Reviews

Sure it was cheesy and took itself too seriously, but I find it very easy to love, nonetheless, and it holds a special place among my favorite shows.It isn't high quality in the way my other favorites are, but there is still something very special about it, and it's the natural followup to "A Very Brady Christmas". Leah Ayres did a fine job as the replacement Marcia, and the rest of the cast got a chance to show that they truly were talented dramatic actors all along. I can't help but love this show.

I haven't seen it in a couple of years, but I still love it. Cheesy and shmaltzy, yes, but I have always loved the post "Bunch" stuff. (This and "The Bradys".) Good job by Jennifer Runyon filling in for Susan Olsen. Still the very, very best reunion movie of all time.

As the second season of "Everwood" has gotten underway, I have moved this show up in my ranking-it has now become my second favorite show of all time behind "Once and Again". Although "Once and Again" was a superb, one of a kind show, "Everwood" possesses many stylistic and thematic similarities to the prior show. It also boasts excellent acting from its adult as well as teenage cast. "Everwood"'s two core families-the Browns and the Abbotts-are written as real people with strengths and weaknesses, and played by talented actors who bring these characters to life. Greg Berlanti has proven with this show that he has the ability to make a contemporary family drama that can be popular as well as real. "Everwood" is definitely my second favorite show of all time.

Jamie Lee Curtis and Lindsay Lohan are both wonderful in this warm, witty romp that is not only one of the summer's most pleasant surprises, but is also one of the most truly engaging and funny films of the year. This film is better by far than either of the previous two versions. A real winner and one that the whole family will enjoy!

"Once and Again" is without question my very favorite show of all time. One of the show's greatest strengths is the writing. The writing is wonderfully crisp and natural and actually sounds like people talking for a change. It examines daily life in a very intricate, exquisite, and truthful way. The second greatest strength is its acting. I don't know if there has ever been a television ensemble this good. From Sela Ward's self absorbed and yet lovable Lily to Billy Campbell's conflicted Rick to Jeffrey Nordling's perpetual screwup Jake to Susanna Thompson's uptight but loving Karen to Marin Hinkle's resilient romantic Judy, all of the adults in the cast put in consistently stellar performances.

But perhaps the show's finest performances came from its younger actors. Julia Whelan was perfect as whiny teenager Grace,awkwardly trying to survive the hell of being an adolescent. Shane West touched our hearts as Eli, never quite sure of his place in the world, and Evan Rachel Wood lit up the screen as Jessie,blossoming in front of our eyes from a shy, insecure child to a beautiful, more confident young woman. All three of these young people have the potential to be stars someday soon.

"Once and Again" is a gem of a show that was never truly given the recognition it deserved. Nevertheless, it's a show that has touched my heart. I can't imagine television being any better than this.

After the untimely demise of my precious "Once and Again", I was hoping to find another show that could capture those intricate, complex human relationships with the same sense of maturity and honesty that "Once and Again" did. When I finally discovered "Everwood" about midseason, I knew I had found that show.

"Everwood" is a brilliantly written show filled with wonderful performances from a capable ensemble cast. Treat Williams has the role of a lifetime as Dr. Andrew Brown and the teenage cast-Gregory Smith, Emily Vancamp, Chris Pratt, and Mike Erwin are natural talents just like "Once"'s Shane West, Julia Whelan, and Evan Rachel Wood. The storylines are intriguing and the writing is filled with real emotion. Despite what others may say, the show is not sappy.If you want sappy,watch "7th Heaven".If you want a drama with beautiful writing and acting and the best ensemble on television, watch "Everwood".

I'll be short and sweet. "Touched By An Angel" is a beautifully written, wonderfully acted, and fascinating to watch show. There are no "bad" episodes. The show received a very successful and very deserved nine year run.

I have made errors in judging in the past about the quality of various shows, but of this I am certain. "Touched By An Angel" is my second favorite show of all time. (Second only to the beautiful, short-lived "Once and Again".)God has truly inspired everyone involved with this show. May God bless them all!

