“Cherry 2000” or “Making Mr. Right?” – Which One’s Better? Both were released in 1987. Humanoid robots are central to both of them. Both movies come off as corny, and yet fun. Despite their similarities, there’s still distinct differences between them.
Okay, these two movies aren’t the only ones that feature humanoids in their theme. Human-like robots have been portrayed by movie makers over the decades. It’s a reflection of our own obsession with robots, our interactions with them. I want to touch on “Cherry 2000” and “Making Mr. Right” because they feed on these very obsessions. Interestingly, they came out in 1987. And both movies make for a fascinating watch for how they approach humanoids. So, let’s make a side-by-side comparison of the two.
“Cherry 2000”
In the year 2017, we find ourselves in a post-apocalyptic America. Intimacy and relationships are all but forgotten, with humanoids for companions. Among them is Sam Treadwell, who lives with an android “wife,” Cherry 2000.
One day Cherry 2000 meets with an accident at home. Sam’s devasted, and wants her fixed. Unfortunately, she’s out of production, with no parts available. His only salvation is in “The Badlands,” where he’s told there are likely tons of exact replacements available. Trouble is, “The Badlands” are a 21st Century dystopian wild-west, where everything goes.
Despite odds, Sam’s determined to revive Cherry 2000. He makes into the Badlands with the help of intrepid tracker E. Johnson, played by Melanie Griffith. Johnson happens to be a real woman. Together they undergo thrilling escapades. Does Sam succeed in his quest? Moreover, E. Johnson’s developed feelings for Sam. Where does that lead?
Notable Cast
David Andrews as Sam Treadwell
Primarily a TV star, David Andrews has some notable successes in movie such as this, and World War Z, Apollo 13, Hannibal, among others.
Melanie Griffith as E. Johnson
A very recognizable face, Melanie Griffith needs no introduction, due to her interesting list of roles on both TV, and movies.
Pamela Gidley as “Cherry 2000”
As “Cherry 2000,” Pamela Gidley plays the disabled robot. Her persona, at times, resembles the dead Teresa Banks in “Twin Peaks: Fire Walk with Me (1992)” – the role I remember her for the most. A life replete with modelling, and beauty contests. We lost her mysteriously relatively young in 2018.
Laurence Fishburne as Glu Glu Lawyer
He’s got a relatively small role in the movie. But check out his look with the shades – a la “Morpheus” from Matrix, twelve years later.
My Take on “Cherry 2000”
“Cherry,” while having some light moments, is a relatively dark and violent movie, that wants to be taken seriously.
While 2017 has come and gone, the way things are going, we may yet still end up with a scenario portrayed here. The action scenes while entertaining, haven’t aged all that well for me.
Some of the scenarios in Zone 7 seem improbable. But again, one can never say what the future holds. I like the ending, but can’t dwell on it without spoiling it which I will avoid.
“Making Mr. Right”
Man’s quest to travel to distant planets is thwarted mortality, and inability to survive long-term isolation. As a solution, Dr Jeff Peters of Chemtec develops “Ulysses,” a humanoid in his likeness. To acquire badly needed funding for the project from Congress, Chemtec employs the services of PR expert Frankie Stone.
Frankie needs to interact with Ulysses for this task. Through these interactions, Ulyssess is introduced to the world of humans in a way it has never known before. Most importantly, it gets to know women. The socially awkward and inept Dr Peters hasn’t done a good job of “humanizing” Ulysses. Within a few interactions with Frankie, Ulysses acquires more human traits than his creator, and actually develops an interest in women – especially Frankie. This leads to hilarious situations – especially due to Jeff’s and Ulysses’ similarities.
Frankie succeeds in ways she never imagined, and a spectacular finish.
Notable Cast
John Malkovich as Dr. Jeff Peters / Ulysses
Playing the part of both the creator, and the creation, John Malkovich the awkward, socially inept scientist, and Ulysses the robot. Hilarious doing one of his first major roles on the big screen.
Ann Magnuson as Frankie Stone
For me, it’s Ann Magnuson who comes off most likeable of the cast. Wonderful as Frankie Stone; I couldn’t help noticing a resemblance to Shirley MacLaine.
Harsh Nayyar as Dr. Ramdas
The moment I saw him, I kept trying to figure out where I’d seen him before. Then, it came to me! He played the small, but pivotal role in “Gandhi” as the man who shoots the Mahatma.
Glenne Headley as Trish
Another actress who we lost relatively young. For me, Glenne Headly was priceless in “Dirty Rotten Scoundrels.” Here, it appears like she went from this role and walked into that movie
My Take on “Making Mr. Right
“Mr. Right,” on the other hand is a comedy/sci-fi from the get go. The evolution of Ulysses is hilarious. And its misadventures with Frankie Stone, and her friends had me laughing aloud. Using “The Turtles” soundtrack was a good touch.
Again, implausible, but not totally out of the realm if you really think about it. Which makes this movie somewhat endearing, in spite of the silliness.
So, Which One Did I Prefer?
For pure entertainment value, I preferred “Mr. Right.” Despite any flaws, if a movie can make me laugh out loud, I’m sold. And it doesn’t want to be taken seriously either. But despite all the comedy, and comedy of errors, the movie does bring up certain ethical questions which we likely face down the road.
But not so fast. Despite all the crazy stuff and (tiresome) prediction of a dystopian future portrayed in “Cherry,” it too has an interesting message. If you look through all the wild stuff and the likely scenario of humans relying on android companionship, a message seems to come through. Once you see the movie, this message is clear enough to understand. I hope future generations heed it.
With this in mind, I say it ‘s a tie. Incidentally, both movies are unsuitable for minors.
YouTube / HD Retro Trailers
YouTube.com / Movieclips Classic Trailers
Conclusion
Movies from the 60s and 80s were least likely to take themselves too seriously – relying on pure entertainment in the process. The 70s had light stuff too, but that decade was laden with dark, disaster, and spooky offerings.
The 90s seem to balance out things somewhat. The 2000s have been the era of superhero, and zombie stuff. Rewriting history seems to have caught on as well, not to mention a host of remakes reflecting new popular thought.
In any case, anyone watching movies like these two aforementioned offerings, need to keep the culture of the 80s in mind. Don’t be too judgmental, overlook the overly light and/or silly stuff, and you’ll enjoy movies from that decade better.
I’ll return with another movie review soon. Your comments are welcome.
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“The Swimmer”(1968): A Feast of Tragic Narratives?
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