Reviews

Being a fan of the original show, (and recently completed watching the entire series on DVD) I have waited a while to see what TNT was going to offer. After watching the two hour and fifteen minute premiere, I have to say I was pleasantly surprised. This is pretty good, and you have to remember that this is a continuation of the original. This is not a reboot.

Just like J.R. and Bobby before them, John Ross and Christopher are rivals, except they are not fighting over Ewing Oil. John Ross is a wildcatter, trying to strike it rich much like his grandfather Jock did roughly eighty years ago. Christopher is not a part of the oil business, devoting his time to alternative energy. Bobby is married and running Southfork, Sue Ellen is involved in the political scene, and J.R. is continuing to use his tricks to get what he wants.

This really is like watching the show thirty years ago. And I like the fact that they keep mentioning the past. There are mentions of Jock, Miss Ellie, the fact that Miss Ellie's family have owned Southfork for around 150 years, and there is even a brief mention of Pam, Bobby's first wife (albeit not a flattering one by J.R.). And it is great to see Southfork all over again.

If the first two episodes tonight are any indication of what the series holds, then we are in for a ride. I recommend it.

If you are looking for a great movie, look no further, because this one fits the bill.

The year is 1957, and the Soviet Union has released Sputnik into space. One night, the citizens of Coalwood, West Virginia, watch the sky to get a view of the satellite. The event has a significant impact on young Homer Hickam.

After seeing Sputnik, Homer becomes fascinated with rockets. He strives to learn everything there is to know about them. Joining forces with three other students, production begins on the first rocket.

As time passes, the quartet's prowess in constructing rockets improves, and with the encouragement of teacher Frieda Riley, the boys work hard to earn a chance to go to the National Science Fair in Indianapolis.

While Homer and his colleagues develop a popular following, there are some who oppose their work. The biggest critic is Homer's father, John, who is a supervisor at the town's coal mine. His belief is simple: Rockets are a waste of time, and Homer should go to work in the mine, which ultimately becomes the career of virtually all of Coalwood's male citizens. As one of the characters says at one point, it's either the mine, or possibly college thanks to a football scholarship.

Since Homer cannot play football, it's either the mine, or rockets. He definitely does not want the first option. What will it be? The film has some solid performances, including Jake Gyllenhall as Homer, and Chris Cooper as John. The script is good, and a lot of the scenes evoke the right emotions. You cannot help but cheer for Homer, who has a dream and wants to achieve it.

This film is an uplifting drama, and does show that if you believe, you can follow your dreams. Don't miss it.

For any of you parents out there that read my review, I can recommend this movie for kids. Some adults might like it, but I'm going to give you a word of warning: You must suspend belief or you will not get through this movie. If you can suspend belief, or you are a parent looking for a movie for your children, read on.

Larry Daley (Ben Stiller) is currently trying to sort his life out. He is divorced, and trying to invent a product that he believes is a sure thing. However, obstacles keep that project from coming to fruition. In addition, he has a history of moving from place to place. After his wife cautions him that moving will mean not having his son come over to visit him, Larry decides to find steady employment. As a result, Larry takes a job as a night watchman at the Museum of Natural History, where the current guards (Dick Van Dyke, Mickey Rooney, and Bill Cobbs) are being let go.

When Larry's first night on the job begins, nothing is out of the ordinary. Later on, however, he finds out that the museum exhibits come to life each night. Everywhere Larry goes, he sees Huns, wild animals, miniature cowboys and Roman soldiers, a talking Easter Island statue, and Teddy Roosevelt.

After getting through the night (with assistance from Roosevelt), Larry wants no part of the job and leaves, only to come back after he briefly sees his son outside the building. Determined to spend time with him, Larry gets help from a fellow employee (a likable Carla Gugino) and reads books about the museum exhibits, in an effort to prepare for the next night. Can Larry spend the next night, and many more in the museum? Stiller's character is pretty much the likable mild mannered guy he's played in previous films. Robin Williams looked like he was having fun portraying Teddy Roosevelt. From what I have read about Roosevelt, Williams's performance was dead on in terms of capturing Roosevelt's personality. It was also good to see film legends like Rooney and Van Dyke, even though Rooney's dialogue consisted of sporadically funny one-liners and name-calling, much of it ridiculous.

The film does have its moments. There are some scenes that are funny (like Larry showing magic tricks to the Huns), but there are some parts that are pretty silly. The script is hit and miss, and some of the characters are obnoxious (like Owen Wilson's cowboy).

This movie is clearly targeted for kids, and I think kids will like it. With adults, it's probably going to be at least half and half. For me, it wasn't bad, but not great.

I just recently saw this Bugs Bunny cartoon, and it was one I actually had not seen before. This was part of the Looney Tunes Golden Collection DVD, and it is one of my favorite cartoons in the collection so far.

