MIDDLE-AGED MATINEE! #6 - 'Ghostbusters'

'Ghostbusters' (1984)

On March 22, we’ll receive the fourth Ghostbusters film when “Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire” comes to a theater near you. With this in mind, I decided to revisit one of my favorite comedies for the latest “Middle-Aged Matinee!” review, the series where I take a look at films that came out in the year of my birthday, 1984!

When it was released in ‘84, “Ghostbusters” became the most successful film of the year in America and became a bona fide blockbuster sensation. This was truly exceptional at the time due to the fact that comedies were not considered mega money makers. They were usually good for a quick profit like the horror films of the day.

In fact, taking on a big special-effects comedy featuring some of the most prominent, and therefore more expensive, comedians at the time was a bit of a financial risk for Columbia Pictures at the time. But it definitely paid off!

One of the reasons it was a hit, though, is that while the movie deservedly falls under the umbrella of the comedy genre, one of the reasons for its success has to do with its blending of genres. Yes, it is a comedy, but it is also an action packed supernatural/sci-fi extravaganza with plenty of special-effects that still hold up even to today’s standards.

Egon, Ray, Peter, and Winston are ready for anything!

For anyone living under a rock, three scientists named Peter Venkman (Bill Murray), Ray Stanz (Dan Aykroyd), and Egon Spengler (Harold Ramis) decide to open up a business when they discover that not only are ghosts real, but that they can potentially be trapped. Their business takes off when supernatural happenings around New York City pick up dramatically. Eventually, Winston Zeddemore (Ernie Hudson) is hired and the team is complete along with their ever suffering secretary, Janine Melnitz (Annie Potts).

The Ghostbusters’ main plot in the movie is to try and discover why a demigod is occupying the apartment of Dana Barrett (Sigourney Weaver), a musician who eventually becomes the love interest for Venkman. They must also contend with an angry EPA agent named Walter Peck (William Atherton) who aims to shut them down once and for all because he thinks they’re a bunch of snake oil salesmen that put on a bunch of light shows in order to dupe the city into believing them.

The first thing to note is the amazing chemistry between the Ghostbusters. Murray, Aykroyd, and Ramis were at the top of their game at the time of the movie’s release and worked extremely well together. Hudson is another great addition to the team, though I do hate that his character’s role was cut down so we don’t get to see as much of him in the movie as I’d like.

In addition to the Ghostbusters, both Murray and Weaver also have an amazing chemistry with each other and are genuine love interests. Yes, Dana acts like she is put off by Venkman’s childish behavior, but you can also tell that she kind of likes his flirtatious behavior as well. You actually find that you want to cheer for this couple and it raises the stakes when Dana is threatened by the main antagonist of the movie.

As I said before, though, this movie also succeeds because it is not just a comedy. The movie contains genuinely fun action sequences as the Ghostbusters do their thing and the climactic battle at the end stands up to most other genuine action films. Also, with the addition of the nuclear proton packs and the various ghosts, the movie more than belongs to both the paranormal and science-fiction genres.

This movie is one of those rare movies where all the right elements seemed to have come together. It is a rare movie where you’re entertained whether you’re watching it for the first time or the 100th time. “Ghostbusters” was, is, and always will be one of the greatest comedies of all time!

'Ghostbusters' has earned its place as one of the best comedies of all time!

MIDDLE-AGED MATINEE! #5 - 'Conan the Destroyer'

'Conan the Destroyer' (1984)

It’s time for another “Middle-Aged Matinee” where I take a look at a film that was released during the year of my birth, 1984!

In the 1980s, Arnold Schwarzenegger hit the mainstream when he released the hit film, “Conan the Barbarian”. Since the film was a hit, both in the theaters and in the emerging home video market, that meant that a sequel was inevitable. In ‘84, Schwarzenegger returned in “Conan the Destroyer” and it… did not do very well, either at the box office or with the critics at the time.

The movie came out in the same year as “The Terminator” and it would be that film that would become Schwarzenegger’s signature role. The sequel’s misfortunes also killed plans for a third “Conan” movie. However, I must admit that I quite enjoyed this movie and while I can’t say that I liked it better than “Barbarian”, it definitely lived up to its predecessor for the most part.

In the movie, Queen Taramis (Sarah Douglas) enlists the aid of Conan to escort her young niece Princess Jehnna (Olivia d’Abo) to retrieve an ancient horn. What she doesn’t tell Conan is that once Jehnna retrieves and returns with the horn, the young princess will be sacrificed and Taramis has also ordered her loyal soldier Bombaata (Wilt Chamberlain) to kill Conan as well. With his allies Zula (Grace Jones), Malak (Tracy Walter), and Akiro (Mako), Conan must do what he can to protect the princess and stop the evil Queen Taramis.

