This Is Spinal Tap (1984)

Featuring: Michael McKean, Christopher Guest, Harry Shearer. Director: Rob Reiner.

The thing about cult classics is that if you don't see them before they become known as "cult classics", they can disappoint you a little because you're expecting too much. That is sort of what happened to me with This Is Spinal Tap.

Don't get me wrong, this was an extremely funny movie. The writing was incredible, the performances were spot on and the style was ingenious for the time. But, you know, I didn't piss my pants. I was really expecting to piss my pants. This movie just has that sort of reputation, especially if you're a huge fan of rock n' roll. And really, who isn't?

Now, before you start calling me a picky asshole (which I am) for talking crap about a great movie (which it is), I want you to know I really did love this movie. I can't believe I'm seeing it nearly 30 years late. This is something I should have been pissing myself laughing at when I was 10 and close enough to the 80's to appreciate all the humor. Well, as best a 10 year old could. If, like me, you were sheltered from this movie as a child you definitely need to watch this. It was pretty damn funny. I would have thought it was even funnier if I had seen it when I was a kid like I should have. I guess you sort of have to blame bad parenting.

Click here to add this to your instant queue. 

The Standard 5:

Why is it in your queue? It's always talked about as a "cult classic" and I'm all about those.

Is it artsy? Not really, just a really well done mockumentary.

What stood out the most to you? How spot on so much of the satire was. It was almost like watching an episode of Behind the Music, but funnier.

What mood should I be in to watch this movie? Sick of listening to that 80's rock station at work.

What rating did you give it on Netflix? 4 Stars.

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Continental Divide (1981)

Featuring: John Belushi, Blair Brown. Director: Michael Apted.

Warning: This movie is only supposed to be available for streaming until Dec. 31st. Act fast!

John Belushi is one of the comedic gods of the last half century. His life was cut tragically short, but his comedic genius has influenced countless others that followed him. He was the wild card that made SNL edgy and interesting early on. Without his influence it probably wouldn't still be around today. Unfortunetely, his own intensity and excesses are the reasons  he isn't with us anymore.

In Continental Divide we see Belushi's attempt at going mainstream in a romantic comedy that plays out to mixed results. The plot is completely ridiculous, but I'm pretty sure that is standard fare for romantic comedies. Blair Brown plays an outdoorsy type woman who studies bald eagles way up in the rocky mountains and Belushi plays a rough around the edges Chicago journalist who is doing a story on Brown's character. The movie would be completely awful if "rough around the edges Chicago guy" wasn't the character that Belushi played best.

Despite the problems with this movie, having Belushi involved makes this a pretty decent romantic comedy. He packs in enough good jokes and puts on just enough of that Belushi charm to make this a worthwhile view. Don't go into this expecting Animal House or the Blues Brothers, but if you're a big  Belushi fan (as you should be), then check this one out.

Click here to add this to your Netflix queue.

According to Netflix this movie will stop streaming on 12/31/11. Of course, sometimes they lie.

The Standard 5:

Why is it in your queue? John Belushi is one of my heroes. We share a love of excess.

Is it artsy? No, it follows the standard Hollywood format.

What stood out the most to you? Little gems that Belushi would sneak in there from time to time.

What mood should I be in to watch this movie? A little romance Belushi style.

What rating did you give it on Netflix? 3 Stars.

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Brewster's Millions (1985)

Featuring: Richard Pryor, John Candy. Director: Walter Hill.

Warning: This movie will stop streaming on May 11th so act fast!

At some point I think we've all fantasized about what we would do if we suddenly came into millions of dollars. Before I'm even done picking my lottery numbers I usually have most of the money spent in my mind already. It's fun to think of the crazy stuff we would do if we suddenly had unlimited resources. Brewster's Millions is a buddy comedy starring Richard Pryor and John Candy that explores that fantasy.

