The Phantom Movie Review
by Jon Ashby, REwind Video Magazine [ashby.rewind@home.com]
http://www.rewindvideo.com, July 2000
I like Star Wars. I don't love it like some nerdy fanboy, but I like it. I also like Monty Python. I don't love it enough to buy the videos, but I like it. So good news for me - The Phantom Movie has both.
The parody of Star Wars is pretty obvious of course, but I mention Monty Python simply because that's the type of humour it reminds me of - not exactly as clever, but certainly willing to go the distance for laughs. Naturally I found the story about as clear as a Terry Gilliam movie (it later cleared up), and in the beginning the editing seemed experimental at best (it too cleared up). What kept me hanging in there for the first little while was the impersonations, references and jokes often at the expense of G. Lucas - not just amusing, but enough to make me laugh out loud in an empty room!
Before I go into this anymore, I have to give kudos to all the primary cast, in particular Garrett Gilchrist as Darth Hologram and Justin Bielawa as Boink - to date the best comedic version of Obiwan Kenobi I've ever seen. For some reason I can't help but laugh when I see rage fill his face as he pulls his pistol and aims at Sta-Wa Jinx - his mentor stops him telling him the creature might be useful, to which he immediately yells 'He's of use to no one!' You can check out the clip on their site, but to do it justice you should get the video.
So as I mentioned earlier, the movie gets better as it goes along, and aside from a major lull in an extended (and confusing) American Grafitti parody, it moves along nicely. The video is a bit long for my tastes - less this scene I believe it would have nailed it. But I digress. This film is not only funny, but has several technical merits - for example, the cheap effect used to create Darth Hologram is used consistently enough to actually let it slide. And though the effects with make-up and video are very amateur in appearance, their well timed use and the fact that they are not overly abused makes them comedic and enjoyable as well! I can see a lot of hard work went into details like costumes and make-up.
Then there are the film references. Star Wars is obvious. Star Trek pops up from time to time, but is more or less limited to a cardboard cutout of Patrick Stewart. Then there's Aliens. Ninja Scroll. Leave It To Beaver. Evil Dead 2. And these are just the obvious ones that pop into my head.. there are dozens. I'm going to watch it again and take a count.
And lastly, there is the final fight. I was very surprised by this one - after seeing a team of rebels take on an armada of inanimate lawn chairs (with some difficulty), I expected a suitably cheesy end fight between Darth Ass-Kick and the boys. Get this - the fight is really well done. Not perfect mind you, at some points it does get dry, but Niket Doshi is able to successfully mimick the movements and fighting style of Ray Park's original jump fest! I was very impressed at this. To add some icing, their choice of location couldn't be more suitable.. it looks like a newer school, complete with high ledges, open areas, tight quarters, an elevator.. I was a bit choked when the fight suddenly moved to a small Oktoberfest pub, but I guess they had to wrap it eventually. Good show guys.
So I'll wrap this review with a big high five to some truly amateur videomakers with a great sense of humour. It's not the best no-budget flick I've ever seen, (in fact some parts are kinda lame), but it will stand as one of the funniest. Check it out when you get the chance.
Jon Ashby, REwind
[In a later post, Jon adds:]
Seems like it's been a while since I saw TPM ... it's good it's getting more exposure! ... I was a hardass in my review, but those flicks [TPM and other amateur work] hold a special place on my shelf, it's some incredible stuff. ... Congrats on all the kudos Garrett and company!
The Phantom Movie Review
By Jared Hargrave, Rusty Hoot Pictures
http://www.rustyhoot.com
I like this movie. No, I love this movie. No, to put it in the words of Rusty Hooter Daniel Kelley, “Dear God.” To quote new Rusty Hoot member Nichole Covington, “It was exhausting.”
Exhausting because (like all other Orange Cow movies) it was very long for an amateur flick. However, it is now my favorite feature length amateur movie. Why? Because it was damn funny. My face muscles hurt from laughing so much and for so long.
Months ago, I read Jon Ashby’s review of “The Phantom Movie” and after seeing it for myself, I have to agree with most of what he said. Clearly this is a parody of “Star Wars”, “The Phantom Menace” in particular. It also has a distinct Monty Python feel to it, not just because of the humor, but also for the way it was put together. Some of the ones that stick out in my mind are the constant cutaways to a nerdy guy “auditioning” and constantly saying, “I AM the Phantom Menace!” Another example: Lord Hologram (now Lord Tangible. . . HILARIOUS) says, “now witness the firepower of this fully armed and operational pirate station.” Insert shot of pirates grinning at the camera saying “Arrrgggg!” These examples feel more like the mighty Python’s “And Now For Something Completely Different” or “The Meaning of Life” rather than the ever popular “Search for the Holy Grail.” Being a huge Monty Python fan, I really enjoyed this aspect to their movie. But let me say that they do not really rip off Monty Python in any way (that I can tell) but they instead adopt the feel of it, the theory perhaps. I think it is safe to say that they are the amateur world’s version of Python.
