AppleAsylum Reviews

ABC Weekend Specials: The Seven Wishes of Joanna Peabody (1978) Season 2, Episode 1

Joanna Peabody & The 7 Wishes

[9/10 · 18 October 2006]

I watched this when I was in the 1st grade. The teacher (Miss Hollie whom later became Mrs. Wyatt because she married but I refused to call her that) played it on one of those projector reels... it was the story of a sweet little girl who lived in the ghetto & was very very poor...kinda like the show "Good Times." One day, her wheelchair bound fairy God-Mother appeared on her TV set & granted her 7 wishes. Joanna, who had always daydreamed of material riches, started wishing for the best clothes, jewels, etc. But her nagging/whinning little sister wouldn't stop screaming & crying so Joanna wished her to "shutup" in which later she had to use another wish to let her talk again... That making her realize that material things are not the key to life, treating people with compassion & respect is. Joanna used her final wish for the fairy God-Mother to walk again. Sweet little story huh!

The Exorcism of Emily Rose (2005)

Roses are red!

[7/10 · 14 September 2005]

Emily Rose was a pretty good film. It was a horror movie from the intellectual view. It sure wasn't a film that is going to scare the crap out of you...but it was far from Cher in Suspect! Emily Rose is based on a true story in which a girl has 6 entiny's in her body. During her exorcism Emily dies. The priest who is there to help is actually accused of her death & is on trial. This spooky tale is a glimpse inside the eyes of those around Emily & their interpretation of Emily's story. ***Major spoiler- The story ends (as it did in real life) with Emily's gravesite becoming a well known gathering place for those who believe she is a saint. It is a powerful story although there are some slow spots in the movie. It is worth seeing though.

Kung Fu Hustle (2004)

This ain't no Tae Bo!

[10/10 · 7 September 2005]

I don't think I have seen a movie this funny in a long time! In this day & age it is hard to have humor, action, & twists all in one that can be pulled off...BUT Kung Fu Hustle has it all. The landlady makes this entire film a delight. The story follows the Axe Gang vs. Pig Sty Valley. The Axe Gang is one of those gangs who is fighting for territory...once they arrive at Pig Sty, things take an interesting turn of events! I can't wait for Kung Fu Hustle 2! I will be sure to run (just like the chase scene) all the way to the theatre in order to be the first to see it!!!!!! If you see any movie on the big screen, on DVD, or on TIVO, make sure it is KUNG FU HUSTLE!

Ma vie en rose (1997)

What It Feels Like For A Girl

[10/10 · 5 September 2005]

Excellent tale of little Ludovic who is sure he is really a she. It's a must see!! Unfortunately, we live in a world where each individual thinks their way is the right way...which is wrong. With that being said, Ludovic's family has to deal with their judgmental neighbors who should be "cleaning their own kitchen" so to speak. The comedy/drama dives deep into the trials & tribulations that this poor kid has to suffer in order to feel like he/she fits in. The funny thing is, back in the roman times, green was actually considered the "feminine" color...it was changed to pink when fashion changed many years later. Maybe they will make a sequel with Ludovic & call it "My Life In Green, The College Years!"

Cold Creek Manor (2003)

The Manor

[8 August 2004]

I like the fact Sharon Stone was in this. I like the cinametography of the film. I even like the title! I just hate the fact that Touchstone

Pictures tried to make everyone think this was a "horror" film.

To be honest, this movie was reminesant of "Cape Fear." Aside from the glamour of Stone, there is some nice eye candy by the name of STEPHEN DORFF... this guy is right on the verge of becoming the "it guy for the minute" but its just a matter of time. Then we're blessed with a ASTOUNDING ACTRESS-Juliette Lewis who has done classics like "The Basketball Diaries" & "The Other Sister." Anyway, about the movie... the film is about a family that is fed up with living in New York & decides to move to the country (How that is possible, I will NEVER know, nor do I want to know hehe) But I digress... So they move away & buy Cold Creek Manor... then a "difter" shows up (Dorff) who previously lived there before them & forcefully tries to reclaim his home. The movie ran dry when it bacame obvious who was behind everything...major problem though, it became obvious early on in the film. 1/10 (6)

A Different World (1987–1993)

A Different World from where you're coming from!

