2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
They are a modern stone-age family ... or is it modern age?, January 17, 2008
This review is from: The Applegates (aka "Meet The Applegates") [VHS] (VHS Tape)
Simply put, the Applegates are your typical nuclear family who wants nothing more than to nuke the human race. Seems simple enough for a group of cockroaches from the bowels of the Amazon forest, but, alas, nothing is simple when Ed Begley Jr, Stockard Channing, and Dabney Coleman round out a cast that discovers being human is more difficult than imagined. "The Applegates" was clever, funny, intelligent, poignant, and surprisingly shocking. From the beginning, with a group of volunteers trying to teach natives over the rumble of urban sprawl in the Amazon, to the very fun ending that makes you want to clap your hands and jump in excess, "The Applegates" represented an old style of cinema that is deeply missed in modern theaters. With a calling card that screams part "Invasion of the Body Snatchers" and part the camp classic "Amazon Women and the Avocado Jungle of Death", it engulfs our social problems, our common idiosyncratic ways, and our hidden flaws with a pizzazz that cannot be found in today's films. "The Applegates" boasts an amazing, if not obscure, cast, a powerful blend of humor with satire, and the most crucial element that is missed today - FUN. One small three letter word that seems to evade comedy's of today. From the beginning, I was hooked on this film, laughed for the first time in a while, and watched as the Applegates transformed, literally, from bug to human slime.
"The Applegates" can easily be considered a cult classic for three obvious reasons; a strong cast, a powerful story, and moments that will remain in the chambers of your brain. To begin, the cast is amazing. Director Michael Lehmann,, who also directed a personal favorite film called "Heathers", knows how to make a socially viable comedy that doesn't feel dated or tired. Watch "Heathers" again after watching "Fight Club", and you will see the possible similarities between two films made two decades apart. He made this film using strong actors that typically would never be paired together at all. Who would have imaged I would be sitting here, typing on the computer, indicating to you that I deeply enjoyed a film starring Ed Begley Jr. and Stockard Channing - or even the fact that Dabney Coleman was mixed in there as well?!? This is a first for me. "The Applegates" worked because the cast wasn't fighting from within. They were working together to create comedy (yet again another concept that seems to escape modern cinematic farces), they played off of each other, building their small character into something believable and witty for the greater good - the movie! It was impressive to watch them implode together, but it was equally as fun to see them outside of their element on their own. Begley was dry and perfect for his role as the master-in-command bug, while Channing went through this amazing transformation from modest housewife to spending madman. The same can be said for the two children, which go from bright and sunny to dark and sadistic midway through the film. The human elements that invade these bugs' lives are over-developed for this film, but they work impressively well. These Applegates, as well as the actors that portray them, prove to humans that even if they come to us, we will still destroy their sense of what is right or wrong.
"The Applegates" used a powerful technique for keeping this film easy on the eyes. It used the K.I.S.S. method that I believe helps comedies reach a higher level of repeated viewings. The "Keep It Simple Stupid" was applied to this film by merely saying that these bugs were going to nuke a small town in the United States. There wasn't a fear of technology, over-analyzing, or future consequences - and with a film like this, we didn't need it. I wanted to laugh, bring in thoughts of what is destroying our world, and see a film that was fresh and genuine; and I was able to see it with "The Applegates". The story was superb. It was funny and poignant all at the same time. The cast, which I have already applauded, makes this story come to life and seem more emotional than your typical big-budget cast with over-hyped budget. This was a simple story, and due to the simplicity of the tale, my attention was focused and this film was enjoyed. Where else could you not question Dabney Coleman dressed as "Aunt Bea"?
Finally, the message that Lehmann was trying to release was clear. There are problems in the United States whether we would want to blame them on outside influences or not, we have issues with underage pregnancies, drug use, over-spending, and adultery (perhaps every country does - but we seem to engulf it further). This film exploits them on a group of bugs that gain our sympathies and force us to root for them when they are down. Comedy is the tool used to show us our flaws, but our laughter is not "HA HA HA", but more of a "ha" as we consider our own lives within these bugs. Metaphors abound, we feel sad for these Applegates as they begin to falter in their mission because we are causing the failure. Our obese lifestyles are killing these bugs, and Lehmann isn't afraid to show us that to our face.
Overall, I thought "The Applegates" was yet another strong film released by Michael Lehmann. It was sharp, witty, intelligent, and hysterical as this group of bugs learns what it is like to truly be human. It is a sad story of our human lives, wondering if others would ever watch this film and see us in such a light, one can only wonder. It is a passionate story, with a cast that will truly surprise you and make you question your own choices in life. While it was released during a time where there was heightened fear of the destruction of the Amazon forests, while we battle today with the issue of Global Warming - the two seem to pair well - like a glass of white wine with a chicken salad. "The Applegates" remains a poignant film, and I hope that it will one day see the light of DVD. It needs to be seen by more, as we laugh, these issues need to be addressed. HA. Dabney Coleman dressed as "Aunt Bea". HA! I can't seem to get that out of my mind!
Grade: ***** out of *****
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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
They're giant insects... in a cute sorta way, February 25, 2006
This review is from: The Applegates (aka "Meet The Applegates") [VHS] (VHS Tape)
Normally any movie about giant insects instantly turns me off, however "Meet the Applegates" is in an entirely different category by itself. Imagine a family of giant mantis, who can disguise themselves as human, in a small american town on a mission to destroy a nuclear power plant to save the rainforest. However, they have to hide their identities, overcome capitalistic greed, avoid mind-altering substances, and not allow themselves to look anything other than "normal".
This is your standard wholesome little town. The local preacher is the voice of the people, and everyone meets in the town hall to determine how to handle an abnormal crisis. Sure they have quite a mob mentality, but they're good people who care about their families. I could never live in this wholesome american town, as they pride themselves too much on being "normal", even though there really is no way of defining "normal". In fact this wholesome town is so normal that it's ridiculous.
If you hate giant insects... don't worry. These are not the super-gross giant insects of horror films. Instead the creative minds decided to makes the insects as cute as possible without being overly disgustingly cute. The special effects are all done with plastic molding and firecracker explosions... yes your standard 80's comedy effects. I hope they put this on DVD, as I have many friends who should give this a try.
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