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Radioland Murders (1994)
Radioland Murders...A Pleasant Surprise
The year 1939 was a hectic year for radio especially if you were working at WBN. At the time, WBN, a small, fictional station set in Chicago, Illinois was to become the fourth national radio network in the United States. Everyone was ready for the big night. The investors were relaxing in the lounge awaiting a good show. The writers were rewriting their scripts and the actors were poised and ready.
WBN was going to make a huge splash as the number four station in the nation! Well that is, if anyone was alive by the end of the night. There seemed to be a small problem at WBN during the national premiere. The problem was murder. There were numerous problems. Murder really was not the only one.
This farcical comedy has all the elements to make you laugh, shock you, and leave you satisfied if you're looking at it from a non-traditional view.
Multiple plots weave throughout Radioland Murders that all revolve around the WBN national broadcast. The story begins with a soon-to-be divorced husband (Roger) and wife (Penny), played by Mary Stuart Masterson (of Fried Green Tomatoes fame) and Brian Benben (from Dream On).
It seems that Roger Henderson had a roving eye, which landed him flat on his back. The real problem, though, was that his loving wife Penny caught him with the Va-Va-Voom girl, Claudette Katsenback (Anita Morris). While Penny tried to keep WBN organized as the station manager's secretary, Roger ignored his writing duties in an attempt to get his wife back.
Soon we are introduced to the director, Walt Whalen Jr. (played by Jeffrey Tambor). Walt Whalen Jr. is only the director because Walt Whalen Sr. (Ned Beatty) is the owner of the WBN network. Junior isn't a very good director.
If you're in the film industry you can't help but laugh at his inept ability to direct or even make simple decisions for himself. Many times Whalen looks on with his trademark blank stare as he adjusts his toupee, whimpering over the need to decide whether to cue music or the announcer. Usually it is up to Penny to chime in with the proper direction.
This is just the tip of the iceberg. One of the band members dies on stage. The scripts are horrible and late arriving after having to be re-written at the last minute and everyone is in an emotional rush. To make matters worse, a strange voice keeps coming over the intercom and no one knows where it is coming from. All they do know is that someone gets popped every time they hear the voice and no one knows who is going to be next.
They also know that every time someone is murdered, the person attached to the scene of the crime is Roger Henderson. Sure, Roger is bumbling, clumsy, and maybe even untrustworthy (just ask his wife), but a murderer? Radioland Murders takes you through the performance on the scene as they try to determine who is murdering the staff of WBN and who is going to be next.
It clocks in at close to two hours. If you are a fan of farcical comedies, it will feel like the movie is just the right length. You don't feel rushed and the multiple plots are entertaining as you watch them unfold. Whether you are trying to guess who did it during this whodunit or not, the character development will amuse you.
Celebrities fill the lineup in this movie from well known names like Masterson, George Burns (this was his last movie) and Rosemary Clooney to many names you won't recognize that are attached to people with faces that will look all too familiar.
If you're a fan of vintage ideas and radio shows you will find this movie to be a treat. This type of movie is rare, as is its fan base, so this movie will not appeal to everyone. If you are a fan of the movie Noises Off, then Radioland Murders should be right up your alley.
The critics were not fond of this movie when it came out and many wondered what George Lucas was thinking when he came up with the idea. However, you cannot always believe the hype of critics and if you are one that this type of movie appeals to. you will be in theatrical heaven.
I went in not sure what to expect. I was expecting more of a drama because of the movie's title. By nature I am a much bigger fan of dramas than comedies. This one hit me by surprise though. I began laughing almost immediately and continued to do so most of the way through. It was not the typical movie by any stretch, but that is what made it worth watching.
I recommend you check it out as a rental before you buy it. If you like it, buy it. It is one of those movies, which you will want to watch more than once. This is especially true if you get the meaning, the context, and the slapstick enjoyment from the melodrama of the radio celebrities in Radioland Murders.
I give it four stars.
When a Stranger Calls (2006)
When a Stranger Calls isn't Worth the Money
I am a horror movie buff so when a scary movie comes out I pay attention to it. I love being scared
The feeling of adrenaline as I hold my breath, imagining if it were me, and being thankful that it's not is exhilarating.