Although the ripping off doesn’t occur at Monty Python’s expense, the Star Wars movies take a beating, as well as an extremely funny parody of “Army of Darkness” that mimics the scene when Ash builds his metal hand in the Medieval shed. Again, the feel of the scene so closely resembles the feel of “Army of Darkness” that the parody really works. In order to successfully parody something, it must be done on the same level as the original work, and the amazing thing about Orange Cow, is that they are able to do this. Very impressive.
At first, this movie started out pretty rough. There were jump cuts everywhere, the audio was really bad (especially in the bar scene), and it wasn’t very funny. However it wasn’t long before it took off into a direction that I wasn’t prepared for. All the technical problems are pushed to the side because it is clear that they made this movie for fun, and they obviously had fun making it. As a result, the performances are all top notch. I have never seen physical comedy like this in an amateur movie before. Everyone was at their best, especially Garrett who portrays Lord Hologram and (I think) Sta Wa Jinxs. It is not so much the way the actors look that makes their performances so enjoyable, but the way they talk! Whoever parodied the Nubians in their masks perfectly copied the Nubian accent from “The Phantom Movie.” (I also love how they have to move the rubber mouth with their hands) Garrett had me on the floor with his portrayal of Sta Wa Jinks. And what the hell was up with the Orange Cow version of Boss Nass? It was a cardboard cutout of the actor who portrayed Jabba the Hutt in Episode IV, and only the mouth moves. Hilarious and again, another tip o’ the hat to Monty Python.
What also cracked me up was the midi versions of the "Star Wars" soundtrack, especially the "Duel of the Fates" song during the climax. Midi is so bad and weak, that when put up against the epic final battle, it takes a supposedly serious and tense moment and turns it into even more laughter on my part. I also have to give props to Orange Cow for singing their own versions of some of the songs, most notably "Rock Around the Clock." [ed. note: sung by Scranton, PA garage band 50 o'clock.] It is so bad that it is good. Garrett, you really should make the soundtrack available on CD. You'd make a killing.
Yet despite all these good things, there are some slow parts in this movie, especially the “American Graffiti” parody, that made me a little antsy in my seat. There were also some instances where I just had to roll my eyes at the sheer stupidity of some scenes that apparently are there for the sheer reason for being sheerly stupid. (like my last sentence) I know it is hard to edit out anything from a movie, especially if the editor thinks it is funny. But like a bruised banana, you need to hack off the rotten black stuff before you can slowly wrap your lips around it and swallow. . . For the sake of the overall final project, sacrifices have to be made, and I feel that “The Phantom Movie” would have done well if it had been trimmed down a little bit . . . okay, maybe a lot.
But I stand by my word when I say that this is my favorite feature length amateur comedy ever. That’s right, ever. The Orange Cow crew are all very talented and extremely clever and I can’t wait to see “Excaliburger” when it is finished. I recommend that everyone who reads this article try and get a copy of “The Phantom Movie.” You won’t be sorry you did, but you might be exhausted at the end. Because it’s a long, wild, face-muscle-aching ride.
Jared Hargrave, Rusty Hoot Pictures
Dr. Fred's Episode III: The Phantom Movie
Orange Cow Productions
Review by John Simpson, The Amateur Movie Database [psychofilm@yahoo.com]
http://www.go-amdb.com
Rewatchability factor:
You'll want to watch this one over and over, but fast-forward through the slow parts.
Give me Dr. Fred over George Lucas anyday! Garrett Gilchrist and the gang at Dr. Fred's Amazing Exploding Cow Show have made a movie that I have already watched more times than any Star Wars movie. "The Phantom Movie" is, of course, a parody of "Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace", but what makes this parody so clever is the fact that it uses already established Dr. Fred characters and situations to poke fun at the space saga. Queen Amadeus, who comes from a planet of mimes, is looking for bankable entertainers for "Dr. Fred's Amazing Exploding Cow Show" which will air throughout the universe. Lord Hologram and Darth Ass-Kick are also on a quest to dominate television ratings, and they find their star... one by the name of Sta-Wa Jinx. Yes, Sta-Wa is a parody of Jar Jar Binks, but before you all scream in horror, Sta-Wa is a puppet that actually DID make the movie better. There is no attempt at all to make him seem real. He's hilarious, and Garrett Gilchrist does a great impression of everyone's least liked CGI cartoon. The movie starts out rather strangely, and I find myself fast forwarding through this particular scene on repeat viewings. The editing bounces around a lot during the first few minutes, but after that things are pretty much under control. Besides this scene, there are a couple other instances where the movie drags immensely (especially if you haven't seen the particular movie being parodied), but there are plenty of laughs along the way to keep you from leaving your tv set.