[8 August 2004]

WOW! What a show! I grew up watching A Different World... Okay, like most people, I first tuned in to see the beautiful & talented "rebel of the Huxtable family" (Denise) played by Lisa Bonet. Bonet was one of the hottest & most controversal stars making headlines throughout the late 80's/early 90's...so it was only apparent that she would draw in millions of fans weekly on this Cosby Show spinoff... & of course, it came without shock (even though it made HUGE headlines) that she would walk away from the show just after one year... it was sad to see her go because the show she made a hit grew into a 90's phenomenon! New cast members were added & that just added more flavor! Cree Summer being the standout... They could not have casted someone better & more fun than her! & as far as the hated Whitley Gilbert (played by Jasmine Guy) well she ended up carrying the show through it's high rated long run. This show touched on all topics from racism, to abuse, lies, cheating, & of course love. & the "love" section is what kept viewers coming back...WAAAYYY before Ross & Rachel on Friends did, Whitley & Dwayne were keeping the ratings going strong every Thursday night! A show not to missed as it evolved into an educational experience.

Nine to Five (1980)

Classic! (Spoilers)

[8 August 2004]

Stumble out of bed & stumble through the kitchen, pour myself a cup of ambition!! Meet Violet, Judy, & Dorlee... three working gals in the DREADFUL corperate world under the sexist-egotistical-lying-hypocritical-bigot aka F-Hart! When these worker-bee's get together & have a little "Maui-Wowi," they share their inner darkest secrets about how they can get rid of the boss...when each fantasy becomes a reality the laughter is NON-STOP! The scene with the body in trunk & the girls relize that it's not Mr. Hart is the funniest part in the film...just look at the expression Dorlee (Parton) gives to Judy (Fonda) & Violet (Tomlin)... & I can't forget to mention "the eyes-ears-nose-&-throat of Mr. Hart...ROZ (played by Elizabeth Wilson) because anything she hears, he hears!! One final note: Marian Mercer is divine in this as well. Classic film with a VERY strong cast! A must-see! 10+

The Village (2004)

The Village...SPOILERS**

[3 August 2004]

With the publicity & name attached to this film, it is obvious that it would have a HUGE opening. But living in The Village made me want to be evicted! Where is the fear here? Because it was not in this movie. This was such a "done-to-death" mixture of The Twilight Zone meets that little "happy-town" that Ewan McGregor visits in BIG FISH, with a little piece of Leo Dicaprio's THE BEACH that it is tired! To top it all off, what was that crap with the "so-called monster" falling into the hole?? Hello! We saw that in DOLORES CLAIBORNE!! Believe me, I got the picture, the poor world we live in is just so bad that these people tried to create the perfect place, but come-on... if they had time to play "dress-up" & scare the neighbors, then they had plenty of time to go to the "town" & get medication from "those we don't speak of." BUT NO, instead let's send the blind girl who doesn't have a clue of life outside the open field with 6 houses & skinned sheep! Even though Bryce Howard was THE highlight of the movie, I would have had a scary time driving through the Ghetto as opposed to the two hours I wasted in The Village.

Super Size Me (2004)

Fast Food=Fat Kids

[2 March 2004]

The fast food chains have gone to an all time low the past decade with King sizes, Up sizes, & the one that started it all, Super sizes! Spurlock spent months eating nothing but McDonald's & filmed every last bite. In this compelling reality look at America & the obesity problem that continues to dominate people with every drive thru window, Spurlock's body becomes one big giant Big Mac in itself. It is extremely sad that after watching this, I took one look around & almost EVERY child & each one has a pot-belly! A movie that took over the Sundance Film Festival & will hit the big screens throughout America (2004) will "hopefully" make people wise up! 10+

Mann & Machine (1992)

She-Bo-Cop

[2 March 2004]

Yancy Butler as the Bionic Woman? The star of Switchblade played a robotic woman of the future who fought off the bad guys... Mann & Machine was a filler show that only lasted about 9 episodes. I remember getting very excited about this show coming on (as I LOVED the Bionic Woman) but this one just couldn't measure up. It was actually yesterday (March 1, 2004) that I came across the pilot episode that I taped back in 1992...after watching it (12 years later) I see a lot of the hit show "Alias" & the motion picture "Laura Croft" mixed in it. Still, it wasn't a great show, but maybe in 2016 (12 years from now) I will watch again & give it another shot! For now I'll give it a 5 out of 10.

