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Friday, February 27, 2015

Report Card---Love Is Strange"

I stated, before I began my Oscar picks, that I still had a couple of Report Cards to attend to.
This is one of them.
It went under everyone's radar.
It wasn't nominated for anything.
Nor did it deserve to be.
Frankly, I'm surprised that anyone involved in it's production would have enough confidence and pride in it to even send out DVD screeners for it.

John Lithgow and Alfred Molina are two homosexuals who are married to each other.
Their marriage has caused legal problems that has cost one of them his job.
This is all established in the first fifteen minutes.
You'd think that the rest of the movie would be devoted to them attempting to fighting the system, to getting the job back.
It isn't.
The rest of the movie is about nothing.
Just mutual consolation.
This is what is known in movies as a "character study".
It can also be referred to as "contemplating one's navel".

On to the scoring:

Is it interesting?

Only in the first fifteen minutes.
C-.

Compelling even?

Never.
F.

Is it controversial?

It has the potential to be, but it isn't.
F.

Is it a story worth telling?

There really wasn't one.
F.

Is it good storytelling?

A "character study" means that there were characters worth studying. They weren't.
F.

Is it well written?

The dialogue was fair.
B.

Is it well cast? Well played?

Lithgow and Molina are wonderful actors. This one really tested their craft.
Within the limitations of the script, they were fine.
B+.

Well shot?

Nothing fancy.
B.

Is it too long? Too short?

The time didn't just fly by.
D.

Is it believable? Do you care about the characters?

Yes, and not a lot.
C.

Is it predictable? Does it surprise you?

I really kind of thought that something was going to happen. I was surprised when nothing did.
D.

Do you think about it after you've seen it?

Very little thinking was involved at all.
F.

Is it funny?

No. A little light relief might have helped.
F.

Would it have been worth the thirteen bucks it would have cost to see it in the movies?

No bucks.
F.

Is it impressive?

No impressiveness.
F.

Overall grade: C-.

It was a shame to see talent like this wasted like that.


----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

My books ,"Show Runner" and it's sequel, "Show Runner Two", can be found at the Amazon Kindle Store.
Along with the newer ones, "The Man Is Dead", and "Report Cards".
They are all compilations of blog entries that have since been removed from the blog.
So this is the only way you can find them.
You can search by typing in my name, Cindy Williams, Laverne and Shirley, The Odd Couple, or Happy Days.
Check them out.
You don't need a Kindle machine to download them.
Just get the free app from Kindle, and they can be downloaded to an IPhone, IPad, or Blackberry.
The paperbacks, "Mark Rothman's Essays" and my new novel, "I'm Not Garbo" are not
e-books. But they are available for people without Kindle.
I have many readings and signings lined up for those, and the thing about Kindle is you can't sign one. If you'd like one of the paperbacks, personally autographed, contact me at macchus999@aol.com.

And now, we've got my reading of my "Laverne and Shirley Movie" screenplay on YouTube.

*****



Tuesday, February 24, 2015

Why "Birdman" Didn't Deserve It's Oscars---Spoiler Alert!!

When I did my Report Card on "Birdman", I did not reveal the story hole at the end of the film, because of a potential "spoiler alert".
Now, everybody and their mothers are doing spoiler alerts.
After all the spoiler alerts on the Oscar telecast, my feeling is that the gloves are off.
But at least I'm telling you about it up front.
So if you don't want to know what the spoiler alert is, stop reading now.
Otherwise, continue.
I think it's worth it.

------------------------------

A film, as fantasy oriented as it is, must adhere to it's own reality.

Keaton wants his play to succeed.

You can't do a one-eighty and have him not care whether his play succeeds or not.

That would be a violation of it's own reality, no matter how much he flies around as a version of Superman.

That can be dismissed as a figment of Keaton's imagination.

The audience is led to believe that, out of despair, Keaton is going to kill himself onstage on Opening Night.

But he has other plans to save the show.

The play that Keaton is starring in gets great reviews, and is going to have a sustaining run for only one reason:

Keaton actually daringly shoots his nose off. Intentionally.

That's the happy ending.

Everyone, including Keaton, is thrilled that they have a hit play.

My question is "What do they do from the second night on?"

It's never addressed.

How is it going to have a sustainable run?

Keep sending Keaton out there on stage to have him keep shooting his nose off?

It's already gone.

He has no nose.

Do you have his understudy go on and shoot HIS own nose off? If he's willing?

Okay. Then what do you do the third night?

Do you just keep rounding up actors to take over the role for one night each?

Including two matinees?

That would be my solution.

Have the question addressed, have someone else remark that "We're getting calls from agents from both coasts, representing actors who would LOVE to step in for one night to shoot their own noses off. That's how desperate actors are for the work. And for the attention."

This may seem pretty far-fetched, but at least it addresses the problem.

And it would have made me laugh.

