Retro 80's Movies Reviewed by The Drama Queen: U.H.F.

Hi there! Drama Queen here.  In an effort to better understand my 80's obsessed (and forever quoting!) parents, I thought it might be fun to spend a chunk of my summer watching some of their favorite movies from the 80's. Not only do I get to spend some quality fun time with them (and contrary to popular teenage attitudes, I actually do like to spend time with them, because my parents are...what's the 80's phrase? Oh yeah...Totally Awesome!), but I also get to witness some good and bad 80's movies and see first hand where some of the things Mom and Dad constantly say/quote actually come from...

Today, we travel to the wonderful world of 1989 amidst the offices and hallways of Channel U62...

U.H.F. (1989)

There are only three words to sum up this hilarious movie:

Weird. Al. Yankovic.

Yessssss!

Weird Al proves himself the king of skit, spoof and everything in between. I grew up to a ton of Yankovic material...DVD's of The Weird Al Show, all of his song parodies, and I even got to see him live in concert rocking out with his trusty accordion! We even made a video for Papa Bear's 40th birthday to Weird Al's song, Albuquerque (it's his favorite Weird Al song - the video was awesome, by the way). I am well versed in Weird Al-dom. My parents didn't raise no fool...

The fact that he had made a movie completely blew my teenage mind! Don't get me wrong - I adore the man! It's just that when Mom told me that he pretty much owned the movie, I was shocked. Movie? Bring it on! All in all, I loved the film. It is guaranteed to make anyone laugh until the tears come! The character of George Newman was, of course, my favorite character. Being the comedic genius Weird Al is, how could he not play my favorite character?

This scene is just pure hilarity! It's what they should show under the definition of hilarity in the dictionary...  Yes, this shows cruelty to animals. And yes, I am very against that...in real life. But c'mon...flying poodles? Epic much?!

I "got" most, if not all of the 80's references in the movie too. And who wants to drink from the fire hose??? I do! I do! Did I mention the both my parents have a Spatula City tee shirt?? Yeah, they're kinda cool like that.

Drama Queen Rating:  4


Wicked Chef says:
Quintessential family movie. Our family, anyway. And yes - we do actually have Spatula City tee shirts. U.H.F. is slapstick, goofball comedy at its finest 97 minutes. So many great scenes, so many fantastic quotes, and best of all, Weird Al.  We beyond-love Weird Al. This is the only thing that I like Michael Richards or Fran Drescher in. When life gets too serious, it's time to watch this movie. In the wise words of George Newman: You gotta grab life by the lips and yank as hard as you can! 


So here is a crazy good recipe for a crazy good movie!!

"Porktater" Cheese Sliders

1 package of soft dinner rolls
1 small bag of frozen shredded hash browns
Spicy brown mustard (optional)
16-20 slices of your favorite cheese
8-10 thin pork cutlets, cut in half (should give you 16-20 "mini" cutlets)
Flour, seasoned with salt, pepper and cayenne (for dredging)
2 eggs, beaten
1/2 cup hot sauce
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp butter

Prepare the hash browns according to package directions.

While the hash browns are cooking:  Melt the butter into the oil in a frying pan over medium heat. While that is working its magic, add the hot sauce to the bowl with the beaten egg. The seasoned flour for dredging should be in another separate bowl, but I'm sure you figured that out already.

Dip the cutlets into the egg mixture, then dredge in flour. Place cutlets in pan and cook about 3-4 minutes per side.  Cook in batches if necessary. Remove cutlets and keep warm.

To assemble your Porktater Cheese Sliders:  Cut each dinner roll in half horizontally to serve as the bun. On top of the bottom half of the roll, spread mustard if using and top with a mini cutlet. Top the cutlet with hash browns to cover. Top hash browns with your favorite cheese. I used American, but not because it's my favorite...it's what I had on hand. In this concoction, it wasn't half bad.  Top the slider with the top part of the roll and you're all set for your Porktater experience.

Retro 80's Movies Reviewed by The Drama Queen: Ghostbusters / Ghostbusters 2

Hi there! Drama Queen here.  In an effort to better understand my 80's obsessed (and forever quoting!) parents, I thought it might be fun to spend a chunk of my summer watching some of their favorite movies from the 80's. Not only do I get to spend some quality fun time with them (and contrary to popular teenage attitudes, I actually do like to spend time with them, because my parents are...what's the 80's phrase? Oh yeah...Totally Awesome!), but I also get to witness some good and bad 80's movies and see first hand where some of the things Mom and Dad constantly say/quote actually come from...

Remember the rating system?

