WB Reviews: Doctor Detroit.
Werebelushi:
Hello everyone, well it's April...and do you know what that means? No. Not April Fools, that day has already passed. I'm talking about something i've been meaning to do with Mel and Eucalyptus for a while and that is...Aykroyd Month. I have been thinking of doing reviews of movies with Dan Aykroyd in them and now it's time to bring that idea to life. Now keep in mind I have already talked about Blues Brothers 2000 and I will not be tackling Antz since Nathan did that one when talking about Christopher Walken, but I will be talking about the original Blues Brothers, as well as several other movies he has been in...no Yogi Bear though and no, I Love You Chuck and Larry, Tammy, Ghostbusters 2016 AND Pixels don't count. And no I will NOT do North because everyone and their grandmother has seen and reviewed this movie and also hated it.
And who better to do an Aykroyd themed review with someone who knows about all things Dan Aykroyd related? Ladies and gentlemen...Eucalyptus the koala. *he points to Eucalyptus, who is dressed as Ray Stantz*
Eucalyptus:
Hello everyone, wow...I can't believe I am on your show, this is amazing. I am so glad you called on me for this and Mel as well. Because I am an Aykroyd expert. And I think I could be of great service to you and the viewers.
Werebelushi:
Very well. Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to Aykroyd month. Ah Dan Aykroyd, everyone's favorite kooky Canadian with a love of the paranormal. Who doesn't love this man? He may have some out there and unusual ideas but he is genuinely a talented and unique comedian, there is no entertainer quite like him. Of course he was one of the original Not Ready For Primetime Players and a very close friend of the late John Belushi. And also the creator of the Blues Brothers and Ghostbusters. Not even kidding on the latter, it was all Aykroyd's idea with some help from Harold Ramis of course.
The first movie we will be talking about for Aykroyd month is 1983's Doctor Detroit. This movie is a very misunderstood movie, but why? Mainly because the general consensus on this movie is that it was terrible. Even Rotten Tomatoes gave it two stars...pft, what do those losers know? This movie was the first movie that Dan Aykroyd starred in by himself and not as part of a duo and the first movie that he did after Belushi's passing. Remember, this is before Ghostbusters came out.
So let's get it started shall we? This is...Doctor Detroit.
Eucalyptus:
Oh boy, oh boy! The movie begins with our protagonist Clifford Skridlow played by Aykroyd, he is a timid professor at a local college, he is very big on heroes...as in knights of the round table and other brave heroes who rescue damsels in distress, this will come into play later on. We see him walking down the street, or rather powerwalking since ya know this is the 1980's and immediately...oh my goodness he is just so adorkable in this. Of course Aykroyd is ALWAYS adorable, he always has been but in this...woah, it's enough to make me want to hug him.
Mel:
Easy Eukie.
Eucalyptus:
Sorry. We see a limousine driving by several times as he power-walks to his college, and for some reason the driver of that limo seems to be following him around. Inside the limo we see a pimp named Smooth Walker. Yes, seriously that is the pimp's name and he has a harem of girls. One of them is played by Fran Drescher.
Werebelushi:
And one of the other two girls is played by Donna Dixon. Coincidentally Dan and Donna dated each-other and got married during the making of this movie. And I can't say I blame her because if I was female I would have dated Dan as well. Smooth Walker is in a bit of trouble, he owes a lot of mob money to this one big bad boss by the name of 'Mom', yes...that's her name, the main villain is named Mom. And no, she's not someone's mother that's what they call her. So what does he do? He makes up a story of how he is protected by this powerful pimp bodyguard named 'Doctor Detroit', who he makes up.
The problem is though...no one is likely to believe his story so he has to find someone to BE the doctor. But who will do it? That's where Clifford comes in. Basically SW chooses Clifford to be the doctor, but the problem is...it will take a bit of convincing. So he introduces Clifford to himself as well as his girls, and we get an understanding of what Cliff's interests are which include exotic cuisine and his interest in heroes and folkloric characters who save the day, not to mention system analysis, rock climbing, literature and power-walking.
Eucalyptus:
*she sighs* He likes heroes and literature? Sounds like my perfect boyfriend material. So he is taken by Smooth and these beautiful women and is welcomed into the world of becoming a pimp, which he is reluctant to up until he sees the women that are in distress. And he becomes their savoir by becoming Dr Detroit, coming up with a funky persona to go with it. And he is seduced by these lovely women into becoming their hero, and thus the Doctor is born.
Werebelushi:
And just in time too since he can use as a means to raise money for his college and fend off the evil Mom. After bravely fending Mom and her goons off, he officially becomes Doctor Detroit and there is a seduction scene in the Jacuzzi. However in between saving people by doing such things as masquerading as a southerner the Detroit persona is causing a bit of trouble in his life, as indicated when he has sleep problems and when he has a nightmare about becoming a pimp and his own mother being sold. Don't worry, i've had the same dreams..only i've never had ones about my loved ones being put up for auction.
What is Cliff to do? Well...do what he can to defend those lovely women and fend off Mom and her goons. After demonstrating his martial arts moves earlier, he sets up a meeting for him as the 'Doctor' and Mom...after arranging for them to meet, it's time for Mom and the Doctor to meet. But the problem is Mom doesn't know what the Doctor looks like..so what does Clifford do? He comes up with a fabulous outfit to go with this persona. And might I add, it's a look that I can definitely see Elton John wearing. Although on the cover he looks like he's dressed like the 4th or 5th Doctor, which made me imagine what it would be like if Dan Aykroyd played everyone's favorite timelord.
Eucalyptus:
And just like a superhero he fends off Mom and her goons while defending the honor of those lovely women at the same time. I have to say this is my favorite Dan Aykroyd character of all of them, even more than Ray or Elwood. He looks up to heroic figures and becomes one himself. Clifford is adorkable and so precious, and Doctor Detroit...oh my, I want to cosplay as him! I'm surprised there aren't that many Aykroyd character cosplayers to be honest apart from the usual Elwood ones. This technically is like a superhero story only of course Doctor Detroit doesn't need superpowers.
I fell in love with Aykroyd thanks to this movie but even more so later on...you'll see what I mean with the next set reviews for this month. This movie has gotten a cult following and i'm proud to be in that cult idolizing Clifford Skridlow. So...it looks like the city has a new hero in the form of Doctor Detroit. And what a hero he is.
Werebelushi:
After getting out of his costume...Clifford is soon invited to a dinner party, and a rather swanky one at that. Of course the guests are all clamoring to see the doctor, and this means he has to change into his costume once again. I have to admit this scene is pretty awesome but what makes this scene even more awesome is the appearance of James Brown. The godfather of soul himself. This isn't the first time Dan and James have jammed together, if you recall James was Reverend James in the first Blues Brothers and in Blues Brothers 2000...and this is particularly fitting considering Aykroyd is in the James Brown biopic Get On Up.
This dance scene is amazing, and this whole scene in general is fantastic. This is why I feel Doctor Detroit is underrated. However the party is ruined once Mom and her goons once again show up. This looks like a job for...no, not Superman...Doctor Detroit!
Eucalyptus:
Ooooh my...look at Clifford and Mom go at it with their swords. Go Clifford! *she swoons as she watches that scene and as Mom is defeated* Hurray! My hero! I love him. This movie has it all. I think I am in love.
Werebelushi:
After defeating Mom...Dr Detroit reveals he is Clifford. And Clifford explains that the Doctor's work is done. And that the doctor won't be returning, and he has now fully become a full fledged hero. I've heard all sorts of terrible things about this movie but I think that's all heresy...this movie is so underrated, it's just plain fun. The ending tells us that what happened to the characters. And Clifford gets married. Just like how Aykroyd got married in real life. I have heard some people comment on this movie as an example of a bad Dan Aykroyd movie, but it's not that at all. You want a bad Dan Aykroyd movie? Look at Blues Brothers 2000 or North or Yogi Bear. Or even Caddyshack II. This is not a bad Aykroyd movie, this is fun and hilarious.
Aykroyd is brilliant in this movie as both Clifford and as the doctor. The development he goes through from being shy and reluctant to do it at first to being a full-fledged hero, to the point that he is living out the dream of being a chivalric hero just like Lance-A-Lot. I knew that part about him being a literature professor would pay off. Before I rate this movie i'd like to ask my friend Eucalyptus what she thought of it. What did you think of it, my marsupial friend?
Euclayptus:
I freaking love it...I think I am in love with Dan Aykroyd in this movie, this movie is so underrated and I never got why it is so hated, obviously the people that disliked this movie don't have a sense of fun. What I love about the movie is the progression of Clifford's character arch, granted it's not deep and intricate but seeing him progress from being timid to being a hero figure for those lovely women is rewarding in its own way. Aykroyd is clearly having fun in the role and embracing himself.