Pryor stars in this movie as a washed-up minor league baseball player who unexpectedly comes into a huge inheritance with the caveat being that he has to spend 30 million dollars in 30 days to get the full 300 million. Extravagance, hi-jinx and light moral lessons ensue.

This is probably one of Richard Pryor's most consistent comedies and there are laughs throughout the movie. And really, if John Candy is in something you know it's going to be a great time. This is an above average 80's comedy that will have you and your friends sitting around talking about what you would do with 30 million dollars. That's really what is most fun about this movie.

To add this movie to your Netflix queue click here.

According to Netflix this movie will stop streaming on 5/11/11. Of course, sometimes they lie.

The Standard 5:

Why is it in your queue? Taylor from Netflix Streaming recommended it.

Is it artsy? Nope, it's an entertaining buddy comedy with Pryor and Candy.

What stood out the most to you? How much it made me want 30 million dollars.

What mood should I be in to watch this movie? Looking for a pleasant comedy that everyone can enjoy.

What rating did you give it on Netflix? 3 Stars. 

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Born on the Fourth of July (1989)

Featuring: Tom Cruise, Tom Berenger, Willem Dafoe. Director: Oliver Stone.

Warning: This movie will only stream until May 1st so act fast!

We all know Tom Cruise is a d-bag. I think we can all agree on that. All the Scientology crap, the jumping on couches and the whole closeted homosexual bit just turns people off of him and for good reason. He's a weird little man. All of his eccentricities make it very hard to take him seriously these days. He's not a bad actor though. There was a stretch there when he was a decent leading man and Hollywood's golden boy.  Sure, he's no Paul Newman, but he's not a talentless hack posing as a leading man like say, Warren Beatty, either.

In Born on the Fourth of July everyone's favorite Scientologist  gives one of the best performances of his career as a young man who goes to Vietnam as an idealist and returns a cynic and a cripple. Believe it or not, I thought Cruise was really believable in this role and probably even deserved the Oscar nomination he got for it.

The movie itself seemed a little uneven to me. It seemed to sort of just bounce around and there wasn't nearly enough about his time as a protester. I don't really get the academy's love of Oliver Stone (he won another best director award for this one) in the 80's. I've enjoyed a lot of Oliver Stone movies but he has never seemed to be a master of the craft like say, Scorsese (who was continually snubbed in the 80's). His movies all feel rushed and unbalanced. It's like he won his awards based on how good his movies could have been if he wasn't coked out the entire time he was making them. That being said, this is a good movie and worth watching for Cruise's performance. Yea, I just said that.

Click here to add this movie to your Netflix queue.

According to Netflix this movie will stop streaming on 5/1/11. Of course, sometimes they lie.

The Standard 5:

Why is it in your queue? It's an Oliver Stone movie I hadn't seen yet, it stayed there so long because Tom Cruise was on the cover.

Is it artsy? No.

What stood out the most to you? A surprisingly awesome performance from Tom Cruise.

What mood should I be in to watch this movie? In a good mood so the depressing life of a troubled Vietnam vet won't bring you too far down.

What rating did you give it on Netflix? 3 Stars. 

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The Unbearable Lightness of Being (1988)

Featuring: Daniel Day-Lewis, Juliette Binoche, Lena Olin. Director: Philip Kaufman. 

Warning: This movie is only supposed to stream until April 15th so act fast!

This is one sex-filled movie and not in an exploitative way. There is just a lot of sex, hot sex too. Some combination of Daniel Day-Lewis, Juliette Binoche and Lena Olin goes at it about every fifteen minutes, and this movie is nearly 3 hours long. That's a lot of whoopee.

Another cool thing about this film is that it happens to be the first time Daniel Day-Lewis starred in a leading role and he doesn't disappoint. At some point while watching this movie I realized that Day-Lewis is probably the most intense actor ever if you forget about the genius of Marlon Brando. He's just an incredible talent, and while he's gotten plenty of recognition from the Academy, I don't think he gets the credit he deserves with people that aren't in the industry.

