Don Movie Reviews

Like many of the action comedies of the time this one delivers an entertaining story with John Candy's wacky humor. Candy and Levy star as the protagonists who are forced to join a security agency when all other options fail. Revolving around a plot involving corruption and crooked cops Candy and Levy aim to get to the bottom of all that is wrong while [complicating matters] frequently. I really laughed a lot at this film. Candy and Levy make a great team and offer up some very hysterical scenes. Levy's attempts at being a defense attorney, Candy fishing at a pier, and the two crashing a ball thrown for the chief of police all seem like harmless events but these two always know how to screw them all up. If you are a fan of the SCTV or SNL crews then you definately have to see this movie. It is lesser known but very funny.

When an Honest Cop (John Candy) was framed for stealing and Ex-Lawyer (Eugene Levy), they become together Private Security Guards but when a Conspiracy that is happining at the Private Security Guards. The Ex-Cop and the Ex-Lawyer are going to solve the case together, if they like it or not.

Directed by Mark L. Lester (Class of 1984 and 1999, Commando) shows a great fun of Comedy and Action. Candy and Levy are great together, the supporting cast are:Robert Loggia, Kenneth McMillian, Meg Ryan, Jonathan Banks, Brion James and Steve Ralisback (In a Cameo). DVD has an sharp anamorphic Widescreen (1.85:1) transfer (also in Pan & Scan) with the Original:Dolby Stereo 2.0 Surround Sound. This was a box office disappointment in 1986 but it does way better on Video. John Candy and Brion James died years later after this fun. This is a fun cop comedy. Grade:A-.

good movie,only good john candy movie made....if u like chevy chase movies, u might like this one

I love the book Christy and though I think it's usually hard for a tv or movie version of a book to totally live up to it's namesake, the first series did this job pretty well I think. This version, however, was overacted (Other than Dr. McNeil's character which I still think was acted pretty well),and the characters didn't have the heart and spirit that they did in the book. The overacting and poorly done camera work make what is a great story seem hokey and dumbed down. Also many of the characters aren't very well cast either. I don't recommend this version at all but still recommend the book and the other television version of this story.

I loved the television show, and it was hard for me to get into the new characterizations of the characters. It was great to see some returning members, espically McLennan who played Neil McNeil. I think he really holds this mini-series together, and is the only person (other than a few of the Cutter Gap residents) who doesn't overact or seem fake in this movie.

Maybe it's just hard for me to accept that different people are playing the beloved characters like Chirsty, and Miss Alice, etc. but I think I'm not alone when I say many of the characters didn't seem as realistic as they did in the series. The new Miss Alice probably seemed the most over-acted and fake out of everyone. Her "Thee's and thou's and thy's" just didnt cut it.

However, all in all it was an excellent story and picks up where the series leaves off. The new Chirsty did a decent job (certainly better than I ever could) and it is worth buying or watching on television. I hope that PAX will create more "Christy" episodes, and even though I'm not really one for wholesome family television and christian shows, this really is a wonderful show for anyone.

I am a fan of the Christy series, and this movie is faithful to the original theme and spirit.

I highly recommend getting it if you want to find out who Christy ends up marrying..Dr. MacNeil or David...:) I won't spoil the surprise.

For all the fans of The Avengers familiar with the Emma Peel/Tara King era of the show, these early episodes featuring Cathy Gale and Venus Smith may come as something of a disappointment. In fact, fans of the later shows may find it hard to believe that they are even part of the same TV series!

After the initial run of 26 episodes featuring Police Surgeon David Keel and his cohort John Steed had aired in the UK in 1961/62, the producers of the program opted to bring Steed to the forefront of the action and give him a number of different "assistants." Thus, for season two, 26 further episodes were made and broadcast in 1962/63 featuring Steed abetted by Martin King, Venus Smith or Cathy Gale. Mrs. Gale turned out to be the most popular and successful foil for the suave agent, and the other characters did not return after season two. Unlike the later Peel/King stories which were all made on film, these studio based TV shows are much more reliant on dialogue and plot than visual elements, and can be somewhat heavy going as a result.