The only problem I have is with how he becomes the Doctor exactly....granted seeing him being seduced by the five women helps with that but I never did understand what exactly Smooth did which made him want to find someone to become this character, yes he owes money to Mom but I can't see he could have just asked Clifford to do it to begin with. My other problem is we don't see what exactly Moms does that makes her such a feared criminal to begin with, all we know is that she doesn't tolerate others entering her territory and muscling in on her turf. The humor in this movie isn't for everyone but then again if you are a fan of Aykroyd and love underdog/meek character becomes a hero type stories you might love this movie.
Werebelushi:
I echo your statements, Eukie. I definitely think this movie was a lot of fun, I heard a lot of bad things about it but when I see this movie...I think good things, after all this movie did not only prove that Aykroyd sometimes doesn't need a partner to do comedy but also it brought Dan and his now wife Donna Dixon together. And for that I am thankful, this movie is upbeat and zany and a lot of fun. Granted it's not perfect, at least not by any means but it doesn't have to be...it's not complicated and deep, you're not going to learn anything from this but you might just learn how to loosen up and have fun.
My problems if any is that Mom isn't exactly as intimidating as they make her out to be, and I have to wonder how she became the most feared criminal in Chicago to begin with and also...yeah, my other problem is how much Clifford seemed to be reluctant to take on the new role of the doctor at first...I know he wasn't used to stepping out of his comfort zone but still, also how come he couldn't say the word 'pimp'? I know this is probably because he isn't comfortable with being viewed as one or because he would rather be seen as a 'hero' but still...that part bothered me. If I was in that guy's shoes I would have said yes right away, but then again i'm a man of taste.
This movie isn't perfect but...if you are looking for a fun time, I suggest this movie. I give it two monster clawed thumbs up and a 'Must Watch' recommendation.
Eucalyptus:
Same here.
Werebelushi:
Aykroyd month is just starting...so stay tuned for more to come. Because there's a lot more wacky Aykroyd-ian antics coming up within the next several days and weeks. So get ready for the rest of the most Aykroydiful month ever. I'm That Werebelushi In The Shades with my friends/co hosts Mel and Eucalyptus, see you all next time.
Hello everyone, well it's April...and do you know what that means? No. Not April Fools, that day has already passed. I'm talking about something i've been meaning to do with Mel and Eucalyptus for a while and that is...Aykroyd Month. I have been thinking of doing reviews of movies with Dan Aykroyd in them and now it's time to bring that idea to life. Now keep in mind I have already talked about Blues Brothers 2000 and I will not be tackling Antz since Nathan did that one when talking about Christopher Walken, but I will be talking about the original Blues Brothers, as well as several other movies he has been in...no Yogi Bear though and no, I Love You Chuck and Larry, Tammy, Ghostbusters 2016 AND Pixels don't count. And no I will NOT do North because everyone and their grandmother has seen and reviewed this movie and also hated it.
And who better to do an Aykroyd themed review with someone who knows about all things Dan Aykroyd related? Ladies and gentlemen...Eucalyptus the koala. *he points to Eucalyptus, who is dressed as Ray Stantz*
Eucalyptus:
Hello everyone, wow...I can't believe I am on your show, this is amazing. I am so glad you called on me for this and Mel as well. Because I am an Aykroyd expert. And I think I could be of great service to you and the viewers.
Werebelushi:
Very well. Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to Aykroyd month. Ah Dan Aykroyd, everyone's favorite kooky Canadian with a love of the paranormal. Who doesn't love this man? He may have some out there and unusual ideas but he is genuinely a talented and unique comedian, there is no entertainer quite like him. Of course he was one of the original Not Ready For Primetime Players and a very close friend of the late John Belushi. And also the creator of the Blues Brothers and Ghostbusters. Not even kidding on the latter, it was all Aykroyd's idea with some help from Harold Ramis of course.
The first movie we will be talking about for Aykroyd month is 1983's Doctor Detroit. This movie is a very misunderstood movie, but why? Mainly because the general consensus on this movie is that it was terrible. Even Rotten Tomatoes gave it two stars...pft, what do those losers know? This movie was the first movie that Dan Aykroyd starred in by himself and not as part of a duo and the first movie that he did after Belushi's passing. Remember, this is before Ghostbusters came out.
So let's get it started shall we? This is...Doctor Detroit.
