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Welcome to the Movies and Television thread!
2. CalGal - 9/12/1999 10:19:48 PM
And, as my first public service, I will mention that the Emmys are on this evening.
Go Sopranos!
Although if Smits wins for Best Actor, I can deal.
Expect growls if Franz wins again. He did a great job. But if he wins one more time they may as well name the damn award after him. And he's not better than all the rest; he just keeps winning for some reason.
I thought Friends was shamefully overlooked this year in the acting noms. Matt LeBlanc in particular had a fabulous year. The look on his face when he figured out the significance of Monica's missing eyelash curler was one of the funniest things I saw all season.
Interesting difference in the Emmys: the winners are not picked by voters. The acting nominees submit a single episode for review by a committee, who votes. Actors who have one showy episode consequently have a big advantage. This explains a lot of otherwise puzzling wins. It also explains the prevalence of winners who have played twins in one episode--the committee apparently thinks this is a sign of acting "chops" and votes accordingly. Now you know why Lindsay Wagner won that year for The Bionic Woman.
The nominated shows submit three episodes.
I believe it has started already, but I'm off shopping. Someone keep me posted.
3. God - 9/12/1999 10:46:27 PM
Is Friends still on? Shouldn't they all be married by now, or something?
4. glendajean - 9/12/1999 10:46:27 PM
Franz won it again. Fourth win, sixth nomination.
5. God - 9/12/1999 10:47:27 PM
Jinx.
6. God - 9/12/1999 10:48:24 PM
And then I hit the next post on the same second 1 minute later. Hmmm. Maybe I AM God.
7. TabouliJones - 9/12/1999 11:24:36 PM
I caught some of the Emmies. Franz looked perplexed when he won again, stating flat out that he expected Smitz to win. Wasn't John Larroquette a perpetual winner of the best actor in a comedy series category during the 80s? I think he evntually asked not to be nominated any more. Robert Guillam presented the award to Franz. I did not realize that he had been sick. His speech was only slightly slurred and he had a cane. I forget what he said exacyly, but it was eloquent and understated.
John Lithgow was pretty funny when he won for best actor in a comedy series. He joked that most actors in town think that what he does is ludicrous in its simplicity and over the top goofiness. . . . Let's see: Ally McBeal and The Practice won for best comedy and drama, respectively. Martin Short presented an award. He was his usual funny self. That's about all that I caught.
8. God - 9/12/1999 11:27:28 PM
Does anybody else here despise (well, maybe a little strong, but not much) Robin Williams?
9. TabouliJones - 9/12/1999 11:30:10 PM
I like the old Robin Williams. The treacle he's associated himself with lately, however, is unbearable.
10. God - 9/12/1999 11:33:05 PM
Hello Tabouli. Help me out. What is tabouli?
11. TabouliJones - 9/12/1999 11:42:20 PM
God,
Tabouli, or tabbouleh, is "a salad of Lebanese origin consisting chiefly of cracked wheat, tomatoes, parsley, mint, onions, lemon juice, and olive oil." And it is damn tastey, if I do say so myself.
12. God - 9/12/1999 11:44:08 PM
Thanks Tabouli. And just what exactly is cracked wheat?
13. TabouliJones - 9/12/1999 11:49:43 PM
Cracked wheat is . . . actually, I don't know exactly, some sort of wheat I guess.
14. God - 9/12/1999 11:53:35 PM
Groovy Tabouli, thanks.
15. CalGal - 9/13/1999 1:15:07 AM
Bleah. What a dreadful awards show, a dreadful win list--everything sucked.
The Practice won. Gad. Not that The Practice is bad--but it wasn't anywhere near NYPD Blue and didn't even attain the heights of The Soprano's big toe.
And the only thing that made Franz' win acceptable is his gracious speech--and his evident irritation at the morons who gave him the award.
Edie Falco's speech sucked.
My god, ALLY won. Is there to be no bright side? Next thing I know, Elliot will post to tell me that the Practice won because of the show they had on gun control.
Sigh. I never expect real enjoyment from the Emmys, but some years are worse than others.
16. Uzmakk - 9/13/1999 7:13:25 AM
TabouliJones:
Actually, the wheat used in tabouleh is bulgur wheat, wheat that has been parboiled cracked and dried. Ofcourse, as we genuine cooks know, anything will do, substitutions are 75% of the joy of cooking, and I make an excellent tahbouleh with kasha(roasted buckwheat).
17. Uzmakk - 9/13/1999 9:01:56 AM
And cracked wheat is simply wheat that has been cracked. Wheat begins a whole kernal. Break it up a bit and one has cracked wheat. Keep breaking it up and one gets flour.
18. Toenails - 9/13/1999 9:22:23 AM
The Emmys show was like a rerun. Hey, maybe it really was a rerun. I mean, it's the season, right?
19. Toenails - 9/13/1999 9:26:53 AM
Has there been a comprehensive discussion anywhere about why SLATE changed its FRAY format so drastically? I thought it was a super-dumb
move, and I'm pleased that someone (so far, unidentified to me) has set up this reincarnation of the old FRAY site.
I'd be interested in going over the initial reactions of FRAY folk to the format change, if someone could direct me to them.
20. Toenails - 9/13/1999 10:00:21 AM
Has there been a comprehensive discussion anywhere about why SLATE changed its FRAY format so drastically? I thought it was a super-dumb
move, and I'm pleased that someone (so far, unidentified to me) has set up this reincarnation of the old FRAY site.
I'd be interested in going over the initial reactions of FRAY folk to the format change, if someone could direct me to them.
21. Toenails - 9/13/1999 10:01:16 AM
Sorry---All I did was hit "reload" and I got my message rerun.
22. TabouliJones - 9/13/1999 12:18:43 PM
Uzmak,
Thanks for the info. re. cracked wheat. I may try your suggestion and substitute kaska sometime. Of course, I am a hopeless, truly awful, cook. Oh well, I am sure even I cannot screw up tabouli.
23. TabouliJones - 9/13/1999 12:19:52 PM
Oops. kaska = kasha
24. WinstonSmith - 9/13/1999 1:14:50 PM
I watched So I Married an Axe Murderer again recently and it was great. I love that movie. I especially love the parts where Mike Meyers plays the Scottish father and says things like; “Heath, pants, now!”
25. Uzmakk - 9/13/1999 6:24:11 PM
I missed Eyes Wide Shut, a movie that I had intended to see. It was gone before I could blink. Anyhow, Lee Siegel, in October's Harper's claims that the critics responded to the hype and promotion and not to the movie which went right over their heads(a movie full of symbolism and literate references). He claims that it is certainly possible to dislike the movie, but it is not possible to dismiss it because it was not precisely what one would have expected from the advertising campaign. I am sure y'all already discussed it, but waddayasay?
26. JudithAtHome - 9/13/1999 10:00:56 PM
Uzmakk:
You've already got Octobers Harpers? I'm only 2/3s through Septembers!
27. KurtMondaugen - 9/13/1999 10:07:43 PM
"Eyes Wide Shut": It puts the Freud back in sang-froid.
28. marjoribanks - 9/13/1999 10:09:21 PM
Come on Mond, let's have the whole review if you please.
29. KurtMondaugen - 9/13/1999 10:13:19 PM
that is the whole review.
Not really, but it could take a while before I came up with my exact thoughts on the picture, other than a cursory "Flawed but interesting" assessment.
30. marjoribanks - 9/13/1999 10:16:34 PM
Well, I will decide whether to see it or not see it depending on the five hundred words at least, classic, Mondaugen comments.
Please.
31. KurtMondaugen - 9/13/1999 10:19:08 PM
Well, golly, marj, it's been a while since I've seen it, and I probably need to sit down with it at least once more for refreshment jogging. For now, just mull the little Shalitian blurb offered above.
32. marjoribanks - 9/13/1999 10:20:30 PM
Well, I want a review, of something. Anything. And let it be lengthy.
33. KurtMondaugen - 9/13/1999 10:22:16 PM
In due time, marj. Right now I'm putting some of the finishing editorial touches on a piece for the Sun's Eye (note to Seguine and Coral....far too slowly, I'm afraid, my apologies), a task which is occupying most of my brainpan as far as these things go.
34. KurtMondaugen - 9/14/1999 3:56:33 AM
Actually, marj, I've thought about it, and #27 *is* the entire review.
35. CalGal - 9/14/1999 4:08:53 AM
I am trying to rename FrayFilm. Suggestions, anyone?
Second--this isn't a great time, but I would like to resume our film festival (for those of you who don't know about it, check out FrayFest on the link listed above).
I thought we had some incredible energy going with the festival, but I'd like to do away with the open-ended schedule. By the end, we were all getting a bit tired. I'm not sure what kind of schedule makes sense. Maybe 4 times a year, four weeks each? That's 8-12 movies over a month period. We might decide to link the movies in a theme, or just have each host pick the movies of their choice, like last time.
I'm open to suggestions on that, as well. For now, I have enough to do getting the look and feel of the Mote finalized, the various texts for the intro pages written, and getting the film review site caught up--I'm reluctant to take on a film festival right away for the thread. (Obviously, anyone who wants to watch movies in tandem is most welcome to.)
For the time being, my greatest ambition for the thread is to have all the movie buffs do their stuff--and maybe get caught up on my own reviews.
If you're new to the Mote, welcome! I'm making references to events that happened at a previous forum, but no prior experience is required.
36. Phoenix Rising - 9/14/1999 9:06:42 AM
Woody Allen's Celibrity contains six of the most hilarious minutes I have seen in awhile. The scene consists of the Bebe Neuwurth character teaching the Judy Davis character how to give a blow job. Bebe uses a peeled banana for a prop and ends up choking on it.
What about the other two hours? I wish I had skipped it. It consists mostly of Kenneth Brannagh doing a lame Woody Allen imitation. Any insight into celebrity? Nada. Any profound commentary on the relationships between men and women? Zip.
Woody has just become tired. I'm not even sure why the film was in Black and White. It was pointless. Come to think of it, Deconstructing Harry was also pretty lame. Another two hour movie with one good joke (The elevator ride into Hell).
That would make Everybody Says I Love You as his last worthy effort. IMHO, Woody Allen should stop making movies until he has something new to say.
37. Phoenix Rising - 9/14/1999 9:19:22 AM
OTOH, Baseketball was at the bottom line, really really funny. I have to admit I tried to watch it twice and fell asleep both times after about 20 minutes. I almost gave up, but then tried a third time. I am glad I did. The first 20 minutes are slow and boring. It consists of exposition on how two losers invent a driveway game that becomes a national mania. Given the ludicrous premise, I am not sure how any exposition of it could be anything but boring.
Trey Parker and Matt Stone seem to be ardent and confirmed heterosexuals. But one or the other or both of them have a very gay sensibility. There were lots of gay jokes in this movie, none of which I found offensive. And for a movie aimed at teenaged boys, this is rare.
When the home team played the San Francisco Ferries (Their spelling, not mine) I was rolling on the floor. What a great joke. Actually an entire rift on gayness with quite a number of hilarious jokes.
In another scene, Trey and Matt kiss each other. A full contact, manly kiss. It was unself-conscious and appropriate. Not leering and dinigrating. Someone in another forum has mentioned that South Park Bigger, Longer, and Uncut is the gayest movie of 1999. After seeing Baseketball, I am looking forward to it with much anticipation.
38. JudithAtHome - 9/14/1999 9:41:05 AM
Hello Phoenix....welcome back.
39. theDiva - 9/14/1999 9:48:17 AM
Has anyone been watching An American Love Story on PBS this week?
40. Phoenix Rising - 9/14/1999 9:51:57 AM
Hi Judy. This may be temporary. I am reserving judgement.
41. theDiva - 9/14/1999 9:54:11 AM
Oh, PR, just keep yer buns here, will ya?
BTW, in total agreement on Woody. Deconstructing Harry was so awful and so profane that I could barely get through it. I think Woody may have used up the last of his creativity on EOSILY. Sad.
42. pellenilsson - 9/14/1999 10:46:18 AM
CalGal
MoteMovies?
43. Dantheman - 9/14/1999 10:52:22 AM
I have not truly enjoyed a Woody Allen movie since Bullets over Broadway. Like many other comedy writers (Mel Brooks and the Marx Brothers come readily to mind) he had a good 10-15 year run and is becoming too derivative of his earlier success.
44. JudithAtHome - 9/14/1999 10:55:00 AM
I enjoyed his middle years but I guess it's true: all good things must end.
45. Dantheman - 9/14/1999 11:08:01 AM
I even enjoyed his early years (Take the Money and Run, Sleeper, etc.), although they just weren't as good as he eventually got.
46. DocBrown - 9/14/1999 11:29:49 AM
I was glad to see that A&E's Horatio Hornblower won an Emmy for best miniseries. Even though the whole series was predictable melodrama, I thought it was wonderfully done and was sad to see it end. I hope A&E makes more of those classic Forrester novels into TV movies.
What do I know? I liked Titanic for the scenery.
47. Phoenix Rising - 9/14/1999 12:30:38 PM
I have really struggled to be fair about Woody Allen. He has made some of my all-time favorite films, many showing evidence of genius. Sleepers, Everything You Wanted to Know About Sex, Manhattan and Annie Hall.
But I don't even think he is derivitive as much as lazy. Celebrity seemed like a remake of Deconstructing Harry. He is now just making the same movie over and over again.
