wright7700 Reviews

Hawaii Five-0 (2010–2020)

"Get them off my Island"

[10/10 · 20 December 2010]

I can't say enough good about this show and its actors. All four of the major characters were well chosen and show a great range of emotions, allowing for considerable character development. In one episode, we learn more about where all four of them than we did in the original series from 1968-80. Their acting ability and range would allow for big screen versions of the show.

Instead of the squeaky clean and unrealistic, monotone characters of the original series, all of these people have "issues" related to the complexities and problems of modern life: long distance moves, job stress, living away from family members, political problems.

The plots of each episode move very quickly, and I am able to pick up new things watching an episode a second time.

While the pilot and first few episodes didn't take advantage of the beautiful backdrop of Hawaii quite enough, they sure have made up for that over the season. Molokai, Kauai, and rural areas of Oahu have all been displayed in a beautiful radiant fashion. Having been there twice myself, I believe that every American should see this true paradise.

I had never seen Alex O'Loughlin in anything before this series, and he knocks the ball out of the park with his modern, over the top, somewhat Neanderthal McGarrett, who pushes the law to the limit to win. His chemistry with Scott Caan makes the series. They deliver without turning this into Baywatch.

It would be interesting to see Jean Smart, the governor, a bit more, but that might politicize the cases a little too much. The writers and producers have a long way to run with this thing.

"Get them off my island."

Up in the Air (I) (2009)

Haunting and all too timely

[9/10 · 20 December 2010]

This work of art exposes the disconnect in our modern, fast-paced society in ways that have never been explored. Examples are as follows:

1)George Clooney's main character lives in a motel room with no pretense of being a real home, very sterile and spartan. He is far from his family emotionally and geographically and does not relate well to other people in many cases. 2)Employers don't even talk with their employees, just hiring another company to come in to terminate them. 3)Big Rust Belt companies are dying on the vine. Mr. Clooney has been to Detroit a lot and says so. Their offices are barren with phones strewn all over the floors and carpet with impressions where the desks used to be. 4)Vera Farmiga is an exquisite job with her role as the love interest. I knew something was wrong with her but just couldn't place it. My friends, family, and co-workers are still complaining about the amoral wanton slut. 5)Of course, there is the obligatory smart-girl new grad from a northeastern school who delivers the bad news the all the laid off employees. This must be quite demeaning to a 62 year old grandfather with a high school diploma. That is often how it happens.

Most troubling: All of the people being fired appear to be middle aged, old, fat, African-American, or some other minority. As in real life, they have all been in their positions a long time, earning an above average salary to the point that they are on the radar to be let go. All that vacation, 401k, health care is too expensive for these types of people when you can hire Mayling in China (or Maria in Mexico) for $1 per day.

"I'm here to be fired, aren't I?" "I have plans, there's a bridge near my house, and I gonna jump off it."

All of the main characters, particularly Clooney and Farmiga, do a fantastic job and rattle the viewer to the core with this all too timely work. Just outstanding.

The Night of the Iguana (1964)

Fantastic Film

[8/10 · 20 June 2008]

Okay, Okay. It doesn't take a lot of acting for Richard Burton to play a nearly defrocked minister with a drinking problem who drops out of life to be a tour guide in Mexico. Even so, his brooding and troubled portrayal of the lead character was art in its best possible form. No one else could have inhabited that character and wrap up the viewer to the point that Burton did. His Reverend Shannon was highly flawed but we felt great compassion for him just the same.

The show stealer had to be Grayson Hall with this film being my only experience with her work. Her fiery hostility toward our flawed leading man brought religious hypocrisy to a new level. Tennessee Williams, speaking through Ms. Hall, leveled a serious indictment on the proper social ladies of any southern church group. Many things in life are not what they seem to be, and this character went the distance in accomplishing that goal. For a short time at the beginning, I thought she was Joan Crawford.

Ava Garder was sexy, yet sympathetic, and entirely believable here. Her slinking around the set in those tops that were a little off the shoulder and cavorting with the eye-candy Hispanic boys seemed to come natural for her. Again, this was another example of good casting.

While Deborah Kerr did an excellent job with her phony goody two shoes character, I did not buy her story from her first appearance on screen, but then again, that was the goal for that character.

The film was in black and white but has very nice, clear cinematography and does not lose anything with the lack of color. Its ending is a little different that what you would expect from Tennessee Williams. His usual themes of southern religious hypocrisy and homosexual undercurrents are alive and well in this complex work. WORTH A LONG HARD LOOK.

