Somesweetkid Reviews

Lovejoy: Death and Venice: Part One (1986) Season 1, Episode 9

Two of the weakest episodes of the series.

[5/10 · 3 May 2024]

I discovered this wonderful British series on the A & E Channel in 1989 while I was temporarily staying with my grieving mother after my dad passed away.

As a result of this first viewing, I ended up following this entertaining show through all of its 5 or 6 seasons and adored the four stars playing Lovejoy, Lady Felsham, Tinker and Eric. I was overjoyed years later to find the talented Phyllis Logan playing the prim yet kindly instructive Ms. Hughes in "Downton Abbey" and followed that series through its full run as well.

Somehow though I did not recall this 2-part episode of Lovejoy, and now after rewatching both episodes, I may know why. Except for Lady Jane and the tour guide who gets shot (but thankfully not killed), the other two women who co-star are remarkably inept and unconvincing, and truthfully the two parts lack any of the spark, wit or suspense of previous or subsequent episodes.

As it turns out, Ian McShane's (then and now) wife Gwen Humble appears in a pivotal role (or two) and while she is indeed lovely in appearance, her acting is embarrassingly stilted in comparison to Mr. McShane and the late Mr. Knox.

Additionally, the Venice scenery is nice but overcast and dull, and you will recognize many locales which were more favorably showcased in David Lean's excellent 1955 film "Summertime" with Katharine Hepburn and Rosanno Brazzi.

Overall, as the other reviewers also noted, these are two of the weakest episodes of the series, but I will watch anything with the sexy, smooth-tongued Ian.

Catch him (as a twenty-something gypsy) with an also young Hayley Mills in one of his earliest roles in the 1960's film "Gypsy Girl" or as the movie was originally released: "Sky West and Crooked."

The Farmer's Daughter (1963–1966)

PLEASE put this charming series on DVD!!!

[10/10 · 1 April 2024]

I just rediscovered random episodes of this wonderful 1960's television series on YouTube! Thank you! Now (someone) please put all of the seasons on DVD!!! (I have never seen the movie with Loretta Young on which this was supposedly based, but I'm not a fan of fake Swedish accents either so I probably won't watch it when it is offered on TCM.)

I was just a young elementary schooler when I first discovered this series and found it appealingly entertaining even then! Maybe that is when I first fell in love with the handsome and charming William Windom--I always wondered when--and continued during his multiple appearances as Dr. Seth Hazlitt on "Murder, She Wrote" where he had an easygoing and convincing rapport with Angela Lansbury-coincidentally both Librans! Regardless, I have been an ardent fan of his and that is more than likely when it first blossomed.

Additionally, the beautiful Inger Stevens' accent was cute, unusual and fascinating too. She had an interesting uplift hairdo as well! (It was sad and shocking to much later discover her suicide and not just because we shared the same birthday, but different year.)

I have also admired Cathleen Nesbitt in every movie or television episode subsequent to this series, especially in the movie "Separate Tables" which I didn't discover until many years after this series aired, but was made prior to this series. The "chairlift" that she rode on the show's family staircase absolutely fascinated me and I swore that one day I would own one too!!! (And it may be sooner than I think!)

After just now perusing the list of actors that appeared during the series' run, I had no idea so many of my favorites appeared, Harold Gould to name one in particular.

Please offer this on DVD! Thank you in advance!

Bogie (1980 TV Movie)

Film is true to Joe Hyams' Bio of Friend "Bogie"

[7/10 · 29 March 2024]

Having read Joe Hyams' book on his friend Humphrey Bogart, I found the film interesting and entertaining, as I am a fan of Old Hollywood bio pics.

Unlike another reviewer noted, I found O'Connor's portrayal spot on and his voice and looks to be remarkably similar to Bogart's. However, Harrold, though attractive, looked and sounded nothing like Lauren Bacall, nor did the scene she re-enacted from "Have and Have Not" contain any of the nuances or appeal of Bacall's impressive debut.

Additionally, while I could not recall what Methot sounded like in the few movies I've seen with her, I thought Wedgeworth looked pretty close in appearance. She also acted exactly like she was portrayed in Hyams' bio too, which was an alcoholic explosive (yet sad) ticking time bomb. You felt sorry for her weakness and ruination of her marriage to Bogart.

