"Innerspace" is a charming movie that I hadn't seen in quite awhile. It almost seems like a forgotten 80's comedy now. This movie was actually directed by Joe Dante and produced by Steven Spielberg and used cutting edge special effects at that time. It was a reboot of the concept from "Fantastic Voyage", but revamped 80's style few shure.
The cast of Dennis Quaid, Meg Ryan, and Martin Short made for a hilarious mixture of comedy, adventure, and later even a little romance. I'm not a hugh Martin Short fan, but he was excellent in this film. His transformation throughout the movie was heartfelt and made me appreciate his performance even more.
Quaid was seldom on screen with Short, but they made for a great team. Looking back now, Quaid was so young and totally showed a zest for life in "Innerspace". Ryan was cute and I totally enjoyed the chemistry between herself and Quaid. I remember being sad when they finally ended their relationship in 2001.
If you've never seen "Innerspace", here's a quick summary:
Tuck Pendleton (Quaid) is a cocky pilot, who is taking part in a miniaturization experiment. When some bad guys break into the lab to steal the technology, one of the scientists escapes with a syringe which contains the miniaturized Tuck and vessel. In the vessel is part of the materials needed to restore Tuck to full size, while the other materials needed have been stolen by the bad guys. The escaping scientist is unfortunately tracked down by the bad guys and is shot, but not before injecting miniaturized Tuck into Jack Putter (Short), a hypochondriac, who feels that something is wrong with him all the time. When Tuck is finally able to link himself to Jack's systems, he discovers that something went wrong with the experiment. So they go back to the lab, and discover what really happened. Now they are told that unless they retrieve the stolen materials they won't be able to restore Tuck before his oxygen is depleted.
This movie is loaded with bad guys with rather devious intentions, but by the end .. you will just be laughing and enjoying the 80's ride.
For instance, if you cherish a chance to catch any glimpse of The Sherman Oaks Galleria in all its 80's glory .. well, "Innerspace" provides that opportunity. And I must say that The Galleria was buzzing with excitement in this film. Might wanna even slo-mo the scenes to check out a few of the stores you might have missed in "Chopping Mall"!
But my favorite part of "Innerspace" was when Meg Ryan and Martin Short followed this "Cowboy" character above to an 80's dance club. The dancing was hilarious, but the 80's fashion on display at the club was a treasure chest of fun.
Oh any "Vision Quest" fans out there? If so, you get the chance to see Mr. Tanneran (Harold Sylvester) in a much different role in "Innerspace".
Wait, did I mention the taser gun that almost looked like a phaser out of Star Trek?
And the soundtrack was an entertaining mixture as well ..
01. Rod Stewart - Twistin' the Night Away (4:12) 02. Wang Chung - Hypnotize Me (4:47) 03. Narada Michael Walden - Is It Really Love ? (4:43) 04. Berlin - Will I Ever Understand You (4:45) 05. Sam Cooke - Cupid (2:34) 06. Jerry Goldsmith - Let's Get Small (5:59) 07. Jerry Goldsmith - Environmental Adjust (3:58) 08. Jerry Goldsmith - Space Is a Flop (3:02) 09. Jerry Goldsmith - Gut Reaction (9:57) 10. Jerry Goldsmith - Air Supply (2:39)
[ 09. June 2012, 07:20: Message edited by: Valley ]
Posted by Dutch Gannon (Member # 10167) on :
I love this film its one of my favorites, watched it when I was a kid didn't get all the jokes but still very much enjoyed it, got older and like it even more now that I get everything. Always been a fan of Martin Short, thought this was thee movie that showed him at his greatest though like others too. Dennis Quaid as you said great, this and Enemey Mine are my two favorites of his. Everybody in the cast from Henry Gibson to Kevin McCarthy, to Vernon Wells to Meg Ryan I liked everybody in all their roles, Dante had a knack for hiring funny people for funny small but memorable roles. Rober Picardo at his most funny great character, Wendy Schall beautiful and hilarious in this and the Burbs. Great film, my brother got me the score to his film for Christmas, great score. But when it comes to Jerry Goldsmith how can you go wrong?
Posted by Ronnie (Member # 465) on :
Awesome post Valley.
I watched Innerspace a couple of months ago, with commentary. Love this movie!
Val, you mentioned how Short and Quaid barely had scenes together but made a great team.... it makes the little moment where they lay eyes on each other near the end, so awesome.
Love when Tuck sends Jack over to the mirror to see what he looks like. "Your face... slap it!...... Harder!.....How does it feel?!?!"
Ha, the Cowboy! His dance moves are hilarious.
Will have to watch again, soon. Posted by Pyro (Member # 7658) on :
Even though I haven't seen this one in a good while, I watched it so much when I was younger that I'm sure I would still know almost every line if I were to sit and watch it again. Yes, being the Sci-Fi movie nerd that I was (still am), this movie was a fun ride for me indeed. Maybe not a favorite, but certainly a classic.
