happipuppi13

"The Love Boat," which ran on Saturday nights, on ABC, was, yes inspired by the early '70s series "Love, American Style" .

This "sparkling comedy," as the press releases called it then, contains several separate romantic or basicically humorus stories aboard a luxury liner, "The Pacific Princess" , cruising to different ports each week.

As we occaisionally see the ship sailing through tranquil waters, the vignettes are played out by an assortment of terrific guest stars. Many who were a part of Hollywood's Golden Age (late 1920s to the 1960's) and many, then, current celebrities of the 1970's and later the 1980's.

Yes, there is a laugh track but since this is taking place on a cruise ship, it would take away the true feeling of being aboard a real ship, even more, to have a 'live' audience.

Laugh tracks were standard Network Order (required) back then, so there's really no way around it, except to just ignore it and enjoy the voyage. (Thankfully it is not 'overused').

Each vignette had its own separate writer and director, and that made for a fuller contribuation of creativity and stroy telling direction.

Everything, of course, reaches a happy resolution. And what's wrong with watching a show that can make you feel good and give a happy ending? So much good humor and fun...plus love stories were so well played on "The Love Boat" for it's 9 seasons.

The great cast was the most integral part of it all. Gavin MacLoed as Captain Merrill Stubing. (who eclipsed his performance as Murray on The Mary Tyler Moore Show). He really makes his being a no nonsense captain very convincing.

The rest of our cast truly brought great humor and the right essence of comedic and somewhat serious acting to the series. Fred Grandy (Burl "Gopher" Smith), Ted Lange (Isaac Washington), Bernie Kopell (Dr. Adam Bricker), Lauren Tewes (Julie McCoy) and Jill Whelan as Vicki Stubing, Merrill's daughter.

I especially loved the occaisional appearances of "Charo" as stowaway April in her 1st show and every time she returned.

After Grandy left for politics and Tewes for 'personal issues' , well, I still did love watching the show but I could feel their abscence. Still, I stayed until the end.

A delightful and just wonderful show, no solving the BIG issues of the world, just an hour of watching people fall in love or try to stay in love and other simple but engaging stories for the viewer. (..and no, watching The Love Boat does not lower your IQ , Lol! I could watch this and Masterpiece Theater.)

TV sitcoms , whether light hearted fun or more serious like, "All In The Family" ... are still one thing from the start , entertainment. ; and they can be & are, as long as we allow ourselves to be entertained and not expect more than is offered.

9 out of 10 stars, I simply missed Julie and Gopher after they left the series. (END)

"Bringing Up Baby" , is a superb example of how the screwball comedy can chart romance, which should not be surprising considering that screenwriters Dudley Nichols and Hagar Wilde fell in love while writing it.

I first watched this film as a teen, late one rainy night in 1983. (I didn't drive yet and was 15). So, had to settle for watching TV. I already liked old movies then and the commercial (during the show before it) made this look interesting. (I've had it in my movie collection for a long time now.)

"Bringing Up Baby"...The misadventures of David Huxley a studious & serious paleontologist whose life is turned upside down by the madcap heiress Susan Vance (Katharine Hepburn), who has fallen for the man,practically on first sight.

This, after their meet up on a golf course, as Susan has mistaken David's car for hers & tried to drive off with it. (I can only guess David left his keys in it?) Susan, obviously finding him attractive, although we can;t tell yet... does everything she can later, to prevent David's impending wedding to a frigid, all business type woman named Alice Swallow.

This includes tricking David (acting over the phone like the Leopard is attacking her) to help her escort a pet leopard "Baby" from her luxurious New York City apartment, to her aunt's house in the Connecticut countryside.

The scenes of Grant & Hepburn acapella singing "I Can't Give You Anything But Love" to "Baby" to keep him tame, clearly demonstrates why Hepburn never 'really' sang in a movie. It's funny singing though.

From here, he scenes become increasingly crazy as Susan, determined to prevent David from returning to New York, sends his clothes out to the dry cleaners while he's taking a shower. This forces him to don a frilly, women's bathrobe, the only available clothing item in the house.

When confronted by Susan's aunt regarding his strange attire, "Well why are you wearing THOSE clothes?!" The only explanation David can offer is, "Because i just went gay, all of a sudden!" This line, which doesn't appear in any known version of the screenplay, was apparently ad libbed by Grant and, due to the rapid-fire nature of the delivery, snuck past the censors of the time.

It is now believed to be the first time the word "gay" was used in a Hollywood film to connote homosexuality, and the line always gets a laugh from me.

Truly, this was not a common term used then, so I con only gues it was used in certin circles of people then.) When he jumps in the airto say it, it actuallly makes the lne even funnier, as he had simply come up wit it.

I did have to laugh when David tells Susan that he's strangely drawn to her in quiet moments . . . Although there haven't been any quiet moments since he's known her. Unless he means when she's not talking.

The dinner scene with actor Charlie Ruggls was amusing but with a bit too much conversation and David & Susan repeatedly getting up and down, after 5 minutes of this, it started to feel the scene was going too long. My only negative here.

Another moment, later Did is trying to call Alice in New York, but Susan listens in, then aps a glass to make a tone, then saying repeatedly, "At the ton the time will be 7 (something) PM".

Then, George (her Aunt's dog) stealks away with a dinosaur bone that David had brought with him and they have to find whee he's buried it (among the many holes in the yard. Also the scene of them wandering through the woods at night to track down Baby, who's gotten loose.

They accidentally slide down a hill, Suan after David and her big net comes down on his head. She looks at him and starts laughing and you can tell Grant is trying not to crack up. After they cross a pond and get drenched, David says that above all the other bad things happening ... "And (now) we're wet!"

Near film's end, in the jailhouse scene, Hepburn covinves the nimble minded Sheriff that she and the others are all 'gangsters' (Chicago style) She does a hilarious 'gun moll' (ganster's woman) impression. Leading to her escaping the jail.

Susan's ideas and schemes practially dismantle his persona & nearly wreck his life. But, his agreeability stems from the audience's belief that David has recognized (in the back of his mind) that she is somehow going to be good for him, as opposed to our near statue woman Miss Alice Swallow (that's the bird Swallow by the way.)

Anyway, a sort of battle of the sexes is on display in Bringing Up Baby, it certainlty proves that women are at least equal with men in terms of intelligence and cleverness...and somewhat irrational behavior.

Being a scrwball comedy, there's really nothing to understand or that should be confusing. It's not in line with Woody Allen films of the 1970s but it's not low humore either. It's just off the wall fun and 'normal' is not the order of the day,

No better way to put it, Bringing Up Baby while not a box office draw in 1938, has since been reconsidered a classic comedy. Hepburn never did a role like Susan again...but knowing her, she likely felt she did right the first time, so why play it again?

9 out of 10 from me.

I love the movie and it's beyond funny. I only took one star for the dinner scene going on just a bit too long. ( I could just say 9 & 1/2 stars really .) - END -

Baby, if you've ever wondered, Wondered whatever became of me, I'm livin' on the air in Cincinnati, Cincinnati, WKRP.

Got kinda tired of packin' and unpackin', Town to town, up and down the dial.

Maybe you and me were never meant to be, Just maybe think of me once in awhile.

Heading up that highway, leaving you behind Hardest thing I ever had to do.

Broke my heart in two, but baby, pay no mind The price for finding me was losing you.

Memories help me hide my lonesome feelin' Far away from you and feelin' low.

It's gettin' late my friend, my love, I miss you so Take good care of you, I've gotta go.

Baby, if you've ever wondered Wondered whatever became of me.

I'm living on the air in Cincinnati, Cincinnati, WKRP

Got kinda tired of packin' and unpackin', Town to town, up and down the dial.

Maybe you and me were never meant to be, Just maybe think of me once in awhile.

I'm at WKRP in Cincinna-a-a-ti-i-i.

*

Debuting September 18th, 1978, when I was a mere 10 years old, I liked "WKRP In Cincinnati" from its debut episode to the very end on April 21st, 1982. Ten years old but already watching somewhat more mature comedies like "All In The Family", "The Jeffersons" , "Good Times" and more. When they show ended, I was just a few weeks shy of turning14.

Great to have parents that were open mnded enough to allow me to watch these shows. I learned many thngs about the adult world early, it wasn't difficult to get any questions I had answered, were i confused as why certain characters acted as they did or what something meant.

"WKRP" was a show pretty much anyone my age then and up could watch. Coming from the MTM corral of successes, it's following (despite so-so overall ratings) was undeniable. The reason was easy, it was honestly the 'hippest' show on CBS.

Gary Sandy's "Andy Travis" character, a simple country guy who , obviously left a relationship and a job at a previous station recently, seems to have walked into a job at a station, that seems to be it's own little world. (At the time of arrival, not a very happy one.)

Stuck on a low frequency AM dial, with almost non existant ratings. Losing money and a format of yawn inducing Easy Listening, Andy's first item of business is to change WKRP to a Rock & Roll / Top 4 format. Andy knows his stuff and easily sells The Big Guy aka station manager Arthur Carlson (Gordon Jump) on his idea. Andy's not fully aware Arthur's mother owns the station.

Gordon was always hilarious as the befuddled and often confused Carlson. Funniest moment wss when he mistakes a bag of cocaine for foot powder and when told this , beleives he is now going to be an addict!

However, Gordon Jump was also able to show us the other side of Carlson, a man domineered by his mother and who is a devoted husband, father and just an old fashioned good guy.

Mother Carlson in the debut show was played by 1930s / 1940s actress Sylvia Sydney but is later changed to Carol Bruce, who was much younger at only 59 in 1978. She's not pleased at this idea or with Travis himself.

Andy later meets the unusual staff, longtime DJ and near counter culture figure Johnny Caravella (Johnny Fever, played by Howard Hessman). Johnny stuck at this station because of his work attitude getting him fired a lot. Once Johnny heard he can play rock, he's cuts loose like he's been set free from jail.

