I Saw That!

The Artist (2011)

2012-02-07T22:37:00.000-06:00

George Valentin (Jean Dujardin) is a popular silent screen star in the late 1920's. After a personal appearance at the screening of his latest film, Peppy Miller (Berenice Bejo) accidently bumps into him. Peppy is an aspiring dancer. Later, when she is in danger of being fired from a film by movie mogul Al Zimmer (John Goodman), Valentin steps in to save her job. An attractive develops between the two, but Valentin is married, and unhappily so at that.

A change is coming. . . .the studio where Valentin has experienced his success abruptly decides to stop making silent films and switch to talkies. Valentin wants no part of the new technology, and he's sure that there's still an audience for silent movies. His career disappears, while Peppy, who's become an actress, soars at the box office. However, their paths keep crossing each other.

This is an old-fashioned love letter to a form of movie making that no longer exists. It's filmed in black and white, and yes, you have to read the dialogue. But there's a lot of dialogue that's not spelled out, but it's clear what is going on. The camera especially loves Ms. Bejo, and Uggie, the dog who accompanies Valentin, is adorable.

The Help (2011)

2012-02-06T00:09:00.000-06:00

I resisted seeing this movie for a long time. Wasn't really interested in seeing yet another story about mistreated Black folks in the South, during the early years of the Civil Rights Movement, who are saved and/or aided by a sympathetic white person. But then this movie and two of its actresses were nominated for Academy Awards. "I guess I'll go see it so I'm informed on Oscar night," I thought to myself. The performances of Viola Davis and Octavia Spencer were good, as well as that of most of the other players such as Emma Stone, Allison Janney, Brice Dallas Howard, Sissy Spacek, and a woman whom I consider a queen, Cicely Tyson.

Based on the popular book of the same name, the plot concerns college-graduate Skeeter (Stone) who is inspired by the abrupt absence of the maid who practically raised her, and the third class citizenship of the maids who work for her friends to write a tell-all book from the maids' point of view. It's tough going because the maids don't want to speak out. They could lose more than just their jobs in early 1960's Mississippi. It is also a story about Skeeter's independence and different way of thinking that sets her apart from her Southern belle friends, who are happy with the "separate but equal" situation of the times.

Yes, the movie is good, but not great. The character of Hilly (played by Ron Howard's daughter Brice) is at times like a female Simon Legree, sneering and gloating over how she treats her maid, Minnie (Spencer). She's the typical example of racism-served-with-Southern-hospitality, which we've seen in similar films before this one. You know that some characters will be redeemed, some will become strong, and still others will continue on in who they are before the film is over.

The Descendents (2011)

2012-01-27T23:45:00.000-06:00

Matt King (George Clooney) has a wife who's in a coma due to a boating accident. Their marriage wasn't doing so well before that happened. King hopes she recovers so they can work on making things better. The man struggles to deal with the couple's two daughters -- belligerant teenager Alexandra (Shailene Woodley) and bratty ten-year-old Scottie (Amara Miller) -- and their reactions to their mom's condition. Unfortunately, King is hit with two bombshells. He learns that his wife is dying, and he learns from his oldest daughter that his wife was having an affair.

King is also in the middle of a deal to sell some beautiful Hawaiian property that his family has owned for a couple of centuries. King, an attorney, is trustee over the property. His cousins, including Hugh (Beau Bridges), are especially eager for King to sign off on the deal because all of them stand to make big money.

I noticed the lovely Hawaiian scenery was in stark contrast to the family problems that King faced. As his character states in the opening voiceover, just because people live in paradise doesn't mean they don't have troubles. The film has been described as a coming age of story about a 50 year old man (and Clooney is the same age as the character), and that's correct. King's character had been going through the motions before the tragedy happens that moves the story forward. He's forced to stop ignoring the red flags that have been tearing his immediate family apart and take steps of correction.
Clooney recently won a Golden Globe for Best Actor for this performance; it was well deserved. You can just about see his character's internal struggles even as he measures his words in reactions to all the situations crashing down around him.

Robert Forester has a small, but important role as King's gruff father-in-law, the type of man who never believed his son-in-law was good enough for his daughter. I almost didn't recognize Matthew Lillard (who was in the movie Scream), as a real estate agent with a connection to the King family's plans to sell their land.

Puss N Boots (2011)

2011-11-04T20:58:00.000-05:00

In this prequel to Shrek, we learn how Puss N Boots (Antonio Banderas) got his swash-bucking, dashing ways. The feline was wrongly accused of a crime that was orchestrated by his former best pal, Humpty Dumpty (Zach Galifianakis), and he had to go on the run. A chance encounter with a thief named Kitty Softpaws (Selma Hayek) puts him in touch again with his former friend. Humpty convinces Puss N Boots to go in with him and Kitty on a scheme to steal magic beans from outlaws Jack and Jill (Billy Bob Thornton and Amy Sedaris). The goal: find the Golden Goose and get some golden eggs.

I never got into Shrek (2001). . .I didn't think it was very funny. But I always liked the Puss N Boots character, a rascal with swagger. Banderas infuses the character with a lot of charm. The animation is good; I liked the various details of the town Puss and Humpty came from, and I liked how Humpty's expressions were drawn. The jokes and sight gags are the usual for 21st century animated movies. Most are aimed at the kids, while a few are for the adults. One character gushes about Puss' boots, stating they are made from "Corinthian leather". I seemed to be the only one in the theater who got that joke. Back in the 1970's, actor Ricardo Montalban did a series of car commercials where he pointed out the "Corinthian leather" of the car's seats. I must have been older than everyone else in the audience for that showing. The playing around with nursery rhyme and fairy tale characters was clever.

The Ides of March (2011)

2011-10-17T00:04:00.000-05:00

Stephen (Ryan Gosling) is a smart, ambitious staffer who works on the presidential campaign of Governor Mike Morris (George Clooney). Morris is an Obama-like candidate; a campaign poster bearing his image is similar to ones the real life president used early on in his run for office. Morris is good-looking, articulate, and says all the things the masses want to hear. Paul (Phillip Seymour Hoffman) is the head campaign runner, and he and the staff work hard to put Morris ahead in the polls and drum up support.

There's the usual dose of political strategies and deals done. Tom Duffy (Paul Giamatti), the guy who's running the campaign of Morris' competition, convinces Stephen to meet with him. This is a political no-no, but Stephen meets Tom in secret. Tom claims that Morris has no chance. He admires Stephen's work, and he wants him to come work for him. Stephen turns it down, but somehow, the news of the clandestine meeting is leaked. Ida (Marisa Tomei), a political reporter, wants Stephen to spill the details or else she's going to run with what she knows. But this becomes the least of Stephen's problems when he learns of a scandal that could bring Morris' campaign crashing down.

I went to this movie with a friend who told me as the credits rolled, "I could never be in politics with all that going on." I agreed. As the daughter of a precinct captain, I was privy to how underhanded the political world could be, and still is. My late father tried to get both my younger sister and I involved in that world, but the "one hand washes the other" mentality turned us off. Clooney directed this film, co-wrote the screenplay, and helped produce it. He did a good job of showing the fast paced, backroom dirty deals and compromises that politicians and their supporters do to win an office. The Stephen character comes off as being a bit idealistic at first, but a cynical, dark side comes slowly comes out when he has to make some hard decisions throughout the story. I also liked the Senator Thompson character, played by Jeffrey Wright, who operated purely from a "what's in it for me?" standpoint.

George Clooney appeared on series TV ("The Facts of Life" and "ER", both on NBC) before transitioning to the movies. He has an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor 2005 (Syriana). Ryan Gosling was in Crazy, Stupid, Love (2011) and The Notebook (2004). Phillip Seymour Hoffman was in Capote (2005). Paul Giamatti appeared in Cinderella Man (2005). Marisa Tomei is a Supporting Actress Oscar winner for My Cousin Vinny (1992). Jeffrey Wright was in two James Bond movies -- Quantum of Solace (2008) and Casino Royale (2006).

Real Steel (2011)

2011-10-07T21:10:00.000-05:00

In the near future, boxing involving flesh-and-blood participants has been banned. It has been replaced by boxing matches between super-charged robots. Former fighter Charlie Kenton (Hugh Jackman) is a down-on-his-luck, robot boxing promoter. He seems to owe everybody money. After running out on a bet that he lost to Ricky (Kevin Durand), one of his former opponents, Charlie learns that an ex-girlfriend has passed away. The ex-girlfriend's sister, Debra (Hope Davis), wants no trouble out of Charlie as she and her rich husband want custody of Max (Dakota Goyo), the child Charlie fathered with the late woman.

When Charlie learns that Debra and her husband Marvin (James Rebhorn) are going on an extended getaway, he bleeds money out of Marvin under the guise of wanting to watch Max while they're gone. Charlie's plans to leave Max with Bailey (Evangeline Lilly), the owner of the gym where Charlie used to train is changed when Max decides he's going with him. Turns out that Max loves robot boxing, and besides, he believes Charlie owes him for running out on him after he was born. After a dangerous moment on the road, Max finds Atom, a robot that he intends to make a winner out of -- with Charlie's help, of course.

This is a different sort of entry into the genre of boxing movies. I couldn't help but think of that old kids' game called Rock 'Em Sock 'Em Robots while I was viewing this film. The fight scenes are nicely done, and the interaction between Charlie and Max is nice. However, the movie is pleasant, nothing more. The plot devices here have been seen too many times, and audiences know the outcomes.

Anthony Mackie, who played an arrogant boxer in the movie Million Dollar Baby, appears here as a guy who runs underground robot boxing matches.

Crazy Stupid Love (2011)

2011-08-06T22:53:00.000-05:00

The opening scene tells that something's wrong with Cal (Steve Carrell) and Emma's (Julianne Moore) marriage: all the other couples around them in the restaurant are playing footsie. They're not. Emma blurts out that she wants a divorce. On the ride home, she admits to having an affair with David (Kevin Bacon), a co-worker of hers. Cal is devastated, and he leaves the house that night.

Cal starts spending his evenings in a trendy bar where a smooth playboy named Jacob (Ryan Gosling) is very successful with picking up women night after night. Jacob notices Cal moping around and telling his marital problems to everyone in the place. He decides to make Cal his project by changing his look and teaching him how to get lucky with the ladies.

This is not your usual romantic comedy. There are no "meet cute" moments, and none of the usual contrived obstacles that people have to overcome to get to true love. Instead, characters muddle around -- like in real life -- to try and sort things out and handle the changes and surprises along the way. The 'B' stories support the 'A' story very well: the love that Cal's son Robbie (Jonah Bobo) has for his babysitter, Jessica (Analeigh Tipton), unaware that Jessica loves someone else close to him and Hannah's (Emma Stone) lackluster relationship with a clueless lawyer named Richard (Josh Groban).

I like Steve Carrell (Get Smart, Little Miss Sunshine) because he always has this hangdog look about him when playing characters who have been put upon. Emma Stone (The Help) is good as a woman who's dangerously close to settling for the wrong man. Marisa Tomei ("A Different World") makes the most of her role as a woman whom Cal meets after his break-up with his wife.

Ring of Fire: The Emile Griffith Story (2005)

2011-07-31T02:05:00.000-05:00

On March 24, 1962, professional boxers Emile Griffith and Benny "The Kid" Paret met each other in the ring. The bout was shown on NBC on national television. It was the third time the two had faced each other in a fight. The first time, Griffith won the welterweight title from Paret in 1961 via knockout. Six months later, Paret won the title back from Griffith. The third time would change Griffith's life forever.

Griffith backed Paret into a corner during the sixth round, and punched him repeatedly. Several of the people interviewed for this documentary differed as to how many punches Paret took. Some said 17, others said 25, and still others came up with different numbers. Paret was knocked out cold while still on his feet, then he slumped into the corner. Griffith was declared the victor, and said during an interview immediately afterwards that he hoped Paret was okay. Unfortunately, Paret would never be okay again. The Cuban slipped into a coma, and died ten days later. I box as an amateur, I've been hurt in the ring. I've seen others get hurt in both amateur and professional fights on TV and in person. But the footage of Griffith and Paret's fight had me flinching. The fight was very brutal. Some think that Griffith may have been getting payback on Paret for using a gay slur against him during a weigh-in.

The documentary follows Griffith's life with all its ups and downs after that fateful night, as well as the effect of that tragic bout on boxing. I learned that the fight brought up calls from politicians to ban the sport (although nothing came of the protests). That fight was also the reason why boxing disappeared from network TV in the 1960s, not to return until the 1970s. Griffith himself is somewhat of a mystery, especially concerning his sexuality, and how the impact of Paret's death really affected him mentally and emotionally.

Tyson (2008)

2011-07-16T22:28:00.000-05:00

James Toback directed this documentary about the boxer who was once known as "The Baddest Man On The Face Of The Earth". "Iron" Mike Tyson became the youngest heavyweight boxing champion at the age of twenty, beating out Floyd Patterson's record of being the youngest champ. The film opens with the fight where Tyson captured the win.

Tyson does most of the talking, which is a switch from other documentaries where there a lot of talking heads discussing the main subject. The soft-spoken man who breaks into sobs about the close relationship he had with his late trainer Cus D'Amato is in stark contrast to the fighter who brutally beat down opponents. Tyson appears in middle age to be a much more contemplative person. The fighter is one who has regrets, but who has learned to recognize patterns that led to past problems. All of those problems are highlighted -- the time spent in jail on rape charges, the substance abuse, biting Evander Holyfield's ear during a fight, the failed marriage between Tyson and actress Robin Givens, losing his title belt to Buster Douglas. But there's the feeling that the angry juvenile delinquent from New York still bubbles underneath the surface. This is a excellent documentary that sheds some light on a man who is praised and downgraded at the same time.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 2

2011-07-16T21:10:00.000-05:00

The story begins where the last one left off -- Lord Voldemort (Ralph Fiennes) steals the elder wand out of Dumbledore's (Michael Gambon) coffin, believing that it will grant him unlimited power. Meanwhile, Harry (Daniel Radcliffe), Hermonie (Emma Watson), and Ron (Rupert Grint) continue their search for horcruxes, the things where Voldemort has hidden pieces of his soul. By destroying the horcruxes, Voldemort's power weakens. Voldemort gathers an army and declares a full-scale war, and the weight of destiny bears heavy on Harry's shoulders.

Those who have read all of the books should find this last chapter of the film series satisfying as it follows the story without leaving too much out. They will recognize references to things that happened earlier in the books. Those who just watched the films without reading the books will find much to be surprised about, especially concerning Professor Snape's (Alan Rickman) role in all that has transpired before. Warning: have tissues ready at the end of the film.

Madea's Big Happy Family (2011)

2011-04-23T17:10:00.000-05:00

Shirley (Loretta Devine) gets some bad news from Dr. Evans (Philip Anthony-Rodriguez): her cancer has returned, and there's not much that can be done to treat it this time. Shirley, with the help of her Christian faith, accepts the news. She wants to gather her family to tell them so they can prepare for what's coming. Unfortunately, her family is so caught up in their own dramas that they haven't noticed that Shirley's not feeling well. Her upscale daughter Kimberly (Shannon Kane) constantly battles with her husband Calvin (Isaiah Mustafa); her son Byron (Shad "Bow Wow" Moss), an ex-con, is having hard times with his baby's mama, Sabrina (Teyana Taylor) and his current gold digging girlfriend Renee (Lauren Louden); and Tammy (Natalie Desselle Reid), downgrades her husband Harold (Rodney Perry), while allowing their two sons to be disrespectful brats. Marijuana lovin' Aunt Bam (Cassi Davis) suggests that Madea (Tyler Perry) help Shirley -- who's Madea's niece -- get her family straight.

There are the usual plot devices found in most of the Madea films: a prodigal son or daughter who has to be shown the right way, family members who need to get secrets out in the open to heal, Cora (Tamela J. Mann) suffering through the foolishness of her dad Mr. Brown (David Mann), plus Madea and Uncle Joe's (both played by Perry) usual putdowns of others. In fact, the Aunt Bam character is a match for Madea, stealing most of the scenes she appears in. But unlike Madea Goes To Jail, this film does a better job of mixing the serious issues with the jokes. The Christian messages and viewpoint are here, too, but unlike some films that are heavy-handed with that (Fireproof, anyone?), they are gently presented.

Shad "Bow Wow" Moss is better known as a rapper. Natalie Desselle Reid appeared in the movie B.A.P.S. (1997) alongside Halle Berry. Isaiah Mustafa appeared as the shirtless guy in a series of popular commercials for Old Spice. The Manns and Cassi Davis are veterans of Mr. Perry's stage plays. Rodney Perry is Monique's sidekick on her nightly talk show. Daytime talk show host Maury Povich has a cameo.

The Social Network (2010)

2011-02-26T21:49:00.000-06:00

Mark Zuckerberg (Jessie Eisenberg) is a Harvard college student who's a whiz with computers. Zuckerberg is also socially inept. He says some unflattering things to Erica (Rooney Mara), his girlfriend, and she drops him. His response? He insults Erica on his blog. Oh, and he creates a web site that rates the women of Harvard as being hot or not hot. The second thing shuts down Harvard's computer system, and Zuckerberg finds himself in trouble with the school.

A pair of wealthy twins with the last name of Winklevoss (Armie Hammer) see the genius in Zuckerberg, and they deal him in to start a social networking site for Harvard students. Zuckerberg puts together a site alright, but he names himself and friend Eduardo (Andrew Garfield) as co-creators. Later, Zuckerberg brings in the creator of Napster, Sean Parker (Justin Timberlake), as a partner, despite warnings from Eduardo that it may not be a good idea. The story of how Facebook was started is framed by a deposition session where it's revealed that Zuckerberg is being sued by Eduardo and the Winklevoss twins over issues of who really had the idea for the web site and who was owed what.

Zuckerberg is not exactly shown to be a nice guy, but it's hard to say that there was malicious intent behind his business dealings. At best, the Internet billionaire is a guy who was so intently focused on an idea that he forgot that humans were just as important in the process as the computer code he was writing.

Justin Timberlake, formerly of the group N'Sync, and now a solo singer, is actually quite good here as a guy who takes interest in Facebook and talks his way in. Rashida Jones (daughter of musician/producer Quincy Jones) appears as an attorney who appears to be sympathetic towards Zuckerberg. Aaron Sorkin ("The West Wing", A Few Good Men) who wrote the screenplay, has a cameo as an ad executive.

Car 54, Where Are You? (1961-1963)

2011-02-25T22:36:00.000-06:00

I watched reruns of this show with my late dad when I was a toddler. The only thing I remembered were a tall cop and his partner, a short cop who was always going, "Ooh, ooh!" A local station has recently rerun this sitcom again, which is sort of a cult classic, and I've reacquainted myself with it. The plots follow the antics of a Mutt and Jeff pair of New York City cops: quiet bachelor Francis Muldoon (Fred Gwynne) and stocky, married man Gunther Toody (Joe E. Ross). Between the two, Toody was more of a dim bulb, and a source of frustration to the cops' boss, Captain Block (Paul Reed). Toody's wife Lucille (Beatrice Pons) was often irritated by her husband as well.

This slice of craziness was created by Nat Hiken, who was also responsible for "Sgt. Bilko/The Phil Silvers Show" (1955-1959). The plots were full of misunderstandings and general nuttiness, populated by a gang of quirky characters including sarcastic cop Schnauser (Al Lewis) and his batty wife Sylvia (Charlotte Rae), and Toody's chauvinistic brother-in-law Al (Carl Ballantine). I also note this show for having semi-regular African-American characters, a rarity in that point in TV history, played by Frederick O'Neal, Ossie Davis, and Nipsey Russell.

Gwynne and Lewis would appear together again on "The Munsters" (1964-1966). Ms. Rae was the motherly Mrs. Garrett, first on "Different Strokes" (1978-1984), then later "The Facts of Life" (1979-1986). Carl Ballantine was one of the military guys on "McHale's Navy" (1962-1966).

Chicago On TV

2011-02-06T18:24:00.000-06:00

Recently, I came across a newspaper article detailing the TV series that were set in and near Chicago. Some of them I was familiar with, others I were not. How many of them do you know?

