Armageddon

Armageddon. Touchstone Pictures 1998.

Before watching the movie:

As I recall, Armageddon and Deep Impact both came out at about the same time and both concerned averting an asteroid collision with Earth. Likely neither one of them takes precedence over the other, but in my mind, this one is the original and Deep Impact is the imitator.

I only just now learned this film is directed by Michael Bay. I knew he had Hollywood films before Transformers, but I didn’t think it was anything I’d heard of. It only reaffirms my expectations though, since I was already expecting great spectacle without much depth. However, I worry it might drag somewhat, since it’s an hour longer than most movies of the caliber I’m expecting. Unless there are flighty songs or weighty angst, movies don’t tend to have more than 90-100 minutes of content.

Camelot

Camelot. Warner Bros. 1967.

Before watching the movie:

The more I dig around the edges to get a bearing on what to expect, the more excited I get. This is described on the box as a very witty and literate show, and while I don’t think I’ve heard any of the songs before, the titles I’ve come across sound lovely.

I’m not sure if Vanessa Redgrave had a career renaissance recently or if it’s one of those cases where I just didn’t start noticing her until I noticed her. Still, it’s going to be rather different to see her as a young lady and a love interest, and I don’t think I’ve heard her sing before either. I know Richard Harris both as a singer and an actor. I think. He’s still muddled in my mind with Richard Attenborough, but I’m fairly certain I’ve now got them straight.

For the most part, I’m ready to be swept away, but there’s a voice in the back of my mind going “on second thought, let’s not go to Camelot. Tis a very silly place.”

The Shakiest Gun in the West

The Shakiest Gun in the West. Universal Studios 1968.

Before watching the movie:

Don Knotts, as Don Knotts a cowardly dentist moved to the Old West. Hilarity ensues. There’s a woman involved. Is more description necessary?

Oddly, I originally learned of the existence of this movie because it was paired with another I’d had recommended to me in a set that the library had no copies of. Years later, I haven’t seen either movie. Until now, and it’s still not the one I was originally looking for. Someday…

Tommy Boy

Tommy Boy. Paramount Pictures 1995.

Before watching the movie:

I know this is a big cult favorite, but I was never very into Chris Farley. Maybe if he’d lived longer, he’d have done something that specifically interested me, but the main thing I think of for him is the “I live in a van down by the river” guy, which is not a character I find funny.

On the other hand, his costar is David Spade, whom I do like, and don’t see enough of. While I think I had my fill of Just Shoot Me, some slightly less abrasive Spade is a lot of fun. I’m not really sure that gets the idea a cross, since “abrasive” is what he does, but he was just too much there.

A Boy Named Charlie Brown

A Boy Named Charlie Brown. Lee Mendelson Film Productions/Bill Melendez Productions 1969.

Before watching the movie:

I’m a bit unsure about how Peanuts will work as a movie. I know for a fact that there will be sketches gleaned from strips before the plot gets going, but I don’t know if there’s going to be a “movie” enough story when it does. I don’t even know what the plot is, but I have the impression it involves a season of baseball.

It’s unusual for me that this is a well-known franchise, but I don’t particularly expect great performers or direction. Aside from Charles Schultz, the best-known artist associated with Peanuts is Vince Guaraldi, and I’m not even sure if his trio is doing the music for this.

Going Berserk

Going Berserk. Universal Pictures 1983.

Before watching the movie:

This movie’s plot looks completely insane, which I suppose fits the title. John Candy acquires a congressman’s enemies by getting engaged to his daughter, so religious aerobic instructors come after him, and then somehow the poster is involved at some point. I have no idea what to expect.

I’d never heard of this movie before. I don’t remember what specifically got it recommended to me, but it’s in my list with a handful of other John Candy movies. The timing might put it in line with when I looked up Top Secret!, but this one may not have been the one specifically like it.

Stop! or my mom will shoot!

Stop! Or My Mom Will Shoot. Northern Lights Entertainment 1992.

Before watching the movie:

This has a reputation of being a terrible misstep in Sylvester Stallone’s career. For a career built on major action spectaculars, maybe so. As a movie, we’ll see. I think Stallone could be good in the role, I think the premise is good, but maybe it doesn’t add up to a good whole. Maybe Stallone phones it in. Maybe he has no chemistry with his costar. But I’m optimistic right now.