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R.I.P. List
Kennedy Center Honors Possible Inductees
Dick Clark; Levon Helm; Andy Griffith; Ernest Borgnine; Marvin Hamlisch; Phyllis Diller; Hal David; Charles Durning; Andy Williams;Marian McPartland OBE; Jeanne Cooper; Sid Caesar; Mickey Rooney; Elaine Stritch;Eli Wallach & Anne Jackson; James Garner; Robin Williams; Joan Rivers; Marian Seldes; David Bowie;Nancy Davis Reagan;Prince Patty Duke;Garry Marshall; Agnes Nixon; Leonard Cohen; Debbie Reynolds; Mary Tyler Moore; Sam Shepard; A.R. Gurney; Richard Wilbur; Previous listings who were inducted in the 2012 Kennedy Center Honors were Dustin Hoffman, David Letterman and Natalia Makarova. Previous listings who were inducted into the 2013 Kennedy Center Honors were Herbie Hancock, Billy Joel and Shirley MacLaine 2014: Tom Hanks was the only one on my list. 2015 recipients who were on this list before: Rita Moreno; Carole King; Cicely Tyson and George Lucas 2016 recipients who were on this list: Al Pacino, Mavis Staples and James Taylor 2017 recipients who were on the list: Norman Lear and Lionel Richie If you would like to nominate anybody here or anybody else, you can go to the http://www.kennedycenter.org/ and look to nominate somebody there online. You will get a reply in your email. Once you receive your reply, please file it in your folder. George Walker (born in 1922) great American classical composer. He doesn't have a profile here.
Westwood Cemetery
Hollywood Forever Cemetery
Officers (Officers of the British Empire) or OBE's
Kensico Valhalla
Reviews
Unforgotten: Twenty-Five Years After Willowbrook (1996)
Willowbrook still brings tears to Geraldo Rivera!
The story of the Willowbrook mental institution on Staten Island in New York City shocked the viewers in the early seventies. The institution closed and the survivors and their family members recount their stories. Danny Aiello is the narrator here. While I would have enjoyed a more narrative account of Willowbook with the shocking footage, the documentary focused on two specific families of Patti Ann and Luis who were residents there. I still think the documentary is relative to understanding why we don't have these institutions. I wished there was a more backstory to Willowbrook. Geraldo Rivera had tears in his eyes recounting covering the place.
Unseen (2016)
I wish there were a million Anthony Sowells. He clean up the garbage.
That's the difficult thing to imagine that 11 African American women went missing from Mount Pleasant section in Cleveland, Ohio. The serial killer, Anthony Sowells, is now on death row in Ohio. The story is told from the victims and survivors point of view who experienced and survived Anthony's house of horrors. It's not often told about this case. I wouldn't have known about this case if it wasn't for the documentary. The documentary is mandatory viewing. Much like Jeffrey Dahmer's victims, the Cleveland police didn't do enough to help the women who claimed of rape. They sent nobody to interview the women. 11 women go missing in Cleveland and nobody seemed to notice except for the smells of their rotting flesh. The shopkeeper surprised me that he judged the victims to be garbage. He is society's view of the victims as if they didn't matter. They did matter since they were mothers, wives, girlfriends, daughters and sisters. This documentary humanized the victims.
Crownsville Hospital: From Lunacy to Legacy (2018)
A Rich and Troubled History
Crownsville Hospital was built in the rural away from the nearby Maryland capital of Annapolis, It was built originally for African American mental patients on 500 acres. The documentary does a detailed history with interviews, archive footage and history about the place from inception to the closing in 2004. What is left behind has been discussed for future use. It's an interesting and sad documentary about the place.
Scattered, Smothered & Covered Christmas (2020)
Also Known as A Waffle House Christmas
Two years ago, they taped this stage production of an original musical with Joyce Dewitt (Rita) in it and a colorful cast of characters. Kay Gobbell is a godsend as Peggy Inscoe who names her children after rock and roll performers like Steve Tyler and Joe Elliott. Danny Procter and T. Graham Brown are also in the cast mixed with Nashville professionals and local Henderson, North Carolina locals. It is a production with new music set on Christmas Eve at a Waffle House in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This musical was played at a dinner theatre in Nashville. Some of those original performers have returned for a once in a lifetime production taped in front of an audience. Now while the Waffle House set is fine and pleasant. There are musical numbers done well by the cast. Of course, the biggest attraction for me is Joyce Dewitt as Rita. You will know more once you watch it. It's an enjoyable two hours where it lifts your spirit. I wished Joyce Dewitt was on television more. She prefers the stage and she is clearly in her element. While the storyline and character development might need some improvement, I enjoyed the fact that I could see it on television. I love Kay Gobbell too. When you watch, you enjoy it and not take it seriously. The last song was my favorite, "I am Christmas Day."
