Late Night Classics – The ‘Burbs

Living in the hectic world of Southern California can really suck sometimes. There is the everyday chaos of the freeway system, smog that can literally suffocate you and the fear of an Irwin Allen sized Earthquake to preoccupy your mind on a daily basis. Having said that, there is no other place I’d rather be. You see, being close to Hollywood means you are surrounded by some of the sweetest grindhouse/revival theaters in the country.

My two favorites being the New Beverly Cinema in Los Angeles and Aero Theatre in Santa Monica. How great is it to see a movie in a theater full of fans who share your passion for cinema, and sometimes even having the director or cast present?  I’ve met my heroes like James Cameron, Tobe Hooper, and Wes Craven at these events. Yeah, we are pretty damn spoiled over here.

A few weeks back I was able to attend a 20th Anniversary screening of Joe Dante’s comedy classic The ‘Burbs. I didn’t think much of this film upon its initial release, I thought it was way over the top and just not fun. But something happened, the “John Carpenter rule” came into effect. You know, ten years after a release that you didn’t like you now find it enjoyable and are addicted to it. That is what happened with The ‘Burbs.

Shot entirely on the Universal lot it has that 1980′s Amblin feel throughout. Tom Hanks is hilarious in one of his last films before he hit the big time with Forrest Gump. Dante cronies Dick Miller and Robert Picardo showing up as a pair of garbage men will always put a smile on my face. Bruce Dern is a hoot and a half as paramilitaric neighbor who chews up every scene he is in.

The Beverly Cinema is nearing it’s twenty-fifth anniversary as Los Angeles last remaining full-time revival cinema. The “Beverly” has been screening repertory double bills continuously since it opened in May, 1978.

The program has been a consistent presentation of two films each day, with a new double feature three times weekly. The variety of pairings runs the gamut from old Hollywood classics, recent independent film, European and Asian favorites, to the occasional silent or animated feature; Scorsese to Eisenstein with Hitchcock and Godard thrown in.