Acensbart Excellent but underrated film

Crwthod A lot more amusing than I thought it would be.

Kidskycom It's funny watching the elements come together in this complicated scam. On one hand, the set-up isn't quite as complex as it seems, but there's an easy sense of fun in every exchange.

Dana An old-fashioned movie made with new-fashioned finesse.

John Watras A gang of thugs from another planet, led by one Jonathan Xavier, (Will Keenan), is exiled to Earth by an old man in a Devo hat called the Grand Inquisitor, played by Kevin McCarthy, (from "Invasion Of The Body Snatchers"). All he has to do to be allowed to return home is to perform one unselfish act. Along the way we meet a zombie rock star named Micky O'Flynn, (Creed Bratton from The Grass Roots), Johnny's ex girlfriend Bliss, (DeAnna Joy Brooks), talk show host Cousin Quilty, (Paul Williams, "Phantom Of The Paradise") a villain named Sluggo, and a soda jerk named Chip, (Jed Rowan & Les Williams respectively). A few snappy pop tunes by Scott Martin, some dancin', a little finger snappin', a car chase or two, and a terrific score by Ego Plum, make director Paul Bunnell's debut feature film what it is, a 106 minute joy ride. Bunnell has given the movie all of the appropriate nods to the classics like "Grease", "West Side Story", "Porgy & Bess", "The Wild One", and "Hot Rods To Hell", to name just a few. That being said, Johnny X is very much its own thing. However, I couldn't shake the feeling that I've never seen a movie quite like this before. Keenan's performance in Johnny X is notable for it's restraint. Just like Marlon Brando's Johnny in "The Wild One", Keenan's Johnny X plays it way cool. I don't think he raises his voice in the film even once. Even so, there's no mistaking that Johnny Xavier is an angry alien punk. However, there is one very emotional, dark scene, in which we get a glimpse of another side to Johnny, and with a character that turns out to be more important than you may have thought. I'll leave it at that. "The Ghastly Love Of Johnny X" has two very notable "lasts" that I'd like to mention. It is the last film you will ever see that was shot on Kodak's Plus X black and white film. For cinematographer, director Paul Bunnell chose Francisco Bulgarelli. The film looks gorgeous, with rich expressive contrast, and tonalities. This film would still be good in color, but the fact that it's done in such cool black and white, puts you in it's own universe, and locks the door behind you. Johnny X also gives us the last screen appearance of the late veteran actor Kevin McCarthy, who passed away in September 2010. His part is small, but memorable. His career spanned over five decades, in both motion pictures and television, beginning in 1944. But it was his role as Dr. Miles J. Bennell,…(hmmm… Bennell…Bunnell…ain't that weird?) in "The Invasion Of The Body Snatchers", for which he will always be remembered. "The Ghastly Love Of Johnny X" is available on DVD, through Amazon, and Barnes & Noble. The extras are fun to watch. Make sure you look for the two Easter eggs hidden in the menu. Oh, and one final note, there is a limited edition soundtrack CD available at www.kritzerland.com/johnnyX.htm.

Hellmant 'THE GHASTLY LOVE OF JOHNNY X': Four and a Half Stars (Out of Five)Sci-fi musical comedy flick about a gang of deliquent misfits, from outer space, who are exiled to earth and trying to find their way home. It was produced and directed by Paul Bunnell and written by Bunnell, Steve Bingen, Mark D. Murphy and George Wagner. The film stars Will Keenan in the title role (who's probably most well known for playing Tromeo in the Troma flick 'TROMEO AND JULIET') and it also features a supporting cast which includes Creed Bratton (Creed of 'THE OFFICE' fame), De Anna Joy Brooks, Reggie Bannister (of 'PHANTASM' fame), Les Williams, Jed Rowen, Kevin McCarthy (of 'INVASION OF THE BODY SNATCHERS' fame) and veteran actor Paul Williams. The movie was made on a budget of just $2 million and was the lowest grossing film of 2012! I found it to be a pretty amusing and fun time at the movies.The movie begins, in outer space, with Jonathan Xavier (Keenan) being exiled to Earth by The Grand Inquisitor (McCarthy). Johnny then spends his days causing trouble, on Earth, with his gang of troublemaking friends. His girlfriend Bliss (Brooks) recently dumped him and ran off with his 'Resurrection Suit'; which is a powerful uniform that can control others. Johnny will now stop at nothing to get the suit back and win back Bliss's love. Multiple musical numbers follow as the plot also involves Johnny's gang helping a music promoter (Bannister) put on a show with a dead rock star (Bratton).I really love the style and enthusiasm of this 50s throwback sci-fi flick. Bunnell really got the mood and feel right; of the B movies from that era. I'm not from the 50s but I remember watching a lot of movies from that time period, growing up as a child, in the 70s and 80s. So even for me this movie has that magical 50s nostalgic feel. The acting is all good and the music numbers are well done and catchy as well. It's definitely not a flick for everyone, some will find it downright stupid and silly, but it should more than please it's target audience (if they ever see it).Watch our movie review show 'MOVIE TALK' at: http://youtu.be/Kq2wN7LTcuo

jasehoward-260-253159 When I saw the trailer for this over a year ago I had to watch it. Unfortunately, living in rural America, it never came to any theaters near me. When it hit Vudu for purchase I snagged it almost immediately. Anyway, here goes.If you love campy sci-fi humor you will love this movie. The musical aspect also give a nice touch and is well done. The choreography is also top notch. If you appreciate odes to an era gone by where campy sci-fi flicks were plentiful then you cannot go wrong with this film. When comparing this to modern flicks in the same vein, it holds up well. While Repo The Genetic Opera remains my favorite indie musical, The Ghastly Love of Johnny X holds up well. I give it a solid 9/10 stars with zero reservations.

lhumbird This is a unique kind of a movie, no question there. The genre is more or less unclassifiable.Let's get to the point. For all the ways I wanted this movie to be great, it's so-so at best. It's disorganized and inconsistent.But the movie has one high point: De Anna Joy Brooks. She plays "Bliss", a member of the Ghastly Gang from another world, sent to earth as punishment or perhaps redemption. Brooks literally steals the movie with one song and dance routine, "These Lips That Never Lie." She is positively dripping with personality and suave. I wish I could say that about the rest of the cast, but De Anna is the only one who's clearly overqualified for this movie.Overall, I'd say skip this movie. But don't miss De Anna's dance number, perhaps on YouTube, etc. I've watched it a dozen times and never tire of it.