7/10
Blamire stands Forehead and Shoulders Above the rest
25 November 2010
The scuttlebutt is that apparently, as of late 2010, the film has gotten distribution and will be released to DVD shortly.

The version I saw was the one screened on the Independent Film Channel. According to director Larry Blamire, he stated in a Facebook post that this is NOT his approved cut of the film, so I am curious to see the differences between the two presentations. Any comments I am making here relate to the cut seen on IFC. The only way it could have been seen otherwise was at a film festival, which the film played several of since 2007.

I still loved the film, even if Larry had some problems with it.

You get his usual company of players, and "play" is the appropriate word here, since they all seem to be having a great time, playing around and coming together to pay tribute to a wide variety of classic cinema tropes.

This time, the target is medium budget almost major studio sci-fi extravaganza of the late 1950's or early 1960's. The studio has decided to spring for the indulgence of color film for a sci-fi genre picture, and the art department is told to make the most of that extra investment: costumes, sets and cars are highly colorful, with that saturated technicolor look of films such the Hitchcock productions of the period (like "The Birds," the closest thing Hitchcock ever did to a science fiction film).

A little pre-Betty Friedan feminism is thrown in for good measure, as well as the usual themes of that time such as suburban conformity and the Red Scare/Cold War.

All the actors are spot on, including Larry himself as two-bit hood Nick Vassidine. He probably started life as Nick Vaseline, because he was so greasy, but Larry had to change it due to trademark concerns. Just speculation there on my part.

Also should mention Jennifer Blaire as his moll, Droxy, who has a lot of Moxie. I just hope she doesn't drink it, that stuff is the second worst soda pop ever made.

I hate to bring up the cliché, but if you're a fan of Larry's, you've probably already seen it, and if you don't get his thing, then you never will. I'm just wondering how to convert the unconvinced out there, those not already on the Blamire train. Handcuffs and threats? Bribes and tickling? Infomercials? Any suggestions on bringing Larry's art to a wider audience would be welcome.
16 out of 19 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink

Recently Viewed