g0b0 Reviews

A Walk in the Clouds (1995)

This movie's got a hold on me!

[9/10 · 29 March 2023]

There's 'something about this movie'! It has captured my fascination differently than most movies. I have an emotional memory of the story that usually is reserved for beloved pets, or vulnerable (and 'emotionally available') people I've interacted with. Weird huh?

Somehow the story itself and Keanu's acting worked (for me). The sub-plots are mixed: parts I could relate to, other parts required suspension of disbelief; my thoughts were, "ummm, can't imagine this happening in real life but as long as it adds to the ultimate storyline, I'll accept this in this instance". I'm referring specifically to the social/cultural expectations and the willingness of an outsider to cooperate with them. But, the family dynamics represent customs unfamiliar to me. Because of that, I had a level of acceptance I probably would not with a culture more like the one I was raised in (White Anglo-Saxon America).

The underlying theme from two strangers meeting on a cross-country bus throughout the movie was a study in the undeniable strength of personal relationships. Romance is undeniably present but it's so much more than just a romantic flick.. Romantic plots are as old as time and have been done to the point of overload. What grabbed my attention was the intent each character had. Against family and cultural obstacles, (not to mention the secret they kept from the woman's family), they were laser-focused on being together no matter the challenges. The story centered on a couple willing to do anything to keep their promise to each other. Their strength grew as their commitment deepened.

I found myself really caring about this couple's ordeal; rooting for them and finally feeling relief at the end. The production value was only slightly above mediocre and one or two cast members were unremarkable, Keanu Reeves was incredibly effective. I totally believed his character portrayal and the story was sincere. This flick was different but as I said, it really moved me and I'll always have a fond and positive opinion of it.

Midsomer Murders: Death in the Slow Lane (2011) Season 14, Episode 1

BADLY handled introduction to new DCI; Much BETTER Production in general.

[7/10 · 4 March 2019]

I imagine true Midsomer Murder fans in the UK knew in advance of the cast change but in the USA, we're at least a year behind the most current British prime productions. Our public broadcasting stations (PBS) operate independently throughout our vast country on almost NO funding. That means that viewers often don't get to see Masterpiece Theatre or other wonderful BBC productions until they are perhaps 5 or 6 years old or more! Probably, the licensing fees are less by then. Of course, PBS stations in large metropolitan areas like Boston, New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles are not as financially constrained. I live way up in the upper left corner of the USA. I typically see things 10 years after they been filmed.

I had heard that there would be a cast change via media rumors but that was years ago. Meanwhile, MM episodes continued as ever. Then suddenly there's a new DCI (which is fine; people really DO retire in REAL life). My issue is that this was not addressed within the series except as a slight afterthought. Changing the face of the person the camera focuses on 90% of the time is important enough to warrant at least a subplot or a single scene! I had trouble rapping my head around 'this new guy' as hero when the old DCI fit like my favorite pair of jeans. A person who really LOVES a series, creates (in their own mind) an idea of who each character is. Having a suitable transition allows the TV audience to bid farewell to the outgoing character and say hello to the new.

Aside from this gripe, there is an incredible improvement in the production value of the series in general. I'm very impressed by this aspect. I also thoroughly like Neil Dudgeon so much but really miss John Neville. I wish he would return occasionally just to schmooze cousin to cousin.

Law & Order: Special Victims Unit: Ridicule (2001) Season 3, Episode 10

Ridicule: Compelling episode/Complex Synergy Within Plot!

[10/10 · 18 July 2014]

I'm surprised there's only one review for this episode and a negative one at that!

From the first time I saw this I was impressed at the complexity of the story. The single previous reviewer had a problem with the gender of the rape victim. While that added complexity to Elliot's reaction and bias, this could have been accomplished in any of other number of ways.

1) Had the victim been a prostitute, there would have been a lack of empathy from the original responding police but the obvious problem of previous arrests.

2) Had the victim been a wealthy 'entitled' individual, there would be the prerequisite lack of sympathy and empathy. We've seen evidence of that, indeed hostility in other episodes.

So, I find the gender bias, a false claim of fault. Rather, the storyline itself would work regardless of the principle characters. The plot itself is what mesmerized me.

I love any story that turns on itself and this one certainly did as soon as it became apparent that one crime was tied to another seemingly unrelated one and that the evidence linking them was so incredibly like an illusion that it was hiding in plain sight!

This story was about clever people who thought they were too smart to get caught. They were not the typical horrible criminals who will go on committing crimes until they get caught; NO! These were intelligent but self-indulgent & narcissistic people who thought they were out-of-the-reach of 'normal' rules.

They simply wanted to continue living their high-end lives without consequences (which in this case, meant eliminating a person who has the 'troublesome' ethics of admitting one's participation in committing a crime).

The beauty in this plot & script is how well ALL is revealed; it has little to do with the gender of the victim and so much joy to do with stemming the arrogance of the attorney whose knowledge of law was all about having more than others would be able to slip into the palm of her hand.

It is satisfying to see things flip on those deserving of it and this was done supremely well. Another example of the fine writing all the Law & Order franchises are known for.

Motive (2013–2016)

MOTIVE Deconstructs TV Crime Show

[8/10 · 16 July 2014]

As a fan of crime shows, I was intrigued to watch this show. The premise was fascinating; it's been used by notable writers such as Agatha Christie. The critical reviewers comparing the show to 'Columbo', certainly have an opinion, but it's not worth much in the volumes of literature and cinema.

In a ' typical' crime show, the cops & detectives investigate & follow leads. They rule out suspects & generally solve the crime in 60 minutes or within the arc of several weeks. The puzzle of solving a murder is rarely as simple as doing research in a lab where things are 'cut & dry'.

The similarity between 'typical' crime shows & Motive is that the Audience gets to witness the detectives pursuing leads and solving the case.

The STRIKING difference is that in this remarkable show, the producers have the freedom to spend time on the detectives' WORK PROCESS itself. We get to see cops the way they work every day, as cases unfold; not the abbreviated highlights for TV versions.

So, this may not be the glamorous Law & Order, SVU show (which I love!), but this show is a different version of a cop show. It's not competing with Law & Order, Columbo, or any other. It's just deconstructing the job; taking it apart in front of our eyes.

By deconstructing the cops doing their job, we get to see the process in a different light. It may be less glamorous than Law & Order but it's deeper, more character driven and it is fueled by it's core by the case. Peripherally, there is the baggage that normal folks have.

Better than Law & Order, SVU? I could not say. They are both on my watch list & satisfy different pleasures.

The Good Wife (2009–2016)

Compelling, Intelligent, Good Character Development

[7/10 · 18 December 2009]

I keep under-estimating this drama; perhaps because there are no big names associated with the production of it - my mistake! This drama continues to capture me hook, line and sinker every week. I am loving it to the point that it has become one of my 'must see' TV shows.

The writing is strong, the acting is as good as one finds on any other hit drama show (CSI franchises, Law & Order franchises, Criminal Law, etc.) and the direction is excellent. The budget is clearly huge. Given all that, this show may not win a bountiful of Emmy's although it may win for the lead actress or the support actress.

However, with all that is on the air these days, this is in the top 10% of all television and the top 2-3% of Drama.

City Hall (1996)

Complex but Worth Repeated Viewings

[8/10 · 20 February 2009]

I read the negative comments before viewing this film and undeterred, went ahead and started watching. I admit that I had to rewind quite a few times as the film is incredibly complex, involved and full of detail. That is a good thing but also, quite unexpected in this culture of car chases, explosions, gratuitous sex and general violence that substitute for plot and character development. In fact, what a welcome departure, however, I am so used to not paying a lot of attention to what I watch.

This film is chock full of character development and plot line; the kind that we used to analyze when I was in high school. It requires actual mental participation on the part of the viewer. What a nice change. I would compare it to 'All The President's Men' in terms of generic subject matter. That is, it is a mystery about intense misconduct on the part of elected officials and those with enough influence upon officials to essentially 'own' them.