You'd find few young guys who were fans of this show yjem. That didn't find Dr. Johnny Fever to be the most cool and radical character on TV.

Then there's Les Nesman, their news man (Richard Sanders). Meek and been with the station since the 1950s, he seems to still be a product of that era. He has to share the staff room with others but pretends that he has office walls and a door, insisting people knock.

Salesman Herb Tarlek (Richard Bonner) a horrible dresser as he wear the loudest suits imaginable in 1970's wear. He's inept but also underhanded in getting sponsors for the station...he also, despite being married, has eyes for Carlson's secretary Jennifer Marlowe. (Loni Anderson) .

Jennifer, unlike some blonde female characters on TV then, is intelligent, does not put up with being treated send class and knows that Herb is all talk and no action (and a jerk).

I loved that about her character, as I cannot stand women being portrayed as 'airheads'. (In one episode though, she did do a very hilarious impersonation of one.) I also liked the running joke of her being the highest paid employee there, despite doing very little.

Bailey Quarters (Jan Smithers) is a recent newbie to the station, an intelligent but attrractive girl, wanting to be a news woman but the sexist Les, has issues with a woman wanting this usually male dominated role. She has an attraction to Johnny Fever too

Finally, is DJ Venus Flytrap aka Gordon Sims played by the great Tim Reid. On the air, a soulful, laid back D. J. but in reality just a regular guy. No stereotypes here thankfully. When the show called for Reid to do a more serious take, away from comedy, he certianly delivered.

Together they all made 4 years of episodes (90 of them) that certainly deserved greater attention in the Neilsen ratings. Not just for bringing great original comedy but not being afraid to do a serious episode now & then and maybe a litle social commentary on the times as well.

Fans know the funny shows. Turkeys Away, Johnny doing a remote at an electrocics store that gets held up, Herb dressed as the station mascot a "carp" W - KRP (carp, get it?). Herb and family on a show called "Real Families" being followed around by a camera crew and Herb trying to make his life seem more exciiting. (Like a precursor to the reality shows of the 2000'a.)

Many more of course, but I don't want to make this too long.

At their best in serious stories, there was the revelation that Venus / Gordon was a former Vietnam Vet who went AWOL and flew home. The military had been seeking him for sometime.

Herb's 3 martini lunches start to effect his work, a Tornado hits the city, even the episode where johnny takes a job as a host of a Disco TV dance show, which means selling out his ideals for a more solid income. He hates it but he and his coworkers lose respect for him.

However, there was no episode more serious (or more coincidental) than "In Concert" ,which aired February 11, 1980, just over 2 months after The Who concert disaster that occurred on December 3, 1979.

When rock band The Who performed at Riverfront Coliseum (now known as Heritage Bank Center) in Cincinnati, a massicve forward rush of concert goers outside the Coliseum's entry doors resulted in the trampling deaths of 11 people.

There was no question that an episode should be done, at least for those closest involved with the show. They really had to convince CBS that they could do this to pay homage to the fallen, while still doing a good show.

The end result was, first 1/2 of the show, comedy but not over the top. About Mr. Carlson's son wanting to attend and smaller plots.

Upon return from commercial, the staff is seen the next day after the show. Stunned and numb at the fact they were all at the show with no knowledge of what had occoured until hours later.

Mr. Carlson , visibly upset as the station had promtoed the show and even given away tickets but also feels guilty having enjoyed the show (people weere still let in even after the incident). All opt to attend the candlelight vigil in the park. Venus staying behind as he has his show to do. His words speak greatly, for the reality of the unfortunate real life event.

WKRP was cancelled after just 4 years...likely, it could have lasted 2 or 3 more. It has done greatly in reruns and on DVD since. So, what was the secret of WKRP's lasting appeal?

Like Mary Tyler Moore and Bob Newhart, the show was a workplace comedy with clever writing and a cast of memorable characters. Unlike those shows, WKRP wasn't built around a 'star name' but the whole cast.

While the show was originally intended as a vehicle for up-and-coming actor Gary Sandy, Sandy quickly became just another member of the ensemble, as his character, program director Andy Travis, became the center of the show. A likable but somewhat basic straight man to the 'unique' personalities around him.

As a result, WKRP became one of TV's great hangout shows. Instead of following Moore or Newhart through their home and work life, the less focused WKRP, let viewers feel they were simply part of the gang at the Midwest's most dysfunctional radio station.

I binge watched the original series , just a few short years ago (thankfully all popular songs used were put back in place.) It was great to see them all over again for those few weeks.

Reaffirmed my feelings for the show for sure, Ten Stars ********** .

(Hit it!) : Mad tooth bar chin-up, box zing outta her hair now!

Still do the modern day whack-a-mole ditto-o-o!

What's that? Good bartender, i'da hat-beer 'n' head out!

I said I wouldn't do it... if a poodle had a lid ah-on!

(In memory of Gordon Jump, Frank Bonner and Howard Hessman & Carol Bruce. )

R. I. P.

You know....if I wanted to watch virtually the SAME film that I watched once in the 1980s.... I would simply just toss aside my intelligence and re-watch Top Gun from 1986 and then declare myself officially clueless.

Sorry , but I thought the first one was bad enough, but to pretty much make the same picture with minimal differences...hey, why not just call the movie, "Another Top Gun Too" ?

Or , "Top Gun : Never Ending Story" ?

You want to save yourselves time everyone. Put on the first one, and put a mirror in front of your TV and there you go! Top Gun 2. Certainly save you a lot of money and your TV will not have to be subjected to streaming Maverick later .

I will say, at least on the new soundtrack, there is One Republic's ,"I Ain't Worried". Which handily beats the worthless 1986 soundtrack and even the one this song is on.

I was an '80s teenager ...but I certainly don't miss that decade and the last thing I or anyone needed, was a reminder just how lame some of it's entertainment attempts could be.

1 star.

Tom ....stick to higher drama that actually speaks far better for your acting skills. This was no better than a reboot of a long gone TV series. (END)

"Nine to Five" was and still is a good-hearted and slightly dark comedy that will win a place in film history as the debut movie of Dolly Parton. She seemed to be a natural on screen as she basically commands attention from the get go, with her easy yet strong acting style. Partially herself and part her character.

She truly holds her own with comic actress Lily Tomlin and certainly alongside Jane Fonda, who as we know, comes from a very well known acting family.

Fonda is comically brilliant as Judy, who recently divorced is now in the working world for the first time and is very unsure of herself and lacks confidence and is a bit of a pushover. Her scene with the copying machine (Xerox) is a classic.

By the middle of the film, the beginnings of her transformation are well underway, especially dealing with her ex husband, who treated her like a child most of the time.

Tomlin and Violet, is the strongest in the office and has the longest tenure, still gets treated like a 2nd class waitress. Boss Franklin Hart always demanding she get him coffee or take care of his errands.

Still. She does all of the important work for the company and he takes every bit of the credit for himself and does not reward her in any way. She has a son she is trying to raise as well.

"Nine to Five" itself , an office comedy that was filmed in 1979 / 1980 (long before people would have computers or cell phones at their desks, instead of typewriters.) It's just simply very funny, its fantasy sequences are amusing, I liked them.

Tomlin as a nice but naughty Snow White out tp poison Mr. Hart (Dabney Coleman) , Fonda as a big game hunter, who with office staff, are out to take down the boss and then Parton's fantasy of making Franklin Hart the sexually put upon secretary and she the sexist boss.

Dolly Parton contains so much energy and natural exuberance that she was actually able to get audiences to forget about 'her measurements' and recognize her personality. Back at the time of this film, she was a deservedly applauded country superstar (and still is) but many could't look past her 'figure' ..."Nine to Five" changed that.

It's about improbable events happening to these people but It also has a dash of social commentary. That's still important today. Being an employee should not mean you have to be 'at the mercy' of those in charge. Certainly the sexual harassment noted here is something that changed greatly in the years after.

The message in this case has, to do with women's liberation and, specifically, with the role of women in large corporate offices. Jane Fonda, Lily Tomlin and Dolly Parton all work in the same office.

Tomlin is the efficient office manager. Fonda is the newcomer, Parton the kind boss's secretary, nut everybody in the office thinks she's having an affair with the boss. So the other women won't speak to her.

The villain is the boss himself. Played terrifically by Dabney Coleman he's a self-righteous, sexist, racist, arrogant & marrried man lusting after Doralee. She's having none of it!

The three of them have great reasons to hate Franklin Hart (actually the whole office does too.) They team up to take him down.

After the movie introduces new ideas then, like day care, staggered work hours, equal pay, merit promotion), The plot twist becomes that the ladies have found out about the crooked schemes of Mr. Hart...which lead to a plot to get him out of the way, this involving his wife being away for weeks on a vacation.

I wont give away any more after that but as one who saw this in December of 1980 and then in January 1981 at the movies and many times since over the years....

It's always worth a good simple laugh and don't let the somewhat darker aspects throw you, no one dies in this movie, but justice for the Women's Liberation of the era, does get served in a very funny way. This is deliberately a lightweight film, despite its coverage of social issues. We're simply meant to enjoy it.

Here's to being very glad times have changed in office workplaces, here's to Dabney Coleman's wonderful villain and here's to the 3 delightful ladies of 'Nine To Five".

9 out of 10 rating.

( * Body snatching from the hospital put me off a bit. * )

Having seen the movie at least as many times as the number in it's title (or more), I will be giving an honest assessment and opinion.

First , these 12 actors performances are alive, vital and powerful, it's amazing how much tension and turmoil these actors made, in a movie set in one place. (Just like the stage play ). We briefly see the courtroom and later outside the building.

Made in the 1950s, we get the true tone and feeling of that time, because , for the most part, these attitudes were very real and dominant in that era.

If anyone expects a jury room to be exciting, normally it's not. If the actors played it like a normal jury, well, the film would only be a 30 minute TV special.

