BobTheCopywriter Reviews

Action: The Last Ride of the Elephant Princess (2000) Season 1, Episode 13

Brilliant writing that proved to be more tragic truth than parody or satire.

[6/10 · 13 October 2017]

This review contains spoilers for the episodes "Mr. Dragon goes to Hollywood" and "The Last Ride of the Elephant Princess."

I will never forget the opening rant in the Mr. Dragon Goes to Washington," episodes of this show, as the main character expressed his frustration at the hypocrisy of politicians judging the entertainment industry when their conduct is reprehensible as well. The writing was brilliant.

However, the reason I am writing this is the episode, The Last Ride of the Elephant Princess. In it two studio head brothers insist on relations with a former actress in exchange for movie rights. The brothers were named, Rothstein, had their own studio, and were known to be leches. The actress is so traumatized she leaves Hollywood and asks to be forgotten. It seems obvious now that this was meant to be a parody of Miramax's head.

That this situation was well known enough to be the subject of such parody seems endemic of a disturbing level of acceptance of the Harvey Weinstein situation. That this pointed parody came out more than 17 years ago points to Harvey Weinstein's behavior being recognized more broadly than many want to admit.

Unfaithful (2002)

An excellent portrait of good people making bad mistakes.

[10/10 · 20 May 2002]

After seeing this film, I was originally tempted to think of it as a

combination of Bridges of Madison County and Fatal Attraction, but

that would be a injustice, since Unfaithful is superior to both.

Unlike Fatal Attraction there's no psychopath to focus upon as the

root of the problem and unlike Bridges female infidelity is stripped

of its romantic superiority to male infidelity.

What we are left with is an incredibly honest and insightful portrait

of good people making mistakes. Even when a murder is committed, the audience is never allowed to write off a character

as bad guy.

Every character is carefully developed and even after I left the

theater I felt that powerful sense of concern over what happens

next to these people. That's a feeling I haven't felt since the first

time I saw Casablanca.

Fight Club (1999)

Brilliant!!

[10/10 · 18 April 2001]

This film is brilliant, impactful and mind altering. The performances are extraordinary and the story is truly inspired. See it. If you don't have the time, make it. This movie is that good. To say anymore would break the First Rule of Fight Club, which is "Don't talk about Fight Club."

Doomsday Gun (1994 TV Movie)

A jewel of human truth

[9/10 · 12 April 2001]

As an engineer's son, I have never seen a better portrayal of an engineer's enthusiasm for new problems and new challenges. In one unforgettable scene, Frank Langella brought to the screen for the first time in my opinion what can only be called, "the-joy-of-development."

Too often films that deal with invention focus on that moment when the problem comes together and is solved. What they fail to recognize is the first step, when the men and women are looking at the challenge ahead has even more emotional potential. Thankfully the writers and actors in this film did not forget this human truth.

The cast is excellent. The script is uneven, but the only reason this is obvious is because instead of staying mildly good throughout, like most made for cable films, this movie is mildly good with occasional scenes of brilliance.

If you are an engineer or just have one as a friend or member of the family, see this film. It's a wonder.

Ramblin'Man: Concrete Cowboys (1979) Season Unknown, Episode Unknown

Kitch

[10 April 2001]

If you remember the Smokey and the Bandit Series, this could be best summarized as a what if Smokey had been the Snow Man's sidekick instead of the other way around. I remember as being a hilarious show. It ain't Shakespeare. It ain't even Monty Python. But it is funny in a unique late 70's sit com on film kind of way.