Unlike 'All The President's Men', this film makes an effort to give a couple of the characters actual personality. In this sense the movie is a character study like 'The Negotiatior' with Samuel Jackson and Kevin Spacey. In that movie, their characters are both city employees and the plot is extremely intense. Yet, the plot is dependent on the ability of their characters to cooperate with each other, trust each, and ultimately unite together against the corrupt Police Department. There is more gun fire in this film and the specific plot is different but generically, there are many similarities.

I WILL say that City Hall requires a whole lot more concentration. In fact, I was struck how parallel it was to past and present political scandals I've seen in my life going back to Watergate. The thing is, the public knows that something is wrong, for sure! but following the details is hard to do. This movie is not even close to being as complex as real life but it actually is realistic to life in its complexity. I think that is one of the reasons that previous posters have criticized the film: unrealistic expectations.

If one watches this knowing what they are about to see and are up to the experience, it really is excellent! I watched it 3 times in a row! The acting is superb and the directing is flawless. The weakest link is John Cusak's accent.

Keeping Mum (2005)

Mary Poppins For Grown Ups

[8/10 · 6 August 2008]

This is basically the Mary Poppins story repackaged for the 21st century.

It is edgy and funny. The writing could be a tad bit better but I would not criticize it on dialog but on details that establish time and place. That being said, these are small criticisms compared to what I believe is the film's weakest link: Direction.

I think that in the hands of a really good director, this excellent cast and very adequate script, the film would have done far better. The story is strong, the cast was excellent and the direction was simply passable. It deserved better.

Capote (2005)

Excellent Script Reveals Capote's Complexity

[9/10 · 4 May 2007]

This movie is a marriage of excellent writing and superb acting; what a treat for folks who love good cinema! I have always known that Truman Capote was a talented writer in spite of his eccentricities but DAN FUTTERMAN really nailed it. I realize that he collaborated on the script with the author of the original book, Gerald Clarke III. Kudos to both of them. Clarke for the original material and FUTTERMAN seems to be the primary author of the movie script and was the Executive Producer, along with the genius lead actor, PHILLIP SEYMOUR Hoffman.

I really got a sense of how powerful yet conflicted CAPOTE was. It was apparent how his own morality and ethical conflicts would, at times Impede his work. Excellent writing illustrates this point. PHILLIP SEYMOUR Hoffman's acting is so seamless that it was easy to forget that I was watching Hoffman playing a role. Rather, I felt that I was watching him 'channel' Capote, body, and soul. Hoffman was that convincing.

When I had this thought, it occurred to me, "PHILLIP SEYMOUR Hoffman truly deserved the best actor Academy Award for this film; this is fantastic acting!" Another point in Hoffman's favor is that his delivery was entirely consistent from start to finish. I have rarely seen that, even from Kenneth Branagh or Kevin Spacey. Staying 'in the moment' for an entire film requires up to 3 months of constant mental discipline for the actor; no small feat.

The directing may have been the weakest link. That is NOT to say that it was bad; just unremarkable in a positive or negative way. It was simply adequate.

I liked this film so much that I was disappointed when it ended. I wished that it could have covered more events in CAPOTE's life rather than a single (significant) one. I do hope that FUTTERMAN and Hoffman will team up again with another colorful story. This was a winning combination.

Sunday (1997)

David Suchet is Masterful!

[9/10 · 5 April 2007]

I watched this movie only because David Suchet was in it. I have followed his career for the past 7 years or so. It is frustrating to find anything beyond the 'Poirot' series with his name in the credits. I am not here to analyze the story but David Suchet's contribution to the overall success of the film.

According to his website, Sir Laurence Olivier was Sir John Gielgud's mentor in acting. Sir John Gielgud was David Suchet's mentor. That means that from a thespian genealogy, there is a relationship between Olivier and Suchet.

In this film, I realized why Suchet's talent for years has mesmerized me. His performance reminded me of Laurence Olivier in his powerful quietness. He evoked such angst and emotion without any outburst, tears or flailing of arms. He said volumes silently through quiet eyes. I simply felt like I was watching Olivier performing in Suchet's skin.

