5.6 | / 10 |
Users | 0.0 | |
Reviewer | 4.0 | |
Overall | 4.0 |
When a top local businessman and his two bumbling nephews try to shut down the town's only video arcade, arcade employees and patrons fight back.
Starring: Joe Don Baker, Leif Green (I), Scott McGinnis, Jon Gries, Corinne BohrerComedy | 100% |
Video codec: MPEG-4 AVC
Video resolution: 1080p
Aspect ratio: 1.78:1
Original aspect ratio: 1.85:1
English: DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 (48kHz, 24-bit)
None
25GB Blu-ray Disc
Single disc (1 BD)
Region A (locked)
Movie | 2.5 | |
Video | 4.0 | |
Audio | 3.0 | |
Extras | 3.5 | |
Overall | 4.0 |
Teen horndog cinema of the 1980s visits the arcade in 1983’s “Joysticks,” with writer/director Greydon Clark aiming to mastermind his own “Porky’s” with this ode to token-fingering juvenile pursuits, bare breasts, and the underdog spirit. It’s supremely goofy work, featuring a supporting turn from Joe Don Baker (joining Jon Gries, John Diehl, and Corinne Bohrer), merely out to service its intended demographic of sedated adolescent boys, never rising above sophomoric humor and screamed performances. It’s junk, but there’s one element of the movie that consistently holds attention: video games.
The AVC encoded image (1.78:1 aspect ratio) presentation preserves a filmic look, with tasteful grain management and refreshed colors. Hues are particularly potent with arcade visits, enjoying bright set decoration and wild character costumes and hairstyles. Skintones are accurate as well. Detail is satisfactory with this style of low-budget cinematography, capturing facial particulars and fabrics, and the feature's use of classic video games is open for study. Delineation is comfortable, never thickening with evening misadventures. Source is in fine shape, with some minor vertical scratches and speckling.
The 2.0 DTS-HD MA sound mix comes across loud, but not defined, providing a persistent crispiness to the upper range. Precision isn't available, leaving dialogue exchanges more functional, with nothing lost in the jumble of voices and sound effects. Soundtrack selections are also understood, but lack sharp instrumentation. Atmospherics and video game particulars add to the listening experience without overwhelming it.
"Joysticks" is surprisingly sluggish when it comes to stupidity, with Clark cushioning the blow by including ample nudity, sexually charged antics, and bodily function humor. It's an obvious film with broad performances, and for those in the mood for lowbrow entertainment, "Joysticks" aims to please. Any expectations for something significant aren't going to be met, but a chance to spy arcade culture in its prime is valued, even when sandwiched between fart jokes.
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