Category Archives: comedy

Movies for Dog Lovers

animals, children, comedy, drama, family, movies,

Movies with Dogs

Kids and adults love movies about dogs because they are so unpredictable. Some of us grew up with Clifford the Big Red Dog movies and Hallmark dog movies. We watched them over and over again.

Dog movies are endearing to watch. We don’t know what will happen in the end. The endings are either sad or happy. The tragic endings, like My Dog Skip, teach a lesson. We watch them over and over because we know what happens in the movie. Even if it is sad, we still watch it again.

Dog movies are stressful because the dogs get stolen or lost, but are returned or found at the end of each film. The dog gets hurt, and there is an emotional reunion between the owner and the dog. Most of the time, the dog survives an injury with a happy ending.

An interesting point, not many dog movies are about girl dogs. Girl dog movies are rare because of discrimination. What is wrong with a girl dog movie?

Enough said, now, let us take a look at some incredible dog movies.

1. My Dog Skip (2000)

Based on a well-known writer’s memoir, My Dog Skip takes place during WWII and stars two great talents, Kevin Bacon and Diane Lane. The dog doesn’t get stolen, but Willie and Skip are fast friends as they turn bullies into friends and tangle with ill-fated moonshiners who threaten to kill the dog. A pretty girl shows an interest in Skip, who brings her and Willie together.

The movie’s conflict centers on Willie’s dad, who thinks he should have real friends rather than a dog. But Willie overcomes that as he grows up.

The most stressful scene is near the end when Skip runs away because Willie’s temper flares up, and he kicks Skip. He apologizes for his behavior, and Skip forgives him. All in all, it is a beautifully told story. Here is the ending where you grab a tissue.

2. Beethoven (1992)

Beethoven is a classic dog movie with several sequels. Kids should first see the original film because it stars Charles Gordon and the late Dean Jones. Both actors are brilliant. Gordon plays the father who brings the lovable dog home and soon finds Beethoven growing too big for his liking. Jones, cast against type, makes his scenes entertaining. He is an evil Vet who tries to kidnap the dog. Bonnie Hunt plays Gordon’s wife and the mother of their adorable kids.

Watch the movie, and you will notice several up-and-coming actors of the time, including Stanley Tucci, Oliver Platt, and David Duchovny.

A hilarious scene is when Beethoven comes in from playing in the mud. Gordon holds his own in the scene, but the dog steals the show. Another funny scene is when George (Gordon) hits the vet (Jones). Watching that scene makes seeing the movie worth it.

3. Hachi: A Dog’s Tale (1992)

Hachi is not like other dog movies. Hachi doesn’t go missing or get kidnapped. The film is based on a true story about a dog’s devotion to his master.

The story is about a dog’s loyalty to his master. Richard Gere stars as the owner of Hachi. Joan Allen plays Gere’s wife, and Jason Alexander (Seinfeld) plays Carl, the store owner.

The movie answers the question, “Why are dog movies so sad?” It is because the story is so good.

I don’t want to say too much about the movie because it is a simple but powerful tale. Make sure you have a box of tissues because the story is heartwarming and a tear-jerker.

4. Air Bud (1997)

Air Bud is your basic dog story, but he doesn’t get stolen. He ran away from the original owner because he had abused him. Bud is a golden retriever and has a knack for playing basketball well. He brightens up a high schooler named Josh by helping him play better basketball.

The best scene in the movie is when Bud has to choose between the original owner and Josh. It’s a long scene where Josh says, “Come here, Buddy.” Will Bud go back to the abusive owner or stay with Josh? Enjoy the trailer. I love the line, “Mom, remember when I had a hamster?”

5. 101 Dalmatians (1961)

Here is one of the few girl dog movies. I know I am pushing the envelope when I say it is a girl dog movie, but Perdita, the wife of Pongo, plays an important role, the mother of the stolen Dalmatians. Even though the Disney cartoon characters seemed entertaining, the movie was very stressful.

Cruella De Vil decides to steal the puppies for their fur. The clip shows wanting to buy the puppies. When I first watched the movie as a kid, I truly believed that an animal network existed, where all animals could talk to each other around the world and help one another.

With that, take a look at the bumbling criminals. They are funny in this clip.

101 Dalmatians Trailer

6. Show Dogs (2018)

Max is a Rottweiler police dog voiced by Ludacris. His latest assignment is going undercover as a show dog in one of the top dog shows in the world. His human partner Frank, played by Will Arnett, tries to stop a disaster in the dog show. The cast includes Stanley Tucci, Shaquille O’Neal, Jordin Sparks, Natasha Lyonne, Gabriel Iglesias, and Omar Chaparro.

