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Friday, June 9, 2023

SPACEBALLS (1987)

Something of a surprise flop on release (you’ll see why); then something of a surprise home video sensation over time (you’ll see why), Mel Brooks’ last film success, a genre parody of STAR WARS et al., stuck to signature Brooks’ tastelessness, lack of filmmaking finesse, oafish jokes and garish lighting (‘Ya gotta see the gag to get the gag.’), it was even awarded a ‘Stinker of the Year’ trophy.  But good-natured silliness wins you over in spite of yourself, Brooks coming thru with his promise in HISTORY OF THE WORLD, PART ONE to make JEWS IN SPACE.  And it didn’t hurt that Brooks’ clunky look and stiff staging gain rather than lose when seen on the small screen.  With most of the gags based on absurdity of scale, Sci-Fi clichés, and a plethora of ‘dick’ jokes, there’s just enough time for Daphne Zuniga’s kidnapped Princess to be rescued by Bill Pullman (inspired) as a reckless space cowboy.  With loads of bonus ‘meta’ jokes, including a very clever time continuum routine with the cast watching themselves on an early-release VHS tape.  It’s the film’s Groucho/Harpo Marx mirror routine.  And if Brooks is no Leo McCarey, he does work off the same playbook.  Three flop genre parodies followed (ROBIN HOOD: MEN IN TIGHTS has its moments), but Brooks only found further success in stage adaption of earlier hits.  Did he run out of genres or just run out of gas.

SCREWY THOUGHT OF THE DAY:  Drinking Game: Every time Mel makes a ‘dick’ joke (Brooks a living thesaurus on penile euphemisms), take a shot.

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