Batman & Robin Rescue Chief Brody! ("BATMAN" 1966/ "JAWS" 1975) (video)

 

The Orca is sinking! The shark is hungry! Chief Brody's in peril!

It looks like our sea-soaked citizen has only one hope for rescue...

...the Caped Crusaders, Batman and Robin!


I neither own nor claim any rights to this material.  Just having some fun with it.  Thanks for watching!

Batman & Robin Rescue Chief Brody! ("BATMAN" 1966/ "JAWS" 1975) (video)

WTF! -- Movie Review by Porfle

 

Originally posted on 7/22/17

 

It isn't often that your run-of-the-mill teen slasher pic actually defies and/or exceeds expectations, but WTF! (2017) lives up to its title by doing just that.

Not that it reinvents the wheel or anything.  It's just that debut director and co-writer Peter Herro has managed to toss in all the familiar ingredients and whip up something that doesn't taste like the same old microwaved mess.

Perez Hilton's cameo is, thankfully, brief, as he yells "F***ing spring break, pussies!" at a pool party (perfectly setting the film's early tone) and tries to be Steve-O for five minutes before disappearing.  (Yay!)

Then, it's off to a secluded cabin in the woods for our cast of bratty young party-hearty-ers and a fun-filled weekend of alcohol, weed, sex, skinny-dipping, and death.

(Oh, and just to get a couple of things out of the way to begin with -- there's no Wi-Fi and no cell phone service.)

All the stereotypes are here and then some, along with many of the familiar tropes (including the gas-station hick who warns the kids to "stay away from that place") which, by now, are so comforting that we sort of welcome them.

In fact, this movie wants to be predictable so that it can play around with, and sometimes bend, all our expectations.  Not to mention the fact that letting go and indulging in all the foolishness this genre has to offer, if done right and with tongue firmly in cheek, can be fun.

WTF! does just that by being a nicely-filmed self-parody pretending to be a serious horror flick.  The kids inhabit their roles to the hilt--the spoiled rich girls, the horny frat boys, the various loners (final girl, sensitive boy, etc.)--and actually play them with conviction.

This is especially true once it finally dawns on them that party time is over and the gore has hit the fan.  It's rare, but in this case the ensemble acting actually improves once the cast are expected to emote their heads off.  They're terrific, in fact, as is Herro's direction. 

Not only that, but after some pretty brutal kills, there's a nifty twist that I didn't see coming.  Or rather, I sorta saw it coming but not quite from that direction.  "WTF!", indeed. 

WTF! -- Movie Review by Porfle

"Police Squad!" Coffee Commercial (Episode 4: 3/25/82) (video)

 

Detective Frank Drebin (Leslie Nielsen) is pursuing a mad bomber...

...in this hilarious parody of coffee commercials.

He consults with Police Squad's resident forensic expert.

But too much caffeine has made him cranky.

Decaf to the rescue!


I neither own nor claim any rights to this material.  Just having some fun with it.  Thanks for watching!

 

"Police Squad!" Coffee Commercial (Episode 4: 3/25/82) (video)

TUCKER & DALE VS. EVIL -- DVD review by porfle

Originally posted on 11/11/11

 

One of those movies where I see the trailer and think "Whoa, I've gotta see this!", TUCKER & DALE VS. EVIL (2010) doesn't fully fulfill the promise of its premise but has a whole lot of fun trying to. 

The whole subgenre of city kids venturing into the woods and being terrorized by evil hillbillies is turned on its ear as a mutual misunderstanding between two well-meaning rednecks in their new vacation cabin and the usual group of rowdy teens on a camping trip becomes a bloody battle to survive.  Most of the humor comes from the way the good guys' actions are totally misconstrued as evil in the eyes of the kids, and vice versa. 

Tucker (Alan Tudyk, A KNIGHT'S TALE, 3:10 TO YUMA) and his chubby sidekick Dale (Tyler Labine, RISE OF THE PLANET OF THE APES) are doing some night fishing when a skinny-dipping college babe named Allie (Katrina Bowden) slips on a rock and falls into the water.  Already spooked by the "creepy" hillbillies, the other kids are horrified to see them hauling Allie into their boat while yelling "We got your friend!  We got your friend!" 