M Squad (1957-1960)
The Untouchables (1959-1963)

The Bob Newhart Show (1972-1978)
Kolchak: The Night Stalker (1974-1975)
Good Times (1974-1979)
Buck Rogers in the 25th Century (1979-1980)

Webster (1983-1989)
E/R (1984-1985)
Punky Brewster (1984-1988)
Crime Story (1986-1988)
The Hogan Family (originally titled Valerie) (1986-1991)
Perfect Strangers (1986-1993)
Married. . .with Children (1987-1997)
Roseanne (1988-1997)
Generations (1989-1991)
Family Matters (1989-1998)
Life Goes On (1989-1993)

Sisters (1991-1996)
Biker Mice From Mars (1993-1996)
Chicago Hope (1994-2000)
ER (1994-2009)
Early Edition (1996-2000)
Kenan & Kel (1996-2000)
The Steve Harvey Show (1996-2002)
Two of a Kind (1998-1999)

Soul Food (2000-2004)
According to Jim (2001-2009)
Life With Bonnie (2002-2004)
Still Standing (2002-2006)
Wild Card (2003-2006)
Barbershop (2005)
Boondocks (2005-2010)
Prison Break (2005-2009)
The Loop (2006-2007)
My Boys (2006-2010)
The Dresden Files (2007)
Trust Me (2009)
The Beast (2009)
The Forgotten (2009-2010)
The Good Wife (2009-present)
Mike and Molly (2010-present)
Shake It Up (2010-present)
The Chicago Code (2011-present)
Shameless (2011-present)

The King's Speech (2010)

2011-01-29T23:53:00.000-06:00

The Duke of York (Colin Firth) has a stuttering problem that has vexed him for years. His dad, King George V (Michael Gambon), has been pressing him to make more public speeches. The Duke's wife, Elizabeth (Helena Bonham Carter), using an alias, enlists the services of a speech therapist named Lionel Logue (Geoffrey Rush) to help her husband. Logue is nervous when he learns whom he's really dealing with, but his trepidation is soon replaced by a determination to help.

The Duke of York is not on board with Logue initially. He thinks he's stuck with his stuttering. But then King George V passes on, and the Duke's older brother Edward (Guy Pearce) is crowned king. But Edward's plan to marry Wallis Simpson (Eve Best), an American divorcee, forces him to make a choice between duty and love. Edward chooses Wallis, and the Duke of York becomes King George VI, a position he never thought he'd have. In addition, World War II is looming on the horizon, and England needs a leader that will stand up to the threat -- and someone the people can stand behind. It becomes more important that the new king know how to communicate effectively.

This is a warm story about two men who met out of need and slowly grew a lasting friendship out of the encounter. I loved how Logue was firm but fair towards King George VI, who was used to living in a world where everyone bowed and scraped before him. I also liked how Ms. Carter played Queen Elizabeth as a quietly strong woman who had her husband's best interest at heart. Timothy Spall, who plays Peter Pettigrew in the Harry Potter films, makes a good Winston Churchill in this film.

"Honey West" (ABC; 1965-1966)

2011-01-16T00:40:00.000-06:00

Honey West was heralded as "the leading female fictional character in the world" according to the Encyclopedia Britannica. The feisty female detective was the heroine of several novels written in the 1950s and 1960s by G.G. Fickling (the pen name of husband and wife team Forrest and Gloria Fickling). Producer Aaron Spelling ("The Love Boat", "Beverly Hills 90210") brought the character to TV.

Honey (Anne Francis) shared a home with her Aunt Meg (Irene Hervey) and a pet ocelot named Bruce. Her partner was Sam Bolt (John Erickson), a guy who backed her up, worried about her, and admonished her whenever he thought she took too many chances. Honey had taken over the detective agency that her late father had run. Each episode featured her getting into some dire situation and Sam coming to her rescue -- but not before she had gotten in a few licks on the bad guys and girls herself. Honey was first seen on an episode of "Burke's Law" (1963-1966).

The series only lasted a year. Low ratings probably had something to do with it, but I'd like to think American audiences weren't ready for a show with a female detective as the lead. Fortunately, it did not stop the ones who came after Honey West, including the women of "Charlie's Angels" -- another show that Aaron Spelling would bring to TV in the following decade.

"The Green Hornet" (ABC; 1966-1967)

2011-01-16T00:16:00.001-06:00

Britt Reid (Van Williams) owned a newspaper and a television station; he inherited the media outlets from his late dad. In his spare time, he fought crime in the guise of The Green Hornet, aided by Kato (Bruce Lee), his butler. They sped around down in a tricked out car called the Black Beauty. The law considered the duo criminals. District Attorney Scanlon (Walter Brooke) and Reid's secretary Casey (Wende Wagner) knew The Green Hornet's real identity. Hard-nosed reporter Mike Axford (Lloyd Gough), who worked at Reid's newspaper, had no clue.

Producer William Dozier also produced "Batman", which premiered the same year. "The Green Hornet" was closer to being a straight crime drama than "Batman" was. Unlike the latter, the hero relied very little on gadgets and gizmos. He was good with his fists and besides, he had a good backup in Kato, who was well trained in martial arts (in real life, Bruce Lee was a martial arts champion). The criminals involved in the plots were not as flamboyant and outlandish. Both shows started off as ratings hits, but it didn't take long for the gimmick to wear off. "The Green Hornet" disappeared after a season, and "Batman" limped along for another season before fading into TV history.

"Lights Out" (2011)

2011-01-13T01:35:00.001-06:00

The first shot is of heavyweight boxer Patrick "Lights" Leary (Holt McCallany) laying on a table in a locker room. He's out cold and his face looks like ground hamburger. His wife Theresa (Catherine McCormack) revives him, and tends to his wounds. Lights has just finished a brutal fight, and he tells his wife he was robbed of the victory. Theresa agrees, but she can't take seeing her husband take the punishment anymore. She tells him to forego the ring or she's leaving him.

Fast forward five years. Lights has retired from boxing, and life appears to be good. His family lives in a sprawling house, Theresa has been accepted to a medical residency, and their three daughters are in private school. Lights owns a boxing gym where his dad, Pops (Stacy Keach) continues to train boxers. On the surface, things look fine, but there are cracks in the foundation. Lights' brother Johnny (Pablo Schreiber) is Lights' manager, and money problems are piling up. A real estate deal has fallen through, the gym is not generating much income, and Lights is calling out numbers at bingo games to earn extra funds. The IRS comes to check the books, and the financial problems increase. A loan shark, Hal Brennan (Bill Irwin) is offering Lights big money to be a "collector" of debts, something he doesn't want to do. On top of everything else, Lights learns he has signs of pugulistic dementia, and his time of continuing to be of sound mind may be cut short.

Lights still replays the last fight with Death Row Reynolds (Billy Brown) in his mind. He was only champ for a few months, but he misses the rush of the battle. He misses being known as someone. Lights is struggling with an identity crisis, while dealing with other problems in his world. This was a well put together drama that played like a movie.

Unfortunately, it was not meant to last. FOX canceled "Lights Out" after one season. Before it ended, Brennan and underhanded fight promoter Barry K. Word (Reg E. Cathey) had banded together to fuel Lights' rematch with Reynolds. However, their alliance was very uneasy, and it was unclear whether Brennan really had good intentions towards Lights. Lights, Johnny and their sister Margaret's (Elizabeth Marvel) had returned after years of estrangement under the guise of wanting to reconnect with family. Her real goal was to fleece Lights out of money to support her and a ne'er do well boyfriend. Lights replaced his dad as trainer with another trainer who seemed to be a loose cannon, and who had a connection with Reynolds. There was tension between Lights and Theresa because of his return to boxing and their financial woes, which led to a brief separation. It was also revealed that Theresa came to America to escape a scandal caused by her father, a doctor who had embezzled money.

Lights and Reynolds faced each other in the ring. The referee made some bad calls on Lights while allowing Reynolds to get away with infractions. It appeared that the referee had been told to give Lights a hard time -- but by who? Brennan or Word? Plus, Brennan was seen telling the ringside doctor to ignore Lights' injuries in order to keep the fight going. The fight turned into a bloody war, with Lights beating Reynolds to a pulp and asking the referee, "Are you going to stop this?" Lights regained the heavyweight title.

Theresa found Lights wandering around the stadium sometime later and told him it was time to face the reporters who wanted a story. Confused, Lights asked his wife, "Who won?" Did Lights' pugalistic dementia take a turn for the worse? Unfortunately, fans of the show will never find out.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 1 (2010)

2010-12-30T23:08:00.000-06:00

The casualties keep piling up as Voldermort (Ralph Fiennes) becomes more powerful. An alliance formed against Voldermort attempts to protect his prime target, Harry Potter (Daniel Radcliffe). Unfortunately, several people are injured, and a few are killed. Harry, not wishing for anyone else to become hurt because of him, decides to strike out on his own. He has to find the horcruxes, pieces of Voldermort's soul that are hidden in various places, and destroy them. If Voldermort gets to them first, he'll be practically unstoppable. The late Dumbledore (Michael Gambon) left some things in his will to Harry, Hermione (Emma Watson) and Ron (Rupert Grint) that point to clues to find the horcruxes. Hermione and Ron go along with Harry to find them. None of the action takes place at Hogwarts, the wizards' school, because it has become too dangerous for Harry to be there. The story, which covers the first half of the last novel in the series, has Harry and friends on the run and being involved in narrow escapes.

The movie does a good job in following the novel, and appropriately ends on a note that perfectly sets up the next and last film in the series, which will be released in a few months. It is nice to see Harry, Hermione and Ron growing into young adults. The supporting characters -- Bellatrix (Helena Bonham Carter), Professor Snape (Alan Rickman), Draco Malfoy (Tom Felton), Hagrid (Robbie Coltrane) -- gear up for their part in the final showdown between Voldermort and the good guys.

True Grit (2010)

2010-12-24T23:38:00.000-06:00

Fourteen year old Mattie Ross (Hailee Steinfeld), determined to avenge her dad's demise, decides that Reuben "Rooster" Cogburn (Jeff Bridges) is the perfect lawman to hunt down her dad's killer. Cogburn, an ornery sort who's interpretation of the law is suspect, doesn't want to work for the girl, nor take her along for the hunt. She intends to catch up with the murderer, a petty criminal named Tom Chaney (Josh Brolin), and put the "eye for an eye" rule into effect. LaBoeuf (Matt Damon), a Texas Ranger is also on Chaney's trail. He and Cogburn disagree on how to conduct the search, and LaBoeuf doesn't want Mattie tagging along either. However, Mattie is articulate, focused, determined, and not one to take no for an answer. The men have no choice but to take her along.

This version is a little more closer to the tone of the book of the same name than the original version of the film (1969) starring John Wayne. Bridges' version of Cogburn is much more rougher than Wayne's interpretation of the character. There is a lot of humor, especially in scenes where Mattie is out-talking people in her quest to get justice for her late dad. The look of the film is rich in detail; it feels like what the Old West probably was -- dusty, hard, and dangerous. There is also a nice wrap up at the end of the story featuring a middle aged Mattie (Elizabeth Marvel).

The Coen brothers, who are known for more quirky and twisted fare such as Fargo (1996), directed this movie. Mr. Bridges won a Best Actor Oscar for his work in Crazy Heart (2009). Josh Brolin was a crooked cop in American Gangster (2007). Matt Damon won a Best Screenplay Oscar (along with Ben Affleck) for Good Will Hunting (1997).

The Fighter (2010)

2010-12-21T23:25:00.000-06:00

Mickey Ward (Mark Wahlberg) is a good fighter, but he hasn't received good breaks. His family encourages his boxing career, and his half-brother Dickie Eklund (Christian Bale) has been training Mickey since he was a kid. But family doesn't always know best. The guys' mom, Alice (Melissa Leo), as well as their sisters, turns a blind eye to Dickie's crack addition problem. After Mickey is pressured into taking a fight where he gives up nearly 20 pounds to his opponent, Micky begins to wonder if he should continue boxing.

Mickey meets a tough barmaid named Charlene (Amy Adams) who believes in him. She also sees how his family is holding him back, and she's not afraid to speak up about that. Then Dickie gets into major trouble with the law and briefly drags Micky along with him. Mickey slowly starts to realize he has to take charge of how things go in his life, but his family is not going to let go without a fight.

The real "Irish" Mickey Ward and his half-brother Dickie Eklund appear as themselves during the closing credits of this movie. The love between the two men is apparent, but as the film shows, it was a love that went through some hard times. Family loyalty can be a good thing, but it can also be stifling if it runs amuck.

Burlesque (2010)

2010-11-26T21:49:00.000-06:00

This is really an old fashioned musical with a modern spin on it. Ali (Christina Aguilera) decides she's tired of her life as a waitress in small town Iowa. The opening credits are barely over before she's hopping a one-way bus to Los Angeles. After being rejected at a series of casting calls, she happens upon a burlesque club run by Tess (Cher) and Tess's ex-husband Vince (Peter Gallagher). A real estate mogul named Marcus (Eric Dane) wants to buy the club. The club is in deep financial trouble; Vince wants to sell, but Tess does not.

Ali starts as a waitress at the club, catching the eye of bartender/musician Jack (Cam Gigandet). She forces Tess to give her an audition and Ali becomes one of the dancers. After a techinical mishap, Ali proves she can sing, too, further fanning the jealousy of Nikki (Kristen Bell), the catty, drunken queen of the show.

Cher only has a couple of songs in this one, but she does fine in a tough, mother hen role. Christina Aquilera's voice is showcased the most, and she can really sing. But we've all seen this story too many times before on the late, late show. Stanley Tucci (Julie and Julia) has some good one liners as Sean, Tess' club manager. Glynn Turman ("A Different World"), Alan Cummings (Spy Kids) and Diana Agron ("Glee") have small roles.

"The M Squad" (1957-1960)

2010-09-27T23:54:00.000-05:00

A lot of people wondered what the M in "The M Squad" meant. Actor Lee Marvin, the lead on the show, stated that it was just a name, that it meant nothing in particular. As his character, Lt. Frank Ballinger, explained at the top of each episode, M Squad was a special division of the Chicago Police Department. The police officers in that department could and would be assigned to various cases, everything from fraud to murder. Ballinger was a tough guy who usually worked alone, and took orders more or less from Captain Grey (Paul Newlan).

It appears that the interior scenes were filmed in California, but many of the outdoor shots were filmed on location in Chicago. Marvin explained that the exterior scenes had to be done quickly and on the sly. Richard M. Daley was mayor of Chicago at the time, and he had a problem with "The M Squad" having some story lines about corrupt cops. Mayor Daley was not crazy about having film crews around in general, and for decades, not much was filmed in the city. Many city shots show Ballinger driving down State Street, Wacker Drive or Michigan Avenue. He's also seen hanging out on Lake Shore Drive, walking in and out of the Chicago Tribune building on Michigan Avenue, or walking near the Wrigley Building. I smiled when during the end of one episode, Ballinger got on the Red Line (the subway train) in front of the old Marshall Field's building. The scripts make reference to places around Chicago, as well as out in the suburbs and small towns.

Marvin had been in several films before appearing in this TV series which is rarely re-run. The series helped further his movie career after it ended. Marvin went on to appear in The Man Who Shot Liberty Valence (1962) with John Wayne, and he won an Oscar for Cat Ballou (1965). Like most old TV shows, many familiar faces appeared on their way to bigger and better things. Actors guest starring on "The M Squad" included Don Rickles, Angie Dickenson ("Police Woman"), Charles Bronson (the Death Wish movie series), Marion Ross ("Happy Days"), and Leonard Nimoy ("Star Trek").

A Face In The Crowd (1957)

2010-09-17T14:21:00.000-05:00

People who only know Andy Griffith as the down home sheriff on "The Andy Griffith Show" or wily "Matlock" on the show of the same name, will be surprised to learn that Griffith plays underhanded men real well, too. In this film, Griffith plays a Will Rogers type celebrity named Lonesome Jones. Jones is a legend in his little Arkansas town, where he runs a popular radio show. Jones spouts his opinions, and a lot of people listen to him and follow what he says. Marcia Jeffreys (Patricia Neal) discovers him first, and is drawn to Jones. His fame grows, and he is asked to come up to Memphis to appear on a TV show. When they get on the train to leave, Jones makes a comment about being glad to get away from the small town folks in Arkansas. Marcia gives him a look, and Jones maintains that he was just playing. It's foreshadowing of the problems to come.

Jones' fame grows as he ends up headlining his own TV show. He gets an manager -- or rather, brash Joey dePalma (Anthony Franciosa) sees a meal ticket and forces his way into Jones' life. Advertisers clamor to be sponsors on Jones' show, and soon, he's asked to help an uninteresting politician, Senator Fuller (Marshall Neilan) in his campaign to become President of the U.S. by his wealthy backers. Jones, who already has a big ego, gets further drunk on power. A few people around him, including Mel Miller (Walter Matthau), see the real guy behind Jones' alleged down-to-earth country boy persona. Marcia keeps sticking up for Jones, even as he keeps letting her down and breaking her heart. But sooner or later, something has to give.

A very good film about how fame can corrupt, and how the media can be used by those inside it to manipulate people. There is a lot of food for thought here.

Patricia Neal, who passed away not long ago, was a great actress, and she's excellent here. She was the one who was the first originated the role of Olivia Walton in the TV movie "The Homecoming: A Christmas Story" (1971), which served as a pilot for the TV series "The Waltons". Anthony Franciosa went on to be a cast member on the TV series, "The Name of the Game" (1968-1970). Lee Remick was also in this movie; she appeared in Experiment In Terror (1962) and The Omen (1976).

Joan Rivers: A Piece Of Work (2010)

2010-07-25T00:00:00.001-05:00

The first thing learned from this documentary is that legendary comedianne Joan Rivers is a workaholic. It's not that the woman needs to work. She could retire and live a comfortable life. But she does not believe in eating the bread of idleness. With the help of managers and assistants, Ms. Rivers makes sure her calendar is full with stand-up concerts, TV appearances, and whatever other gigs she can get. "This is fear," she says, holding up a blank calendar with nothing written in the dates.

The film covers a year of Ms. Rivers keeping herself in the limelight. It is not a biography per se. Some major parts of her history are covered: the long friendship between her and Johnny Carson that abruptly ended when she signed on to host a talk show opposite his; the relationship between her and her daughter Melissa; the death of her second husband, Edgar. But the focus always goes back to -- what makes Joan Rivers tick?

Ms. Rivers says that inside, all comedians want to be loved. "It takes a lot of guts for someone to stand out on stage alone and ask people to laugh at them and with them," her daughter Melissa comments. But there's the sense that her mother wants her respect -- for acting (which is how she started out), for writing, and simply being around and surviving for so long. It's a fascinating, and often poignant look into one woman's struggle with show business, even though people would say that she has proven herself enough times not to have to beg for recognition any more.

Date Night (1010)

2010-04-12T13:48:00.000-05:00

Phil and Claire Foster (Steve Carell, Tina Fey) are an average New Jersey suburban couple with two kids. They have fallen into the same old, same old as far as ther married life is concerned. When they learn that friends of there have decided to divorce, it shakes them up. Phil decides that their regular date night -- which has become predictable and humdrum -- needs some thing to perk it up. He takes her to a fancy new restaurant in Manhattan.

A couple of tough types named Armstrong and Collins (Jimmi Sampston, Common) order the couple out to alley in the back of the restaurant. They think they are the Tripplehorns (James Franco, Mila Kunis), a couple who has a flash drive with very damaging information. The Fosters had pretended to be the Tripplehorns when the latter couple did not show up for their reservation at the fancy dancy restaurant. The two men pull guns on the Fosters, who manage somehow to escape being shot. When they complain to Det. Arroyo (Taraji P. Henson) NY Police, they spot Armstrong and Collins and figure out they are dirty cops in the back pocket of a gangster (Ray Liotta). Things get worse for the Fosters from that point.

There wasn't a big audience in the theater at the time I went to see this movie. A couple in the back row had a good time, falling out laughing through the entire film. The rest of the audience, including me, found the story less than mildly humorous. Mistaken identity plots have been done to death, as well as the variation of the fish-out-of-water storyline presented here. It was not a good sign when the outtakes that ran at the beginning of the of the end credits and afterwards weren't that funny, either. As one of the ushers commented after the last outtakes ran, "Now that was a waste of time."

Carell was a lot better in Get Smart (2008) and Little Miss Sunshine (2006). I haven't watched "Saturday Night Live" (1975-present) in years, so I can't speak on Tina Fey's work there; she was okay in this film. Ray Liotta was in the classic gangster film Goodfellas (1990). Taraji P. Henson is an Academy Award nominee for The Strange Case of Benjamin Button (2008). Mark Walhberg spoofs his former identity as rapper Marky Mark in this film, and Common is actually better known as a rapper.

Why Did I Get Married Too (2010)

2010-04-02T20:20:00.000-05:00

The couples are back to go on their annual marriage retreat -- this time in the beautiful Bahamas -- and as usual, all is not well. Marcus (Michael Jai White) who's now a sportscaster, and outspoken Angela (Tasha Smith) are still constantly arguing over trust and control issues. Terry (Tyler Perry) has his suspicions about his attorney wife, Dianne (Sharon Leal). Patricia (Janet Jackson) and Gavin (Malik Yoba) are experiencing tensions. Troy (Lamman Rucker), who married Sheila (Jill Scott) in the last movie, is down because he's out of work. Adding further drama to the mix is the re-appearance of Mike (Richard T. Jones), Sheila's ex-husband, who's making noises about missing her.

