Girls Town (1959) Review

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(More customer reviews)Was this bad-girls-in-reform-school flick made in an attempt to cash in on the Academy Award-winning "Boys' Town" or did the studio just happen to have a few dozen nun's habits in their wardrobe department? Tubby, dewlapped crooner Mel Torme frames busty bottle-blonde bombshell bad-girl Silver Morgan (Mamie Van Doren, the poor man's Jane Mansfield) for the over-a-cliff murder of her attempted rapist in this manipulative, cloying 1959 teen-sploitation flick. The cops don't have a thing on Silver but the dead punk's dad commands the usual White Male Reality political pull, sending her to a convent-slash-reform-school "Girls' Town" chock-full-o' tough-as-nails nuns, teen gangs played by 35-year old actors, an "Ave Maria"-singing Paul Anka, a no-hands drag race ending in the usual expected laughably "tragic" result, the Platters, badly-choreographed catfights consistently broken up by beefy security nuns, way too much embarrassingly fake teen slang, and Charlie Chaplin, Jr. (?) Watch out for Silver's creepy reform-school pal Seraphina, a spooky obsessive fan stalking a vaguely stupefied young Paul Anka; look carefully in the drive-in scene to spot the reflections of the director and camera crew in the windows of the cars. "The Sound of Music" this ain't. If you're like me, you saw this given the "Mystery Science Theater 3000" treatment, and were all the better for it...it's even funnier that way, and at least *intentionally* funny.

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The Firesign Theatre's All-Day Matinee: Martian Space Party and The Yolks of Oxnard (1972) Review

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(More customer reviews)So, I exaggerated. I have not seen the All Day Matinee as a DVD, but don't shoot me just yet, because I HAVE seen both of these video productions, Martian Space Party and The Case of the Missing Yolks, on VHS. They are extremely humorous and differ from the video Everything You Know Is Wrong, because these are more than lip synced videos dubbed to the album soundtrack. Not that the alien invasion epic aforementioned is ruined because of it, it is just that here, in Martian Space Party, the video version of Not Insane Not Responsible, we get a real sense of live performance right before our very eyes and pointy ears. Nick Danger and the Yolks of Oxnard, the Case of the Missing Yolks, IS an actual Firesign Theatre situation comedy movie, not feature length, but album length, with in drag performances by Proctor as the matronly yet out of this world Ma Yolk who gets a dream home of the future as a reward in a sweepstakes and finds out that being a simple American may be the life for her after all because well to do people always have evil villains like Rocky Rococo, also Proctor, in a Fez and goatee, trying to steal their hoity toity lives from them. And most of it, except for a few artsy craftsy visits to Nick Danger and his world of detective story telling is in technicolor. Martian Space Party may seem amateurish at first especially after years of listening to the audio version Not Insane, but that is because of the use of shoulder mounted camera work and the filming of the album as a live experience as if you are attending a beatnik happening that was the result of hiding out in a fail safe bomb shelter after world war three and just as you are about to go totally nuts with claustrophobia and radiation poisoning someone yells, "Hey you freaks, let's put on a show until the all clear lets us out of here". No one ever escapes from Monster Island or the wrath of Glutamoto except for President George Pappoon who blasts off for Mars with the ugly lizard, portrayed as a Craker Jack toy in a sandbox filled with doll houses and train set filling stations, clinging tightly to the President's rocket as he escapes the world of the doomed, the Spider Caucus, the Pets For Pappoon, the Friends of the Martian Space Party and all who entered the hole in the ever widening pyramid to the center of the earth in later albums dug by the big comet. Here's what happened, The Firesign Theatre gathered for a recording one day and found that their producer, who had scheduled open auditions for a cast of hundreds to take part in the album, couldn't be there due to Hurricane Camille or some storm delaying his air travel to the gig, but he did say over the phone, "This is Cyrus, your friend, nothing has happened to my nose, but I do have some dandy grapes. If you record anything out there today or night, you better have some video of the event, the recording, to prove it is you, and your writer, Walter, where ever he is. I'll be there in a couple of days, or I'll see you in Woodstock New York, at the usual studio. Bring proof of your comedy effort there. Keep the crowd of auditioners entertained. I'm sorry I can't be there, but just inform them that I am not responsible for the postponement and not insane enough to fly through a hurricane to get there." So they did. The Firesign Theatre quickly set up cameras and the National Surrealist Party Convention became a beatnik happening. Good thing they had teleprompters, because it is a difficult show to memorise, almost a cult show, rather than an occult show, although a Martian might recognise the magic that was hullabalooing along the San Andreas fault line. You will too. The album was vinyl and finally released in 1972. The videos had to wait until VCRs were perfected, but there could be a rare laser disc, out there, or down there in the hole big whole the comet dug some where on a later album, if you know maybe you don't, but, until you search, Everything You Know Is Wrong. I guess that album will be available on DVD some day too. What ever happened to eight track, Walter? The lizard is licking for that tooo darlin.

