David Richardson, the veteran writer and showrunner of such television comedies as “The Simpsons,” “Two and a Half Men” and “Malcolm in the Middle,” died Monday from heart failure. He was 65.
Richardson, who was a cancer survivor for almost 30 years, began his three-decade career as a comedy writer on Michael Leeson/Carsey-Werner’s NBC series “Grand” starring Bonnie Hunt, as well as the family-friendly “Zoobilee Zoo” with Ben Vereen and “The Pat Sajak Show”.
He went on to be one of the most successful writer-producers in television, wearing both hats on shows like “Empty Nest,” “The Simpsons,” “The John Larroquette Show,” “Malcolm in the Middle,” “Two and a Half Men” and, most recently, the adult animated series “F Is for Family,” which just wrapped its fifth and final season on Netflix.
He also served as co-executive producer on “Phenom” (starring Judith Light), “Soul Man” (starring Dan Aykroyd), “What About Joan...
Richardson, who was a cancer survivor for almost 30 years, began his three-decade career as a comedy writer on Michael Leeson/Carsey-Werner’s NBC series “Grand” starring Bonnie Hunt, as well as the family-friendly “Zoobilee Zoo” with Ben Vereen and “The Pat Sajak Show”.
He went on to be one of the most successful writer-producers in television, wearing both hats on shows like “Empty Nest,” “The Simpsons,” “The John Larroquette Show,” “Malcolm in the Middle,” “Two and a Half Men” and, most recently, the adult animated series “F Is for Family,” which just wrapped its fifth and final season on Netflix.
He also served as co-executive producer on “Phenom” (starring Judith Light), “Soul Man” (starring Dan Aykroyd), “What About Joan...
- 1/19/2021
- by Rosemary Rossi
- The Wrap
Veteran comedy showrunner David Richardson passed away today, Jan. 18, from heart failure. He celebrated his 65th birthday on Christmas Eve.
Richardson had recently wrapped the upcoming fifth and final season of Netflix’s adult animated series F Is for Family, on which he served as executive producer.
A nearly 30-year cancer survivor, Richardson started his TV comedy writing career in 1985 on Michael Leeson/Carsey-Werner’s NBC series Grand, starring Pamela Red and Bonnie Hunt. He spent two seasons on the sitcom Empty Nest before segueing to animation with a stint on The Simpsons.
Richardson went on to work on a numerous live-action TV comedies. While on the staff of Witt-Thomas’s The John Larroquette Show, he won a Humanitas Prize for his episode “Faith.” Richardson spent three seasons on Two and a Half Men and also wrote and produced for Malcolm in the Middle, 8 Simple Rules, Phenom, Ed and What About Joan,...
Richardson had recently wrapped the upcoming fifth and final season of Netflix’s adult animated series F Is for Family, on which he served as executive producer.
A nearly 30-year cancer survivor, Richardson started his TV comedy writing career in 1985 on Michael Leeson/Carsey-Werner’s NBC series Grand, starring Pamela Red and Bonnie Hunt. He spent two seasons on the sitcom Empty Nest before segueing to animation with a stint on The Simpsons.
Richardson went on to work on a numerous live-action TV comedies. While on the staff of Witt-Thomas’s The John Larroquette Show, he won a Humanitas Prize for his episode “Faith.” Richardson spent three seasons on Two and a Half Men and also wrote and produced for Malcolm in the Middle, 8 Simple Rules, Phenom, Ed and What About Joan,...
- 1/19/2021
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
By Patrick Shanley
Managing Editor
Over the weekend, Spectre, the fourth James Bond film in the Daniel Craig era of the legendary spy franchise, earned the top spot at the box office with a $70 million bow, making it the second highest grossing film in the series just behind 2012’s Skyfall (which earned $88 million in its opening weekend).
Despite its success with audiences, the Spectre has been less well received by critics, with a 63% on review aggregate site, Rotten Tomatoes (by contrast, Skyfall holds a 93%). Yet, the film may still earn nominations from the Academy, as many previous Bond films have done. In fact, eight of the 23 films in the franchise that has spanned the course of five decades.
Here’s a look back at how previous 007 films have fared with Oscar and what that history may mean for Spectre:
Skyfall was not only the most successful outing Bond had at the box office,...
