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Weird Science (1985) ***1/2

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John Hughes '  Weird Science (1985) is decidedly dated and marred by misogyny (though still very fun and funny), but the real crime of the film is that Gary and Wyatt watch a colorized version of  Frankenstein  (1931) [ review ]. John Hughes Penned Feature Films Ranked

Kin-dza-dza! (1986) ***1/2

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A singular surrealist post-apocalyptic Soviet sci-fi film, 1986's Kin-dza-dza!   is a touch long, a tad repetitive, and I can't say that I exactly loved it on a first viewing, but it has an undeniable draw. Some of my favorite parts were all too brief bits of the narrative, but the film is consistently filled with beautiful cinematography, indelible moments, and absurdist political commentary/class structure. Definitely a film that warrants additional viewings. Recommended for fans of  Monty Python , Terry Gilliam ,  Andrzej Żuławski ,  Alejandro Jodorowsky , Sergio Leone , and  Quentin Dupieux .

Ghoulies (1985) ***

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Finally checked this one off my list. Ghoulies (1985) was better than anticipated but certainly featured less of the titular creatures than expected. Interestingly, and contrary to popular belief (according to  Wikipedia , anyway), Ghoulies is not a rip-off of  Joe Dante 's  Gremlins   (1984) ( review ) and was in fact in production at the same time, but, due to the need for more funding, the latter blockbuster was released first. This little low budget film has pretty stock characters and lags a bit in the finale, but, at a lean and mean 81 minutes, it's hardly noticeable. It's also really fun, shot well, has a great score, goofy (but enjoyable) effects, and I like that each Ghoulie has a distinctive design. Every time those little shits were on screen—snarling and being mischievous—it brought a smile to my face and I couldn't help but laugh. Bonus points for the movie featuring two future  Twin Peaks  (1990–1991) actors (one of whom had a bigger role tha...

Bad Lieutenant (1992) ****1/2

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Crime ‘n grime. Drugs ‘n thugs. Harvey Keitel belongs in the Top 5 Fascinating Cinematic Scumbag Protagonists for his soul-baring role in  Abel Ferrara ’s Catholic guilt trash odyssey Bad Lieutenant (1992). Abel Ferrara Feature Films Ranked