When the trailer came out for When a Stranger Calls I was intrigued, but I thought it looked a little too hokey for me. The trailer was good, but to me that meant that they made it look that good for a reason. I ignored it when it went to the theater, but the other day I was on Yahoo I'm and some guy began telling me how great it was.
According to this guy, it was not super scary, but it was very shock scary. It was one of those movies that made you jump. Okay, he won. We decided to watch it. I wanted to find out what the hype was about, so I rented it from the local Blockbuster, curled up in Dom's arms, and prepared myself for a jumpy flick.
About halfway through the opening scenes, I determined that the guy I talked to had no testicles. There were so many problems with this movie I don't know where to begin. The "scary" portion of this movie makes no sense. I recommend if you want to see this movie then you stop reading because there are SPOILERS below.
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The killer in the movie targets babysitters and younger women. The house he got into would have cost well over a few million dollars. So, it would stand to reason that on a school night this particular house would have a babysitter, right?
No
not right. What are we supposed to believe that this random guy just happened to pick the right mansion? That is a little too much considering the house was out in the middle of nowhere.
Next problem and perhaps the biggest one was the lead character. It seemed a tad unnatural how everything scared her. I don't know if it was overacting on her part or if she was just really in character, but things bothered her
.easily. The lights would go on or off (due to automatic lighting) and she'd gasp. She took a poker into the kitchen because she heard a noise. Did I mention she shook with fear the entire way? However, the burglar alarm goes off and she tells people it's cool and they don't need to find out what was going on. Sure, that makes sense.
Unlike what I was told, I didn't feel any jumps and the only thing frightening was the movie as a whole, not the plot. I recommend if you want to see something scary that was made around the same time watch The Hills have Eyes, now that was just frightening.
Note: This is the 2006 version not the 1979 version which I've heard is good.
Originally Published on Monday, July 17, 2006 Copyright 2006: Dominick Evans and Literary Illusions
World Trade Center (2006)
World Trade Center - The Best Movie of the Summer
September 11, 2001 is a moment that will forever live in the infamy of American History. Nearly everyone that was old enough to remember the attacks remembers what they were doing when it happened and how it has affected them all these years later. So, as the news for this movie began circling I was immediately and anxiously awaiting the release. In fact, it was the most anticipated movie of my summer.
Oliver Stone rarely disappoints when it comes to epic movies. In the past, movies like Alexander and Natural Born Killers have struck a chord in many people and left their mark on society. World Trade Center is set to do the same thing.
While there have been complaints that this movie was made too soon it was backed by the families and the men who were affected by this event the most. It was handled beautifully with plenty of emotion and a powerhouse cast of actors that knew just how to make you feel that you were in the middle of it all and that your life was as affected as theirs was.
Nicolas Cage heads up the cast playing John McLoughlin, the Sergeant that led a small group of Port Authority police officers into the towers to help rescue people trapped. Cage offers a glimpse of an emotional side showing strength and fear with only his voice as we watch the events unfold with baited breath.
Michael Pena, while slightly unknown compared to Cage, is simply a scene-stealer. Pena beautifully portrays William Jimeno, one of the Port Authority officers, who is stuck with Cage's McLoughlin beneath a pile of rubble. Pena moved into the Jimeno house to prepare for the role and the studying definitely helped. His performance was filled with emotion, force, and desperation. It was everything necessary to bring the movie together perfectly.
The lead women roles of Maria Bello and Maggie Gyllenhaal showed us how the wives of these men held on to memories when the lives of their husbands hung in the balance. We watched the turn of events in their minds and on their faces as life went from normal to unimaginable in a moment's time.
A small bit part by Stephen Dorff also added to the strength of the movie. The horror of the events are as evident on his face as the tears in his eyes as he plays Scott Strauss, the man that came in and saved the lives of Jimeno and McLoughlin.
People might liken this to be an attempt on Stone's part to make a stir, but they could not be more wrong. McLoughlin and Jimeno both have writing credits on the movie and their input heavily influenced the production. If you are looking for a touching, heart-wrenching story that could have been an action-flick but was unfortunately true, then this movie is for you.