It's very similar to the first film, with Angela and Marcus providing a lot of the comic relief, while the others follow the dramatic track. Lou Gossett Jr. and Cicely Tyson have small roles as a long married couple who school the younger couples in how love works. As promised in the trailer, one of the couples does not does not make it. But unfortunately, the couples' relationships aren't dug into very deep. I left after the credits wanting a better ending, which felt like it was rushed. An actor, who is not credited, appears in the movie near the end. I won't give away his identity, other than to say that most of the women in the theater audience screamed in delight when he appeared on the screen.

Mr. Rucker appears on a Tyler Perry TV sitcom entitled, "Meet The Browns". Mr. White has also appeared in numerous action movies, including Undisputed II: Last Man Standing (2006). Roger Lodge, who used to host the dating reality show "Blind Date" (1998-2005), appears here as a nosy colleague of Marcus'.

Facing Ali (2009)

2010-03-08T00:30:00.000-06:00

I heard someone say, "Give me my flowers while I'm alive." It's an expression meaning that people should tell others how much they appreciate them while they are still above ground. In this documentary, ten boxers who faced Muhammad Ali in the ring talk about the experience of going against "the greatest of all time". Those who know boxing history will be familiar with the names of Ali's past opponents: Earnie Shavers, George Chuvalo, Joe Frazier, Henry Cooper, Ron Lyle, Leon Spinks, Ernie Terrell, Ken Norton, George Foreman and Larry Holmes. All are now men of a certain age, but one can still see the glint of a fighter in their eyes. Some of them lost against Ali, and a few were victorious. The late Sonny Liston, who fought against Ali in the early 1960s, is shown in archival footage.

Just as fascinating are the stories the men tell about what happened in their lives after their time in the squared circle. Most people know how famous Foreman became through the sales of the indoor grills that bear his name. I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Terrell, who lives in Chicago, and he was a boxing promoter for a time. Some of their stories aren't happy. Chuvalo recounts the tragic deaths of his sons and wife. Norton walks with a cane, due to a bad car accident he had not long after he retired from the ring. Spinks alludes to drug problems and fast living that dealt him a bad hand. All of the men are regular guys who found themselves in extraordinary circumstances. No frills, no fluff.

Not all of the men are in agreement about Ali's conversion to the Muslim faith, nor his stance against the Vietnam War. But they all wish that Ali could enjoy more of the legendary status that has been bestowed on him. They point out Ali's battle with Parkinson's disease. Joe Frazier carried a grudge against Ali for a long time about insults that Ali threw his way before their famous fights. But now older and reflecting on the past, Frazier expresses a wish that Ali would one day be as well physically as the other men are. This is a very good documentary, telling another side of Ali's career from the perspective of the opponent in the other corner.

The Blind Side (2009)

2010-02-20T21:29:00.000-06:00

I delayed going to see this movie initially. I thought, "It's another one of those downtrodden-person-of-color-gets-their-live-saved-by-caring-white-person movies." It's been done too many times before, and sometimes, it comes off as offensive. But two things save this movie: it's a true story, and Sandra Bullock's performance.

Bullock portrays Leigh Anne Tuohy, a well-to-do Southern wife. She's married to a successful businessman named Sean (Tim McGraw), and they have two children, Collins (Lily Collins) and S.J. (Jae Head). One night while out driving with her family, she spots Michael Oher (Quinton Aaron). He's walking in the cold with no coat. After finding out he has no where to go that night, Leigh Anne takes him into her home.

Soon, Leigh Anne discovers that Michael comes from a hard background: an absentee father, a drug addicted mother, a family split up by foster care. Michael attends the same private school where Collins go, but he's been admitted mainly because of his size. He's big, and Burt (Ray McKinnon), the school's football coach, sees gridiron glory on the horizon. But Michael's academic skills are extremely low. But he's good at football, and despite doubts from her husband and her friends, Leigh Anne believes in Michael's potential as a human being.

Bullock's performance as the tough-but-loving Leigh Anne raises this movie from the often predictable, feel-good story. However, the script tells the story through the eyes, and not enough from Michael's point of view.

Ms. Bullock first gained fame through the blockbuster movie Speed (1994). Tim McGraw is practically unrecognizable here; he's better known as a country music star. Kathy Bates, who won an Oscar for her performance in Misery (1990), appears as a tutor to Michael. The real Michael Oher is now a pro football player.

Crazy Heart (2009)

2010-02-02T23:21:00.000-06:00

Bad Blake (Jeff Bridges) was once a top country star, but he spent too much time peering out at life from the inside of a bottle. When we meet him, Blake has been reduced to performing in small venues -- including a bowling alley -- throughout the south. He still has fans who ask him to sing their favorite songs. But he can no longer get a record deal, not even on the strength of Tommy (Colin Farrell), a former protege of Blake's who is a superstar.

While working one gig, he meets Jane (Maggie Gyllenhaal), the niece of a piano player. She's works for a newspaper, and requests to get an interview with Blake. There is a mutual attraction, but Jane eases cautiously into a relation with Blake. She has a divorce behind her, a few failed relationships, and a toddler son (Jack Nation) to look after. Their relationship appears to produce some change in Blake's cynical outlook on life, but he still has a long road to go.

This film is a solid character study. Bridges shows the emotional and physical pain that his character has carried around for decades through the way he moves, and the weariness in his voice.

Ms. Gyllenhaal appeared in the movie Secretary (2002), and actor Jake Gyllenhaal is her younger sibling. Veteran actor Robert Duvall (Tender Mercies, 1983; The Godfather, 1972), has a small pivotal role. Mr. Bridges is the son of actor Lloyd Bridges (High Noon, 1952; Airplane, 1980), and has been nominated for Oscars for his previous performances (The Last Picture Show, 1971; Starman, 1984).

Up In The Air (2009)

2010-01-12T22:57:00.001-06:00

Ryan (George Clooney) is a corporate hatchet man, a guy whose job is travel around to companies and fire their long-time employees. He has lived the majority of his life on planes and in hotels. He's bored and restless during the few days out of the year that he's not traveling. Ryan is not really connected to people -- not at work, not to his sisters, and certainly not to the people to whom he hands out pink slips. In walks Natalie (Anna Kendrick), a baby-faced, recent college grad. She introduces a scheme by where people can be fired via video over computers. Ryan's boss, Craig (Jason Bateman), thinks Natalie's idea is great, but Ryan is threatened by the possibility of not being able to travel. After Ryan criticizes Natalie's idea, Craig tells Ryan to take her out on the road with him to get a better feel of the business. Ryan is not crazy about doing so, but he takes Natalie along.

Natalie challenges Ryan's attitudes about his isolated way of living. He doesn't think of himself as a loner, but when he meets another traveling businessperson named Alex (Vera Farmiga), the encounter slowly moves him in another direction.

This is a very good film that explores being disconnected and trying to be connected. The people who get fired find themselves suddenly cut off from the world of work. Ryan is not close to his sisters. Alex gives the impression that she takes life as free and breezy as Ryan does. Natalie thinks she's grounded in a relationship.

George Clooney has appeared in several films, and he won a Best Supporting Actor Oscar for the film Syriana (2005). Anna Kendrick was in Twlight (2008). Jason Bateman was the smarmy Derek on the sitcom "Silver Spoons" (1982-1987).

Precious: Based on the Novel Push by Sapphire (2009)

2009-11-06T19:38:00.000-06:00

When I was eleven years old, myself and another girl in class named Rochelle were asked to escort a first-grade girl home. She had become sick in school. Rochelle and I were given the orange belts that patrol guards wear so we wouldn't get stopped by the truant officers. There were regular patrol boys, but not regular patrol girls. The teachers would just pick whomever they thought were the more responsible of the girls when they needed patrol girls. The little girl wouldn't tell Rochelle and I exactly where she lived, and we got frustrated. "Girl, you'd better tell us where you live, 'cause we ain't got all day to play with you!" Rochelle snapped at her. It was the middle of winter in 1973, and we wanted to get back to the warmth of the school.

When we finally got the right address, we learned quickly why the little girl had lied to us the first few times. Her mother didn't bother to get up to check on the girl. She lay on a mattress on the floor, half-asleep, with the TV droning in the background. The place looked like it hadn't been cleaned in a long time. The girl's mama yelled at her to go somewhere and sit down. Rochelle and I backed out of the apartment as quick as we could, our mouths wide open.

That girl could have been the protagonist of this film down the line. Sixteen-year-old Precious (Gabourey "Gabby" Sidibe) has fantasies of having a light-complexioned boyfriend, being famous, and being loved. The fantasies help her escape from the ugliness of her real life. Her welfare mom, Mary (Mo'Nique), verbally and physically abuses her. Her dad, Carl (Rodney "Bear" Jackson) has sexually abused her. Precious has one child because of this, and is pregnant with a second child -- also by her dad -- as the film opens. She is picked on by her classmates and harrassed by guys on the street.

The teen is transferred to an alternative high school, partially because she is pregnant again, and mainly because she is too old to still be in junior high. Mary is more concerned about Precious doing or saying something to cause her to lose her welfare check. She downgrades her daughter constantly and tells her the best she can do in life is "go down to the welfare office". Precious has such little belief in herself that she resists the chance to move ahead initially. But then she meets an English teacher, Ms. Rain (Paula Patton) and a social worker, Ms. Weiss (Mariah Carey) who take an interest in her. Precious slowly begins to believe there is something better for her, even as her circumstances battle to keep her from rising.

This is a hard film to watch, but a very satisfying one. Ms. Sidibe is a newcomer to acting, and she does an excellent job. I knew girls who were in similar situations while I was growing up. Ms. Sidibe accurately portrays the despair that a lot of girls like that carry around in their hearts.

The supporting actors and actresses don't half-step in their roles, either. Mo'Nique is better known as a comedian and for her role in the TV sitcom, "The Parkers" (1999-2004). She plays a monster of a mom whose takes out the fact that her life is sour on her daughter. Comedianne Sherri Shephard from the daytime talk show, "The View" is almost unrecognizable in her role as a staffer at the alternative high school. Ms. Carey (Glitter; 2001) is appropriately dowdy and world-weary for her role as a social worker who has seen and heard a lot of bad things. Another singer, Lenny Kravitz, shines as a male nurse.

The Secret Life of Bees (2008)

2009-10-29T18:45:00.000-05:00

Lily (Dakota Fanning) carries around a heavy burden. One night years ago, her mother Deborah (Hilarie Burton) attempted to leave her dad T. Ray (Paul Bettany). Deborah pulled a gun, which was knocked out of her hand by T. Ray. Lily, who was a toddler then, picked up the gun. It went off, killing Deborah.

It's the summer of 1964, and Lily shares a home with her sullen, distant dad. Rosaleen (Jennifer Hudson) is the housekeeper along with being Lily's friend. Rosaleen has a run-in with the town's bigots when they attempt to stop her from registering to vote. Lily takes one too many punishments from her dad. Lily sneaks Rosaleen out of the hospital -- where she's being held after being beaten by the bigots -- and they run out of town. Lily has a memento of her mother's with the name of a town on it. Upon arriving there, Lily is drawn to the house of three sisters who run a honey-making business.

August (Queen Latifah) is the oldest, and she along with sister May (Sophie Okenado) agree to take Lily and Rosaleen in. Their sister June (Alicia Keys), a music teacher with a pursuant suitor named Neil (Nate Parker), doesn't think it's a good idea. Both Lily and Rosaleen find peace at the sisters' home. Lily makes a friend in Zach (Tristan Wilds), a young man who helps out in the honey business. But outside forces -- prevalent racism, changing racial politics, family secrets -- intrude on the peace.

Dakota Fanning is a fantastic actress. So is Sophie Okenado, who plays the child-like, sensitive May. The film is based on the novel by Sue Monk Kidd. It was written and directed by Gina Prince-Blythewood, who wrote the screenplay for Love and Basketball (2000).

The Great Debaters (2007)

2009-10-29T18:20:00.000-05:00

Professor Tolson (Denzel Washington) arrives at Wiley College, an all-Black institution of learning, and immediately puts out a call for students to audition for the debate team. Henry (Nate Parker), Samantha (Jurnee Smollet), James Jr., (Denzel Whitaker) and Hamilton (Jermaine Williams) pass the professor's tough process and make it in. Under Tolson's guidance, the team challenges other college debators, and begin to rack up wins.

But all is not well. It is 1935, and as the students work towards an education, they are constantly put down by a culture who does not respect them as human beings. When they are invited to an Oklahoma college to debate, the team has to do so at a location away from the campus. While traveling to and from the various debates, they have to watch the roads for lynch mobs. Tolson leads a double life as a union organizer, which puts more heat on the team. Despite the hardships, the debate team carries on until they get an invite to a debate at prestigious Harvard University.

This is a well-built story about an unknown piece of American history. The extras on the DVD go further behind the story, as the real-life people the characters were based on tell their stories about their struggles and triumphs.

Ms. Smollett come from a family of kids who act. She and her siblings had a TV show called, "On Our Own" (1994-1995). She was also in the film Eve's Bayou (1997). Nate Parker was Alicia Keys' love interest in The Secret Life of Bees (2008). Forest Whitaker, who appears as the father of one of the team members, is an Oscar winner for his performance in The Last King of Scotland (2006).

"The Untouchables" (1959-1963)

2009-10-20T00:47:00.000-05:00

During the 1920's and early 1930's, the city of Chicago was overrun with mob activity. A group of Federal agents, led by Eliot Ness (Robert Stack), worked hard to smash the gangsters' influence. The agents were dubbed The Untouchables because they were thought of as being unable to be bought by the gangsters they sought to take down.

The TV series was based on a book written by Ness, but not everything presented was historically accurate. There was a disclaimer at the end of the episodes explaining that some things had been fictionalized. Regardless, the series was a big hit, due to the tough talking bad and good guys, and constant shoot-outs and murders. The first few seasons were very violent by late 1950's and early 1960's standards.

It's fun to watch this show and spot actors appearing in early roles. Elizabeth Montgomery and David White were in an episode; both later were co-stars on "Bewitched". Rip Torn ("The Larry Sanders Show"), Jack Klugman ("The Odd Couple"), Robert Redford (The Way We Were), Frank Gorshin ("Batman"), Michael Constantine (My Big Fat Greek Wedding), Gavin MacLeod ("The Love Boat"), Telly Savalas ("Kojak"), Ed Asner ("The Mary Tyler Moore Show"), Carroll O'Connor ("All In The Family"), Lee Marvin (Cat Ballou), Harry Dean Stanton (Repo Man), Martin Landau ("Mission: Impossible"), and Peter Falk ("Columbo"), were just a few of the famous faces who were featured on the show.

During the last season, the famous theme song (by Nelson Riddle) was tweaked, and the violence was toned down a bit. In some episodes, the Untouchables were in the background and other do-gooders were brought in. For example, veteran actress Barbara Stanwyck portrayed a lieutenant from the Bureau of Missing Persons, and most of the action was centered on her.

Jerry Paris appeared as one of Ness' men, a guy named Flaherty, in early episodes. He went on to be the Petrie's neighbor on "The Dick Van Dyke Show" and later, Paris switched from acting to directing. Quinn Martin supervised early episodes of the series, and went on to head shows including "The FBI" "The Fugitive", and "Cannon".

Good Hair (2009)

2009-10-20T00:00:00.000-05:00

After hanging around with a white classmate of hers, one of Chris Rock's daughters asked him, "Daddy, how come I don't have good hair?" Taken aback by this, Rock decided to delve into the unique relationship that African-American women have with their hair.

Rock interviews various African-American women, including actress Nia Long, about hair issues. He also visits a hair product company, and goes all the way to India to learn about the hair that is used by beauticians who do weaves. The documentary is bookended by a major hair show competition that is filled with elaborate costumes, sets and hair styles.

Good Hair is amusing at times, but doesn't go deep enough into the history of African-American hair issues. Discussions about African-American women being accused of being ashamed of their natural hair by adopting "European" looks, and discrimination against African-Americans in the workplace because of hairstyles are brought up, but not explored completely. Overall, the film is not a bad effort, but a little more would have made it more interesting.

Whip It (2009)

2009-10-03T00:50:00.000-05:00

Bliss (Ellen Page) has been entered in one beauty pageant after another since she was a kid. Her mother Brooke (Marcia Gay Harden) sees the pageants as a way for Bliss to get ahead. While out shopping with her mother and little sister, Shania (Eulala Scheel), Bliss is intrigued by a trio of roller derby girls who come into the store. Bliss attends a roller derby game with her best friend Pash (Alia Shawkat). She meets Maggie Mayhem (Kristen Wiig), a derby girl who invites her to try out for the team. Bliss, tired of trying to live up to her mother's expectations, shows up at a tryout and gets on the team.

The team she plays for, The Hurl Scouts, hasn't won a game in a long, long, time. Their coach, Razor (Andrew Wilson), is at his wits end with the women. But Bliss becomes their ace in the hole. However, she hides her derby involvement from her mother and her easy-going father, Earl (Daniel Stern). Also, she deals with the wrath of Iron Maiden (Juliette Lewis), who is the queen bee of the Scouts' main rivals, The Holy Rollers.

This is a slice of life movie, directed by Drew Barrymore, who also plays Smashley Simpson, one of Bliss' teammates. It nicely shows the comaraderie among derby girls, and highlights the desperation of young people wanting to get out of a small town. For those who are unfamiliar with the sport of roller derby, the rules of the game are nicely explained in the script.

Ms. Barrymore has been an actress since she was a child. One of her best known roles was Gertie in the classic film ET (1982). Ms. Page was the lead in the film Juno (2008). Jimmy Fallon, who was a cast member on "Saturday Night Live" (1975-present), appears here as an announcer. Eve, who is better known as a rapper, plays another one of Bliss' teammates. Ms. Lewis was in Natural Born Killers (1994).

Village of the Giants (1965)

2009-09-20T13:31:00.000-05:00

I was up late last night, flipping through channels, and noticed that the local monster movie show was running this film. When I was a little girl, the local stations would show this movie a lot, and I would watch it each time. It's one of those "it's so bad, it's good" deals. The mid-1960's saw a lot of youth-oriented films, many of which were mixed with other genres. In this case, it's science fiction.

The plot isn't much, but here it is: a group of bad kids, headed up by a would-be player named Fred (Beau Bridges) roll into a small California town. Well, more to the point, they crash their car on the border of town during a rainstorm, then get out of the vehicle to dance in the mud. Their conversation indicates that all they are about is having good times and starting trouble.

Meanwhile, a kid named Genius (a 12-year-old Ron Howard) has created a formula in his basement lab that makes things grow big. A cat gets into the stuff and grows, then a couple of ducks, and lastly, Genius' dog. His sister's boyfriend, Mike (Tommy Kirk), sees dollar signs and proposes selling the stuff. The ducks roam into the local go-go club, but no one thinks this is out of the ordinary. Fred and his crew overhear Mike talking about the formula. When trying to slick the information out of Mike and his girlfriend doesn't work, Fred and his gang steal the stuff. The bad kids get the bright idea to eat the stuff themselves, and take over the town. Then the fun really jumps off.

Typical of these types of low-budget drive-in movies, musical performances are thrown in to break up the action. The Beau Brummels, Freddie Cannon, and Mike Clifford do the musical honors. Plenty of shots of bikini-clad and short-skirt-wearing young women dancing are also featured.

The main draw of watching this film is seeing young performers, some of whom went on to bigger and better things. Ron Howard is now an Oscar winning film director. Beau Bridges has won a few Emmy awards. Toni Basil had a hit with the song "Mickey" during the 1980's.

Tyler Perry's I Can Do Bad All By Myself (2009)

2009-09-14T12:27:00.001-05:00

I haven't seen the play version of this story in awhile, but I believe the theater production is vastly different from the movie version. Mr. Perry also made changes to his plays "Diary of a Mad Black Woman", "Madea Goes To Jail", "Madea's Family Reunion", and "Why Did I Get Married?" before they went to the screen.

In this version, April (Taraji P. Henson) is a boozy nightclub singer in a dead-end relationship with a married man/sugar daddy (Brian J. White). Her late sister's kids -- Jennifer (Hope Olaide Wilson), Manny (Kwesi Boakye), and Byron (Frederick Siglar) -- break into Madea's (Tyler Perry) house. The old woman catches them, and she forces April to take responsibility for them. All April wants to do is send them packing back to their grandmother. In addition to her niece and nephews, April opens her house to Sandino (Adam Rodriguez), an immigrant who becomes a handyman at a church run by Pastor Brian (Marvin Winans). When an unexpected tragedy strikes, the people around April, including family friend Wilma (Gladys Knight) and co-worker Tanya (Mary J. Blige), attempt to get April to take a hard look at her life.

