Rothman's On The Case. (I.E. "There's Always A Woman")

First of all, it was a very entertaining show.
Particularly if you take my approach and watch it on half-hour tape delay, and skip through most of the technical awards.
Jimmy Kimmel seemed most at home as the host.
Made me  laugh out loud quite a few times.  Beginning with referring to Meryl Streep as "wildly overrated"
The highlight of the evening was when they brought out the women from "Hidden Figures" to give out the Best Documentary Award, accompanied by one of the original math geniuses whom the film the film was based on.
This was immediately followed by the lowlight of the evening: giving the award to the "O.J." documentary.  A film that only exists because of the most lurid, exploitative event of our times.
I mean, that woman, that pioneer, who did more for our country than most of us, was sitting on stage as those selfish producers were going through their  self- congratulatory flailings, celebrating two bloody murders, could just sit there and watch.

I found the "In Memoriam" segment particularly disturbing: mainly because of the unusually high ratio of honorees that I never heard of compared to those I has in previous years.
There were literally 21 people honored who I, I having spent a lifetime in show business, never heard of.
The list was literally sprinkled with publicists, and script supervisors, whilst---

Edward Albee--who wrote "Who's Afraid of Virgina Woolf?"

Hugh O'Brian--Many movies, and Wyatt Earp, for chrissakes!

William Schallert---Patty Duke's father, more movie credits than just about anybody.

Gloria DeHaven---An actual movie star.

Fyvush Finkel---memorable in all of his appearances.

Marvin Kaplan---One of the movies' great character voices and faces.

Noel Neill---TV's most noteworthy Lois Lane.  Also appeared with Gene Kelly in "An American in Paris"

Abe Vigoda---Most memorable as Tessio in "The Godfather", then for all those years of people thinking he was dead when he wasn't.

Frank Sinatra, Jr.---Okay, he didn't do much in movies, but come on!  He was still Frank Jr.!
Don't we still want to make the old man happy?

Remove half of the "honorees" that you had and add these.  Then you got something.
This was just the tip of the iceberg.

Now, to the Warren Beatty matter:  We're missing the obvious here.  Beatty didn't read ANYTHING.
Emma Stone never let go of the card that had her name on it. 
She went right up to the mike in the press room and showed it off.
Do you really want to believe that there was a duplicate card?
That's Price Waterhouse's only job.
To avoid this kind of shit.
So what happened?
My best guess, and I think it's more than a guess,  is that Beatty, 80 years old, too vain to wear eyeglasses, blind as a bat, couldn't read the card, and showed it to Dunaway without giving it to her.
Dunaway, also known for her vanity and also blind as a bat also couldn't read it, but pro that she was, stepped up and read the card and she just guessed, and all hell broke loose.
I really don't like disparaging bats like this, but point out the flaws, here.  I'll listen.
Believe what you want.
I've got my story, and I'm sticking to it.
It's more fun to blame Faye Dunaway, anyway.

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

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

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

Rothman's Picks for The Oscars, Part Six of Six.

Best picture:


“Arrival”  Really good.  I've seen better.

“Fences”  Well written, performed, and staged.

“Hacksaw Ridge”  A whole lot of fun.  In a thin year, I'd vote for it.

“Hell or High Water”  It's not a thin year.  Deserves consideration.

“Hidden Figures”  In the top three.  Important, complete news to me that it was an issue, great performances up and down the line.

“La La Land”  Lots of people liked it better than I did.

“Lion”  Most people liked it better than I did.

“Manchester by the Sea”  Even in a thick year, like this one, I could vote for it.

“Moonlight”  Not for me.


The Winner:  "Hidden Figures"   Just too meaningful and important, and well told, and well played.

Enjoy the show!  If I have anything to say about it afterwards,  I shall.

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

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

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

Rothmans Picks For The Oscars, Part Five of Six.

Best director:

“La La Land,” Damien Chazelle   I really don't know what to make of most of these, although it certainly was lush, and I'm sure that's what he was going for.  I wish I liked the picture better.

“Hacksaw Ridge,” Mel Gibson  He really kept up the tension well in a nicely crafted job.

“Moonlight,” Barry Jenkins  The direction had no effect on me.

“Manchester by the Sea,” Kenneth Lonergan  The closest thing we have here to art.
It's harder to be artful about prople.

“Arrival,” Denis Villeneuve  The second closest thing we have here to art.  When you're making a picture about aliens, the art bar is automatically set lower.


The Winner:  Kenneth Lonergan.

This film deserves recognition, and this is a good way to do it.
My second choice would be Mel Gibson, but I hear he still hates the Jews.

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

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

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

Rothman's Oscar Picks, Part Four of Six.

Best Actor:

Casey Affleck, “Manchester by the Sea”   Terrific performance.  If he wasn't a sexual predator, he'd be a lock.

