Change Your Image
fantasmic1971
Special promoter, "Cinema Insomnia" 2006 - PRESENT
Music Promoter, Ron Dante Entertainment
Ratings
Most Recently Rated
Reviews
Cherry Pop (2017)
Funny moments, funny people, but the lead ... read.
SPOILER WARNING!!!
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
A 79-minute introspection of the backstage goings-on with a company of female impersonators as they prepare for that evening's performance. From the start of the movie, the story is interrupted by a call-bell sound, signaling that an unseen narrator (during a freeze-frame, and we find out who this narrator is later, and then we find out that ANYONE can be a narrator, but I digress) is going to give an account of each character in the story, presumably because we, the viewer, need more than the on-screen action to familiarize ourselves with who we are seeing. And it's annoying. The narrator sounds as if he is reading from a book. And I didn't like the feeling of being read-to. I wanted to watch --and then establish on my own-- who these people are and what they're all about. I didn't need to be told what so-and-so did in the early stages of their life, and why it brought said whomever to this room, on this very night. That had nothing to do with the queen who had barricaded herself in the other room, lamenting over the loss of her dearly departed and deep in the throes of a major mental breakdown. I also forgot about the information the narrator gave us about each characters backstory because, well... it had nothing to do with what we were watching.
Moving forward ...
A character throws-up in this movie. YUCKY! I always hate that. Always! That is never cute, or nice, or funny, or ...anything I ever want to ever see in a movie ever. Ever!
!!!Ever!!!
Also, this movie teaches us (and we already knew this, but you know) drag queens lip-sync to music with extremely vulgar lyrics. All of them. I mean every song! What show director in their right mind would be okay with this? That's like everyone that night just happened to come to work prepared to do a Celine Dion ballad. Nope! Change your music or go home. I mean, I don't mind a little schlock, but this was schlock for schlock's sake. That's like rhyming the word "go" with "go", and we all know how Dorothy felt about that when Rose did it. Clear. ...just a sec. Did these girls really only have to do one song? And one show a night? What bar doesn't have their girls do three songs a show, two shows a night? I need to take a break ...
I'm back, with the LIKEYS AND NICEYS: I liked (practically) every character in this movie. The DJ was a hoot -- so silly. Like. Even the shirtless bartender and his controlling colleague. They worked. Like. The big-mouth fan who didn't pay for his drink, the two people who sat with Miss Cutie's Mom during the show, the woman who barged-in and pulled Big-Mouth out ... like. The Bouncer, the Tow Truck Guy, the rest ... like. They were all good. Only, the "Cherry" ... I did not connect-with, or sympathize-for, him. Because I did not believe in the performance of the person portraying him. Now, really, the writing was fine - the idea was fine. It was the actor (and I'm sorry to be so, you know) but he just didn't sell his character to me. He always gave the impression that he was rehearsing and not performing. Acting like he was acting. His eyes distracted me too ... like he was watching whatever was happening in the background, because I wondered if he was. Now to be fair, for a brief moment, when he was consoling Miss Ariella hottie in the powder room, I almost kinda sorta started to think that maybe just a teensy weensy bit this guy might be going somewhere with his performance. But then --no.
Misty Violet ... WOW!!! That's who I was watching and I don't care WHO knows! Someone needs to write this earth-angel a heel-wearing-blair-witch-something-buddy-cop-sorta-spaceshipcaptain-type-thing because I REALLY want to see what this sexy muthafuqah can do!!!
OH! Miss Thing in the gold dress was dynamite!!! SO FUNNY - Luv'd her! She needs her own movie too. With Misty. Yes, those two. My favorites. Netflix series. Needs to happen. WAIT! Who was the Jane Jetson with the Rubypolitan hair writing or reading those monologues? Because she was adorbs, too. Yes, those three. Somebody write something for them as funny semi-drivers hauling bootleg Coors to Texarkana or I don't know what, but quickly, thanks!
Everyone else ... HAY!!! Just not the Cherry. Sorry. And that's all I feel like writing now because, you know, I'm at work and all.