I have seen this briefly in other films but never so unleashed as in 'Sunday'. This was the right script and the right director for David Suchet's talents. It was not a perfect script. It may not be the best film but it was a good script and a talented director. I know because I got to see a brilliant actor shine.

I found the movie a bit difficult to follow but attributed that to artistic style. Every author and director has their inclination and desire to make their own voice heard. I can accept that and suspend my own sense of disbelief, at least for a couple of hours. After all, it was for the performance of the lead actor I had settled in.

Arlington Road (1999)

Intricate Plot, Pay Attention, It's Worth it!

[9/10 · 18 February 2005]

This movie is so intricate; I thought it was based on a John Le Carre espionage novel. However, it appears that Arlington Road was written directly as a movie rather than adapted from previous material. I have no idea whether a complex plot is more difficult to build as a novel versus a screenplay but as I recall how tightly elements fit together or set up other elements, I am just amazed. Ehren Kruger (WGA) must have tremendous mental dexterity (or copious notes!). This film is not fully digested at the time of viewing.

In particular, as many other folks have mentioned, the ending was particularly upsetting. I found myself thinking, "NO! This isn't the way it's supposed to end!" Indeed, I was so troubled by the moral ambiguity of the ending that I played out alternate endings in my mind for several days; endings where the good guy comes out on top.

Eventually, I got it. I realized that had Mr. Kruger given us the 'good guys always win' kind of ending, it would have diminished the quality and integrity of the story. I mean, for the story HE wrote, it actually ended the perfect way for THAT particular story. After all, Jeff Bridges was not blown up and did not really die. It was just a character; a make-believe character in a make-believe story. In the case of Arlington Road, the make-believe college professor HAD to end the way he did because his role in the story was over but the bad guys' roles were supposed to go on, yet another day.

Like most people, that fact goes against the grain of my own sensibilities and moral compass but Arlington Road is NOT real life; it is art. From a strictly artistic point of view, the way Ehren Kruger (WGA) penned it is seamless (perfect).

What I liked least about the film was the directing. Before Arlington Road, Mark Pellington's experience has been mostly music videos. U2's Achtung Baby, Pearl Jam and television. I think that this story is strong enough that it would be excellent for a remake with a good director.

Good Fences (2003 TV Movie)

Good Fences; Great Moments

[10/10 · 18 February 2005]

This Showtime movie really deserves a far better viewer rating than a 4.5; I gave it a 10 based on the story and the acting of the two stars. After reading the viewer comments, I was surprised at how many folks expected this movie to be a comedy. Yeah, I see that IMDb lists it as Comedy/Drama under Genre. That sure is misleading, isn't it? Fortunately, I saw the movie before logging onto this website so I did not have that expectation. In fact, based on the synopsis of what I heard, I fully expected it to simply be a Drama. I'm wondering if disappoint at this not being a funny movie caused so many low votes.

Another factor that might have caused low votes is that this movie is very much 'character-driven'. 'Driving Miss Daisy' is an example of another character-driven movie that comes to mind. Someone's previous comment complained about a boring trial. Tom's (Danny Glover) work scenes seemed to distract from the real plot of the movie. That is, how he was engineering the upward social climb of his family - or his personal troops, if you will. However, they served to establish credibility and justification as his right to move to Greenwich and move 'up' in the world.

Tom's obsession became a compulsion. He proved that he would stop at nothing to blend into the white neighborhood. His chagrin when another black person moved next door was not due to skin color. It was because of everything the 'interloper' represented; everything that Tom had left behind. In essence, Tom had become an Oreo cookie: Black on the outside but White on the inside.

The last 20 minutes of this movie are among the most powerfully written, directed and acted (by Whoopi Goldberg) I have ever had the pleasure to witness. I realized that the climax of the film was not the obvious event that happened next door (don't want to give it away). The climax is verbal and Whoopi delivers it. I am still not clear if it is the conversation when she informs Tom which college Tom -Two is going to or when she releases it, all in the middle of the night and Tom wakes up. Nevertheless, the denouement is great. You know that life on that street will never be the same.

