Recent Viewings, Part 2

[FatFreddysCat]

"Zapped!" (1982)
A lab accident gives a high school science whiz (Scott Baio) telekinetic powers, which he uses to get even with bullies, cheat at gambling, and (most importantly) make girls' clothes fly off.
This cheap, silly teen T&A comedy was a cable TV staple when I was in high school, so even though it's dumb as rocks, it was still fun to revisit it. The supporting cast includes Scott's future "Charles in Charge" co-star Willie Aames and a pre-"Fall Guy" Heather Thomas. Tragically, the end credits inform us that the topless scene involving Heather's character used a body double, not the real Ms. Thomas, which absolutely broke my heart when I was a teen.

[Dr. Whom]

Seven Samurai (1954)

At 207 minutes, this is epic in every respect. It is much more than your basic adventure story, with social commentary on a wide range of themes. It does suffer from what I'd call the Dune Syndrome, in that so many later productions have taken themes, tropes and story beats from it, making it now look more stereotypical than it is. Very impressive nevertheless.

I went in largely unprepared, so I was surprised by Mifune's character, who was a lot more insane than I expected. Also, he fights in some random pieces and a thong, a set up I had never seen outside of Frank Frazetta's illustrations.