Bugs is the conductor for a concert, and while trying to lead the orchestra, he deals with a plethora of distractions. There are some excellent sight gags throughout the cartoon's duration. For example, Bugs's ears are used to conduct the orchestra, among other things. What's more, there are no voice characterizations in this cartoon. Bugs is completely silent, so there are no one-liners from him. However, the sight gags provide a lot of laughs. This is a good cartoon. Catch it.

This is an okay cartoon short from the Warner Bros. Studio, but it's not among its best.

Elmer decides to take up photography, and goes out to take pictures of animals. When he gets there, he meets a rabbit, (who looks like Bugs, but there is no mention that it is actually him) who proceeds to make it difficult for Elmer to enjoy his new hobby.

There are some funny parts in the cartoon, such as when Elmer is actually trying to photograph the rabbit. Simply put, the rabbit is not going to just allow Elmer to take his picture. However, there are some parts that were just a bit silly. This is really an average cartoon.

This is one of the cartoons I remember watching many times as a kid. I think it was in one of the Looney Tunes compilation films (possibly the Bugs Bunny-Road Runner movie). Years later, I can still watch it and enjoy it.

Pepe Le Pew finds his way into a perfume shop, much to the shock of the store's owner. After a local policeman fails to get rid of Pepe, the owner sends a female cat inside to resolve the issue. However, the cat gets a bottle of white liquid on her back, thus making her look like a skunk. Once Pepe sees her, it is instant attraction for him.

Pepe Le Pew is of course one of the most likable of the Looney Tunes, and his love for the cat leads to several laughs. This is a good one, in my opinion.

With the sequel to this film coming out later this month, I decided to watch this one. It was actually a movie I had wanted to see for quite a while, but never got around to watching it. After seeing Wall Street, I can definitely recommend it.

Bud Fox is a young stockbroker working at a New York firm. It's rough work, with values of stocks constantly changing and being on the phone with clients all day. Speaking of which, there is one person that Bud really wants as a client: Gordon Gekko.

Gekko is THE major player on Wall Street, and Fox has tried for a couple of months to meet him. After buying Gekko a box of his favorite cigars as a birthday gift, he is granted a chance to meet the famous investor.

Fox makes his pitch to Gekko, and is given a chance to prove himself, with Gekko having him make a couple of investments. One of those investments does not work out, and Gekko decides that he and Fox cannot do business. Fox asks for another chance, and Gekko then proceeds to tell him the Gordon Gekko way of doing business. If Fox can follow that, Gekko will give him another chance.

After thinking about it, Fox decides to play by Gekko's rules, and works his way up to being Gekko's right-hand man, getting everything he has dreamed of. However, will it come with a price? This is another example of a movie that is good with just a decent script and fine acting. Michael Douglas is excellent as Gordon Gekko, who is the man who you love to hate. For any Dallas fans reading this review, think of Gekko as the New York version of J.R. Ewing. He loves the investment world, much like J.R. loved the oil world, and both are ruthless. Douglas deserved the Oscar he won for this role. Sheen isn't bad as the young and impressionable Fox, a far cry from his role on Two and a Half Men. And I also enjoyed the scenes he had with his dad, who plays a blue collar man, the complete opposite of Gekko.

Before I wrote this review, I was thinking about how this movie is very much a morality tale. And it is a well done morality tale. And after saying that, I cannot wait for the sequel to come out.

Before I begin my review, I will say up front that if you cannot suspend belief when it comes to watching a movie, Hot Tub Time Machine is not for you. If you can suspend belief, read on.

Three adult friends, Adam, Nick, and Lou, have not had the lives they thought they would have at their age. After Lou almost dies at home, the trio decide to take a trip to a winter resort where they stayed in 1986 and have some overdue fun. Along with Adam's nephew Jacob, they arrive to find that the place is nothing like it once was.

The four of them find a hot tub outside their room and decide to try it out. A drinking binge ensues and some of what they are consuming spills onto the controls of the hot tub.

After waking up in the tub, they get out and notice that a lot of people have shown up in the area, and everything looks like it did in the 1980s.

None of the quartet seems to get what's happening until they finally realize they have traveled back in time to 1986, the very same year, and day, that they were at the resort. Of course, they want to go home, but they also wonder what would happen if certain events are altered. Will history repeat itself?

The acting is good here. John Cusack plays the good guy character like he usually does. Rob Corddry is the standout of the bunch, however, as the obnoxious Lou. For anyone who has seen any of the American Pie movies, think of Lou as an older version of Stifler. Chevy Chase doesn't have a lot to do as the repairman of the hot tub who appears and disappears in no time.

The script is very reliant on one-liners and plenty of profanity. So if you have an issue with the latter, this is not recommended for you. For all of you that grew up in the 80s, the film is loaded with references to that time, and I really liked that aspect of the film. You will get a sense of nostalgia by watching this. I sure did.