48. theDiva - 9/14/1999 12:31:39 PM
Ben
It's that vixen Soon-Yi. She has drained his manhood, the minx.
49. Phoenix Rising - 9/14/1999 12:35:00 PM
You think? She domesticated him. Too bad. I did read reviews of that self-serving jazz "autobiography" thingy he did. Many critics said Soon-Yi was by far the most grown up of the two.
50. theDiva - 9/14/1999 12:36:49 PM
See? There you go. She made him gasp contented!
51. Phoenix Rising - 9/14/1999 12:41:45 PM
More likely, she picks his socks up and makes sure he always has clean underwear.
Didn't he always have some sort of mother complex?
52. CalGal - 9/14/1999 12:47:47 PM
Pelle,
My lord. Can it be that simple? MoteMovies is far better than anything I'd thought of. What do others think?
Re: Woody
He's made at least three good to terrific movies in the Soon-ye Period:
53. CalGal - 9/14/1999 12:55:24 PM
Doc,
I thought of all the raves that Horatio Hornblower got in our earlier discussions and rejoiced when it won, even though I haven't seen it. It was nice to see A&E getting its due.
And cable in general did well. For all the (justified) bitching about the Sopranos near shut out, a star of cable TV series won an acting Emmy. First time ever. But her speech sucked.
Best speech of the night (not that that is saying much) was an early winner for writing. He said it was nice to know that in some way, however odd, whatever the method, he was considered better than David Kelley. "Michelle, are you listening?" Cut to Michelle Pffeifer (sp), Kelley's wife, looking bemused. If she'd had a clue, she would have laughed.
54. DocBrown - 9/14/1999 1:04:41 PM
CalGal: I did not watch the Emmies, so I appreciate you telling me that highlight. Anything else amusing in the show?
I don't know what other miniseries competed against Hornblower, but I would not be surprised to learn that its toughest competition was from other A&E shows. They seem to produce a lot of miniseries' lately. Hornblower obviously had a pretty large budget.
55. Raskolnikov - 9/14/1999 1:33:32 PM
Bullets Over Broadway was quite good as well.
56. CalGal - 9/14/1999 1:42:10 PM
Rask,
I wasn't sure if BoB was pre or post Mia, which is why I didn't mention it. I just looked it up, though, and it was made in 94. I thought it was earlier.
Yes, it was quite good--particularly Palmienteri, who hasn't been as funny since.
She ruins everything she's in. She ruins everything she's not in!
"Hey, Olive? You're a horrible actress." Bang.
57. JudithAtHome - 9/14/1999 1:44:17 PM
The most amusing thing about the Emmys was Sela Wards dress.
58. coralreef - 9/14/1999 2:10:46 PM
I'm in the group that thinks Allen peaked long before even Manhattan. Manhattan to me was a self-involved, unbearably boring and pretentious quasi-pedophile's ego trip, the sort of film that made me glad to see the market turn in the direction of fluff action films. Give me Rambo over Manhattan any day.
Woody, Robin Williams, Steve Martin...a lot of comedians seem to start out so clever and fun and become so "serious" and....unbearable.
I'm sure in 20 years we'll be having the Farrelly brothers sweep the Oscars with a treacly film. One of them is already starting in that direction with Providence, but that isn't pretentious enough to quite do the trick.
59. Raskolnikov - 9/14/1999 4:07:41 PM
I don't like Manhattan either. It has some great moments, and the photography is gorgeous, but I find the film's theme distasteful.
Allen has always been hit and miss. Even his early comedies were scattershot.
60. glendajean - 9/14/1999 4:10:34 PM
The best thing about Manhattan (the movie) was the Gershwin music linked to the black and white photography of fireworks. And the image of sitting at night in front of the Brooklyn Bridge. Allen makes Manhattan (the city) into a much more stunning place than in real life.
61. KurtMondaugen - 9/14/1999 4:11:05 PM
Best Woodies:
1. Stardust Memories
2. Interiors
uh...
3. Love and Death, I guess
62. KurtMondaugen - 9/14/1999 4:14:02 PM
4. Broadway Danny Rose
5. What's Up, Tiger Lily?
63. glendajean - 9/14/1999 4:18:08 PM
I liked Interiors when I first saw it, but I'm don't think its aged well.
Two favorite lines: Diane Keaton's character (a poet) talking about the middle sister who tries but never succeeds at artist endeavors --"Poor Joey, she has all the temperment of an artist, but none of the talent."
And M. Stapleton (the new wife to E.G. Marshall's character and the only person in the movie not wearing black or drab colors): "You only live once, but once is enough if you do it right."
64. KurtMondaugen - 9/14/1999 4:39:14 PM
Glenda:
None of the five films I mentioned have aged well at all, except for "Broadway Danny Rose".
65. glendajean - 9/14/1999 4:51:04 PM
BDR would be on my list of great Woody's. I'd also add Alice, Annie Hall, Crimes and Misdemeanors, Bullets Over Broadway, and Hannah and Her Sisters.
Second tier would include: Sleeper and the War and Peace parody.
66. KurtMondaugen - 9/14/1999 4:53:18 PM
"the War and Peace
parody."
Love and Death, I'll assume.
and, really..."Alice"?
67. theDiva - 9/14/1999 4:56:55 PM
Interesting comments here on Woody. I loved Manhattan when it was released, and the relationship between Woody's and Mariel's characters bothered me not one bit. Interesting what 20 years worth of perspective will do. Last time I saw it, I was horrified by that aspect of the film. The visual and musical elements held up well, however. I have always loved how Woody uses music in his films.....as color and as commentary. The scene in Radio Days where he uses the Mills Brothers' Paper Doll underneath a scene concerning his parents' marriage makes me cry every time I see it. Then there's Up the Lazy River in Bullets over Broadway....hilarious. He requires and anticipates a certain level of sophistication in his audience. I've always liked that about his work.
68. glendajean - 9/14/1999 5:30:56 PM
I can't believe I left Purple Rose of Cairo off my list.
69. moonflower - 9/14/1999 11:01:28 PM
I love Woody Allen's films! I did fall asleep during ZELIG, though. Maybe I need to give it another chance.
70. God - 9/14/1999 11:02:09 PM
Hi moonflower
Groovy handle, Baby!
71. JudithAtHome - 9/15/1999 9:56:37 AM
Is anyone watching the PBS program called An American Love Story...it's running over 5 nights and I taped the first 2, started to watch it and decided to skip it. Tell me if I've made a mistake so I can save the first 2 for when reruns start next year.
72. theDiva - 9/15/1999 10:16:12 AM
YES! YES!
I asked this yesterday, you must have missed it.
Sweetie and I are watching it, and truly enjoying it. (Of course, we have a particular interest in the topic.) Very moving in parts; the family is utterly engaging and very likeable (sp?).
73. JudithAtHome - 9/15/1999 10:21:08 AM
I think I'll give it another try...probably can still catch the gist, even if I missed last nights episode. I don't know why I was so distracted as to be unable to watch the first 4 hours...could've been because my husband is home for the week and we are doing the "share the video, TV, and computer" thing.
74. glendajean - 9/15/1999 10:23:47 AM
I had good intentions on watching it. But after traveling three weeks in a row, I landed at home Sunday night and forgot all about it. Diva, any highlights?
75. theDiva - 9/15/1999 10:29:14 AM
Well, it's very fluid, as you'd expect it would be given that the documentarian lived with the family for so long. One entire episode was devoted to the older daughter's trip to Nigeria for a semester. That was tough to watch, as she was so torn between the black and white students. The girl was obviously pained. It made me fretful and fearful for any child Sweetie and I may have someday.
76. glendajean - 9/15/1999 10:36:51 AM
I have a good friend (now widowed) whose husband was African American, she white. Her daughter is dark skinned, her son light skinned. She refused to let them label themselves when they were children, but they often did it anyway when mom wasn't around, saying things like "you're the white child" or "the black child."
It's a close family, and growing up in DC, didn't seem to be much of a problem, from what they've shared. Interestingly about this couple --she was originally from West Texas, where all her folks lived (read not necessarily enlightened on race). His parents were educators and not excited about a white daughter-in-law.
I gather at some point, race became a non-issue for their families.
77. theDiva - 9/15/1999 10:50:17 AM
Sweetie and I don't get much trouble either - mainly rude stares. I suspect it would be different if we lived elsewhere. And, if since you saw our wedding photos, you can probably guess how our families feel about the union. We've been blessed.
Now, the couple in the documentary moved from Ohio to NY because they did encounter problems - vandalism and harassment, if I recall correctly. Karen Wilson's (the wife) widowed mother is remarried to a man who is polite on the surface, but whom Karen suspects has real trouble with the interracial union. Bill Sims' family seems fine with it. One episode involves the elder Sims coming for a Christmas visit, and it's obvious that the family is close.
78. theDiva - 9/15/1999 10:50:43 AM
delete as appropriate.....if.....
79. KuligintheHooligan - 9/15/1999 1:34:05 PM
A quick question. Last night my wife and I rented the video "Enemy of the State." (when you only have ONE channel on television here in Namibia, you have to rent videos if you want to see anything decent) Anyway, I thought it was a great movie. But I seem to recall that it came out to very bad reviews. Is that correct? Did others enjoy the movie?
80. God - 9/15/1999 1:43:02 PM
I saw enemy of the state and I thoroughly enjoyed it, too. It got mixed reviews.
81. janjon - 9/15/1999 2:47:42 PM
Woody.
One of my all time favorites is PURPLE
Sorry, but I couldn't resist.
82. Phoenix Rising - 9/15/1999 3:12:42 PM
I too rented Enemy of the State. I enjoyed it at the time. I guess the only criticism I would level at it is that it is another forgettable action movie. I could see how it might resonate with the Black Helicopter crowd. Personally, I know first hand the Federal Government is too disorganized and unwieldy to be involved in a great conspiracy against people.
But I guess this now belongs in politics.
83. JudithAtHome - 9/15/1999 3:50:17 PM
Phoenix:
I always wondered how people could think the government could manage a good conspiracy when they can't even find out something like the Berlin Wall is about to topple.
84. JudithAtHome - 9/15/1999 3:51:26 PM
Naturally, I meant WAS about to....
85. CalGal - 9/15/1999 3:56:27 PM
Vic,
I liked Enemy of the State and thought it was one of the better action films from last year--the other one being Rush Hour (hey, it was a weak year).
I don't think it got bad reviews. It did poorly at the box office. In fact, it's my theory that it may have marked the end of the dominance of the action genre.
86. arkymalarky - 9/15/1999 8:02:22 PM
I watched the PBS show last night, and thought it was sort of slow, just like any family sitting around the house, debating boy rules for their daughter, etc. I didn't see any other parts, though.
One of the prettiest girls in the small high school where I teach is of a mixed-race two-parent household. She's very popular. Her parents were high school sweethearts.
87. glendajean - 9/15/1999 9:13:37 PM
Remember all those old Esther Wiliams movies? They're replaying them all night on Turner Classical Movies. Splash.
88. JudithAtHome - 9/15/1999 9:22:39 PM
Hey guys...read my post in News....
89. equilibrium - 9/16/1999 8:23:50 AM
I saw enemy of the state and enjoyed the flick, although it stretched credulity that this guy could consistently escape what appeared to be such a well organized gov't conspiracy. But I guess thats action flicks for ya!
I though rush hour was a blast!
90. JudithAtHome - 9/16/1999 10:09:55 AM
equilibrium:
Welcome to the Mote...we love hearing from anyone who likes movies.
91. Cellar Door - 9/16/1999 10:25:25 AM
From Esther Williams to (shudder) Will Smith.
Need I say more? The American Cinema is in ruins.
92. theDiva - 9/16/1999 10:27:20 AM
CELLAR!
XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO!!!93. glendajean - 9/16/1999 10:27:36 AM
Cellar -- Welcome!
Since Esther's last movie was probably pre-1961, I doubt if you can pin current cinema problems on her. The only thing you can say about her now is that she couldn't handle Jeff Chandler's cross-dressing fetishes (see Vanity Fair).
94. JudithAtHome - 9/16/1999 10:38:32 AM
NOoooooooooooo!!! Don't tell me any thing kinky about JEFF! I spent my pre-to-early teenhood madly in love with him. (always had a thing for older guys)
95. Phoenix Rising - 9/16/1999 10:43:43 AM
Just cause someone is a little kinky doesn't mean you can't still love them. Take me for instance......(g)
96. glendajean - 9/16/1999 10:44:53 AM
Judith -- in the excerpt from her new book that's in Vanity Fair, her last words to him upon breaking up was, "This dress won't work. You're too big to wear polka dots."
They were madly in love, dated for 2 years, and then when he revealed his need/desire to wear women's clothes, she dumped him.
97. theDiva - 9/16/1999 10:45:01 AM
Ben, we love you because you're kinky.
98. Phoenix Rising - 9/16/1999 10:53:33 AM
Hmmmmmm. How big is too big to wear polka-dots? Didn't I see Devine in polka-dots once? Hairspray had both her and the FAT Ricki Lake in matching polka-dot outfits, if I remember correctly. And both were quite attractive (in a kinky flamboyant way).
99. theDiva - 9/16/1999 10:57:04 AM
I suppose it depends on the size of the polka dots, as well as the size of the bod they're encasing..
100. Phoenix Rising - 9/16/1999 10:59:17 AM
Well, in the case of Devine and Ricki, the dots were quite large and of a rather garish color. She didn't call herself "Devine" for nothing.
