Moxie Reviews

Huff (2004–2006)

Comeau's "Teddy" a valuable contribution to understanding "mental health"

[9/10 · 12 March 2007]

What gripped me about this show was the authenticity and three-dimensionality of _all_ of HUFF's characters. No one-note stereotypes. Conflicted. Mixing irritating irrationality and perversity with endearing and respectworthy qualities.

I _cared_ about these people!! I wanted to know more about them, and what happened to them next.

Their lives were a revelation to me. Probably, for artistic license, each individual character was packed with somewhat more complexity than any one person you'd usually come across in daily life. But for me, that was a bonus.

Finding ways to "decode" others' behavior and internal workings has always been an urgent need in my several decades of life beleaguered with Attention Deficit Disorder (especially long before ADD was "discovered" and validated). Thus, for me the show has provided not only engaging entertainment but also an education in some of the many conditions the fellow humans I meet may be living through.

For this I want to especially praise Andy Comeau. For me his contribution is the most significant in the show. Through insight and skill he managed to convey the _humanness_ of a character the average viewer would see only as "some kinda nut".

Huff's brother Teddy is one of the few in the show identified with a specific mental disorder – in his case, schizophrenia. Comeau acquaints us (superbly!) with not only the dysfunctionality but – more importantly,I think – additionally with the _normality_ and _commonality_ that is ALSO part of Teddy's makeup.

He shows that Teddy is not "merely a nut case" but is also _a human being_. Like we ALL are, in one way or another -- as we can se, IF we care to LOOK.

Most people divide the world into two camps – the normals (themselves and people they like) and the crazies (people they don't understand and therefore put down). Comeau's brilliant and sensitive performance helps us see that EVERYONE is a mixture of, or somewhere on a continuum between, these two endpoints.

When more people understand that, the world will be a much better place -- for ALL of us.

Whatever Happened to Harold Smith? (1999)

Answer: Not much, unfortunately...

[6/10 · 6 January 2007]

In fact, the story is mostly about his younger son Vince (Michael Legge ) and hardly about Harold Smith (Tom Courtenay) at all. And it's only at the end that we can even understand why screen time is given to episodes in the father's life.

In addition to Courtenay's endearing performance, veterans Stephen Fry and David Thewlis contribute the best of the comedic acting, in what is otherwise an aimless, meandering tale that did not need to be told.

It's actually young Vince's story, and a wispy one at that: Boy meets girl, boy fails to impress girl, boy finally overcomes himself and wins her at last. This meager theme is padded with several subplots whose only function seems to be providing more situations for the bedevilment and humiliation of Vince and Harold.

Early scenes establish – and succeeding scenes repeat – various comic (?) humiliations and embarrassments of both father and son. Though not of the grisly sort, these episodes are mean-spirited enough (on the part of the characters) to make an empathetic viewer vicariously uncomfortable. This is offset somewhat by the sweetness of Harold and of Vince's affection for him.

*Possible spoiler in next paragraph* For most of the film I wondered why we are being told both men's stories. What is the connection? Near the end we finally find out. At a time of crisis, the mild-mannered dad, using his paranormal powers, intervenes to support his son in standing up for himself and his happiness.

The story seems to be a parable, with the moral that one should stand up for one's individuality and not be pushed around by various kinds of bullies, including inadvertent ones. An admirable theme, but better scripted in other works, and an under-use of good talent here, in my opinion.

Noticing this title on a used-video sales list, I first checked some IMDb viewer comments. On the strength of their praise I bought the video and was looking forward to being amused, bemused, charmed, and more. This shouldn't have been difficult, since I'm easily entertained and enjoy many kinds of humor (except those that seek to disgust, demean, damage or hurt). And I generally love British humor, not to mention offbeat fantasies and sci-fi.

But (apart from Courtenay) nothing stellar to report here. Humorwise, I can't understand other reviewers' classing it in the same league as The Full Monty. No comparison, in my opinion! Monty had me in guffaws throughout; Harold only one short "ha!" of surprise and a few smiles.

At the other end of the spectrum is that British specialty combination of droll absurdity and sweetness. As to this, Courtenay delivers, but it's overwhelmed by a greater amount of noisy straining at stale youth and romance bits.

Some of Stephen Fry's odd minor character's pronouncements were insightfully absurd -- that is, excellent at capturing the absurdity of a certain type of individual -- but added up to a person I would much rather not be around –- or even watch on a screen.

This is the first time I've posted a negative review. Normally I'm the less critical sort who gives the benefit of the doubt and extra points for good intentions. Sad to say, that was just too big a stretch for me this time. For me this was a very rare 6 out of 10.

