The Adventures of Robin Hood

 I have always heard a lot of references to Errol Flynn, but I had never sat down with one of his films. Watching The Adventures of Robin Hood, I now understand what all the fuss was about. His charm, charisma and physical prowess are dynamic on the screen. He lights up the screen in every scene he's in. The swashbuckling is no joke. I really enjoyed this film and his performance.

First Cow

First Cow is a story of survival and friendship. A cow is central to a simple economy and two men work toward capitalizing on that. A bit slow, but intriguing and thoughtful. Beautifully shot in the woods of Oregon. There is corny humor as well.

"What do a beggar and a baker have in common?  They both need bread."

"Which side of the tree is best for branches?   The outside."

 I liked this film.

Bad Education

 Based on a true story, Bad Education is a tale of secrets, deception and a lot of money. Excellent performances. Good rental.

Once Were Brothers: Robbie Robertson and The Band

The documentary Once Were Brothers follows The Band in Robbie Robertson's words. Lots of photos, archival footage and interviews. Cool music history. Good rental. 

"The creative process is trying to catch yourself off guard...just see what happens." ~ Robbie Robertson

The Birdman of Alcatraz

 Based on an interesting true story, in Birdman of Alcatraz a convicted murderer becomes an expert on birds while in prison. This film has very cool cinematography and great performances.  This is a classic worth seeing.

Dial M for Murder

In Dial M for Murder a man decides that the revenge for his wife's indiscretion is murder. This film is highly stylized and well written. The intrigue makes this a satisfying mystery. I especially loved the costumes. This is one of Hitchcock's best thrillers.

Alice At the Palace

Alice at the Palace is a delightful adaptation of Alice in Wonderland from the New York Shakespeare Theater circa 1982. It is dynamic and creative with wonderful songs.There are also familiar faces that made this fun to watch.

Corvette Summer

 The search for a stolen car sets up the events in the film Corvette Summer. The steps and mis-steps are entertaining. This is worth a watch just to see a very young Mark Hamil and Annie Potts.

Divine Madness

The concert movie Divine Madness brings us Bette Midler at her finest. The staging of this is divine, the performance is divine, the artist is divine. The film is well named. I especially liked the the last half hour. What a performance.

Falsettos

Oh the talent in the 2016 revival of Falsettos. Thanks to a subscription to Broadway HD that I was gifted, I was able to enjoy this gem at home. The unique staging, the wonderful music, a heartfelt story of love and life and performances that knock it out of the park made this a true joy. What a musical!

All That Jazz

Every once in a while you need a little Fosse. All That Jazz delivers in the story of his life through the character Joe Gideon. Based on Bob Fosse's life and persona, we follow his struggles and his triumphs. In his personal and professional endeavors there is plenty of drama, humor and dance. Awesome performances make this classic easy to enjoy.

The Art of the Steal

Politics, art and money makes the documentary The Art of the Steal a compelling story. Real-life drama and scheming around a valuable art collection has intriguing ins and outs. This is a very interesting film.

Bring it On

For the first hour of Bring It On I figured that I'm just too old to appreciate it. As the story of competition and fair-play unfolded, my interest grew. The last half hour the story really brings it. Very satisfying.

The Outpost

 War stories are rough. The Outpost is a story of soldiers fighting in Afghanistan under less than optimal conditions. Poor equipment, missed communications and longing for home, these soldiers brave a lot. Impressive and intense story.

Arsenic and Old Lace

The philosophy in Arsenic and Old Lace is, "What we've been doing is a mercy." This film was probably the first dark comedy I saw. Well worth a re-watch. So funny. So weird. So clever. A true classic.

Quintet

Quintet is a dystopian story told around a game where survival is the prize. There is so much snow. A dreary tale, but the performances and music are excellent. This is an OK rental.

American Son

The story told in the film American Son is disturbing. This is an important film regarding race and justice. The situation is compounded by a broken relationship. This must have been so powerful live on Broadway. I am grateful that this film is available on Netflix, I hope a lot of people see it.

Behind the Mask: The Rise of Leslie Verdon

 Behind the Mask: The Rise of Leslie Verdon is a crazy horror mockumentary with a classic cameo. Every trope is explored. Decent rental.