The Phantom Movie - a review
Posted 9-8-2000 13:16
By Dan Gorgone, Random Foo Pictures [dan@randomfoo.com]
---------
Watched the funniest movie I've seen in a long time last night. It's called THE PHANTOM MOVIE - made by the Dr. Fred guys... My quick review: hilarious, but a bit too long. I haven't laughed this hard in a while, not since our own descent into insanity entitled POE FOR YEW back in high school.
My favorite performances: David Ashe as Whis-kei Jinn, very funny - a natural ham. Garrett Gilchrist as Lord Hologram - a dead-on hilarious Sidious impression ("Dry them off, all of them"). Ben Sipprell as T-Bird - a great, crazy performance. Jar-Jar Binks as Sta-Wa Jinx - I lost it when his eye kept caving into his head, don't know why, it just looked so damn funny. And Jean-Luc Picard was good too.
Anyway, the performances across the board were great, I just wish that the movie had been pared down - perhaps to 90 minutes or so. By cutting it down, there are some dead spots in the movie that could've been taken out. But then again, I'd hate to miss anything. There were so many jokes in the movie, you have to see it again and again to catch them all.
My one BIG fault with the movie was the sound: it was very difficult to hear dialogue in some scenes, so I started to lose interest until another scene with better sound came along.
This movie is great. I was extremely impressed with how talented and resourceful these guys were; when it came to sets, costumes, and music, they did it all. All you have to do now is release a "Phantom Movie: Special Edition" with improved sound and I think it would be perfect. Very well done you guys!
- Dan
dan@randomfoo.com
[In a later post, Dan adds:]
Can't wait to see more from you guys - the biggest reason for the success of PHANTOM MOVIE is most definitely the FUN of it all. No matter how many tech problems you have, you can't escape the Fun.
Your Lord Hologram was extraordinary, Garrett. Incredibly funny.
Posted 9-10-2000 14:15
By Jason Santo, Pangaea Films
---------
The Phantom Movie was hilarious.
Mr. Garrett Gilchrist, good LORD, man! "Art thou INSANE????" Great comedy was seen in "The Phantom Movie" and I must say you guys were enormously clever in the way you worked in different movie parodies into the larger parody of "The Phantom Menace." Though it ran long, the segment set in "American Graffiti" was terrific because it made perfect sense to meet "Anny" there. Racing cars or racing pods or racing John Deer mowers? What's the difference?
Awesome cast... just about everyone was fabulous, but like Dan, I have to say your Lord Hologram stole the show. I absolutely cracked-up every time you attempted to shoot lightning out of your hands and nothing happened. I also greatly enjoyed the young lady who played Princess Amadeus. Her lines were delivered with a very offbeat kind of timing and near-craziness... she appeared unstable, yet very regal. Queen of the Mimes... too funny.
PLEASE... if you are to send us anything else, send us more of the Cow Show episodes. One of the funniest things on the tape was the review of what happened on the last episode. "Mr. Leonard Cubbins will eat a door..." I think I nearly choked I was laughing so hard at that one.
Hope all stays well for you!
Jason
Merle Bertrand, Filmthreat.com
Monday, August 13th, 2001 [2 years after the film's release, 1 year after it was sent to them for review]
---------
DR. FRED'S EPISODE III: THE PHANTOM MOVIE (* 1/2)
by Merle Bertrand
2000 [actually 1999], Un-rated, 109min, Orange Cow Productions (8/13/2001)
It's gotta be a genetic thing, kinda like the Grandma Gene; you know how when women first become grandmothers, they suddenly acquire a camera that seems permanently affixed to their arm like salamanders sprout a sliced off tail? Something similar must be at work. How else to explain why so many young aspiring filmmakers feel that their way to success, fame and fortune lies in making a bad "Star Wars" parody. After all, didn't George Lucas do that himself with Return of the Jedi?
Yet, here comes another one, this time courtesy of director and multi-hyphenate Garrett Gilchrist and his band of determined, well-intentioned young acolytes. "Dr. Fred's Episode III - The Phantom Movie" is produced under their Orange Cow Productions banner. Not to sound rude, but I'd rather not sit through the first two episodes after watching this confused and jumbled mess.