Managing Editor
Over the weekend, Spectre, the fourth James Bond film in the Daniel Craig era of the legendary spy franchise, earned the top spot at the box office with a $70 million bow, making it the second highest grossing film in the series just behind 2012’s Skyfall (which earned $88 million in its opening weekend).
Despite its success with audiences, the Spectre has been less well received by critics, with a 63% on review aggregate site, Rotten Tomatoes (by contrast, Skyfall holds a 93%). Yet, the film may still earn nominations from the Academy, as many previous Bond films have done. In fact, eight of the 23 films in the franchise that has spanned the course of five decades.
Here’s a look back at how previous 007 films have fared with Oscar and what that history may mean for Spectre:
Skyfall was not only the most successful outing Bond had at the box office,...
- 11/10/2015
- by Patrick Shanley
- Scott Feinberg
Let’s face it. The songs are the best parts of the James Bond movies. Throughout 007’s five decades, the title tracks are each film’s one hope of rising above dubious casting choices, retreads of old villains, and grandiose plots for world domination that will inevitably be foiled. And like all that other stuff, we like the songs because they’re another expected element in a series that’s filled with them, a pop cultural barometer for measuring the secret agent’s standing in the zeitgeist.
Bond songs can be aged bygones of their time with poetically vague lyrics that don’t add up to much, but the best ones rise above their period trappings to comment and reflect on their respective films. With Spectre set to hit American theaters this week, let’s look back at each and every title song in Metro Golden Mayer’s canon:
24. Rita Coolidge...
Bond songs can be aged bygones of their time with poetically vague lyrics that don’t add up to much, but the best ones rise above their period trappings to comment and reflect on their respective films. With Spectre set to hit American theaters this week, let’s look back at each and every title song in Metro Golden Mayer’s canon:
24. Rita Coolidge...
- 11/2/2015
- by David Klein
- SoundOnSight
The Sopranos was named the best-written show in television history by the Writers Guild of America, edging out an eclectic collection of some of the most beloved and admired series. Members of the Writers Guild of America, West (Wgaw) and the Writers Guild of America, East (Wgae) voted online for the 101 Best Written TV Series, with David Chase’s iconic “family” drama topping Seinfeld, The Twilight Zone, All in the Family, and M*A*S*H*.
“At their core, all of these wonderful series began with the words of the writers who created them and were sustained by the writers...
“At their core, all of these wonderful series began with the words of the writers who created them and were sustained by the writers...
- 6/3/2013
- by Jeff Labrecque
- EW - Inside TV
The Cosby Show, “Theo’s Economic Lesson”
Written by Ed Weinberger and Michael Leeson
Directed by Jay Sandrich
Aired September 20th, 1984 on NBC
The standup comedy boom of the 1980s led to a glut of network sitcoms centered around standup comedians. It was a pretty straightforward formula- find a popular or promising standup, have them create and star in a half-hour comedy based on their material, and sit back and count your money when it becomes a hit. Of course, at least as many series missed as hit, but that didn’t stop network television from being littered with mostly male comedian-based family comedies. It’s easy to lump these shows together as mostly uninteresting or uninspiring, often dated sitcoms (with a few exceptions, like Seinfeld, rising above the others), but there’s a very good reason the networks followed this formula so rigidly- they wanted to find the next The Cosby Show.
Written by Ed Weinberger and Michael Leeson
Directed by Jay Sandrich
Aired September 20th, 1984 on NBC
The standup comedy boom of the 1980s led to a glut of network sitcoms centered around standup comedians. It was a pretty straightforward formula- find a popular or promising standup, have them create and star in a half-hour comedy based on their material, and sit back and count your money when it becomes a hit. Of course, at least as many series missed as hit, but that didn’t stop network television from being littered with mostly male comedian-based family comedies. It’s easy to lump these shows together as mostly uninteresting or uninspiring, often dated sitcoms (with a few exceptions, like Seinfeld, rising above the others), but there’s a very good reason the networks followed this formula so rigidly- they wanted to find the next The Cosby Show.