With Henry Fonda, first off, he gives a simplistic yet very deep performance in the way his character says "not guilty" but wisely does not say, "I know he's not". That would've undermined the whole of his performance.

Lee J. Cobb is fantastic. Not as prejudiced like the other older male juror but just angry inside at everything. Especially after Fonda calls him a "sadist" , when heaing how Cobb's character would like to dish out the boy's punishment himself.

John Fielder always great as the meek yet, somehow outspoken kind. That after he's finally pushed to say something and take a stand.

Jack Warden as a guy who'd rather be at the ballgame than having his life interrupted for something he could care less about. Which yes, is not a great mindset to have when asked to serve on a jury.

E. G. Marshall gives a quiet yet strong performance as well. A man who is so "sure and certain" about everything. Only to be proved wrong later. The rest are fantastic in their own ways as well.

I really love how Henry Fonda's character works with everything to show valid reasons for his vote. He has paid very close attention during the trial and has remembered many things that were said and noticed many things as well.

He bullies no one, into sharing his view ... but does state in demonstrating logic and reasoning (not in making anything up that is false or imagined). Everything he talks about, was presented, said or seen in the courtroom.

All the players here get a chance to speak their piece and I especially point to Jack Klugman, who coming from a similar neighborhood as the boy in question, does vote guilty at first, as like others, just wants to go home. He doesn't vote not guilty because of the boy's similar background.

In hearing slanders about 'those kind' from his kind of neighborhood, he let's his feelings be known and doesn't sugar coat it. Leading to a near confrontation.

Ed Bagley's very prejudiced juror, is finally confronted by the others, who are tired of hearing him yell his bigoted statements. He's basically and deservedly told to sit and say nothing more, giving him time to think and eventually, on his own, decide on not guilty.

Lee J. Cobb's character, his problem wasn't necessarily racial, as it was anger at his own son, who basically hates his father and wants no part of him.

Which is why he rips up the picture. (Which is to say to h*** with it) and is why he finally votes not guilty. He essentially is not going to send the young man to his death, based on his problems with his son.

I reviewed this movie for the strong dramatic acting, the simple but effective setting and it's overall production value and just the cleverness in how it all plays out. I know a well crafted movie when I see one and I base any review only on what is in the film and what it's about.

It was a play and has been done several movie versions and that's all 12 Angry Men is. A completely fictional story, not based on any real case. A movie that takes place in it's time and is of it's time. It's only a movie and I don't take it as anything other than this

Our court system and legal system of course, has changed greatly since the late 1950s, I couldn't say for sure if "12 Angry Men" may have had a small part in it....but I wouldn't be surprised.

10 stars from me.

It doesn't matter if I know whether the young man was actually guilty or not, or what in the 21st century would or would not be allowed.

What matters in any review, only, is the overall movie itself. Acting, setting , production value and nothing more. It is just n emotionally hard hitting drama. (END)

I first heard about it when trailers starting running in theaters in the fall of twenty-twetny one, but as most know holidays are a busy time. So, had to wait for January. I wanted too go see it because I like the original as well and feel they're equally entertaining, just slight differences.

I wanted also to see if Spielberg could do it, make a new version of a proven classic. I made no pre-judgements and did not set any expectations and I ended up seeing, what I feel is a wonderful film.

In the full sense of the what the film has to offer, as a remake & just being a movie, it's an artistic success. In choreography / dancing, musical numbers / singing (everyone does their own) , each and every actor in their character completely. There isn't one scene in this film that slows it's momentum one bit.

I was naturally glad to see Rita Moreno here , I had no idea what her age was when filmed. Her supporting part is great and it's a tribute to her to have her included, she's also an Executive Producer here as well.

The cinematography is dynamic and immediately attention grabbing, the song & dance numbers are plausible and fully energetic , entertaining and not cheesy in any sense. The CGI was put to great minimalistic use here. Nowhere did I see any sign of excesses, everything felt legitimately balanced.

The rival gangs are not cleaned up here and certainly the impending "rumble" / "fight" isn't either. Nothing is "glossed over" to make more palatable. It's sad that racism still exists, social classism as well, in that there are still economically disadvantaged people where others have more.

The gangs being violent in the film :

Comes from from the frustrations both gangs have, in feeling they have nothing to lose , being at the end of the social chain. Exactly why they are not toned down here. Gangs exist today but very different than this 1957 setting. Whatever the era , gangs are prone to violent acts and there's no sugar coating that fact.

Only the look of the world is different since 1957 and while many things are better now , the whole world has a long way to go before it can make peace with everything.

In the end credits for the film , we see "For Dad" on the screen. So, likely it was a favorite of Spielberg's father. For that dedication to work, he and everyone involved , had to do MORE than justice to it.

1961's West Side Story, I've seen it many times and yes, it lives up to it's history. Spielberg is not trying to "denounce" the original, he was not trying to "improve" it ... he just 'wanted' to do it, nothing more or less about it. Spielberg loves the original. If he didn't love the 1961 version, he couldn't possibly have done this at all .... or would want too.

The movie's length? It's only 3 minutes longer than the original, so that's really not a valid argument in any sense.

A phenomenal job here as a filmmaker. He was true to the story, the setting, the songs and the starker realities within. For what I saw, everything was done right.

So, unless you just don't like musicals, you might be pleasantly surprised when you see it ....Or , you simply wont like it. That's no big deal though.

I haven't described any scenes , except Moreno's solo number, because I want any who read this to decide on their own. I'm not naive' , I don't expect everyone to love the movie as much as myself ... I just feel people should give things a real chance, then make up their mind.

Most importantly, politics and prejudices need to be kept out of it, this is supposed to be a musical and fun . Whether going to the movies or watching one at home.

My closing here : This is THE best remake ofan Oscar winning film I've ever seen..... I honestly love it and the original.

If this movie had been truly terrible, it would be a 1 star rating and I'd explain exactly what I found wrong....but, I found no faults.

Ten stars period , I have and see, no reason to rate it less. (END)

I've been reading the reviews here,both the all praising and downright bashing. A few in the middle, which is where I am with The Rocky Horror Picture Show.

I watched this some years ago and I did like the songs, they're very well performed. "Time Warp" is an unmistakably catchy song and some of the others are good too but not as memorable.

As for the story, well it's simple Janet & boyfriend are typical straight-laced boy & girl in love, whose car breaks down in the worst possible place. They're let into this already creepy place and find even creepier and/or insane people / creatures. But what I saw later in the movie made me say... "why all the cruelty & harshness on these two people?"

I'm not saying there are not bad things in the world or that filmmakers should be predictable, but like one person said here,"this movie isn't for everyone."

I just feel that some of the more disturbing things in the film just really weren't called for and were just a turn off for me.

I don't understand why Curry's character removed the man's legs and replaced them with remote controlled one's . WHY? He didn't do anything wrong. Or why he's being such a jackass to Brad and Janet.

Janet, boyfriend & the Dr. (It's just a jump to the left) are basically humiliated for no reason. Rocky Horror, I decided, is just not really my taste when it comes to movies.

I liked the dancing and singing and some of the comedy but the rest is not appealing. Obviosuly the movie is an acquired taste and I simply will never acquire it.

For those who cherish it, more power to you. If you supposedly hate it outright, well It's only a movie, not the end of civilization as we know it. Everyone can't love it and the lovers of the film have no cause to get angry because others don't feel the same.

4 stars for me, I wont even be watching it again. (END)

First, it may be a surprise to some, but Jerry Lewis Kept making movies after the failure of Hardly Working. :

1982 Slapstick of Another Kind - 1982/1983 The King of Comedy - 1983 Cracking Up - 1984 To Catch a Cop - 1984 How Did You Get In? We Didn't See You Leave - 1989 Cookie . . .

Plus about 6 or 7 more after that into the early 2000s, some were voice over parts, some playing himself. Best of all of them though, was King Of Comedy, essentially playing his real self.

"Hardly Working" came out April 3rd, 1981, I was 12 and mere weeks away from turning 13. I saw the ads for this on TV and having seen many of his films that way already, I thought how cool is that? A new Jerry Lewis film, which would be my first in a movie theater.

I love comedy movies and given the age I was at the time, it didn't take much in a movie or television show to get me laughing. After I got to the theater and it got underway....there really was no 'good' comedy to be found .

There were things that should have been"comedic" , but they were nothing more than a tired re-hash of all that Jerry had done before. Not only because it's unoriginal but his kind of comedy had it's place in the time he was the most popular for it.

Slapstick, In 1981, it just didn't play as well. Unless of course you surround it with a funny & sensible writing and a good reason for it to be happening. A man having trouble finding steady work and a life could be made funny, but it failed completely here.

"The Nutty Professor" was funny because the comic timing was great and there was a funny "story" to go along with it. Making it a tour de force for Mr. Lewis, as well as his comedies with Dean Martin and his solo efforts.

Jerry Lewis, without question is a comedy / Hollywood icon and always will be but every act has their time and place in which they're meant to be. By 1980, Jerry was 55 and probably in intense pain from all his years of pratfalls. It's not as funny then.

(Disguising himself as a stereotyped Asian chef was not a good move either, but at the time, it was not considered 'improper'. I'm sure his intent was humor and not deliberatly insulting the Japanese or anyone Asian.)

"Hardly Working" is just a great error in sensible judgment, if Jerry were trying to fail on purpose, to let go of the 'boy-man' , he certainly succeeded. .

1 star . (END)

Developed by Larry Gelbart as adapted from the 1970 feature film MASH, which, in turn, was based on Richard Hooker's 1968 novel "MASH: A Novel About Three Army Doctors."

The Show debuted Sunday, September 17th, 1972.

The show's title sequence features an instrumental-only version of "Suicide Is Painless," the original film's theme song. As the network felt it's lyrical content might not be comfortable for most viewers.

