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Showing posts with the label satire

Last Action Hero, The, 1993, PG-13, 2 hr 10 min

Last Action Hero Age Rating: PG-13 Runtime: 130 minutes Studio: Columbia Pictures Country of Origin: United States A young movie fan is magically pulled into the world of his favorite action hero—where cinematic fantasy collides with real-world consequences. Ratings: My Rating: 6.4/10 The Dove Foundation: Not Rated IMDb: 6.5/10 Rotten Tomatoes: 40% Metacritic: 44/100 TMDb: 6.4/10 Plot Summary: Danny Madigan, a teenage movie lover, idolizes action star Jack Slater, played by Arnold Schwarzenegger. Through a magical movie ticket, Danny is transported into Slater’s latest film, where the exaggerated rules of action movies—invincible heroes, endless ammo, and over-the-top villains—are the norm. As Danny tries to convince Slater that his world isn’t real, a villain escapes into the real world, where the stakes become genuine and deadly. Slater must adapt to reality, where he can be hurt and actions have consequences, while Danny learns the difference between fantasy and truth. Together, the...

9 to 5, 1980, PG, 1 hr 50 min

9 to 5 Runtime: 110 minutes Studio: 20th Century Fox Country of Origin: United States Franchise: Standalone Franchise Position: N/A Three female employees of a sexist, egotistical, lying, hypocritical bigot find a way to turn the tables on him. Ratings: My Rating: ~7.0/10 The Dove Foundation: N/A IMDb: 6.9/10 Rotten Tomatoes: 70% (Critics), 70% (Audience) Metacritic: 58/100 TMDb: 6.9/10 Plot Summary: In this workplace comedy, Judy Bernly (Jane Fonda), a recently divorced woman, starts a new job as a secretary at Consolidated Companies. She befriends her colleagues, Violet Newstead (Lily Tomlin) and Doralee Rhodes (Dolly Parton), who share frustrations with their chauvinistic boss, Franklin Hart Jr. (Dabney Coleman). After a series of misadventures, the trio inadvertently kidnaps Hart and takes over his office, implementing their own changes to improve the workplace environment. Their actions lead to unexpected consequences, but ultimately, they find empowerment and camaraderie in their...

Blazing Saddles, 1974, R, 1 hr 33 min

Blazing Saddles Runtime: 93 minutes Studio: Crossbow Productions / Warner Bros. Franchise: Standalone Franchise Position: N/A A gleefully vulgar Mel Brooks Western spoof that uses outrageous comedy to skewer racism, Hollywood mythmaking, and genre conventions. Ratings: My Rating: 8.0 The Dove Foundation: Not Dove approved IMDb: 7.7 Rotten Tomatoes: 9.1 Metacritic: 7.3 TMDb: 7.9 Plot Summary: In 1874, a greedy railroad developer plans to steal the town of Rock Ridge by driving its citizens away. To sabotage the scheme, he convinces the governor to appoint Bart, a Black railroad worker, as sheriff—assuming the town will reject him and flee. Instead, Bart uses his wit and integrity and teams with the alcoholic gunslinger the Waco Kid to outsmart the crooks and rally the townspeople. The film mixes broad slapstick, musical numbers, fourth-wall breaking, and anachronistic jokes that culminate in an outrageous finale that literally bursts through studio walls. Critics Review: Blazing Saddles...

Mystery Men, 1999, PG-13, 2 hr 1 min

Mystery Men Runtime: 121 minutes Studio: Universal Pictures Franchise: Standalone Franchise Position: N/A A team of quirky, second-rate wannabe superheroes must step up to save their city when the real hero is captured by a powerful villain. Ratings: My Rating: 6.3/10 (IMDb 6.1, Rotten Tomatoes audience 57% → 5.7, Metacritic 65 → 6.5, TMDb 6.1 → 6.1) The Dove Foundation: Not recommended for families (due to violence, language, and suggestive humor) IMDb: 6.1/10 Rotten Tomatoes: 57% audience Metacritic: 65/100 TMDb: 6.1/10 Plot Summary: In Champion City, the flashy superhero Captain Amazing keeps crime at bay—until he is captured by the evil Casanova Frankenstein. With no one else to save the day, a group of bumbling, self-proclaimed superheroes comes together: Mr. Furious (who channels his anger into power), The Shoveler (who fights with his trusty shovel), The Blue Raja (who throws cutlery), Invisible Boy (who’s only invisible when no one is watching), The Bowler (who wields a possess...

