Change Your Image
jkiernan
Reviews
Aladdin (1992)
Fun, though Robin Williams grates on the nerves
This is a typical Disney treatment of an old story, contemporized for the 90's with dozens of pop references and sensibilities.
The voice actors do a wonderful job creating believable characters with one exception. While Gilbert Gottfried as Iago may irritate some, at least he is in character as a schemer. On the other hand, Robin Williams as the Genie is like getting a filling at the dentist without Novocaine. His vaunted "stream of consciousness" improvisational skills never click (if they ever did), and it detracts from the period of the story.
The songs are wonderful, and in this even Williams' showcases aren't too bad. Especially good is Lea Salonga as the singing voice of Princess Jasmine.
Everybody Loves Raymond (1996)
Wretched wife, but with some comic moments
If you're ever had to deal with looney extended family, then you'll laugh at some of the dealings between the characters on this show.
Unfortunately, the Debra Barone character comes off as miserable, persistently bitchy to Ray, her doting husband. I'm reminded of the same nonsense on the Tim Allen vehicle "Home Improvement", where Tim's wife Jill was even more wretched. This gets tired quickly. One wonders if it is that much harder for the writers to come up with situations where a married couple can be funny and loving at the same time.
Much better are Ray's meddling parents, who come across as well-meaning, but are constant thorns in his side.
Will & Grace (1998)
Unfunny and tedious
What do people see in this show? It's terribly unfunny, and the plots are recycled regularly.
The acting is decent if somewhat over-the-top (especially by Sean Hayes and Megan Mullally, whose voice makes a rabid Smurf seem tranquil by comparison). The stories aren't worthy of the talent and make me cringe at least once a week.
I just don't see how this show merits its popularity.
Viva Variety (1997)
Quirky, funny show
I came across a film clip from this show at a web site that specializes in strange media. The mustachioed host introduced a pair of pianists who walked on stage, stood behind a piano, dropped their pants, raised their arms over their heads, and played a medley of songs with their units. It was goofy and silly, and vaguely familiar.
I recognized the host, but couldn't recall much of anything else. Some creative searching at Google helped me nail the title of the show, and when I looked up "Viva Variety" on IMDb, it all came flooding back to me. How could I have forgotten Johnny Bluejeans and the Laupins? Shame on me!
This show was funny and original. It's too bad that the variety format seems dead in America. I would have liked to see more of it. If you happen to catch any of these episodes in the great cable wasteland, it's a refreshing change of pace from the banality of current offerings on TV.