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A double-barreled comedy film festival featuring guest greats from Hollywood. Hosted by the Dean of Film Fluff, Ben Bland. A double feature showing of two of the rarest Firesign Theatre video pieces: "Martian Space Party" and "Nick Danger: The Yokes of Oxnard" (formally released as "The Case of the Missing Yoke"). Originally filmed in 1972, "Martian Space Party" is a live performance by the FST's Phil Austin, Phil Proctor, David Ossman, and Peter Bergman, plus family and friends, breaking news coverage of presidential candidate George Papoon and his trip to Monster Island plus Richard Nixon meeting Glutomoto, the cheese monster. A video precursor to the Firesign's 1973 Columbia album "Not Insane," this was live, prime Firesign Theatre at its zenith and most hilarious. The second half of this double bill is the brilliant "Yokes of Oxnard," originally released in 1983. Multiple story lines plus soap opera and commercial parodies abound. Follow private investigator Nick Danger: Third Eye, the Yoke family and that sleazy weasel Rocky Rococo as they come together to solve the mystery. As an audio bonus, Whirlwind has included taped interviews with the four Firesign members, each giving their recollection of how they all came together and have functioned as a group over the decades. DVD features: audio commentary by Ben Bland (David Ossman); audio interviews.

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Muppet Show - Monster Laughs with Vincent Price (1976) Review

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(More customer reviews)I saw this episode when it originally aired in the states. Although Vincent Price does appear, the real guest for this one was Alice Cooper. Setting aside the shock-effect of his concerts, Alice and crew went for truly monster-laughs. Using Alice's "Welcome to My Nightmare" to set the mood, Jim Henson and company had the perfect opportunity to go wild with the camp-scare monsters. This must be the most fun episode of the Muppet Show ever done. Alice Cooper fans have been tracking this one down wherever possible. When it's available again, don't miss it! (PS: Save a CASE for me)

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The Irish R.M. - Complete Series Review

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(More customer reviews)Major Sinclair Yeates (Peter Bowles) leaves the army and becomes a Resident Magistrate in late-Nineteenth Century Ireland. There he encounters a people so foreign to his way of thinking that he often finds himself befuddled and hopelessly confused. Surrounding him are such people as the formidable Mrs. Cadogan (pronounced "Caydo-gone"), the forceful and self-confident Mrs. Knox, and the leprechaun-like Flurry Knox. Major Yeates, though outmaneuvered and outthought by Flurry at almost every point, comes to appreciate the people he now lives amongst, and their charming culture.
The stories in this series are expertly done, and the cast is masterful at their parts. Indeed, Bryan Murray (who plays Flurry) steals the show as if he were born to the part. This show is great for family viewing containing nothing objectionable. This show is great if you like British humor, period drama, family entertainment, et cetera, ad infinitum!

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All 18 episodes of the much-loved Masterpiece Theatre series Peter Bowles (Rumpole of the Bailey, To the Manor Born) stars in this light-hearted drama series as Major Sinclair Yeates, a retired English army officer who becomes a Resident Magistrate in pre-independence West Ireland. Living in a ramshackle country house surrounded by the community’s eccentric inhabitants, Major Yeates struggles to apply judicial logic in a country where "the inevitable never happens but the improbable frequently does." Shot entirely on location in County Kildare, the series captures the beauty of the lush Irish countryside. Also featuring Beryl Reid (Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy), Bryan Murray (Perfect Scoundrels), Niall Toibin (Ballykissangel), Anna Manahan (All Dogs Go to Heaven), and Sarah Badel (John le Carré’s A Perfect Spy).

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Cold Comfort Farm (1971) Review

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(More customer reviews)Flora Poste, is orphaned at the age of 19 and is left with 100 pounds a year -- barely enough to get by on. She accepts an invitation from the Starkadders rural British farm and encounters a gallery of colorful characters especially the family matriarch Ada Doom, who remains locked in her room, alluding to having spied something wicked in the past. This wonderfully produced, filmed and acted production is based on the Stella Gibbons 1932 literary novel and presented as a three volume miniseries first aired as part of the PBS "Masterpiece Theatre" series. Cold Comfort Farm would make a very popular addition to any community library video collection and is a "must" for Masterpiece Theatre fans and anyone else with an appreciation for British entertainment. VHS, 3 video boxed set, full color, 135 minutes.

