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Reviews
Goodness Gracious Me (1998)
A great bit of fun no matter where you come from.....
"Goodness Gracious Me" is a hilarious laugh. Full of short skits poking fun at Indians and Anglo-indians it still manages to be funny to those of us who don't fall into those categories. Certain characters make frequent appearances like Mr. Everything-is-India and Smeeta Smitten Shobiz Kitten.
If you enjoy the show, keep an eye out for the CD's or cassette of the radio show. Many of the same characters first appeared there.
I'd also recommend "Red Dwarf" and "Monty Python's Flying Circus"
The Star Wars Holiday Special (1978)
A campy take on Life Day in the Star Wars Universe
This special was great when I watched on TV as a kid. These days I really have to be in the mood for it. It is very '70s. Not something to enjoy unless you take it in context. The original actors reprise their rolls, but the writing isn't nearly the caliber I'd like to see. On an interesting note, there are a few scenes with Darth Vader that did not appear in Star Wars but are obviously outtakes from it.
In & Out (1997)
A badly done "coming out" movie
This movie is okay in most respects. However, it very falsly represents any man who likes Barbara Streisand or behaves in any way feminine as gay. I found the entire concept to be unnerving and ruined the movie for me. A much more enjoyable treatment can be found in "The Birdcage" and "Three To Tango" and a host of other movies. I finished watching this film only to see just how bad it might be. I wasn't disappointed.
Enchanted Island (1958)
An adaption of Herman Melville's semi-autobiography "Typee"
This is an interesting and fun movie. Evidently filmed in the Pacific - the extras appear to be Polynesian. Typical of '50's movies, however, the stars are all white. The use of the native Polynesian language adds an element of realism. The ending is more romantic than Melville's book, but the movie appears to have kept the general feeling of "Typee" from which the story is taken. In all it is movie to enjoy.
Maison Ikkoku (1986)
A funny live action adaption of the animated series
This is a funny live action adaption of the animated series. It parallels the first few animated episodes. We meet the residents of Ikkoku-kan; Yusaku Godai - a struggling college student, Yotsuya - the mysterious resident of room 4, Akemi Roppongi - a waitress at Chacha Maru, and Mrs. Ichinose - a nosy party loving woman who live in room 1. Plus, we meet the new manager, Kyoko Otonashi - a quiet and recently widowed woman. Unfortunately this movie is only available in Japanese. However, if you have seen the animated series or read the comic, you will have a good basis to follow the story even if you can't follow the dialog. But still, it is visually funny.