I have always found this film an enjoyable and fun movie that uses satire to deliver some profound insights into modern American blended families. The film focuses on Laura Chartoff (Hillary Wolf), a delightfully sarcastic and self aware preteen and her dysfunctional family. Laura hates the family situation she has been forced into, but also finds she doesn't know how to convey this to either of her divorced parents, self absorbed and materialistic Melinda (Margaret Whitton) and well meaning but inarticulate David (Griffin Dunne).

After a particularly nasty fight with her mom and stepdad,Keith(David Strathairn) Laura runs away with her stepbrother Josh (Dan Futterman),who is estranged from the family. Soon all of Laura's family arrive at the lake house where she and Josh have been staying, and she takes off again, believing Josh has betrayed her trust.

In the days that follow, Laura will discover some fundamental truths about family as she makes her way alone in the world. Meanwhile,back at the lake, Laura's various family members-parents, stepparents,and siblings all come to realizations about their relationships that are alternately funny, touching, and poignant.

This is truly a great film which few people even know about-an underrated gem. Filled with vibrant performances-especially by the wonderful Dan Futterman, by Patricia Kalembar as Laura's beloved stepmother, Barbara, and by a pre-"Boy Meets World" Ben Savage as Laura's know-it-all half brother, Sam. Do yourself a favor and watch this movie. You won't be disappointed.

Parenthood is possibly my favorite movie of all time. Everyone of the actors in the film are in top form-especially Dianne Wiest, who was nominated for(and should have won)the Oscar. Brilliant, funny, touching,and heartbreaking film that is highly underrated. It deserved best picture of 1989!

"Ordinary People" is an extraordinary film. It completly deserved all its awards. Even though it is not a happy movie, it is a life affirming one. Timothy Hutton deserved his Oscar as tortured teenager, Conrad Jarrett. He might just be the very best of the best supporting actors. Donald Sutherland was completly snubbed by the academy, which was a real shame. His confused father, Calvin Jarrett, is probably his most nuanced and heartfelt performance.

But the real Oscar tragedy was the loss of Mary Tyler Moore to Sissy Spacek for best actress. Moore deserved that trophy. Her emotionally crippled mother, Beth Jarrett, the organized, efficient epitome of suburban perfection, shocked moviegoers everywhere with her uncompromising performance. Although the film is built around Hutton's character,any discussion of the film will quickly go to Moore and her performance. Spacek may have been playing a real person,but Moore was playing a complicated, often nasty character, and she did so with unflinching bravery. The award should have been hers. One of the biggest mistakes in Oscar history, as far as I'm concerned.

Using Canon in D as background music was a brilliant idea, as well. All the elements come together to make "Ordinary People" one of the finest films of all time. Definitly on my top five favorite movies of all time list.

I am a bigger fan of the 1980-84 years then I am of the earlier ones. I grew up watching these years in syndication FIRST, and these are the ones that hold memories and magic for me. Sure, I like Ron Howard, but I LOVE the character of Jenny Piccalo and the romances of Joanie and Chachi and Fonzie and Ashley. Maybe, if I had seen the earlier ones first, I would feel differently, but the truth is I love and prefer the 80-84 years!

I know this is my third review for this show, but I have one more thing to add. The regular characters are awesome! Captain Stubing,Vicki, Isaac, Gopher, Julie, Doc,etc. They truly were a family, and their talent added a great deal to the show.They are the reason this show was a success, and the revival flopped. The revival's cast had no talent! This comedy/drama is one of my three favorite shows of all time. (along with the corny, but always lovable "The Brady Bunch", and the beautiful "Once And Again".)

