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Judge Mathis (1999)
probably the best of the TV judge shows
Out of all the judge TV shows produced during the 90s and 00's this one is probably the best. He has the best combination of entertainment value, compassion, and legal competency. The thing that impressed me the most about Judge Mathis was his ability to cut through the BS stories and lies and get to the truth, often tripping up litigants and tricking them into revealing the truth. His background growing up in the streets often showed when dealing with druggies, con men/women, and other shady types trying to pull one over on him. His compassion and conviction often showed when lecturing kids going down the wrong path, and challenging their negligent parents to do their jobs. Unlike shows like Judge Judy which I found to be too negative and cold he often lightened up the mood by joking with litigants adding more entertainment value (after all it is a TV show).
Compared to other judges like ... Judge Joe Brown (too old fashion and dull), Judge Judy (too mean), Judge Hatchett (too wimpy), Judge Milian (People's Court) (too loud) .. I think Judge Mathis was just right.
Imitation of Life (1959)
8/10 for Juanita Moore and Susan Kohner
What makes this movie are the scenes between Annie (Juanita Moore) and her daughter Sarah Jane (Susan Kohner). The rest of the movie with Lana Turner and Sandra Dee is just 50's fluff. Although tame by today's standards, for the 1950's the racial angle was pretty bold stuff. The movie was very popular during the 50s when it was released and is still worth watching today. Checkout the big scene where Annie says goodbye to Sarah Jane and you will see why they were both nominated for Oscars. The movie is overly dramatic and over the top in some places but that's the way they made them during the 50s. The funeral scene at the end is perfect example. I would love to see a modern remake of this movie that totally focused on the relationship between the Annie and her daughter instead of the other fluff.