Allie recuperates in the cabin and begins a tentative romantic relationship with the smitten Dale while her frantic friends plot to rescue her from her crazed abductors.  Their initial attempts lead to the film's funniest scenes, with the hapless kids accidentally impaling themselves or diving headfirst into a woodchipper while Tucker and Dale look on in horror, thinking they're witnessing a mass suicide. 

Another highlight occurs when Tucker disturbs a beehive while sawing logs and becomes, in the eyes of the kids, a chainsaw-wielding maniac on the warpath.  Debut director Eli Craig does a good job of wringing some solid bellylaughs out of these situations with the help of first-rate comedy duo Tudyk and Labine. 

Even though the skewed outlook and occasional hilarity of the film's first half eventually begin to peter out, the fun keeps chugging along as Chad (Jesse Moss, DEAR MR. GACY, WILD CHERRY), the frat-rat ringleader of the college kids, grows increasingly bloodthirsty for revenge against Tyler and Dale and rallies his surviving friends into a last-ditch attack.  The story takes a few twists and turns, with a flashback sequence explaining Chad's unreasoning hatred toward hillbillies, and finally takes on the form of an old-fashioned cliffhanger serial complete with distressed damsel tied to a log and headed for a spinning buzzsaw.  



With such lovable protagonists as the mutually-supportive, fun-loving Tucker and Dale, and shy Dale's sweetly endearing courtship of winsome Allie, TUCKER & DALE VS. EVIL is never quite the black comedy one might expect.  This makes the graphic death scenes seem rather jarring at first, although some familiar elements are so over-the-top--as when dumb blonde Chloe (Chelan Simmons) is drenched by one huge glop of blood from the woodchipper, or when Tucker and Dale gingerly drag the bottom half of an unfortunate teen out of said device ("He's heavy for just half a guy," Tucker notes)--that the effect is perversely delightful. 

The DVD from Magnolia is in 2.35:1 widescreen with Dolby Digital sound and Spanish subtitles.  Extras include a fun commentary with director Craig and stars Tudyk and Labine, a making-of featurette, an HDNet promo short, outtakes, storyboards, trailers, and--my favorite--"Tucker and Dale ARE Evil: The College Kids' Point of View", which shows only the parts of the film that make our heroes seem like actual homicidal rednecks in the kids' eyes.  Watching this made me wonder if the film would've been more effective if it had started out this way and then flashed back to reveal what Tucker and Dale were really saying and thinking during those scenes.

While Tudyk and Labine's priceless reactions to the whirlwind of horror that has descended upon their peaceful vacation cabin are the best thing about TYLER & DALE VS. EVIL, the entire film has a skewed feelgood quality that's irresistible.  I didn't really feel like I was watching a cult classic in the making, but it's packed with so much goofy fun and lighthearted comedy--along with its grislier moments--that anyone who loves a good "city kids vs. hillbillies" horror flick should have a ball with this affectionate spoof. 

TUCKER & DALE VS. EVIL -- DVD review by porfle

LANCELOT LINK: SECRET CHIMP -- DVD review by porfle

 

Originally posted on 6/10/12

 

Back when Saturday morning was just about the only time a kid could watch hours of wall-to-wall cartoons--along with live-action stuff like "Shazam!", "Banana Splits", and even "The Roy Rogers Show"--one of my favorite series was the simian spy spoof "Lancelot Link: Secret Chimp."  Now, Film Chest has collected all 17 episodes plus some nice extras in the 3-disc set LANCELOT LINK: SECRET CHIMP (1970), which the faithful and the simply curious alike should find both interesting and more than a little bizarre.

A takeoff of popular shows of the era such as "Get Smart" and "The Man from U.N.C.L.E.", with a little 007 thrown in, "Lancelot Link: Secret Chimp" boasted an all-chimp cast performing on scaled-down sets with all the appropriate costumes and props, and practical effects which allowed them to drive cars, motorcycles, speedboats, etc. (In a couple of western-themed segments they even ride Shetland ponies.) 