Am I Racist?, 2024, PG-13, 1 hr 41 min

Am I Racist? Runtime: 101 minutes Studio: Daily Wire Studios / Digital Astronaut Country of Origin: United States Franchise: Standalone Franchise Position: N/A A satirical mockumentary-style documentary starring Matt Walsh, where he goes undercover in the world of DEI to expose its absurdities through comedic subterfuge. Ratings: My Rating: 6.8/10 The Dove Foundation: Not available IMDb: 7.6/10 Rotten Tomatoes: 56% critics, 96% audience Metacritic: Not available Plot Summary: Matt Walsh embarks on a provocative journey into the DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion) world by adopting the persona of a “bumbling DEI trainee.” He undergoes a mock DEI certification, conducts hidden-camera social experiments—like petitioning to rename and repaint the Washington Monument—crashes a biker bar to expose supposed bias, and interviews DEI champions such as Robin DiAngelo. The film culminates in Walsh hosting a “Do the Work Workshop” urging white guilt self-flagellation, only to later declare it a...

Nude Bomb, The, 1980, PG, 1 hr 28 min

The Nude Bomb Runtime: 88 minutes Country of Origin: United States Franchise: Get Smart Franchise Position: 2 A secret agent must stop KAOS from detonating a bomb that will strip people of their clothes, leading to chaos and embarrassment across the city. Ratings: My Rating: 6.3 The Dove Foundation: PG IMDb: 5.6 Rotten Tomatoes: 20% Metacritic: 35 Plot Summary: Maxwell Smart returns to thwart KAOS’s bizarre new scheme, using his cleverness and gadgets to prevent the release of a “nude bomb.” The film maintains the comedy, slapstick, and espionage elements of the original series but adapts them for a feature-length format. Critics Review: Critics were largely negative, citing weak writing and overreliance on the original series’ gags. Some praised Don Adams’s performance and nostalgic references for fans of the TV show, but the overall reception was that the humor did not translate well to the big screen. Christian Perspective: The film’s comedic take on chaos and problem-solving highli...

Get Smart, 1965–1970, TV-PG, 2 days 9 hr 30 min

Get Smart Runtime: 3,450 minutes Studio: Talent Associates Country of Origin: United States Franchise: Get Smart Franchise Position: 1 A bumbling secret agent and his partners navigate espionage with humor, gadgets, and absurdity. Ratings: My Rating: 7.7/10 The Dove Foundation: TV-PG IMDb: 7.3 Rotten Tomatoes: 88% Metacritic: 70 Plot Summary: Agent Maxwell Smart, known as 86, works for CONTROL to stop the evil organization KAOS. Alongside Agent 99, he faces outlandish villains, utilizes quirky gadgets, and navigates slapstick scenarios that combine espionage and comedy. The series satirizes spy fiction while highlighting clever problem-solving and teamwork. Critics Review: Get Smart received praise for its comedic timing, satire of Cold War spy culture, and memorable characters. Some critics noted formulaic storylines, but the show's charm, innovative gadgets, and catchphrases made it a cultural icon. The chemistry between Smart and Agent 99 was widely admired, and the series inspi...

Spaceballs 2 (2027), MPAA = ?, ?

Spaceballs 2 Studio: Amazon MGM Studios Franchise: Spaceballs Franchise Position: 2nd Runtime: ? Release Date: May 7, 2027 Production Status: Pre-production Tagline : "The Schwartz awakens again." Announcement Spaceballs 2 Is Back Spaceballs 2 Teaser Trailer  Spaceballs 2: Everything We Know  PopCulture Brain Video (FB) Returning Cast: Mel Brooks as Yogurt and President Skroob Bill Pullman as Lone Starr Rick Moranis as Dark Helmet Daphne Zuniga as Princess Vespa What We Know So Far: Spaceballs 2 is confirmed to have a theatrical release, giving audiences the chance to experience the film on the big screen. The sequel is designed to expand the Spaceballs universe, exploring new storylines and characters while remaining faithful to the comedic style established by Mel Brooks in the 1987 original. The film is described as a “Non-Prequel Non-Reboot Sequel Part Two but with Reboot Elements Franchise Expansion Film,” indicating a self-aware take on modern franchise filmmaking. It a...