My favorite kind of character-driven flick: people go through problems, some pain, do their dance, they grow, they change, and life goes on. As an audience member, I may learn something or be inspired.

Hysterical Blindness (2002 TV Movie)

Amazingly Authentic Acting

[10/10 · 7 October 2003]

Uma Thurman and Juliette Lewis don't even seem to be acting, they give such genuine performances. To turn a phrase of Stanislavsky's, "I truly BELIEVED their performances".

I had the pleasure of seeing Gena Rowlands and Ben Gazzara in 'Love Letters' in Beverly Hills some years ago. I loved how seamlessly they worked together. Their chemistry was alive again in HB, though I would have liked more on-screen time for the two of them. I was happy they were rewarded with Emmys.

All in all this was a great movie. I'm surprised it didn't win more awards, it certainly deserved more accolades. I give the movie a 9 out of 10, but I tend to be enthusiastic and passionate about films that I like.

Law & Order: Criminal Intent (2001–2011)

Vincent D'Onofrio

[8/10 · 29 September 2003]

I could watch Vincent D'Onofrio for an hour each week while he just thinks (sigh ;.}

Need I say more?!?! He says soooo much non-verbally; I love the way he bends over sideways from the waist and gets in the suspects' face . . He is amazing.

I actually think that D'Onofrio, the Actor, does that as a 'device' for Bobby the Character because of D'Onofrio, (the Actor's) height. In Real Life, D'Onofrio is over 6 feet tall therefore, bending way over to get in the suspect's face is a handy 'device' to use for his character. This odd way of bending over becomes Bobby's 'signature' way of getting in a suspect's face. From an acting standpoint it is known as a 'device' and it gives Bobby the character a personality quirk. Yet, it also serves a practical purpose as well. It allows Vicent D'Onofrio, the real actor to get on the same level as the actor playing a suspect who is seated at the table. That would be important for close-up camera angles when filming TV.

I love the fact that the character Bobby studied at Oxford. He's a really smart person.

What more can a smart girl ask for but a good looking guy with sex appeal who happens to also be brilliant? As with all the Law & Order shows, the true stars are the incredible scripts. They are so well written that they require audience participation. That means, one must actually pay attention! But in the case of L&O Criminal Intent, The character of Bobby is delightful!

Law & Order CI certainly seems to have it all: the superb writing along with multi-dimensional characters that the viewers can either relate to or not, just like in real life. The only thing that I miss is the second half where the trial comes into play. Oh well, if that were the case, there would be less Vincent D'Onofrio to enjoy, so I guess it's a fair trade off.

Now, Mike Logan is back! How lucky can one girl get? I was broken hearted when he was sent off to Staten Island. I even contacted Wolfe Films to see if they might bring him back. That was about 9 years ago. They were non-committal. Yes, there really IS an L&O Santa Clause and an L&O God! Mike Logan is not the same cop he was before he clobbered that politician. He seems a bit sage now, but it still is nice to see him again.

What about his partner? I do not know about her. She seems like a stick in the mud. I think he needs a young female version of Lenny. Someone to shake him up and renew his spirit.

Long live the entire Law & Order franchise!

1st to Die (2003 TV Movie)

Typical Made-for-TV Movie With a Decent Plot

[7/10 · 23 February 2003]

As with most made-for-TV movies, the acting was uninspired and the characterizations were pathetically contrived. However, the meat and bones of the plot was actually quite good. It was obvious that there would be a plot twist but I was still surprised by the direction it took, and the fact that there was not one, but two plot twists.

Tracy Pollan had one or two good moments. Mostly, she was just mediocre. Gil Bellows was about as adequate as he was in Ally McBeal and The Agency. I'd give the two main stars a C+ at worst, a B- at best. Sean Young had a very small part. The strongest actor in the cast was Robert Patrick. He was quite effective at seeming to be both mysterious and ominous. He has matured well since his days on The X-Files. His raspy voice and piercing/squinty eyes reminded me of Michael Madsen who is a fabulous heavy.