I just commented on "The Love Boat", but I just realized there is so much I forgot to say about it. There are so many great episodes that have touched my heart. I was reminded of this when one of my favorites came on TV Land tonight. In it, a young girl (Maureen "Marcia Brady" Mc Cormick) falls in love, and then learns she may only have monthes to live. It is exceptional, real entertaiment that has a wonderful life lesson attached to it. There is another one where the crew is critical of an apparent relationship between an older man and a younger woman that turns out to be not what they imagined at all. Also, there is an episode that features first love between a pair of teenagers (Scott Baio and Kristy Mc Nichol) that rings true. I also enjoy the episode where Vicki's T.V. idol (Alison "Nellie Oleson" Arngrim) comes on board,and turns out to be not what she appears, either.

The series is exceptional in that it was able to deal with serious, sometimes even controversial themes, and balance it out with good, old fashioned screwball and sophisticated comedy. Contrary to many people's belief that the show's quality went down as it matured, I would have to disaggree. I have enjoyed every episode of this show I have ever seen, early or late in the series. And I find Charo to be adorable and funny.

"The Love Boat" has a permanent place on my favorite shows list, and a permanent spot in my heart, as well.

"The Love Boat"is one of my top three favorite shows of all time. "The Love Boat" takes place on a luxury cruise ship,The Pacific Princess,and features new stars each week. These guest stars populate the passenger list of the ship. Their voyages, sometimes dramatic, sometimes comic, always romantic, make up the stories on the show. The crew members, the show's only regulars,often participate in the stories.

"The Love Boat" is the ultimate escapist fantasy with colorful locations and glossy love stories. And it is a whole lot of fun.You really can't do much better than this. Out of all the shows that feature many big name guest stars, this is truly the best. This show holds a treasured spot in my heart, and is excellent and uplifting entertainment. I wish TV Land showed every episode!

What can I say? As someone who loved the original series and its characters, this reunion movie was probably just a very easy sell. But I loved it. I thought it was fun, nostalgic, and romantic. All of the actresses fit back into their roles seamlessly. The only one missing is Nancy Mc Keon as Jo, but her spirit lives on as Jo's daughter, Jamie, and husband, Rick, make appearances. The movie has very good continuity with the show, and is written in the same style and spirit. They also remembered to include Mrs. Garret's son, Raymond, a delightful recurring character who could easily have been overlooked. There are moments of madcap hilarity and moments of quiet poignance, just like on the original show. A wonderful look at the lives of four of the best teenage girls ever on television. Tied with "A Very Brady Christmas" as my very favorite television reunion movie of all time.

I love this show. Angela Lansbury shines in the role of her career as the delightful mystery novelist,Jessica Fletcher. She never recieved an Emmy for the role, but should have. The writing is top notch, and the mysteries are engrossing. This is one of my all-time favorite shows,and is so much fun to watch.The many guest stars are great too.A wonderful show.Catch the reruns!

"Beauty and the Beast" is a haunting,poetic masterpiece of a film that has touched me deeply.I first saw it when it first came out,but now that I am older,I can see how brilliant it really is.Disney will never be able to top this,and they haven't.It's just so brilliant.You must see it soon,if you haven't already,and if you have,see it again.it's wonderful.

I wrote a comment about this show about a year ago,and now I feel I must elaborate upon that comment.I love this show.This show has affected me in a way that no other show has ever done.I see a lot of myself in the characters.The show was even better in its second year with the large ensemble cast mixing on a more frequent basis.

I love this movie.The outdoor scenes are glorious,the music is excellent,and the acting is remarkable.Although I respect Henry Fonda as an actor,I would not call myself a big fan, as the only movies of his I have truly enjoyed are this and one of my childhood favorites, "Yours,Mine,And Ours."(by the way,also a very good movie.) There is no doubt,of course, that this is his best performance.He is absolutly wonderful as Norman,and completly into him.You BELIEVE that he is Norman.The same can be said about Katharine Hepburn (in the best performance of HER career.)as Norman's loving and supportive wife,Ethel.It is not often that two such famous actors can disappear into thier charachters so well,but Hepburn and Fonda pull it off effortlessly.