Getting the award for Best Screenplay was an abomination.
But it was otherwise a pretty good movie.
At least it didn't get nosed out by "Boyhood"
And Michael Keaton got robbed.
"The Imitation Game" was a perfect movie.
Or 'Whiplash".
They had no holes of any kind.
They were about something meaningful.
Either should have won.
A Best Picture should not have such a major story hole.
I don't think there ever was one before this that did.


------------------------------------------------------------------------

My books ,"Show Runner" and it's sequel, "Show Runner Two", can be found at the Amazon Kindle Store.
Along with the newer ones, "The Man Is Dead", and "Report Cards".
They are all compilations of blog entries that have since been removed from the blog.
So this is the only way you can find them.
You can search by typing in my name, Cindy Williams, Laverne and Shirley, The Odd Couple, or Happy Days.
Check them out.
You don't need a Kindle machine to download them.
Just get the free app from Kindle, and they can be downloaded to an IPhone, IPad, or Blackberry.
The paperbacks, "Mark Rothman's Essays" and my new novel, "I'm Not Garbo" are not e-books.
I have many readings and signings lined up for those, and the thing about Kindle is that you can't sign one.
But they are available for people without Kindle.
If you'd like one of the paperbacks, personally autographed, contact me at macchus999@aol.com
And now, we've got my reading of my "Laverne and Shirley Movie" screenplay on YouTube.

Friday, February 20, 2015

Rothman's Picks For The Oscars. Part Four.

Okay.
Best Picture.

· “American Sniper”---A warmed over version of "The Hurt Locker". Didn't like that either.

· “Birdman”--Wonderful moments, but wildly inconsistent.

· “Boyhood”---I am the little boy who sees that the King is naked. Horrendous.

· “The Imitation Game”---I knew nothing about this story, and I think it helped me enjoy it tremendously.

· “The Grand Budapest Hotel”---Masterfully artful, but perhaps lacking in substance.

· “Selma"---Didn't see it, but I have a feeling that I'd react to it the way I reacted to "Lee Daniels' "The Butler", or or "Twelve Years a Slave", or whatever else Oprah turns out, striving for nobility, and perhaps futzing with the truth about LBJ.

· “The Theory of Everything”---Didn't care about Hocking's personal life. Wasn't overwhelmed by Redmayne's performance.

· “Whiplash”---I loved everything about this movie, Particularly J.K. Simmons.

To me it's a three horse race. I would vote for "The Imitation Game". There's what to be said for substance.
"The Grand Budapest Hotel" is a very close second, mainly because of it's technique. But there is really no substance.
"Whiplash"---I just really enjoyed the hell out of it.
If any of these win, I'd be very happy.
If any of the others win, I'd be very sad.

Enjoy the show!!


----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

My books ,"Show Runner" and it's sequel, "Show Runner Two", can be found at the Amazon Kindle Store.
Along with the newer ones, "The Man Is Dead", and "Report Cards".
They are all compilations of blog entries that have since been removed from the blog.
So this is the only way you can find them.
You can search by typing in my name, Cindy Williams, Laverne and Shirley, The Odd Couple, or Happy Days.
Check them out.
You don't need a Kindle machine to download them.
Just get the free app from Kindle, and they can be downloaded to an IPhone, IPad, or Blackberry.
The paperbacks, "Mark Rothman's Essays" and my new novel, "I'm Not Garbo" are not e-books.
I have many readings and signings lined up for those, and the thing about Kindle is that you can't sign one.
But they are available for people without Kindle.
If you'd like one of the paperbacks, personally autographed, contact me at macchus999@aol.com
And now, we've got my reading of my "Laverne and Shirley Movie" screenplay on YouTube.

*****





Thursday, February 19, 2015

Rothman's Picks For The Oscars. Part Three.

Best Director:

In general, one never knows what the director's true contribution is to a film, unless he also wrote it.
Bearing that in mind---

Morten Tyldum - The Imitation Game- Seems well-directed. He didn't write it. God knows what to make of it.

Alejandro G. Inarritu - Birdman- DID write it. Gets the credit and the blame.

Richard Linklater - Boyhood- Wrote it, if there was in fact, writing. Gets all the blame.

Wes Anderson - The Grand Budapest Hotel- Doesn't matter whether or not he wrote it (he did). The directorial mastery is all over the screen.

Bennett Miller - Foxcatcher- Didn't write it. Didn't seem worth writing. The direction added nothing to it.

My choice (Surprise!): Wes Anderson.

Next time, Best Picture.


----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

My books ,"Show Runner" and it's sequel, "Show Runner Two", can be found at the Amazon Kindle Store.
Along with the newer ones, "The Man Is Dead", and "Report Cards".
They are all compilations of blog entries that have since been removed from the blog.
So this is the only way you can find them.
You can search by typing in my name, Cindy Williams, Laverne and Shirley, The Odd Couple, or Happy Days.
Check them out.
You don't need a Kindle machine to download them.
Just get the free app from Kindle, and they can be downloaded to an IPhone, IPad, or Blackberry.
The paperbacks, "Mark Rothman's Essays" and my new novel, "I'm Not Garbo" are not e-books.
But they are available for people without Kindle.
I have many readings and signings lined up for those, and the thing about Kindle is you can't sign one.
If you'd like one of the paperbacks, personally autographed, contact me at macchus999@aol.com.

