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Reviews
Plan 10 from Outer Space (1995)
angels vs aliens
This campy surreal dreamworld presents metaphysical paranoia at its best. Talmage, Lucinda, Larsen, Nehor: who's in charge of this fluid Mormon ooze? No need to be a Mormon to appreciate this subtle satire, but by god it helps. Have interdimensional aliens slipped one past Smith? Collecting wives, should Brigham have overlooked that titillating alien? Karen Black's breathtaking performance as... Nehor? is superb. No better sendup of Mormonism on this or any other planet. Unrated; full bacchal nudity; Brigham fu; mind-boggling interstellar vehicle; Danite mayhem; ancestor fu; electroconvulsive flashbacks; gold plate ground hog fu; Warhol relics; recurring Smith sphinx; straight-arrow sex-mad angels; revelating aliens; weird damn fu. Dave Bob sez check it out.
Resident Alien (1990)
One of a kind--and kindness is all
Quentin Crisp (formerly Dennis Pratt), in the process of regaining his virginity, has created an inimitable persona. "Substance is ephemeral, style is eternal" epitomizes his existence, which in conventional terms is ghastly, but which under his touch becomes magical. This movie is the perfect vehicle for displaying the intellectual vigor and keen wit of one of the sharpest minds alive. Easily at home with whomever he encounters, he generously dishes out his presence to any who asks. Could he possibly do otherwise? The quintessentially worldly naif is wonderfully presented, as the modest camera follows his daily round, homely domestic detail through gorgeous partying. No voice-over here, just a simple portrayal of a person truly alive. One wishes Quentin Crisp could go on forever, as at the age of 90 he seems very likely to do. A real gem of documentary moviemaking.
Sextette (1977)
Ultimate vehicle for the creator of 20th century Sex
The ultimate vehicle for Mae West. Sure to be misconstrued by those who do not realize what Mae was up to, this campy delight is a true gem from the '70s. Part of the fun is watching Mae West's unconcealed joy in rolling out her legendary lines (and legendary body). The gleam in her eye as those droll words trip off her mischievous lips is delicious. To realize that here is The Female who caught onto sex at an early age and worked it for all it's worth is to appreciate this legend at her peak. Fans of Richard (all right, Ringo) Starr, Walter Pidgeon, George Raft, George Harrison, and Tony Curtis will appreciate their patsy cameos opposite irresistible Mae. The godfather take-off is a scream. Mae West always fancied her singing voice, and whenever this film allows it, she delivers: "Happy Birthday (Twenty-one)" and "Babyface" will never be the same. Surprisingly well produced and directed, here's an example of the vanity film at its best. Leaves you wanting it to go on, and on, and on. C'mon on up and see it sometime!
One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest (1975)
finest film of the '70s
Recently got a video of this film, which I had seen on first release in 1975, for my son's 23d birthday. Watched it again. Then again. Four times total, each time more engrossing. What a perfect film: story from Ken Kesey, casting, acting, directing. What a powerful and symbolic performance from Will Sampson as Big Chief! And McMurphy: counterpoint between a living human being and the smothering, oppressive, deadening--and murderous--force of society. Scatman Crothers, Dourif, Nicholson are superb. An easy 10. I have never seen a more moving cinematic scene than the final impulsive run to freedom meshing with that unforgettable musical score.