The Prince of Tides (1991)

Outstanding Film

[9/10 · 20 April 2008]

It was not too much of a leap for Barbra Streisand to play a liberal, Jewish psychiatrist from New York who is getting divorced and commits adultery with Nick Nolte. Even so, this is an outstanding film on all counts, and it has something for everyone with mass appeal to all types of audiences. Nolte aced this complex part and deserved at least an Oscar nomination for the work.

The scenery of the beautiful coastal South as a backdrop for all types of interwoven family conflicts made for a great film. Tom Wingo's social climbing mother was the classic phony southern hypocrite in every sense of the word, especially in how she treated her first husband (feeding him dog food). Her pickup line "The most handsome men are the most successful" just floored me. We have all met her, worked with her, or had her in our families.

(Excellent Casting) Streisand and Nolte exude raw talent and chemistry that is rare in modern film making. Please do not cast Dolly Parton as the Jewish psychiatrist in New York or Ms. Steisand as a southern country western singer. This film is more than worth a look.

A Good Year (2006)

Good, not Great Film

[8/10 · 6 April 2008]

Russell Crowe can carry anything. Who would miss the chance watch Crowe inherit a vineyard in the south of France and move there with him. The movie is light and entertaining without very much heavy subject matter, and the scenery alone is worth a look. I kept wanting more substance to the plot or even more outdoor landscapes of the vineyards or lavender fields. Some things were not made totally clear in the storyline at times, but that was not so important. With this film, it's just best to watch and enjoy without asking too many questions or trying to make any more out of the story.

Russell Crowe can do anything: Gladiator, Crazy Professor, Ship Captain, Financier, Police Officer, Criminal. No other actor active in the market today can handle such a broad range of roles with such skill and credibility.

3:10 to Yuma (2007)

Great for a Western

[8/10 · 6 April 2008]

In recent years, there have not been many westerns which have been as popular and successful as this one. Russell Crowe is so strong here that he actually makes you like the villain in the film, and the well-grounded features of his co-lead played by Christian Bale rub off on him. Crowe and Bale make the film which would otherwise be set aside as just another western in an era where they have not been so popular.

Crowe plays the gang leader with sympathy, as a lover, artist, Bible quoter who tries to keep the other psychos in line. Bale is so believable as the scrappy war-injured rancher and family man.

I wish that the ending would have been a little different, or more positive for the poor family man just trying to do the right thing. Many things in life are beyond our control, and the major point of this film crystallizes that out all too well.

Peyton Place (1957)

waters down the book

[7/10 · 3 February 2007]

This 1957 Blockbuster was cutting edge for its time, but is greatly watered down the tawdry nature of the book. Many vicious details presented in Grace Metallious' breakthrough novel were simply set aside for various reasons, likely 1950's censorship. In viewing this today, the film seems more like "Little House on the Prairie." It was just so unseemly that Allison McKenzie and Little Norman Page were under suspicion of skinny dipping even though they did no such thing.

The novel and the movie both brilliantly spell out the underlying motif of New England Puritan hypocrisy. In the novel, Ms. Metallious points out that gossipy old middle aged women castigate against young people, because they themselves are just too old, fat, and ugly to go out and party any more. Since nobody wants them, they point the finger elsewhere to through attention from themselves.

Lana Turner seems to have one mode in this film; that is, to walk around like a frigid bitter ice queen delivering harsh lines at everyone. All in all, quite a good show, but a bit dated.

Valley of the Dolls (1967)

Susan Hayward Rocks

[5/10 · 3 February 2007]

Susan Hayward, in one of her last major film roles, sets fire to the screen playing a middle-aged Broadway star full of vanities and insecurities. It's just too bad that she wasn't given more screen time to straighten out the three weakling starlets and feed them to the sharks for good. She was far and away the best part of this otherwise mediocre film.

Barbara Parkins comes across well and grounds the film. It was easy for the audience to be sympathetic to the beautiful, kind-hearted brunette. I could not take my eyes off her.

Patty Duke was just not believable as the "great star" of the group, and I fail to understand her following here. Perhaps, that was the point of the makers, to show how shallow and plastic starlets can be.

Poor Sharon Tate's role may have been a prophecy about her real fate in life, sad and disturbing.