Tap

I saw Tap when it came out in theaters. I love to watch tap dancing, especially when it's Gregory Hines, Sammy Davis Jr. and Savion Glover. Three of the best. Suzzanne Douglas has chops too, and Joe Morton brings it as the heavy. Really like this film.

The Old Guard

I usually don't like battle scenes with immortals, but the fight choreography in The Old Guard is outstanding. Theron and Layne are great as the heroes protecting the world as they know it. This movie is worth a watch.

Guns Akimbo

 A violent video game turns real life in Guns Akimbo. The story moves fast and the stakes are high. Violent and bloody, this is a crazy ride. 

Fear City: New York vs The Mafia

 Fear City: New York vs The Mafia is a docu-series chronicling the history of mafia activity in NYC in the 70s and 80s. The structure of the organization and how the feds went after them is intriguing. This is a little drawn out but interesting.

Downhill

When 2 high profile comedic actors are cast as a couple in Downhill, a light comedy is expected. Not here. These comedic actors handle serious roles well in a story of a relationship on the rocks. This is a heavy drama that's uncomfortable to watch. One of the final scenes is a good example of use your words. This is a powerful drama.

"If you don't like the way that I look at you, then show me something different."

Trolls World Tour

 Music with a message delivers in Trolls World Tour. The messages? Tolerance, diversity, kindness, friendship, creativity and unity. It feels like a lot at some points, but the heart of the Trolls are in the right place. This is a cute movie.

John and Yoko: Above Us Only Sky

 The documentary John and Yoko: Above Us Only Sky is the gentle story of the making of the album Imagine. The story of the collaboration between John Lennon and Yoko Ono is interesting and creative. The archival footage is fascinating and comforting. A lovely piece of music history.

Planet of the Apes (1968)

The film Planet of the Apes ventures into so many genres. Drama. Sci-fi. Adventure. Politics. Justice. Social Commentary. This futuristic society with apes as the dominant race and humans as the underlings is very well formed. The script is profound and dramatic. It's impressive how quoted it is. A true classic. Well worth watching.

The Birds

I re-watched The Birds and was impressed with how this film holds up. The story is rather strange, but the quirky factors give a very disturbing situation a touch of charm. The production value is excellent. This film is dramatically shot. There is suspense and drama galore.I liked this film when I first saw it decades ago and I'm even more impressed with it now.

Wah - Wah

The family drama Wah-Wah deals with themes of abandonment, addiction, coming of age and accomplishment. Well done. Good rental.

The Underneath

 In The Underneath this story goes from family drama to heist thriller. A gambling addict returns to his hometown and tries to make up to family and friends. This is an interesting film telling an interesting story with a few twists. Decent rental.

Making Mr. Right

 A scientist creates an android in his image for space exploration in Making Mr. Right. In the process, social situations are explored and relationships develop. Fun, sweet, funny, sweet, thoughtful, sweet, clever and did I mention sweet? John Malkovich gives a brilliant dual performance.This is a very entertaining film.

Basquiat

 The biopic Basquiat follows the rise and fall of the young street artist Jean Michel Basquiat. He was a popular artist in the Andy Warhol circles in the 80s and enjoyed success as well as disappointments. This is an interesting story with a great cast.

Oh God!

 A good man brings God's word to the modern world in the movie Oh God! This is an interesting, sweet and sometimes funny look at faith, decency and communication. "You talk, I'll listen." A lovely film. Love that Pacer.

The Great Race

 The Great Race is an adventure in competition, mayhem, romance and some of the funniest fight scenes on screen. This film is a classic and a very fun ride!

To Die For

The film To Die For takes the viewer on a wild, wicked ride that is fueled by passion and ambition. The whole thing is a bit twisted. The ending is stunning, I really enjoyed this film.

Marty

 I saw the film Marty decades ago. I remember that I liked it, and I have a soft spot for Ernest Borgnine. On this watch, I was reminded of what a sad character Marty is. In the 50s a man in his mid-thirties was regarded as a problem. Marty is sincere and caring. This a story worth watching.