Back to School, (1986), PG-13, 1h 39m

Back to School Age Rating: PG-13 Studio: Orion Pictures Franchise: Standalone Franchise Position: N/A Total Runtime: 99 minutes "A wealthy businessman goes back to college to encourage his discouraged son, but ends up enrolling himself." Ratings My Rating: 6.8/10 Dove Foundation Rating: 4/5 IMDb Rating: 6.8/10 Rotten Tomatoes: 72% Metacritic: 56% Plot Summary Back to School is a comedy film starring Rodney Dangerfield as Thornton Melon, a wealthy but uneducated businessman. When his son decides to attend college, Thornton enrolls himself to support him. The movie follows their humorous escapades, from classroom antics to campus social life, highlighting Thornton’s unconventional methods of navigating academic challenges. The film combines slapstick comedy with clever satire about the education system and family dynamics. Critics Review Critics generally appreciated Rodney Dangerfield’s comedic performance and the film’s lighthearted humor. While some found the plot predictabl...

Court, The, Jester (1955), PG, 2h 6m

The Court Jester Runtime: 126 minutes Rating: PG Release Date: July 29, 1955 Studio: Paramount Pictures Franchise: None Franchise Position: N/A Tagline: "The Funniest Adventure in the Middle Ages!" Ratings My Rating: 8.1/10 Dove Foundation: All Ages IMDb: 8.0/10 Rotten Tomatoes: 96% Metacritic: 88/100 Plot Summary Set in medieval England, a bumbling entertainer becomes embroiled in a plot to overthrow a tyrannical king. Using clever wordplay, disguises, and comedic timing, he works to protect the rightful heir and restore justice. The film blends adventure, slapstick comedy, and satire, showcasing wit and courage in the face of danger. Critics Review The Court Jester is widely praised for Danny Kaye’s brilliant performance, clever dialogue, and inventive comedy. Critics highlight the film’s timeless humor, tight pacing, and the masterful use of music and wordplay to enhance both laughs and narrative tension. Christian Perspective From a Christian perspective, the film promote...

Garfield Goes Hollywood (1987), G, 0 hr 24 min

Garfield Goes Hollywood Runtime: 24 minutes Rating: G Release Date: May 8, 1987 Studio: Mendelson/Melendez Productions Franchise: Garfield Franchise Position: 6th TV special Runtime in minutes: 24 Tagline: Garfield dreams of fame in Hollywood. Ratings My rating: 6.9/10 Dove Foundation rating: Family Approved IMDb rating: N/A Rotten Tomatoes rating: N/A Metacritic rating: N/A Plot Summary Garfield imagines himself as a famous Hollywood star, leading to humorous escapades and satire about fame and celebrity culture. Critics Review Praised for its humor and light satire, though less memorable than earlier specials. Christian Perspective Provides a subtle reminder about humility and being content with one’s place in life. Family Friendliness Clean and suitable for all ages.

Bambi Meets Godzilla (1969), Not Rated, 1 min

Bambi Meets Godzilla Runtime: 1 minute Rating: Not Rated Release Date: July 1, 1969 Studio: Jeffery Hale Films Franchise: None Franchise Position: 1 Run time in minutes: 1 Tagline: When innocence meets terror. Ratings My rating: 7.0 /10 Dove Foundation rating: N/A IMDb rating: 6.7 /10 Rotten Tomatoes rating: N/A Metacritic rating: N/A Plot Summary This famous short cartoon humorously contrasts the gentle, innocent Bambi with the destructive, towering Godzilla. The film quickly delivers a punchline where Godzilla stomps on Bambi in a shocking and darkly comic moment. Critics Review Praised as a cult classic for its minimalist animation and clever subversion of expectations, the short remains a memorable piece of animation history. Christian Perspective Though primarily a dark comedy, the contrast between innocence and destruction could be viewed as a commentary on the fallen world and the presence of evil. Family Friendliness Due to the quick, unexpected violent gag, it may not be suita...

