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Momcat-1
Reviews
George Burns Comedy Week (1985)
The HoneyBunnies
This was an hysterical episode that starred Howard Hessman as a bitter cartoonist, enslaved by his adorable creations "The HoneyBunnies", and unable to do "serious" work. How he resolves his dilemma was one of the funniest things I've ever seen on network TV. I too wish they would release this show on DVD. It's probably disintegrated by now though. :( I don't have a lot more to say about this show, as I really only remember this episode. But with all the old shows being trotted out for resurrection on DVD, perhaps there is still hope. Maybe someday there will be a George Burns retrospective, and this could becomes part of it. I believe he was actually in a couple of the shows, though mostly he was the host, doing the same kind of commentary he did on the old Burns and Allen Show.
The Village (2004)
Don't be put off by bad reviews!
I went to see this film with pretty low expectations because of all the negative reviews. M. Knight Shyamalan has staked out a particular genre for himself, which I think leads to a burden of "big surprise ending" and "spooky supernatural/other-worldly exposition". The Village has fine performances, an engaging story and if you aren't surprised at the ending (I actually was) you shouldn't be dismayed or disappointed either. There will never be another movie in this genre with the impact and effect of "The Sixth Sense" but that's no reason to avoid every movie that Shyamalan authors just because it doesn't overtake the first one. I enjoyed The Village, and rank it second in the 4 major films Shyamalan has done. Oh, and as for his "egotistical" cameo, I had to be told where he appeared after the movie!
How to Beat the High Cost of Living (1980)
Fun and Funny
This was the film that brought together Susan Saint James and Jane Curtin, who went on to have several successful seasons as "Kate and Allie". Jessica Lange is charming in an early comedy role. Key to the plot is a shopping center built on a river - at the time only found in Eugene, Oregon. If you like the stars, you will enjoy the performances, and the light-hearted story. While Susan Saint James was filming in Eugene, she did public service promos for the local Special Olympics organization. Another anecdote - the shopping center had a "Money Ball" which threw real bills all over the mall - after the shot, when the money was collected, they wound up with more than they started with. "Only in Eugene, Oregon!" chortled the director