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J-Men Forever (2002) Review

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(More customer reviews)Remember all those cliffhanger serials from the 1930's and 40's from RKO and Republic Studios, like "Shazam!", "Captain America", "Buck Rogers", "Atomic Man" and not to mention all those G-men episodes? In '79 they were all pared down and hilariously recut (with new dialogue and story) into the most hysterical - and most politically incorrect - movie I bet you've never seen. Courtesy of the hip comedy troupe known as Firesign Theatre. The instant cult status this movie achieved on late-night cable TV in the early 80's, paved the way for Steve Martin's modestly successful and more mainstream attempt at that kind of concept called "Dead Men Don't Wear Plaid". But, Firesign's effort is more contraversial, subversive, outrageous and silly - and, moreover, far funnier.
The plot, such as it is, is about the straight-as-an-arrow, but definitely un-hip, mixed bag of government agents and superheroes at war with the hip, but hilariously (and deliriously) power-mad, disguise-changing, rock-and-roll ruler of the Moon, and his minions, bent on dominating Earth - their secret weapon? - potentially deadly doses of rock music! And, if that's not enough, controlled substances which can turn Earth's citizens into slaves! It's up to the government to fight back the only way they know how - with muzak! This is not only a send-up of those Hollywood vehicles themselves, but also a second look at them using what one critic calls the "more drastically hip filter which we, at almost anytime since the relatively drug-crazed 70's at least, now can't help but see them through". It's sex, drugs and rock and roll vs. the establishment, like you've never quite seen it before, as the classic war is hysterically and slyly grafted onto the cliffhangers themselves. The result is purely outrageous camp! Definitely a good thing here. This flick is sheer provocative fun and has more quotable dialogue, per minute of run time, than almost any other movie I can think of. But, due to its obvious references to pot smoking and innuendo, this is certainly not for your kids. For that matter, it's not for your parents either! While it may push the envelope, some will see it all as a big (but ultimately harmless enough) joke and others will see it as one of the most flagrantly pro-marajuana comedies ever made(!) - a.k.a. "The Day The Earth Got Stoned". But try not to let that throw you too much - to its credit, it's gotta be the absolutely non-stop funniest look at that ever-increasingly taboo subject there is, and I'd like to imagine you're only cheating yourself if you miss it :-). This movie ran a handful of times on a show called "USA's Night Flight", but was yanked when the movie drew too much flak - even though, by that time, it had also become "Night Flight"'s most requested video. According to the back cover of the DVD, it remained so for that show's entire run of 8 years. If it ever made it to VHS shortly thereafter, it was a very limited run, and, as a result, this movie hasn't been widely seen. That it's now being released on video at all, after so many years, must mean that either PC is on the wane, or that some overworked, underpaid censor unwittingly let this one slip through. In any case, I suggest you snap this one up, before the so-called "powers-that-be" come to their senses (and before John Ashcroft launches his own "Operation Interrupt"! - see the movie). Insanely funny camp, with an underground edge. WAY recommended!!

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J Men is the story of The Secret World War, a war of cultures as Rock & Roll smashes Shmaltzy music.This outrageous comedy was created by Firesign Theatre's Philip Proctor and Peter Bergman in the style of Woody Allen's "What's Up Tiger Lilly?" From a g

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Rise and Shine Review

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(More customer reviews)"RISE and SHINE" appeared at several film festivals around the US in 2007-08. Below are some notable reviews:
"Heartwarming and Touching
-Cleveland International Film Festival
"Celebrates the passions of teaching and the joys of friendship"
- Pete Tadros, HBO
90 hilarious minutes of a flamboyant Theater Teacher leading wacky High School kids too competitions all around Texas.
See what the critics are calling "Entertaining", "Funny" and "Fascinating"

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RISE and SHINE is a Documentary about a High School Theater Arts Teacher, Charlotte Brown, her talented students, and the challenges they face while competing in Speech and Debate Tournaments in Texas.From the class room to the competition RISE and SHINE illustrates the real life adventures of competing at Speech and Debate Tournaments.90 hilarious minutes of a flamboyant Theater Teacher leading wacky High School kids to competitions all around Texas. See what the critics are calling "heart-warming" "funny" and "fascinating".