Madea, along with her pot-smoking brother Joe (also played by Perry), serve as observers who appear from time to time to offer up comic relief. The other characters are responsible for providing the drama. This is better than Tyler's last effort, the scatter-shot "Madea Goes To Jail". However, the plot points are predictable, except for a revelation from April that seems to come out of nowhere during the last act. The reveal is plausible, but there were no clear hints leading up to it. Perry continues to rely on the old "all a downtrodden woman needs is a good man" storyline, which is a constant theme throughout his works.

The musical performances are good. Although I was a little miffed that audience members in the showing I went to applauded Mary J. Blige's singing, but were quiet about Marvin Winans and Gladys Knight's performances. I chalked that up to a younger audience who is more familiar with Ms. Blige's chart-topping hip-hop soul hits than with music legends Mr. Winans (who is a pastor in real life) and Ms. Knight.

Ms. Henson is an Oscar-nominated actress, for her role in "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" (2009). Marvin Winans is part of the gospel-singing Winans family, which includes his siblings, BeBe and CeCe. This is the first film he's appeared in. Ms. Knight not only is a Motown singing legend, but she has acting credits including a sitcom "Charlie and Co." (1985-1986). Mr. White was a detective on the cable series "The Shield" (2003-2008).

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (2009)

2009-07-27T11:30:00.003-05:00

Professor Dumbledore (Michael Gambon) offers a job to Horace Slughorn (Jim Broadbent) to be the new Potions professor. But Dumbledore has an ulterior motive; he wants Harry Potter (Daniel Radcliffe) to retrieve a memory from Slughorn. Years ago, Slughorn had Tom Riddle (Hero Finnes-Tiffin and Frank Dillane) as a student. Riddle was brillant, but used his powers for evil and became Lord Voldemort. Slughorn's memory will help in the battle to defeat Voldemort, who continues to gather his army.

Mean bully Draco (Tom Felton) is tipping around town and the campus, hanging with the Death Eaters, who are faithful to Voldemort. It is revealed that Voldemort has ordered Draco to do something horrible -- and Professor Snape (Alan Rickman) has promised to protect him as he carries out the deed. Crazy and dangerous Bellatrix (Helena Bonham Carter) is also involved, so things don't look good.

On top of this, Harry and friends Ron (Rupert Grint) and Hermione (Emma Watson) deal with navigating the world of love and romance. This is a good entry in the popular movie series, but not everything in the novel made it into the film. That fact does not detract or weaken the storyline. The end of the film is a perfect lead-in for the next two films which will end the series.

The Gospel (2005)

2009-07-14T14:40:00.003-05:00

David (Boris Kodjoe) is a successful R&B singer who is drawn back home after his father Fred (Clifton Powell), a bishop of a church, takes ill. David has been estranged from his dad since the death of his mom 15 years before. David had accused Fred of not being there for him or his mother due to Fred's devotion to the church. David's return is not met with gladness by everyone, in particular his boyhood friend Charles (Idris Elba), and a choir member named Rain (Tamyra Gray). Rain has doubts about David's relationship with the Lord.

Charles (Idris Elba), is elevated to head pastor, but all is not well. The church needs money to continue operating. Charles and his wife Charlene (Nona Gaye), are having martial problems revolving around a health issue that she has. Minister Hunter (Donnie McClurkin) was expecting to be named the head pastor, and he's resentful of Charles. It also seems that the feeding of Charles' ego is more important that preaching the gospel.

This story is basically the prodigal son story from the Bible, updated to modern times. If you are familiar with that story, you already know the end of the movie. The beginning scenes play like several music videos. I understand the selling point of the movie was the music (and it is great by Yolanda Adams, Kirk Franklin, Martha Munizzi, Fred Hammond and others), but I would have liked to get into the story much faster. The progression of David back to his church roots wasn't made very clear.

Donnie McClurkin is a best selling contemporary Gospel artist, and he doesn't do a bad acting job here. Boris Kodjoe appeared in Madea's Family Reunion (2006). Idris Elba was a rival gangster to Denzel Washington in American Gangster (2007). He is British, but does a good American accent. Omar Gooding, who appears here as the manager of Kodjoe's character, is the brother of Oscar-winner Cuba Gooding, Jr. Nona Gaye's dad was the late, great Marvin Gaye. Tamyra Gray was a contestant on "American Idol". Radio personalities Myra J, Tom Joyner and Miss Dupree have cameos.

Fireproof (2008)

2009-06-10T10:01:00.003-05:00

Caleb (Kirk Cameron), a fire department captain, and his wife Catherine, (Erin Bethea) have been married seven years. There is trouble in paradise, as all they seem to do is snipe at each other. After a particularly heated argument, Catherine announces that she wants out. Caleb complains about her to his co-workers at the firehouse, and to his dad (Harris Malcolm). Caleb's dad suggests that before taking the divorce route, his son should do a "Love Dare" exercise for 40 days. Caleb's dad says this is important if he want to save the marriage.

Caleb follows the exercises, but Catherine doesn't buy his attempts at being nice. Dr. Gavin Keller (Perry Revell) has taken a liking to Catherine, and she's responding. Caleb keeps threatening to give up, but his dad and a Christian buddy at the firehouse exhort him to keep trying.

This film was made by a church, and the Christian message is heavy. I'm not saying the message -- marriages are worth saving and should be saved -- is wrong. But the way it is packaged is so preachy that I found myself tuning out a lot while watching. The script is poorly written. There are three characters -- the dad, one of Caleb's buddies at the firehouse, and a nurse at the hospital where Catherine works -- who spend their time preaching whenever they are on screen. I understand having one character serve that purpose, but three?

The acting was not great, even out of Kirk Cameron who has experience in that. I didn't have much sympathy for the spoiled brat husband or his wimp of a wife. The guy who served as comic relief (Stephen Dervan) was not funny, but annoying. There was a character who was an atheist, but I thought he was just saying stuff to get a rise out of the other characters. A deleted scene (on the DVD extras) explained his stance on God better; it probably should have been included in the final film.

Production values were better than I've seen in a lot of Christian movies, but they could have been a lot better. I understand that the church that made this film has done a few others. I'm probably not going to rush to see those.

Kirk Cameron was a cast member on TV's "Growing Pains" (1985-1992). Some of the other cast members are members of the church that made the film.

Not Easily Broken (2009)

2009-06-09T09:36:00.003-05:00

Dave (Morris Chestnut) and Clarice (Taraji P. Henson) are shown getting married in the beginning of the film. They are all smiles as Bishop Wilkes (Albert Hall) tells them that marriage consists of three strands: the husband, the wife, and God. These strands should not be broken. After they are pronounced man and wife, Dave notices that Mary (Jenifer Lewis), Clarice's mom, is giving him the evil eye.

Fast forward to present day. Clarice is a busy real estate agent who makes more money than Dave, who runs his own construction/maintenance business. The couple's together time appears to be limited due to Clarice's career. Also, Dave spends a lot of his free time coaching a kids' baseball team with the help of his buddies Brock (Eddie Cibrian) and Tree (Kevin Hart). Her career is also a factor is why they don't have children; Clarice feels a baby would get in the way. Dave shows up late the night Clarice is going to be presented with a salesperson of the year award. They argue while driving to the gala. Another car runs a red light and smashes into them.

Clarice is understandably bitter and upset over her leg being mangled in the crash. Dave tries to do all he can to comfort her, but Clarice pushes him off. The tension between the couple is heightened when Mary decides to move in to take care of Clarice. We learn that Mary has always given Dave a hard way to go. A physical therapist named Julie (Maeve Quinlan) is hired to assist Clarice in her recovery. Dave takes a liking to her son Bryson (Cannon Jay), and invites him to join the kids' baseball team. Clarice recovers physically, but the emotional tension between her and Dave keep rising to a breaking point.

This film is based on a book by T.D. Jakes, a prominent pastor, and directed by Bill Duke. It presents a good message about working hard to keep marriages together, which I appreciated. But I was a little put off by some of Dave's voiceovers, which suggested that women should stay in traditional roles of homemakers and mothers. Tree's character serves as comic relief (he doesn't get his wife is going through mood changes because she's pregnant). Brock represents the opposite of Dave, a guy who's lack of fidelity has cost him a marriage. I especially liked the Mary character, a woman who's bitterness over her own failed marriage will not allow her to see the good in her daughter's marriage.

Taraji P. Henson was nominated for an Oscar for her work in The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (2008). Morris Chestnut was in the best of the inner-city gang movies of the 1990's, Boyz In The Hood (1991). Jenifer Lewis was in Meet The Browns (2008) and Madea's Family Reunion (2006). Kevin Hart is a stand-up comedian who has appeared from time to time on "Chelsea Lately" (2007-present). Director Bill Duke is also an actor (Menace II Society, 1993). Nicey Nash, who appears as a co-worker/friend of Clarice, hosts the reality show, "Clean House" (2004-2008), and was a cast member on "Reno 911!" (2003-2009).

The Little Rascals and Our Gang

2009-06-04T14:16:00.003-05:00

When I was a little girl, the The Little Rascals and Our Gang shorts were a staple on local Chicago television. The other day, one of the two classic TV stations in town ran a marathon of those shorts, which I hadn't seen in awhile.

The escapades of the kids in those shorts pointed out to me that a lot of basic things about kids in general do not change. In one short, Spanky (George McFarland), who looked like he was no older than three years old at the time, kept disturbing his parents while they tried to sleep. His dad had just received a promotion at work, and wanted a good night's rest. Spanky was scared of a moth on the window, and cats meowing outside, among other things.

In another tale, Alfalfa (Carl Switzer) was showing off to his girlfriend Darla Hood about a wrestling match he was going to be in. He had fixed the outcome in advance, asking bookworm Waldo (Darwood Kaye) to be his opponent. At the last minute, Butch (Tommy Bond), who was also trying to woo Darla, forced Waldo to step aside so he could take on Alfalfa. Alfalfa won the match, but Darla had switched her affections to Waldo, whom she declared to be more refined. "I'm never talking to another girl again!" Alfalfa grumbled. Darla was quite the little vixen.

Racial stereotypes in those shorts abounded, but Buckwheat (Willie Mae Taylor and Carlena Beard), Cotton (Bobby Beard), Stymie (Matthew J. Beard, Jr.), Sunshine Sammy (Ernie Morrison) and Farina (Allen Hoskins) -- the African-American kids -- seemed to have experienced no problems hanging around with the mostly white kids. There were also some Asian kids in the mix, as well. The kids just accepted each other for who they were. When the shorts were packaged for television syndication in 1955, some were either heavily edited, or not shown at all due to racial stereotypes.

The Our Gang shorts began in 1922, and the very last short was issued in 1944. The Little Rascals titles refer to the shorts made between 1929 and 1938, but they were all under the Our Gang banner.

Star Trek (2009)

2009-06-01T16:14:00.004-05:00

The movie opens with the U.S.S. Kelvin, which is run by Capt. George Kirk (Chris Helmsworth), being attacked by Captain Nero (Eric Bana), a Romulan which a serious chip on his shoulder. Most of the crew is able to abandon ship, including George's wife (Jennifer Morrison), who gives birth to their son James during the melee. George goes down with the ship.

Years later, we meet young James Kirk (Chris Pine) again, who's become a regular hellraiser. Captain Pike (Bruce Greenwood) convinces the young man to join Starfleet. Kirk is a smart fellow, but he's accused of cheating on a test that was designed by Spock (Zachary Quinto). Kirk is denied a chance to get into active Starfleet duty. His new found buddy, Dr. McCoy (Karl Urban), uses deception to get him inside the U.S.S. Enterprise. Uhura (Zoe Saldana), Mr. Sulu (John Cho), Chekov (Anton Yalchin) and Spock are also crew members on the ship. They run into Captain Nero again, whose revenge plans involve Spock.

The plot incorporates a lot of the mythology from the original TV show, which ran on NBC from 1966 to 1969, including: Kirk's being accused of cheating while at Starfleet Academy, Captain Pike's tenure as the Enterprise's first captain, Spock being treated as less-than by other Vulcans because his mother was a human, etc. It was like watching a very good episode of the old TV show. Pine's take on James Kirk shows the captain as an arrogant son-of-a-gun. But when I thought back to the original series, and yeah, the older Kirk did come off like that. Karl Urban plays "Bones" McCoy as the irritable personality that was on the original show, and gives a reason as to why the doctor might have been that way.

Zachary Quinto is currently a cast member on another NBC sci-fi show, "Heroes" (2006-present). Bruce Greenwood was in Thirteen Days (2000). Simon Pegg, who appears as Scotty, was in Shawn of The Dead (2004). Zoe Saldana was in Drumline (2002).

Obsessed (2009)

2009-04-30T17:17:00.002-05:00

Everything is going well for asset manager Derek (Idris Elba). He and his wife Sharon (Beyonce Knowles) have just moved into a new house. They have a cute kid named Kyle (Nathan and Nicolas Myers). Derek is up for a promotion at his job. Then temporary worker Lisa (Ali Larter) shows up.

It's clear from the get-go that Lisa likes Derek. We soon learn that Lisa's feelings about Derek are way over the top. After Derek rebuffs Lisa's sexual advances during an office Christmas party, he thinks that's the end of the matter. But Lisa's antics become more bold. When Lisa attempts suicide, Sharon instantly suspects Derek of cheating on her. Resse (Christine Lahti), a police detective, is also not believing Derek's claims of innocence. He is in danger of losing everything, not only at home, but at work. Lisa leaves town, but just when Derek thinks the nightmare is over, it begins again.

If you've seen Fatal Attraction (1987), you've seen this movie. The only difference is that the married couple victimized by the stalker is African-American. Beyonce has more to do in her role than she has had in her previous films. I liked how she stepped up to quash the nonsense that Larter's character was putting out. I couldn't help but think that's how a lot of African-American women I know -- including myself -- would have handled that. However, the trailer gives away the ending, and the plot follows a predictable path.

Idris Elba, who's from England, has appeared in several films including American Gangster (2007). He does a good American accent. Ms. Knowles is primarily a singer, but has added acting to her resume in prior films such as Dreamgirls (2006) and The Fighting Temptations (2003). Ms. Larter is a cast member on the sci-fi series "Heroes". Ms. Lahti was a cast member on "Chicago Hope" (1995-1999). Jerry O'Connell (Stand By Me, 1986) and Bruce McGill (Animal House, 1978) also appear in the film.

The Fighting Temptations (2003)

2009-03-24T02:14:00.003-05:00

Paulina (LaTanya Richardson), a small-town catty church member, has discovered that choir member Maryann (Faith Evans) has put out an album of secular music. Paulina forces her brother, Pastor Lewis (Wendell Pierce) to make Maryann choose between the choir and a music career. Maryann quits the choir and leaves town with her little boy, Darrin, to pursue her dreams of stardom.

Years later, Darrin (Cuba Gooding, Jr.) is an up-and-comer in an New York advertising agency. He's promoted to junior executive, but is fired later when it's discovered that he faked his educational credentials. Darrin is also up to his ears in debt. He receives notice that his aunt has died, and he returns to the small town for her funeral. His aunt has left him an inheritance that depends upon Darrin entering the church choir in a major singing competition. The choir needs a makeover. Darrin believes a childhood friend, Lilly (Beyonce Knowles) could help put the choir over the top. But first, he has to get past snooty, conservative Paulina.

This is a pleasant, feel-good movie with easy laughs and a predictable ending. The music is good, with performances by The O'Jays, Pastor Shirley Ceasar, The Blind Boys of Alabama, Montrell Jordan, Beyonce, Mary Mary (Erica and Trecina Campbell), Ann Nesby, and T-Bone. Mike Epps and Steve Harvey work well with their small roles.

Cuba Gooding Jr. is an Oscar winner for his role in Jerry Maguire (1996). Beyonce was in Dreamgirls. Rue McClanahan, who appeared in the series "Maude" and "The Golden Girls" is on hand as one of the choir members. Melba Moore also appears as a choir member.

Madea Goes To Jail (2009)

2009-02-27T20:35:00.003-06:00

Tyler Perry presents another mix of Christianity, comedy and drama in his latest film to feature the pistol-toting senior citizen, Mabel "Madea" Simmons (played by Perry). Madea is able to avoid the lockup for a crime she did in Meet The Browns (2008). She does get sent up for an incident involving a car, but that doesn't happen until almost the middle of the story. The plot is different from the stage version of this story.

The story mainly focuses on Joshua (Derek Luke), a young attorney engaged to a high achiever named Linda (Ion Overman), who's also an attorney. While in court, Joshua is reunited with an old friend named Candace (Keisha Knight Pulliam) who has become a hooker. As Joshua becomes more determined to help his friend get off the streets, the more irritated Linda becomes.

Unfortunately, the two plots don't mesh well together. It's almost as if two different movies are going on. The cuts between Madea's broad comedy plot and Candace's serious troubles are jarring and abrupt. Madea and Candace don't cross each others' paths until late in the game. There is too long of a tease to explain the tragic event that connects Joshua and Candace. Also, Ms. Pulliam has grown up to be a very pretty young woman (she was Rudy, the youngest Huxtable kid on "The Cosby Show", 1984-1992). However, she seemed a little too polished to portray her down-and-out character.

David and Tamela J. Mann reprise their roles as Mr. Brown and Cora. Perry also plays two other roles in the movie: Brian, Madea's nephew and Joe, Madea's weed-smoking brother. Sofia Veraga, who was in Meet The Browns, plays one of Madea's cellmates. There are various cameos, including judges Mablean Ephraim and Greg Mathis, the women of "The View", and comedian/DJ/author Steve Harvey. One of the funnier moments involves Madea verbally sparring with Dr. Phil.

Cinderella Man (2005)

2009-01-22T13:14:00.003-06:00

Jim Braddock, (Russell Crowe) a boxer, is doing well at the beginning of the film. But then, the Great Depression takes its toll on him and his family. A broken hand keeps him out of the ring for awhile. He's reduced to begging for work at the docks to provide for his wife Mae (Renee Zellweger) and their three kids. Then his fast-talking manager, Joe Gould (Paul Giamatti), gets him another fight. Braddock is expected to lose, because he is considered to be washed up.

The plot focuses mainly on Braddock's struggle to keep his family together during tough economic times. Braddock is shown as a proud family man, a regular guy who just wants his kids to have a little more than he did. His wife never attends his matches in person, because she can't take seeing her husband get hit. Yet, she supports his decision to fight. As Braddock moves up in the ranks, his struggle brings hope to his family, and others as well.

There was a real Jim Braddock, who was a boxing champion in the 1930's. He eventually retired from boxing after losing to Joe Louis. The movie covers events leading up to a defining fight against Max Baer (Craig Bierko). There are some inaccuracies in the film. For example, Baer is made out to be a out-and-out villian, when he wasn't that bad. Otherwise, this is one of the better boxing-themed movies.

Mr. Crowe won an Oscar for his performance in Gladiator (2000). Mr. Giamatti was an odious radio executive in Private Parts (1997). Ms. Zellweger was the lead in Bridget Jones Diary (2001). Boxing fans will recognize the older man playing one of Braddock's corner men during the fights. It's Boxing Hall of Famer Angelo Dundee, the man who trained Muhammad Ali.

I Am Legend (2007)

2009-01-09T13:04:00.002-06:00

A cure for cancer created by a doctor (Emma Thompson) goes horribly wrong in this remake. Instead of being a boon to mankind, the serum kills off most of the world's population. Flashbacks show a military scientist med Robert (Will Smith), trying to get his wife (Salli Richardson) and daughter (Willow Smith) out of Manhattan to safety. Confusion reigns as many other residents are denied escape because they have been infected.

In the present, Robert's only companion is his dog. His wife and child were killed in an accident as they were trying to leave. He sends out radio messages to anyone that may be still alive. Robert also tries to find a cure for the plague that has decimated humans. He feels that he is responsible for not being able to stop it when it first happened. At night, Robert barricades himself and the dog in the house. The virus has turned most of the humans who are still walking around into cannibals who seek victims.

This film reminded me a lot of Cast Away (2000). There's a man alone in a bad situation with a mute companion to whom to talk. However, the main character's isolation wears thin after awhile, and the mutated creatures weren't scary enough.

Will Smith was nominated for a Best Actor Oscar for Ali (2001) and The Pursuit of Happyness (2006). Willow Smith is his daughter. Salli Richardson was featured in Once Upon A Time. . .When We Were Colored (1995) and How You Like Me Now (1993).

Family Man (2000)

2009-01-06T13:31:00.003-06:00

Brett Ratner directed this fantasy about a successful guy named Jack (Nicholas Cage) who is given a glimpse of what could have been. The film opens several years earlier when Jack is on his way to take advantage of an internship in England. His girlfriend Kate (Tea Leoni) has a feeling that he shouldn't go. Kate fears Jack won't return to her. She's right.

