The Oscar Aftermath.

We had guests over last night to watch the Oscars.
As a result, we had to watch it live.
It started out great.
On the red carpet, I've never seen so many great low-cut gowns in one place.
But when you watch the whole show live, there's no fast-forwarding.
That made it tougher.
Chris Rock was hilarious.
A great choice, certainly under the circumstances.
None of the nominees did not necessarily not deserve to win.
I guess all those technical awards for "Mad Max" were warranted.
The actors were all worthy choices, {there was no stopping DiCaprio) and I take particular pride in singling out Mark Rylance.
The "In Memoriam" reel seemed particularly light on actors, but there were no significant omissions.
Except for Abe Vigoda, and my personal favorite since I was nine, Joan Leslie.
It was overloaded with cinematographers and publicists.
And Zsa Zsa Gabor is still alive.
Go figure.
I loved that there was a crawl underneath each winner declaring who they wished to thank, and then, the winners proceeded to thank them out loud anyway.
My wife made great food and that certainly helped.
That's all I got.

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

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---Best Picture.

The Big Short (Brad Pitt, Dede Gardner and Jeremy Kleiner, Producers)

Bridge of Spies (Steven Spielberg, Marc Platt and Kristie Macosko Krieger, Producers)

Brooklyn (Finola Dwyer and Amanda Posey, Producers)

Mad Max: Fury Road (Doug Mitchell and George Miller, Producers)

The Martian (Simon Kinberg, Ridley Scott, Michael Schaefer and Mark Huffam, Producers)

The Revenant (Arnon Milchan, Steve Golin, Alejandro G. Iñárritu, Mary Parent and Keith Redmon, Producers)

Room (Ed Guiney, Producer)

Spotlight (Michael Sugar, Steve Golin, Nicole Rocklin and Blye Pagon Faust, Producers

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This is the category that really gets my goat.
Eight nominees.
Maybe four of which are deserved.
Strike "Brooklyn", "Mad Max: Fury Road", "The Martian", and "The Revenant"
Replace them with "Carol", "The Hateful Eight", "Trumbo" and "99 Homes".
Now there's a list that anybody's mother could love.
With that list, I would vote for "Carol".
Easily the most impressive film I've seen in quite a few years.
And it has Cate Blanchette. Or maybe you knew that.
Any other year, I could have easily voted for "The Hateful Eight" or "Trumbo"
But there is no write-in opportunity.
"99 Homes" was a much better, more dramatic version of "The Big Short".

Getting back to reality, there's only one nominee left that is worth my vote---"Room".
That was also quite excellent.
The key word there is "also".
So I am now going to stop my bellyaching and vote for "Room".

Enjoy the show!
If I've got any commentary about it, you'll hear about it afterwards.

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

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---Best Director.

The Big Short, Adam McKay

Mad Max: Fury Road, George Miller

The Revenant, Alejandro G. Iñárritu

Room, Lenny Abrahamson

Tom McCarthy, Spotlight

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

First of all, where on earth is Quentin Tarantino for "The Hateful Eight"?
His work was so far superior to anyone else's and he wasn't even nominated?
Incredible.
Or Spielberg, for that matter for "Bridge of Spies"
His usual great attention to detail was all over the place.

"Mad Max: Fury Road"?--Are we kidding with this?

Where's Tarantino?

"The Revenant"?---Please.

Where's Tarantino?

"Room"?---A great film, but the director didn't write it, so God knows what his contribution is.

Where's Tarantino?

Adam McKay and Tom McCarthy at least had the good taste to contribute to the screenplay.

I liked "Spotlight" and "The Big Short" just about the same.
With no enthusiasm, we'll toss a coin.
It came up Tarantino.


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

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---Best Actress.

Cate Blanchett, Carol

Brie Larson, Room

Jennifer Lawrence, Joy

Charlotte Rampling, 45 Years

Saoirse Ronan, Brooklyn

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

Three great performances here.

Cate Blanchette----"Carol" would get my vote if it was nominated. It's a travesty that it wasn't.
She was sensational in it.

Brie Larson was awesome in "Room".

