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Reviews
The Wiz (1978)
I agree Diana Ross did not fit Dorothy
I agree with one poster that Diana Ross was "the most wicked witch" in this musical. Stephanie Mills brought the audience to their feet over and over again in the role of Dorothy during The Wiz's long run on Broadway. The musical was deemed one of the greatest masterpiece's in Broadway's history. Fast forward to casting for the television version and somehow we find Diana Ross, who looks all of 40, playing a 12 year old. It made parts of the movie almost laughable. Yes...The Wiz would have been at least close to the greatness of the Broadway production if Stephanie Mills were not pushed out of the title role to be replaced by Ross.
Mr. Smith Goes to Washington (1939)
20 Perry Mason Episodes
I do like the movie because Jimmy Stewart and his co-star, a wonderful actress whom we never saw enough of in movies, Jean Aurthur, were fantastic. However the ending of this movie, just like every Perry Mason episode I've ever seen, always takes away from that "fantastic" story and turns it into a fantasy. These endings always stand on the premise that the guilty party, who could easily get away with their crimes and wrongdoing, feels such great remorse due to the protagonist's( Perry Mason/Jimmy Stewart) theatrics that he or she becomes totally repentant and readily stands up in the courtroom/congressional floor and shouts, " It's me! Or "I did it! He's telling the truth!" or something to that effect. I go from sitting on the edge of my seat to " Wow... that was pretty corny!"
The Cosby Show: Cliff's Wet Adventure (1989)
One of my favorite episodes
I love the holiday mood and everything about this episode. It feels so cozy and family festive. But Claire should have had all the items well before she needed to prepare the Thanksgiving meal . All the other people coming by and doing nothing to help could have brought the missing items with them. But I guess continuously sending poor Cliff out into the horrible weather made the episode hilarious. Still callous Claire and everyone else in the house would have done without pumpkin pie and corn bread if I were Cliff and if this were not a comedy show. I also enjoyed the serious side theme in which Denise meets Olivia's mother who explains why she had no time to raise her own daughter and be a wife.
A Different World: Baby, It's Cold Outside (1992)
By Far A Favorite Episode
This episode has everything that makes A Different World one of the most beloved '90s shows in 2023. It's so hard to believe the actors were hardly paid anything, while actors in other '90s shows, that no one cares about and seem dated today, made a million dollars per episode. Time has shown this has gone down in history as fan favorites. It also crossed racial barriers, as I had friends of all ages and races who couldn't wait to see the next episode depicting the wacky, adorable relationship between Whitley Gilbert and Dwayne Wayne. This show may have been a diamond in the rough to some then, but it has emerged as a true gem loved by millions 30 years later.
Suspicion (1941)
Too Many Holes
John Asgar did kill Binky and wanted to and tried to kill his wife. Every single detail, time, place and the motive all added up. The story didn't even go to the trouble to develop a counter argument based on other possible information to explain a different conclusion. Asgar was a seasoned con artist, cheat, scoundrel and murderer. Just because Grant was in the role, they should not have gone against logic and turned to an illogical ending. It almost ruined a suspenseful movie that could have been great if not for that ending. Each time I watch I wonder what was the director thinking and why would the studio ruin it in some feeble attempt to protect Grant's good guy reputation. He didn't win anything for the movie and may have won an Academy Award without the botched ending in place.
A Different World: Special Delivery (1992)
A Senator's Wife
I am one of the few viewers who wished that Whitley went through with her wedding to Byron. I liked him a lot. They were a great power couple who complemented one another well. But it's only television and that storyline wouldn't have fit well into the comedy series. But that doesn't mean I still can't root for him each time I watch Season 5 in reruns. Even the actress herself liked his character best as her love interest in the series, after her first boyfriend, and over Dwayne. This is a wonderful series overall. It's still watched in syndication by all races. New audiences today are drawn to the storyline and characters that millions loved when the series first aired in the 90's.