A&E is releasing these stories in a somewhat confusing order, and has started with season three. The first two sets released, Avengers 64 1 & 2, feature the LAST six episodes of season three. Next comes Avengers 63 sets 1 & 2 which comprises of the first half of the season. Next up in the release order is 63 sets 3 & 4 which precede 1 & 2 in running order and in fact feature the last seven stories from season two, plus the first from season three. Confused? Ultimately, it doesn't really matter, since thankfully there's no real reason to watch the stories in chronological order anyway.

What is interesting is the development of the production standards. 63 sets 3 & 4, featuring the latter stories from season two, are far more rudimentary in terms of production quality. The sets are extremely small and sparse; The direction very slap-hazard; Camera work shoddy; Sound is extremely poor; and the acting is negligible. With no budget for editing or reshooting, all the actor's fluffs and goofs stayed in. Steed's character is far less suave and sophisticated then he became later during his familiar role alongside Mrs. Peel, and the relationship with Mrs. Gale in particular is at first downright hostile with very little warmth between the two. He seems to get along much better with Miss Venus Smith, a night club singer who he engages at various gigs to act as his eyes and ears. Venus is a very odd character, and played strangely, but enthusiastically by Julie Stevens. She looks about 12, sings like she's forty, and dresses like anything in between. She also seems extremely naïve and it's hard to imagine why Steed engages her to help him at all. The far more intelligent and elegant Mrs. Gale does eventually warm up to Steed, and in the season three stories where she is the exclusive companion to him, their relationship develops nicely and they become much warmer and closer to each other.

The production values on season three are also much better than the earlier episodes. The sets became larger and more elaborate. The direction, lighting and sound improved greatly and the acting was much less wooden. Some editing was clearly allowed on these later stories, whereas the earlier ones clearly were broadcast as if they were live. There's a terrific blunder in "Six hands across a table," where Cathy is called "Ros" in one scene, and both actors realize the mistake, but keep going. An even better goof comes in "Concerto" when Nigel Stock forgets his lines completely and a very audible prompt is given from off camera. Terrific stuff.

The quality of the DVD's is somewhat disappointing, even accounting for the age of the material and the production values mentioned above. It may not be the case, but it certainly appears that A&E have made no attempt whatsoever to re-master the original tapes, and the flaws, jumps, scratches and sound blips are too numerous to mention. Virtually every episode on 63 sets 3 & 4 are hampered by picture and sound flaws and defects. Things do improve for 63 1 & 2 and 64 1 & 2, but the quality is still disappointing. Mind you, it appears they have done nothing to clean up the Tara King episodes either!

As a big fan of the series, I wouldn't even consider not having these episodes in my collection, but if you're looking for the wacky camp humor and the tele-fantasy of the Peel/King eras, these stories may not be for you.

Join the elegantly ruthless John Steed and the brilliant and beautiful Mrs. Cathy Gale, as they battle villians nefariously nasty and dispicably dangerous. They are THE AVENGERS! Television's first fully formidable male/female companionship. These episodes are from 1964, Honor Blackman's 2nd and last season. These episodes, while technically inferior to the Diana Rigg episodes, are every bit as stylish and admirable.

In volume one, we have "The White Elephant" and fan favorite "The Little Wonders". In "The White Elephant", Steed and Cathy investigate the dissapearance of a rare albino elephant, and cage a group of ivory smugglers. This episode did have potential, but unfortunately its a bit average. It does however, feature an assortment of exotic animals including a monkey, leopard, but no elephant. In "The Little Wonders", Steed goes undercover as a vicar in order to infiltrate a gang of religous racketeers, while Cathy plays with dolls. A nice plot and writing make up for the average direction. Featuring the only kiss between Steed and Cathy, and Lois Maxwell (a.k.a. Miss Moneypenny) as a macinegun-toting nun. It's just a great deal of fun.