As for the rest of the cast,Jane Fonda and Dabney Coleman are very good as well.But they are both outshined by Doug Mc Keon's performance as Billy.His name should go down on the list of great child performances.

All in all, a wonderful classic that makes you ponder life,and makes you want to spend a little more time with your grandparents!

Are you tired of all those boring,stupid,and completly insipid movies about teenagers? I know I am. But I wholeheartedly recommend "My Teacher's Wife", which is a sweet little slice-of life tale about a high school senior (well played by Jason London, in the best performance he has ever given.), who falls in love with the wife (Tia Carrere) of his calculas teacher (a wonderfully detestable Christopher Mc Donald.)

It may sound trashy,but it is excellently done and very insightful on friendship and matters of the heart.I think this movie is an underrated gem and the best teen comedy I have ever seen.

"The Facts Of Life" is the best spinoff show ever,taking the wonderful Mrs. Garret,and bringing her into a girl's boarding school for this touching and wonderful show,that brims with the innocence and pain of the teenage years.It managed to be often hilariously funny,while being realistic,and helpful to kids who may have been in similar situations to the girls on the show."The Facts Of Life" has been given the unfair label of a "girl's show",but it is the kind of show that all kids of the girl's age groups can relate to.

Each and every charachter on this show was richly drawn,from Mrs. Garret,to Blair,to Jo,to Natalie,and to Tootie.Over the years,the girls and Mrs. Garret became a family,a group who supported each other through the hard times,and celebrated the joys in each other's lives.This was the definitive friendship show,one of people,who despite thier diffrences,cared for one another, and grew closer through the years.It was also a wonderful social commentary too,exploring social issues through comedy,and bringing thought provoking thoughts to the surface in the process.This skill is especially evident in one of my favorite episodes,in which Tootie is confronted by teen prostitution.

However,some episodes are played simply for light-hearted laughs,such as another one of my favorites, in which Mrs. Garret's ex-husband,Robert, visits and teaches the girls to play poker.Even these lighthearted episodes were better than most other telivision sitcoms,and that is one of the most important things to know about "The Facts Of Life":It is a cut above other sitcoms.It is definitly my 2nd favorite sitcom of all time.(2nd only to "The Brady Bunch".)

"Once And Again" is an amazing and wonderful show.The performances from the entire ensemble are all wonderful.They all add to the effect of this great show in one way or another.Every single charachter is real and full developed.The way that it is able to to take the relationship of Lily and Rick (Sela Ward and Billy Campbell) and look at it from every single possible angle is just amazing.The writing on this show is absolutly flawless.The little "interview" scenes where the charachters reveal thier innermost thoughts are beautifully executed.

As I have said before,the entire ensemble cast is wonderful.The true standout,however,is Susanna Thompson as Rick's ex-wife,Karen.Her storyline,involving her relationship with her younger boyfriend,Leo, is every bit as fascinating as the storyline involving the relationship of Rick and Lily.

So,in conclusion,"Once and Again" is a beautiful show,and I hope it lasts for years to come.

"Mary And Rhoda" is an excellently written reunion of two of t.v.'s best loved women, Mary Richards and Rhoda Morgenstern. Both Mary Tyler Moore and Valerie Harper settle perfectly back into their parts, and they are surrounded by a wonderful, capable cast. Sometimes serious, sometimes funny, it's all great fun. Like visiting old friends years later. All in all, this is my 2nd favorite reunion movie of all time. ("A Very Brady Christmas" is still #1).

This show was actually very good.It works much better than you would think it should,and we come to care about the charachters just as much as we had in the original series.The acting is very good,and the writing was excellent.Watch for a young Jonathan Taylor Thomas as Greg and Nora's son ,Kevin.

This is an excellent reunion movie.It has a great storyline,some wonderful writing,and situations that alternate between comedy and drama.No other reunion movie has ever stayed more true to the original charachter conceptions while allowing them to grow.An excellent movie,part of my christmas tradition.