JTBWRITER Reviews

NCIS (2003– )

Easily one of the best shows on Television today, Suspenseful, Humorous and Riveting-Can't Miss TV!

[16 June 2004]

Easily one of the best shows on television today, suspenseful, humorous and real-not always pleasant or formulaic-but real! Just when I think Bellesario has gone too far in the "lets screw up Jag" sweepstakes (ok-2 episodes this year were actually good-the rest-terrible!)-he redeems himself with a show that is riveting, timely and funny at the right times!

The casting, the writing, the overall look of the show is first class! Starting at the top with Mark Harmon, the sexiest man on TV-he also sets the tone with his right on portrayal of the most conflicted man on TV today! His obsession with Ari (the terrorist), his list of rules, then his tendency to think out of the box just adds to the spice and pace of this show. (Plus his constant dueling with DiNozzo-priceless!)

An added plus is the inter meshing of the cast-David McCallum-funny, urbane- so hot! His stories are hysterical, then his sad commentary on the life or death of their latest subject-just gives you pause. His diatribe on the terrorist and what he did to his assistant alone is Emmy award stuff-don't mess with Ducky ever again! Then we have the reason for Rule 12-Special Agent Catlin Todd-the writers don't always have a clue as to her portrayal but she always pulls it off (and that humor of hers-the end lines alone are great!) I have to disagree as to the chemistry with Gibbs/Kate-it's there all right-hopefully we get to see something come of it in Season 2! The actors portraying Abby and DiNozzo-Pauly Perrette and Michael Weatherly are hysterical, yet right on in their portrayals-especially when DiNozzo thinks with his hormones and not with his brain-then turns around and saves the day-this show is a keeper! I can hardly wait for season 2!

Murder, She Wrote: The Celtic Riddle (2003 TV Movie)

If this is the last MSW-great story to go out on!

[10 May 2003]

The Celtic Riddle was a richly drawn mystery that captured all the best of the "Murder, She Wrote" episodes, with an additional twist at the end for good measure!

If this is the last MSW-it is a great story to go out on. Angela Lansbury is supreme as Jessica Fletcher, once more traveling to Ireland to hear the reading of a will of a man she only met once. The wonderful Peter Donat makes a cameo appearance and only adds to the spice of the story. One key of this very well written story is the theme of "second chances"-you will have to see this movie to find out more!

I hope this gets lots of reruns on CBS and USA-it is worth it!

The Great Victor Herbert (1939)

A TIMELESS STORY OF GREAT MUSIC-NOT A BIO BUT BETTER!

[5 May 2003]

This movie is one of my mothers favorites, a story not of the life of Victor Herbert but a fictionalized account of his impact on those who sang his works. Mary Martin shines and gives only a glimpse of the beautiful voice soon to be featured on Broadway. For those who doubt her range and depth of talent, her early work on Decca Records confirms the talent she possessed-how unfortunate for Hollywood that "The Great Victor Herbert" is one of the few times she was showcased in her proper element! The love story is a tearjerker with the old time happy ending engendered by the radiant Susanna Foster. I hope someday this movie is out on video so that future generations can see the talent only tapped in this movie!

Peggy Sue Got Married (1986)

A Wonderful Movie-it suspends time until the credits roll!

[28 April 2003]

This is one of my top 10 movies of all-it suspends time until the credits roll! Kathleen Turner is very believable as the 30-something who goes back in time during a near-death experience and sees the cause and effect of what her actions would be in the future!

I know someone complained about the voice Nicolas Cage used in the film-but it works! Charlie never grows up until he almost loses Peggy Sue!

I cry almost every time I see this movie-I wish I had five minutes of the time Peggy Sue had to change the losses in my life-but if we can't have that-at least we have these wonderful images!

State Fair (1945)

Wonderful slice of Americana-Nothing more, nothing less!

[10 April 2003]

A wonderful look at an America we will never see again-tuneful, romantic and a Happy Ending! State Fair never claims to be the end all and be all, just a sweet look at the tradition of the State Fair put to music. This movie (and the ensuing Broadway Musical) stand on their own next to Oklahoma, Carousel, South Pacific, King and I, Sound of Music, etc.

Jeanie Crain and Dana Andrews play their scenes so effortlessly, you forget its just a 3 day romance. Dick Haymes and the eternal Vivian Blaine have a chemistry that works much better then the Pat Boone version.

I recommend this movie to anyone who wants a break from the tired old action/violence/cheesy comedies of today-it's as much an image of summer as cotton candy and candy apples!

Alice Through the Looking Glass (1966 TV Movie)

A MAGICAL VERSION OF THE TIMELESS CLASSIC-FOR CHILDREN OF ALL AGES!

