Sparki

IMDb member since June 2001
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Reviews

The Phantom Tollbooth
(1970)

It's Like a Colorful, Yummy Fruit Snack For The Brain
Fruit snacks have all the fun and yumminess and prettiness of candy, but are a little more beneficial due to being made with real fruit. Same thing with this movie. A fun-filled, colorful, whimsical fantasy, with some educational benefits mixed in with the fun.

The animation is beautiful, with bright candy colors and fun zingy patterns. Viewers feel that they are accompanying bored tween Milo on his adventure, and the music is awesome, especially the Bacharach-esque opening and closing theme sung by a band reminiscent of the 5th Dimension, the Cowsills, Spanky and Our Gang, and the Free Design combined.

I put this in the pantheon of great contemporary fantasy films, right up there with The Point, The Neverending Story, and Labyrinth

Mother Goose Rock 'n' Rhyme
(1990)

A children's movie for the child in everyone!
This is a sparkling bonbon of an entertainment that kids and grownups alike can enjoy as a slew of entertainment's brightest stars portray beloved Mother Goose characters who help Mother Goose's son solve the mystery of his missing mom. (The Three Blind Mice (Bobby Brown) as film noir detectives! The Three Little Kittens ('80s band the Stray Cats)as a rock band! Georgie Porgie (Art Garfunkel) as the owner of a nightclub and Mother Hubbard (Elayne Boosler) running a diner! Gotta love it!)My only complaint is that David Bowie appeared nowhere in the cast (but then I'm a Bowie fan)

The music is infectious and sticks in the brain and the costumes and sets are adorably quirky.

I recommend this movie highly, whether you're 4 or 104+ or anywhere in between

The Wedding Singer
(1998)

Retro + great soundtrack + hope + romance + wit = one sparkling cinematic entertainment!
I loved this movie. Still do. A, because it's set in the 80s, and I was an 80s teen. The fads, toys, inventions, fashions, music. TOTAL memory flash! B, the soundtrack was totally awesome and had me dancing in my seat! C, It relied on witty remarks and characters' personalities for humor and comedy rather than crude jokes or gross-out/potty humor (I stopped thinking there was something funny about people going to the bathroom when I left the single-digit age group. There are a lot of moviegoers who aren't twelve years old anymore and, therefore, don't find flatulence to be funny). It was funny yet clever and sweet, and the only gross-out moment was the part with the drunk teen, and that was rather brief. D, it really touched on what it is to have a broken heart and was a very realistic look at those suffering through romantic sorrow. E, it gives unpartnered souls hope through the message of "everybody meets someone" F, Heads up, David Bowie fans! The Bowie reference in the dance club scene is sure to strike a chord in the hearts of those folks (such as myself) enchanted by the musical stylings of that particular gentleman. G, Billy Idol making a cameo as himself, complete with 80s spiked hairstyle and biker attire.

All in all, THE WEDDING SINGER really sparkles and I recommend it highly.

Hull High
(1990)

A sparkling cocktail of entertainment and memories -- should have lasted longer than it did
I know this show ran in 1990, but it had an 80s-esque feel to me -- I always felt that 1990 was the tail end of the 80s anyhow, and what a way to cap off the decade of day-glo-miniskirts, new-wave music, NutraSweet, fruit snacks, flavored lip gloss, Pac-Man, and David Bowie.

This inventive show WAS the original high school musical and I enjoyed it immensely even though I was in college and technically an adult (22) at the time, for this was an entertainment that can transcend the prom-and-Clearasil-and SATs age bracket, with its brilliant writing and charming musical numbers and dance routines relevant to the storyline's subject matter.

And in the pilot episode, the locker-room shower scene where the guys were singing "You Really Got Me Going" -- man, that sure got ME going.

I think that Hull High could have been a hit if the Suits just gave it a chance

The Man Who Fell to Earth
(1976)

Brilliant and Beautiful and Beaucoup Bowie -- You'll be Loving the Alien, although he's A Lad Insane
This movie has it all -- sci-fi, sexy David Bowie, drama, sexy David Bowie, pathos, sexy David Bowie, fantasy, sexy David Bowie, sensuality, sexy David Bowie, a character you can feel for and care about -- oh, and let's not forget, sexy David Bowie.

Although the plot can get convoluted, all one has to keep in mind is that Bowie's character, Thomas, is a stranger in a strange land, someone who's different, an alien -- literally. He is an extraterrestrial being who crash landed on earth to look for water to save his homeworld from a drought, becoming a very wealthy fellow from patents, and becoming attracted to a lovely young Earth-maiden (Candy Clark). But try as he might, he can't seem to completely adjust to Earthling folkways, and he knows he's different, and he resents it, and his resentment sours his attempt to save his homeworld and his ability to connect to those in this world, including his own sweetheart.