Fast forward to the present where Jack is a top dog at an investment firm. He's rich and successful. He stops in a store on Christmas Eve and witnesses a confrontation between Cash (Don Cheadle) and a clerk at the counter. Cash has a gun. Jack talks Cash out of being violent, and they leave the store. Jack gives Cash some money, and Cash gives Jack a hint that he's missed out on something in life. Jack goes home for the evening, but when he wakes up the next morning, Kate is sleeping next to him. Annie (Mackenzie Vega) runs into the bedroom, calling Jack "Daddy". Jack is understandably confused and upset.

The rest of film follows Jack as he navigates through the life he would have had if he'd married Kate. There's a message that people aren't fulfilled unless they are married have kids, which I didn't buy. But I could get with the message of "follow your heart".

Nicholas Cage is related to the Coppola family. His credits include Moonstruck (1987) and Con Air (1997). Jeremy Piven plays Cage's best friend; he was in the quirky ABC TV series "Cupid" (1998-1999). Tea Leoni was in the TV series "The Naked Truth" (1995-1998). Don Cheadle was the lead in Talk To Me (2007).

The Brides of Dracula (1960)

2008-12-07T15:54:00.002-06:00

As the film opens, a voice informs the audience that even though Dracula is dead, his disciples still roam. Cut to Marianne (Yvonne Monsiaur) who's riding in a stagecoach. She's on her way to take a job as a teacher in an all-girls' school. The guy holding the reins is driving crazy, and he doesn't slow down even after Marianne asks him to do so. The stagecoach stops in a small village, and Marianne stops in a local restaurant. What she doesn't know is that a mysterious figure who has hitched a ride in the back of the stagecoach, has paid the driver to leave her behind.

The restaurant owners and the other patrons are upset when a man comes in, stares at them, and leaves. This is apparently a signal that something is going to go wrong. After Marianne discovers she has been abandoned, Baroness Meinster (Marita Hunt) offers to put the younger woman up in her castle for the night. Marianne meets the baroness' son, Baron Meinster (David Peel). He has a chain on his ankle. It was put there by his mother. Marianne decides to help the baron get loose. She doesn't realize that Baron Meinster is a vampire. The blood sucking begins and Dr. Van Helsing (Peter Cushing) shows up to stop the madness.

This is not one of the better entries among the Hammer horror films. It takes too long to set up the action. There aren't many "brides" of the vampire, and they don't do much but stand off to the side and hiss when they are confronted. The chills are few, and the main vampire isn't all that scary.

Peter Cushing appeared in many Hammer horror films including The Curse of Frankenstein (1957). He was also in Star Wars (1977).

Something New (2006)

2008-11-26T15:14:00.003-06:00

Kenya (Sanaa Latham) is a high-powered attorney. She all business, so much that she seems to have disregarded having a personal life. She and her successful girlfriends bemoan the lack of African-American men available to them. They believe it is because many of the men can't deal with their positions in life.

Kenya is set up on a blind date. She is not pleased when she sees Brian (Simon Baker), who is white. He's interested in her, but she states she wants to exclusively date African-American men. Later, she attends a party and runs into Brian again. He's a landscaper who has done a great job in the backyard of the party's host. Reluctantly, she hires him to do work at her house. They get to know each other better, and it's not long before they are dating.

Everything's not smooth sailing, however. Kenya clearly needs to get over her hangups about dating outside of her race. It causes tension between her and Brian. Plus, Mark (Blair Underwood), who seems to fit her requirements -- and comfort factor -- for a man enters the scene. Whom will she choose?

Ms. Latham was in Love and Basketball (2000). Mr. Underwood was a regular on "LA Law" (1987-1994). Mr. Baker was on "The Guardian" (2001-2004).

"The Real Housewives of Atlanta" (2008-present)

2008-11-26T14:55:00.004-06:00

We've had the housewives of Orange County, and the housewives of New York, and now here are the ones in Atlanta. Kim, Sheree, NeNe, Lisa and DeShawn are five upper class Georgia peaches whose lives are chronicled in this reality show.

What is a show about housewives without drama? There is tension between keeping-it-real NeNe and uber-diva Sheree from the outset. Sheree, who's negotiating a divorce from her athlete husband, throws a party. The guest list consists of the top of Atlanta society, but when NeNe arrives, she discovers her name is not on the list. NeNe raises hell on the outside, accusing Sheree of deliberately excluding her. Sheree does not leave her guests to rectify the situation, but insists that she didn't do it on purpose. But the grin on Sheree's face over NeNe's predictament makes one wonder.

Kim, a single mom, has dreams of being a country singer. However, her voice needs work, and Kim doesn't seem open to advice to get some vocal coaching. Kim is dating a very married and rich celebrity, whom she only refers to as "Big Poppa". He is never seen on camera.

Lisa and DeShawn appear to be the most grounded of the housewives. Lisa worries about her husband, a football player who works to get in shape after an injury. DeShawn is heavily involved in charity work. They are often the peacemakers when tensions flare between Kim, NeNe and Sheree.

When the second season began, DeShawn was no longer part of the cast. Word was that easygoing DeShawn didn't create enough drama, so she was cut. She was replaced by Kandi, a singer/songwriter, who was a member of the R&B group Xscape during the 1990's.

This installment of Bravo's "Housewives" franchise marks the first time African-American women are highlighted (Kim is the only white woman among this set of housewives).

The Family That Preys (2008)

2008-09-14T21:02:00.002-05:00

During the wedding reception of Chris (Rockmond Dunbar) and Andrea (Sanaa Latham), the bride reconnects with the son of the woman who paid for the nuptials. William Cartwright (Cole Hauser) tells the couple he can help them get jobs in the company. His mother, Charlotte (Kathy Bates), is the best friend of Andrea's devout Christian mom, Alice (Alfre Woodard). William looks Andrea over. He likes what he sees.

The story fast forwards four years later. Andrea is working for the Cartwrights in their finance department. Her husband also works for them as one of the construction workers. Chris wants to have his own construction business with his brother-in-law Ben (Tyler Perry). Ben is married to Andrea's sister Pam (Taraji P. Henson). Andrea is not supportive of this. In fact, she doesn't seem to be interested in anything that she does not perceive is going to push her star up. Her snotty attitude has long been a source of tension between her and her sister.

Meanwhile, William wants to have more power at the company. He is angry when Charlotte hires Abby (Robin Givens) as the COO -- a position he had his eye on. Charlotte maintains that William does not have enough experience to take on the responsibility. It is revealed that he has made a business deal without consulting Charlotte. According to Abby, the deal will mean financial problems for the company. She suggests that Charlotte sell her shares in the company to finance the deal. William sees this as his chance to grab the reins of power.

Charlotte, weary of conflict with her son, invites Alice to go on a road trip with her. While they are gone, ugly whispers about William and Andrea grow louder on the job. Things begin to fall apart when Chris discovers Andrea has a separate bank account. She makes good money, more money than her husband, but not enough for her to have put that much cash away. Where did that money come from?

The film has two different plots going on. The buddy story with the moms, and the drama plot involving their children don't necessarily mesh well together. I liked the friendship between Alice and Charlotte, and I could understand how they could have become friends. A movie could have made out of their relationship alone.

Ms. Latham plays bitchy in this one, a depature from other roles she's had. She was in Love and Basketball (2000). Ms. Henson was in Talk To Me (2007), alongside Don Cheadle. Mr. Dunbar was in "Soul Food" (2000-2004), the TV series based on the hit film. Ms. Woodard is a respected actress who has appeared in many projects including a season on the popular TV comedy/drama "Desperate Housewives". Ms. Bates is an Oscar winner for her role as a crazed fan in the movie Misery (1990).

Motives (2004)

2008-09-13T11:39:00.002-05:00

Emery Simms (Shemar Moore) and his wife Constance (Vivica A. Fox) appear to live a charmed life. He's a successful restaurant owner, and she is the director of a social service organization. But the opening scenes reveal that Simms is hooked up in some shady dealings. An arguement with one of his associates ends up in murder. Simms employs his long-time friend and attorney Brandon (Sean Blackmore) to cover things up -- again. Constance is not completely aware of all her husband's dirty dealings, but she knows he's up to something. She is tired of his negative publicity affecting her career.

A couple of suspicious police detectives who have it in for Simms -- Pierce (Victoria Rowell) and Morgan (Mel Jackson) step up their surveilance after Derrick Woods (Guy Torry) confronts Simms at his restaurant. Woods is the ex-boyfriend of Allannah James (Golden Brooks), a woman whom Simms enters into an affair with. Woods is not a nice guy, but then Allannah isn't all that good, either. She owes Woods some money, and he wants it back. She overstays her welcome in a college dorm where she's bunking with a student (Keisha Knight Pulliam). Simms puts Allannah up in a condo he owns, and continues to believe he's got everything in check. Things begin to spin out of control, and someone is playing somebody like a deck of cards.

Not a bad story in the film noir category. Good looking Moore (Diary of A Mad Black Woman, 2005) knows how to hide menace under a facade of charm. Torry is a comedian who also acts; he was in Poetic Justice (1993). Ms. Rowell was a cast member on the soap "The Young and the Restless" along with Moore. Ms. Fox was in Soul Food (1997). Ms. Brooks was a cast member on "Girlfriends" (2000-2007) and Mel Jackson was a regular on "Living Single"(1993-1998). Ms. Pulliam was the adorable Rudy on the sitcom "The Cosby Show" (1984-1992).

Runaway Jury (2003)

2008-09-13T10:52:00.002-05:00

Footage of a child's birthday party is juxtaposed with scenes of the child's dad, Jacob Woods (Dylan McDermott), arriving at his office. It is a typical Monday morning. Suddenly, gunshots boom throughout the office amid screams of the staff. Woods makes a wrong move and loses his life.

The story then picks up two years later. Celeste (Joanna Woods), Jacob's widow, has retained the services of attorney Wendell Rohr (Dustin Hoffman). She is suing the gun company that manufactured the weapon that the gunman used on her husband. The gun company has their lawyer, Durwood Cable (Bruce Davidson), of course. But they've also retained the services of a slick jury consultant, Rankin Fitch (Gene Hackman). The gun merchants want to make sure the verdict turns out in their favor. If Celeste wins, it'll mean all gun companies will be open to being penalized when their products are used in crimes. Fitch's job is to assure the right jurors are sitting on the trail, and he's not above using trickery to make that happen.

Fitch and his staff don't have high hopes for Nicholas Easter (John Cusack), because they don't think he's going to help the gun merchants' cause. Easter is choosen anyway, and it soon becomes apparent that he planned it that way. He's working with his girlfriend Marlee (Rachel Weisz), who tells both Rohr and Fitch that she can swing the jury their way -- for a price. We know Rohr and Fitch's agendas. But what do Easter and Marlee hope to gain from jury tampering?

A good main cast, peppered with actors in smaller, but no less important roles, makes for a tight film that focuses on a hot button issue. Hackman has always been very good at playing underhanded, sneaky men who don't give a damn about who they bulldoze to move ahead. Hoffman plays his role as a Southern gentleman (the film takes place in New Orleans) with principles. Cusack and Weisz keep the audience guessing about their true motives up to the end.

Jeremy Piven ("Entourage") plays a jury consultant on Rohr's side. Nora Dunn ("Saturday Night Live"), Jennifer Beals (Flashdance, 1983), Bill Nunn (Do The Right Thing, 1984), and Luis Guzman (Out Of Sight, 1998), are a few of the jurors. Bruce McGill, who appears as the judge presiding over the case, was in the classic comedy Animal House (1978). Cusack, and Beals are from Illinois -- Cusack from Evanston, and Beals from Chicago. Piven was born in New York, but raised in Evanston, IL. Hackman was born in California, but was raised mostly in Danville, IL.

Rush Hour 3 (2007)

2008-08-30T21:21:00.002-05:00

Not long after a Chinese ambassador tells Lee (Jackie Chan) he is glad that Lee is protecting him. the ambassador is shot. The ambassador was about to announce the big wig behind the Triad, a deadly crime organization. Lee chases the would-be assassin, only to discover that he knows the man. He lets the guy get away, just as Carter (Chris Tucker) arrives to give Lee backup.
After the Triad attempts to finish off the ambassador as he lays in the hospital, Lee and Carter jet off to France to get to the bottom of the chaos. Their search leads to a dancer (Noemie Lenoir) who is linked to the Triad.

Like most sequels, this falls short. The cultural differences between Chinese Lee and African-American Carter were mined for enough jokes in the first Rush Hour (1998). There are the usual spectacular fights between Chan and various bad guys, and some amusing moments, but nothing much new.

Plus size model Mia Tyler has a small role in the beginning of the film. Max von Sydow appears here; he was in Minority Report (2002). Director Roman Polanski has an uncredited role as a French police chief.

"Chelsea Lately" (2007-present)

2008-08-22T13:20:00.004-05:00

Chelsea Handler had said something about a celebrity that I thought was incredibly rude. I can't remember what it was, but I was fully prepared to dislike the chick. Then I caught her talk show on E!

Ms. Handler is a comedian, whom by her own admission is "a bitch". But she does bitchy so well. Each episode starts off with her and a round table of comedians, writers, directors and entertainment news types -- including Whitney Cummings, Loni Love, Michael Yo, Ross Matthews, Chris Franjola, and Josh Wolf, among others -- commenting on the latest antics of celebrities and odd news stories. Her comments are particularly dead on target.

The other major segment involves her interviewing a celebrity. None of the fawning or kissing up that some talk show hosts have been accused of doing. Ms. Handler will go there and ask a outrageous question, or make a snarky comment.

Occassionally, short comedy skits are featured. She had made fun of Disney pop group The Jonas Brothers in one skit. The following episode, she read emails from their teeny-bopper fans who were ticked that she dare insult their heroes. Ms. Handler's responses were highly sarcastic and very funny. I might have cut those pre-teen and teenage girls a new one, myself.

Ms. Handler was a regular on the prank show "Girls Behaving Badly" (2002).

Disorderlies (1987)

2008-08-02T21:20:00.002-05:00

Some movies are so bad that they are good. Unfortunately, this is not one of them.

Albert Dennison (Ralph Bellamy) is rich, old and sickly. His greedy nephew, Winslow (Anthony Geary) decides to hasten his demise quickly, so he hires three incompentant guys (Mark Morales, Darren Robinson, Damon Wimbley, aka The Fat Boys) as nurse's aides to look after Albert. When the guys have more of a positive effect on the old man's health, Winslow decides to try and murder his uncle himself.

Rap group The Fat Boys were presented as some sort of hip-hop version of The Three Stooges in this film. But their goofy antics worked much better in the music videos for their hits like "Wipeout" than in a long-form movie. We are also supposed to believe that pretty Troy Beyer, who also appears in the movie, would fall for one of the guys. It has nothing to do with his weight (all the member of the group were heavyset), but more to do with his brain power.

Mr. Bellamy was a veteran actor who received an honorary Oscar in 1987. He had appeared in the much funnier Trading Places (1983). Anthony Geary is known to soap opera fans as Luke, who had a long love affair with Laura on TV's "General Hospital". Troy Beyer directed Love Don't Cost A Thing (2003), which was a remake of Can't Buy Me Love (1987). Helen Reddy, singer of the feminist anthem, "I Am Woman", has a cameo. Tony Plana is also in the film; he plays the title character's dad on TV's "Ugly Betty".

"ESPN Classic Ringside"

2008-07-28T01:41:00.002-05:00

Using archival footage and commentary from boxing experts, this three-hour show goes in-depth into the sport. Each episode focuses on great boxers (Muhammad Ali, Rocky Graziano, Sugar Ray Robinson, etc.) as well as historic bouts (Ali vs. Frazier, Robinson vs. LaMotta, Leonard vs. Hagler, etc.).

Ringside is hosted by ESPN sports commentator Brian Kenny, and various boxing world figures appear to discuss the athletes and fights. Burt Randolph Sugar, the most well-known boxing historian, and trainer/boxing analyst Teddy Atlas are regulars. Trainers like Angelo Dundee and Emmanuel Stewart, and boxers like Ray "Boom Boom" Mancini and George Foreman weigh in with their opinions and recollections. The show is shot in Gleason's Gym, a world-famous boxing gym located in Brooklyn, NY. This show is must-see-TV for any boxing fan.

Brian Kenny and Teddy Atlas are commentators on ESPN's "Wednesday Night Fights" and "Friday Night Fights".

"The Jeffersons" (1975-1985)

2008-07-25T21:38:00.002-05:00

George Jefferson (Sherman Helmsley) was a self-made man. Born poor in New York City, he opened a dry cleaning store on April 4, 1968 -- the day Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated -- and grew it into a thriving company. The company did so well that he and his wife, Louise (Isabel Sanford), whom he called "Weezy", were able to move into an upscale high-rise along with their college-aged son Lionel (first played by Mike Evans, and later by Damon Evans).

George was smart in business, but he had some major personality flaws, namely his temper and racist attitudes. He had plenty of targets to take his ire out on. Britisher Harry Bentley (Paul Bentley), a translator at the UN, lived down the hall. Helen and Tom Willis (Roxie Roxer and Franklin Cover) were an interracial married couple who lived upstairs. Lionel dated, and later married, their daughter Jenny (Berlinda Tolbert). Ralph (Ned Wertimer), the building's doorman, always had his hand out for tips. The only people who never seemed to let George completely run them over were Louise, and the maid, an outspoken woman named Florence (Marla Gibbs).

Episodes mainly focused on domestic squabbles between George and his wife, George's quest to get more business, and his ongoing fights with the neighbors and whoever else he came across. Yet there was plenty of commentary on issues of the day and race relations.

I always wished there would have been more exploration of the dynamics of the relationship between Tom and Helen Willis. An early episode had George telling the two they didn't dare get into an arguement because of the fear that Tom might call Helen the N-word (Tom was white). The couple left the Jefferson's apartment in a huff. But then Tom admitted to Helen that during their arguements, the N-word crossed his mind. The audience gasped. There would be times when the Willis couple would talk about their challenges as being an interracial couple. But never again would they have a deep conversation like that.

Mother Jefferson (Zara Cully) was a great character. George's mother seemed to never find anything good to say about her daughter-in-law Louise. Louise spent many an episode holding herself back from either cursing the woman out or putting her hands around her throat. Her character appeared on the show for about three years. Unfortunately, the actress who played her passed away; it was explained in the show that George's mother had died.

In fact, most of the primary cast for this long-running sitcom has passed on, including Ms. Sanford, Ms. Roxer, and Mr. Covey. Sherman Helmsley went on to another popular sitcom entitled "Amen" (1986-1991). Ms. Gibbs was the star of "227" (1985-1990). Ms. Roxer's son is musician Lenny Kravitz.

Experiment In Terror (1962)

2008-07-22T21:05:00.004-05:00

Kelly Sherwood (Lee Remick) returns home from a party, parks her car in the garage, and gets the shock of her life. A man grabs her and tells her she will steal $100,000 from the bank where she works. If she doesn't comply, he'll kill her or her younger sister, Toby (Stefanie Powers). The man, named Red Lynch (Ross Martin), warns her that he'll be watching her every move, so there'll be no alerting the police. Kelly calls the FBI anyway, and connects with an agent named Ripley (Glenn Ford). Once a check on Lynch's background reveals the man is even more psychotic than previously thought -- and a body turns up -- the race is on to stop him.

This is a very taut thriller. Remick's character is continually under stress, and at times it looks as if she will crumble. Martin's character is very creepy, even using disguises to unnerve his victim. The camera angles make you wonder who is watching whom in various scenes.

Ms. Remick appeared in the original version of the horror movie The Omen (1976). Ms. Powers was in two TV series, "The Girl From U.N.C.L.E."(1966-1967) and "Hart To Hart"(1979-1984). Mr. Martin, a fine character actor, also did a lot of TV work including, "Mr. Lucky"(1959-1960) and "The Wild, Wild West" (1965-1970). Blake Edwards directed this movie. His TV and film work include the aforementioned "Mr. Lucky", "Peter Gunn" (1959-1961), 10 (1979), and The Pink Panther (1963).

Mamma Mia! (2008)

2008-07-18T18:46:00.004-05:00

Donna (Meryl Streep), the owner of a small inn, doesn't know it, but she's in for a surprise. Her daughter, Sophie (Amanda Seyfried), is getting married and she's invited three of her mom's old boyfriends -- Bill (Stellan Starsgard), Harry (Colin Firth), and Sam (Pierce Brosnan) -- to the ceremony. The ceremony is to take place on the small Greek island where she and her mother reside. Sophie wants to finally know which one of the men is her dad. Donna has never divulged that information to her.

Donna used to be the lead in a popular pop group, and the two others in the group, Rosie (Julie Walters) and Tanya (Christine Baranski), have arrived to celebrate Sophie's wedding. They offer moral support when an upset Donna finds her old boyfriends on the island.

The music all consists of tunes by the 1970's pop group ABBA; their hits have been neatly put into this light and fluffy story. There is so much music that this film almost qualifies as a pop opera. The characters don't seem to get through a few sentences before they break into yet another song. Streep has a fine voice -- she sang in the movie Postcards From The Edge (1990) -- and Baranski and Walters harmonize nicely. Starsgard, Firth, and Brosnan aren't singers per se, but they do well with what is required of them in their roles. If you go into this movie not expecting much, you'll be fine. It's not a bad couple of hours.

