Transylvania 6-5000 (1985)

 Yeah, some comedies of this type are better in memory than once you see them after considerable time. This is a silly exercise in exaggerated parody, using Universal horror films and Transylvania village life within what was depicted by Universal horror in the 30s and 40s, except modern mid-80s sensibilities and snark are applied.

There is a spirit about the film often seen in comedies desperately wanting laughs as the cast works extra hard for every snicker and snort available. Goldblum tries to work his special brand of magic, while Begley, Jr., is tasked with squeezing out every ounce of slapstick and physical expression / performance he can with what material he has. I appreciated their efforts while wondering what might have been had they had better material and director. Yet, they give it their all. Richards as the stumbling, bumbling butler trying to impress Begley with his comic gimmicks stops the film in it's tracks each time he pops up. Carol Kane, who I have a peculiar attraction to in this period, clings to her hunchback husband. Byner as the hired help always calling everyone master in Lorre-ism works overtime with his facial expressions, especially annoyed with Kane's intense devotion. The Frankenstein scene carrying a child in his arms from Whale's masterpiece is parodied here as is the village wanting the "monster" burned at the stake. Oh and mad Bologna as the doctor with a side personality that has him messing up his hair and moving across his lab like a bug-eyed lunatic is done to the hilt. Can't forget the gypsy smashing her crystal ball tables with her head while proclaiming Gibb's hairy local a monster.

Two journalists, Jack(Jeff Goldblum, doing his usual shtick)& the incompetent Gil(Ed Begley, Jr., who tries so hard)are sent by their employer looking in Transylvania for Frankenstein(never called Frankenstein's monster which tells you how badly the film will indeed wind up). But, this Transylvania, or it's supposed "monsters" are anything but ominous.

Clearly the cast appear to be having a good time at the poor viewer's expense. I thought Goldblum was gonna burst into laughter out of character numerous times as we watch him trying to hold himself together. His character Jack spends most of the film trying to romance Elizabeth(Teresa Ganzel). It's Gil who gets to do most of the foot-work and snooping, often stuck in unusual situations trying to sniff out leads.

You have some weird characterizations. Michael Richards has by far the strangest pulling a more bizarre version of Kramer as Fejos, butler of the hotel where Jack and Gil are staying. He has some really off-the-wall comic bits with Begley, Jr. You have Geena Davis in an early role as a vampire wannabe named Odette who has a lustful thing for Gil. Donald Gibb(Ogre of REVENGE OF THE NERDS fame)as the "wolfman". Joseph Bologna as Dr. Malavaqua, a gentle kindly doctor who turns stark, raving loony when he enters his lab underneath the hotel. John Byner is Radu, the much maligned assistant of Malavaqua, who also spends the day as a manservant ordered around by Mayor Lepescu(Jeffrey Jones)and Inspector Percek(Bozidar Smiljanic)who seem to care more for their wine festival than keeping law and order in Transylvania. Dusko Valentic is the supposed monster(known by Jack as "the twisted man.")while the Mummy unwrapped has to be seen. Carol Kane is Lupi, the wife who adores Radu..the running joke is she always informs him of her love and devotion to him in spades.

More odd than funny. To be honest, the cast gives it their best shot..energetic and inspired even if the material they're saddled with isn't. The film just lacks big laughs, and the moments of weird behavior will not always wash with the more mainstream crowd. I do believe fans of spoofs regarding classic horror might respond to it the most. Never quite works, although it desperately wants to. - April 2007