thehappychuckler Reviews

Forrest Gump (1994)

"I'm not a smart man...but I know what love is."

[9/10 · 29 May 2021]

Tom Hanks is awesome (I mean he did win an Oscar in the end) in the title role of a simple man with an IQ of 75 and a heart of gold. Its his story and his journey through life at a young age until around his mid-life.

It is such a quotable movie with great lines and great actors that also include Sally Field as his mother, Robin Wright as his best friend Jenny Curran and Gary Sinise as Lt. Dan Taylor his superior in the army. Also has an awesome soundtrack that keeps cranking out the hits through-out Forrest's life. Forrest meets some pretty famous people ranging from Elvis Presley to John Lennon to JFK.

Directed by Robert Zemeckis, written by Eric Roth and based on a novel by Winston Groom. Zemeckis does an amazing task of blending the comedy with drama and never loses a step along the way. I have actually never met anyone that doesn't speak highly of this movie. It was one of those movies that everyone loved in the end. If you have never seen this one I would suggest turning it on some afternoon or night and you should be quite pleased. Film also won Oscars for Best Picture, Best Director, Best Writer, Best Film Editing and Best Visual Effects (which is pretty cool when you see what happens to Lt. Dan).

Little Monsters (1989)

"We're the reasons brothers hate their sisters!"

[6/10 · 26 May 2021]

The. Stevenson headed by father Glen (Daniel Stern) and mom Holly (Margaret Whitton) have just moved. Their one son Brian (Fred Savage) isn't taking to it so well. Also things are not being left where they were thought to have been left which of course gets Brian in trouble with his dad. Brian's brother Eric (who is played by Fred's real life brother Ben Savage) tells him that it is the monster under his bed that is moving things around. Brian doesn't believe him so they switch bedrooms. Brian soon finds that there is indeed a monster under his brother's bed and tries to catch it.

Nice little fantasy movie kind of aimed at kids. I say kind of because I enjoyed this film more now than when I watched it when I was a kid because of some of the jokes that fly over a kid's head.

Howie Mandel plays Maurice the monster under Eric's bed and I do think the makeup effects are pretty solid in this film. Really well done and hold up today. I also tip my hat because when Maurice and Brian visit the monster's world every monster is different and they needed to come up with new designs for each of those characters. Also starring Rick Ducommun and Frank Whaley.

Three Fugitives (1989)

Funny and Fast-Paced

[7/10 · 26 May 2021]

Very funny film from French writer/director Francis Veber. Was also a remake of LES FUGITIFS, which was his very own film. I hadn't seen this film for a very long time (20-30 years?) and just watched it recently and I still really enjoy it after all these years.

Nick Nolte plays Lucas who has finally reached his day to be released from the slammer for armed robbery. So with a check in hand he is off to the bank to restart his life. While he is in the bank though a newcomer to robbery Ned Perry (Martin Short) robs the bank and decides to take Lucas as a hostage. You soon discover that everything Ned does is wrong. You also discover that Ned is doing this as he is right down on his luck with his young daughter Meg (Sarah Rowland Doroff). So it becomes like the title tells you that the three of them are on the run from the cops.

Both Nolte and Short are great and work very well together. Some good laughs throughout. Fast-paced and would recommend it anyone who likes some action mixed in with their comedy. Also starring James Earl Jones and Alan Ruck as the two cops that are after the trio and Kenneth McMillan in his final film role as Horvath the dopey vet.

Grease (1978)

Great Mix of Music/Comedy/Romance

[8/10 · 12 April 2021]

This classic musical/comedy/romance has two big things going for it. One is the great music as there is not one bad song in the bunch. Very catchy and people are still singing to this day. Number two is the plain fun you have watching it.

