The Wasteland Reviewer

The Wasteland Reviewer Recommends (March 16th, 2025)

This series will highlight my weekly journey through previously released films, whether they are rewatches for me or new discoveries. Here are my picks:     

Duck Soap (1933)

How funny can you make tariffs, ceasefires, and war? Well…when you are the Marx Brothers, you can get plenty of laughs out of them. Duck Soap is one of the greatest comedies of all time and offers up a lean 69-minute romp. Groucho is hilarious as the selfish, childish, and snarky President Rufus T. Firefly. Chico and Harpo bring their unique brands of humor together to make this film a non-stop laugh parade. There are great physical comedy moments including the iconic mirrored Groucho gag that has wowed audiences for 90 years. The physical comedy is great but so is the word play of Groucho and Chico in their own right. Plenty of zingers, commentary, and downright silliness, Duck Soap is a wonder after all of these years.

 The Return of the King (1980)

Wait…Rankin/Bass made The Hobbit then went straight to The Return of the King? Apparently! Their brand of animation makes a great asset for this fantastical Middle Earth setting. The voice cast is fantastic with legends like John Huston as Gandalf and a crew of Rankin/Bass alums bringing the goods. But it is the music that is a series of non-stop bangers and eye worms that make this magical adventure feel even more magical and fun. There was a strange choice to start this film where they did but they adapt these elements of The Lord of the Rings in a fun and engaging way. All vibes and charm, The Return of the King is an enjoyable ride for any fan of Tolkien’s works.

The Player (1992)

How do you make a biting and entertaining dark comedy, satire of Hollywood? Look no further than the blueprint put together by Robert Altman back in 1992. The Player is a fascinating tale of a studio producer who gets into all types of trouble when he kills a writer in a fit of rage. What follows is a dark and twisted tale of lies and failures of the systems in our society. Altman offers up dynamic filmmaking throughout including an impressive one-shot at the start of the film that captures the chaotic and fast-moving environment on a studio lot. This cast is INSANE. This cannot be stressed more…there are SO many famous actors in one film that it will blow your mind. Tim Robbins delivers a pitch perfect performance right at the center of this wild tale. The Player fires on all cylinders and makes for a fantastic film for all (cinephiles and mainstream audiences alike).

The Original Kings of Comedy (2000)

How old were you when you found out that Spike Lee directed a comedy special? Last night for me! The Original Kings of Comedy captures a snapshot of black excellence in the realm of stand-up comedy. This quartet of talented comedians put on an incredible show. The combination of Steve Harvey, D.L. Hughley, Cedric The Entertainer, and Bernie Mac is oozing with talent and charisma. Their command of the stage is awe-inspiring, and their audience management is quite impressive. Each of these performers get buckets of laughs out of the audience through raunchy gags, channeling the black experience, and delivering some impactful and relatable situational commentary. Lee also finds the quieter moments to occasionally insert so we can see who these men really are behind the curtain. This is a top tier comedy special on film that is a hilarious time.