This movie isn't bad at all, just far-fetched. It does make you laugh more than once, though, so it is worth a look. But I did not find it to be as funny as others thought.

This film has been consistently regarded as the weakest of the Karate Kid films with Ralph Macchio, and I do not disagree with that. However, it is not as bad a movie as it is made out to be.

Nine months after his assault on Johnny Lawrence after the All Valley Karate Championships, John Kreese has hit bottom. All of the students left the Cobra Kai dojo, and he has had no newcomers since then. Finally throwing in the towel, Kreese pays a visit to his friend Terry Silver, who served with him in the Vietnam War.

Like Kreese, Silver is a member of the Cobra Kai, and once he hears the story of what happened at the Karate Championships, he decides to gain revenge on Daniel and Mr. Miyagi.

As for the two protagonists, they return home from Okinawa to discover that the landlord of the apartment building where Miyagi works has sold the place. Therefore, Miyagi is out of a job.

While Daniel's mother is taking care of his uncle, Daniel stays with Miyagi, and helps his sensei realize a dream of owning a shop where bonsai trees are sold. Across the street from the shop, Daniel meets a girl named Jessica and they become friends.

Meanwhile, Kreese is in Tahiti for some relaxation while Silver puts his plan into action. He recruits Matt Barnes, who has developed a reputation for being a dirty player at karate tournaments, to get Daniel to fight in the tournament. The problem is that Daniel, who has taken Mr. Miyagi's advice, decides against fighting. Thus begins the harassment from Barnes.

As for Silver, he introduces himself to Daniel and Miyagi and comes off as a really nice guy. In other words, he puts together one heck of an acting job. His plot is to separate Daniel and Miyagi and have Daniel come train with Silver. Will he be successful? Will Daniel fight? Macchio and Morita are good as always. Kove doesn't disappoint as Kreese, and Thomas Ian Griffith, who plays Silver, gives a decent debut performance. And Robyn Lively is well cast as the girl next door Jessica. Sean Kanan also deserves a mention for playing the arrogant Barnes.

For those who don't care for the story, the performances may be enough to get you stick with it. Like I said, it's not bad, but it's not as good its two predecessors, either.

When I heard about this movie, I knew little about it. In fact, all I knew was that it was based on a very popular book. I have never read the book, so I cannot offer a comparison between the two. However, I can recommend the movie.

Julia Roberts plays Liz Gilbert, a woman who takes a close look at her life and realizes she needs a change. She seeks a divorce from her husband and decides to travel to Italy, India, and Bali for a year to find herself.

On her stops to each country, she meets up with several colorful characters, and begins to see that many people have problems in their lives, and they are also trying to find balance like she is.

Roberts is great as usual in her portrayal of Liz Gilbert. Javier Bardem is well cast as Felipe, and Richard Jenkins deserves a nod for his performance as Richard.

The cinematography is excellent. Each of the countries have beautiful spots and the camera work is great as far as showing that beauty.

This is a fine film. I cannot speak for the other reviewers, or for the movie's user rating, but I say it is worth watching.

"Rocky II" is a nicely done film that continues the story of the one and only Rocky Balboa.

The film starts immediately after Rocky and Apollo Creed's match. Both fighters are being sent to the hospital, where a pack of reporters are awaiting them. Rocky arrives first, and announces he is retired. Apollo comes in moments later, and wants a rematch. Despite the fact that Apollo won the match by split decision, he thinks Rocky's performance was a fluke. Rocky sees no reason to take part in a rematch, and the matter remains unsettled.

After he is fully healed, Rocky tries to adjust to life after boxing. He and Adrian get married, and she becomes pregnant soon after. However, Rocky quickly finds that retirement from the ring may not be the best option for him. Adrian is opposed to Rocky making a comeback. Rocky has an eye problem by this time, and she fears that he could go blind if he fights again. Mickey feels the same way, even testing Rocky's eyesight to show Rocky that fighting would not be a wise decision.

While Rocky contemplates resuming his boxing career, Apollo has not gotten over what happened in the first fight. Still wanting a rematch, he resorts to humiliating Rocky in the newspaper and on TV. Unable to take it anymore, Rocky decides to come out of retirement. Will Apollo win and prove he was right about Rocky, or will Rocky triumph this time around? Or will the two boxers fight to a draw? The film was written and directed by Sylvester Stallone, and he does well in both roles. Talia Shire is convincing as Adrian, Carl Weathers is perfect as Creed, Burt Young lends good support as Paulie, and Burgess Meredith is fun to watch as Mickey. I also enjoyed the film's score very much.

If you liked the first "Rocky," you'll like this. It is worth watching.

As far as movie sequels go, "the Karate Kid, Part II," is as good as any.