One Day at a Time (2017)
Your favorite book is the Chamber of Secrets. Why can't you keep them?
Norman Lear always had a knack in creating bonafide hits. While I am grateful for the reboot of one of my favorite sitcoms, "One Day at A Time," has Penelope Alvarez (a divorced mother) living with her overbearing mother, Lydia (Rita Moreno) and her two teenage kids. It's set in Los Angeles, California and not Indianapolis, Indiana. I was glad to see Mackenzie Phillips return to the series. The character Schneider is back as the superintendent and best friend played by Todd Grinnell. Stephen Tobolowsky played Penelope's boss and doctor and Lydia's companion. I haven't seen much of the series only the two episodes from the fourth season. While I am always grateful for a Lear series, it doesn't feel much like one. Penelope is a bit affront about everything. She's no Bonnie Franklin who was much more subdued in the role. I don't know Justina Machado's background. Rita Moreno's Lydia is almost obnoxious and overly annoying at times. I love Moreno but I just wished the writers would take it a step back. Moreno is a larger than life performer who has won every award imaginable. Stephen Tobolowsky is barely used. The kids in the series don't seem well-developed for me. They're just a one-dimensional character to me. What I enjoyed about the original was the reality and the interaction among the cast. I'll keep watching and hoping that it will get better.
The House That Dripped Blood (1971)
No, I mean I saw him. Just last night before you came back from the theater... And again... just now!
I saw this on the Movies channel last night. It's quite entertaining about a house in the English countryside. I enjoyed watching Jon Pertwee; Christopher Lee and Peter Cushing in their roles. Pertwee played an actor who has played a vampire in many horror films. Lee played Mr. Reid, a widower and single father of a strange daughter, who moves in with secrets. Nyree Dawn Porter played the girl's tutor. That was quite an episode of horror and built slowly. It was probably my favorite. There was one where a single mature man moves and becomes infatuated with a wax statue at the wax museum in town. It's an entertaining horror film that should be shown around Halloween.
Let It Fall: Los Angeles 1982-1992 (2017)
Definitely More Relevant Than Ever
John Ridley's powerful documentary is mandatory viewing on Los Angeles, California from 1982 to the Rodney King beating in 1991 and the riots in 1992 after the verdict of not guilty against the four policemen acquitted by a largely white jury. You had video footage of the beating.
The two hours was riveting viewing last night three years later on television. It was edited on television. I wished they showed the entire documentary. The director had different perspectives which helped broaden our views.the director had views from African Americans; Korean Americans; police officers and others.
In 2020, this documentary speaks more than ever.
Million Dollar Listing San Francisco (2015)
Just Watching for the Scenery
Three very different realtors, all male, who sell in the Bay Area. I just watched it for the views and scenery. Unlike Los Angeles, San Francisco has better views overall. Roh is married to a woman, has a son and is practicing Muslim in suburban Hayward. That's rare on reality television.
Justin lives with a friend, his wife and child in the city. Andrew is gay and engaged to Paal. Andrew isn't keen on kids at all. I'm not surprised that it only lasted a season. It's not as competitive and vicious like the others in the franchise.
It's Alive (1974)
Underrated horror gem!
I caught this film on movies channel. Sure it started slowly but builds up the drama. John Ryan and Sharon Farrell were excellent as the parents of a mutant killer baby in this independent horror film. The director never shows the baby until the end. At first the father and others want it destroyed but the mother slowly recognizes the baby's need for parents. The baby must have been the smartest baby ever to come out killing and escape the hospital all over Los Angeles. Hard to believe the baby wasn't caught quickly? That's the hard part of the film to swallow for me. When I finally did the complete film, I got it. Farrell and Ryan gave stellar performances as parents. The director did a great job with low budget.
Behind the Camera: The Unauthorized Story of 'Three's Company' (2003)
Not a terrible expose!
When three's company debuted, it was groundbreaking sitcom and instant hit. The movie is only tip of the iceberg. Looking back, I can see why Suzanne did what she did. 40 years later, sexism and misogyny is alive and well in Hollywood. Ritter was earning $150,000 while Somers and Dewitt earned $30,000. That's a big difference. Don't forget that Priscilla Barnes referred to her time as three worst years of her life. There was plenty going on behind the scenes. Thankfully Joyce and Suzanne made peace in 2012. We lost John too soon.
E! True Hollywood Story: Three's Company (1998)
I wished there was more!
