wmattifo Reviews

Sha Na Na (1977–1981)

This was a GREAT show! A warm and fun tribute to the 50's!

[10/10 · 9 April 2007]

This was a great show. We loved watching the 50's come alive each week as the band brought back some of the greatest music ever made. Sha Na Na was the GREATEST tribute band ever assembled because they didn't just salute a single band- they saluted an entire decade of music! Boy, just think of the great music of the 50's, with so many great songs! That's what Sha Na Na meant to so many of us- they were our connection to the music of the 50's. There was such personality to the band- and Bowzer was the "leader of the pack." He had a great way of making each show so much fun. Sha Na Na is still touring and I'd recommend seeing them as a fun way to see what music used to be like- FUN!

Omnibus: Benny Hill: Clown Imperial (1991) Season 29, Episode 16

I loved this special

[10/10 · 31 May 2005]

I had forgotten this was ever on until I was reading this on IMDb. I saw this one time, over a decade ago, and it was a heart felt tribute to a comedian, Mr Benny Hill, who had become a worldwide sensation. Benny had always been popular in England, but when his shows were rerun in the US in the 1980's, he led his own "British invasion" of comedy. His humor wasn't topical, political, or led by insults, but it was wonderful, warm, and witty. The writing was superb, and his timing (faces, lines, falls, etc...) was something to be seen. Benny Hill was a comic genius, and I wish he was still alive and making new shows. This special was a tribute to Benny and should be seen by those who loved Benny and his incredible sense of humor.

ALF's Hit Talk Show (2004)

HA!- Alf and Ed are a funny team, and this show works

[24 January 2005]

HA! -That's Alf's trademark phrase. Paul Fusco brought Alf to our planet back in the mid-1980's and he's been making us laugh ever since. The show "Alf" was on NBC for a few years, and has been in reruns ever since. Alf was funny on his show and that was more than just laughs for kids. Alf and Willy were a funny comedy team, and they could make anyone laugh. Now Alf has his own talk show and it's funny stuff. Alf is a witty host, and he can go verbally head-to-head with any major star. The guests have included: Tom Green, Merv Griffin, and Leon Redbone. You have to see it to believe it. The real surprise here is Ed McMahon. Here's a man in his 70's, and he really seems to be having fun along with his pal, Alf. Ed begins every show with a rousing "Here's Alf", and Ed plays a brilliant straight man to Alf. If you haven't seen this show, yet, try to catch it. This is good, potentially great television.

3: The Dale Earnhardt Story (2004 TV Movie)

This was a great movie- true to the man

[10/10 · 11 December 2004]

Dale Earnhardt was a great NASCAR driver, and he was a man who rose from working class roots to become a wealthy man. He was a highly competitive man, (a must for NASCAR racing), who always seemed to feel that he had something to prove to others. His family life wasn't perfect, and he could be a tough man to love, but his dedication to winning earned him millions of fans around the world. His popularity was at its peak when he died in the 2001 Daytona 500. This movie was simply sports film-making at its finest. Pepper should be in line for many awards for this role, and this should make him a major Hollywood star. Earnhardt's life wasn't perfect, but this movie is about as close to perfect as a bio pic can get. Catch this movie, and you'll understand why "Big E", and son "Little E" (Dale, Jr) really are loved by millions of working-class people.

Get a Life (1990–1992)

This was an original show

[5 July 2004]

A lot of television humor is recycled from past shows, or just the same theme over and over again. I won't go into examples, but I think you understand what I'm saying. This show, however, was original and showed the world that Chris Elliot is a brilliant comedian. Does anyone remember that Elliot got his start on "David Letterman" on NBC as the "Conspiracy guy", who would stand up in the audience, interrupt the show, and accuse Letterman of some "cover-up" involving missing files and Connie Chung? Then he would run through a door and get run over (usually by a floor buffer). "Get a Life" was very funny and quite original. I guess my favorite episode was the one where the alien Chris found would ooze out some vile, and disgusting stuff out of his body, and Chris ate it. He got Brian Doyle-Murray to eat some, too. They said it tasted like pudding. The alien seemed disgusted that they were eating the stuff, too. I really liked this show and I wish Fox had kept it on longer.