Six months after defeating the Cobra Kai in the All Valley Karate Tournament, Daniel Larusso is getting set to go to college. By this time, he is no longer dating Ali, who has fallen for someone else. Meanwhile, Mr. Miyagi receives a letter that was sent from his native Okinawa. Miyagi learns that his father is very ill, so Miyagi prepares to fly to his homeland to see him.

Daniel accompanies Miyagi to Okinawa, where a man named Sato is waiting for them. Sato was Miyagi's best friend when they were younger, but the two had a falling out over a girl that they both loved. Sato wanted to fight, but Miyagi didn't. As a result, Miyagi left Okinawa and has not been back until now. Sato has waited years for Miyagi's return and wastes no time in trying to get Miyagi to fight him. Miyagi, as usual, wants no part of any violent acts. Will these two masters of karate have a duel to settle their differences? As for Daniel, he has his own problem with Sato's nephew, Chozen. Chozen is very skillful when it comes to karate, having learned from his uncle, and he takes an instant dislike to Daniel, harassing him every chance he gets. It's not all bad for Daniel, who strikes up a relationship with a girl named Kumiko. Just like before with Ali, Daniel becomes close with Kumiko and they spend time together.

As usual, Pat Morita and Ralph Macchio turn in enjoyable performances, as does the whole cast. Much like its predecessor, the casting is well done here. Also, It was interesting to learn more about Mr. Miyagi. The character is largely a mystery in the first film. With the exception of one scene (if you have seen it, you know exactly what I'm talking about. If you haven't, you'll know it when you see it), you don't know a lot about him. By the end of the movie, you will know more about him. Robert Mark Kamen produced a respectable script once again, and John G. Avildsen did a good job with the direction.

This is a fine sequel, and I am a little surprised at the IMDb rating for it. It's more than average as far as sequels go. I say it's worth watching.

"The Karate Kid" has long been a favorite movie of mine. It is a movie I can watch over and over again. What's more, it is proof that a believable story with good acting is all you need for an enjoyable film experience.

After being hired for a new job, Lucille Larusso and her teenage son, Daniel, move from their home in New Jersey to take up residence in sunny Southern California. As expected, Daniel is not crazy about starting a new life across the country, having to say goodbye to all of his friends and everything. Once they reach their destination, Daniel meets up with some people his age and they go to the beach. It does not take long for Daniel to find trouble. He has an encounter with Johnny Lawrence after the latter gets into an argument with his ex-girlfriend, Ali. The problem is that Johnny knows karate, and proceeds to triumph over Daniel.

After the beach incident, Johnny and his pals continue to harass Daniel. While all of this is going on, he begins to develop a relationship with Ali. Not only that, he strikes a friendship with Mr. Miyagi, the handyman at Daniel's apartment building.

Miyagi comes to Daniel's aid one night when Johnny and his group surround Daniel and beat him up. Miyagi, who is experienced in karate, defeats all of the boys in no time. This leads to Daniel asking Miyagi for assistance in dealing with his enemies.

The duo go to the karate school where Johnny and company train, the Cobra Kai dojo. Once they enter the building, they see why the students are like they are: Their sensei, John Kreese. Kreese is a hardcore type, who believes that anyone you encounter in karate is an enemy. The two sides discuss the matter, and it is agreed that Daniel will enter the local karate tournament, where several Cobra Kai students will be competing as well. How will Daniel fare in the tournament? Will the Cobra Kai dojo win?

John G. Avildsen directed this underdog movie, which is familiar territory for him (he was the director of Rocky). Like Rocky, Avildsen knows how get the audience to sympathize with Daniel. Robert Mark Kamen wrote the screenplay, and from watching this movie, you will have a liking or disliking for each character. The casting is also very good. Ralph Macchio and Pat Morita give good performances here (and Morita has his share of funny moments), and Elisabeth Shue is fine as Ali. Martin Kove, who played Kreese, is perfect as the villainous sensei.

This is a movie that anyone can enjoy. It would make for a good choice for family movie night. Watch it, it's a good one.

"The Wrestler" is a powerful study of a man who has gone from the top of the world to the bottom of it.

Mickey Rourke (in an excellent performance) is Randy "The Ram" Robinson, a legendary professional wrestler who headlined events for years. He is now wrestling for an independent circuit on weekends in small auditoriums. What's more, Robinson is involved in hardcore matches, which are no picnic. When he is not wrestling, the protagonist tries to find work in the meat department at a grocery store . During his free time, he visits the local strip club, where Cassidy (Marisa Tomei) works.

After one of the hardcore contests, Robinson suffers a heart attack in the locker room. After he wakes up in a hospital bed, his doctor tells him that changes in his lifestyle must be made, and that he has no choice. One of the changes is that he can never wrestle again. If Robinson does not follow this order, it could mean serious consequences.

Once Cassidy finds out what happened to Robinson, she asks him about his daughter, whom he hasn't seen in years. Because of Robinson's status as a wrestler, he was constantly on the road. This resulted in missed birthdays, holidays, and other important events in his daughter's life. Obviously, this created a rift in their relationship.

