Smartaleck video store clerk Cosmo (a solid and likable performance by Kevin Dillon) accidentally discovers a nefarious alien plot to take over Earth by brainwashing people to become dangerous psychotics through watching a cruddy 50's sci-fi clunker on a VHS tape. Can Cosmo and his friends stop them before it's too late? Writer/director Jeff Lieberman relates the clever premise at a brisk pace, astutely nails (and wickedly satirizes) the rampant VHS mania of the late 80's, likewise pokes spot-on barbed fun at annoying hipsters and cheesy retro nostalgia, delivers several moments of shockingly brutal violence, and laces the whole thing with his trademark sly offbeat wit. Moreover, it's acted with zest by an appealing and attractive cast: The fetching Deborah Goodrich as the perky Belinda Watson, Christopher Wynne as awkward geek Georgie, and Frank Beddor as obnoxious jerk Victor. Popping up in nifty small roles are Jennifer Tilly as the kooky Allegra Jones and veteran character actor Bert Remsen as amiable distributor Bill Denver. The purposefully lousy mock 50's flick rates as a hilarious piece of pure kitschy schlock gold. Peter Bernstein's funky score hits the groovy pulsating spot. Tim Suhrstedt's bright cinematography provides a neat sparkling look. A real cool and crafty blast.
Review of Remote Control