Zandalee

The crazy love story of Zandalee is a wild ride. Infidelity and uncertainty drive the plot. There is a very aggressive dance sequence that is impressive.

Ball of Fire

When a sincere group of professors encounter a brassy nightclub singer, they have truly met a Ball of Fire. They encounter the mob and mischief while exploring the world of language through slang. Very funny story of intellect meets the street. What a classic.

The Best Years of Our Lives

In The Best Years of Our Lives military men return to their civilian lives after surviving the horror of war. Their relationships are challenged and they persevere. This drama is heartfelt and honest. I liked this classic a lot more than I expected.

Pecker

 A young man finds fame in the film Pecker and it is quite a lesson for all involved. His passion and talent for photography brings a notoriety that all involved must figure out how to deal with in the art world. Themes of creativity, family, friendship, fame, exploitation, community, kindness and loyalty are woven well in this entertaining, risque story. Thank you John Waters.

Spaceballs

 The sci-fi parody Spaceballs is a fun ride. The galaxy is so funny and the characters are so goofy. I watched this movie when I needed a good laugh, and boy did it deliver! So silly. So good.

Inside Daisy Clover

The making of a star is told in Inside Daisy Clover. Daisy has high aspirations and she achieves many of them. The Hollywood star-system is her nemesis, but she deals with it as best she can. "I'll bet my simple healthy instincts against your any day." Natalie Wood is elegant, even as a feisty tomboy, and there is a haircut that comes full circle. There is no lack of drama and the performances are excellent. I liked this film a lot.

Teddy Bear

 You would not expect the story of a young bodybuilder to be told in a film titled Teddy Bear, but it turns out to be very fitting. The bodybuilder is socially awkward, but longs for connection. He is fine in the comfort of the gym, but struggles in day to day encounters. His Mother holds him back from getting out in the world unless it is for a competition. When he ventures outside of his comfort zone, he ultimately finds what he is looking for. This story is very sweet and well told. I liked this film a lot.

The Trapeze

 The ambition of a performer leads to some harrowing situations in The Trapeze. The result is a love triangle with lots of drama. The story is simple, emotional and predictable. The aerial work is astounding. This was a fun film.

Harvey

 The classic film Harvey is about a lot of things. Control, societal norms and keeping up appearances make people think that Elwood P. Dowd is crazy, when what really motivates him is kindness. People judging things they don't understand get a good hard look. This film is a good lesson in compassion.

What's Up Doc?

 Movies like What's Up Doc? remind me of what a good comedic actress Barbra Streisand is. The mayhem caused by a robbery, identical overnight bags and some snappy dialog make this a delight to watch. The sincerity of Streisand's character, and the way she delivers her lines moves the madcap story along at a good clip, and never misses a laugh. I thought this was a very funny film.

Mame

The musical version of Mame showcases Lucile Ball's gorgeous physicality. The way she walks, the way she dances, the way she gestures, all look dynamic and effortless. She is as much fun to watch as she is to listen to. The life of the outspoken Mame is portrayed with heart and humor in this film. Mame's declaration of , "open a new window every day" is a declaration of optimism and hope that we all can use.

Mucho Mucho Amour: The Legend of Walter Mercado

 The story of Walter Mercado in Mucho Mucho Amour: The Legend of Walter Mercado is a love letter to passion. This creative, enthusiastic, upbeat person had a very popular TV show where he would work his magic. He had flair, a distinctive style and was beloved. This is an uplifting documentary.

Ride with the Devil

The brutality of the Civil War is brought to the screen in vivid detail in Ride with the Devil. There are lots of guns, lots of hatred. This film is beautifully shot, with excellent performances, but this is tough one.

Jackie Brown

The film Jackie Brown gives us a strong, no-nonsense woman. This is a story of cons conning the cons in a brilliant web of dialogue, performance, music and violence. Pam Greer shines in this crime film. Well done.

Dangerous When Wet

 In the film Dangerous When Wet I learned of the talents of Ester Williams. Not only was she a phenomenal swimmer, but a talented actress. Her natural charm plays well on the screen in the story of a young woman attempting to swim the English Channel. It is a family venture and we are treated to a story of ambition, hard work, romance, adventure and accomplishment. This is a very entertaining film with a fun animated sequence. I liked this film a lot.

