42 of 43 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Valley Girls Save Civilization!, May 6, 2004
This review is from: Night of the Comet (VHS Tape)
It's the end of the world, and whats a girl to do? Well if you're Regina and Julie, two cute Valley girls, when you aren't fighting the disintegrating zombies that are the remains of humanity, you are hitting the closest Mall and picking out some sassy outfits. (Best line in the movie, when the younger sister asks the older which outfit she should take and the sister responds, "That one, it'll stay in style longer")
The movie starts off with a space scene and captions that explain a huge coment is going to be making a close approach to earth. It will put on an amazing light show....one that hadn't been seen in over 60 million years, about the time the dinosaurs disappeard. Then it goes on to say, some people noticed this coincidence "Then shows a bunch of people in white lab coats sealing themselved in behinde a massive underground door" then states "But most didn't" and flashes to wild crowds dressed up in their finest 80's party clothes screaming and waving signs that say "We Love the Comet"
Needless to say this movie does NOT take itself seriously and is all the better for it. Staring some of the same actors from the classic dark comedies "Eating Raul" and "Scenes from the Class Struggle in Beverly Hills" this movie is a lightweight, goofy, comic gem well worth seeing!
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29 of 33 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
An Eighties Cult Hit Makes It To DVD--Great Nostalgia, Great B-Movie Fun, January 12, 2007
Now, I'll be upfront. I love "Night of the Comet." It's a movie that intrigued me 20 years ago, and I still get much pleasure from watching it today. I suspect that it is also a movie that will generate many 5 star reviews from those eager to embrace its nostalgic charms. But let's be honest, too. 20 years ago, this was a solid B-movie lark with no pretensions--that's why it was discovered and beloved (largely with the advance of cable TV). As an enjoyable romp, it hit all the right marks as a popcorn movie--but it was never great art. Those who loved it then will likely still find much to appreciate. I am, however, going to be cautious in my appraisal for modern audiences checking this out for the first time. I still think many will get a kick out of it, but it might be a film best approached with modest expectations.
Set in the near future, "Night of the Comet" follows a couple of sisters in a post-apocalyptic Los Angeles. In the aftermath of a comet's orbit, earth's citizens have largely been reduced to red dust. There are few survivors (those shielded by steel, in some way). Others, who were partially exposed, roam the city having taken on the countenance of flesh eating zombies. Tough minded Reg, played by Catherine Mary Stewart, and her cheerleader sister, Kelli Maroney, aren't pushovers, though. Using a natural survival instinct, an aptitude for weapons, Valley Girl sensibilities, and a love of shopping--these two are a force to be reckoned with. Robert Beltran joins them as a trucker and potential love interest. It seems that an underground facility of scientists has also survived (led by the sublime Mary Woronov of "Eating Raoul" fame). Arguing about whether or not to round up others who made it, their motives may be suspect. What follows is a campy adventure with loads of 80s music, plenty of gunplay, wisecracking teens, and a solid plot, too.
As I said initially, "Night" totally succeeds due to its lack of pretension and its better-than-average setup. It appeals to a teen demographic, features resilient and strong female characters, plays solidly as comedy as well as sci-fi. It's just fun. There are faults, to be sure--to make the city look desolate, there are almost no cars parked, or on the streets, anywhere. Not like the Los Angeles I know--but somehow, even that appealed to my sense of camp.
I am giving "Night" only 3 stars. Again, this is so newcomers will approach the movie not thinking this is the "best movie ever." I don't want to oversell it, it must be discovered and appreciated on its own merit. I love it, though, and hopefully you will too. Remember, though, it's a product of its time--not the glossy production you might expect today. KGHarris, 01/07.
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24 of 27 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Deserves a DVD and more than just 'cult classic' status, May 31, 2006
First saw this film on one of the movie cable channels in the late '80s and immediately fell in love with it. The movie is completely without pretense, and the cast members all turn in memorable performances. The movie is just fun, fun, fun, with a minimal amount of `Hollywood' gore but plenty of thrills. If you like your sci-fi a little more down to earth, you'll like "Night Of The Comet." Three thoughts in closing: 1) That's not Cyndi Lauper singing "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun," but it sounds pretty close, 2) My favorite quote: `I'm not crazy, I just don't give a f---!' 3) I'd like the movie even if my initials weren't DMK--fans of the film will know what I'm talking about.
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