Lord Mountbatten: A Man for the Century (1968– )

Gripping miniseries of one pivotal hero in history...

[10/10 · 3 July 2006]

Seeing this miniseries on American public TV (late 70s/early 80s) made Lord Louis Mountbatten one of my heroes. I recall that the miniseries was excellently produced and interesting overall. Nowadays I remember clearly only two anecdotes, both of which show Lord Louis' inborn genius for handling people.

In one (at a formal public event outdoors (possibly re the independence of India and creation of Pakistan), attended by thousands of standees, word came to him that riot was imminent from a faction. Immediately he urged the crowd, "Sit down! Sit down!" What a simple yet brilliant insight! Rioting is near-impossible when most everyone is sitting...

The other moving story was told by a seaman who'd been aboard Mountbatten's battleship when it was sunk by enemy fire. In a lifeboat, Mountbatten and crew members watched as the ship began to sink. As it disappeared, Mountbatten shouted something like "The Kelly, God bless her!" and started a hip-hip-hooray. At first the crew's response was half-hearted, but it grew.

Then -- and this is the extraordinary part -- he started _singing!_ "Roll out the barrel, we'll have a barrel of fun..." --How bizarre!! But the dazed crewmen, following their leader, began to join in -- weakly, raggedly at first, then stronger... and (according to the eyewitness crewman) finished with renewed hope and strength.

I've heard some were critical of Mountbatten's career, specifically about his handling of the independence of India and separation of Pakistan. For all I know, they may be correct. But I say, the world needs more Louis Mountbattens...

Over Time (2005)

Tender farewell to an honored mentor...

[10/10 · 27 June 2006]

I tuned in to a showing of this exquisite 5-minute short animation at about the 3-minute mark, when it was 40% over. Even so, I was moved by the gentle, wistfully grieving honoring of the Kermit-style puppets as they cooked and served a banquet, played instruments, and so on, for their... master? teacher? -- whom they dressed and propped up so that he could "enjoy" and "participate" in these devotions.

Having come in late, I wasn't sure who this person, or the dozens of little ones, were supposed to be. With the sweet, slow violin music (listed in the credits as "Inconsolable"), I guessed that this might be an homage by actual students (representing themselves through the hand puppets) for an actual teacher or maestro.

The first reviewer here indicates that it's a fictional story about a recently deceased puppeteer and his puppets. But it's not necessary to know even that... If life has ever required you to part with a mentor, the love, tenderness, respect displayed by these simple yet subtle puppets will move your heart... in minutes.

We Have Decided Not to Die (2004)

Beautiful and enigmatic...

[8/10 · 23 March 2006]

The title, nay, even the creators' intention with this short Australian film, is beyond my poor power to perceive, but it definitely is stunning for the senses.

It's all in black and white. There is no dialog or text; just slow, mournful, quasi-Middle-Eastern music. The entire film spans only eleven minutes (including credits) of three scenes: Birth, Between, and Rebirth.

Each scene features one individual: respectively, a young woman floating in a swimming pool, a young man (and his twin apparitions) gyrating between two oncoming automobiles, and a young man running and breaking through a skyscraper window into the open air.

You can view the whole creation at http://www.abc.net.au/tv/shortandcurly/txt/s1513993.htm

UPDATE: Thanks, planktonrules, for your kind words. But I didn't really "like" it, and I didn't really get it. My 8 rating was sheerly for production values. Seeing this again -- barely remembered 3-1/2 years later -- I still feel the same way, though a little less in awe of the artistry. And in my unperception I became as bored as planktonrules.

Judging from the "helpful?" responses, at least six other people have read our reviews. Negative numbers bestowed on a review most often indicate disagreement or displeasure. As my review was solely descriptive (neither true praise or criticism), I can only wonder what the problem was. Spoilers? Whatever, instead of hit-and-run, why not please add _your_ comments? Your review of the film could benefit us all more than your review of a reviewer!

7:35 de la mañana (2003)

Delightful comic absurdity!

[9/10 · 2 March 2006]

If you're amused by straight-faced goings-on that are logical within a given illogical situation, you'll enjoy this whimsical 8-minute Spanish film.

A woman enters a small café. The scene looks ordinary, but the counterman, customers, and two musicians seem somehow oddly subdued.

Suddenly, the musicians play and one man begins to sing the title song , dancing across table tops with musical-comedy gestures. The customers, at first immobile, at intervals chime in (badly but gamely) with phrases from the song, read from slips of paper in their palms. On and off they jump up and dance (awkwardly but earnestly) in choreographed motions, like backup singers.

But why??? the woman wonders. The answer is revealed as the soloist's jacket opens and she sees what's strapped across his chest -- just before the explosive climax...