Andrew Garfield, “Hacksaw Ridge”  Really good, but not overwhelming.

Ryan Gosling, “La La Land,”  Harkening back to yesterday, he was good, but was no Gene Kelly, no
Fred Astaire, no Donald O'Connor, no Mickey Rooney, no Robert Preston, hell, not even a friggin'
Van Johnson.  And where are their Best Actor Oscars?  Okay, Bing won for "Going My Way", but that was primarily not a musical. 
And Rex Harrison won for "My Fair Lady", if you call that singing.  I don't.

Viggo Mortensen, “Captain Fantastic” Didn't see it, never heard of it, and on general principles, would never vote for anyone named Viggo.
 
Denzel Washington, “Fences”  Great as usual.  It's a two-horse race.  And with all these black nominees, I'd like to not be considered a racist. 
I'm hoping he did not do anything inappropriate with his dick, like Cosby.

The Winner:  Denzel.

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

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

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

Rothman's Oscar Picks, Part Three of Six.

Best Actress:

Isabelle Huppert, “Elle”  This is one of the few DVDs they didn't send me.  I have a feeling it wouldn't have made a difference.  Most Academy voters don't see everything,  but vote anyway.

Ruth Negga, “Loving”  Don't know the woman, but she seemed genuinely disinterested in what she was doing.

Natalie Portman, “Jackie”  I knew Jackie Kennedy.  She was no Jackie Kennedy.

Emma Stone, “La La Land”  Yeah, she was good, but she was no Eleanor Powell, no Cyd Charisse,

no Vera-Ellen, no Debbie Reynolds, no Alice Faye, no Leslie Caron, no Jane Powell--so where are their Academy Awards?  I know, Ginger Rogers, but that wasn't for a musical.

Meryl Streep, “Florence Foster Jenkins”  The best we have, in perhaps her greatest performance.
And an even better musical performance than Emma Stone.

The Winner:  Streep.  No one else is even in the race.

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

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

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

Rothman's Oscar Picks, Part Two of Six.

Best Supporting actor:

Mahershala Ali, “Moonlight”--Was unaffected by the movie, thus the performance. 

Jeff Bridges, “Hell or High Water”---One of those lifetime achievement awards.  I like voting for those, especially if I love the performance, which I did.

Lucas Hedges, “Manchester by the Sea”---Really good, but no real body of work.   Way too young.
Needs more of a resume.

Dev Patel, “Lion”---If anything, this should have been in the Best Actor Category.  But it didn't belong there either.

Michael Shannon, “Nocturnal Animals"---Made about 12 movies last year, and was great in all of them.  I can't get enough of him."Nocturnal Animals is probably his best so far.



The Winner---Jeff Bridges.  Shannon will probably make 12 more movies this year.  His time will come.

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

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

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

Rothman's Picks For The Oscars, In Six Parts.

Each day, from now until Oscar Night, I will offer my selections for the awards, in six categorties.
Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Supporting Actress, Best Supporting Actor, Best Director, and Best Picture.
These are purely biased choices, based purely on my opinions.
This is not about who I think will win.
It's only about who I'd vote for.
First,
Best Supporting Actress. 

Viola Davis Fences---Really strong. 

Naomie Harris, Moonlight---Overmatched.

Nicole Kidman, Lion---Didn't like the movie, although she helped, but not enough. 

Octavia Spencer, Hidden Figures-Great, and worthy.
Michelle Williams, Manchester ByThe Sea-Totally emotoioally wrenching.

The winner: Michelle Williams.  Not even close.

Sorry for the different colors. 
I didn't know how to fix it.

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

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

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

Report Card---"Touched With Fire"

This is a top quality film about two bi-polars who fall in love, and "what's to become of them"
They want to get married and have a  family, but is it fair to the child, or children?
There's certainly a lot to chew on here.  And it's done thoughtfully and intelligently.

On to the scoring:   

Is it interesting?

Quite.
A.

Compelling even?

Often
A.

Is it a story worth telling?

Certainly.
A.

Is it good storytelling?

Excellent
A.

Is it well written?

Very much so.
A.

Is it well cast? Well played?

Katie Holmes is terrific as the female lead.  Casting is first rate'
A+.

Well shot?

Yes.
A.

Did the director put such a personal stamp on it so that no one else could have made it?

Dunno.
B.

How long does it take to establish the film's locale and time period?

Early.
A.

Is it too long? Too short?

Perfect.
A.

Is it believable? Do you care about the characters?.

Yes, and absolutely.
A+.

Is it predictable? Does it surprise you?

It reached a crossroads at the end, and I didn't see it coming.
A.

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

It's a topic that continually haunts me.
A.

Is it funny?

When it's appropriate.
A.

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

I think so.
A.

Is it impressive?

Extremely.
A.

Overall grade: A.

Deserved more attention at awards time.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

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

Report Card---"The Meddler"

Oh dear, another chick flick.  And what's more, a particularly bad one.
It stars Susan Sarandon, who  I usually adore.
But she used a very affected New York accent.
She was terrible.
I've never witnessed this before.
It was shocking.

On to the scoring:   

Is it interesting?

Never.
F.

Compelling even?

See above..
F.

Is it a story worth telling?

Not to me..
F.

Is it good storytelling?

See above.
F.

Is it well written?

Not at all.
D.

Is it well cast? Well played?

No. And a complete waste  of J.K. Simmons Much better in the Farmers Insurance Commercials.
F.

Well shot?

Not particularly
C.

Did the director put such a personal stamp on it so that no one else could have made it?

No.
F.

How long does it take to establish the film's locale and time period?

It never mattered.
F.

Is it too long? Too short?

Way long.

Is it believable? Do you care about the characters?.

No, and no.
F.

Is it predictable? Does it surprise you?

Not an issue.
F

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

Not even while I was seeing it.
F
  .
Is it funny?

Sarandon has some unintentionally funny moments.
B.

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

I would die first.
F.

Is it impressive?

Not worth discussing.
F.

Overall grade: F.

The bottom of the barrel.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

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

Report Card---"Hacksaw Ridge"

"Hacksaw Ridge is the last DVD that I received that I considered worthy of Best Picture.
It takes place during World War 2, and is about a young conscientious objector, who nevertheless sees quite a bi of action without a gun in his hands.  To the point where he receives the highest medal for bravery.
It's quite a story.

On to the scoring:   

Is it interesting?

Extremely
A+.

Compelling even?

Absolutely.
A.

Is it a story worth telling?

Extremely
A+.

Is it good storytelling?

Excellent
A.

Is it well written?

Very.
A.

Is it well cast? Well played?

From top to bottom.
A.

Well shot?

Very.
A..

Did the director put such a personal stamp on it so that no one else could have made it?

It was Mel Gibson.  Who am I to say no?
A.

How long does it take to establish the film's locale and time period?

Immediately.
A+.

Is it too long? Too short?

Perfect.
A.

Is it believable? Do you care about the characters?.

Yes,, and yes.
A..

Is it predictable? Does it surprise you?

Not at all predictable.
A.

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

It's quite thought-provoking.
A.
  .
Is it funny?

Has its moments.
B.

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

My arm could be twisted on this one.
A.

Is it impressive?

Very..
A.

Overall grade: A.

Yet again another rip-roarer.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

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

Report Card----"Hell Or High Water"

This is some good movie.
It's about bank robbers, whom you root for to succeed.
The son of one of them needs brain surgery.
One of the Sheriffs, chasing them, was Jeff Bridges.
And how do you not like Jeff Bridges.
And this was him at his most likeable.
So this at least made you feel conflicted.

On to the scoring:   

Is it interesting?

Extremely
A+.

Compelling even?

Often
A.

Is it a story worth telling?

Extremely
A.

Is it good storytelling?

Excellent
A.

Is it well written?

Very.
A.

Is it well cast? Well played?

Bridges is always fun.
A.

Well shot?

Very.
A..

Did the director put such a personal stamp on it so that no one else could have made it?

I suppose.
A.

How long does it take to establish the film's locale and time period?

Immediately. The seventies.
A+.

Is it too long? Too short?

Perfect.
A.

Is it believable? Do you care about the characters?.

Yes,, and yes.
A..

Is it predictable? Does it surprise you?

Not at at all.
A.

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

Here and there.
B.

Is it funny?

Often.
A.

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

Perhaps some bucks.
A.

Is it impressive?

Very..
A.

Overall grade: A.

Another rip-roarer.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

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

Report Card---"20th Century Women"

"20th Century Women" has that fatal flaw, as far as I'm concerned.
It is a chick-flick.
Sorry folks.  I've seen enough of them to know that as soon as I recognize what I am watching is a chick-flick, that it will give me the heebie-jeebies.
'20th Century Women" is no exception.
It's about a young boy whose primary influences are the three women he lived with growing up.
The main one is Annette Benng.
She is easily the best thing in this movie.
But that's not saying much.
She looked terrible.
I hope that they made her up to look much older than she is.
I looked it up.  She isn't that old.

On to the scoring:   

Is it interesting?

Slighhtly.
C.

Compelling even?

Never.
C-.

Is it controversial?

Not to me.
C.

Is it a story worth telling?

Not to me.
C.

Is it good storytelling?

Not to me.
C.

Is it well written?

I suppose.
B.

Is it well cast? Well played?

Bening was great.  I didn't notice anyone else.
A.

Well shot?

