As a child of the ’90s, I can vividly remember the magic that unfolded on our television screens during those years, and two films stand out as particularly peculiar gems from that era: “Stay Tuned” and “Toothless.
The 1990s boasted numerous appealing aspects as a decade, such as Michael Jordan’s remarkable basketball skills, the laid-back fashion trend of cargo pants, and the emergence of the popular nu metal band, Limp Bizkit. Furthermore, several ’90s films have endured over time, remaining popular among various generations of viewers. However, while films like “Jurassic Park” and “Titanic” are celebrated for their cinematic quality, the decade also produced a series of movies that now seem hard to believe.
Sure, there are ’90s movies that didn’t age well, but the films about to be discussed are something more akin to the aftereffects of eating a toasted cheese sandwich after midnight. From Whoopi Goldberg going to court because she didn’t want to team up with a clothes-wearing dinosaur to fight crime to Shaq starring as a genie in a movie that most people probably believe featured comedian Sinbad, there’s no end to their extremely ’90s shenanigans. And an honorable — or dishonorable, as the case may be — mention goes to Hulk Hogan’s entire filmography throughout the decade, including the Hulkamaniac-fueled disasterpieces known as “Suburban Commando,” “Santa with Muscles,” and “3 Ninjas: High Noon at Mega Mountain.”
Wow, it’s quite a period we’re living in! Check out some mind-blowing films from the ’90s that might seem unreal!
Theodore Rex
It’s hard to believe that Whoopi Goldberg, such a prominent figure in the ’90s with her Academy Award-winning role in “Ghost” and successful “Sister Act” series, found herself starring in the 1995 direct-to-video dinosaur comedy “Theodore Rex,” a buddy cop film. However, according to an account by /Film, Goldberg agreed to take on the role initially but later tried to withdraw. The matter escalated to court before both parties came to an agreement for her return to the film, though it seems she did so reluctantly.
Similar to the surreal blend of reality and fantasy portrayed in the 1993 film “Super Mario Bros.”, the movie “Theodore Rex” unfolds in a future where humans and dinosaurs peacefully coexist, without a second thought. The plot revolves around Detective Katie Coltrane, played by Whoopi Goldberg, who is partnered with an Axel Foley-like Tyrannosaurus rex named Theodore Rex (portrayed by George Newbern). This unconventional duo must join forces to unravel the enigma behind a series of dinosaur murders and expose the culprit.
Theodore Rex” was a movie widely panned by both critics and fans as an intellectually stifling 92-minute experience, yet it offers more amusement than many give it credit for. Despite this, Goldberg still expresses remorse for his role alongside a speaking T-Rex in this undeniably peculiar production.
Kazaam
During the ’90s, Shaquille O’Neal was unstoppable on basketball courts, however, his foray into Hollywood didn’t quite match that success. Before he turned into an internet sensation with his role in “Steel” (1997), he played the genie Kazaam in the 1996 movie of the same name. In this film, the genie dwells inside a boombox (a common gadget from the ’90s) until teenager Max Connor (Francis Capra) sets him free. Unlike Skee-Lo’s wishes in his 1995 hit song “I Wish,” Max didn’t ask to grow taller or become a basketball star. Instead, he aimed to reunite his family, but Kazaam made an unexpected choice and decided to pursue rapping instead.
The film “Kazaam” isn’t particularly remembered as Shaquille O’Neal’s best moment, garnering harsh criticism from both critics and viewers alike. However, Shaquille himself has no regrets about the experience, stating in a 2012 interview with GQ that he was a somewhat mischievous kid from Newark who had always dreamed of acting. When offered $7 million to play a genie in the movie, he said, essentially, “Why would I turn down that opportunity?
Interestingly, the film “Kazaam” is notable for its association with the vast collection of movie-related phenomena known as the Mandela Effects, which might make you doubt reality itself. To clarify, Sinbad does not appear in this particular movie.
Warriors of Virtue
Ronny Yu is deserving of much recognition for his work on movies like “Bride of Chucky” and “Freddy vs. Jason.” However, before making a significant impact on the horror genre, he had already successfully brought the martial arts fantasy film “Warriors of Virtue” to the screen in 1997.
In the movie, teenager Ryan Jeffers (played by Mario Yedidia) journeys from his reality into the mystical world of Tao, where he encounters a band of fighting kangaroo warriors called the Warriors of Virtue. Alongside his newfound companions and Master Chung (Chao-Li Chi), Ryan must thwart the schemes of the villainous Komodo (Angus Macfadyen), who aims to conquer not only Tao, but also Earth as well.
In a similar vein to “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” and “Star Wars,” “Warriors of Virtue” carries an analogous feel to “He-Man and the Masters of the Universe.” To label this movie as ambitious is quite an understatement. Director Yu doesn’t shy away from any idea, big or small, pushing the boundaries in one of the most fantastical ’90s films. While Roger Ebert didn’t offer a positive review, he did acknowledge the film’s impressive visuals and bold ambition to be grand. Interestingly, “Warriors of Virtue” saw a sequel in 2002 called “Warriors of Virtue: The Return to Tao.
