You could well describe Matinée as Joe Dante's most mature and reflective work and also one of his very best movies. It's a criminally underrated film that only seems to be enjoyed by those who love and respect B-movies as much as the characters in the film, but for my money it's one of the most loving and respectful cinematic dedications in existence and miles ahead of overrated fare like Scorsese's HUGO.
The film is set in the 1960s and involves a larger-than-life showman, played to the hilt by John Goodman, bringing his latest B-movie to a local cinema in Florida. In many ways the film's backdrop is even more important than the main story: the Cuban Missile Crisis was in full swing and the threat of nuclear destruction was closer than any other time in history. On top of this, there's an excellent depiction of social and class issues and culture, as well as an exploration of what it was like to be growing up during the era. In this respect, Matinée is as deep and contemplative as STAND BY ME, for example.
On top of this, Matinée is thoroughly entertaining. Dante - who clearly puts himself into the main character of Gene Loomis - gives it his all and the result is stunning. The recreation of the cinematic experience, heavily inspired by the real-life showman William Castle, is genius. Goodman steals the show and is constant and surprising delight; I'd go so far as to describe this as my favourite role from the actor. The expected cameos from Robert Picardo and Dick Miller as well as many others are all delightful. Some of the stuff that takes place at the climax is over the top, but that's okay because it fits the theme of the film nicely. Matinée is one heck of a tribute and as a unique piece of film-making it takes some beating.
The film is set in the 1960s and involves a larger-than-life showman, played to the hilt by John Goodman, bringing his latest B-movie to a local cinema in Florida. In many ways the film's backdrop is even more important than the main story: the Cuban Missile Crisis was in full swing and the threat of nuclear destruction was closer than any other time in history. On top of this, there's an excellent depiction of social and class issues and culture, as well as an exploration of what it was like to be growing up during the era. In this respect, Matinée is as deep and contemplative as STAND BY ME, for example.
On top of this, Matinée is thoroughly entertaining. Dante - who clearly puts himself into the main character of Gene Loomis - gives it his all and the result is stunning. The recreation of the cinematic experience, heavily inspired by the real-life showman William Castle, is genius. Goodman steals the show and is constant and surprising delight; I'd go so far as to describe this as my favourite role from the actor. The expected cameos from Robert Picardo and Dick Miller as well as many others are all delightful. Some of the stuff that takes place at the climax is over the top, but that's okay because it fits the theme of the film nicely. Matinée is one heck of a tribute and as a unique piece of film-making it takes some beating.