Dayton Allen provides the voice for Lance, who's sort of a cross between Humphrey Bogart and George Burns, while Joan Gerber channels Olive Oyl as the voice of Lance's partner and love interest, Mata Hairi.  The two agents work for a secret spy organization known as A.P.E. (Agency to Prevent Evil) and are forever foiling the evil schemes of C.H.U.M.P. (Criminal Headquarters for Underworld Master Plan).  A.P.E.'s leader is Commander Darwin ("What's your theory, Darwin?" Lance often asks), a character based on Leo G. Carroll's "Mr. Waverly" from "The Man from U.N.C.L.E." 

"Get Smart" regular Bernie Kopell is the voice of C.H.U.M.P. mastermind Baron von Butcher, a monocled megalomaniac whose associates include his chauffeur Creto, evil genius Dr. Strangemind (hilariously based on Bela Lugosi), Dragon Woman (who lives on an atomic-powered junk), her henchman Wang Fu, the Duchess, and Ali Assa Seen, who for some reason tends to burst into song after each sentence.

The stories (each episode contains two 15-minute segments) are very simple and serve mainly as an excuse for the chimps to perform funny bits of business that are often quite impressive.  With the perfect deadpan expressions, their simulated delivery of the show's droll dialogue can be priceless ("A thousand pardons, Dragon Woman.  A swarm of locusts attacked my moustache") as are the cleverly-edited reaction shots and slapstick performances. 

Lines were often improvised on the set to match the chimps' lip movements, yielding some delightful digressions and non-sequiturs as well as Ali Assa Seen's odd musical asides.  A typical "Get Smart"-style running gag is this exchange between Lance and Darwin:

"Give me one good reason why you should fire me."
"Because you're incompetent, an idiot, and a bumbler!"
"I only asked for ONE reason."

Some of my favorite scenes take place in Lance's apartment, which seems inspired by the ultra-modern bachelor digs of both Derek Flint and Matt Helm.  The apartment contains three secret exits ("It sounds like there's someone at the table," Lance observes in one episode) and a host of gadgets that don't always work as expected ("I need to get that button fixed"). 

So well executed is the illusion, it doesn't take long before one begins to think of these chimps as talented comic performers and grow fond of their characters.  Although a cool super-spy, Lance is also a lovable shlub.  Mata is the cutest and most appealing of the chimp cast, her expressions and demeanor matching perfectly with her Olive Oyl voice. 

One of her funniest moments is when she performs undercover as a blonde-wigged torch singer in a waterfront dive, belting out hilariously awful songs while bad guy Wang Fu cries in his beer.  Actor Malachi Throne ("It Takes a Thief") supplies the show's mock-serious narration: "Mata, fearing Lance was in danger, saw her chance to slip past the sleeping Wang Fu, who was emotionally exhausted from her singing."  Meanwhile, the chimps portraying Baron von Butcher and his cohorts seem to be reveling in their roles like a bunch of hammy human actors.

Since just about every Saturday morning show in those days had to feature a band a la "The Archies", Lance and Mata are members of an undercover rock group called "The Evolution Revolution" who in each episode perform a song which is introduced by an Ed Sullivan takeoff named "Ed Simian."  ("And now for you young youngsters out there...")  This is followed by a brief collection of "Laugh-In" inspired bits called "Chimpies." 

The DVD set from Film Chest comes with three slimline cases in a 60s-mod box that features Lance on the cover.  The episodes are 4:3 full screen with no subtitles.  Disc three contains bonuses including interviews with producer Allan Sandler and musical director Bob Emenegger and the short documentary "I Created Lancelot Link" featuring the late Stan Burns and Mike Marmer.  Sandler is shown being reunited with Lance, who now lives at the Wildlife Waystation in Los Angeles (to whom proceeds from the DVD sales will go).  Rounding out the extras is a slideshow and all of the "Evolution Revolution" songs and "Chimpies." 

A major concern which always arises regarding shows like this is the treatment of the animals involved during filming.  Producer Sandler never addresses this directly in his interview, but his recollections are of such a fond and seemingly benign nature that one gets the impression the chimps in this case were treated very well and, to a certain extent, even enjoyed performing.  At any rate, I thoroughly enjoy watching LANCELOT LINK: SECRET CHIMP and recommend it to anyone with a taste for entertainment that's not only funny but just plain wacky. 

