Matinee

Matinee is an enchanting blend of comedy, drama, and historical fiction, deftly interweaving the frenzy and paranoia of the early 60s era with the colorful world of low-budget cinema. Released in 1993, this film is directed by the versatile Joe Dante, who beautifully brings to life the storyline crafted by writer Jerico Stone and Charles S. Haas. The result is a richly textured 99-minute-long tapestry that explores the intersection of youth, nostalgia, and the magic of filmmaking against the backdrop of the profound cultural anxieties of the time.

The charismatic John Goodman, well-known for his many memorable roles, stars as Lawrence Woolsey, a smooth-talking, larger-than-life showman and film producer. Laurence is a brilliant portrayal of B-movie promoters of the era, inspired by figures such as William Castle. He’s a maestro of the outrageous gimmicks and hair-raising publicity stunts designed to pack movie theaters.

The setting of Matinee is Key West, Florida, in the tension-filled days of 1962 during the Cuban Missile Crisis. The undercurrent of Cold War anxiety provides a stark contrast to the tropical tranquility of the town, forming a tense backdrop as the inhabitants fearfully anticipate a potential nuclear war. The many scenes focused on school drills and bomb shelter advertisements provide a nuanced picture of what everyday life was like during this period of peak nuclear anxiety in American history.

Amidst this, young teenager Gene Loomis, played by Simon Fenton, and his younger brother arrive in town due to their naval officer father’s military transfer. As a die-hard movie fan, Gene is fascinated by the world of creature features and gimmicks. His passion for these films leads him to cross paths with Goodman's flamboyant movie promoter character, creating a fascinating dynamic between the innocence of youth and the grandiosity of showbiz.

Cathy Moriarty takes on the role of Ruth Corday, Lawrence Woolsey's long-suffering girlfriend and loyal assistant. Ruth is drawn with a balance of cynicism and affection, astutely aware of Lawrence's manipulative tendencies but undeniably fond of the man behind the larger-than-life persona. Moriarty's nuanced and deft portrayal brings a vital layer of emotional complexity to Matinee, adding numerous humorous and humanizing moments throughout the film.

The central event of the narrative revolves around Lawrence Woolsey's latest film, "Mant!". It’s a delightful concoction of “cornball” horror, a half-man, half-ant radioactive creature emerging from typical nuclear fears. Woolsey plans to premiere it in Key West using a trademark spectacle, "Atomo-Vision" and "Rumble-Rama," adding a physical dimension to the cinematic experience. The film within the film serves as a remarkable homage to the B-movie horror flicks of the 1950s and 60s, providing a handful of perfectly staged scenes of ridiculous horror.

Other elements of the plot explore Gene's budding romance with the local girl, Sandra, navigating the tricky landscape of adolescence, and his relationship with his younger brother. Their personal experiences juxtaposed with the intense world events happening around them add layers of warmth and authenticity to the narrative.

The director, Joe Dante, effectively blends disparate elements into Matinee. He manages to successfully interweave engaging personal narratives, a humorous homage to B-movie horror, and a direct examination of the ethos and anxieties of the time. His fondness for cinema history, especially the low-budget genre territory, is appreciably evident, making this film a joyful love letter to the B-cinema of the '60s.

Despite being set during a period of global tension, Matinee is more than just a historical period piece. It's a nostalgic, warm-hearted, and complex reflection on the blend of laughter, fear, innocence, and artificiality that characterizes both youth and the world of old-school cinematic spectacle.

In conclusion, Matinee is a film that superbly mingles warmth, humor, and nostalgia with the seriousness of historical events such as the Cuban Missile Crisis. Its affectionate and comedic portrayal of the B-movie industry, amplified by the memorable performances of John Goodman, Cathy Moriarty, and Simon Fenton, offers a fascinating peep behind the curtain of showbiz, making for a thoroughly entertaining viewing experience. It’s one you wouldn't want to miss, especially if you're a nostalgic cinephile or a fan of films about filmmaking.