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bobm64
Reviews
The Contender (2000)
A quality picture that too many people missed
I honestly believe I just watched the best picture of 2001 (and it CERTAINLY WAS NOT "Gladiator"). Well written, acted and told story that makes me miss "West Wing" during the rerun season. Gary Oldman's portrayal of a "misguided" committee chairman is villianous, without the heavy handedness usually provided this type of character. Joan Allen was a bit too stoic, but still provided the character with dignity and moral appeal. The supporting cast of Jeff Bridges (watch the deleted scenes for the "apes in a cage " analogy), William Peterson, Kathryn Morris and especially Sam Elliot was superb. This is excellent movie making, story telling and politically thrilling stuff. I haven't enjoyed a movie more this year!!
Best in Show (2000)
This is HILARIOUS stuff!!
Once a year I pass the "National" dog show on USA Networks, and wonder what kind of whackos, would participate and/or watch such a show. Well after watching one of the funniest mockumentaries ever conceived, I will have to stop and check it out next year with a "Best of Show" view point. I laughed for a solid 50 minutes, and just when the "talking heads" portion of the movie had about maxed out (and it was very funny stuff), here came the actual show portion with Fred Willard firing from every angle. I must admit that I get a goofy grin every time I see Fred Willard (who has been spectacularly underrated for almost 25 years), but nothing can prepare you for his "color commentary" of the show. Kudos as well to his British sidekick who straight-faced it all the way to the end. This movie played for over 30 weeks in a local theater in Ft. Lauderdale, and now I know why, it must have more repeat viewing than Star Wars. Just a great job by everyone in the cast (Guest & Levy couldn't have actually written all those lines), and if you have the DVD, don't skip the deleted scenes!!
The Mating Habits of the Earthbound Human (1999)
Pretty likeable late night, HBO-type fare.
I watched this at about 1:00 AM one morning. My channel surfing was naturally halted by Carmen dancing at a Disco. The surprising and amusing voice-over of many time Emmy winner, David Hyde Pierce, was also quite an attention getter. What followed was a pretty likeable, playful, and occasionally laugh out loud (sperm runners) spoof of the American dating moors. The male lead nicely portrayed an "average guy" in over his head with the stunning Carmen Electra. Her performance here was so easy and unforced, than, along with a couple of late night talk show appearance I've seen recently (namely Craig Kilborn), have really made me a big fan. Don't get the Dennis Rodman thing, but.....? The sex scenes, though tame, had a nice playful spirit, and except for a totally out of character, unnecessary tirade during the childbirth sequence, the movie could have been suitable, and probably appreciated, by a younger audience. Considering what must have been a fairly low-budget, a nice debut by the director. Give it a watch!!