The married couple portrayed in the film, Zelma (O'Neal) O'Moore and Patrick O'Moore, were real friends of Bogart's and were also in movies of his time period, and the two actors playing the couple acquitted themselves nicely. Patricia Barry (Zelma) was barely recognizable (except for her voice) after seeing her play a man eater in "Dear Heart" with Glenn Ford.

If you are a long-time TCM viewer, as am I, you have probably seen the director Vincent Sherman interviewed. He must have been a friend of Bogart's too and did a sympathetic portrayal of him. I always thought Sherman seemed like a class act in his interviews and will make an effort to seek out more of his directorial efforts.

Overall, if you are a fan of Humphrey Bogart, you will enjoy this leisurely movie. I do agree with another reviewer that O'Connor's teeth were a tad distracting. Not sure if they were his actual teeth or a mouthpiece to emulate Bogart's mouth. Bogart was definitely more handsome.

Sadly, O'Connor died at 53, an even earlier age than Bogart at 57, both of cancer. RIP gentlemen and God bless.

Apples Never Fall (2024)

A big anticlimactic let down with 2 talented leads.

[3/10 · 17 March 2024]

I am not familiar with the book upon which this series was based nor am I familiar with the author's "Pretty Little Lies" (I'm not sure that is the correct name but just read it mentioned in another review.)

However, judging this adaptation solely on its own merits, I found it a huge disappointment. Neill and Bening are wonderfully talented actors with impressive resumes, but I felt this was beneath them. Neill's acting was marginally acceptable and intentionally over-the-top and Bening's character was a naive idiot, and all but one of the actors playing her children were annoying entitled whiners.

Regarding those four actors, the only one I felt anything for or who was the least bit convincing in his portrayal was the son with the long blond hair. I guess I'm a prude, but I felt there was also entirely too much emphasis on the lesbian subtext.

Additionally, I am in complete agreement with other reviewers who felt this series could have been easily condensed into 2 or 3 episodes at MOST!

Finally and most importantly, my biggest complaint is in the sheer stupidity and naïveté of Bening's character in not questioning the new supposedly domestically abused lodger and letting her live in their home without any questions or proof of her background. A ship could have been launched with the red flags thrown up by this stranger!

Frankly, I disliked most of the characters' personalities so much that their names are barely memorable and the only way I could get through the 7 episodes was with occasional muting and fast forwarding.

Overall, a disappointing and drawn-out letdown, especially considering the talents of Bening and Neill. The other actors except "Troy" were all new to me, and not the least bit impressive, except for the blonde son.

Celebrity: Dominick Dunne (2008)

Fascinating first-person study of a cultural icon

[10/10 · 16 March 2024]

Interestingly, I happened to watch two biopics in succession on two wildly divergent personalities: one a respected and reserved noted Vanity Fair magazine contributor and popular crime novelist Dominick Dunne and the other a flamboyant, outgoing celebrity promoter and producer Allan Carr ("The Fabulous Allan Carr." If you have an Amazon Prime subscription, I would highly recommend watching them both in succession as well - the two films are fascinating and enlightening.

However, with the many differences in backgrounds and personalities of Dominick and Allan, they both shared (and had in spades) one major characteristic: a love of all things celebrity. (You will have to read my review of "The Fabulous Allan Carr" to get my insight on Mr. Carr.)

Back to this excellent biopic, I began my love affair with Dominick Dunne (as a college student from afar) when I got my first subscription to Vanity Fair magazine. I wish I could recall the first article I read by him.

Coincidentally, I am also a huge fan of his son Griffin after enjoying his performances years ago in "An American Werewolf in London" and "After Hours" and for many years did not know they were even related. I am highly anticipating (and have pre-ordered on Amazon) Griffin's memoir "The Friday Afternoon Club" which is to be released on June 11, 2024.

Back to Dominick, as an ardent literary fan (and English and Literature Minor), I found his writing style and content to be both riveting and entertaining, and this documentary exceeded my expectations. I should also mention that I have several of his novels and especially treasure his autobio "The Way We Lived Then." As in that novel, his self-awareness and self-reflection in this film I found to be both touching and sad. I loved him for his candid openness, and his outspoken quest for justice was for me understandable and much appreciated. Had I lost a child (or any loved one for that matter) to domestic violence or violence of any kind, it would spark a relentless fire in me as well. His murdered daughter Dominique exhibited beauty, wit and promise in her performance in "Poltergeist" - what an unbelievably senseless loss.