- 6/2/2013
- by Kate Kulzick
- SoundOnSight
It's not clear yet what form the Oscars' tribute to the James Bond franchise will take. On Friday, the Academy announced it had booked Shirley Bassey for her first-ever Oscar show appearance, so at the very least, we're likely get to hear her belt out one or more of the three Bond movie theme songs she recorded ("Moonraker," "Diamonds Are Forever" and of course, "Goldfinger"). We also know Adele will be on hand to sing her currently nominated theme to "Skyfall." Beyond that, Oscar host Seth MacFarlane has made a promo clip where he plays a bartender who makes fun of James Bond (Pierce Brosnan, in an archival clip) for the distinctive way he orders his martini. Otherwise, there are few clues as to what shape the tribute will take, though there is a rumor that all six men who've played 007 -- Daniel Craig, Brosnan, Timothy Dalton, Roger Moore, George Lazenby...
- 2/8/2013
- by Gary Susman
- Moviefone
My freinquaintance Mark Blankenship at New Now Next is in love with Adele's "Skyfall" theme. That crush is sweeping the internet though the song also has its "it's dull!" naysayers.
He's written a fun article but I wouldn't be so bold about predicting an Oscar to go along with the chanteuse's Grammy statues. For one thing you can hear iconic Bond underscoring and you know how the music branch loves to disqualify the best movie songs for stupid reasons or just not nominated the best ones even if they do qualify. (Moulin Rouge!'s über classic "Come What May" -- not that Adele's song is that caliber -- is an example of the former and Bruce Springsteen's Wrestler theme is an example of the latter.)
Here's Adele's song if you haven't yet committed it to memory.
I should stop being a killjoy about Oscar dreams and...
He's written a fun article but I wouldn't be so bold about predicting an Oscar to go along with the chanteuse's Grammy statues. For one thing you can hear iconic Bond underscoring and you know how the music branch loves to disqualify the best movie songs for stupid reasons or just not nominated the best ones even if they do qualify. (Moulin Rouge!'s über classic "Come What May" -- not that Adele's song is that caliber -- is an example of the former and Bruce Springsteen's Wrestler theme is an example of the latter.)
Here's Adele's song if you haven't yet committed it to memory.
I should stop being a killjoy about Oscar dreams and...
- 10/5/2012
- by NATHANIEL R
- FilmExperience
To mark the 50th Anniversary of one of the most successful movie franchises of all time and with filming almost complete on James Bond’s 23rd official outing in Skyfall due for release later this year, I have been tasked with taking a retrospective look at the films that turned author Ian Fleming’s creation into one of the most recognised and iconic characters in film history.
Following on from Bond’s previous mission into outer space for Moonraker, which although it was a huge success at the box office provided some of the worst excesses of the series so far preferring a more humorous approach over the serious spy thrills of the early days in the character’s long history. The film had also proved to be a costly exercise requiring co-financing from the French wing of United Artists to cover the budget. Series producer Albert R. Broccoli wisely...
Following on from Bond’s previous mission into outer space for Moonraker, which although it was a huge success at the box office provided some of the worst excesses of the series so far preferring a more humorous approach over the serious spy thrills of the early days in the character’s long history. The film had also proved to be a costly exercise requiring co-financing from the French wing of United Artists to cover the budget. Series producer Albert R. Broccoli wisely...
- 5/1/2012
- by Chris Wright
- Obsessed with Film
TBS has greenlighted a third season of its original family sitcom "The Bill Engvall Show."
The network has ordered 10 episodes for a summer 2009 bow. Cast members Bill Engvall, Nancy Travis, Tim Meadows, Jennifer Lawrence, Graham Patrick Martin and Skyler Gisondo are all set to return.
In addition, TBS will air two special episodes of "Engvall" in December.
"There's something about this cast and this show that gives you a good feeling inside, which is probably why it's won the hearts of so many viewers," said Michael Wright, TBS' top programr. "Their dedication to continually growing the show is evident in the work."
"Engvall," produced by TBS, averaged 2.3 million viewers over its recently competed second season and ranked as ad-supported cable's No. 1 program in its time slot among the key adults 18-49 demo.
The series was created by Engvall and Michael Leeson. Engvall executive produces with J.P. Williams and Mark Kunerth.
The network has ordered 10 episodes for a summer 2009 bow. Cast members Bill Engvall, Nancy Travis, Tim Meadows, Jennifer Lawrence, Graham Patrick Martin and Skyler Gisondo are all set to return.