The Rodney Dangerfield Show: It's Not Easy Bein' Me (1982 TV Special)

This was really funny

[13 June 2004]

This was one really funny special that aired at the time that Rodney Dangerfield was being accepted as America's top comedian. For years, Rodney had been a big hit in night clubs and in Las Vegas, but in the late 1970's he was able to finally start making movies and television specials. This special pretended to show Rodney "behind the scenes", and it was hilarious. I remember one really funny scene was with Rodney and Bill Murray. Murray was trying to give Rodney "career advice" (like a pushy Hollywood agent) and he advised Rodney to change his "look" and his name to "Chubby Wells." Really funny stuff. Hopefully someone somewhere will decide to put this on the air, again. It was great.

Deadwood (2004–2006)

Great series with two acting revelations (not who you think)

[11 April 2004]

Boy I sure enjoy this series. Sure there's a lot of swearing, and some of the nudity is from folks that shouldn't be filmed naked (yechh) but this is a great series. The directing is superb, and (so far) the writing develops the characters and allows the actors to do what they do best. This series has an impressive group of actors. Keith Carradine will probably win an Emmy for his "Wild Bill", and the bad guy (Ian McShane) is one REALLY bad guy.

The two revelations are Tim Olyphant as Seth Bullock AND William Sanderson as the crooked inn keeper. Olyphant has been the kind of quality actor who has just been waiting for a real breakout movie or series and this will be it for him. The Emmies will be calling him. Sanderson, on the other hand, has probably been typecast since his days as Larry with his two brothers named Darryl. This is a long way from the "Newhart" set and Sanderson is outstanding in this series. We'll see how this series goes and if it can keep up the outstanding directing, writing, and acting, we will surely see this series honored as it richly deserves.

Harlem Globe Trotters (1970–1973)

Who could ever forget that theme song?

[15 March 2004]

Who could ever forget that theme song? This was all about good clean fun. By the time this show was on the Harlem Globe Trotters had become world-wide sensations and this group of players were the best they ever had. Everyone's favorites were Curly (who could dribble a basketball like no other) and Meadowlark Lemon. These guys brought a lot of joy into people's lives and they were immortalized in this cartoon. They would travel around in a van and helped kids learn lessons. This was as good as Saturday morning cartoons would ever get and we sure could use some of this goodwill today. Robert Smigel spoofed this show on Saturday Night Live and he too was of the generation that loved this show. Go go Harlem Globetrotters.

Viva Variety (1997–1999)

I liked this show

[7 March 2004]

This show was probably a little too intelligent for average viewers (hence it didn't last long) but if you saw it you know it was good. The bickering couple who hosted the show were very funny. I remember one episode when Ben Stiller was the guest. The gag was that Henry Winkler was supposed to be the guest and they got stuck with Ben Stiller. They made Stiller wear a black leather jacket and ride a motorcycle. Then they asked him questions ("What was it like playing Fonzi?") that were written for Henry Winkler. Very funny stuff. Any show that was able to keep up with a comedy giant like Ben Stiller must have been good. If you somehow get a chance to see this do what you can to catch it. This was real comedy.

Kid Notorious (2003)

Great stuff

[5 November 2003]

Everyone has heard about the amazing life of Robert Evans and this makes for great possibilities in this show. This show is a great spoof of "Hollyweird" and how movies and TV shows are really made. inside info and references make this a great show. I hope this show gets a chance to have a good long run for many years. There is nothing better than intelligent TV and this is one of the best.