The plot seems to follow, um, "Zedi" Masters [Fredi, actually - ed] Whis-kei Jinn (David Ashe) and his apprentice Jar Jar Boinks (Justin Bielawa) in their quest to procure a television time slot for Orange Cow's "Dr. Fred's" show. With the help of the haplessly incognito Queen Amadeus (Liz Dimenno), our heroes criss-cross the galaxy poking fun and/or paying homage to Lucas films (American Graffiti, "THX-1138"), aping other science fiction films, and mercilessly excoriating Trekkers and "Phantom Menace's" loping "Kick Me" sign, Jar Jar Binks.
Decent parodies of a single film generally hold one's interest for about as long as the typical "Saturday Night Live" sketch, which makes "Episode III's" 109 minutes almost unbearable. Produced with far more pluck and enthusiasm than any sort of apparent storytelling or technical skills, "Episode III" trips all over its impossibly dense storyline, constant in-jokes, and indulgent self-references. Only Gilchrist's Lord Hologram, a spot-on spoof of Jedi's electrically supercharged evil Emperor, was even slightly amusing.
The unmistakable raw enthusiasm Gilchrist and the rest of the Orange Cow troupe display is readily apparent. The advice from here is to drop the juvenile spoofs like "Dr. Fred's Episode III - The Phantom Movie" and fumble towards finding a voice of their own.
ONE AND ONE HALF STARS
Posted Friday, September 29th, 2000
by Mike Stoklasa, GMP Cinema
---------
Any funny clock will tell you that comedy's all about timing. This aspect applies in part to Garrett Gilchrist's "Dr. Fred's The Phantom Movie", a film which drunkenly staggers around the fine line between comic genius and low budget incompetence. The film is a pseudo-parody of Star Wars Episode 1: The Phantom Menace and is littered with gags that range from hilarious to obvious inside jokes (i.e. the boilingly unfunny "random lobster" gags and so on) The movie is jammed packed with all the characters, costumes, and sets necessary to do a full scale parody. I have to admit that I thought the Phantom Menace was a pretty lame movie and I can sit for hours with friends complaining on how good it could have been, granted there were some kick ass sword fights at the end, but overall it was a crap effort on Lucas's part and deserves bashing. A bashing I hoped to see in the Phantom Movie. And I got what I deserved. Phantom Movie did a good job ripping on the old horse. Jar Jar Jokes are a must, Darth Mauls lack of characterization, and that annoying kid are points one cannot forget to touch on. Phantom Movie took this and moved a step beyond into other types of Monty Python inspired humor. Random gags, comical locations, British accents, animations, and that general over all feeling of that perticular comedy style. If I were George Lucas I would consider restraining orders against these Dr. Fred people due to the sheer volume of references and near psychotic obsession displayed here. There were other nice touches and references that a person like me would enjoy, my favorite being the Army of Darkness parody with the Nemoyidians. Loved that! El Brillianto! Another aspect of this film I loved were the performances. Top notch imitations of all the characters, I was very impressed. Darth Sidious was excellent, same with Jar Jar, and Nemoyidians. Even the "Fredi" were well cast. Length wasn't too much of an issue here. Because the acting by the main cast was so well done my interest was kept all of the time that and the layers of clever lines and gags that filled this flick were more than enough to keep me going, but this does somewhat lead to my over all problem with this movie. Direction, pacing, and consistency. This film was screaming for someone to tame it. It was out of control. Scenes went on too long after they "felt" like they should be over. Things needed to be more tighter. A good example of this was the wonderfully funny scene where whis-key-jinn gets separated in the elevator during the duel, he takes out a cigar and relaxes as the corny elevator music plays, most funny, but in some way this brilliant moment felt "wasted" cause it was a bit off with the timing of the scene or something, it just kind of happened. I guess a gag needs to be set up correctly to be funny? I'm not an expert in comedy I just have gut reactions to things. This was the case with a lot of the stuff here. That coupled with often bad and confusing camera work led to a sense of disarray. I don't know much about the Dr. Fred show or Garrett, but from initial reactions I got the impression that this was a group of "theater people" making a movie, but I could be wrong. Over all Phantom Movie faltered in technical aspects, but shined in performance and creativity. For a film, it's not all funny jokes and over the top acting that make it successful, but besides that Dr. Fred's Phantom Movie was a good watch and it was filled with a lot of laughs......hey any movie that rips on Joel Schumacher is okay in my book.
Mike Stoklasa, GMP Cinema
 | Send email to: TygerBug@lycos.com |
Back to the Phantom Movie