With help from Cassidy, Robinson decides to see his daughter, Stephanie. Initially, she does not want to see him, but she does spend time with him. Will their relationship heal after so many years? As for Robinson, he hears that a special twentieth anniversary match between he and a fellow wrestler is in the works. The match they had was a major one at that time, and Robinson contemplates participating, knowing what could happen.

Tomei is good as Cassidy , and Evan Rachel Wood gives a nice performance as Stephanie. The wrestling scenes can make someone squeamish, so you have been warned.

Another aspect of the film I want to talk about is the title itself: The Wrestler. This title has two meanings. One of them is self-explanatory, and has been talked about in this review. The other is that Robinson is wrestling with life. He was a man who was probably as popular as Hulk Hogan (I read somewhere that the Ram was modeled after Hogan), and looking at him now, you would not know it. There are several scenes that convey this message, especially early on when Robinson goes home. Just look at where home is. It is not a place you would expect a well known wrestler to be residing. The title may seem plain, but it is brilliant.

Overall, I have nothing bad to say about this movie. I try not to take awards shows seriously, but if Rourke had won Best Actor for this at the Oscars, I feel he would have deserved it. A Best Picture nomination would have been justified, too.

My conclusion: This is worth watching.

Like my summary says, "Everybody's Fine" is a well acted drama. It's another example of a movie having nothing but dialogue and still being enjoyable.

Frank (Robert De Niro, who is great as always), is looking forward to seeing his children and having the family in the same house for the first time since his wife's passing. However, the kids cancel on him unexpectedly, citing unexpected events in their own lives. That does not keep Frank from deciding to pay each of them a visit, however.

Frank travels across the United States, meeting Amy, Robert, and Rosie. He is unable to find his other son, David, however. During each encounter, Frank discovers that the lives of his offspring are different than what he was told.

The film has a nice cast. Drew Barrymore, Kate Beckinsale, and Sam Rockwell each give good performances. So, if you are looking for a good film, try this one. It is worth watching.

Over the course of the history of movie-making, many people have earned the distinction of being called an icon. Marlon Brando would be one, as would James Cagney. You cannot forget about John Ford, and Walt Disney certainly qualifies as such. Before all of them, however, the icon, the first icon, was Charlie Chaplin.

"Chaplin" is the film biography of the life and career of this legend of the industry. Robert Downey, Jr. portrays Charlie and is absolutely perfect in the role.

The film's opening credits are seen as Chaplin is removing his costume and makeup after a day of filming. This is a signal of what to expect for the next couple of hours. The audience will see Charlie Chaplin, the movie star, and Charlie Chaplin, the man.

After this, the story begins in England in 1894, where Charlie gets his first taste of performing on stage. He is a hit, and as the years pass, he has an interest in acting. During this period of Charlie's life, we see his family. His mother (Geraldine Chaplin, Charlie's real life daughter) progressively loses her mind, and he has a close relationship with his half-brother, Sydney.

Charlie makes it to the stage, and proves to be popular. In fact, Mack Sennett, the legendary Hollywood director who is also known for the Keystone Kops comedies, hires him. Thus begins Charlie's career in Hollywood.

"Chaplin" also details Charlie's several marriages, as well as the FBI's constant monitoring of him since he was suspected of being a Communist, as well as his exile to Switzerland in his early sixties. What we get is a portrait of a brilliant filmmaker who was also a flawed human being, much like all of us.

I mentioned earlier about Downey, Jr.'s portrayal of Charlie. To give you an idea of how well he did in this performance, pay attention to the scene where Chaplin begins filming for Sennett as the Little Tramp for the first time. It is clear that Downey watched several Chaplin comedies in preparation for filming. And it paid off.

The set design is worth mentioning also, particularly the scenes that feature the Mack Sennett studios. In short, it looks a lot like it could be the nineteen teens.

I also want to give a nod to Kevin Kline, who played fellow silent film legend Douglas Fairbanks, Sr. He looked like he enjoyed playing the cinema's first swashbuckler.

I enjoyed this movie quite a bit, and for you fans of film history, I say that this is worth watching.

I have seen several movies that Pixar has made, and have liked every single one of them. Toy Story 3 is no exception.

The story begins quite a while after Toy Story 2. Andy is now a teenager and is preparing to attend college. Woody, Buzz and the gang have been kept in the toy box, no longer getting the attention that they once did. With Andy leaving the house shortly, that is not about to change.

Since Andy is no longer going to be living at home, a decision must be made about the toys. Other than Woody, the group gets put into a trash bag, with the intention that they shall be stored in the attic. As for Woody, he will be going to college with Andy.

The bag containing the other toys accidentally gets sent to the curb, where the trash truck is headed. They escape and make it to the family car. Woody joins them, trying to explain to them that they were not meant to go into the trash. The toys do not believe that, and decide it's time to move on. In the middle of this argument, Andy's mom gets into the car and heads to the Sunnyside Daycare Center.