Two teens Danny Zuko (John Tavaolta) and Sandy Olson (Olivia Newton-John) have fallen in love during the summer. When school starts up again the two have each gone their separate ways. So Danny tells a few fibs about his summer and the girl he met. Sandy though ends up at Rydell High where Danny is for the school year. Danny acts differently around Sandy and is not the same caring, warm boy he was in the summer. So Danny must get himself back into shape or show the true person he is or he will lose Sandy forever.

The film is also loaded with sexual innuendos and I would suggest to forget how old the actors appear to be. I mean yes they all look like they are pushing 30, but the whole point is to enjoy the musical numbers and laugh. Also starring Stockard Channing who plays the memorable Rizzo who is the gang The Pink Ladies that Sandy later joins, Jeff Conaway as Danny's best buddy Kenickie and even a musical number from Frankie Avalon. A winner and not to be missed if you are a fan of musicals, Newton-John or Travolta.

Dead Poets Society (1989)

"O Captain! My Captain!"

[10/10 · 12 February 2021]

Robin Williams to me is beyond brilliant as the new English teacher John Keating at an all-male prep school Welton Academy. The year is 1959 and we follow a group of boys who are trying to figure out their course in life. Keating does an exceptional job in letting them direct it themselves. The students learn that Keating who once attended the school was part of a group called The Dead Poets Society which this group of boys re-establish under the cover of darkness. Of course nothing is quite that easy as there are major problems that arise during the telling of the story and I don't want to delve into them as I think as a viewer you should watch and experience them yourself. I will say though that it does get heartbreaking.

This is my favourite Robin Williams film and was one of the first that I really watched or at least really remember from back in my childhood. I think I may have been 10 the first time I saw it and was blown away right on my initial viewing. Directed by Peter Weir who has got a great line of films he directed, this just being one of them. The cast also includes Ethan Hawke as Todd Anderson and Robert Sean Leonard as Neil Perry who play roommates and sort of the two main characters within the group of boys, but really none of them take a backseat as they are all different and very well acted. Kurtwood Smith also plays Neil's father.

Mrs. Doubtfire (1993)

"Carpe dentum. Seize the teeth."

[8/10 · 9 February 2021]

Really a wonderful vehicle for the late-great Robin Williams to show off his skills at comedy while meshing it with a serious base like divorce.

Williams plays an actor named Daniel Hillard. He doesn't mind acting like a 10 year old, but his wife Miranda (Sally Field) is getting to the end of her rope with it. She wants a divorce. In the end she gets custody of the kids (played by Lisa Jakub, Matthew Laurence and Mara Wilson), but it is heartbreaking to Daniel, because he feels he should be in their life more. He catches wind that Miranda is going to be looking for a housekeeper to look after the children when she is not home, he thinks he is perfectly suited for the job, so in steps Mrs. Doubtfire to keep an eye over his own kids.

Directed by Chris Columbus, whose got a real good track record with comedies. Williams though really shines in this role and must say it is one of the better roles he did play. He also was one of the producers. Also starring Pierce Brosnon, Robert Prosky and Martin Mull. So, if you want a good laugh and a flick that'll make you feel good while bringing out some serious subject matter this one is a great option for you.

Who Framed Roger Rabbit (1988)

"C'mon Roger, let's go home. I'll bake you a carrot cake."

[9/10 · 8 February 2021]

How could I not love this movie? As a kid who spent many Saturdays watching Bugs Bunny, Mickey Mouse or Hanna Barbera cartoons I was an audience made for this movie. At the tender age of 8 I remember going to the theatre to watch it with the family and everybody loved it! Directed by Robert Zemeckis who is also a director who when thinking of his movies I am not sure there was one of his I didn't like.

R.K. Maroon (Alan Tilvern) thinks Jessica Rabbit (voiced by Kathleen Turner) is nothing but bad news for his big act Roger Rabbit (voiced by Charles Fleischer). So he hires Eddie Valiant (Bob Hoskins) to get some photos of Roger's wife to maybe get Roger's head back in the game. Thing is Valiant has got a history with toons and hates them. Once Marvin Acme (Stubby Kaye) is found dead guess who they think did it? You guessed it. Poor old Roger though he turns to Valiant for help.