The movie is filled with owners and their adorable dogs.
The movie is filled with owners and their adorable dogs.

7. Dog Days (2018)

Dog Days is a movie for those who like to see personal relationships with dogs motivate the union. It touches on the theory of how dogs look like their owners. The film is worth seeing because it’s filled with vignettes of owners and their dogs. The story meanders as the characters intermingle, and romance ensues.

Here is a cute and adorable story for the whole family.
Here is a cute story for the whole family.

8. A Dog’s Way Home (2019)

Charles Martin Smith directed this happy tale based on the book by W. Bruce Cameron,A Dog’s Way Home. The heartfelt story is as sensitive and genuine as Bella, voiced by Bryce Dallas Howard, and her adventure—a dog embarked on a 400-mile journey home after being separated from her deeply loved human, played by Jonah Hauer-King.

Bailey, voiced by Josh Gad, he also voiced Olaf in the "Frozen" movies.
Bailey, voiced by Josh Gad, also voiced Olaf in the “Frozen” movies.

9. A Dog’s Journey (2019)

Director Gail Mancuso creates a film about friendships that transcend lifetimes. A Dog’s Journey, the sequel to the popular movie A Dog’s Purpose, followsBailey. He finds his new fate and develops a permanent bond, driven by unconditional love and friendships. Thus begins an adventure through multiple lives filled with joy, friendship, and devotion.

During an interview with Mancuso, she mentioned that all talent and crew had dogs, except the editor, Robert Komatsu.

The movie stars Willem Dafoe as a man in a race against time and the elements.
The movie stars Willem Dafoe as a man racing against time and the elements.

10. Togo (2019)

Ericson Core was formerly a cinematographer but directed the Disney movie, based on a true story and adapted from the screenplay by Tom Flynn. Togo follows a sled dog. In 1925, Togo led a serum run. People viewed the dog as too small and weak to pull a dog sled during an emergency race to save the lives of children.

The movie helped me become appreciative and happy about life. I loved seeing an underdog prove its worth.

Arthur is a smart dog that helps a man achieve his ultimate adventure.
Arthur is an intelligent dog who helps a man achieve his ultimate adventure. 

11. Arthur the King (2024)

A true story about a dog who guides Michael Light, played by Mark Wahlberg, who is desperate for one last chance to win the Adventure Racing World Championship. Over ten days and 435 miles, a bond between a pro adventure racer and a scrappy street dog companion.

Dog Movies for Family

Dog movies are great family movies because the stories are real, even though some dogs play basketball or talk. The story can be distressing, but the tension adds to the movie’s excitement, making the happy ending even more enjoyable.

Most of the time, the dog steals the limelight because they are so cute, cuddly, and innocent, validating the fact that we watch these dog movies over and over again.

Colorful Oscar the Parrot Lives in Movies

animals, children, classic, comedy, movies, romance,

Before he left us and flew away to new adventures, Oscar starred in many movies, television shows, and print ads. This article shares his story.

Oscar the Parrot

Animal actors are amazing creatures because they possess hidden talents that few of us are aware of. We try to tap into their psyche, but the animals evade us. We wonder how the director gets those animals, like Oscar, to do those cute antics.

The animal trainers work with the director and animal actors. Together, the animal trainers have the gift and help animal actors shine.

Oscar, the parrot, was one of those animal actors. His talent stole scenes from other actors, and his personality caught people’s attention. He passed away, but his recorded performances keep his memory alive.

Talented and Gifted Bird

The film industry lost one of its most talented parrots. It is with great sadness that we report the passing of the star of several movies.

The bird’s last movie is appropriately called A Bird of the Air. Oscar the Parrot had a glorious career and an unprecedented career-spanning live theater, television with Fantasy Island, print advertising, and movies like Home Alone 3.

“A Bird in the Air” – Oscar’s Last Movie

In Oscar’s final movie, he plays a smart-alecky parrot who meets an unconventional librarian, played by Rachel Nichols. Somehow, they disrupt the life of a private man named Lyman, played by Jackson Hurst, who is not sociable. He works the graveyard shift as a security officer, patrolling around in his truck. He became an orphan at four years old when his parents died in a car wreck. He only knows his last name and estimates the year of his birth.