In addition, TBS will air two special episodes of "Engvall" in December.
"There's something about this cast and this show that gives you a good feeling inside, which is probably why it's won the hearts of so many viewers," said Michael Wright, TBS' top programr. "Their dedication to continually growing the show is evident in the work."
"Engvall," produced by TBS, averaged 2.3 million viewers over its recently competed second season and ranked as ad-supported cable's No. 1 program in its time slot among the key adults 18-49 demo.
The series was created by Engvall and Michael Leeson. Engvall executive produces with J.P. Williams and Mark Kunerth.
- 9/11/2008
- by By Kimberly Nordyke
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
On the heels of its record-setting premiere for the comedy series "Tyler Perry's House of Payne", TBS has scored again with the debut of the original sitcom "The Bill Engvall Show".
"Engvall" averaged 3.9 million viewers in its debut at 9 p.m. Tuesday, according to Nielsen Media Research. That makes it the No. 3 most-watched telecast ever of an original sitcom on basic cable, behind only the first two episodes of "Payne".
It also drew 2.1 million in the adults 25-54 demographic (ranking No. 3 among all original sitcom telecasts on basic cable) and 1.9 million in adults 18-49 (ranking No. 4 all time).
"Engvall" also more than doubled the performance of its lead-in, the off-net sitcom "Everybody Loves Raymond", which averaged 1.9 million total viewers, 888,000 viewers in 18-49 and 944,000 in 25-54.
Michael Wright, senior vp of the recently reorganized and renamed Content Creation Group at TNT, TBS and TCM, said he was pleased with the numbers and gave credit to Engvall and Michael Leeson for creating a "charming, big-hearted show."
"This is an incredibly well-crafted show," he said.
"Engvall" averaged 3.9 million viewers in its debut at 9 p.m. Tuesday, according to Nielsen Media Research. That makes it the No. 3 most-watched telecast ever of an original sitcom on basic cable, behind only the first two episodes of "Payne".
It also drew 2.1 million in the adults 25-54 demographic (ranking No. 3 among all original sitcom telecasts on basic cable) and 1.9 million in adults 18-49 (ranking No. 4 all time).
"Engvall" also more than doubled the performance of its lead-in, the off-net sitcom "Everybody Loves Raymond", which averaged 1.9 million total viewers, 888,000 viewers in 18-49 and 944,000 in 25-54.
Michael Wright, senior vp of the recently reorganized and renamed Content Creation Group at TNT, TBS and TCM, said he was pleased with the numbers and gave credit to Engvall and Michael Leeson for creating a "charming, big-hearted show."
"This is an incredibly well-crafted show," he said.
- 7/19/2007
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
On the heels of its record-setting premiere for the comedy series Tyler Perry's House of Payne, TBS has scored again with the debut of the original sitcom The Bill Engvall Show.
Engvall averaged 3.9 million viewers in its debut at 9 p.m. Tuesday, according to Nielsen Media Research. That makes it the No. 3 most-watched telecast ever of an original sitcom on basic cable, behind only the first two episodes of Payne.
It also drew 2.1 million in the adults 25-54 demographic (ranking No. 3 among all original sitcom telecasts on basic cable) and 1.9 million in adults 18-49 (ranking No. 4 all time).
Engvall also more than doubled the performance of its lead-in, the off-net sitcom Everybody Loves Raymond, which averaged 1.9 million total viewers, 888,000 viewers in 18-49 and 944,000 in 25-54.
Michael Wright, senior vp of the recently reorganized and renamed Content Creation Group at TNT, TBS and TCM, said he was pleased with the numbers and gave credit to Engvall and Michael Leeson for creating a "charming, big-hearted show."
"This is an incredibly well-crafted show," he said.
Engvall averaged 3.9 million viewers in its debut at 9 p.m. Tuesday, according to Nielsen Media Research. That makes it the No. 3 most-watched telecast ever of an original sitcom on basic cable, behind only the first two episodes of Payne.
It also drew 2.1 million in the adults 25-54 demographic (ranking No. 3 among all original sitcom telecasts on basic cable) and 1.9 million in adults 18-49 (ranking No. 4 all time).
