MATINEE
A film review by James Berardinelli
Copyright 1993 James Berardinelli
Running Length: 1:38 Rated: PG (Mature themes)
Starring: John Goodman, Kathy Moriarty, Simon Fenton,
Kellie Martin, Omri Katz, Lisa Jakub
Director: Joe Dante
Producer: Michael Finnell
Screenplay: Charlie Haas
Music: Jerry Goldsmith
Released by Universal Pictures
Lawrence Woolsey (John Goodman) is an old-time showman trying to put the magic back into grade-B horror movies. His latest film, MANT!, made in "Rumble-Rama" will either make him or break him, but Woolsey won't let his precarious future ruin his enjoyment of the present. He's sure of himself and his audience. The premier of MANT! forms the backdrop for a number of smaller human dramas--such as first dates and first kisses--and one larger, more historical event.
Joe Dante's latest film is one-third comedy, one-third nostalgia, and one-third sentiment. Set during the tense period of the Cuban Missile Crisis, MATINEE tells the story of a week in the lives of several teenagers and small-time horror film maker Lawrence Woolsey. For each of them, these tension-filled days mean something different.
It's likely that those who have a conscious memory of October 1962 will appreciate MATINEE far more than those who don't. Although Dante's film does a good job of conveying the flavor of the time, actual memories add an irreplaceable enhancement. Remembering how you reacted to the Crisis will enable you to empathize that much more with the characters of this picture. Much of the nostalgia will be lost on the younger viewers. Only those who lived through those troubled days can fully appreciate some of what MATINEE is trying to do.
Fortunately, the success and enjoyability of the film do not rest entirely in this arena. MATINEE also presents a witty spoof of the numerous low-budget monster movies that became a common staple for theaters during the fifties and sixties. As silly and campy as MANT looks, it bears a remarkable resemblance to many of the films that can now be seen at two o'clock in the morning on a local UHF channel.
Aside from the portion of the story that involves Goodman, almost everything else centers around four teenagers, ably played by a quartet of actors. There's Gene (Simon Fenton), the "Navy brat" who moves from city to city without ever getting a chance to put down roots. Stan (Omri Katz), Gene's lone friend, is hopelessly smitten with Sherry (Kellie Martin), a girl who is interested in exploring her own sexuality. Finally, Lisa Jakub plays the uncertain daughter of a pair of free-thinking beatniks.
MATINEE manages to blend its diverse elements together. Sometimes the seams aren't as transparent as they should be, but the movie still manages to be more agreeable than not. The humor is mostly low-key, and works as it's intended to. There are not many belly laughs to be had, but there are quite a few chuckles.
Of undeniable importance is the rapport the audience develops with the characters. They may not be the most three-dimensional of screen personalities, but what we see of them seems real, despite the occasionally bizarre circumstances they find themselves in. This is, after all, a movie about movies, and Dante never ceases to remind us of this with an endless stream of in-jokes.
John Goodman is tailor-made for his role. As uncomfortable as he seemed as THE BABE, he's right at home here, chewing on his part with as much gusto as he munches on his cigar. He's a pleasure to watch--the bigger-than-life showman who does what he does simply because he enjoys it.
There's nothing deep or profound in MATINEE and its occasional comments about the evils of nuclear war fall a little flat in light of current events. It's not clear whether the movie is trying to make a point or simply emphasizing its historical context. Any message that MATINEE has doesn't come across clearly or with any force. This is an example of pure, unadulterated entertainment.
The film is far from perfect, but most of the flaws are minor and will do little (if anything) to impede the enjoyment of the movie. Wit, satire, nostalgia, and a few likable characters form a solid mix. If there are a few moments when the movie loses its focus, well, as Lawrence Woolsey would put it, "That's show biz."
Rating: 7.8 (B, **1/2)
- James Berardinelli (blake7@cc.bellcore.com)
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