rejoyce_rejoyce Reviews

The Mary Tyler Moore Show: What Are Friends For? (1974) Season 5, Episode 10

One of my favorite Sue Ann episodes

[8/10 · 8 January 2022]

In this episode, we see behind Sue Ann Nivens's saucy, bawdy facade. At a convention Mary and Sue Ann attend in Chicago, Sue Ann is constantly rejected by men. First, she phones the men at her former station, but they're are all "in a meeting," (even the janitor). Later, she spends the evening ignored and otherwise rejected by men at a morticians' convention who are interested only in Mary, who is there only as a favor to Sue Ann. When Sue Ann tries to make chocolate fondue, she breaks down and shares her pain and loneliness with practically-perfect Mary. We see Betty White's gifted ability to show the heart of a character while making us laugh.

Baking It (2021–2023)

A cup of hot cocoa, a warm ginger cookie, and a blanket

[9/10 · 21 December 2021]

Baking It is not the Great British Baking Show/Bakeoff; however, it comes closest of the American-made competitive shows that I've seen. It has some of my favorite aspects of GBBS: excellent food; charming contestants with heartwarming backstories; two very personable and talented hosts; judges who are fair, give specific, helpful criticism, yet who clearly care about the contestants, not just the food. The inclusion of the highly-qualified grannies as judges adds the right amount of spice. My favorite aspect, and what I've seen only in the GBBS and Baking It is the camaraderie between the contestants, and willingness to lend a hand if needed.

Zenimation: Extended Edition (2020) Season 1, Episode 11

Your Hour of Disney Zen - No plot, therefore no spoilers

[9/10 · 25 March 2021]

This is all ten Zenimation themed videos in order. The scenes are from Disney movies, but with no music, dialogue, or story, just sound effects. I'm sure it could be helpful to relax kids at bedtime, but honestly, I watch it to help myself fall asleep..

Zenimation: Water (2020) Season 1, Episode 1

Aquatic, Animated Zen - NO storyline, so nothing to spoil

[9/10 · 25 March 2021]

This is the first of a series of animated shorts, selected from Disney movies, each of which centers around a theme (e.g., water). However, ALL music and dialogue have been replaced by gentle sound effects, such as lapping waves. I watch or listen to it on my phone when I need a little help falling asleep. I reviewed this one specifically because while I play it as part of the Extended Edition (all the shorts, played in order), I am seldom awake beyond the first one - it's that soothing.

The Dick Van Dyke Show: The Twizzle (1962) Season 1, Episode 23

Forget the Twizzle & Stay for Jerry Lanning

[8/10 · 27 June 2020]

Is this a corny episode? Yes. Is it worth watching? Yes. 18-year-old Jerry Lanning (who later starred on Broadway) sings a gorgeous cover of "This Nearly Was Mine" from "South Pacific." It's also fun to watch both Jack Albertson and Richard Deacon doin' the Twizzle,

The Handmaid's Tale: Liars (2019) Season 3, Episode 11

Riveting; One of the Show's Best Episodes

[10/10 · 2 August 2019]

Usually, I have to watch episodes a bit at a time because the characters and plot make me livid, and remind me what is happening in real life. Not this episode. Spectacular writing, acting, and directing were both engrossing and quite satisfying. Re an earlier poster who slammed this episode and series because oppression like The Handmaid's Tale occurs globally, and seemed to think this show pokes fun at them: NO! Perhaps you are from one of those countries. If so, I am terribly sorry. The point of both the novel and series is that the same oppression that happens in many countries could happen in the U.S., especially with the current administration. Furthermore, the director of this episode, based on her biography, is a young woman who is a native of Turkey and seems quite familiar with misogyny, oppression, and violence against women. I hope the remaining episodes are this exciting.

Jackie's Back! (1999 TV Movie)

How did I miss this gem?

[8/10 · 18 November 2017]

Possible spoilers ahead? Hooray for insomnia and thank you Decades TV for showing this movie very early this morning. "Jackie's Back" is a hysterically funny mockumentary. I don't understand the low rating. The fearless Jenifer Lewis is a diva in the best sense, while Tim Curry is a delightful foil. While a few cameos are "eh," Whoopi Goldberg, Loretta Devine, David Hyde Pierce are comedy dynamite in this film. ABC, you need to play this movie some evening framed by episodes of Black- ish in order to truly showcase the amazing Jenifer Lewis.

Beauty and the Beast (I) (2017)

Charming Remake

[9/10 · 18 March 2017]

I'm no expert on CGI, but I do sing. This was my first 3D movie, which was mostly fun, but a bit overwhelming in the crowd scenes. We were fairly near the front of the theater thanks to having to advance-purchase seats, so that was likely a factor. As soon as I heard Audra McDonald's voice, I was hooked. Emma Watson's voice was fine, while Dan Stevens voice was one of the most pleasant surprises of the film. Kevin Kline added depth to Maurice's gentle spirit, while Emma Thompson's characterization was comforting. Luke Evans' Gaston was less air-headed, and seemed more cruel than either the animated or live musical versions, so having Josh Gad as his side-kick was welcome comic relief. The showcase numbers (Be Our Guest, for example) were well done, and fun to experience. The more violent scenes are really not appropriate for the youngest Belles; however, third-graders (maybe second-grade) and older should be fine.

Did it sparkle as much as the animated original? Perhaps not, but the live actors gave it depth and nuance. I enjoyed this version, and would see it again, even in 3D.

Mrs. Henderson Presents (2005)

Delightful!

[8/10 · 12 March 2006]

I saw this movie last weekend. Wasn't sure I wanted to go, but very glad I did. I belong to that group of people who likes character-driven ensemble movies. Was it a perfect movie? No, yet I found myself laughing out loud for most of the time. Dame Judi's performance was truly Oscar-worthy, and I truly enjoyed her interpretation.