In volume two, we have two of the best episodes. The effectively harrowing "The Wringer", and the delighfully enjoyable "Mandrake". In "The Wringer", six of seven agents using a certain pipeline have been killed, so Steed sets out to find the seventh. When he does, he is accused of killing the six agents and is subject to interrogation at the hands of "The Wringer". Extremly harrowing episode features a very different feel, outstanding performances, and masterful direction. Also, Cathy's surprising feelings for Steed are touching. In "Mandrake", mysterious grave undertakings at Cornwall cemetary lead Steed and Cathy to a sinister inheritance plot. This episode features all the best AVENGERS elements: a shifty-eyed (literally) diabolical mastermind, a mad doctor, merry widows, and tons of corpses. It could have been an Emma Peel episode. Also features one of the best fights of the series between Cathy and a thug in a graveyard.

In volume three, there's "The Secrets Broker", and "The Trojan Horse". In "The Secrets Broker", it becomes apparent that a wily wine merchant and a devious medium are involved in a plot to sell ministry secrets. This episode is really very dull, as it focuses on an illicit love affair rather than on Steed and Cathy's investigations. In "The Trojan Horse", Steed gallops to the stables as he investigates a prominent stable that's become a haven for hoods in training, while Cathy becomes a syndicate bookie for a gambling orginization as it starts closing the book on prominant politicians. Cathy's bookie numbers delivery is alone worth the price of admission, and the script is also good. But nothing else really stands out here.

Well, die-hard fans will be pleased with this delightful package, but be warned, the quality leaves abit to be desired. But if you're in the mood for intelligent storylines, kinky fashions, and brutal action THE AVENGERS '64 is what you're looking for!

'The Avengers" was a popular 1960's British fantasy-adventure series that focused on the exploits of a male-female duo in the service of the British government. The series underwent several changes of its female lead but its one constant male lead was John Steed always portrayed by the debonair Patrick Macnee (Originally the John Steed had two male partners but that format eventually changed). Kathy Gale portrayed by Honor Blackman became Steed's first female partner. However, when Honor Blackman (of "Goldfinger" fame) departed the series and Diana Rigg entered as Mrs. Emma Peel, the show became an international sensation. Rigg brought sophistication, wit, charm and beauty, which hid her lethal and highly visual judo and karate abilities. Macnee and Rigg complemented each other beautifully with their carefree witty and charming exchange of dialogue. The show distinguished itself with bizarre and futuristic villains and fantastic plots. Popular at the height of the James Bond craze, the show was able to distinguish itself with its simply over-the-top visual style. Laurie Johnson's catchy and sophisticated main title theme matched the visuals of the show and still conjures up an image of the series when listened to today. When Diana Rigg left the series, Linda Thorson entered as John Steed's new partner Tara King. The series soon went off the air in the United States. It was a shame because the episodes with Tara King were quite good. The King episodes seemed to be a little more down to earth and contained some very good writing and intricate plotting. In any event series definitely left its mark amongst the finest. These DVD copies are gorgeous.

After the film came out in 1958 Hemingway was quoted as saying Spencer Tracy was "too fat" to play the part. In the book, Hemingway portrays the part of Santiago as a skinny old, experienced native. Instead in the video we get Spencer Tracy... Nothing against him, he is one of the greatist actors of all time, but this movie left something to be desired the book did not.

When I first saw this movie, I thought this was an early save the planet movie. Well In addition to Spencer Tracy's powerful performance as a fisherman trying to catch the Marlan, there is also a lot of natural/wildlife photography in it that serves as the background for the movie and it's quite extensive for a 1958 film. I heard that Hemmingway really enjoyed the outdoor world, well this movie certainly had plenty of the natural world to show of.

Santiago is an aged Cuban fisherman who has not caught any fish for eighty-four straight days. Because he is considered unlucky by the other villagers, the young boy who usually assists Santiago is told by his parents to join a luckier boat which has recently been catching some fish.

On the eighty-fifth day Santiago sets out alone and after a while he hooks a huge marlin. Most of the rest of the movie is about Santiago's struggle with the marlin and his battles with attacking sharks which are trying to eat the big fish. The story is also about Santiago's relationship with the boy who cares for the old man both before and after his epic voyage. The boy is indebted to Santiago for all that he has learned from him about fishing. Santiago is a widower and childless.