The show was an ensemble piece revolving around key personnel in a United States Army Mobile Army Surgical Hospital (MASH) in the Korean War (June 25, 1950 - July 27, 1953 : 3 years, one month and 2 days. No, the Korean War on the show was not said to be 11 years long. )

The "4077th MASH" was one of several surgical units in Korea, not even 3 or 4 miles from the frontline action.

The "4077th Mobile Army Surgical Hospital" is situated in Uijeongbu, South Korea.

While the show is traditionally viewed as a comedy / sitcom , many episodes had a far more more serious tone. Early seasons had episodes like fooling Frank Burns into believing there was gold to be found near the camp.

Or "5:00 Charlie", where an inept enemy bomber attacks (barely) at 5pm everyday, throwing one explosive device to the ground and the camp makes bets on where it will land.

The most serious (before the end of season 3, was, "Sometimes You Hear The Bullet". A pal of Hawkeye's from Maine shows up, as a soldier and war journalist. A mostly funny show until (SPOILER) after his friend leaves, he returns maybe a day or so later as a casualty from a battle. (Spoiler) Hawkeye operates on him but his friend perishes.

So, the show was forced to walk the fine line of commenting on the current war while at the same time "not seeming" to protest against it. For this reason, the show's discourse, under the cover of a great amount of comedy, often questioned, mocked, and grappled with America's role in the Cold War plus Vietnam.

When the Vietnam War finally came to a close in Spring of 1975, the timing was quite ironic for the show. Both McLean Stevenson and Wayne Rogers departed (I wont go into detail on that).

While Trapper went home (unseen by the viewer).... Henry Blake (who had a farewell show) in not making it home alive, came to represent, not just the current war but all wars that people do not come home from.

After that episode, there simply was no going back to being the more 'high comedy - lower drama' type of show they had been. The show's tone now more evenly combined humorous and dramatic from one episode to the next. As the personnel's time in the war grew and the fighting more severe, the last 3 seasons became high in drama and the humor interjected more deftly.

M*A*S*H has been described as either a "dark comedy" or a latter day term, "dramedy" because of the serious overtones, plus humor.

M*A*S*H aired weekly on CBS, It debuted on a Sunday in season 1, then moved to Saturdays through season 3. In season 4, CBS inexplicably moved it to Friday night! (Ironically the season with 2 new characters). After the producers and cast all had an in person meeting at CBS, Seasons 5 through 7 aired on Tuesday. Starting with Season 8 and until the end, the show was a must see on Mondays.

All I'll say of my own opinion is, I've watched this show since I was 10 in 1978 and even after it's network finale in 1983, I pretty much never stopped. I own the whole series on DVD and I never skip an episode.

To me, MASH is 10 Star. Not just humorous entertainment but because of everything it accomplished, in making an important statement ....and in how it (and the CBS Norman Lear series of that era, plus MTM productions) changed the face of television . I 3 June 2022 Warning: Spoilers Developed by Larry Gelbart as adapted from the 1970 feature film MASH, which, in turn, was based on Richard Hooker's 1968 novel "MASH: A Novel About Three Army Doctors."

The Show debuted Sunday, September 17th, 1972.

The show's title sequence features an instrumental-only version of "Suicide Is Painless," the original film's theme song. As the network felt it's lyrical content might not be comfortable for most viewers.

The show was an ensemble piece revolving around key personnel in a United States Army Mobile Army Surgical Hospital (MASH) in the Korean War (June 25, 1950 - July 27, 1953 : 3 years, one month and 2 days. No, the Korean War on the show was not said to be 11 years long. )

The "4077th MASH" was one of several surgical units in Korea, not even 3 or 4 miles from the frontline action.

The "4077th Mobile Army Surgical Hospital" is situated in Uijeongbu, South Korea.

While the show is traditionally viewed as a comedy / sitcom , many episodes had a far more more serious tone. Early seasons had episodes like fooling Frank Burns into believing there was gold to be found near the camp.

Or "5:00 Charlie", where an inept enemy bomber attacks (barely) at 5pm everyday, throwing one explosive device to the ground and the camp makes bets on where it will land.

The most serious (before the end of season 3, was, "Sometimes You Hear The Bullet". A pal of Hawkeye's from Maine shows up, as a soldier and war journalist. A mostly funny show until (SPOILER) after his friend leaves, he returns maybe a day or so later as a casualty from a battle. (Spoiler) Hawkeye operates on him but his friend perishes.

So, the show was forced to walk the fine line of commenting on the current war while at the same time "not seeming" to protest against it. For this reason, the show's discourse, under the cover of a great amount of comedy, often questioned, mocked, and grappled with America's role in the Cold War plus Vietnam.

When the Vietnam War finally came to a close in Spring of 1975, the timing was quite ironic for the show. Both McLean Stevenson and Wayne Rogers departed (I wont go into detail on that).

While Trapper went home (unseen by the viewer).... Henry Blake (who had a farewell show) in not making it home alive, came to represent, not just the current war but all wars that people do not come home from.

After that episode, there simply was no going back to being the more 'high comedy - lower drama' type of show they had been. The show's tone now more evenly combined humorous and dramatic from one episode to the next. As the personnel's time in the war grew and the fighting more severe, the last 3 seasons became high in drama and the humor interjected more deftly.

M*A*S*H has been described as either a "dark comedy" or a latter day term, "dramedy" because of the serious overtones, plus humor.

M*A*S*H aired weekly on CBS, It debuted on a Sunday in season 1, then moved to Saturdays through season 3. In season 4, CBS inexplicably moved it to Friday night! (Ironically the season with 2 new characters). After the producers and cast all had an in person meeting at CBS, Seasons 5 through 7 aired on Tuesday. Starting with Season 8 and until the end, the show was a must see on Mondays.

All I'll say of my own opinion is, I've watched this show since I was 10 in 1978 and even after it's network finale in 1983, I pretty much never stopped. I own the whole series on DVD and I never skip an episode.

To me, MASH is 10 Star. Not just humorous entertainment but because of everything it accomplished, in making an important statement ....and in how it (and the CBS Norman Lear series of that era, plus MTM productions) changed the face of television .

Having seen The Simpsons Movie many times, I know the movie thankfully did not stray far from the series that Simpsons fans know and love. The animation is of course a higher scale and is perfect for a big screen effort and triumph, such as this one.

The effects were spectacular on a movie screen in 2007 and on my TV and in all the years I've viewed it.

To describe it in simple form Homer once again, ignores the words & warnings of Marge by, this time, polluting Springfield lake with a mini-silo of Spider Pig's refuse all for the sake of getting to a doughnut shop before it closes.

His actions effect not just his family but the whole town as well and even the Government gets in on it by taking drastic action against Springfield by closing them off from the world. The Simpsons are all fingered for the blame and the family escapes the town and heads to Alaska.

Side story lines in include Lisa's infatuation with a new Irish boy in town who's also concerned about the environment and causes she shares.

Bart being humiliated by his own father who dares him to skateboard into town without his clothes on. (I couldn't stop laughing at townspeople's reaction.)

Finally, thanks to Homer pinning the blame on Bart to the police for something he made Bart do, Bart's had enough and wishes Flanders were his dad and starts spending time with him instead.

The upshot is how can Homer redeem himself, save his family and the town of Springfield, now that he has screwed up 1,000,000 times worse than he ever did on TV?

You'll have to watch it if you haven't yet.

Despite not being even 90 minutes long, it was worth the $7 + price of admission back then and I never get titred of watching it.

Every joke and gag works, the video from Marge to Homer is the most serious she's ever been in sounding like she will leave him because of all he's done. There's no big message here except the obvious one about the environment, which is important but your not clubbed over the head with it.

As well as making up for (huge) mistakes and redeeming one's self as well. The Simpsons sure have come a long way since "Bart Gets an "F",that's for certain.

10 stars! I liked it that much.

When I got to the theatre, there wasn't much of a choice. Mostly kid stuff and violent movies. I narrowed it down to Columbiana and this movie.

I read on the movie poster that Columbiana is about revenge and I really wasn't in the mood for that. So,seeing this was Rated G, I decided to give it a chance. I grew up in the 1970s when G meant either sugary or too "kiddish".

This movie was none of that. It is absolutely perfect movie making and storytelling. This film walks an incredible tightrope of telling a serious story,while still making it entertaining and most of all....covering serious emotions in a G rated format.

Duvall is spectacular as is the supporting cast. They behave a genuine people and display real emotions,without getting too sweet about it or seeming to angry or negative in other scenes.

The most violence is the main character's car wreck. He smashes into a wooden fence and busts the rear window of his car. There's also a slight "fight" between him and two other guys. They push and shove each other mostly but that's about it for violence though.

The point I found in the movie, we're given a great gift of being able to think and act out of our own thoughts and choices and will. How we manage them is up to us. Also that we tend to make too big a deal out of things that are supposed to define who we are,in the eyes of others.

What's important,is how we measure ourselves inside,not other people. This is the main point the story is telling us. I give 10 stars,without a doubt. (END)

In 2017 I reviewed a movie I got from Red Box , "Rock Dog". A movie I really liked and feel was underappreciated.

A number of months later, I found "Top Cat Begins" there too. Sorry to say I can't praise it as highly. Although, I'll be a bit kinder with my rating and review.

I too watched Top Cat reruns as a kid and so yes, nostalgia played in here, but also I had a discount 'online' coupon for a choice of film...making my total cost to see this just over 50 cents. *Thankfully* .

The pro's : Top Cat himself is played pretty much the same as on the original series, Benny also funny and easily taken in by TC. Some funny jokes and a few sight gags that made me laugh. I'll let you watch (if you do) and decide if they're funny also. It could just be me, but I also found a few touching moments too.

The Cons : Unnecessary and unfunny violence. A cop named Lopez jumps out a window of the police station to his doom. (??!) Officer Dibble's elderly (mother/aunt/grandma??) goes 'Rambo' on the bad guys with guns, a tank and even a distantly seen and heard bomb.

