The Sandbox : Fletcher Missed That Movie Too

Fletcher Missed That Movie Too: Fast Times at Ridgemont High

Fletcher — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 17:36:00 GMT

"Hey Bud, what's your problem?" This Sunday Sean Penn is up for yet another Academy Award for his portrayal of Harvey Milk in "Milk." "Mystic River," "I am Sam," "Dead Man Walking," 21 Grams"... I'm a fan. However, I've never seen his first feature film, the 1982 classic "Fast Times at Ridgemont High." Shocking, I know. But, that is the whole point behind this stupid bit, "Fletcher Missed That Movie Too." This week's recommendation comes from Phoenix Media Communications Group President and Killer's Cover Band ("Joyride") guitarist Brad Mindich, who was outraged I had missed "Fast Times."

Written by Cameron Crowe, "Fast Times" features several young actors who would go on to become actual names; Sean Penn, Eric Stoltz, Nick Cage, Forest Whitaker, and Judge Reinhold.

So, the audio and the video don't seek up in this "Special Edition" DVD I bought for $7.99.

The story follows Stacy, Linda, Mark, Mike, and surfer Jeff Spicoli. Reinhold plays Stacy's brother, Brad, who is a dork senior who also works at the All American Burger in the mall. In fact, they all have mall jobs... and hang out at the mall. I understand that during the 80's this was the only way the kids could socialize. Brad, what a clownpants!

Breasts appear in the dugout during the first 15 minutes. Stacey... that unattractive tramp gives it up to 26 year old Ron Johnson.

I thought Spicoli would be the most annoying character ever, however, he's kind of great. Chad was the Spicoli of my school. You know, without the surfer dude persona.

Another 80's teen movie with multiple gay jokes. The irony in the classic Spicoli line "Dude, those guys are fags." Now he's up for an Oscar for "Milk."

"Put on side one of Led Zeppelin IV" was actually a great scene in the movie. The soundtrack is slightly better than most of this 80's movies (especially "Transformers"). Sammy Hagar, Led Zeppelin, Billy Squier, The Cars... not awful.

One thing leads to another... Stacy goes out with Mark and ends up getting knocked up by his bestie Mike. However, after the dance, Mark ends up with Stacy because she wants "romance."

I am always a big fan of the “movie wrap-up” and “Fast Times” does it well. They let us know Brad made manager of the Mi-T-Mart, Damone was busted scalping tickets to Ozzy and now works at 7-11, Mr. Vargus switched back to coffee, Linda went to Riverside and got with her Psych professor, Rat and Stacy still haven’t closed yet, Mr. Hand still believes everyone is on dope, and Spicoli saved Brook Shields from drowning and used his reward money to have Van Halen play his birthday part.

95 Fletcher Approved!

Fletcher Missed That Movie Too: Transformers (1986)

Fletcher — Thu, 05 Feb 2009 17:04:00 GMT

Last week I reviewed "Star Trek 2: The Wrath of Kahn," so why stop the Sci-fi nerdom there? This week I return to my pre-pubescent, pre-fat kid childhood for "Transformers: The Movie." No, not the terrible Michael Bay live action movie from last year, but the "real" Transformers movie according to Special Ed. This is the 1986 animated classic... glavin'. I watched the series as a kid, but to be honest, I remember very little about it. I mean I was 3 when the movie came out for nerd's sake!

The bots are voiced by Eric Idle (Monty Python), Leonard Nemoy, Robert Stack (Unsolved Mysteries guy), Casey Kasem, Micro Machine Guy, and Orson Welles?! Perhaps the most random cast of voice actors ever assembled. So, the Autobots set out to take control from the Dicepticons. The first 30 minutes of the movie is a non stop battle set to 80’s hair band type music. Special Ed defends Stan Bush, who provided several songs in the flick. I believe he is a poor man’s Sammy Hagar.

Megatron and Optimus Prime battle it out resulting in the death of Optimus, who hands over the Matrix before he turns into some sort of stone. Cobra Commander of the Decepticons tosses Mega Tron from the ship and takes over as leader. But, not for long! Megatron then gets sucked up by Unicron who wants him to destroy the Matrix and rebuilds him as Galvatron.