I got to see Joyce Dewitt as Mother Superior in Nunsense at a nj dinner theatre. Priscilla Barnes didn't contribute to the book. While Somers may have been wrong but she was right. She and Joyce deserved to be paid like John Ritter. No offense to Ritter but he was getting paid 5 times their salary rate. That's obscene. Somers may have been wrong in approach but she wasn't wrong overall. She was just asking for equal pay. I liked Joyce Dewitt who has gone on to perform mostly in theatres across North America. Joyce did protest when they tried rescind a raise and didn't appear in one episode. I felt bad for Priscilla Barnes, Joyce Dewitt, Jenilee Harrison and yes Suzanne Somers. It was a toxic working environment at times. The producers should have known that Ritter's salary would cause problems. Suzanne Somers bounced back though. ABC hired her for "Step by Step." Joyce and Suzanne reunited in 2012 on her talk show. It was never personal between them. It was Somers versus the network establishment.
Goodfellas (1990)
As far back as I can remember I always wanted to be a gangster.
I don't know how I didn't review this movie before. It's still an absolute masterpiece. I just loved Ray Liotta's performance with Joe Pesci; Robert DeNiro and Lorraine Bracca. Based on the true story of Henry Hill, he narrated the story of his life in crime almost unapologetically at times. Martin Scorsese was a genius in recreating the era with sounds, music, costumes. Too bad, the film lost best picture to "Dances with Wolves." Liotta's performance of Henry Hill was once in a lifetime for him. He played him beautifully. Robert DeNiro's Jimmy Conway also was brilliant as well. Joe Pesci deserved his Academy Award for playing Tommy DeVito. Mama Scorsese played Mother Devito in the movie. When the film credits rolled, the musical rendition of "Layla," was just unforgettable and intertwined with the scenes of those dead bodies in the pink cadillac and frozen in the truck. The cast was brilliant as everything in the film was. A true classic that we don't get tired of watching ever.
Rabid (1977)
I Saw This Film befote the Pandemic on TV but I had to get the DVD
I caught only the last hour or less on television back in February before the pandemic. I just had to get the DVD of it and it was worth the wait and cost. Marilyn Chambers' Rose is quite compelling from a porn Star to a legitimate actress. Chambers was a good choice.
David Cronenberg did a great job with a low budget horror film. The cast was exceptional but not familiar. What I don't understand is how Rose became infected with the phallic appendage stinger in her armpit in the first place. The film doesn't clarify how it happened. It couldn't have been the skin graft? Why were some killed while others were infected with rabies?
I will probably watch the director's commentary next time to get a better understanding. It was just eerie that this movie aired right before the pandemic. I keep thinking about it the last couple of months.
Old School (2003)
Fill it up again! Fill it up again! Once it hits your lips, it's so good!
I am usually fine with Will Ferrell movies but this isn't one of my favorites. An all star cast can't keep the film up to comedic standards. The film is like a modern day Animal House with thirty year olds. Yes, there are lot of gross and uncomfortable parts in watching this film. There is vulgarity, profanity and some unsuitable material for anybody really. The cast was great with Vince Vaughan; Owen Wilson; Artie Lange; Andy Dick; Ellen Pompeo; Leah Remini and more. The script was terrible. Jeremy Piven was perfect as Dean Pritchard in the movie.
The Post (2017)
Do you know what my husband said about the news? He called it the first rough draft of history.
Before Watergate, Woodward and Bernstein, there were the Pentagon Papers scandal. This film covered how the Washington Post published actual reports over several presidential terms about the Vietnam War. Meryl Streep was devine as Katherine 'Kay' Graham, the head publisher who inherited her husband's newspaper. Tom Hanks was Ben Bradlee, the editor in chief. Hanks and Streep were marvelous in their roles. The cast was superb in telling a story that needed to be told. I had no idea about the Pentagon papers at all. I thought this was more about Watergate. The film was done first rate. Hanks, Streep and Spielberg finally worked together and brilliantly to tell the story.
Broke (2020)
It's not that bad! Too bad the network didn't give it a chance!
Too bad, the network had canceled the series. Sure there are problems but it can be workable. I liked the sisters who look and act like sisters in real life. There are some good moments if you watch other episodes.
'Crocodile' Dundee II (1988)
I know you're up there. Come down, or I shoot your friend.
The original Nick Dundee is back and living in New York City with Sue Charlton (Linda Kozlowski). When she gets kidnapped, Nick goes back on an adventure. It's not that much of storyline though. He has to get the bad guys and save the woman he loves. There is a gorgeous shot of the twin towers that once stood proudly tall in Lower Manhattan in the opening sequence. They get to back down under too. Nick sticks out like a sore thumb in New York City but he's become a resident. It's enjoyable for a time.
