reverendtom Reviews

Bad Magic (1998 Video)

Finally Saw It.... Words Cannot Express....Can't Compute

[1/10 · 12 March 2014]

One star is my rating, but not because I hated it. I loved it. This deliriously bad film might just be the crown jewel in the Polonia Brother's filmography. It is amazingly terrible. From the grade Z effects to small town Pennsylvania subbing for New York City, to the agonizing dialog to the ridiculous acting and costumes... Dear lord, I didn't want it to end. This is truly so terrible that it is great. Seeing the usual Polonia "actors" cast as crackheads, gang members and hoes was incredible. I was laughing, and just amazed watching this film. Out of all the bad movies that the Polonias made, this one is screaming for a DVD release. The VHS is impossible to find. This might be my favorite Polonia film.

Tim and Eric's Billion Dollar Movie (2012)

Funniest Movie I've Ever Seen

[10/10 · 16 May 2012]

This movie killed me. I'm a huge Tim and Eric fan, and I can say without a doubt, if you like their humor, you will love this film. They have truly taken their humor to the next level. Like the best comedy, it is truly polarizing. You either love it and think its brilliant or you hate it and think its stupid. The trailblazers in any field are those who take risks and don't worry about pleasing everyone. The rest of TV is like that, which made me love Tim and Eric so much ever since "Tom Goes To The Mayor" because they are so apart from the pack and against the grain. Besides that, this film is just plain hilarious. Dark, sure, not the same as the show, sure. But the key is that its incredibly funny. If you don't like Tim and Eric, you won't like the film. Its that simple. Try watching some of their stuff online, and if you dig it, you will dig the film. They've stayed true to their vision, and have created an amazing film.

Friday the 13th (2009)

Horrendous

[3/10 · 13 February 2009]

This could have and should have been great. Instead, it sucks. This movie really sucks. This could have and should have been great. Instead, it sucks. This movie really sucks. This could have and should have been great. Instead, it sucks. This movie really sucks. This could have and should have been great. Instead, it sucks. This movie really sucks. This could have and should have been great. Instead, it sucks. This movie really sucks. This could have and should have been great. Instead, it sucks. This movie really sucks. This could have and should have been great. Instead, it sucks. This movie really sucks. And, it sucks, as well. It really sucks, overall.

Iron Man (2008)

Good as an Iron Man movie could be.

[8/10 · 1 May 2008]

Pretty damn good adaptation of one of my favorite Marvel titles. The first half is better than the second, with a strong revenge thread getting lost in the bigger picture of the whole story. As a straight adaptation of a classic Marvel story, this gets utmost props, as a movie on its own, its starts out excellently then is somewhat crushed under its own high-tech power. Look out for cameos by Ghostface Killer and Tom Morello. Overall, as good as an Iron Man movie could be, and I'm happy for that. I just wish Marvel would pay less attention to the Emo-Critic crowd and deliver the goods more. The first half of the film delivers a bigger emotional punch than the second half, which suffers from a little bit of the old emotional over-indulgence. All in all, it was an enjoyable, cool flick that didn't hurt an old shellhead fan's intelligence, but flirted with a little bit of the Emo over-indulgence that ruined "Spiderman 2" and "Hulk" for me.

Tim and Eric Awesome Show, Great Job! (2007–2017)

Funniest Show on TV

[10/10 · 17 April 2008]

This show is completely hilarious. A totally absurd, insane, bizarre style of humor that is sadly missing from most of TV. There hasn't been anything as gleefully wacked out as this since "Stella", which, in my opinion was the funniest thing on TV when it was on. Luckily, this show is garnering a huge cult following and not tanking in the ratings department. This show is alternately disorienting, disturbing, brilliant, hilarious to the point of near pants peeing and sometimes its all these things at once. There humor is polarizing, but I'd say most of the people I've introduced it to love it, with a small minority being not into it. I can't praise it enough. In this age of lame, extremely predictable comedy, Tim And Eric are twin harbingers of fresh air. Am I at 10 lines yet? Yep. Anyway, best comedy on TV and please keep it up!