Sadly, this documentary was Mr. Dunne's personal swan song as well and was made about a year before he passed I believe. He had much more to give as he and others ironically noted in this film. He even said he didn't feel he had written his best novel yet.

If you are a fan and as entranced as I am by Mr. Dunne and his writings, I highly recommend you watch this and also the above-noted biopic on Mr. Carr. I hope they are both resting in peace with their beloved families and friends. God bless.

The Fabulous Allan Carr (2017)

Illuminating documentary about a man I'd never heard of until now!

[10/10 · 16 March 2024]

What a pleasant and enjoyable discovery I watched on Amazon Prime Video! I had just completed another excellent documentary on Dominick Dunne (a personal favorite) "After the Party" and noticed this bio pic as a "customers also watched" item, and I am SO glad I did!

Like Mr. Carr, "Old Hollywood" actors and actresses and their respective lives and films have always been a source of enjoyment for me. As evidenced by this fondness, he found a way to include both the old AND the young in his production of the 61st Academy Awards in 1989 which sadly was panned by critics. I would actually love to see a rebroadcast. As one of this film's commentators wryly observed about that particular Oscars, parading the oldsters out was like saying "hey look I'm still alive!" or something to that effect which I thought was absolutely hilarious.

Additionally, I found Mr. Carr's various contributions to the world of entertainment fascinating and diverse. He would have been a delightful person to have as a friend and the film's interviewees lovingly expressed this sentiment as well.

I hope there is a book on his life as I would like to purchase it and add to my collection. Thank you, Mr. Solomon (a/k/a Allan Carr) and God bless. You share a birthday with another delightful person, my nephew Noah.

No Time to Die (2021)

Ruined by PC and bad casting, with D. Craig no exception.

[1/10 · 18 February 2024]

First of all, I never could stomach Daniel Craig as James Bond. Craig (to me) is not attractive, has absolutely no charisma, sex appeal or sense of humor like most of his Bond predecessors and his Alfred E. Newman ears rival those of Clark Gable's.

And when did Moneypenny become black??! (I'll admit I have only watched one or two of Craig's previous Bond portrayals with Judith Dench, whom I adore.)

Also, does the late great Bernie Mac have a sister who plays the "new" 007? She has even LESS charisma than Craig. These inexplicable entries are almost as ridiculous as making Alexander Hamilton a black historical figure.

This so-called "political correctness" and wokeness in casting has ruined what used to be an exciting and timeless franchise. No more and good riddance - you will not be missed by me and from many other negative reviews on this site, I'm not in the minority. I'll just go back and enjoy rewatching the earlier Ian Fleming entries with Sean Connery (still my favorite), George Lazenby and Pierce Brosnan.

Finally, the actor who previously portrayed Freddy Mercury was the creepiest, ugliest villain to enter Bond's world. The character of Madeleine handing over her daughter to him almost made me sick to my stomach. How that child did not become traumatized during filming would make anyone ponder.

If you cannot tell by my previous comments, I despised this movie. At one point in the movie, and I don't remember who said it, "no sense of humor" was referenced and this concludes my feelings towards Craig's Bond portrayal and this unexciting, convoluted, monotonous film.

THE END. (I hope)

Rebecca (1940)

"I told you that you should have had breakfast."

[6/10 · 15 February 2024]

Of all the overblown dramatic dialogue in this overwrought adaptation, the line in the caption is the most laughably ridiculous and it comes from Olivier towards the end of the movie.

Let me first state that I'm neither a fan of Sir Larry's over-emoting nor of Ms. Fontaine (at all), especially in this movie. And, if not for the crucial appearance of George Sanders near the end of the film, I would have given an even lower rating.

But, I have enjoyed Mr. Olivier in other films, especially "Pride and Prejudice" and in one of his last roles in "A Little Romance." I feel his style of acting was more suited to Shakespeare and on the stage rather than in a Hitchcock film. However, he was remarkably handsome in this picture.

I will also give credit to Ms. Fontaine for her convincing portrayal of the mousie and slouching second Mrs. De Winter, but her sudden take-charge attitude mid-film was both jarring and unconvincing. I don't feel her performance warranted a nomination for Best Actress.

However, Judith Anderson was hypnotic as the "two-Jokers-short-of-a-full-deck" Mrs. Danvers and as performances go, was definitely memorable!

