Shot+2017-10-26+at+12.14.55+PM.jpg" width="121" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><u>StripesScore: ****</u></td></tr> </tbody></table> While a majority of the film occurs at Boot Camp, the film suffers <i>after</i> the troop passes a last-minute drill test, and, being sent overseas, Winger and Ziskey, along with Stella and Sean Young's Louise, steal an all-terrain recreational vehicle and wind up having to rescue their fellow soldiers, who had gone after them (mind you, Hulka <i>never</i> gets captured). This segment is awkward, way too long and not very funny, but STRIPES is the quintessential military comedy no matter… Even the flaws pass muster… And “That’s the fact, Jack!”<br /> <br /> Like ANIMAL HOUSE, Elmer Bernstein's music plays for theme more than laughs. The piano bar riff embodying Winger's lazy countenance aside, a triumphant score blares throughout, as if part of a genuine gung ho war feature (yet also reminiscent of Berstein's patriotic marching romp from Steven Spielberg's zany 1941)...<br /> <br /> This allows the humor to subtly intrude upon the gritty location, which is a character in itself: Harboring two buddies (and real life creative partners continuing in GHOSTBUSTERS and GROUNDHOG DAY) who will always be remembered within the high ranks of cinematic glory.

army, bill murray, comedy, eighties, harold ramis, interview, ivan reitman, john candy, pj soles, warren oates

BILL MURRAY & HAROLD RAMIS WITH PJ SOLES IN STRIPES

Harold Ramis as Zitsky "That’s my favorite kind of acting," PJ Soles said in a Cult Film Freak interview, "when somethi...