Winning gets old in Sheen’s ‘Major League II’ (1994)
All-Star Movie Break (Review): This sequel coasts by on the original’s success, repeating everything in a more tired fashion.
Comedy
Winning gets old in Sheen’s ‘Major League II’ (1994)
‘Major League’ (1989) inexplicably hits the sweet spot
All-Star Movie Break (Review): It’s kind of about real baseball, kind of a parody – plus it’s a comedy and a romance. Against the odds, it’s a winner.
‘Hot Shots!’ films’ (1991, 1993) funny factor flies high
Throwback Thursday (Movie reviews): They don’t get as much love as other Abrahams/Proft films of the era, but the two “Hot Shots!” movies remain funny today.
‘Vicky Cristina Barcelona’ (2008) is sumptuously Spanish
Woody Wednesday (Movie review): Allen’s tropes smoothly translate to Spain in this romance yarn featuring a standout Javier Bardem.
‘Deep Rising’ (1998) is weird, watery, wild
Frightening Friday (Movie review): “Deep Rising” doesn’t try to compete with “Titanic” or smart ocean-based SF films. But it’s a ton of fun.
Allen loves another city in ‘Midnight in Paris’ (2011)
Woody Wednesday (Movie review): Allen has shown the beauty of New York in several films. Here, he makes Paris magical.
‘Piranha’ (1978, 1995) cheaply knocks off ‘Jaws’
Frightening Friday (Movie reviews): “Piranha” is often called a “Jaws” parody, but really it’s a knockoff. Still, it has a place in film history.
Ullman, Allen conspire in amusing ‘Small Time Crooks’ (2000)
Woody Wednesday (Movie review): Allen nicely pairs with fellow comedian-actor Tracey Ullman in an endearing rags-to-riches trifle.
‘Radio Days’ (1987) a trip back to medium’s heyday
Woody Wednesday (Movie review): Understated yet deftly crafted, Allen’s film gives us a good grounding in the ubiquity of radio in the 1930s and ’40s.
Daniels shines in sweet ‘Purple Rose of Cairo’ (1985)
Woody Wednesday (Movie review): Featuring a nice early Jeff Daniels turn, the fantastical “Purple Rose of Cairo” demonstrates Woody Allen’s love for cinema.