Tag Archives: spoof

Goldilocks Returns – Lisa Campbell Ernst

Often when I finish a book, I wonder what becomes of the characters after the magical words “and they all lived happily ever after.” What does that mean, anyway? In “Goldilocks Returns,” this question is answered. Let’s find out what happened to everyone’s favorite blonde trespasser. Goldi deeply regrets the life of crime she led as a child. She has done everything she can to live it down – she changed her hairstyle and she now runs a shop to sell locks to keep trespassers out. But she dreams about bears and the guilt is running so deep, even her … Continue reading →

Spaceballs (1987)

My older sisters went to see “Spaceballs” when it first came out, and I remember them telling my mom bits and snatches from it. I was excited to watch it last night – and was so disappointed. The potential was amazing – the delivery, not so much. “Spaceballs” is a spoof on “Star Wars.” Mel Brooks directed the film and also starred as President Skroob. The Spaceballs are running out of air on their planet, and they have come up with an evil plan to travel to the nearby planet of Druidia and steal all the air, transporting it back … Continue reading →

The Muppets’ Wizard of Oz (2005)

This version of the classic “The Wizard of Oz” was originally aired on TV, but has since been made available on DVD for your enjoyment any time. Ashanti stars as Dorothy Gale, a girl who lives with her Uncle Henry and Aunt Em in Kansas. Em runs a diner, and Dorothy works there every afternoon, but she feels trapped. She wants to leave Kansas and go to Hollywood to become a big singing star. When she hears that the Muppets will be in town for a star search, she begs to go, but Em says she’s needed in the diner. … Continue reading →

Earthquack! – Marge Palatini

I thoroughly enjoyed discovering Marge Palatini a few weeks ago. What a sense of humor! “Earthquack!” is her updated take on the old “Chicken Little” story we all know so well. Chucky Ducky had just finished his morning swim and was letting the water roll off his back when he heard a rumbling sound and discovered that the earth was crumbling right beneath his little yellow webbed feet. Deciding it must be an earthquake, he set off to warn his friends. First on his list was Lucy Goosey. “The earth is crumbling!” he tells her, and she’s not sure if … Continue reading →

George of the Jungle 2 (2003)

I really liked “George of the Jungle,” so when I saw that there was a sequel, I knew I had to see it. One disappointing fact was obvious right away – Brendan Fraser was no longer playing George, and the movie makers made a joke about it right off the bat. When George comes on the screen, the narrator says, “Who are you?” George says, “I new George. Studio too cheap to pay Brendan Fraser.” Several other comments are made throughout the film to spoof the fact that our favorite star had been replaced. I enjoy it when films make … Continue reading →

Bye Bye Birdie (1963)

“Bye Bye Birdie” has been one of the most famous plays, and then famous films, ever made. It’s one of those classics that everyone has seen and admits is a part of our modern culture. So when I popped it in, I was expecting something so marvelous, so witty, wonderful, hysterical beyond belief – and was sadly disappointed at every turn. I can’t for the life of me understand why this thing got the following it did. Essentially, it’s a satire on the effect Elvis’s drafting into the Army had on the nation. Conrad Birdie (Jesse Pearson) has been drafted, … Continue reading →

George of the Jungle (1997)

Is it late at night? Are you hyped up on sugar? Then this movie is for you! George (Brendan Fraser) was lost in the jungle as a small boy and was raised by apes. (Yes, this is a Tarzan spoof.) When Ursula, an adventurous heiress, comes to the jungle in the hopes of having some real experiences before settling down in marriage, she comes afoul of a ravenous lion. Before she has time to scream, George comes swooping in on his vine and rescues her, showing that lion who’s boss! What Ursula doesn’t realize is that George and the lion … Continue reading →

Happily N’ever After (2007)

I have looked forward to seeing this movie ever since it was first advertised. I love spoofs on fairy tales. I must say, though, that while this one was moderately cute, it wasn’t as cute as I’d hoped. Fairy Tale Land is the place where all the fairy tale characters live. It is run by The Wizard (George Carlin) whose job it is to keep the balance between good and evil. He is assisted by Munk (Wallace Shawn) and Mambo (Andy Dick) When it’s time for the Wizard to take a golf vacation in Scotland, he leaves the two in … Continue reading →

Love’s Labour’s Lost (2000)

I’m so confused! I don’t know if I just saw a corny musical, a Shakespeare play, a strip club dance number, or a war film. I just finished watching “Love’s Labour’s Lost,” which is a Kenneth Branagh film, a remake of the Shakespeare play. I really was not expecting what I got. The basic story is that the King of Navarre and his three best friends make a vow that they will stay in college for three years and devote themselves entirely to study, and that no woman will enter the court until those three years are up. There are … Continue reading →

The Great Muppet Caper (1981)

“The Great Muppet Caper” is simply one of the best films of our, or any other, generation. It’s a parody of every other movie ever made, and it’s simply hilarious. Kermit the Frog and Fozzie Bear are twin brothers (trust me on this) who get a job working for the newspaper. Along with their photographer, Gonzo, they are in search of a big story, one that will give them a lifelong career in the journalism business. They decide to go to London to interview the famous clothing designer Lady Holiday (Diana Rigg.) Her new collection is scheduled to come out … Continue reading →