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Faerie Tale Theatre - The Princess And The Pea (1982) Review

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(More customer reviews)THE PRINCESS AND THE PEA is one of the all-time great FAERIE TALE THEATRE episodes. Featuring a talented cast and brilliant costumes and sets, it's totally adorable.
Prince Richard (Tom Conti) leads a boring and eventless life under the thumb of his controlling mother Queen Veronica (Beatrice Straight). Until, one stormy night, in whirls the vivacious Princess Alecia (Liza Minnelli). But is she really a princess? Queen Veronica is skeptical, so employs a method to test her royalty: she places a tiny pea under 20 mattresses and quilts. If Alecia can feel the pea it will prove beyond any doubt her royal blood.
Will Alecia pass the test? And if she does, will she choose to marry Richard? You'll find out in THE PRINCESS AND THE PEA. Co-starring Jane Alden and Nancy Allen.

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Before she will allow her son to marry, a queen insists a young woman prove that she is a princess by feeling the presence of a pea underneath twenty mattresses.

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Jerry Seinfeld Live on Broadway: I'm Telling You for the Last Time (1998) Review

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(More customer reviews)1. How many comics today can make people laugh at the most mundane things in life?
2. How often do you laugh until your belly hurts?
Or on the flip side:
3. How many times do you watch comedy routines and have to listen to "f" this and "f" that?
4. How often do you turn the TV off or feel offended by the content of the comedy routine?
If you want all of 1 & 2 and none of 3& 4, then this is the video to get! So often I'm turned off by comedians who focus on sex and language to get attention. Jerry Seinfeld needs only take real-life, everyday experiences and twist them into comedy genius as only he can. It didn't occur to me that grocery shopping, airline travel, and Halloween would be hilarious subjects. But Seinfeld makes it work. I've watched it many times already and plan to watch it many times more!

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DVD Features: BiographiesInteractive MenusInterviewsOther:Audience Q&A

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The Producers (2005) Review

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(More customer reviews)I remember seeing the original film of The Producers in a virtually deserted theatre and loving it. I still think it is one of Mel Brooks' best films. So I was a bit apprehensive when I heard it was being turned into a Broadway musical and then that musical was being made into a film. But, on the whole, I have to admit to enjoying it much more than I thought I would.
Much of the credit must go to Susan Stroman's stagey and somewhat campy direction, which suits the material perfectly. Even more credit belongs to the incredible Nathan Lane for managing to equal Zero Mostel's original Max Bialystock and even, once or twice, surpassing it. He is, quite rightly, the heart and soul, of the film. The rest of the cast is not bad either. Uma Thurman is a pleasant surprise, the double act of Gary Beach and Roger Bart are pure politically-incorrect joy, and even Will Farrell is good. Which leaves Matthew Broderick. He certainly comes to life when singing and dancing, much more so than I would have expected. But his characterisation of Leo Bloom seems just a bit too bland. I know Leo is supposed to a personality-deficient accountant, but I really miss Gene Wilder's manic edge. With Broderick, there's not even a hint in the eyes that he really needs that blue blanket.
It was fun spotting all the lines of dialogue from the original and seeing how the story and characters were altered (I could understand LSD not fitting into the new concept but the playing of Hitler first by Hans, then by DeBris seemed a tad awkward). But, this being a musical version, the show is going to rise or fall on its musical numbers. In general, the staging was clever and often laugh out loud funny. The songs, it must be said, are not the most memorable ever heard on Broadway. But the energy and enthusiasm with which they are performed more than make up for that. Strange then that some of them are edited. The opening number ends so abruptly - I'm grateful that the DVD has the entire number as an extra. I can see no real reason why it was cut short (unless someone felt it was too Jewish). Surely, running times are not the crucial factor they used to be. But many delights survive including a chorus line of grannies with walking frames, beautiful girls dressed only in pearls, and Uma Thurman doing a quite good Cyd Charisse impersonation with her seemingly endless legs. In fact, the only real musical disappointment for me was the notorious Springtime For Hitler number which seemed to lack the punch, fizz and open-mouth shock quality of the original. Maybe it's the passage of time or just knowing that it was coming. But Nathan Lane's Betrayed number was soooo good that I had to rewind for an instant encore.
All in all, it's nice to see that someone can still do a good old-fashioned musical.

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Nathan Lane and Matthew Broderick return to their award-winning roles in the hilariously funny film of the record-breaking Broadway smash-hit. Scheming producer Max Bialystock (Lane) and his mousy accountant, Leo Bloom (Broderick), discover that under the right circumstances they could make more money by producing a Broadway flop than they can with a hit. But what will they do when their sure-to-offend musical becomes a surprise sensation? Co-starring sexy Uma Thurman and comedy genius Will Ferrell, The Producers is a fun-filled, side-splitting comedy.

