Wednesday, July 23, 2008

BLUSHING BLOOPERS -

©2002
studio: Krb Music
production company:
director:
various
cast: various
screenplay:

Blunders and screw-ups that would make network censors blush are compiled into a hilarious collection of behind-the scenes bloopers from some of Hollywood's most popular and beloved celebrities. Featured in the gaggle of gaffes are outtakes from hit shows such as "Star Trek," "Laugh-In," "M.A.S.H." and "Gunsmoke." Jerry Lewis, Ronald Reagan, Alan Alda, Lauren Bacall, Humphrey Bogart and Bette Davis are among the batch of blundering stars.

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Boring.

A collection of poor-quality bloopers (mistakes). Many I've seen on various blooper reels.

Not really worth the time.

Tuesday, July 15, 2008

LES GIRLS -- George Cukor & Tex Avery, dirs

©1954
studio: Warner Home Video
production company:
director: George Cukor, Tex Avery
cast: Gene Kelly, Mitzi Gaynor, Kay Kendall, Taina Elg, Jacques Bergerac
screenplay: John Patrick, Vera Caspary (story)
music: Cole Porter

After writing a tell-all book about her days in the dance troupe , Sybil Wren is sued for libeling her fellow dancer Angele. A stylisyic narrative presents the story from three points of view. Sybil accuses Angele of having an affair with Barry, while Angele insists that it was actually Sybil who was having the affair. Finally, Barry gives his side of the story.



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This is a most unusual movie. It's got fantastic music by Cole Porter. It's got great dancing. It's got a dull, boring plot.

I know it sounds typical of movie musicals of the '50's, but this film, even more than most, has no substance. And it tries very hard to have substance. Perhaps that's why this fails. By trying to offer up an interesting plot, this movie misses the opportunities to be fun and carefree and full of viatlity. Instead it is sucked down in a story that isn't particularly interesting in the first place. There had to be better ways to put Cole Porter music and Gene Kelly together on film...there just had to be!