Even if you don't catch the song's (probably ironical) lyrics, the situation-perfect performances should give you a grin and a chuckle... I'd love to see it again!

Kingdom Come (2001)

Warm, wistful, human, laugh-out-loud funny movie about family, love, dreams

[8/10 · 7 March 2005]

What a delightful movie! It's about family, and love, and dreams, and how we get along in this world -- especially with our nearest and not-always-dearest. It's warm and wistful and laugh-out-loud funny!

As for Goldberg's part, though promotions may have given her high billing, in fact her part is minuscule. But even if she'd been absent, this cast did more than enough to entertain.

LL Cool J did a fine job in the lead, only his name betraying his rap origins. He was joined by a host of other talented actors, including a favorite of mine, Loretta Devine, as a classic "momma." Another performance I particularly enjoyed was Cedric the Entertainer's role of the Reverend.

But everybody was good! Great ensemble acting -- _everyone_ was just right, including even the bit players, and they all blended into a very believable whole. The dialogue was witty, capturing exactly the character types, but down-to-earth without resorting to cheap crudity.

I kept thinking, "This would make an excellent play for community theater!" Great character types, great major roles, lots of smaller and non-speaking parts, easy to set. Then the credits showed that it had been adapted from David Dean Bottrell's play "Dearly Departed." It made me long to 'tread the boards' again -- join a great cast like that and take part in the play's warmth, truth and wry good humor.

The funeral of a hard-to-love father brings together his extended family, with their various relational wrinkles, all of which are plausibly solved by the end.

The story is kind, forgiving of human foibles, and in good taste throughout. The 'bathroom humor' mentioned in another review is a very light, one-time thing -- gas due to indigestion -- that is also a necessary plot device. I don't see how it could have been handled any better another way.

My satellite service will be showing this film all month, and I plan to watch it a couple more times. And beyond its humor, because of its warm heart and human hope I intend to buy the video.

The Running Jumping & Standing Still Film (1959)

Marvelous madness!

[8 September 2004]

It's been several decades since I saw this very short exercise in divine absurdity. I recall that mirth reigned unconfined. It was just so delightfully, zestfully silly!

The only bit I remember from it now (I don't think this is qualifies as a spoiler; farce thrives on repetition) was Peter Sellers playing a phonograph record.

He placed the record in the center of a flat-topped tree stump. Then, carrying an old gramophone "horn" that terminated in a phonograph needle that touched the record, he ran round and round the stump, the music speeding up as he ran faster.

I remembered the film's name all these years though resigned to never seeing it again... but now it's available on DVD!

If you like Peter Sellers, Spike Milligan, the Goons, Monty Python, or just silliness in general, don't miss this one!

Dracula: Dead and Loving It (1995)

No boff-fest, but a stylish, well-done evening's fun

[5 April 2000]

Not the usual farce you'd expect from Brooks and Nielsen, but still gives adequate laughs and chuckles. Comparing it to Blazing Saddles or the Naked Gun series would be unjust, since it so seamlessly parodies elements from classic Dracula melodramas. What might have been offered as unremitting high camp was mellowed by excellent production values (sets, period costumes, score, photography, effects).

A capable cast does justice to a witty script. Nielsen is flawless as the classy Count. Mel Brooks, as the vampire expert, shows surprising skill in reining in the slapstick to give a comic but well-developed characterization. As the convincingly Watsonesque doctor, Harvey Korman is unrecognizable. Peter MacNicol's performance as Dracula's slave is well-conceived but a tad mechanical. That gypsy crone is the adroitly burlesqued turn of no less than Anne Bancroft!

All in all an occasionally boffo, nearly always stylish, sufficiently amusing 88 minutes -- if your thirst for raw bloody farce hasn't narrowed your comedic vision. And if you sit through the final credits you'll find that Dracula has the last laugh! 6.75 out of 10.

Fresno (1986)

Classy/goofy, straight-faced "Dallas" spoof set in raisin industry

[9/10 · 25 March 2000]

Wow -- it's been 14 years since this came out... Specific scenes and lines have slipped my mind, but I'll always remember how much I laughed when I saw it! It's a takeoff on the conniving lives and lusts of the oil-royalty "Dallas" (remember J.R. Ewing?), set in the "cutthroat raisin industry" of Fresno, California (an actual, not-large agricultural city known, at least at that time, for little more than the raisins). Witty/absurd lines and great performances of them by masters of that art -- Carol Burnett, Charles Grodin, Jerry Van Dyke, and others. Somebody must have tapes of this somewhere... if you find them, let me know! It's classic and I'd love to keep it!