And now, we've got my reading of my "Laverne and Shirley Movie" screenplay on YouTube.

*****



Rothman's Picks For the Oscars. Part Two.

Continuing:


Best Actor

Steve Carell - Foxcatcher---A prosthetic nose and whispering does not a performance make.

Bradley Cooper - American Sniper---Yes. The acting doesn't show. Neither does the interesting.

Benedict Cumberbatch - The Imitation Game---Really good, but anyone could have played this part just as well.

Michael Keaton - Birdman---A force of nature who supercharged this inconsistent film. It's a lot harder to be great in a not-so-great movie.

Eddie Redmayne - The Theory of Everything---This year's Daniel Day Lewis from My Left Foot. I wouldn't have voted for him either.

My choice---Michael Keaton. By far.


Best Actress

Marion Cotillard - Two Days, One Night---Didn't see it. Don't know who the hell she is.

Felicity Jones - The Theory of Everything---Okay, I suppose.

Julianne Moore - Still Alice---Tremendously soul-baring, touching, and effective.

Rosamund Pike - Gone Girl---Nothing special.

Reese Witherspoon - Wild---Very impressive. Maybe her best work.

My choice---Julianne Moore. No contest.

Next time, Best Director.


----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

My books ,"Show Runner" and it's sequel, "Show Runner Two", can be found at the Amazon Kindle Store.
Along with the newer ones, "The Man Is Dead", and "Report Cards".
They are all compilations of blog entries that have since been removed from the blog.
So this is the only way you can find them.
You can search by typing in my name, Cindy Williams, Laverne and Shirley, The Odd Couple, or Happy Days.
Check them out.
You don't need a Kindle machine to download them.
Just get the free app from Kindle, and they can be downloaded to an IPhone, IPad, or Blackberry.
The paperbacks, "Mark Rothman's Essays" and my new novel, "I'm Not Garbo" are not
e-books. But they are available for people without Kindle.
I have many readings and signings lined up for those, and the thing about Kindle is you can't sign one. If you'd like one of the paperbacks, personally autographed, contact me at macchus999@aol.com.

And now, we've got my reading of my "Laverne and Shirley Movie" screenplay on YouTube.

*****




Wednesday, February 18, 2015

Rothman's Picks For The 2015 Oscars. Part One.

Once again, this is not a reflection of who I think will win.
It reflects who I would vote for, having Seen most of the nominated films and performances, except "Selma", and "Two Days, One Night", which were never sent to me. Most Academy voters have seen far fewer of the films than I have, so I feel that my opinion is no less worthy than anybody else's.

We'll begin with:

Best Supporting Actor.

There are really no bad nominations here.
But some are better than others.


Robert Duvall - The Judge---Your typical first-class wonderful performance from Duvall. I think he raised the level of the film by his mere presence.

Ethan Hawke - Boyhood---Very effective in a thankless part. And he certainly convinced me that he was aging.

Edward Norton- Birdman---Pretty much along for the ride.

Mark Ruffalo - Foxcatcher---See Edward Norton.

JK Simmons - Whiplash---Easily unsurpassed in this category.

My choice--J.K. Simmons


Best Supporting Actress

Patricia Arquette - Boyhood--Rather effective. Interesting watching her age, but not an acting asset.

Laura Dern - Wild---always affecting. In a weaker field, I'd vote for her.

Keira Knightley - The Imitation Game---Didn't add all that much.

Emma Stone - Birdman--I found most of her scenes tedious.

Meryl Streep - Into the Woods---Absolutely incredible. Still the best we have.

My choice---Streep, running away.

Next time---Best Actor and Best Actress.


----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

My books ,"Show Runner" and it's sequel, "Show Runner Two", can be found at the Amazon Kindle Store.
Along with the newer ones, "The Man Is Dead", and "Report Cards".
They are all compilations of blog entries that have since been removed from the blog.
So this is the only way you can find them.
You can search by typing in my name, Cindy Williams, Laverne and Shirley, The Odd Couple, or Happy Days.
Check them out.
You don't need a Kindle machine to download them.
Just get the free app from Kindle, and they can be downloaded to an IPhone, IPad, or Blackberry.
The paperbacks, "Mark Rothman's Essays" and my new novel, "I'm Not Garbo" are not
e-books. But they are available for people without Kindle.
I have many readings and signings lined up for those, and the thing about Kindle is you can't sign one. If you'd like one of the paperbacks, personally autographed, contact me at macchus999@aol.com.

And now, we've got my reading of my "Laverne and Shirley Movie" screenplay on YouTube.

