abbygird

Of all the Gremlins knock-offs to emerge during the 80's (Critters, Ghoulies, Munchies etc), Troll is the most original and fun. Starring Noah Hathaway, one of the least annoying child actors from the time, the plot is made up of classic "magic kingdom returning to rule the earth" fantasy fodder. Hey, at least there IS a plot! There are some painfully cheeky moments (like the father's Risky Business dance), but nothing unwatchable. The FX are certainly no worse than any other Gremlins knock-off, and in many places, the FX are far superior to Troll's contemporaries.

Long before Troll 2 earned its reputation as one of the worst films ever made, Troll was subject to harsher-than-necessary criticism. It's not the 'dog' some people would have you think it is.

This follow-up to "Dancing Outlaw" feels far more unnatural than the original, but it's just as fascinating. The short documentary follows West Virginia dance whiz Jesco to Hollywood, where he's booked to perform on the TV show "Roseanne."

Most of the scenes depicting Jesco in his native Boone County are blatantly staged. This seems a bit tacky at first considering that the strength of the first "Dancing Outlaw" was the fact it approached Jesco on his own terms.

But the 'sanitized' depiction of Jesco ends abruptly once Jesco arrives on the sets of "Roseanne." Roseanne Barr and Tom Arnold had been charmed by the first documentary and thought Jesco would be perfect for a 'white trash/hick' show segment. At the time the episode filmed, her relationship with Tom Arnold was disintegrating. The venom exchanged between Roseanne and Tom on the sets is often excruciating to watch.

Roseanne, already in a heated spat with Arnold, flies into a rage when she sees Jesco's prison-styled swastika tattoo. The couple takes public swipes at each other, now using Jesco as a scapegoat for what were obviously pre-existing problems. Oddly, the only person who carries himself with dignity is Jesco.

In the end, Hollywood can adore The Dancing Outlaw as a cult hero from afar, but they can't accept Jesco on his own terms -- which was the whole point of the first documentary. In a land of glitter and not gold, Jesco is just too real even for those who embrace controversy.

While 'Head' deconstructed the manufactured mania of The Monkees perfectly, '33 1/3' just wallows in its own self-awareness like a spoiled brat who didn't get a Playstation 2 for Christmas.

'Head' is dated, but '33 1/3' showcases the worst commercial excesses of the decade. The "story" involves a Darwinistic plot to take over the world by way of pop music. The Monkees are created test-tube style and are expected to lull the human race into submission. The members of The Monkees try to regain their individuality during thinly-produced solo spots. Padded with VERY LONG solarized, split-screen psychedelic dance numbers, it's no wonder that the entire Hippie phenomenon would be over within a year of 33 1/3. The mass media had swallowed up the original 'message' of the movement, and 33 1/3 was what was it spit out.

The worst crime perpetrated by '33 1/3' is a retro 50's number where rock legends Fats Domino, Little Richard, and Jerry Lee Lewis play second fiddle TO The Monkees. It's weird to think that when this aired, The Monkees themselves were complete has-beens.

'33 1/3 Revolutions Per Monkee' ranks with 'The Star Wars Holiday Special' as one of the worst variety efforts ever aired. If you need a reason to hate The Monkees, pick this up.