In this film Day-Lewis plays a womanizing doctor in 60's Prague who has the uncanny ability to get any woman to take off their clothes just by staring at them and saying, simply enough, take off your clothes. Seriously, I need to work on my body language and develop an intense stare so that I can get the ladies naked so easily. Then all of a sudden Soviet tanks role in and the movie is sort of political for a while. Then it's about sex again and then it's sort of over.

The plot really sort of held this movie back in my opinion. The acting is all phenomenal, the setting is beautiful and the sex was hot and naughty. The movie seemed disjointed, the ending was disappointing and it ran longer than it needed to. That being said, the great acting and the hot sexin kept me interested enough and it's worth checking out this film just for that.

To add this movie to your Netflix queue click here.

According to Netflix this movie will stop streaming 4/15/11. Of course, sometimes they lie.

The Standard 5:

Why is it in your queue? Daniel Day-Lewis is an acting God.

Is it artsy? Yes, it's too long and you're left wondering what the point is. On the bright side, that means good acting and hot sex.

What stood out the most to you? "Take off your clothes".

What mood should I be in to watch this movie? Horny, and preferably watching with someone else who is horny.

What rating did you give it on Netflix? 3 Stars. 

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Platoon (1986)

Featuring: Tom Berenger, Willem Dafoe, Charlie Sheen, Forest Whittaker,  Johnny Depp.
Director: Oliver Stone.

Warning: This movie is only streaming until April 1st so act fast!

War movies are never really "fun" to watch. They often deal with subject matter that shows humanity at it's worst. Every once in a while you'll get a movie like Saving Private Ryan that makes you get all teary eyed with the heroism, but for the most part, in the last few decades anyway, you get movies like Platoon that shock and disgust you with how awful war can be. Which isn't a bad thing, it's just a thing.

Because war movies deal with such horrifying content they need to be really good or else it feels like you're just watching some sort of sick snuff film. Platoon, which is director Oliver Stone's Oscar winning take on the Vietnam War is a good war movie. Tom Berenger and Willem Dafoe give absolutely incredible performances, easily some of the best ever in a war film. The rest of the supporting cast is excellent as well but the biggest problem I have with the movie is that Charlie Sheen is in the lead role.

Now I hate to get on the man's case after all the recent bulls*** he's been through, especially because it's not really his fault. Charlie Sheen acted his ass off, he's just no Martin Sheen and this ain't no Apocolypse Now. The comparisons with Francis Ford Coppola's classic are unavoidable with this movie and for me, Apocalypse Now is just better. I would have loved to have seen how this movie would have been with a young Johnny Depp or Forest Whittaker (who were both in the supporting cast) in the leading role. With such incredible performances from Berenger and Dafoe the main arc of the story just comes across as being overlooked.

Don't get me wrong, this is a good movie and if you've never seen it before by all means you should watch it. However, this isn't a great movie and if you're going to watch something with such heavy subject matter wouldn't you rather watch the best?

To add this movie to your Netflix queue click here.

According to instantwatcher.com this movie will stream on Netflix until 4/1/11.

The Standard 5:

Why is it in your queue? Look at all the names in the cast, why wouldn't it be?

Is it artsy? No, but it has a clear anti-war message.

What stood out the most to you? Berenger and Dafoe going head to head was incredibly intense.

What mood should I be in to watch this movie? Looking for a good war drama.

What rating did you give it on Netflix? 4 Stars. 

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Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (1988)

Featuring: Steve Martin, Michael Caine, Glenne Headly.
Director: Frank Oz.

Warning: This movie is only streaming until April 1st so act fast!

I love Steven Martin, you love Steve Martin. We all love Steve Martin. He's just plain funny, always has been, always will be. Well, except when he talks about art. Throw in the always professional Michael Caine and set it against the beautiful backdrop of the French Riviera and you're pretty much guaranteed a good time.