Ms. Streep was nominated for an Oscar for her work in The Devil Wears Prada (2006). Mr. Brosnan was James Bond for awhile in a few movies including The World Is Not Enough (1999). He also was a regular on the NBC detective show, "Remington Steele" (1982-1987). Mr. Firth was in Bridget Jones' Diary (2001).

Hancock (2008)

2008-07-03T17:58:00.002-05:00

John Hancock (Will Smith) is a superhero, but not the noble kind, or one deserving of respect. He fights crime alright, but costs the city big money in terms of damages. Hancock appears to do his job just because he has the powers, not out of any concern for anyone. The superhero has a bad attitude and a drinking problem. The public can't stand Hancock.

One day, he saves Ray (Jason Bateman) from being run over by a train. The people in the crowd complain about Hancock's destruction of the train, as well as banging up Ray's car. But Ray is very appreciative. Since he's in the public relations business, he offers Hancock a chance to improve his image. Ray's wife, Mary (Charlize Theron), is uncomfortable around Hancock, but not for the reasons Ray thinks.

This movie runs just under an hour and a half, but it is not a tight story. There are mysteries about the main character that still aren't explained even when another character clearly has the answers. We've seen most of the superhero stunts presented here in other films, and they don't feel fresh or new. A plot device involving bad guys out for revenge seemed to have been thrown in late to give the film a bang ending. The premise of the story -- what if a superhero was not likeable? -- is a good idea. Unfortunately, the idea wasn't fleshed out as far as it could have.

Will Smith started his career as a popular rapper known as The Fresh Prince in the 1980s. He was nominated twice for a Best Actor Oscar -- Ali (2001) and The Pursuit of Happyness (2006). Jason Bateman was a child actor, having appeared on "Silver Spoons" (1982-1987). He was also part of the cast of the acclaimed comedy "Arrested Development" (2003-2006). Charlize Theron won an Best Actress Oscar for Monster (2003). Nancy Grace, the host of her self-titled CNN show, has a cameo in this movie.

Get Smart (2008)

2008-06-20T19:06:00.003-05:00

Maxwell Smart (Steve Carell) is an analyst for CONTROL, a top-secret government agency. He wants to be a full-fledged agent, a desire which is mocked by agents Larabee (David Koechner) and 91 (Terry Crews). Sigfried (Terrence Stamp) stages an attack on the agency, and the identities of its agents are revealed. The Chief (Alan Arkin) then has no choice but to make Max an agent. He sends him out on assignment with competent, confident Agent 99 (Anne Hathaway).

Sigfried, backed by CONTROL's rival agency, KAOS, and assisted by Shtarker (Ken Davitan) amass a collection of destructive nuclear weapons. The goal is to hold the USA hostage. When the goverment refuses to negotiate, Sigfried sets in motion a plan to blow up Los Angeles while the President (James Caan) is visiting the city.

While not all of the gags work, the film does a nice job in attempting to convey the lunancy of the original sitcom (which ran from 1965 to 1970, first on NBC, then CBS). Carell doesn't go for an out-and-out imitation of what Don Adams did with the character. However, whoever picked him for the part was right on the money, because he's charming. Ms. Hathaway plays Agent 99 similar to how the character was on the sitcom, but with more of an modern edge. Dwayne Johnson (aka, The Rock) has fun with his role as Agent 23, a big-man-on-campus type. Arkin has one of the best lines in the film after he decks a cocky Secret Service agent who has insulted him once.

There are several nods to the original show and actors. Max has a picture of Mr. Big on his refrigerator. Mr. Big was the villian on the pilot episode of the sitcom. The phrase "The Claw" is seen written on a pad; that villian also appeared on the show. Bernie Kopell, who was the original Sigfried, and Leonard Stern, the producer of the original sitcom, both have cameos. Bill Murray is seen briefly as the put upon Agent 13. Patrick Warburton shows up as Hymie. An airplane has the name "Yarmy" on the side. Yarmy was the late Don Adams' real last name.

Steve Carell was a cast member on "The Daily Show" (1999-present), and appeared in Little Miss Sunshine (2006). Ms. Hathaway was in The Princess Diaries (2001) and a short-lived TV series entitled "Get Real" (1999-2000). Dwayne Johnson wrestled in the WWE, and has made his mark as an action star in several films including Walking Tall (2004). Alan Arkin was in Catch-22 (1970), and was an original member of The Second City, the famed Chicago-based comedy troupe. Terrence Stamp played villians in The Collector (1965) and Superman (1978).
James Caan, who plays the President, was in "To Sire, With Love" a two-part episode of "Get Smart". He is best known for the role of Sonny, Don Corelone's violent son in The Godfather (1972).

The Incredible Hulk (2008)

2008-06-15T21:04:00.003-05:00

The opening credit flash through how Bruce Banner (Edward Norton) underwent an experiment dealing with gamma rays. The experiment went wrong, changing Banner into a huge, green creature who caused a hell of a lot of destruction. In the melee, Betty Ross (Liv Tyler), Banner's girlfriend, was hurt. Her dad, General Ross (William Hurt) and the U.S. goverment conducted a manhunt for Banner, which is where the plot begins.

Banner is hiding out in Brazil, taking martial arts lessons, working in a bottling factory, and learning to keep his temper under control. It's his temper that causes the green Hulk to appear. The U.S. government finds where he's hiding after a minor accident ends up with some of his blood dropping into the juice the bottling factory distributes. An unlucky consumer (Stan Lee) ends up drinking it. Banner turns into the Hulk and escapes capture.

He ends up hiding out at Betty's place, but trouble follows him there. General Ross has enlisted the help of a top-level military guy named Emil Blonsky (Tim Roth) to help nab Banner. Blonsky agrees to be injected with the same gamma rays that now infect Banner. Unlike Banner, Blonsky likes having destructive power.

I didn't see the earlier Hulk movie that was directed by Ang Lee, so I can't compare the two. There were some nice touches. Stan Lee, who created The Incredible Hulk (as well as Spiderman and the Fantastic Four) for Marvel comics, has a cameo. Lou Ferrigno, who played the Hulk on the TV series which ran from 1978-1982, shows up as a security guard. Even the late Bill Bixby, who was Bruce Banner on the same TV show, is seen in a clip from an earlier series he was in, "The Courtship of Eddie's Father" (1969-1972). Robert Downey Jr. also has a cameo, tying in Iron Man with this movie. Tim Blake Nelson (Oh Brother, Where Art Thou?) appears as a scientist.

However, the film is not as good as Iron Man, which is based on yet another Marvel Comics superhero. The chemistry between Norton and Tyler is not there, and after awhile, the fights between the Hulk and others seem to run into each other.

Sex And The City (2008)

2008-06-09T23:18:00.002-05:00

I guess you had to be a big fan of the HBO comedy-drama of the same name to love this movie. I've only seen a few episodes of the uncensored ones on HBO (I don't watch the sanitized ones shown on TBS). I see why it appealed to some women, but I doubt that all women related to it. I certainly didn't. I don't have the fabulous careers nor the taste (or care) for designer clothing and accessories. This film is basically a long episode of the show, which picks up on the lives of Carrie (Sarah Jessica Parker), Samantha (Kim Cattrall), Miranda (Cynthia Nixon) and Charlotte (Kristen Davis), four years after the end of the original series.

Everything seems to be going well for all, but hold on -- the shakeups begin. Samantha feels tied down by her love relationship with actor Smith (Jason Lewis) even though their professional one is great. Miranda and husband Steve (David Eigenberg) have a falling out. Carrie and Mr. Big move in together then decide to get married, but trouble shows up. Charlotte appears to be the only one living in romantic bliss with her attorney husband (Evan Handler) and their cute adopted daughter. But then she gets some news that changes her world. The characters spend most of the movie lifting each other up as they deal with their various problems.

Louise (Jennifer Hudson) is a personal assistant that Carrie hires because she reminds her of when Carrie was young and new to New York. The Louise character seems to be a response to critics who complained about the lack of people of color in the HBO series. Louise is not a big part of the story. But then, neither are the men, not even the Mr. Big character who was so prominent in the series. The focus is purely on the women and their challenges, and it's a long two and a half hours.

Ms. Parker was a cast member on "Square Pegs" (1982-1983). Chris Noth was a cast member on "Law and Order: Criminal Intent" (2005-2007). Jennifer Hudson won a Best Supporting Actress Oscar for her role in Dreamgirls (2006).

Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull (2008)

2008-05-25T19:32:00.002-05:00

Indiana (Harrison Ford) is forced to find a box that is hidden in a U.S. facility by a group of Russian soldiers, headed up by Dr. Irina Spalko (Cate Blanchett). The box holds a corpse that appears to be from out of this world. Indiana at first attempts an escape that is foiled by Mac (Ray Winstone), whom he thought was his friend. The professor is not stalled for long, and he manages to get away, even getting out of being harmed by a bomb dropped on a nuclear test site. Unfortunately, this puts Indiana under suspicion of being in cahoots with Communism. It's 1957, and anti-Communist sentiment is high.

Indiana is forced to take a leave from absence from his professor's position. On the way out of town, he meets Mutt (Shia LaBeouf), a young man who needs a favor. A professor friend of his, Oxnard (John Hurt) has been kidnapped. When Mutt's mom went to find him, she ended up in trouble, too. Oxnard was in search of the Crystal Skull, which is rumored to have great powers. Mutt shows Indiana a letter of what Oxnard had found so far. Indiana and Mutt travel to Peru, where they encounter a lot of dangerous situations, as Dr. Spalko stays on their trail. Indiana is surprised to find Mutt's mom is Marion (Karen Allen), a former girlfriend who was introduced in Raiders of the Lost Ark.

This film is not as good as Raiders of the Lost Ark, but it's not the weak entry in the series that Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom was. It has flashes of what made people admire Indiana Jones, and Mutt is not a bad sidekick.

Shia LaBeouf was in Transformers (2007). Ms. Allen was in Animal House (1978) and Scrooged (1988). Ford has been in many movies including American Graffiti (1973).

Knocked Up (2007)

2008-05-25T19:15:00.002-05:00

Alison (Katherine Heigl) is a reporter on her way up at the E! Network. She gets a promotion to be on-air. Alison and her sister Debbie (Leslie Mann) go to a bar, where Alison meets Ben (Seth Rogan). What Alison doesn't know about Ben is that he's a major slacker. He shares a house with three buddies, and they basically do nothing, except for preparing to launch a porn web site. Alison gets drunk, takes Ben home, and they do the deed -- without a condom.

Soon Alison is having morning sickness, and regretting hooking up with Ben. Ben doesn't take the news that he's going to be a daddy seriously in the beginning. It appears that he and Alison have absolutely nothing in common other than the fact that they are going to be parents.

I understand this movie was a big hit. I'm sorry, but comedies about loser guys and their dumb attitudes aren't that funny to me. I'm glad I saw it on cable as opposed to paying to see it in the movies. I thought the Alison character should have known better than to foolishly get drunk and get with some guy she barely knew. I thought Ben was stupid for not using a condom, especially in this age of AIDS. The constant profanity came off as being done to make lame jokes and silly comedic situations appear funnier.

Ms. Heigl appeared on TV's "Grey's Anatomy". Rogan was in Superbad (2007). Paul Rudd who appears as Heigl's brother-in-law in this movie, was in The Object of My Affection (1998).

Raiders Of The Lost Ark (1981)

2008-05-21T22:20:00.003-05:00

When we first see Indiana Jones (Harrison Ford), he has found a statue in a cave. He removes it from its spot, replacing it with a bag of sand meant to represent the weight of the statue. The statue has been booby-trapped to guard against thieves. Jones doesn't get much time to celebrate his new treasure. He's set off a trap after all -- a boulder comes barreling towards him. Jones makes it out of the cave in the nick of time.

Jones is also a professor in addition to being an archelogist and adventurer. The year is 1936, and the U.S. is concerned about the rise of the Nazis overseas. The Nazis are seeking the Ark of the Covenant, a Biblical artifact. They believe if they possess the Ark, their military will be invincible. Knowing that Jones is an expert on religion and the occult, the U.S. government asks him to find the Ark before the Nazis do.

What follows is a wild adventure that is done up in the style of 1930's movie serials. Maybe that's why my late dad, who grew up during the Great Depression, liked this movie. It has the distinction of being the only movie in color that he liked. Indiana goes from one cliffhanger and narrow escape to the next, assisted by his former girlfriend, a tough woman named Marion (Karen Allen). It is rip-roaring entertainment, one of the best films of it's kind.

Harrison Ford has appeared in many films including the first three Star Wars movies and the big screen remake of the 60's TV show The Fugitive (1993). Karen Allen made her film debut in National Lampoon's Animal House (1978), and later appeared alongside Jeff Bridges in Starman (1984). Both Ford and Allen were born in Illinois. Alfred Molina is also in this movie. He was Doc Ock in Spiderman 2 (2004).

Iron Man (2008)

2008-05-12T23:02:00.004-05:00

Tony Stark is kidnapped while in Afganistan to show off a new weapon his company has made. The rebels who grab him demand that he make a rocket for them. When Stark (Robert Downey, Jr.) realizes he'll be killed after he delivers the product, he makes a robot instead. Yelsin (Shaun Taub), who's also a prisoner of the rebels, helps him to build it. Stark stages a daring escape, but unfortunately Yinsen is killed. Before he dies, Yinsen basically tells Stark to think about how he'll live his life from here on in.

As soon as Stark returns to the States, he announces he getting out of the business of being a war profiteer. This does not sit well with either his business partner Obadiah (Jeff Bridges) or his long-time friend, Jim Rhodes (Terrance Howard), who is a military officer. Stark secretly works on another version of the robot he made in Afganistan. The experience over there has made him a changed man in terms of how he'll use his talents for the world.

This is a different type of superhero movie, as the man behind the mask is not completely a good guy. Stark is a mega-rich playboy who drinks too much, and often frustrates and irritates the few people who are closest to him, including his assistant Pepper (Gwyneth Paltrow). His genius has made Stark a bit arrogant, too. Action is displayed, but the emphasis is more on character than it usually is in films of this genre.

Downey (Chaplin, 1992) and Bridges (Starman, 1984) are Oscar nominated actors. Ms. Paltrow won a Best Actress Oscar for Shakespeare In Love (1998). Howard was in The Brave One (2007), alongside Jodie Foster.

Meet The Browns (2008)

2008-03-24T11:54:00.002-05:00

Brenda (Angela Bassett), a single mom in Chicago, has her share of problems. Right at the beginning of the film, she loses her low-paying job in a plant due to the place suddenly going out of business. She doesn't have money to pay the gruff babysitter (Irma P. Hall), who watches her youngest daughter. The father (Philip Edward Van Lear) of her son will not lift a finger to help her, and resents her asking him for anything. Then Brenda receives a letter that her dad, whom she never knew, has died. She never knew his side of the family, either. After much going back and forth, she decides to go to Georgia to attend his funeral.

No sooner than she gets off the bus with her three kids, she is greeted by Leroy Brown (David Mann) in all his loud-color glory. She meets Brown's other family members including his daughter Cora (Tamela Mann), and his older brother L.B. (Frankie Faison). All seem to welcome her except for Brown's sister, Vera (Jenifer Lewis), who has something smart to say about everything. There is confusion about why Brenda was invited to the funeral, until the bomb is dropped that she is the daughter of the deceased. L.B. was the person who wrote Brenda the letter.

If you've seen Tyler Perry's stage play in person or on DVD, you will recognize that several plot points were changed. In the stage version, it was Cora who "meets the Browns" for the first time after she learns her grandfather (Leroy's dad) has passed on. It was revealed in an earlier play, Madea's Class Reunion, that Leroy was Cora's dad, the result of one-night stand between Leroy and Madea. I can't say that all of the changes were effective.

Overall, this is a pleasant time-waster, but not on the level of Perry's earlier efforts. You know how things are going to turn out for Brenda early on, especially when she meets Harry (Rick Fox), a former basketball star who believes her son Michael (Lance Gross) has talent to make it in the pros. David Mann, who originated the part of Leroy Brown onstage, is funny, but his character is somewhat muted in favor of the Brenda character. I wish Vera had more screen time because she stole just about every one she was in.

Madea, Perry's most famous character, makes a brief appearance along with her brother Joe (also played by Perry). The scene was amusing, but did nothing to further the plot along.

Angela Bassett is an Oscar-nominated actress who has appeared in What's Love Got To Do With It (1993) and Waiting To Exhale (1995). Jenifer Lewis also appeared in What's Love Got To Do With It, and she sings as well. Lance Gross has a role on Perry's cable sitcom, "Meet The Paynes". Rick Fox was a pro basketball player in real life. He played for the Boston Celtics and later the LA Lakers. Margaret Avery (who plays L.B.'s wife) was nominated for an Oscar for her role in The Color Purple (1985). Frankie Faison was in the TV series "True Colors" (1990-1991).

"The Love Boat" (1977-1986)

2008-03-06T12:53:00.002-06:00

Aaron Spelling was one of the kings of TV during the 1970's and 1980's. "The Love Boat" was just another of the many series he produced. It was sort of a sea-going version of "Love, American Style" (1969-1974), in that the romance stories changed from week to week. Unlike that show, however, there was a regular cast that anchored the going-ons.

Capt. Merrill Stubing (Gavin MacLeod) helmed the cruise ship. He had a daughter, Vicky (Jill Whelan) from a past relationship. Adam Bricker (Bernie Kopell) was the ship's doctor. Yeoman-Purser Burl "Gopher" Smith (Fred Grandy), Julie McCoy (Lauren Tewes) and later, Judy McCoy (Pat Klous), the cruise directors, Ashley "Ace" Covington Evans (Ted McGinley), a photographer, and bartender Issac Washington (Ted Lange), made up the rest of the crew. They were often involved in the romantic troubles of the passengers who boarded the ship. Some situations were a bit spicy, leading a friend of mine to dub the series, "The Lust Boat".

Numerous guest stars paraded on board each episode, and the cruise ship went everywhere. The series was filmed on two real cruise ships, the Pacific Princess and the Island Princess. The show helped boost the public's interest in cruise vacations. Originally, this show began as a series of specials on ABC during the 1976-1977 season before becoming a full-blown series.

Gavin MacLeod had appeared on several series, including "The Mary Tyler Moore Show". Bernie Kopell was a regular on "That Girl" (1968-1971), and known as Maxwell Smart's nemesis, Siegfried on "Get Smart" (1965-1970). Ted McGinley was added to the cast of "Happy Days" during it's last few seasons, and he ended up on "The Love Boat" not long before that was cancelled. Ted Lange was Junior, one of the guys who hung around the barbershop on "That's My Mama". Fred Grandy is now a politician.

"Night Gallery" (1970-1973)

2008-03-06T12:35:00.002-06:00

Rod Serling hosted this anthology series, and wrote some of the episodes. Originally, "Night Gallery" episodes rotated as part of a NBC series called "Four In One" that aired three other series including "McCloud" a detective show starring Dennis Weaver. Eventually the show was moved to its own time slot.

Each episode opened with Serling standing in an art gallery where bizzare paintings were displayed. Each painting represented an equally bizzare story. Some of the stories were quite scary. The pilot episode was a TV-movie that featured a tale of an underhanded nephew (Roddy McDowell) who hastened his uncle's death so he could get his fortune. The uncle was buried in a family plot just outside of the door of the house. A painting located on the stairwell seemed to show the uncle climbing out of his grave, walking up to the house and knocking on the door. The nephew thought he was imagining it, until he heard the knocks on the door. Other stories were short and amusing (but still bizarre), like the one where a vampire (Joseph Campanella) hires a babysitter to watch his son. The little boy turned out to be a werewolf.

The stories were hit or miss. I would say that the ones penned by Serling were better, but there were some others just as good as the ones he did. The series was not quite the same as "The Twlight Zone" (1959-1965), but it had its moments.

"Hogan's Heroes" (1966-1971)

2008-03-06T12:10:00.002-06:00

A World War II prisoner-of-war camp seemed like an unlikely setting for a comedy, but this had a good run on CBS. Colonel Robert Hogan (Bob Crane) appeared to be just another prisoner in a camp in Germany, but actually, he and a group of men fed information to the Allied forces on the outside. They did this under the nose of Colonel Wilhelm Klink (Werner Klemperer), who ran the camp, but was quite clueless and incompetant. It was easy for Hogan to manipulate Klink, whose pompous attitude and ego tripped him up, as well. Hogan and his men practically ran the camp, and their bunkers had the comforts of home.