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She Stoops to Conquer - Goldsmith / National Theatre (2009) Review

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(More customer reviews)"She Stoops to Conquer" is a humorous study of human relationships. As in real life each person has multiple dimensions. Some people are chameleons and change color to suit their surroundings. Others are more comfortable with themselves and maintain a constant stripe. The interactions of these different characters lead to humorous situations and witty dialogue. This is a thoroughly enjoyable farce. The cast is outstanding and the picture quality is great.

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Oliver Goldsmith Heritage Theatre presents The Out of Joint / National Theatre Co-Production of She Stoops To Conquer. Oliver Goldsmith's classic comedy of manners tells of the clever schemes and comic ruses that unfold one night at a country house. An ambitious step-mother, impassioned sweethearts, a pragmatic father and a pair of star-crossed suitors are sent spinning through a hilarious comedy of errors by one of the great characters of the stage, Tony Lumpkin.In its day, this eighteenth century masterpiece was considered so 'low' that it might never have reached the stage. When it was finally produced, it enjoyed immediate and lasting success, breaking the mould with its satirical swipe at polite society. Goldsmith made comedy funnier and more natural than the 'sentimental' stuff of his contemporaries - yet his characters burst with warmth as well as great wit. Max Stafford-Clark sets the story of the ultimate dysfunctional family in the hinterland of Lichfield. His triumphant production played to great acclaim at the National Theatre and on tour.'beautifully directed by Max Stafford-Clark...a dream' The Independent 'superb' Daily Mail'supremely well acted' The Wall Street Journal' enjoyably rowdy' The Evening Standard 'brilliant new Irish actor Owen Sharpe' Daily Mail'a comedy without errors...with effervescent performances from the entire cast, it was impossible not to get caught up in the thrill of it all... exudes all-out fun and frivolity...the sheer verve of the exuberantly witty dialogue was quite enough to keep the 21st century audience at the National Theatre roaring with laughter. The crowd simply loved it' Daily Mirror''lots of rewards...Ian Redford's Hardcastle can be splendidly irascible' Sunday Telegraph'Includes an interview with Max Stafford-Clark on his production.This production was first performed on September 12, 2002 at the Oxford Playhouse, and opened at the National Theatre on December 17, 2002. It was recorded at the Theatre Royal, Bath on April 8 & 9, 2003.CASTSir Charles Marlow / Roger: NIGEL COOKEYoung Charles Marlow (his son): CHRISTOPHER STAINESMr Hardcastle: IAN REDFORDMr George Hastings: STEPHEN BERESFORDTony Lumpkin: OWEN SHARPE Landlord / Jeremy: MATTHEW SIM Diggory: JASON WATKINS Mrs Hardcastle: .JANE WOOD Miss Kate Hardcastle: MONICA DOLAN Miss Constance Neville: FRITHA GOODEY Pimple: BELLA MERLIN Director: ROBIN LOUGH Our gratitude to the staff and patrons of the THEATRE ROYAL, BATH. Heritage Theatre

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SCTV, Volume 1 - Network 90 (5 Disc Set) (1981) Review

