It’s often completely ignored or dismissed in the annals of Jim Carrey’s film career, but “Once Bitten” is one of my favorite of the Carrey comedy works. It’s not a masterpiece by any means, but it’s one of Carrey’s most restrained roles, where he’s funny without being over the top or rubbery as he was in his more successful films. “Once Bitten” is that eighties guilty pleasure I go back to again and again for a good chuckle. And to ponder the idea of being seduced by a vampiric Lauren Hutton. Either way, it’s all good.
Tag Archives: Teen
How to Build a Better Boy (2014)
Disney seems to be having a good time mining the eighties lately with their original movies. First we had “Zapped!” which took the title from the raunchy eighties comedy along with a variation of the plot from “Love Potion No. 9,” while “How to…” is really just “Weird Science 3.0.” Except this time its PG rated, and much more based around feminism than misogyny. And rather than building on the entire “Frankenstein” idea, the writers set their sights on the US government surveillance and their plans to build a top secret robot that can infiltrate any setting.
Our Top 5 “Saved by the Bell” Episodes
I used to watch “Saved by the Bell” religiously as a child, tuning in every afternoon after school, around five o’clock to catch the syndicated repeats. I never missed an episode, and I pity the fool who’d make me miss an installment. The show was true to the teenage experience in the 90’s, as “Leave It to Beaver” was to the familial experience in the fifties, but who cared?
It’s the 25th anniversary of “Saved by the Bell” apparently, so we took the time to compile a list of our top five episodes of “Saved by the Bell.” Mainly, because it’s a childhood favorite. Aw, who are we kidding? It’s still one of our favorite bits of television comfort food of all time. Whenever it’s on, we can’t help but watch, whether it’s the bland early years with Ms. Bliss, or the odd episodes without Jessie or Kelly. It’s up there with “Full House,” and “Fresh Prince” as a series so silly, but so damn funny and charming, you can’t help but be a fan.
Plus, Tiffani Amber Thiessen is still so damn hot.
Bring It On (2000)
You wouldn’t think a movie about cheerleaders and a rivalry between teams would be any good, but “Bring It On” manages to be lightning in a bottle that has yet to be topped by its terrible sequels. Not that cheerleading isn’t interesting, but “Bring It On” is such an entertaining and funny sports film, it sets the standard for movies about cheerleaders that has yet to be equaled or rivaled in quality. Director Peyton Reed’s film is a mix of comedy, drama, and light commentary on race and class warfare.
Three O’ Clock High (1987)
It’s surprising how “Three O’ Clock High” is about much more than a kid who gets himself in deep with a bully in high school. Deep down while it’s definitely a dark comedy about high school, it’s also about facing your problems. What “Three O’ Clock High” is ultimately about is that bad day that everyone has, and that horrific revelation that if something bad is going to happen to you, it’s going to happen to you, and most times you can really do nothing but try to get through the storm as neatly as possible.
Three O’Clock High (1987)
It’s surprising how “Three O’ Clock High” is about much more than a kid who gets himself in deep with a bully in high school. Deep down while it’s definitely a dark comedy about high school, it’s also about facing your problems. What “Three O’ Clock High” is ultimately about is that bad day that everyone has, and that horrific revelation that if something bad is going to happen to you, it’s going to happen to you, and most times you can really do nothing but try to get through the storm as neatly as possible.
Revenge of the Nerds (1984)
I said it before, and I’ll say it again. If you’re going to rip off a movie, twist it in to something unique and almost refreshing. “Revenge of the Nerds” is my favorite “Animal House” rip off of all time. And while “Animal House” was about underdog slackers battling upper crest class men, “Revenge of the Nerds” focuses on the grade A students and outcasts that fight for their right to be treated like human beings in the face of a world that values physical prowess over basic intellect. “Revenge of the Nerds” has its charms, and though it riffs on “Animal House” every now and then, it still comes out feeling unique and original.