I think Hoskins is awesome in his role as Valiant along with the voice work of Fleischer and Turner is top notch. Also in the cast is Christopher Lloyd and Joanna Cassidy. So, if you are like I was a big fan of Bugs Bunny this is a must-see and you shouldn't be dissatisfied with the entertainment you receive.

Fast Company (1979)

Strange Cronenberg Made This, But Still Fun

[6/10 · 5 February 2021]

An oddity within the David Cronenberg filmography. Here he makes a fun, sporty and comedic drag racing movie not filled with goopy monsters or crazy ideas he bleeds out onto the cinematic screen. Fast Company is the name of the company that sponsors changes that drag racing superstar Lonnie "Lucky Man" Johnson (William Smith) makes to his car. John Saxon plays Phil Adamson who does the business side of things with the company. Only he has his own way of thinking how things should be run which goes against Lucky Man's ideas.

Interest never drops from the film to me and hey I ain't a drag racing fan, so to me it was good fun. Also has some very good tunes done by Fred Mollin. Written by Cronenberg, Phil Savath, Courtney Smith and an uncredited Nicholas Campbell (who also plays Billy "The Kid" Brooker in the film). Story by Alan Treen. Also starring Playboy bunny Claudia Jennings, Don Francks and George Buza. Sadly this was Jennings last film before she died in a car accident.

Big Business (1988)

"My God, it's me with a bad haircut!" "Bad? I paid twelve bucks for this."

[7/10 · 3 January 2021]

Back in the 1940s in the small town of Jupiter Hollow two families are ready to bring new babies into the world. One family is stinking rich from the city of New York, the other poor and living in the country. After both families introduce twins a dopey nurse accidentally switches the twins. Jump ahead 40 years or so and the two rich "twins" are ready to sell off a factory in Jupiter Hollow where they were born. Meanwhile the other "twins" go to New York City to fight the sell off of the company. So both sets of twins are at the Plaza Hotel in New York City not knowing that they were switched at birth.

Some good laughs along the way and both Lily Tomlin and Bette Midler show their strong ability to play comedy and play two completely different characters in the same film. It was directed by Jim Abrahams who did AIRPLANE and NAKED GUN so you know its got to be funny. He also does a very good job in keeping the pace going for really the entire film. Also includes tune 'Higher Love' by Steve Winwood. Also starring Fred Ward, Edward Hermann and Michael Gross.

S.O.B. (1981)

"I could sue you for calling me that, Polly! A shyster is a disreputable lawyer. I'm a quack!"

[7/10 · 30 December 2020]

Hollywood prince Felix Farmer (Richard Mulligan) has just made his latest epic along with his G-rated darling wife Sally Miles (Julie Andrews). Problem is it is the flop of all-time. Farmer hits some real lows with depression and producer David Blackman (Robert Vaughn) wants to recut it to create something different. Then Farmer comes across a great idea. He is going to reshoot his disaster into a porno all while his wife shakes her mammaries across the screen. Quite a build-up for a joke really.

Since this film was done by writer/director Blake Edwards I was expecting some good comedy in the film and yes there is some great physical comedy as well as some good funny lines as well. Edwards kind of shines a mirror on Hollywood and no one really ends up looking very good. It is also interesting as Julie Andrews and Blake Edwards were married in real-life. Great cast including William Holden (in sadly his last film), Robert Preston (who may have some of the best lines in the film) and Robert Webber. The great cast does a very good job in carrying the film through some leaner parts.

My Bodyguard (1980)

"Hey Moody! You owe me a years worth of lunch money."

