Summer Special #15 - Critters (1986) [Non-Cannon ~ Episode 37]

Now for a bit of a curve-ball. This week we decided to watch one of the few "tiny destructive creatures destroy everything" movies from the '80s that isn't complete trash. This time we watch Critters, a movie neither of us had seen before.

Of course there is a bit more to it than being a Gremlins clone being that it was in production before that movie even came out, and that means it has a bit more to it than you would think. Fish out of water tale, alien invasion, and small town hi-jinks come together to form this unique package. Check out the episode to learn more.

Randy's Score: 2/5

JD's Score: 3/5

Up next: Groundhog's Day!

Summer Special #14 - Blind Fury (1989) [Non-Cannon ~ Episode 36]

Now we get to a real treat. We were planning on watching this Rutger Hauer classic before he died and it just happened to unfortunately get to it just after news of his death. That said, it doesn't soften the experience Blind Fury leaves you with. This is an oddball picture.

A blind swordsman Vietnam vet returns home to find his old war buddy in a bit of trouble. He ends up pulled into a scheme that will have him putting all his skills to the test. And there are plenty of laughs and action to be had along the way.

Of all the summer films we covered, this was by far the most unique. If you haven't seen it before then buckle in and learn why you should. It is quite an experience.

Randy's Score: 3/5
JD's Score: 5/5



Up Next: Critters!

Summer Special #13 - My Science Project (1985) [Non-Cannon ~ Episode 35]

Now this is one we hadn't seen in years. This is a movie that has a bad reputation, mostly from a generation that is incapable of having fun. This goofy comedy about a science project that goes haywire has a basic premise, but they wring it for all it is worth. Escalation is the name of the game.

Of course it isn't the best movie we've watched this summer, but it is easily one of the most fun. We would be hard pressed not to recommend it. The episode above will give you a better reason as to why.

Randy's Score: 3/5
JD's Score: 4/5



Up Next: Blind Fury!

Summer Special #12 - Tremors (1990) [Non-Cannon ~ Episode 34]

We're back with another oldie but goodie. This time it's the Kevin Bacon classic Tremors. Made in the late '80s but only coming out at the start of the '90s it is very much a representative of the end of one era and the start of a new one. At least, when it comes to monster movies and B-films.

If you've never seen or heard of this movie before then what are you waiting for? Click on the episode above and join us for a look and one of the best cult films of the decade. It has its stature for a reason.

They don't get much better than this.

Randy's Score: 5/5

JD's Score: 5/5

Up next: My Science Project!

Summer Special #11 - Miracle Mile (1988) [Non-Cannon ~ Episode 33]

This is a movie neither of us had heard of before we chose it for our series. This isn't a well known film and no one talks about it, but it being so up our alley we had to choose it. Miracle Mile is the sort of movie you figure should have been made at the time then become surprised that it actually was. It's not one that could have been made at any other time.

The story is one of the oncoming nuclear apocalypse as seen from the perspective of one couple in LA's infamous Miracle Mile where the entire movie takes place. As things spin out of control can they keep it together, or are they doomed to fall apart like the world around them?

We talk for quite a while about this one so be sure to check out our full impressions above. That said, we both recommend seeing it. They don't make them like this any more.

Randy's Score: 5/5
JD's Score: 3/5



Up Next: Tremors!

Summer Special #10 - Used Cars (1980) [Non-Cannon ~ Episode 32]

Here's a curve-ball! This time we're looking at one of the most obscure pictures of the 1980s, and one not too many know of. Normally that would be understandable with how packed the decade was, but this not only stars Kurt Russell, but was directed by Robert Zemeckis, the man whose '80s filmography includes Roger Rabbit, three Back to the Future films, and Romancing the Stone. And this movie is up there with them.

Ostensibly a black comedy, Used Cars is about cutthroat business practices between two rival used car dealerships each owned by a different brother. As the story goes on and things get out of control one sinks deeper into the mud while the other begins to learn that maybe this is the wrong sort of path to head down. By the end you will have seen some crazy gags and outlandish situations but you do feel like it has led you on a journey worth taking.

Needless to say we were surprised at how how much we enjoyed this. As always, see the full episode above for our full impressions.

Randy's Score: 5/5
JD's Score: 5/5

Up Next: Miracle Mile!

Summer Special #9 - The Dungeonmaster (1984) [Non-Cannon ~ Episode 31]

We're back again, but not yet for season 5! First we are once again taking a look through some interesting films for our summer picks.

Up first is this non-cannon work we wanted to do last season but never quite had the chance to do. In this one a scientist and his girlfriend are transported to a fantasy world where an evil demonic wizard puts the former through challenging tests. At the same time this is also an anthology film which means there are quite a few hurdles to overcome.

We didn't quite like this as much as the other Empire films we covered before, but it does have some interesting things to discuss. Join us in the episode above.

Summer's just getting started!

Randy's Score: 2/5
JD's Score: 2/5



Up Next: Used Cars!