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Reviews
The Bitter Buddha (2012)
Well worth a look
I've been hearing Eddie Pepitone on Dana Gould's podcast for a while now, loving his thoughts, jokes, and take on the world. When I saw that this doc was on Amazon Prime, I had to watch it and man, was I rewarded.
It's well worth it to see this for Pepitone's stand-up alone, but the peaks behind the curtain to get a feel for the real struggles this guy is going up against are really what pulled me in. Hilarious but tortured is a common statement for a lot of stand-ups and Pepitone fits that perfectly. Yet, while he's struggling with a lot of different aspects of life and himself, you do get the sense that he's making progress, understanding and coping to the extent that he can and getting better or at least trying to. Some of the people interviewed cast him in lesser light or go after him because of his level of success hasn't reached their level of respectability which shows their own lack of understanding in our niche media world. If he's able to be successful enough to live in LA by just doing stand-up and bit parts, then he's on a level that most people who dream of doing that will never achieve. Perhaps some of his recovery would be stronger if he dropped the friends that seemed to just use him as a punching bag.
Soapbox aside, I heartily laughed at the comedy and the by the numbers "working my way up to a big show" end was easy to give yourself over to since the charm helped you believe in it more. His show-stopping heckler bit at the end was genius and the highlight of the show.
Watch this one now.
Waxing Gibbous (2001)
Don't waste your time
Some movies are bad, yet are funny bad. Some movies are bad, yet you can see that they tried and just fell short of what they wanted. This is neither. Atrocious audio, terrible acting, long stretches of padding just to fill out the running time, and one of the worst stories I've seen set to film (and I've seen Nutty Professor II: The Klumps). If you need to fall asleep, throw this in and let the Sandman take you. Not even worth watching drunk.
I'm from the area that this was shot in, yet I still cannot get behind this film. Local pride doesn't even make up for the abject boredom that this movie emanates. Avoid at all costs.
Vovochka (2002)
Nowhere near Home Alone
Supposedly there have been a lot of comparisons drawn between this movie and Home Alone, but beyond the lead character being a boy, I really don't see it. A snapshot of life and the Dennis the Menace type situations that this young boy falls into or creates himself is not what you expect. Almost flippant at the beginning and then gaining a conscience at the end, the character of Vovochika shows many of his sides and entertains well. The parents are believable and likable even through their punishments and frustrations. The love interest and class divide were interesting to watch play out. Overall, an enjoyable experience that those looking to take a look at other cultures could watch and appreciate all the way through.
Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines (2003)
Surprisingly good!
I just watched the DVD of this tonight. I threw it on not expecting
much, but lo and behold, I just saw a Terminator movie that I liked
better than T2! Yes, you read that right. I like this one better than
T2. Maybe it's because the T-800 isn't a wuss this time or maybe
it's because there's less of a sentimental feel to the flick. Either
way, the action, the dialogue, and the characters made this for me.
Very smart, no stupid "movie choices" made by the characters.
Just a solid movie that flies by. Highly entertaining. Highly
reccomended.
Bratgirl (1992)
Hilarious and good
As adult films go, this is one of the more humorous ones. As tongue-in-cheek as the 1966 Batman TV series, this is one movie where the laughs never stop and the sex is quite good. Hyapatia Lee is superb and the Ginger Lynn-clone, Julianne James, keeps the sex hot and reminds us why we adult fans want her back in the business so bad. Recommended
The Bare Wench Project 2: Scared Topless (2001)
Lunk is the king!
If you ever want to get a little drunk or are in a silly mood, then this flick is for you. Totally mindless entertainment that works well as a spoof, the nudity is the initial reason to rent/buy this. However, when the absurdity of the whole thing starts coming into focus, you'll be rolling on the floor laughing like my friends and I were. Luckily, the flick spoofs a few of the horror movies out there, mainly Blair Witch 1, and does not spoof the horrible sequel, Book of Shadows. Be on the look out of the next installment, Blair Wench 3: Blair Wench goes Hawaiian
Photoplay (1995)
Great cast, really hot
As I was looking through the racks at my local adult store, I saw this one and decided to try it out. As is the problem with most Vivid tapes, I had no idea at the time who was in this other than Jenna Jameson. Imagine my surprise when I pop this in and almost all the female actresses are my favorites. Ashlyn Gere is smoldering as usual, and Felicia turns in a fine innocent role, as she does so well. My mortal enemy Tom Byron is in this, but what do you expect when a guy made over 2000 adult films. Highly recommended.
Army of Darkness (1992)
A perfect film
Army of Darkness is truly one of the greatest adventure movies ever to be filmed. It's the third in the Evil Dead series, and while each of the films gels perfectly, this is the one that has the best lines, the best images, and the best Bruce Campbell. It's easy to se why these films are loved even after all of this time. From an actual character arc (i.e. Ash goes from wimp, to sorta-wimp, to one bad mofo in the course of 3 films), to great special effects, and camera work that will knock your socks off, this is truly a classic. Can't wait for part 4!
Takin' It All Off (1987)
Goofy and good
As with most of these boobie movies, a little is never enough and seriousness is looked down upon. This little gem is good for what it is, a whole bunch of chicks getting nekkid for little to no reason, and the usual stereotypes are in full swing. The only bad mark that this flick has is the constant and annoying use of its title song.
Believe me, after 20 minutes of hearing it, you'll want to shoot someone. But put the TV on mute and you will have a good time.
Summer Camp (1979)
A good try
While this has been done before, this little Meatballs rip-off is pretty good. As with every boobie movie, as long as your mood is as silly as the film your watching, you'll have a good time. MUST be watched if only to hear the silliest version of "Row, row, row your boat" EVER to be committed to film. Have a good time with this one. Recommended
Hollywood High (1976)
It's one of the best!
For years, I loved this movies even though I only saw the crappy USA Up-All Nite version. When I recently saw this uncut on video, it was like going back into time. For a movie about a bunch of girls just trying to enjoy their teenage years and sexuality, this film has taken a lot of hits, but it still ranks up there as one of the best boobie flicks I have ever seen. Highly recommended, for those of you that like cheesy, soft-core flicks that are supposed to be silly.
Wonder Woman (1975)
One of the Best
For a TV show that dealt with superheroes, this is a highlight of the genre. Gone were the camp antics of Batman (1966), and no longer did audiences shy away from good superhero fare (Green Hornet), this was a beautiful show that worked because of great scripts, good directing and Lynda Carter. If not for her, the series surely wouldn't have lasted as long as it did, probably never making it to CBS. While the CBS years got a little hoaky and sometimes just plain odd, Lynda Carter grew more comfortable in the role and that really started to show. Her confident performance has a good run, but as with all good things, it came to an end when they tried to relocate Wonder Woman to LA, bring in an annoying kid character, and have her boss act just like the boss of Starsky and Hutch. Still a great show and re-runs appear occasionally on the Sci-Fi Channel
Shaft (1971)
Shaft is the king of the genre
While the sequels are up for debate, the original SHAFT is a classic on every front. The twists and turns are wonderful and the acting is truly great. Thanks to films like this and SWEET SWEETBACK, an entire genre of films was opened up and given to the world. High praise indeed for the decision to have Shaft be black, as he was not in the book. A true classic that will never die.