Our resident bad guy 'Mr. Big' (gee...what an original bad guy name : NOT!) having his henchmen toss otehrs into a supposedly 'bottomless' pit. So, uh, this "IS" a kids/family film ..right? Could have fooled me.

Lastly, why not have the whole Top cat gang in the entire movie working together, instead of an hour plus flashback. When they came back from it, I'd almost forgotten there 'was' a flashback. They really didn't need that either. Also, the rest of the gang,dibble and other characters are weakly written and despite their presence, don't add much to this until the end.

So why am I giving it 6 out of 10 stars? Strictly for the positives , $1 being (you guessed it) nostalgia. The CGI is good too but I'd advise you to seek out the 1960s cartoon series and other previously made Top Cat films.

I like this well enough but for everyone else, watch this first, if only to get it out of the way before watching what can only be much better material. (END)

In January of 1989, I went to see this terrific film and in years since , seen it on television often and have owned the DVD for quite some time. In March of 1989, the movie took home the prize as Best Picture of 1988, at the March '89 Academy Awards ceremony.

Tom Cruise plays Los Angeles collectibles car dealer Charlie Babbitt, who discovers (after his estranged father's death) that he has a long lost and much older brother to whom his father has left $3 million and his prized car... while giving Cruise nothing (but he did get some wonderful rosebushes at his father's former residence.)

Cruise walked out of his father's life years ago and stubbornly refused to have any contact with his father or make any attempts to contact or reconnect.

The brother (Dustin Hoffman who won the Best Actor Oscar for this part) is an autistic man confined to a mental institution. Such was the fate of many o ther autistic or learning 'challenged' in the 1960s and before then. Raymond Babbitt's father had him sent there for not just this reason though, which Charlie will later discover.

Charlie , on the pretext of taking a walk with his brother, basically leads him off the property...and drives off with him. This, an effort to get half of his estate, but during their one week, cross-country journey, in trying to get back to California and save Charlie's business, which is quickly sinking in his abscence, Charlie discovers his brother is not as simplistic in nature as he first thought.

Charlie's girlfriend, who came along with him, walks out on him, feeling that he is takig advantage of Raymond and has mostly beeen taking her for granted as well, telling him his motives always seem to be self centered in nature.

As the journey through many southwest locations goes on, in clusing the memorable stop over in Las Vegas... Charlie's attitude toward his brother changes from absolute anger and frustration, to a greater understanding and sympathy or even empathy..... and he almost becomes an entirely new man.

Cruise's performance was his finest since ''Risky Business.'' While I'm not a fan in any sense, I have always liked Cruise as an actor, when he is in roles that require a true life character and greater depth in acting than say "Days Of Thunder".

Hoffman takes the riskier and more challenging role. He dares to make the character annoying and frustrating, and the combination of two superior performances makes the movie worth watching. His Raymond (Rain Man) character, is touching and 'unintentionally' funny to behold.

The audience and I could not help but laugh at the things he did, because of course, the aveneage human being would not do those things. Especially his impersonating the radio DJ and repeating over and over "97 BAM!... The Home of Rock and Roll!" or going on about needing to go to (the now out of business) K Mart to buy underwear.

Causing Charlie to have a melt down in the middle of the road and scream his head off, as he is at his wits end and not grasping why Raymond is like he is and does these things.

The ending of the film is a very realistic conclusion and I can only say for my feelings of the movie, every moment of it is worth watching ...and watching more than once. I feel Cruise was greatly snubbed in terms of Oscar consideration.

So , Ten Stars is the only rating I could ever possibly give to Rain Man.

________________

Charlie : "We're not going back to Cincinnati, Ray, so don't even start with that."

Raymond : "Course, three minutes to Wapner."

A question that gets asked a lot over the years since it debuted...Why so some people find "Heaven's Gate" so unpleasant ? (For lack of a better way to put it.)

Its director, Michael Cimino, opens his story at Harvard, continues it in Montana, and closes it aborad a ship. And yet there's something grim that sort of takes away from these suroundings.

There are clouds and billows of dirty yellow smoke in every shot that can possibly justify it. We see smoke and later fog and such incredible amounts of dust that there are whole scenes where people could barely see anything.

Cimino also shot his picture in a, I feel, not necessarily needed soft focus that makes the people & places in this movie tougher to see. And then there's something about the color tones in the film, I can;t wuite think of what to call it, but they're odd looking.

The movie seems overwhelmed in visual excesses. Again, smoky, dusty, foggy, borderline unfocused and so brownish yellow, I thought the movie screen (and later my television screen) needed Windex cleaner. I got through the movie alright but 'looking' at a film should not be the harderr task. * I rewatched, hoping it would be better somehow.*

A $36 million budget and was yanked out of its New York opening run after the critics crucified it. Perhaps it's 4 hour length then was a turn off? Cimino went back to the editing room, while a United Artists executive complained that the film had been "destroyed" by an unfairly negative review by New York Times critic Vincent Canby.

It was cut down to 140 minutes. At either length Christopher Walken is in several of the Western scenes (hard to tellright off) before he finally gets a close-up and we see who he is.

John Hurt wanders through various scenes almost with no point,. Kris Kristofferson is the star of the movie, and is never allowed to generate enough character for us to miss him if his time in the film was up.

The opening scenes are set at Harvard, where Kristofferson, Hurt, and other idealistic young men graduating in 1870 and setting off to civilize a nation. Kristofferson decides to go west, to help develop the territory. He explains this decision in a narration, and the movie might have benefited if he'd narrated the whole thing.

Explaining as he went along. Out west, as a lawman, he learns of a plot by the cattlebreeders' association to hire a private army and assassinate 125 newly arrived European immigrants who are, it is claimed, anarchists, killers, and thieves.

Most of the movie deals with Kristofferson's attempts to stop it, Walken's involvement in it, and the involvement of both Kristofferson and Walken in the private life of a young Montana madam (Isabelle Huppert).

The immigrants are handled very badly. Cimino sees them as a mob. They march onscreen and rush off in all directions. . Every time the widow steps forward out of the mob, somebody respectfully murmurs Widow Kovach in the subtitles.

While the immigrants are hanging on to Widow Kovach's every insight, the cattlemen are holding meetings in private clubs and offering to pay their mercenaries $5 a day plus expenses and $50 for every other foreigner shot or hung.

Some scenes,to use the term, are head scratchers...

Walken, surrounded by gunmen and trapped in a burning cabin, scribbles a farewell note in which he observes that he is trapped in the burning cabin, and then he signs his full name so that there will be no doubt who the note was from.

Kristofferson, discovering Huppert being gang raped by several men, leaps in with six-guns in both hands and shoots all the men, including those aboard Huppert, without injuring her in any way.

In a big battle scene, men make armored wagons out of logs and push them forward into the line of fire, even though anyone could ride around behind and shoot them.

This movie, again, was $36 million practically thrown to the winds. ... and despite this, I will still give it a rating of four out of 10.

While i was able to actually 'get into' some scenes and even found some pretty good dialog, the rest...well I can only sasy in my own view, there was definite ways the negative aspects I've described could have been done better.

I like westerns very much, but prefer they get to the point and the actions surrounding them just somewhat more creative and clear cut fashion. (END)

Rabbit Test (for those too young to remember) : Was a pregnancy test that involved injecting some of the woman's urine into an unmated female rabbit's ovaries and later examining the ovaries of the rabbit, to see if they had physically changed or not. If they had, then a woman was definetely pregnant. (The rabbit, sadly, would die later.)

That said, now the review.

First, this film did acceptable business at the cinema when released in April 9th of 1978, so (somehow) many people saw "Rabbit Test" then .... and yet, it's not been shown much on TV much since. It didn't even get to be on ABC, CBS or NBC as likely, there's no way those networks would have risked "possibly" offending viewers with this idea.

I was thankfully too young to see it then. I did see it on late night TV a few years back in the early 2000s. On reflection, I should have gone to bed...as my dreams are more entertaining than this turned out to be.

Anyhow, a good idea for a storyline, a man getting pregnant instead of the woman goes to waste here.

With help from a male friend, Crystal (who was actually 28 when this was filmed) gets set up with a hooker to finally lose his virginity but because she was "on top" instead of him, he gets pregnant! (A commentary then on women taking positions of power away from men, as many men opposed women's liberation).

Crystal's stomach grows, he goes through all the female emotions and related physical & mental feelings. Unfortunately, he is now a socially misunderstood outcast. He's attacked by a mob who wants him killed, as he is a freak of nature to them. (I guess).

He's forced to go into seclusion to have his baby...in a barn.

Or if you will, a manger. I hate to imagine where the baby birthed through...unless they had to do a C section on him somehow.

It turns out (no shock here) to be a girl, found it strange that God (speaking from the sky) wouuld have a problem with it's gender.

Paul Lynde was funnier on "Bewitched" or "Hollywood Squares" than he was here. Joan Rivers at this time in her career was getting laughs making cruel jokes about singer Karen Carpenter's lack of weight and at least being funnier, substitute hosting for Johnny Carson on "The Tonight Show".

Sorry to say, as I know she's no longer with us, she had no business directing a film. Outside of Billy, this film's comedy is directionless. There 'is' a story thankfully, but it's tough to care about Crystal's character when his moments are broadisded by Junior high level (if that) humor.

Billy Crystal. Crystal was the very best part of this film. As a stand up comic and then actor, he'd only hit the scene in 1974 / 1975. A short lived sitcom called Keep On Truckin' , 1 appearance on All In The Family & then along came SOAP but also....this.

"Soap" (1977 - 1981), truly put his name and face out there, so he had great experience of playing a mix of comedy with a touch of drama.

I can only guess all the star names that signed on thought this might be a worthwhile project...but the humor, again, is so infantile and unintelligent, I can't imagine that being the case.