Jennifer Lawrence was a hoot in "Joy"

Didn't see Charlotte Rampling.

Saoirse Ronan was charming as a young Irish lass in "Brooklyn".
I've seen her interviewed on TV.
Guess what. That's exactly what she is.
A very low bar of difficulty.
And she couldn't overcome the problems with the script.

No one was as good as Cate Blanchette. I seem to say that whenever she makes a movie.
I'm saying it 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@comcast.net

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

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

Rothman's Picks For The Oscars----Best Actor.

Bryan Cranston, Trumbo

Matt Damon, The Martian

Leonardo DiCaprio, The Revenant

Micheal Fassbender, Steve Jobs

Eddie Redmayne, The Danish Girl

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

Cranston---Showy, and very accurate as Trumbo.
I love showy and accurate.

Damon----Funny and charming on Mars. That's all.

DiCaprio---Almost three hours of grunting. I don't think so.

Fassbender---I guess pretty accurate, but didn't bowl me over.

Redmayne---Good casting for a trans-sexual. I didn't care.

The one sympathy I had with the boycott is that Samuel L. Jackson wasn't nominated for "The Hateful Eight"
Talk about showy. Talk about great.

And where was Redford's nomination for "Truth"?
He was a great Dan Rather.

That being said, Cranston would still get my vote.
Jackson would finish second.
Redford third, because Rather isn't as interesting a character as Trumbo.

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

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.

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

Back To Rothman's Oscar Picks---Best Supporting Actress.

Jennifer Jason Leigh, The Hateful Eight

Rooney Mara, Carol

Rachel McAdams, Spotlight

Alicia Vikander, The Danish Girl

Kate Winslet, Steve Jobs
-------------------------------

A no-brainer.
I'm a sucker for showy.
There was only one showy performance here, and it was great.
Jennifer Jason Leigh in "The Hateful Eight", an otherwise shamefully ignored film in the Oscar hunt.

Rooney Mara was also outstanding, but not nearly as showy.
The others all just blended together.

Jennifer Jason Leigh for 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.

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

A New Level Of Stupidity.

So I bet on the NBA All-Star Game last night.
It took me a while to find out who was carrying it.
Finally, I see that it's TNT.
I start watching the game.
It's the NBA D-League.
The minor leagues.
And that's what it says in the Comcast guide.
So where is the regular game?
All I can find is that it's being re-run at 1:30 in the morning.
The real game.
Not the D-League game.
So, I figure I'll set the Tivo for the replay and watch it in the morning.
I wake up 10AM, check the Tivo, and voila, there's the game.
I'm watching it for about five minutes, and there's a streamer running across the bottom of the screen, showing the final score of the game.
And, of course, I lost.
And of course, there was no reason to watch any further.
Everyone knows that nobody watches a basketball game when they know the result.
And TNT specializes in showing basketball games.
So who did they think their audience would be for this replay?
So how stupid are they?
I think they set a record.

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

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 Pick For The Supreme Court.

Justice Scalia's biggest impact on the country was that he foisted, quite illegitimately, George W. Bush on the country as our President by handing him the election in 2000.
When questioned about it, he chose to only say "Get over it".
What kind of answer is that?
Now, there is only resistance by Republicans to even consider any nominee that President Obama might offer up.
If I were Obama, the first thing I would do is offer the vacancy to Elizabeth Warren.
She'd probably be reluctant to accept, and put herself through the ringer, but I'd say "Hold on Elizabeth".
Then, I'd sit down with Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders, and offer my support to whoever agrees to appoint Elizabeth Warren once elected.
If they both do, so much the better.
The likelihood of a Democratic victory and a Democratic-controlled Senate is much more likely if the voters know that a Warren confirmation is likely.
The Republicans might cave when Obama nominates Warren, if only to hold on to the Senate.
Warren might just be up for the fight anyway,
Who knows?
Where is it written that Obama's pick has to be a Conservative?
Isn't this the point of having elected a Democrat in the first place?
Warren's credentials are impeccable.
So that's the way I'd handle it.
Just one American's opinion.