Hot Rod fights Galvatron in the end, grabs the matrix, and becomes "Rodimus Prime." Now, I questioned the sexuality of Rod, and Special Ed was highly offended. He believes if any Transformer was gay, it would be Bumble Bee. The Autobots defeat Galvatron and the Unicron in the end, securing the Matrix, and keeping peace and tranquility.

This was actually a blast and a return to my pre-fat kid youth. While the soundtrack was lackluster, I find the animation fascinating. B+ Rating!

Fletcher Missed That Movie Too: Clash of the Titans

Fletcher — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 15:46:00 GMT

Of all of the subjects I studied as a young lad, Greek Mythology was the one I hated most. In fact, I'm pretty sure I failed every quiz, test, report ever turned in on the subject. I mean, I have trouble with "Xanadu." To me, Aphrodite is from the Tal Bachman song "She's So High." Zeus is a guy that does voice over work for radio stations. So, this week's "FMTMT" was even more frustrating than usual.

King Arcicius is not happy with Zeus, who knocked up his daughter Danae. He sends her and her baby Perseus off to sea... but he protects them because he controls everything... with little clay figurines. My God doesn't need toys! Perseus grows up fast, likes to be naked, and is sent to Joppa.

How is this movie from 1981? There were better special effects in the mid 70's. And who are these terrible, terrible actors? Thre isn't one recognizable face in the cast.

The gods send gifts to Perseus because he's a spoiled Prince. "If the sword can do that, then what about the helmet or the shield?" Oh wait, the shield can talk. It's Zeus of course... who tells him to find his destiny. He then puts on the Dorkamus helmet and becomes invisible. He of course leaves his sword and shield behind.

The destiny he finds is Princess Andromeda. She was supposed to marry Calibos, who's the antagonist in the story. He likes to kill flying horses and is punished by Zeus. He also favors WFNX afternoon drive guy "Big" Jim! Calibos is either bad claymation or a dude in a costume depending on the angle. He does battle with Calibos, cuts off his hand and takes it to the Princess.

At the wedding Thetis appears to say Andromeda must be sacrificed to the sea monster in 30 days, still a virgin of course. If not, she will destroy Jopps.

Perhaps the most ridiculous part of "Clash of the Titans" comes a little over an hour in when "Bubo," the golden replica robot like owl joins Perseus on his journey. What... the... ****?

Together they go find Medusa, chop off her head, and fight giant scorpions that come from her blood. They make it back to the ocean just in time to save the Princess and live happily ever after.

Special Effects Rating – FAIL

Script – D

Acting – D-

Final Score - D-

Fletcher Missed That Movie Too: The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai: Across the Eighth Dimension

Fletcher — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 15:22:00 GMT

A few months ago our neighbor Mark heard FMTMT and brought over his favorite 80's DVD, "The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai: Across the Eighth Dimension!" Well, congratulations Mark, you recommended the movie with the longest title thus far. This 1984 cult classic is also maybe the most dated movie I have reviewed. The all-star cast includes Peter Weller, John Lithgow, Christopher Lloyd, and Jeff Goldbloom!

Buckaroo is a top neurosurgeon, particle physicist, race car driver, rock star, and comic book hero who has devoted his life to medicine and sets out with his crew to open the door to the 8th dimension of the world... what? Clearly lots of acid was taken by the script writing of this cult classic. I mean, in the opening scene Buckaroo performs surgery and then breaks the sound barrier and enters another dimension. Throughout the movie there’s random gun fights, lounge singing, children, and space ships that look like driftwood. One hour in, I actually had know idea what was going on. I do know that in the end, the aliens retreat back to the 8^th dimension and the girl lives.

As nuts as this movie is, the humor is actually kind of great for 1984. Very dry… very random. Mark, excellent recommendation. B+

Fletcher Missed That Movie Too: St. Elmo's Fire

Fletcher — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 12:55:00 GMT

This week I viewed another 80’s movie with the same sound track and cast as almost every other movie I’ve reviewed; “St. Elmo’s Fire.” There’s Andrew McCarthy, Emilio Estivez, Judd Nelson, and Rob Lowe. These are all actors who were huge then and who have become D-listers today, with the exception of Demi Moore… and Andie McDowell. It’s like the Breakfast Club Part Two (or the prequel)… which came out in the same year.

