(originally posted May 22, 2021)
Lately I’ve been in a weird mood movie-wise. I think it’s partly that Prime has been pushing random superhero and/or adventure movies with maybe a dash of science fiction tossed in for good measure to the front of my recommendations. Gee, I wonder why they would ever think I’d like those? Thing is that they’re all stand-alone and not truly deserving of their own post. So I thought I’d tell you about the ones I’ve seen recently with a small snippet of the listed IMBd descriptions.
The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai Across the 8th Dimension (1984)
Description: “Adventurer, brain surgeon, rock musician Buckaroo Banzai and his crime-fighting team, the Hong Kong Cavaliers, must stop evil alien invaders from the eighth dimension who are planning to conquer Earth.” The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai Across the 8th Dimension (1984)
This is the one that started me on this slightly weird movie kick. I’d seen it before but I’d honestly forgotten just how campy it was. Like, ya know, pure camp. To be honest, it’s a movie that you either get and maybe like or, well, ya just don’t. Not sure there is any in-between with this one. Probably because it’s a little (okay a lot) confusing with how they dive right into this slightly off-kilter scenario and then simply keep moving. Lots of action and very little explanation about what the heck is going on. You know the old thing about “show don’t tell”? Totally nailed it and yet I know that’s what turns some people off. Because, seriously, what the heck is happening in this movie? Heh.
The Phantom (1996)
Description: “The Phantom, descendent of a line of African superheroes, travels to New York City to thwart a wealthy criminal genius from obtaining three magic skulls which would give him the secret to ultimate power.” The Phantom (1996)
Okay, full disclosure here. This is actually one of my all-time favorite superhero movies. Yeah, even higher on my top favorites list than some Superman stuff. I have it, and pretty much wore it out, on VHS but haven’t yet gotten around to getting a DVD of it. Something for the holiday wish-list, definitely. So I was happy to see it pop up on Prime. Not sure what it is that appeals to me about this one, though. Maybe the romance. Or maybe it’s the legacy aspect of The Phantom. Then again maybe it’s the gusto with which the actors ham it up but I simply find it a fun movie to watch. And re-watch. A lot.
The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen (2003)
Description: “In an alternate Victorian Age world, a group of famous contemporary fantasy, science fiction, and adventure characters team up on a secret mission.” The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen (2003)
This is one that I’m not even totally sure I should like primarily because it features several heroes who are basically downright monsters. I don’t normally go for that. At all. But I do find the use of literary characters as the members of the league intriguing. I mean, there’s Allan Quatermain, Tom Sawyer, Mina Harkins (the Mina from Dracula), the Invisible Man, Jekyll and Hyde, Captain Nemo and Dorian Gray. I definitely could watch more movies about this group. Or a TV series. Hmm, was there ever a TV series?
Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow (2004)
Description: “After New York City receives a series of attacks from giant flying robots, a reporter teams up with a pilot in search of their origin, as well as the reason for the disappearances of famous scientists around the world.” Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow (2004)
I’ve watch this one several times over the years and I’m still trying to figure out what the actual setting is. Because it feels like an alternate history. I know it’s supposed to take place in 1939 but it ain’t a 1939 I recognize. Still it’s a lot of fun and a great way to pass a lazy afternoon.
The Rocketeer (1991)
Description: “A young pilot stumbles onto a prototype jetpack that allows him to become a high-flying masked hero.” The Rocketeer (1991)
Another one of my favorites to re-watch occasionally. Mainly because I’ve always liked Billy Campbell as an actor. It’s also a very cute story. A down on his luck pilot has a prototype jetpack fall into his lap. Of course he’s going to try it out. What could possibly go wrong? Oh, and this is the only one I had to dig up on Disney Plus.
John Carter (2012)
Description: “Transported to Barsoom, a Civil War vet discovers a barren planet seemingly inhabited by 12-foot tall barbarians. Finding himself prisoner of these creatures, he escapes, only to encounter Woola and a princess in desperate need of a savior.” John Carter (2012)
Haven’t actually re-watched this one yet in this particular binge but it’s the next on my list so I figured why not talk about it too. To be honest, it feels like a B-movie even though its not. Or is it? That’s probably because of the source material, though. I mean, a man from the Civil War ends up on Mars, er, Barsoom and finds out he has superpowers. And falls for a princess. How can that not be B-movie material?