Additionally, for the character of Maxim De Winter I would have preferred that Olivier and Sanders switch roles. Olivier was too over the top for me and I've never seen Sanders give anything less than a stellar performance. I especially loved him in "Lured" with Lucille Ball, of all people, as his leading lady and "Village of the Damned" where he was especially sympathetic. He was charming in both and not the cad that he so often portrayed, as he did in this film.

I was surprised that "Rebecca" won the 1940 Best Picture Oscar, which I felt was undeserved, but not surprised that it won the Academy Award for Best Cinematography, which I felt it DID deserve. It is a beautiful film.

Finally, any motion picture that includes C. Aubrey Smith, Florence Bates, Nigel Bruce (a hoot), and Gladys Cooper as supporting characters is always worth viewing.

High Noon (1952)

Another soundtrack practically ruins the movie.

[6/10 · 12 February 2024]

Even though I am a huge fan of westerns, I had never seen High Noon, which is included on many Top 10 Westerns Lists, so I was looking forward to finally viewing this.

Unfortunately, as the movie progressed, "Do not forsake me, oh my darlin" kept intruding in the background, with the most asinine lyrics ever - "his'n rhyming with prison" etc. In addition to the lyrics, the accompanying instrument that sounds like a washtub being strummed made it even more distracting. The music leading up to the showdown didn't add any tension whatsoever for me and I had to mute it.

However, the last five minutes were the most rewarding so the movie wasn't a total wash. I actually thought Grace Kelly was fantastic (and I'm not usually a fan) and I agree with other reviewers that Gary Cooper was WAY too old for this role. See him instead in Sergeant York if you have to choose between this movie and that one.

Disappointingly, I do not see what earned all the high praise and favorable reviews. Give me The Searchers, Ride the High Country, The Magnificent Seven, The Wild Bunch, True Grit, and my favorite western parody - Support Your Local Sheriff. These to me deserve the high praise.

It was a pleasant surprise at the end to see Jack Elam as the drunk sleeping it off in the jail cell, especially since most of his roles in westerns were as a heavy. He was barely recognizable.

Also, Sheb Woolley of Purple People Eater fame was a surprise as a bad guy and I didn't understand his breaking out the window to get a woman's bonnet to hang on his gun belt before the showdown. I'm sure there was some significance but it went over my head.

Frasier (2023– )

Get rid of the intrusive laugh track!

[5/10 · 10 February 2024]

I have just read several IMDB reviews and most mention the ridiculous laugh track. It is dumbing down the show so much that it totally disregards the intelligence of the viewers. Come on!

Kelsey, you are exponentially better than this!!!!!!! Please give the viewing public, who are no doubt watching this because they loved your previous show(s), more time to come to love this new series.

So far, and this is only one episode in, there is not one character besides Frasier who seems to have a sense of humor. We have to have the laugh track supposedly clue us in. Preposterous. I sure hope Niles will eventually return.

5/10 is being generous at this point.

Death on the Nile (1978)

Some casting misfires but film has its charms.

[7/10 · 10 February 2024]

Not having read any Agatha Christie novels, I just have a few observations.

Peter Ustinov can do no wrong in my eyes and I like his portrayal of Poirot much better than Albert Finney's, whose voice as the character I found forced and grating. Ustinov always adds levity, wit and wry observations to his characters as he also does here. (See Peter as Nero in "Quo Vadis," especially his interactions with Leo Genn, and in "We're No Angels" as a fellow convict with Humphrey Bogart and Aldo Ray. And, with the recent passing of the charming Glynis Johns, catch Peter's relationship with her in "The Sundowners," which is a joy to watch.

Back to this film, as other reviewers have also noted, Jack Warden is miscast and unconvincing as the German doctor, plus his accent is annoying. I am usually a fan but not of this portrayal.

Additionally, I feel the same of Mia Farrow. I saw no chemistry between her and Simon MacCorkindale. He was always charming and it is a shame that he died at age 58. Mia is a mousie misfire for me as her character in this role.

Maggie Smith and Bette Davis are a hoot together. However, some of Maggie's attire has all the charm of a prison matron.

Moving on, I don't understand Angela Lansbury's character. Was she supposed to act intoxicated the entire movie? I adore her too but was confused by her characterization in this film.

Finally, I found Mr. Choudbury charming and funny as the concierge.

A Kiss Before Dying (1956)

Take a puff-it's springtime!

