Movie Movie

Movie Movie is an under-the-radar 1978 gem helmed by director Stanley Donen. This film stands out based on the pure originality it brings to the big screen. It is a two-part parody movie that harks back to the double-feature programming of Hollywood's golden age in the 1930s, complete with fake trailers that harken back to the era's over-the-top sensationalism. It has an ensemble cast with George C. Scott, Trish Van Devere, and Red Buttons leading the way, supported by impressive performances by Barry Bostwick, Eli Wallach, Art Carney, and Harry Hamlin.

Half the fun of Movie Movie is the seamless way it switches gears, making it two movies for the price of one. The first half, "Dynamite Hands," is a boxing drama fashioned after the mold of classics like "Golden Boy" and "Body and Soul." George C. Scott plays Gloves Malloy, the crusty old trainer of a young up-and-comer (Bostwick), who sells his soul to a crooked fight promoter (Wallach). Trish Van Devere features as the promoter's girlfriend, who catches the eye of the young boxer.

The contrast between the gloomy, desaturated black and white cinematography and the inherent melodrama of the gritty boxing world helps set an exaggerated yet enthralling atmosphere for "Dynamite Hands". The film perfectly captures the themes of ambition, love, sacrifice, and betrayal typical of the boxing genre.

Following on the heels of "Dynamite Hands," the audience is treated to a fake "Coming Attractions" trailer for a non-existent film called "Zero Hour," a war epic presenting the movie in an over-the-top fashion true to the era the film emulates. It adds a quirky layer to the already unusual format by injecting a dose of humor and nostalgia.

Next, the movie transitions to "Baxter's Beauties of 1933," a song-and-dance spectacle paying homage to the lavish Busby Berkeley musicals of the same era. In this segment, again starring Scott and Devere in different roles, a Broadway producer (Scott) learns that he is going blind just as he's gearing up to stage his most ambitious production yet. Devere plays a young woman eager for a shot at stardom as she auditions to be a part of the spectacle. The drama and flamboyance of the Broadway world are beautifully captured in this segment.

"Baxter's Beauties of 1933" is brimming with extravagant sets, intricate choreography, and lavish costumes. Its colorful and flamboyant musical numbers offer a stark visual contrast to the darker boxing drama. Here, the themes of dreams, determination, and personal tragedy come to the fore. Scott and Devere shine in their roles, showing their range as actors.

Unique and distinctly American in flavor, Movie Movie is built around playful exaggeration and mimicry, making for an engagingly different cinematic experience. This is not a movie that intends to be taken seriously; it is a tribute, a pastiche, aiming to evoke the essence of a bygone era. Director Stanley Donen,already established for classics like "Singing in The Rain" and "Charade," masterfully executes this amalgamation, highlighting the motifs and rhythms of two different genres with finesse and style.

The cast impresses with stellar performances. Scott, in particular, highlights his versatility by effortlessly executing two very different roles in the same film. Van Devere and the rest of the talented ensemble also rise to the occasion, delivering performances that add to the authenticity and joy of the film.

In conclusion, Movie Movie is a slice of pure entertainment, a celebration of a past age of cinema. It tugs on the nostalgia strings, providing an indulgent throwback to two popular movie genres of the 1930s. Designed to captivate and entertain, Movie Movie provides a unique viewing experience, interspersed with humor, drama, romance, and plenty of old-fashioned Hollywood charm. Whether you're a cinema enthusiast or a casual viewer, this movie is sure to provide a fun, engaging, and truly memorable movie experience.