Once again, Schwarzenegger actually proves to be pretty good with the swordplay and the action is a ton of fun. There are also great fantasy sequences such as Conan having to use a series of mirrors against one enemy and there’s plenty of fights against a variety of wizards, soldiers, and unique creatures.

Now, I will admit that some of the effects in this movie have definitely not aged well and that’s even compared to the original film. In part, this is due to the filmmakers trying to overreach with their ambition and the technology just wasn’t there yet for some of the effects.

Performance wise, Schwarzenegger is more confident in the role and proves once again why he became one of the biggest leading action stars of the day. He’s also helped out by a strong supporting cast that include Jones as the slightly unhinged warrior Zua and the return of Mako as Conan’s loyal friend and wizard, Akiro. I also think that Douglas does a great job as Taramis and gives the movie a strong main antagonist.

Again, I can’t say that I liked this movie more than the original. In fact, at the end of the day, the original is the better movie. However, that doesn’t make this a bad entry. It’s a solid sequel and I’m kind of sad to see that they couldn’t continue with the series. “Conan the Destroyer” is another good example of 1980s fantasy films.

While not as good as the original, this is still a solid and worthy sequel.

X-MEN REVISITED - 'Captive Hearts'

'X-Men' (1992)

In this episode of “X-Men”, a few more things get set up at the beginning of ‘Captive Hearts’ such as Storm having to face her claustrophobia again during a Danger Room scenario. Also, Wolverine’s unrequited love for Jean Grey is shown when she tries to get him to rest after being injured by Sabertooth in the previous episode.

However, the main plot point of this episode involves Cyclops and Jean Grey trying to enjoy a romantic date, only to be kidnapped by an underground gang of Mutants. They identify themselves as the Morlocks, Mutants who are too deformed to live above the subways and sewers with normal humans and normal looking Mutants.

This adds another interesting aspect to the lore. If humans hate Mutants in this world, then they would definitely not like seeing a green skinned one or one that looks like a two-dimensional drawing. The reason they were kidnapped, though, is due to the fact that Callisto, the leader of the Morlocks, wants an heir and she thinks that Cyclops is the right man to provide her with one.

Storm takes on Callisto with... lightsabers?

Eventually, the other X-Men manage to track down Cyclops and Jean and there is a pretty cool battle. I also got a few chuckles at just how happy Wolverine was to be fighting and trying to track down Callisto at one point.

However, the episode takes an unexpected and sort of anticlimactic turn when Storm challenges Callisto to a fight over the control of the Morlocks. It would have been cool seeing them use their powers against one another, but it’s actually a battle with what appears to be lightsabers and turns out not to be all that interesting.

Despite this final dull twist, though, I did find the episode to be entertaining though I also felt that it was nothing more than a filler episode. It’s good, but it’s also probably the weakest episode I’ve seen up to this point.

GRADE: C

X-MEN REVISITED - 'Deadly Reunions'

'X-Men' (1992)

In ‘Deadly Reunions’, Magneto assaults a major chemical facility, once again trying to start his war with humankind. The X-Men arrive but are quickly thwarted and almost killed by Magneto. Only the intervention of Professor X saves them from certain doom.

Meanwhile, at the X-Mansion, Sabretooth attempts to escape thanks to Jubilee trying to help him. He reveals that it was intention to get caught by the X-Men because he’s now working with Magneto. More of Wolverine and Sabretooth’s background is revealed, such as the fact that Sabretooth wiped out a team that Wolverine was on prior to the X-Men. Pretty heavy stuff for a Saturday morning cartoon.

It is weird to me that Professor X wouldn’t at least hear Wolverine out. However, this does establish one weakness about Charles. His desire for peace between humanity and mutants is so strong that it sometimes clouds his judgment when a true danger presents itself.

Magneto attacks a chemical plant in 'Deadly Reunions'.

Other things are revealed in the big fight at the chemical plant, such as Storm having claustrophobia due to childhood trauma. Thanks to Professor X, we also get another glimpse of why Magneto is the way that he is and that is another thing that makes this show work. The characters actually have backgrounds that are gradually revealed episode to episode.

At the end of the episode, Senator Robert Kelly states that he’s running for president. He also states that if he wins, he’ll put every mutant he can into internment camps, so the stakes are raised even higher in this episode. Also, again, this is a show that actually has something to say to its audience about intolerance and is even commenting on past evil deeds such as internment camps for those who are simply different.

I can’t say that I necessarily liked this episode more than ‘Enter Magneto’, but it was another bang for your buck episode that had a lot of action and story built into it. Another solid episode of a classic series!

GRADE: A

X-MEN REVISITED - 'Enter Magneto'

'X-Men' (1992)

The first thing that is noticeable about the third episode of “X-Men”, titled ‘Enter Magneto’, is that the animation is far improved over the premiere. I’ve since learned that ‘Night of the Sentinels’ was a rushed production and that the animation company hired to produce the show had a strict deadline to meet which meant the animation couldn’t be up to par by the time the episodes premiered.