The Private Files of J. Edgar Hoover

 For more history, The Private Files of J. Edgar Hoover takes us to all of the messy situations in government under 8 administrations. The FBI was Hoover's world and he ran it his way. A lot of these situations don't seem much different from present day politics. This is a film full of real life drama. Well done.

The Great Escape

The classic film The Great Escape is a harrowing prison story. Hearing prison called "the cooler" sets you in World War II, the language of the prisoners is key. The actual escape is the classic, tunneling-out method, but once they are out the real adventure begins. This is based on a true story and takes place on the 4th of July. I'm glad that this was my Independence Day film. Appropriate

Father of the Bride (1950)

 Spencer Tracy shines in Father of the Bride (1950). The dated view of women and relationships is a little hard to take, but if viewed in the setting of the times it feels historic. Elizabeth Taylor shows why she was a big star. The tropes of wedding angst are played for entertainment. I liked this film.

Hamilton

 In 2016 I fell in love with the cast recording of the Broadway musical Hamilton. The compelling story of Alexander Hamilton and the birth of a nation is full of drama, battles, love and scandal. These elements make for perfect theater. The team that put the musical together filmed one of the last performances of the original cast. In 2019 I was treated to a performance of Hamilton on Broadway in NYC, and later that year, saw a road production with the Angelica Company. Such a delight. The film was sold to Disney and the original plan for releasing the film was a theatrical release in the fall of 2020.  When Broadway shut down in March of 2020 and we were trapped in lock-down by a pandemic, they decided to release the film to Disney + on July 3rd. That morning I woke at 6am and watched the film. What a pleasure to watch the original cast work inside a piece they had been performing for over a year. I'm glad that I saw this in the theater, because the sets and movement around the set is hard to capture in a film. They concentrated on the story and the performances. It is such a joy to be able to watch this whenever I want. Thanks to the creators and Disney +.

Blazing Saddles

 One of the first risque movies that I saw in the theater was Blazing Saddles. So edgy, so inappropriate, so funny. Watching it now, much of the humor is cringe-worthy, but somehow, still very finny. Not your typical western. The finale is off the rails. This movie still makes me laugh.

A New Leaf

 In A New Leaf we have a scoundrel, a wealthy man who as lost everything. His solution? Marry a rich woman. The premise is unseemly, but is carried off by the performance and writing of Elaine May. This is a very dark comedy that is well crafted.

The Watermelon Woman

 A creative deep dive into film history is the base of The Watermelon Woman. Researching an actress from the 30s, sheds an unexpected light for an industrious film maker. The detailed fictional creation of what-if is very satisfying. I especially liked the surprise revelations. Good film.

Word is Out

The stories of a group of gay and lesbian people in the documentary Word Is Out are powerful and important. Made in 1977, one of the subjects referred to "faggotry in the late '50s" as sissy, lilies, pansies, limp wrist, faggoty. This terminology was jarring to me, and drove home one of the levels of disrespect that is experienced. There are also stories of human rights issues that are just as problematic and need to be addressed. Over the years, some have, but there is still work to be done. This is an important documentary for awareness and activism. wordisoutmovie.com

Brockmire

The public meltdown of a popular sports announcer is our introduction to Brockmire in this series. Describing situations with statements like, "A doozie of a pickle of a shitstorm.," the colorful character of Jim Brockmire barrels through his personal and professional life. For as brash and inappropriate as he can be, he is also likeable and as a big heart. I really liked this series. Very funny with an edge and just the right amount of drama...and that jacket!

Les Girls

 In Les Girls we see the same situation told from several points of view. The costumes and dance numbers are outstanding. Wonderful film.

Topper

 There is a charm to Topper that is extraordinary. The story of a charismatic couple meeting their demise and then roaming the earth as spirits, has the perfect level of whimsy and humor. Their banter as they move from situation to situation shows their devotion to each other and their love of the life they have left. I saw this film as a kid and I think it was the first time I heard the word ectoplasm. This film has a lot of creativity and joy. Fun film.