In summary, this is an OK movie to watch for folks who like 'who done it' murder mysteries. I would imagine that the book is probably much better though since the only real stand-out was the actual plot. I'd give the movie ** (out of 4), or on the IMdB system I'd give it a 6. It's better than average, but not by much.

Merlin's Shop of Mystical Wonders (1996 Video)

NOT a Stephen King Rip-off!

[3/10 · 10 August 2002]

I just read a couple of reviews that suggest that the scenes from

'Merlin's Shop of Mystical Wonders' is a rip-off of 'The Monkey' by

Stephen King. I did a lot of research because I also was amazed

that someone would blatantly use material from someone as well

known as Stephen King. What I discovered was quite interesting.



First of all,'Merlin's Shop' was written and directed by Kenneth J

Berton. It was released in 1996. The scenes about the sinister

monkey are actually from another Kenneth J Berton film, 'The

Devil's Gift'. Other folks commented on this fact but here's where it

gets interesting: 'The Devil's Gift' was released in 1984 which

means it was likely filmed in 1983. This is fully TWO years before

Stephen King's short story was published in 'Skeleton's Crew'.



So, who's ripping off whom? I haven't read 'The Monkey' from

'Skeleton's Crew' so I don't know for certain how closely they

resemble each other.



As far as the quality of 'Merlin's Shop of Mystical Wonders' goes,

the fact that it was selected to be used on MST3K speaks for itself.

The whole premise for being selected is that the film stinks.

However, that being said, I thought this one was easier to watch

than other forgettable episodes. I happened to notice this movie

on some obscure cable movie channel a few years ago. It was on

several times and I tried twice to watch it.Once I tuned in towards

the ending.The next time I tried watching from the beginning. Boy

was I disappointed! I found it to be disjointed and none of the

characters were sympathetic enough to care about.



I enjoyed watching it much better on MST3K. I think that more than

anything, the reason it was more palatable was because one has

lowered expectations from films on MST3K. It's like watching a skit

lampooning politics on Saturday Night Live; in this case, it's trashy

cinema that is being lampooned.

The Assignment (1997)

An Over-looked Espionage Gem

[10/10 · 7 July 2002]

This movie was over-shadowed by 'The Jackal' (Bruce Willis, Richard Gere) which was released the same year. Having seen both films, I can honestly say this is the superior film.

Granted, the production value of 'The Jackal' was very good, it probably had a substantially bigger budget. However, 'The Assignment' is well written and has a fascinating story. Aiden Quinn is flawless in dual roles. Aiden Quinn and director Christian Duguay did a great job of establishing a deep and multi-layered relationship between the title character and his family. I particularly liked the ending.

I was reminded of the Jack Ryan character in the Tom Clancy movies. Both are Naval officers thrown into unbelievably dangerous roles as they covertly work on behalf of National security. And yet, both Harrison Ford and Aidan Quinn reveal their respective characters as heros who manage to be both virile and gentle. They have a genuine tenderness and vulnerability in their relationships with their families.

What I don't understand is how the opinions of all who have posted on this movie (myself included) can be so much more positive than the luke-warm reception the film has received. This is a movie that has enough complexity and subtlety that it remains compelling after multiple viewings. If you are a fan of espionage-genre films, I recommend 'The Assignment' enthusiastically.

Mrs. Santa Claus (1996 TV Movie)

Delightful Musical Production!

[7/10 · 24 December 2001]

This is about the finest made-for-TV Musical I have seen Angela Lansbury in! I can easily visualize this on the stage. I think in the past her talent has suffered from small production budgets but thankfully, that's not the case with this show. Everything is top drawer. This doesn't have the complexity of a drama but that's not the point. This show succeeds nicely at what it sets out to be: a fun, holiday romp. Kudos to her step-son, David Shaw as the Executive Producer.