Beerfest (2006)

Hilarious

[8/10 · 6 July 2007]

I went into this movie with low expectations. I was drinking away a hangover, popped 'er in. I was surprised at how hilarious it was. As a matter of fact, its the funniest movie yet from Broken Lizard. Unfortunately it bombed at the box office, so hopefully it won't be their last. Why is it that funny? Because it not only insanely over the top and absurd, its about a huge drinking contest. Its also a little smarter than it seems, poking fun at the whole genre of "dudes in their 30s who band together to do something." I was laughing from beginning to end, which is what you want a comedy to do. Make you laugh. I don't know why people don't like this movie. I found it way funnier than "Club Dread" and about as good as "Super Troopers".

Southlander (2001)

Stupid And Fun

[6/10 · 15 May 2007]

This film is fun and enjoyable once you get past the horrible film quality. Hanft's earlier film, "Kill The Moonlight" looks way better than this film, due to that film being shot on 16mm and this one being shot on what looks like video. Beyond that, the film is fun, pretty stupid and contains some excellent characters and freaky situations. Beck is really good as "Bek" and the scene involving him (the new age keyboard party) seems like it was written with "Midnite Vultures" era Beck in mind. There are some funny situations and Beth Orton is pretty sexy in it. Overall, if you like weird, low budget movies, late 90s "indy" rock, Beck or any combination of these things, you will enjoy the film. I'll admit, I didn't like it at first, but the end I was enjoying it. (Maybe this has to do with the fact that I was also drinking cheap wine.)

Inferno (1980)

Visually Fantastic

[6/10 · 19 March 2007]

This film is best enjoyed as a purely visual film. The plot is convoluted, the pacing is poor, some of the acting sucks. But, as a purely visual, abstract, dreamlike experience it mostly works. There are some really mesmerizing, scary sequences, and others that fall a little short of Argento's genius. Its not quite as good as "Suspiria", although it is a very similar film. Argento is an amazing talent, but some of his films, like this one, are somewhat of a mixed bag. As a purely visual director, his attempts to embellish plot and character usually sort of throw a wrench in the works. It would be great to see him direct a film that has little to no dialog and story and strictly focus on imagery.

California Suite (1978)

Horrible Writing

[3/10 · 4 February 2007]

Wait, Neil Simon is supposed to be a good writer? Uh, what? This film has some of the worst dialog I have ever heard in a film. And it reflects poorly on Mr. Simon. Anyone who thinks people talk like the poorly executed characters in this film is either a hermit who hasn't had a conversation with someone besides himself in many years or just a damn nerd. The film is advertised as being a fun ensemble comedy, what with the fanciful DVD cover portraying an excellent cast all jivin' and groovin' together. The opening scenes get you interested, with all these interesting characters converging at a fancy hotel. From there the movie spirals downward, with Commie-sympathizer Jane Fonda and Alan Alda in a severely boring and poorly written post divorce argument. After that we get to see the immense talents of Cosby, Pryor and Michael Caine wasted on substandard material. The only reason this film gets a 3 and not a 1 (or a Zero) is Walter Matthau's hilarious performance. Matthau is so naturally funny that he can breathe life into this dead and bloated script. And even the Matthau segment is horribly resolved. This is a terrible film, and a massive waste of many great acting talents. I'm convinced that Neil Simon stole "The Odd Couple" script from someone else. I can't believe that the same person responsible for that classic could write something so horrendous as this clunker.

Beer League (2006)

Fun guy flick

[8/10 · 8 January 2007]

If chicks can have chick flicks like "the Last Kiss" and all that bullsh*t, guys can have guy movies. This is a great guy's sports comedy in the tradition of "Slap Shot" and "Bad News Bears" (the original.) Its down to earth, low budget, profane, offensive and all around fun. Artie is great (and looks about 100 pounds lighter than he is now.) Seymour Cassell is a riot and everyone else turns in decent performances. The great Joe LoTrulio, of "the State" is a little under-used, but he's still great as the "team psycho" character. The black guy from Mr. Show is great as well (can't remember his name). The only thing in this movie that offended me is that they are all Yankees fans (I'm from Massachusetts). Well, Yankees suck, Jeter blows, A-Rod swallows and this movie is great!

