This box-office flop stars Geena Davis as a woman whose husband is unfaithful. Her prayers for a fulfilling sex life are answered when aliens from outer space are given a makeover, and resemble
human beings in the form of Jeff Goldblum, Jim Carrey, and Damon Wayans. The musical numbers feel like pauses in a paper-thin narrative, but the nod to 50's sci-fi is interesting, as is
the appearance of actors before their prime. There isn't much to "Earth Girls Are Easy", but there are worse ways to pass 100 minutes.
Available on VHS, LaserDisc, DVD, and Blu-Ray
Grade: C
This rom-com is a lighter take on how humanity has warned us of AI. A computer nerd inadvertently impresses the woman he loves with an intelligent computer,
who eventually gets in the way of their relationship, causing all sorts of havoc.
Although slickly directed with a soundtrack featuring the Human League and Culture Club, the ending is disappointing, because it essentially ignores everything that happened. But that could be
interpreted as how technology has crept into domestic life without much notice.
Available on VHS and LaserDisc
Grade: B-
Trashed by critics in 1988, "Elvira: Mistress of the Dark" deserves a bit more credit. It follows Elvira, who is left a house by a dead relative, which is located in
a conservative small town completely incompatible with her suggestive style.
Cassandra Peterson was nominated by the Razzies for Worst Actress, but I think the Golden Raspberry Awards were missing the point. Elvira is supposed to be over-acted. Despite being independently
released, Edie McClurg from "Ferris Bueller's Day Off" was cast as an uptight councilwoman, who conspires against her. "Elvira: Mistress of the Dark" is pretty much what you'd expect - a campy horror-comedy
with sexual undertones.
Available on VHS, LaserDisc, DVD, and Blu-Ray
Grade: C
A breakout hit for Brendan Fraser and Pauly Shore, "Encino Man" is a classic case of when you should listen to audiences rather than critics. It stars Sean Astin as a high school
senior who wants to make a name for himself. When he attempts to build a swimming pool in his backyard, he uncovers a caveman frozen in a block of ice. When he and his friend adjust the
caveman to the 90's, he sees an opportunity to use him for popularity, but his friend intends on making him like family.
This isn't high art by any stretch, but much like "Wayne's World", it's a time capsule of early 90's pop culture. Brendan Fraser only has a few lines, despite being a prominent character,
but his character is effectively conveyed through what he does, such as checking out girls, or fighting the school bully like a ninja. "Encino Man" is a fun comedy that doesn't ask to be analyzed
with a critical lens, just enjoyed.
Available on VHS, LaserDisc, and DVD
Grade: B
Movies like these are hard to review. Clearly aimed at kids, the only standout feature is Jim Varney's absurdist comedic style. Apart from that, it's a typical
Christmas comedy about replacing Santa Claus, who is getting too old for the job.
When asked why the movie was given a PG rating, Jim Varney replied, "Unusual cruelty to reindeer." Although released under Disney's "adult" label, Touchstone, all the adults
have simplistic dialogue for a child to easily comprehend. "Ernest Saves Christmas" is far from the best holiday film, but far from the worst.
Available on VHS, LaserDisc, and DVD
Grade: C+
Although often hailed as the best in the series, this "Evil Dead" is more or less a repeat of the original with new effects. To be fair, the practical gore effects are very good.
Bruce Campbell once again stars as Ash Williams, who comes across another cabin, where a tape recording of another incantation causes an invisible entity to possess his girlfriend.
There are several iconic moments in the franchise, such as when the cabin's taxidermied animals come alive, or when Ash replaces his hand with a chainsaw. Still, this "Evil Dead" is a bit
overrated, because it's essentially just an improvement of the original formula, rather than a new story.
Available on VHS, DVD, Blu-Ray, and UHD
Grade: B