Tuesday, January 28, 2020

Tromasterpiece Theatre: The Battle of Love's Return


Director - Addison Binek (Movies to Watch on A Rainy Day)
Starring - Addison Binek, Johnathan Gogoleski, and Andrew Barber
Release Date - 2017
Genre - Comedy
Format - Streaming (Online Screener)

Rating (out of 5):

     I rarely get to watch movies for my own enjoyment.  I get a fair amount of films in for review so my spare time is usually spent on watching movies that I need to review.  That doesn't stop me from adding movies to my collection.  For several years now I've collected compilation collections of Addison Binek's Movies to Watch on a Rainy Day.  I may have never got around to watching them but I love having them in my collection.  I've met Addison several times at Cinema Wasteland and he is one of the nicest people you could ever meet.  Aside from his Movies to Watch on a Rainy Day series he is also the director and star of Tromasterpiece Theatre.  Those of you that know me knows that I absolutely love Troma and a Mystery Science Theater 3000 inspired showed catered to Troma fans is right up my alley!  Addison recently wrapped up his second episode and reached out to me to review it.  I was unable to watch the first one so I thought now was the best time to remedy that!
     The film follows Addison who works for a local theater.  During his unusual shift he meets a bag of popcorn named Corny and a film reel named Reely.  The three decide to pass time watching Lloyd Kaufman's 1971 comedy The Battle of Love's Return.  The film proves to be very underwhelming for the three so they make up some puns and one liners to pass the time.  
     Tromasterpiece Theatre looked fun but how would it play out?  Would the jokes be funny or would they be a sad attempt at a fan who was trying too hard?  Answer: it was funny.  My review is for the portion of the film that Addison brought to life and not for The Battle of Love's Return.  The acting in this one is solid.  The voice acting in this one is fun but could use some improvement.  The voices do fit the characters but there was a few times where the dialogue was very unenthusiastic.  With that being said, I really enjoyed Addison's performance.  He is extremely comfortable on screen.  His character really fits his personality and you can tell he loves his character.  The story for this one is simple and works on a MST3K level.  The theater setting is absolutely perfect for the film and the MST3K approach works.  It doesn't over do the gimmick and it works.  The humor finds it's mark and the jokes would make any father proud.  Finally, if you want blood and gore you will not find it here.  However, if felt is more your speed then be prepared for some puppet fun!  Overall, Tromasterpiece Theatre: The Battle of Love's Return is fun way to experience one of Lloyd's earlier films.  The movie is a bit of a bore but Addison brings some fun to a rather dull flick.  I doubt I will be revisiting this any time soon but it was entertaining.  Troma fans will want this for their collection!

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