Dirty Rotten Scoundrels is about a crude, small time con-man (Martin) and a refined con-man (Caine) who chases after immensely wealthy women and lightens their heavy purses for them through elaborate schemes. Martin and Caine spend most of the movie trying to get each other out of the picture through a game of hilarious confidence man one-upsmanship.

The two of them have wonderful chemistry and I found myself cracking up almost from beginning to end. Trying to figure out how each one was going to get out of the jam the other placed them in was almost as enjoyable as the witty and slapstick laughs. There aren't many movies that can combine physical comedy and class but this one does it wonderfully. If you're a fan of Steve Martin, chances are you've seen this already, but it really is worth checking out again.

To add this movie to your Netflix queue click here.

According to instantwatcher.com this movie will stop streaming on Netflix 4/1/11.

The Standard 5:

Why is it in your queue? Steve Martin!

Is it artsy? No.

What stood out the most to you? The chemistry between Caine and Martin.

What mood should I be in to watch this movie? Ready to laugh your ass off.

What rating did you give it on Netflix? 4 Stars. 

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Stir Crazy (1980)

Featuring: Richard Pryor, Gene Wilder, Craig T. Nelson
Director: Sidney Poitier

Warning: This movie is only streaming until March 26th so act fast!

Richard Pryor is a genius. If you didn't know that then get the f*** off my page. Just kidding, I really meant go watch some of his stand-up, it's brilliant. His movie career wasn't anywhere up to par in comparison, but he still had a few funny flicks. In this one he teams up with his usual partner, Gene Wilder, and turns in a pretty funny movie.

In Stir Crazy, Wilder and Pryor are a couple of buddies planning on traveling across the country. Along the way they get framed for bank robbery and end up in jail. As with all prison movies, they try to escape. Unlike most prison movies where the specter of sphincter violation weighs heavily over the characters head, this is a comedy so mostly it's just poking fun at stereotypes about prison and some zany fun just for kicks.

Overall the movie was pretty decent. There were some really funny parts, but I found myself getting distracted a bit here and there. Some of the jokes I've just seen so many times. It's worth it to check this one out just because it's so much fun to watch Wilder and Prior together. That and Sidney Poitier was the director. This movie isn't an accurate reflection of Pryor's genius, but it's fun to watch nonetheless.

To add this movie to your Netflix queue click here.

According to instantwatcher.com this movie will be available for streaming on Netflix until 3/26/11.

The Standard 5:

Why is it in your queue? Richard Pryor & Gene Wilder.

Is it artsy? Nope.

What stood out the most to you? Gene Wilder was rather delightful as a bold free-spirit.

What mood should I be in to watch this movie? Ready for a few laughs and a bit of nostalgia.

What rating did you give it on Netflix? 3 Stars. 

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Bad Boys (1983)

This movie has been in my queue for a while now. I put it in my queue because of Sean Penn and it stayed there for so long because of this incredibly cheesy line in the description: "On the mean streets of Chicago, Mick O'Brien (Sean Penn) plays by the rules -- the wrong rules." That little gem of a sentence just screamed cornball after-school special to me. If it wasn't for an interesting acting job by Penn and the antagonist Esai Morales this probably could have been an unwatchable movie.

Penn and Morales play teenagers trying to make names for themselves on the streets. Each one does pretty awful things to the other and they both end up in a tough juvenile detention facility where most of the movie takes place. It becomes abundantly clear that one of them has to go and the movie builds to an exciting climactic finish.

Despite having a predictable plot, this is a pretty interesting movie thanks to the performances from a couple of good young actors. If you're a fan of crime drams, prison movies or Sean Penn you'll probably want to give this one a shot.

To add this movie to your Netflix queue click here.

According to instantwatcher.com this movie will stream until 7/1/11.

The Standard 5:

Why is it in your queue? Sean Penn.

Is it artsy? Not at all though it did have a sort of cheesy message to bad news teens.

What stood out the most to you? The finale.

What mood should I be in to watch this movie? Looking for a well-acted prison drama.

What rating did you give it on Netflix? 4 Stars.