[5/10 · 5 February 2024]

For those of you who remember those non-stop cigarette ads before they were banned on television, thus my caption. And following are some of my annoyances with this film.

In the opening scene, Dory tells her boyfriend Bud that she is pregnant. What does he do? Lights up a cancer stick and blows smoke right into her face and then gives HER a puff, which he also does a little later at a restaurant.

Secondly, during the film's first 10-15 minutes, Bud must call Dory her name at least 5 or 6 times or MORE, while Dory, who is obviously madly in love with him, not only does NOT call him his name ONCE but doesn't even use any terms of endearment. Nor does his mother call him anything but "son" once in their first scene together. Of course, we know WHY he is never referred to by his first or last name halfway into the film. Then, immediately after the scene on the bleachers, Dory runs into one of her professors and immediately calls him by his first name, Gordon! Absolutely ridiculous.

Thirdly, Bud, who is avoiding having him or Dory spotted together, drives with her to the drugstore to get her some pain medicine and parks right next to a NO PARKING sign right in front of the drugstore! Not something a person who is avoiding being seen would do!

And finally my last grievance, because I've met my minimum character requirement, when Bud is in the chemistry supplies lab concocting his poisonous gelatin capsules, the girl who he follows into the lab leaves and then while he is putting the poison in an envelope, she surprises him by coming back to retrieve her notebook. When she re-enters, he abruptly turns to her with the most obvious look of surprise and guilt, yet all she does is smile, says she forgot her notebook, and leaves the lab.

Then, once he is ready to leave the lab (with the lab light out behind him that can be seen through the opaque glass door window), he opens and abruptly (yet silently) closes the lab door because there is a professor less than 2 or 3 feet away facing the lab door speaking to another student, yet the professor somehow doesn't see this right in front of his face nor notes this as suspicious behavior for a chemistry supplies lab that requires an entry key and contains poisonous materials! Also ridiculous!

Enough said. And this all takes place in just the first 20 minutes or so of the film!

Shampoo (1975)

Lee Grant won an Oscar for THIS performance?!

[3/10 · 31 January 2024]

It must have been to compensate for her earlier "blacklisting." Ms. Grant's performance was MUCH more nuanced in 1967's "In the Heat of the Night." (RIP Norman Jewison.) I also enjoyed her character in 1991's "Defending Your Life" in which she successfully sparred with Rip Torn (what a name).

But, I will say THIS for the movie. It has a fantastic soundtrack and certainly evokes nostalgia for a period of time (pre-Manson) when the Beatles, Jefferson Airplane, Cream and Jimmy Hendrix, etc. Were representative of that era's "groovy" hippie culture. Plus, Goldie ALMOST wears an entire dress in this!

Nonetheless, I despise the constant dropping of the "f" bomb and Jesus Christ, etc. In the movie's dialogue which only denotes the laziest non-creative writing. No matter how good the acting or the substance of a movie (of which this film has very little), this crass dialogue ruins the viewing experience for me.

However, the capstone of my distaste with this movie is the appallingly disgusting dinner scene the night before the election. Not even today would people of that stature act and speak that way. Unbelievable that an actress of Christie's caliber would spout out that profane filth to William Castle's character and then proceed under the table. Actually, it would be a more appropriate scenario at a Democratic fundraiser for a certain other now former President of a then future era. Absolutely detestable.

On another note, Carrie Fisher could have just as well been played by Linda Blair. She is a doppelgänger for her in this - wig, hairband and all.

As other reviewers have also noted, Beatty's hair is an unkempt, unstylish joke and this movie is an exercise on his part of narcissistic self-aggrandizement and a self-congratulatory ego trip. I never understood his appeal.

Three stars for Hawn, Warden and the soundtrack. I am ALSO a fan of Christie and Grant, just not in this movie.

The Fugitive: The Other Side of the Mountain (1963) Season 1, Episode 3

Very early well-executed performance by Sandy Dennis

[9/10 · 30 January 2024]

With only a couple of television appearances and one prior movie role under her belt, co-starring with fellow young thespians Warren Beatty and Natalie Wood, in "Splendor in the Grass," Sandy Dennis gives a fine authentic portrayal of a feisty mountain girl living with her grandmother and yearning to escape this somewhat sheltered and un-romantic existence.

