Lunchtime Movie Critics

In this episode, we're delving into the comedic chaos of "The In-Laws," exploring both the beloved 1979 original and its 2003 remake. The original film, directed by Arthur Hiller, stars Peter Falk and Alan Arkin as two future in-laws caught in a whirlwind of international espionage and hilarious misadventures. Fast-forward to 2003, and Andrew Fleming reimagines this classic, casting Michael Douglas and Albert Brooks in a similar tale of pre-wedding jitters mixed with undercover operations. We'll compare the comedic styles of each film, how the humor has evolved over the decades, and discuss whether the remake holds up to the original's legacy. Tune in as we unpack the antics, the laughs, and the unexpected bonds that make "The In-Laws" a comedic encounter of the familial kind.

In this episode, we dive into the wonderfully weird world of "Gentlemen Broncos," a 2009 cult comedy directed by Jared Hess. The film follows Benjamin, a home-schooled teenager and aspiring science fiction writer, whose life takes a bizarre turn when his novel is stolen by his idol, a washed-up author named Chevalier. As Chevalier publishes the story under his own name, we get to see hilariously dramatized versions of Benjamin's sci-fi tale, complete with low-budget effects and awkward heroics. "Gentlemen Broncos" offers a quirky and satirical look at the trials of artistic creation, fame, and the fine line between inspiration and theft, all wrapped in Hess's uniquely eccentric comedic style. Join us as we unpack the layers of this oddball gem, exploring what makes it a cult favorite and how it stands out in the realm of indie comedies.

License to Drive is one of those films from the 80's that starred The Corys. You know, Cory Feldman and Cory Haim. It's a silly rambunctious comedy that follows Cory Haim as he gets his license, finds his freedom, and then misadventures and hilarity ensue. It's a must see if you love cheesy 80's films.

Clean Slate is a hilariously silly film starring Dana Carvey where he plays a private investigator who wakes up each morning with no recollection of the previous day. Sounds hilarious, right? It is!

"Revenge of the Nerds," the 1984 comedy directed by Jeff Kanew, is like a time capsule from an era when the word 'nerd' was more pejorative than praise. It's a movie that wears its pocket protector proudly and its slide rule defiantly. Get ready to adjust your glasses and embrace your inner geek as we dive into this underdog tale of brains over brawn.

"Being John Malkovich," the 1999 film directed by Spike Jonze and written by Charlie Kaufman, is not just a movie; it's a head-spinning, mind-bending, existential joyride into the surreal. If you ever thought your life was weird, this movie is here to say, “Hold my puppet.” Let’s crawl through the low-ceilinged portal and explore the wonderfully bizarre world of John Malkovich’s mind.

Ah, "Fast Times at Ridgemont High," the 1982 classic that's less a movie and more a time capsule from the era of big hair, Van Halen, and the eternal struggle of high school existence. Directed by Amy Heckerling and penned by Cameron Crowe, this flick isn’t just about fast times; it's about the real times of teenage life in the early '80s. So, let’s slap on some Ray-Bans, pop a cassette into the Walkman, and take a stroll through the halls of Ridgemont High.

Welcome, dear listeners, to the wonderfully wacky world of "Transylvania 6-5000," a film that dares to ask the question: What happens when you mix classic monsters, '80s humor, and a plot thinner than Dracula's cape? Released in 1985, directed by Rudy De Luca, this movie is a comedic take on the monster genre that will leave you bewildered, bemused, and maybe a bit bemuddled. So, grab your garlic and holy water; we're diving into this spooky spoof!

Well, well, well, if it isn't "Idle Hands" from 1999, the movie that combines stoner comedy, teenage angst, and a dash of horror in a blender and hits puree. This flick, directed by Rodman Flender, is the hand that rocks the cradle of absurdity and horror-comedy. So, let’s slap on a glove of humor and dive right in!

Rubber is a film about a tire in the desert that becomes sentient and starts killing animals and people with it's telekinetic powers. Don't let that silly premise fool you though. This film has a great deal more to offer than that. Give it a try, you won't be disappointed.