Bionic Ever After? (1994)
Final in Trilogy of Bionic TV Movies
Steve and Jamie are back in action again...reluctantly, as everything that can go wrong, does go wrong, putting a quick-halt to their long-awaited wedding. It was fun to see favorite characters again, regardless of their ages. And the pace of this film was a little better than the previous disaster, "Bionic Showdown". Here, Jamie's bionics start to break down, and no one knows why. Steve also re-enlists with the OSI to rescue a kidnapped agent. Okay - now, enter Rudy Wells to, if he can, solve the Jamie Sommers bionic mystery in fifteen minutes or less. A few bionic surprises at the end of the movie looked very interesting ...even exciting. Sadly, that was all we ever got, as this, it seems, would be the last time we'd ever see Steve and Jamie (played by Majors and Wagoner) again. The final scene of this movie tied up the long-running series nicely, and there was a funny last-line spoken by Majors. So, all in all, as this may not have been the greatest set of movies, we got what we got, so you might as well just say "thank you" and be happy. The original Six Million Dollar Man and The Bionic Woman television series was always a blast to watch in the '70s ...and they're still fun, to this day, to re-watch and enjoy! (And no. I did not enjoy the Bionic Woman remake/re-envisioning series. I always felt they catastrophically miscast Jamie Sommers - and the addition of the bratty sister was another colossal mistake. But it usually is when writers, for some reason, feel they have to add kids in an adult action/drama story.) I would, however, be more than willing to give the franchise another chance, should they ever decide to remake The Six Million Dollar Man. The Bionic Woman should be included in that show. That's what a fan of the series would like to see. Great fantasy stories mixed with current events would be nice as well - like, don't be afraid to have Steve fight a mythical creature, as he did in the original series. Remember, that Bigfoot episode is probably the most popular. That, and Death probe. Just stay away from dating-woes and bratty kid issues. Nobody cares who Steve & Jamie's recently orphaned half-brother/sister is...even if he or she is a goth-wannabe and a brilliant computer hacker who 4 episodes later suddenly reveals they're a black belt in karate too and they also know how to unlock any lock with the spiral part of their spiral notebook and other MacGyver so-whats!
My Name Is Bruce (2007)
Not Evil Dead 4...not really, anyway, but still big-time fun!
A quick what's-it-about: In 1870-something, these Chinese people die in a mine, but this bean-curd eating ninja-spirit watches over the final resting place. Flash foreword to present day, and everything's cool until this kid messes around and wakes the ninja-spirit, who starts cutting people's heads off. Thankfully, the kid is like the worlds biggest Bruce Campbell fan. A bat over the head later, and Bruce is whisked away to a one-horse town to fight the ninja-spirit...only Bruce thinks it's all pretend. This movie works best for fans of Campbell (if you've never heard of him, a lot of the lines in this movie just won't have the desired effect: "Gimme some sugar, baby", "boomstick", and the like) but still has quite a bit for youngsters and civilians who need to catch up on their movie-watching. Campbell is, naturally, superb here; great one-liners, great action-comedy mingled with the macabre. If you've seen the Evil Dead movie series or like Bruce Campbell even a little bit, then this one's for you. The ninja-spirit-thing is a little corny, but who cares. We needed this movie. Bring on more! And if you haven't seen Bubba Ho-Tep, rent than movie too, order some pizza, invite the gang over and watch it.
Sette uomini d'oro nello spazio (1979)
A Must See...to be believed!!!
Have plenty of crackers ready for all this cheese. This movie is for the person who loves those late-night public access horror hosted shows. In fact, it's a safe bet that's the only way you'll ever see this movie. It's that bad.
But that's what makes it so great! Hokey dialog, corny special effects and cardboard sets, along with some of the dingiest background music (and theme song) you're likely to ever hear. Add that to the cartoon-sounding sound effects and you've got a worse-than-Starcrash movie that'll satisfy any B-movie fan! UPDATE: This movie, believe it or not, has been released on DVD. The copy is as bad as the movie, but if you can find it in the dollar bin, there you go!