Engvall also more than doubled the performance of its lead-in, the off-net sitcom Everybody Loves Raymond, which averaged 1.9 million total viewers, 888,000 viewers in 18-49 and 944,000 in 25-54.
Michael Wright, senior vp of the recently reorganized and renamed Content Creation Group at TNT, TBS and TCM, said he was pleased with the numbers and gave credit to Engvall and Michael Leeson for creating a "charming, big-hearted show."
"This is an incredibly well-crafted show," he said.
- 7/19/2007
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Tim Meadows has joined the cast of TBS' upcoming series The Bill Engvall Show as a regular.
The multicamera domestic comedy stars Engvall as a family counselor whose own family could maybe use a dose of counseling. Nancy Travis stars as his wife who is trying to make sure their three children turn out all right.
Meadows will play Engvall's character's friend, a doctor.
The project was written by Engvall and Michael Leeson, who executive produce with J.P. Williams.
Saturday Night Live alum Meadows recently did a multiepisode arc on ABC's Help Me Help You. He is repped by APA and Brillstein-Grey.
The multicamera domestic comedy stars Engvall as a family counselor whose own family could maybe use a dose of counseling. Nancy Travis stars as his wife who is trying to make sure their three children turn out all right.
Meadows will play Engvall's character's friend, a doctor.
The project was written by Engvall and Michael Leeson, who executive produce with J.P. Williams.
Saturday Night Live alum Meadows recently did a multiepisode arc on ABC's Help Me Help You. He is repped by APA and Brillstein-Grey.
Nancy Travis has been tapped to star opposite Bill Engvall in the comedian's untitled half-hour pilot for TBS.
Steve Hytner also has been cast in the multicamera project, which centers on the family life of therapist Will Knowles (Engvall). Travis will play Knowles' wife. Hytner will play his best friend and college buddy.
The show, penned by Engvall and veteran TV comedy writer Michael Leeson, is being eyed as a potential companion to TBS' reruns of Everybody Loves Raymond.
Travis next appears in the Lifetime telefilm The Party Never Stops and Sony Pictures Classics' The Jane Austen Book Club. She is repped by Endeavor.
Hytner, probably best known as Kenny Bania on NBC's Seinfeld, next appears in the indie Man Maid. He is repped by the Stone Manners Agency.
Steve Hytner also has been cast in the multicamera project, which centers on the family life of therapist Will Knowles (Engvall). Travis will play Knowles' wife. Hytner will play his best friend and college buddy.
The show, penned by Engvall and veteran TV comedy writer Michael Leeson, is being eyed as a potential companion to TBS' reruns of Everybody Loves Raymond.
Travis next appears in the Lifetime telefilm The Party Never Stops and Sony Pictures Classics' The Jane Austen Book Club. She is repped by Endeavor.
Hytner, probably best known as Kenny Bania on NBC's Seinfeld, next appears in the indie Man Maid. He is repped by the Stone Manners Agency.
- 12/21/2006
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
TBS has given a pilot script order to a half-hour comedy from Bill Engvall, one of the Blue Collar Comedy Tour comedians, and veteran TV writer Michael Leeson. Engvall also would star in the untitled project, portraying the father at the center of the family comedy. The project would be multicamera and shot in front of a live audience, which would mark a first for TBS. Engvall and Leeson are writing the script. They also would executive produce the project with Engvall's manager, J.P. Williams. Engvall co-starred in Blue Collar Comedy Tour: The Movie and its sequels as well as the sketch-comedy series Blue Collar TV. He also appeared on fellow Blue Collar comedian Jeff Foxworthy's comedy series The Jeff Foxworthy Show. Engvall next appears on the big screen in Delta Farce.
- 10/5/2006
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Call it the next phase in the wild-and-woolly life of George Bluth Sr. Arrested Development star Jeffrey Tambor has been cast in the NBC comedy pilot Twenty Good Years from Werner-Gold-Miller and Warner Bros. Television. Tambor will co-star with John Lithgow in the project about two men in their 50s who experience personal epiphanies and decide to make the most of their next 20 years. The comedy was penned by Michael Leeson, who is executive producing the pilot along with Tom Werner, Eric Gold, Jimmy Miller and Mike Clements.