The only parts that disappointed me: the "young lovers" subplot. I felt that what would be obvious (to me) consequences of Mrs. Henderson's "interventions" were glossed over in an oh-well-life-goes-on kind of way. The other criticism is that Chris Guest should have received more screen time; however, the scene in the tent had me shrieking with laughter. The interaction between him and Dame Judi was outstanding.

I was truly impressed not only with Dench's and Guest's performances, but also (perhaps especially) with Bob Hoskins' magnetic presence throughout the film. I never thought of him as a "leading man" before, but I certainly do now.

The music was a delight - I didn't realize "Goody, Goody" was from that era; for some reason, I thought it was early 60's.

Can't wait for the DVD.

Between the Lions (1999–2011)

I LOVE this show!

[17 September 2004]

I started watching this show last year during a school break, when I was teaching young kids with special needs. I was hooked, & started taping it for my class. Our class' favorite episode was "Huff & Puff" (I cawn't stop HUFFing und PUFFing!). The show has the gift of using known strategies to help kids read (including, yes, Dr. Ruth Wordheimer) that not only entertains them, but also adults - at least baby boomer adults! Favorite adult jokes are "Walter and Clay Pigeon," "Gawain's Word" (which my little guys LOVED to play in class!), the story parodies, especially the "sequels" to "The Three Little Pigs" & "Chicken Jane. No, Mr. Smarty Pants wasn't my favorite, but I couldn't get his little chant out of my head, either! The kids had no idea why I was howling with laughter at the jokes that whizzed by their head, but then, I couldn't understand why my dad laughed at Bugs Bunny & Underdog when I was their age! And yes, the show DID help reinforce what I was teaching my munchkins in class about reading and learning - and taught ME a few things as well. Now, I teach 5th graders & miss having the opportunity to watch it.

The Music Man (2003 TV Movie)

It tries...and sometimes, it's very trying!

[7/10 · 17 February 2003]

There wasn't the spark (or sparkle) between Harold Hill & Marion that Robert Preston & Shirley Jones had in the 1962 version. I wasn't expecting Matthew Broderick to be Robert Preston - and he wasn't. Broderick IS adorable, and does have a pleasant singing voice but Harold Hill is NOT an adorable character. Kristen Chenowith has a lovely voice ... and knows it. She drowned out Broderick more than once, but that had to do with sound engineering as much as anything. I agree with the person who commented that her speaking voice was "grating." Maybe it was part of her characterization, I don't know. ...And the Cinderella/Prince Charming bit in the middle of "Marion, Madam Librarian" -what was THAT all about? Totally unnecessary! "Pick a little, Talk a little" did NOT need the additional verse in the soda shoppe. Puh-LEEZE! Molly Shannon & Victor Garber seemed miscast & therefore, weren't able to show off their particular talents. I could almost see Victor Garber more as Harold Hill. Marcellus was good, but as someone said, it would have been interesting to see Jason Alexander as Marcellus - or even as Mayor Shinn. The barbershop quartet sounded pleasant, but there was no strong bass singer - they were all tenors & baritones. Widow Paroo was terrific, so was Winthrop. The integrated cast would have had a lot more significance if people of color weren't virtually all confined to non-speaking, non-solo roles. The musical numbers that require rhythmic precision - the opening number with the salesmen, "Trouble," "Marion, Madam Librarian" either weren't synchronized correctly, or didn't have the percussiveness in the first place. I tried very hard to appreciate this production on its own merits, but still found the original movie far more satisfying.

The Music Man (1962)

Stands the test of time

[10/10 · 17 February 2003]

(Spoiler alert) I appreciate this movie now more as an adult, even though I enjoyed it as a child. The new, un-improved version cannot compare, well, it can't compare favorably! I first saw the 1962 version on TV back in days when Shirley Jones was playing Shirley Partridge. At the time, I did not like Harold Hill AT ALL! Why would Marion fall for him? As an adult, I developed a whole new understanding of Robert Preston's characterization as Harold Hill. He has a "sleaze factor" that Matthew Broderick is too cute to convey. And yet, ya find yourself feeling sorry for him as well as being attracted to him. Shirley Jones plays the repressed-sizzling-under-the-surface Marion to perfection. "Marion, Madam Librarian" and Harold alone at the bridge are my favorite scenes. The Buffalo Bills were superb, as were all the supporting characters. I'm glad I own a letterboxed version of this movie.

Chicago (2002)

Still humming "All That Jazz"!

[9/10 · 3 January 2003]

I have to say that I was pleasantly surprised by the lead actors. I had read that Catherine Zeta Jones was a veteran of musical theater, but, wow! I came into the movie not sure if I'd like Zellweger's and Gere's characterizations; those doubts were immediately put to rest. I can't say Gere has the greatest voice, but it was right for his smarmy character. Queen Latifah was outstanding in her moment in the spotlight - too bad it was her only solo. Taye Diggs was most definitely underused (which is mainly why I rated it a 9) and so was Christine Baranski. At least Baranski had the opportunity to sing. The most enjoyable surprise was the solo by John C. Reilly - I could listen to him sing all day. Blink or you'll miss the cameo by Chita Rivera.

One Foot in Heaven (1941)

Family Memories

[9/10 · 24 July 2002]

I wish I had seen the entire movie, so I could tape it to show my mom & my aunts (preacher's kids). Their memories they've shared of growing up during the Depression & WWII gave this movie a familiar ring. They didn't grow up Methodist, but I did! Only movie I've ever seen that focused on a Methodist minister & family.