Simply put, nothing else in this film is directed and played well enough, that it could be funny or taken even remotely serious. I have a sense of humor and love a good comedy but it usually helps when it has 75% or more use of a writer's brain.

It's as if director Rivers said to her Hollywood Squares co-horts, "Come guys & gals, I'm having a party and it's being paid for by a movie studio!" Even the "best" thrown parties have some rules and (directing) regulations.

I'm glad Ron Rafkin wasn't as well known at this time, it could have been REALLY embarrasing. I first knew him from his one season on, "One Day At A Time" as Ann Romano's love intrest "Nick". That and just about anything he's done since, has eclipsed his being in this.

2 stars for a good idea of a man becoming & having to deal with being pregnant. In a better movie, with better directing, it could have been a very touching story somehow. Maybe even relevant.

What galls me, is when I went to the film's Wikipeda page and found out that, the film was made for around $997,000....and despite the negative reviews the film received, grossed over $12 million in its first four months of release! WHAT?!

Regardless of that, "Rabbit Test", for me, fails almost completely, so it's 2 stars.

1 for Crystal himself and the other, for a good movie idea. (END)

In 1981, I took a trip to my local theater when seeing the trailer for this on TV, it was the very same day, only just over an hour later. Being 13, it of course was for the very reason John Ritter (then of "Three's Company") was going to be in it.

Goes without saying, I expected 2 hours of high comedy from him and the cast. I may have also taken the title literally then. It's safe to say, many young people can take things like a movie trailer at face value.

Nothing of an "overwhelming" nature happens throughout the film but the main point is, the men in the movie are detectives hired to follow these women , to see if they are engaging in marital infidelity aka cheating on their husbands.

It takes a little while to figure out just where the story is headed but what's clear is Ben Gazzara, John Ritter and Blaine Novak work for the Odyssey Detective Agency, which is truthfully advertised by the line 'We never sleep'.

Gazzara's been assigned to track Audrey Hepburn's character by her husband, while Ritter & Novak trail Dorothy Stratten as she slips away from her husband, to rendezvous with young Sean Ferrer's character.

Oddly, Audrey didn't speak for the entire first hour (much of the film is devoted to the vague observation on the part of the detectives), but ultimately she emerges as the most mature and discreet character in the group, in terms of how she carries herself and her affairs.

Certain plot points have an eerie resemblances to the cirumstances leading up to Stratten's real life 1980 murder, as she too, had been followed by a detective hired by her husband. (See the movie "Star 80", for better detail on her life events.)

A palm reading scene in where Ritter predicts that her marriage will come to a swift end ( and she wonders if she has much time left ) is chilling for those familiar with the Stratten case.

To the 13 year old me, this was a bit confusing as I really did have very little idea why all this running around New York was going on.

I remember only laughing at 2 things then. Ritter is in Stratten's apartment, her dog doesn;t like him. There's this little window, with a tiny stone ledge for placing a plant. He looks at that, then the dog, "You wanna go play on the balcony?"

What's amazing is that Ritter had worked with Peter Bogdonovich before and with great results. The results here are merely, adequete.

The other one , is the detective with long hair, has it all tucked underhis hat at first, then in some store, removes the hat to reveal its length. I wasn't expecting that.

Otherwise, I found it dull and confusing. Anyhow, long after that time, I found the movie on video and rewatched it. It made more sense and I understood it all and it's point...but for me, it wasn't any the less dull.

I'm not for marital infidelity but I found it hard to find the urgency in the situation.

I can only say the actors did a 'good' job but it honestly could have used more energy and tension. All of them were good actors, so I feel just about anyone might expect a bigger picture.

It's very low key. ...but there are those who obviously like it more than myself. So, with all due respect to tham and the actors who are no longer here, I still rate "They All Laughed" with 5 stars.

Stratten was just getting underway in acting, who knows what she could have brought to film, had she not been killed? Gazzara, Hepburn and Ritter...the movie takes nothing away from their great careers. (END)

It's been a few since I saw Ben Hur (2016) at the movies and, coincidentally, I was searching on here about the 1959 one and this popped up along with it.

So thought I'd make a review finally.

I had heard then about it's lack of box office take, but, that never stops me from seeing a film. Funny thing, the theater wasn't empty where I saw it.

During the the whole movie I was fully into how they were telling the story and how the actors were putting their own take on long established characters. The chariot race (which I'm glad wasn't "all" CGI) was just as great to me as the original.

I have to give them their proper recognition on production design as well.

The opening horse race between the 2 brothers reminded me of 1998's "Prince Of Egypt" but I knew that was to be expected.

Judah Ben Hur being portrayed a more down to earth person made it very interesting to watch. Of course, it's not like Charlton Heston...then again, why would or should it be? Heston was his own person and his own kind of actor in 'his' portrayal of Ben Hur.

This Ben Hur's 'odyssey' (for want of a better word) is, from the moment his adoptive brother leaves, told in every bit of emotion, action and effort. Not just from Huston, but from all major & minor characters here.

Morgan Freeman here, is (and never fails to be in serious roles) mesmerizing. As well as simply being almost impossible not to pay attention too and hang onto the words of his best lines of dialog. Along with his narration, he brings that wonderfully nameless ingredient that makes up his acting style.

This is not an action movie or any other kind of 'big summer box office' film. It's a dramatic story about a man who, in protecting another, is made to suffer for his humanity & beliefs and yet somehow survive and find redemption in the end.

The chariot race is all but a small, yet nearly deadly, part of that journey. That race, in whichever version, is iconic and both, again, were no less exciting.

Just as much as the 1959 race, despite knowing the outcome. It's not about trying to 'top' that race or the Oscar winning original....no one will ever do that. I do know, it 'is' possible to remake a Best Picture and it takes nothing away nothing from the original.

(The only thing is, if you remake a film 'trying' to out do the first...that usually will result in a failure. Not so here, everyone did their job right.

People have a right to their feelings and their likes / dislikes. Many will only like the 1959 movie more, some will like this one more and even, some may like both.

This was powerful movie making on all counts. In that light, it's a success. Even though it's number of viewers was slim. So, Ben Hur (2016) will be a favorite of mine (and others) for a long time.

10 stars, for me, it won the race in overall production value. (END)

Lightning struck twice for "Gilligan's Island" creator Sherwood Schwartz.

The critics bet against it, but he made them eat their wasted words when "The Brady Bunch" eked out a healthy run of 5 seasons and 114 episodes (not to mention various incarnations and reunions over the decades.)

Featuring the adult leads Robert Reed (formerly of The Defenders) , Florence Henderson (Song of Norway) Ann B. Davis known mostly before this as 'Schultzy' on "The Bob Cummings Show". The premise is simple, widowed father is trying to raise 3 boys alone and (either widowed / divorced Mother is raising three girls alone as well. *Schwartz said divorced, network censors widow. *

The darker truth aside, What Schwartz then puts together are two families. Plus a maid, a dog (and a cat never to be seen again after the pilot). The two animals, as we know, go into immediate action by making a shambles of the wedding ceremony in the first show.

After yelling at the kids about their pets, Mike and Carol are feeling very guilty about it and decide to make it up to the kids by going and picking them up and taking them all to the hotel, Alice and the pets too.

Reed and Henderson's characters were a couple with enough competence an heart to override the chaos (and sometimes silliness) in this new extended family, that the next few years would bring. Plus Ann B. Davis's Alice, as kind of the go between, heart of gold but almost no nonsense maid.

When the pilot show was filmed near the end of 1968, all the kids, except Barry Williams, were between 7 to 12 years of age. Susan Olsen and Mike Lookinland were both still 7, Eve Plumb 10 and Christopher Knight 11. Maureen McCormick was 12 and Barry Williams was actually 14 at the time but plays Greg as late age 12 or else age 13.

As one who viewed the show as a kid in the 1970's on ABC and reruns for years after (plus a binge watch in 2014) , I find the first 2 seasons to be the best. Many storylines centering around the family (especially the kids) learning to compromise and in treating each other with respect and acceptance.

Those things, yes, in real life take a lot of time and patience but this is a scripted TV show and viewers who are sometimes quick to choose another show, aren't that patient. The thing is, these lessons and transitions within a large family of almost strangers, are resolved believably enough.

The more difficult task, is bringing the kids to be as real brothers and sisters. Love as brothers and sisters being the ultimate goal. By season 2's end, it seems it's very close to that.

Mike and Carol talk things over and even Alice has something to say, being a woman who though knows her place as a maid, wants just as much for the family to be as one.

One thing all the kids seem to have in common, is just being kids. Again, this being a family show, the under age 12 antic of kids make for fun storylines, but given what could 'not' be talked about, when all the kids hit 10 and up, it was up to the writers to keep good scripts coming.

Many season 3 shows were about sibling rivalry, growing pains on the sides of both genders and learning what's acceptable behavior, at home and in a social setting like school. The season even got the Brady's out of the house and visiting The Grand Canyon in the state of Arizona.

Then came the January 1972 episode, where Greg has taken up the guitar and songwriting / composing. That's right, the episode many claim set the show off on a storyline course, aimed directly at the Teen Beat crowd. (Likely ABC trying to have 2 Friday night shows with a family singing group.)

The kids form the now Rock and Roll Hall of Fame bound 'The Brady Six'. The kids, to be serious did sound great but on their actual albums outside of the show, record producers had them doing a few songs out of their maturity and vocal league. (Young teens and pre teens singing Don McLean's, "American Pie" ? Oof!)

So now, every now and then, as show with a plotline that gives the chance for them to lip sy ... er, ah sing for us. (I shouldn't talk, I own the "It's A Sunshine Day" compilation.)

Fortunately, most storylines stayed put in the proper familt based stories 8Despute the crazy / silly "Now A Word From Our Sponsor" episode. Not a favorite of Robert Reed to be sure. Where the family is tapped to make a Detergent commercial in the home, led by a hippie style doofus of a director.