Summer Stock

 On an invitation by her sister, in Summer Stock a young woman lets a group of performers use their farm to stage their performances. The line between the survival of the farm and putting on a musical becomes blurred by best of intentions. Two different goals must be met and the conflicts supply the drama and comedy. The music, dance and performances of both are great.

Saint Frances

 A ways into the film Saint Frances I thought to myself, "Frances is no saint." A relationship develops and evolves. Things don't always go right and consequences are real. For all of the uncomfortable moments, there is satisfaction. Good rental.

Love Jones

 In Love Jones the exploration of love and sex are given a lot of thought and discussion. Are they in love? Is it just chemistry? This is a very thoughtful, honest love story. Well done.

Victim

The fear of discrimination lies in the motivations of the characters in the film Victim. Blackmail and injustice make for high drama. The performances in this film are great. Lifestyle and morals play a big part in 60s London. My favorite line? "If you're old enough to vote, you're old enough to choose your own way of life." Good film.

Da 5 Bloods

The post-Vietnam war story Da 5 Bloods starts as a reunion and turns into a treasure hunt. There is high drama when the soldiers return to Vietnam to find a treasure. There is camaraderie and betrayal, violence and compassion. This was an adventure I did not expect. The writing, directing, music and performances are outstanding. Worth a look.

Our Betters

 In a story of class and infidelity Our Betters looks at whether the upper class is really better. In what way? The characters are awful, yet make excuses. The subject matter is disturbing, but the performances and costumes are great.

The Shawshank Redemption

 I saw The Shawshank Redemption many years ago, I knew I liked it, but had forgotten many of the details. On a re-watch, this film really holds up. The story of friendship, rehabilitation, perseverance and escape is compelling. The performances are great. I can see why people watch this film over and over. It's that good.

The Addams Family

 After listening to interviews with both Angelika Houston and Barry Levinson, I realized that I had never seen The Addams Family. The lives of the Addams' is funny and also rather sweet for a family of horror figures. When con-artists try to get at the family fortune, hilarity ensues. This film is very clever and very entertaining.

Love Story

 Love Story was a book I read over and over when I was in middle school. It was made into the film Love Story in 1970. The brash characters' story of falling in love, captures a clash of class and culture. It takes a tragic turn, but love is always the centerpiece. This film still holds up.

13th

Discussing the injustices of racial inequality, 13th is an important film. It focuses on the prison system and the blatant racism in those systems. It is necessary to raise awareness of this history and the times we are living in.

The Lovebirds

When a couple finds themselves accidentally on the run, The Lovebirds becomes a caper movie very quickly. Trapped is a series of bad decisions, after a disastrous accident, they plunge deeper into trouble as the story develops. This is an entertaining film with charming performances. A decent rental. 

Cleopatra (1963)

The epic story of Cleopatra is told in grand style with an all-star cast. Elizabeth Taylor breathes life into the Egyptian queen in a passionate performance as she deals with the Romans and her love-life. The sets are elaborate and stunning, the story is high drama.  From the battlefield to the bedroom, this epic has it all. This is not just a film, it is an experience.

Clueless (1995)

In Clueless the story of Jane Austin's Emma is set in the 90s. The central character is in high school, and she rules the roost. Privileged and popular, at first, she comes off as vacuous, but it becomes apparent that she has ingenuity and a good heart. The ups and downs of high school are present no matter your class. The performances are great and the fashion of the day is a character itself. This movie holds up.

Mata Hari (1931)

The story of Mata Hari is a thriller. The movie, based on an exotic dancer who was a spy in WW I, is intriguing. Though this film is a fictional account, it claims it's drama in the reality of history. The costumes and performances are outstanding. I really liked this film.

Last Christmas

I was not prepared for the fantasy element in Last Christmas, but it worked. A young girl makes the most of the few associations she has to find direction in her life. The less you know going into this film the better. I really liked the twist. Well done.

Funny Girl

When you sing like an angel, but can't dance a lick, it helps to be a Funny Girl as Fanny Brice learns. This charming woman rises to stardom and falls in love. There are bumps in the road, but she handles them with humor and love. I really liked these performances. I really liked this movie.

