TERENCE vs PCR on THE HULK

Hi Club Babyboomer,
Me again. Let's just say that right off the I disagree with what most of Ed and Nolan had to say about the Hulk movie (Re: last week's issue where we entered our less-than-enthusiastic votes --N). Maybe I was expecting less and got more I don't know. But I like it a lot.

The script has to be one of the best movie scipts for a comic book movie ever. It keeps the flavor but changes are necessary to make a moving and powerful film about family dysfunction. Now I would usually be the first to yell about how they changed everything and maybe I'm just a kid of the dark '90s, but I like the psychological thriller they made out of it. I mean, let's face it, do we really want to see the Hulk being followed around by a pesky square like Rick Jones? No. Do we really want to see a villian like Ygor, a hunchback communist dwarf? Hell no. And as cool as he is, The Leader just would look dumb in live action.

So what we have is the Hulk as a metaphor. It could be said that "Hulk" is actually the first truly artistic superhero film. It takes its source material and puts a message in it.

The direction is very good, the acting is excellent, but the editing keeps this movie from being better than "X-2" (don't get me wrong "Hulk" isn't as good as "Superman" or "Batman"). The stupid music video paneling is ridiculous and unneeded. When Talbot flies through the air from a bomb blast and his silhouette is outlined in white, I was appalled. The dogs do look a little dumb but they could've been worse. The Hulk to me is still too happy-looking, but I can forgive that due to the stellar script. Nick Nolte as Dr. David Banner is definitely one of the most memorable screen villains that I've seen in a while. As for the claim that the Hulk was supposed to be a Dr. Jeckyll and Hyde for the '60s, actually Stan Lee is on record as saying that he really wanted to tell a Frankenstein for the '60s. This script honors that original intention perfectly.

As for Nolan's claim about changing the "sacred legend", well all I can say is if they make a script this good why complain? Plus, the whole mental child abuse angle is from the comic. It wasn't touched upon in the '60s but it is now part of the legend. In fact, that issue was the first I ever read of the Hulk. But yes, those stupid split-screens are so annoying I just had to say it again.

Anyway, I really liked the film and me usually wanting things to be original to the source material, that's saying a lot. Besides, "The Hulk" never was a superhero comic anyway. Hell, he only stayed with the Avengers for a couple issues. If you can one-up your source material and make a moving statement with it then you have succeeded--and Ang Lee more or less has. Minus those "I'm hip + cool" = lame panel edits.

Thanks to Count Poffula for filling in with the great Metallica review last week while I was at The White Stripes concert. The review was more than worthy.

To Hell With You All,
Terence Nuzum

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ANDY LALINO WITH MORE OLD THEATERS MEMORIES AND AN EXHAUSTIVE RETROSPECTIVE ON MEN WITHOUT HATS

Ah, Nolan, where to begin...once again PCR overloads my circuits with some of the finest real-life moments of being a genre fan of the '60s, '70s & '80s.

Movie Theater Experiences: John Lewis
I have to start off with John Lewis' reflections on his "Scarewater" theater experiences. I almost burst into tears (of envy!) as he reminisced about the '60s & '70s. In the course of my life I've met a lot of people in their '40s & '50s, but rarely do they ever speak of the classic (and not so classic) sic-fi/horror films they saw when they were younger. For once, someone in John Lewis' generation had actually remembered in detail the great genre flicks he grew up with and related them to fellow fans (Mike Smith did too, but his reminiscing centered on the late '70s/early '80s). Lewis' observations were not just the ordinary blockbusters ("The Godfather", M*A*S*H), but lovingly described theater experiences from a cult movie fan perspective, which is refreshing and necessary ("Twins of Evil", "Planet of the Vampires", "The Vampire Lovers", etc.).

It's one thing for me as an 8-year-old kid in 1975 to pick up one of my many '70s hardcover horror tomes (such as "A Pictorial History of Horror Movies" by Denis Gifford) and see those wonderful B&W production stills, for example: "The Satanic Rites of Dracula" and "Scream Blastula Scream", but it was another thing to have experienced the cult horror film of the '60s/'70s in an actual movie theater. For the most part, I never knew what that was like. Most of the venerable creature features I caught on TV were ironically enough broadcast on Dr. Paul Bearer's "Creature Feature" (which were sometimes heavily edited)! I grew up in the "Jaws", "Star Wars", "Raiders of the Lost Ark" blockbuster-era (I'm not complaining, mind you), and was not generally able to see the enjoyable creature feature movies on the big screen - the high-budget movies were rendering them extinct at the time, as were the more gory features. One almost forgets that these great movies were once shown at neighborhood theaters, and were not relegated directly to the local eerie midnight horror show. Thank you John for remembering those experiences and relating them to the PER reader, in particular the goosepimply-raising tale of your '68 "Planet of the Apes" experience.