Dennis has not yet adopted her stilted and very mannered style she exhibited in later (somewhat annoying to me) movie roles, such as in "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf," "Up the Down Staircase," and "The Fox" to name a very few. Her most grating performance was in "The Four Seasons" where she also annoyed and was divorced from her movie husband played by Len Cariou (of "Blue Bloods.")

It is also fascinating to see other soon-to-be prolific character actors in an early role, such as Bruce Dern (father with ex-wife Diane Ladd of Laura Dern of "Jurassic Park"), R. G. Armstrong ("Ride the High Country") and Frank Sutton (of 60's TV series "Gomer Pyle, USMC.")

Overall, an excellent episode featuring a lovely, very young Sandy Dennis.

Jack and Jill (I) (2011)

Lighten up - it was hilarious!

[8/10 · 25 January 2024]

As an avid movie lover, some of my favorite comedy treasures have resulted from watching the movie blind without having read the reviews or watched a preview beforehand.

For example, The Royal Tenebaums, Raising Arizona, Young Frankenstein and Lost in Translation note some of the highly-rated comedies that remain perennial favorites of mine and ones that I have enjoyed over multiple viewings.

Yet, other comedies that have been panned by critics have also hit the right note with me. Among those are Mixed Nuts, The Waterboy, The Hot Chick and now Jack and Jill. I could do without a few scenes of the bathroom/gas humor, but the laughs far outweigh those minor episodes.

Adam Sandler convincingly portrays his twin sister with hilarious and touching results. The special effects are so realistic that honestly I'm not sure what was real and what was CGI, especially Poopsie the cockatoo or cockatiel. The sight gags are hysterically funny.

The sole fact that Al Pacino plays a prominent role in this movie should garner a higher rating and he does it with serious panache. Even Katie Holmes gives a wonderfully straight performance as Adam Sandler's wife.

The addition of Sandler buddies Nick Swardson and Alan Covert provides some hilarious support. The cameos are so numerous that you just have to watch and enjoy - David Spade is an absolute hoot.

Finally, the real twins that bookend the movie are adorable and funny. I just don't understand how someone could not appreciate this movie and avoid laughing their heads off!!!

RIP Norm Funbucket.

The Craigslist Killer (2011 TV Movie)

True story with well-acted characterizations.

[6/10 · 19 January 2024]

Usually in these Lifetime-type television movies, the acting is histrionic, over-wrought and completely unrealistic. However, this movie held my interest and each actor was convincing in his/her role, especially in light of the fact that it was based on the true story of the actual Craigslist killer, Philip Markoff.

In addition, the dialogue was realistic. The two leads did an excellent job, and thankfully the scenes of violence were brief and not overly graphic.

Finally, the actors portraying Markoff's fiancé's parents conducted themselves in a way I would think parents would react if they found out their daughter was engaged to a person who committed the acts Markoff did. William Baldwin also acquitted himself well as the lead detective pursuing the perpetrator.

I thought the movie was well done considering the subject matter.

Murder, She Wrote: Family Doctor (1991) Season 7, Episode 11

Godfather Wannabe episode fails miserably.

[5/10 · 17 January 2024]

Usually any MSW episode featuring Jessica and Dr. Hazlitt is a pleasantly entertaining passage of 45-plus minutes. William Windom always added a touch of class and intelligence to the roles he played, whether in motion pictures or in television.

However, his and Jessica's camaraderie in this particular episode couldn't save this Godfather ripoff. Even the Don's two sons were named Michael (the level-headed married son who was going to take over the garment business upon his father leaving the country) and hot-tempered Salvador (similar to hot-headed Sonny played by James Caan), who has the red-headed floozy-ish girlfriend.

Additionally, as the Don is leaving the restaurant with his wife and two sons to get into his vehicle (to head out of the country), stereotypical Italian Mafia-type background music starts to play.

Finally, unlike the excellent Columbo series before this, many of the MSW episodes feature monumental overacting like the annoying Consiglieri's daughter causing an uproar in the restaurant as Jessica and Dr. Hazlitt chow down on their much-anticipated lobster feast.

Queen Bee (1955)

What a movie - Joan's autobiography?!!

[8/10 · 10 January 2024]

Being a fan of the three headliners, surprisingly I had neither heard of nor seen this movie. And what a movie it was. It was as if I were watching Joan bare her soul and reveal the two sides of her personality (good AND bad) that have been reported and/or experienced by her family, friends, co-workers and/or "foes" in the movie world.