101. glendajean - 9/16/1999 11:01:28 AM
Well, it was the 50s, so their idea of polka dots and size were probably different than later standards.
102. JudithAtHome - 9/16/1999 11:01:38 AM
Phoenix:
You're right...kinky is as kinky does, I guess.
Any chance she's still vindictive and just said that to break MY heart? I don't care if he liked silks and feather boas...I still love the thrills I got from seeing him grab Lana Turner and others and pull them close and ravage them with kisses. Of course, now I know he was merely sizing up their wardrobes, my memories are a tad less steamy.
103. glendajean - 9/16/1999 11:02:56 AM
Judith, I got the impression that he really liked women, he just liked making love to them while he was wearing women's clothes.
104. Phoenix Rising - 9/16/1999 11:07:07 AM
Actually you and Jeff Chandler passionately kissing, in matching outfits, does have erotic possibilities, Judith.
Even I am getting a little turned on at the mental picture.
105. JudithAtHome - 9/16/1999 11:11:08 AM
Hmmmmmmm....tailored satin PJs and fuzzy slippers......you may have a point, Phoenix.
106. Phoenix Rising - 9/16/1999 11:14:30 AM
And with such exquisite taste, why shouldn't Jeff (or any man for that matter) covet your wardrobe as well as your embrace?
107. JudithAtHome - 9/16/1999 11:30:54 AM
OH, you DO know how to charm a girl. Yes, I bring out envy in men with my wardrobe frequently, especially my tuxedo from Neimans that I found at a thrift shop and had tailored to fit me...throw on a little silk t-shirt and a rhinestone brooch and the guys just slobber all over me.
108. Phoenix Rising - 9/16/1999 11:35:47 AM
Hmmmmmm. If that's what it takes, then I now covet your wardrobe. Send the overflow of slobbering guys my way!
109. JudithAtHome - 9/16/1999 11:40:16 AM
Well....I'll send them or the tux.
110. Raskolnikov - 9/16/1999 12:46:32 PM
Enemy of the State was a decent action film, primarily worthy for bringing attention to The Conversation, from which it borrows, and pays homage to, extensively. I thought the ending sucked, though.
Reviews were pretty good for an action film, and it did decent box office - $111 million domestic. It made money, and proved that Smith could open a picture solo.
111. KuligintheHooligan - 9/16/1999 2:26:48 PM
Thanks for the comments on "Enemy of the State" guys. I thought it was a great movie and am surprised it didn't do well, especially since it had Wil Smith in it and it was a good film.
Speaking of "Rush Hour," we rented that a couple of weeks ago. I loved that movie! I get mesmerized by Jackie Chan and find it so incredible how he uses standard "household" items in the fight scenes. Of course, I was a big Bruce Lee fan growing up too!
112. KuligintheHooligan - 9/16/1999 2:28:09 PM
Oh, it make $111 million?! I thought it did poorly. Guess I was mistaken, thanks Rasky.
113. God - 9/16/1999 2:29:16 PM
Vic
If that amazed you, you should see what Cal does with standard 'household' items.
114. CalGal - 9/16/1999 2:30:57 PM
Knock it off. I mean it. Take it to the Playpen.
115. JonesAtLaw - 9/16/1999 2:41:24 PM
god- I have created a mental image of CalGal which suits me quite well from my interactions with her here and in the Fray, (limited though they may be) Please do not clutter it up with revelations of real life that haven't been invited.
116. God - 9/16/1999 2:53:30 PM
That was a joke, Jones. Settle down, Cornholio. I don't know any personal information about Cal, and wouldn't want to.
117. Cellar Door - 9/16/1999 3:37:58 PM
Howzzat? If you're God you know everything.
Especially the "personal information."
118. CalGal - 9/16/1999 4:57:59 PM
Hey, Cellar. Any good movie news?
119. Cellar Door - 9/16/1999 5:05:14 PM
The best movie I've seen recently was Akira Kurosaw's last film "Mandadayo" (1993) which made its U.S. premiere on TCM. The critics have been doing handstands over "American Beauty," which I found just OK. People have been mentioning it mining middle-class angst territory re John Cheever. But it reminds me more of George Axelrod. Not as graceful, however. Conrad Hall has been, most justifiably, getting raves for his Cinematography. I thought Annette Benning was off somehow. Kudoes for Spacey -- in a part he could play blindfolded and hanging by his feet -- areprep for him sweeping the critics awards and getting an Oscar nom.
If he gets married and/or announces his engagement to somebeardorother, he's a shoo-in for the Oscar itself.
120. glendajean - 9/16/1999 5:13:25 PM
Celler -- or setting up the script for In and Out, Part II.
121. Cellar Door - 9/16/1999 7:12:24 PM
Yes. In and Out II: Back In
122. Blaise - 9/16/1999 7:56:24 PM
Hi Cellar Door! Good to see you here.
God: I heard a buzzing in my ear -- I believe it was a spiritual message of some sort but you're on the wrong frequency. Please send the message on a different channel. It's not coming through! This constant hum in my ear is annoying!
Blessings. Amen.
123. CalGal - 9/16/1999 7:58:16 PM
124. glendajean - 9/16/1999 8:56:00 PM
I'm going to watch Action, the new Fox sitcom tonight.
125. glendajean - 9/16/1999 10:14:45 PM
Action was ok. All nasty characters, but there is something appealing about Jay Mohr.
126. Ace of Spades - 9/16/1999 10:17:26 PM
hello? I think I'm Ace of Spades.
127. glendajean - 9/16/1999 10:18:31 PM
It's a miracle. He's back. :)
128. RosettaStone - 9/16/1999 11:18:20 PM
"Action" was excellent. It reminded me of the HBO's "Larry Sanders Show," and, according to Tom Shales in the Washington Post, Fox picked it up when HBO turned it down.
For commercial TV, the humor was very adult and pretty funny. Hope it succeeds.
129. CalGal - 9/16/1999 11:37:05 PM
Oh, GJ--I meant to mention that I watched the Strange Justice movie the other day. Very good, actually.
130. glendajean - 9/16/1999 11:55:44 PM
Didn't I tell you? Much better that I would have predicted.
131. CalGal - 9/16/1999 11:57:04 PM
I liked the approach of showing how they must have felt, as they said the words, rather than a dull, dry, recitation. Both Lindo and Taylor were awesome (I've liked them both for a long time), and Patinkin was, as always, superb.
132. glendajean - 9/17/1999 12:01:01 AM
Yeah, my criticism of most fictional re-telling of actual events is that the creators make up crap. And it's not just in bio-pics. It's also in books like doofus Woodward at the W. Post.
But in Strange Justice, they took the actual words that we probably remember from real life, and give an interpretation of those words, an emotional interpretation. Very powerful.
Didn't you find the clip from Orrin Hatch bizarre and funny?
133. CalGal - 9/17/1999 12:06:18 AM
The whole thing was bizarre, in any event.
What I found fascinating is that Thomas rejected the handlers and went out on his own. And saved his ass--and his court seat--in the bargain.
134. glendajean - 9/17/1999 12:07:55 AM
Sweetie, don't underestimate the power of the lobby boys. They were working overtime.
135. floater - 9/17/1999 12:09:48 AM
Are there any good movies recently released on video? I'm itching to rent a movie tonight. Any suggestions? Please, if it's rated R, keep in mind that I am easily offended by vulgarities. Language can be tolerable, but I hate graphic violence.
136. glendajean - 9/17/1999 12:10:27 AM
BTW, Cal, hope you watch Action tonight. Interested in your reaction. Goodnight.
137. RosettaStone - 9/17/1999 1:45:49 AM
floater: We just saw a very funny movie called "Elvis Meets Nixon." (I'm pretty sure that's the title). Hilarious story and it really happened.
138. moonflower - 9/17/1999 8:41:45 AM
Why is the Weather Channel so addictive? I know lots of people who watch it routinely, know the names of the weather "personalities," get crushes on some of them. I find I turn it on maybe 5 times a day.
Not for long stretches, but it's kind of "there"--and the little reports don't say all that much.
139. RosettaStone - 9/17/1999 9:06:20 AM
moonflower: how right you are. Even my kids will watch it. It took hold last summer when we were on the ocean at Atlantic Beach, NC, in a huge time-share condo with lots of windows on the ocean with cable TV and a hurricane moving up the Gulf Stream. We all could see the ocean and sky change while watching that addictive spiral red/white glob on the Weather Channel.
It was the first time that they saw how a weather system works.
140. Ace of Spades - 9/17/1999 9:08:02 AM
Nixon gave Elvis some sort of Badge, making him an honorary DEA agent or something.
True fact.
I think it WAS the DEA, too.
141. Dantheman - 9/17/1999 9:08:52 AM
Glendajean,
I saw the first 5-10 minutes of Action, turned it off and saw the Frazier rerun. I simply don't see much humor in being uncreatively nasty to people, and that was all the first few minutes were. I don't mind creative nastiness (see Fawlty Towers), but this was just dull.
142. Ace of Spades - 9/17/1999 9:09:55 AM
I saw the end of Frazier. LOVE that "Goldfinger" ending.
I've seen that Frazier-- just the end of it-- twice. Pretty much the only Frazier I've ever seen.
143. Ace of Spades - 9/17/1999 9:11:21 AM
From Cinescape:
‘X-Men’ Movie Info
Forget the rumors, it appears to finally be a done deal that actor James Marsden (Disturbing Behavior, Sugar and Spice) will play Cyclops in The X-Men movie whom a knowledgeable insider reports was one of 15 possible candidates eligible for the role. According to Variety columnist Michael Fleming, who has been fairly reliable in the X-Men casting scoops, Marsden finally got the role that will have him playing the mutant in the red quartz colored glasses who is at odds with the feral mutant Wolverine, played by Dougray Scott, for the affections of Jean Grey, played by Famke Janssen. Production is scheduled to start in October.
144. RosettaStone - 9/17/1999 9:13:22 AM
Ace: I know you were busy last night (!!!) but you should have watched "Action."
One of the characters is a screen writer and I thought of you.
Tom Shales did a good review in yesterday's paper.
145. Ace of Spades - 9/17/1999 9:18:46 AM
Rosetta:
I wanted to watch it, but the girlfriend wanted to watch fucking "Charmed," that stupid witch movie on the WB.
I saw five minutes of Action and thought it was a bit flat. It might have potential, but I don't know. My take was sort of like Dantheman's: I don't MIND nasty characters, but it's not like you can just write nasty characters and think you're work is done for you. The first five minutes of Action, it seemed, was trying to hard to be nasty.
146. RosettaStone - 9/17/1999 9:23:35 AM
Oh, it's very nasty but, supposedly, that what it takes to make it in Hollywood.
Look at our very own Basement Door.
I'm going to dig up the Shales review for your enjoyment.
147. Ace of Spades - 9/17/1999 9:25:13 AM
Rosetta:
It doesn't matter. I can't watch it. The girlfriend watches fucking "Charmed."
Wouldn't matter if watching it was as pleasurable as getting a blowjob from a Swedish voleyball co-ed while simultaneously having liquified crack injected directly into the center of the brain.
I'm watching "Charmed.'
148. RosettaStone - 9/17/1999 9:31:14 AM
Time to get a second TV, then. Or, a new girlfriend.
I've got to do some work and will be offline for a couple of hours.
I guess what impresses me about "Action" is that it's on commercial TV. Although we have cable, we don't get HBO so I've rarely seen "The Larry Sanders Show."
(I've got to go and do some work now and be offline. BTW, Although I disagree with some of your arguments last night, CalGal should know that she has a real friend in you. That was the only thing nice to read...)
Mabye someday it will be on the Comedy Channel.
149. RosettaStone - 9/17/1999 9:32:39 AM
Darn: I miss the edit button that TT offers. Should delete second graf.
150. Raskolnikov - 9/17/1999 10:10:37 AM
Ace: Do you know that VCRs can record one channel while you watch another? Technology is a wonderful thing.
151. PsychProf - 9/17/1999 10:39:01 AM
BASEBALL MOVIES
click on image
152. Ace of Spades - 9/17/1999 10:40:51 AM
Rask:
1) My VCR is broken. It plays, but does not record.
2) I never was a "recorder" anyway. Either I watch it when it's on or I don't watch it. TV's a waste of time. I use TV to waste A LOT of time, but I don't record my time-wasting media.
153. Raskolnikov - 9/17/1999 11:01:38 AM
Luddite.
154. RosettaStone - 9/17/1999 11:32:15 AM
Thanks for the link and graphic, professor. I've got to say that if there is anyone who is going to make this place work, it's PP.
His sports thread ROCKS and I love his editing.
155. Cellar Door - 9/17/1999 11:47:39 AM
Actually Hollywood is a lovely town, full of deeply sincere, caring and helping individuals. Just look at the way Michael Fleming of "Daily Variety" has cometo the aide Kevin Spacey, for instance.
156. JudithAtHome - 9/17/1999 11:52:35 AM
We record time-wasting things on network TV and then fast forward thru the commercials so we don't feel as bad wasting time. Ace, if you are watching Charmed, you ARE wasting time...it's just a matter of perspective.
I thought Action was great; a lot of the "little" touches charmed(!) me like Dragon saying to the nerd writer "I loved you last project! What was it again?" and the writer says, "Two Guys, A Girl, And A Pizza Place" which is the absolute pits of a show on ABC.
