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5.9/10
Senior Film Conservator
A definitive 5.9/10 rating for a film that redefined the boundaries of cult cinema. The Tin Man remains a cornerstone of transgressive art.
If you have a thing for old, crackly shorts that feel like they were held together by tape and pure adrenaline, sure. If you need logic or, like, a script that doesn't feel like a fever dream, probably skip it.
Fans of classic, high-energy slapstick will get a kick out of it. People who prefer their sci-fi to actually make sense? You’ll probably hate it.
The whole setup is kind of a mess, honestly. Thelma and Patsy walk into this place and suddenly they’re trapped with a guy who spends way too much time in a hidden room playing with wires.
The robot itself is... well, it’s a guy in a suit. You can practically see the sweat dripping off the actor inside. It’s not exactly state-of-the-art, even for back then. But there’s something weirdly charming about how hard it’s trying to be threatening.
Patsy gets into an argument with the thing, which is exactly as ridiculous as it sounds. She’s trying to outsmart a pile of metal and springs. Spoiler alert: she doesn't win.
Right, just in case a maniacal genius and his robot weren't enough, we’ve got Blackie Burke lurking around. He’s an escaped convict. Why is he here? Don't ask me. The movie doesn't bother to tell you, so I’m not gonna lose sleep over it either.
It adds this weird layer of grit to what is otherwise just a frantic comedy sketch. It feels a bit like watching Stepping Fast if someone had randomly decided to throw a crime drama into the blender.
It’s not trying to be Sorrell and Son. It’s just trying to fill time and make people jump a little. Sometimes that’s enough. Other times, you realize the plot holes are bigger than the house they’re trapped in.
Whatever. It’s a strange little artifact. If you’re bored and want to see someone get bullied by a prop, give it a go. Just don't expect it to change your life. 🤖🏚️