gregbrownmail Reviews

David Cassidy Live in Glasgow (2003 Video)

This is worth seeing, because David pleases the audience

[7/10 · 22 October 2005]

Perhaps the best thing about this is the genuine gratitude David shows. He is truly thrilled to have so many fans in the audience. Oddly, David sings a number of non-him songs. I think this goes to David's need to stretch out and perform other kinds of music. Still, he resists this for the most part, and he delivers the crowd pleasers that everyone is there for. Here is an example of how he deals with his need to expand: He sang one of his most popular songs, and it was fine! Then, a few songs later, he sang the same song again -- as a slow number. I wish hisband put as much life into the 1970s songs that David does. The band is strictly going through the motions. But, David is very David in this, and if you worship the man as I do, you'll enjoy this a great deal.

Doug Henning's World of Magic (1976 TV Special)

It's an illuuuuuuuuusion -- changing magic forever

[9/10 · 21 May 2005]

Doug Henning was so popular, I think most people would be surprised to know he is dead. Prior to Doug, magicians wore tuxedos and bow ties, and they pulled flowers out of their sleeves. Single-handedly, Henning changed all this. He had long, curly hair, colorful outfits, and a different term for his profession: He was an illusionist. When someone wants to impersonate Henning, they will put a bright look on their face, look directly at you, and exclaim, "It's an illuuuuuusion." After several years and popular specials, he left the day-to-day magic profession and became a religious figure in Great Britain. Their group achieves a higher state by sitting cross-legged and bouncing on cushions across rooms.

That's My Mama (1974–1975)

I got to report it!

[28 July 2004]

Ted Lange was extremely funny on this show. His catch phrase was long excellent: "I got it, I got it, and I got to report it!" I wish Ted were given more opportunities to show his great abilities to go over the top. I just checked online and there are no references to his catch phrase on the Internet! I'm going to change that and post it somewhere, because this must live on. I think that if more people knew about Ted's abilities then he would have been one of the very top stars of the 1970s...instead, he made it as a major figure -- and I should at least be grateful for that. I wish Ted's catch phrase were as popular as his pointing with index fingers.

I Love You... Good-bye (1974 TV Movie)

School made me watch

[1/10 · 18 March 2003]

I had to watch this film in "Life and Families" class in high school, so it almost has to earn my lowest vote. I remember Holliman saying to Lange, "I can tell about a woman by looking at her feet." There was even a class discussion about it, and all I could think was, "This was a terrible film -- there's nothing more to discuss."

Ultraman (1966– )

In a class by itself

[21 July 2002]

Frankly, I'm surprised to be the first one to talk about Ultraman. This metro Japan action show never talked down to its young audience, and I'm sure a key reason is that Peter Fernandez -- the genius behind the English-ization of Speed Racer -- also was responsible for Ultraman. Always suspenseful and damaging, it's unfortunate Ultraman hasn't found a new audience. They need only put it on the air!

Oh -- who was Ultraman? Basically, this military fellow was able to become the metallic superhero when necessary in order to fight an enormous monster and crush several buildings.

Night Life (1989)

First rate horror!

[10/10 · 29 May 2002]

Forget everything you think this movie is going to be -- it's extremely great. John Astin gives the performance of his career...he doesn't push it at all. This is the Citizen Kane of horror. I'm not kidding -- it's a super terrific film. Don't miss it!