For the English cricketer, see Alan Spencer (cricketer). Alan Spencer is an American television writer and producer, known for creating the 1980s satirical police series Sledge Hammer!. He was one of the youngest people ever to join the Writers Guild of America, writing for television at the age of fifteen. He is a " script doctor " ...
Early years. Spencer, at the age of fourteen , snuck into Twentieth Century Fox Studios and onto the set of Young Frankenstein to watch his hero Mel Brooks direct. Marty Feldman, who had a fondness for mischief, recognized that the young interloper did not belong and took Spencer under his wing as his "guest.".
Spencer was a huge fan of Feldman's and knew the comedian's writing credits for British television, a rarity, as most Americans were not well versed in Feldman's versatility, and the normally private Feldman recognized Spencer as a kindred spirit.
Of course Mr. Gerrold loved Kahn, and for all the reasons people remember this installment of the venerable franchise so fondly. Not much more to be said here.
Bob didn’t like it. But this is one of those reviews you read that actually makes a compelling case for not liking it: The reviewer successfully takes your own fond memories of the film down a notch. He mainly disses it for how much the filmmakers strayed from Robert E. Howard’s character and backstory, and that’s a legitimate criticism.
Foster nails it. He not only illuminates why the film was so popular, but also identifies key reasons why Steven Spielberg is a great movie director.
Spinrad takes time in the opening of his review to criticize the promotion of the film, by the studio and by Ridley Scott himself. They seemed hell-bent on distancing it from science fiction and selling it as a mindless action-adventure.
Naha gives due credit to the visuals, which were stunning at the time and are still admired (in contrast to most early computer-animated effects that have aged very poorly); but he takes to task the film’s lack of heart:
Ron did not like Poltergeist. But he covers his bases well here by noting why many others will enjoy it:
Martin takes time to note how all the quirky and compelling characters are so well realized, finely acted, and memorable; and then sums up the other elements that have given this film now-legendary status in the final paragraph: