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sacca79
Reviews
Santa Claus (1959)
Truly awful and not for kids
I'm allowed to write 1000 words about this film, but one word could suffice: bizarre. Hubby and I didn't laugh so much as gawk at this truly dreadful movie. We kept looking at each other with our best "What the...?" expressions. There is no way to adequately describe this movie. Killer tomatoes were funny, but this is just sick. What kind of mind produces images like these and then puts them on film for others to see? What kind of mind includes innocent children in this weird, weird movie and then packages it as if it is appropriate for children? Parents, whatever you do, if your child still believes in Santa, don't let him/her see this movie. Preteens can watch it -- probably with "What the...?" expressions on their faces. If you decide to inflict this movie on others, you might want to spike their eggnog.
Quite possibly the worst film ever made.
New Faces (1954)
Before they were famous
On the whole, I found the film disjointed and silly, BUT I'm giving it a high rating because it was so much fun to see the likes of Alice Ghostly, Paul Lynde and Eartha Kitt as young performers.
I never knew Ghostly had an actual, excellent singing voice! Always the comic, she also shines vocally in her rendition of "In Boston".
Later, Lynde and Ghostly play the parents of a disappointing son in a sketch that, while amusing, reveals one of the drawbacks of going from stage to film without coaching -- they shout as if they need to work to be heard in the back row. This is an interesting bit of history to be shared with young people today who primarily observe performers fully wired for sound.
For me, the best parts of the film were the several appearances by Eartha Kitt doing her unique and delicious vamping at a time most of us think of as uptight and way too tame. There is nothing uptight or tame about Kitt's performances here! They alone are worth the price of the DVD.
My Name Is Earl (2005)
Fresh, funny, and makes a point
This show is fresh and clever -- very, very funny while offering insight to human nature, society and government. It may be the most original, goofy and worthwhile program to air since The Lone Gunmen and/or The Education of Max Bickford. (It appeals to such a broad audience, though, that I sincerely hope it enjoys a longer run than the Gunmen and Max did.) There's unexpected depth to each of the main characters, revealed at improbable moments. My favorite episode is the one where Earl tries to pay back taxes on income he never reported. I think that episode should be shown in every civics class. It teaches well while making you laugh your head off. Great stuff!
Peter, Paul, and Mary: Carry It on - A Musical Legacy (2004)
Powerful and lovely account of PP&M's work
This program is powerful, funny, moving, inspiring -- pretty much the same as I'd describe Peter, Paul and Mary and their music. The program was made when Mary Travers was fighting leukemia, and there is a real poignancy in knowing that they knew this might be her last project. (Since then her treatments have been successful and the group is performing again as I write this in March 2006.)
The documentary takes the viewer through the career of the trio, and the social and political causes for which they have worked and sung for so many decades, and for several generations of audiences. My husband and I have both been moved to tears each time we've viewed it. I believe it should be shared with everyone who is involved with music and/or young people, such as teachers and youth ministers.
Midnight (1934)
So bad it's funny
Film instructors should use this movie as an example of what not to do. The acting and the directing are simply awful. The filming itself is actually kind of interesting, with some dramatic use of lighting. But with a plodding plot, incredibly long reaction (or lack of reaction) shots, and truly bad acting, this is one to watch with silly friends in a silly mood. It's too bad, too, because the basic story line is somewhat compelling.
Bogart only has a minor role, but turns in the best performance of the lot. We bought the video for about two bucks, and we're not sorry. We kept it. It's just too funny not to.