Looks-wise, David Bowie is a tower of gorgeous here (although when has he ever not been a tower of gorgeous), with his graceful, willowy build, creamy, glowing complexion, jewel-like mismatched-looking eyes, and a glossy crown of strands whose color is between copper and Cheez-Whiz (David Bowie is MADE for orange hair, even if said orange hair IS courtesy of Clairol). The characteristic Bowie beauty of the alien Thomas is stark contrast to his real self, which, while not revoltingly ugly, does NOT look like David Bowie.

The sex scenes are more artistic than crude or pornographic, although during the scene with the pistol, you do see a flash of The Gentleman's "assets." Bowiegasm waiting to happen, although I found the film and Bowie sexy for reasons higher than getting to see his "lowers."

One thing that may disappoint many a fan of the music of this beautiful and gifted fellow is that David, that grand and enchanting monarch of the music world, has nothing to do with this film as far as music is concerned, due to contractual disputes. One interesting thing is that when Bowie-as-Thomas opens his mouth to sing in church, only some strangled, muttering noises emerge from between those rosy lips, being that he's an alien and can't understand the language of Earth. This is a very clever joke, because as any David Bowie fan can opine, The Thin White EMPEROR (duke, my eyelash! Bowie's higher than a duke. Higher even than a king. He's the EMPEROR of rock-n-roll) sings like an angel (am listening to the LOW album as I type this.)

The thing that I loved about this film is that I felt for Thomas's plight, both in connection with his homeworld and in connection with Earth.

A must-see for Bowie fans everywhere.

Butterscotch and Soda
(1948)

A delightful lesson in nutrition and deportment
A dark spin on a common childhood fantasy (of a candy land)

Little Audrey, that topknotted, blue-frocked cartoon cutie, would rather eat candy than a balanced lunch, so she enjoys the sugary yumminess while feeding her lunch to her dog. This annoys the maid of her house no end, so the irate servant sends the little girl to her room and confiscates all her stash of sweets. Audrey then fantasizes about visiting a candy land, where she pigs out on every delectable confection imaginable, her face all aglow. Umpteen chocolates, mints, caramels, and licorice kisses later, however, the poor Audster ain't feelin' quite so glowy. Matter of fact, she's feeling mighty poorly. Remember the "Tummy Ache" the song "Good Ship Lollipop warned of? Audrey's got it in spades! Candy monsters narrate her painful plight with a catchy tune and a creative fantasy sequence that leaves her regretting the pig she's made of herself and thinking that nutritious foods can be quite tasty after all.

Everyone complained about the stereotype of the maid, but this was a relic of a time when minorities were held in lower regard in pop culture. Anyway, this cartoon is a sweet (if a little dark) way to teach a child the concept of "enough," or just to enjoy a choice bit of animation

Labyrinth
(1986)

A beautiful fairy tale for the child in everyone. And Bowie at his most beautiful
A lot of people may scornfully label this as a "puppet movie" for "babies." Wrong! Though this creative and charming fantasy delight may be fun for the kiddies, there is plenty in this film to entertain those who are over three feet tall and know how to spell "cat."

There's life lessons and a message about the "ch-ch-changes" growing up can bring, puppetry elevated to an art, (Rest in Peace Jim H.), fantastic sets and costumes, a beautiful score, AND an exquisite performance by one of modern music's handsomest, sexiest, and most talented gentlemen. I am speaking, of course, of none other than the one, the only, Mr. David Bowie.

Bowie's physical beauty was glowing, his voice was as angelic as it always was, and his acting performance was enchanting as the Goblin King (Jareth). Splendid in his contoured leggings, ruffled shirt, glittering vest, and mane of golden strands (it was a wig, I know, but still. . .), The Gentleman (as I refer to Bowie on the Net, capital T capital G) cut a regally fine figure, and his voice (both singing and speech) was as sexy as ever. The Bowie songs made the film, in my opinion, and none of them would be out of place on any of the three recordings that the gorgeous and gifted Thin White Emperor (another way I designate Bowie) put out in the mid '80s. Also, Bowie is an unparalleled dancer, as showcased in the ballroom fantasy scene and the "Magic Dance" scene.

This is a movie for kids, teens, grownups, romantics, dreamers, Bowie fans -- just about anyone. And if you're not a Bowie fan, this movie just may make one out of you. Never mind the Disco King, bring me the Goblin King!

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
(2005)

A sweet delight for young and old
OK, I liked the 71 spin on Dahl's cautionary, confectionery tale, but compared to this cinematic feast for the eyes and ears, the Wilder vehicle pales in comparison. Wilder's Mr. Rogers-like manner and the nursery rhyme-like Oompa-Loompa chants about guzzling sweets the way an elephant eats, that film is more for the single digit age groups, in my opinion, while this sweet dark fantasy helmed by Tim Burton is for the kid in everyone, and the brilliant visuals and infectious music will bring out the tousle-haired, freckle-nosed, chocolate-smeared Tommy, Dickie, or Carlito residing in the heart of every Tom, Dick, and Carlos.

