Palmer's Pick-Up1999

From Talia Shire in drag to disco diva Grace Jones as a conjoined twin, Christopher Coppola's absurdist comedy is full of unexpected surprises. Robert Carradine and Richard Hillman play the owner-operators of a hauling business who think it's their lucky day when they get a lucrative contract to drive a large crate cross-country. Unfortunately, its contents aren't just mysterious…they might be downright apocalyptic. En route, the duo encounter a host of crazy characters played by Rosanna Arquette, cult talk-show host Morton Downey Jr., Piper Laurie, veteran comedian Soupy Sales, original SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE cast-member Garrett Morris, and three generations of Gulagers ('60s television star Clu being the elder). As you might have guessed, this wayward ride is deeply steeped in pop culture references and surreal humor. Some movies should only be seen with a clear, sober head. This is not one of them. - Dennis Harvey