ks dilauri

If you're into "Old-time Hollywood" history, you may like this--Peter Bogdanovich weaves a technically fictional (though not impossible) tale of what may well have happened the day silent-film pioneer Thomas Ince was shot on William Randolph Hearst's yacht in 1924. Though surrounded by celebrities and other elite, the real story was hushed up by Hearst's Trump-like dark power and influence. The movie isn't fast-moving, but it's well-made and will probably maintain your interest if you're a silent-screen/TinselTown buff. Good performances.

I was surprised at how fast this series hooked me, and I found myself binge-watching the whole thiing. It's geared for an audience of a certain age, yet the characters are contemporary, and overall well-written. Chuck Lorre and company pulled off a major coup in harnessing veteran acting talent like Douglas, Arkin, Ann-Margret---looking gorgeous and decades younger than her years---Elliot Gould, and Nancy Travis. The younger cast is fine as well. The episodes are involving, although be aware of Netflix' increasingly common use of F-bombs in their productions (it can be a real turn-off to more of their audience than they realize.)

There are good points to ‘Admission’, notably its cast—Tina Fey is watchable even if she’s barfing in the bushes, and she’s well paired with Paul Rudd.... and the presence of Lily Tomlin and Wallace Shawn adds to the appeal. But there’s a lot going on in the story, what with the romantic subplot, office politics, sacrifices of young people on the altar of Prestigious Schooling, and adoption issues. 5 stars for the performances and direction, minus 1 for the busy script= a respectable 4.

Post-Boomers should check this out to see what "cutting-edge" TV comedy looked like circa 1960---a refreshing departure from the cookie-cutter family shows of the era, where Dad always sat reading the paper wearing a dress shirt and tie, and perfectly-dressed-and-coiffed Mom cleaned the house in high heels. Most of all, the comedy is delightfully quirky---despite the difference in norms compared to today, the clever dialogue has a modern feel and would have blown the minds of the Cleavers and Andersons. "Dobie Gillis'" far-out plotting would never work with lesser talents, but main players Hickman, Denver, Faylen and Friebus make their characters real. Season 1 is the best, and includes most of the Tuesday Weld episodes and all those with Warren Beatty. Later seasons fluctuate a bit in plot quality, but benefit greatly from more Sheila James and Steve Franken....and the inimitable Doris Packer as Mrs. Osborne. ("You NASTY boy.") Great stuff.

You may have seen the other entries in the “Jaws” series and missed this one for whatever reason. Curiosity prompts you to give it a look. You’ll find a capable cast in more danger from the unbelievable story line than from the obviously fake shark. It’s a shame—Michael Caine can do very little wrong talent-wise, and I’ve always liked Lorraine Gary in the role of Ellen, but they’re wasted in this. There’s some scenic location shooting, but the movie as a whole is a bucket of chum.

Some of the reviews here have accurately recounted this “Mame”s shortcomings—notably how the usually-wonderful Ms. Ball lacked the musical talent required for the lead—but ‘nuff’s not been said about what does work. Bea Arthur’s Vera Charles is perfection, and her performance shouldn’t be overshadowed by nitpicking about Lucy’s miscasting. Jane Connell is fine in the comic part of Agnes Gooch, as is veteran Robert Preston as Mame’s love interest. Though his role is briefer than his co-stars’, he makes Beau come alive and scores a memorable solo with “Loving You”. Other big-screen musical adaptations have had less than perfect casting (the original “West Side Story”, for instance) and while this “Mame” isn’t on the same level, it has enough pluses to give it a watch. Enjoy the supporting performances and musical score, then go back and rewatch the Roz Russell version.

If you have fond memories of these characters, you're feeling the weight of the everyday rut, and aren't one of those people who require a dizzying, nonstop blur of action to maintain your attention, "Christopher Robin" may be a surprise 'feel-good' for you. I liked it much more than I'd anticipated----the occasional slow spot is compensated for by the downright adorable characters, and most adults will identify with the grown-up Christopher's frustrations with his life in London. Ewan McGregor is effective in the role, and the Brad Garrett-voiced 'Eeyore' nearly steals the show. The movie's message is more for grown-ups than children, though: don't let the relentless grind of adult life wipe out the simple joys you learned as a child. I was glad I saw this sweet and gentle life lesson, and just may purchase the DVD for those times I feel like stealing back an hour or two of my childhood. Give it a watch.