157. RosettaStone - 9/17/1999 12:03:03 PM
The screenwriter is named Adam Rafkin whom Dragon, the movie producer of the bomb "Slow Torture", keeps confusing with Alan Rifkin.
158. JudithAtHome - 9/17/1999 1:27:34 PM
Rosetta:
Didn't you think the movie producer married to Dragons ex-wife bore an uncanny resemblance to Barry Diller?
I loved the restaurant, LePrix, with the snotty maitre'd, too. Speaking phonetically, that restaurant name is perfect. I was also impressed with Big Dick and his hommage to the character from Pulp Fiction. But the best thing about BD was his riff on Truffaut and "Day for Night", one of the all time great movies about movies.
159. RosettaStone - 9/17/1999 2:04:20 PM
From Tom Shales' review in yesterday's Washington Post;
"Action," Fox's beautifully brutal spoof of modern-day Hollywood, is fantastic, funny, fascinating, ferocious--F-words being particularly appropriate to this show--but for all its nasty hilarity, a nagging question persists. Is it a satire, or a documentary?"
And, this is from a reviewer. who fucking hates Fox TV.
160. RosettaStone - 9/17/1999 4:33:48 PM
Just curious about the technology here at the mote.
Does mote have the ability to link to movie trailers and other promotional video or cyber items the way the PP is doing in the Sports section?
161. JudithAtHome - 9/17/1999 5:45:38 PM
Rosetta:
You seem to be the only other person who watched Action last night...I've tried to engage you in a discussion of the show, to no avail. Are you peeved at me?
162. RosettaStone - 9/17/1999 5:52:26 PM
No, of course not, Judith. You are one of the nicest people here. i did respond (sort of) with my Shales quote.
What impresses me about Fox's "Action" is that it's on commercial TV, not cable and is a comedy without a laugh track.
I also thought that Illeana Douglas as Wendy Ward, a hooker turned movie studio exec is a great hook.
The scene where the producer Dragon was looking at "Joel Silver" penis was also great. I had a problem keeping my kids out of the room when that happened!
163. JudithAtHome - 9/17/1999 6:03:13 PM
Rosetta:
Yes, that was great! We taped it and watched it this morning and we kept running the tape back to see if we heard what we thought we heard. Wendy was very good; the entire sequence leading up to how she got her "title" was a terrific commentary on Hollywood. Maybe I'm reading more into this show than I should but I think it is satire worthy of Swift.
You mentioned you don't have HBO...you ought to invest in it. (Go ahead and LAUGH, everyone....Miss "I Don't Have Cable And Never Will" is now hawking premium channels all over the place!) The Sopranos and Larry Sanders make the entire monthly cable bill well worth it.
164. glendajean - 9/17/1999 6:07:32 PM
Judith -- it's obvious that Fox is trying to do an HBO type series. I thought it was funny (and as I said earlier) I thought Jay Mohr was appealing. For a jerk, he was kind of likable.
I wonder how long they can sustain it, though. But really. How can you knock a series that has a line that "Tom Hanks doesn't go the extra mile because he can't hack his wife into bits" to an agent selling an actor with a bit of a problem, but with great name recognition, OJ Simpson.
165. RosettaStone - 9/17/1999 6:09:41 PM
Now I understand how you know all the lines to the show! You taped it.
I was dealing with the kids and trying to read mote's meltdown. I alos liked the scenes in the restaurant and the screenwriter's body language when he became blood brothers with Dragon and asked him if he wore condoms.
On commercial TV, no less.
166. RosettaStone - 9/17/1999 6:16:17 PM
And Judith, I read somewhere else (probably on TT) how you just got cable and love MTV's "Real World". I got a big laugh out of that.
I think Ace said that it was scripted. That was news to me.
My kids watch it religiously sorta like people used to watch soap operas on week-afternoon TV. Actually, that's exactly what it is. Just better edited.
167. JudithAtHome - 9/17/1999 6:16:39 PM
Rose & Glendaj:
I think they pitched this to HBO and they passed on it so Fox grabbed it. Turn abouts fair play: the Sopranos was offered to network and THEY passed on it. They are saying, depending on who you listen to, that this will be the start of either an edgier network approach or the end of the networks as they slide down to the gutter with cable.
Yes, I did re-hear a lot of the dialogue but I have fairly good recall of totally useless information anyhow. It's the "other" stuff I have to write down, like dentists appointments, etc.
168. JudithAtHome - 9/17/1999 6:23:24 PM
Rosetta:
Please read my contributions to the Real World thread over there; I am as a voice crying in the wilderness amongst the kiddies who spend days and days obsessing over Colin & Amaya and Justin. I just LOVE it...they never address me directly and one guy waits for about 30 minutes and co-opts all my good lines, just changing them slightly. I feel like getting REALLY catty with them but they are so young, so innocent....HA!
169. RosettaStone - 9/17/1999 6:26:52 PM
From Shales' review:
"On the day after the 'Slow Torture' premiere, Dragon and company attend what looks like a gay Christmas beach party in Malibu. Here the show reaches dangerous heights of irreverence, using Christmas songs as counterpoint or comment on "Action's" action. The piece de resistance, so to speak, is when Dragon gets a look at the enormous endowment of a studio boss as he steps from the shower. On the soundtrack: "Do you See What I See?"
170. RosettaStone - 9/17/1999 6:28:51 PM
Gotta go. Good talking to you.
171. JudithAtHome - 9/17/1999 7:32:55 PM
This is adios for me, too...have a nice weekend, everyone.
172. TabouliJones - 9/18/1999 2:01:16 AM
Re. Real World:
I've never seen the original, but one of the funniest things I heve seeen on t.v. was a spoof of it on The John Larroquette show. The spoof featured the wonderful Darryl Mitchell, currently being wasted on Veronica's Closet, and was absolutely hilarious.
I'd also like to point out that I am not God -- or God is not my double --, just on the off chance that anyone took our similar locales as indicative of me messing around with a double identity. Just trying to prevent confusion. Now, onto other things:
Last week's New Yorker had an insightful article on Richard Pryor. It had a wonderful account of his cutting edge work with Lily Tomlin on her short lived "Lily" show. Does anyone out there remember it?
Another pivotal t.v. moment recounted in the article, from 1980:
Barbara Walters: When you're onstage . . . see, it's hard for me to say. I was going to say, you talk about niggers. I can't . . . you can say it. I can't say it.
Richard Pryor: You just said it.
Walters: Yeah, but I feel so . . .
Pryor: You said it very good
Walters: . . . uncomfortable.
Pryor: Well, good. You said it pretty good.
Walters: O.K.
Pryor: That's not the first time you said it. (Laughter)
I can imagine the scene in my head, and it makes me laugh out loud.
173. God - 9/18/1999 2:02:28 AM
Hi Tabouli
What do you mean you're not me, since when?
==):-)
174. TabouliJones - 9/18/1999 2:06:21 AM
Well,
Some say I'm godlike (ok my mother), but I'm not, andnever have been, God. (Insert smiley thingy)
175. God - 9/18/1999 2:08:14 AM
Tabouli
Just giving Glendajean the conspiracy queen something else to think about. I'm hoping that by the end of the month I'll have her believing that everyone else here is me. Tabouli's NOT me, Glendajean, absolutely NOT.
==):-)
176. TabouliJones - 9/18/1999 2:14:50 AM
No comment re. alleged conspiracy queens or anyone else for that matter -- just trying to minimize potential confusion. Cheers.
177. Cellar Door - 9/18/1999 9:59:20 AM
The Richard Pryor article was excellent. I interviewed him once for that truly pathetic lastfilm he did with Gene Wilder. A deeply sad, extraordinarily sweet man, seemingly held together with scotch tape and spit. I've never seen such worried handlers in my life.
178. RosettaStone - 9/18/1999 10:03:49 AM
Cellar: Does he have any scars on his face from the crack-smoking episode? I always thought that's what did him in.
179. TabouliJones - 9/18/1999 11:28:05 AM
Cellar,
The article has really peaked my interest in Pryor's work, and Lily Tomlin's as well. I thought the exchange with Walters was brilliant in the way that it cut through her sanctimony and placed him in control of the interview. Re. his handlers, the article quoted some funny, but sad, exchanges between Pryor and the women taking care of him. Like you said, the article is excellent. I recommend it highly.
180. Cellar Door - 9/18/1999 12:14:54 PM
It's not facial scars so much as whole areas of tissue. He burned his chest, neck and part of his face. So damned sad.
181. CalGal - 9/18/1999 6:14:06 PM
What happened to Pryor? How does someone stop being funny?
And yes, I've always thought the loss of him over the past 15 years or so was terribly sad.
182. CalGal - 9/18/1999 6:15:06 PM
183. God - 9/18/1999 6:16:07 PM
Is this supposed to be a secret? He abused drugs to the extreme and his brain went to mush. Of course you can stop being funny.
184. Chris J. - 9/18/1999 6:50:28 PM
Pryor was out of control with his life, with drugs, with fame, with living large.
But man he was funny and had one hell-of-an impact.
He's paying big time for his abuses and it's a sad thing indeed.
His daughter Rain by the way is on that terrible ShowTime show
with Sherilyn Lee and uh.. Redgrave.... Title escapes me but
it's about Sherilyn being a recovering alcoholic, got some good reviews. but I can't figure out why.
Yep, new here. Hello everyone.
185. CalGal - 9/18/1999 6:57:35 PM
Hi, Chris!
Rude Awakening is the show.
I know about Pryor's drug usage, of course. But I've never seen drug abuse make someone less funny in the way that Pryor's humor disintegrated. Out of control, sure. But to go from rapid-fire brilliance to sugary sweet awwwww, isn't this cute? comedy that characterized his later films?
I can't think of another example of a comedian who lost his sense of humor because of drug use. Lost his career and his life, sure. But his sense of humor?
186. Chris J. - 9/18/1999 7:06:21 PM
uh.... Lenny Bruce. . . lost his humor because of combo of drug abuse and harassment. And then he lost his life.
Lenny Bruce and Mort Sahl paving the way for comedians to talk about whatever they want. Bill Cosby, making it possible for anyone to get up and talk about whatever they wanted.
Pryor and Carlin took the place of Bruce essentially.
Sahl is still kicking, but I guess the inheritor of Sahl is Dennis Miller.
Thanks C.G.
Hey anyone around this place familiar with the dynamite french film,
Lovers on the Bridge ?
Go see it if you get a chance. You'll kick yourself in the ass if you have to opportunity to see it on the big screen and pass it up.
Also The Grand Illusion, Renoir's classic is making the rounds and has a meticulously restored print that is not to be missed.
GO...
187. CalGal - 9/18/1999 7:12:48 PM
Chris,
Don't forget to put away your toys. (and don't feel bad; everyone does it sometimes.)
And I'm not making myself clear about Pryor--it was a small point. Yes, some comedians go out of control as you describe. But Pryor just seem to morph into an entirely different person--slow and syrupy sweet.
Thanks for the heads up about Grand Illusion. Have you seen The Third Man on its rounds?
188. CalGal - 9/18/1999 7:13:32 PM
Whoops. You must have used two different bold tags.
189. Cellar Door - 9/18/1999 8:11:32 PM
Hey Chris, "Lovers On the Bridge" aka. "Les Amants du Pont-Neuf" has been an obsession of mind for years. it was four years in the making. Three different film companies went bankrupt financing it. Carax was madly in love with Juliette Binoche when he made it. It was a tribute to her. But by the time it was all over their love died. She broke her leg during the water skiing sequence.
I'm beginning to feel there's something innately destructive about stand-up and certain forms of "samurai comedy." Consider Lenny Bruce, Ricahrd Pryor, John Belushi, Chris Farley. Martin Lawrence is in a coma. Andy Dick is in rehab. And then there's poor Phil Hartman.
I don't blame Steve Martin for getting out when he did.
I just hope Chris Rock can hold it together and not end up like a train wreck.
190. joezan - 9/18/1999 8:22:11 PM
Chris Rock has got his s**t together in a BIG way. With those other guys, I think, you could see the wreck coming from a long way off...(maybe it was their pacing?).
Rock has gotten slowly, consistently better, has never had too many projects going at the same time, and, I think, doesn't take himself terribly seriously.
191. CalGal - 9/18/1999 8:37:09 PM
I'm beginning to feel there's something innately destructive about stand-up and certain forms of "samurai comedy."
Is it possible that it's the other way round? That the people drawn to that sort of out on the edge comedy are innately self-destructive? Martin Lawrence is another example.
I agree about Rock, btw, Joe. He seems to have his act together.
Hartman never seemed the same sort of comic--I thought of him as a comic actor, not a comedian. He also seemed a different profile, of sorts--more the abused spouse, if what I read about his relationship with his wife is true.
192. glendajean - 9/18/1999 8:55:53 PM
One of the lesser high holidays in the gay world is the Miss America pageant. I've never quite understood why and I get bored easily. But is there a possibility ABC could channel the spirit of Bert Parks?
I thought Regis and Kathy Lee were bad, but Donny & Marie?
This year, each state rep had a cause listed. I'd love it if Miss Texas had said "I support the right to own handguns and the protection of the 2nd Amendment" or Miss New York had said something like "Get outta my face. I'm divorced and I had an abortion. Screw you."
Instead, it sounded like they gave them a list of illnesses and the contestants checked one off. Asthma research was big.