Season 4 debuted with that very memorable trip to Hawaii, over a 3 part story arc. Barry Williams almost had the worst happen, doing his own surfing stunt. When you see that wipe out in the water, that's not a stunt man about to hit some coral. Barry wanted to be cool and lied about his surfing skills.

Near tragedy aside (and the police team of Five 0 nowhere in sight) the Brady's also encounter alleged voodoo, a creepy hermit archeologist who kidnaps the boys and, oh man...singer Don Ho! That adventure drew pretty big numbers and for the remainder of the season, the show carried on nicely.

Season 5...I know, many a TV critic said the cracks were forming as by series end, Olsen and Lookinland are both 13. Barry is 20 and yes, getting a bit up there for some of the antics the kids do. Greg of course is about to get out of high school. ... and yes Cousin Oliver, the Brady's almost little John Denver look alike cousin. (All due respect to John Denver.)

I'll grant a few storylines felt like the writers really weren't trying but the family by this time was close knit and with Cindy 5 years away from age 18, all the Brady's biggest inital problems had been solved.

Behind the scenes, was venom between Reed and Schwartz and the ABC network, the families of the kids had shown their greedy side, wanting more money and truthfully also, there was tall of killing off the Mike Brady character and revamping the show, because of his constant complaining about scripts.

As many know, he flatly refused to appear on camera for "A Hair Brained Scheme" , their aptly titled and final new episode, where Greg's hair turns orange after buying Bobby's 'hair tonic' (something the older male writers likely bought in the 1940s or 1950s for themselves.) Threatening his ability to show up for graduation!

March 8th 1974, the series was over, after 5 years and 5 months. From day 1 of production to the series end. 5 years is a long time in any kids life and there wasn't anything new to say about the Bunch by then,

Still, the show is strictly this. Entertainment with a good mix of humor and just the right touch of family caring in the stories. A few silly shows and some that actually made some pretty good valid points about life.

The #1 priority originally, to show that a good family doesn't just happen and that can even be one made up of two groups, that had both lost a parental figure far too early, for whichever reason. Joining , living and learning a growing together.

Maybe that's what kept people coming back for the reunions because despite the things we made fun of this show for, people still loved to see that family. For me, it's just a fun show to watch and laugh to and feel good after.

Robert Reed has been gone 30 years now but, one thing was true, he genuinely loved those kids like a father. So, was for them, glad to take part. He knew the fans would be let down as well, if it wasn't all of them.

As he said in the pilot : "That's right...The whole blooming Brady Bunch!"

I'll always love this show. 10 Stars.

Elvis Presley is one of the most modern mythological figures in the history of popular music. That makes him worth making a biopic about.

Everything we know (the rise & fall and all that came with it) is SO well known, that when one makes a movie, the challenge is being original and more unique than past endeavors.

We had the direct TV movie biopic (original network : ABC) in 1979 with Kurt Russell, which goes right in th order of Elvis's life, start to finish but was still incredible to watch. The 1990's short lived TV series, 'Elvis' (also ABC , 13 episodes. - February 6th to May 19, 1990) was very good as well but didn't stay on long enough to reach the end .

If a person is seeking a "perfectly factual" account of Elvis, then there was the 1981 Documentary called, 'This Is Elvis' , I truly recommend any of them.

Baz Luhrmann's "Elvis" is a superbly energized but organized, 2 hour and 39 minute movie. That gets to the points we know and tells us more about what we don't know. Luhrmann as a director, has NO interest in making a standard biopic that almost 'any' director an studio could create.

Elvis's movie career? We know all about that but we finally find out the why he was doing these instead of making new music. We get into the source of Elvis's showbiz heat and how it was rooted in the genius of Black musical forms (which was the term back then) and meeting those influences.

The biggest of Elvis fans, know his story from start to finish as well, so there's nothing new that will present itself, except what we find out here.

"Elvis" is breathtakingly different. In it's approach to telling this story.

We see a young man whose life, is practically mapped out but, along comes the detour that takes him to dizzying heights of fame but , all the while he's enjoying it.....Parker is pulling strings to have things done his way for the ultimate in selfish reasons. Presley, here in the movie, is blissfully unaware until he starts to see the reality too late.

Austin Butler who plays Elvis, has nailed the king's moves and his voicing of Elvis's drawl, plus bringing out Elvis's danger. Elvis had a come hither demon glare nestled within that smile.

Luhrmann tells us in the first moments of "Elvis," lets us know that it's going to be a more risk taking venture than a walk in the park life story. This is more so the Elvis saga or even odyssey.

We see Elvis as a boy sneaking into a Black tent-show revival, fusing with the writhing gospel he encounters there, or hearing Arthur "Big Boy" Crudup (Gary Clark Jr.) sing "That's All Right Mama" in a slow high blues wail. Then we hear what Elvis did with that music, syncing it to his own speedy spirit.

Narrated, yes, by the person who took Elvis to the next level (despite his underhanded ways of going about it.)

Col. Tom Parker was and still is an unsavory figure but he did play a huge part behind the scenes. His suggestions are in part based on knowing the human psyche but also in part of keeping a brake on his money train. The Col.'s debts, as stated in the film, were pretty much paid through Elvis's career...but never paid off.

The opening is a fanfare of split screen imagery, showing us how Elvis loomed at every stage, but mostly as the Vegas showman who grew into legendary status. Elvis never toured outside the U. S. , because of Parker's non residency. ...and Elvis could not do or say much because of it as well.

Luhrmann is out to capture how Elvis, the smoldering kid whose hip-swiveling, leg-jittering gyrations knocked the stuffing out of our sexual propriety, was a one-man earthquake...who remade the world.

Yet Elvis's transformation of the world was, in fact, so total and triumphant that it may now be close to impossible for a movie to capture how radical it was. Elvis was busting down racial barriers and much of America was outraged.

"Elvis" in it's even more revved up half, is what was going on inside Elvis Presley. Parker ( real name : Andreas Cornelis van Kuijk ) as a master flim flam artist who saw himself as the P. T Barnum of Rock 'n' Roll, revels in being a corrupt showman who will do and say anything.

Parker latches onto Elvis in 1955, then turned Presely into a hard working show horse, despite finally seeing him for what he is, he can't break loose of Parker and spends the rest of his life rebelling against him.

The movie shows us how Elvis's career, after its blast off in 1956 ,became a series of defeats and escapes. To calm the controversies that Elvis first set off , the Colonel forces him to be "the new Elvis" in an embarrasing tuxedo and (we don't see the performance) singing to a sad eyed basset hound.

The film leaps ahead from Elvis in the military in Germany, his movie career and into the changing times of the 1960's to Elvis's 1968 comeback special and the backstage politics.

Which involve Parker promising NBC that they're going to be getting a Christmas special, a plan we see undermined at every turn by Elvis and the show's director, Steve Binder (Dacre Montgomery).

The comeback special was, of course, a triumph.

What comes off with startling power is the final third of the movie, which is set in Las Vegas during Elvis's five-year residence at the International Hotel.

Sad to say now, even still, he was on drugs the whole time. (As well as eating at a very unhealthy level.) The Vegas years, in their white suited glitz way, were trailblazing and the film captures how Elvis did some of his greatest work as a singer in those 5 years.

Yet as "Elvis" dramatizes, Vegas also became Presley's cage , because Parker nailed him to a merciless contract. The Colonel needed Elvis at the International to pay off his own mountainous gambling debts, even if that meant that the singer, offstage (and, ultimately, onstage), became a slurry, pill-popping shadow of himself.

Our identification with Elvis only deepens as we realize that he's "caught in a trap." The film's richest irony is that Butler's performance as the young Elvis (the one who's far closer to his own age) is as close to reviving Elvis into reality as we can ever hope to.

I applaud this film for doing something very original in the world of 'celebrity biopics'. Once again, many a director could make the kind that we long time movie goers know very well.

Early life, middle and the ending, chronologically. Luhrmann touched on the most important times in Elvis's life and at the same time, showed how Parker's prescence not only affected them but brought them about.

It's true what Hanks says as Parker, without him, (maybe) there'd be no Elvis Presely (the King of Rock and Roll.) Then again, who knows how far Elvis could have gotten with a different kind of manager?

I knew going in, this was not strictly just about the life of Elvis, but also about how one man can alter that life as well. Having read up on the film beforehand it set the proper expectation and I feel I had a fantastic and very original movie going experience at the theater.

10 Stars from me for everything. (END)

At the start of the 1970's, shows like "The Mary Tyler Moore Show" and "All In The Family" (and after that "Maude", "M*A*S*H" and "The Bob Newhart Show" and more, were considered a step up from television's well written ( but 'safer' ) sitcoms of the 1950s & 1960s .

When the episodes were repeated over the summer, it did grab the attention of CBS viewers and viewers of other networks like NBC and ABC. It outranked such longtime favorites as "Marcus Welby, M. D. " "Laugh In," "Bonanza," , "Gunsmoke" and even "Here's Lucy".

After its eventual showing in the Emmys later that year , the high ratings seemed inevitable. Quite the opposite when the program was introduced to viewers in January of 1971, as barely anyone knew the show had debuted.

CBS had actually hired operators to field angry calls from viewers who might be offended. Since most of the U. S. didn't know it was on, many operators (mostly female) just sat there filing their nails.

"All in the Family," which starred Carroll O'Connor as Archie and Jean Stapleton as his kind, but long suffering wife Edith, opened to a mixed critical reception. It is true, a few of the first shows were not exactly 'shocking' ... they were funny though.

Strangley, some of the East Coast reviewers dismissed the program as unfunny and a potential contributor to the bigotry it was aiming it's humor to. Many of these same critics later had second thoughts.

Still, the series got off to a slow start, ranking 55th in the Nielsens after it's first week and not moving higher than 46th until March, when it fell back again.

It was not until mid April that the program was greatly assisted by word of mouth recommendations by viewers, that it began to climb, with a sudden spurt into the 14th place, at summer's start.