Today I'll review Ghostbusters (1984) and Ghostbusters 2 (1989) in one ghost bustin' post.

Let me preface by letting you know something about my family. We love ghost stuff. Paranormal things are a part of daily life around here. Heck, Mom and Dad even have their own paranormal investigation team - S.P.I.R.I.T.  They take ghosts and the paranormal seriously, but that's not to say that they don't thoroughly enjoy the comedic end of it.  If a movie, television show, or book has to do with the paranormal, be it serious or funny, our whole family gets into it.  Ghostbusters is high on Mom and Dad's list of favorite movies. Needless to say, I already had a pretty good idea of what the whole Ghostbusters thing was all about.

Ghostbusters is an fun blend of special effects and comedy, featuring a hilarious deadpan performance from Bill Murray (who I love!). Whoever thought of having evil's final manifestation take the form of a 100-ft. marshmallow deserves eternal gratitude. I had a good giggle watching Ghostbusters, and I recommend checking it out for an evening of turn-your-brain-off entertainment.In this installment, I loved the character of Dana Barrett (Sigourney Weaver) because I just like strong female leads.

Watch my favorite scene here! I loved this tidbit as it is really cheesy acting at it's finest.  I am a theatre student and am surrounded daily by actors and actresses who aren't even half that cheesy.  I am also partial to the scene where Ray (Dan Ackroyd) says, "Symmetrical book stacking. Just like the Philadelphia mass turbulence of 1947." To which Peter (Murray) replies, "You're right! No human being would stack books like this."  I loved this scene just because of the obvious factor made it all the more hilarious.  Bill Murray rocks. And I love when Ray says, "Listen...do you smell something?" My family and I say that every now and then when we hear something...classic.

Drama Queen Rating:  5

Ghostbusters 2 is good enough to put most post-millennial comedy to shame. It is almost as witty and sharp as the first film and it only suffers slightly from the oh-so-inevitable repetitions. Young kids will find the oozing slime and ghostly apparitions (Hello, Slimer!) to their liking, while the adults will enjoy the clever dialog, and of course, Mr. Murray.  In this film, my favorite character was Louis Tully (Rick Moranis) because the writers finally gave him his own meaty storyline within the story.  The randomness of the Twinkie scene is hilarious!

After watching Ghostbusters 2, I finally understand the "It is Vigo!" that Mom and Dad say all the time...and now... so do Little Lawyer and I.  I think in the 24 hours following the watching of this scene, the four of us must have said this line at least 30 times, cracking up each and every time because it just kept getting funnier.

Drama Queen Rating:  3

Wicked Chef says:
I love, love, LOVE Bill Murray. If a movie has Bill Murray in it...that's all I need to know to see it and enjoy it. Ghostbusters still holds up today more than any other comedy I can think of. I still find myself laughing out loud every time I see it. It is one of those movies that when you run across it while flipping channels, you simply have to watch it.  Ghostbusters 2... not so much. Although it was funny, sequels are very, very rarely ever as great as the first. I did enjoy it, but not quite so much as the first one.  In some cases, I think sequels should be against the law, but not necessarily for this series.  Peter MacNicol was hilarious as Dr. Janosz Poha. Drama Queen has heard Papa Bear and I say "It is Vigo!!" about a million times in her lifetime. It just never gets old...

I think I will put Vigo's words of wisdom on my tombstone... "Death is but a doorway...time is but a window. I'll be back."  That'll freak the crap out of a lot of people!



Here is a great quick and easy snack to enjoy while watching Ghostbusters and Ghostbusters 2:

Fried Ravioli with Jalapeno Cheddar Dip

1 package of fresh ravioli (like Butoni*), any variety you like
Oil for frying
Heluva Good Jalapeno Cheddar Dip* (or any dip your prefer)

Pour enough oil into a frying pan to reach a depth of about 1 inch. Heat over medium heat until temperature reaches 325.

When the oil is hot, fry the ravioli in batches, turning occasionally, until golden brown, about 1-2 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the fried ravioli to paper towels to drain.

Sprinkle with salt and serve with dip.

Warning: These are highly, highly addictive snacks. Consider yourself warned. Don't blame me.

*I recommend using Butoni Three Cheese Ravioletti. They fry up quick and if you slightly burn them, it's okay! They taste like Ritz Bits when on the burned side.  I love the Heluva Good dips and could drink the jalapeno cheddar with a straw - it's that good.  I recommend these simply because I use and like them, not because I was asked to by anyone or compensated in any way.

