Wallace & Gromit

Wallace & Gromit

We will never look at clay animation the same. In the 1990s Nick Park was wowing the world with his animated short films, mostly starring the loveable duo of Wallace and Gromit (3 of the 4, the 4th focuses on animals in a zoo, called "Creature Comforts" and has since become a televsion show for the BBC).
After the success of these shorts, Park and Aardman Animations released two feature films with clay characters: Chicken Run and the Oscar winning "Wallace and Gromit in the Curse of the Were Rabbit." Below are my reviews for the 3 (soon to be 4) animated short films about Wallace and Gromit.

Wallace & Gromit: A Grand Day Out (1989)

"Everybody knows the moon is made of cheese..."

The first of many adventures of inventor Wallace (Sallis) and his intelligent, but silent dog Gromit. When they run out of cheese, Wallace suggests they go to the moon to get some more. So they build a rocket and go.
The simplist of the triology of Wallace and Gromit short films, it is still funny. This was director Nick Parks graduation project (I wish mine had been half this good)!! Wow! The only film in the Wallace and Gromit triology to not win the Oscar for short animated film, it lost to another Nick Parks short, "Creature Comforts".

A Grand Day Out with Wallace and Gromit (1989) 23 minutes
Director: Nick Parks
Starring: Peter Sallis as Wallace


Wallace & Gromit: The Wrong Trousers

"Cracking toast Gromit!"

Wallace (Sallis) creates a pair of trousers to walk Gromit, and decides to treat Gromit like a dog, exiling him to an outdoor doghouse, while he takes on a boarder: a penguin. The penguin is the notorious Feathers, recently released from jail. So it's up to Gromit to stop Feathers and save Wallace, an unwilling accomplice in Feather's schemes.
Gromit rules! Seriously, how often do we (the audience) identify with a character that is silent? It is amazing the range of emotions the animators are able to convey...worth the hype (and the Oscar win for short film).

Wallace and Gromit in the Wrong Trousers (1993) 30 minutes
Director: Nick Park
Starring: Peter Sallis as Wallace


Wallace & Gromit: A Close Shave (1995)

Wallace (Sallis) and Gromit have started a window washing business. While Gromit works, Wallace falls for the owner of the local yarn store, Wendolene (Reid) in the midst of a yarn shortage. Meanwhile, a mischevious sheep, that Wallace names Shaun, moves in. Gromit is framed for cattle rustling, so it's up to Wallace and the sheep invading his home, to save the day and figure out who the real rustlers are.
Shaun is my favorite character (and apparently he now has his own television show "Shaun the Sheep")...and this is probably my favorite short (even though I love all three). Gromit knits various sweaters...the sheep eat all the cheese, and Wallace is hopelessly in love. The second Oscar win Wallace and Gromit for animated short film.

Wallace and Gromit in A Close Shave (1995) 30 minutes
Director: Nick Park
Starring: Peter Sallis as Wallace
Anne Reid as Wendolene Ramsbottom

Mel Brooks Films

Mel Brooks is a comedy genius! He's done television (he started there), films, theatre and has the awards to prove it: 1 Oscar for the screenplay of "The Producers" (1968), 3 Emmys for guest appearances on "Mad About You" as Uncle Phil, 3 Tonys for "The Producers" (musical), and 3 Grammys: 1 for "The 2000 Year Old Man In The Year 2000" (1998) and 2 for "The Producers" (2001).

I have loved his movies since a young age when I say "Blazing Saddles," I didn't really understand most of the story, but still got some of the jokes. Over the years my father (who is a fan), introduced me to more. Currently, my film collection contains six of the films he directed (out of 11), far more than any other director. Brooks is also a talented actor and writer (choosing to write and appear in many of his own films, or produce them). Over the years his films became more mainstream and base in nature, going for the easy laughs (like sex) instead of the more subversive older ones. Regardless, if I knew he was directing a new film, I would see it...and I would love to see his plays on Broadway.

1. Blazing Saddles (1974)
Probably the best known of his films...for introducing fart jokes to film (I forgive him).
A satire of westerns. Corrupt officials (Harvey Korman) appoint a black sheriff (Cleavon Little) to a small racist town to drive them away.
Smart overview of western cliches and racist sentiments (the black characters are the intelligent ones).