To Be or Not to Be (1983), R, 1 hr 42 min

To Be or Not to Be Runtime: 102 minutes Rating: R Release Date: December 23, 1983 Studio: 20th Century Fox Franchise: Mel Brooks Franchise Position: 12 Run time in minutes: 102 Tagline: This time, the joke is on Hitler! Ratings My rating: 7.2 /10 Dove Foundation rating: N/A IMDb rating: 7.1 /10 Rotten Tomatoes rating: 74% Metacritic rating: 67% Plot Summary A remake of the 1942 classic, this film follows a troupe of actors in Nazi-occupied Poland who become involved in espionage to outwit the Nazis through disguise and wit. Critics Review Generally positive reviews praised its smart comedy and timely political satire, highlighting Brooks’ ability to blend humor with serious themes. Christian Perspective Highlights courage against evil and the importance of standing up for what’s right. Some mature themes and language require viewer discretion. Family Friendliness Rated R for language and some mature content; best for adults.

Life Stinks (1991), R, 1 hr 37 min

Life Stinks Runtime: 97 minutes Rating: R Release Date: July 26, 1991 Studio: Warner Bros. Franchise: Mel Brooks Franchise Position: 11 Run time in minutes: 97 Tagline: Can a rich man learn to live like a poor man? Ratings My rating: 6.3 /10 Dove Foundation rating: N/A IMDb rating: 6.1 /10 Rotten Tomatoes rating: 33% Metacritic rating: 53% Plot Summary A wealthy businessman loses a bet and must live as a homeless person for 30 days. The film explores themes of poverty, compassion, and societal neglect with Brooks’ trademark humor. Critics Review Mixed reviews; some appreciated the social commentary, others found the humor uneven and the message muddled. Christian Perspective The film promotes compassion for the poor and critiques materialism, aligning with Christian values of charity, though it contains language and situations that might be objectionable. Family Friendliness Rated R for language and mature themes; intended for adult audiences.

History of the World, Part I (1981), R, 1 hr 33 min

History of the World, Part I Runtime: 93 minutes Rating: R Release Date: June 12, 1981 Studio: 20th Century Fox Franchise: Mel Brooks Franchise Position: 7 Run time in minutes: 93 Tagline: You’ll laugh till your jaw falls off! Ratings My rating: 6.8 /10 Dove Foundation rating: N/A IMDb rating: 6.7 /10 Rotten Tomatoes rating: 64% Metacritic rating: 56% Plot Summary Sketch comedy movie parodying world history from Stone Age to French Revolution, full of absurd and often crude humor. Critics Review Mixed reviews with praise for some sketches but uneven quality; now a cult favorite. Christian Perspective Contains crude and irreverent content; mocks historical and religious figures, may offend conservative viewers. Family Friendliness Rated R for language and sexual content; adult audiences only.

High Anxiety (1977), R, 1 hr 29 min

High Anxiety Runtime: 89 minutes Rating: R Release Date: June 23, 1977 Studio: 20th Century Fox Franchise: Mel Brooks Franchise Position: 6 Run time in minutes: 89 Tagline: The ultimate Hitchcock parody. Ratings My rating: 6.9 /10 Dove Foundation rating: N/A IMDb rating: 6.7 /10 Rotten Tomatoes rating: 77% Metacritic rating: 54% Plot Summary A psychiatrist with a fear of heights investigates strange events at a mental institute, spoofing Hitchcock thrillers with classic Brooks humor. Critics Review Mixed to positive reviews; praised for parody but less energetic than earlier works. Christian Perspective Some adult themes and language; offers humorous yet exaggerated look at mental health. Family Friendliness Rated R for language and adult situations. For mature viewers.