The Joe Piscopo New Jersey Special (1986 TV Special)

This would be great to see again

[10/10 · 12 August 2003]

Joe Piscopo was a rare talent on television in the 1980's who never seemed to find his place in the movies. This special highlighted his ability to impersonate big stars and the highlight of this special was Joe's B-R-U-U-U-U-C-E Springsteen impersonation. At the time we had no idea how far the others on this special (Danny and Eddie) would go in Hollywood. It would be great to see this again in a rerun and it was great the first time around.

The Tennessee Ernie Ford Show (1956–1961)

This is a wonderful show in reruns

[9 August 2003]

They have reruns of this show on PBS and they are wonderful. Tennessee Ernie Ford is a treasure and he can sing, tell jokes, or just make you feel right at home. He would be a star in any generation and his easy, friendly style is a pleasure to watch. Many older family members have told me that Tennessee and Dean Martin were the most popular stars of the 1960's because everyone felt they were members of their families. This show is good to watch and you'll enjoy it. It is classic family viewing.

The Dom DeLuise Show (1987–1988)

I liked this show

[1 August 2003]

I've always enjoyed Dom's humor. He's a comedian who enjoys his work and he laughs along with everyone else. This show was funny and fun. While it was mainly silly humor, that's Dom's style and I liked it. I remember watching this with in-laws and family members who also enjoyed it. Dom is a treasure to watch.

Thicke of the Night (1983–1984)

This was a show for intelligent TV viewers

[13 June 2003]

This show was ahead of its time and featured some brilliant comedy. Belzer was Alan Thicke's co-host, and their banter was quite witty. The show did poorly in the ratings and didn't last long. But it took chances and made an impression on many young people. There was a Beatles' sketch that was pretty well known. You have to remember there was no Comedy Central, or original programming on HBO to nurture creative minds like those in this show. If this show had started on Comedy Central it would have been a huge hit.

The Benny Hill Show (1969–1989)

This was one GREAT TV show and Benny Hill was a genius

[25 May 2003]

Benny Hill was an amazing man. He could write some of the greatest comedy in the history of the English language. His work included wit, satire, low brow, and any other kind of humor that comes to mind. I remember watching this show on American TV in NJ, and it was a HUGE hit. I recall that a local Philadelphia station put this show on opposite the 11:00 pm local news, and for a few years it was the highest rated show in its time slot. Amazing. Along with Benny I'd like to point out the great work of Jackie Wright and Henry McGee. My grandfather had been briefly stationed in England during WW II, and he had seen Jackie Wright perform in London. He said that Jackie was the funniest man he had ever seen on a stage. My grandfather loved the episode when Jackie went on a cheap (and dangerous) vacation. Benny generally used Jackie in many ways, but usually as a PROP! Benny would smack Jackie's bald head over and over again. Henry McGee, on the other hand, was a brilliant straight man to Benny's funny side, and McGee excelled whenever he would interview Benny as "Fred Scuttle." This was brilliant humor and Benny deserves to be ranked with Chaplin, Keaton, Bob Hope, and Woody Allen as the 20th century's greatest funny men.

Planet of the Apes (2001)

A waste of a lot of talent and money

[1/10 · 4 May 2003]

This is not a very good movie. It's a shame because there's a lot of talented actors, a potentially outstanding script, and a built-in legion of "Planet of the Apes" fans left over from the Charlton Heston/Roddy McDowell era movies. Don't waste your money on this movie, and if you really need to see a "Planet of the Apes" movie, rent the original.

The Apple Dumpling Gang (1975)

A sweet family picture

[10/10 · 29 April 2003]

I've always enjoyed this movie. Don Knotts and Tim Conway should have done a hundred more movies together. Just imagine what they could have done in the 1960's when both were very hot? It would have been something special. Rent this and share it with your family. You'll enjoy it.

Con Air (1997)

John Malkovich steals the movie

[8 March 2003]

There are a number of stars in this movie, but John Malkovich (as "Cyrus the Virus") steals the movie. Nick cage does a good job as the man who didn't deserve to go to prison in the first place, and who remains human despite all of the creeps and thugs around him. Other stars put forth good efforts and this is a pretty good movie. Try to catch it if you can.