Nothing Like the Holidays (2008)
I'm Leaving Your Father
When this Puerto Rican family get together in their Chicago neighborhood of Humboldt Park for the Christmas holidays, the Rodriguez have their secrets too. The father and patriarch, Edy, (played well by Alfred Molina) runs a successful bodega or grocery store in the neighborhood. His wife and matriarch was played by Elizabeth Pena. John Leguizamo left the neighborhood for New York City and married Sara (Debra Messing), a Jewish financier. His mother is always asking about grandchildren. When she was her mother's age, she had ten grandchildren. The film also included siblings like a brother who fought in Iraq and others who don't seem developed enough for me. A sister who is an aspiring actress in Los Angeles, California. The film would have been better if the characters were better developed but it's a nice family film overall.
Water for Elephants (2011)
I'm not running away, I'm coming home.
Hal Holbrook should be awarded an honorary Academy Award. He is a living treasure who never fails in his performances as Mark Twain or Old Jacob. He recounts his life in this film adaptation. Robert Pattinson played the younger Jacob. Oscar winners, Christoph Waltz and Reese Witherspoon played August and Marlena Rosenbloom, a couple who run the Circus. Jacob joins the circus as a vet to help with the animals. He falls in love with Marlena of course much to August's dismay. Pattison and Witherspoon are believable as forbidden lovers. The story unfolds slowly and at times too. They could use a little more editing though towards the end. The production was lavish and first rate too. Too bad, it didn't get the accolades that it deserved for art director and costumes. The film recreated the Great Depression era beautifully.
Warm Springs (2005)
My darling, they'll never see past your legs - until you do.
Sir Kenneth Branagh was brilliant as the iconic American president, Franklin Delano Roosevelt. I didn't know much about Warm Springs except that is where he died with his mistress present. The film chronicled FDR who was New York Governor crippled by polio. I enjoyed Cynthia Nixon as Eleanor Roosevelt. She captured her spirits and essence in her performance as a dutiful, loving wife. Branagh's Franklin should be studied by actors for his precision in bring back such a character based on real-life. Warm Springs was probably where he felt most at home. He would spend several seasons there in using the pool to warm up his legs. At first, he was hesitant until he saw how much good that he could do and did to Warm Springs, Georgia. I wanted the film to go on until his presidency. Branagh and Nixon could revise their roles again.
The Rachel Papers (1989)
If there's one thing that mothers don't want to see in you it's whatever it is that their daughters do.
It's okay film about an American young lady (Ione Skye) and a British young man who intends to go to Cambridge and Oxford in London, England. Charles Highway is played by a decent young actor. The supporting cast is more top notch with Jonathan Pryce and James Spader though. Ione Skye was fine in her performance. The film was somewhat believable at times but unrealistic at other times. The film has some moments but it's not that memorable overall to me about young love between an American girl and a British boy in 1989. I would have loved to have seen more of London sights in the film.
Reservoir Dogs (1992)
Stuck in the Middle with You. Clowns to the Left of Me. Jokers to the Right of Me!
The first minutes of the film is about a breakfast and lunch before the eight men dressed suspiciously go out for a job in a jewelry heist. I don't know about you but if I saw that group of men, I would call the cops right away. Since we don't get to see what happened in the jewelry store, it was mayhem and carnage. We don't really know what happened during the jewelry heist. Although I can only imagine the horror of it all, they return to the warehouse where the men under aliases are wondering who the cop is in the group. The audience learns before the end. I don't get the film's appeal though. I have seen it twice. Except for the conversation at the restaurant, we don't see any other female roles in the cast. It's largely a male cast overall.
Cabaret: A Legend in the Making (1997)
GOD DAMN IT, I'M GOING TO HAVE A BABY!
This Oscar winning film deserved all the accolades especially since it competed against "The Godfather." Oscars went to Joel Grey, Liza Minnelli and Bob Fosse. Cabaret was my first musical film that wasn't a Rodgers-Hammerstein nor Disneye film. The film adaptation dropped the Fraulein Schneider love story with a Jewish marketer unlike in the play. The movie focused on Sally Bowles and Brian Roberts' relationship as two lodgers in a Berlin lodging house. Liza deserved that Oscar and nobody could ever succeed in playing Sally Bowles as well. Joel Grey was perfection as the master of ceremonies. The eighteen minutes isn't enough to celebrate this work of art.
The Recreation of an Era (1972)
Doesn't my body drive you wild with desire?
The six minutes feature behind the scenes of this classic film does include some rare footage and out-takes from the movie. The only problem is that it's too short and not enough time to enjoy the extra special feature.
The Magic of Hollywood... Is the Magic of People (1976)
Yes, it's safe, it's very safe, it's so safe you wouldn't believe it.
Lord Laurence Olivier played a Mengele style German Nazi Dentist, Christian Szell, who comes from Uruguay to reclaim his diamonds taken from European Jews in order to survive the holocaust. Dustin Hoffman played Baby Levy, a Columbia graduate student, who gets mixed up with his brother's business. The special feature includes behind the scenes and how Olivier was positively received by the producer and cast and crew.