Well enough.
B+.

Did the director put such a personal stamp on it so that no one else could have made it?

If he did, I didn't notice.
C.

How long does it take to establish the film's locale and time period?

Immediately. The seventies.
A+.

Is it too long? Too short?

Way long.
D.

Is it believable? Do you care about the characters?

Yes, and no.
C.

Is it predictable? Does it surprise you?

It didn't make a  difference.
C.

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

Not at all
C-.

Is it funny?

Never.
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?

I wasn't impressed.
C-.

Overall grade: C.

Call me prejudiced, if you must.  I just don't like them chick-flicks.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

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Report Card---"Florence Foster Jenkins"

I am amazed that this movie wasn't nominated for Best Picture.
It is wonderful on so many levels.
Certainly not the least of which is Meryl Streep's performance.
I've said it before, I'll say it again:  she's the best we have.
The entire movie takes place in 1944.
So you know that there are all those great cars.
It is stunningly shot.
Hugh Grant and Simon Helberg are both wonderful.
It is a true story that I knew nothing about.
Florence Foster Jenkins was an opera singer very much in the way Mrs. Miller was a singer.
She practically kept the Metropolitan Opera afloat financially.
And her wish was to play Carnegie Hall.
Hugh Grant, as her husband, was determined to make that happen for her as her health was failing..
This entailed bribing an entire audience so she wouldn't be laughed off the stage.
Watching her rehearse, and perform in public is beyond funny.
And tragic at the same time.

On to the scoring:   

Is it interesting?

Fascinating
A+.

Compelling even?

Totally.
A+.

Is it controversial?

At the time, probably.  Now, it's just a piece of history.
A.

Is it a story worth telling?

Absolutely. 
A+.

Is it good storytelling?

Great storytelling.
A+.

Is it well written?

Extremely.
A+.

Is it well cast? Well played?

Beautifully on all levels.
A+.

Well shot?

Gorgeous.
A+.

Did the director put such a personal stamp on it so that no one else could have made it?

Very much.
A+.

How long does it take to establish the film's locale and time period?

Immediately.  And, of course, as indicated, I loved the cars.
A+.

Is it too long? Too short?

Perfect.
A+.

Is it believable? Do you care about the characters?

Totally, and totally.
A+.

Is it predictable? Does it surprise you?

Never predictable. Always surprising
A+.

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

Often.  Mostly about how great Streep is.
A+.

Is it funny?

A major hoot.
A+.

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

By the time I got around to seeing it, they weren't sending DVDs any more.
And this was the one I really wanted to see.
It was available on On Demand for six bucks.
I went to the hip.
I would have spent twice as much.
A+.

Is it impressive?

Overwhelmingly.
A+.

Overall grade: A+.

If it was nominated it would be in my top three.  But there are so many good choices this year.
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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@comcast.net
And now, we've got my reading of my "Laverne and Shirley Movie" screenplay on YouTube.

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

Live Podcast Tonight.

I will be interviewed on "StusShow" live on tonight live on the Internet beginning at 4pm PST,
7 EST, for the rest of the country, you do the math.
Just go and google StusShow and follow the link to the website.
I will on between 2 and 3 hours.
Hope you'll join 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@comcast.net
And now, we've got my reading of my "Laverne and Shirley Movie" screenplay on YouTube.

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

Report Card---"Loving"

I had an odd reaction to "Loving".
It is an interesting well-told story about the Supreme Court case that led to the legalization of interracial marriage in Virginia in the early 1960s where it was outlawed.
This was something I wasn't aware of, so it was an eye-opener.
The problem I had was that the actors seemed more disinterested in their problem than I was.
There was a sense of detachment that seemed inappropriate, and hurt the film immeasurably.

On to the scoring:   

Is it interesting?

Often
A.

Compelling even?

Not quite.  It should have been.
C.

Is it controversial?

Very
A.

Is it a story worth telling?

Yes. 
A.

Is it good storytelling?

Yes.
A.

Is it well written?

Yes.
A.

Is it well cast? Well played?

There was a problem somewhere.  It might have been the casting.
C.

Well shot?

Well enough
B.

Did the director put such a personal stamp on it so that no one else could have made it?

No.
C.

How long does it take to establish the film's locale and time period?

Immediately.  And, of course, I loved the cars.
A+. 

Is it too long? Too short?

A tad long.
B-.

Is it believable? Do you care about the characters?

Yes. But I'd like to have cared more.
B.

Is it predictable? Does it surprise you?

Never predictable.
A.

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

Only about my prior lack of knowledge of the case.
A.

Is it funny?

Not at all.
C.

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

Nope.
D.

Is it impressive?

Yes, but a little too dry.
B.

Overall grade: B.

Just should have been more of a grabber.  It certainly had that potential.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

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