[7/10 · 2 December 2020]

The new kid Clifford Peache (Chris Makepiece) has a dad (Martin Mull) who manages the snazzy hotel the Ambassador East. His grandma (Ruth Gordon) is trying to pick up married men in the bar. His real problem though is in the new school a gang of bullies lead by Moody (Matt Dillon) is after him to pay them $1 a day so they will protect him. Against who? Themselves. Clifford won't pay the bullies, but turns to crazy classmate Ricky Linderman (Adam Baldwin) to be his bodyguard against this group.

Very enjoyable flick with a really great cast and great messages about friendships. Might work as a good double bill with another film I just reviewed LITTLE DARLINGS made the same year. Also starring Joan Cusack in her film debut (her father Dick plays the principal of the school), John Houseman and George Wendt.

Little Darlings (1980)

Little Darlings

[8/10 · 1 December 2020]

Great little flick about two girls Ferris (Tatum O'Neal) and Angel (Kristy McNichol) who are totally from opposite sides of the tracks. When they meet going to Camp Little Wolf for the summer a bet is made as to who will lose their virginity first.

Some good laughs, while at times perhaps a little overbaked, but at others it is a very realistic portrayal of being that age. Must say at times as well has an ANIMAL HOUSE-feel to it. Mixed in with a great soundtrack of hits like 'One Way or Another' by Blondie or 'Let Your Love Flow' by the Bellamy Brothers.

O'Neal is good as Ferris, but to me what really makes it work is McNichol is simply fantastic in her role as Angel. She brings out some real emotions on the screen and brings this film up a notch because of her. As well as her relationship with Randy (Matt Dillon in his 2nd movie) is sort of the heart to the picture. Not to mention Angel has quite the epic opening as well.

Certainly more aimed at the teen audience, but if you enjoy films aimed at that group give it a chance. Just be a little prepared as some of the subject matter is not for today's PG crowd. Also starring Armand Assante and a young Cynthia Nixon as a hippie kid.

Dirty Dancing (I) (1987)

"Nobody puts Baby in a corner."

[7/10 · 23 October 2020]

I had never actually seen this film and I was 40 years old. Then I saw it on the big screen with my wife and I really enjoyed it. Jennifer Grey plays Baby Houseman who along with her family in the summer of '63 is on vacation at an upscale resort. There she meets Johnny Castle (really well played by Patrick Swayze and really put him on the map) who is a dance instructor at the resort. Dancing and love soon follow. The things that really grabbed me were the dancing (Swayze really was a good dancer) and a really awesome soundtrack including new songs at the time such as 'Hungry Eyes' by Eric Carmen, 'I've Had the Time of My Life' by Bill Medley and Jennifer Warnes and Swayze's own single 'She's Like the Wind'. Soundtrack also includes some absolute classics from the 50s and early 60s. A total 80s classic that if you haven't seen it you should check it out. Also starring Jerry Orbach, Jack Weston and Wayne Knight.

See No Evil, Hear No Evil (1989)

My Favourite Pryor/Wilder Pairing

[8/10 · 5 June 2020]

Richard Pryor and Gene Wilder are back together again and in top form. They are also teamed with SILVER STREAK director Arthur Hiller. Pryor plays Wally Karew who is blind and Wilder plays Dave Lyons who is deaf. Pryor ends up working for Wilder who is running a concession shop. One day a thief (John Capodice) slips a valuable coin into a cigar box at Dave's shop as he is feeling the heat from a couple of other baddies in Eve (Joan Severance) and Kirgo (Kevin Spacey). The thief ends up dead and the cops think Pryor and Wilder did it. So, the two escape the clutches of the police and go off to try and find the real killers.

The introduction of the two main characters is quite good and there are a number of very funny scenes including the two getting booked at the police station, the two escaping in a police car and the two going out for drinks after work. Critics hated this movie, but I have always been quite fond of it. This to me is my favourite Pryor/Wilder teaming and likely the most foul-mouthed as well. If you can take this film for what it is a comedy and just let two comic legends work you might enjoy it. Co-written by Gene Wilder.

