Joe-124 Reviews

The Pee-Wee Herman Show (1981 TV Movie)

An unbelievably fun way to spend an hour.

[18 January 1999]

I've always thought that "Pee Wee's Playhouse" was geared toward adults more than kids, but "The Pee Wee Herman Show" is unquestionably adult-oriented comedy. I first saw this show on HBO in the early 80's, and watched a dozen times before tears from laughing so hard began to slow. This well-written, fast-paced, well-performed "play" lays the ground work for Reubens' subsequent films and tv shows.

Manos: The Hands of Fate (1966)

Yeah, this movie's about as satisfying as a bowl of cold oatmeal.

[3/10 · 10 November 1998]

Okay, so this movie is REALLY bad, but it's not even in the top (or bottom) ten percent of bad movies; at least it has some vestige of a plot, (if you're into avant-garde jazz) a really cool musical score ("hey, get that cat off the piano"), and is creepy (which means it elicits at least SOME emotional response). Now, if you want to see one of the contenders for the worst film ever, check out "The Castle of Fu Manchu," which has absolutely no redeeming qualities whatsoever.

Sure Fire (1990)

A "successful" businessman finds his world crumbling.

[10/10 · 16 September 1998]

This experimental, low-budget film, with its combination of moody music, numerous extended takes (including many breathtaking scenic shots of Utah -- which are better experienced on the big screen), brilliant writing (both subject matter and dialogue), and innovative narrative mechanisms puts director Jon Jost at the top of my list of important, and certainly creative, contemporary American directors. If you're into indie/art films, and don't know who Jon Jost is, this is an excellent place to start. If you already know who Jost is, I think this is his best.

The Castle of Fu Manchu (1969)

This movie didn't seem to have any discernible plot.

[1/10 · 16 September 1998]

This movie's a toad. I've tried watching this movie several times, under both sober and intoxicated conditions, and found it to be pure, unrelenting torture. I think the editor of the film threw all the pieces of the film up in the air and spliced them together randomly, as this movie has no continuity or discernible plot. I've seen just about every Mystery Science Theater 3000 episode (which, as you may know, is a showcase for cheese-ball movies), and I can attest that this movie is the worst of the worst. If you're seeking a study in masochism, look no further.