Review of Meatballs (1979) by Johnny T — 18 Jul 2014

Ivan Reitman, who produced Animal House, served as director and co-writer on Meatballs, and what's surprising about the picture is its lack of raunch. No, Meatballs isn't exactly a classic. It's impossible to imagine the movie picking up any new fans. Of course, at the center of the movie, is Bill Murray in his first leading role since hitting it big on SNL. His performance is such a strange thing, since he distances himself from the material at almost every turn by remaining aloof, silly, and incessantly improvising. The scenes between Murray and Makepeace are nicely handled, and the lack of mean spiritedness is refreshing. Every summer camp movie cliche you can imagine is in Meatballs, many of which originated here. A bit slow and meandering, and unfunny when Bill Murray is not on screen, but Meatballs is worth it for the camp atmosphere and Murray's comic genius. It's Murray's spontaneity that gives the movie its lifeblood. Murray is in fine form, but it's a dated flick.

VERDICT: "In The Zone" - [Mixed Reaction] These kinds of movies are usually movies that had some good things, but some bad things kept it from being amazing. This rating says buy an ex-rental or a cheap price of the DVD to own. If you consider cinema, ask for people's opinion on the film. (Films that are rated 2.5 or 3 stars).