Plus, I am thankful that I didn't read any reviews or synopses of the film prior to viewing and I hope prospective viewers of this film also watch it without reading any reviews. It just has to be experienced.

I gained a new insight and appreciation of Joan Crawford after seeing her perform in this film. I felt sorrow for her and am sad that her early life (about which I have read and watched documentaries regarding) definitely impacted the way she treated her children, lovers, husbands, and fellow actors as an adult.

Additionally, I didn't realize that was Betsy Palmer in the film until I read the credits afterwards. She was quite lovely and a fine actress in this.

Finally, and on another note, when I was about 11 or so, my older teenage aunts took me to see "I Saw What You Did" with John Ireland and Joan Crawford and it scared the living daylights out of me. They should have known better as it was quite scary and too realistic for my age. If you get a chance, see both and compare Joan and John's performances. John was quite handsome in Queen Bee, as was Barry Sullivan, even though he sported a prominent scar on his left cheek in this role!

The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills (2010– )

Garcelle is great at playing cards - the RACE card.

[7/10 · 6 January 2024]

I will admit that watching this show is one of my favorite guilty pleasures. It has been highly entertaining to observe the cast evolve, dissolve or leave altogether throughout the 13 seasons.

Interestingly, Kyle seems to be the one constant who has held the show together and has remained a cast member throughout the show's long run. With a few exceptions, she has sought everyone's friendship and has often been the voice of reason when dealing with the other housewives' arguments and disagreements.

However, it was truly a shame to witness the dissolution of Kyle and Lisa Vanderpump's seemingly sincere friendship several seasons ago. I do miss Lisa and Ken and would like to see Bravo bring them back. When Lisa left, some spark and intelligent repartee was lost in the show.

So, having just watched the latest episode, Garcelle is once again playing the victim, now accusing Dorit of using the word "attack" when it wasn't used to imply anything other than the manner in which it was used, whether to a white person or a person of color.

I will agree that Erika was wrong several episodes back when she told Garcelle's youngest son to "f-- off" or something to that verbal effect. It was totally inappropriate and Erika has since offered her sincere apology, which Garcelle accepted.

However, I have found Garcelle to be a pot-stirrer from the outset as well as a sarcastic, passive-aggressive person who looks for every opportunity to appear victimized. Unless she adopts a different attitude, I just don't see that she adds anything to the show. I would love to see Kyle's neighbor Annemarie Wiley featured more prominently. She is very pleasant and funny and has a great rapport with the current cast.

Getting back to Garcelle's always playing the victim, she and Denise Richards are two of a kind. I hope Denise does not come back as a regular. While I don't necessarily agree with Erika's verbal response to Denise's accusations in the last two episodes, Denise was only baiting her and wants again to play the victimized and misunderstood party. Losing Garcelle and Denise would be no loss to this show.

Murder, She Wrote: Shear Madness (1990) Season 6, Episode 20

Again, I am in TOTAL agreement with "planktonrules"

[3/10 · 28 December 2023]

Whether or not she was directed to perform as this stereotypical Southern dimwit, Barbara Babcock's performance was SO badly performed that I had to either fast forward or mute her annoying voice whenever she was onscreen. I hated her portrayal. If not for her characterization, this would have been an entertaining episode.

Of course, you were meant to suspect Doris Roberts' character as the perpetrator early on after Robert Walker, Jr.'s amnesia-suffering "murderer" was just TOO obvious, so if you have watched past episodes to this point, you KNEW he was innocent of any past OR present murders.

In comparison to Columbo, I don't understand why so many actors went completely over the top in their portrayals on "Murder, She Wrote" - weren't these the same writers?

Mixed Nuts (1994)

A Christmas Delight! One of my faves!

[10/10 · 25 December 2023]

Just read the cast list!!! So many comedic legends - who knew Jon Stewart was also an actor and not just a former host on Comedy Central? He, along with the lively Parker Posey, make cameo appearances and start off a comical series of interrelated events.

However, it's difficult to measure who generated the most laughs between Steve Martin, Liev Schreiber and the late great Madeline Kahn. All three set off my laugh barometer!

Steve Martin's gestures and delivery are priceless and Liev's characterization is spot on and surprisingly poignant yet funny. He is remarkably convincing in his role and quite sweet, as is the adorable Adam Sandler.

I don't want to mention any particular scenes as you just have to watch it to appreciate it as I do, along with the other IMDB reviewers who feel it's hugely underrated and a true holiday gem. Heck, the wonderful deadpan Steven Wright even makes a very brief but effective cameo.

