MOVIE REVIEW
Underground Aces
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Genre: Comedy
Year Released: 1981, 2024 Kino Lorber Blu-ray
Runtime: 1h 35m
Director(s): Robert Butler
Writer(s): Lenore Wright, James Carabatsos, Andrew Peter Marin
Cast: Dirk Benedict, Melanie Griffith, T.K. Carter, Michael Winslow, Robert Hegyes, Sid Haig, Frank Gorshin, Jerry Orbach, Audrey Landers, Randy Brooks, Ernie Hudson, Mimi Maynard
Where To Watch: available July 23, 2024; pre-order your copy here: www.kinolorber.com or www.amazon.com

RAVING REVIEW: Venturing beneath the elegant facade of a Beverly Hills hotel, UNDERGROUND ACES introduces us to a band of valet drivers who redefine their mundane jobs into an exhilarating escapism. Under the leadership of industry veterans Dirk Benedict’s Pete, Melanie Griffith’s Lucy, and Frank Gorshin’s Fred, these car jockeys find themselves orchestrating a comedic car ballet. What starts as typical day-to-day operations soon spirals into teaching a sheik the nuances of American romance, complete with high-octane car chases and a housefly trained to perform tricks. The cast's zeal, accompanied by performances from Michael Winslow and Jerry Orbach, energizes this early '80s gem, turning it into a lively depiction of the era.

UNDERGROUND ACES transports us back to the transition between the '70s and '80s. It encapsulates a period of cinematic evolution with its mix of dated jokes, slapstick humor, and unexpected moments of nudity and skate-bound shenanigans. Griffith and Benedict's vibrant portrayals, supplemented by Michael Winslow and Sid Haig's humorous cameos, lend the film a dynamic quality. This delightful blend of retro humor and situational comedy aims to connect with viewers who hold a fondness for this pivotal decade in film history.

While rich in lively characters and intriguing settings, UNDERGROUND ACES occasionally needs to help maintain narrative cohesion. Over its brisk 95-minute runtime, the film attempts to juggle numerous subplots and a diverse cast, which can detract from thorough character development. The central storyline, which revolves around the valets' comedic efforts to aid a sheik in love, sometimes meanders, overshadowing the potential for deeper romantic or personal arcs. Although the film parallels other workplace comedies, it carves out a niche with its unique portrayal of valet life, albeit veering towards chaos at times.

Benedict delivers a stabilizing force amidst a backdrop of sporadic comedic tones. While the film boasts some genuinely humorous moments, others seem forced and fail to resonate due to a misalignment with character development or the overarching plot. Compounding this issue is a soundtrack that occasionally clashes with the visual gags, slightly marring the comedic impact. The ensemble cast, diverse in its representation, brings vitality and a broad spectrum of perspectives, though at times, this variety contributes to a somewhat cluttered narrative.

One of UNDERGROUND ACES' most commendable features is its creative use of the hotel's parking garage, transforming it into the stage for unique set pieces like a disrupted wedding and the swift assembly of a vintage car. These inventive moments stand out, showcasing the film's ability to transcend typical comedy boundaries. However, interspersed with these highlights are slower scenes that dampen the pacing, and considerable screen time is devoted to the sheik's cumbersome romantic quest, which, while humorous, limits the exploration of other narrative possibilities.

UNDERGROUND ACES is an audacious dive into comedic absurdity, where the cast's evident enjoyment parallels the on-screen chaos. As the narrative progresses, it intersperses some timely jokes that maintain relevance, showcasing the film's ability to adapt humor across decades. Despite its struggles with consistent comedy delivery and character depth, this film is a noteworthy venture into the comedic landscape of the '80s.

Product Extras:
Brand New HD Master – From a 2K Scan of the 35mm Interpositive
NEW Audio Commentary by Horror-Fix.com’s James G. Chandler and Ash Hamilton
Optional English Subtitles

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[photo courtesy of KINO LORBER]

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