Overall, watch for Susan Hayward. When you see her in action, you will beg for more. Hayward-10, Parkins-7, Tate-6, Duke-obnoxious

Hollywoodland (2006)

Good Movie, But The Questions Will Never Be Answered

[7/10 · 8 October 2006]

This work gives great detail about the life and circumstances of George Reeves preceding his premature death in 1959. It appears to me that after so much time has passed, it was impossible to develop or expose new objective facts which could bring our questions to a reasonable conclusion. This film should have been attempted at least 15-20 years ago, but legal issues may have been more problematic while some of the main characters were still alive.

The real star of the show is, of course, Adrien Brody, who was superb in his fictional role. The whole story unfolds as a series of flashbacks while the Brody character investigates the suicide or murder. Diana Lane is excellent in her role as the aging Toni Mannix, and she pulls it off playing a woman at least 15 years older than herself.

Ben Affleck is perfectly cast as a mediocre, down-and-out actor who is approaching middle age with unclear prospects. As in the case of Barbra Streisand playing a Jewish New York Psychiatrist in The Prince of Tides, little acting ability was required for Affleck to master this part. His rendition of George Reeves comes across wooden, pompous, and somewhat unstable. It was hard for me to like this George Reeves, and I have to wonder how accurate the script and screenplay were about his personality and lifestyle.

I learned a great deal from the film and thought it superbly done, but I wish they had presented more of the facts instead of Adrien Brody wandering around in dark rooms without any clear answers.

There were certainly several people in Mr. Reeves' life with the motive, means, and opportunity to murder him, not to mention some who were not covered in the film. Since the investigation was botched, probably intentionally by the authorities, one can conclude that somebody did not want the real answer about the victim's fate to surface. Another poster issued a fitting conclusion: "Hollywood killed Reeves, regardless of who pulled the trigger."

Brokeback Mountain (2005)

Unforegettable

[10/10 · 23 March 2006]

There is no way to put into words my feelings about this film--hope, horror, understanding, depression, isolation...The list could go on and on forever. This is not just about a pair of gay cowboys who turn into long term lovers, because it covers facets (money, power, bad in-laws, abusive fathers, abandonment) of many relationships and standards in society. The true themes seem to be poverty and isolation. Regardless of one's personal views and fears, homosexuality has existed since the beginning of time, and it is unlikely that anyone willingly makes that choice. It must be horrible running around in life AC when 90% of the rest of the population is DC. I am a conservative, southern, Christian, straight white male and I believe that it is time for respect and tolerance on this issue.

As for the Academy Awards, they must have bowed to peer pressure granting Best Picture honors to Crash. The incomparable Heath Ledger and Jake Gyllenhall will likely be granted Oscars for later work in lieu of what happened here. They really belted out their roles with sensitivity that grabbed the audience in their seats. These may end up being the two greatest "male" roles in motion picture history. Heath and Jake could melt paint off the walls in this one. I felt a little worse for the Jack Twist character? Could anyone see Tom Cruise or Brad Pitt even attempting this? FAT CHANCE

For the record, this movie is NOT pornographic, but it certainly gets its point across. Some viewers may wish to get popcorn during the infamous "tent scene." While not family entertainment for kids under 12, Brokeback's release is perfectly timed in history and handles the issues with compassion and understanding.

(SPOILERS) The best thing about the whole movie is the ending, leaving the viewers wondering what really happened to Jack Twist (murder or accident). Could it be that Jack faked his death to escape his wife's family and catch up with Ennis later? providing for a sequel "Return to Brokeback Mountain?"

10 out of 10 Stars

Vivien Leigh: Scarlett and Beyond (1990 TV Movie)

Best Available Bio on Vivien Leigh

[8/10 · 26 January 2006]

This biography, produced in 1990, is clearly the best available work on the incomparable Vivien Leigh. Clips are shown from home movies in colonial India (her birthplace) as well as many of her earlier British works. Having seem most of her movies, this sketch catches the best scenes particularly of some of the weaker ones (Anna Karenina, Cleopatra, and Mrs. Stone). True Vivien Leigh fans will know all of the bigger names like Gone With the Wind, Streetcar, and Waterloo Bridge. Certain things were conspicuously left out, probably to appear sympathetic to her medical problems and personal issues.