LANCELOT LINK: SECRET CHIMP -- DVD review by porfle

DRAGNET: COLLECTOR'S EDITION -- Blu-ray Review by Porfle

 Originally posted on 10/16/18

 

I've heard several people over the years say that they liked, or even loved, the 1987 feature comedy adaptation of the classic TV cop series "Dragnet" starring Dan Ackroyd and Tom Hanks. To those people I would recommend Shout! Factory's new Blu-ray release DRAGNET: COLLECTOR'S EDITION, which features a new 4K HD scan and an assortment of bonus features.

The film certainly is lively and full of blustery comedic action that people not all that familiar with the TV show can enjoy without a lot of bothersome comparisons to it.

Basically it's the story of a very straight-laced, by-the-book cop (Dan Ackroyd as Sgt. Joe Friday) and his flighty, fun-loving, all-rules-barred new partner "Pep" Streebek (Tom Hanks) having to work together--while constantly getting on each other's nerves--to stop a growing organization of deranged criminals bent on citywide chaos.

For these viewers the film offers a wealth of one-liners and raucous situations as Friday and Streebek must overcome their "odd couple" differences and eventually develop a grudging mutual respect.  The investigation into the crime group known as "P.A.G.A.N." (People Against Goodness And Normalcy) also yields wild car chases, lots of stunts, gorgeous babes, some romantic schmaltz, and a constant barrage of generic action-movie stuff to keep us occupied.

That said, as a longtime devoted fan of the actual TV series (both in its 1950s and 1960s incarnations), I find the movie as a whole to be consistently problematic.  (That's the first time I've ever used that word!)

As a parody of the series, the movie is surprisingly unsimilar to it despite the usual references to "just the facts, ma'am" and other tropes ("This is the city...I work here, I carry a badge", "The story you are about to see is true", etc.) and Friday's unyielding adherence to the rules and loyalty to strict civil order in general.

Ackroyd is actually playing the original Joe Friday's nephew, but his character is meant to be a carbon copy of his late uncle.  It's troubling, then, that he is so far off base in capturing Jack Webb's intonations and body language, instead doing a sort of generic stiff-backed type with clipped speech and no sense of humor.

The more human and even, at times, casual aspects of Webb's portrayal are lost in Ackroyd's robotic interpretation. It often seems as though he's doing more of a take-off on Robert Stack's Elliot Ness from "The Untouchables" than Webb's more haggard, world-weary cop.  And while the old Joe might occasionally hit a bad guy with a long, rapid-fire verbal scolding, this one tends to speechify every other time he opens his mouth.  

As for Hanks, still at the age where he looked like a big, goofy kid, he plays a new character whose main trait is a childlike disregard for propriety and is designed simply to clash with Joe Friday's dogged conservatism in comic ways.  Mostly it works, although the two are at such odds that we miss the teamwork and comradery of Friday and his loyal partners Frank Smith (Ben Alexander) and Bill Gannon (Harry Morgan) from the TV series.

Speaking of Morgan, he plays the same character as before, now promoted to captain.  His devotion to his late partner doesn't carry over to the nephew, hence Captain Gannon spends much of the film bellowing at Friday and threatening to take away his badge (which he eventually does at the insistence of shrewish police commissioner Elizabeth Ashley).

The plot itself is a convoluted affair that bears little resemblance to the usual "Dragnet" investigations.  Friday's traditional "just the facts, ma'am" questioning of a civilian witness is represented by an unfunny exchange in which venerable comic actress Kathleen Freeman must portray a grotesquely foul-mouthed old lady who even has Streebek shaking his head along with Friday.

Dabney Coleman plays softcore sex magazine magnate Jerry Caesar, giving the film an excuse to be fully stocked with bikini babes, and Jack O'Halloran, the big, dumb member of the evil Kryptonian trio in SUPERMAN II, plays a big, dumb P.A.G.A.N. henchman who menaces the good guys.