Now Eat (2000 Video)

I really wanted to like it, but it sucks

[3/10 · 26 December 2006]

I'm a big fan of Brotha Lynch Hung, so I remember being very excited for this to come out. A "rap-horror-comedy"? Hell yes! I mean, lynch's lyrics from "Season of da Siccness" would make an incredible film. This film does absolutely nothing to capture the insanity of his early music and instead is just boring and lame. It seems to me that Brotha Lynch is not the best rapper to be in movies. Watch the "Lynch by Inch" DVD, its a snoozefest. So is this. Lynch is amazing at painting pictures and telling stories in his music, but it seems that he and the siccmade crew aren't the best at actually making movies. Maybe they are just way too real for the phony-ness of Hollywood!

Little Man (III) (2006)

Stupid fun

[5/10 · 26 December 2006]

Yes, this movie is bad. Yes it is stupid and juvenile. It is also very very funny in its own retarded way. I mean, come on. A midget pretending to be a baby. And not only a midget, but a gangster midget. There is tons of slapstick and bizarre situations. I think if you don't enjoy "so bad they're funny" types of things you wouldn't like this movie. As I said, it is derivative, dumb, pointless and sophomoric. I'll be damned if i wasn't laughing, though. The Wayans boys are good at making incredibly stupid comedies, and their talent really shines here. If you are the kind of person who lists movies like "Big Momma's House 2" and "Bachelor Party" as being your faves, check it out for some dumb fun.

Just Before Dawn (1981)

Fun, Solid, Overrated Slasher

[6/10 · 21 December 2006]

This is a fun little slasher film, but I think it has been highly overrated by a lot of horror geeks. The beginning of the film is extremely creepy, but by the end the whole thing sort of devolves into slapstick comedy. Watch it with some friends over some beers and tell me everyone isn't roaring with laughter by the end. The acting is surprisingly good for a low budget early 80s slasher flick. The score is excellent and the direction is solid. All in all, recommended to fans of early 80s slashers that can't get enough of backwoods mayhem. The making of special on the DVD is fun, as a lot of these actors are wacky folks. I hate this ten line minimum, I hate this ten line minimum, I hate it.

Dan Aykroyd Unplugged on UFOs (2005)

Unintentionally Hilarious

[3/10 · 13 December 2006]

Now, I would never dis Dan Akroyd, the man is a comedic genius. But, whoever made this movie is dumb as a rock. David Serada comes across as a total moron and asks Akroyd totally inept questions. Seriously, if you had a sit down interview, would you ask Dan Akroyd who he would meet if he traveled back in time? The production value is rock bottom with CGI that looks straight outta 1996. Serada's narrations is boring and his monotone drawl gets old REAL quick. Akroyd comes across as being very smart (as he obviously is, this must have been a slight lapse in clarity) and a perfect gentlemen. The makers of the film, however come across as complete morons. If you completely and totally believe aliens are already here, good for you. As a filmmaker, you should try to get people to believe by preparing a well put together film, which this most definitely isn't. But, if Serada and co., were smart, rational people, they wouldn't have made such a terrible film.

The Last Waltz (1978)

the power of music

[10/10 · 13 December 2006]

This is not only one of the best concert films ever made and one of the best rock and roll films ever made, it is one of the best films ever made about music. Although drummer Levon Helm slams it in his book "This Wheel's On Fire", this is a masterpiece. The flaws that Levon points out are evident after several viewings, namely too much screen time given to the somewhat sleazy Robbie Robertson. Besides that, this film is perfect. I would have liked to see more screen time given to the other members of The Band, as they seem like much more likable characters. Good ol' boy Levon Helm, eccentric genius Garth Hudson, drunk as hell Richard Manuel and the youthful, upbeat Rick Danko. But, apparently Scorsese had a little man-crush on Robertson and he makes him appear to be The Band's leader. When you watch the whole Band together, however, in interviews and onstage, the leadership role suits Levon more. When he talks, the other guys shut up. With only one serious mis-step, the Neil Diamond cheese fest "Dry Your Eyes", this is just about the greatest film ever made about the power of music. Even with too much Robbie.