Much of the film shows Santiago alone at sea struggling with the marlin. In other words the movie is mostly focused on Spencer Tracy who does an excellent job of holding the viewer's interest.

In spite of Tracy's great performance, however, I still think that Anthony Quinn would have been a better choice for the role of Santiago - except for the fact that Quinn was fifteen years younger than Tracy.

The script closely follows Hemingway's novel which makes the movie even more remarkable.

FUNimation's DVDs keep getting a little better every time. There are still a few noticeable pauses between some tracks, like between the theme song and the recap, and between the title sequence and the beginning of the episode. And still, no preview of the next episode in Japanese, either. But, they've included the original eyecatches, so there are signs of improvement. Also, the animated menus look NICE this time around. Unlike the cruddy screen captures from the Freeza discs, the Cell menus feature a cool-looking techno-organic cell floating around in green embryonic fluid.

Only three episodes on the disc, but that's no surprise. The Powers That Be have already long since decided that we stupid consumers are to digest this 300-episode series in installments of 3 episodes per ... disc. The first two episodes on the disc really aren't more than a buildup that goes on a little too long. Nothing much here except setting up Cell's appearance and Piccolo's power-up. The third episode is the real meat and potatoes of the disc, with Piccolo and Cell going at it. From the horrific images of Cell killing his victims to Piccolo's superpowered martial arts prowess, this episode is one to remember out of the entire DBZ series.

This vhs contains 3 episodes:

Episode 125:Seized With Fear: Trunks and Gohan go with Bulma to a replica of what is Trunk's time machine! But they discover something more when they find a strange ball and the skin of a creture that shedded it's skin! But what kind of strange monster has been using the time machine?

Episode 126:The Reunion: As a city feels the wrath of an evil monster that Bulma,Trunks and Gohan beleive is the same thing that shedded it's skin before, Piccolo arrives at the Lookout and decides that there is only one way to defeat the dreaded Androids: by merging with Kami! But Kami says that a more powerful evil is lurking in the city below and Piccolo agress to fight with him before. As Kami fuses into Piccolo, the most powerful Namek confronts the evil monster in an all out battle!

Episode 127:Borrowed Powers:As Piccolo,the new Super Namek confronts the evil monster he gets a demonstration of his power when he observes a citizen being asorbed by the lizard-like monster! Starting the battle, the clash between Piccolo and the mysterious monster begins....but the question is who will win?

Imperfect Cell - Encounter is a great addition to the DBZ family. I only gave it four starts because it is some-what boring before Cell appears, but mysterious all the same. Piccolo and Kami finally fuse, bringing out the true, stronger Piccolo, but not evil. Cell is really creepy, the way he sucks the life out of anyone who crosses him to gain energy, and he even can perform Goku's special move -- the Kamehameha wave! Buy Encounter to both complete your collection and delive true DBZ entertainment to your home!

Wirey Spindell, a film I was not even sure I wanted to see, surprised me. I've only seen "If Lucy Fell" which, well, I didn't much like (Sarah Jessica Parker and Elle McPherson and it still didn't work for me). This movie, tries too hard perhaps, but was really affecting. Schaffer has something to say. Critics, and most did not like this film, bemoan his lack of of success. I applaud him for his film. It is a gutsy and adult film. He shares his life with us and it isn't pretty. It is consistently interesting and at times, a bit moving. Not crying moving, but you do feel for Wirey. It is brillant? No. But considering all the junk coming from mainstream Hollywood these days, I enjoyed the 1hr 40min. I applaude someone who can put themselves out there like this. It worth seeing to enjoy the performances of Eric Mobius and Samantha Buck (who? You should know her soon enough) who are both excellent. Samanta Buck is a revelation. As to the film itself,I think Kevin Thomas of the LA Times said it well. ""Wirey Spindell" may be too heady for some tastes but can stir you deeply, if you're open to it." If you don't want to listen to me, he is a pretty darned well respected film critic. Enjoy.