Radio Flyer (1992)

Worth It Alone Just to See Younger Wood and Mazzello

[7/10 · 17 May 2020]

Tom Hanks sits down with his two sons and tells them the story of when he was younger. How he, his brother and his mom moved to California where his mother met this new man. He liked to be called The King. Thing is the new beer-drinking step-dad played by Adam Baldwin was extremely abusive to his younger brother Bobby played by Joseph Mazzello. The younger version of Mike is played by Elijah Wood. Both Wood and Mazzello turn in some great performances. The two especially Bobby have this dream to fly, so through their adventures they build a flying machine with their red wagon the Radio Flyer.

It is possible that credibility might get thin for some viewers. But, as Hanks says in the film, "History is all in the mind of the teller. Truth is all in the telling." If you hang onto that line, near the end it may not come across as ridiculous or strained on credibility.

One of the reasons I watched it was because it was directed by Richard Donner. Which to me is a guaranteed pretty darn good movie you are about to watch. And, hey that is what you get in the end. Packed with emotion and good story-telling. Also starring Lorraine Bracco as Mike and Bobby's Mike, John Heard as the sheriff and Ben Johnson as Geronimo Bill.

The Truman Show (1998)

"Good morning, and in case I don't see ya, good afternoon, good evening, and good night!"

[9/10 · 13 May 2020]

Jim Carrey stars as Truman Burbank whose life is the subject of a crazy show people are eating up as entertainment. Everyone is aware of the show other than Truman himself. He's been on the show for over 10,000 days if you can believe it. Right from his birth. Truman though starts to figure some things out when there are some malfunctions like lights falling to the ground or seeing his dead father just to mention a couple things. Nothing is allowed to happen naturally in his life in his life like falling in love without major input from the show's creator and director Christof (really well played by Ed Harris as usual).

A smart script from Andrew Niccol that is able to ask some good hard questions about humanity while giving a cold look at reality. Wonderfully directed by Peter Weir as well. Harris, Niccol and Weir all received Oscar nominations for their work. Now, I hardly ever feel this, but this film may work just as well if not better on TV due to the subject matter and really making you feel like you are watching the very show Jim Carrey is on.

To me though the number # 1 reason why this film so amazingly well is Jim Carrey. He does not play that way over-the-top character who looks like he has drank 100 coffees that day. He is more down-to-earth, more human. Also starring Laura Linney as his wife Meryl as well as Paul Giamatti and Harry Shearer. So give it a watch if you like to think with a laugh. Highly recommended.

The King of Comedy (1982)

"Better to be king for a night than schmuck for a lifetime."

[8/10 · 25 April 2020]

A very interesting look at Rupert Pupkin (Robert De Niro) a comic with serious mental health problems who is wanting his chance in the spotlight. He has concocted the idea that sits deep like a reality in his mind that he has befriended late night show host Jerry Langford (Jerry Lewis), who is going to give him his shot. As the viewer you must decide what is a reality and what is all just going on in Rupert's head. I love that as a viewer especially with talents like De Niro and a great director like Martin Scorsese who are showing it to you. Rupert believes the fantasies more than the reality that he is in. Sandra Bernhard also stars as his friend Masha, who also has some serious mental health problems, but she is in love with Jerry.

I thought Lewis did a wonderful job in the film. In comparison to De Niro, he doesn't have a lot of dialogue, but his performance is more in watching his reaction to things that are happening around him. I do believe Scorsese is a great director and could be the best living director around today. I really enjoy his comedies and usually they are pretty black, like AFTER HOURS. He also has some serious messages in his comedies. But, to some viewers they might find them a little on the weird side.

Sadly, this film was a bomb at the box office only to find its life later. You can make comparisons between this film and an earlier Scorsese/De Niro film in TAXI DRIVER. Also the recent box office gem THE JOKER takes some big inspiration from this film.

Also starring Tony Randall, Shelley Hack, Victor Borge and Scorsese himself has a cameo as the TV director of Jerry Langford's show.

