JHHPRO Reviews

Rich and Famous (1981)

Original Theatrical Version Now On DVD!

[10/10 · 9 November 2007]

I finally received my DVD today, viewed it and I'm pleased to announce this is the original theatrical version of the film. As you may have read in previous reviews of "Rich and Famous" that the edited for TV version of the film that somehow made it onto VHS sometime in the late 90's but, now WB has corrected the error and released it on DVD complete with the airplane restroom scene, Matt Lattanzi's bare butt, and the scene in the Hotel room where Liz (Jacqueline Bisset) calls Merry (Candice Bergen) a C**t! It's all there and looks better than ever! A crisp clear digital transfer, widescreen, and special features that include original theatrical trailer and a vintage 1981 featurette called "On Location with Rich and Famous" with cast and director interviews. If you love this film as I do you won't be disappointed with purchasing this DVD. Glad to finally have this on DVD… Well worth the wait! Thank you Warner Bros!

Loggerheads (2005)

You must see Loggerheads

[10/10 · 27 October 2005]

I saw this as part of the Reel Pride Film Festival (10/26/05) in Detroit, MI. Few films I have seen in my life have so profoundly moved me. Writer/Director Tim Kirkman has crafted a very touching film. There are three overlapping stories in three different time lines. Make sure you pay close attention to the dates in the captions at the beginning of the film. The people I saw the film with did not and were very confused as the story unfolded. The title refers to the near extinct Loggerhead turtle who live on the beaches of North Carolina. The story is rather involved to explain without giving anything away as far as the plot. All of the actors involved are excellent especially the relationship between Mark (Kip Pardue) and George (Michael Kelly) there is a sweetness between them without being sappy or melodramatic. Tess Harper who I remember from two of my all time favorite films "Tender Mercies" (1983) and her Oscar nominated role in "Crimes of the Heart" (1986)gives a multi-layered performance in Loggerheads striking a delicate balance with her emotions. In the hands of a lesser actress the role that Ms. Harper played could have been a one note shrew. Most surprising to me was the dramatic abilities of Bonnie Hunt. I am familiar with Ms. Hunt's comedic roles such as her Emmy nominated turn in the short-lived TV series "Life With Bonnie" again, like most of this film if not played with real emotions the role of Grace as played by Bonnie Hunt could have been the stuff of daytime soaps. I feel that the clever script, strong direction and talented cast elevate this film to one of the best in recent years. You must see Loggerheads. Trust me, you won't be disappointed!

Bette (2000–2001)

"Bette" On DVD... Please

[5 April 2005]

How about "Bette: The Complete Series" all 18 episodes on DVD? Considering Bette issues a public apology for the series (complete with a video taped "Judge Judy" parody and a song) on her current tour the DVD release of her ill-fated 2000-2001 self titled sitcom most likely won't happen. I for one would buy it. I'm sure many if not all of the 20,000 fans that filled the Palace Of Auburn Hills in Detroit the night I saw my favorite Diva, as well as all of Miss M's fans all over the USA would purchase it. The show wasn't that bad. Misguided perhaps but, not the train wreck the critics have said it was. I think the highlights of the series were when Bette performed her hit songs and many new songs from her new CD at the time "Bette" I remember the Halloween episode revolved around Bette being mistaken for Dolly Parton and the episode concluding with a Bette and Dolly duet. Priceless! Many moments of comic gold. Not Bette at her best but, certainly worth a look.

Come Back to the 5 & Dime Jimmy Dean, Jimmy Dean (1982)

A Great Film! Not on DVD!

[10/10 · 20 December 2004]

"Come Back To The Five And Dime, Jimmy Dean, Jimmy Dean" (1982) Is simply one of the greatest American films ever made! Now that is just my opinion! I've found that people either really love this film or they really hate it! I think people who hate it actually, don't understand it. It's not an average "Hollywood" movie! Director, Robert Altman did many things visually that had never been done to tell a story on film. The actors were allowed to deliver monologues in one take without several cuts or done in voice-over as a flashback is seen. I won't go into the story of the film. However, I would like to go into why the film is not on DVD (and VHS has become extinct) the truth is I can't figure out a reason. The film marks future Oscar winner (1987 - "Moonstruck") Cher's first important dramatic role (Cher includes a clip from it on the film montage portion of her concert) Launched future Oscar winner (1990 - "Misery") Kathy Bates' film career. Featured standout performances from Oscar winner Sandy Dennis (1966 - "Who's Afraid Of Virginia Woolf") and Oscar nominee Karen Black (1970 - "Five Easy Pieces") Plus a talented and outstanding supporting cast Directed by the incomparable Robert Altman! The film was produced by Viacom who now owns Paramount! Why is this film sitting in a vault? Only to be removed for an annual showing on the Bravo Network! Even if Paramount just puts the movie on disc without any extras (which is what they do with most of their titles) there are enough people who know of this film that will purchase it. Especially at a low price under $20 (again, like most Paramount titles) All I can say is that there is much more from keeping this title from being released than I can even guess! My hope is that one day all issues will be resolved and we will have this beautiful film preserved on DVD for all to enjoy! All of us who love it that it!

Will There Really Be a Morning? (1983 TV Movie)

Will There Really Be a Showing of This Film Again?

[10/10 · 29 September 2004]

I saw this excellent made for TV film when it debuted on CBS in 1983. However, I have not seen it since! It was never (to my knowledge) re-aired on CBS and I have never seen it played on any cable stations (Lifetime, TBS, TNT, etc.) I wish it would be released on DVD or even played on TV instead of sitting on a shelf somewhere. I found this version of Frances Farmers' story to be more detailed, yet less compelling, than the feature film "Frances" but, still good. I read the book "Will There Really Be a Morning?" as well as the book "Shadowlands" I've read all I can find about the life of Frances Framer and I feel this film presented the facts of the story quite well. I remember Susan Blakley's performance was remarkable. I hope to see it again one day or better yet own it!

Angie (1979–1980)

Hey, Paramount!...

[8 June 2004]

...How about releasing "Angie": The Complete Series on DVD! All the episodes are just sitting there in your vault collecting dust! This series is fondly remembered by everyone I talk to about it. Judging by the other comments I think you could sell quite a few units and make a nice profit. Great writing,great cast including: Donna (Even Stevens) Pescow, Robert (Airplane) Hays and EMMY Winner Doris (Everybody Loves Raymond) Roberts set this show apart as one of the few sitcom gems of the 1970's. The show underwent sweeping changes in it's very short run however, the writing was always sharp and funny. A poor time slot and an uncertain network (ABC) lead to the series' early demise. I think if the show had been given a chance to find it's voice and audience it would have went on to have a long successful run.