Top Secret! (1984)
Top Secret!
I’ve said it once, I’ll say it again: they don’t make comedies like they used to. There are definitely a few recent comedies that have turned it really nicely, but nothing compares to the dry humor of the 80’s. Movies like this one should be immortalized in cinema history. It’s definitely one of the best spoof movies I’ve seen, and also one of the stupidest. But the kind of stupid that doesn’t get old or feel overused. The same kind of stupid you find in ‘Airplane!’ or ‘The Naked Gun’. I guess it makes sense, because the guys who did ‘Airplane!’ did this movie, too. That’s why it turned out so good. I love how it takes on the spy genre, and does a fantastic job. There’s many times where it feels like a spoof of Indiana Jones. But who needs Indiana Jones when you have Nick Rivers? Val Kilmer is absolutely great in this, and I didn’t realize the comedic chops that he has. I’ve only ever seen him in serious roles, so this was a fun change of pace. I only love him even more now. The line deliveries were great, the physical humor was on point, and it’s a comedy that doesn’t have to be vulgar to be funny. Yes, there are very stupid moments, but they make you laugh. But I think my favorite part of the entire movie was the opening song. It was a combination of several Beach Boys songs, such as “Surfin’ USA”, “Hawaii”, “Do It Again”, and “California Girls”. It absolutely made my day. Overall, this movie was well made, though I think it just misses out on an A rating. I’d definitely recommend it to all comedy fans, especially if you love ‘Airplane!’ or ‘The Naked Gun’. This film is officially Berry Approved, so go watch it now!