2. Young Frankenstein (1974)
A satire of the 1930s Frankenstein films. The grandson (Gene Wilder) of the original Frankenstein is trying to get away from the family legend when he inherits his grandfather's estate. He creates his own creature (Peter Boyle) with the help of his cliched assistants.
A perfect satire of the 30s Frankenstein and the continuing Frankenstein lore (not found in the book, but I digress). Cloris Leachman almost manages to steal the show.

3. The Producers (1968)
His first film.
A washed-up Broadway producer (Zero Mostel) teams up with his accountant (Gene Wilder) in order to put on the worst play ever and make a profit. The play: Springtime for Hitler, written by a former Nazi, with a gay director, and starring a drug addled hippie.
Outstanding performances by all! And the beginning Brooks relationship with mocking Nazi Germany.

4. Silent Movie (1976)
His first starring role.
A director (Brooks) wants to make a silent film to save his studio from the evil company Engulf and Devour...even though no one else thinks a silent film is a good idea.
There is only one spoken line, from the famous mime Marcel Marceau, but it still easy to follow, and very funny!

5. To Be or Not To Be (1983)
The only film on my list that was not directed by Brooks, and the only one that co-stars his wife Anne Bancroft.
When the Nazis occupy Poland, they interfer with the Bronski theatre. As the Nazis tighten their grip, Frederick (Brooks) and Anna (Bancroft) Bronski must use every trick they know to keep their company together.
More of an ensemble piece with Brooks and Bancroft in the middle, some incredible performances...especially Charles Durning. Very different from other Brooks films.

6. High Anxiety (1977)
Hitchcock had it coming.
Mocking the basic set-up, characters, and memorable scenes from Alfred Hitchcock films...with Brooks in the lead, Madeline Kahn as the icy blonde, and Harvey Korman and Cloris Leachman deep in character.
It's o.k. but others are better! It helps to know Hitchcock films.

7. Spaceballs (1987)
May the Schwartz be with you.
Dark Helmet (Rick Moranis) and his cronies want to steal the clean air from Planet Druidia, so it's up to Lone Star (Bill Pullman) and Princess Vespa (Daphne Zuniga) of Druidia to save the day, with a little help from the master of the Schwartz, Yogurt.
Essentially it is "Star Wars" and "Star Trek" meshed...entertaining, but there are better ways to waste time.

8. Robin Hood Men in Tights (1993)
He robs from the rich and gives to the poor...Robin Hood (Cary Elwes) and his men wear tights (because "let's face it. You've gotta be a man to wear tights!") and enjoy taunting the hopeless Prince John (Richard Lewis) and the Sheriff of Rottingham (Roger Rees).
An entertaining satire of Kevin Costner's "Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves" with "funny" names and eccentric characters.

9. History of the World: Part I (1981)
The only Mel Brooks film I haven't reviewed (but have seen)...
Beginning with cavemen (Sid Caesar), to ancient Rome and the stand-up philosophers (Brooks), to the painting of the Last Supper, the French Revolution, and the real Inquisition (complete with singing and dancing). What a ride!
"It's good to be the king" originated in this film...and the Inquisition is entertaining, but overall I'm still waiting for Part II.

10. Dracula Dead & Loving It (1995)
My least favorite Brooks film...
The story of Dracula (Leslie Nielsen) complete with bat poop, lots of blood (courtesy of Brooks as Van Helsing), and Dracula's assistant eating insects. Oh yes, and enemas.
Harvey Korman is the only reason I watch this film...it is definitely the bottom of the barrel. Perhaps it is because I haven't read the novel or seen any version of the film, but I think his Robin Hood is only so-so and I get most of those jokes....

The musical version of "The Producers" was amazing (I have the new musical version of the movie), and now "Young Frankenstein" has undergone the musical treatment...I look forward to seeing it (or hearing the soundtrack). Now I'm off to sing "I want to be a producer" at the top of my lungs while I help my brother fix his dirt bike!