Star Trek: Hidden Frontier (2000)
Fun For Trek Fans
Star Trek Hidden Frontier will surprise you in many ways. First, it's a fan made series, available only on the web, and it features mainly friends & neighbors who have the computer programs and home video cameras and sewing machines to, as Mickey & Judy once put it, put on a show. It's definitely friends & neighbors to... you can tell. A lot of these people aren't the most beautiful looking folks you've ever seen, or the youngest, or the thinnest
some of them stumble through their lines like they're walking on marbles
some of them have thick accents which makes it very difficult to understand what they're saying. Still, you have to admit, the show is fun to watch. Yes, some of the dialogue is hokey. Yes, it's a little odd (though admittedly a little cool too) watching two Starfleet males kiss (some of the kissing scenes seem to go on a bit too long.) Yes, you cringe a bit when they clearly quote from ST:TOS, TNG, other shows and the movies, or when you hear the theme from Galaxy Quest played at the beginning and end of every show. But we can get past that. Why? The graphics are very good. Better than almost anything you've seen. And sometimes, a show or two really stands out story-wise
some of them are actually real tear-jerkers.
Hidden Frontier is a total guilty pleasure in every sense of the word
but you have to give the people involved credit where credit is due. It takes a lot of effort to put on a production of this magnitude. People, sets, costumes, graphics
so I watch, I return, and I thank them.
The Fox and the Hound 2 (2006)
Better Than I Expected
Actually, this film was more fun to watch than the original, which was very slow at times. This new feature, Fox and the Hound 2, with the exception of one very clunker-song, "Hound Dudes" was very good. It deserved a theatrical release, really, instead of the being dumped into the direct-to-video market.
Reba McEntire was just as funny in this film as she was playing Heather Gummer, the gun-crazy wife of Burt Gummer in Tremmors. And Jeff Foxworthy (Lyle) did a good job as well. Buy this movie and add it to your Disney collection. It's much better than all those other "part two's" we've been made to suffer through from Disney (Lady/Tramp2, Hunchback2, Mermaid2, and so on...)
Cinema Insomnia with Mr. Lobo (2001)
Spacetastic Fun for All Your TV-time Adventures!
In the tradition of Elvira, Svengoolie, The Ghoul and others, comes a new Horror Host that's got movies to share. Not bad movies, just misunderstood. I am speaking, of course, of Sacramento's own Mr. Lobo.
Put simply, this guy's got talent. Not only does he know how to work a TV audience, but he's got laughs mixed with insight that holds through for a full 2hr television program.
For each show, the movie sets the theme. Then, the show is wrapped around the movie. I mean, the show actually follows as if Mr. Lobo himself, who is hosting the movie, is actually experiencing the movie right along with you. Creatures and characters come to life and visit him in the world that each movie creates every week. Situatuons and events invite the audience to "play along" by constructing various whosits or whatsis so that you, the viewer, may better experience that experience which is Cinema Insomnia.
This show is a one of a kind gem / has something for everyone / fun for the entire family.
Fantasmic1971
Battlestar Galactica (2003)
First rate / Characters you love / GREAT SHOW
I'm an original BSG fan. When I was a kid and I knew it was coming on, I'd run inside to watch the show. Now, my mom and Dan weren't crazy about it and usually tried to change the channel, but I made the attempt and watched what I could in first run. In later years, I rented tapes at the video stores and caught the reruns whenever ch. 32 in Chicago aired them.
When I heard about this new series, and when I heard about some of the changes, I wasn't sure if I was going to like it or not.
I loved it! Deep into season 2 now and I still love it! I also find myself really caring about the characters on the show too. When they're in trouble, I get nervous. When they're hurt, I feel sad.
Every week I have a new favorite character. How cool is that?! I haven't felt like this about a TV show since Star Trek Voyager. I loved that show too and I place this one right up there with that one, although I think the Cylons could definitely kick the Borg's butt!