If you see one movie this summer see World Trade Center. It is well worth the time and tears you will spend watching it.
Originally Published on Thursday, August 24, 2006 Copyright 2006: Ashtyn Evans and Literary Illusions
The Magilla Gorilla Show (1964)
Review of Magilla Gorilla - The Complete Series DVD
The opening scene of each Magilla Gorilla cartoon will bring back great memories to any cartoon fan without the Boomerang Network. Mr. Peebles is sure to bring a smile to your face as he stands around, plotting, hoping, and looking for ways to get rid of a gorilla (Magilla) when no one buys them anymore. Magilla is the only gorilla in the pet store. Of course, with a gorilla like Magilla, you only need one. This late 60's cartoon is out for the first time on DVD, to entertain both old and new fans as well as delight a whole new generation of children.
Hanna-Barbera was the animation powerhouse that created such greats as The Flintstones, The Jetsons, Scooby Doo, and of course, Magilla Gorilla. This is one of those shows that you cannot really forget once you've seen it. There is something about an overbearing, clumsy gorilla that is constantly mistaken for a man that makes you chuckle. Mr. Peebles is always hopeful when Magilla leaves, but let's face it, there would not have been much of a show had he found a home.
Like The Simpsons, though long before them, Magilla began his television career during primetime. Two years later the show was syndicated and appeared on network television.
Jam packed into four DVD's is 23 episodes and plenty of special features. Among the special features are the Live and Unplugged version of the Magilla Gorilla theme song, an interactive look at the Peebles Pet Shop and an interview with Allan Melvin, the voice of Magilla. There are also eight bonus cartoons included in the set.
Some personal favorites that made these DVD's worth the watch include classic episodes like Private Magilla, where Magilla is drafted into the military and Big Game, where Magilla is adopted and hunted by the same person! Of course, as you would expect he comes out okay and ends up with his very own Butler in the process. The great thing about Magilla Gorilla is the package deal quality of it all. The Complete Series carries the MG name, but includes two other cartoons for every episode Punkin' Puss and Mushmouse, the country bumpkin version of Tom and Jerry and Ricochet Rabbit.
Parents will be sure to recognize some subtle things they never caught as kids. You will hear the voice of Scooby Doo in Ricochet Rabbit and Droop-a-long should remind you somewhat of Bugs Bunny and the Mel Blanc franchise. You might even pick up on the interesting way that all the characters seem to hold small resemblances to other characters played in The Flintstones and The Jetsons.
The only negative thing I can say about Magilla Gorilla: The Complete Series is that a few of the cartoons did not hold up as well in the DVD conversion process than others. However, I have to say the overall quality is excellent. If you're a cartoon lover and you're looking for some quality cartoons for your kids, give Magilla a try. After all, it's time someone took him home and kept him for a change.
Originally Published on Thursday, August 24, 2006 Copyright 2006: Ashtyn Evans and Literary Illusions
The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air (1990)
Review of Fresh Prince of Bel-Air Season 4
The Fresh of Bel-Air and lead funny man Will Smith took television by storm. There was just something completely hilarious about a sophisticated family in a haughty Bel-Air neighborhood taking in a relative from the inner-city ghetto of Philadelphia. This was the premise of one of the funniest and longest running sitcoms of the 90's.
As the Fresh Prince, Will Smith played the street-smart teenager named, get this, Will Smith. He moved in with his supportive Aunt Vivian, played by (newly appointed) Daphne Reid, conservative Uncle Philip (James Avery), slightly ditzy cousin Hilary (Karyn Parsons), younger cousin Ashley (Tatyana Ali), and the star of the side show, cousin Carlton (Alfonso Ribeiro).
Season Four of The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air brought about many changes in the story lines of the show. For starters, there was a new Vivian, though she seemed to take on the role beautifully, which helped to make the transition much easier for the show's audience. Meanwhile, in character, the addition of Little Nicky, the newest member to the Banks family and newborn son of Philip and Vivian was added to the fray.
