March Monster Madness: Matinee

Matinee

1993 | 99 min. | Joe Dante

March 16 - 24, 2024

March Monster Madness

In the chaos of the Cuban Missile Crisis, Matinee (1993) offers a nostalgic escape. John Goodman's B-movie maverick brings laughter and monster mayhem, transforming a small town into a cinematic playground, capturing the magic of cinema amid chaos.

Set against the Cuban Missile Crisis, it's a riotous comedy that hilariously captures the chaos of a small town anticipating nuclear doom. John Goodman shines as a flamboyant B-movie producer, unleashing monster movie mayhem amidst Cold War paranoia. The film cleverly juxtaposes the fear of imminent doom with the escapism of creature features, creating a delightful balance of laughs and genuine heart. As Goodman's larger-than-life character takes center stage, the town becomes a backdrop for both impending doom and cinematic delight. Matinee transports us to a time when monster movies ruled the silver screen, offering a unique and thrilling blend of comedy, nostalgia, and the magic of cinema. It's a captivating celebration of the transformative power of film, reminding us that sometimes, laughter is the best antidote to fear.

  • Director: Joe Dante
  • Principal Cast: John Goodman, Cathy Moriarty, Simon Fenton, Omri Katz, Kellie Martin, Lisa Jakub
  • Year: 1993
  • Running Time: 99 min.
  • Producer: Michael Finnell
  • Screenplay: Charles S. Haas
  • Cinematographers: John Hora
  • Editors: Marshall Harvey
  • Music: Jerry Goldsmith
  • Filmography: Gremlins (1984), Explorers (1985), Gremlins 2: The New Batch (1990), Looney Tunes: Back in Action (2003)
  • Language: English