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(More customer reviews)Whenever I got together with friends discussing television and movies we always wondered why every crummy TV show and movie made it to DVD while SCTV was not yet on DVD. Then we would inevitably begin to reminisce about the show, out favorite sketches, etc. Now we can all watch together because SCTV is finally on DVD . . . well, at least some of it is, and that's a good start.
For those who fondly remember the series I must first state that this is not a collection of the 30-minute shows that were shown in syndication. Rather, this collection contains the first nine shows of SCTV-90 that ran on NBC during the early 80's. Fortunately, the first episode of the collection is a retrospective of some of the best sketches that ran on the syndicated show. Fans will be able to see "Night School Hi-Q," a quiz show where Eugene Levy plays a harassed Alex Trebek to Catherine O'Hara's clueless Margaret Meehan; John Candy as a fully grown Beaver who finally gets revenge in Eddie Haskell; Rick Moranis as Merv Griffin comparing jacket linings with Yasser Arafat and Liberace; and the jewel of the disk, Rick Moranis as Woody Allen playing against Dave Thomas as Bob Hope in "Play It Again, Bob." No one ever imitated Bob Hope like Dave Thomas; seeing him on the screen almost makes us believe were really were seeing Bob Hope, that's how good the impersonation was.
And there's more to come with some of the best-loved characters in SCTV: Guy Callabero, Edith Prickley, Bob and Doug McKenzie, Johnny LaRue, Mrs. Falbo, Lola Heatherton, Bobby Bittman, Earl Camembert, Floyd Robertson, aka Count Floyd, Dr. Tongue, Perini Scleroso, Mel Slirrup, and Sammy Maudlin. They're still as funny, and almost as fresh, as when we watched them back then.
Other highlights to look for include the following:
-- John Candy as Civil War coward "Yellowbelly," a spoof on Chuck Connor' series, "Branded."
-- Rick Moranis a video deejay Gerry Todd, pre-MTV and eerily prescient.
-- The Sammy Maudlin Show where Bobby Bittman (the unfunniest funny-man in Hollywood) is upstaged by Bob Hope.
-- The Ingmar Bergman film parody that shows up of Count Floyd's "Monster Chiller Horror Theater." Floyd is under the impression that it's a horror film. His disappointment when he finds out the truth is as hilarious as the parody itself. ( A bit of SCTV trivia here: Count Floyd, who was SCTV news anchorman Floyd Robertson in a vampire costume and cheesy make-up, is based on Bill Cardille, who Joe Flaherty watched as a kid growing up in Pittsburgh. Cardille did the weather for the local NBC station, and on weekends hosted the studio wrestling matches and as "Chilly Billy" hosted the Saturday night horror feature.)
-- Joe Flaherty as station owner Guy Callabero, who, although he can walk, uses a wheel chair. ("I only use it for respect!")
-- "The Grapes of Mud," a parody of "The Grapes of Wrath."
-- "Mrs. Falbo's Tiny Town." Andrea Martin at her funniest.
-- Johnny Larue's "Polynesiantown," with its ending crane shot that got LaRue in hot water with Guy Callabero because it went so far over budget.
-- "The Merv Griffith Show," with Rick Moranis as Merv doing the part of Sheriff Taylor. Look for Eugene Levy as a great Floyd the Barber and John Candy as Otis.
-- "Dr. Tongue's 3-D House of Stewardesses," a cheesy send-up of 3-D movies.
-- Catherine O'Hara as Lola Heatherton. Simply hilarious.
That said, the only stumbling block would be the price, which is due to the cost of obtaining the music rights. But it's worth it, and the music's not bad. For instance, the late Roy Orbison, Dr. John, and Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes (fans of Conan O'Brien and the Max Weinberg 7 should watch for LaBamba and Mark Pender in earlier incarnations) are among the performers.
Besides the excellent commentaries on each disk, there is also a 24-page booklet with articles by Conan O'Brien and Ben Stiller, among others. O'Brien says in his piece that in regard to SCTV, "I don't think anyone's ever topped it." I agree.

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SCTV VOL 1:NETWORK 90 - DVD Movie

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The Producers (Widescreen Edition) (2005) Review

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(More customer reviews)I remember seeing the original film of The Producers in a virtually deserted theatre and loving it. I still think it is one of Mel Brooks' best films. So I was a bit apprehensive when I heard it was being turned into a Broadway musical and then that musical was being made into a film. But, on the whole, I have to admit to enjoying it much more than I thought I would.
Much of the credit must go to Susan Stroman's stagey and somewhat campy direction, which suits the material perfectly. Even more credit belongs to the incredible Nathan Lane for managing to equal Zero Mostel's original Max Bialystock and even, once or twice, surpassing it. He is, quite rightly, the heart and soul, of the film. The rest of the cast is not bad either. Uma Thurman is a pleasant surprise, the double act of Gary Beach and Roger Bart are pure politically-incorrect joy, and even Will Farrell is good. Which leaves Matthew Broderick. He certainly comes to life when singing and dancing, much more so than I would have expected. But his characterisation of Leo Bloom seems just a bit too bland. I know Leo is supposed to a personality-deficient accountant, but I really miss Gene Wilder's manic edge. With Broderick, there's not even a hint in the eyes that he really needs that blue blanket.
It was fun spotting all the lines of dialogue from the original and seeing how the story and characters were altered (I could understand LSD not fitting into the new concept but the playing of Hitler first by Hans, then by DeBris seemed a tad awkward). But, this being a musical version, the show is going to rise or fall on its musical numbers. In general, the staging was clever and often laugh out loud funny. The songs, it must be said, are not the most memorable ever heard on Broadway. But the energy and enthusiasm with which they are performed more than make up for that. Strange then that some of them are edited. The opening number ends so abruptly - I'm grateful that the DVD has the entire number as an extra. I can see no real reason why it was cut short (unless someone felt it was too Jewish). Surely, running times are not the crucial factor they used to be. But many delights survive including a chorus line of grannies with walking frames, beautiful girls dressed only in pearls, and Uma Thurman doing a quite good Cyd Charisse impersonation with her seemingly endless legs. In fact, the only real musical disappointment for me was the notorious Springtime For Hitler number which seemed to lack the punch, fizz and open-mouth shock quality of the original. Maybe it's the passage of time or just knowing that it was coming. But Nathan Lane's Betrayed number was soooo good that I had to rewind for an instant encore.
All in all, it's nice to see that someone can still do a good old-fashioned musical.