Hogan's men -- LeBeau (Robert Clary), Newkirk (Richard Dawson), Sgt. Baker (Kenneth Washington), Sgt. Kinchloe (Ivan Dixon), and Sgt. Carter (Larry Hovis) -- had various skills which they used to fight the bad guys. They snuck in and out of the camp at will to complete their missions. Sometimes, Klink's sidekick, Sgt. Hans Schultz (John Banner) would walk in on the guys in the midst of their missions. But Schultz was a nervous type who was always afraid of being sent to the front, so he would ignore whatever he saw. "I know nothing, I see nothing, I hear nothing!" was his catchphrase.

Every time I see reruns of this show, I can't help but think of the fate of actor Bob Crane. He was murdered in the mid-1970's, and to this date, the crime has never been solved. Crane appeared on "The Donna Reed Show" (1958-1966), and headlined one other series on his own, "The Bob Crane Show" (1975). Richard Dawson hosted the game show "Family Feud" for years, and appeared in the movie The Running Man with Arnold Swartzenegger. Ivan Dixon was featured in the movie Car Wash (1976).

Beyond The Sea (2004)

2008-03-03T12:19:00.000-06:00

I remember singer Bobby Darin when I was a kid. TV networks used to regularly have "summer series" to offset the stream of reruns during that season. Darin had a summer series, and it was quite entertaining. He was a talented guy who could sing silly rock n' roll ditties like "Splish Splash", then swing a standard like "Up A Lazy River", then go folk on audiences with stuff like "If I Were A Carpenter".

Beyond The Sea follows Darin (Kevin Spacey) from being a sickly child in the Bronx to his stardom in nightclubs and in films. Darin is raised by an extended family which includes his sister Nina (Caroline Aaron), brother-in-law Charlie (Bob Hoskins), and mom Polly (Brenda Blethyn), who totally believe in his talent. Darin's talent, plus his cockiness and arrogance, propel him forward. Darin wants to live life to the fullest. He developed heart problems as a child, and was told he wouldn't live past age 15. He makes it past that age, but the specter of death follows him for the rest of his life.

Darin meets actress Sandra Dee (Kate Bosworth) on the set of a movie. They don't seem right for each other. She's a bit young and innocent, and he's brash. Then there's the matter of her stage mother, Mary (Greta Scacchi), controlling her daughter's moves. But love blossoms between the pair, and they get married. Darin keeps pushing along in his career, which eventually causes some tension between him and Dee, who wants him to spend more time with her and their son. But Bobby Darin can't stop. He's on a mission.

As what happens with careers that are red hot, at some point they cool down. Darin finds himself up against the changes in America during the 1960's, and his type of entertainment falls out of favor. Darin becomes politically aware and he even considers running for office. Then he gets some explosive news from his sister about his parentage which causes him to find out who he is and where he fits in.

The story is set up with Darin being led through events of his life by the younger version of himself (William Ulrich). That device, which has been used in some other films, doesn't work all the time. I would have liked it better if this story was told straightforward. Spacey (American Beauty, Midnight In The Garden of Good and Evil) does a great job evoking Darin's larger-than-life presence, and he does his own singing without overly apeing Darin's style.

John Goodman appears as Darin's manager; he was the title character's husband on "Rosanne" (1988-1997) and was in the cult classic The Big Lebowski (1998). Bob Hoskins was in Nixon (1995) and Mona Lisa (1986). Kate Bosworth was Lois Lane in Superman Returns (2006).

The real Bobby Darin gained an Supporting Actor Oscar nomination for Captain Newman, M.D. (1963). "Beyond The Sea" is the name of a hit he had in 1960. Darin passed away in 1973, after open heart surgery. He was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1999.

Juno (2007)

2008-02-25T12:17:00.003-06:00

Juno (Ellen Page) is a sardonic 16 year old who after taking several at home pregnancy tests has to deal with the fact that she's with child. She tells her geeky track star boyfriend, Bleeker (Michael Cera), but seemingly lets him off the hook as far as taking responsibility. Juno then tells her dad and stepmom, Mac and Bren (J.K Simmons and Allison Janney), who expected her to tell them she had done something even worse.

Juno decides that she can't go through an abortion. The teenager quickly finds a yuppie couple, Mark and Vanessa (Jason Bateman and Jennifer Garner) who want to adopt a child. It is apparent early on that Vanessa really wants a child. It is not explained why her and Mark can't have their own children. Mark seems to want to do what is going to make his wife happy, but there are clues that he's not quite satisfied with going along with everything Vanessa wants. As the plot continues, it appears that he has a lot more in common with Juno than he does with Vanessa.

We learn that Juno's mom and dad divorced when she was a kid. Her mom moved out of state, remarried, had other children, and did not keep in contact with Juno. There's a hint that Juno suffered a lot of emotional stress behind that. Her smart-aleck attitude appears to be one way of dealing with that. It also speaks to why Juno is so adamant that her child have parents that will be there for them and stay together.

The film is okay, but Juno came off smarter than most teenagers really are. Her parents seemed to be a little too laid back about the unplanned pregancy, even though they were upset about it. I did like how the isolation some teens feel who are in that situation was shown. Juno hung out mostly with her friend Leah (Olivia Thirlby), who didn't judge her about the situation unlike the other kids and teachers at their high school.

J.K. Simmons was Peter Parker's boss in the Spiderman movies. Michael Cera was in Superbad (2007). Jennifer Garner was the lead in the TV action hit "Alias" (2001-2006). Allison Janney was a cast member on "The West Wing" (1999-2006). Rainn Wilson, a cast member on "The Office", has a small part.

Diablo Cody wrote the script. She won the Oscar for Best Original Screenplay.

"Project Runway" (2005-present)

2008-02-15T12:56:00.003-06:00

I am not very interested in fashion, but this reality show is surprising engaging. Several designers who want to move up in the fashion world are picked to compete against one another. Each week, they are given a challenge to create clothing. They could be asked to make something for a fashion icon. An episode found them designing pieces for actress Sarah Jessica Parker's clothing line. They could be asked to work with a certain type of fabric, like denim. Whatever the task is, they are exhorted by Tim Gunn, who was the Chair of the Department of Fashion Design at Parsons The School For New Design, to "make it work". Gunn has since become the Chief Creative Director of Liz Claireborne, Inc., but he is still on the show. Gunn is like a dad of sorts, checking up on the designers as they make their clothes and admonishing them when he feels it is necessary.

Gunn's partner in crime is supermodel Heidi Klum, who also serves as one of the judges of the contestant's designs. She warns the designers every week that after a challenge, "you will be in or you will be out". Klum sounds awfully cold when she tells them this, but is otherwise warm towards the designers.

The judges -- usually Michael Kors (a top fashion designer) and Nina Garcia (fashion editor of Elle magazine) are always on this panel, plus guest designers -- can be very cutting. When they like something they see at the runway show that happens at the end of every episode, they praise it to the heavens. But God forbid they see something they don't like. The claws come out.

The contestants are a mixed bag of people who come from all over. Per the usual in reality shows, there are ongoing conflicts between two or more persons before the season ends. All of them struggle to not get eliminated so they can show their stuff during a fashion show that is staged at Bryant Park. Apparently, Bryant Park is a big deal in the fashion world. After that showing, the winner of the competition is announced. The winner gets money, a car, and an opportuntity to push their fashion careers forward.

"The Sophisticated Gents" (1981)

2008-02-15T12:43:00.002-06:00

Several African-American men gather for a 25-year reunion of their athletic club, and to honor their coach, Charles David (Sonny Jim Gaines). There are secrets and lies swirling around the reunion, as well as a murder investigation, which threatens to knock everything off course.

The men include Ezra (Robert Hooks) who works for an African-American magazine where employees are fired on the spot if they are late for any reason. Ezra is in a troubled marriage; he has cheated on his wife, and his wife, Christine (Rosalind Cash) is hiding the fact that she had an abortion. D'Artagnan (Raymond St. Jacques) is a singer in the manner of Johnny Mathis, and his career is on the skids because of an indiscretion that happened years before. Snake (Thalmus Rasulala) is in an interracial marriage, and his committment to African-American causes is in question. Silky (Melvin Van Peebles) is the one member of the old club who went down the wrong path. He's under investigation by the police for criminal activities.

This is one of the better mini-series that were produced for TV during the early 1980's. The characters are well defined, and audiences are left guessing until the end how everything will work out.

"TMZ" (2007 - present)

2008-01-19T15:05:00.001-06:00

This show is the televised version of the entertainment gossip web site. It's "hosted" by Harvey Levin, who is usually seen at the beginning of each episode in front of a clear blackboard, gathering tidbits from his reporters. I have yet to see an episode that doesn't start off with some dirt about Britney Spears, who seems to be their favorite subject. Paparazzi are always seen chasing her up and down the streets of Los Angeles.

They like to post themselves outside of a couple of popular nightclubs and restaurants too, including Hyde and Mr. Chow's. Those places are prime spots to catch celebrities going in and out. TMZ's paparazzi people ask the stars some of the most inane and asinine questions, which seem to be designed to get them to reveal something juicy or get a rise out of them. Shots of would-be and wanna-be celebrities involved in fist fights and cat fights end up on the show, too.

There's one blond male reporter on "TMZ" who, in by the way he carries himself in general, always makes me wonder how he got his job. There seems to be an attitude of dismissal towards older stars (a recent clip on Joan Collins included a remark about her career going down). While Blondie is not the only one of the reporters guilty of not knowing their Hollywood history, his lack of knowledge about older stars is particularly glaring.

If you want real entertainment news, i.e. what new films are coming out, what's happening with your favorite TV show, when CDs from singers and bands will be released, etc., CNN's "Showbiz News Tonight", and the syndicated "Entertainment Tonight" are better choices. Much of what "TMZ" presents is trival stuff that wasn't worth the time they took to tape it.

"Samantha Who?" (2007-present)

2007-12-13T12:55:00.000-06:00

Christina Applegate plays a woman, whom as a result of an accident, has developed amnesia. Her former self was a self-absorbed, mean woman who walked over people. Flashbacks show how ugly her behavior was. In the present day, she is a nice, but confused person trying to get herself together. The people around her -- an ex-boyfriend, her sarcastic mom, and a colleague at her workplace -- are all helping and hindering Samantha as she builds a new life.

I have a friend who loves Christina Applegate because of her work in musicals (she was also the ditzy daughter on "Married With Children" (1987-1997) ). Ms. Applegate is likeable, but the humor in the show is small. While the flashbacks to the mean Samantha are interesting, the amnesia premise has been done too many times.

Barry Watson, who plays Samantha's ex, was one of the kids on "7th Heaven" (1996-2006). Jean Smart, who portrays Samantha's mom, was a cast member on "Designing Women" (1986-1991).

This Christmas (2007)

2007-11-25T13:52:00.000-06:00

The Whitfield family comes together for the holiday, but there are so many secrets being hid. MaDear (Loretta Devine) covers up that she's been living with Joe Black (Delroy Lindo), a deacon at the church she attends. Quentin (Idris Elba), a musician, had to scram from Chicago because he owes big money to a bookie. Claude (Christopher Short) has secretly wed. Lisa's (Regina King) husband Malcom (Laz Moore) has put her up to suggesting to the family that they sell MaDear's cleaning business for reasons of which Lisa is not fully aware. The youngest Whitfield son, Baby (Chris Brown) is hiding a dream of his from everybody. Meanwhile, career woman Kelli hides her heart from an admirer, Gerald (Mekhi Phifer).

Unlike a lot of holiday-themed film, this movie is not overly sappy and sentimental. There are plot devices that you see coming from a mile away, but you forgive them because the characters are likeable. I especially liked Lindo's character, a stand-up guy. Chris Brown, who is known as a singer, does well in his role.

Ms. Devine was one of the original Dreamgirls in the Broadway musical of the same name. Idris Elba is originally from the U.K.; he played a bad guy in American Gangster (2007). Mekhi Phifer appeared in the remake of Shaft (2000) and he was in Soul Food (1997). Regina King played Cuba Gooding Jr.'s wife in Jerry Maguire (1996), and as a kid, she was a regular on the TV sitcom "227" (1985-1990).

American Gangster (2007)

2007-11-02T12:23:00.000-05:00

Here's a story of a very, very bad man: Frank Lucas, a real-life crime lord who had a huge heroin business in the late 60's to the mid-1970's. Lucas was a driver of legendary Harlem gangster Bumpy Robinson, and his protege. When Robinson (Clarence Williams III) sucumbs to a heart attack, Lucas (Denzel Washington) takes over his territory. With the help of a cousin (Roger Guevner Smith) who is in the military, Lucas transports heroin to the USA in the coffins of dead Vietnam soldiers. Unlike the Mafia, he sells the stuff uncut and for a lower price than they do.

Ritchie Roberts (Russell Crowe) is a cop whom, along with his partner, have been made persona non grata, because they found some drug money that was taken by other cops. They were honest and turned it in. Roberts other problems include his going through a divorce and fighting his wife (Carla Gugino) for custody of their son. He's also going to school at night for his law degree. Roberts is given a job as the head of a drug unit after his fallout over the drug money, and is able to pick his own guys to help out. Their dogged research to bring the big men down eventually lead to Lucas.

New York and New Jersey are shown in grimy glory, a perfect backdrop to the darkness and violence that permeates this story. Lucas is a smart guy for a long time, and keeping a low profile as he becomes richer. But he's dangerous when he shows his might, such as killing a rival in broad daylight then calmly returning to a restaurant to finish his meal. "Where did I leave off?" he tells his stunned relatives who work for him, as he sits down. Roberts has his flaws, too, but he holds on to his honesty and integrity while surrounded by a sea of cops who are on the take.

It's not The Godfather (1972), but the performances are good, including that of Josh Brolin, playing a particularly odious policeman. Clarence Williams III, who appears as Bumpy in early scenes, was one of the youthful cops on the TV series "The Mod Squad". Rappers T.I. and Common appear as a couple of Lucas' relatives. Acting diva Ruby Dee (A Raisin In The Sun)plays Lucas's mom. Cuba Gooding Jr. (Jerry Maguire) portrays Nicky Barnes, a rival of Lucas. Former MTV VJ Fab 5 Freddie ("Yo! MTV Raps") has a small role.

Poor Boy's Game (2007)

2007-10-15T07:03:00.000-05:00

Against George (Danny Glover) and Ruth's (Tonya Lee Williams) wishes, Donnie (Rossif Sutherland) is paroled from prison. Donnie beat down their son, Charles (K.C. Collins), leaving him brain-damaged. The Canadian town they live in is racially divided, and the African-Canadian community takes Donnie's parole as a slap in the face.

Donnie could have been out of jail in three years instead of spending ten, but his temper kept getting him in trouble. He comes home to a dysfunctional family that hasn't changed much in that time. His brother Keith (Greg Bryk) is a hothead who disrespects his wife, Emma (Laura Regan), and his uncle Joe (Stephen McHattie) runs a nightclub that has a policy of not allowing African-Canadians inside. Joe hires Donnie on his security team, and expects that his nephew continues to think the same old way. Donnie has changed, and his manner suggests that he does feel remorse and guilt over his crime.

A professional boxer named Ossie (Flex Alexander), who is a friend of Charles, gets the idea to stage a match with Donnie. He and Donnie had fought in the past, and Ossie sees the fight as a way to even that score, and get revenge for Charles. The African-Canadian community is behind this, but George begins to have second thoughts. Ossie is looking to kill Donnie in the ring. George is eaten up inside over his son, but he's not sure that he wants retribution in that manner. He tries to convice Ossie to cancel the fight, but Ossie refuses. The revenge machine is in motion, and there's no way to stop it. George then decides to train Donnie on how to beat Ossie. "I ain't doing this for you," George tells him. Of course, George's decision to help Donnie is not appreciated, especially by Ruth and Keith.

The film is framed around boxing, but the strong central theme is forgiveness. Both George and Donnie have to go against the grain in order to stop perpetrating the hate, and their paths aren't easy. There are a lot of quiet moments in this movie, where the characters are thinking about the turmoil inside of them, and wrestling with it.

Danny Glover was the abusive husband in The Color Purple (1986). Rossif Sutherland is a half-brother to Kiefer Sutherland. Stephen McHattie is a character actor ("Look What Happened To Rosemary's Baby") who's appeared in many TV and movie productions. Tonya Lee Williams was a cast member on the soap "The Young and The Restless". Flex Alexander was the dad on the sitcom, "One On One".

Why Did I Get Married? (2007)

2007-10-15T06:41:00.000-05:00

Although not as preachy as Tyler Perry's previous films and plays tend to be, this film still gives out the usual good messages. Four African-American couples (Perry, Sharon Leal, Malik Yoba, Janet Jackson, Michael Jai White, Tasha Smith, Richard T. Jones, Jill Scott) have their annual vacation, and a Colorado house is chosen as the spot. Patricia (Jackson), a prominent professor and author, organizes the time as sort of a marriage encounter group.

Mike (Jones), starts off the vacation wrong. His zaftig wife Sheila, (Scott) is asked to leave the plane they are on because she is too fat. He does not defend her from this humiliation. Instead, he tells her to drive to Colorado. Sitting next to him is Trina (Denise Boutte), who is secretly his mistress. Mike ain't about to leave Trina alone on the flight. When he shows up in Colorado with Trina, and displays no concern for her safety, the other wives are instantly suspicious.

Other secrets are going on: Marcus (White) has contracted VD from an affair, and is scared to tell his loud, tell-it-like-it-is wife Angela (Smith). Terry (Perry) hasn't had relations with his wife Diane (Leal) for a long time, because she is too busy. Truth is, she doesn't want another child. And the seemingly perfect couple (Jackson, Yoba) have yet to deal with the loss of their child. Things blow up during a dinner, and the couples are forced into dealing with their issues.

The movie is very amusing in the beginning, and the dinner scene where everything comes to a head is very funny. The movie bogs down a little after that when the couples deal with the fallout. Jill Scott, who is a singer, is very good here, and she makes you want to root for her character. Richard T. Jones (The Wood) plays a character that all the women in the theater where I saw this movie hated from the first time he came on the screen. You spend your time wishing that he'll eventually get his. Janet Jackson (Poetic Justice, "Good Times") gets more praise for her singing than her acting. There were times, especially during a heavy emotional scene, that I couldn't quite believe her lines, but she's not horrible in this. The scene stealer is Tasha Smith, whose character says exactly what she wants, and doesn't give a damn who doesn't like it. Also, Lamman Rucker, who plays a sheriff who comes to Scott's rescue, has some nice scenes.

"J.J.'s Fiancee" (1976) from "Good Times"

2007-09-07T18:05:00.000-05:00

This two-part episode is one of the most well known of this sitcom, one of several in the 1970's that was produced by Norman Lear ("All In The Family").

It's prom night, and JJ and Thelma are getting ready for the party in Part I. JJ can't wait to see his date, Diana (Debbie Allen). Thelma comments that Diana is a nice girl, but she acts strange sometimes. One minute she appears to be on top of the world, and the next minute, her mood has darkened. JJ waits until his family and Diana's parents come by to drop the news: he and Diana are engaged to be married.

Both sets of parents are against it. They cite the usual reasons, including the fact that neither JJ or Diana are ready for such a responsibility. Upset by all the arguing, Diana runs off to Thelma's bedroom and locks the door. She opens her purse to reveal that she has a needle and drugs. Diana prepares to shoot up.

Diana reappears a little while later in an ebullient mood. She tells JJ that their parents are right and that they should put off thinking about marriage for awhile. Their parents, thinking the couple have come to their senses, breathe a sigh of relief. However, once JJ and Diana are on their way to the prom, she tells JJ they are going to elope.

Part II begins with Thelma returning from the prom early. She informs everyone that JJ and Diana never showed up to the prom. Diana has also taken Thelma's purse by accident, and Thelma shows the adults the needle and drugs she found. Diana's parents don't want to believe their child is an addict.

Diana and JJ check into a hotel not over the border from Illinois. The hotel manager agrees to set up the wedding for them. He explains he gets kids in every year around prom time who want to get hitched. It seems the wedding is going to cost JJ a little more than he has in his pocket, but the manager is willing to cut him a deal. JJ's excitement about the wedding blinds him to Diana's distress. She has now discovered that she took Thelma's purse by mistake, and she needs her fix. Diana is nervous, jumpy and upset. It is clear that JJ doesn't know that his love has a drug problem.

Diana runs to the bathroom and locks herself in. JJ takes this as pre-wedding jitters. He calls home to let the family know that he and Diana are ok. Florida tries to tell him about Diana's addiction, but JJ believes she's just saying that to keep them from getting married. James gets on the phone and explains the situation, but JJ still doesn't buy it. He calls Diana to the phone to clear things up, but she does not answer.

JJ opens the bathroom door to find the window open and Diana gone. Stunned, JJ goes back to the phone, but doesn't pick it up. James can be heard over the receiver asking his son what's wrong.