193. joezan - 9/18/1999 8:56:20 PM
Cal:
Also, I don't think Rock's got any delusions (well, not that I can see, anyway), about going out and being a big Hollywood Star. I believe he's comfortable being a great stand-up guy.
(Now watch him make a liar outta me by taking a part opposite Whitney Houston in some "romantic comedy"....).
194. CalGal - 9/18/1999 9:00:18 PM
GJ,
I haven't figured out how to add links to the front page yet. But when I do, I will add your Miss America post to the list. I'm still laughing.
195. CalGal - 9/18/1999 9:01:57 PM
Joe,
I don't think movies contribute to the destruction, though. Besides, I think Rock was in Dr. Doolittle, wasn't he? Had a wonderful love scene with Eddie Murphy.
196. glendajean - 9/18/1999 9:02:58 PM
Glad to oblige. Your humble correspondent.
197. glendajean - 9/18/1999 9:06:41 PM
The Washington Post had some pretty funny stories today about Miss America pageant. This little tidbit. Miss Hawaii's mom makes all her clothes.
Miss Hawaii showed up at the beginning looking like a Las Vegas cocktail waitress from Hell. Very bizarre.
198. joezan - 9/18/1999 9:11:04 PM
Cal:
Well, yea...
...but do you really think a guy who took his acting seriously would debut in Dr. Doolittle?
I'd be very disappointed if he ever took a big role in anything with a diva in it....very bad sign, imo.
199. Phoenix Rising - 9/18/1999 9:23:03 PM
Lovers On the Bridge" aka. "Les Amants du Pont-Neuf"
The Bridge in question is not just any bridge. Pont Neuf is a very specific bridge. Therefore, the english translation should be "Lovers On THE Bridge".
200. Chris J. - 9/18/1999 10:54:51 PM
Rock does seem to have his act together better than most.
But he's pretty young.
He went ballistic and over the edge at the MTV awards, and did a kind of Black Don Rickle's act. Hey it works... it was funny and I watched
more of the show then I would have were he not the host with the most acid tongue of all.
Carlin, held together... despite the drug abuse, and the heart attacks, he's still with us, and still extremely funny.
Dennis Miller, who I sometimes like a lot, but usually am dissapointed with, seems extremely well adjusted.
There's a few guys who've been doing standup for years who are still
doing pretty well.
201. CalGal - 9/18/1999 11:01:38 PM
Yeah, Carlin's an example of that edgy over the top type who usually falls apart--and, as you point out, he made it. He even periodically does time in movies.
Miller isn't really over the top; he's a ranter. And yeah, it cracks me up--he's happily married, kids, the works.
202. Cellar Door - 9/18/1999 11:08:01 PM
Do you know some of the history of "Les Amants"? The set was destroyed by the elements and had to be revbuilt twice
Carax is quite a character. I first met him when Binoche was doing publicity on "The Unbearable Lightness of Being." He was trailing around L.A. with her like an attentive puppy dog. A year after "Les Amants" was released in France to utter public indifference, he showed up in L.A. I was at the Chateau Marmont to see Gus, and there was Carax in the lobby.
Me: Hey, how's it going?
Carax: . . . . .Oh. . ..(shrug)
Me: Is your film playing here?
Carax: (long pause) Well. . .I'm showing it tonight. . .Do you want to see it?
Me: DO I?!?!
Carax: Really?. . .Well . . .I'm going to show it at Universal to some people. . .I would like for people here to see it. . . .but my producers are asking for SOOO much money.
Me: Why?
Carax: Because they Hat Me!
Me: Oh.
Carax: (Shrug)
So I went to Universal and saw it on the big screen at the Hitchcock theater with an audience of distributors and Carl Reiner and Mel Brooks.
Not much applause when it was over -- save for me, Carl Reiner and Mel Brooks.
203. Phoenix Rising - 9/18/1999 11:29:07 PM
Great story, Cell.
I haven't seen the film, but I have been in love in the middle of the Pont Neuf. So I relate.
Is the hostess ignoring us or is it her oft stated distaste for films with subtitles?
204. CalGal - 9/18/1999 11:44:33 PM
Actually, you couldn't find even one post where I say I don't like subtitles. You could find several posts where I express my disdain for dubbing.
I don't think it's required that I join every conversation. I've been reading it with interest. To say nothing of the fact that I've got a GUI to build.
And stop being nasty. You are violating the tone of the thread. When speaking to or of other Mote member, "snide" is completely disallowed. As are "bitchy", "catty", and "obnoxious".
All such emotions should be directed at movie stars and very bad TV shows. The occasional critic.
Heat, sarcasm, impatience, and arrogance are the allowable negative emotions when in the midst of passionate movie debates.
I trust this is clear. I believe that the Mote Cafe and the Playpen allow the emotions you wish to express.
205. Phoenix Rising - 9/18/1999 11:53:55 PM
"snide" is completely disallowed. As are "bitchy", "catty", and "obnoxious".
Heat, sarcasm, impatience, and arrogance are the allowable negative emotions when in the midst of passionate movie debates.
Gee, I wonder what the difference is.
No, wait. I am smart enough to figure this out: If Phoenix says it, it is snide and obnoxious. If GalGal says it, it is just impatience.
I can see I am not long for this world.
206. CalGal - 9/18/1999 11:56:30 PM
You are still being nasty, Phoenix. Please take it to the appropriate thread.
207. Phoenix Rising - 9/18/1999 11:57:43 PM
Actually a legitimate question. What is the difference?
208. CalGal - 9/19/1999 12:14:01 AM
Phoenix,
I am worn out with policy discussions, so I'm going to leave it as it is and not get drawn into this.
I will leave it with this:
Example of the first: See the last sentence of #203. Not related to movies, unpleasant, and gratuitous. And then there's the small point that it was inaccurate.
Example of the second: "What are you, insane? Who the hell thinks those kids died of natural causes!! Were you actually watching the damn movie, or were you distracted in a search for a cherry-flavored Starburst?"
That is the last post I will make on the subject. No response necessary; take it elsewhere.
209. RosettaStone - 9/19/1999 12:21:34 AM
Pam and I came home from a dinner party to find out that my son has rented "My Favorite Martian" from Blockbusters.222
There goes his allowance for next week. But, the big question is, is it worth watching?
210. RosettaStone - 9/19/1999 12:24:05 AM
Oops...That 222 was suppose to be @#$%&&*!
211. CalGal - 9/19/1999 12:26:06 AM
It got dreadful reviews, I seem to recall. I haven't seen it. You can look it up in the IMD and check out the review page. That'll give you a feel for what the critics said.
I doubt it's dreadful. Just ordinary.
212. RosettaStone - 9/19/1999 12:36:22 AM
I didn't even know it had even been made into a movie--and I read the Style section of the newspaper.
The only good remake of a lousy TV series into a funny Mmovie was "The Brady Bunch." My daughters really liked it, especially the middle child.
Good night
213. Phoenix Rising - 9/19/1999 12:39:01 AM
As I suspected.
Truly sorry that you don't recognize how offensive you are to "newbies".
Good luck with your forum. And I mean that in all sincerity.
214. joezan - 9/19/1999 12:42:47 AM
Aw, come on, you guys...can't we all get along?
215. joezan - 9/19/1999 12:44:01 AM
...it's a slow-loader, but well worth the wait...
216. RosettaStone - 9/19/1999 1:02:12 AM
Oh, be nice benear. Everyone hates everyone here. That's what makes a modern community function.
217. RosettaStone - 9/19/1999 1:06:01 AM
Actually that was a pretty stupid thing for me to write. I don't believe that. And I shouldn't have posted since all the lights are out and we have clean linen on the bed.
Out, out damn spot!
218. God - 9/19/1999 2:14:01 AM
Is nobody else a little troubled by CalGal's complete overreaction to Phoenix' innocuous post? If nobody else is, please everyone just ignore this, but if any of you have a sense that Cal owes Phoenix an apology for this completely inappropriate outburst, please join me in saying so. This will be my only post on the subject.
219. God - 9/19/1999 3:03:48 AM
Sorry, I meant only post on this subject HERE. (Yes, I know, technically I'm up to 2 posts now.)
220. God - 9/19/1999 3:23:58 AM
On another note ...
I, too, watched bits of the Miss America pageant. I was amazed at how plain most of the contestants were, and of the 5 finalists, only 1 would I consider a 9 (speaking physically) and it seemed like the judges were deliberately implementing affirmative action in their voting choices. There was one truly homely woman with Asian features (please don't interpret this as a slur, there are many beautiful Asian women, but this one was a dog) who made it all the way to the final 5.
221. God - 9/19/1999 3:26:42 AM
(Actually, maybe there were 10 finalists, like I said, bits and pieces.)
222. God - 9/19/1999 3:43:27 AM
Transferred From Sports Thread
636. EricCartman - 9/19/99 3:18:06 AM
God:
No, I'm not cartmhan. I used to be "cartman69" at the other place. I recall you vaguely as CatintheHat, but it's been a while. Thanks for the welcome, though.
As far as I can tell, most everyone knows who Eric Cartman is, even if they're not regular SP watchers. I have a feeling not everyone gets my TT handle, though.
637. God - 9/19/99 3:19:09 AM
Which is?
638. EricCartman - 9/19/99 3:22:06 AM
Frederick J. Frenger, Jr.
639. God - 9/19/99 3:27:59 AM
I must have missed that episode, or is that not South Park related?
640. EricCartman - 9/19/99 3:33:00 AM
Ever see "Miami Blues"? It's the real name of Alec Baldwin's charcter, who goes by the alias of "Herman Gottlieb" for most of the movie.
Man does not live by South Park alone, though I'm still itching to see the SP movie again.
641. God - 9/19/99 3:34:45 AM
Yeah, me too.
642. EricCartman -9/19/99 3:40:00 AM
Generally, I strongly dislike musicals, at least ones with "show tunes". But I actually liked most all the songs. How can anyone not like a song like "Uncle Fucka"?
I suppose this should be in the movies thread. I've been away for a couple weeks, so I assume PP will understand.
223. God - 9/19/1999 3:44:58 AM
Yeah, I felt the same way. When the movie started and it became clear that it was a musical, I was like 'What the fuck is this?' But I decided to give it a chance and ended up loving it. I think they had to make it a musical so that non-South Park fans could 'get it.'
224. EricCartman - 9/19/1999 3:50:21 AM
Ha! I was just combing through this thread to see what the current topic is, and I see that God (with his celestial powers, I imagine) has transferred our recent conversation.
But I was actually fascinated by the fact that people still watch the Miss America pageant. I stopped watching it when I was about 9 or 10, 'cause "Charlie's Angels" came on the air, and there was much more cheesecake on that show than any pageant. Even "Battle of the Network Stars" had a higher jiggle quotient.
I can't comment on the visual quality of the current crop of contestants, of course, since I haven't seen 'em, but I also wondered what the hell the judges were basing their picks on, 'cause they picked the right ones. The most inane answer, I guess. Strange custom, beauty pageants are.
225. God - 9/19/1999 3:53:49 AM
Miss America or Syracuse vs. Michigan, tough call.
(Oops, came over here from sports because we started discussing a movie, now we're going to start back on sports.)
226. EricCartman - 9/19/1999 3:55:40 AM
God:
From what I've heard in interviews with Trey Parker, he is actually quite a fan of Broadway musicals, especially "Les Miserables", in which show he apparently once had the misfortune to witness a startlingly bad performance by Latin salsa/disco queen Ricky Martin.
Also, what Parker supposedly didn't want to do is just make an extended episode of SP, which was a relief to me. That would have fucked the whole movie up.
I don't go see very many movies in the theater, but 10 minutes into the SP movie, I already wanted to see it again.
227. God - 9/19/1999 3:56:47 AM
Then I ended up watching some silly Cher movie from 1987, I forget what it's called. She plays a public defender who defends this deaf, homeless, Vietnam vet who's accused of murder.
228. EricCartman - 9/19/1999 3:58:47 AM
Syracuse vs. Michigan, would have been cool, if I'd known it was on. I watched SDSU vs. USC until it started looking like a blowout. Not that that stopped me from savoring every second of watching the Jaguars dismantle the Niners last Sunday. Truly a moment of rare beauty, that was. The only thing missing was Young hollering at Mariucci, or Rice yelling at anybody.
229. God - 9/19/1999 3:58:56 AM
I watched bits of SNL, afterward. Ricky Martin was the musical guest (I think it was from April or something). He's nothing special, kind of like a male Brittany (or is it Britney) Spears. It was also the SNL where Monica made an appearance. She was horrible. Much more impressive in the Baba Wawa interview.
230. EricCartman - 9/19/1999 4:00:29 AM
Then I ended up watching some silly Cher movie from 1987, I forget what it's called. She plays a public defender who defends this deaf, homeless, Vietnam vet who's accused of murder.
Two words: satellite system. Trust me, you'll never regret it. I have no idea which Cher movie that is; the only one I've seen is "Mask".
231. God - 9/19/1999 4:02:26 AM
I know PP would cut us some slack for discussing Movies in there, but CalGal won't be as kind if we discuss sports here (read the last 25-30 posts and you'll see what I'm talking about).
Anyway, I saw the South Park movie on opening night. I think an extra long episode would also have worked if it had had a good premise. I didn't want to feel cheated by a South Park movie that betrayed the tv show. But like you said, it was awesome.