Jessica Lange hosted this thing, and she seemed sort of flip or sarcastic. Her face is always cocked to one side with an inappropriate smirk. I don't buy Jessica Lange, yankee from Minnesota, as a die-hard fan either, especially with her demeanor here. At any rate, this bio is part of a GWTW Special Edition and well worth the watch.

Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil (1997)

Travelogue for Savannah

[6/10 · 4 January 2006]

This very odd film is a colorful travelogue of Savannah. Apparently, Hollywood wishes to cast southerners as immoral, exotic, half-baked, and dysfunctional. Having lived in the South for 40 years, I must say that I have never seen such characters (as shown in the movie)anywhere. John Cusack and Kevin Spacey do their usual excellent job, and they carry the film along. The plot is weak, and there is really no mystery to uncover.

Now a word about some of the exotic characters. The Lady Chablis was interesting at first but was given way too much screen time. Who wants to watch an obnoxious transvestite repeat the same lines over and over? The relationship with the VooDoo Woman in the graveyard at night was poorly developed and not well explained. Cusack's love interest seems present only to show that he is not homosexual like much of the remaining characters. Jude Law (as Spacey's lover) will be a treat for his fans, but he is really not in the film very much.

At any rate, fans of Spacey and Cusack will enjoy this movie. Also, anyone wishing to see beautiful shots of Savannah should check it out. The movie runs long, and many of the characters inserted have little relation to the plot. Worth a look, you could do much worse.

Under the Tuscan Sun (2003)

Travelogue for Tuscany

[8/10 · 3 December 2005]

This film was far better on the big screen than on a rented DVD. The two major attractions to the film are Diane Lane and the breathtaking scenery of Italy. After watching this film, you will want to take a romantic tour of Tuscany. Everyone would like to drop their daily problems and obligations and move to a place like this. While not realistic, this work gives a great dose of escapism from our everyday problems.

Diane Lane gives a strong performance, but the rest of the cast doesn't stand out very much (as either good or bad). I am not sure why the lesbian lovers were needed for the plot. Nevertheless, you will not be disappointed here.

Gone with the Wind (1939)

Deserves its Legendary Status

[10/10 · 27 November 2005]

This film is a complicated tale of two intertwined families against the backdrop of the Civil War. Having recently read Margaret Mitchell's original novel, I believe that the film is a loyal attempt to cover her legendary work. While GWTW clocks in at about 4 hours in length, the movie necessarily leaves out many characters (Dilcie, Uncle Henry Hamilton, Will Benteen, Wade & Ella-Scarlett's first two children) who were important in the book. It is understandable why David O Selznick et al had to pick and choose what to include. Wade and Ella in the novel made Scarlett seem like an unfit mother, and that would lessen sympathy and support for Vivien Leigh with the public. Commerical success could not be risked.

The Oscars for the movie proved interesting. According to my research, that awful (unattractive) Bette Davis almost beat our Vivien Leigh for the "Best Actress" trophy in 1939. Clark Gable apparently didn't want to be Rhett Butler and did not lobby for an Oscar enough, having one earlier in the 1930's. Gable came in at least third behind Robert Donat (winner-Mr Chips) and Jimmy Stewart. The Rhett Butler in the book was more severe, dangerous, jealous, and frankly more appealing.

It is interesting that little info survives about relations between Vivien Leigh and Olivia de Havilland. Miss de Havilland, now retired to Paris, is apparently a class act and grants few interviews. She has outlived her other major costars by almost 40 years at this point.

Every American should study this film.

Fire Over England (1937)

Classy Film

[9/10 · 22 November 2005]

Even considering the 1937 production here, this is a classy effort on every front: acting, sets, script, plot, historical accuracy, etc.

My major reason for seeking out this film was a compilation of the works for the incomparable Vivien Leigh. While she is stunning here, adding her usual vitality to any of her roles, there are many other strengths to admire in "Fire Over England." This is certainly the best of her early works with Laurence Olivier.

The film only runs about 90 minutes but moves quickly with a plot that makes perfect sense. The whole production is quite believable, and Olivier is stronger here than in "That Hamilton Woman." Flora Robson steals the show. Her portrayal of Queen Elizabeth I reveals a complex woman with a big heart. She is brilliant, wise, cunning, ruthless, and forgiving all in one package. These terms describe both Robson and the Monarch she played.

Go out and get this one. You will be glad you did.