Office Space (1999)

Modern Classic

[10/10 · 13 December 2006]

This is easily one of the funniest movies of the past ten years and, you guessed, one of the funniest comedies ever. I saw it 99, when it was a new release on video and I didn't think it was that funny. I saw it about a year later again, and found it hilarious. (Could have been that I was smoking really bad weed back in 99 and I was also 19 years old). This is one of the most re-watchable comedies I've ever seen, and I think that has to do with a combination of things. For one, it is brilliantly written. The dialogue is incredible. Also, all the actors give great and hilarious performances. The story is great, and the pacing and mood of the film is perfect. This is a "must own" movie, because you can watch it repeatedly and it never gets old. Mike Judge is a genius!

Heartworn Highways (1976)

Excellent Country Documentary

[10/10 · 12 December 2006]

This film is about the "outlaw" country music movement of the 70s, when artists rejected the glossy, strings filled Nashville sound and made poignant, gritty music. Guy Clark, David Allen Coe, Charlie Daniels and more are featured. Townes Van Zandt really steals the show, though. Out in his ratty trailer he shown drinking whiskey and shooting bb guns. He sits down in the kitchen and plays some songs for his girlfriend and his elderly black neighbor (whose interactions with Townes are amazing) and plays some of the most amazing music you'll ever hear. There are also some great scenes of a little local ensemble playing in a bar. This is a must-see film for fans of Real Country Music. The pop pablum was crap then and its crap now. Real country will live on.

Billy Madison (1995)

Sandler's Funniest Film

[8/10 · 12 December 2006]

This is Adam Sandler's first starring role and definitely his funniest film. It is totally off the wall, loose and full of little, odd jokes. It also contains an amazing cast including Norm MacDonald and the late, great Chris Farley. I remember the first time I saw this movie I was 15 years old and I laughed extremely hard. And, the humor doesn't get old. This movie is as funny today as the day it came out. Sandler went on to make a lot of sentimental, mediocre films, but this is his masterwork. It is full of little, quick qoutes and scenes that don't make a whole lot of sense, and its damn funny. It is also sick, bizarre and stupid. Definitely one of the funniest movies I've seen and definitely Sandler's greatest.

Dirty Work (1998)

Hilarious, Underrated Film

[8/10 · 12 December 2006]

This film got slammed by the critics when it came out, so I avoided seeing it for awhile. A few people told me it was hilarious, but I had my doubts. For some reason, Norm MacDonald had kind of rubbed me the wrong way on SNL. This film alone changed me from a Norm doubter to a huge Norm fan. It is a hilarious, nonsensical film filled with insanity, inanity and a ton of laughs. The cast is a comedy dream team: Norm, Artie Lange, Chevy Chase, Chris MacDonald, Chris Farley, Jack Warden, Don Rickles, a quick cameo by Sandler and a quick cameo by Gary Coleman AND a quick cameo by Tommie Hearns. This film is one of those great, great comedies that any critic would have to hate. It is stupid, yes, on purpose. It is crass, tasteless, idiotic, sophomoric and guess what else? Extremely funny. A must see for fans of less than brilliant comedy.

One Crazy Summer (1986)

Good, but not quite as good as Better off Dead

[7/10 · 11 December 2006]

This is from much of the same creative team behind "Better Off Dead", but is not quite as good as that amazing teen comedy. Its a lot of fun, but its all over the place and just not quite as funny. Curtis Armstrong is used to less effect (he was incredibly funny in "Better off Dead", Bobcat Goldthwaite is hilarious, Cusack is good, Demi Moore is Demi Moore (only with better hair here.) Overall its fun, and as a person from Cape Cod, it catches the feeling of an 80s Cape Cod summer very effectively. For some reason, this film feels more "mainstream" than "Better off Dead". There isn't quite as much left field absurdity going on here. Again, if you are a fan of John Cusack and Savage Steve Holland its definitely recommended.

