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Reviews
Chappelle's Show (2003)
Hands down funniest show on television today!
Let's face it, the networks are playing it too safe and pay cable isn't giving me anything to laugh at. Chappelle's Show is the funniest thing on TV -- with Stewart and The Daily Show coming in second and South Park losing very little luster in it's eighth season (can you believe it, 8 seasons) Wed. night on Comedy Central is necessary viewing. No, I don't work there.
The Wayne Brady episode was inspired TV. Charlie Murphy's stories about Rick James, Prince, etc., were amazing. But nothing has been as funny as the Tyrone Biggums trilogy.
Will Chappelle sign for season three?
Dear Diary (1996)
ABC blew it when they didn't pick up "Dear Diary"
Imagine a line-up including "Sports Night," "Dear Diary" and "NYPD Blue!"
Bebe Neuwirth is great as the lead and narrator of this sitcom pilot by Dreamworks that ABC failed to recognize and place on their Fall schedule. Great script, Brian Kerwin in a supporting role as her husband, and filmed on the beautiful streets of New York City.
Dickie Roberts: Former Child Star (2003)
I swear it was great, and I have no connection to this production.
It was a hot day and I decided to hit a movie. "Dickie Roberts" just happened to start at the right time for me. I didn't expect to like it as much as I did. Great script, perfectly cast (especially the kids) and it was really kinda heartwarming.
If you're a pop culture nut, you'll get a big kick outta seeing all the former child stars in the poker scene and then again at the end (stay for the credits).
Spade completely pulls it off. Lovitz is his usual outstanding (but then again I'm a big Lovitz fan).
Go see it. C'mon, go ahead.
Rollerball (2002)
Not for nothing, but I sense there was once a story here.
Before you groan, let me just say (quickly) that there was a story here that I just don't think ever made it to screen (and I read the Ebert review after coming to this decision).
I was intrigued by the semi-civilization that existed in what turns out to be the "New Europe" (thank you, Rummy). There was a vague lawlessness that I would have really enjoyed learning more about ... people "disappearing," the criminal economy, the lack of respect for human life on the part of the Reno character ... I wanted more details.
Sure, Chris Klein was completely miscast, the dialog stunk and even the game itself was convoluted, but there was untapped potential in the story.
As a wrestling fan, I got a kick out of seeing Paul Heyman as the American announcer. However, if Rollerball the sport had no North American cable deal, why did "Rollerball" the movie have an American play-by-play announcer?
The Apple (1980)
Aha! "American Idol" and "All My Children" links to "The Apple"
First off, I couldn't say it better than many of you, this was "jaw-droppingly good/bad." In fact, during the musical number I think was called "Speed!" (the exclamation point is mine ... c'mon, it deserves it) I was rendered incapable of moving from my spot). Thank you, Showtime Beyond and the good/bad people at Viacom!
Here's a couple of fun facts, however:
1) Choreographing these musical numbers is American Idol director Nigel Lythgoe! Go Nigel!
2) And, one of the dancers Nigel hired for this blockbuster ... All My Children diva Finola Hughes!
My First Mister (2001)
Outstanding direction, performances, story, good 4u Christine Lahti!
I made a point of seeing this in its first weekend of release because I've always enjoyed the choices Christine Lahti makes as an actor and I was rooting for her to breakthrough as a feature director.
She did NOT let me down. This is a beautifully shot and directed film. She pulled out of Albert Brooks what I think is his best performance on screen. Leelee Sobieski adds another finely nuanced performance to her young career. She's obviously created a great environment on the set, it shows through every aspect of this film. She had a great script to work with. It speaks to issues of creating family and the plight of the disenfranchised. Frankly, I don't think that a man could have told this story as effectively, and I wish that were not true. Cheers to all involved.
Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory (1971)
Just the best kids movie ever!
This is one of those rare occasions that I felt compelled to stop what I was doing and comment on one of my favorite films of all time, and a childhood favorite.
a) This is Gene Wilder's best film performance, hands down. b) This film is rare for its time in that kids' movies weren't made to work on many levels then, and this one SO does. c) I saw this movie 16 times at the Valley Stream (Long Island) Theatre where my older brother was an usher. I own it on video today. d) The Wonka chocolate brand still exists in this, the most cutthroat consumer market ever (2001) and if that's not a testament to the staying power of a movie, I don't know what is.
And now, I'll get down off my soap box. Parents, show your kids this movie.