Matinee Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A B-movie producer uses the Cuban Missile Crisis to scare people into seeing a movie about a man who turns into an ant, and somehow it all works out…mostly.

🍿 Matinee: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Arrival in Key West

In October 1962, the Loomis family relocates to Key West, Florida, amidst the escalating Cuban Missile Crisis. Gene Loomis, a teenage horror film enthusiast, finds himself captivated by the arrival of Lawrence Woolsey, a showman-like B-movie producer. Woolsey is set to premiere his latest schlock-horror film, “Mant!”, capitalizing on the public’s anxieties surrounding the Cold War.

The Hype Begins

Woolsey employs various publicity stunts, mirroring the tactics of real-life showman William Castle, to drum up excitement for “Mant!”. These include hiring protesters, offering liability waivers for potential “death by fright,” and rigging the theater with special effects like “Rumble-Rama” and “AtomoVision”. The town’s teenagers, including Gene, become increasingly enthralled by Woolsey’s antics and the promise of a thrilling cinematic experience.

Teenage Drama and the Missile Crisis

Alongside the anticipation for “Mant!”, the film interweaves the personal dramas of Gene and his friends. Gene develops a crush on Sandra, a politically active classmate who challenges the pervasive fear of the nuclear threat. Meanwhile, a love triangle emerges between Stan, Sherry, and a jealous ex-boyfriend, Harvey. The backdrop of the Cuban Missile Crisis amplifies the tension and uncertainty felt by the teenagers, mirroring the heightened stakes in their own lives.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Lawrence Woolsey (John Goodman): A flamboyant B-movie producer and showman, inspired by William Castle, who promotes his latest horror film with outlandish gimmicks during the Cuban Missile Crisis.
• Gene Loomis (Simon Fenton): A teenage horror film enthusiast who moves to Key West during the Cuban Missile Crisis and becomes enthralled by Lawrence Woolsey’s movie premiere.
• Ruth Corday (Cathy Moriarty): Lawrence Woolsey’s muse and long-suffering girlfriend who is an actress.
• Stan (Omri Katz): Gene’s friend who is obsessed with Sherry and introduces Gene to the world of dating.
• Sandra (Lisa Jakub): An outspoken and independent-minded teenager who challenges the pervasive Cold War paranoia.
• Harvey Starkweather (James Villemaire): A juvenile delinquent and Sherry’s jealous ex-boyfriend who causes trouble at the movie theater.
• Dennis Loomis (Jesse Lee Soffer): Gene’s younger brother who shares his enthusiasm for movies and gets caught up in the chaos at the premiere.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Lawrence Woolsey: “You think grown-ups know what they’re doing? That’s just a hustle, kid. Grown-ups are making it up as they go along, just like you. You remember that, and you’ll do fine.” – Woolsey gives Gene some encouraging advice, revealing his cynical but realistic view on adulthood.
• Lawrence Woolsey: “This crowd is turning into a mob. Congratulations!” – Woolsey says this during the chaotic premiere of ‘Mant,’ celebrating the success of his promotional gimmicks.
• Ruth Corday: “Oh, Bill!” – This is said by Ruth Corday (Cathy Moriarty) in a clip from ‘Mant’ after the end credits roll.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $13,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $9,532,895
• Worldwide Gross: $9,532,895

💥 Matinee Reviews

Personal Review

I absolutely loved Matinee! It felt like stepping back into my childhood, even though I didn’t live through the Cuban Missile Crisis. Goodman’s performance is larger than life, and the ‘Mant’ movie is hilariously cheesy. The scene where the balcony almost collapses had me on the edge of my seat. This movie is a warm hug for anyone who loves classic B-movies.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of Joe Dante’s films”
  • “Lovers of B-movies and schlock horror”
  • “Those interested in the 1960s and Cold War era”
  • “Viewers who appreciate nostalgic coming-of-age stories”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Mild language”
  • “Some thematic elements related to the Cuban Missile Crisis may be intense for younger viewers.”
  • “Brief scenes of teen romance/awkward encounters”
  • “Cartoon Violence”

Professional Reviews

• Rotten Tomatoes: “Joe Dante’s affectionate homage to creature features and B-movie king William Castle is a joy. John Goodman shines as the charismatic showman, capturing the spirit of classic cinematic showmanship. A delightful throwback to a bygone era of movie magic.
• IMDb: “Goodman’s portrayal of Lawrence Woolsey is brilliant, embodying the spirit of William Castle. The film combines a salute to sci-fi films of the 50s/60s with a warning about nuclear power and imperfection. The movie within a movie, Mant, is a special treat.
• JoBlo.com: “One of those films that deserved to reach a huge audience but somehow slipped away, Joe Dante’s affectionate homage to creature features and B-movie king William Castle is a joy from start to finish.

Audience Reactions

John Goodman’s performance is universally praised for capturing the essence of a classic showman.: The film’s nostalgic atmosphere and loving tribute to B-movies resonate deeply with viewers.

The ‘Mant’ movie-within-a-movie is a standout for its spot-on parody of 1950s sci-fi horror.: Many viewers appreciate the blend of humor, nostalgia, and a touch of Cold War paranoia.

Overall Consensus: A charming and humorous tribute to B-movies and the cinematic experience, anchored by a stellar performance from John Goodman.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The movie is a loving tribute to schlocky B-movies and showman William Castle, known for his outrageous theatrical gimmicks.”
• “Several actors who appeared in 1950s science fiction films, such as Kevin McCarthy, Robert Cornthwaite, and William Schallert, were cast in the ‘Mant’ movie-within-a-movie.”
• “The film cleverly juxtaposes the real-life anxieties of the Cuban Missile Crisis with the over-the-top theatrics of a B-movie premiere.”

🖥️ How to Watch Matinee?

As of today, “Matinee” is available for purchase or rental on various digital platforms such as Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Availability may vary by region. Check your local listings for streaming options and possible broadcast schedules.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Matinee, you might like these similar films:

• Ed Wood (1994): A biographical comedy-drama about one of cinema’s worst directors, celebrating the passion and absurdity of low-budget filmmaking.
• Galaxy Quest (1999): A comedy about the cast of a cancelled science fiction television series who are unexpectedly drawn into a real space battle.
• Gremlins (1984): Also directed by Joe Dante, this film shares a similar playful tone, blending horror and comedy with self-aware references to classic monster movies.

🛒 Matinee Related Products

• Aurora Model Kit – The Mummy: Recreate classic movie monster magic with this vintage Aurora model kit. A perfect display piece for collectors and a fun project for model builders.
• Key West, Florida – Vintage Travel Poster: Capture the essence of Key West in the 1960s with this beautiful vintage travel poster. Perfect for decorating your home theater or adding a touch of retro charm to any room.
• THEM! (Blu-ray): One of the iconic big bug movies that inspired ‘Mant’, this is considered one of the best of the subgenre and is essential viewing for any fan of classic horror.
• Creature Features: The Science Fiction, Fantasy and Horror Movie Guide: This comprehensive guide covers hundreds of B-movies similar to the ones parodied in ‘Matinee’. Packed with reviews and fun facts.

🎧 Soundtrack

Matinee features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “The Lion Sleeps Tonight” – performed by The Tokens
• “Main Title from Tarantula (1955)” – performed by Arranged and conducted by Dick Jacobs

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Metropolis (1927) Monster Madness X movie review #16

Ever wondered about that old black and white movie they’re watching in ‘Matinee’? This review breaks down ‘Metropolis,’ a silent film masterpiece, and explains why it’s so influential. Honestly, it’s pretty cool to see how much it inspired other movies!

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