beatleman6 Reviews

Mr. Bean's Holiday (2007)

Very Surprised!

[4 September 2007]

I have never been a Bean fan at all (although Rowan Atkinson's Black Adder series as well as Johnny English have always been family favorites.) In fact, I usually find the character to be more annoying than funny. I took my three kids (13, 7, and 6) to see it and I hate to admit I really liked this film. It was very good natured and wasn't filled with gross out humor that seems to be a substitute for genuine laughs in kid movies these days. (Don't get me wrong, I enjoy a good fart joke as much as the next guy, but let's face it, anyone can fart). I knew from the beginning where the film was going, but the trip there was a lot of fun. If you have kids, do yourself a favor, take them to see this one. As long as you're not expecting Gone With the Wind, I have a feeling you'll like it as well.

I Wanna Hold Your Hand (1978)

What a Fun Movie

[10/10 · 1 December 2005]

** I am writing this review having just heard of Wendie Jo Sperber's passing from breast cancer today. Her performance as Rosie, the Paul obsessed teen, was absolutely priceless. I hope fans of this film will take a moment to remember her and her work to help others.** I Wanna Hold Your Hand was a movie that came and went very quickly in 1978. For the life of me I can't understand why. I saw this film a year or so later on HBO and thought it was one of the funniest movies I had ever seen. It is about a group of friends trying to score tickets to the Beatles first performance on the Ed Sullivan show in February, 1964. Each person has their own reason for wanting to be there, and the storyline follows each one as they try to reach that goal. The period detail is excellent, even down to having WINS radio personality Murray the K playing himself in a cameo. The young cast does an excellent job of pulling us into their world and helping us feel what it must have been like on that Sunday in February. I must add that, contrary to an earlier reviewers claim that there were not many Beatle songs heard in the film, there were in fact many songs represented. Obviously, in 1964, there were only about two dozen songs available to the public and most of them are in there.

While I found this film to be extremely entertaining, viewers not as familiar with this period of the Beatles history may miss out on some fun. There are innumerable "in" jokes and references that will go over some heads. However, as a movie it stands by itself. I still laugh in the same places I did almost thirty years ago, and still find something new with every viewing. If you are in the mood to relive a little nostalgia or need a good laugh, give this little movie a chance. I'm sure most of you won't be disappointed.

Thoroughly Modern Millie (1967)

Swell

[8/10 · 25 February 2005]

I saw this movie when I was little, and I still enjoy it today. This movie spoofs the 1920's and has a lot of fun doing it. Julie Andrews is in fine form as the title character. She gets to sing, dance, and be the fine comedienne she always has been. James Fox also shines as her would be boyfriend. While others seem to have a rather negative view of Carol Channing, I feel she has some of the most memorable moments in the movie. As madcap Muzzy, she brightens every scene she is in. She truly represents what a Jazz Baby is all about. John Gavin and Mary Tyler Moore also do a fine job as Millie's boss and best friend respectively.

The only major problem with this movie is its excessive length. While the songs and production numbers are wonderfully executed, quite a few of them are only here to prove what we already know...that Julie Andrews has a great voice. Take out The Tapioca, the wedding song, and Channing's Do It Again and you would have a much tighter movie. I fast forward through these sections every time.

For those people who feel offended by the stereotypical treatment of Asians in the film ... get over it. It is all done with tongue firmly planted in cheek. If anyone thinks for one minute that all Asians run laundries and are involved in slave trading, they probably shouldn't be watching movies and television anyway. (Being from a rural area of North Carolina doesn't keep me from enjoying the lampooning I often see in the media concerning the south and southerners.)

All in all a fun way to spend a weekend night with the family.

Definitely No Raspberries!

Sun Valley Serenade (1941)

Great Fun

[9/10 · 25 February 2005]

Caught this one on AMC before it went commercial. What a warm, family film. While I have never seen another Sonje Henie movie, I found her to be irresistible. It was also great to see John Payne playing the light comedic leading man. Of course, the music of Glenn Miller would be the highlight of any movie. The version of I Know Why (and So Do You) contained in the film is quite different from the versions you hear on Glenn Miller compilations and in my opinion is much better. (This version is also the one used in the 90's film Memphis Belle). Add great skating sequences, musical interludes, and wonderful locations and you have a fun-filled way to spend an afternoon.

Stage Door Canteen (1943)

What Stars!

[9/10 · 25 February 2005]

Saw this one on Turner Classic Movies last month. What a time capsule. My dad went to the Canteen several times during the war. After watching this movie he said it was like reliving a special memory. Having not been born during this time, I still found it a fascinating movie. I did not enjoy all of the artists that appeared in the film, however I did enjoy the patriotic sentiment shared by all. (I wish that there was a way to transfer that feeling to the present day). My favorite song from the movie was Guy Lombardo's Sleep Baby Sleep In My Jeep. I also enjoyed Tallulah Bankhead's cameo with the young soldier. If you get a chance,catch this movie the next time it comes on. You will definitely be transported to a gentler, simpler time.

Look Who's Laughing (1941)

Great Fun!

[10/10 · 25 February 2005]

I saw this movie about fifteen years ago on American Movie Classics. Having a great deal of interest in movies of this time period, I found it a lot of fun to watch. It is true that the plot is pretty thin, but for those familiar with the characters from repeats of old radio broadcasts it is great to put a face with the characters. I was surprised to see Lucille Ball in this picture. She really doesn't have a lot to do, but has some funny moments. I watch this movie with my children once or twice a year. They especially like the hand puppet Ophelia as well as the section where Charley McCarthy gets tipsy while drinking chocolate sodas. (They became familiar with Bergen by watching Disney's Fun and Fancy Free on DVD). Totally enjoyable and great for the whole family. Catch it when you can!