232. God - 9/19/1999 4:04:03 AM
I don't even have cable. When I desperately want a TV fix, I visit my parents (the food ain't bad there, either.)
233. EricCartman - 9/19/1999 4:05:42 AM
I saw that SNL the first time around, though I switched it when Ricky came on. It's not that the guy is tremendously horrible, more that the hype is too much for someone of obviously limited talent, as well as the boring predictability of the actual songs. I just don't get it, nor did I when I was in that demographic.
Dude, you watched the Monica/Baba Wawa interview? And found either one of them something other than loathsome???
234. God - 9/19/1999 4:09:18 AM
Watched it? I taped it and still have the tape. In fact, it's the ONLY tape I have. I haven't rewatched it, but I really felt at the time that it was worth saving.
235. EricCartman - 9/19/1999 4:10:52 AM
I read back to 192 or so, where Glendajean was saying something about the MA pageant being an unofficial gay holiday (which the one gay person I know seems to agree with). I don't know how much you lurked in the old Fray, but Phoenix and Cal have had issues with one another for some time. I recognize subtle cattiness when I see it, and I know who initiated what.
While Cal does seem to prefer things to be on-topic, the problem in the posts you mention relates more to snide references than to topicality.
236. God - 9/19/1999 4:13:33 AM
I don't find Monica loathsome at all. Not my body type in the least (I prefer Twiggy-types), but very attractive in her own way. And Baba Wawa? I admire anybody with a speech impediment who isn't all that good looking and still manages to have achieved so much success (not to mention longevity) in the broadcast field.
237. EricCartman - 9/19/1999 4:13:39 AM
Watched it? I taped it and still have the tape. In fact, it's the ONLY tape I have. I haven't rewatched it, but I really felt at the time that it was worth saving.
Yikes. You really do need cable, or a DSS. Life is simply too short to waste watching a chunky blow queen shill a throwaway book.
I can see Baba with the really hard-hitting questions: "If you were a donut, what kind of donut would you be?"
My guess would be either "cream-filled" or "glazed".
238. God - 9/19/1999 4:17:05 AM
Hey, she's younger than me and set for life. If she's also dumb as a brick, I'd say that's yet another reason to admire what she's accomplished.
239. EricCartman - 9/19/1999 4:17:52 AM
Monica might be attractive if she droppped a few pounds, but that's beside the point. I just find her whole oeuvre to be clingy, self-serving, and tacky as hell.
I admire anybody with a speech impediment who isn't all that good looking and still manages to have achieved so much success (not to mention longevity) in the broadcast field.
Well, let's leave Larry King out of this. Seriously, Baba has achieved success because she's so obsequious to her subjects. Pure fluff disguised as something newsworthy.
240. EricCartman - 9/19/1999 4:19:31 AM
Hey, she's younger than me and set for life. If she's also dumb as a brick, I'd say that's yet another reason to admire what she's accomplished.
Yeah, I guess being born rich and sucking a famous cock might set you for life, but I wouldn't call it an accomplishment.
241. God - 9/19/1999 4:22:58 AM
It's hard to be successful in that field (maybe any field) without being either obsequious or having a significant power base to begin with, no? I don't get what makes Larry King so successful, either. Seems quite ordinary to me.
Hey, if I had a fling with Madam President, I'd be clingy too. Who wants out of that relationship? Yes, Monica is self-serving, but she'd have been chewed up and spit out long ago if she wasn't.
242. God - 9/19/1999 4:25:47 AM
Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying Monica is the greatest thing since sliced bread. Still, I think she has guts and spunk and chutzpah.
243. God - 9/19/1999 4:28:59 AM
Anyway, nice chatting with you Cartman, it's 4:30 and I think I'd better turn in.
244. EricCartman - 9/19/1999 4:48:46 AM
It's hard to be successful in that field (maybe any field) without being either obsequious or having a significant power base to begin with, no?
Very true. I agree that she's been quite successful. My point is that her success has not been predicated on any real journalistic talent, but on her subservience and eagerness to lob nothing but softballs. Her job is essentially the same as Letterman's, to let the guest plug a book/movie/album. The difference is, Letterman doesn't pretend that what he does actually means anything, where Baba is perceived as a "journalist".
I don't get what makes Larry King so successful, either. Seems quite ordinary to me.
King's another softball guy, obviously. I don't mind him on other people's shows, but he's unbearable on his own show. His USA Today columns are mind-boggling in their inanity. Nick Bakay used to do a phenomenal parody of it in National Lampoon.
Hey, if I had a fling with Madam President, I'd be clingy too. Who wants out of that relationship? Yes, Monica is self-serving, but she'd have been chewed up and spit out long ago if she wasn't.
Well, she was chewed up and spit out. More importantly, she's a bit mental. Normal people would think, "What the fuck am I doing?". That the consequences of her little fling don't seem to have even occurred to her proves your point that she's dumb as a brick.
Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying Monica is the greatest thing since sliced bread. Still, I think she has guts and spunk and chutzpah.
Yeah, she definitely has spunk (uh huh-huh-huh huh-huh). I dunno, I just hate seeing people like that get ahead in life. She really deserves a swift kick in the ass, imo. But to each their own, I guess.
It's been interesting talking to you too.
245. EricCartman - 9/19/1999 7:27:21 AM
Cartman's 2-Minute Movie review
Friday night I finally went and watched "Sixth Sense". The concept of the movie was interesting, but I had a bit of a problem with the resolution of what the kid ends up doing with his ability (though, to be fair, offhand I can't say as I can think of a better way to resolve it).
SPOILERS
Considering that the kid had basically a 24/7 ability, making him into a sort of psychic shrink seems like it would be just as disruptive as the original problem.
The twist ending was pretty good, but not wholly unexpected. The circumstances of the relationship between Willis and Osment are pretty hinky from the get-go, but the movie does manage to negotiate those things without giving it away.
Probably the only part that really rubbed me the wrong way was the discovery of the poisoning of the "cancer girl". The whole videotape scene was a pretty cheap setup; I mean, if you're poisoning your kid, do you prepare the food, bring it to the kid's room, and then dump the Pine-Sol (or whatever it was) in? Or do you do it in the kitchen, where you just add it as part of the food preparation?
Still, a minor beef in what was a uniformly excellent performance by the entire cast. Osment, as everyone has already noted, is amazing, and Willis is very good as well. The biggest surprise to me was former New Kids on the Block lead dork, Donnie Wahlberg, who put in a very solid performance in the beginning of the film as Willis' unhinged patient.
The script and editing could have stood a touch-up here and there, but all in all, a very good movie.
246. CalGal - 9/19/1999 7:34:38 AM
<>Spoilers
You know, I'm not sure I've heard that objection to the murdering mom's believability before.
What I like about the setup and the payoff is that I did notice something just a tad hinky about things throughout. But in most cases, I just assumed it was because the director/writer didn't know about psychiatrists. So I was making notes to myself, such as "Oh, sure. Shrink's just going to meet up with a kid in the middle of the street. I think not."
It was fun to discover that the movie "flaws" were all actually clues.
247. EricCartman - 9/19/1999 7:52:51 AM
SPOILERS
Yes, the payoff was there at the end; it was nice to finally realize that what I was thinking were errors in plot development, characterization, and editing were actually clues. The "shrink meeting up with the kid in the middle of the street" was a big one of course, plus the notion that the kid's family could even afford a shrink, much less one that makes house calls. Also, the mother never addressing or mentioning the shrink.
But the movie did do a very good job of negotiating all those things without really giving anything away. And the kid is just compelling anyway. Before you can start adding up all the weird shit, he gets involved in a scary scene that makes you forget the other stuff for a while.
248. moonflower - 9/19/1999 8:08:11 AM
Half the reason people got so bent out of shape over Monica and Bill was bringing oral sex onto the TV so the kiddies were "exposed" to
it "too soon." I don't see her as dumb. And I wonder, BTW, how any of us would be trapped in the White House in a dead marriage--she was available, he was horny, and America is nosey.
249. KuligintheHooligan - 9/19/1999 8:11:01 AM
Could someone help me? I received a CD from a friend, TV show songs of the 70s and 80s. It has kids' shows, sit-coms, drama, and action shows.
Under Action (shows like Rockford, Magnum, Streets of SF) is a show "The Name of the Game." I never even heard of it. Can someone tell me about the show?
250. Cellar Door - 9/19/1999 10:00:05 AM
"The Name of the Game" was a series that ran on NBC from September 20, 1968 to September 10, 1971. It was actually three shows under one title. Each of the stars -- Robert Stack, Tony Franciosa and Gene Barry -- was featured in his own self-contained episode. It was an adventure series that revolved around "Howard Publications" an L.A.-based company. I recall that Spielberg directed one famous episode that was set in the future. See if you can find a copy of "The Complete Directory To Prime Time Network TV Shows 1946 -- The Present" by Tim Brooks and Earl Marsh (Ballentine Books, 1985)
251. joezan - 9/19/1999 10:22:43 AM
Steven Spielberg? What was he, about 20?
If I remember correctly, Name of the Game had a great theme song. Who's credited on the CD, Vic?
253. Mr.Right-O - 9/19/1999 11:09:45 AM
Good material here. There I was furious with God's stuff in the bad taste thread, and he makes sense in here.
I hate that when it happens.
254. Chris J. - 9/19/1999 1:40:30 PM
Finally saw Office Space, Mike Judge's film.
On video.
Though it's ultimately very lightweight and barely makes logical sense, and tries to be a bit of caper/revenge film, and a love story, as well as a satire/comedy...
it's funny enough to excuse it, it's flaws, and never pretends to be
an IMPORTANT film.
Nice performances by all the featured players, and some screamingly funny observational comedy bits. A couple wear thin, but not completely out upon repeating.
At a little over 90 minutes it's an enjoyable film with enough laughs to strongly recommend.
Might I suggest a perfect wash those Monday Blah's away film. And there's another good reason for considering a Monday evening viewing,
but I won't spoil things and tell you why.
255. KuligintheHooligan - 9/19/1999 1:46:08 PM
Cellar Door,
Thanks for the info. It was too early in the 70s for me to remember, and I don't ever remember seeing reruns of it either.
JoeZan,
It says Dave Grusin, Leeds Music Corp.
256. Chris J. - 9/19/1999 1:47:44 PM
Horseman on the Roof
Another film I saw recently. French film, starring Juliette Binoche.
Has to do with the historical period in France around the time of cholera plague.
Italian revolutionaries are hiding in France, being chased by Austrians and well.... . .
It begins as a rowsing, chase type drama. But it takes forever for us to learn anything about the characters. There's a love story, but it's the unrequited type mostly.
Finally toward the end of the film the characters reveal some depth.
But there's been about a 45 minute stretch where credibility is stretched way too far and you just don't know or care very much about these characters.
It was problematic for me. Some of the scenes were very well done, but it didn't add up to much at all.
For Fans of slightly above average french films and Binoche...
257. CalGal - 9/19/1999 1:49:42 PM
When was the cholera plague in France?
258. dusty - 9/19/1999 1:56:22 PM
I think 1832
259. JudithAtHome - 9/19/1999 1:56:28 PM
It's also for fans of the male lead, Olivier something or other....nice looking young man, anyhow.
260. CalGal - 9/19/1999 2:00:21 PM
Oh, Olivier Martinez. According to the IMD, the French Brad Pitt.
This is, apparently, a good thing.
261. CalGal - 9/19/1999 2:01:15 PM
Actually, it's not the IMD that says that, of course. They just quote journalists.
I heard much good about Office Space--I will be checking that out, I think.
262. dusty - 9/19/1999 2:06:00 PM
"Des villes epargnees? L'epidemie de cholera de 1832 a Elbeuf."
From this
263. dusty - 9/19/1999 2:11:47 PM
I don't know much about the MPAA, but I'll bet some people here do. I just glanced at a movie review for The Horseman on the Roof (here)
and saw:
MPAA Classification: R (Violence, nudity, cholera)
Is cholera really an item to be noted in the Classification system? Has there ever been a single person in the history of mankind that ever said, "Hmmm, I was thinking about going to a movie, but cholera, no thanks. Thank goodness for the warning."
264. JudithAtHome - 9/19/1999 2:12:04 PM
I remember Name Of The Game...it would be a good one to re-run. Tony Franciosa chewing the scenery and a wooden Gene Barry looking elegant and corpse-like. I can't recall specific episodes but I'll bet it would be cool to see all the retro clothes.
265. JudithAtHome - 9/19/1999 2:14:54 PM
dusty:
Very funny! Food for thought...maybe they will start classifying by disease now. Skip Philadelphia, it's rated "aids". Forget One Flew Over the Cuckoos Nest, it got a "schizoid".
266. RosettaStone - 9/19/1999 6:11:53 PM
Quotable Shales: From today's Washington Post "Primal-Time Programming" in Arts Section:
There are lots of lawyers in the new shows as well as lots of angsty teens. "Horndog" has become a common term. The most conspicuous gimmick so far is to have characters in sitcoms and dramas speak directly to the camera. The do it, annoyingly, on ABC's "Once and Again," they do it on Fox's unreal "Get Real," they do it on NBC's blatantly doomed "Mike O'Malley Show."
It's corny but it's also kind of plaintive, as if the actors are spokespeople for the television industry and saying to viewers, "Please, please continue watching. It might get better."
Bud odds are, it won't.