Star Trek: New Voyages (2004)
Creative, fun to watch sci-fi.
The folks at Cow Creek deserve all the praise they're getting. They're really putting together some very fun stories to watch.
I'm also glad for New Voyages because it has much more heart than anything Paramount has been asking fans to accept for the past three years. New Voyages reminded me of the reason I loved Star Trek to begin with, and kudos to E-Rod, Fontana & Koenig for going along for the ride. I hope other TOS actors take notice of this rich, new series as well...what a great stage to Bring Back Kirk this would be!
Are you listening, Mr. Shatner?
So many of us out here hope so before another 11 years go by!
Shoot or Be Shot (2002)
Great Vehicle for Shatner
Shatner & Hamlin are the reasons to watch this film. Tim Thomerson (Trancers movie series) has a bit part in the film that's worth the watch too. Everyone else pretty much bunks. William Shatner has one of the most original and funny lines in this film that I have ever heard in any movie...period. You'll know it when you hear it...it's pound-the-floor funny! Shatner's comic timing is right-on. Should he continue to make movies, he needs to do more movies like this. Harry Hamlin was also great as a sleazeball movie producer. Really, you don't have to be a fan of either Shatner or Hamlin to enjoy this film. It's only 90 minutes, the pace is relatively quick (for the most part)...and I'll say it again, William Shatner is funny!
Christmas Vacation 2: Cousin Eddie's Island Adventure (2003)
Sucked On So Many Levels
Someone must have owed someone a favor, because that's the only way this film could have been made. Yes, it's nice to see Eddie Johnson and his family again, and the characters have been funny in the past. Not this time. The production value was low, the dialogue was trite, the jokes were predictable, and the only thing "holiday" about this movie was that they kept reminding the viewer that it was supposed to be Christmas time. This is not a holiday classic. This is not a good film to watch at Christmas time. This is not a good movie. I'm also a little tired with seeing new actors playing familiar characters with every "Griswold" chapter in the Lampoon's series. I mean, come on... Dana Barron is the fourth person to play Audrey now. Time to give this series a rest, WB.
The Brady Bunch in the White House (2002)
Here's the story...
Mike Brady makes it into the office of Presidency because the President elect (just seconds before accepting office) runs out. Literally. There's a little laugh as we're treated to a super-imposed Bush & Clinton in the background, but that's about the best this solid gold pooper has to offer.
It really is sad to see a good film series come to this. I know it happens, just look at what became of the Police Academy series. It's just too bad good money has to be wasted like this. (I mean my 20 dollars buying the thing, because I was thrilled to see another Brady Bunch movie after all this time. What a let down!)
They couldn't even get kids who looked as much like their alter egos as the first two films did. I mean, come on... these new kids were probably related to someone who financed the thing. That's how bad they were.
At least Shelley Long & Gary Cole stayed on board. They're always great. But the rest? Good grief!!
There was also way too much music in this film. It got uncomfortable to watch after a while. A short song is okay, but three?? Come on. We know the Brady's sang... we don't need to be reminded every film!
If the producers have run the well dry... if this is the best they can come up with... cheaply-filmed (it looked like videotape), amateur hour film school garbage, than just hang it up!
Embryo (1976)
Okay but not great
I just saw this film for the first time now. The film has a weird intro with the opening credits playing over pictures of unborn fetus's. That was a little uncomfortable to watch but I sat through the rest anyways.
It's a little slow at times, but all in all it's not too bad. The ending is a little over the top but can still give you chills.
If you've never seen it & you're a movie buff, sure...watch it. Otherwise, it's not really one for the young crowd.
