cgculpeper Reviews

The Ratings Game (1984 TV Movie)

Funniest TV Movie Ever

[10/10 · 3 May 2009]

Even though this cable-TV movie is a satire on 80's television, it's still funny today. In fact, it begs a remake. Network TV is much, much worse now than it ever was in the Eighties so there would be more to satirize - like so-called reality TV. What I like about this movie is it's fast and funny, makes its points, scores its laughs and then it's over in a tight 90 minutes or so. DeVito's direction is smooth, especially considering it was his first effort in feature-length comedy. (And the humor is much more pointed and sophisticated than his other TV satire, 'Death To Smoochy.') DeVito's performance is also outstanding as the ethics-challenged Vic. The ugly duckling love story between DeVito and Perlman also works, and is surprisingly touching. Of course, the highlight of the whole thing is the hilariously mocking take-off on a typical 'affiliates meeting' when a network trots out its Fall shows, in this case three dogs titled, 'Hot Bods and Levar,' 'Whacked Out,' and 'The Dawn Patrol,' a pretentious drama about inner city garbage men and their 'hopes, dreams and fears.' Add to this a once-in-a-lifetime cast - Steve Allen, Ronny Graham, Huntz Hall, John Megna, Gerrit Graham, Kevin McCarthy, Michael Richards, Jerry Seinfeld, the Voice of Selma Diamond - and you've got a real winner. So why isn't this on DVD?

Many Happy Returns (1986 TV Movie)

Very funny satire on IRS

[10/10 · 4 July 2007]

I can see why they call you 'Goat Boy'. "Many Happy Returns" is very enjoyable. I saw this when it first aired and remember it as being very funny. Ron Liebman is particularly good as Segal's pompous brother-in-law. The audit scene at the IRS is enough to make this movie for me. If you've ever gone through an audit, you will relate to this, believe me. Lots of funny lines and Segal and Liebman are always a great team. They play off each other beautifully. The writing was sharp and it contained many more laughs than your typical TV movie of the era. There's always some crumb from nowheresville who gets on the internet just to knock the works of others and that's Goat Boy. Don't listen to him.