pentagore Reviews

Gummo (1997)

Pretty convincing

[8/10 · 23 April 2006]

I must say I was pretty shocked when I first saw this film. I grew up in various small towns in Oklahoma and have encountered people very similar to those portrayed in the movie. It was like going back in time and seeing all those twisted characters all over again. So yes, there are indeed people just like this, if not worse. I had to convince myself several times that I was NOT watching a documentary! I found that the use of raw black metal music added to the grim feel of the movie, particularly when the two kids are whipping the dead cat hanging from the tree. Hey, if you've never seen bored Southern youth, then don't think this stuff doesn't happen. I only wish it didn't.

Overall, I guess you'd have to actually be a witness to those surroundings to actually get it, or to know people like that. I am unsure of what statement the movie is trying to make because the absurdity of the characters' lifestyles really overshadows whatever point Harvey was trying make here. Much like 'Salo: 120 Days of Sodom', I would only recommend this to film buffs.

Savannah Smiles (1982)

Another great tear-jerker

[9/10 · 14 April 2006]

I pretty much agree with everyone else in that this is a superb and heartfelt family movie. I saw this on HBO sometime in '83 and it made me bawl like crazy. I agree that this movie should be seen by more people, or at least shown on some of the movie channels. It's a very cute movie with adorable characters that would melt some of the coldest hearts in the world. It wasn't until today that I was trying to remember some of the great films I've watched when I was a kid when this one popped to mind. It's great to see so many other people feel the same way about 'Savannah Smiles'. I'm also pleased to see that it's finally out on DVD. Yet another film I will have to add to my collection. Highly recommended to any family, or even a film buff. You simply can not turn this down. It's hard to say which film gets to me more, 'Dominick & Eugene' or this one. Tough choice!

The Milpitas Monster (1976)

Ah, the fond memories of the Milpitas Monster...

[7/10 · 9 April 2006]

I was fortunate enough to have been a Milpitas resident when this student film came out. In fact, I was in kindergarten when they actually had the Milpitas Monster visit our classroom! The class was scared witless when that hulking thing lumbered into the classroom. I eventually saw the film, and yes, it is pretty bad. But it's still a better film than 'Gigli', and it holds precious memories for me. I think there was actually a song released for this movie which was put out on a 45rpm record. In fact, there was a Straw Hat Pizza in town that had it on their jukebox for a number of years. My wife thinks I'm crazy for being so attached to this movie, but like I told her, "You just had to be there". This film probably wouldn't do anything for people who aren't familiar with this piece of Milpitas History, but after viewing my share of old horror films, this really isn't all that bad.

Airheads (1994)

Worthy to Musicians Only!

[8/10 · 4 February 2006]

This to me is a film that only a musician would deem worthy. A band that will stoop to holding a radio station hostage in order to get their demo played is something only a musician would understand. This is basically a film about the strive to musical fandom. And the film does make a wonderful point in the end; that such a stunt would only propel a band into gaining notoriety from fans. There's a terrific line from Brendan Fraser in which he tells the radio station owner about what it's like to play to a crowd which only consists of the headlining band and their girlfriends. He ends this with the classic line "Don't talk to me about rock 'n roll! I AM ROCK 'N ROLL!". Wonderful. I can relate to this in every way.

Of course, the films' biggest flaw is having Adam Sandler in it, once again playing the idiot which he seems to play quite well. Too well, if you ask me. Other than that, this is a fun film. It seems childish to ridicule this film because it's harmless in every way. A wonderful soundtrack accompanies this film, by the way.

Run Ronnie Run (2002)

A Truly Worthy Comedy

[8/10 · 4 February 2006]

I originally saw the uncut version through a bootleg some months before this was released. Having been a longtime Mr. Show fan, I was ultimately pleased to see they had done something with the character of Ronnie Dobbs. So many white trash characters have been portrayed on film and TV, but none of them have really hit true to home than Ronnie Dobbs. I have known MANY Ronnie Dobbs in my lifetime, having spent many years in Texas and Oklahoma. It was almost like watching a documentary.

'Run, Ronnie, Run' is tremendously under-rated, and I suggest to all you comedy buffs to view this film. Those with an understanding of this kind of comedy will appreciate it even more.

The Devil's Rejects (2005)

Don't Waste Your Time. Seriously.