*****



Tuesday, February 17, 2015

Report Card---"Inherent Vice"

This will only be half-a-Report Card, as my wife and I were only able to make it through the first hour of this movie.
At the precise moment, we turned to each other and said "Have you had enough? Yup."
And we turned it off.
I understand that Martin Short was in this movie.
We love Martin Short.
We didn't even make it to his scene or scenes.
This was Paul Thomas Anderson's foray into 70s film noir.
I don't think the 70s lends itself easily to film noir.
He was better off with 70s comedy, Boogie Nights"
This wasn't that.

On to the scoring:

Everything pertains to the first hour.

Is it interesting?

Never.
F.

Compelling even?

A yawner.
F.

Is it controversial?

It wasn't anything.
F.

Is it a story worth telling?

If it was, it became one in the second hour.
F.

Is it good storytelling?

It is only boring.
F.

Is it well written?

It is stultifyingly bad.
F.

Is it well cast? Well played?

It once again brings up the question "Was Joaquin Phoenix ever good in anything?"
F.

Well shot?

Everything is shot in the dark.
F.

Is it too long? Too short?

I'll never know.
F.

Is it believable? Do you care about the characters?

I didn't believe or care about anything.
F.

Is it predictable? Does it surprise you?

I'll never know.
F.

Do you think about it after you've seen it?

Only about how Anderson got a Best Screenplay nomination.
F.

Is it funny?

It's not anything.
F.

Would it have been worth the thirteen bucks it would have cost to see it in the movies?

Someone would have to co-sign a loan to get me to see it in the movies.
F.

Is it impressive?

I won't dignify that one.
F.

Overall grade: F.

A lot of people were fooled by this one.
This was the last Report Card before Oscar Night.
Last was certainly least.


----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

My books ,"Show Runner" and it's sequel, "Show Runner Two", can be found at the Amazon Kindle Store.
Along with the newer ones, "The Man Is Dead", and "Report Cards".
They are all compilations of blog entries that have since been removed from the blog.
So this is the only way you can find them.
You can search by typing in my name, Cindy Williams, Laverne and Shirley, The Odd Couple, or Happy Days.
Check them out.
You don't need a Kindle machine to download them.
Just get the free app from Kindle, and they can be downloaded to an IPhone, IPad, or Blackberry.
The paperbacks, "Mark Rothman's Essays" and my new novel, "I'm Not Garbo" are not
e-books. But they are available for people without Kindle.
I have many readings and signings lined up for those, and the thing about Kindle is you can't sign one. If you'd like one of the paperbacks, personally autographed, contact me at macchus999@aol.com.

And now, we've got my reading of my "Laverne and Shirley Movie" screenplay on YouTube.

*****



Monday, February 16, 2015

Report Card---"Nightcrawler"

"Nightcrawler" is an extremely riveting, thoroughly entertaining movie.
It is about "newsgatherers": the guys who follow crime with their cameras and mikes to get the most gruesome stories for the local TV news shows.
It depicts them as at least one step below paparazzi.
It seems accurate.

On to the scoring:

Is it interesting?

Constantly.
A+.

Compelling even?

Thoroughly.
A+.

Is it controversial?

Moral lines are constantly crossed.
It raises many issues.
A.

Is it a story worth telling?

Absolutely.
A+.

Is it good storytelling?

Great storytelling, all the way through.
A+.

Is it well written?

The dialogue is exceptional. Reminiscent of Aaron Sorkin's.
A-.

Is it well cast? Well played?

Jake Gyllenhall, buttressed by the great dialogue handed him, deserved an Oscar nomination.
A+.

Well shot?

Very.
A.

Is it too long? Too short?

Right on the money.
A+.

Is it believable? Do you care about the characters?

Considering the contempt I have for Local News, it was totally believable.
I cared about the characters whenever it was appropriate. .
A.

Is it predictable? Does it surprise you?

Not predictable, and surprising.
A.

Do you think about it after you've seen it?

There are many haunting images.
A.

Is it funny?

More clever than funny, again, like Aaron Sorkin.
A.

Would it have been worth the thirteen bucks it would have cost to see it in the movies?

If that's the only way to see it, then yes.
A.

Is it impressive?

Extremely.
A.

Overall grade: A.

It definitely deserved its nomination for Best Original Screenplay.


----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

My books ,"Show Runner" and it's sequel, "Show Runner Two", can be found at the Amazon Kindle Store.
Along with the newer ones, "The Man Is Dead", and "Report Cards".
They are all compilations of blog entries that have since been removed from the blog.
So this is the only way you can find them.
You can search by typing in my name, Cindy Williams, Laverne and Shirley, The Odd Couple, or Happy Days.
Check them out.
You don't need a Kindle machine to download them.
Just get the free app from Kindle, and they can be downloaded to an IPhone, IPad, or Blackberry.
The paperbacks, "Mark Rothman's Essays" and my new novel, "I'm Not Garbo" are not
e-books. But they are available for people without Kindle.
I have many readings and signings lined up for those, and the thing about Kindle is you can't sign one. If you'd like one of the paperbacks, personally autographed, contact me at macchus999@aol.com.

And now, we've got my reading of my "Laverne and Shirley Movie" screenplay on YouTube.

*****



Report Card---"Gone Girl"

I am barreling through the rest of the Oscar related films this week, because Oscar night is next Sunday, and I want to leave time to do "Rothman's Picks For The Oscars" later in the week.
There will be a post up every day until Oscar Night.
And after the Oscars, I'll still have a couple of Report Cards to put up.
I found myself enjoying "Gone Girl" immensely, until they got to one of the most disappointing endings I'd ever seen.
Much like "Birdman".
Storytelling rules were violated, beyond redemption.

On to the scoring:

Is it interesting?

Very.
A.

Compelling even?

Often.
A.

Is it controversial?

Only the ending, and not in a good way.
D.

Is it a story worth telling?

It certainly could be.
B.

Is it good storytelling?

Very good, until the ending.
C-.

Is it well written?

Very. It supported what was good about the picture
A-.

Is it well cast? Well played?

Ben Affleck was very good, but that's where it broke down. You cast Ben Affleck, you buy his persona. At the end, they left his persona in the dust. The actress who was nominated opposite him didn't bring a persona with her, so she was easier to take.
C-.

Well shot?

Nothing special.
B.

Is it too long? Too short?

The pace was fine.
A.

Is it believable? Do you care about the characters?

It was rather far-fetched, and the ending made me not care.
C-.

Is it predictable? Does it surprise you?

The ending was not predictable, and totally surprising. Not in a good way.
F.

Do you think about it after you've seen it?

Mainly about how they botched it.
F.

Is it funny?

No.
D.

Would it have been worth the thirteen bucks it would have cost to see it in the movies?

Not any bucks.
F.

Is it impressive?

It's a good roller-coaster ride, until the end.
A.

Overall grade: B-.

If you cast Cary Grant, he must be heroic. Affleck could have been, and the movie would have been much better.
Sometimes, you just have to give the audience what they expect.


----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

My books ,"Show Runner" and it's sequel, "Show Runner Two", can be found at the Amazon Kindle Store.
Along with the newer ones, "The Man Is Dead", and "Report Cards".
They are all compilations of blog entries that have since been removed from the blog.
So this is the only way you can find them.
You can search by typing in my name, Cindy Williams, Laverne and Shirley, The Odd Couple, or Happy Days.
Check them out.
You don't need a Kindle machine to download them.
Just get the free app from Kindle, and they can be downloaded to an IPhone, IPad, or Blackberry.
The paperbacks, "Mark Rothman's Essays" and my new novel, "I'm Not Garbo" are not
e-books. But they are available for people without Kindle.
I have many readings and signings lined up for those, and the thing about Kindle is you can't sign one. If you'd like one of the paperbacks, personally autographed, contact me at macchus999@aol.com.

And now, we've got my reading of my "Laverne and Shirley Movie" screenplay on YouTube.

*****



Report Card---"Wild"

"Wild" reminded me a little of a very interesting film from the late 60s, "The Swimmer", which starred Burt Lancaster.
He spent the whole movie swimming in all the pools in his neighborhood in Connecticut, leaving the audience trying to figure out why.
In "Wild", the sport is hiking, rather than swimming. But it had the same dynamic.

On to the scoring:

Is it interesting?

Sometimes.
B.

Compelling even?

Not really. And you had the feeling it should have been.
C-.

Is it controversial?

No. And you had the feeling it should have been.
C-.

Is it a story worth telling?

I suppose.
B.

Is it good storytelling?

It was okay.
B.

Is it well written?

Nothing special.
B.

Is it well cast? Well played?

Reese Witherspoon, Laura Dern, love them both. And they were both very affecting.
A.

Well shot?

Extremely.
A+.

Is it too long? Too short?

Very long.
C+.

Is it believable? Do you care about the characters?

It was true, and I cared.
A.

Is it predictable? Does it surprise you?

It was all new to me, so not at all predictable.
A.

Do you think about it after you've seen it?

Not really.
C-.

Is it funny?

No.
D.

Would it have been worth the thirteen bucks it would have cost to see it in the movies?

Not my thirteen bucks.
F.

Is it impressive?

On many levels.
A.

Overall grade: B-.

I would have rather seen Burt swimming again.


----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

My books ,"Show Runner" and it's sequel, "Show Runner Two", can be found at the Amazon Kindle Store.
Along with the newer ones, "The Man Is Dead", and "Report Cards".
They are all compilations of blog entries that have since been removed from the blog.
So this is the only way you can find them.
You can search by typing in my name, Cindy Williams, Laverne and Shirley, The Odd Couple, or Happy Days.
Check them out.
You don't need a Kindle machine to download them.
Just get the free app from Kindle, and they can be downloaded to an IPhone, IPad, or Blackberry.
The paperbacks, "Mark Rothman's Essays" and my new novel, "I'm Not Garbo" are not
e-books. But they are available for people without Kindle.
I have many readings and signings lined up for those, and the thing about Kindle is you can't sign one. If you'd like one of the paperbacks, personally autographed, contact me at macchus999@aol.com.

And now, we've got my reading of my "Laverne and Shirley Movie" screenplay on YouTube.

*****


Friday, February 13, 2015

Report Card---"Foxcatcher"

"Foxcatcher" is based on the true, creepy story of one of the Dupont heirs killing a member of his wrestling team.
It made all the papers when it happened.
They managed to turn it into a true, creepy movie.

On to the scoring:

Is it interesting?

It depends on whether you know what happened going in or not.
I did, so it wasn't.
C-.

Compelling even?

No. Just creepy.
C-.

Is it controversial?

No.
F.

Is it a story worth telling?

I really don't see why.
D.

Is it good storytelling?

It was okay, if you didn't know the facts.
B-.

Is it well written?

Nothing special.
B.

Is it well cast? Well played?

So Steve Carell wore a prosthetic nose, and he didn't go for laughs . And they nominated him for an Oscar for this.
Mark Ruffalo was sort of good, I suppose.
B.

Well shot?

Nothing special
B-.

Is it too long? Too short?

Too long if you know what's coming. Otherwise, no.
B-.

Is it believable? Do you care about the characters?

It was true, and I didn't care.
F.

Is it predictable? Does it surprise you?

Never surprising.
F.

Do you think about it after you've seen it?

Only about why they thought that this was a movie worth making.
F.

Is it funny?

No.
F.

Would it have been worth the thirteen bucks it would have cost to see it in the movies?

It's not worth anybody's time, anywhere.
F

Is it impressive?

It is dreary.
F.

Overall grade: D.

PLEASE stop making historical pictures for no reason!!


----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

My books ,"Show Runner" and it's sequel, "Show Runner Two", can be found at the Amazon Kindle Store.
Along with the newer ones, "The Man Is Dead", and "Report Cards".
They are all compilations of blog entries that have since been removed from the blog.
So this is the only way you can find them.
You can search by typing in my name, Cindy Williams, Laverne and Shirley, The Odd Couple, or Happy Days.
Check them out.
You don't need a Kindle machine to download them.
Just get the free app from Kindle, and they can be downloaded to an IPhone, IPad, or Blackberry.
The paperbacks, "Mark Rothman's Essays" and my new novel, "I'm Not Garbo" are not
e-books. But they are available for people without Kindle.
I have many readings and signings lined up for those, and the thing about Kindle is you can't sign one. If you'd like one of the paperbacks, personally autographed, contact me at macchus999@aol.com.

And now, we've got my reading of my "Laverne and Shirley Movie" screenplay on YouTube.

*****


Wednesday, February 11, 2015

Report Card---"Boyhood"

"Boyhood"'s gimmick of taking a dozen years to shoot it, with the same actors, all aging a dozen years, is just that: a gimmick.
The three hours I spent watching it felt like a dozen years.
There was no story of note being told.
It seemed totally aimless.
As if the director shot twelve years of film, perhaps without a script, and then tried to figure out how to make a movie out of it.
I don't think he succeeded.
The young boy, who was the lead actor, was a complete cipher.
Totally uninteresting.

On to the scoring:

Is it interesting?

Almost never, except for seeing Patricia Arquette age a dozen years. There was one character, who appeared for about a half-
hour in the middle, and then vanished, who was VERY interesting. I kept rooting for him to come back, but he never did.
C-.

Compelling even?

Only for the above mentioned half-hour.
B-.

Is it controversial?

No.
F.

Is it a story worth telling?

There WAS no story.
F.

Is it good storytelling?

It is NO storytelling.
F.

Is it well written?

It doesn't appear to have BEEN written.
F.

Is it well cast? Well played?

Patricia Arquette was very good. And she convinced me that she was getting older. Same with Ethan Hawke.
Otherwise, the casting was mostly uninspired.
B.

Well shot?

Nothing special
B-.

Is it too long? Too short?

About two-and-a-half hours too long.
D+.

Is it believable? Do you care about the characters?

I can certainly believe that many lives are boring. I don't need to see it.
I didn't care about these folks.
F.

Is it predictable? Does it surprise you?

I was starting to predict that it would never end. I was surprised when it DID end so unimaginatively.
F.

Do you think about it after you've seen it?

I wasn't thinking about it WHILE I saw it.
F.

Is it funny?

Not at all.
F.

Would it have been worth the thirteen bucks it would have cost to see it in the movies?

I could make some snotty joke like "Maybe if you paid a dollar a year", but it wouldn't be worth that much.
F

Is it impressive?

Only in how much the director has fooled the public with this one.
F.