It’s a “coming of age” story about Georgetown grads just trying to fine their way in the crazy world. They are all students interested in vodka and politics, quite possibly my two favorite things in life! For some reason I thought this was about a track team.

Kirby wants to date Dale from the hospital. Alec and Leslie are a gross couple. Billy is the party guy with a kid an a new DUI, Jules is the party girl who loves coke, Wendy is ugly and helps the people, and Kevin is a writer who hates everything.

Of course after a couple hours of drama, coke binging, house parties, and getting trapped on a snowy mountain… Nobody ends up with ANYBODY. Alec and Leslie break up, Leslie sleeps with Kevin (not gay), Kirby strikes out, Wendy gets lucky with Billy, and then Billy leaves for New York.

This movie takes forever to wrap up. It’s like an Appatow movie in the end. Cut some lines, cut some scenes, and it’s not terrible. Plus, it was Ringwold free which automatically gives it a 10 point rating increase making it a B+ rating.

Fletcher Missed That Movie Too: Hoosiers

Fletcher — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 12:20:00 GMT

Instead of Charlie, Special Ed, and Tugboat dictating what movie I watched, this week's "Fletcher Missed That Movie Too" is the first Julie Kramer recommendation. The 1986 feel good film "Hoosiers" starring Gene Hackman. I believe this is the first 80's movie that I've reviewed that wasn't set in the 80's. "Hoosiers" is about a High School basketball team in a small town in Indiana. "Footloose" last week, "Hoosiers" this week... hopefully I can view a movie that doesn't take place in corn fields next year.

Gene Hackman plays the newly hired Coach Norm who isn't well received by the town. He works to build the team up after tearing them down. Bummer, the old man that hired him and the only one who seems to approve of him is dying. So, he calls on the town drunk Shooter, played by Dennis Hopper.

Why was there so much drama in the town about the stupid basketball team. When they consider letting Coach go, there is crying over short dramatic speeches. That of course is when the amazing Jimmy shows up. He's the star of the team and declares he will return to play ball only if they keep Coach. They town votes, Coach stays, and the team goes on a winning streak. Much like the dudes in "Pretty in Pink," the basketball team sure seems a lot older than high school.

Yesterday I was told this was better than Rudy, Any Given Sunday, Remember the Titans, and Tin Cup. False. This would fall behind all of the above listed. “Hoosiers” was a solid B. But, it lacked the passion of those movies.

Pop Trash, MRTPQ, Pretty In Pink, WTF and The Finisher

Charlie — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 18:53:00 GMT

	Fletcher takes out the Pop Trash, we ask the important questions in the MRTPQ, Fletcher watches Pretty In Pink, we check the WTF Line and hear The Finisher! Hear it here!
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Fletcher Missed That Movie Too: Pretty in Pink

Fletcher — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 15:31:00 GMT

Sometimes I tend to procrastinate. At 25 I'm fine with admitting that. Oh, I also bite my nails. That's besides the point. I always wait until Tuesday night before I watch each week's selection for "Fletcher Missed that Movie Too." That means that instead of spending all evening in the Situation Room, I'm watching a movie from 22 years ago. The classic John Hugh's Frat Pack essential, "Pretty in Pink."

Molly Ringwold, Jon Cryer, Andrew McCarthy, Harry Dean Stanton, Annie Potts, James Spader, and Andrew Dice Clay (OH!) star in this dated movie about a group of high school students. The main character is Andie who is stalked by the guy from "Two and a Half Men" and who has a crush on the rich kid Blane. I was shocked to see that there was a form on Instant Messenger in school libraries in 1986. That's how Andie and Blane get together. James Spader plays Steff, Blane's friend who is kind of a dick. Special Ed pointed out that he had quite a bit of chest hair for a high school kid. Blane and Andie get together much to Duckie's chagrin. Oooooo she's poor and doesn't want Blane to find out (WHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA)! After the tears he takes her home and invites her to the prom. Blane breaks it off, she has a fallout with her dad AND Blane... more tears. It all ends up at the prom where Andie and Duckie stroll in together, Blane delivers a cheesy "I love you," and Duckie gives her his blessing.

Solid B Rating

Fletcher Missed That Movie Too: Cocktail

Fletcher — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 14:22:00 GMT

In celebration of the 1988 Prom tomorrow night, this week I watched "Cocktail" for the first time. It was the 8th highest grossing film of the year. It was a huge year for the spaceman Tom Cruise. He was also in the #1 movie of '88, "Rainman."