The Matrix Revolutions (2003)

The Revolution...

[5 November 2003]

I have read some pretty BAD reviews on this film. If you read my list of films I have written about, you'll know I am not into sci-fi at all...But I went to see Revolution & was quiet inpressed! Natually, the 1st one (like most triolgy's) was the best...however, Reloaded & Revolution should in NO WAY BE COMPARED because after seeing all 3 installments, it is just ONE long good movie in one. I rather rate this as just that too. So, with that in mind, THE MATRIX/RELOADED/REVOLUTION gets a 9 out of 10.

Scary Movie 3 (2003)

Scary Movie 3

[24 October 2003]

Anna Faris returns as Cindy in the 3rd Scary Movie...& it is a good thing she did...because her & best friend "Brenda" have to carry this awful film! The obvious abcence of the Wayon's Family is so apparent as this "spoof" drags its way through many of the most talked about films of the year. Cindy makes many stops through (the dreadful) "Ring"...the rap disaster of "8 Mile" mocking a certain tierd rapper...onto the WAY OVERRATED "Signs." The only connection this one has to PART 1 & PART 2 is Cindy & Brenda just happen to be in "another spoof together." Nothing is mentioned of "Shorty, Ray, Tommy, or even the man with the 'funny hand' that PROMISED he would be back." Did they forget there was somewhat of a cliff hanger in SC2? Should I even waste time talking about the Michael Jackson inspired part...sure why not...that was the most ridiculous thing in the movie & the most tasteless thing I've seen this year. (I could care less about the King Of Pop but that was just plain dumb.) Do not waste your money, for all you will find is writers trying to be something they're not & trying to make reference to other races & age groups that they are not affiliated with. BORING! (2)

The Designing Women Reunion (2003 TV Movie)

The Belle's Of TV...

[29 July 2003]

The return of Julia, Charlene, Mary-Jo, Suzanne, Anthony, & Bernice is the best reunion to date. They laugh & they cry while looking at memorable clips from the (14 Emmy nominated) show. Seeing these former cast members together again proves they could do it all over again. Although I would have liked to see Allison, Carlene, & BJ, it was a wonderful treat with clips of guest stars like ICON Dolly Parton, a young Scott Bakula. Writer's today should use this as a guide on creating a well put together show. (10)

Charlie's Angels: Full Throttle (2003)

Part 2

[7 July 2003]

As usual, Hollywood earned enough on the 1st one that they sacrificed story for FX & guest stars the second time around. But I digress... The Angels were great...Demi was good...The return of Kelly Garrett was awesome. Now, lets talk about the movie... or lack thereof. Hollywood always manages to spend less on a script the second time around because they know if people paid to see the 1st one, then they are going back for more...& we do. Although some sequels have been better then the original (Austin Powers, Terminator, Batman) most of the time the sequel isn't good & is just a refresher of "that old feeling" that you got the 1st time around (Airplane, Men In Black, Land Before Time)...keeping that in mind, CH2 is a silly & fun reincarnation of part one. (7)

I've Got a Secret (2000–2001)

Secret is funny...

[3 June 2003]

Game shows bore me. But this version of I've Got A Secret is flat out funny. I love watching this show every morning. Between the mastermind of Amy who figures out EVERYTHING, you also get a treat from the HYSTERICAL Jim J & GLAMOUR GODDESS Terri Garr... Along with the melodic dry humor from Stephanie, this game show is a winner! 10 Z.

Lift (I) (2001)

The story of Greed...