Oscar flies into his trailer and starts talking with words like ‘Shut up!’ and ‘I’m an eagle!” Lyman decides he must find the parrot’s owner. The quest leads him to the librarian named Fiona, played by Rachel Nichols. Over the years, her curiosity and attraction to Lyman from afar finally came to fruition. She offers her help to find the parrot’s owners, whether Lyman likes it or not.

Another animal comes into the story. Fiona’s basset hound makes the whole situation off-kilter. All four begin their search for Oscar’s owner. Fiona unravels the secrets of Lyman’s past and realizes that something about it needs clarification.

Fiona and Lyman go on his nightly security rounds together, and she sees a different man than the one she romanticizes. He has changed since he was a security officer, and she feels uncomfortable about it. As the movie draws to a close, Lyman reconciles with his past and breaks free from his murky lifestyle. They prepare a life together.

True Actor with Wings

Oscar lived beyond his sixtieth birthday, and he did not show his age in his final movie, A Bird of the Air. His fellow human actors adored him and spoke of his professionalism and kindness toward the crew on set. The indie romantic comedy includes some of the best moments for Oscar. His talent shines, and he will always be in our hearts.

“Paulie” the Movie

One of Oscar’s most famous movies is Paulie. The film is about a parrot, played by Oscar, being passed around from owner to owner.

The bird makes friends with a little girl, but they get separated. Eventually, a widow named Ivy buys Paulie. She and the parrot become fast friends, and they agree that she should help him find Marie, who moved to the West Coast. The widow decides to travel in her mobile home.

Slowly, Ivy loses her sight during their trip, and Paulie decides to stay and take care of her. Ivy eventually passes away, and Paulie learns to fly, continuing his journey to find his friend.

Talented Parrot

Oscar made so many movies and helped other animal actors break into the business. He leaves behind a legacy, and no other parrot can fill his feathers. It is a phenomenon of how Hollywood creates a story and adds a parrot, and the whole dynamic of the story shifts.

Oscar worked in the movies before animal trainers became a household word. Oscar helped so many animal trailers, too. He showed them how to guide animals through a scene, so they delivered what the director wanted.

Oscar flew off to find a new place to talk to parrots and entertain people. Rest in peace, Oscar. You are dearly loved.

Jerry Lewis as the Nutty Professor

Jerry Lewis: The King of Comedy

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Jerry Lewis defines comedy as a style characterized by his madcap acting, which he began with Dean Martin in 1946.

Jerry Lewis

Jerry Lewis’s comedic timing and performances are a class act, and few comedians mirror his impeccable timing. Many comedians have copied his style. Watch his movies, and you will notice several similarities among our contemporary funny guys. Kevin Hart, Eddie Murphy, the late Robin Williams, and Jim Carrey have learned from Lewis.

They followed Lewis’s madcap acting because it looked easy and divine. Lewis’s skill is a talent that most performers consider daunting to try. Lewis’s upbringing in a vaudevillian family gave him the courage to perform the madcap characters we’ve come to know. His father did a great impersonation of Al Jolson on stage.

Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis

Lewis starred in 61 movies. Some of those movies were produced and directed by him. He hooked up with Dean Martin after World War II, as Dean Martin was a vaudevillian at heart. It was almost a fluke that they ended up as “Martin and Lewis,” the best comedy duos ever.

Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis
Source: Common

Stand-up Comedian

Alan King, a well-known actor and stand-up comedian, said, “I have been in the business for fifty-five years, and I have never to this day seen an act get more laughs than Martin and Lewis. They didn’t get laughs — it was pandemonium. People knocked over tables.”

“Artists and Models”

They made 17 movies together, as well as radio shows and nightclubs. The duo split up after ten years. Going their separate ways, and both succeed. One notable movie they starred in together before their split is Artists and Models.

The movie had a high budget of $1.5 million and starred Shirley MacLaine and Dorothy Malone. Directed by Frank Tashlin, he later worked with Lewis on six of his solo films.

Rotten Tomatoes gives the movie a 78% rating. The story follows Rick Todd, played by Martin, and his roommate, Eugene Fullstack, played by Lewis. Todd is a comic book artist. His publisher complains Rick needs to make his work gorier. Fullstack sleeps with elaborate comic-book dreams and gaudy-looking superheroes. These nightmares help Todd achieve success and fame. The men try to romance the gorgeous neighbors, played by Maclaine and Malone, throughout this period.

Tashlin got his feet wet directing Looney Tunes. He took on Artists and Models because Lewis’s character is a cartoonist. Tashlin added several gags that are still funny today.