Alexandra Paul is the button-cute Connie, a kidnapped virgin meant as a sacrifice in the bad guys' big pagan ritual but is rescued by the good guys and eventually develops romantic feelings for fellow virgin Friday. (Again, Jack Webb's Friday was a low-key sort of guy but he was never portrayed as either nerdy or virginal.)  The most surprising bit of casting is Christopher Plummer as a pious TV evangelist who may have a darker side.

But as I said before, all of these misgivings stem from my affection for the TV show and desire to see a more faithful parody of it.  As for everyone else, this "Dragnet" spoof may be a perfectly adequate and perhaps even gutbusting comedy romp.  If so, DRAGNET: COLLECTOR'S EDITION should prove an ideal way to enjoy it. 

Special Features:
NEW "A Quiet Evening in the Company of Connie Swail": An Interview With Co-Star Alexandra Paul
NEW Audio Commentary with Pop Culture Historian Russell Dyball
"Just the Facts!": A Promotional Look at Dragnet with Dan Aykroyd and Tom Hanks
Original Theatrical Trailers & Promos
Photo Gallery 

Buy it from Shout! Factory

DRAGNET: COLLECTOR'S EDITION -- Blu-ray Review by Porfle

"HURT" by Alvin & The Chipmunks (video)

Video by Porfle Popnecker

Song "Hurt" by Trent Reznor

Sung by Johnny Cash

I neither own nor claim any rights to this material.  Just having some fun with it. Thanks for watching!

"HURT" by Alvin & The Chipmunks (video)

GUMP-PLANE! (video)

 

I was sitting around one day thinking about the bench scene from "Forrest Gump"...

...and noticed the similarity between that and the old lady scene from "Airplane!"...

...and since, as usual, I didn't have anything important or worthwhile to do...

...this is the result!


I neither own nor claim any rights to this material.  Just having some fun with it. Thanks for watching!

GUMP-PLANE! (video)

The Simpsons: "Steamed Hams" w/ Music From "The Fly" By Howard Shore (video)

 

The "Steamed Hams" scene from "The Simpsons" has been done to death...

...and then done to death some more. And some more. And yet some more. And then, even still some more.

Which makes it just the perfect thing for us to do just once more for old times' sake.

I neither own nor claim any rights to this material.  Just having some fun with it. Thanks for watching!

The Simpsons: "Steamed Hams" w/ Music From "The Fly" By Howard Shore (video)

"VIEWER OFF!: A Star Trek Foolie" (From "STAR TREK: THE MOTION PICTURE", 1979) (video)

 

The assembled crew of the Enterprise witness the terrible sight...

...of a Federation space station being destroyed by the all-powerful V'Ger.

To make matters worse, Admiral Kirk's order to turn off the viewer goes unheeded...

...leading to several moments of awkward silence...

...followed by a surprise accidental transmission.


All rights to Star Trek belong to Paramount Pictures.

I neither own nor claim any rights to this material.  Just having some fun with it. Thanks for watching!

"VIEWER OFF!: A Star Trek Foolie" (From "STAR TREK: THE MOTION PICTURE", 1979) (video)

Charlie Haggers Mentions The Kilgore Rangerettes On "Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman" (1976) (video)

This 2/11/1976 episode of the classic soap opera parody "Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman"...

...finds Charlie Haggers (Graham Jarvis) frantic over his beloved wife Loretta (Mary Kay Place)...

...who, following a car accident, is in the hospital unable to walk.

But despite a bleak prognosis, Charlie is desperately optimistic.

And to the delight of the citizens of Kilgore, Texas (my hometown)...

...he vows that Loretta will soon prance out of there "like a Kilgore Rangerette."

I neither own nor claim any rights to this material.  Just having some fun with it.  Thanks for watching!

Charlie Haggers Mentions The Kilgore Rangerettes On "Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman" (1976) (video)

"EVIL ROY SLADE" Learns To Walk Without His Guns (John Astin, 1972)

Evil Roy Slade (John Astin) was the meanest outlaw in the West...

...until he fell in love with the fair Betsy (Pamela Austin)...

...and was forced to hang up his precious guns.

But would he be able to walk without them?


I neither own nor claim any rights to this material.  Just having some fun with it.  Thanks for watching!