[8 May 2003]

I watched LIFT last night on Sundance. This film was a story of a girl who works as a display artist at an upscale department store. However, on the side she has a part-time job... she steals high priced items (clothes, jewelry, etc.) and sells them to locals around the urban neighborhood. Kerry Washington is an excellent actress that pulled the part off! The movie touches on emotional past issues with family that may hit close to home for some. The movie itself is kind runs kind of bland with no real climax except for the "final job" that Neicy wants to pull in order to please her mother(who needs therapy.) Greed gets the best of everyone & she pays the price through Karma. 6 out of 10

The Red Kimono (1926)

Kimona of the 20's

[5 May 2003]

This silent was extremly racy for it's time. The director was known for making controversy with her films. The movie takes a look at a woman who is a prostitute. There is some wonderful acting performed in this film & it's one that should never be forgotton...but thats what true art is all about. Classic scene's between Priscilla Bonner & co-star Nellie Bly Baker(former secretary of Charlie Chaplin.) I give this movie a 7.

Normal (2003 TV Movie)

Why Be Normal? Why not!

[21 April 2003]

1st off- I don't know how I did not hear of this movie? I try to keep myself pretty informed at least by reading or something when it comes to quality movies. So, I am disappointed that I over looked this great film. I finally saw it... Take a (commonly known in the city) issue, stick it in dreadful mid-America where rural domination & oblivious minds live in a little small town...add some religion to make it even more of a touchy subject & you come up with this well-written, well acted, piece of art. To top your ice cream sundae with a cherry-just add Jessica Lang-class, experience, & flat out just the name brand of acting. A great film for anyone who has any interest in alternative lifestyles. RECOMMENDED FOR EVERYONE (10)

Girl Shy (1924)

Shy?->Not Harold

[21 April 2003]

If you are a person not familer with silents...this is where to start! Harold Lloyd is a fine actor who will always be remembered-especially for this film! Harold is trying to break up a wedding & that is where the adventure begins...staying on the edge of my seat (a la Run Lola Run) Harold delivered one of his best performances. (9)

Cheats (2002)

Cheating paid off this time...

[31 March 2003]

This is not the type of film I sit down to watch but I saw one of the good looking Lawrence guys while flipping through channels & decided since it just started-why not?!!! Good movie! FUNNY! Entertaining! "Ferris Buller" meets "Porky's" simmered on top of "Parker Lewis Can't Lose." (7)

Chicago (2002)

& all that jazzzzz...

[10 February 2003]

Astounding! That is what I say to Chicago! This is the movie version of the long-running broadway hit. Although I have seen many other performers do a much better job than boring Rene Zellweger so unconvincingly did, it was still worth it and then some! The story (of you don't know) is of two women who battle at being the bigger starlet and have the most fame...one thing though, they are in prison for murder! Loading with sexy moves, great songs, and Diva action coming left & right! Great Film-Instant Classic! Z. (10)

Playing Mona Lisa (2000)

Playing Mona Lisa

[2 January 2003]

I never even heard of this film... It just happen to be on last night. All-star cast drenched in good writing, & flooded with comedy! Lots of good points are made throughout the entire movie. Storyline is girl loves boy. Boy dumps girl. Girl must pick up the pieces & move on...? EVERY SINGLE ACTOR in this film will carry you through life's little problems in the most humorous way! (9)

Rubber Gloves (2001)

Don't forget your rubber (gloves)

[27 December 2002]

This was a funny one! Everyday woman living in everyday suburbia. Part time job- A dominate matriarch who is pushed over the edge by other problems going on with a phone that she has. The aggression from the call shows us how perfect she is at what she does for a living... entertaining men. Great performance from the cast! Funny, short, & to the point! (9)

Attack of the 50 Ft. Woman (1993 TV Movie)

B-movie?

[27 December 2002]

Of course it is! This is the type of B-movie that you'll enjoy. I didn't expect to see HANNAH in this role. But it was fun in a corny kind of way. Although it is still the classic story just like the original, it is "made for tv." But thats okay because Hannah leads that "glamor blonde bombshell life" that her beauty stops the film from falling apart. (5)

The Gift (2000)

This would make a great GIFT...

[10 December 2002]

I wouldn't mind getting this twist-filled film in my stocking for Christmas! I never heard of this movie, but I just happened to watch it on the Sundance Channel, & I'm glad I did! Annie Wilson is one of the "Gifted" people in this world that is helping in a murder case. An all-star cast, a great story, perfect direction, & SUSPENSE, SUSPENSE, SUSPENSE! See it. (10) Z.