Horror History: Joe Dante’s MATINEE With John Goodman Hit in 1993 By Mike Sprague Gremlins and Matinee starring John Goodman opened back in 1993. The film takes place in 1962. Goodman plays a William Castle-inspired movie promoter named Lawrence Woolsey. Fifteen-year-old Gene Loomis (Simone Fenton) can’t wait for Woolsey’s arrival. The big man is in Key West to promote his latest offering, Mant! But Woolsey’s absurd tale takes on a sudden urgency. The Cuban Missile Crises places the real threat of atomic horror just off the coast. With the help of his leading lady (Cathy Moriarty), Woolsey gives Key West a premiere they’ll never forget. Anything can happen in the movies. And everything does in this hilarious tribute to a more innocent (and outrageous) time in American cinema.