Adult Themed Movies

Up until now, all Martin and Lewis movies were family-oriented. Artists and Models is an adult movie with all the sexual innuendos. Particular female characters wear revealing costumes. Malone is scantily clad in a towel that the studio allowed in one scene.

“I have been in the business for fifty-five years, and I have never to this day seen an act get more laughs than Martin and Lewis. They didn’t get laughs—it was pandemonium. People knocked over tables.” Alan King

Bucktooth Professor

The Nutty Professor is ingenious and nothing like the Jerry Lewis Telethon. Mr. Hyde’s theme, Dr. Jekyll, shines as a genuine comedy classic. Then, there is a love story, which makes it all the more adorably funny. The movie showcases Lewis’s mercurial comedic range. He plays a ridiculous bucktooth professor with exaggerated low self-confidence.

Jerry Lewis in The Nutty Professor

“I never tell an audience what they can expect. I never have, and I never will.” Jerry Lewis

Jerry Lewis, Good Looking Man

Stella Stevens plays one of his students and arouses his curiosity as Miss Purdy. The professor tackles his interest in Miss Purdy by stumbling on a potion. The potion changes him into a more than usually arrogant but good-looking man. He is no longer the sensitive professor that Miss Purdy so adores.

The Nutty Professor with Jerry Lewis

“Nothing can stop anyone who has a love and passion about their work.” Jerry Lewis

Jerry Lewis in his prime.

Fantastic and Hilarious Comedian

I enjoy watching DVDs occasionally and appreciate the amusing entertainment. It streams at various outlets and includes hilarious bloopers, deleted scenes, and other outtakes. The disc package also contains recordings of Jerry Lewis’s phone calls. It was a rare find that brought me to tears because I laughed so hard – bizarre and hilarious. The recordings on the CD are Lewis’s private prank calls, which he secretly recorded.

Stella Stevens is Dynamite

A storyline with a wide range of comedic talent, Jerry Lewis is not only a goofy bucktooth professor, but he turns on the charm as an arrogant, handsome genetic afterthought. Stella Stevens is a dynamite actress, an innocent young lady, and holds her own with Lewis’s mercurial acting. One of his students, Miss Purdy, played by Stevens, draws his attention as she becomes interested in him. As the professor, he stumbles on a potion that can change his genetics into an overly arrogant-looking man who lacks the one thing that wins Purdy over.

“The greatest thing I can remember in my whole career was the Ringling Brothers & Barnum and Bailey clowns asking me to appear with them at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles in 1965. “— Jerry Lewis

Favorite Sushi Movie Scenes

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Movies that have scenes with sushi. Look at my list, and you’ll find some films you recognize.

Sushi in Film

Before we look at sushi movie scenes, I want to share the first time I ate sushi with you. I thought eating raw fish was not a delicacy. I thought I’d develop a super long worm in my stomach if I ate any of it.

A Japanese friend invited me to eat at a sushi restaurant near me. I told her of my fear of eating sushi. She told me the place she had in mind served her favorite sushi rolls, saying, “I will make sure you eat the good sushi.”

One day, I started thinking about sushi scenes in movies. I am excited about the idea and perused movies with sushi themes or scenes worth mentioning. I even asked some sushi masters if they knew of any sushi scenes in film. I went further and asked some sushi experts if they recalled seeing any sushi scenes in movies.

I discovered that there are nine movies with sushi scenes while writing this article. Two I left out because they are not my favorite.

The result of my search is fruitful, and the list is below. Most people will recognize these movies. They are well-known and made tons of money at the box office.

Seven Favorite Sushi Scenes

  1. Isle of Dogs (2018)
  2. The Breakfast Club (1985)
  3. Sex and the City 2 (2010)
  4. Monsters, Inc. (2001)
  5. Defending Your Life (1991)
  6. John Wick 3: Parabellum (2019)
  7. Johnny English (2003)

The sushi scene in Wes Anderson’s 2018 stop-motion animation classic, “Isle of Dogs,” took nearly six months to complete.

1. Isle of Dogs (2018)

Stop-motion animation movies by Wes Anderson take a whole new level of the filmmaking process. Anderson’s stories keep the audience interested in the sparky dialogue and visual touches of humor. For some, the movie may seem a bit quirky. The sushi scene in Isle of Dogs is a masterpiece of stop-motion animation.

The whole premise of the scene is to poison the despotic leader of the Asian nation that sends dogs to the remote island. If you haven’t seen this movie, I recommend it. All of the Anderson movies entertain.