The Hard Way
As a die-hard fan, I must say that Nick Lang’s role in “The Hard Way,” often overlooked by many, showcases one of Michael J. Fox’s finest screen performances. If you could just set aside the iconic characters he played in “Back to the Future” and “Family Ties” for a moment, you’d witness Fox at his comedic best in this 1991 buddy cop comedy. It’s a performance that truly showcases his talent and versatility.
In the movie, Fox plays a narcissistic, mullet-sporting actor who aims to land a role in an impending police drama. Instead of resorting to sending rats to his fellow actors like Jared Leto, Nick opts for a more practical approach by joining the New York Police Department. Nick teams up with the rough-around-the-edges John Moss (played by James Woods), as they work through their disagreements to apprehend the notorious serial killer known as the Party Crasher.
Back in the ’90s, my all-time favorite flick, “The Hard Way,” raked in an impressive $65.6 million worldwide. That‘s quite a feat for those days! Critics were particularly fond of it too, giving it a 75% thumbs-up on Rotten Tomatoes. They praised the hilarious chemistry between our leading stars, Fox and Woods – they truly struck comedy gold together.
The Pagemaster
The ’90s saw Macaulay Culkin achieving success, captivating audiences with movies like “Home Alone,” “My Girl,” and “The Good Son”. In 1994, he took on an exceptionally creative role as Richard Tyler in “The Pagemaster.
In this blend of live-action and animation, the cautious young character named Richard flees a storm and seeks shelter in a library. Following a tumble, he regains consciousness to discover himself transported into an animated realm. Here, he encounters trials derived from timeless stories like “Moby Dick” and “Treasure Island.” Notable actors including Christopher Lloyd, Patrick Stewart, Whoopi Goldberg, and Leonard Nimoy lend their talents to this intriguing movie.
Regardless of its whimsical themes and classic animation, “The Pagemaster” remains one of Macaulay Culkin’s least known and least liked movies. Unfortunately, the film’s widespread panning by critics didn’t help either. As SFGate put it, “The Pagemaster” is so cheesy that if you analyze it too much, it will either vanish or anger you with its depiction of a library as a frightening environment.
We’re Back! A Dinosaur’s Story
Something infiltrated the water in the ’90s, as everyone and their grandmother developed a fascination — scratch that, an obsession — with dinosaurs. Of course, “Jurassic Park” showed us how these creatures and humans could never coexist because they would eat us alive, but the animated film “We’re Back! A Dinosaur’s Story” looks at it through a more whimsical what-if lens — well, for the most part.
In this narrative, the brilliant Captain Neweyes, portrayed by Walter Cronkite, journeys across dimensions to discover dinosaurs, as he feels children ought to have a chance to observe these magnificent beasts firsthand. He amasses four prehistoric pals – Rex (John Goodman), Woog (René Le Vant), Elsa (Felicity Kendal), and Dweeb (Charles Fleischer) – by providing them with a unique cereal to minimize their instinctive desire to consume human tissue. The captain subsequently transports them to the current era, causing widespread panic when people notice dinosaurs wandering the streets. Shenanigans unfold, and the story takes some unexpected twists, including the emergence of a horrifying circus with a sinister undertone.
The movie titled “We’re Back! A Dinosaur’s Story” has been quite divisive among those who recall it. Indeed, it delivers spine-tingling scenes with eerie imagery and thoughtful storylines, yet the uniqueness of its content is undeniably present.
Coneheads
Did you know the Saturday Night Live skit about alien beings with conical heads living on Earth? That concept was expanded into a full-length movie titled “Coneheads,” released in 1993, featuring Dan Aykroyd and Jane Curtin portraying these extraterrestrial characters.
As an intergalactic visitor, I found myself dropped into the heart of suburbia, part of a grand cosmic plan to conquer this peculiar blue planet. But plans have a way of shifting, don’t they? So, I embraced life on Earth, immersing myself in its bizarre customs and idiosyncrasies. Strangely enough, no one seemed to notice my cone-shaped head – probably because there are plenty of humans with oversized foreheads and quirky craniums, so who am I to judge? And guess what? Some familiar faces from Earth’s comedy scene, like David Spade, Phil Hartman, Adam Sandler, Sinbad, Chris Farley, and Drew Carey, made an appearance in my adventures here.
There was much debate among critics about whether “Coneheads” was a brilliant display of comedy or simply pushed the boundaries too far. TV Guide’s review suggested it was the latter, stating that the humor ranged from uninspired to overly vulgar (the recurring joke involving the Coneheads confusing condoms with chewing gum being a prime example). To appeal to the contemporary “Saturday Night Live” audience, numerous early-90s SNL cast members were brought in for appearances.