And I agree with virtually everything you say about the cast here Valley. They are all fantastic in this. And it would probably have to be my favorite performance by Martin Short as well. I enjoyed Dennis Quaid a little more in Enemy Mine and Dreamscape. But he's really great here too.
So overall, yes this is definitely a classic film that I can recommend any and all 80's fans should check out if you haven't already.
Posted by aTomiK (Member # 6575) on :
Watched Innerspace today, last time saw it about 10 years ago. It´s a fun adventure film, excellent Dante/Spielberg entertainment.
Lots and lots of Dante regulars among the cast. Awesome, awesome actors!
Meg Ryan looks good but i´ve always liked Wendy Schaal more. She´s a babe!
Loved the Inferno club scene and the Martin Short "Twistin´ the Night Away" dance is essential!
Cool movie!
Posted by Zigyma7ik (Member # 12351) on :
Is a must to have.
Posted by Kash (Member # 297) on :
Hilarious flick, haven't seen it in years but used to watch it often in the 80s, this and The Three Amigos made me a Martin Short fan. Dennis Quaid was kind of like a mini Han Solo in this. Good film.
Posted by Logan 5 (Member # 1467) on :
Pure nostalgia for me. I saw it at the cinema. Always surprised it wasn't a bigger hit.
Posted by Valley (Member # 1322) on :
Thought "Innerspace" fans would get a kick out of this article from last year:
Pain in Peyton Manning's Neck is Just Dennis Quaid from Innerspace
By Captain Meatball, September 7, 2011
INDIANAPOLIS - Late Tuesday, doctors at St. Vincent Hospital in Indianapolis found the culprit of Peyton Manning's neck pain.
After multiple evaluations from several doctors throughout the country, Dr. Henry Froman made a stunning discovery.
"When we got the x-rays back, we noticed something lodged between his scalene and sternocleidomastoid muscles. At first, we thought that it might be a metal pin...something from an older surgery...but the closer we looked, it was obvious. It's obviously a small ship carrying a very young and dapper Dennis Quaid. Actually, the 1987 version of Dennis Quaid."
In a press release, the 1987 Quaid sounded worried. He stated "I was injected into some quarterback...I guess he's got this Marino plus Montana like ability...Peyton Manning? I was injected during sleep by a doctor friend of mine. During the injection, the doctor was shot. Our goal is to find the man who has the remainder of our drugs to make sure that my oxygen is filled. If it isn't found, I could die in here...or we could just start filming Innerspace 2. If I'm stuck here, we might as well do something productive...If not, this could be the end. Tell Meg (Ryan) that I love her. Tell everybody that I think Gorbachev means well and that Reagan will wind up doing what's best for the country...and tell them that answering machines are the future...the future!"
The current day Dennis Quaid was stunned by the developments.
"I'm not really sure how this happened. I only thought they made one syringe...I...wait...that was a movie. Right? Innerspace wasn't real, right?"
One suspect is struggling actor Martin Short. The former SNL cast member has been seen running around Hollywood with a script for 'Innerspace 2: Back Inside for More Laughs'.
"Oh, that's silly! To think I did this?!" exclaimed an exasperated Short. "Listen, Innerspace was one of the best movies of the late 1980's. It was a commentary on modern space travel, the greediness of mankind...plus, it was a parallel for cold war slavery that the American people were subject to from 1946 to present day. It was so good, that I think that doing 'Innerspace 2: Back Inside for More Laughs' would be a great venture for any producer. But that's besides the point. The point is that we have a 1987 version of Dennis Quaid stuck inside the greatest quarterback of all-time. This is a problem...that's unless we use this time to film 'Innerspace 2: Back Inside for More Laughs,' a romantic comedy by Martin Short...but, yes...I hope they get them out. I hope they get him o---hey, did his agent call? Tell him 'Shorty' wants to talk with him."
"The goal is to find the man who did this so we can remedy the situation," said Dr. Froman. "Time is of the essence. A ship lodged without oxygen will leave Dennis there forever...we'd lose the greatest quarterback of all-time, plus a very attractive man who makes any romantic comedy worthwhile. With his slight tan and golden eyes. Just the thought of him coming behind you and placing his hand on your shoul--Sorry...We just need to get Dennis out of there."
Manning will be missing the first game of the season...but if Quaid remains, he could be out for the season.
"I'm trying to talk to him," stated the 1987 Quaid. "Problem is the only thing in his head are audibles. Just lots and lots of audibles."
Posted by aTomiK (Member # 6575) on :
Ha, a fun story! Great stuff Posted by Bernie_Lomax (Member # 8571) on :
quote:Originally posted by Logan 5: Pure nostalgia for me. I saw it at the cinema. Always surprised it wasn't a bigger hit.
![[Smile]](smile.gif)
![[Wink]](wink.gif)
![[Big Grin]](biggrin.gif)
