my very brief thoughts on.... 'Stan Helsing'

I don't know why they bother making these movies anymore. This was a waste of time and energy for everyone involved. The End.

If you want to see a decent spoof movie, watch: 'Scary Movie'

my brief thoughts on.... 'Black Dynamite'

i don't care for Michael Jai White.... i never have.... whenever he's in a movie he is a distraction.... for example, in 'Spawn' he was the wrong choice and terrible in it.... there is just something about him that's annoying.... after saying that, i have to say that i really enjoyed 'Black Dynamite'....! and to think that he not only starred in it, but wrote it too.... i have a new respect for him.... it doesn't mean that i really like him very much, however he's proved why he's still working in Hollywood.... this movie is re-treading some familiar ground.... it's obviously a throwback to the old "Blaxploitation" films of the 70's.... noboby is hiding that fact.... the difference here is that this isn't a Zuckers brothers kind of spoof, this movie would actually stand on its own just as a good comedy.... it doesn't rely so much on gags that it doesn't have anything else to offer.... it's smartly written and slyly acted in such a way that it feels fresh.... regardless of the already familiar territory.... the casting in this is excellent and Michael Jai White stands out in the lead.... he finally draws focus in a positive way.... he feels like a Richard Roundtree and looks like him a bit too.... he embodies the 'Shaft' vibe.... i really enjoyed goind on this ride and wasn't sure what to expect and i was happily surprised with the results.... this is OnDemand right now.... so consider adding it to your queue.... it is well worth the time....

Black Dynamite is one bad mutha.... when his brother is killed, he takes it upon himself to find the killer.... and what he discovers is a plot that leads him all the way to the White House.... that's the basic plot....
if you like spoof movies with a smarted sensability and ones without the 'DUR DUR' idiot moments, this is the movie you need to see.... it's been a while since there has been a movie like this.... i liked it enough to slap 4 out of 5 stars on this movies ass.... there is a scene at the ending that sealed that deal all by itself.... i was glued to my TV from beginning to end.... and i'm a big enough man to apologize to Michael Jai White for my previous feelings on his career.... i may not run out to see his next movie because of this one, but i will consider it before throwing it under the bus.... (i'm also a little scared that he's going to come and kick my butt.... he's a pretty bad dude....!).... this movie will undoubtedly go down as a cult classic and a movie that people will still be talking about in a decade.... it has a timeless quality and that special something that is rare.... a comedy that is actually funny. (not like 'Meet the Parents.)

if you watch this, also see: 'I'm Gonna Git You Sucka', 'Shaft', and 'Black Belt Jones'

my brief thoughts on.... 'Don't Be A Menace To South Central While Drinking Your Juice In The Hood'

whatever happened to the good spoof movie....? they're all garbage now.... and Hollywood knows it.... it's all a matter of what the bottom line is.... get some unknown to write a slap dash script.... higher no name actors.... make the entire movie for next to nothing and you know tht between theater sales and rentals, the movie will make all the money back and more.... it's a no brainer.... but these movies are pointless and miss the whole point.... 'Don't Be A Menace To South Central While Drinking Your Juice In The Hood' got the joke.... Shawn and Marlon Wayans understood what it was to write something that spoofed a serious genre and make it funny.... they hit the nail on the head and kept hitting it until you fell over laughing.... granted this isn't the only movie that they succeeded with, but it is one of their best.... and everytime i see it, i laugh out loud.... and it seems to be timeless.... it's just was just as funny when i watched it a couple of nights ago as it was way back when.... granted, it does help to have seen all of the movies that they're poking fun of.... but even if you haven't, it's still a funny movie....

the storyline basically uses 'Boyz N The Hood' as it's core.... but then spins out from their into 'Juice', 'Poetic Justice', 'Menace II Society', 'Dead Presidents' and even 'Higher Learning'.... not too mention, i'm sure that i've left some out.... a young man named Ashtray moves back into the hood to live with his father who's the same age as him.... he hangs out with his cousin Loc Dog and their friends Crazy Legs and Preach.... lots of hilarious stuff happens and all the while Keenan Ivory Wayans pops up every once in a while to point out the "message!" in the scene.... as if it wasn't obvious enough.... you just have to watch it to see the genius that it is....this remains a favorite comedy of mine to watch.... and there are many stand out scenes that are classics bits of comedy.... it was a no brainer to give it 4 out of 5 stars.... now, granted you may think i'm heaping way too much praise on a spoof movie, but perhaps you just haven't seen it.... or don't have a funny bone.... this is one that is intended to be included in my DVD collection and for some reason it has been purchased yet.... i guess that's my own fault.... in closing, this is OnDemand right now, so you have NO reason not to go and watch it damn it....! just do what i say. (was that too demanding....?)

some other decent spoof movies: 'Scary Movie'.... that's really the only other one that stands out in my brain right now

Don't Be a Menace... (1996) - Trailer by Melvin-X