The Bachelor and the Bobby-Soxer (1947)
A Sign of the Times
Cary Grant is my favorite actor and I loved him here with Myrna Loy and Shirley Temple, both great favorites also. Halfway through the movie, when announcing the games at the picnic scene, the announcer stated, " Open to adults, coloreds(?), and friends. I'd enjoyed this very funny movie at least 30 times, couldn't get enough of these top rated actors , and never noticed the sign of the times. It brought this mixed race woman, sometimes told I resemble Lena Horne, back down to earth and the reality of what life was really like for some in the days of those classic movies that I love so dearly.
My Foolish Heart (1949)
Horrible wife and mother
Susan was such an unlikable character in this movie. I cringed as I watched the choices she made and the way she treated the ones that did the most for her. Although I like the setting, all the characters, and Hayward as an actress; I couldn't keep watching her play such a despicable woman who had everything and didn't appreciate it one bit.
Coming 2 America (2021)
For Audiences in 2021
COMING 2 AMERICA
If you were a cult follower of the original Coming to America, you will fully appreciate this 21st century version to appeal to new-young and old-familiar audiences...alike. Thanks to Eddie Murphy who did a good job of giving fans what they've been begging for for over 30 years. To appreciate this movie which he and original cast members considered a " labor of love," it helps to have watched the original from 1988.
In Coming 2 America, Murphy took on the great task of combining the original love story plot of Akeem and Lisa with the new plot of passing on the Zamunda kingdom. Also new scenes of Zamunda's setting were beautifully interspersed with flashes of the beloved original Queens locations. The best of all were the touching performances of the original cast members like John Amos, James Earl Jones, Arsenio Hall, Shari Headley and the barbershop crew(all looking great 30 years later), along with Wesley Snipes and Leslie Jones. This movie was also a meaningful platform for many up and coming actors. The result was a funny, very nostalgic, yet contemporary movie and a job well done!
Meet the Browns (2008)
Pretty good...but
The main portion of that movie that upset me was the thankless character played by Angela Bassett. The Rick Fox character literally took her and her family out of the pithole that was their life and she responds like she's doing him a favor. Pretty unbelievable. He definitely could have done better.
Goodbye, Mr. Chips (1939)
Terry Kilburn in two roles?
Maybe I'm mistaken, but I thought the child actor whom I recognized from "A Christmas Carol," appeared as a student in Mr. Chips class when he first arrived, then again later when Mrs. Chips dies, as the character John Conley. He appears to be the same age, but about 5-10 years had passed from the 1st appearance until the later one.
Bringing Up Baby (1938)
I love Grant and like Hepburn a lot
And I have tried to watch this movie over and over again for the last 40 years. Each time, I have to turn for my sanity. Grant is my all time favorite actor. I love every movie he's acted in, including a few not so well received, but this one just grates on one's nerves after a while until you just can't stand it anymore. I do love the setting though, which is another reason I struggle through this movie at least three quarters of the way.
On Moonlight Bay (1951)
Great color and nostalgia
This old classic was sweet, really funny and heartwarming. Only I would have been tempted to regularly discipline the demonic little brother.
Topper Returns (1941)
Eddie Anderson deserved better
Anderson was one of the top 3 stars in this 1940's sequel to Topper. He was wonderful in the part, and was second only to the actor who played Topper and Joan Bondell in time spent on the screen and lines. Anderson deserved top billing, but the studio used his acting skills without giving him sufficient recognition or compensation. I adore this movie, thanks to all the great acting, but hate the mistreatment of deserving actors like Anderson, due to discrimination.
Peggy Sue Got Married (1986)
Don't let the Title or Intro Music Fool You
This movie about time travel will touch the inner you the way "Back to the Future" never could. The acting, musical score throughout, and ultimately touching, meaningful and funny scenes still resonate with me over 30 years later. This is an absolute gem of a movie that no one should miss. Kathleen Turner deserved that Academy Award nomination!
The Andy Griffith Show: Barney's Uniform (1964)
A personal matter?
I know it was the 60's, but tell me how--while pulling on his collar, and threatening to break every bone in the body of a law officer who gives you a ticket--does the law officer refer to the incident and its aftermath as a personal matter. Well, maybe because it was a comedy or because everyone in Mayberry looked the same.