After arriving at Sunnyside, the gang is greeted by the building's resident toys. The leader is Lots-O-Huggin Bear (Lotso for short), a very friendly toy. He tells the newcomers how fun Sunnyside is. Each day, the several kids who attend play with the toys nonstop. It's several hours of playtime. Buzz, Jessie, Hamm, and the others love it. After what happened with Andy, this is perfect. Woody is not content, of course. Andy is his kid, and that's all there is to it. Will the group split? Will Sunnyside become their permanent home? Is Andy going to miss them? The voice acting is great as always. Tom Hanks and Tim Allen are just right as Woody and Buzz, respectively. Ned Beatty's voice is somewhat unrecognizable as Lotso. Every actor and actress is well cast.

The movie has its share of funny dialogue and the sight gags are terrific. There are also references to the film's predecessors that fans of the trilogy will enjoy. I must comment on one of the new characters. That would be Ken, and he has many funny moments throughout Toy Story 3, such as when he meets Barbie, and when he models clothes for Barbie. You get a good laugh there. You'll also laugh when Buzz becomes Spanish Buzz. It leads to some great moments.

Once again, Pixar delivers good entertainment. The studio really stands out at a time when movies seem to just be remakes of something else. Pixar is really about quality. Anyone can enjoy Toy Story 3. It is perfect for families. Make this one the next family movie.

Growing up, my family always watched this show every Sunday night. We would laugh all the time, too. I'm sure a lot of critics did not care for this show, and many TV viewers didn't, either. Married... with Children is a show that you either like or you don't like.

The reason people dislike it is because the material is lowbrow and the Bundys are not your typical suburban family. I take the position that the show is satirical.

Think about this. You know someone from high school who thought he or she would live out their dreams after graduation. For whatever reason, that never happened. Al Bundy is that kind of person. He thought he would make it big in life, but is just a shoe salesman, and not even a good one at that. Many can relate to Al because his life did not turn out as well as he thought it would.

Al's wife Peggy is definitely not one's idea of a housewife. She dislikes housework to begin with. What about parenting? That's not her forte, either. Having a full-time job like Al? Absolutely not. As long as she has Bon Bons and is watching Oprah, she is happy.

The Bundy kids are no better than their parents. Kelly has no intelligence and relies on her attractiveness to get what she wants in life. Bud is actually very smart, but not when it comes to meeting girls.

Of course, this show would not be complete without foils for the Bundys. This brings me to their neighbors, Steve and Marcy (and later on Jefferson). Steve and Marcy Rhoades each work in the banking profession. They are happy and successful, basically everything the Bundys are not. Obviously, this sets up comedic situations for the characters, often with funny results. Eventually, Steve leaves Marcy and his job at the bank to become a park ranger. Soon after, Marcy marries Jefferson D'Arcy, who is kind of a male version of Peggy. He hates working, and prefers to do anything else but go out and find an everyday job. Again, this leads to some moments of laughter.

The show has a fine ensemble cast. Each member plays his or her part perfectly. The dialogue is consistently funny, and it's safe to say you'll remember lines from several episodes. If you want a good laugh, catch Married... with Children.

This is a well crafted film about the saga of Preston Tucker, an energetic entrepreneur who had the goal of creating a radical new automobile, the Tucker Torpedo, which drew the ire of Detroit's Big Three. Possessing a remarkable drive to achieve his dream, Tucker met every problem head on and stopped at nothing to see the Torpedo come to fruition.

Jeff Bridges gives a remarkable performance as Preston Tucker. He also shares some screen time with his father Lloyd, who plays a crooked politician out to derail Tucker's ambitions. The film also has a great score by Joe Jackson. Fans of classic films will enjoy the narration throughout "Tucker." It is as if you are watching a newsreel at a movie theater in the 1940s. Speaking of that, for those who have seen movie trailers from the 50s on back: You know how there were words splashed on the screen describing those films? You get that here as well, and it really adds to the nostalgia of the picture.

Francis Ford Coppola did a good job directing this story of a man who believed in, and is the epitome of, the American Dream. Watch this movie and prepare to be wowed by Preston Tucker.

"Rocky" is one of those movies where you identify with the protagonist in some way. Everyone wishes for a chance to change their lives, but how often does that happen? Well, it happens to Rocky.

Rocky Balboa is a boxer who fights in local bouts in Philadelphia. To supplement his income, he takes a job collecting for a loan shark named Gazzo. Despite being involved in such a brutal sport and seedy occupation, Rocky is a decent human being. He trains at a gym owned by Mickey, who was a fighter in the 1920s. Mickey cares about Rocky, but sees him as a fighter not living up to his potential.

