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raphis
Reviews
Halloween Wars (2011)
Thank you Discovery/Food Network
This is the *Food Network* and not the Scfy network. I suspect the network made the changes to place more emphasis on *food* and *flavor* and less on the horror movie genre. The "host" was unnecessary (and has moved on to acting and has gotten married) I suspect he's not all that disappointed about not hosting another season. Zac Bagans is a qualified paranormal investigator and stays in the background He is a welcome addition because there is no constant "in your face" shtick. So Food Network did what it needed to do to keep the show about food and within its brand. About the season without pumpkins, that had to do with a shooting schedule and a seasonal lack of pumpkins.
WKRP in Cincinnati: Turkeys Away (1978)
After 30 years, this episode still makes me laugh
This episode is crafted with sheer genius not only by the brilliant writing but by the actors. It showcases the talents of the various actors in this series, but most notably that of Richard Sanders (Les Nessman). His deadpan news reporting from the shopping center (not knowing what the Thanksgiving giveaway would be) and then his delivery of the Hindenburg "Oh the humanity" speech is absolutely a classic in sitcoms.
Equal praise for the rest of the actors in this episode. From the radio staff handling the angry callers, the subtlety of Jennifer (Loni Anderson) offering to get Mr Carlson his coffee. To the bewildered Mr Carlson (the late Gordon Jump) who discovers his knowledge of turkeys is sorely lacking.
I watched this episode today after having seen it the first time around in 1978 and it still makes me laugh.
A rare 10 out 10 for a sitcom. Bravo!
Brokeback Mountain (2005)
Oh how I tried to love this movie
The hype surrounding Brokeback Mountain made me want to see and love this movie. An excellent cast, fine direction by Ang Lee and words simply cannot describe the cinematography.
I have tried on several occasions to watch this movie. In the movie theater, on premium TV, on DVD. All times I have fallen asleep halfway through the movie.
I loved the original story. I think though in the execution of the film, that at some point they made a wee bit *too* esoteric. The music is beautiful and haunting, the breathtaking cinematography, the completely understated fine performances of Jake Gyllenhaal and Heath Ledger, combined are way over the top. It will lull you into a trance.
Go to see Brokeback Mountain and it will haunt you. But bring a blanket, a pillow, and some Breathright strips. Movie Theater audiences hate it when you snore.
Go Ask Alice (1973)
Tragic, Sad, but not a true story....
I saw this when I was in junior high in 1972. Remembering how affected I was by the tragic true story of this girl, the dangers of drugs and all things related to hippies.
The story though, presented as a "diary" was not a true story. It was written as an "..;it can happen to you tale....", an indictment of the peace and love culture of the sixties and all things related to hippies.
http://www.snopes.com/language/literary/askalice.asp
The acting is fine. The story is not frightening, but agonizingly soapish.
Entertaining, well yes, if you like soap operas. Blessedly short (run time is 74 minutes) True? Decidedly no.
Bubble Boy (2001)
Not so bad...
I had heard many terrible things about this movie. It was Sunday, my husband was on a weeklong hiking trip and I was alone. I have to admit it, I laughed beginning to end.
Being a child of the 70's I remember the real bubble boy Todd and this family and I remember the VERY DREADFUL Soap Opera John Travolta/Glynnis O'Conner flick. Bubble Boy is not necessarrily poking fun at Todd but is a grilling of that insipid 70's film, especially where Chloe implores Jimmy to kiss her through the bubble. Remember Glynnis telling John to just "do it, DO IT."?
Jake Gyllenhaal is very funny as Jimmy. Innocent and a lot smarter than the commercials show. Yes confused by the world his mother shows him. (He watchs Land of the Lost over and over again.) Swoosie Kurtz is funny as the ultra religious, over protective mother who bakes cross shaped and fish-shaped biscuits. (Soy Free, Wheat-Free, Etc).Marley Shelton is fine as the girl next door that Jimmy watches from his window. A supporting cast that does an acceptable job.
If you have the time and remember the original "Boy in the Plastic Bubble" give this movie a break, it's a lot better than it's been given credit for.
54 (1998)
Flashdance Meets Staying Alive
I watched this on pay-per-view. My cable co. should have *paid me* to watch it. For lack of a better description, it's the worst of Flashdance combined with the worst of Staying Alive. Not one of the characters is worthy of any sympathy. It could have been a lot better. The only thing minutely interesting about this turkey is Mike Meyer's understated portrayal of Steve Rubell. It only goes to show that old saying, "Disco, Man, it still sucks."