Brooks and his "hideous progeny" (that is the what Mary Shelley called the novel "Frankenstein")

Shaun of the Dead

"Any zombies out there?"
"Don't say that!"
"What?"
"That!"
"What?"
"The zed-word. Don't say it!"
"Why not?"
"Because it's ridiculous!"

A Romantic Comedy...with zombies, and it's British.

Shaun (Pegg) is content with his life. He has a job, a girl friend he loves (Liz, played by Ashfield), and he lives with his best friend Ed (Frost). But his perfect world begins to crumble when Liz ends their relationship because they do the same thing: go to the local pub, the Winchester, there is no adventure. After drinking away his sorrows with a little help from Ed, they return to their flat where their other roommate Pete (Peter Serafinowicz) expects Ed to move out because he is just holding them/Shaun back.

The next morning people are becoming flesh-eating zombies. When a person is bit by a zombie, they die (from bloodloss) and arise a zombie. The only way to kill a zombie is decapitation or bludgeoning the head. Despite warnings to stay indoors and not confront the zombies, Shaun and Ed gather their friends: Shaun's mom Barbara (Penelope Wilton), Liz, and Liz's roommates Dianne (Davis) and David (Moran) and barricade themselves in the Winchester until help arrives. Armed with a cricket bat, pool cues, a tetherball pole, and other various objects they attempt to survive the night and keep the zombies from physically ripping them apart.


That was great! I don't usually watch this movie from start to finish because till I realize it is on TV, it is at the same place (right before they reach the Winchester)...but I definitely suggest watching the film in its entirety, multipe times if possible. The early scenes set up most of the film...the dialogue (little pieces here and there), the camera angles, etc. with a big comedic payoff if you pay attention enough to catch it. I don't watch zombie films, but fans of that genre will be able to pick out specific traits found in zombie movies. While I preferred the second film by Edgar Wright and Simon Pegg (Hot Fuzz), this one is excellent as well.

Dude, it's quotable: there are some memorable lines (but there is a lot of blood, and cursing)
Rent it multiple times: you catch more after you've seen it multiple times

Shaun of the Dead (2004) 99 minutes
Rating: R for zombie violence/gore and language
Director: Edgar Wright
Starring: Simon Pegg as Shaun
Kate Ashfield as Liz
Nick Frost as Ed
Lucy Davis as Dianne
Dylan Moran as David

Hot Fuzz

"Why are you wearing a police officer's uniform?"
"Cause I am one?"

Nicholas Angel (Pegg) is living his dream: he is a successful London police officer. His records make the rest of the department look bad, so he is promoted and reassigned to a the small town of Sandford. Sandford does not have crime: the evidence room is empty and the officers eat cake at work and spend their evenings at the town pub. The evening he arrives in town, Angel makes numerous arrests. One is a member of the police force, Danny Butterman (Frost) who becomes Angel's partner.

As the rest of the team is quick to point out, Sandford does not have crime...although they do have a renegade swan. However, people begin having deadly (and bloody) accidents. Angel sees foul play, but cannot prove anything. His boss, Inspector Butterman (Broadbent), tries to convince Angel that he is paranoid after years in the city, and the rest of the community belives the reported accidents. When Angel witnesses the fifth murder he decides to do his own investigation, much to the chagrin of the townspeople.


Wow! In 2004 Simon Pegg and director Edgar Wright made the hilarious "Shaun of the Dead" (a zombie comedy), and what Shaun did for zombies...Fuzz does for police / cop films. Simultaneously mocking and winking at cop films (Danny's knowledge of police work, violence, and guns is taken from American cop films, which he introduces to Angel) with hilarious results. It starts sane, slow, and soft...but grows as the film continues. The setup and payoff work, without telling the audience exactly who will die and why it will happen (you can guess...but you'll never figure out the whole thing). The final showdown is larger than life...lots of guns (I can't go into details) and other weaponry, explosions, and plenty of blood and cursing.