Abe Lincoln in Illinois (1940)

A beautiful movie about a great American

[10/10 · 23 February 2003]

This movie is breathtaking. It takes us back to a simpler time when America was still a "blank canvas" ready to be filled. Everyone must see this movie and remember the sacrifices that Abe Lincoln made for his beliefs. He gave his life for his country and this movie shows his humble beginnings and the humility of the man. This is what historical film-making is all about. Watch and enjoy!

Bob Hope for President (1980 TV Special)

I remember this as being quite good and a lot of fun

[10/10 · 18 February 2003]

I was in my teens when this first aired and my family thoroughly enjoyed this special. Bob cracked the usual political jokes and the guest stars were at top form. Bob and Sammy did a soft shoe routine that was lots of fun. This was Bob Hope at his best in one of his later specials. No one will ever be able to take Bob's place and I'm just glad that I was able to see Bob on TV. The kids today don't know what they're missing.

TV Funhouse (2000–2001)

Robert Smigel is a genius

[6 January 2003]

From his days on Saturday Night Live to his success on Conan, Robert Smigel has shown his amazing ability to create memorable characters. This show was very witty and low brow at the same time. My favorite episodes involved Triumph the Insult Comic Dog (a Robert Smigel creation) and a lizard who doesn't want to mate. Robert Goulet does a great job playing himself (as a pal of Triumph) and I would recommend this for everyone except young kids. There are great cartoons in this show but they aren't for children.

The Gong Show (1976–1980)

One of the wildest shows ever made

[5 January 2003]

I remember this show from my youth. Every once in a while there'd be a performer with some talent but most of the time this show belonged to some pretty weird contestants. They would be painfully bad but would still get upset when they were gonged. Of course "Chuckie baby" and his clapping would keep the show going. Then "Gene Gene the Dancing machine" would dance his classic dance. The judges were minor celebrities that didn't take their jobs too seriously. Like I said this was a pretty weird show that couldn't be taken at face value as a "talent" show but just a crazy show that eventually became stale. It made "Chuckie baby" a household name (and a ton of money), and it was a fun way to waste a half hour.

Dumb and Dumber (1994)

Want to hear the most annoying sound in the world?

[31 December 2002]

An absolute comedy classic. Carrey and Daniels have great chemistry as the idiots who don't realize they have a fortune in a briefcase they are trying to return. The surprise here is Jeff Daniels. He keeps up with the crazy Carrey and both are as good as any comedy team that had worked together for years. The physical comedy and dialogue work. You may hear some "educated" people claim that this is a "stupid" movie, but this is screwball on the level of any film of the 1930's. Does a bird's head really fall off when it gets older? Catch this movie and you'll be smiling for days.

The Big Lebowski (1998)

John Goodman steals the movie

[10/10 · 25 December 2002]

You just gotta see this movie. You'll probably need to watch it more than once to catch everything but it's definitely worthwhile. John Goodman is amazing, especially when he goes crazy with a baseball bat. You'll see; it's a great scene. I don't want to give anything away but nothing is as it seems and even some of the characters in the movie don't keep up with the deceptions. This is a thinking man's raunchy comedy. Rent it, buy it, see it.

The Prisoner (1967–1968)

Best TV show I've ever seen parodied on The Simpsons

[22 December 2002]

This is without a doubt a brilliant piece of work that ranks with the greatest of all time. Comparing this show with regular television is like comparing Shakespeare with coloring books. The Simpsons have parodied this show twice. Once when the giant bubble tried to swallow Marge (when she was escaping from "The Leader"), and the entire show was parodied when Homer was using the internet to spread "dirt" on local politicians. He stumbles on a "secret" and goes to the "Island" with the original star of this show. If you've never seen "The Prisoner", you've missed out on pure greatness. Give it a try and you won't believe what you've been missing.