Across the street from the gym is a pet store where a girl named Adrian works. Rocky takes a liking to Adrian, but she does not reciprocate those feelings. It's not that she dislikes Rocky, she is just very shy. Eventually, a relationship blossoms between the two.

Rocky is friends with Adrian's brother Paulie, who works at a meat company. Paulie is one of those people who are just rude, and he is mean to Adrian in several scenes in the picture.

Unbeknownst to Rocky, Apollo Creed, the Heavyweight Champion of the World, is looking for an opponent to fight after the original challenger pulls out of the contest due to a hand injury. The fight itself is to take place in Philadelphia on New Year's Day 1976, which signals the beginning of America's Bicentennial. After Apollo finds Rocky's name in a book of local fighters, he sees the possibilities. As a result, Rocky becomes the challenger.

After accepting the offer, Rocky is paid a visit by Mickey. He explains to Rocky that this chance is a once-in-a-lifetime scenario, and he offers to become Rocky's manager. Rocky does not believe that Mickey is being sincere, since he needed Mickey's help once before and did not get it. Mickey leaves, and Rocky starts yelling at him in a rage. He catches up with Mickey moments later and the two work out their differences. After a handshake, Mickey becomes Rocky's trainer, and the two begin to prepare for the big fight.

The cast deserves praise. Stallone pulls double duty as actor and writer, and succeeds on both counts. Talia Shire is good as Adrian. Carl Weathers gives a fine performance as Apollo Creed. Burt Young is well cast as Paulie, and Burgess Meredith is terrific as Mickey.

John G. Avildsen, who directed "The Karate Kid" and "Lean on Me," does a good job here. Rocky's running to the Art Museum with "Gonna Fly Now" playing is a scene that stays in your memory. That can be said about several lines in the film as well.

I cannot say anything negative about this movie. It is well done and you should see it.

The Marx Brothers invade the world of thoroughbred racing...and create a lot of laughs in doing so.

Maureen O'Sullivan of Tarzan fame is Judy, and she owns a sanitarium that is in serious financial trouble. One of the patients, a wealthy widow named Emily Upjohn (Margaret Dumont), has the funds necessary to help Judy, but she is planning to leave since the doctors cannot find anything wrong with her. She declares she will meet up with the doctor who did find something wrong with her, Dr. Hugo Z. Hackenbush (Groucho).

Seeing a chance to help Judy, Tony (Chico) says that Hackenbush is coming to the sanitarium, which keeps Dumont from exiting the facility.

Judy also has help from her boyfriend Gil (Allan Jones), who has invested in a racehorse named Hi Hat. His goal is to turn Hi Hat into a race winner, theoretically accumulating enough prize money so the sanitarium can be saved. The problem is that Hi Hat is not that good a racehorse.

Hackenbush gets the notice to head to the sanitarium. He is a doctor, but a horse doctor. Of course, this creates mayhem that only the Marx Borthers could pull off.

The protagonists all have their adversaries to deal with. A man named Morgan is out to take over the sanitarium and create a casino. Gil is short on cash to pay for expenses relating to Hi Hat, so the horse is in danger of being taken by the sheriff. Fortunately for Gil, Tony and Stuffy (Harpo, playing the role of the jockey) are ready to help if necessary.

The Marx Brothers are great as usual in this picture. Groucho's one liners are consistently funny. Chico plays the kindhearted con artist very well, and he has his share of good lines, too. And Harpo just makes you laugh without ever speaking, and is great at it.

The film also becomes part musical at a couple of points. Jones sings, Harpo plays the harp (what else?) and Chico plays the piano, and all three do a good job.

There are a lot of memorable scenes in the movie. The race tips scene is a good one, as is when Tony and Stuffy try to sabotage Hackenbush's date with a woman. There are plenty of laughs at the track as well (which is actually Southern California's own Santa Anita Park). As of this writing, I have seen five Marx Brothers films, and this is my favorite. It is a good one, so if you want to laugh, watch "A Day at the Races."

The most famous sleuth in all of literature is back. "Sherlock Holmes" is the latest movie to feature the brilliant detective created by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.

At the opening of the picture, Sherlock and his assistant Dr. Watson are in pursuit of Lord Blackwood, a man who is involved in black magic. He has murdered five people, and is on the verge of claiming another victim before Holmes and Watson come to the rescue. Lord Blackwood is arrested and sent to jail.

A couple of months later, Watson is set to move out of 221B Baker Street and get married. Holmes is in a disheveled state, which is apparently normal for him in between cases. Lord Blackwood, who is sentenced to die, calls for Holmes. Reaching Blackwood's jail cell, Holmes listens as Blackwood tells him that he will return from the grave and kill again, and will change the existence of society, and Holmes will be powerless to do anything. Holmes departs, Blackwood is hanged later that day, and is pronounced dead by Watson.