The story is about young Brian Flanagan, a boy who leaves the Army and moves to New York to study business. After striking out getting a job on Wall Street, he ends up at a very dated looked T.G.I. Fridays. That is where he meets his boss, mentor, and friend Doug. Coughlin's Law... "Drink or Be Gone!" The two of them leave Friday's for a bigger bar and the hopes of starting their own place. Of course everything is ruined by a woman.

Brian ends up in Jamaica, meets "the girl," gets "the girl" pregnant, and then cheats on her. The rest of the movie he sets out to win her back from her rich family. Oh, and his best friend Doug commits suicide...so, he's dead. In the end Brian marries Jordan, and opens up "Cocktails and Dreams."

"Cocktail" kind of blew. It had TONS of potential. It should have been an awesome movie about Brian and Doug owning New York night life. Instead that only lasted for about 5 to 10 minutes. The rest of the movie was sappy cheese. Plus, "Kokomo" was only in the movie for about 45 seconds.

C-

Fletcher Missed That Movie Too: Roadhouse

Fletcher — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 16:56:00 GMT

So far my review of classic 80's films has been dominated by movies featuring Keifer Sutherland. All of those movies have been awesome. The second most watched actor is now Patrick Swayze. Since I didn't hate "Red Dawn," I thought perhaps 1989's "Roadhouse" would be an easy view. Sam Elliot and his mustache are in the movie as well.

The movie follows the life of James Dalton, a "cooler" at the Double Deuce in Missouri. He cleans up a club, gets involved with a Doctor lady, and has to deal with Brad Wesley. Not only is Wesley the former boyfriend of Doctor Lady, but he makes things difficult for Dalton and the Double Deuce. Plus, he is a rich douche who bullies everyone in the city to get rich. Enter the mustache! Wade Garrett, played by Sam Elliot, is Dalton's mentor and promises to stick around and defend the Double Deuce.

The bad is this movie is a dated mess. The story line is generic; unlikely tough guy cleans up the town and gets a girl. Plus, mom would be very disappointed in the language. Plus, I could have gone without seeing Sam Elliot's little stash when he showed his "scar."

In its defense... it features Jeff Healy. I knew he was on the soundtrack but was stunned to see that sightless genius had speaking parts. Plus, I'm guessing many of you who have seen the movie don't know that it also features legendary pro wrestler Terry Funk! Who reminds me of FNX cleaning guy Pat D. in this movie. Plus, Sam Elliot was keeping the C word alive in 1989.

It's swearing, fighting, guns, and cars... not really my thing. I'll give "Roadhouse" at "D-."

Fletcher Missed That Movie Too: Young Guns

Fletcher — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 14:24:00 GMT

After suffering through the dreadful "Iron Eagle" last week, everyone decided I should see a movie that might actually be enjoyable. This week I tackled the 1988 western "Young Guns." It's always a movie that I wanted to see but I, of course, can't be bothered. "Young Guns" has an all-star cast including Keifer Sutherland, Emilio Estevez, Charlie Sheen, Jack Palance, and Richie Valens.

Billy joins a pack of hooligans who work for an old British guy named Tunstall on a ranch in New Mexico. They protect the land and belongings then read poetry and dance around the campfire at night. Jack Palance plays the rival rancher Murphy. He also uses "Skin Bracer," by Mennen!

His henchman shoot up Tunstall which sets up the entire storyline. The boys are deputized within 30 seconds of Tunstall getting gatted. They then set out to bring in Murphy's men and call themselves "The Regulators," which I'm pretty sure came from a Kraftwerk song. The boys kill, lose their badges, and Billy earns the name "The Kid." Dick goes down in a shootout involving and outhouse, and Billy takes over as leader of the group. Pat Garrett tips Billy off to the fact that Alex and his wife are in trouble. This sets up the movie's climax, a two part shootout. Part one, which stops randomly at night, and part two the next morning, which involves Murphy and the Army. Billy kills Murphy in the end with shot to the head!

This movie holds up 100%. It doesn't seem dated, there is no hokie soundtrack, and I can't believe I'm saying it... Emilio Estevez is awesome. This is a B+ "Fletcher Missed That Movie Too!"

