Hi all, sorry for the delay in writing one of these. It has been a long time since our last confession, and I have some explaining to do. But seriously, sorry for the delay in writing these I was just procrastinating and really don’t have a decent excuse. So today seemed like the right day for this. And, if I ever want a part 2 of the first book, I better get cracking. Here is one I promised Mark that I would write about because I know we both have been doing the Tod Spengo hand gesture since we have known one another… which is now more than 25 years.
I don’t remember exactly when I first saw it. HBO is the only place I can think I would have caught this. And 1992 puts me walking into high school, so that is the only thing that makes sense. No way I saw this in the movies, but maybe. The first movie ticket I have is Above the Rim which is 1994, and this is 1992, so I could have tossed it. Let’s just say I remember seeing it and loving the dumb-ness of it. And like most flicks I have a digital copy of it, but to my surprise no VHS copy. Off to eBay after this is written.
Mom & Dad Save the World
From the very first scene, this movie lets you know exactly what you’re in for. It’s goofy, it’s weird, and it’s glorious. We meet Dick and Marge Nelson, an average suburban couple heading off on a little getaway. But unbeknownst to them, the hilariously inept Emperor Tod Spengo has his sights set on destroying Earth… but then turns his attention on Marge and decides to use his planet’s Death Ray to suck their car into space. Because, why not? And just like that, we’re off on a ridiculous adventure that is just perfect from the get-go. I am glossing over a bit of the plot, but like most of these that I write articles for, I want you to explore and enjoy the stupidity of this gem.
Let’s talk about the cast, because, wow. First, there’s Jon Lovitz as Emperor Tod Spengo. If you grew up watching movies in the ‘80s and ‘90s, you’ve seen this guy. SNL, The Critic, A League of Their Own, his scene-stealing bits in The Wedding Singer—the guy is a comedy legend. Speaking of SNL, I love his master thespian character, and have been quoting “Acting!” for 35+ years. The best and will always give everything he is in a chance.
Then, we have the titular mom and dad. Marge is played by the late great Teri Garr, an actress who seemed to be in everything back in the day—Young Frankenstein, Close Encounters of the Third Kind, Mr. Mom—you name it. To say she is important to comedy is an understatement. To say those three movies above are not my favorites of hers is crazy because I love her in Let it Ride (see my article about that gem –Steve [I would link it but just click Steve’s name over there and scan his twenty articles until you find it.] –Lar) and Tootsie as well. I miss seeing her face and instantly knowing this film is going to be solid. And then there’s Dick, played by Jeffrey Jones. If you don’t recognize him immediately, let me refresh your memory: Principal Ed Rooney in Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, Charles Deetz in Beetlejuice, Dr. Jennings in Howard the Duck, and Elliot Draison in Who’s Harry Crumb?. I have to write an article about that one. In fact, that is the next one. Or maybe Stay Tuned. Maybe both. He always makes an impression, and in Mom and Dad Save the World, he plays the hero and is brilliant in almost every scene. Lastly I will mention the emperor’s general, Afir, played by Thalmus Rasulala. Yeah, not a name you recognize, but I do. He is Skeeter, Lamont’s buddy from Sanford and Son. Here is a crazy fact. He died of a heart attack before the movie was released, so it is dedicated to him. Ready for more madness, he dies two days before Redd Foxx, who also dies of a heart attack. You can’t make this up.
And the supporting cast? Incredible group. Wallace Shawn (Vizzini from The Princess Bride), Eric Idle (because why not throw in a Monty Python legend?), and Kathy Ireland (insaney Beautiful Sports Illustrated Model and 90s Comedy Actress). My favorite is the Son played by Danny Cooksey, who some may know as Bobby Budnick from Salute your Shorts. I loved that show. I love this cast. Also glossing over Eric Idle seems like a mistake, but what am I going to say about him that is new?
How about the crew? The movie was directed by Greg Beeman, who later went on to do a ton of TV work (Smallville, Heroes), and one of the producers was Thomas G. Smith, who worked on Star Wars, E.T., and Raiders of the Lost Ark. Oh, and did I mention that the score was composed by Jerry Goldsmith? Alien, Poltergeist, Total Recall, Star Trek: The Motion Picture—yeah, that Jerry Goldsmith and the soundtrack for this movie. I have to imagine they thought this was going to be an absolute gem, which it was, just never found its mark. I looked up the weekend it came out in 1992. It opened against Mo Money, the 2nd week of Honey I blew up the Kids, the 5th week of A League of Their Own and the biggest hit that year Sister Act. The fact this movie made any money is impressive.
My favorite part, some of the gem quotes:
- King Raff: This is very important … open my pants.
- Sirk: What we lack in brains, we make up for with good intentions.
- Spengo: Mutton Chops or Goatee?
Too many to quote, because it is so dumb.
At the end of the day, Mom and Dad Save the World is exactly what it sets out to be: a gloriously stupid, endlessly entertaining sci-fi comedy. It’s a product of its time in the best way possible, and if you haven’t seen it, well, it’s currently streaming on Tubi—so you have no excuses. And I won’t owe you any money.
Fun fact: Apparently, Jeffrey Jones took this role because he wanted to be in something his kids could watch. That just makes me love this movie even more. Of course, if you know anything about Jeffrey Jones’s legal troubles, you might have some thoughts. I choose to ignore it. The man played some of my favorite characters, and that’s where I leave it. Also Jon Lovitz took this flick while still on SNL and I think Lorne made him choose this or SNL, and I think he chose this. Not the right call, but I still love it.
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I think it’s time for another rewatch. Because like the movie itself, I too am a complete and total moron—but at least I have good taste. Maybe.