Boy

Poor parenting lies at the heart of Boy where a young family lacks a father. When he shows up, his effect is not good. He is using his son to find ill-gotten treasure. Though the father is presented in a whimsical light, the darkness of his motives are quite clear. The boy is so desperate for his Father's approval, he'll do anything. Sad story. Wonderful performances. There is a dance number at the end that is worth watching.

The Last Word

What would it be like to choose the person who writes your obituary? In The Last Word we find out when a wealthy woman, who is not very well liked, starts to worry about what her legacy will be. She approaches a writer at her local paper to write her obituary and goes down a road of self-examination that leads to showing her true heart. There was a lot more to this story than I expected. A solid rental.

Hannah Gadsby: Douglas

Hannah Gadsby took the world by storm with her first stand up special. In her new special titled Douglas we go for a comedy ride that is no nonsense, smart and brave. She has a wry way of responding to the world that I really enjoy. Loved this special and look forward to more from this thoughtful person.

The Half of It

 In a present-day version of Cyrano, The Half of It has a young girl helping a fellow student woo a girl that she has a crush on. The character of Ellie is so charming and endearing and she really carries the story and the film. This is a wonderful film.

Lost Girls

A family's anguish in Lost Girls is raw and heartbreaking. A mother searches for her daughter, who she is sure has met and unfortunate demise. The police are little help and the victim shaming gets in the way of progress. All of the characters are flawed, but the Mother persists no matter what. This is based on a true story and the outcome is not a happy one. Somber film with excellent performances. 

The Red Shoes (1948)

The drama of the world of ballet is at the center of The Red Shoes. A young ballerina rises to stardom and falls in love. The complexities of mixing her personal life with her professional ambitions is a classic tale. This is a very pretty film. The performance at the center is dreamy and elegant. I liked this film a lot.

Million Dollar Mermaid

The film Million Dollar Mermaid is the biopic of Annette Kellerman. A passionate swimmer, she found a way to monetize her talent in the entertainment world. This film is beautifully shot, the costumes are great and the performances are top-notch. Interesting to see the evolution of entertainment. Good film.

The Third Man

I have had The Third Man recommended to me many times. This masterful mystery is full of drama, door work, log shots and intrigue. The cinematography is intricate, working shadows for every ounce of drama. I'm glad I finally saw this film and look forward to watching it again.

Janie Jones

I first saw Janie Jones at Tribeca Film Festival. On a rewatch I am reminded of the dramatic family circumstances with an underlying sweetness. There is trauma, struggle, rejection, growth, maturity and music. This film holds up. 

Mikey and Nicky

In a disturbing way, Mikey and Nicky is a buddy film where the buddies are at odds. They are childhood friends, but staying one step ahead of a hit-man adds stress to an already tense relationship. This crime thriller is well written with excellent performances. Lots of drama. Good rental.

Sullivan's Travels

A Hollywood director has an idea for a research project and Sullivan's Travels begin. The film has some great Hollywood scenes. They depict the nightmare movie theater experience and the ideal movie theater experience. It's a great contrast. When Sullivan gets where he wants, things turn ugly and the drama turns dark. This is an excellent film I really enjoyed.

The Photograph

Romance is alive and well in The Photograph, when 2 people meet because of a photograph and a reporter's story. Sexual chemistry and investigating the photograph become an equation for love. Life decisions come down to a realization that, "we need to make our own things without asking permission." There is substance to all of their actions. I liked this film a lot.

Strangers on the Train

Two Strangers on the Train meet and a thriller quickly develops.The two men share relationship details and one takes things a bit too far. Bourbon fuels his actions, I have never heard the euphemism, "boiled" for inebriation. Hitchcock guides the twists and turns in this excellent thriller. Glad that I finally saw this classic.

Top Hat

The theme of mistaken identity is played for comedy in Top Hat when a dancer notices a woman and observes, that "her niceties are very nice." The observations and relationships in the film would not fly today so it is a bit of a time capsule. Rogers & Astaire are magical when they dance together. The grace combined with athleticism is a joy. Now I know where the song Cheek to Cheek is from. Astaire's tap dancing is mind boggling. what a talent! I liked this classic.