Dude, it's quotable: most of the funny lines are either inappropriate in mixed crowds (or out of context) and there is lots of cursing...but its funny.
Rent it!: if you enjoyed "Shaun of the Dead" and enjoy British humor, this is the film for you (it helps to have a basic understanding / appreciation of police "dramas")

Hot Fuzz (2007) 121 minutes
Rating: R for violent content including some graphic images, and language.
Director: Edgar Wright
Starring: Simon Pegg as Sergeant Nicholas Angel
Nick Frost as PC Danny Butterman
Timothy Dalton as Simon Skinner
Jim Broadbent as Inspector Frank Butterman
Paddy Considine as DS Andy Wainwright
Rafe Spall as DC Andy Cartwright
Kevin Eldon as Sergeant Tony Fisher
Olivia Colman as PC Doris Thatcher
Karl Johnson as PC Bob Walker
Bill Bailey as Sergeant Turner

Ocean's Eleven (1960)

"If it's so fool-proof, why hasn't somebody done it yet."
"Same reason nobody's gone to the moon yet - no equipment."
"And we're equipped."

In the sixties a bunch of old army buddies, led by Danny Ocean (Sinatra) and Jimmy Foster (Lawford), decided to use their expertise, "why waste those cute little tricks that the Army taught us just because it's sort of peaceful now." They will be robbing 5 casinos in Las Vegas on New Years Eve (after everyone sings "Auld Lang Sy): Sands, Flamingo, Desert Inn, Riviera, Sahara.

The men are not professional theives; they treat the job as a military operation, each with his own reason. With two men in each casino (one working for the casino, and one playing), and Josh (Davis) serving as transportation between, they prepare for the holiday. Three people stand in the way, all who are visiting the casinos in question: Adele (Wymore) Danny's angry ex, Mrs. Restes (Chase) Jimmy's wealthy but overbearing mother, and Duke Santos (Romero) the ex con who is marrying Jimmy's mother.
The team is Danny who loves danger, Jimmy who wants to break free from his mother, Sam (Martin) the singer, Josh the garbage man, Tony (Conte) who was just released from prison, Mushy (Bishop), Roger (Silva), Vince (Lester), Curly (Benedict), Peter (Fell), Clem (Harvey), and the brains of the outfit Spyros Acebos (Tamiroff), who also funds the operation.


I love this movie...it's funny (intentionally, plus some of the technology is hysterical). Like the 2001 version, the cast already knew each other (5 were in the Rat Pack) and seem to be having a good time being together. While the newer Eleven is more about setting up and pulling off the heist, this film shows the aftermath of the heist. They aren't professional criminals, and looking at it now this scenario isn't even possible (elaborating gives away too much). There are some interesting cameos, if you have a wealth of knowledge about entertainers in the 50-60s, you'll appreciate them (my grandparents taught me well). Dean Martin and Sammy Davis Jr. sing, and the songs are repeated later in the film (just in case you forgot them). I am proud to say, I have the song "Ain't That a Kick in the Head" (Dean's song) on my iPod.

Maybe I'm just nostalgic, but I do enjoy this film. I don't really think you can compare it's remake. Other than the name Danny Ocean, robbing a casino in Vegas, and 11 guys...they don't really have much in common. Character names, motive, actual heist, and outcome are all different. I enjoy both, but in different ways.

Dude, it's quotable: there are some interesting phrasing (perhaps its a bit sexist, but thats how culture was at the time...deal with it)
Rent it: if you're a Rat Pack fan, this is the best of their films

Ocean's Eleven (1960) 127 minutes
Director: Lewis Milestone
Starring: Frank Sinatra as Danny Ocean
Dean Martin as Sam Horton
Sammy Davis Jr. as Josh Howard
Peter Lawford as Jimmy Foster
Angie Dickinson as Beatrice Ocean
Richard Conte as Tony Bergdorf
Cesar Romero as Duke Santos
Patrice Wymore as Adele Ekstrom
Joey Bishop as Mushy O'Connors
Akim Tamiroff as Spyros Acebos
Henry Silva as Roger Corneal
Ilka Chase as Mrs. Restes
Buddy Lester as Vince Massler
Richard Benedict as Curly Steffens
Norman Fell as Peter Rheimer
Clem Harvey as Louis Jackson