"EVIL ROY SLADE" Learns To Walk Without His Guns (John Astin, 1972)

Porfle's Trivia Quiz: "MARY HARTMAN, MARY HARTMAN" (video)

This brilliant spoof of soap operas aired five nights a week...

...and was one of Norman Lear's greatest television achievements.
Louise Lasser was the perfect choice to play trouble housewife Mary.

Too hot for network TV, Lear sold the show in syndication for two seasons...
...before the grind of producing it caused it to self-destruct.

How much do you remember about it?


Question: What is Mary's biggest kitchen concern?

A. Mold and mildew
B. Unsightly stains
C. Water spots on glassware
D. Waxy yellow build-up
E. House-atosis

Question: What does country singer Loretta Haggers call her husband Charlie?

A. Honey Pie
B. Baby Boy
C. Snookums
D. Sweetcakes
E. Daddykins

Question: Who is the Fernwood Flasher?

A. Grandpa Larkin
B. Tom Hartman
C. George Shumway
D. Charlie Haggers
E. Never identified

Question: What kitchen appliance does Mary have the most trouble with?

A. Refrigerator
B. Blender
C. Toaster
D. Waffle iron
E. Coffee maker

Bonus question:
How does Mary take her coffee?


I neither own nor claim any rights to this material.  Just having some fun with it.  Thanks for watching!

Porfle's Trivia Quiz: "MARY HARTMAN, MARY HARTMAN" (video)

Porfle's Trivia Quiz: "BLAZING SADDLES" (1974) (video)

Mel Brooks' classic spoof of old-fashioned westerns...

...is one of the funniest films ever made.

It's also one of the most controversial...

...and probably couldn't be made in today's more sensitive times.

How much do you remember about it?


Question: Howard Johnson's greeting for the new sheriff recalls what famous comedy team?

A. Burns & Allen
B. Laurel & Hardy
C. Sandler & Young
D. Abbott & Costello
E. Allen & Rossi

Question: Taggart tells Lyle to wire the main office and tell them he said...what?

A. "Help!"
B. "SOS"
C. "So far, so good"
D. "Ow!"
E. "Send more money"

Question: Hedley orders someone to give the governor a...what?

A. Thumbs up
B. Harrumph
C. Bronx cheer
D. Attaboy
E. Hip hip hoorah

Question: What is Bart's limit on schnitzengruben?

A. Five
B. Ten
C. Fifteen
D. Twenty
E. No limit

Question: How does Bart defeat Mongo?

A. Hallmark card
B. Mickey Finn
C. Candygram
D. Hash brownies
E. Teddy bear


I neither own nor claim any rights to this material.  Just having some fun with it.  Thanks for watching!

Porfle's Trivia Quiz: "BLAZING SADDLES" (1974) (video)

What If Frankenstein's Monster Got The Little Girl's Brain? ("Ghost of Frankenstein", 1942) (video)

In "Ghost of Frankenstein", the Monster befriends a little girl.

Later, he wants his brain to be replaced by hers.

Ygor conspires to have his own brain secretly transplanted into him instead.

But what if the Monster had gotten his wish?


I neither own nor claim any rights to this material.  Just having some fun with it. Thanks for watching!

What If Frankenstein's Monster Got The Little Girl's Brain? ("Ghost of Frankenstein", 1942) (video)

"KHAAAAAAN!!!: A Star Trek Foolie" (From "Wrath Of Khan", 1982) (video)

We all remember the scene where Kirk screams "KHAAAAAAN!!!"

But there's a special extended version that nobody knows about.

Mainly because we just made it up.

And now, here it is for Star Trek fans everywhere to cherish.


I neither own nor claim any rights to this material.  Just having some fun with it. Thanks for watching!

"KHAAAAAAN!!!: A Star Trek Foolie" (From "Wrath Of Khan", 1982) (video)

"THE ART OF SELF-DEFENSE" New "Grand Master" Preview Clip -- Starring Jesse Eisenberg, Alessandro Nivola, Imogen Poots

Bleeker Street
Presents a New Official Clip From

"THE ART OF SELF-DEFENSE"

Written & Directed by | Riley Stearns
Starring  Jesse Eisenberg, Alessandro Nivola, Imogen Poots

In select theaters on July 12, nationwide on July 19, 2019


After he’s attacked on the street at night by a roving motorcycle gang, timid bookkeeper Casey (Jesse Eisenberg) joins a neighborhood karate studio to learn how to protect himself.