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The Bounty (1984)

First off, I need to say that The Bounty has an incredible cast. With Anthony Hopkins, Mel Gibson, Daniel Day-Lewis, Laurence Olivier and Liam Neeson it goes without saying that this movie was very well acted. This film was based on the book Captain Bligh and Mr. Christian and according to Wikipedia this is the fifth time this story was made into a movie. Sort of makes me think I should read the book.

Anyhow, this movie is about an English ship on it's way to Tahiti and once they get there and become infatuated with all the half-naked women a number of the men understandably aren't eager to leave. Captain Bligh (Hopkins) has to crack down pretty hard to get everyone back in line and Mr. Christian (Gibson) leads a mutiny and hardship ensues.

I thought this movie was good, and Hopkins especially gives an amazing performance. The plot rocks back and forth as much as the ship does and I could never quite figure out if I sympathized with the Captain or the crew until the very end. One thing I was certain of though is that I never could have made it as a sailor during the glory days of the British Empire. What a tough line of work that was. If you you like period pieces and your looking for a good movie with great acting give The Bounty a try.

Click here to add this movie to your queue.

The Standard 5:

Why is it in your queue? It had a loaded cast.

Is it artsy? No, just a good period piece.

Best thing about the movie? If you're a straight male, all the topless natives. If you're anyone else the performance by Hopkins.

What mood should I be in to watch this movie? In the mood for a good adventure romp.

What rating did you give it on Netflix? 4 Stars. 

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The Last Emperor (1987)

The Last Emperor is an interesting period piece about the life of the last emperor of China. Emperor Pu Yi had to have lived one of the stranger lives in history. From the age of three he was raised to believe he was infallible. Can you imagine being a kid who can do no wrong? He is completely isolated in The Forbidden City and has no contact with the outside world. He doesn't even realize that he no longer rules the country until after the Communists have already been in charge for some time. His life takes a number of twists and turns before he ends up in a reeducation camp and is really rather fascinating.

This was a really well done movie and it made me a lot more interested in learning about this period in Chinese history. The acting, plot and feel of the movie are all really good. There's a reason this film won 9 academy awards. If you're interested in period pieces or history you should definitely watch this movie. Even if you aren't, add it to your queue anyway.

Click here to add this movie to your queue.

Movie available for streaming until 1/22/2011.

The Standard 5:

Why is it in your queue? I like period pieces and this is supposed to be a really good one, and it was.

Is it artsy? No.

Best thing about the movie? The strange out of place lesbian foot fetish scene.

What mood should I be in to watch this movie? Looking to be engaged in a really good movie.

What rating did you give it on Netflix? 4 Stars.

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Blade Runner: Theatrical Cut (1982)

Now, before I get jumped on by any Blade Runner fanboys with my review I want to make it clear that I am reviewing the theatrical cut of the movie. Apparently the directors cut does away with Harrison Ford's awful narration and includes a different ending that isn't quite as cheesy. I'm not reviewing the directors cut because I haven't seen the directors cut and it isn't streaming on Netflix. Now onto the review...

Blade Runner is a dystopian sci-fi movie set in 2019 Los Angeles. Geneticists have found a way to make 'replicants' that are essentially the same as human beings with a much shorter lifespan. The replicants are used as slave labor on other planets but some have escaped and are looking for revenge. Harrison Ford is a "blade runner" who specializes in killing these genetically perfect replicants.

The story is pretty cool and I love the setting and the ambiance. The supporting cast was really good. I thought the replicants were the perfect combination of creepy and sympathetic. My biggest beef with the movie? Harrison Ford sucked. Yea, I said it. Harrison Ford's performance blew chunks. Maybe at this stage in his career he didn't have the chops to play a grizzled cop but his performance was way below par. I love Harrison Ford so I found this really disappointing. The awful narration was part of it but even without it I'm pretty sure he still would have sucked. He was just really boring in this movie even though everyone else was pretty interesting. Maybe I'd change my mind if I saw the director's cut but as it stands I think this was just a pretty average sci-fi movie and a low point in Harrison Ford's awesome career.