This film is sweet, beautiful, hilarious and so realistic, it is amazing. It is sad to me to see such spiteful, negative reviews posted here, but it is clear that these people prefer bogus big-budget Hollywood films to true works of art. I think Schaeffer is one of the funniest writers/actors around. Like Woody Allen, he presents New York so well cinematically, especialy here in Wirey Spindell. His earlier works have been a little weak in parts, as Wirey Spindell sometimes is, but he has pretty much made his masterpiece with this one. Some of the moments presented in this film will absolutely break your heart, or make you laugh hysterically, or simply contemplate your own life, especially if you are of this generation. Wirey Spindell reminded me so much of my own life and thoughts, that I was blown away by it. I cannot get enough of his films, and I am so thankful that there are enough fans of his work to at least let him keep making films, which will be hailed as genius someday by the masses. You MUST see this film. It is one of the BEST and most honest "romantic comedies" EVER MADE.

If the world liked Eric Schaeffer as much as Eric Schaeffer liked
Eric Schaeffer, every univeristy and private college in North America would have its own General ed Western-civ course on this director's work. This man's self delusion reaches to such levels of grandeur it is almost like witnessing a natural wonder such as the Aurora Borealis or a solar eclipse. He is so amazing in his confidence that one can not look away, despite the hackneyed content. He is a cinematic Hitler.

Here's an Italian horror flick that's a cut above the rest. It's not as corny as most of the films in the genre(though it is still a bit corny), but the actors pull it off nicely. Of course we've got Giovanni Radice, who once again is great in his offbeat performance. As you probably know already, John Saxon(a fantastic actor not given his due) was lured into this one, and it's very amusing to see him in this kind of film. I think this film is hyped up to be alot gorier than it actually is(the notorious "sewer shootout", while cool and all, just isn't as gruesome as you're led to believe), though the violence is executed nicely here. As opposed to Fulci, who's violence is very slow and drawn out, this film's violence is quick, realistic and frantic. Also, the film's star isn't the gore or violence, but the strength of the performances and story, which is rare for this kind of thing. There are long stretches without any violence at all, and in my eyes, wasn't at all boring. Usually in this kind of flick, you couldn't care less about the characters and their problems.....you just want to get on with the gore man! You want the impalements and the cannibal feasts and the moldy, cruddy zombies blown to smithereens! Well, Cannibal Apocalypse is a truly standout flick that combines the best of both worlds.

When I first got Cannibal Apocalypse on DVD, I did not know what to expect because I only saw reviews about it. But when I saw it for the first time, I thought it was a good movie, but why name it Cannibal Apocalypse? There were a few scenes that showed the infected soldiers bite people, but they mostly used their hands or weapons to kill people. Other than that, it was a good movie. Also, it is worth it checking the extras that come along with the movie, especially Cannibal Apocalypse Redux. It interviews two of the stars and the director about how the movie was handled and so forth, especially the part that Quentin Tarantino thinks of this as one of his favorite movies ever. Also, it shows an alternate version of the movie that was edited on video here in the US. However, if you want the check out the Butchering of Cannibal Apocalypse option, you might want to come closer to read the text because of its small print. Other than that, good movie to see.

This is a great horror movie that has withstood the test of time. The print is in great condition and the commentary provides interesting information about this movie. Such as John Saxon not realizing that this was a Cannibal Movie before signing the contract and then being a little baby when it came time to put the "BITE" on somebody. This movie has always held my favorite gore scene. See this movie just for that scene. It's well worth it.

I've never seen a movie quite like this in my life! It's technically raw, the sound's bad and half the time I had no idea what was going on, but it builds to a brilliant portrait of four lonely lives. The bad jokes and laughter that eat up so much film time connect loose, rambunctious scenes that defy strict narrative logic--after a while it feels like you're watching this movie from the inside, right in the thick of the cigarettes and booze. As usual, Cassavetes shoots the '60s from unexpected angles: his focus is on the middle-aged middle managers and their fading suburban wives, stuck on the wrong side of the Sexual Revolution but still desperate to feel young and fulfilled. The movie doesn't make fun of them but brings you into their world, where disappointment, age and the pressures of conformity are finally getting the best of their vitality. Imagine "The Graduate" told from Mrs. Robinson's point of view. The powerful last scene ends in silence after a suicide attempt--no laughs, no routines. The death of a marriage or a new beginning? Cassavetes rarely matched this level of intensity. "Faces" is one of his very best.