Mommie Dearest (1981)

Faye Dunaway Rocks

[10/10 · 22 November 2005]

Faye Dunaway does an incredible slash-and-burn job on Joan Crawford in this film, much to the disdain of Hollywood. For Miss Dunaway to go from "Best Actress" in "Network" to "Worst Actress" in this flick indicates that much of Tinseltown did not like what they did to Crawford. The movie apparently leaves out many parts of Crawford's long and distinguished career, horror films of the 1960s, and many marriages and other relationships.

Now almost 30 years after Crawford's 1977 death, no one will ever know if the accusations of daughter dearest Christina are even remotely accurate, but it makes for a hilarious film. I have compared Miss Crawford to my mother at times for laughs. Parts of the film will never be forgotten: digging up the garden at midnight, making drinks for Christina's "uncles," putting her in a convent, etc.

The Wire Hangers Scene will live in infamy. Do not miss this film.

Caesar and Cleopatra (1945)

Vivien Leigh is the only reason to watch this

[4/10 · 23 October 2005]

Ridiculous...

This could have been another color blockbuster about the times of antiquity, but it fails on most counts. The script is horrible; everyone seems to be talking and moving too fast. The plot is neither historically correct nor interesting in other ways.

While the two stars,Vivien Leigh and Claude Raines, have been outstanding elsewhere, they miss the mark here. It's just not their fault. In history, Cleopatra was supposed to be cunning, ambitious, brilliant, etc; Vivien Leigh was also all of those things, just not here. Throughout most of the film, she runs around squealing like a child. After all is said and done, she gives only 2 good speeches during the whole 2 hour run. Mr. Raines seems only to be a kindly middle aged man with nothing dynamic to offer. The love affair between Caesar and Cleopatra was never addressed, and that was a fatal error.

Look elsewhere for something better.

Vivien Leigh brings this up to 4/10 solely by being present (otherwise I give it 1/10).

That Hamilton Woman (1941)

Vivien Leigh does it again

[7/10 · 20 October 2005]

This is a beautiful period piece with the incomparable Vivien Leigh at her peak, just after GWTW and Waterloo Bridge. For a 1940's era production, the sets and lighting are outstanding, and the remaining cast is credible. Laurence Olivier may have been the best actor in history, but I do not appreciate it here. Perhaps this was not his best role. Leigh runs circles around him.

This film is worth a look for Leigh fans and those liking British period work, along with war propaganda. Here the noble civilized Brits are threatened by Napoleon (which is easily drawn to comparison with Hitler, being 1941).

Certainly, this is worth a look. Jolly Good Show.

I Want to Live! (1958)

Susan Hayward Delivers

[6/10 · 20 October 2005]

This film is a major tribute to the divine Susan Hayward. Any actress who can take an amoral convicted murderess and arouse sympathy has accomplished something significant. It is a shame that she made so many movies, but there doesn't seem to be a single masterpiece that stands out today. Hayward is perfect 10 out of 10.

On other fronts, the movie is very dated, much more so than many 50's era pieces. Perhaps the black and white, dull surroundings, and frankly loud music add to the atmosphere. While the rest of the cast is credible, none of the others are very memorable.

This is mostly a liberal Hollywood propaganda film against the death penalty. Looking at what little evidence is discussed in the film, it seems likely that Barbara Graham was present as an accessory but did not commit the murder. Again, Susan Hayward 10, rest of movie 4-5.

The Sidewalks of London (1938)

Primitive but Worthwhile

[6/10 · 12 October 2005]

Vivien Leigh is the major draw to this somewhat primitive 1930's era film. It is hard to believe that Gone With the Wind was made only the next year. As always, Miss Leigh adds a certain vitality to any work that she did. The plot was simple an easy to understand, and the movie runs less than 90 minutes. More could have been done to develop the characters or resolve issues at the end of the film. What was Liberty's background that made her homeless? Why did she want to help the others after she "made it big?" The street performers are probably hard for Americans to understand, especially that long ago.

It is easy to see from her work here why Vivien Leigh got other major roles as she grew exponentially in her abilities during the 1930's. The facial expressions and spirit are clearly there, but there were many limitations to this vehicle for her great talent.

Worth a look for Leigh fans or those seeking period pieces. Oh how life has changed in 60 plus years.

The Deep Blue Sea (1955)

Not the Best

[5/10 · 8 October 2005]

Vivien Leigh is the only reason to watch this film. While she is still beautiful and talented (as always), there just wasn't much she could do with this role. No one would be appealing as a weak-willed adulteress who leaves a good husband for a cad. Hester Collyer just doesn't know what she wants.