For all the theaters you mentioned in Scarewater (which was like another planet to a St. Petersburger), John, the ones I seem to remember were: the Gulf-to-Bay Drive-In, the Sunshine Mall Twin, and the Thunderbird Drive-In. I can't recall if I saw any movies at those drive-ins (I went to the 28th Street Drive-In and the Mustang Drive-In, both in Pinellas Park, and the Garden Drive-In in the Tyrone area, which is history too). I can't recall the movies I saw at the Sunshine Mall Twin, but I do remember the theater (and the mall) itself. I should mention that I happily did manage to experience a "Dusk-to-Dawn" horror show at the Garden Drive in before it vanished - a great memory indeed!!

God, you're so lucky to have seen such classic creature features as "Navy vs. the Night Monsters" (which I saw on DPB's "Creature Feature" - loved when Billy Gray's arm got torn off!), one of my faves "Island of Terror", and the colorful "The Projected Man" at the Ritz in the '60s. Unreal. I want to go back!!!

Nolan and I were in attendance of an actual "Spook Show" at the Royalty Theater (formerly the Capitol Theater) in downtown Scarewater in October 2002. The show was put on by famous Spook Show illusionist Roy Huston and featured authentic, hand-painted backdrops from the 1940's and other magic tricks from classic, bygone eras. The show was called "One Scream Beyond" and I even did the promo poster for it (see Andy's poster and more details on the show in PCR #136!--N). I have never seen a film at the Royalty, but I can just imagine what a thrill it must have been seeing "The Exorcist" there in '73 in that grand old spooky theater. You're a lucky man. My parents would never let me watch that back in '73! Okay, I was only 6 at the time...

My favorite part of John's letter was when he wrote about the Gulf-to-Bay Drive-In and the incredible movies he saw there, most of which I've seen on either Creature Feature or VHS rentals. I still have not seen "Twins of Evil" and "Mark of the Devil 2", but all the rest of the films you mentioned I did see recently, in fact. I recall the trailer for Carradine's "Vampire Hookers" playing late nights on local TV - unforgettable! As I wrote in my last letter, I did see the great "Laserblast" at Pinellas Square 3 back in '78. Yes, "Tombs of the Blind Dead" was a great movie; I have it on DVD!

I should mention that I had the privilege of seeing "Yog - Monster from Space" at the 5th Avenue Theaters (in St. Pete.) at a week-long, limited engagement. I had to beg my mom to take me (this was '75, I think) and she patiently watched it with me as I sat in cinematic heaven for 90 minutes! Is Yog actually Cthulhu? Remember those rare "one week only!" engagements? Usually they were reserved for granola-type movies, such as "Pippi Longstocking", "The Mountain Family Robinson" films, and "Return to Boggy Creek".

Lastly, I can't believe you walked out on "Message from Space"...a cable TV classic! It still shows regularly on Showtime and FLIX!!! Great movie!!! Loved those extraterrestrial walnuts.

Moving on to other subjects...
I enjoyed all the "Hulk" observations and opinions. I haven't seen it yet, but I'm in no rush. I'm amazed at the people who only remember the TV show; it's like they don't have a clue it was based on a Marvel comic! Also, the CG is getting bashed in the press. Proves that it can look just as "unreal" (that's not a put-down) as stop-motion.

I can't believe that Mike Smith actually saw "Suspiria" at a movie theater! For some reason (probably my young age) I can't recall the movie actually playing anywhere in '77; and I was usually pretty good about scanning the movie section for the latest drive-in flicks, such as "Up from the Depths"!

A fond farewell to William "Blacula" Marshall. Yet another Great One has been taken from us.

Men Without Hats
On a final note, I just want to add to the envy I have for certain PCR columnists, specifically Will Moriaty when he mentioned that he saw the great New Wave band MEN WITHOUT HATS back in their '83 heyday. How cool is that? Will no doubt experienced their "Rhythm of Youth" tour, featuring the famous single "The Safety Dance". Like many other bands from that great era, MWH was over-talented and under-appreciated, but I firmly believe that over the course of time, many New Wave bands will be recognized for their contributions to pop culture and the music industry itself.

Actually, ROY was not MWH, first album; it was "Folk of the '80s Part III", which came out in '81, I think. That album featured the lesser hit "Where Do the Boys Go?" (not one of my personal MWH picks). ROY, however, was their best work ever, in my opinion. It's one of those albums where every single track is a winner; I defy anyone to sit still while playing it. In addition to "The Safety Dance", ROY includes great satellite singles, including the classic "Antarctica", "I Like" (which I just saw the video for on VH-1 Classic; it features some of the characters, like the famous midget, from "The Safety Dance" video), and "I Got the Message".

For completists, check out the vinyl 12" pressings of their extended remixes of the ROY singles: "The Safety Dance" (ho-hum; heard it a million times), and "I Got the Message", a great remix which includes 2 great B-sides: "Freeways" (EuroMix) and "Utter Space". "Freeways" is available on the imported version of MWH's Greatest Hits, which is called "Greatest Hats" (the cover is identical to the U.S. version, boringly called "Collection") and is required listening. "Utter Space" is harder to find, and to my knowledge is not available on CD (please, someone correct me!). Thank God for Napster...who said it doesn't serve a useful purpose? Some of MWH remixes are included as bonus tracks on the various "Best of" collections.