I first saw FACES around the time I saw SCENES FROM A MARRIAGE on videotape. Both caused explosions in my mind. "Embarrassingly good" is the phrase I might use to describe both experiences.

The behavior in FACES is classically American, modern-style. It's the essence of much American "partying" psychology, right before your eyes. A rancid mix of alternating comedy and infighting that has your head spinning: and only the most sheltered in the US have not experienced that sensation in American social life. The sense of not really knowing whether people are really there to have fun or have a fight is universal when certain immature American types, young or old, get together. In Cassevettes' FACES, the shock of recognition is artfully created in the viewer. For all but the most experienced and jaded, the overall effect is quite stunning.

This isn't simply disturbing or "disgusting": it is just that it distills the essence of the essence. Are you truly intrested in getting anything of value out of real film, real cinema? Are you interested in getting your time and money's worth out of the screen in front of you, for goodness sake? Then it may behoove you, to find it important to learn how to watch films like this. Nay, not only watch, but learn how to appreciate and get something out of them as well.

I would avoid terms like "technically ragged " to describe Cassevettes work. Improvisational describes it best, even the film work (overexposed or otherwise.) And I would rank FACES with DOUBLE INDEMNITY (yes, I would) and GASLIGHT ( why not? be fair and open -minded) as some of the best American hard-core psychology there is on film.

I am the author of Cassavetes on Cassavetes... and of the pack-in essay that is included in this DVD, and I want to agree with Martin Doudoroff's review that is somewhere below mine. This film is one of the supreme masterworks of all of American cinema. It is absolutely essential. Yes, it is "difficult." Yes, it is "slow." But those standards are for enterainment. Cassavetes wants to take us out of our ordinary ways of viewing. He wants to deny us the escapism of "entertainment." That's the point. If you have trouble with this film--good! If you find it infuriating--good! If you find it not entertaining--good! It wants to get under your skin. It wants to shake you up.

It is a deep exploration of manhood in America, of the power games that men play with women, and of the other kinds of games women victimize themselves with. Deeper than Citizen Kane, more abrasive than Magnolia or American Beauty, Faces turns the camera on US. It is not about someone else. It does want to annoy you. And if you allow it to, without giving up or shutting your mind to it, it will profoundly enlighten you.

I can't say more in the space available. Maybe the Cassavetes on Cassavetes book or my web site devoted to Cassavetes can throw more light on the subject. But trust me, this film can change your life. It is one of the greatest works of art in all of film. And the resistance it meets with is proof of that.

Gene Wilder and Gilda Radner have made some excellent movies together. Gilda appeared in 'Blazing Saddles' as an extra. She made 'Hanky Panky' (which typically does not rate well, but which I like) and 'The Woman in Red' with Gene. Unfortunately this movie would be her last original movie. Unfortunate because it was her last, and it was far from her best.

The movie takes place in 1930 or 1940 something. Gene and Gilda have a hit radio program. They are about to get married, and as we watch the movie, the plot moves to Gene's family home, where there is a cast of characters as weird as any that have ever been in a comedy or horror movie. Gene's Aunt Kate (played in drag by Dom DeLuise) has changed her will to leave everything to Gene. Unfortunately, someone overhears Aunt Kate discussing the change in wills, and that someone decides it's time to take action.

As the movie proceeds there are a variety of slipups and bumbling police, several 'comedic' vignettes, ultimately leading to the unmasking of the killer and the end of the movie.

This movie has several problems. The first problem is that the comedic plot is unbelievable. We knew the plot of 'Young Frankenstein' was unbelievable, but the one-liners and periodic slapstick were funny because the characters tried hard to appear to play it straight. In 'Haunted Honeymoon' the characters are going for the laughs, and it's usually not funny. The plot is so thin that it makes tissue paper look thick, and the humor appears too forced.

