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Popeye

Someone was taking the good stuff when they decided to make this movie. First off, the idea of taking a cartoon like Popeye and trying to extend it into a feature length movie is pretty out there. Add to that the idea of getting Robert Altman to direct it. And then add Robin Williams in a starring role. I have no idea what kind of twisted genius put it all together, but it's definitely one strange movie.

I first saw this one in the theaters back when I was about 10. I don't remember being particularly impressed at the time, but for some reason I could still remember the songs many many years later. I definitely remembered that I thought it was a strange movie, even back then. Thus, I decided that 25 years later, I should probably take another look.

In general, I'd say the movie is definitely not for everyone, but I do have to say that liked it. Then again, I tend to be easily charmed by strange movies (I like Toys as well, if that's any indication :-) The "plot" is razor-thin, but the setting is quaint and the musical numbers are well-done and minimal at the same time. Casting Shelley Duvall as Olive Oyl was a stroke of genius.

Random cast sighting this time was seeing Dennis Franz (of NYPD Blue fame) as one of the local toughs.

If I were to recommend it to others, I would say that it's probably more of a 1.5/4 star movie. But due to its quirkiness and sentimental value, I give it 3/4 stars myself.