B-Movie Gazette: "REPO MAN" (1984) TURNS 40 AND IS STILL THE PENULTIMATE LATE NIGHT SCIENCE FICTION COMEDY, IT CANNOT BE TOPPED

B-MOVIE OF THE MONTH - KLONDIKE FEVER (1979)

Canadian director Peter Carter was best known for the B-movie masterpiece Rituals, which, many movie lovers think beat Deliverance at its own game. He died sadly at 49 of a sudden heart attack but not before leaving us with a few other gems like Highpoint with Richard Harris and this sorely overlooked Western drama. Klondike Fever tells the story of Jack London (Jeff East) and his partner (Robin Gammel) as they journey to stake their claim and hopefully take home their weight in gold. It's adventurous, epic in scope with a huge cast and suitable for the whole darn family. Of particular note is Robin Gammel, excellent and funny, Gordon Pinsent who kills it as the crafty "Swiftwater" and an '80's actress who I never tire of mentioning, the lovely Lisa Langlois. It's super cornball along the way and sometimes feels like an afternoon children's special but this is a great film and surprisingly it won a bunch of Genie awards to back that up. Klondike Fever, playing above and on Tubi which recently uploaded a much nicer version than the VHS transfer that they used to have. 2.75 stars/2.75

Sunday, July 21, 2024

"REPO MAN" (1984) TURNS 40 AND IS STILL THE PENULTIMATE LATE NIGHT SCIENCE FICTION COMEDY, IT CANNOT BE TOPPED

1. One of the best Harry Dean Stanton performances ever! (of many.) 2.Micheal Nesmith, yes, Michael Nesmith, the Monkee, secured the financing - the movie wouldn't have existed without him 3. Alex Cox in his directorial debut created an instant masterpiece of sci-fi blended with black comedy and all the music/fashions of the then-current punk scene. 4. Legendary punk band the Circle Jerks in a scene masquerading as a lounge act, need I say more? 5. Olivia Barash, one of the hottest babes to ever grace '80's cinema. 6. Tracey Walter in probably his most iconic role, a real plus for the film. 7. "Friday night TV...Dallas!....The Jeffersons!"

If you've never seen, then don't pass go and don't collect $200 but do make sure you watch it late at night. And for those 420 enjoyers out there, omg, a must. VOD only. 4.0 stars/5