Soon after, Irene Adler, who is both a criminal and woman that Sherlock has had an interest in for some time, comes to visit. She asks Holmes to find a man named Reordan. After she leaves, he follows her in disguise, and finds out that she is working for somebody, but does not know who it is.

Holmes and Watson are called to the graveyard, where Lord Blackwood's crypt has been destroyed. A man says he saw Blackwood rise from his tomb earlier that day. The police bring the casket out into the open, and when the lid is opened, they find that Reordan is inside. Holmes sets out to determine what is going on.

Robert Downey, Jr. has fun playing Sherlock, and it shows. Jude Law is also good as Watson, and Rachel McAdams gives a fine performance as Irene.

Something else I liked about this movie is that the screenwriters, Michael Robert Johnson, Anthony Peckham, and Simon Kinberg, made the film like one of Conan Doyle's stories. If any of you have ever read a Holmes mystery, you'll know what I mean. Visual effects fans will not be disappointed with this, either. The effects are good.

Whether you are a Holmes fan, or looking for a movie in the mystery genre, watch this one. It's good.

Cheech and Chong can be funny. They have proved it time and time again. But not with "Nice Dreams." The duo drive around town in an ice-cream truck, but frozen treats are not the product that's for sale. It is (you guessed it), marijuana. While they pursue this venture, two inept detectives attempt to arrest them, trying to follow the orders of the Sarge (Stacy Keach), who is really not too concerned with anything but trying marijuana, and undergoes some changes in the process.

Cheech and Chong also meet up with Cheech's ex girlfriend (a boisterous Evelyn Guerrero), who is dating an ex-con who could probably beat up Cheech and Chong at the same time. This scenario does lead to some amusing moments, but other than this, the only other part that has some laughs is when Cheech and Chong go to the gym. The rest is pretty bad. The script is not very funny, and the movie is slow, which is interesting because it's only eighty-eight minutes long. You're not missing much with this one.

"Whip It" takes you into the sport of roller derby, which can be quite intense for the participants, and for the spectators. However, the movie is more than that.

Ellen Page is likable as Bliss Cavendar, a seventeen-year-old who is a regular at teen pageants in the state of Texas. While her mother (Marcia Gay Harden) and little sister enjoy the pageant circuit, it is not for Bliss.

One day, the trio are at a store, and as Bliss pays for a pair of shoes, she sees three women come in, all on roller skates. They leave behind fliers for a roller derby in Austin. Bliss and her best friend Pash go to the event, and Bliss is immediately interested in the sport. After the match, she meets one of the skaters, Maggie Mayhem (SNL's Kristen Wiig, who does a good job with the role). Maggie tells Bliss she should try out, despite the fact that Bliss has not skated in years. Bliss says she'll attend the tryout, lying about her age during the conversation (the minimum age to participate is twenty-one).

Bliss returns home and starts skating. She shows up to the tryout, and earns a spot on the Hurl Scouts team. The trouble is that the Hurl Scouts are the worst team on the circuit. Bliss also makes an enemy in the form of Iron Maven (Juliette Lewis, who was well cast), the obligatory arrogant athlete who also happens to be the best on the track. In her debut, Bliss, who is now Babe Ruthless (you have to love the name), draws praise from her teammates, and the head coach, Razor (Andrew Wilson, who is a crackup in this movie).

Time passes, and Bliss gets better at roller derby, and so do the Hurl Scouts. While this is going on, Bliss has a developing romance with Oliver, a musician.

The Hurl Scouts continue to tear up the circuit, reaching the title game to take on the team led by Iron Maven. What will happen?

This was Drew Barrymore's first film as a director, and she deserves praise for the job she did. Drew also deserves a nod for her turn as Smashley Simpson, who is the goofiest member of the Hurl Scouts. The movie works as a comedy and drama. It is really a coming-of-age tale, and it is a good one. I recommend that you watch "Whip It."

"Animal House" is about the Delta fraternity, a group of college men who put fun first, and academics a distant second. Anytime a prank is pulled on the grounds of Faber College, all signs point to the Deltas. The group is despised by its rival, the Omega fraternity, and the Dean of the school, Vernon Wormer, who wants nothing more than to get rid of the members of the Delta House.

This is a fine ensemble cast. John Belushi is good as Bluto, who loves to drink and party more so than anyone in the fraternity. Tim Matheson gives a very respectable performance as Otter, Faber's resident womanizer. Peter Riegert also deserves mention for his portrayal of Boon, who always has a one-liner at the right time. John Vernon cannot be left out, for he is completely believable as Dean Wormer. I can't mention every cast member, but believe me when I tell you they all do a good job on screen.

The laughs come regularly in "Animal House," and are not limited to the words in the script. The facial expressions and actions of the characters create moments of amusement as well. I'm not giving anything away. You'll have to see it.

This is a truly funny movie. "Animal House" is an example of how to make a good movie: Perfect casting, a well done script, and good direction. Do not miss this movie.