Just Jeff: Transylvania 6-5000
Reviews of Jeff Goldblum’s performances in films
by Susan Panaway
Halloween is a time for ghosts, ghouls, and of course…Goldblum. In Transylvania 6-5000, Jeff Goldblum plays Jack Harrison, a journalist working on the types of stories one would find in The National Enquirer. Jack is accompanied by fellow reporter Gil Turner (Ed Begley Jr.) to investigate a story set in Transylvania.
Gil is eager to learn about Egor and other Transylvanian myths. Jack is more of the straight man who doesn’t want his contribution to journalism to be waiting for The Wolfman. He prefers to enjoy his “vacation” with a lovely lady by his side. Of course he seeks a woman right off the bat. Pun intended.
Speaking of puns, Transylvania 6-5000 is filled with one-liners and slapstick humor. Goldblum hangs in the background while other actors deliver comedic performances. He cracks a smile from time to time which I’m really not sure is intentional or not. I mean it would be difficult to keep a straight face during many of Michael Richards’ scenes, especially the puppet one.
There’s nothing wrong with Goldblum’s character. Jack is charming, intelligent, and has a keen fashion sense. I like the way he’s not fazed by using a telephone receiver with fangs. In the end, he plays an essential role in keeping the rest the cast together.
To quote Michael Richards' character, Fejos, Transylvania 6-5000 “Is good ya? Is Funny?”