By Melissa Antoinette Garza
My husband and I just got finished watching The Best of Cinema Snob Volume 1. I’m happy to say it was certainly worth the money spent. It was hilarious! The DVD showcased the episodes from public domain month where the Cinema Snob (Brad Jones) delved into and poked fun at the plot (or lack thereof) from each film. Driller Killer, Werewolf in a Girls Dormitory, Star Odyssey, Billy the Kid vs. Dracula and Jesse James meets Frankenstein are the productions highlighted and critiqued. As always, Jones delivers with quick wit, charm, and humorous, cutting observations.
Jones has joined a very small group of online comedians that are funny and talented. His persona pokes fun at holier-than-thou, self righteous critics who not only insult but completely berate any film they disagree with.
I saw an interview with Jones on Youtube where he stated his inspiration came from a review he had seen where Roger Ebert harshly criticized Friday the 13th – A New Beginning. Jones implied that it was Ebert’s drastic and over-the-top hatred for the F-13 movie that made him think that a parody of such reviewers could be worth visiting.
Personally, I recall Ebert’s absolutely hatred for most horror productions. He held issues with women always being the victims. I always thought that was odd considering in real life (with the exception of gang violence) women are more than 4 times more likely to be victims of violent crimes (according to Bureau of Justice Statistics – 2009).
Ebert also had a problem with Santa Claus being a villain. To the delight of horror fans and the outrage of Ebert, a Killer Claus goes on a rampage in Silent Night, Deadly Night. If I’m not mistaken, I believe Ebert encouraged a bunch of religious housewives to boycott the movie. I remember that either the director or the producer called Siskel and Ebert out stating that if they were as appalled as they pretended to be, they wouldn’t have mentioned the movie on their TV show which resulted in heightening the popularity. Odder still, Silent Night, Deadly Night was far from the first with a killing Santa. Maybe, it was just that it happened to be mainstream that hit a nerve.
Though, personally I was never a fan of Siskel and Ebert, I did watch them all the time when I was a kid. I would stay up really late and I think it was the only thing on at around 2 a.m. Not to mention, in the days before the internet, their show was the only way to get a sneak peak of new movies.
Despite the fact that I wasn’t a fan of theirs, I will say that I’m thankful for anything or anyone that helped inspire the Cinema Snob character. So though I never thought I’d say this – Thank you Mr. Ebert and Rest In Peace.
For those interested in purchasing the DVD, it should be known that on top of the 5 episodes, it comes with quite a bit of special features.
Commentary by Brad on each episode
-Trailers and Clips from the Original Movies!
-Brad’s Bathtub Q&A
-Brad tries Beverly Soda
-Brad Tries Soylent Green
-Flaming Brian’s Kitchen: Firebrand Challenge
-GAME BOYS: The Animated Series Episode 1 with Commentary
-A Sneak Peak at Ninja the Mission Force Season 2
-The Cinema Snob Movie Trailer
I purchased this DVD and The Cinema Snob Movie from Brad Jones’s website at TheCinemaSnob.com. The films were delivered within 3 business days. They were packaged well and in great condition.
The DVDs were high quality and there were no problems with the audio or video of either film.
It goes without saying that the content of both were fantastic. As Geno already reviewed The Cinema Snob Movie, I won’t go that much into detail other than to say it was an original, well-done production that utilized aspects of horror, comedy and action to tell its story. The acting was above par and all of the main characters had depth. Though the film came in a few minutes over two hours, it flew by.
I eagerly anticipate Jones’s first feature film Paranoia which my husband bought me for my birthday. Though my b-day is technically in August, the hubby is kind enough to let me watch the movie as soon as it is delivered. This may also have a little to do with the fact that he too is looking forward to watching it.
If you enjoy the Cinema Snob, volume 1 should definitely be in your collection.
All of Mr. Jones work can be purchased at the following website:
Scared Stiff Rating: 8.5/10
Honestly I didn’t like the Cinema Snob much at first. He seemed too bitter and angry, but of course then I learned that was really just part of the act.
Brad Jones can be real funny, and I especially enjoy his reviews for films I’ve seen, or have at least heard of. I never cared for the weird porn he’s discussed on previous episodes, but his “PUBLIC DOMAIN MONTH” was fun. I don’t think they’re his best episodes like the DVD title suggests, but this way he can avoid copyright issues.
I never saw the CINEMA SNOB MOVIE, but I also recommended this compilation DVD. I hope he does another someday.
Brad Jones is really funny. I really enjoy his work. Also, Ashens and the AVGN are both very funny (usually). I get more entertainment from YouTube then TV at this point.