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LoganCrews (2861 KP) rated This Is Spinal Tap (1984) in Movies

Sep 19, 2020  
This Is Spinal Tap (1984)
This Is Spinal Tap (1984)
1984 | Comedy
9
8.4 (5 Ratings)
Movie Rating Watch
Funnier than hell, even the DVD menu is hysterical. Still insane how simultaneously convincing and silly this is while also being a dead-on accurate diagnosis of the mundanities and pretentious simplicity of rock/metal culture at the time behind the more complex but similarly demonized and opportunistic shield of the media. Goes from one ingeniously uproarious yet deceptively simple bit to the next while weaving rock-solid characters and a compelling band story out of not much more than nuts and bolts. All the songs slap, and tbh this is actually *more* quotable than people say imo - the improvisation should be but in the history books as some of cinema's most God-tier. Since everyone has their own, my favorite part? The scene where they get lost backstage at their Cleveland gig - priceless comedic perfection. Also RIP - Fred Willard, the man who could say literally anything and make it funny. Though yes... even though this pretty much launched the mockumentary as we know it today and is utterly worth the hype, I must still report that 𝘗𝘰𝘱𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘳: 𝘕𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘚𝘵𝘰𝘱 𝘕𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘚𝘵𝘰𝘱𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘨 did it better.
  
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BankofMarquis (1832 KP) rated Silver Streak (1976) in Movies

Jun 7, 2020  
Silver Streak (1976)
Silver Streak (1976)
1976 | Action, Comedy, Romance
8
7.4 (7 Ratings)
Movie Rating
The start of a wonderful comedic partnership
Most people remember Gene Wilder as the frazzled haired wild man in such Mel Brooks classic films as THE PRODUCERS, BLAZING SADDLES and YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN. Others will recall him as the mad genius that held our attention in WILLY WONKA AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY, but there was a 3rd phase to Wilder's career - his unlikely partnership with Richard Pryor - that started with 1976's SILVER STREAK.

Set aboard the titular passenger train, SILVER STREAK is part Alfred Hitchcock "wrong man" suspense thriller, part comedy and part action flick with strong performances at the center anchoring the action.

Surprisingly, Wilder brings a sincere quality to his "everyman" hero of this tale. His book editor, George Caldwell, just wants a quiet 2 1/2 day trip on the train from Los Angeles to Chicago. You root for George from the start. Wilder's performance is deftly tailored to this movie, keeping a lid on his more frenetic energy that helps keep his character grounded. He pairs nicely with Jill Clayburgh (remember her from the '70's?) as a women he meets (and falls in love with) along the way. Clayburgh burst into the spotlight with this performance - and the 2 have tremendous chemistry together.

They are joined by a bevy of wonderful character actors - Ray Walston, Richard "Jaws" Kiel, Ned Beatty, Clifton James, Valerie Curtin, Fred Willard and the great Scatman Crothers. All bring life and energy to this film. Patrick McGoohan is perfectly cast as the villain of the piece. His "buttoned-up" bad guy is the perfect balance to the Wilder's character.

But, of course, the person who steals this film is the great Richard Pryor as Grover T. Muldoon, a petty thief, con-man and "street-wise" hood who aids George in defeating the bad guys. Pryor doesn't show up in this movie until about 1/2 way through, but when he does, the energy (and pace) of this film picks up considerably and the roller coaster ride begins. The comedic partnership between Wilder and Pryor is magnificent, they play off each other very well and they will end up pairing together in 3 other films after this.

Director Arthur Hiller (THE AMERICANIZATION OF EMILY) does a strong, professional job of keeping the movie moving, keeping events grounded until a thrilling conclusion that is satisfying, indeed.

A fun action-thriller that is perfect summer fodder.

Letter Grade: A-

8 stars (out of 10) and you can take that to the Bank(ofMarquis)