The Earthling (1980)

Wise and moving (NOT cute); a film to treasure

[10/10 · 5 February 2000]

"Cute" he may have been, but Rick(y) Schroder -- before puberty -- was one of filmdom's most sensitive and skillful child performers. And William Holden, far from being one to "add to" a list of modern man-and-boy bonding stories, in this 1980 film virtually founded the category.

I've seen this excellent film three times -- always on late-nite TV. Leonard Maltin gives it two-and-a-half stars: "OK family drama." Yet, over half of its IMDB viewers rated it a 10. Why on earth hasn't it received wider public acclaim??!

At 62 (this was his next-to-last film), Holden looks like he really is terminally ill. The cockles of his heart never are warmed to the kid (that we can see, anyway).

He's bone-weary, making his painful way to the ruins of his long-deserted family home to die, But this squalling, spoiled, self-centered kid is stranded. The man would like to ignore him, but the boy's obvious vulnerability won't let him. And as his strength fails, he could use some help himself.

So they make their way, conjointly, to his dying-place. And on the way, he tries to teach the boy how to survive in the wilderness -- for the child will soon be utterly alone -- and reach civilization.

How and what he teaches him is fascinating -- both practical and subtle. He plunges the city-bred boy from pampered narcissism to basic verities and respect for life and Life. In turn, the child's unevadable need forces this bitter, used-up man to dredge up his humanity and, with his last energy, give it out; to do the right thing.

Both of them change and grow. And it's quietly beautiful. In a sense, this is a coming-of-age film with no age boundaries. Maybe it's a "coming-into-humanity" film. See it. And grasp again (or for the first time) the dignity and beauty that humanness can be.

Catchfire (1990)

Even a hit man needs love...

[14 February 1999]

This film mixes some features rarely found together: mob violence, guns, murder, chases and crashes, a woman in jeopardy... AND some understated humor, would-ya-believe romance and kindness to animals, and a happy ending of sorts.

Dennis Hopper took his name off the cut version, which apparently omits, among others, parts of scenes featuring Jodie Foster's nudity. This is the version I saw, and even thus cut I give the film a 7.

The plot is straightforward: a hitman (Dennis Hopper) hired to kill a woman (Jodie Foster) who witnessed a mob murder gives her the option of staying alive and being "his." Then, since he defaulted on his assignment, they must flee mob reprisal.

My relatively high rating is based on Hopper's direction and on the acting, principally of the two main stars. (Joe Pesci and Dean Stockwell contribute wryly amusing mafioso figures.)

This is certainly not a comedy or romance film, nor is it intended to be. Nor is it "warm human drama." It's not at all slapstick or maudlin.

What impressed me most were Hopper's characterization and the scenes of their developing relationship. Hopper's Milo is a professional killer, a man of little polish (contrasting the wheelchair-ridden Vincent Price as the mob boss).

But a man's a man, for all that. Especially good is a scene early in their relationship, in which the hitman expresses his awed smittenness for his then-captive. His plain-spoken awkwardness shows, low-key, the loneliness and vulnerability of a man who has not experienced much love in his life.

And if you think a woman in such a situation could never respond favorably (albeit gradually), you don't know much about women -- and I don't mean the Stockholm Syndrome(?), that phenomenon of hostages warming up to their captors. The dynamics of their relationship -- the gradual, subtle shifting of their feelings and reactions -- are masterfully but quietly, almost incidentally, portrayed by Foster and especially Hopper. This film is certainly in the European style.

Still, you action fans shouldn't stay away; though not much gore, there is a sufficiency of sinister dread, gratuitous violence, and crashings and burnings.

Silent Running (1972)

Not just special effects, but a poignant question: what would YOU do?

[7 February 1999]

Recently someone asked me what was the best sci-fi movie I'd ever seen. "Best"? On what basis -- story, acting, special effects? Generally one would usually choose one of the high-tech, high-priced, superstar biggies.

But I had to say "Silent Running." Oh, it has special effects all right, and I think they're good enough for the purpose; I certainly felt the cramped dimness of the station against the vast implacability of space. Maybe you'd say it doesn't have enough action, surprises, or gore. But maybe this story doesn't need them.

Then why is it my nomination? Because when it was over, I had to turn off the TV -- couldn't let its mood and memory be violated by a late-nite commercial -- and just quietly weep for its poignancy. Anything less (or more) would have denied it the respect it deserved.

If you must, watch it as just more fodder for your entertainment urge. But if your soul is deeper than that... if you can, as Bruce Dern does, put yourself in the place of a character who so cares about the earth and its place in the cosmos ... you'll appreciate the eloquent statement of this film and the way it's presented.