Everything about this DVD set will bring you back to the days when, as a teenager, you clustered around your living room television anxious to see what antics Will and Carlton were up to next. You will enjoy everything about the box set, from the colorful artwork that dons the front of the case along with Will and Alfonso to one of the best seasons of the entire show. The greatest thing I remember. about the Fresh Prince is that while many other sitcoms seemed to grow stale, this one managed to get more entertaining, even taking the show in slightly new directions
Some of the highlight episodes on these four discs include The Philadelphia Story, where Will goes back home to find a chicken sandwich has been named after him, and Home is where the Heart Attack is, which deals with the dangers of Uncle Philip's weight, dieting, and the family struggles of an unhealthy patriarch.
Other excellent episodes have Will and Carlton moving into their own place, getting kicked out, and fighting over the same girl. In true blue Will Smith fashion the famed dating book, The Chicktionary, even comes out a few times to save the day. Once in hopes of saving Will from failing a class.
The sitcoms of today do not seem to pack as much humor into those 30 minutes as the Fresh Prince did. Season 4 was everything I remembered and hoped for in a DVD set. The only thing I felt lacking would have been some special features or outtakes. However, even with them missing the set is still worth watching.
The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air: Season Four will give your whole family something to laugh at without worrying about violence, sex, and anything else you tend to keep your children from watching. So, have some fun, kick back and head to Bel-Air. The time you spend enjoying yourself will be sure to do you some good.
Originally Published on Thursday, August 24, 2006 Copyright 2006: Ashtyn Evans and Literary Illusions
Dallas (1978)
Review of Dallas Season 5 DVD
For the time in which it first aired, Dallas was one of the raciest shows on primetime television. As a child of the 80s, now in my late-20s I grew up watching Dallas, or rather my mother watched it while I was getting ready for bed. However, all these years later, I have to admit I hold a special place in my heart for the show. The actors were amazing, especially since they were television actors, and the story lines were tumultuous enough to be remembered nearly two decades later.
Dallas: The Complete Fifth Season was an excellent season to watch because several of the show's main plot lines had already been established. As a viewer, you were well aware of what you would be getting when you turned on the television on Friday nights, and this season was full of shocking moments and unexpected surprises.
Right from the start, the ultimate Southfork drama occurs. A body is found in a pool on the Southfork property and J.R Ewing (Larry Hagman) becomes the prime suspect! Of course, all of the Ewing brothers spend the show accusing the others of killing the person, so maybe J.R isn't to blame
this time. J.R. has other things on his plate, which are more important than a dead body. He's battling Sue Ellen (Linda Gray) for their son. Sue Ellen and the boy are living on the Ewing family's rival's ranch, and J.R. wants his son back.
Midway into the season, things really heat up when the family patriarch Jock Ewing dies. Let the games begin on the Southfork properties, because while lovely Miss Ellie is grieving, her children will all be fighting for the prestige and money of Ewing Oil. By this point, viewers needed to prepare themselves because there was going to be a knockdown, drag-out fight to the finish everyone wants their fair share, and a little bit more on the side.
Meanwhile, in the midst of all this craziness, Bobby Ewing (Patrick Duffy) and his wife Pamela (Victoria Principal) are both desperate to have a baby. When adoption doesn't go as well as hoped, Bobby does what all Ewings do best, he buys one. Now add in a suicide attempt and the possibility of financial ruin and you have the best of Dallas in one stunning DVD box set.
Excellent performances were given by the entire cast, but, as usual, Hagman and Gray stole the show. However, special kudos should go out to Patrick Duffy, who also gave an amazing performance. This box set has everything a true Dallas fan could want. From murder to treasonous behavior, all the elements are represented and they guarantee to please.
The big special feature for this season of Dallas offers a tour of the Real Southfork Ranch. This is the ultimate behind-the-scenes look at the ranch the Ewings called home.
All in all, Dallas -The Complete Fifth Season is a Dallas-lover's dream. Watching this particular season made it crystal clear why season five was ranked number one in both the U.S. and the U.K. when the it first aired. If you are a fan, you will not want to miss this box set, and if you are not, but you love the serial dramas of today, you might want to give Dallas a try. Nothing on television these days can compare to the drama of the Ewing clan, and honestly, I doubt anything ever will! Star Rating:
four and a half stars
Originally Published on Thursday, August 24, 2006 Copyright 2006: Ashtyn Evans and Literary Illusions