A pop-culture geek finds true love and a suitcase of cocaine. A modern fairy story, an ode to the movies, and a movie nerd’s fantasy script come together; riffing on Malick’s Badlands and wearing its references on its sleeve, True Romance stands up well to this day, and has a cast of up-and-comers and veterans to die dor.
Tag: hollywood
Dolemite Is My Name (2019, dir. Craig Brewer)
A biography of Rudy Ray Moore, focusing on the making of his film Dolemite. A swaggering movie with a heart, focusing – like its scriptwriters’ Ed Wood – on an upbeat try-hard outsider – with affection for the exploitation underbelly of Hollywood. As a star showcase, it reminds us how good Eddie Murphy is when he’s backed with the right material.
Henchman: The Al Leong Story (2018, dir. Vito Trabucco)
A documentary about Hollywood’s most recognizable stuntman and movie henchman. A crowdfunded production made with affection and respect for its subject. Inevitably for fans, but nevertheless fascinating, not least because the film gives a rounded picture of Leong’s work, life, and personal struggles. Recommended.
Once Upon A Time … In Hollywood (2019, dir. Quentin Tarantino)
In 1968 LA, a fading action star struggles with his future prospects. A stunning evocation of late 60s Hollywood, packed with ideas, in-jokes, good ideas, and pop-culture geekery. A shaggy dog story that meanders, but which goes into some startling – and just-about justified – places. Recommended.
This Is The End (2013, dir. Seth Rogen & Evan Goldberg)
A houseful of actors face the Apocalypse. Dumb-but-fun gross-out comedy with a bunch of moderately-famous people playing versions of themselves. Self-indulgent, but everyone is in on the joke and no-one gets harmed. Fine while it’s on.
¡Three Amigos! (1986, dir. John Landis)
Three silent movie actors are hired as gunmen to defeat a Mexican bandit. Inevitably patchy, but with moments of genius and genuine heart, this early Hollywood/Seven Samurai spoof passes the time admirably and is generous to its large cast.
Hail, Caesar! (2016, dir, Joel & Ethan Coen)
A Hollywood fixer’s day from hell. Delirious Coen Brothers’ farce, affectionately spoofing 1950s movies, while spinning another of their noirish kidnapping-goes-wrong yarns. Tons of fun, with everyone concerned clearly having a great time. Recommended.