I'm still not sure what happened to Diana there. Was their room on a high floor? Did she jump to her death? Or were they on the ground floor? Did Diana just run off into the night? Whatever happened, JJ finally believed the truth about his fiancee.

Debbie Allen did a good job in this episode, playing a very unstable and tragic figure.

"I Dream of Jeannie" (1965-1970)

2007-09-05T12:19:00.000-05:00

Major Tony Nelson (Larry Hagman) is a military man who works in the space program in Florida. One day, he's sent on an exercise, which is part of his training as an astronaut. He comes across a bottle, and is surprised when a 2,000 year old genie named Jeannie (Barbara Eden) pops out. Tony thinks he's hallucinating. When he returns home, he's surprised to find that Jeannie has folllowed him, and life is not the same for Tony after that.

Tony hides Jeannie for awhile, but eventually his best friend, Major Roger Healey (Bill Daily) is let in on the secret. The both of them find themselves helped and hindered by Jeannie during various adventures. Roger sometimes caused problems because he thought it wouldn't be a problem to use Jeannie's powers in various situations. They also have to explain some of the more unusual occurences to their superiors, Dr. Bellows (Hayden Rorke), General Peterson (Barton MacLane) and General Schaeffer (Vinton Hayworth). Bellows was particularly suspicious of Tony, and always kept his eye on him.

Jeannie grew on Tony after awhile, and a mutual attraction grew. During the last season of the show, the genie and the military man were married.

Jeannie was from the Middle East, but was played by a perky, blond-haired actress, who today still looks like she did when she appeared on this show. The censors kept Ms. Eden's belly button covered because even though her costume would normally show it, they felt it was not proper for network TV -- remember, this was the 1960s.

When I see the reruns, and Larry Hagman's character makes up some lie to throw Dr. Bellows off the track, I can't help but think of the tricks and cons the character he portrayed on "Dallas" (1978-1991), the nefarious J.R. Ewing, used to pull.

Bill Daily appeared as Howard Borden, a neighbor of Bob and Emily's on "The Bob Newhart Show" (1972-1978).

Transformers (2007)

2007-08-06T06:55:00.000-05:00

My stepmother, 19 year old niece and I saw this a few days ago. Before we went inside the theater, my niece kept telling my stepmother that she would like the movie because of all of the action. Oh, there was plenty of action, all right. But there wasn't enough of a decent storyline or script.

Sam (Shia LaBeouf) gets a used car in the early scenes. His goal is to use the car to attract girls. What Sam doesn't know is that his car is Bumblebee, one of the Transformers, a race of alien robots who have the ability to disguise themselves as cars, planes, trucks, even boom boxes. Luckily for Sam, Bumblebee is one of the good Transformers. Bumblebee and his friends, including Optimus Prime (voice of Peter Cullen), are in search of a cube that posseses great powers. Unfortunately, an evil Decepticon is also looking for the cube. It also has a mission to restore Megatron (voice of Hugo Weaving), the top evil Transformer, to glory. Megatron wants to conquer the universe.

Some of the actors play for laughs. Bernie Mac is the dealer who sells the hero the car in the beginning of the movie. LaBeouf has some nice moments fumbling in front of Megan Fox, who plays Mikela, the obligatory love interest. John Turturro has fun as a member of a covert military team. Jon Voight, portraying the President of the US, and singer Tyrese Gibson, playing a soldier, play it straight. I especially liked a scene where the President pulls up a shotgun to help fend off an enemy.

The last hour or so of this movie is nothing but non-stop fighting, and it is loud and annoying. I suppose those who were kids when the original "Transformers" (1984-1987) cartoon was aired, might get some nostalgia value out of this film. Other audiences will find this movie lacking on so many levels.

Shia LaBeouf was in Disturbia and was a cast member on "Even Stevens" (1999-2003). John Turturro was the racist son of a pizza restaurant owner in Spike Lee's Do The Right Thing (1989). Jon Voight was in the much better Conrack (1974), and Midnight Cowboy (1969). Tyrese Gibson was in Baby Boy (2001), and appeared in a popular soft drink commercial as a guy singing on the back of a city bus.

Talk To Me (2007)

2007-07-30T15:37:00.000-05:00

Petey Greene (Don Cheadle) has his own radio show, and he's good at it. Problem is, he's in prison while he's doing it. A fellow convict, Milo Hughes (Mike Epps), invites his brother Dewey (Chiwetel Ejiofor) to come up to the prison to hear Petey. Dewey is an executive at a Washington D.C. R&B/Soul radio station. Dewey is not impressed, even after he meets Petey in person. Due to a favor to the warden, Petey is released from stir early, and he goes to Dewey for a job.

Petey's first foray behind the mic is less than spectacular. The station manager, Mr. Sonderling (Martin Sheen), wonders if Dewey has lost his mind by bringing Petey in. Dewey wonders that himself, but he sees talent in Petey. Under Sonderling's nose, he gives Petey another chance, ruffling the feathers of Sunny Jim (Vondie Curtis Hall) the DJ whose spot Dewey gives to Petey. Positive audience response to Petey's "tell it like it is" attitude changes Sonderling's mind.

Cheadle (Ocean's 11, Hotel Rwanda) is a joy to watch as Greene, who in real life, was a beloved radio DJ and community activist in the 1960s and 1970s due to his "keeping it real" style. Ejiofor (Kinky Boots) does a great job as a seemingly button down exec who is lot closer to Greene's street background, than Greene believes. Taraji P. Hensen (Something New) is a hoot as Green's sassy girlfriend, Vernell, and she rocks a mean Angela Davis afro. Cedric The Entertainer (The Original Kings Of Comedy) is featured as a smooth talking "love" DJ. Martin Sheen, himself a long time activist, has many credits including TV's "The West Wing" and Apolcalypse Now (1979).

One of the best uses of a song I've ever heard in a film -- Sam Cooke's "A Change Goin' Come" has been used in other films including Malcolm X (1992). Here, it's used to represent a change in Petey's life when he leaves prison, and a song of hope after scenes depicting how Greene helped calm things in the wake of Dr. Martin Luther King's 1968 assassination.

Hairspray (2007)

2007-07-23T12:35:00.000-05:00

Perky, plus-size teenager Tracy Turnblad (Nikki Blonsky) loves a local Baltimore dance show hosted by Corny Collins (James Marsden). When one of the regular female dancers drops out, Tracy runs to the TV station to audition. Intially, she is rejected by Velma (Michelle Pfeiffer), the mean TV station manager. Velma's main interest is in keeping her spoiled daughter Amber (Brittany Snow), who dances on the show, in the limelight. Tracy's dancing skills, some of which were picked up from Seaweed (Elijah Kelly) and his friends, catch the notice of Corny, and he puts her on the show. The station owner, Mr. Spritzer (Paul Dooley) is not happy about that, and neither is Velma. Velma schemes to kick Tracy off the show.

Seaweed and the other African-American students introduce Tracy and her best friend Penny (Amanda Byrne) to local personality Motormouth Maybelle (Queen Latifah). Due to the racial politics of the time -- the movie is set in 1962 -- African-Americans are only allowed to dance on "The Corny Collins Show" once a month on "Negro Day". Motormouth Maybelle hosts the show on that day. When Tracy becomes involved in efforts to integrate the dance show, she further incurs the ire of Velma, who is a major bigot.

This movie is based on the Broadway play, as well as being an musical version of the original film that was released in 1988. The songs are practically non-stop, from Tracy greeting the day with "Good Morning Baltimore" to Tracy's parents doing a romantic number to Motormouth Maybelle doing a blues tune. The songs are pleasant, and they invoke the period the film is set in, but they are not very memorable. Audiences may be surprised to hear James Marsden and Christopher Walken (playing Tracy's dad) singing. However, Marsden had sang on an episode of "Ally McBeal", and Walken's performing background includes both singing and dancing. The plot, which tackles racial discrimination and fat acceptance, handles both subjects in a gentle and light manner.

John Travolta appears in drag, playing Tracy's zaftig mom Edna. He is no stranger to singing and dancing, as seen previously in Grease (1978) and Saturday Night Fever (1977). Neither is Michelle Pfeiffer, who appeared in Grease 2 (1982) and The Fabulous Baker Boys (1989). Jerry Stiller, who appeared as Tracy's dad in the 1988 film, has a small role as the owner of full-figured clothes shop. John Walters, who helmed the earlier film, appears during the opening number. Look closely during the scenes at the end, and you'll see former talk show host Ricki Lake, who played Tracy in the 1988 film.

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (2007)

2007-07-16T12:11:00.000-05:00

Harry (Daniel Radcliff) and his odious cousin Dudley (Harry Melling) are in the middle of an arguement in a playlot when suddenly, the sky darkens, the winds whip up, and the rain falls. Dudley is clueless about what really is going on, but Harry recognizes something sinister about the quick weather change as they run into a tunnel. The next moment, a pair of dementors show up to wreck havoc, and nearly take both Harry and Dudley out. It is another sign that Lord Voldermort (Ralph Fiennes) has regained power and is on the move.

Harry is at first in danger of being expelled from Hogwarts for using magic in front of a Muggle, but Professor Dumbledore (Michael Gambon) successfully has the teen exonerated. More trouble abounds when Harry and friends Ron (Rupert Grint) and Hermione (Emma Watson) return to school. Dolores Umbridge (Imelda Staunton) is a new teacher at the school who is quite power mad, and the three friends quickly get on her bad side. Meanwhile, the Order of the Phoenix, a group of which Harry's godfather Sirius Black (Gary Oldman) is a part of, forms to stop Lord Voldermort. Harry soon discovers that he and Voldermort's ultimate fates are linked to each other. One cannot live while the other survives.

There were some plot points from the fifth book that were not included in the movie. People unfamilar with that book and the four before it can still catch on to what is going on. Some characters who were prominent in some of the earlier films like Professor Snape (Alan Rickman), Hagrid (Robbie Coltrane), and Draco Malfoy (Tom Felton), have been regulated to the background, but their roles are important to the plot.

Somebody Up There Likes Me (1956)

2007-07-09T16:48:00.000-05:00

Rocky Barbella (Paul Newman) is a kid who just can't stay out of trouble. Everytime you look around, he's stealing, vandalizing and fighting. Finally, a judge gets tired of seeing him in court and sends him to reform school. Rocky gets into it with a guard, then ends up in the adult prison. While he's there, gym personnel recognize that he can fight very well. He trains there until he's released.

Freedom is still a dream for Rocky, because no sooner than he walks out of the gates of the prison, he finds himseld drafted into military service. Rocky's disrespect for authority gets him into trouble again, and he finds himself AWOL. On a tip from a friend, he goes into a gym and discovers he can get paid to spar with boxers. His talent catches the eye of the owner of the gym and a manager. As Rocky Graziano, he moves up in the ranks, but as success comes closer and closer, he finds his old life as a delinquent won't quite let him go.

Rocky Graziano was a champion boxer in real life, and the film is based on his life. Newman does a good job portraying a young man trying to go straight despite the odds. Sal Mineo (Rebel Without A Cause) plays one of Rocky's thug friends, and Steve McQueen can be seen in a small role as another neighborhood tough guy. Robert Loggia ("T.H.E. Cat", Independence Day) is the friend who hips Rocky to the gym. Eileen Heckart (The Bad Seed, "The Five Mrs Buchannans") plays Rocky's long suffering mom. If you've seen episodes of "The Monkees", you also recognize Arch Johnson (as a prison tough), and Len Lesser (as a reporter); they appeared in a few episodes of that series.

Rushmore (1998)

2007-06-13T18:21:00.000-05:00

Max (Jason Schwartzman) is not a dumb teenager. It's just that his extracurricular activities take up so much time that he doesn't pay attention to his studies. This is not a good thing, as he attends an exclusive private school, and the headmaster, Dr. Guggenheim (Brian Cox) has had enough of Max's schemes. One day, an rich former student of Rushmore School, Herman Blume (Bill Murray), makes a speech at an assembly. Blume wasn't always rich, and he talks about "rich kids not being able to buy backbones". Max is impressed.

Blume has a pair of sons who are overpriviledged brats. He comments that he "never believed he would ever have kids like them". The rich man is missing something in his life, namely happiness. Blume sees something in Max that he likes and befriends him. Their friendship is strained when Max falls for Rosemary Cross (Olivia Williams), a widowed teacher whom Blume, a married man, falls for, too.

I liked the quirky characters: Max's over/under achieving ways; his dad, Bert (Seymour Cassel) who accepted his eccentric son for who he was; Blume's world-weary view of life; little Dirk Calloway (Mason Gamble) and his hero-worship of Max; smart Margaret Yang (Sara Tanaka) who saw something different in Max. Like a friend of mine said, she was glad the movie ended the way it did. Any other way might have been false.

Bill Murray was a member of the first cast members of TV's legendary "Saturday Night Live". Seymour Cassel's early film career included appearances in director's John Cassavettes' movies, including Shadows (1959). Mason Gamble had the title role in Dennis The Menace (1993). Olivia Williams was in The Postman (1997).

Trailers

2007-06-03T13:34:00.000-05:00

I used to be able to pick out a good movie based on the trailer, or preview, I had seen. That's not the case anymore. The movie studios' marketing machine take the most interesting, the funniest, the most scary, etc. parts of the film and put them in the trailer. Then the audience gets to the theater and realize they have been ripped off, as the whole product is subpar.

I love watching trailers for movies made way back in the day. There was more truth in advertising then, and they really made audiences want to see the film. The trailers were flashy, but they didn't give away the whole plot like so many trailers of today.

Girls Will Be Girls (2003)

2007-04-17T07:12:00.000-05:00

Evie (Jack Plotnick) is an extremely self-absorbed C-list actress who still fancies herself a star. She has a maid, Coco (Clinton Leupp) of whom she always takes advantage. Coco has been pregnant a couple of times, had a couple of abortions, and now regrets that she doesn't have children. She also pines for the anomynous doctor who gave her the abortions. Evie takes in a border, a perky young woman named Varla (Jeffrey Robinson), who wants to be an actress. Varla's mother, Marla (also Robinson), was an actress who committed suicide after a public humiliation. Evie knew Marla, and has a secret about how her death came about. Evie's neglected son Stevie (Ron Matthews), is an attorney who sometimes represents his mother in bogus car accident cases.

All of the female roles, even the women who are seen on the front of some magazines in the film, are played by men. The movie is an over-the-top comedy, fueled by a gay sense of humor, and far too many of the jokes fall flat. Evie's bitchiness, Coco's mishaps, and Varla's stupidity/naviete wears thin early on in the game.

Comedian Dana Gould appears as one of Evie's conquests.

Are These Kids For Real?

2007-04-11T12:46:00.000-05:00

You won't find very many instances of real-life kids and teens on television. Even the mean ones like that pig-tailed witch on "Little House On The Prarie" or the mischevious and annoying like the one on "Dennis The Menace" come across as mostly harmless scamps. The kids of Bree on "Desperate Housewives" are bad, true enough, but still as not as bad as a lot of kids can be (and are) in real life.

The movies are a little more realistic, with depictions of confused and troubled teens (Rebel Without A Cause), malevolent malcontents (Menace To Society, The Good Son), smart mouths (Weekend With Father, Married To It), at-risk kids (Thirteen), bullies (My Bodyguard) and regular 'round the way types (A Christmas Story, Stand By Me, Cornbread, Earl and Me) among others.

"Peter Gunn" (1958-1961)

2007-04-09T12:45:00.000-05:00

This was one of mother's favorite TV shows. It ranked high on the cool factor with her. I only know this series from reruns, as it disappeared from the airwaves a few months before I was born. From what I've seen of it, I have to agree with Ma's assessment.

Peter Gunn (Craig Stevens) was a smooth private eye. He was tall, dark-haired and handsome. His girlfriend, Edie Hart (Lola Albright), was a singer in a jazz nightclub called Mother's. The woman who ran the place was also called Mother (played by actresses Hope Emerson during the first season, and Minerva Urecal the second season). Many women came across Gunn's path in his line of work, but he appeared to be faithful to Edie. Gunn sometimes got help from surly policeman Lt. Jacoby (Herschel Bernardi). Jacoby was usually already on the case, so he resented Gunn being involved, too. Despite of his feelings, Jacoby would be on hand to help Gunn when he got into dangerous situations with the bad guys.

The show feels a bit film noir-ish, with a lot of the action taking place at night. I grew up mostly on full-hour cop shows, so I'm amazed that a lot was packed into these half-hour episodes.

This series had some of the coolest sounding incidental music, in addition to the main theme song. A couple of albums were released -- The Music from Peter Gunn and More Music from Peter Gunn -- and they did well on the charts. Henri Mancini, who also composed "The Pink Panther" theme, and "Moon River" for the film Breakfast at Tiffany's (1961), did the music for the TV series.

Blake Edwards, a director known for The Pink Panther films and other films such as S.O.B. (1981), produced 44 episodes of the series and wrote some of the episodes. Herschel Bernardi was also the voice of Charley the Tuna, the character on the Sunkist Tuna commercials.

Please Kill The Bad Guy

2007-04-06T12:09:00.000-05:00

I came in on the last 40 minutes or so of Silent Hill (2006), a horror film based on the video game of the same name. The story is about a woman who goes searching for her missing daughter in a mysterious desolated town. The climax is pretty gruesome, involving a burned- beyond-recognition girl, and barbed wire being used as a weapon to exact revenge. It appears that the heroes have triumphed, but the very end of the story makes a turn.

I hate when horror films and thrillers end with the who--or what--that was causing the mayhem not completely being vanquished. There are only a few films that do that and still come off as satisfying to me. Halloween (1978) and The Abomidable Dr. Phibes (1971) come to mind. Otherwise, I'd rather see the perpetrator get theirs when the story closes.

Just as bad is when these types of films leave the audience scratching their heads when the lights in the theater come up. The Other (1972), about a pair of twins, one good and one bad, has a confusing ending, and The Blair Witch Project (1999) leaves more questions than it solves.

I heard reports that another movie in the Halloween franchise is in the works. Isn't it time for the Michael Myers character to finally die off (like he supposedly did in Halloween H20)? Just like Jason Voorhees of Friday the 13th and Freddie Krueger of Nightmare On Elm Street, that character has worn out his welcome. That's the main problem with characters like these who don't get put down the first time around. Screenwriters and producers are allowed to keep coming up with stories--often not as good as the original one--to keep them going. We don't see Dracula, Frankenstein, Wolfman and the Mummy movies anymore on a regular basis, because people knew when to quit.

"Soap" (1977-1981)

2007-04-02T12:14:00.000-05:00

This comedic soap opera is guilty of the sin of never resolving story lines after its four-season run, but it provided a lot of fun -- and controversy -- while it existed.

The heart of the show were two sisters, Jessica (Katherine Helmond) and Mary (Cathryn Damon). Jessica married rich, to a philandering business man named Chester (Robert Mandan). Their three kids were conservative Eunice (Jennifer Salt), wild child Corrinne (Diana Canova) and smart-aleck Billy (Jimmy Baio). Mary and Jessica's shell-shocked war vet dad, The Major (Arthur Peterson), lived with Jessica's family. Benson (Robert Gulliame) was the family's tell-it-like-it-is butler.

Mary's husband was construction worker Burt (Richard Mulligan) a nervous type. Burt was stepdad to Jodie (Billy Crystal), who was gay, and Danny, a hothead (Ted Wass). Later, Burt's son Chuck (Jay Johnson) showed up with his venquiloist doll, Bob. Bob never left Chuck's side, and constantly insulted everyone.

Craziness permeated the show, which ended the first season with Jessica on trial for the murder of Peter Campbell (Robert Urich), a tennis pro who both she and Corinne were seeing. It turned out that Chester did the crime, and he was sent to prison. Chester broke out and later lost his memory, while Jessica played around with Det. Donahue (John Byner). Other major story lines found Danny married to Elaine (Dinah Manoff), a mafia don's daughter; Jodie fighting for custody of his daughter against Carol (Rebecca Balding), a woman whom he slept with once; Danny's interracial romance with Polly (Lynne Moody); Billy being caught up in a cult; Burt being kidnapped and cloned by aliens; Corinne marrying Timothy (Sal Viscuso), an ex-priest and having a baby with him that was possessed.

The show was criticized by many religious and TV watchdog groups while it aired for depictions of homosexuality, adultery, fornication, and just plain naughty humor. The series ended with Jessica being shot -- and perhaps killed -- by Latin revolutionaries and Burt unknowingly walking into a trap where a rackateer's henchmen were preparing to gun him down.

Katherine Helmond later appeared on the sitcom "Who's The Boss" (1984-1992). The late Richard Mulligan was in the movie S.O.B. (1981) and the sitcom "Empty Nest" (1988-1995). Robert Guilliame left "Soap" and had a spin-off sitcom, "Benson" (1979-1986). He was replaced on "Soap" by Roscoe Lee Brown. Diana Canova later appeared on the short-lived sitcom "Throb" (1986).