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

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---Supporting Actor

Christian Bale, The Big Short

Tom Hardy, The Revenant

Mark Ruffalo, Spotlight

Mark Rylance, Bridge Of Spies

Sylvester Stallone, Creed


Bale--Very good as always.

Hardy--Really good, but better in "Legend"---higher degree of difficulty.

Ruffalo---Quite good, but no better than anyone else. Where was Michael Keaton's nomination?

Rylance---Spectacularly effective, with extraordinary range not on display here.

Stallone---Already won as Rocky. Didn't see him in Creed. I'm guessing older and slurrier.

A very tough field. Not much to choose from.
Nobody walked away with their films.

I guess I'd give it to Rylance.


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

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 2016 Oscars.

We do this every year, and as this is a year, we're doing it again.
We'll be dealing with six categories over the next few posts:

Best Supporting Actor
Best Supporting Actress
Best Actor
Best Actress
Best Director
Best Picture

As usual, this reflects my personal opinions.
Not who I think will win, but who I think SHOULD win.
I have no idea who will win.

I have seen all the nominees in these categories, except Stallone in "Creed", and Charlotte Rampling in whatever she was nominated in.
They never sent me those DVDs.
But I've seen everything else, which is far more than most of the Academy voters have seen.

We'll start next 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---"Legend"

"Legend" is a very entertaining movie about identical twin London gangsters in the 60's.
They are both played by Tom Hardy, who is absolutely incredible as both twins.
That's mostly what I remember about it.

On to the scoring:

Is it interesting?

Very
A.

Compelling even?

Only Hardy's performance.
A.

Is it controversial?

Not really.
C.

Is it a story worth telling?

Yes.
A.

Is it good storytelling?

Fine.
B+.

Is it well written?

Well enough.
B.

Is it well cast? Well played?

It's all Hardy.
A.

Well shot?

Yes.
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.
A+.

Is it too long? Too short?

A little long.
C.

Is it believable? Do you care about the characters?

Yes.
B.

Is it predictable? Does it surprise you?

No, and yes.
A.

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

No.
C.

Is it funny?

On occasion.
A.

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

No.
F.

Is it impressive?

Only Hardy.
B.

Overall grade: B.

THIS is the one he should have been nominated for. Not "The Revenant" or "Mad Max", as good as he was in those.

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

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 Danish Girl"

"The Danish Girl" is not about a girl who sells Danish.
It's about the stone-age Caitlin Jenner.
It takes place in the 1920's, with Eddie Redmayne coming to terms with his sexuality.
And how he resolves it.

On to the scoring:

Is it interesting?

Not to me.
C.

Compelling even?

Perhaps to some, not me.
B-.

Is it controversial?

It was, and still is.
A.

Is it a story worth telling?

I suppose.
A.

Is it good storytelling?

It was told so grimly
C.

Is it well written?

It was totally devoid of humor.
C-.

Is it well cast? Well played?

Eddie Redmayne was quite convincing as someone who might have this problem. He seems quite feminine.
It's not like it was Ernest Borgnine or anything.
Or Jeffrey Tambor. Wait, maybe that was a bad example.
Hmm, not really. What Tambor does on "Transparent" is primarily for comedic effect.
A.

Well shot?

Rather drearily.
C.

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

Not in a positive way.
C-.

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

Immediately.
A+.

Is it too long? Too short?

Too long to suit me.
C.

Is it believable? Do you care about the characters?

Sort of.
C+.

Is it predictable? Does it surprise you?

I didn't know where it was going, nor did I care.
B-.

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

I don't care about Caitlin Jenner either.
C-.

Is it funny?

Asked and answered.
F.

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

On no level.
F.

Is it impressive?

Redmayne was kind of impressive.
B.

Overall grade: C.

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

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----"Mad Max: Fury Road"

This is the kind of movie that I would never consider sitting through, except for the fact that they sent me the DVD, and it was nominated for
Best Picture.
It is post-apocalyptic Cowboys and Indians.
Not my favorite thing.
The first hour-and-a-half is a complete, extremely loud shoot-'em-up, with incredibly sophisticated weaponry.
And I gave less than a crap about it.
The story was buried somewhere in there.
I sort of cared about the last half-hour, but not enough to justify what preceded it.

