Garyandfilm's Replies


No, no, not Dean Martin. The man simply couldn't act. Loved it. Thought it was hilarious. But we simply cannot rob gen Z of ANOTHER horror prequel. You see, "Juror #2", a well-reviewed, intelligent film, directed by a 93 year-old legend, featuring a solid cast is taking up theatrical space. When said generation reaches THEIR 90s, I wonder how they'll look back on their "film" history. This would be so funny if it weren't so sad. It's the old adage, "what came first, the chicken or the egg?" The fact remains that the dumbing down of American taste has been in full force for decades. Of COURSE, WB would've gone for a full release if they thought the film would rake in a huge profit. But due the continual marketing to the simple-minded, who will pay outrageous prices for tickets and snacks, as long as the material they're viewing pierces their ears and numbs the senses, any film appealing to anyone over 35, requiring the use of gray matter won't get proper marketing or publicity. Older people (40???!) have stopped going to the movie theaters for the reasons mentioned. Who's at fault? I guess everyone. As for "movie executives", they're investment bankers, not movie makers. Jack Warner would never stop throwing up if he were alive and saw what "movies" are today. So sad. Oh, and "Cry Macho" is a hell of a lot finer (and more interesting) than "Smile 2." It IS disgraceful, but Eastwood himself said just a few years ago that movies "are dead." He's right. Every single movie theater is littered with endless horror movies, prequels, sequels, anime junk and Marvel crud. Everything aimed at 14 year-old boys. What was hinted at in the 20-teens has gotten even worse post-pandemic. Embarrassing, frankly. The last movie I went to was last year's "The Holdovers", which, while overrated, was at least a film aimed at adults. I'm sure it hasn't helped matters that Eastwood is a major right-winger in his 90s. Yes, total disrespect for a great, legendary artist at the the helm and such a shame for a talented cast. Maybe if Spiderman had been juror 2, the film would've gotten a wider release. No, he did NOT "clearly" want Marty himself. Angie was just like Marty's mother - jealous that he would be that much more lonesome with his friend finding a girlfriend. Disagree. Liza was NEVER as beautiful as Judy in her prime. I missed it in theaters (it played for about one week in ONE theater - obviously, a film aimed for mature adults just HAS to be replaced by ANOTHER prequel, sequel, animated, or Marvel installment, riiiight?), so I purchased the Criterion Blu Ray on a blind buy due to its raves. I put it on last night and was substantially disappointed. READ: SPOILER ALERT I found the film overwhelmingly dark and, frankly, confusing. Yes, Adam has great speculations on how his dead parents MIGHT'VE reacted to his homosexuality, but said parents don't get the benefit of any doubt whatsoever, as their dialogue with an adult son they never knew rings false as it's only (A) an illusion, brought on by drug use (B) a series of dreams (c) a fantasy. In other words, take your pick. But without a true sense of reality, I felt zero satisfaction in any of the scenes with Adam and his parents (a genuine shame considering the acting of all three). I also found the ending confusing (exactly WHEN did Harry die? Was their entire relationship a fantasy??). The '80s "music" didn't help either (same problem hurts the far superior "Call Me by Your Name "). Yes, it was beautifully acted and I will give it a second viewing, which it deserves. But man, I'm not into ghost stories, especially when it isn't even clear we're dealing with ghosts. Worse, it wasn't even marketed as such. Worst flaw: we really don't get to know who Harry is, therefore his death (whenever it happened), has no emotional impact. It should STILL receive a high-def release in hard copy. And, yes, true cinema fans are STILL purchasing Blu Ray (haven't you ever heard of 4K???). I Love Lucy itself is finally getting a full-series release on November 5th. Saw this online and enjoyed it. No, it's YOU that doesn't have the "foggiest", bud. You stated that black-and-white IS less than color because, it's "gray." As if not being able to discern blue and red in a given shot makes the scene "less." It's about the value of the DP's image, not which color someone's eyes are. Ridiculous. Shooting something in black-and-white doesn't automatically make art. Any dummy knows that. But color doesn't transcend anything to art either just because you can see a green suit. Actually, BW WAS lit and shot with great care, especially in its first year. This is why the hideous "colorization" spoils the mood of every shot in the first two years BW. Lastly, enjoy your stag films. I'd wager you have a huge collection, lol! I'm certain you'll want the last word. This means, of course, you'll have to post again. Somehow I think you'll manage it. So long, pal. Wrong. Just because it was less expensive, doesn't mean black-and-white is inferior to color. Absurd. There is great thought and care that goes into the lighting, shadows and aura of black-and-white photography. By your way of thinking, something like "Halloween 5: Season of the Witch" is more visually appealing than "Casablanca" because the former is in color. No, just classic film from the silents to the present, ignoring Marvel "films", prequels and endless sequels. I take it you watch a ton of digital crap down in your mother's basement, no? Flat out DISAGREE that the film is dated, unless you're commenting on the fact that it was shot on crisp 35 MM film, featured a genuinely witty, satiric script and was released in movie theaters for more than TWO weeks and made a TON of money, despite being marketed to ADULTS over 35! The themes addressed in the film are as real now as they were then. A truly unique, original film that still kicks ass. Uh, "What's up Doc?" can't hold a candle to "Bringing Up Baby." You can sniff some more cocaine now. I believe so. In any case, I adore this ep. It is STILL uncharacteristically sloppy writing, as Endora's spell is never found out, addressed or removed. With what Sam does on the golf course, Endora should've never been written into the script. The magic applied should've been from one OR the other, not both. It IS a goof. In the opening teaser, ENDORA casts the spell to make him play great. Her spell is never addressed nor removed. In other words, if Endora cast a spell, why would Samantha need to magically aid Darrin? Without question, it's "Walking Distance" from season one. An absolute winner. Haunting, dream-like, and not an episode that folks under 35 could fully appreciate, I believe. B.H's scoring is terrific, as is Gig Young. So many great episodes to choose from. I don't understand what your point exactly is, PJ. You seem to think that if a teenager doesn't know who Harpo is, then he's no longer a legend. Uh, okay. I guess the same goes for two teens I worked with TEN YEARS ago who had no idea who Steve Martin is. So, according to how you think, unless you are no longer known world wide by the majority of TEENAGERS, it's time to turn in in your "legend" badge. I'll write Steve today and let him in on the sad news that he's no longer a legend. I'll let you write to Harpo's surviving relatives. Anyway, back to my point: Harpo Marx is a delightful I Love Lucy episode from the Hollywood arc. His work on this offering is terrific fun, and his rendering of "Take Me Out to the Ball Game" is quite touching. So, yes, it's quite possibly the most famous Hollywood episode of I Love Lucy.