John Pripusich

The brilliance of Mostel and Wilder in "The Producers" made their re-teaming for the movie "Rhinoceros" seem like a grand notion. But Zero and Gene's genius are wasted here. "Rhinoceros" isn't funny or even interesting. One of the worst movies of all time.

Oh, my goodness! One of truly fun, hilarious, kinda scary gems from 50's sci-fi! My sister and I never tired of each indescribably improbable moment and every absurd line of dialogue! We'd order a pizza, and have star James Best lead us through the maze of horror and giant killer shrews! Fun stuff and great memories! Movies are supposed to be fun, right?

Joe Dante's love of the horror genre and its stars of olde make him special. Barbara Steele, Kevin McCarthy, and even a cameo by the great Richard Deacon are here. 1978, so very "Jaws" influenced. One very clever raft-attack by the fishies. That's all I'll say. Incredibly, this movie made $15 million+ profit! Dante gets the most out of a low budget. Effects-wise, picture-wise, dialogue-wise, plot-wise. But it's a fairly slow-moving $2.99 fish 'n clips special.

Best Christmas movie of all time! Yes, I, like most folks, love "It's a Wonderful Life", but "Miracle on 34th St." is a true Christmas movie, with focus on Santa Claus, portrayed perfectly by Edmund Gwenn, who netted an Academy Award and was so deserving! Maureen O'Hara perfect as Mrs. Walker, and Natalie Wood shows the audience how great a child actress she was. One of the best ever. A family classic movie, and a Holiday treat, not to be missed!

One of Roger Corman's most Cormanish films. It effectively taps into the beatnik vibe, with horror to boot. Dick Miller gives a great performance as the cafe worker who seeks artistic renown no matter what it takes. Another Corman favorite, Barboura Morris, is always a delight. She should have had a huge career. Ed Nelson and a very young Bert Convy (yes, THE Bert Convy---future game show host deluxe!) add a splash of class. Roger Corman shows how much a producer/director can get out of a low budget. "A Bucket Of Blood" is quirky, bold, funny, and a little creepy. Not boring, I'll say that!

The "grand daddy of them all"! Boris Karloff's star turn! So many other great performances, including Colin Clive as the good doctor, the amazing Dwight Frye as Fritz, Clive's assistant, and Edward Van Sloan as Henry Frankenstein's teacher and counsel. This film is so old, so original, and such a landmark, that this 1931 opus can be thought of as the actual event! Future films being based on this real McCoy! Savor every chill!

Starting in the mid-eighties, my sister and I got together at the movies to enjoy quite a run of Michael J.Fox films. One of the best of the lot is "Doc Hollywood"! The "by chance" quaint small town Doc Stone (Fox) lands in just might win his tug of war with the glitz of a Hollywood practice. This fine film has heart, and about a dozen great performances. I'd have omitted the small amount of nudity. Adds nothing. The beauty of the leading lady shines brightly enough! If that drop-in quick "tastefully done" nude scene was edited out? "Doc Hollywood" gets five stars from me. A great movie that utilizes Fox and the entire cast with fun and flair!

Charles Grodin, Jeff Bridges, and the big monkey are well worth watching here. But, Jessica Lange! A stunning debut for this talented and gorgeous actress. I saw this film twice during its initial run. Mostly because of Jessica Lange. What better reason?

This 1978 remake of "Invasion Of The Body Snatchers" features great performances by Donald Sutherland, Leonard Nimoy, and especially Brooke Adams. Best scene has Sutherland and Adams at dinner time, both laughing at Adams' jiggly eyes! Watch for it! So cute! Pure genius to insert that bit into the film! The special effects are first rate. I love the great Kevin McCarthy in a quick support role, he, of course, the lead character in the original B/W version of this movie. Eventually Adams and Sutherland need to run for their lives. But, the first half of the film, when they try to figure out what the heck is going on, is far superior! Savor it!

Before they met Frankenstein, Bud and Lou were shaking and shivering in "Hold That Ghost"! This is one of their best and funniest films. Evelyn Ankers and Richard Carlson add star power and a romance to the opus. Got to mention the great and hilarious Joan Davis! So funny, and her waltz with Costello is pure genius. That alone is "worth the price of admission"! If you've never seen it, and even if you have, be sure to "Hold That Ghost"! Don't let it slip away!