Retro 80's Movies Reviewed by The Drama Queen: Uncle Buck

Hi there! Drama Queen here.  In an effort to better understand my 80's obsessed (and forever quoting!) parents, I thought it might be fun to spend a chunk of my summer watching some of their favorite movies from the 80's. Not only do I get to spend some quality fun time with them (and contrary to popular teenage attitudes, I actually do like to spend time with them, because my parents are...what's the 80's phrase? Oh yeah...Totally Awesome!), but I also get to witness some good and bad 80's movies and see first hand where some of the things Mom and Dad constantly say/quote actually come from...

Let's begin our most excellent adventure!

Papa Bear gave me my very own 'Rating System' to use for the movies I watch in addition to reviewing them:

 

I'll rate and review each movie and Wicked Chef or Papa Bear might make a few comments here and there too...

So, let's begin with the 1989 film, Uncle Buck...

 

Drama Queen Rating:  4    

I loved this charming, hilarious and delightful movie! Uncle Buck is the story of a jobless, irresponsible and single uncle called upon to take care of his two nieces and one nephew.  This movie had me cracking up and laughing out loud from the moment I started watching it! I loved the point of the story, as well as the amount of heart.  This movie sweetly proves that family always comes through in the end - no matter what. John Candy has now become one of the most treasured actors in my book. Sadly, I learned he is no longer with us...and that is a very sad thing.                                                                                                                                                                        

I would have to say that my favorite character in the film was Tia Russell, played by Jean Louisa Kelly. I liked watching her mature through the story. It was easier to connect to her character because I'm going through the same trials and tribulations of adolescence as we speak.

                                                                                                                         

I was particularly fond of this scene because it's great to see someone (and yes, I am aware this was only an actor talking) "bashing" the school system. The system is always trying to control the kids and make them way too serious for their age(s).  My favorite line/quote from the movie was when Tia says to Buck, "Have a bad day today? It hurts when someone screws with your life, doesn't it?" because that is so, so true! I also enjoyed the tone in Miles' voice (Macaulay Culkin) when he sees Buck cooking breakfast and turns to Tia and says, "Holy smokes! He's cooking our garbage!"

Wicked Chef Says:

John Candy is one of my all-time favorite character actors ever.  Uncle Buck is the uncle I wish I had growing up. Wait a sec - I think I married an Uncle Buck!! Lucky me! This is my favorite Candy movie (outside of Planes, Trains & Automobiles, of course) and I picked this one for Drama Queen based on this, as well as the storyline. I was hoping she would identify with the character of Tia and see some of herself in that and come away with the "Family is King" message that she ultimately did. Not that my precious DQ is anything remotely like Tia, mind you...but she does have her 'teen angst' moments!

In keeping with the Uncle Buck spirit of this post, here is a recipe for one of the best pancake breakfasts ever!! Although not quite as large as the pancakes that Buck makes for the kids, these are just as filling!!

Cheesecake Pancake Stack with Cherry Sauce

For the pancakes:

2 eggs

1-1/2 cup milk

4 Tbsp melted butter

2 cups all purpose flour

2 Tbsp sugar

6 tsp baking powder

1 tsp salt

2 tsp vanilla

2 tsp cinnamon

For the cheesecake filling:

(Warning: make this several hours ahead for proper chill time!)

8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature

1/4 cup sugar

1 tsp vanilla

1 cup heavy whipping cream

For the topping:

Whipped cream

One 21 ounce can of cherry pie filling

Prepare the cheesecake filling first:  With electric mixer, beat the cream cheese in a large bowl until smooth. Add the sugar and beat until fluffy. Scrape the sides of the bowl down and beat in the vanilla.  In a separate bowl, beat heavy whipping cream until soft peaks form. Gradually fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture.  Cover and chill for several hours.

Prepare pancake batter:  In large bowl, whisk egg until fluffy.  Whisk in milk and melted butter until combined.  Add the dry ingredients and mix well. Let batter rest for 5-10 minutes.  Heat a griddle or frying pan over medium high. Spray with non-stick spray or grease with a little butter.  The griddle or pan is hot enough when water droplets 'dance' around the pan.  Pour about 1/4 cup worth of batter onto surface and let cook. When bubbles appear on the surface of the pancake and begin to break, turn over and cook a minute or so more.

Heat pie filling in a small saucepan over medium heat for 5 to 6 minutes. Keep warm on low until ready to serve.

To assemble:  Place one pancake on plate. Top with (about a 1/4 inch high) layer of cream cheese filling. Top with another pancake. Top with another thin layer of cheesecake filling. Add whipped cream and warm cherry pie filling.