Click here to add this movie to your queue.

The Standard 5:

Why is it in your queue? I like sci-fi and Harrison Ford so I thought it'd be a no-brainer.

Is it artsy? Nope.

Best thing about the movie? The replicants were pretty interesting characters.

What mood should I be in to watch this movie? Looking for a decent sci-fi flick.

What rating did you give it on Netflix? 3 Stars. 

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Pee-Wee's Big Adventure (1985)

I have to admit I was a bit worried about watching this movie. I loved Pee-Wee Herman as a kid and I wasn't sure how well it would hold up now that I'm not, you know, six. I didn't want to ruin those nostalgic memories. But, with Pee-Wee making a comeback and turning into the hottest shit on the streets right now (OK, on the blogosphere) I thought I'd give it a shot and guess what?

It's still friggin awesome! The Big Adventure starts off with Pee-Wee getting his sweet ass beach cruiser stolen and the rest of the movie is spent getting it back. It's a great ride for people of all ages. People have always said that Pee-Wee was great because kids and adults alike could both enjoy it. I never really cared because I was a kid but now that I'm an adult I'd have to agree with them. It's one of those classic movies that was funny when I was 9, is funny now that I'm 29 and will be funny when I'm 99. If you're feeling nostalgic turn this movie on and show your kids why Pee-Wee Herman was so much fun.

Click here to add this movie to your queue.

The Standard 5:

Why is it in your queue? Because it's Pee-Wee Herman, how could it not be?

Is it artsy? Nope, just good family fun.

Best thing about the movie? Pee-Wee still has the coolest beach cruiser I've ever seen in my life and the bicycle chase at the end was by far the best bicycle chase in the history of cinema. I'm not just saying that because I can't think of any other bicycle chase scenes either.

What mood should I be in to watch this movie? Nostalgic and with your kids if you have them.

What rating did you give it on Netflix? 4 Stars. 

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Amadeus (1984)

Everything about this movie was good. The acting was superb, particularly from F. Murray Abraham who gave a brilliant performance as Mozart's rival Salieri. The plot was wonderful and made you think about the nature of talent, art and why some people are born with such great natural talents and others aren't. Although clocking in at 3 hours long the movie never gets dull and the costumes and music were phenomenal.

In short, this is a fantastic movie that explores the dark sides of artists and the creative process in a way that is both historical and entertaining. I never knew Mozart was such a hell-raiser. I need to get a biography on his life and you need to watch this movie. There is a reason it got a boat load of Oscars.

Click here to add to your queue.

This movie will stop streaming on 1/1/2011.

The Standard 5:

Why is it in your queue? I'd heard it was a great movie but never got around to checking it out.

Is it artsy? No, but it is about the pains that go with great talent and creating great art.

Best thing about the movie? Mozart's creepy laugh.

What mood should I be in to watch this movie? Ready to be blown away by great music and acting (and with 3 hours to spare).

What rating did you give it on Netflix? 5 Stars. 

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My Left Foot: Special Edition (1989)

Daniel Day-Lewis is a phenomenal actor. I've never seem him in a movie in which he was anything short of brilliant. Now that Johnny Depp is a famous pirate my award for most underrated actor belongs to Mr. Day-Lewis. My Left Foot is the story of Christy Brown, a man born with cerebral palsy in Ireland back in the day when care for the disabled was complete s***. He overcame adversity to become an author and artist of renown.

The plot is about what you'd expect it to be. Disabled kid endures a bunch of harsh stuff only to make good later in life. Inspirational and all that. While the plot doesn't have many surprises the acting my Day-Lewis is extraordinary. His performance is absolutely captivating and at times he doesn't seem like an actor... he seems like the person he is portraying. You should all definitely watch this movie if you haven't seen it already.

Click here to add this movie to your queue. 