Kick back and relax with a huge bowl of popcorn for a rewarding and heartfelt evening at Christmastime! The soundtrack of holiday tunes is also fantastic!

Murder, She Wrote: Class Act (1989) Season 6, Episode 10

"Murder, He Solved" Starring the great Barry Newman!

[10/10 · 18 December 2023]

I'm in 100% agreement with the rating and review by "planktonrules." This was a fine episode featuring one of my favorite actors, the late Barry Newman, who just passed away in May 2023, a mere seven months after the wonderful Angela Lansbury departed this Earth, also leaving a major void in the world of television and movie entertainment.

As a matter of fact, I got so involved in this episode that I forgot that it was Murder, She Wrote until Angela's Mrs. Fletcher came in midway to add some minor commentary. As reviewer planktonrules noted, this would have made an intriguing spinoff series with Mr. Newman leading the cast. I especially liked the chemistry and repartee he shared with the student "Elizabeth Mills." Plus, the young actress playing his daughter would have added a nice family dynamic to a new series.

Overall, this is one of my favorite episodes to date, as I'm watching them in sequence on Peacock. I sure will miss Angela and Barry, two talented and natural actors. They were also in another earlier episode at a ski resort and he was fine in that as well.

Come Back, Little Sheba (1952)

Academy Award for most pathetic character.

[5/10 · 15 December 2023]

For God's sake - this movie. I just watched (and struggled to finish) "About Mrs. Leslie" which featured Robert Ryan and the much-lauded and much-overrated Shirley Booth. Since I could not stomach her characterization in that movie, I wanted to see her highly praised, Oscar-winning performance in this role. Again, I was not impressed and I disliked this performance even more so than in the first film.

As other reviewers have probably noted and I did not feel like wasting my time reading, Booth's character is married to Doc (or as SHE calls him: Daddy), played by the intense Burt Lancaster, a recovering alcoholic attending weekly AA meetings. Well, I can tell you that if I had to live with Booth's pathetic creature, I would go back to drinking. And it was an unbelievable feat of sheer endurance that Lancaster's character reached his 1-year birthday of sobriety at AA.

I do appreciate Booth's role and performance as Hazel in the early 1960's TV series and to date that is the only role for which she is convincing.

About Mrs. Leslie (1954)

Booth painfully miscast-Ryan as good as expected.

[1/10 · 15 December 2023]

From the scene with Booth as a nightclub singer (and a bad one at that), I was not expecting much from this supposedly legendary actress. And I didn't get much. How Robert Ryan's character would be remotely attracted to her after her painful singing performance was a mystery. And for Booth to fly to California to meet Ryan 4 days after first meeting him was unbelievable - she never even inquired whether or not he was married. Ridiculous!

Also, her manner of delivery in her speech was quite annoying and rang false. It came across as always being aware of her performance, rather than getting into her character. When she pronounced (or mispronounced?) Los Angeles as Los "Angle"es and kept calling him "Mr. Leslie," I wanted to switch to something else but because of the movie's favorable IMDB rating and good reviews, I lumbered on.

In addition, as another reviewer commented, Booth looked more like Ryan's mother or grandmother. Thankfully, the ocean scene with her sporting a black skirted one piece was thankfully short and shot mostly at a distance.

Not recommended by me and the high IMDB rating seems undeserved. She's more convincing as "Hazel."

Rent-a-Kid (1995 TV Movie)

And don't call him Shirley! (Call him Harry Haber!)

[10/10 · 10 December 2023]

Not until the movie Airplane was Leslie Nielsen looked upon as a comedic actor. However, that movie forever changed the public's perception of him, myself included. His performance in this film was no exception and I loved him in it. Apparently, not all reviewers felt the same and that's a shame.

This is the ultimate family movie with sweet and authentic performances by all, even the Great Dane. The three young performers who portrayed the two brothers and their younger sister each had a unique personality that was clearly defined in the short span of the movie and you could see why the two parental "renters" fell for them during their 10-day trial rental period. This hilarious concept was dreamed up by Nielsen as he "held down the fort" while his son (the Children's Home's Director) took a much-needed vacation; a priceless performance especially when he was interviewing the prospective "renters."

I guarantee you will enjoy this movie with your family and children of any age. It deserves a higher IMDB rating.