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Nathan Lane and Matthew Broderick return to their award-winning roles in the hilariously funny film of the record-breaking Broadway smash-hit. Scheming producer Max Bialystock (Lane) and his mousy accountant, Leo Bloom (Broderick), discover that under the right circumstances they could make more money by producing a Broadway flop than they can with a hit. But what will they do when their sure-to-offend musical becomes a surprise sensation? Co-starring sexy Uma Thurman and comedy genius Will Ferrell, The Producers is a fun-filled, side-splitting comedy.

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Greater Tuna Review

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(More customer reviews)I SO wanted to award them 5-stars like all the rest of the reviewers, but the DVD version of this classic play just doesn't meet my expectations.
My wife and I absolutely love the Tuna trilogy (Greater Tuna, A Tuna Christmas, and Red, White and Tuna). We first saw Greater Tuna on our honeymoon while in San Francisco fifteen years ago and have seen others perform it several times since. We have seen Joe and Jaston (the originals) perform A Tuna Christmas and Red, White and Tuna twice each. Every time we see any of these three shows, we absolutely laugh our a$$e$ off! The writing is simply sheer genius.
I was incredibly psyched to learn that the first two shows had finally been released on DVD and rushed to buy them. I popped one into the player and that was when my heart sank.
Don't get me wrong. The play and the performances are absolutely stellar! I am so glad that they got these performances recorded for posterity (the third one, Red White and Tuna, MUST be done as soon as possible before the opportunity is lost)!
The one star docking from the perfect five is due to the really shoddy DVD packaging and presentation. There are ZERO extras included on the disc. NOTHING! There isn't even an information insert inside the cover of the DVD. The show itself is just a straight copy of the VHS video recording transfered to DVD. Period. No remixing or remastering; any flaws on the VHS video transfered to the DVD playback. Shame on them. They could have created something for the ages, but no.
Still, this is an incredible show and well worth the investment to own. My wife and I will watch these shows over and over now and never tire of them. If they ever do come to their senses and remix and release some "collector's editions" with lots of extras (and they should, by all means!), then we'll probably jump on those as well. We love them that much!

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Studio: Wolfe VideoRelease Date: 08/31/2004Rating: Ur

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Lewis Black: Red, White & Screwed (2006) Review

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(More customer reviews)We were crying with laughter and screaming at the TV. Not only do I recommend that you buy this DVD, I'm going to buy copies for my friends.
I haven't seen his other DVDs, so I can't comment on whether those are better. You'll have to rely on the other reviewers for that. But during my years living in Washington DC, I saw my share of comics at the Warner Theater and I can assure you, Lewis Black KILLS!!
Razor sharp, topical humor delivered with the kind of righteous anger that makes you leap off the couch and yell "YES!!" His comments on current events in America are spot-on and neither side of the political aisle escapes his withering assessment.
So gather some friends, open the libation of your choice, turn on the DVD and let the crying and screaming begin!



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Comedian/author/playwright/pundit Lewis Black stars in his second HBO solo special, an all-new hour of frenetic, take-no-prisoners stand-up comedy, taped before a live audience at the Warner Theatre in Washington, DC. Lewis Black: Red, White & Screwed features Black?s opinions and insights into such issues as the State of the Union, abortion, frozen embryos, defecation habits, fossils, bad language, FEMA and, of course, Dick Cheney?s aim. DVD Features:Extended takes:Extended Version, include 15 additional minutesFeaturette:Lewis Black Sounds off, Ride the Short Bus with Lewis Black, Lewis Black Buck Naked in D.C.Outtakes:"Why Lewis Black Shouldn't be a Doctor" - Outtakes from the filming of the on air promotional spotTV Spot:"Lewis Black Probes Uncle Sam" - promotional spot made for television

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Slings & Arrows: The Complete Collection Review