"
267. JudithAtHome - 9/19/1999 6:19:42 PM
So, what are you watching tonight? I think we'll catch the William H. Macy movie on TNT about the murdering flim critic. Hmmmmmmm... wonder if life imitates art or vice versa?
268. RosettaStone - 9/19/1999 6:28:07 PM
The only thing I'm watching is "60 Minutes" tonight. They are doing an interview with Reagan's biographer.
Judith: I took your advice and went to TT's Television folder ("The Real World: Hawaii" thread) and saw some of your posts.
Good comments about who and what makes an alcoholic.
269. JudithAtHome - 9/19/1999 6:41:37 PM
Thanks. I have intimate knowledge in that subject.
270. JudithAtHome - 9/19/1999 6:43:09 PM
You might want to go to Drudge and click on the article about the Reagan Bio. Drudge didn't write it, just linked it.
271. CalGal - 9/19/1999 7:11:18 PM
Ebert piece on Lou Jacobi.
Lou Jacobi is one of those comedian/actors who have been around forever. If you don't recognize his name, you will recognize his face--and his voice. Some great Jacobi bits:
272. Cellar Door - 9/19/1999 8:12:32 PM
This Reagan book sounds weird. Probably the result of some smartass editor trying to put a "postmodern" spin on it to avoid the fate of the D'Nesh D'Souza kissassorama -- which went from the front shelf to the remainder table in record time.
273. RosettaStone - 9/19/1999 8:40:43 PM
It does sound weird and wasn't on "60 Minutes" tonight.
It must be next Sunday.
274. TabouliJones - 9/20/1999 12:27:16 AM
I caught the new Fox show Action tonight. It was absolutely tasteless. I loved it. It had some really funny stuff I thought -- and a great cameo by Keanu Reaves, who gets a handjob at a movie premiere. However, it seems like it would be better suited to a one hour format, rather than just half an hour. The characters are generally quirky and could really benefit from an extra half hour wiggle room.
275. TabouliJones - 9/20/1999 12:32:21 AM
I also caught The Practice tonight. It was rather melodramatic and heavy handed at times, but also quite compelling in its own right. Actually, I wasn't sure if it was the season premiere or a rerun. If it was the premiere, it bodes well for a season long whodunnit mystery and makes for an absolutely brilliant hook.
276. Adrianne - 9/20/1999 9:04:09 AM
Hey, does anyone know if Michael Moriarty (sp?) had a stroke or something?
My stepson rented "Shiloh 2" (firf) this weekend, and Moriarty looked 150 years old, his speech was slurred, and he looked like he was having trouble focussing. It was really, really disconcerting.
277. DanDillon - 9/20/1999 9:14:51 AM
Ohmigod! I like totally heard that Felicity like totally cut off all her hair! She's like totally crazy and like sooo brave at the same time!
278. Uzmakk - 9/20/1999 9:37:31 AM
Dillon:
chuckle, chuckle. Like I really liked that.
279. Adrianne - 9/20/1999 9:40:00 AM
OhmygodI'msosure!
As IF!
280. JudithAtHome - 9/20/1999 11:08:52 AM
Adrienne:
I think Michael M. had a mental breakdown a few years back...Cellar might know more about this than I but I do recall seeing him on a show like Hard Copy dressed like a street person and raving about Hollywood conspiracies denying him work. Last I heard of him, he was going to run for political office in Canada.
281. JudithAtHome - 9/20/1999 11:10:22 AM
Excuse me, that's "Adrianne"...
282. DocBrown - 9/20/1999 11:15:03 AM
I finally saw the movie 'Ocotber Sky' over the weekend. It was a wonderful experience that left me blubbering like a baby. I highly recommend it, especially if you have 11-19 year old kids who need some motivation, and maybe a real life hero or two.
[Some descriptions below, but no story spoilers]
As you might expect, the first brilliant thing I noticed was the use of automobiles in the movie. The movie opens with the launch of Sputnik in 1957, when people in the real-life town of Coalwood are driving drab Fords, Chevys, and Dodges made just before and after World War II. When I think of 1957 I think of the stylish '57 Chevy Belair convertibles . . . not these sad jalopies. I could tell that Coalwood was already a fading relic, even when the WVa coal mines were in their heyday.
The next thing that caught my eye was the surreal journey into the coal mine, followed by interior scenes of the mine itself. The miners ride an elevator deep into the Earth, but rather that the elevator itself, October Sky's cinematography stresses the dark doors opening and closing. The miners have electric TAG lights on their helmets, and several scenes here are shot with only the illumination from the miner's lights. This lighting combined with the sad, bluegrassy music casts a gritty honesty across the miners' work.
Of course I can't talk about October Sky without mentioning rockets. The soaring, glorious scenes of rocket launches are such a archtypical poetic contrast to the dark, cramped coal mine that it seems like October Sky could only be a work of fiction. Perhaps one real life story in a million comes complete with perfect imagery. See for yourself, then perhaps we can discuss with spoilers.
I give October Sky four doors up. \_/ \_/
283. Cellar Door - 9/20/1999 11:38:28 AM
Actually I hadn't heard about Moriarty's breakdown, but I'm not surprised. There are so many "barely clinging to the edge of sanity" actors in this town it's not funny. It's a dangerous profession. Most people enter it as a means of trying to figure out who they are in the first place.
284. JudithAtHome - 9/20/1999 12:00:04 PM
Last night, I watched the Miss Venezuela Contest on a Spanish language channel. I know...there is no hope for me, I am a cable fiend.
This contest was so bizarre: all contestants looked alike, they were tall, thin, had puffed lips, puffed breasts, and perfect big teeth. They walked as tho they had rods up their backs, with their heads and shoulders held way back in order to make their backs look swayed. They kept their arms held rigidly to their sides and sort of "sidled" their way across the stage.
I saw a story once on 20/20 about the Beauty Queen Factories of Brazil and I guess they have them in Venezuela, too.
285. glendajean - 9/20/1999 12:01:35 PM
I watched rented videos of "Enemy of the State" and "Celebrity" this weekend.
EOS was over the top, silly. The best parts were when Gene Hackman was around. Jon Voight has become the face of scary government technocrats hanging around black helicopters (sort of like Debbie Reynolds has become the face of scary moms).
Celebrity is sad because it is a sign of Woody Allen still reeling from his battle with Mia, the decline of his art, and way it makes one re-interpret the older movies. And sad to see Kenneth Branaugh do a WA imitation. And sad to see Judy Davis play the same role over and over (although she did shine at becoming a local tv personality).
There were a couple of moments that were glimmered: KB is kicking out his girlfriend just at the moment the movers are bringing her boxes into the apartment. He fooled around with leaving the camera on one character (almost documentary like) and so we see their reactions and only hear the disembodied voice of the other character(s) in the scene.
He already parodied cheap religious art in Hannah, but he does it again here with the guy who fills Sacred Heart Jesus' with red liquid that spurt out when he's squeezed. He throws in a hopeful line that life sometimes brings fortune and good luck, despite our best intentions to be sad.
And his attempt to parody a celebrity culture seemed half-hearted, probably because it's almost impossible to satirize. Real life has already gone to any image he could have produced.
286. CalGal - 9/20/1999 12:04:25 PM
October Sky is a wonderful movie.
Michael Moriarty is bipolar, I believe. He went way out there wacko with the Janet Reno accusations, which resulted in him being fired from L&O. He got arrested a few times during that year. Then he apparently goes back on his meds and he's fine. He's been in several movies since the 1994 breakdown--the aforementioned Shiloh, Courage Under Fire, and a few others.
287. glendajean - 9/20/1999 12:08:58 PM
Judith -- once in a time of despair, I entertained myself by watching Univision. If you start watching religious programming, too, GO GET HELP! (Just kidding).
288. JudithAtHome - 9/20/1999 12:18:46 PM
glendajean:
I know my "catagorical statements of intent" are as dust in the wind when it comes to cable but I can assure you, I will definitly go for help if ever that stage of madness is reached!
289. JudithAtHome - 9/20/1999 12:20:41 PM
Wait, wait...does that include the PAX channel? :-)
290. Chris J. - 9/20/1999 12:21:10 PM
Celebrity is Allen doing a bitter film about fame in the Stardust
Memories vein mixing in a big dosage of Fellini homages.
Unfortunately the parts don't equal any kind of sum worth talking about.
The first 30 minutes or so are pretty bad. A few wonderful scenes,
and a great sequence with DiCaprio (he does a good job, but how its written, edited, paced, is a new Woody at work)is what you get
for sticking to the end.
For Woody fans only, I'm afraid. And then some of them will be dissapointed. And if you didn't like Deconstructing Harry then stay far far away from this one.
Branaugh isn't awful becoming Woody Allen and his looks and age are better suited than Woody himself would have been. Judy Davis plays a very interesting female Woody. But geesh.. a male and female version of a similar character we are already overy familiar with?????
Half of the movie feels like someone's mediocre homage to Woody/Fellini and Bergman.
291. glendajean - 9/20/1999 12:22:01 PM
No, I was thinking of Sister Angelica and the woman with the pink wig and the gilded furniture.
292. Ace of Spades - 9/20/1999 12:28:47 PM
I would like to present a brief rebuttal to the Office Space review.
Office Space (along with Election, Rushmore, and Something About Mary) was one of the funniest comedies of last year.
It deserves to be rented and re-rented. Go see it if you haven't yet.
293. JudithAtHome - 9/20/1999 12:33:10 PM
glendajean:
Ohmygod! I've tripped across the lady with the pink hair already! The one on the set that looks like a Las Vegas bordello? With the guy who dresses like Porter Waggoner of Grand Ole Opry fame?
294. glendajean - 9/20/1999 12:37:13 PM
Judith -- A good friend of mine used to say that they were aliens from outer space who had watched Jim and Tammy Fae Bakker, decided they were a powerful influence, so they created that show as a way to control the world. Only they just missed getting the look right.
295. JudithAtHome - 9/20/1999 12:38:15 PM
ChrisJ:
Nice take on Celebrity. I thought it was interesting but sad, in the way watching old rock and roll stars try to recapture the magic is sad. Some pull it off but many more do not. Woody should get a new gig or just play for his own enjoyment now.
296. glendajean - 9/20/1999 12:49:26 PM
ChrisJ -- I didn't think of Judy Davis as playing a female Woody. Diane Keaton and Mia Farrow did that a lot. He seems to use JD as the angry bitch (Husbands and Wives, Deconstructing Harry, Celebrity). Although her character was a bit softer in Celebrity, it still was quite brittle.
In previous movies, Allen created a world in Manhattan where people shared an interest in books, movies, art, and they talked about it all while hunkered down in beautiful apartments and ate at interesting restaurants.
That world is gone. The real estate prices alone changed it. As unreal as his Manhattan probably was in real life, it gave him a comfortable seat to make funny observations about life.
Maybe he ought to do a movie about a co-op board and real estate agents. But his take on women and relationships are pretty soured right now.
297. TabouliJones - 9/20/1999 8:39:32 PM
For those curious about what Michael Moriarty is up to these days:
After his departure from Law and Order he migrated to Nova Scotia and spent plenty of time entertaining and scandalizing the locals with his antics, drunken and otherwise. Apparently he loves the place and may still be there for all I know. He hit the news about six months ago when he announced that he intended to become the founding father of the Republican Party of Canada, which he presented as a means of uniting the Canadian right -- which has been divided, at the federal level, since the implosion/marginalization of the Progressive Conservative Party and subsequent emergence of the regionalist Reform Party, following the retirement of Brian Mulroney. Anyways, I don't know if Moriarty has gone anywhere with his idea. . . . And there you have the scuttlebut from up north.
298. RosettaStone - 9/20/1999 10:14:47 PM
Talk Magazine second issue is even better than the first. Her's why:
"The Crazy Dream Factory" by Joe Queenan
subhead: Ex-Hollywood mogul Bernie Brillstein settles scores in new memoir:
"...Brillstein rattles on in vantage authentic Rat Pack lingo that is entirely devoid of rehearsed post-modern irony. Thus when criticizes 'Ellen' for changing from a 'sit-com' to a 'sit on my face-com,' some readers may feel an understandable wave of nostalgia for an earlier, simpler, more innocent time when people actually talked like that. Well, people named Rickles."
299. RosettaStone - 9/20/1999 10:15:39 PM
Here's why
300. Cellar Door - 9/20/1999 11:25:20 PM
Joe Queenan writing for Tina? He's a good guy.
301. RosettaStone - 9/21/1999 8:49:03 AM
From today's Washington Post:
The Reliable Source:
Thanks for sharing! Pop star and public restroom violator George Michael, squeezing every ounce of publicity out of a Beverly Hills cop's $10 million slander suit against him, has confided to various British tabloids that he hasn't slept with a woman for a decade but wants to have sex with Nicole Kidman--and Tom Cruise.
302. Adrianne - 9/21/1999 9:41:25 AM
CalGal
Re 286
No, seriously, in Shiloh 2 he didn't look or sound fine at all. Maybe it's the meds - but I used to be a big fan, and this wasn't the same person, really. It was very sad. Maybe that was just a one-off, but it really was bizarre.
303. Cellar Door - 9/21/1999 10:51:03 AM
George wants to sleep with Tom and Nicole?
AND THE CRITICS SAID NOBODY THOUGHT "EYES WIDE SHUT" WAS HOT!!!
