Movie Review - Man In The Moon

Man In The Moon

1960

The Cast

This is a classic English comedy as the surreal opening sequence will show. We start with a lovely pan through the English countryside and end up a four poster iron bed, which is fully made in the middle of a field. When you're wondering what the hell is happening, out pops William (brilliantly portrayed by Kenneth More), who then has a nut dropped on him from a passing squirrel... But it only gets stranger when a beautiful and glamorous woman comes across the stream on stepping stones. She ignores William when he speaks to her and as she clambers over the style we see an approaching vehicle. When the land rover pulls up we realise that William is out on the field trying to catch a common cold. It's William's great good health that sets him on the route to being the first man on the moon.

You have to remember that this movie was made in the '60's so most of the technology within the story is now incorrect and, at times, laughable. What made this such a good film for me was the acting. As not only do we have the great Kenneth More, who I can listen to and watch all day, but Shirley Anne Field is so beautiful and plays Polly brilliantly, then there's Norman Bird and Michael Hordern who add gravitas to the film.

Secondly, there's the story which is well written with lots of believable and funny narrative along with realistic characterisations. For me, this is the way that comedy works best. Keep the characters solid and make the lines and situations comedic. Today, too many writers and directors like to have wacky characters - though, on the whole, they appear juvenile and pretty stupid.

This isn't the best comedy, though it did raise a few smiles and laughs. I would gladly recommend this for an afternoons or evenings entertainment.

I give this little treat a joyously humorous 6.5 out of 10. 

The Trailer

Movie Review - Real Men

Real Men

(1987)

United Artists / Martin Bregman Productions : CBS/Fox

10 / 10

I loved this when it was released and I still love it today.  This is an intelligently witty and wacky romp in The Twilight Zone.  Every style of comedy is catered for from wordplay to slapstick; satire to sarcasm.

The main storyline is that aliens exist and we have been talking to them for awhile.  They are willing to save our planet from certain destruction or we can have a big gun!  So, of course, our hero's CIA Agent Nick Pirandello, played super-coolly by James Belushi, and everyday-Joe Bob Wilson, played brilliantly by John Ritter, who's a look-a-like for a dead agent, set off across America to make the deal.  All the ET's want in return is a glass of water.

Along the way, Nick and Bob have to deal with quite a few obstacles, such as the Russians and the CIA Clown Squad.  It also turns out to be a spiritual trip for the pair as Nick gets in touch with his feminine side while Bob builds his self-confidence and becomes a stronger person.

Even though the Dream Quest Images carried out the special effects the only really good effect is the space pen.  Which isn't actually a hindrance as it's the comedy that makes this film.

One scene that's stayed with me is the cigarette after sex sketch where Nick and the Russian Agent come out of the back room smoking.

Nick says, "I'm really trying to give up smoking... I only smoke after sex"
Bob, "That's not too bad."
Nick, "Well... I'm down to twenty a day!"

Also, the scene where Bob meets Nick's family had me rolling around in bouts of laughter.

I would recommend this to lovers of comedy.  This is one of my favourite films and I will be watching it a lot more in the future as it always brings a smile to my face and a laugh to my voice.