Tootsie (1982)

"That is one nutty hospital."

[9/10 · 18 April 2020]

Dustin Hoffman plays Michael Dorsey, a super struggling actor who generally can not be told which way is up. His own agent George Fields played by the director Sydney Pollack tells him no one will hire him. It seems whatever job he gets as an actor he is always fighting with people over how the job should be done. So, Michael comes to a crazy conclusion that he should dress up as a woman so no one will be able to tell it is him and try out for a soap called Southwest General. A role that his good friend turned lover Sandy (Teri Garr) tried out for. He is turned into Dorothy Michaels.

A wonderful film that hits a lot of marks and strikes a lot of strings, too. It is quite funny with lots of laughs, but it is also sad especially dealing with Julie (Jessica Lange who won an Oscar for her performance) who is on the soap. Hoffman is brilliant, but really so is everyone else in this film. Sensational cast with love triangles everywhere which just adds to its beauty.

Also starring Dabney Coleman as Ron the unlikeable director of the soap, Charles Durning (who is really great in his role) as Les the father of Julie, Bill Murray as Jeff, Michael's roommate and Geena Davis in her first role as April who is also on Southwest General.

Continental Divide (1981)

One of Belushi's Better Films

[7/10 · 27 March 2020]

I am a John Belushi fan, he was only 33 when he passed away and we have only a handful of theatrical films (8 in total) to watch him in. In my opinion NATIONAL LAMPOON'S ANIMAL HOUSE and THE BLUES BROTHERS were his best and total classic comedy gold. But, this one is one of his better films. But, Belushi is not playing John Blutarski or Jake Blues here. His character is not going to jump off the screen with his wild, crazy kinetic energy. Personally, I think John was wanting to play much more serious roles or roles that people could take seriously. Sadly, in the end he was never really given that chance as he was still making comedies. Just to compare his life in film to a couple of other comedic actors who are thought of quite highly (including myself) beyond just comedy Belushi's length of his career to that of Bill Murray was if CADDYSHACK was his last theatrical film or if Tom Hanks' last theatrical film was before he did DRAGNET.

Here Belushi plays Chicago news reporter Ernie Souchak who doesn't mind ruffling the feathers of some of Chicago's powerful. This hard-hitting newsman may be swinging too hard going after Yablonowitz (Val Avery) who is hitting back. His boss Howard McDermott (Allen Garfield) sets him up with a new setting until this craziness blows over. He is going to the Rockies to meet Nell Porter (Blair Brown) who is researching eagles. It's Souchak's chance to get another story as well. Thing is Porter is not exactly aware of why Souchak is there. They are opposites coming from totally different backgrounds and have different strengths. I saw this with my wife and she thought Porter's character was amazing and I do not disagree when you see her in action after Souchak gets in serious trouble on a couple incidents because of his being born and bred in a city type of mentality. It is a romantic comedy and it was a role people I don't think were ready for back in 1981. Belushi being the love interest.

Written by Lawrence Kasdan, directed by Michael Apted and Steven Spielberg acted as one of the executive producers. Kasdan's script I believe in the end gives Belushi some of his funniest lines he ever delivered. They are sharp, witty and Belushi's character is a lot more down to earth and grounded than his more famous roles.

There are also some spectacular views within the Rockies to be seen. It also places you right in Chicago as well when you are there to really equal the footing of the setting of the film.

So if you like romantic comedies or are a John Belushi fan give it a shot you might enjoy it. Just beware the ending does NOT wrap everything up in a pretty little bow. If you can digest that it will help.

Arthur (1981)

"Everyone who drinks is not a poet. Maybe some of us drink because we're not poets."

