The Nostalgia Critic introduces 'Monkeybone' as a film that attempts to capitalize on dark and weird themes, similar to 'Beetlejuice,' but ultimately fails to achieve the same success. He notes that while directors like Henry Selick can excel at creating visually engaging, surreal content, 'Monkeybone' misses the mark by being annoying and nonsensical, unlike films such as 'Gremlins' or 'Paranorman.'
Brendan Fraser's Miscast Role
The Nostalgia Critic argues that Brendan Fraser is miscast as Stu Miley, the shy, tormented artist. Fraser's natural demeanor is perceived as too conventionally heroic or bland, failing to convincingly portray the introverted, awkward character required by the narrative. This lack of believability undermines the film's grounding reality, which is essential for offsetting its strangeness.
The Visually Stunning, Narratively Empty 'Downtown'
The film's 'Downtown,' the world people inhabit while in comas, is visually stunning and surreal, a marvel for the eyes. However, the Nostalgia Critic finds it to be a 'DC' for the other senses, lacking substance and coherence. The imagery is described as derivative, resembling a bizarre mix of 'Pee-wee's Playhouse' and other surreal influences, but without a compelling narrative to anchor it.
The 'Batman' Writer's Influence
The Nostalgia Critic notes that Sam Hamm, the writer of 'Batman,' also penned 'Monkeybone.' He draws parallels between the two films, suggesting that 'Monkeybone' shares elements like a villain releasing a gas disguised in a cartoon, a sudden love interest, and commercial tie-ins. This comparison implies that the film's narrative issues might stem from a formulaic approach that worked better in a superhero context.
The film 'Moonwalker' is fundamentally an ego trip for Michael Jackson, lacking a coherent story and instead serving as a showcase for his perceived greatness through a series of disjointed clips and music videos. The reviewer questions the very title, suggesting 'Crotch Grabbing' would be more apt given the lack of focus on the titular dance move.
Creepy 'Bad' Recut and Surreal Chase
A recut of the 'Bad' music video featuring children is deemed creepy rather than charming, and a subsequent chase sequence involving stop-motion characters and Jackson shapeshifting into various personas is described as 'mindfucker' due to its surreal and nonsensical nature.
Smooth Criminal: A Glimmer of Perfection
The 'Smooth Criminal' music video segment is hailed as the best part of the movie, a near-perfect masterpiece of style, staging, and dancing that transcends the film's narrative flaws. The reviewer considers it superior to 'Thriller' in its execution, calling it the perfection of the music video format.
An Anticlimactic and Ego-Centric Conclusion
The film concludes with Michael Jackson returning inexplicably to show the children a concert, which feels like another ego-boosting display that disintegrates the children from the story. The reviewer deems the entire film a charming waste, advising Jackson to stick to performing and leave storytelling to the professionals.
The film opens with a gender-swapped parody of American Pie, featuring Janie, played by Shirley Lee, about to pleasure herself to a romantic teen movie. This sets a tone that is both a direct parody and potentially a commentary on the genre's tropes, though the execution is noted as forced.
Parodying the 'Movie Movie' Formula
The film incorporates common parody elements like the 'picture with picture' gag and slapstick involving wires, acknowledging these are done in most parody movies. It also satirizes the trope of the 'token black guy' and mocks the early mockery of films like 'The Phantom Menace,' showing an awareness of contemporary pop culture.
Nostalgia Critic: The 'Mean Girl' and Awkward Romance
The film attempts to satirize 'Cruel Intentions' with a subplot involving Catherine, the 'mean girl,' who manipulates Janie. The reviewer notes the awkwardness of the incestuous undertones and the forced nature of Jake's attempts to win Janie over, suggesting a lack of genuine romantic or comedic development.
The Prom King and Queen Twist
The film culminates with Jake winning prom king, but the conjoined Patelli sisters win prom queen, a bizarre twist that the reviewer finds odd. This moment, along with Janie's decision to go to Paris and Jake's grand gesture, wraps up the narrative, though the reviewer questions the logic and effectiveness of these resolutions.
Nostalgia Critic: Final Verdict on the Parody
The reviewer concludes that 'Not Another Teen Movie' is not the worst of the 'movie movies' but is ultimately boring due to underdeveloped jokes, awkward delivery, and reliance on gross-out humor. He suggests 'Superhero Movie' is more passable, deeming this film underwhelming.
