If you don't mind, I'm gonna make like a tree, and get outta here.
So, the answer's no, Griff.
// No?
// Yeah.
What are you, deaf and stupid?
I said no!
// What's wrong McFly?
Chicken?
// What did you call me, Griff?
// Chicken, McFly.
// Nobody calls me chicken... because this ... aahhh!!! // ... is Movie Night!
Hello and welcome to Movie Night, YouTube's #1 review program for time traveling teenagers.
I'm your host, Jonathan Paula.
Tonight we'll take an extended look at the time travel trilogy, "Back To The Future",
and even hear from a special guest.
We begin tonight with the only film I've already reviewed twice!
But this time, I'm going to be a bit more thorough when we discuss, "Back To The Future".
Released on July 3, 1985... this now iconic sci-fi comedy film by director Robert Zemeckis
would slowly become the most successful picture of that year, grossing $383 million from its
$19 million dollar budget.
Family Ties heartthrob Michael J. Fox stars as a somewhat delinquent teenager who is accidentally
sent back in time 30 years, where he inadvertently jeopardizes his own existence.
Alongside him, in an extremely fun and endearing relationship is Christopher Lloyd as the eccentric
scientist responsible for converting a DMC DeLorean into a time machine.
To which Fox confusingly questions, " Ah...
Are you telling me that you built a time machine...
out of a DeLorean?".
The Oscar-nominated screenplay was largely inspired from producer Bob Gale's curiosity
surrounding his own parents' life in high school.
Indeed, the plot finds Fox playing matchmaker between his 17-year-old parents in the mid
1950's, while simultaneously working with a younger version of Lloyd's character to
get himself back to the future.
The plot smartly keeps things local and contained: focusing on believable drama between the characters,
rather than a bloated science fiction story.
The wholesome but stunning Lea Thompson plays Fox's rambunctious mother in a truly unique
and amusing role, while Crispin Glover brings the nerdy father character to life with an
almost uncomfortable level of realism and awkwardness.
Meanwhile, the imposing Tom Wilson turns in a brilliant performance as the school bully,
expertly blending his foolish malapropisms with a threatening demeanor.
The subtle, expert-caliber performances by all involved are an earnest embodiment of
an entire generation.
Phrases like, "Hey McFly", and "Great Scott" have entered our cultural lexicon.
Without drawing attention to itself, Zemeckis' trademark style, of impressively long, unbroken
shots reminds us how film can be both captivating entertainment, and an artistic accomplishment.
Delivering the film's intricate exposition is an ingenious in-film scale-model, built
as much for the characters' benefit as the audiences' - quickly and easily explaining
the consequences and goals of the movie's final act: thus allowing the dramatic conclusion
to be so much more enjoyable, as it plays out unimpeded by questions or confusion.
Similarly, a Polaroid illustrating eventual consequences of Fox's temporal escapades functions
perfectly as a ticking-clock for the audience.
Well paced, never once does the tension slack, or the narrative hurry, especially during
the climatic finish, which keeps me on the edge of my seat every time I watch.
Contributing a grandiose sound usually reserved for larger epics, the score from composer
Alan Silvestri is a thrilling tour de force: lending the picture a hefty dose of its suspense.
80's rocker Huey Lewis even contributes some upbeat pop-ballads, as well as an ironic cameo.
Themes of forgotten youth, friendship and idealism are explored with an undeniable emotional
resonance; thanks largely to the steadfast attention to detail, where even a shy-smile
or a glance says everything you need to know.
The geniuses at Industrial Light At Magic did a tremendous job with the numerous special
effects shots, with one lone exception.
By all accounts, this film is a contemporary classic, but given the lore surrounding the
picture, it's amazing it was ever finished at all.
Fox is nothing short of remarkable, and endlessly relatable as the lead, but an entire month
of production was actually filmed with Eric Stotlz in the famous role of Marty McFly.
Similarly, early drafts of the script had the recognizable gull-winged time vehicle
replaced by a refrigerator...
we can only imagine how much different this film might have been without these changes.
Aside from a few minor continuity errors and tiny plot holes, this 116-minute picture is
a monument of cinema, and is ostensibly flawless in doing so.
Although occasionally materialist with some of its themes, it is masterfully successful
in conveying sweeping emotions, from tension, embarrassment and guilt, to anxiety, love
and fear.
More importantly though, the picture is downright hilarious half the time, like when Fox scares
Glover into asking Thompson on a date by dressing up in a radiation suit, with a "futuristic"
hair-dryer.
A massive hit, and a top-50 mainstay on IMDb's top-rated list, this time travel adventure
would spawn two sequels, an animated TV series, a theme park ride, video games, and an Academy
Award for sound effects.
It is extremely difficult for me to objectively review this PG-rated adventure like I would
any other film... because, quite simply, it isn't any other film... it is my favorite
film.
One I have absolutely cherished and adored since I visited Universal Studios as a kid.
I've visited many of the picture's real-life filming locations, I've sat inside several
replica time machines, and I own everything from scale-models and original movie posters
to replica props signed by the cast.
Suffice it to say, I really love this film, and it is a chief reason I pursued a career
in media production.