[9/10 · 26 March 2020]

Dudley Moore plays the title character Arthur Bach a drunkard rich boy who spends his free time racing cars, playing with choo choo trains and tipping his elbow. Personally I think Moore was amazing in the role, but it may be dependant on if you find his performance hilarious or not. I did and Moore had me in stitches all the time. If not it will lower your score on the film, but you should still enjoy this one. I do also think that Arthur has a pretty good intro to his character as he is totally loaded in the backseat of his Rolls-Royce while Bitterman (Ted Ross) drives him around.

Arthur is an extremely lonely character who is also quite miserable. He deals with this stress by drinking...a lot. He also is supposed to marry his girlfriend Susan Johnson (Jill Eikenberry), but Arthur does NOT love her and never will. Yet, both are extremely wealthy and if Arthur does not marry her he will be cut off of $750 million dollars. One day though Arthur meets Linda Marolla (Liza Minnelli) and instantly falls in love. It's a story of Arthur deciding what to do in staying close to the money he has always lived with or choose his heart and chase Linda.

John Gielgud gained himself an Oscar for his performance as Arthur's valet Hobson. He is equally as great as Moore and really shows an amazing dry sense of humour that really gets more deep genuine laughs than Arthur does. Christopher Cross sings the title song which also won an Oscar. Written and directed by Steve Gordon who sadly died of heart failure the following year. Followed by a sequel in the late 80s that if memory serves should pretty much be missed and a remake starring Russell Brand that I have yet to see.

The Muppet Movie (1979)

"I like the movie fine so far." "It hasn't started yet." "That's what I like about it."

[7/10 · 22 March 2020]

The Muppets visit World Wide Studios to watch what else but THE MUPPET MOVIE. Which to me is a wonderful way to show that they are extremely self-aware and really they do churn out a quite enjoyable movie. It is about Kermit leaving the swamps to take a shot on a audition brought to his attention by Bernie the agent (Dom DeLuise). They are looking for a frog in Hollywood. Along the way he meets up with Fozzie the Bear, Miss Piggy, Gonzo and many others to join his journey to Hollywood. But watch out! Doc Hopper (Charles Durning) wants Kermit to be the face of his frog legs restaurant until he wants Kermit's legs himself. Really it is like a road movie with endless cameos. Unfortunately to me most of the cameos really do nothing to move the film forward or hurt the picture, but in my opinion a few that do have a positive impact on the picture are Mel Brooks, Steve Martin and Orson Welles.

The songs range from good to excellent as well. Written by Kenny Ascher and Paul Williams (who has a cameo as a piano player in Fozzie's introduction). My two favourites are "Rainbow Connection" and "Movin' Right Along". Although Miss Piggy's "Never Before, Never Again" should garner some laughs like it did to me.

So, if you are a fan of The Muppets or perhaps if you have a child who does not know The Muppets this might be a perfect intro for them. I would suggest watching legends like Jim Henson and Frank Oz at work here. Followed by a number of sequels.

Every Which Way But Loose (1978)

Just Take It For What It Is

[6/10 · 13 March 2020]

Clint Eastwood plays Philo Beddoe who is a truck-driving, beer-pounding, fist-throwing man. Along with his brother Orville (Geoffrey Lewis) he gets into fights to make some extra cash. As well he owns an orangutan named Clyde who also is a beer-drinking mischief-maker. But, while Philo is out looking for his love-interest Lynn Halsey-Taylor (Sondra Locke) a rather inept bike gang and some bumbling cops are on his trial to exact some revenge.

If you take this film for what it is...a comedy you might enjoy this silly installment of Clint back in the late 70s. It was a box office smash and even garnered a sequel ANY WHICH WAY YOU CAN made in 1980. Just don't expect Dirty Harry or one of his westerns. There is fun to be had in this one. Also starring Ruth Gordon as his Ma and Beverly D'Angelo as Orville's love-interest named Echo.

Country legends Eddie Rabbitt, Charlie Rich and Mel Tellis offer their voices in a number of different songs for the film.

Coal Miner's Daughter (1980)

"If you're born in Kentucky, you' ve got three choices; coal mine, moonshine or move it on down the line."