Star Trek: Nemesis (2002)
Great Looking Film... similar A & B Storyline
This film had a problem: the A & B story lines were virtually the same. People really don't like that when watching a movie. And it makes the writers look dumb. STORYLINE A: Picard has a clone. He's a meanie who wants to start a war. STORYLINE B: There's yet another Data-android. This one isn't as smart as our hero Data on the Enterprise. Sound interesting? Not really. This film totally bombed at the box office too. It was another one of those low-budget, the-fans-will-watch-anything Star Trek movies that Paramount, once again, believed they could dump on the fans. Well, this time, we fought back and just didn't give them the numbers. The movie failed, and deservedly so. We want smart Trek again. We want something to watch that's not what we've seen over and over on the small screen. A Trek movie should have a monster size budget, it should show on the screen, and incorporate some of the best writers in the business. Best directors too, not just friends-of-friends or drinking buddies that you owe favors to.
Elvira's Haunted Hills (2001)
Great fan fun!
I just bought the DVD of Elvira's Haunted Hills today. Elvira's one of my favorite horror hosts (her and Svengoolie). We sure did wait a long time for this movie, and I'm glad to see it finally got made. Some of the sets in this film were really first-rate, and the hokey one-liners can still crack anyone up.
The DVD transfer was very good, both sound & video. There are lots of cool extras on the disc too, including "The Making Of Elvira's Haunted Hills" featurette; Interview with co-star Richard O'Brien and the Original theatrical trailer.
Elvira's Haunted Hills is a lot of fun - you'll enjoy this movie!
Children of the Living Dead (2001)
Started out good - ended up dumb!
I'm a big zombie-movie fan. They're just good, scary fun. This movie started out like it was on the right track, and almost seemed like it was going to be something of a continuation of the "Night of the Living Dead" series. Well, about 15 minutes into the movie, the acting started to get really bad with the addition of new characters. So many silly scenes followed, and the zombies suddenly became more laughable than scary.
I almost fell out of my chair at the end of the movie when one of the characters (who was explaining what was going on to another character) said something like... there was this Venus space probe that crashed back on Earth in '67. Then, it all started again in '86. Now... it's happening again...
A direct reference to the Living Dead series, but this film doesn't do that series any credit. It isn't totally bad, but it won't be one of your favorites. At least it's so-not one of mine. Not recommended. Skip it. Leave it in the 2-for-a-dollar-rack at the video store.
Hellraiser: Inferno (2000)
Utterly useless addition to series
The previous movie in the series (Hellraiser 4 : Bloodline) took place in the distant future, and pinhead was supposedly killed. This film, Hellraiser : Inferno (part 5 in the series) has us back in the present, telling a tale about another unfortunate victim of the puzzle box.
This story adds nothing to the cannon of the series. Moreover, the character "Pinhead" is only in the film for (maybe) five minutes. The entire movie focuses around a dirty cop who has to contend with other demons conjured up by the puzzle box.
This movie, as a whole, doesn't suck... but it's not what fans watch a Hellraiser movie for. If for any reason you never see this movie, it really would not matter. It's completely pointless and does not add to the storyline or explain anything from the series in any way. It's a shame this storyline was approved for filming. It's like that Halloween 3 movie - pointless to the series.
Pay It Forward (2000)
It's worth a view...
Just saw the movie for the first time. It's okay. HJO is a remarkable actor for one so young. The only thing I find a little unsettling about him (and this may not be his fault) is how every character he plays seems to have these long, repeated moments where he seems to have this blank look on is face. It gets old after a while. One almost wants to snap one's fingers to bring him out of it. However, as I stated, the directors most likely make him do that (for whatever reason). Oh well, when he get's a little older hopefully he'll put a stop to that. Otherwise, he's top notch.
Shaft (2000)
Interest-keeping action film.
I'm only in my late 20's, so I was too young to enjoy the original Shaft films on the big screen. Actually, I'd never even seen any of the Shaft films until last month. Having just watched the new film, I'm very pleased. The story was compelling, the action was constant - it's a great film and I'll be adding it to my DVD collection soon. Can't wait for another Shaft movie!