[8 October 2002]

I searched for years for a copy of this wonderful show, it is just as good as I remembered it! Judi Rolin is a magical Alice-she relates to the residences of Looking Glass Land as if they were everyday people and it really makes the story! (I really wish I knew what happened to her-she should have been a star!) Ricardo Montalban is funny but tender as the really brave White King, while the musical numbers with Agnes Moorhead and Nanette Fabray just "sing". A real treat is a rare American appearance of Roy Lester, whose chemistry with Judi Rolin in both a fantastic acrobatic number and the fight scenes with a hysterical Jack Palance really make this a memorable family show! To those who remember the great shows and films that used to air after the Thanksgiving Parades-this show will bring back such memories (especially Sabastian Cabot hosting "Alice" and singing a beautiful Thanksgiving Hymn)! If you can find a copy-share it with your loved ones!

Journey for Margaret (1942)

TRUE STORY TURNED INTO TRULY SPECIAL MOVIE!

[17 August 2002]

"Journey For Margaret" was one of the best movies regarding WWII I have ever seen. Did you know this was based on a true story? I read it in an old Readers Digest, and the original tale is much sadder as because of wartime regulations, only Margaret can be adopted and taken back to America. However, there is no way that ending would have played in 1942! Robert Young and Laraine Day, overlooked so often when discussing MGM/old Hollywood stars, really portray the pathos of would-be parents losing, then gaining their chance of parenthood. Don't miss this flick when it next plays on Turner Classic!

The Calico Dragon (1935)

CHILDHOOD FAVORITE STILL WORKS!

[9 June 2002]

THE CALICO DRAGON is truly a beautiful, enjoyable cartoon tale about a little girls stuffed animals coming to life in her dreams and looking for adventure. The calico dragons and their song are engrained in mine and my friends minds and having seen "Calico" on CartoonNetwork last year, it still holds up. I only wish it was available on video along with some of the other MGM classic cartoons, or that CN would have a regular MGM Classic hour!

Dark Shadows 30th Anniversary Tribute (1996)

Great overview of a classic TV Show!

[10/10 · 8 June 2002]

Wonderful collection of memories from the actors, producers and crew of a very entertaining show! The very vivid and heartfelt stories and thoughts of Dark Shadows by those who created it are shared amidst great footage of the various storylines. The footage of a convention fan discussion is classic as the camaraderie and banter between actors and audience stretches across generations of both new and old fans!

Elizabeth of Ladymead (1948)

A GREAT LITTLE FILM ABOUT THE WOMEN OF DIFFERENT WARS AND THE MEN WHO COME HOME TO THEM.

[27 April 2002]

I loved this movie, especially Anna Neagle's performance as the four "Elizabeths", how each of these women coped with the men in their lives coming home from war and finding them changed, some for the worse (Betty is a bit of a tramp circa 1918!).

As a post war film, it works amazingly well, in particular the depiction of the attitudes of the soldiers expecting to step right in to their lives and surprise-no more "little woman"!

Great Equus Collection film-hope it comes out on video some day!

Nothing Sacred (1997–1998)

Truthful, compelling stories about a priest who questions his church while still working within it!

[12 April 2002]

Boo and hiss to the cowards at ABC who still refuse to put this show back on the air, in spite of the lack of good shows to put on! "Sacred" featured totally believable performances by Kevin Anderson and Scott Campbell as the yin/yang of the Catholic Church, one questioning its actions, one only slowly looking at both sides. The Christmas episode with its parallels to Mary and Joseph is one of the most unforgettable shows I have ever seen. Especially in today's climate of protest and acknowledgement of the Catholic Church's cover-ups, this show should be brought back or at least shown so others can see what a shining light ABC had and how stupid they were to douse it!

The Curious Case of Santa Claus (1982 TV Movie)

A WONDERFUL HISTORY OF THE JOLLY OLD ELF, TOLD IN A REALISTIC MANNER!

[10/10 · 9 April 2002]

This is a wonderful story, simply told by two veteran actors who

convince you that maybe the Old Saint is more than a legend.

Jon Pertwee, always a convincing authority figure, is brilliant as the Psychatrist who first attempts to "help" Santa Claus face reality, then becomes a believer in the old guy! James Coco is magical in his

innocent wonderings of his ability to make a difference in the modern world, and his revelations of the history of "his life" are truly a

story in themselves!

I hope this show is aired again at Christmas time, for if ever we need a reminder of the magic of childhood and the stuff of peace on earth, good will toward all, this is it!

The Quest (1982)

A wonderful modern-day fantasy with very watchable stories!

[8 April 2002]

I loved "The Quest", with its fantastical story line about 4 Americans who must prove their worthiness to inherit a kingdom. The best part was watching the chemistry between Karen Austin and Perry King, and the acceptance of teamwork with Ray Vitte and Noah Beery, Jr. The sweep and believability of John Rhys-Davies and the by-play with the King was also enjoyable to watch. I was very sorry to see it cancelled. I hope someday TV Land or Nick at Nite could put it on just so viewers could see just how magical and entertaining it was next to some of todays dreck!