The next problem is that the humor often isn't humorous. One of the best scenes in the movie is when Gene is sitting atop of the butler so that Gene is matched with the butler's legs. As the butler (knocked unconscious in a struggle with Gene) moves his legs while waking up, Gene does a variety of things that are funny. Don't get your hopes up because that scene is the funniest of the movie.

The dialogue is awful. There's nothing more I can say about the dialogue.

For all my negative criticism, the movie is slightly entertaining. The house is great; I wish I could live there. There are a few humorous moments (though too few). The atmosphere of the movie seems to try hard to recreate the atmosphere of 'Young Frankenstein', though some sets are used way too often. I'm glad I watched the movie, but I do not see me watching it again.

I absolutely do not recommend you buy this movie.

I enjoy Gene Wilder, and certainly I'll be the first to say that he has done some wonderful work both on screen and behind the scenes in many films. But he is also the frothy sort of artist who is at his best when firmly grounded by the restraint of a hardnosed director--and for HAUNTED HONEYMOON he had no such restraints. He was writer, director, and star, and the result is way too much froth and not nearly enough substance.

The premise of the film is clever, a parody of the spooky-comedies of the 1940s and 1950s that were popularized by the likes of Red Skelton, Abbot and Costello, and Crosby and Hope. Two radio stars (Wilder and Radner) have become engaged and they rush off to the groom's ancestrial home for the wedding... and promptly encounter everything from cobras in the closet to werewolves in the winecellar. And the script and production values are often quite amusing, with repeated references to James Whale's 1930s classic THE OLD DARK HOUSE, and even the score borrows a few phrases from "I've Written A Letter To Daddy" from WHATEVER HAPPENED TO BABY JANE? But the plot goes no where, and not even the stars of the film can save it.

Which brings us to why the film is nonetheless worth watching. Wilder is excessive, to say the least, but his failings here are as director and writer; as a performer he manages quite well. And his co-star is the late and much missed Gilda Radner. Sadly, Radner never found her place on the big screen before her untimely death, and HAUNTED HONEYMOON is no exception; Wilder doesn't seem to know how best to display her talents. But even so, there are moments when she illuminates the film to a remarkable comic degree, giving the viewer a glimpse of what might have been if the role had been more carefully tailored to her talents. And then there is Dom DeLuise, who offers a hilarious throw-away performance in drag as Aunt Kate... And when Gilda and Dom join forces to perform the old Vaudeville song "Ballin' the Jack" the result is pure movie magic.

Unfortunately, though, it isn't enough. The story is just too weak, too many of the one-liners fall flat, too often cast members who might have given great comic performances are neglected. I'll give it three stars out of five... one each for Wilder, Radner, and DeLuise. But I'm erring on the generous side. Incidently, this film is not to be confused with a Robert Young-Constance Cummings effort of the 1930s, also entitled HAUNTED HONEYMOON and based on the play and novel by mystery author Dorothy Sayers--a very good film, by the way, which sad to say has never been released to the home market.

Looking at the cast alone, you anticipate great things from this film. Gene Wilder and Gilda Radner playing opposite Dom DeLuise in drag. How can it miss? I'm a huge fan of spooky comedies, so I definitely had high hopes. While I didn't come away from the movie bitterly disappointed, I wasn't completely impressed either. The plot has a great set up, but doesn't really seem to go anywhere. Gene Wilder's character is a radio actor who goes to spend the weekend with his Great Aunt in his spooky childhood home. For some reason, there's a psychologist who is trying to scare Gene Wilder "to death" to help him confront his inner demons. Then there's a werewolf prowling around, and people getting killed, and a shadowy figure slipping through secret passages....it sounds great, doesn't it? But it's all played with pretty cheesy dialogue and a confusing plot. Then when we make it to the end, everything is wrapped up in a nice little bow when we find out it was all supposed to be a radio program and not actual events. Then they throw in the cliche, "or WAS it?" kind of twist just before the credits roll. Cheesy, cheesy, cheesy. The actors are great and there are some great jokes. There's even a cool musical number with Dom and Gilda. This movie really has the makings of a true hit, but it never quite makes it....

Two schlocky sci-fi movies for the price of one? I certainly give MGM credit for releasing these low end movies in this two for one format.