2. The Breakfast Club (1985)

John Hughes wrote and directed The Breakfast Club. A few years later, he wrote and produced Home Alone. The movie is about five high school students sharing detention, who eventually talk about their problems and discover they have a lot in common. Each student is different, but all are exaggerated stereotypes.

The poignant movie stars Emilio Estevez, Judd Nelson, Molly Ringwald, Ally Sheedy, and Anthony Michael Hall. Even today, I can safely say this is a movie that cuts deeply into the overall problems of public education in America.

My daughter relates to this movie because each student is very different from the others. They become friends while serving detention. Each student copes with the social pressures of high school, adapting to the high school scene as best they can.

The sushi scene is so funny because Ringwald opens up her bento box, and the others look at her like she opened up a can of sardines.

Kim Cattrall (far right) was also a sushi champion in “Sex and the City 2” (2010), but for different reasons. Source: Martamenchini, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

3. Sex and the City 2 (2010)

Sex and the City 2 takes a silly look at sushi to entice a romantic interlude. Samantha covers sexy areas of her naked body. She is waiting for her lover when the phone rings. She obviously can’t answer the phone.

Honestly, I have never seen the cable show or the movies. I did watch the clip, which is age-restricted. Unfortunately, the clip with sound is no longer available. I posted one without sound. Hopefully, you’ve seen the movie and or gotten the idea. The visual of this scene is what is funny, not the dialogue.

The above video is restricted because the content has suggestive characteristics.

4. Monsters, Inc. (2001)

One of my favorite Pixar movies is Monsters, Inc, where we watch Mike Wazowski, the green, one-eyed friend of Sulley, take Celia out for a special sushi dinner. We see the exaggerated greetings of sushi chefs upon the monsters entering the restaurant, and Mike’s girlfriend, Celia, is very impressed.

The scene is hilarious because Mike tries to keep it romantic despite the slapstick humor from Sulley, who’s trying to keep the monsters from finding out about Boo, a child forbidden in the monster world.

5. Defending Your Life (1991)

Defending Your Life follows Albert Brooks’ character, Daniel, who dies after getting hit by a bus while driving his brand-new BMW.

He ends up in Judgment City defending his life. Going through the rigors of Judgment, he decides to dine at the sushi bar. I have a clip of the scene below poking fun at the over-the-top hospitality of sushi chefs.

The movie is fun to watch and also stars Meryl Streep. Her character goes through Judgment better than Brooks’ character, the prevailing theme of this deadpan funny film.

6. John Wick 3: Parabellum (2019)

A sushi scene in a John Wick movie fits the production design with vibrant reds and metallic undertones. Of course, Chad Stahelski directs a dark and rainy scene. Though Keanu Reeves is not in this scene, Asia Kate Dillon, playing The Adjudicator, approaches the sushi bar. Here we see how skilled the assassin is at being a sushi chef.

If you know anything about Blowfish, it’s one of the most difficult to prep. True, you only need to cut it. Incorrectly preparing Blowfish releases toxins and could have killed Dillion’s character.

7.  Johnny English (2003)

The hilarious Johnny English film series stars Rowan Atkinson in the title role, with Ben Miller and John Malkovich in supporting roles.
It is a parody and tribute to the James Bond franchise and Atkinson’s Mr. Bean character.

Watch this sushi scene and enjoy the bumbling character Atkinson, who is so brilliant at portraying.

13 Popular Movies to Stream Anywhere

comedy, drama, horror, indie, movies, suspense, thriller, , , ,
Hit movies to stream anywhere.

Check out these movies, as they surprised audiences and remain worth watching even today.

Sleeper hit movies demonstrate that any filmmaker can create a low-budget movie that becomes a box office success. Tentpole or high-budget movies are not always a shoo-in because, for the most part, they are rehashed stories that producers don’t have to gamble on or question the outcome. Circling back to sleeper hits is a treasure when the public flocks to the movie houses and celebrates a surprising success.

Sleeper Hit

A “sleeper hit” is a surprise smash hit movie that the film industry didn’t expect to succeed at the box office. Let’s take a look at some films worth mentioning, renting, or streaming because they’re sleeper hits.

Best Movie You’ve Ever Seen

Why would you want to see a sleeper hit movie? The same reason you’d like to see a film is that it is the best movie you have ever seen. We’re not talking tentpole movies with large marketing schemes. These are movies made on a low budget without special effects. The story is believable, and the acting is top-notch. Usually, the director is relatively new to the industry. Go down my list of sleeper hits, and discern whether or not they deserve the “sleeper hit” nod.