A man, not a god. But if it were you, if you were there... would you, COULD YOU do what he did?

And the Sea Will Tell (1991 TV Movie)

Unsolved true murder mystery/court drama will haunt you

[10/10 · 10 January 1999]

An able cast and good direction do a creditable job in this film based on famed attorney Vincent Bugliosi's non-fiction book, which describes both the crime and the trial (he represented the defendants). But more than anything else, it's the story itself that will keep your eyes glued to the screen for three hours. Yuppie couple sail to an isolated mid-Pacific island. Later, so does a hippie couple. After that, the hippie couple are arrested in Honolulu in possession of the yuppies' boat and a weak story. Investigation does not turn up the yuppies, their bodies, or the hippies' boat. Some time later, back at the island, a box washes onshore that contains the bones of the yuppy woman. The details are too numerous and mystifying to list here! The "plot" may seem to meander and include many digressions -- but that's because it's from real life! Even at three hours (made for TV, two instalments) the film can't include all the baffling elements. (You really should get the paperback!) If you stick with it and pay close attention, you'll find it not only entertainment, but also a challenge: What really happened? Who did it? This puzzle will haunt you, keep popping back into your mind, long after the movie ends. (Get the book!!)

The Money Pit (1986)

Forget Maltin! Delightfully zany, multi-rewatchable farce classic!!

[10/10 · 10 January 1999]

Maltin pooh-poohs this film as a pale imitation of its inspiration, Mr. Blandings Builds His Dream House. But the gentle latter comedy depended on Cary Grant's charm. The Money Pit intends to be a farce, and succeeds in being one of the best of this genre. Tom Hanks and Shelly Long (and a marvelous cast from top to bottom) surely entertain and engage. Hanks especially delivers some first-rate facial and body-language laffs. But the topmost honors must go to those who created and executed the sight gags involving the house itself, and the characters' reactions to it. You'll laugh out loud and often. The best scene, involving a domino effect that starts with the fall of Hanks and ends with the near-destruction of the repair work, leaves me helpless with laughter every time I view it. You'll also enjoy Hanks' "bee dance" and "stuck in the rug" (borrowed from Alec Guiness' The Horse's Mouth) scenes, as well as the flying (roast) turkey, plummeting stairs and bathtub, and electrifying kitchen. But though these may cross the line into fantasy, you who have actually tried to obtain and deal with building subcontractors will no doubt recognize with wry horror those portrayed so well here. This is a film to own and view again and again with friends.

Resurrection (1980)

Moving, realistic, informative, thought-provoking

[10/10 · 9 January 1999]

This film is by turns startling, moving, provocative, and even funny. Ellen Burstyn and Eva LeGalliene were nominated for Oscars and Golden Globe Awards. An ordinary woman, Burstyn has a near-death experience that leaves her with the power of hands-on healing. How this turns her life upside down is chronicled here -- newfound compassion versus the unwanted burden of responsibility; public admiration and desperate hope; shattered personal relationships. Acting is superb; direction and screenplay sensitive; some beautiful art direction and special effects. The film also gives reliable information on healing and psychic abilities: Rosalyn Bruyere, internationally respected healer, teacher, and guiding light of the Healing Light Center in California, served as consultant. In addition to Burstyn's and LeGalliene's standout performance, supporting actors give fine-tuned portrayals of family members and those touched and changed by the reluctant healer's power. The ending is simple, dignified, yet profoundly moving. Not in itself religious, yet this drama is inspiring. A very rewarding film, even after repeated viewing.

The Night of the Hunter (1955)

A must-see for lovers of art cinema and suspense. Exquisite!

[10/10 · 29 December 1998]

One of the best suspense films ever made. Exquisite art direction: moody, scary, sometimes lyrically beautiful. Yet there are comical and even idyllic moments. Mitchum is EXCELLENT, especially in the cellar scene. Subtle, different; not just the same old ax-after-ax tear-'em-up blood-and-gore formula, but REAL suspense built from the personalities of the characters and the artful editing, music, art direction, and Charles Laughton's directing. Yet warm and lovely in parts. The cast's characterizations are excellent, even in minor roles, such as the "typical townspeople". You'll remember this one for a long time. Maybe not for kids under 12, as the frightening parts are too much like real life (compared to run-of-the-mill horrendous movies) and might leave unsettling memories.

Hangover Square (1945)

A tense tale of obsession and desperation

[29 December 1998]

Well worth watching, if you can find it. Cregar is excellent as the concert pianist tortured by obsession with a woman, and what it leads to. Moody, urgent (all the more so in black and white), with mounting suspense and tension. Lush Bernard Hermann score that expresses his anguish. Bonfire scene is gripping.