#the-mask-1994

#the-mask-1994

As the movie opens, the city is being terrorised by a cult calling itself New World, whose members are hell bent on demonstrating their commitment to a survival-of-the-fittest creed by murdering everyone in sight. Their leader, a fearsome killer nicknamed the Night Slasher (Brian Thompson), wields a giant, spiky knife that must be the envy of Black Metal bands everywhere.

hitting a big red reset button, which turns out to be just what the franchise needed. Executive-produced by Seth Rogen, this Muppet Show plays like an episode of the classic variety series, which premiered 50 years ago, right down to the theme song, the practical effects, and Statler and Waldorf heckling about its very faithful rebootiness: "If it ain't broke -" "They are broke! That's why they're doing it!" Har har har!

Early in 1992's Wayne's World, a bunch of rockers squeeze into an AMC Pacer with custom flames painted on the side. As they drive past the automarts, car washes and beef stands of downtown Chicago, Bohemian Rhapsody plays on the car stereo. The song's operatic verses are used for laughs (the Let me go line becomes a cry for help from a friend who is partied out and might honk in the backseat)