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(More customer reviews)If anyone had told me several years ago that one of my favorite programs on television would turn out to be a Canadian import about a Shakespearean theater troupe, I would have had my doubts. But Season 1 of "Slings and Arrows" beguiled me. So droll and sophisticated, but with moments of sheer slapstick, I was absolutely enchanted. Detailing the struggles of a failing company amidst the changing artistic climate, "Slings" presented a colorful band of misfits that formed the unlikeliest of families. The writing was so smart, so funny, and the performances spot on--including Paul Gross and Rachel McAdams (two of the more familiar actors for American audiences). It ended in six episodes and I wistfully said good-bye to a near brilliant show. I had no idea there was more to come.
So I was delighted when I heard Season 2 and even Season 3 were on the way. But I was also doubtful. Could they really mine the same material and come up a winner? To my mind, they did that and even more.
Season 2 contained less back story, so it dealt more specifically with the inner struggle of producing theatrical shows. The comic misadventures involved in staging a cursed production of "Macbeth" was definitely the highpoint. It might have been the funniest thing on TV that season, seriously. One subplot about an experimental advertising campaign to lure new traffic to the theater festival is perfection. As someone who has been a season subscriber in the LA theater scene for over ten years, this was particularly hysterical to me--how much truth there was. Season 3 (which added the always appreciated Sarah Polley to the cast) details how the theater adjusts to success. Its humor is dosed with many moments of melancholy. There is such sadness, yet hope, as the characters begin to make some life altering decisions--it's a fitting emotional tribute to a sublimely funny show.
But, trust me, you don't have to be a theater-goer or a Shakespeare enthusiast to enjoy this program. But you do have to enjoy smart, sophisticated entertainment with top notch performances. I have shown this series to a couple of friends who would NEVER have sampled it on their own. They were surprised how identifiable it was and how funny!!! A great change of pace from much of TV, check this one out! KGHarris, 12/07.


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As seen on the Sundance Channel "Deliciously written" -TV GUIDE "Big and powerful, a corker" -LOS ANGELES TIMES "Charming and complex and lovely" -THE NEW YORK TIMES Showered with awards and critical acclaim, this darkly comic Canadian series follows the fortunes of a dysfunctional Shakespearean theatre troupe, exposing the high drama, scorching battles, and electrifying thrills that happen behind the scenes.Paul Gross (Due South) stars as Geoffrey Tennant, the passionate but unstable artistic director of the New Burbage Theatre Festival. Haunted by the ghost of his predecessor (Stephen Ouimette), he struggles to realize his creative vision while handling touchy actors, a jittery general manager (Mark McKinney), a pretentious guest director (Don McKellar) and his own tempestuous romance with the festival's leading lady(Martha Burns). The backstage bedlam mirrors the onstage angst as Geoffrey directs three of Shakespeare's masterpieces -- Hamlet, Macbeth and King Lear -- one in each season. Guest stars include Rachel McAdams (Wedding Crashers), Colm Feore (Chicago), Sarah Polley (Go, The Sweet Hereafter), and renowned Stratford Festival actor William Hutt in one of his last performances. DVD SPECIAL FEATURES INCLUDE cast interviews, bloopers, deleted and extended scenes, photo galleries, production notes, trailers and song lyrics. Plus exclusive bonus disc: "A Look Behind the Scenes" featurette, more cast and crew interviews, and on-set footage.

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Me & Mrs. Jones (2003) Review

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(More customer reviews)First aired on Masterpiece Theatre, this charming TV-movie stars Robson Green (Touching Evil, Reckless) and Caroline Goodall (The Mists of Avalon). Set in England, Green plays a tabloid reporter writing under the name "Mrs. Jones," who is assigned by his boss to try to get some dirt on the prime minister, Goodall. Ingratiating himself into her re-election campaign, he finds himself drawn to her, and must weigh his feelings against his assignment, while dodging the scrutiny of her staff.
It's a lovely, romantic movie, not to be taken too seriously. This point should be stressed as much occurs in the movie which takes a great deal of disbelief. Think of it as a modern fairy tale that sometimes surprises you. Well-acted by all, as I've come to expect from these productions, and Green and Goodall have nice chemistry together. In summary, it's fluff, but it's intelligent fluff.
[As a film note, both Keeley Hawes and Peter Firth (MI-5/Spooks television series actors) appear in this movie, although never in the same scenes.)

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Love and politics don’t mix. Prepare for an explosive romance.Politics makes for strange bedfellows, indeed. Robson Green (Reckless, Touching Evil) portrays a Fleet Street tabloid writer who earns his keep airing the private doings of public figures. His next story is going to take him right to the top. The snooping columnist, who writes under the pseudonym Mrs. Jones, secretly infiltrates 10 Downing Street in an effort to reveal the Prime Minister’s intimate personal details and deflate her re-election campaign. But once inside, he finds not scandal but true love–with the married Prime Minister herself. This secret affair may end both his career and the PM’s political hopes, but the heart doesn’t always listen to logic.Caroline Goodall (Schindler’s List, The Princess Diaries) co-stars as the British Prime Minister in Me and Mrs. Jones, a winning romantic drama propelled by gossip, scandal, and outrage, as well as powerhouse performances from two of today’s top talents.

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