Eucalyptus:
Oh boy, oh boy! The movie begins with our protagonist Clifford Skridlow played by Aykroyd, he is a timid professor at a local college, he is very big on heroes...as in knights of the round table and other brave heroes who rescue damsels in distress, this will come into play later on. We see him walking down the street, or rather powerwalking since ya know this is the 1980's and immediately...oh my goodness he is just so adorkable in this. Of course Aykroyd is ALWAYS adorable, he always has been but in this...woah, it's enough to make me want to hug him.
Mel:
Easy Eukie.
Eucalyptus:
Sorry. We see a limousine driving by several times as he power-walks to his college, and for some reason the driver of that limo seems to be following him around. Inside the limo we see a pimp named Smooth Walker. Yes, seriously that is the pimp's name and he has a harem of girls. One of them is played by Fran Drescher.
Werebelushi:
And one of the other two girls is played by Donna Dixon. Coincidentally Dan and Donna dated each-other and got married during the making of this movie. And I can't say I blame her because if I was female I would have dated Dan as well. Smooth Walker is in a bit of trouble, he owes a lot of mob money to this one big bad boss by the name of 'Mom', yes...that's her name, the main villain is named Mom. And no, she's not someone's mother that's what they call her. So what does he do? He makes up a story of how he is protected by this powerful pimp bodyguard named 'Doctor Detroit', who he makes up.
The problem is though...no one is likely to believe his story so he has to find someone to BE the doctor. But who will do it? That's where Clifford comes in. Basically SW chooses Clifford to be the doctor, but the problem is...it will take a bit of convincing. So he introduces Clifford to himself as well as his girls, and we get an understanding of what Cliff's interests are which include exotic cuisine and his interest in heroes and folkloric characters who save the day, not to mention system analysis, rock climbing, literature and power-walking.
Eucalyptus:
*she sighs* He likes heroes and literature? Sounds like my perfect boyfriend material. So he is taken by Smooth and these beautiful women and is welcomed into the world of becoming a pimp, which he is reluctant to up until he sees the women that are in distress. And he becomes their savoir by becoming Dr Detroit, coming up with a funky persona to go with it. And he is seduced by these lovely women into becoming their hero, and thus the Doctor is born.
Werebelushi:
And just in time too since he can use as a means to raise money for his college and fend off the evil Mom. After bravely fending Mom and her goons off, he officially becomes Doctor Detroit and there is a seduction scene in the Jacuzzi. However in between saving people by doing such things as masquerading as a southerner the Detroit persona is causing a bit of trouble in his life, as indicated when he has sleep problems and when he has a nightmare about becoming a pimp and his own mother being sold. Don't worry, i've had the same dreams..only i've never had ones about my loved ones being put up for auction.
What is Cliff to do? Well...do what he can to defend those lovely women and fend off Mom and her goons. After demonstrating his martial arts moves earlier, he sets up a meeting for him as the 'Doctor' and Mom...after arranging for them to meet, it's time for Mom and the Doctor to meet. But the problem is Mom doesn't know what the Doctor looks like..so what does Clifford do? He comes up with a fabulous outfit to go with this persona. And might I add, it's a look that I can definitely see Elton John wearing. Although on the cover he looks like he's dressed like the 4th or 5th Doctor, which made me imagine what it would be like if Dan Aykroyd played everyone's favorite timelord.
Eucalyptus:
And just like a superhero he fends off Mom and her goons while defending the honor of those lovely women at the same time. I have to say this is my favorite Dan Aykroyd character of all of them, even more than Ray or Elwood. He looks up to heroic figures and becomes one himself. Clifford is adorkable and so precious, and Doctor Detroit...oh my, I want to cosplay as him! I'm surprised there aren't that many Aykroyd character cosplayers to be honest apart from the usual Elwood ones. This technically is like a superhero story only of course Doctor Detroit doesn't need superpowers.
I fell in love with Aykroyd thanks to this movie but even more so later on...you'll see what I mean with the next set reviews for this month. This movie has gotten a cult following and i'm proud to be in that cult idolizing Clifford Skridlow. So...it looks like the city has a new hero in the form of Doctor Detroit. And what a hero he is.