Under the watchful eye of a charismatic instructor, Sensei (Alessandro Nivola), and hardcore brown belt Anna (Imogen Poots), Casey gains a newfound sense of confidence for the first time in his life.

But when he attends Sensei’s mysterious night classes, he discovers a sinister world of fraternity, brutality and hyper-masculinity, presenting a journey that places him squarely in the sights of his enigmatic new mentor.

Audacious and offbeat, The Art of Self-Defense is an original dark comedy that takes toxic masculinity to absurd extremes.

Watch the Official “Grand Master" Clip



Do you want to know Sensei's secrets to the art of self-defense? Learn more HERE:

Watch the official trailer!

Genre: Dark Comedy
Release Date: July 12, 2019 Limited / July 19, 2019 Nationwide
Written & Directed by: Riley Stearns
Cast: Jesse Eisenberg, Alessandro Nivola, Imogen Poots
Produced by: Cody Ryder, Andrew Kortschak, Stephanie Whonsetler, Walter Kortschak
Executive Producers: Andrew Karpen, Munika Lay, Kent Sanderson, David Zellner, Nathan Zellner
Distributor: Bleecker Street


#TheArtofSelfDefense

Official Site
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Why-Karate

"THE ART OF SELF-DEFENSE" New "Grand Master" Preview Clip -- Starring Jesse Eisenberg, Alessandro Nivola, Imogen Poots

Schnarzan The Conqueror!! (Jimmy Durante) From "Hollywood Party" (Pre-Code, 1934) (video)

In the pre-code comedy "Hollywood Party", Jimmy Durante...

...plays big screen jungle hero "Schnarzan the Conqueror!!"

Jungle Woman's naughty uncensored outfit is matched only by Durante's manic comic intensity.

This mock trailer is a delightfully lowbrow example of Old Hollywood making fun of itself.


I neither own nor claim any rights to this material.  Just having some fun with it.  Thanks for watching!

Schnarzan The Conqueror!! (Jimmy Durante) From "Hollywood Party" (Pre-Code, 1934) (video)

Sean Connery's Kid Brother In A James Bond Rip-Off? ("Operation Kid Brother", 1967) (video)

Sean Connery's James Bond movies were so popular in the 60s...

...that in 1967, Sean's younger brother Neil was courted to star in a Bond clone.
It was called "Operation Kid Brother", aka "O.K. Connery."

Neil bore a resemblance to Sean, but with little of his screen presence.
And although he sounded much like his brother, Neil's voice was dubbed by another actor...
...because he'd suffered a throat injury prior to the ADR sessions.

The producers cast as many familiar faces as possible from the actual Bond films.

The music was composed by Ennio Morricone and Bruno Nicolai.
The movie itself was your typical Italian "spy-ghetti" romp.

Sean Connery was so upset by it that he didn't speak to any of the participants for some time.
But most earned more for this film than for their Bond movie roles.

And it still has its fans.


I neither own nor claim any rights to this material.  Just having some fun with it.  Thanks for watching!

Sean Connery's Kid Brother In A James Bond Rip-Off? ("Operation Kid Brother", 1967) (video)

Stan Laurel Turns Into A Monster In "Dr. Pyckle And Mr. Pryde" (1925) (video)

Before teaming up with Oliver Hardy...

...Stan Laurel did a solo series of silent comedies.

"Dr. Pyckle and Mr. Pryde" spoofs the Jekyll and Hyde story...
...particularly the 1920 John Barrymore version.

Fortunately, this "Hyde" is more interested in mischief than murder.

Our Gang's "Pete the Pup" guest stars.

The original ending seems to be lost, as the existing one is rather abrupt. 


I neither own nor claim any rights to this material.  Just having some fun with it.  Thanks for watching!

Stan Laurel Turns Into A Monster In "Dr. Pyckle And Mr. Pryde" (1925) (video)