Change Your Image
gjmille
Reviews
Magic Journeys (1982)
Good Movie But Incredible Musical Score
For 1982, Disney hit it out of the park with this 3D film, using state-of-the-art technology to develop a film with children's' dreams into a magical viewing experience. As a child, I loved the movie. Now, when Captain EO came out in the late 80s, the movie quickly put Magic Journeys into pixie dust and disappear. That's not surprising--EO was a brilliantly entertaining film which was produced by and staring household name talent (hard to make a bad film when you have one of the world's greatest performers, greatest directors, and a budge which was sky high)...but I digress.
What was most inspiring about Magic Journeys, particularly as a child, was the music. Years after I had last seen the movie at the Magic Kingdom, I could visualize the four kids running through the sunflower field as the eponymous theme song was playing. I still consider the theme song possibly the greatest Sherman Brothers song ever composed. The song is harmonically complex but incredibly listenable. The score of the movie is also underrated-- the alternate versions of the theme sometimes sound almost sad, like an adult wistful of being a child again, but it is a beautiful piece. So much of the Shermans' success focuses on their 60s fame, but they also developed great theme park music in the 80s. This is one of their best.
Like a lot of people, I would love to see the film on DVD, but Disney doesn't seem to recognize the market for selling Disneyana themselves. It's too bad--Magic Journeys will mostly be relegated to people's memories. What a shame.
The Critic (1994)
The Jon Lovitz Show
When Jon Lovitz appears on screen or in cartoon character form (with good writing), the results are hilarity. Why? Because Jon is a talented performer--he can act and sing. But he's best at playing a nebbishy guy that isn't terribly lovable. It worked in the Benchwarmers, it worked in A League of Their Own, and it certainly worked in The Critic. When you steal a few Simpsons writers and actors, change the skin color of the characters, and make the humor more entertainment themed, you basically have this cartoon. Certainly those in the "Tribe" religion will also get some more of the jokes--like when Lovitz's Jay Sherman sings in Yiddish, but nevertheless The Critic was an unfortunate victim of ABC and FOX's quick dismissal of this very funny and underrated show.
I will note one thing about The Critic's DVD (there were so few episodes made, the DVDs are all in one purchase): why wouldn't Lovitz be in the commentary? He was in the commentary for The Simpsons episode when Jay Sherman was on the Simpsons! And that episode's commentary was mostly focused on The Critic TV show! I don't get it. BTW--that commentary was also too funny. Lovitz unsuccessfully flirting with the episode's director, numerous product references for Jim Brooks (of which Lovitz had no stake in), and merciless mocking of Simpsons writers Al Jean and Mike Reiss. Too funny.
Late Night with Conan O'Brien: The Best of Triumph the Insult Comic Dog (2004)
Funniest Two Hours In Recorded History--No Exaggeration
I recall the first time I saw this DVD. I was at my friend's apartment and frankly hadn't known much of Triumph as I am asleep well before 12:30 AM. But it didn't take long for Triumph to get me on the floor, out of breath, crying in sheer delight, as Robert Smigel brilliantly skewers everyone from celebrities to American Idol contestants to smug Honolulu TV anchors. No one is safe and thankfully Smigel's brilliant wit takes everyone down a full peg if not three. Triumph may be an insult comic in the vein of the Catskills Yiddisha humor of Mr. Warmth himself, Don Rickles, but Triumph is in a league of his own. Granted, the humor is edgy at times, but those with any sense of humor will at least find ONE sketch humorous. Outside of the Westminster Dog Show sketches, which were early in the DVD and in the Triumph history, the DVD is ungodly hilarious. The extras (one titled "More Poop") are equally as good as the main chapters. For those wanting to see how long they can go without breathing due to laughter asphyxiation, I recommend this DVD.
On an aside: I feel that wit is highly connected to intelligence; if that's the case, then Smigel is simply brilliant. Consider Triumph's visit to a famous Chicago hotdog stand in 2012. Smigel goes on a wacky ranting diss-off that was stream of consciousness craziness. Even my more conservative parents couldn't help but crack up. I only hope that the second DVD of Triumph is eventually released--his incredible skits are well worth the $30. I look forward to watching the Best of Triumph enough times for my DVD to die on me. Keep it up Mr. Smigel! And if you're reading this, tell your dad thanks for the veneers! I can't fix my Tribe-ish face but at least I won't have a Mike Tyson smile!
Only Connect (2008)
A Show For The Brilliant
Oh good god...do I feel outclassed watching this show. The BBC have produced a game show that is simply the smartest show on television. With the simple premise of connecting three or four seemingly distinct clues, a team of three contestants have to "connect the dots" so to speak.
**SPOILER** For example, one question had contestants try to figure out the connection between four phrases in Spanish. The answer was Beatles songs. Believe me--it is not nearly as easy as it looks. **END OF SPOILER**
Unfortunately, there are few clips of this show in the US and BBC Four has not provided the episodes to BBC America, but if you happen to watch the show in the UK, prepare to be humbled in a very entertaining fashion.