Blank Check
In conversations about the greatest Disney films ever made, you’re unlikely to hear “Blank Check” mentioned among them. This 1994 comedy presents an implausible scenario that makes professionals in financial crime prevention a bit uneasy due to its potential implications. The movie centers around a character named Preston Waters (played by Brian Bonsall), who acquires a blank check following an encounter with a criminal. Despite the fact that this act involves forgery, which is indeed a federal offense, Preston uses his computer to fill out the check and cashes it for a million dollars, leading a lavish lifestyle until reality catches up.
Considering how conscious Disney tends to be about kid movies, it’s mind-blowing how someone thought this would be a good idea to release — especially since Preston commits a crime to get his hands on the cash and a grown-up actor Karen Duffy kisses the underage Bonsall in a passionate scene. The New York Times wrote that “Blank Check” sends the wrong message to children, adding, “Despite a make-nice ending, impressionable little viewers are bound to come away convinced that money makes the world go round. In some corners of the globe, this film may also be enough to foment revolution.”
Prehysteria!
As a die-hard fan, let me share some exciting insights! While the iconic “Jurassic Park” franchise unveiled its trilogy of colossal dinosaur films later on, it was actually the hilarious “Prehysteria!” that paved the way in 1993. With an incredibly modest budget and limited production time, this little-dinosaur movie set the stage for dino-filled adventures. The film’s poster introduced us to its pint-sized protagonists, boasting them as the “world’s oldest party animals.
Glancing at “Prehysteria!”, it’s undeniable that Charles and Albert Band showcased incredible creativity on a shoestring budget. In fact, this movie skyrocketed to become Moonbeam Entertainment’s highest-selling direct-to-video title back then, spurring two swift sequels in 1994 and 1995. As a fan, I can’t help but admire their ingenuity!
People who are acquainted with Charles Band will recognize that he established the independent production company Full Moon Entertainment. This company is well-known for producing film franchises like “Puppet Master,” “Trancers,” and “Evil Bong.” It seems that Band has a sort of Midas touch, transforming ordinary things into valuable treasures, and he did just that with the “Prehysteria!” series.
Stay Tuned
Back in the 1990s, who could possibly overlook the era of cable and satellite TV? In the film “Stay Tuned” from 1992, Roy Knable, portrayed by John Ritter, seizes an unbelievable bargain when a salesman (Jeffrey Jones) arrives at his doorstep with an offer for an astounding 666 channels. If the number itself doesn’t hint at the storyline, nothing will. Roy and his wife, Helen (Pam Dawber), are inadvertently drawn into Hellevision, a realm where they must pass various trials to avoid the Devil himself from taking their souls. For dramatic effect, let out an eerie, cackling laugh.
In the director’s chair for “Stay Tuned” was Peter Hyams, known for movies like “Timecop” and “End of Days.” There were rumors that Tim Burton was considered during the production process as well. Although “Stay Tuned” may not be the reincarnation of “The Running Man,” it offers some witty satire related to the bond between viewers and their favorite TV shows. Moreover, John Ritter shines in his role as Roy, a man addicted to television who must make extra efforts to regain his wife’s affection after neglecting her while spending too much time watching TV instead of showing affection.
Toothless
The only film about dentists that should be acceptable is the 1996 horror “The Dentist,” because there’s no way any rational person associates good memories with someone fiddling with their teeth. Disney attempted to change perceptions in 1997 with the made-for-TV film “Toothless,” directed by Melanie Mayron and starring the late Kirstie Alley.
Katherine Lewis, portrayed by Alley, played the role of a dentist who passed away and found herself in Limbo. To progress, she was tasked with assuming the duties of the Tooth Fairy temporarily. However, she unintentionally exposed herself to a boy named Bobby Jameson (Ross Malinger), leading to an unlikely bond between them.
Back in the day, “Toothless” wasn’t exactly a blockbuster sensation when it first hit the screens, but it truly embodied the quintessential low-budget live-action Disney flick of its era. On Rotten Tomatoes’ Popcornmeter, the public response to it leans more towards the middle ground. Some viewers find it endearing for keeping its heart in the right place, while others feel that it hasn’t aged a bit since the ’90s and seems outdated now.
Samurai Cop
One way to rephrase the given text in a natural and easy-to-read manner could be: “There’s nothing more reminiscent of ’90s films than blending unrelated ideas into a single movie, and before the phenomenon of ‘Cyborg Cop’ took over video rental stores nationwide, we had ‘Samurai Cop.’ This 1991 action flick follows Joe Marshall (also known as Matt Hannon), a samurai police officer who joins the LAPD to tackle their gang issues with his martial arts expertise. The storyline is quite straightforward since most of it serves as a pretext for moving on to the next poorly executed fight scene.
The movie ‘Samurai Cop’ was once criticized as one of the worst films out there, but it’s as cheesy as a four-cheese pizza – something we all can appreciate. Significantly, after being away for 24 years, Joe reappeared in 2015’s ‘Samurai Cop 2: Deadly Vengeance,’ continuing his path of slicing through the bad guys.
Are you hooked on the peculiar films from this period? Don’t miss out on the lesser-known ’90s sci-fi classics that you should definitely watch next.
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2024-10-19 14:30