1. “Happy Death Day”

Must see horror movie you can stream.

When I heard about Happy Death Day and saw the trailer, I predicted that horror fans would flock to the movie theaters to see this movie. Watching the trailer, it appears to be a super-entertaining yet horrific movie, with a plot similar to Groundhog Day.

Apparently, the producers didn’t expect the movie to be a real success, but it was, and now they are releasing a sequel, Happy Death Day 2U, with the same director and cast.

2. “Don’t Breathe”

Don’t Breathe was never considered the best new horror movie and was projected to gross under $14 million. The minuscule amount was fine with the producers because it cost $9 million to produce. It became a sleeper hit, as the movie, a low-budget horror film, grossed over $89 million in North America alone. In other markets around the world, it brought in $67.9 million – the end of the summer box office hit.

Produced by Sam Raimi, known for directing the earlier Spider-Man movies starring Toby Maguire, the movie’s director, Fede Alvarez, is now working on a sequel.

The horror movie follows a blind man who is mugged by three teenagers but turns the tables on them in a hurry. The rest of the story is about how the blind man terrorizes the teenagers. Stephen Lang plays the blind man, and he will look familiar because he’s had a long and fruitful career as a strong character actor.

3. “Lady Bird”

Lady Bird is about my hometown. Greta Gerwig’s film takes place in Sacramento, where she grew up and attended high school. Yes, it is very cool to see the landmarks of my city in such a poignant film. The story itself is endearing, regardless of where you live, whether in Los Angeles or Scottsdale, because it resonates deeply, making it a sleeper hit.

The teenage girl is trying to become who she truly is while contending with the craziness of life in High School and a mother-daughter relationship that is both push and pull.

Although the movie initially received accolades at festivals, the industry and public were captivated by the realistic, heart-pounding drama of a typical high school girl, played brilliantly by Saoirse Ronan.

4. “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon”

Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, directed by Ang Lee and earning $1 million with 44 screens in eight days, focuses on two women, both competent fighters, who follow different paths toward a violent and blistering showdown with a dynamic ending.

Nobody expected a martial arts movie with strong heroines to succeed at the box office using hardly any marketing efforts and, let alone, win four Oscars.

5. “District 9”

Peter Jackson produced District 9, and its budget was 30 million. The science-fiction movie recouped its investment and earned $ 7 million in its first weekend of release.

The story takes place in South Africa, where extraterrestrial refugees have been stranded for 28 years. One man figures out how to tap into their technology, and the government is not too happy about it.

6. “Bring It On”

Kirsten Dunst starred in Bring It On when she was a teenager. The cheerleading movie earned $70 million. It’s about a very upbeat cheerleader navigating the politics of being the best cheerleader. The sleeper hit movie has several sequels that never match the original. Now a Broadway musical.

If you’ve never seen the movie, I recommend it because cheerleading as the backdrop shows how competitive it can be.

7. “Superbad”

Emma Stone starred in this movie with Michael Cera, Ed Helms, and Jonah Hill. Superbad is a teenage movie about getting alcohol as an underage boy and scoring with chicks.

Produced by Judd Apatow, he was virtually unknown, but it didn’t last for long. Over a summer weekend in 2007, Superbad became a household word and a must-see movie.

8. “Little Miss Sunshine”

Released in seven theaters, Little Miss Sunshine became a sleeper hit movie. It took off and generated half a million dollars in its first week, bringing its total to 200 million, with numerous Academy Award nominations and wins. It’s a feel-good movie with lots of laughs.

9. “Memento”

Christopher Nolan’s masterpiece, which follows Leonard, played by Guy Pearce, features generous notes throughout the movie to aid his short-term memory loss at every moment.

The low-budget movie catapulted into a sleeper hit, earning more than $25 million at the box office and garnering two Academy Award nominations. Memento even scored big time in the DVD release, selling over a million copies.

10. “Napoleon Dynamite”

Napoleon Dynamite is a cult movie with a huge fan base of followers who quote the movie’s snarky dialogue.

The story is quirky, with small-town characters adding to the funny banter. The movie grossed $44.5 million during its summer release, despite being limited to a select number of theaters.

11. “Paranormal Activity”

Paranormal Activity is a filmmaker’s fairytale. The movie only cost $15,000 to make and grossed $100 million. It quickly became a super hit, with sequels to follow. People do walk out of the movie theater before it’s over, not because the movie was bad, but because it was too scary.