Werebelushi:
After getting out of his costume...Clifford is soon invited to a dinner party, and a rather swanky one at that. Of course the guests are all clamoring to see the doctor, and this means he has to change into his costume once again. I have to admit this scene is pretty awesome but what makes this scene even more awesome is the appearance of James Brown. The godfather of soul himself. This isn't the first time Dan and James have jammed together, if you recall James was Reverend James in the first Blues Brothers and in Blues Brothers 2000...and this is particularly fitting considering Aykroyd is in the James Brown biopic Get On Up.
This dance scene is amazing, and this whole scene in general is fantastic. This is why I feel Doctor Detroit is underrated. However the party is ruined once Mom and her goons once again show up. This looks like a job for...no, not Superman...Doctor Detroit!
Eucalyptus:
Ooooh my...look at Clifford and Mom go at it with their swords. Go Clifford! *she swoons as she watches that scene and as Mom is defeated* Hurray! My hero! I love him. This movie has it all. I think I am in love.
Werebelushi:
After defeating Mom...Dr Detroit reveals he is Clifford. And Clifford explains that the Doctor's work is done. And that the doctor won't be returning, and he has now fully become a full fledged hero. I've heard all sorts of terrible things about this movie but I think that's all heresy...this movie is so underrated, it's just plain fun. The ending tells us that what happened to the characters. And Clifford gets married. Just like how Aykroyd got married in real life. I have heard some people comment on this movie as an example of a bad Dan Aykroyd movie, but it's not that at all. You want a bad Dan Aykroyd movie? Look at Blues Brothers 2000 or North or Yogi Bear. Or even Caddyshack II. This is not a bad Aykroyd movie, this is fun and hilarious.
Aykroyd is brilliant in this movie as both Clifford and as the doctor. The development he goes through from being shy and reluctant to do it at first to being a full-fledged hero, to the point that he is living out the dream of being a chivalric hero just like Lance-A-Lot. I knew that part about him being a literature professor would pay off. Before I rate this movie i'd like to ask my friend Eucalyptus what she thought of it. What did you think of it, my marsupial friend?
Euclayptus:
I freaking love it...I think I am in love with Dan Aykroyd in this movie, this movie is so underrated and I never got why it is so hated, obviously the people that disliked this movie don't have a sense of fun. What I love about the movie is the progression of Clifford's character arch, granted it's not deep and intricate but seeing him progress from being timid to being a hero figure for those lovely women is rewarding in its own way. Aykroyd is clearly having fun in the role and embracing himself.
The only problem I have is with how he becomes the Doctor exactly....granted seeing him being seduced by the five women helps with that but I never did understand what exactly Smooth did which made him want to find someone to become this character, yes he owes money to Mom but I can't see he could have just asked Clifford to do it to begin with. My other problem is we don't see what exactly Moms does that makes her such a feared criminal to begin with, all we know is that she doesn't tolerate others entering her territory and muscling in on her turf. The humor in this movie isn't for everyone but then again if you are a fan of Aykroyd and love underdog/meek character becomes a hero type stories you might love this movie.
Werebelushi:
I echo your statements, Eukie. I definitely think this movie was a lot of fun, I heard a lot of bad things about it but when I see this movie...I think good things, after all this movie did not only prove that Aykroyd sometimes doesn't need a partner to do comedy but also it brought Dan and his now wife Donna Dixon together. And for that I am thankful, this movie is upbeat and zany and a lot of fun. Granted it's not perfect, at least not by any means but it doesn't have to be...it's not complicated and deep, you're not going to learn anything from this but you might just learn how to loosen up and have fun.
My problems if any is that Mom isn't exactly as intimidating as they make her out to be, and I have to wonder how she became the most feared criminal in Chicago to begin with and also...yeah, my other problem is how much Clifford seemed to be reluctant to take on the new role of the doctor at first...I know he wasn't used to stepping out of his comfort zone but still, also how come he couldn't say the word 'pimp'? I know this is probably because he isn't comfortable with being viewed as one or because he would rather be seen as a 'hero' but still...that part bothered me. If I was in that guy's shoes I would have said yes right away, but then again i'm a man of taste.
This movie isn't perfect but...if you are looking for a fun time, I suggest this movie. I give it two monster clawed thumbs up and a 'Must Watch' recommendation.
Eucalyptus:
Same here.
Werebelushi:
Aykroyd month is just starting...so stay tuned for more to come. Because there's a lot more wacky Aykroyd-ian antics coming up within the next several days and weeks. So get ready for the rest of the most Aykroydiful month ever. I'm That Werebelushi In The Shades with my friends/co hosts Mel and Eucalyptus, see you all next time.
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