Norman Lear, who created the series and was it's producer, story editor and sometimes writer, credits its success in large part to Robert D. Wood, then president of CBS, who "stuck his neck out for the program when it counted."

For my own opinon of "All In The Family", I have nothing much to say on it except that it's a series I have always enjoyed, gotten great laughs from and when growing up, learned very much about the world from it's poignant storylines.

In the things I learned about race relations, women's issues and anting equality and many issues in the world and of that time, I feel grew up with a food understanding of the world I lived in and in just treating others as I would want to be.

When it began, as many know, there had been a great many issues America had been dealing with nationally and world wide. So, at the outset of the 1970s, it just seemed the time was right for sitcoms that had more to offer than husband / wife / child stories, rural based shows and and fantasy worlds.

Nothing wrong with those forms of sitcoms, they're very funny and entertaining and I like them as much as any 'semi serious' situation comedy. I'll watch anything from "My Favorite Martian" to "M*A*S*H.

(In AITF, "Maude" , "Good Times" and other Norman Lear shows plus the series M*A*S*H , sitcoms didn't get much heavier than these.)

For me, the comedy was first rate and (since this was the first time serious subjects were done in a sitcom) the subject matter was dealt with in a very straight forward way.

While staying beneath the radar of the network censors (the former CBS "Standards & Practices") as best they could.

Both sides, through Archie Bunker and Mike Stivic, were presented and also, many subjects and points of view from Edith Bunker and daughter Gloria Bunker Stivic. "All In The Family" , through them and many recurring characters, brought the once TV (and even real life) taboo subjects, out into the open.

The very things many people were not comfortable talking about and discussing. The show helped open up many dialogs between people and gave many a better understadning of others and even the world around them.

I know, as a kid and in my teens, it certainly helped me see, the obvious differences of certain things that are definitley wrong (and always are) and what things are simly right and always should be seen as so.

Having finally watched the entire series a few years ago on DVD (and for years in reruns) plus most of it on CBS including spin off "Archie Bunker's Place") , the humor, the stories and the important things learned, are never lost on me.

TEN stars, it's a classic. (END)

I'm probably in the minority here but as funny as the send up of the Bradys is (based in part on a Saturday Night Live skit) sometimes the downright meanness of the "modern day" characters in the movie is really uncalled for and isn't even funny.

In two different scenes The Brady's sing and dance in public, only to be looked at as if they're nuts! It would have been funnier if the people in "Sears" had joined in on the songs. This would have been mre fun too, had it become a full fledged musical number. (Just one , not the whole pictire...although, I'd have liked that too.)

In other words ,The Brady's 'upbeat' outlook on life should have had a positive effect on the 1990s , not the opposite...because again, what's funny about people being mean to them?

I would have enjoyed this more if it opened their eyes to how terrible and vindictive they'd been and become better people. I did like it when the police come to the neighborhood and see the neighbors finally standing up for the family.

"I wanna live in this neighborhood too!" To me that's a statement that speaks for a lot of people. We all wish we had neighbors or just people in the world we could trust like the Bradys.

Gary Cole as Mike was hilarious trying to sell the same structure to his boss (a model of his own home). Peter's voice changing, Jan's voices in her head & more.

Some really funny moments and gags that work but just too many "mean-spirited one's for my taste. The topper (and I don't mean in a good way) was a guy is talking to his friend and in looking Marcia, turns to him and says, "She's harder to get into than a Pearl Jam concert."

That was one more bit of nastiness than needed to be there.

I'll stick with the TV series, I think it's "really much funnier in a far out kind of way!"

6 stars, I love the Brady Family in this, but the anger vented at them is overdone. (END)

It's almost like being a copy-cat in putting how great this movie is into words. I'll do my best. In another of many viewings of the movie, I was once again in awe of how wonderful the acting is and how well the story is told through both words and very real emotion.

Goldberg and Winfrey had never been in a movie before, so Spielberg casting them in these very important roles was a great gamble on his part.

Then again he had a bit of help from Quincy Jones. In only her first role Golberg triumphs beyond anyone expectations, be they little or great. Winfrey almost steals the show with her incredible performance as well.

Another big surprise is Danny Glover's portrayal of an abusive, daddy's boy,who,like the men of his time,treats women like property.

He takes Golberg for a wife,reluctantly because he wanted her much more attractive sister. The father of the girls wouldn't have it because he was physically & sexually abusing them himself.

I don't feel the movie is too "sunshiney" as some critic long ago called it nor do I feel it's too slick. Spielberg & co. Put all the right touches into making this book into a wonderful movie.

The only thing that would have been the icing on the cake would have been a Best Picture Oscar. Even 1 Oscar for Golberg would have sufficed.

Instead, the academy chose Out Of Africa. Now, I don't dislike that film but I'm sorry, I've seen Out Of Africa 4 times.... it's just not as memorable as this film.

I give The Color Purple 10 stars. It deserves that rating. (END)

When it debuted with the Dec. 17th,1989 special, "Simpsons Roasting On An Open Fire", I didn't even know it was on TV... with the exception of the Tracy Ullman shorts. On Tracy's show I first saw them with "Family Portrait", it was funny but weeks later I had forgotten all about it and the other short features .

Since the time I finally tuned in, in 1990, for the episode where Marge & Homer tell their kids about how they met, as well as how their 1974 prom night went, I have been an almost consistent viewer. I wont call myself a "fan" because I've never liked that term applied to myself. I do love the show though and plan to tune in right up to the finish.

The great thing to say about the series as a whole entity is it's ability to turn even the simplest of situations into anarchy and craziness and or silliness. Even the best 30 min. Sitcoms could never do the kinds of stories and situations done here. Especially episodes about different people in the town. Naturally, sitcoms could not afford to pay for that many actors.

It seems even the most minor of characters has gotten an episode about them. Makes me wonder if they'll do a show for that pale looking kid with the curly hair! Homer Simpson is the epitome of the American couch potato, who unlike in real life, does extra-ordinary things that the common man only dreams of. Which is the most ironic thing about this simplistic guy with the crayon scratching his brain.

Voiced by veteran "Rhoda" co-star Julie Kavner (who played Rhoda's sister Brenda on the CBS 1970s sitcom), Marge is a woman and mother, in a situation, that, would in real life drive a female to pack up and leave and get a divorce. (Or even check in to an asylum).

Homer is as much a handful to her as Bart & Lisa or Maggie and even when it seems Homer's driven her over the edge, she still stays true to him in the end.

Bart has thankfully had many more dimensions added since the first year and the best shows are when he's at his most vulnerable. Like most recently when he sees a psychologist at the school's expense or the show where he goes on outings with his Mother on the bicycle for two.

Lisa is possibly the best drawn out character, who seems torn between taking on the realities of the world and just being a normal 8 year old girl. The shows dealing with her & Homer's relationship are the best.

My favorite shows are the more relevant touching episodes but don't get me wrong, I love the irreverent humor and crazy antics as well. "Treehouse of Horror" is even farther beyond those already crazy episodes in the regular seasons, my favorite of those Halloween outings being "Homer3" , when Homer ends up in the third dimension behind a living room wall.

"The Simpsons" still get my vote as a great series. ... and if not for this show we wouldn't have the likes of "Family Guy", "King Of The Hill" or "American Dad" on network TV. (Or maybe even South Park).

In their nearly 33 years as a sedries, "The Simpsons" broke many a long standing record in television history. It toppled "The Adventures Of Ozzie and Harriet" (1952 - 1966 : 14 seasons) for longest running 30 minute comedy and topped it for most episodes. O & H had 435 and "The Simpsons" surpassed that as well.

Then, the show did the same with long time champion, "Gunsmoke" (1955 - 1975) which ran 20 years and 635 episodes. "The Simpsons" surpassed 20 easily but would they top for episodes? Yes, they did ...and as most know, now have well over 700 shows.

The Simpsons started when I was 21 and 1/2 and continues now into my 50s. It opened the door to cartoons for grown ups and while I was tentative about it at first, I now say I'm glad The Simpsons came to be. 10 Stars for each and every season and episode. (END)

I want to first let the people who actually do like "Stop Or My Mom Will Shoot" know something. I like Stallone as an actor and I always found Estelle Getty to be funny and entertaining.

This review is because, I saw the movie in 1992 and I didn't enjoy it.

If anyone else loves the movie, that's great. ...but, We ALL can't like the same things.

Everyone has a right to an opinion, it shouldn't make you mad that someone's is the opposite of yours. Some like this movie and others don't. It's that way with ALL movies, TV shows and music too.

Even if I give it 10 stars, then those who rate it less will take it personally. This is just my opinion, an opinion is not a FACT ... I never said I was right.

Now the review :

In 1993, Stallone's career began to waver a bit. His action films were getting predictable and having seen both of these, his attempts at comedy were just as lacking.

(Not trying to be mean, it's just how I feel about it.)

I saw this film at the $1 theatre I went to, as it had gone from larger theaters to cheap in a very short time. Just like "Oscar" I waited for a situation to build up into something funny or hilarious and it just never panned out to any really great humor.

The idea of Estelle Getty being an overprotective Mother to a big tough cop should have been a very easy idea to make into a comedy. I can only term the way the actors brought across their humor as , flat.

Just one scene made me laugh. Mom fixes her son breakfast and serves him about 4 or 5 different things at once. This later gives him indigestion and he's guzzling Pepto-Bismol and his buddy asks, " **** what did you have for breakfast?! "

Stallone: "Eggs, bacon, sausage , pancakes, Cocoa Puffs (etc...)"

Estelle Getty was not even funny here, which was very disappointingg, as she was non stop funny on The Golden Girls. Maybe she was trying 'too' hard not to be Sophia Petrillo. I'm not faulting her, but I know she was good at comedy.

I hate to say it but 2 stars, for at least making me laugh once.

With all due respect... I still salute the wonderful memory of Estelle Getty . (RIP)