Hot Shots! 1991

"I...uh, thought I saw Elvis."

Great film. I had a blast watching this. I thought it was much better than Airplane! Pretty much everything about it was better. But specifically: I think the fact that the comedy seemed intentional through everyone's performances, despite still being played as serious, brought this film to life. I feel like in Airplane!, the performances were too serious, which sort of dragged down the humor/comedy. That didn't seem to be the case here. I hope that makes sense.

Further adding to that, I think Charlie Sheen was a significant aspect. His performance was lively: and it was emotive. His comedic timing was good. By far, the best performance in the film. It seemed like he was in his element. Like this role was meant for him; super comfortable. I wonder how big of a part this role played in getting cast for Two and a Half Men despite this being, presumably, a successful film.

Also, something I found super interesting: his acting as Topper Harley and the way he delivered some of the lines reminded me of Patrick Bateman, at times.

As far as the cast are concerned, I think everyone was good.

• Valeria Golino was probably the second highlight after Charlie Sheen. She looked great throughout this film, especially in certain outfits. Shallow, I know. But I feel like that was pretty much the point of her character; nothing more, nothing less. It worked.

• Cary Elwes was a surprising actor in this film; he was good, although his character was one of the weaker ones. His character was a bit underwhelming and could've been better, and as Cary Elwes was the actor, he would've nailed it. I don't think he's in the second film, which is unfortunate. I imagine his character would've been better in that.

• Jon Cryer was yet another surprising actor; he was good, too. I'd say his character was more effective than Cary's character was when it came to comedic moments. Yet, at the same time, I think his character was underutilized.

• Lloyd Bridges was one of the best parts of this film. Jim Abrahams must've had a soft spot for him; Lloyd seemed to have a lot of comedic lines, like in Airplane! The only difference for me is that I enjoyed his character in this film more.

Charlie Sheen was the best, with Valeria Golino and Lloyd Bridges alongside him. I'd put Cary Elwes and Jon Cryer in second place: and pretty much tied with each other. But all of them were great, and each added their charm and life to this film.

The soundtrack was also phenomenal. It was groovy. But more importantly, it was a soundtrack that seemed to get the blood pumping. Easily one of the best parts of this film, without a doubt. The soundtrack helps with giving you the appropriate mood while watching this film.

All-in-all, this was a super enjoyable film to watch. And I had a great time watching it. Not only that, it was a perfect film to watch after Kung Fu Hustle. I didn't like it that much. Having been disappointed by that film could've made this film even more enjoyable for me, too. The only "negative" thing I can say about it is that I haven't watched Top Gun, so I didn't have the correct perspective towards this film as it parodied that film.