The extremely well-written characters, quotable dialogue, seamless visuals, clever plot developments,
amazing performances, and top-tier directing make this movie an emotional, and technical
marvel: delivering a truly entertaining, almost inspirational experience only strengthened
on many repeat viewings.
"Back To The Future" is an "Extraordinarily powerful and rewarding masterpiece."
Now that you've listened to the longest review I've ever written, let's see what you had
to say about this wonderful film in the YouTube comments.
"Back To The Future" on the Rate-O-Matic... the highest possible score, a TEN from each
of us.
Not a single person said anything negative, with more than two-thirds of those who voted
giving it a nine or higher, you thought it was AMAZING.
I've never done this before, but as the Factor Facts show, I'm giving this a perfect score,
a 100/100.
A reflection of its timeless entertainment value, technical accomplishments, and emotional
impact.
Without question, this is an AMAZING film.
Before we review part II, let's throw it over to my friend Bill Gray... who has a particularly
unique perspective on the original film.
Thanks Jon!
Since January 1st of this year, I've been watching Back to the Future once per week
as part of a three-year science experiment.
Last year, I watched Top Gun for 52 weeks, and I got pretty sick of it around... oh,
the second time.
But Back to the Future, cinematic classic that it is, has some scenes that have yet
to get old for me, even after ten months.
The first unveiling of the DeLorean, George and Lorraine's ultra-romantic kiss, Doc's
aversion to garbage fires...
it's all great stuff.
And there are loads of Easter eggs to spot throughout, such as the changing Twin Pines
Mall sign, the identical campaign slogans of mayors Red Thomas and Goldie Wilson, or
the clock tower ledge remaining broken in 1985.
There are also lots of little mistakes I can't unsee every week, like Doc misspelling his
own name in the phone book, Marty stepping on Biff's cardboard license plate, or the
fact that Einstein is clearly a stunt driver in a dog suit for a few shots.
Oh, hey, and have you heard the urban legend that the actor who plays Red the Bum also
starred in Orgy American Style, the porno seen on the marquee at the Essex theater in
1985?
I've been trying to confirm that rumor all year, but the trail has gone cold, my friends.
You can learn all about my findings in an article called The Great American Orgy Search.
Now tell Snopes how badly I want to see George "Buck" Flower naked!
Well, that does it for me.
Again, I'm Bill - and you can check out me and the other brave Cinemanauts over at Cinema52.com.
Now back to Jon for his review of Back To The Future Part II.
Produced on a budget of $40, this ambitious sequel was able to earn back nearly $300 million
in profit, following its November 22nd release in 1989.
The core group of principal actors reprise their roles from the iconic original, and
take us along for another amazing, if somewhat convoluted time travel journey.
Even though director Robert Zemeckis and producer Bob Gale practically painted themselves into
the corner with the original picture's awesome final scene (which was never intended to setup
a sequel), the narrative manages to clumsily dig itself out of this hole rather quickly.
Christopher Lloyd and Michael J. Fox reprise their famous characters with even more nuanced
and enjoyable performances than before.
This time around, the time-hopping duo attempt to fix damages to their future, when they
travel 30 years forward to stop a crime before it happens.
Unfortunately, their meddling accidentally results in creating an unthinkable "alternate
timeline" version of their hometown, to which Lloyd declares, "I can't imagine Hell being
much worse!"
They conclude the picture by returning to the exact time and place as the first film,
even interacting with their younger counterparts.
This plot mechanics, of revisiting the original film from an almost behind-the-scenes perspective,
is an absolutely ingenious and original one that pays off dividends - making this sequel
completely unlikely any other.
Tom Wilson and Lea Thompson return as well, and easily get the juiciest roles: able to
play widely different and extreme versions of their original characters: resulting in
some truly memorable and humorous scenes.
Although Crispin Glover and Claudia Wells were both unable to return for the sequels,
their characters' are able to return, albeit with the help of some clunky production re-writes.
With the majority of actors and production crew returning here, the level of consistency
is to be applauded; Alan Silvestri's score is again impressive and suspenseful, Zemeckis'
directing is spot-on, the jokes are still witty and timeless, and the dramatic tension
remains high throughout the well paced story.
The first act shows off the imaginative and seamless visual effects work by ILM, painting
an optimistic and hilarious vision of the future, complete with sports predictions,
hoverboards, flying cars, "Jaws 19", robotic jackets, and automatic weather systems.
Particularly worth mentioning is a sequence where Fox plays three separate characters,
all interacting with each other seamlessly.
Created before the advent of computer imagery, this scene helped score the PG-rated film
its only Oscar, for best visual effects.
Besides functioning as a satirical outlook on the future of society, a number of the
sight-gags in the 2015-portion of the film also function as clever references and recurring
jokes established in the first film - as dozens of situations and motifs are repeated, sometimes
verbatim.
Indeed, much of this picture is littered with dozens of callbacks, as well as plenty of
set-ups for the next picture, making this trilogy as air-tight as any three-picture
story.
And in an extremely rare move, this 108-minute movie actually ends with a trailer for Part
III.