Overall grade: D.

That this can win for Best Picture truly scares the hell out of me.


----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

My books ,"Show Runner" and it's sequel, "Show Runner Two", can be found at the Amazon Kindle Store.
Along with the newer ones, "The Man Is Dead", and "Report Cards".
They are all compilations of blog entries that have since been removed from the blog.
So this is the only way you can find them.
You can search by typing in my name, Cindy Williams, Laverne and Shirley, The Odd Couple, or Happy Days.
Check them out.
You don't need a Kindle machine to download them.
Just get the free app from Kindle, and they can be downloaded to an IPhone, IPad, or Blackberry.
The paperbacks, "Mark Rothman's Essays" and my new novel, "I'm Not Garbo" are not
e-books. But they are available for people without Kindle.
I have many readings and signings lined up for those, and the thing about Kindle is you can't sign one. If you'd like one of the paperbacks, personally autographed, contact me at macchus999@aol.com.

And now, we've got my reading of my "Laverne and Shirley Movie" screenplay on YouTube.

*****


Monday, February 9, 2015

Report Card---"Into The Woods"

I saw the stage version of "Into The Woods" twice.
Once in New York, where Bernadette Peters starred as the Witch.
And, in Los Angeles, where Cleo Laine was the Witch.
Peters was great.
Laine was fantastic.
Meryl Streep was better than both of them.
I'm a huge fan of Sondheim, and of this show.
The film does justice to all concerned.
I was certainly one who was concerned.
It is wonderful.

On to the scoring:

Is it interesting?

The intricate interweaving of the different fairy tales is fascinating.
A+.

Compelling even?

Often.
A+.

Is it controversial?

No, nor is it an issue.
No Grade.

Is it a story worth telling?

Absolutely.
A+.

Is it good storytelling?

Great storytelling.
A+.

Is it well written?

On all levels. And it is Sondheim at his most inventive.
The music is dazzling and haunting.
One quibble: In the stage play, there was a narrator, who turns out to be the Baker's father.
They retained the father, but eliminated him as the narrator.
There was no narrator.
Somehow, this caused them to eliminate what was, for my money, the best song in the show---a duet between the Baker and his father, called "No More".
It was sorely missed, by me.
And the spot for the song was still right there.
It could have been included. Sadly, it wasn't.
A.


Is it well cast? Well played?

Uniformly, and Streep was inspired, and an inspired choice.
A+.

Well shot?

Exquisitely.
A+.

Is it too long? Too short?

Too short, because they didn't include "No More".
A-.

Is it believable? Do you care about the characters?

Extremely, and extremely, considering it is a dozen fairy tales.
A+.

Is it predictable? Does it surprise you?

If you haven't seen the play, it is a total surprise.
A.

Do you think about it after you've seen it?

Mainly about that song that was cut. I've been humming it over and over since I saw the movie.
B-.

Is it funny?

More ironic than funny, but effectively so.
A.

Would it have been worth the thirteen bucks it would have cost to see it in the movies?

Yes. The larger the screen, the better it is.
A+

Is it impressive?

God, yes.
A+.

Overall grade: A.

There is something about close-ups and a large screen that make Sondheim's intricate lyrics much easier to comprehend than if you're watching the stage musical.


----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

My books ,"Show Runner" and it's sequel, "Show Runner Two", can be found at the Amazon Kindle Store.
Along with the newer ones, "The Man Is Dead", and "Report Cards".
They are all compilations of blog entries that have since been removed from the blog.
So this is the only way you can find them.
You can search by typing in my name, Cindy Williams, Laverne and Shirley, The Odd Couple, or Happy Days.
Check them out.
You don't need a Kindle machine to download them.
Just get the free app from Kindle, and they can be downloaded to an IPhone, IPad, or Blackberry.
The paperbacks, "Mark Rothman's Essays" and my new novel, "I'm Not Garbo" are not
e-books. But they are available for people without Kindle.
I have many readings and signings lined up for those, and the thing about Kindle is you can't sign one. If you'd like one of the paperbacks, personally autographed, contact me at macchus999@aol.com.

And now, we've got my reading of my "Laverne and Shirley Movie" screenplay on YouTube.

*****

Thursday, February 5, 2015

Report Card---"Still Alice"

"Still Alice" is about a woman facing the onset of early Alzheimer's disease.
This is not light fare.
But it is absorbing, sensitively portrayed, and wonderfully acted.
It helps to be in the mood for this.

On to the scoring:

Is it interesting?

Very.
A.

Compelling even?

Often.
A+.

Is it controversial?

Issues of family responsibility could have been more controversial.
C-.

Is it a story worth telling?

Absolutely.
A+.

Is it good storytelling?

Yes.
B+.

Is it well written?

Yes.
B+.


Is it well cast? Well played?

Julianne Moore gives a career performance.
Alec Baldwin is really good in a role that is not like what he usually plays.
A+.

Well shot?

Well enough.
B+.