This movie will stop streaming on 1/1/2011.
The Standard 5:

Why is it in your queue? Daniel Day-Lewis.

Is it artsy? No, but Day-Lewis' performance could be called art and it's about an artist.

Best thing about the movie? Daniel Day Lewis' acting.

What mood should I be in to watch this movie? In a mood to watch something at times sad and at other times uplifting.

What rating did you give it on Netflix? 4 Stars. 

The trailer really doesn't do the movie justice but here it is anyway:

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The Toxic Avenger (1985)

This is one of those movies I've heard about for years. It's got a reputation as a great B-Movie and a cult classic but it still sat in my queue for a couple years. Well I finally got around to watching it and really couldn't believe what I was seeing. A number of times I just said to myself did they really just f****** do that? Holy s***! I know Troma Entertainment has a reputation for pushing the limits of good taste but damn. It's like they said hey what are the worst things we could put in a movie? Shooting a seeing-eye dog? Raping a blind girl? Running over a little kid? YES! YES! YES! Put them all in!

Once they got their ideas down I think they gave every actor an 8Ball of coke and told them to get to it. Seriously, I've never seen a movie where everyone looks so damned wired. This movie was insane and so long as you aren't looking for a movie with any class, good acting, or state-of-the-art special effects then I can say you should definitely watch this movie because it kept me entertained, even if I felt guilty for watching it. I'm going to go take a bath now.

Click here to add this film to your queue.

The Standard 5:

Why is it in your queue? Was supposed to be a b-movie classic, I concur.

Is it artsy? Easily the least artsy movie I've ever seen.

Best thing about the movie? Feeling like the people who made this movie will be going to hell.

What mood should I be in to watch this movie? A disturbing mood or drunk with friends.

What rating did you give it on Netflix? 3 Stars. 

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Challenge of the Shaolin Disciples (1987)

Challenge of the Shaolin Disciples (click here to add to your queue) is your standard, run of the mill, bad editing and worse voice-overs kind of kung-fu. I enjoy it, but it's not for everyone. The editing in this one was particularly bad but it had some comedic relief, good characters and decent fight scenes. If you're into kung-fu movies or are a film professor looking for a film to showcase how to NOT edit a movie have a look. If not, let Bruce Lee introduce you to kung-fu. He's amazing and on Netflix.

  
The Standard 5:

Why is it in your queue? Because I like kung-fu movies.

Is it artsy? Quite the opposite.

Best thing about the movie? The characters were fairly well developed for one of these kinds of movies.

What mood should I be in to watch this movie? A good mood with a sense of humor about poor editing.

What rating did you give it on Netflix? 2 stars.

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The Fly (1986)

Featuring: Jeff Goldblum, Geena Davis. Director: David Cronenberg.

There is a reason people don't believe in evolution and think stem cell research will send you to hell. Is it because of the bible? No, it's because of movies like this scare the pants off of them. Science gone terribly wrong isn't a new fear by any stretch of the imagination (ask Dr. Frankenstein) but nowadays there are breakthroughs like cloning in the news making the stuff of horror legends seem possible.

This is a remake but a very well done remake. Jeff Goldblum plays a scientist (big surprise) whom through all sorts of sciencey stuff ends up turning himself into a fly. Does it sound really corny? Yes, but believe me it works. The special effects in this movie are really good and have that feel that only an 80's horror/sci-fi flick has. None of that CGI crap here, just a dude in a costume wearing lots of makeup and it really works. If you're looking for a good movie to watch during Halloween week I recommend checking out this one.

Click here to add this movie to your Netflix queue. 

The Standard 5:

Why is it in your queue? I saw some article about the 10 best movies for a horror marathon and added it.

Is it artsy? No, it's 80's horror, c'mon, artsy?.

Best thing about the movie? Jeff Goldblum doing some of his best sciencing.

What mood should I be in to watch this movie? Curled up on the couch with your significant other.

What rating did you give it on Netflix? 4 stars.  

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