Jesus: The Complete Story (2001 TV Movie)

A Fine Documentary, if not a bit tedious

[8/10 · 23 December 2001]

To begin with the Narrator: Avery Brooks has such an outstanding speaking voice. It has become his trademark. He articulates so well that he at once becomes the voice of authority. One finds themself believing the man. Then, there's the TONE of his voice. Once again, he gets high marks. He has such a rich, warm quality that he evokes comfort and trust as emotional qualities.

Indeed, the choice to have Avery Brooks narrate was brilliant!

Now, on to the substance of the show: This show is typical of a Discovery Channel program. It was very interesting and very scholarly. In fact, there were even bits of information that were either newly discovered or else new to me. I found myself refreshing my memory on some items and learning new info all together on other issues. The show was very intellectual and Avery Brooks kept it well grounded.

I particularly liked the fact that the producers and script writers did not gloss over any topics. I'm thinking specifically of the issue of whether Mary was a virgin or not. They were tactful to be sure but pragmatic just the same. My greatest complaint of the documentary is it's length. Whew! I watched the show while doing other activities, otherwise I would have definitely lost interest. I think that this incredible program would have been enhanced by making it a 'mini-series' similar to the 'Mysteries of the Bible' series.

Labor Pains (2000)

Great Comedy Suffers Under Bad Directing

[27 November 2001]

I was pleasantly surprised by this comedy. It was well written; in fact much of the dialogue reminded me of Michael Frayn (Noises Off!). There was potential for that rapid-fire repartee going back and forth between two or more characters. Also, the actors were well cast and terrific. I'd say that actors of this. caliber were either working for scale wages or else, the lion's share of the budget went to on-screen talent. The place where this film suffered a crushing blow was the direction. It was written and directed by Tracy Alexson. I think Tracy has a brighter future in writing than in direction. Entire scenes seemed to sag under a lack of direction. If you watch, don't expect a neat and tight comedy. Instead, expect some good dialogue, good acting and a comedy that misses its potential.

Citizen Baines (2000–2001)

Excellent and Complex Relationships

[27 October 2001]

This delightful hour drama is well made and multi-faceted. It is immediately about Citizen Bain's relationship with his career which has unceremoniously ended when he failed to be re-elected; it is about his struggle to discover how he will re-establish himself; how he will find meaning in a life that had for several decades been defined by politics. He is trying to change tempo in life. Citizen Bain had marched to the beat of Washington D.C.; now he must find the cadence of Seattle, Washington.

But on a more complex level, it is about his relationship with his three grown daughters. The youngest lives with him as she still hasn't found herself. She appears perfectly happy to go on living in his home indefinitely. She marches to the beat of her own drummer, often to the chagrin of her family, but she adores her father and will do anything to support him.

His second daughter is far less satisfying. This daughter has separated from her professor husband for rather weak reasons and moved without asking, back into Citizen Bain's home along with her totally unruly children. When the kids interact with their aunt or their grandfather (Citizen Bain) there is no effort to establish boundaries and the negligent mother just looks on. Geez! Where's an adult when you need one? This woman left her husband simply because he admitted he had fantasized on one occasion! The wife feels that violates the >marriage vows and clearly sees no need to discipline her kids. I get very anxious for her and her children's scenes to end. I find her annoying.

Finally, there's the oldest daughter who managed her Dad's failed campaign. She's an attorney and is happily (we think) married to a physician. It appears that she is the heir apparent who will follow her father's lead and throw her hat in the ring. I like the fact that the sisters are so different from each other, from an economic stand point.

This show is very well written, directed and acted. If you appreciate a good production, this is a safe bet.There is an interesting texture of personal stories for each character, conflicting interests and missed goals for several of the characters. I enjoy drama's about relationships and Citizen Bain is rich in them.

Ivanhoe (1997)

Thrilling, 'edge-of-your-seat' duels with hero's & romance

[10/10 · 5 August 2001]

Excellent depiction of the Sir Walter Scott epic. There are thrilling duels that kept me on the edge of my seat and maidens needing to be rescued. This movie has all the elements of a great adventure story or a great romance. Take your pick; there's something for everyone here. Costumes and set seem to be so true to the era. Once again, A & E has produced a masterpiece.