Producers, The (1967), PG, 1 hr 28 min

The Producers Runtime: 88 minutes Rating: PG Release Date: December 19, 1967 Studio: Embassy Pictures Franchise: Mel Brooks Franchise Position: 1 Run time in minutes: 88 Tagline: The riskiest thing ever attempted... a guaranteed flop! Ratings My rating: 8.2 /10 Dove Foundation rating: N/A IMDb rating: 7.3 /10 Rotten Tomatoes rating: 91% Metacritic rating: 81% Plot Summary A down-on-his-luck Broadway producer teams up with a nervous accountant to create the worst play ever. Their plan is to collect extra investment, sabotage the show, and make money off the flop. But the play unexpectedly becomes a smash hit, turning their scheme upside down. Critics Review Widely praised for its clever script and sharp satire, The Producers was initially controversial but became a cult classic, winning an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay. Critics love its wit and performances. Christian Perspective The film deals with themes of greed and dishonesty, which clash with biblical teachings about i...

Airplane II: The Sequel (1982), PG, 1 hr 24 min

Airplane II: The Sequel Runtime: 84 minutes Rating: PG Studio: Paramount Pictures Franchise: Airplane Franchise Position: 2 Tagline: “We’re still not sure what it was, but it sure scared us.” Trailer link:  Cast link:   Ratings My Rating: 7/10 IMDb Rating : 4.8/10  Rotten Tomatoes : 23%  Metacritic: N/A Plot Summary Airplane II: The Sequel continues the absurdist comedy of the original but takes the action into space. When a computer-controlled space shuttle called the Mayflower 1 malfunctions, the same reluctant hero, Ted Striker (Robert Hays), must again overcome his fears to save the day. Filled with similar parody humor, slapstick, and sight gags, the film spoofs sci-fi and disaster tropes but was generally less well received than the original. Despite mixed reviews, it offers moments of fun and extends the franchise’s quirky style into outer space. Critics Review Critics largely view Airplane II as a pale shadow of the original’s lightning-fast wit and inventive...

Airplane! (1980), PG, 1 hr 28 min

Airplane! Runtime: 88 minutes Rating: PG Studio: Paramount Pictures Franchise: None Franchise Position: N/A Tagline: “From the creators of The Kentucky Fried Movie.” Trailer link Cast link Ratings My Rating: 9/10 IMDb Rating : 7.7/10  Rotten Tomatoes : 97%  Metacritic : 72  Plot Summary Airplane! is a classic spoof comedy that hilariously parodies disaster films, especially those about airplane crises. When the passengers and crew of a commercial flight fall ill due to food poisoning, a traumatized ex-fighter pilot named Ted Striker (Robert Hays) must overcome his fears to land the plane safely. Filled with absurd visual gags, rapid-fire jokes, and deadpan delivery, the film lampoons everything from melodramatic dialogue to slapstick physical comedy, all while delivering a surprisingly heartfelt story about courage and redemption. Critics Review Critics universally praise Airplane! as one of the greatest comedy films ever made, applauding its sharp wit, clever parody, and...

Adventures of Rocky and Bullwinkle, The (1959), TV-G, Total Runtime: approx. 69 hrs 49 min

Title:  originally "Rocky and His Friends"                     also "The Bullwinkle Show" Runtime:  4238 minutes [ 2 days, 21 hr, 49 min] Age Rating: TV-G Studio: Jay Ward Productions Franchise: Rocky and Bullwinkle Franchise Position #: 0 (Original TV series) Tagline: The Classic Cartoon That Started It All! Trailer: [ Intro ] Cast List Ratings My Rating: 9/10 Dove Foundation Rating: Not rated (classic TV series) IMDb Rating: 8.0/10  Rotten Tomatoes Rating: Not available Metacritic Rating: Not available Plot Summary Rocky and His Friends is the original animated TV series featuring Rocky the Flying Squirrel and Bullwinkle J. Moose. Through clever satire, wit, and slapstick comedy, the series parodies the Cold War era and pop culture while delivering timeless humor that appeals to both kids and adults. Critics Review Critics and fans alike praise this series as a groundbreaking classic in animation. Its sharp writing, mem...