12. “The Blair Witch Project”

In 1999, another low-budget sleeper hit was The Blair Witch Project. The movie’s beginning is promising, but it gradually deteriorates. Still, the public came out in droves, and the cheesy but scary movie made millions.

I mentally berated myself for paying to see this movie, as it was so bad. It just got worse and worse until the end was flat. I am still amazed it made so much money at the box office.

13. “47 Meters Down”

Stranger Things season 1 and 2 star Matthew Modine is one of the locals in 47 Meters Down. He represents the force behind the two women’s horror.

Director Johannes Roberts mentioned in the production notes for his sequel, 47 Meters Down: Uncaged, that he was surprised by the film’s box office success.

The low-budget underwater thriller follows Lisa and Kate in a protective cage, who come face-to-face with the Great Whites. The cage snaps apart from the boat, and they find themselves diving to the bottom depths of the ocean floor.

Out of radio range and getting themselves exposed to the ferocious sharks, their oxygen stores were quickly diminishing.

Low-budget Movies

Sleeper hit movies show filmmakers can create a low-budget movie that becomes a box office success. A tent-pole or high-budget movie is not always a hit movie because, mostly, they rehash stories. Producers feel they don’t have to gamble on them or question the outcome. Circling back to sleeper hits is a treasure when the public flocks to the movie houses and celebrates a surprising success.

“Night Of The Killer Bears” Thai Slasher, Campy Horror

comedy, foreign films, horror, slasher

Kanpong Banjongpinit co-wrote and directed Night of the Killer Bears. The story follows five teenage friends who live in Bangkok—a long time has passed since they’d seen each other. They decide to vacation together at a quiet, low-end retreat isolated from the city.

Matters turn dark because each friend has a secret, which becomes revealed while someone outside the group watches them.

The brutal murder of one friend motivates the survivors to accuse each other of being the murderer. Yet they consider the possibility that the murderer is not one of them. Someone else in their midst, observing them. If that is the case, they all are in danger.

Killers in bear costumes swing sabers and bisect teenagers while slashing off heads with vicious slices. It’s a bloody mess.

Possibly Banjonginit movie is a play on the franchise horror slasher Scream.

It’s funny but too campy for my taste. With the English subtitles, you’ll get by with the simple and sparse dialogue.

The cast includes Sananthachat Thanapatpisal as Aim, Patchata Jan-Ngern as Win, Khemanit Jamikorn as Som, and Chanagun Apornsutinan as Tony.

“Marineland Carnival With The Munsters”

children, comedy, episodic, family

Enjoy two hours of genuine laughs when you pop this Munsters DVD in your player. You’ll watch some rare shows and featurettes about a silly family on a TV show.

The series aired in the 1960s and continued with a decade of reruns. Do you remember where the Munsters lived?

Mockingbird Lane is where the Munsters entertained audiences of all ages. Sure, the episodes were spooky in a fun way. Kids and parents could relate to the innocence of being a silly monster family — some family members are not too bright.

For the first time in a long time, long-lost television appearances of the cast—Fred Gwynne (Herman), Yvonne De Carlo (Lily), Al Lewis (Grandpa), Pat Priest (Marilyn) and Butch Patrick (Eddie) are available to be enjoyed again in this historical and hysterical collection.

Marineland Carnival & More Lost Treasures with the Munsters TV Show Cast Members have arrived. The DVD includes the hour-long Marineland Carnival 1965 special starring the Munsters. Next is a 1966 full-color Munsters-themed “episode” with Fred Gwynne as Herman on The Danny Kaye Show.

I found the other rare skits and vintage talk show interviews funny while learning a little about the actors.

An all-new featurette called Munster Memories with Butch Patrick is fascinating. Watch before you watch the episodes if you need to become more familiar with The Munsters.

Also included is the hit music from the New Christy Minstrels. And there are guest appearances by legends Edie Adams and Joey Bishop.

This short is not on the DVD but shows the human side of The Munsters.

“Red Snow” Horror Comedy for the Holidays

comedy, horror, review, ,

As a dark comedy of heavy-handed and trashy entertainment, this Christmas horror movie may make you wonder if some of its laughs are intentional or a bit off the rocker. You’ll see buckets of blood, along with bellies full of laughter.

Filmed on location in South Lake Tahoe for just 13 days, the low-budget production comes through with a talented cast that’s stiff and nightmarish.