On to the scoring:

Is it interesting?

Mostly not.
C.

Compelling even?

Never.
D.

Is it controversial?

No.
D.

Is it a story worth telling?

No.
D.

Is it good storytelling?

Mostly not.
C-.

Is it well written?

I barely detected any writing.
C-.

Is it well cast? Well played?

Tom Hardy is probably the best actor I never heard of until this year.
Charlize Theron was quite effective.
A.

Well shot?

Extremely.
A+.

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

Not that I'm aware of.
C-.

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

Immediately.
A+.

Is it too long? Too short?

Way long.
C.

Is it believable? Do you care about the characters?

Somewhat.
B.

Is it predictable? Does it surprise you?

It's Good Guys vs. Bad Guys. So what do you think?
C-.

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

Not at all. I was still trying to get the ringing out of my ears.
F.

Is it funny?

Rarely.
C-.

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

Knowing what I know now, I would have skipped it altogether.
F.

Is it impressive?

Only on a special-effects level.
C-

Overall grade: C-.

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

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----"Bridge Of Spies"

I was pleasantly surprised by "Bridge of Spies".
I was about thirteen when this story actually happened.
And I was just that much more than a fetus that I actually remembered much of what was reported about it at the time.
But there was far more to it than that, and far more at stake.
I didn't even know that the Tom Hanks character existed, and how pivotal he was to its success.

On to the scoring:

Is it interesting?

Far more than I expected it to be.
A.

Compelling even?

On occasion.
A.

Is it controversial?

Not so much any more. It was then.
B.

Is it a story worth telling?

Absolutely.
A+.

Is it good storytelling?

It is great storytelling.
A+.

Is it well written?

Extremely
A+.

Is it well cast? Well played?

Hanks is his usual great. I've seen Mark Rylance on Broadway, in a play called La Bete, and he gave one of the funniest performances I have ever seen.
He is one of those Alec Guinness actors who gets totally immersed in his characters and can do anything.
A+.

Well shot?

Extremely.
A+.

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

Spielberg always does.
A+.

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

Immediately.
A+.

Is it too long? Too short?

Never a problem.
A.

Is it believable? Do you care about the characters?

Both. Tremendously.
A+.

Is it predictable? Does it surprise you?

Unless you're quite young, you know exactly where it's going. But it's all in the getting there.
A.

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

Mainly about how much I didn't know.
A.

Is it funny?

When it wants to be.
A.

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

I could have waited until HBO.
C.

Is it impressive?

Extremely.
A+.

Overall grade: A.

The less you know about this story going in, the more you get out of 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.

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

Okay, So Who's Worse, Governor Snyder Or Cosby?

It's a no-brainer.
At worst, Cosby raped around eighty women.
They all survived.
Certainly not without trauma, but with their health.
He's admitted to at least drugging some women, albeit ostensibly by their own consent.
But we all know better.
Even so, we're talking eighty relatively healthy women.
Governor Snyder was a total scumbag when he replaced legitimately elected officials in Michigan with his own appointed "city managers".
In predominantly poor, black areas.
And there is no doubt in my mind that he knew well in advance of the magnitude of the water problem in Flint, Michigan.
And was willing to tell their citizens that there was nothing wrong with the drinking water.
"Drink all you want! It won't hurt you!"
Major health damage will be done in Flint.
We can't even fathom the extent of it.
Ten people have already been killed because of this.
It might end up killing many, many children.
And adults.
There is most-likely irreversible brain damage on it's way.
Snyder is totally responsible for this.
The buck stops with him.
Nobody else.
He doesn't even seem to understand why he's being blamed.
Sure, he doesn't.
This was not his "Katrina" as Snyder put it.
Katrina was a natural disaster.
Flint is a disaster created by Snyder.
Just to save money.
Not even a lot of money.
So he could further justify the tax breaks he gave to the rich guys who elected him.
He was told there were problems from the beginning, and just turned a blind eye to it.
And, as of this writing, nothing of substance has been done to fix the problem.
This is of course, inexcusable.
And don't give me "lack of intent".
Yes, Cosby had darker intentions, and no, Snyder didn't deliberately want to inflict damage on an entire city.
He was merely disinterested about it.
How much better is that?
At best, you can say he is a bottom-feeder, a political hack.
At worst he should be regarded as a mass murderer as the death toll mounts.
Along the lines of Adolf Eichmann, the difference being that if believed, Eichmann was only carrying out orders.
Snyder essentially gave the orders.
He must resign, be prosecuted, and throw himself on the mercy of the court, who should show him none.
Why isn't this THE biggest story of our time?
Of ANY time?