Is it too long? Too short?

Not at all long.
A.

Is it believable? Do you care about the characters?

Extremely, and extremely.
A+.

Is it predictable? Does it surprise you?

You pretty much know where it's going.
C.

Do you think about it after you've seen it?

Yes. Particularly when I have senior moments.
A.

Is it funny?

No. I suppose they could have found some humor.
C.

Would it have been worth the thirteen bucks it would have cost to see it in the movies?

No.
D.

Is it impressive?

Yes. Particularly the acting.
A.

Overall grade: A.

Julianne Moore should be in the hunt on Oscar Night.


----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

My books ,"Show Runner" and it's sequel, "Show Runner Two", can be found at the Amazon Kindle Store.
Along with the newer ones, "The Man Is Dead", and "Report Cards".
They are all compilations of blog entries that have since been removed from the blog.
So this is the only way you can find them.
You can search by typing in my name, Cindy Williams, Laverne and Shirley, The Odd Couple, or Happy Days.
Check them out.
You don't need a Kindle machine to download them.
Just get the free app from Kindle, and they can be downloaded to an IPhone, IPad, or Blackberry.
The paperbacks, "Mark Rothman's Essays" and my new novel, "I'm Not Garbo" are not
e-books. But they are available for people without Kindle.
I have many readings and signings lined up for those, and the thing about Kindle is you can't sign one. If you'd like one of the paperbacks, personally autographed, contact me at macchus999@aol.com.

And now, we've got my reading of my "Laverne and Shirley Movie" screenplay on YouTube.

*****

Tuesday, February 3, 2015

Report Card---"Whiplash"

"Whiplash" depicts the passion to make wonderful music.
In this case, jazz, on the highest level.
"Whiplash" displays the passion to make a wonderful movie, on the highest level.
And it succeeds, triumphantly.

On to the scoring:

Is it interesting?

Constantly.
A+.

Compelling even?

Often.
A+.

Is it controversial?

To some extent. When does firm teaching cross over the line to badgering?
A+.

Is it a story worth telling?

Absolutely.
A+.

Is it good storytelling?

Great storytelling. It never lets up.
A+.

Is it well written?

Very.
A+.

Is it well cast? Well played?

J.K. Simmons has the pivotal role. I only knew him as Dr. Skoda, the go-to shrink on "Law and Order", when they didn't have that cutie, Dr. Olivet available. He wasn't nearly as cute, nor did he make that much of an impression.
Then, I noticed him in the "Farmer's Insurance" commercials, which, apparently, he still does.
In those parts, he was and is amusingly benign.
As the music professor in "Whiplash", he displays a side of himself that I had no idea he had.
It's a side that most actors don't have.
He is magnificent.
And he brings everyone else up to his level.
Love the Simmons.
A+.

Well shot?

Extremely, and extremely well edited.
It was edited to the pace of the music, in fine fashion.
A+.

Is it too long? Too short?

Perfect length.
A+.

Is it believable? Do you care about the characters?

Extremely, and extremely.
A+.

Is it predictable? Does it surprise you?

I was surprised at every turn.
A+.

Do you think about it after you've seen it?

I was blown away by it. This necessitates continual thought.
A+.

Is it funny?

When it wants to be, and that's often enough.
A.

Would it have been worth the thirteen bucks it would have cost to see it in the movies?

You would have been even more overwhelmed by it.
A+.

Is it impressive?

On every level.
A+.

Overall grade: A+.

It and Simmons certainly deserve their nominations.


----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

My books ,"Show Runner" and it's sequel, "Show Runner Two", can be found at the Amazon Kindle Store.
Along with the newer ones, "The Man Is Dead", and "Report Cards".
They are all compilations of blog entries that have since been removed from the blog.
So this is the only way you can find them.
You can search by typing in my name, Cindy Williams, Laverne and Shirley, The Odd Couple, or Happy Days.
Check them out.
You don't need a Kindle machine to download them.
Just get the free app from Kindle, and they can be downloaded to an IPhone, IPad, or Blackberry.
The paperbacks, "Mark Rothman's Essays" and my new novel, "I'm Not Garbo" are not
e-books. But they are available for people without Kindle.
I have many readings and signings lined up for those, and the thing about Kindle is you can't sign one. If you'd like one of the paperbacks, personally autographed, contact me at macchus999@aol.com.

And now, we've got my reading of my "Laverne and Shirley Movie" screenplay on YouTube.

*****

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About Me

Hi. I am, according to my Wikipedia entry,(which I did not create) a noted television writer, playwright, screenwriter, and occasional actor. You can Google me or go to the IMDB to get my credits, and you can come here to get my opinions on things, which I'll try to express eloquently. Hopefully I'll succeed. You can also e-mail me at macchus999@aol.com. Perhaps my biggest claim to fame is being responsible, for about six months in 1975, while Head Writer for the "Happy Days" TV series, for Americans saying to each other "Sit on it."