[1/10 · 4 February 2006]

Yeah, I liked this movie better when it was called 'Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2'. Could this movie borrow any more from TCM2? I find it insulting that anyone would even deem this worthy of a horror film. This is what happens when you don't write a second draft, and then you let your movie influences get in the way. I wasted valuable time watching 'House of 1,000 Corpses' and now I've done it again by thinking this film would be any better. Rob Zombie might find himself to be a better video music video director than a horror film director. 'The Devils Rejects' is so awful that I would definitely go out of my way to convince others to simply stay away and watch 'Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2' instead. Simply horrible movie making.

Time of the Gypsies (1988)

A truly beautiful movie

[10/10 · 4 February 2006]

One of the most beautiful movies I have ever seen. I saw this film years ago and I was really struck by the acting skills. There were moments in this film which left me teary eyed because of the bond between the main character and his younger sister, and his struggle to do better for himself and his family. I've never been much of a foreign film fanatic, but this film rates high with me. I recommend anyone to view this film. I have no idea if this film is available on DVD. I would love to get a copy though. The child actor who plays the young sister is remarkable. Honorable mention goes to the wonderful scenic shots.

Meatballs 4 (1992)

A waste of your valued time

[1/10 · 21 August 2005]

I can't say enough bad things about this heap of garbage. If a movie makes you roll your eyes and say things like, "Ugh, how stupid" every 5 minutes, then you know it's time to toss the bastard in the garbage. And that's what should have happened to this script. It's amazing to think that a studio actually granted this piece of crap.

What makes 'Meatballs 4' really sickening is Corey Feldman's ego maniacal character. Talk about a guy who strokes his ego more than his carrot! Apparently, Ricky is infallible in damn near every water sport and revenge tactic. It never makes much sense, and it infuriates me that so much money was spent and wasted in making this heap of crap.

I understand this was never intended to be part of the Meatballs series, but seriously, somebody should have sued. At least someone would have made some money from this movie! I recommend to stay away from this and rent 'Surf 2' instead. You'll get more laughs, and plus there's a plot to go with it.

Twilight Zone: The Movie (1983)

Under rated and under appreciated

[10/10 · 10 July 2005]

This is one of those films that I can't believe isn't out on DVD. I literally have been waiting eons for Warner Brothers to pull their heads out and give this one credit. I saw it back when it came out, I was probably 13 years old. Personally, every episode shines. I found this to be an extremely entertaining movie and have probably viewed it over a hundred times, easily. I do agree the most terrifying episode is 'Nightmare at 20,000 Feet' and Lithgow's performance is nothing short of spectacular. Even the creature (Larry Cedar) was infallible in terms of a scary meter. That damned thing gave me nightmares for countless years. I still have problems being by open windows at night! Naturally I became infatuated with this film and went on to buy the theatrical release poster, the soundtrack on all formats, and even ad campaign posters. Fanatical? Hey, it's just a movie that deserves a little more attention than what it's getting now. Two WAY big thumbs up!

Just One of the Guys (1985)

Just One Of The Better 80's Films

[8/10 · 28 February 2005]

I first saw this in the summer of '86 when it premiered on HBO, and I couldn't remember a movie that made me laugh as hard. Since it's time, there have been numerous copy cats but none as cute and original as this. I adored this movie so much since then that I later went on to purchase the promo LP soundtrack and an original theater issued poster for 'Just One of the Guys'! It really is an endearing film and was not meant to be taken as anything but a light hearted comedy with a gender twist. The characters in JOOTG are exceptionally entertaining and definitely grow on you throughout the movie. Billy Jacoby, who plays Joyce Hyser's over-sexed younger brother, practically steals the film with his bawdy humor and knack for comedic timing. And who can forget William Zabka who (suprise) plays yet another seedy bully lurking within the school system. It works well and I prefer films like these as opposed to the Hughes teen comedies instead. What a breath of fresh air! I highly recommend this film. I am also pleased to see the release of JOOTG on DVD, though I wish some added features like an audio commentary would have been available for this movie.

Up the Academy (1980)

Up the thumbs for Up The Academy!

[8/10 · 6 February 2005]

I may very well be one of the few who really stuck to this film. I also saw this movie when it came out, and I agree with the last post that Up The Acedemy was way ahead of its' time. The humor in the film itself is pure MAD magazine. I don't see why MAD stand behind this feature. It was also one of the few films of the early 80's to have a killer accompanying soundtrack with the punk and new wave bands that were emerging from L.A. at the time. I own the soundtrack and I play it constantly to this day. What can I say? There are definitely worst movies out there. I don't consider Porky's to be as funny as Up The Academy, there are some really good laughs throughout the film, and the jokes fall on either stereotypes or getting laid. Hey, nobody said this was going to be The Maltese Falcon.