Give me Cosby any day.

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

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.

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

Abe Vigoda

Two things about Abe Vigoda:

I lost an actor who I wanted for the lead in a pilot we were going to shoot in the seventies.
He gave a great audition and we wanted him badly.
But the series "Fish" had sold and the actor in question was offered the third lead in "Fish".
The actor was torn.
He knew that our pilot script was better than what they were doing and what he would be doing with "Fish".
But "Fish was a guaranteed thirteen on the air.
We were just a pilot that might or might not sell.
For him, it was a virtual no-brainer.
You don't turn down a guaranteed thirteen on the air.
And he didn't. And we lost him.
They ended up shooting thirty-five episodes.
Our series also sold, and we ended up shooting twenty-seven.
In retrospect, I'm sure he felt he made the wrong choice.
I know we thought so.
And the ghost of this other actor lingered over our set during the entire run.

I always thought that Abe Vigoda worked much better in small doses, like on "Barney Miller".
I don't think they ever gave him more than one line to say at a time.
And he always scored.
Same thing with Jack Soo.
I watched 'Fish" once.
They gave him a far bigger load to carry.
He really couldn't.

My other memory of Abe Vigoda, which for the life of me, I can't fathom why I remember it, was that at around 1969, when I was making the rounds in
New York, trying to get work as an actor, I would get the trade papers every week.
Show Business and Backstage.
And in both of them, during one week, there was an ad taken out announcing that actor Abe Vigoda had changed his name to "Gabe Vigoda".
I'm not kidding.
I had heard of Abe Vigoda at the time.
He was a working, or at least semi-working actor.
This was before "The Godfather" and "Barney Miller".
This flirtation with "Gabe" couldn't have lasted more than a few months.
Did he really think it was going to change his life?
Who the hell knows?

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

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----"Room"

"Room" is a totally compelling movie about a woman who has been imprisoned by her husband in a 10x10 room, along with her very young son.
When the boy is five they successfully escape, the boy encounters the real world for the first time. It is a wondrous experience for him, as you would expect it would be.

On to the scoring:

Is it interesting?

Fascinating.
A+.

Compelling even?

Totally.
A+.

Is it controversial?

On all levels.
A+.

Is it a story worth telling?

Absolutely.
A+.

Is it good storytelling?

It is great storytelling.
A+.

Is it well written?

Extremely
A+.

Is it well cast? Well played?

Brie Larson, as the mother, is tremendous.
A+.

Well shot?

Fine.
A.

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

Not that I could see.
C-.

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

It doesn't clearly, but it really doesn't matter.
A.

Is it too long? Too short?

Just right.
A.

Is it believable? Do you care about the characters?

Both. A lot.
A+.

Is it predictable? Does it surprise you?

Never predictable.
A.

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

It is quite haunting.
A.

Is it funny?

When it wants to be.
A.

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

Very much.
A+.

Is it impressive?

Stunningly.
A+.

Overall grade: A+.

You get the feeling I liked this 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@comcast.net

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

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

Report Card---"The Revenant'

"The Revenant" is a large movie.
Everything about it is large.
It has a huge canvas.
It takes place in the freezing cold wilderness near Yellowstone Park, somewhere in the distant past.
We're never quite told when.
It involves Leonardo DiCaprio as a fur trapper.
Under the circumstances, this is not a safe job.
Bears are attacking him, Indians are attacking him, his own men are attacking him.
The whole movie cries out "Stay in your house. Get a desk job."
He isn't having any.