The Alfred Hitchcock Hour: Triumph (1964)
One of the best episodes
I did not expect to be so bewitched by this episode- at the beginning. I'm not one for this sort of Amazonlike setting wrought with missionaries. However the insecurites , secrets and twisted pysches of the characters made this episode one of the best. The acting was excellent and quite convincing. It goes to show you you never know how these things will turn out in the end.
Definitely Divorcing (2016)
The Stupidest Movie Ever
I couldn't believe Robin Givens could be so desperate for a role as to take one in this...which has got to be the most boring, absolutely dumb depiction of anything that is supposed to resemble comedy. I couldn't take it anymore and had to move on to ANYTHING at all halfway through.
The King of Queens: The Shmenkmans (2000)
Episode Goofs Again?
Near the beginning, didn't Carrie tell Doug the couple's name wasn't Shmenkman when he called them by that name? She said it was Schwapshire, yet somehow their name morphed into Shmenkman all through the rest of the episode.
The Andy Griffith Show: Mr. McBeevee (1962)
Love this episode, but...
I watched Mr McBeeve over and over since the 1960's. The Andy Griffith Show is one of my 5 all-time favorite TV shows. Ron Howard has got to be one of the best child actors of all time. With all that said, in this episode, why would any adult give a child a sharp hachet to run around with? Were people that different in the 1960's? Noone thought that was a strange gift(to show on TV) to place into the hands of a child who has to run home with it. It looked mighty sharp and dangerous, especially way Opie held it up in his livingroom and then in the woods, when he had to return it. Yes, it was TV, it was rubber, but it still was strange to watch, as it was portrayed as a real hatchet in the storyline.
I Am Somebody's Child: The Regina Louise Story (2019)
Best Lifetime Movie in Years
I have been waiting for Lifetime to make movies as well as it used to years ago and...here it is. I can't believe that not only did I almost not DVR it, but I let it sit once I did, without watching for weeks. The acting in this gripping, true story is top notch and the actress who played Regina deserves an Emmy nomination for her performance. Anyone who misses this heartbreaking, poignant drama...well it's your loss. One user review was very critical of the actress who plays Regina's performance. All I can say is that you must have been watching another movie besides this one, because in this movie all of the acting was stellar, and the lead actress who played Regina was the best of the bunch. In short...she was phenomenal!
Lilies of the Field (1963)
Much Better Poitier Movies
A Patch of Blue, The Defiant Ones, In the Heat of the Night, Blackboard Jungle, A Raisin In the Sun, To Sir with Love... yet they choose this movie to give Poitier an Academy Award. It was no accident. They knew he deserved one, but it could only be bestowed for a role that made ALL people comfortable. I agree with Hottoastyrag's review 100%. Poitier himself wasn't too crazy about this movie, but he was willing to finally accept some recognition from the Academy, albeit for this "Driving Miss Daisy" type of role by which they felt comfortable recognizing Poitier's overall exemplary talent.
Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C.: Sergeant Iago (1968)
Were people really so dumb about cheating?
I can't believe the ending. So they really believe that boss wasn't hitting on Gomer's girlfriend? You don't take an employee out to dinner every night for nothing. Just because he had a wife and kids Pyle and Sargent just assume it was all innocent. Hah! The wife and kids hadn't made it to town yet, all the more reason he was carefully planning his moves on the gorgeous new employee. Some shows of this era are so saccharine-like. People weren't any different back then. The shows didn't depict real life, but I still like them.
Mary Tyler Moore: Two Wrongs Don't Make a Writer (1974)
I could not stop laughing
This is definitely one of the top 10 MTM episodes and should be near the very top of that list. The last 5 minutes are so unbelievably funny, I hurt my side laughing. I could watch this story100 times and never tire of it. Watch it! You won't be disappointed. Ted was always my favorite and for good reason!
The Andy Griffith Show: Three's a Crowd (1962)
Realistically Andy would have hurt Barney
So funny, because in real life no human can be as insensitive and dense as Barney was from beginning to end of this episode. I wanted to jump through the screen and punch him myself as he consistently blocked "cupid". Imagine an episode where Andy did the same to him with his Thelmalou or the invisible Juanita.