Some movies you remember for their creativity, and this one was this type of a movie. Imagine a world without power? We are all so dependent on having it, that when we lose it, all hell can break loose. The tagline for this one was: “When Nothing Works, Anything Goes” I thought this one was good enough to rent or find for cheap to buy. It makes you think about how things can change dramatically for your family and friends, in an over the top situation directed by David Koepp. This was written by James Burke and David Koepp also co-wrote the screenplay.
The cast includes an underrated array of characters played by Kyle MacLachlan as Matthew, Elisabeth Shue as Annie Kay and Dermot Mulroney as Joe. They are all close friends and decide to stick together to overcome the extreme environment which they now have to deal with. They have no choice in the matter and their lives are in constant threat. Each day for them is another victory in this strangely entertaining tale.
I think some critics didn’t like this film, and thought there was something missing. Perhaps it was the choice of actors and the director’s vision. Who knows? I still think it was worthy of a watch regardless of what others thought. More often than not the so-called critics compare any older release to something fresh out in the theatres. The choices for watchable movies seem to dwindle each year. I’ve been disappointed recently in some of the upcoming releases.
There are more first name only appearances in this feature which include: Rick Worthy as Johnny, Richard T. Jones as Raymond, Bill Smitrovich, Steph, Michael Rooker as Gary, Tori Kristiansen as Sarah, and Tyra Kristiansen as Sarah. (Yes the younger girl Sarah was played by a set of twins on set) This was the girl’s only appearance known on screen.
Overall, I think you will find this one to be entertaining enough to check out. The actors seemed to make the most out of what they had to work with. It would be considered a B list or even C list movie to some. But, I thought it was worthwhile for sure. Check this one out if you want to see something with a different kind of premise.
This story was directed by Sidney J. Furie and written by Curtis Burch. I have seen this one a number of times over the years, and each time I found it to be funny. The film stars the late Rodney Dangerfield playing Chester Lee, a man trying to succeed in the business world. He is engaged to Bess played by Ilene Graff. Her son Matthew is played by the late Jonathan Brandis, who also plays Martha an alternate character that leads to some amusing situations throughout the film.
The main story is about him kissing his bosses butt played by Tom Parks as Dave Mullen; and kissing his bosses’ wife’s butt played by Jeanetta Arnette. Chester agrees to coach the company girls’ soccer team in hopes of a promotion. He was originally inspired to do this from attending a self-help seminar at the opening of the film. The Mullen’s have a daughter named Kimberly Mullen played by Vinessa Shaw. She also plays on the Ladybug team and has a very strong leg.
Dangerfield’s character Chester gets help from both Matthew who dresses up as a girl to play on the girl’s soccer team using his athletic talent, and Julie Benson played by Jackée Harry as his assistant coach. The Ladybug team isn’t very good, and they are in a rebuilding year. Coach Chester will certainly need all the help he can get trying to bring this team together as champions.
Some of the other girls on the team are: Nancy Larimer played by Crystal Cooke who is loud mouthed with a chip on her shoulder, and the last remaining veteran player on the team; Jennifer Frances Lee is Carmelita Chu the goalie who is obsessed with butterflies, Vanessa Monique Rossel is Tina Velez full of fire and temper, Johna Stewart-Bowden is the sassy Sally Anne Welfelt who breaks a nail, and Jandi Swanson is the unsure Penny Pester who completely changes by the end of the film. Nancy Parsons plays Coach Annie, Blake Clark is Coach Bull, and Tommy Lasorda appears as Coach Cannoli.
For those who don’t even enjoy soccer, this will still be worthy of your time, it was a well rounded story with lots of comedic relief by Dangerfield. The humor however is sexually referenced in some scenes, so some people might find it offensive. I thought it was creatively put together and quite humorous. The casting was brilliant and everyone fit each role perfectly.