I liked Johnny Depp's sadistic, sarcastic, child-loathing portrayal of Roald Dahl's literary bombonero ("candymaker" in Spanish) far better than Wilder's interpretation of the character as a confectionery Captain Kangaroo, and the whole part about Wonka's boyhood and his unpaternal dentist father was a nice touch.

And don't get me started on the MUSIC. Brilliant compositions by the extremely talented Mister Daniel Elfman, and the Oompa-Loompa songs, sung by the man himself, harkened back to my 80s teenhood with their sound reminiscent of Elfman's new-wave band Oingo Boingo.

Definitely a must-see for young, old, and everyone in between.

Fatso
(1980)

Tickles the Funnybone, Provokes the Mind, Warms the Heart
Opinions are like noses, everyone has one. Here's mine.

THIS MOVIE IS A GEM! A heartwarming, humorous, realistic view of the ups and downs of a large-bodied man. I say this because I myself was in a relationship with a lovely gentleman who happened to be of ample body contour, and the courtship scenes with Dom and Lydia reminded me of my courtship with my own hefty, handsome boyfriend. Also, gotta love Anne Bancroft as Our Hero's shrewish sister FAVORITE SCENES: Our Hero sneaking a wedge of his nephew's birthday cake, and his sister blowing a gasket! Our Hero crying when the diet doc gives him a list of Foods To Avoid, all of which he loves. The weight-loss intervention turning into a pig-out party. The Chinese food! (The sister having a meltdown! Classic!) Our Hero threatening to cut off his brother's "huevos" after Bro padlocks the fridge and larder. The scenes with Our Hero and his sweetheart. This is a beauty of a film with a beautiful message (love yourself no matter what your bodily dimensions) that deserved more attention than it got.

Desperate Housewives
(2004)

Brilliant!
I don't get the negative reviews. Opinions are like noses, everyone has one, and here is mine. I LOVE THIS SHOW. A perfect blend of comedy and drama, realism and fantasy. LOVE the supernatural element provided by Angel Mary Alice's voice as she comments on her friends left on earth and their goings-on. I disagree with the poster who said "all women work unless they have no purpose." There are plenty of stay-at-home moms out there

Humorous, entertaining, great writing and acting, commentary on family life all make this show a winner -- ooh, and mustn't forget that hunky Carlos! Boy howdy!

Fantasy Island
(1998)

The original was OK, but this version ROCKED!
I may be in the minority, but I actually liked Fantasy Island '98, as i called it, better than the original. It was a lot edgier and darker, and more cautionary (be careful what you wish for! You may get it!)whereas the original was fluffier and sillier and more escapist. I think all the episodes were excellent, but if I had to choose a favorite, I would go with the Thanksgiving one, where a lady was bringing her partner to meet her folks. I think Fantasy Island '98 was one of the freshest, most creative things on TV, and i think it was a stupid move on part of the Awfully Boneheaded Clods at ABC to pull it. I guess because it wasn't a reality eating-bugs thing or a glorified FRIENDS repeat. Who knows?

Cupid
(1998)

They cancelled CUPID? How can they be so STUPID?
I see I have plenty of company. I thought the show was GREAT and so did my mom. In a sea of sitcoms that were basically repeats of "Friends" and "reality" shows where people lived on an island and ate dirt, "Cupid" was original and creative and fresh, and it was the perfect partnering of realism and fantasy. This show was EXCELLENT, and I made it a point to watch every episode ever made -- I looked FORWARD to it every week! And what did the stupid Suits at the Awfully Boneheaded Clods network do? They YANKED IT RIGHT OFF THE AIRWAVES! Man, does that bite the sword or WHAT? They said that the show didn't have enough of an audience. Is it any freaking WONDER? If the Suits at the network of Awfully Boneheaded Clods weren't changing its time slot on us, they pre-empted it with some stale movie repeat! Smart move -- NOT! How could this terrific piece of entertainment find an audience if the Suits didn't even freakin' give it a chance?