Written and directed by Sean Nichols, Red Snow follows Olivia Romo, played by Dennice Cisneros, as a struggling vampire romance novelist holed up in South Lake Tahoe. Here, she’s forced to defend herself against real-life vampires during the holidays.

It all starts with an injured bat named Luke, played by Nico Bellamy, who becomes a handsome vampire after slamming into her living room window.

Unbeknownst to Olivia, she takes pity on the wounded animal and places it in her garage. She nurses the bat a bit, and the next day, the little creature transforms into a real-life Edward, a full-size vampire.

Olivia knows when opportunity knocks, so she makes a deal with Luke. Read her unpublished manuscript, and he can stay a few days in the garage to heal from an unpleasant wooden stake injury. She keeps him satisfied with microwaved pig blood in a mug. In return, he gives his feedback on the manuscript.

Luke is your typical vampire, but he takes a liking to Olivia. Their relationship barely flourishes when Olivia’s suspicion of Luke’s true intentions surfaces as his deadly past catches up with him.  

The humor takes hold with a rather odd private detective, played by Vernon Wells, who acts more like a voyeur, spying on her and rummaging through her garage.  

The evenings become sinister with pale figures dressed in black visiting the cabin, who turn out to be Luke’s vampire friends, played by Laura Kennon and Alan Silva. They want Luke to return to their brood, of course, after they help themselves to the blood of Olivia.

More romance and less terror, sticking with the Edward and Bella theme, might have saved the movie in the long run.

Thank you, The Guardian, for the information about the movie.

“The Honeymooners: A Christmas Carol”

comedy, family, holiday, television, , ,

“To the moon, Alice” is a familiar phrase of Jackie Gleason, as Ralph would say to his wife, played by Audrey Meadows. The Honeymooners was one of the first situation comedies of the 1950s. A half-hour show began as a segment on Cavalcade of Stars, then emerged even better on The Jackie Gleason Show in 1955.

The show developed with cast leavings, cast changes, and edited versions of close to 70 incarnations of what we call The Honeymooners. The series ended in 1971. If you look over the show’s history, you’ll realize it wasn’t a show, but it had stamina — popularity that people still recognize. So, it became a TV Sitcom.

Between 1976 and 1978, Jackie Gleason and his co-stars, Art Carney, Audrey Meadows and Jane Kean, were filmed in color with a live audience. Four shows were produced and filmed in Miami, Florida. The Honeymooners: A Christmas Carol was the second one made. It’s now available for your Christmas movie library.

The show opens with Ralph boasting about taking a trip to Miami with Alice as a Christmas vacation. Until his boss, played by Gale Gordon, asks Ralph to find a director for his wife’s Christmas charity play. The money raised gives homeless cats in New York City a feline Merry Christmas.

Ralph has concerns that the guy who takes the director’s job gets bumped up to the traffic manager. So, he accepts the task and tries to convince Alice that the charity play is more important than going to Miami. Charles Dickens’ play, A Christmas Carol, comes to mind, and Ralph rewrites the classic. The result is hilarious as it’s nothing like the original when Ed takes on the job as the inexperienced director. The best scene is when Ed plays both Scrooge and Tiny Tim.

Bonus features include an interview with Jane Kean and an extra episode from the 1960s sitcom.

The release gives the younger generation a chance to see how clean and straightforward a television show is possible. The Honeymooners: A Christmas Carol is everything you’d expect from a live television show of the 1960s. But this 1977 most likely will not garner fans. But if you are familiar with the show, you are in for a special treat. “Recapture my youth? If I keep this up, I’ll lose my old age!”

“Last Call” Offbeat Story Stars Jeremy Piven

comedy, drama, , ,

Directed by Paolo Pilladi, Last Call follows Mick, played by Jeremy Piven, a successful story and estate developer. He returns home to his offbeat blue-collar Irish neighborhood in the shadows of Philadelphia, Darby Heights, for his mother’s funeral and must stay to ensure his parents’ ailing family business gets back on course.

Amidst all of this, he grows closer to his childhood crush, played by Taryn Manning, who is also back in town, while enduring the constant ridicule from his old hometown crew.

Mick reconnects with the neighborhood where he grew up, and he finds himself at the crossroads when forced to raze or resurrect the family bar.  He needs to decide whether to develop a casino near gentrification or keep the tradition of neighborhood bars. If Mick pushes the casino through, it will destroy Darby Heights.

Unfortunately, the movie falls flat despite an impressive cast that includes Bruce Dern, Cathy Moriarty and Jamie Kennedy.

Thank you, The Guardian, for the additional information.