In The Queue, awful '80's movies, WTF and Rocktober!

Charlie — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 17:23:00 GMT

	Special Ed and Charlie review new DVD releases In The Queue before Fletcher reviews another '80's movie he hasn't seen in Fletcher Missed That Movie, Too. We also check the WTF Line and pay tribute to the arrival of Rocktober! Listen here!
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Fletcher Missed That Movie Too: Iron Eagle

Fletcher — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 12:51:00 GMT

This week I watched the movie some call "The Poor Man's Top Gun," Iron Eagle. First of all, why is it the poor man's top gun? Is it because the star of the film is Louis Gossett, Jr? Charlie, I'm looking in your direction. Iron Eagle can't possibly fit that description because it was released in January of 1986. Top Gun wasn't out until May of 1986!

Jason Gedrick stars along side of Gossett, Jr. You may know him from.... Boomtown? He plays Doug Masters, a teenage kid who wants to go to pilot school but doesn't have the grades to get accepted. He tangles with the "bullies" and even take the "snake" challenge in which he chases one bully on his motorcycle through the desert... in a Cessna. This sets the precedent for the entire movie which is completely unrealistic. Doug goes on a mission as an expert pilot in order to rescue his fighter pilot father who has gone down in Parts Unknown in the Middle East. Who does he enlist to help get him up to speed? Col. Chappy of course, played by Louis Gossett, Jr. The two of them, along with Doug's kid friends, develop a plan of attack which includes learning how to fly F-16s. Oh, they also have to "borrow" a couple of F-16s without the Air Force taking notice. The children "trick" the Air Force to get the necessary details to pull all of this off. Perhaps the most memorable part of the movie is Louis Gossett, Jr. dancing to James Brown as he comes up with the plan of attack.
They spend time training in the kind of stolen F-16 by blowing up hillsides and listening to the awful 80's soundtrack.

There are a ton of things wrong with the movie. The terrible acting, the beyond cheesy and unbelievable storyline, and the length. Iron Eagle clocks in at just under 2 hours. They don't even take off to find his father in the middle east until an 1:15 into the movie!! SPOILER ALERT... Chappy doesn't make it in the end. PSYCHE! He’s back in the courtroom at the end.

Doug is able to hit the targets and rescue dad… and gets into the Academy in the end.

D-

In The Queue, The Lost Boys and WTF?

Charlie — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 17:18:00 GMT

	It's In The Queue, our weekly DVD review, and we get Fletcher caught up on 80's movies. He watches The Lost Boys! Finally, we check the WTF Line, which is still (781) 595-1017. Call anytime! Listen here!
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Fletcher Missed That Movie Too: The Lost Boys

Fletcher — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 13:20:00 GMT

This week I got caught up on a movie that I think I actually saw sometime in the early to mid 1990's. I say "think" because it's possible that I only saw parts of it when I was watching HBO unattended has a younger lad. Mom and Dad didn't like for me to watch HBO without their permission. Remember, they also didn't allow me to watch Top Gun because of the terrible language.

The Lost Boys is the 1987 all star flick directed by Joel Schumacher and starring (Sandbox Favorite) Kiefer Sutherland and the two Coreys. Since I'm sometimes a fan of things "emo" (doom and gloom Brit bands and MCR), Special Ed told me this is a must.

The story follows the adventures of two kids from Arizona who move to California with mom. Their new town is full of strange people, missing children, and gangs. Kiefer's character is super awesome and looks like Billy Idol. His gang of hoodlum friends look like a bad hair metal band. They are, of course, the antagonists of the film... because they're vampires! They recruit Michael with a creepy ceremony. Being a sometimes "artsy" f-er I did enjoy the scene when Michael first drank the blood... and the there was a slow motion split screen with his face over the Jim Morrison poster in the dungeon.

Sam combines forces with the Frog Brothers to kill off the Vampires and help Michael and Star (both 1/2 Vamps) return to normal. One by off one by one with a dog attack, squirt guns, and grampa's deer antlers. Spoiler alert! Richie Riches dad (and the voice of Dodge) was the head vampire!

The Lost Boys might be the best movie I missed yet. Vampires, Kiefer (you're a pirate man), the Corey's, and Echo and the Bunnymen Twice... I give it an A.