Let's see, Invisible Invaders...I would call this a mix of The Day The Earth Stood Still and Plan 9 From Outer Space, with the end result leaning much closer to Plan 9. Apparently, aliens have been living on the moon for the last 20,000 years, and have decided the time was ripe to take over the earth. Thier timing had something to do with the the fact that the earthlings were just beginning to harness the power of the atom. They decide the best way to do this is by inhabiting the bodies of the recently deceased and sabotaging earths' ability to fight back and basically annihilate all earth men unless they surrender control of the planet to the aliens. A small group, two scientists, the daughter of the older scientist, and an army major secure themselves away in a bunker in order to devise a plan on how to deal with the alien invaders, specifically for a way to make the aliens visible...I think....anyway, it's all hokey stuff. John Caradine gets top billing, but he's only in the movie for about 4 minutes. John Agar was the real star in this goofball movie. The earth is coming to an end, and he still finds time to put the moves on the scientists daughter. Funny stuff, a bit slow at times, and lots o' stock footage. In the end, humanity prevails, and the aliens get their cumuppence.

Journey To The Seventh Planet...another Agar classic. The movie starts out with a bit of narration telling us how it's the year 2001, there is no more war, and the earth is governed by the UN...make your own jokes. Anyway, an international group *cough cough* of astronauts have been tasked to explore the Seventh planet, Uranus. On arriving, they discover the planet is very much like earth, atmosphere, trees, grass, etc. , and it is all quite puzzling until they discover that a giant, pulsating space brain is manipulating them for it's own nefarious purposes. Once the astronauts discover what's going on and what the Giant Space Brains' plans are, they try to come up with a scheme to destroy it before it destroys them. All of it is rather goofy, but I kinda enjoyed some of it. I did like the stop motion on the rat monster. It was nowhere near the level of Harryhausen, it was nice to see, especially in this era of CGI. John Agar is the star of this, and he plays a really [frisky] astronaut. I mean, he seems like he is always taking about getting women or coming on to women (yes, the Giant Space Brain creates space babes from the astronauts memories). Well, stuff happens, and the Giant Space Brain trys to destroy the astronauts with their own worst fears turned into reality. You see, now that the Giant Space Brain has learned about earth from the minds of the astronauts, it wants to make the earth it's new home, and plans on hitching a ride with the astronauts or something like that. In the end, humanity prevails, and the Giant Space Brain get its' cumuppence.

I may be making these movies sound better than they are, but don't be fooled. With both of these movies I had to take numerous breaks while watching because they made my little earth brain hurt, but I did get quite a few laughs from them. Both movies are prime candidates for Mystery Science Theater 3000 (RIP).

A two-for-one send up of silly b-movies. Alien invaders and space exploration make up the themes of these tales of exploration and caution.

Invisible Invaders si about some aliens who have made themselves and their stuff invisible. Atomic testing on Earth has pushed them to wanting to take over the Earth from their nearby base on the moon. They will use the bodies of the dead to further their plans. Either Earth must surrender or they will destroy all humans. John Carradine is excellent as an animated corpse. Although he is only on screen for a short time, his voice is used for most of the alien communications. A small group in a scientific bunker must find a way to stop the invaders before all humans are killed.

Seventh Planet has a UN exploration team in 2001 traveling to Uranus to search for life. None has been found on the nearer planets. When the arrive they find themselves in a small region of German forest complete with village and beautiful women. But the real answers lie on the real surface of the planet. It was funny to see then traipsing though a forest and claim they still had not found any life (talk about not seeing the forest for the trees). The pseudo Earth history is laughable at this time and sexism is very strong. But it still has its moments with monsters, special effects, and outrageously bright color added because its in color (I love the spider with mustard and ketchup for blood).

B-movie fans should rejoice to get two movies for a reasonable price. The only disadvantage of this DVD is that each film is on a different side so you can't watch them straight through. But it does mean that the picture quality is very good. The only special features are subtitles and the original trailers.

man i love old and crappy 50's sci fi films like these.bad acting, crappy special effects.A great film to watch with friens on a friday or a saturday night.