304. Dantheman - 9/21/1999 1:59:00 PM
I saw For the Love of the Game over the weekend, at the insistence of my wife, who is a huge baseball fan. The story was so ridiculously predictable that any one of us could have written the whole rest of the story 5 minutes into it. Given that, it was watchable, if not great. There was nothing seriously wrong with the acting or the script, although it needed more baseball moments and less relationship to it.
305. JudithAtHome - 9/21/1999 2:04:52 PM
Another Kevin movie about baseball? YAWN...they should bottle him as a sleep aid.
I love Joe Queenan!
306. RosettaStone - 9/21/1999 2:56:56 PM
Here's another excerpt from next month's excellent TALK magazine.
The article is called "Alec Guinness Writes His Life" by Fintan O'Toole:
...Even broaching the subject with him is like intruding on a private grief. "I shrivel up a little every time someone mentions 'Star Wars' to me," he says. To this day he must confront piles of correspondence that contains 'Star Wars' photographs for him to autograph. Each letter goes into the bin: 'It can take its chance in some remote and receding galaxy,' he writes in 'A Positively Final Appearance' autobiography.
At first Guinness thought the movie "refreshing and good fun and rather moral, you know? I had no idea it would turn into such a monster."
Then in 1980 in San Francisco he was approached by a stylish mother and her 12-year-old son; the boy reported he had seen "Star Wars" more than a hundred times. Looking into the child's eyes, Guinness perceived signs of incipient madness, "There was something obsessive there that really frigthened me," he says. He asked the boy to do something for him.
"Anything! Anything!"
"You won't like what I'm going to ask you to do."
"Anything! Anything!"
"Promise never to see 'Star Wars' again."
The child wept. But Guinness hopes with faint conviction, that he helped save the lad from coming unhinged..."
(Does this remind you of anyone we know?)
307. JudithAtHome - 9/21/1999 4:43:32 PM
Yes, my cousin who saw the same play 37 times.
308. TabouliJones - 9/21/1999 5:18:23 PM
Or the couple who had each seen Phantom of the Opera something like 200 times before they married, went to see it twice on their wedding day for f'sakes, and continue to see it as often as they can.
309. cartmhan - 9/21/1999 5:25:25 PM
If only Kevin Costner could make a movie about a ballplayer who thinks his baseball is talking to him. Now that's entertainment. :-)
310. glendajean - 9/21/1999 5:27:12 PM
They should be ashamed, Tabouli.
Years ago, before it made it to Broadway, I saw a production of Jekyll & Hyde at the Alley Theater in Houston (I had a friend who worked there at the time).
Terrible show. Maudlin pop tunes. An excuse (in that production) for women to walk around in their undergarments. I think there was 3 or 4 separate fog devices (always beware of fog as an integral part of a production).
On the way out, an old man was holding his wife's hand as they walked up the aisle. "This is better than Phantom of the Opera," he said, beaming.
311. TabouliJones - 9/21/1999 5:44:17 PM
Glendajean,
Frightening isn't it? This summer the Phantom franchise in Toronto was put to bed after close to a decade. The final run featured Paul Stanley in the lead -- yes, that Paul Stanley, of Kiss fame. Scary stuff.
312. TabouliJones - 9/21/1999 5:46:42 PM
Did anyone catch the new Law and Order spin-off?
313. CalGal - 9/21/1999 5:49:58 PM
TJ,
Yes, I did. I hate it when they are introducing new characters on any show--couldn't stand the woman and her emotional involvement. Guy was great.
Ending was fucking brutal--both emotionally and visually.
314. TabouliJones - 9/21/1999 5:56:57 PM
CalGal,
Agreed on all counts, except I thought the woman did an adequate job with what she was given. I thought it was completely extraneous when they introduced the mother and the details about the woman detective's birth. The writers seemed to ignore some of the L and O rules for success; specifically the idea tht character development should be implied and tangential to a compelling plot. The guy was terriffic. He kept making these slight almost inappropriate facial ticks at times (when he interviewed the woman who ended up killing herself, for eg) which made me curious about his character.
I also wanted more Munsch (sp?) and needed to see Lenny?
315. TabouliJones - 9/21/1999 5:58:24 PM
Shit, sorry about the spoiler.
316. CalGal - 9/21/1999 6:24:28 PM
SPOILERS
Yeah, I can't think of the guy's name. But he had that spooky scary NYPD Blue part as the gun runner and I've had my eye on him ever since. I loved the parent-teacher conference where he got the cell phone call and just verbally smacked her around for fucking up. Although I think I would have demanded a new partner on the basis of that alone. She's in SEX CRIMES, for heaven's sake--it's not like this is a one time deal. Are they going to give every woman a break if she kills her rapist?
Agreed about the personal detail--what makes L&O so interesting is how they just tiptoe out information randomly during episodes. Bad call to change that. More Munch. In fact, ditch the dame and partner the two of them.
317. vonKreedon - 9/21/1999 6:34:15 PM
Speaking of NYPD, is it starting a new season tonight?
318. CalGal - 9/21/1999 6:36:01 PM
My guess is no--they usually are the last to start the new season, sometime in October. I can't believe that I haven't seen any promos, though, so I'd be very surprised if it started tonight.
319. vonKreedon - 9/21/1999 6:38:28 PM
Yeah, but they showed the last show from last season last week, so....
But yeah, I've seen tons of Heather Locklear, but no Dennis Franz teasers.
320. CalGal - 9/21/1999 6:44:14 PM
Someone explained to me last season--it may even have been TJ?--that the late NYPD Blue start has something to do with the World Series. The answer made sense at the time, but I forget what it was.
321. Spiderman - 9/21/1999 8:03:01 PM
They're both boring as hell and a waste of time to watch.
322. glendajean - 9/21/1999 9:53:52 PM
NYPD Blues won't start till the November sweeps.
324. CalGal - 9/21/1999 10:46:10 PM
November? That seems a long time.
333. CalGal - 9/21/1999 10:58:10 PM
You know, I never realized until tonight that they switched the woman who played Ross's wife on Friends.
341. alistairconnor - 9/21/1999 11:03:54 PM
There is NOTHING good on TV. Otherwise, why are you all here?
342. Spiderman - 9/21/1999 11:03:58 PM
FUCK
364. alistairconnor - 9/21/1999 11:07:48 PM
At last, a lucid television critic.
367. alistairconnor - 9/21/1999 11:09:27 PM
Feeling better now?
368. alistairconnor - 9/21/1999 11:10:38 PM
Well, I am. How many more you got like that, Spidey?
369. alistairconnor - 9/21/1999 11:11:06 PM
Hey maybe we killed him - think he bust a bloodvessel?
392. ethiopianeunuch - 9/22/1999 12:35:33 AM
The blank screen you see is from CalGals very effective snert removal service. Thank-you CalGal!
393. cartmhan - 9/22/1999 12:52:50 AM
Hello, all!! Here is a question....what would you do if you have 500 channels to choose from on television? Well...I will get that chance to experience that next month when Dish Network expands their lineup to 500 channels (but you have to get new equipment..I know..there is a catch to everything). Now I will get to see if Bruce was right, after all.
394. Dantheman - 9/22/1999 9:39:03 AM
Cartmhan,
I don't know, I find it's all I can do to eliminate the channels I never want to see (shopping networks, ads for pay per view, etc.) so I can use the clicker without seeing them.
What's with all the deleted posts? Did something weird happen last night?
395. cartmhan - 9/22/1999 10:23:45 AM
The big disadvantage of getting the 500 channels is that if you want to edit the channel lineup where you only see channels you want to see..it would take a long time to do the job. I have estimated that it may take an hour to get the editing done for me. The one thing that at least Direct, Primestar and Dish Network do what the cable systems dont do is give you a choice a la carte.
Another disadvantage is when people find out that I do have 500 channels...it will be the equivilant to having the only swimming pool in the neighborhood during the summertime. Everyone will want to come over to find out how good the channels are. If I do recall...Direct will have the same package offered soon, where the subscribers will get 500 channels with new equipment.
What channels will be in the 500?? So far...Lifetime Movies, ten channels of MTV and VH-1 each, a bunch of foreign programming (Arabic, etc), and the Soap Opera Channel (Insight and other cable systems have been guaranteed the Soap Opera Channel...a channel of 24 hours of reruns of General Hospital, Guiding Light, The Doctors, and many more). What's next? The America On Line Channel?
396. JudithAtHome - 9/22/1999 11:12:32 AM
Good Lord! 500 channels....just cart me away and hook up the IV...
397. Dantheman - 9/22/1999 11:16:22 AM
Recently, I was at my in-laws house in Florida. They had a large (not quite 500 channels, but substantially more than I have) cable system. Included was a series of 25-30 channels playing different types of music, without commercials, so that if you closed the doors to the entertainment system, it sounded as if the stereo was on, without any worries about changing CD's or listening to commercials. I would personally pay very little for it, but I would personally pay very little for most of the cable channels.
398. glendajean - 9/22/1999 11:29:48 AM
My dear Judith, 500 channels and you will be in hog heaven.
We're Dish network subscribers. They have a deal if you move, and you leave your old dish, they'll give you a new one for the new place.
399. JudithAtHome - 9/22/1999 12:15:54 PM
GJ:
I wouldn't be able to exist with access to 500 channels. Between the TV and this infernal machine, I am rapidly verging on "house potato" status as it is; I can just SEE myself with 500 choices ....arrrrggghhhh.
Today is my day for work at the antiques mall so I will talk to y'all tomorrow. I'm leaving early to run some errands.
400. IdiotWind - 9/22/1999 1:08:16 PM
We dropped cable because we were watching much to much television. Now we listen to a lot more radio and make in-house music. Maybe next summer we'll get cable again. I certainly like the E! channel. Pure promotion.
401. cartmhan - 9/22/1999 2:39:53 PM
I got a dish from Echostar because I got tired of the balderdash from the local cable company (TCI/Insight) about upgrading. we only had about 70 channels...but 20 of those were pay per view and music audio channels. What a waste of money $80 bucks a month for expanded cable, Digital Cable, and HBO!! Also...lots of people (including myself)wanted Fox Sports Midwest because of the Indiana Pacers home and away games are on there (54 on FSM...compared to 28 on local TV). Insight maintained that there is no interest in Pacers basketball in Anderson, Indiana (excuse me?? I only live about 25 miles from Indianapolis and they say there is no interest?? If FSM had Anderson Indians basketball games on...they would put it in in a snap). I had inquired about getting FSM on cable. The response I got? GET A DISH!! Well..I did and damn proud of it! I do spend 70 bucks a month...but for 180 channels...not 54, as what was on Insight cable.
Insight also promised a major upgrade a few months ago. Guess what? The major upgrade consisted of the Golf Channel and TV Land and dropping Much Music USA. Thats all the upgrade. If thats an major upgrade....then The Sacramento Kings will have Michael Jordan.
I had been a cable subscriber since 1980 and that was when it was only 12 channels. When I pay 70-80 bucks a month for television..I expect my moneys worth. Cable is simply not there anymore and Dish is the only way to go. In many communities, there is only one system...so consumers do not have a choice between two cable systems. I do strongly encourage cable subscribers to look into getting a Direct or Dish satellite system. It may cost more right now...but you will be getting more for your moneys worth. Afterall...how many times have you stared at your cable lineup and realized there was nothing on TV? When I had cable...it was way too many times.
402. cartmhan - 9/22/1999 2:43:16 PM
When you do get your dish installed...get it professionally installed. A friend of mine decided to put it in himself. Well...he is still without some signal reception because he goofed up installing it somehow.
403. Cellar Door - 9/22/1999 3:35:02 PM
"E!" is hysterical. If your career is in good shape you get a "Celebrity Profile." But once you've hit the skids it's "The E! True Hollywood Story."
And if you're dead, it's "Mysteries and Scandals" with the ineffable A.J. Benza.
404. Raskolnikov - 9/22/1999 3:45:26 PM
Satellite rocks. Both Dish Network and DirectTV are going to be showing local programming for most major metropolitan areas soon, so for most of you cable subscribers, there will be no more excuses. Embrace competition, and get better service.
One of us.
One of us.
405. IdiotWind - 9/22/1999 4:17:46 PM
Someone should take responsibility to watch "West Wing" on NBC tonight and give us a review about the White House sit-com.
Martin Sheen "plays" Mr. President and, according to the paper, doesn't appear until half way into the show and then his opening line is, "I am the Lord your God. Thou shalt worship no other gods before me."
There is also a friendly prostitute in the cast.
406. CalGal - 9/22/1999 9:14:03 PM
The Iron Giant
If you blinked you missed this little gem, and that's a shame. The Iron Giant is another noteworthy entry in
 Click for photo sequence | the astonishing array of quality animated films produced in the last two years, |
407. CalGal - 9/22/1999 9:17:22 PM
Trailers for this movie made it seem very ET-like, but the similarity is minimal. And Giant has no interest in using its animation to do anything other than tell a story. It is no surprise to see that Brad Bird is executive consultant to both The Simpsons and King of the Hill. No singing animals, no magic, no suspension of reality constraints (well, except for the Giant). 
The characters are all superbly drawn--Hogan, the boy, and Connick's charmingly laid-back beatnik are delightful, while Christopher McDonald's paranoid government agent is surprisingly three-dimensional. But this is the Giant's story; the development of his character is never sold short, and the happiness you will feel for him when he makes his choice will probably surprise you. This movie earns every bit of the emotional investment it asks for.
Kudos to Warner Bros for making it and all involved. It probably wasn't ma