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rfeinberg-2
Reviews
What Price Hollywood? (1932)
Could have used more of an arc to Max's story
I agree that this is a fine film. It seems to be in rotation on TCM, and is worth watching for.
My only problem is that we never see what put Max in this self-destructive spiral, and most importantly, who WAS he before he became an out-of-control drunk. (Fellow reviewer "dougdoepke" touched briefly on this.)
The film would have been stronger with some initial scenes that showed Max working successfully. Instead, he's a heavy alcoholic right from the start - certainly more charming and functional than what we see at the end of the film, but still barely able to stand or speak. (Sure, it's a late night party, but then he wakes up the next day and immediately starts drinking again. He's never NOT drunk.)
Kraft Suspense Theatre: Their Own Executioners (1964)
Appalling! ! ( * spoilers * )
A dying attorney defends a young man (a family friend) who kicked his wife to death. He wants to prove that it wasn't premeditated (as stated in the confession), that rather it's what is euphemistically called "an act of passion." This is a thoroughly appalling screenplay. There's no justification for the attorney's faith (even though his instincts are proved to be correct). He was gentle with his son, therefore he couldn't be a coldblooded wife killer? This script is like something from the Dark Ages. He keeps encouraging the killer to not give up, "I can have the charge reduced, you'll do 2 or 3 years, don't you believe that somewhere out there is another girl for you?" Yes! Put this guy back on the streets, he can find a new love, maybe Herschel Bernardi's character can give the bride away...how romantic! What a lucky girl she'll be! Just hope the Stockwell character's mommy issues don't resurface...and hope the woman never oversteps the line into what hubby considers to be trampish behavior...or is the script telling us that all women who are less than perfect mothers and who cheat on their psychopathic husbands deserve to die?
Gilmore Girls: It's Just Like Riding a Bike (2007)
Great episode (spoilers)
Huh...I thought it was a really good episode! First of all, they created a cute way for Luke and Lorelai to reestablish their comfortable repartee. Now they can treat the last year or so as the bad dream it was and get on with their inevitable matrimonial bliss. I don't know if either one of them is more at fault for the breakup, both are extremely high maintenance individuals... but that's why they're so good together. Anyway, their breakup never rang true to me to begin with.
I enjoyed seeing such a Paris (and Doyle)-centric episode. Liza Weil is a treasure.
Logan IS getting more likable; too bad it was only after losing a million bucks or whatever that he finally learned a tiny bit of humility. Now, the preview for next week's episode hints at a marriage proposal from Logan. This is where I think Rory Gilmore should NOT "have it all" ... just keep the boyfriend on hold and maintain the status quo... focus on that career she's been so obsessed with since Episode 1... she's way too young to be considering marriage! Once again it was Paris who hit the nail on the head, when she said something to the effect of "This wasn't the plan, I wasn't supposed to meet 'The One' until I was in my 30s and established!" Take heed, Rory!
It's a Bikini World (1967)
Better Than Expected
So much fun weirdness going on here...the plot is pure '60s cornball but the actors are game and there are a lot of strange subtleties to appreciate: The Pop Art feel of the film, from the comic book opening titles (this was made at the height of the Batman craze, after all) to the Warhol/Lichtenstein style artwork hanging on the walls (pretty ahead of its time...I want a pad just like Mike's!) -- Veteran horror actor Sid Haig as an Ed "Big Daddy" Roth type -- The Crispin Gloveresque "McSnigg" character -- Bobby "Boris" Pickett of Monster Mash fame playing the goofy sidekick Woody (?!?!) -- Nice musical performances, more imaginatively photographed than in most films of this sort. The Animals' "We Gotta Get Out Of This Place" is a highlight -- Not to mention beautiful sunny locales and lots of bright, 1960s colors. If you enjoy beach party films, give this one a shot!