The Night of the Hunter

Beautifully shot, The Night of the Hunter is a solid thriller. Set in the depression, an evil preacher chases two children for money their Daddy stole and hid, swearing them to secrecy. The preacher is vile, the children are clever, and the cinematography is stunning. The writing has it's own lilt, and words are used in a poetic fashion. Children singing "Hing, Hang, Hung" is a bit jarring, but the pronouncement that "children are man at their strongest. They abide and they endure" is powerful. I really enjoyed this film, it was a solid rental and I'll bet it would be impressive on the big screen.

Becoming

The documentary Becoming follows Michelle Obama on the book tour for her memoir, Becoming. The doc also tells of her life story and time in the White House. At this time, watching the large events for her tour, the phrase "the power of gathering" was rather poignant.

Jerry Seinfeld: 23 Hours to Kill

Jerry Seinfeld's latest standup Jerry Seinfeld: 23 Hours to Kill is the legendary comedian more comfortable on stage than I've ever seen him. The material follows his traditional style, but his performance is relaxed, and makes a lot of sense when he does a bit about how he feels about his age. His ease and manner onstage come across well, and The Beacon Theater looks great. I liked this special a lot.

Heathers

Almost every talk around high school movies references Heathers. The story of clicks and bullying is not new, but where they take it is rather shocking. The dark tone is an interesting take, and I can see why this film is held in such high regard. As disturbing as the story is, the writing and performances make this more watchable than I would expect. What a rental.

Gypsy (1962)

My new love for Rosalind Russell had me renting the 1962 version of Gypsy.I have seen this story in several community theater versions and the 1993 version played over and over in our house back in the day. This version has the pizazz of old vaudeville, along with performances that flesh out the characters well. Russell plays the brash, lovable personality of Rose with a flair, while Natalie Wood's subtle vulnerability as Louise is masterful. I liked this version a lot.

M*A*S*H

The film M*A*S*H was a cultural phenomenon when I was a teenager. On the news, we were watching scenes from the conflict in Vietnam, and to see this story set in Korea hit pretty close to home. That it was dealt with with humor and irreverence struck a nerve with some, but for most it was much needed. The writing, performances and direction are outstanding. The Last Supper tableau for Walt is visually effective. Altman is a master. This is an excellent rental, the film really holds up.

Drop Dead Gorgeous (2010)

I was a bit taken aback by the premise of Drop Dead Gorgeous. This mockumentary within the world of high fashion takes a very dark turn early on and I'll say that I found it more disturbing than funny.This film was recommended to me because I like mockumentaries, but this was not for me.

Sweet Charity

The first time I can remember my parents going to the movies was when they went to see Sweet Charity with their friends in the theater. They talked about it for weeks after. I was 12. They bought the soundtrack album and I knew all the songs, and I have seen clips of the dance number over the years, but had never seen the film in its entirety. Today I fixed that. The story, the music, the choreography, such a fun film. I really liked the Laugh-In references, Fickle Finger of Fate and Sock it to me. The sign of the time Rythm of Life Church played well portraying the era, Big Daddy is the jam. His take on the Ten Commandments are so great. Church of the Month Club served Oscar well. The sass and determination in Charity and her friends is admirable, and lyrics like "get up get out and do it" are empowering. Smatter in a few declarations of  "up yours" and we know exactly how they feel. I'm glad I saw this on DVD because there is an alternate ending in the extras, which I preferred.This is a wonderful movie, and I did go back and watch all of the dance numbers before I returned the disc. Great rental.

A Star Is Born (1937)

The original version of A Star Is Born is interesting to watch after seeing the other 3 versions. Again, the story of a young actress' rise to stardom and her successful actor husband self-destructing, is a dramatic story. This version features performances that paint the characters a little more sympathetic. Janet Gaynor's performance takes her character from wide-eyed innocence, pronouncing "I'm gonna be somebody," to down to earth practicality in the wake of stardom. I liked it when Norman says to her, "a star is born," at the premiere of The Enchanted Hour. And when he asks her to marry him the first time she says "No thank-you." An interesting visual is the hand-prints on Hollywood Boulevard bookend the film. This was a fun journey, all 4 versions are worth watching.