[8/10 · 10 March 2020]

Really a great autobiographical look at the life of country legend Loretta Lynn. Sissy Spacek who won an Oscar for her portrayal puts in a fabulous performance as Loretta Lynn. From at the age of only 13 the meeting of her future husband Dolittle (Tommy Lee Jones in a great performance) and falling in love with him. To having a guitar given to her as an anniversary gift from her husband. To moving from singing for the babies at home to singing in front of strangers on stage. Cutting her first record, going to the Grand Ole Opry, meeting and touring with Patsy Cline (Beverly D'Angelo). To the height of her fame and the problems she faced.

If you are a country fan this one probably should be ear-marked as a must-see. Even if you are not there is a lot to this story so it is not just for fans of that genre of music.

The performances in this film are top notch. I am kind of shocked Jones was not nominated for best actor as he was in this film about as much as Spacek was. She gave a knock-out performance so for him to do so as well really is awesome. D'Angelo although not in the film long gives a great performance as country legend Patsy Cline who befriended Lynn. Finally Levon Helm, the drummer/singer of THE BAND puts in an awesome performance as Loretta's father Ted Webb. Believe it or not this is his film debut and was one of those musicians who could act as well. Must also give credit to director Michael Apted who did a great job getting the best from his actors and showcasing a legend like Loretta Lynn. Also starring William Sanderson as moonshiner Lee Dollarhide.

Hopscotch (1980)

Hopscotch

[7/10 · 8 March 2020]

Based on a novel by Brian Garfield. Before seeing this film I knew he was the author of DEATH WISH. Due to his distaste for that film he wrote the co-script with Bryan Forbes and acted as associate producer. This is not anything like the Charles Bronson classic. This is much more in the comedy vein.

Walter Matthau plays CIA agent Miles Kendig. He pulled a big-time boo-boo according to his boss G.P. Myerson (Ned Beatty). He allowed Russian agent Mikhail Yaskov (Herbert Lom) to walk in his latest assignment. So, Myerson is going to staple his butt to a desk job until he retires. You soon learn that Kendig doesn't like to be pushed around. That and he is played terrifically by Walter Matthau. As well in Beatty's introduction in does not take much time at all to deduce that he would be the worst boss going. So, in the end Matthau is going to write a tell-all book while running around the world so he old CIA buddies can't get their hands on him before the book is published. Hopscotch is the name of the book.

A pretty good film that I honestly had never heard of before I watched it. What makes it work and tick is Matthau. If you are like me and a fan of his work you really need to see it. I mean it's not exactly 100% believable, but whatever Matthau makes it work. Also starring Glenda Jackson, Sam Waterston and Walter's own son David Matthau.

Herbie Goes Bananas (1980)

Worth a Watch

[6/10 · 8 March 2020]

Two Americans D.J. (Charles Martin Smith) and Pete (Stephen W. Burns) visit Puerto Vallarta but ones wallet is stolen by a smart kid named Paco (Joaquin Garay III). He is quite the wallet-nabber as he also pinches that of a man named Shepard (Richard Jaeckel) who is with a couple of other villains in Prindle (John Vernon) and Quinn (Alex Rocco). Within his wallet is extremely important film and they are on their way to an Incan treasure they are hoping to cash in on. The two Americans pick up Herbie and hope to use him in a Brazilian race they are going to. For Pete is the nephew of racer Jim Douglas who raced Herbie in the original and part 3. Herbie is more talkative now using his horn to communicate. So, you guessed it...she's all up to Herbie to stop the three villains and save the day.

In my opinion the weakest of the original series. The laughs are not quite as plentiful, but the jokes are on full bore. But, if yourself or your child is this far in the series their may be something going on that makes this fourth installment watchable for you. Herbie really does look like a rusted out heap through out this one. Also starring Cloris Leachman and Harvey Korman, who are in this picture generally for laughs.