This movie is very difficult to acquire and apparently has never been released on DVD or VHS. I can see why. The copy I ordered off ebay was not of the best quality. I was pleasantly surprised to see that the film was in color, but everything seemed red or fuzzy. The same street scene on the Thames in London was used over and over, and most of the interior shots were dark and depressing. Perhaps this was the intent of the makers. "Deep Blue Sea" suffers from some of the same problems as "Roman Spring of Mrs Stone"; the characters seem one-dimensional without a full range of emotions and little purpose in life. Miss (not Ms) Leigh aced the parts, but there just wasn't much to develop.

At any rate, die-hard Vivien Leigh fans should check this out since it was her third to last film outing. Keep in mind there are many other superior choices in order: Gone With the Wind, Waterloo Bridge, Steetcar Named Desire and even Ship of Fools.

Goodbye, Mr. Chips (1969)

Jolly Good Show

[6/10 · 7 October 2005]

Watch this movie for the performance of Peter O'Toole alone. Clearly, this was a strong effort even when compared to his other triumphs: Lion in Winter, Lawrence of Arabia. I feel that his Mr. Chips exists a little in all of us. Again, O'Toole should have gotten that Oscar for this one too. Can't the academy ever get it right? On other fronts, I would agree with many other reviewers that this version would do better overall as a drama and NOT as a musical. While the songs were okay and clearly not offensive, they really didn't add anything here. The movie could have been 30+ minutes shorter and given even greater impact without them. Petula Clark was also excellent here, and it's a shame that she chose not to do more film roles. At any rate, this is worth a look for O'Toole and the fantastic English countryside as well as sites in Italy and Greece.

The Roman Spring of Mrs. Stone (1961)

Split Decision

[5/10 · 26 September 2005]

I have recently been going back and collecting many of the incomparable Vivien Leigh's works and reviewing them. Miss (not Ms) Leigh remains the only good reason to acquire this film.

I keep wanting Karen Stone to "snap out of it," but it just never happened. Miss Leigh is still beautiful and talented even two decades after Gone With the Wind and Waterloo Bridge, but this Widow Stone character and weak plot gave her little room to develop a following. Karen Stone exhibits depression, despair and frankly just poor judgment but never gives a full range of emotions. Streetcar (1951) was a far better collaboration of Tennessee Williams and Vivien Leigh. Williams' material is often too depressing to entertain many people.

Warren Beatty wasn't so bad here. Many other reviewers trash his Italian accent, but his role has more range and volatility. He does fine. Jill St John is a weak poster backdrop beside Vivien Leigh even at this late point in her career--just laughable.

Lotte Lenya got the Supporting Actress Oscar nomination, and this is understandable. She inhabited her character and her scenes to the point of fear.

The Stunt Man (1980)

Watch only for Peter O'Toole

[5/10 · 25 September 2005]

The incomparable Peter O'Toole is the only reason to watch this film. Apparently released in 1980, it seems even more dated to me (like the middle or early 1970s) The movie is long and complicated and moves rather slowly in some ways.

I could do without Barbara Hershey and her Stuntman all together. I can see why mega-producer Eli Cross (O'Toole) would be using his employees for cannot fodder by having complete control over their existence.

O'Toole is a legend and deserved his Best Actor Oscar nod for this thing, and he would have won had the supporting film/cast been better.

If you want better O'Toole fare, go try Lion in Winter (1968) and of course Lawrence of Arabia (1962).

Bewitched (2005)

Forget it

[2/10 · 25 September 2005]

This attempt to revive the outstanding TV series of the same name fails on all counts. It simply doesn't work that Nicole Kidman is a real witch who just happens to be cast in a remake. She does not have the looks or talent to pull this off, but it's not all her fault. Her male lead plays a loser well, probably not acting, and this is reminiscent of the original Dirwood.

This does not work, because none of the supporting characters could pay active parts in this plot structure. I desperately wanted to see Shirley MacLaine as Iris as Endora (too complicated) pull this whole mess out of the fire--she just wasn't allowed to deliver. MacLaine was great but had only limited scenes and no clear witchly powers (totally inappropriate for Endora). Uncle Arthur was an imaginary character, and I am not sure what Aunt Clara was (never liked the bumbling idiot anyway). Look elsewhere for something to rent....