Two fast goodies today, two fantasy films completely different from one another.
Joe Dante's splendid Innerspace is a real romp, with Dennis Quaid in fine form, Martin Short as funny as can be (in the kind of Jerry Lewis-style role Savant usually doesn't cotton to) and Meg Ryan a surprising new star. An old-fashioned Fantastic Voyage-like sci fi tale is a point of departure for two solid hours of fun. With a terrific commentary track, for those who already know how good it is.
The animated puppet film Mad Monster Party? is a kiddie favorite that's also a nostalgic touchstone for a generation of tykes who saw it on television. Boris Karloff and Phyllis Diller lead a silly pack of creeps in a Monster Rally with writing and art direction by Mad Magazine's Harvey Kurtzman and Jack Davis.
This is supposed to be a slow week for discs, but too many good ones are coming in. Look for more reviews on Saturday. And don't forget the Sundance Channel's Criterion Classics show, this Saturday and Sunday, with Branded to Kill and Alphaville. Cheers, Glenn Erickson
Posted by DVD Savant at July 11, 2002 06:08 PM