The animation here is smoother for the most part and the action is more consistent. As far as the story is concerned, if we were introduced to militant humans who hate mutants in the premiere, it was now time to introduce a militant mutant that thinks humans should be destroyed. That mutant’s name is Magneto.

The first thing that Magneto attempts to do is break Beast out of jail before Beast can go to trial for breaking into a mutant registration facility. Beast informs Magneto that he is part of Charles Xavier’s X-Men and that both he and Professor X believe that they can use Beast’s trial to show the world that mutants are not a threat.

Magneto believes this is a fool’s errand and plans to start his war with humanity. Before that can happen, though, Beast begins his trial only to be denied bail due to Magneto’s recent attempt to break Beast out despite Beast not going along with the escape plan.

Magneto attempts to bust Beast out of jail, but Beast has other ideas.

The trial is further interrupted, though, by the sudden introduction of Sabertooth, a militant mutant that Wolverine shares a violent past with. After Sabertooth is hurt, Cyclops brings Sabertooth back to their headquarters against Wolverine’s strong objections.

We also learn of Professor X’s history with Magneto. They were once friends helping out civilians from an unnamed war. However, the soldiers from the other side attempted one last time to reclaim their country and it was revealed that Magneto had a long-time resentment of humans and when he wouldn’t stop assaulting the soldiers, Charles stopped him before he went too far and Magneto disappeared.

Not long after this, Magneto assaults a military base with the intention of launching their nuclear weapons. Cyclops, Wolverine, and Storm successfully stop him and the warheads, but Magneto vows to get his vengeance on the X-Men and to start his war against humanity afterwards.

For a 20 minute episode, they sure did pack a lot of story into it and, for the most part, it works. Even Beast’s trial is somewhat interesting as it has a deeper message about accepting those that are different, though this is quickly interrupted by Sabertooth.

I will admit that Sabertooth’s introduction is a bit abrupt, but it does set up events for future episodes. The action is also pretty stellar between the prison break attempt and the climactic battle at the military base in the final act. In addition to this, the show continues to successfully build a world where mutants and near future technology believably exist.

‘Enter Magneto’ proves to be a superior story to ‘Night of the Sentinels’. It has smoother animation, more consistent action, and some good world building, particularly between Professor X & Magneto and between Wolverine & Sabertooth.

GRADE: A

MIDDLE-AGED MATINEE! #4 - 'Dune'

'Dune' (1984)

It’s time for another edition of “Middle-Aged Matinee!” This time, I’ve decided to take a look at the original big screen adaptation of Frank Herbert’s classic 1965 novel, “Dune”. I’m doing this not just because David Lynch’s version of “Dune” came out during the year of my birth, 1984, but also because we have “Dune: Part Two”, the sequel to the 2021 version of “Dune”, hitting theaters soon on March 1.

In this version of the movie, things play out a lot like they do in the novel, at least with the broad strokes. Duke Leto Atreides of House Atreides has been ordered by the Emperor to take over Arrakis, also known as Dune. The planet is a desert for the most part, but there is a valuable spice known as melange that is used to help power starships so they can travel the Known Universe.

Meanwhile, the evil Baron Harkonnen is the head of the House that Leto is replacing and he has devised a dastardly plot to kill Leto and take over Arrakis by force. What neither side knows is that the Emperor himself made these moves so that House Harkonnen would destroy House Atreides due to Leto’s growing popularity throughout the Universe.

At the same time, several parties are worried about Leto’s son, Paul Atreides, due to the fact that he may be one that was foretold in prophecy to become a powerful leader. Beyond these plot points, though, the rest of the movie deviates pretty far from the book. The movie is only two hours long and the third act is not only rushed, it completely deviates from the direction of the book.

Paul Atreides may be the 'Chosen One' in "Dune"!

This is why the movie has developed something of a cult following among David Lynch fans while fans of the book tend to dismiss it. It also doesn’t help that this movie has plenty of aged special-effect that just don’t hold up to today’s scrutiny. Especially the shields that the characters use to defend themselves that are simply blocks that obscure our characters and the action.

I will admit that there are plenty of things that bugged me, including how they simply changed the Weirding Way from a fast hand-to-hand combat style from the book to strange sound weapons. However, I must also admit that the movie did not bug me nearly as much as I thought it would due to the differences between the book and the movie.

Perhaps it is because I have a better adaptation (so far) with the films that are currently coming out that I can accept this weirder version. There are some impressive practical and makeup effects in spite of the aged special-effects, the performances are not bad, and the cast is stacked with notable actors including Kyle MacLachlan, Patrick Stewart, Virginia Madsen, Everett McGill, and Max von Sydow.

I can’t say that the movie ever got me to the point where I can truly recommend it, so I’m going to have to give it a “SKIP IT!” rating. Still, if you’re ever curious to try out this original adaptation of Herbert’s novel, you could admittedly do a lot worse.