Chicken Run (2000)
Better than I thought
Okay, when I saw the trailer in the theater for this movie I thought it would be beyond stupid. I ended up buying the DVD anyway because it was on sale and I collect DVD's. (Yes, I have a few DVD's that I don't like because of this). However, Chicken Run is not one of them. I was pleasantly surprised with this film and will most likely watch it again sometime soon. Don't let the name steer you away from seeing this film. I thought it was a dumb title and thought it'd be a dumb movie. It's great, lots of good laughs. Mel Gibson made a surprisingly funny chicken. Trust me, take a chance with this one.
Disneyland: Earth Star Voyager: Part 1 (1988)
Okay Disney SciFi flick
This would make fun fan-fiction ... hello fan-fiction writers! Start writing, please!!!
I too watched (and recorded) this when it was on TV back in '88. Believe it or not, I still have the video tape. I found it again by accident recently and decided to watch it just for fun. It's a little more corny than I remember it, but still fun. The films biggest problem is all the boyfriend/girlfriend worrying the young crew does. The viewer gets real tired of that really fast! The computer voice was hokey as well.
This isn't a widely remembered film, and I've never seen it re-aired. It might work if it was remade, the general plot of the story wasn't bad. It's just one of those made-for-TV '80s films from the Disney Sunday Movie era that ran once and now sits rotting in their vaults. Shame.
Mad Max 2 (1981)
Still Mad!
I just saw this movie again tonight after not having seen it since it was new. I was 10 when it came out, and it was one of the first non "G" rated films I was allowed to watch. I liked it then and I still do. The car chase at the end is still better than anything they schlep out today. This film holds up after almost 20 years. Gosh, that would make me almost -- never mind. I bought the DVD and it's a clear transfer with a great audio track. It'll be fun enjoying this film again and again.
The Goonies (1985)
Constant fun!
I was like 14 when this film came out. I went to the theater 8 times to see it. It was one of my favorites then and still is now. Actually, I just found out today that "Goonies 2" was a NES game - I'd been looking for what I thought was a direct-to-video film for years. Too bad it wasn't a movie, they should have made a sequel. They still could as far as I'm concerned. It would be great to see a reunion movie of our favorite characters going on one more 'Goonie' adventure. Probably won't happen, though. Sean's involved with that LOTR trilogy now. Still, when he's through with that, he should get the gang back together and do this one just for the fans.
Explorers (1985)
Appealing Sci-Fi Adventure!
Okay... I like this movie. But it's all there is so far. Where is the fan-fiction online? I mean, a trio of three adventurous guys and no one writes about them? Someone should!
I was 14 when I went to the theater back in '85 to see this movie. I remember also that I was going to go see it again but it was gone. Watched it again on it's first run on VHS and now I own the DVD.
I liked what one review said about this film: "This movie is the Goonies of Sci-Fi." I agree.
Now then, with the exception of the outer space scenes, this film easily keeps your interest. Ethan Hawke's performance makes you believe Ben and everything he feels about space and his desire to know "what's out there."
Problems with this movie start and end with the alien-scenes. Their behavior was too corny to enjoy, and the costumes were absurd, causing a beautiful film to completely fall apart.
The idea for the story however was solid and this would be a good film to be remade. The ending was left wide open for a sequel. I found myself wanting more story when it was over. Still do.
River Phoenix was great as a computer-nerd. Film buffs may also remember Jason Presson (Darren) from "Stone Boy", but not much else. All in all, those three guys played well off of each other, and it would have been nice to see them get a chance to play the characters again if an Explorers 2 had ever been made.
The All New Adventures of Laurel & Hardy in 'For Love or Mummy' (1999)
Another fine mess...
I was glad when I heard about this new film, and Gailard Sartain was outstanding as Ollie. Although this new film wasn't as laugh-out-loud as the original L&H films were, it's still worth a watch. Hopefully we'll see more to follow in the film series. And with the advent of the internet, perhaps Larry Harmon will take a few suggestions from the huge fan-base (that he now has access to) on what direction to follow for a possible second L&H motion picture. If there isn't a second, then find the original Laurel and Hardy feature "Sons of the Desert." That is, quite possibly, one of their best features by far. "Flying Deuces" is another goodie, and easier to find.