Unfortunately, ROY is not available in its entirety on CD (I think there have been CD-R's available). For such a classic New Wave album, I'm surprised it was never released. For cryin' out loud, you can get Re-Flex's first and only CD featuring "The Politics of Dancing", why not ROY?

MWH's later CD's were great, but they didn't quite match the grandeur and success of ROY. Their biggest post-"Safety Dance" hit was '87s "Pop Goes the World" from the album of the same name (now out of print and collectible). The album featured an Ian Anderson (of Jethro Tull fame) flute solo on the song "On Tuesday" (a great song) and other singles, some of which I don't agree should have been singles off the album ("Moonbeam", which was silly). "On Tuesday" should have been released instead. Another great track "O Solo Mio", to my knowledge was not released as a single either, which was criminal. It should be noted that MWH at this point changed their line-up, and in the "Pop Goes the World" video even featured a drum-playing snowman (in classic MWH style) and "Jenny", a new be-bop bassist (didn't they learn from ABC's '85 lineup?). A CDV (now a dead format that used to be played on laserdisc players) was even made for "Pop Goes the World" featuring the video for PGTW and tracks from the album.

In 1989, MWH released the successful concept album (okay, here we go...) "The Adventures of Men and Women Without Hate in the 21st Century" (*whew!*), which featured a more "mature", synth-less sound, and was actually an excellent CD (with a great cover). Many of the songs, like the first single "Hey, Men" centered around women's issues, such as women's rights, paralleling songwriting trends of the time (see Tears for Fears' single off their '89 CD "Seeds of Love" entitled "Woman in Chains"). Other songs were pro-environment, taking the standard artistic stance that company bad and nature good. The low point of the CD was the cheat "bonus" track...a horrible "electrofied" version of "The Safety Dance".

MWH were to release one more CD since "Adventures..." in the '90s; it was called "Sideways". Gone were the listenable synth melodies of their early years in favor of a heavy guitar(!) sound. It didn't work. Many New Wave bands rebelled against their synth monikers by turning to guitars (China Crisis, Adam Ant, Duran Duran), and sometimes it worked, sometimes it didn't. The lone single for "Sideways" (called "Sideways") is featured on the imported MWH "Best Of" CD "Greatest Hats".

Again, for completists, Ivan (the lead singer/keyboards) and the guitarist (Stephen, Ivan's brother) have released solo albums and worked on side projects, but plan on re-forming MWH for a new tour. To investigate what the band is currently up to, check out their official website: www.menwithouthats.com. Yes, there actually was life after the '80s.

A good place to start with MWH is to purchase their greatest hits collection, which in the U.S. is aptly called "Collection". A standout track is a cover tune of Roxy Music's "Editions of You" which absolutely will have you dancing in the streets. Hopefully this will prompt the listener to purchase their actual albums, rich in great, unexplored songs.

Well, I probably told everyone more than they need to know about MWH, but they were (and are) a great New Wave band, and one that deserves to be remembered 1,000 years from now. I envy you Bill, for getting the chance to see them in '83...that must have been something. You know, in an episode of SNL, David Spade did his "Hollywood Minute" routine (a favorite) and mentioned that he too saw MWH in '83, but they didn't play "The Safety Dance" (pairing it with a Big Country comment, claiming they did not play "In a Big Country"). Was that true? Hopefully if MWH re-forms, I will finally get the opportunity to see them perform - a big thrill indeed. Heard they are actively looking for a keyboardist. Terence, are you interested?

- Andy Lalino

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Nolan,
Being a fan of the "Green Goliath" since I was about 6 I went to see this film first day out. I knew I would be disappointed in the graphics, but everyone assured me the directing would more than make up for it. For the most part, I was disappointed. I know that the climate is wrong for the military to be the bad guys, so the HULK's encounters with the army were few and nonfatal. I thought these sequences were the best though.

The story with his father (the center of the film) seemed irrelevant by the end of the movie (He's stone, no he's water, he's sucking the HULK dry, no wait...). As for this being an artful film, that is undeniable. But should a film with a leading character who looks like a cartoon be aimed at cultured adults or the child in all of us? I hope the solid 45 minutes of this film is enough to carry it through to a sequel. There were some hints of great things to come and now that the characters are developed maybe we can get down to some real HULK action. And let's think about using some animatronics mixed in with the CG next time. Okay? Just because the technology is old, doesn't make it bad.

Thanks for listening.
Jason Liquori

Jason, my boy! Good to hear from you. I agree with pretty much everything you said about HULK, especially about the possible use of animatronics which I think would've helped this time. I don't know if I'm enthused about a sequel, but it will probably do well enough in foreign markets do warant one.
   We need a director who really knows and respects the comic. Despite rhetoric to the contrary, (and despite being a much-ballyhooed Oscar-winner), I don't really believe Ang was the best man for this job. Sure it could've been worse, but let's see what happens now. --Nolan

To send an email to Letters to the Editor write to: Crazedfanboy1@aol.com.  Any emails sent to this address will be assumed intended for publication unless you specifically instruct me not to. I can and do respond privately, if that is your preference. Frequently, it's both ways.---Nolan