In a tonal shift, this picture departs from themes of relationship and self-discovery,
opting instead for a larger, and more disjointed narrative that is more action-oriented than
its humble predecessor.
Ignoring potential plot-holes, the adventure develops realistically, and provides for great
fun on countless viewings.
Although I still take issue with a 28-year-old Fox attempting to pass as a 17-year-old, there
aren't many flaws here, and the result is a totally enjoyable film with characters and
situations we already know and love.
"Back To The Future Part II", "Familiar yet inventive.
Supremely amusing."
Those are my thoughts on the sequel, now let's see what you had to say in the comments.
Our scores for Part II... a NINE and a TEN.
Your opinions were all positive of this picture, but decidedly more mixed than Part I. You
loved the high-concept plot, but faulted it for not being as funny and effortless as the
original, you thought it was AWESOME.
A great continuation of the story, with even better jokes and set-pieces, it was the emotional
factor that was only slightly lacking for me here, but even still, this picture is AMAZING.
For tonight's poll question, when would you go if you your own time machine?
Leave your response as a comment below.
Finally tonight, let's review "Back To The Future Part III".
Released six-months following the middle installment, the trilogy's conclusion was released nationwide
on May 25, 1990 - grossing over six times its $40 million dollar budget.
In a rare move for the late 80's, this 118-minute movie was filmed back-to-back with part two,
resulting in a remarkably consistent style and tone between the two sequels.
The actual stories and genres couldn't be further apart however; transitioning from
futuristic exploits with flying cars and hellish alternate realities, returning stars Michael
J. Fox and Christopher Lloyd find themselves one hundred years in the past, trapped in
the old west.
Once more, the underlying theme has shifted, this time focusing on stubbornness, resolutions,
and remorse, with Lloyd regretfully remarking on their temporal predicaments, "I wish I'd
never invented that infernal time machine.
It's caused nothing but disaster."
The PG-rated story keeps things localized to a core group of places and people, focusing
on the amusing fish-out-of-water exploits of Fox, and the thrilling feats he's forced
to do to escape from the 19th century.
An intriguing, but effective blend of science-fiction and western elements, this is a non-stop adventure
with incredible characters in incredible circumstances.
Joining the group for part three is Mary Steenburgen as the outwardly curious love-interest to
Lloyd's shy scientist portrayal.
The two are an excellent match, as the introduction of a third protagonist is a welcome shift
for the franchise.
Tom Wilson again reprises his role of the town bully, this time in the form of a great-ancestor
who hog-ties people for fun.
Lea Thompson is curiously featured as Fox's great-great-grandmother, if only to round
out the threesome of jokes surrounding his confusion after awaking in a strange location.
Robert Zemeckis thankfully returns once more as director, and as expected, does a brilliant
job; bringing to life one of my all time favorite single-shots in a motion picture, when Mike
and Chris finish a 70-second scene with an actual locomotive train punctuating the shot.
The timing and artistry required to accomplish this feat is subtle enough to go unnoticed,
but supremely impressive once seen.
Many expositional devices from part one are revisited here with great success, like the
train-model spelling out the stakes of the ridiculously thrilling final act, or the vanishing
Polaroid that reminds our heroes how little time they have left.
In an effort not to repeat myself, I will merely say that once again, the visuals, pacing,
music, and technical achievements in this film are of the highest caliber.
A number of inside-jokes, callbacks, and role-reversal gags make this picture seem like a love-letter
to fans at times, but is honestly enjoyable for anyone, no matter how many times you watch.
Aside from a few developments that feel a bit contrived, this is a unique and realistic
picture I have very few problems with.
And since there's absolutely zero plans for a fourth installment, remake, or reboot: this
trilogy shall forever stand as an expertly crafted three-picture story that finishes
with a true bang.
"Back To The Future Part III", "Refreshing thrills with established formula."
Now lets read some YouTube comments to see what you had to say about this film.
"Back To The Future Part III"... earns a NINE and a TEN on the rate-o-matic.
While several cited this as the weakest in the bunch, many where quick to defend its
virtues as being nearly equally to the previous installments, rating it an AWESOME.
Depending on my mood, this is sometimes my favorite of the trilogy, it has a sort of
light-hearted fun action-movie feel to it that is irresistible.
From a critical standpoint however, it is unable to equal the 1985 original.
Still, it is definitely an AMAZING film.
Lastly tonight, let's take a look at your tweet critiques to see what you had to say
about films currently playing in theaters.
If you see a new movie in theaters, Tweet your review with the #JPMN hashtag to have
it featured on the show.
And be sure to follow me on Twitter or Facebook for updates between episodes, and to help
with upcoming reviews.
Next week we'll take yet another look at superhero films, as we examine Joel Schumacher's curious
contribution to the Batman franchise with "Batman & Robin", this summer's massively
successful Superman reboot, "Man Of Steel", and the newest picture from Marvel, "Thor:
The Dark World".
Once you've seen these films, share your opinions by voting in the polls below, or by leaving
a comment review.
And please subscribe to the Movie Night Archive channel for exclusive trailer commentaries,
and an organized library of all our past reviews.
Once again, my name is Jonathan Paula - thank you for watching Movie Night, I hope to see
you, right back here for the next episode!