On to the scoring:

Is it interesting?

On occasion. Not nearly enough.
C.

Compelling even?

Almost never.
D.

Is it controversial?

Some interesting moral issues are brought up.
A.

Is it a story worth telling?

I suppose.
B.

Is it good storytelling?

There is about a half hour's worth of storytelling stretched over two-and-a-half hours. The last half hour picks up a little, but it's still by the numbers.
F.

Is it well written?

There doesn't seem to be a lot of writing.
C.

Is it well cast? Well played?

Thomas Hardy, whom I will write about when I talk about "Legend" was terrific. DiCaprio, except for maybe five lines, grunted his way through the movie.
B-.

Well shot?

Fine.
A.

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

Not that I could see.
C-.

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

It took way too long.
D.

Is it too long? Too short?

It is way, way, way too long.
F.

Is it believable? Do you care about the characters?

Yes but I really think these characters get what they deserve from making poor career choices.
C+.

Is it predictable? Does it surprise you?

I knew exactly where it was going after about forty minutes into it.
D.

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

Only about how it cost me about three hours of my life.
F.

Is it funny?

Not to me.
F.

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

Oh, God, no!
F.

Is it impressive?

Only visually.
B+.

Overall grade: C-.

You shouldn't get a nomination for grunting, or for being this movie.

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

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 Big Short"

"The Big Short" has a great premise.
A few guys have figured out that the housing bubble was about to happen in the mid 2000s and the economy is about to collapse.
Nobody takes them seriously.
So they decide to bet against the economy.
If it tanks, they win.
If it doesn't, everybody else wins, and they lose.
We like these guys, and as an audience find ourselves in the strange position of rooting for them, against our own interests.

On to the scoring:

Is it interesting?

Totally.
A+.

Compelling even?

Often
A+.

Is it controversial?

Very.
A+.

Is it a story worth telling?

Absolutely.
A+.

Is it good storytelling?

Excellent. It got a little technical. I think I would have enjoyed it a little more if I had more of a business background. My wife does, and she enjoyed it even more.
I was a little confused, but I think it was my bad.
A.

Is it well written?

The dialogue is excellent.
A.

Is it well cast? Well played?

Great cast. Great performances.
A+.

Well shot?

Fine.
A.

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

Not that I could see.
C-.

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

It was a lot of places, and it never mattered
A.

Is it too long? Too short?

Length is not a problem.
A.

Is it believable? Do you care about the characters?

Totally and totally.
A+.

Is it predictable? Does it surprise you?

I was not ahead of it.
A.

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

It certainly is thought-provoking.
A+.

Is it funny?

Quite often.
A+.

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

Yes.
A+.

Is it impressive?

On all levels.
A+.

Overall grade: A.

Certainly deserves its nomination.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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----"Spotlight"

"Spotlight" is essentially "All The President's Men" with the villain being the Catholic Church and the priests who have molested little boys.
As opposed to Nixon, who molested the country.
It's a little more complicated, as we suspect that one of the reporters is complicit in the cover-up.

On to the scoring:

Is it interesting?

Pretty consistently.
A.

Compelling even?

Occasionally.
A.

Is it controversial?

By nature.
A.

Is it a story worth telling?

Absolutely.
A+.

Is it good storytelling?

I think it tipped it's hand a little early, but it was still very good storytelling.
A+.

Is it well written?

The dialogue is excellent.
A.

Is it well cast? Well played?

Uniformly.
A+.

Well shot?

Fine.
A.

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

Not at all.
C-.

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

Instantly. Boston.
A.

Is it too long? Too short?

Length is not a problem.
A.

Is it believable? Do you care about the characters?

Totally and totally.
A+.

Is it predictable? Does it surprise you?

I think I figured it out before they wanted me to.
C.

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

Not a lot.
C.

Is it funny?

Here and there.
B.

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

Not really.
F.

Is it impressive?

Quite.
A.

Overall grade: A.

This is a very good movie. The whole is better than it's parts.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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.

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