American Pop, released in 1981, has got to be one of the best showcase films of Bakshi’s unique animation storytelling style. Not only is the soundtrack great, but the film follows a family through 4 generations of pursuing the American dream, armed with only talent and perseverance. While the definition of American pop music changes with each generation, the general theme of chasing the dream using whatever tools you find at your disposal is constant. underlying struggles against poverty and political strife, pitfalls of addiction and relationship struggles in those landscapes are a constant theme. This continuity is the secret, more than the music itself, to captivating the audience, who all on some level are chasing their own American dream.

Bakshi has a realism in his creations that comes from more than the overlay of animations on real actors. He doesn’t look for the fairy tale ending but rather highlights the ongoing struggles of humanity, warts and all. He never shys from political strife and war, he shows struggles with poverty like someone who has experienced it first hand, and he doesn’t even judge the seedier lifestyle that so many of his characters (at least in this movie) find themselves while trying to eek out a living with the hand their were dealt.

Treat yourself to some Vintage Vinyl Records

American Pop begins with a Jewish widow fleeing war-torn Russia in the 1890s with her young son. They wind up in America where, still a boy, he finds work helping the music director of a Burlesque theater/brothel. Music from Gershwin, Louis Prima and Herbie Hancock cover the early piano and jazz styles. The Mamas and the Papas, and Bob Dylan give way to the Lynard Skynyrd as folk music developed a harder edge and American Pop music became synonymous with rock’n’roll. . But you’ll have to watch the movie to really appreciate this anthem to the American dream.

The post American Pop appeared first on Classic TV and Movies.

The story opens with a Corvette dropping from a space shuttle to earth. It’s occupant and astronaut Grimaldi presents his daughter with a orb called the Loc-Nar that destroys him. This evil entity then shows the girl how it has dominated societies throughout time.

Unlike typical animation, the Heavy Metal movie used rotoscoping. Max Fleisher developed the rotoscope which projects live action to be traced over frame by frame making a real live scene into something drawn. The result is a film that is worth seeing just for the technical aspects, but will probably be remembered for its music, and sexually titillating scenes.

The post Heavy Metal appeared first on Classic TV and Movies.

Money is easy come and easy go in Las Vegas. And Lucky gets the cash that he needs only to lose it again, after being knocked into the pool by Ann Margret’s character, swimming instructor Rusty Martin. Unable to even pay his hotel bill, Lucky starts working as a waiter, then signs up to a talent contest, hoping to try his fortune once again at getting the money for his car’s engine.

Before the contest, Lucky sets to wooing Rusty. His competition for both the girl and the Grand Prix is Ceasar Danova playing Count Elmo Mancini, driving his Ferrari 250 GT Berlinetta. Rusty falls for Lucky, but wants to make a few changes.

The post Viva Las Vegas appeared first on Classic TV and Movies.

This movie, described as a “neo-noir” rock musical, is set in an alternate reality that mixes 1950s elements with 1980s themes. The acting seems weak, but it is most likely a bad script as the cast includes a young Rick Morannis, and hunky heartthrob Micheal Pare. The musical score is pretty good too, so long as you don’t take this movie too seriously, you will enjoy it.

The post The Streets of Fire appeared first on Classic TV and Movies.