Better Off Dead (1985)

classic teen comedy

[9/10 · 11 December 2006]

This is a wildly inventive teen comedy that is completely absurd and yet very realistic at the same time. The emotions it conveys, the little details about teen life in the 80s are very, very legitimate, while the gags and humor are completely over the top and bizarre. I remember the first time I saw this, I was probably about 8 and it was on TV and I was completely in awe. I had never seen anything like it. From the bizarre animated opening credits to the hilarious claymation Van Halen music video, its obvious that Savage Steve Holland was a very individualistic and extremely creative filmmaker. This film still holds up not only as a fun 80s movie but as a great comedy, period. The humor hasn't aged like the hair and clothes have. An excellent comedy, recommended to all!

xXx (2002)

weird

[3/10 · 11 December 2006]

I saw this movie with a friend in the theater when it came out and we both thought it was the most hilarious, ridiculous thing we had ever seen. When I rented it the next year with the same friend and some other buddies and watched it at my house, we thought it sucked. Very odd. How does a movie have no replay value whatsoever? Since then I've tried watching it again and it really does suck. So I guess my friend and I witnessed a rare thing in the movie world. A movie that works only once and then decays immediately afterwards. The ultimate in disposable culture. You watch it once and then throw it away. Maybe its because we saw it in the theater, which added to spectacle, I don't know. Its definitely one of the only times I seen a movie and enjoyed it and then seen it again and couldn't stand it. Odd.

The Secret Agent Club (1996)

One of the funniest movies I've ever seen

[10/10 · 11 December 2006]

From the moment you pop in the DVD, you will be amazed. Literally. This movie has the funniest menu screen I have ever seen, what with the still frame of Hulk hulkin out, the techno music loop and the footage of the kids hiding from spies. After such an amazing introduction, the movie does not dissappoint. This has got to be one of the stupidest, most hilarious children's movies ever made. I admit that I was drunk and in good company while watching it, but I was roaring with laughter. I mean, Richard Moll (I think that's how its spelled) as an evil spy with long hair, kids getting over their heads in international intrigue, Hulk Hogan, a magic lazer gun. This film really has it all. I think it is the most hilarious film that Hulk ever made.

RocketMan (1997)

great stupid comedy

[7/10 · 11 December 2006]

Harland Williams is great. He has a brand of weird, off the wall humor that is strictly his own, which is a good thing. This movie is really the only "Harland Williams vehicle" I know of and I think its pretty durn funny. Its extremely stupid, but it reminds me of the 80s, when PG rated zany comedies were a common thing. This would be a great movie for kids, and as a 27 year old, I think its pretty funny even for adults. The story is basically very simple and quite dumb, but Williams bizarre antics keep it interesting and funny. When a movie spends about 10 minutes on a fart joke, you know you're dealing with some juvenile entertainment. So, just enjoy it.

Phat Beach (1996)

Great Pointless Film

[7/10 · 11 December 2006]

This is the epic tale of a overweight young man and his player buddy Darnell's trip to the beach, the Phat Beach! The fat boy steals his father's Benz and off they go, with visions of fat booties in their heads. Once they get there, Darnell is getting mo' booty than a bike seat and the fat man (whose name I can't remember, else I'd use it, I'm not trying to offend the overweight here) keeps getting rejected. He sees his dream girl and chases her as best as he can, but she is cruel to him. The film then begins to get pretty depressing with the fat man wandering around alone while Darnell keeps getting them ladies. There is something I like about this movie, and I honestly don't know what it is. Nothing really happens in it, it isn't very funny, there is little to no nudity, Coolio is in it for about three seconds, but I am always drawn back to it. About once a year I get a craving for Phat Beach. It takes all kinds, I guess. In Phat Beach related news: I gave this DVD to a friend for his birthday. His house was broken into on my birthday and a bunch of stuff was stolen, including this DVD. Bizarre.