Well, what do you expect? As long as the television airwaves are controlled by faceless corporate companies instead of by us viewers, the people who watch the shows, stuff like this is going to happen

Pee-wee's Playhouse
(1986)

Kiddie TV for the kid in EVERYONE
I'm kind of a strange case when it comes to this show. I never watched it when it was being produced because I was 18 and I thought it would be a "baby show." Oh, ha-ha-ha. MY MISTAKE! After it was pulled from the line-up because Paul Reubens had to go and pull his little stunt(among other things that he pulled) in the porno parlor,I read about how 1/3 of his fans were 18+, so I decided to check it out when FoxFamily (now ABC family)aired the repeats in 1998. I was 30. I was hooked. This wasn't just kiddie fare. This was wacky, warpy comedy wih something for everyone. For the kids,it was a straight out kid show, and for adults, it was a wonderfully zany spoof of the kiddie shows they grew up with, and for the ladies . . . there was (girlie-type sigh) Tito, the devastatingly handsome lifeguard at the Playhouse pool (after they let him go, the show was still excellent, but it was missing something. (Ricardo was cute, but nothing like the gorgeous Tito!)Truly a show with something for everyone and I recommend it highly. Comedy, satire, wonderfully cartoony sets, and a caramel-complexioned caballero who's hotter than habanero. It doesn't get much better than that

National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation
(1989)

Sparky's at it again! Chevy Chase has the Holiday Spark as Clark
Another "Sparky" movie. In my opinion, "Sparky" is the only character Chevy C. should play. This movie is a holiday delight! Some of my favorite scenes (WARNING: POSSIBLE SPOILERS!) Sparky and the pretty saleslady. The fantasy swimming-pool scene with the above-mentioned saleslady. Aunt Bethany asking Ellen if she's still dating Clark. The squirrel scene. Sparky trying to rig up the lights. Sparky's tirade.

Dumb and Dumber
(1994)

WELL, SLAP ME SIDEWAYS! A RETRACTION OF SORTS
I know I blasted this movie, but it was on TV and I decided to maybe give it another chance. Now, it had been edited and cleaned up for TV, so 90% of the gross-out scenes were eliminated, and you know what? THIS FLICK WAS ACTUALLY A PRETTY AMUSING LITTLE COMEDY!!!! Lots of comic situations and one-liners that the gross parts overshadowed when I saw it in the theater. It's too bad,though, that they had to edit out the shower scene (from the dream sequence)and the romantic "I feel like a schoolboy" monologue. SCENES I LIKED BEST: The Jacuzzi scene where the gents complain about girls The Jalapeno scene with Mentalino in the diner The dream sequence! LOVE that dream sequence,and the music is excellent The styling parlor And the scene where Lloyd (Jimbo!) first sees Mary and says to himself, "Slap me sideways!" (we all know that in the theatrical version, he said something else instead of "slap") All in all,Jimmy the C can be a funny guy when he isn't being gross. And now, I am going around saying "Slap me sideways!" This may not be the original theatrical version of the movie, but once edited and cleaned up for TV, this was the movie as it could have been and proof that dialogue and situations are funnier than whizzing in beer bottles (they deleted that scene)once you pass 3rd grade

We're on Our Way to Rio
(1944)

Hurray for Baritone Bluto!
This animated minimovie was a tropical delight and proof that the Famous Studios POPEYES were not just kid stuff. The funny thing is that, this is clearly a take-off on the ROAD movies with Bob Hope and Bing Crosby, but when the two animated sailors were singing the wonderfully Cole-Porteresque/Rogers and Hammersteinian title song, the guy who voiced Bluto sounded for all the world like Gordon MacRae! Too bad he didn't sing more here -- maybe do a "soliloquy!" (Too bad also, that the creators didn't draw Bluto to LOOK a little like Gordon to boot, like they did in "Shaving Muggs" and "Parlez-Vous Woo.") I'm a POPEYE fan from way back (especially Famous Studios Popeye) and I am a big fan of Gordon MacRae's movies, looks, and voice (in his heyday), and I say, ya gotta love a Bluto who sings like Gordon MacRae!

Stand by Me
(1986)

Rated X for X-ELLENT. GETS YA RIGHT IN THE HEART!!!
This movie is a DELIGHT. Love the chemistry between the four young teens! I grew up without a father but was always loved and cared about by my mom and nans (grandmother) so I wanted to cry at the plight of the protagonist, 13-year-old Gordon, who felt ignored by his folks and longed to feel appreciated and cared for, and I also felt sorry for Teddy, disfigured by an abusive father. And I loved the narration by Richard Dreyfuss as The Writer (Gordon as a grown man) and kinda wondered if that's where they got the idea for the TV show THE WONDER YEARS from The movie was xlent, and I read the novellette (By Stephen K., a literary HERO of mine since I was 14!!!!) and it was ALSO xlent. So whatever you do, don't miss this flick!!!!

Hercules in New York
(1970)

Sensational Strongman!
The movie was kinda stupid, but Arnold S. looked SPECTACULAR! (or should that be PEC-tacular?!) I recommend this flick to everyone who enjoys seeing a man with a magnificent body. Maybe the film wouldn't win an award, but Arnold's bod deserves a thousand awards!

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