2008 Woodie Awards
Rarities and hilarities
Five underrated films you would do well to see
Danny Acosta
Issue date: 3/20/07 Section: Detour
The King of Comedy (1983)-Martin Scorsese's most underappreciated work is a biting satire on celebrity and fandemonium. Small-time, never-was comedian Rupert Pupkin (Robert DeNiro) hatches a plan to be the featured comedian on Jerry Langford's (Jerry Lewis) national show. Despite getting in Langford's good graces, Pupkin delusions are overpowering. A new plan ensues when Pupkin pairs with Masha (Sandra Bernhard) to force their way into Jerry's life. Much like Taxi Driver, the film showcases DeNiro's grasp on nonexistent realities and Scorsese's talent for social commentary. The story is unique and chilling; the drama builds to a memorable climax. Don't expect laughs, just Scorsese's wizardry.
Loaded Weapon 1 (1993)-This Lethal Weapon spoof pairs Sgt. Jack Colt (Emilio Estevez) and Sgt. Wes Luger (Samuel L. Jackson) as the dysfunctional duo of cops as they look to take down a crime syndicate that transports cocaine through Girl Scout Cookies. "No wonder I couldn't eat just one," says Luger. Model Kathy Ireland provides the eye candy next to Colt's moon-lit butt stroll. The array of physical gags and idiotic word play resembles the Naked Gun trilogy. Jon Lovitz delivers great lines in his role as an informant. Loaded Weapon 1 proves stupid jokes that know they are stupid are really funny.
The Fan (1996)-Director Tony Scott (Top Gun, True Romance) knows fast-paced action, but his baseball-based thriller is plodding and psychological. The movie follows Gil Renard (Robert DeNiro), a has-been San Francisco Giants fan that becomes obsessed with Barry Bonds…er, I mean Bobby Rayburn (Wesley Snipes). Renard is divorced and a knife salesman that becomes increasingly lonely. In a supporting role, Benecio Del Torro prevents the nearly two-hour film from turning stale as if Robert DeNiro playing with knives can be boring. While the film has been regaled to $5.99 bins at Wal-Mart, Scott pushes for DeNiro's classic psychosis with delightfully disturbing results.
Loaded Weapon 1 (1993)-This Lethal Weapon spoof pairs Sgt. Jack Colt (Emilio Estevez) and Sgt. Wes Luger (Samuel L. Jackson) as the dysfunctional duo of cops as they look to take down a crime syndicate that transports cocaine through Girl Scout Cookies. "No wonder I couldn't eat just one," says Luger. Model Kathy Ireland provides the eye candy next to Colt's moon-lit butt stroll. The array of physical gags and idiotic word play resembles the Naked Gun trilogy. Jon Lovitz delivers great lines in his role as an informant. Loaded Weapon 1 proves stupid jokes that know they are stupid are really funny.
The Fan (1996)-Director Tony Scott (Top Gun, True Romance) knows fast-paced action, but his baseball-based thriller is plodding and psychological. The movie follows Gil Renard (Robert DeNiro), a has-been San Francisco Giants fan that becomes obsessed with Barry Bonds…er, I mean Bobby Rayburn (Wesley Snipes). Renard is divorced and a knife salesman that becomes increasingly lonely. In a supporting role, Benecio Del Torro prevents the nearly two-hour film from turning stale as if Robert DeNiro playing with knives can be boring. While the film has been regaled to $5.99 bins at Wal-Mart, Scott pushes for DeNiro's classic psychosis with delightfully disturbing results.