- 3/31/2006
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Call it the next phase in the wild-and-woolly life of George Bluth Sr. Arrested Development star Jeffrey Tambor has been cast in the NBC comedy pilot Twenty Good Years from Werner-Gold-Miller and Warner Bros. Television. Tambor will co-star with John Lithgow in the project about two men in their 50s who experience personal epiphanies and decide to make the most of their next 20 years. The comedy was penned by Michael Leeson, who is executive producing the pilot along with Tom Werner, Eric Gold, Jimmy Miller and Mike Clements.
- 3/31/2006
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
There is life after Sex and the City for Sarah Jessica Parker. The Emmy- and Golden Globe-winning actress, who recently ended her six-year run as Carrie Bradshaw on HBO's Sex and the City, is in discussions with DreamWorks about taking a lead role in the studio's big-screen redo of The Man Who Came to Dinner. Details of the project are being closely guarded, but it is known that Michael Leeson wrote a version of the script, which is being shepherded by studio co-heads Walter Parkes and Laurie MacDonald. Negotiations have not yet begun for Parker to fill the role, sources said, because her agreement to star is contingent upon whom the studio finds to take the lead male role. Steve Martin was offered the part, but his reps confirmed that he recently passed on the project.
- 3/11/2004
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Given the caliber of talent involved, expectations run reasonably high for "What Planet Are You From?" -- the comic battle of the sexes directed by Mike Nichols and co-written by Garry Shandling.
But while the picture certainly seems very pleased with itself, it's a frustratingly one-note underachiever, succeeding neither as sharply observed satire nor raunchy sex farce.
There are definitely amusing moments to be found here, but there are more missed opportunities when it comes to mining something more astute than its tired take on the fundamental differences between men and women.
Columbia Pictures' aggressive marketing push could pay off in some solid opening business, but ultimately the film, unlike alien Shandling's humming private parts, will generate just a moderate buzz.
The story begins on H1449-6's (Shandling) planet. The alien planet is located four solar systems and several generations away from Earth. It's a highly evolved place, except for the fact that there are no women, and its empire-building ruler Graydon (Ben Kingsley) needs to propagate his adult male race.
Handed the more Earthling-friendly moniker of Harold Anderson, Shandling is chosen to find a woman and impregnate her, but not before being schooled in the art of the human mating dance and outfitted with highly mechanized genitals.
Harold quickly discovers that his crude but sincere pickup lines need about as much overhauling as his defective sexual apparatus, which sounds like a turbine engine starting up every time he becomes aroused.
While he doesn't get much assistance in the finesse department from womanizing colleague Perry Gordon (Greg Kinnear), he finally finds hope in the person of Susan (Annette Bening), a recovering alcoholic who ultimately agrees to Harold's baby-making request provided they first get married.
Meanwhile, an obsessed FAA agent (John Goodman) investigating a series of mysterious airline turbulence occurrences has picked up Harold's alien scent and is moving in quickly.
When "What Planet Are You From?" is at its best, as it is whenever alien-busting Goodman is on screen, there's a whimsical Woody Allen tone to the proceedings similar to "Sleeper" and "Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Sex." For the most part, however, there's an prevailing smugness that carries over to the patronizingly crowd-pleasing happy ending.
And while Nichols and Shandling (along with the other three writers credited for the screenplay) are enjoying themselves, the cold, hard truth is that, pump it as they may, a buzzing penis bit will only take you so far.
Fuller advantage could have also been taken of the comedically adept cast. Although Goodman has one of the funniest scenes in the movie facing off against Kingsley, Bening is essentially playing a benign version of her "American Beauty" character (when asked what she does for a living, her reply that she's a real estate agent receives chuckles from knowing viewers). Kinnear's smarmy player, meanwhile, has nowhere to go. Even Shandling's shrugging bemusement schtick works better on the small screen.
Similarly wasted are Camryn Manheim, Nora Dunn and Ann Cusack, who play that most tired of contemporary comedy conventions -- the heroine's trio of best friends, a k a the female Greek chorus who dispense not-so-witty worldly wisdom about life and love.
WHAT PLANET ARE YOU FROM?
Columbia
A Brad Grey/Bernie Brillstein production
A Mike Nichols film
Producers:Mike Nichols, Garry Shandling and Neil Machlis
Director:Mike Nichols
Screenwriters:Garry Shandling & Michael Leeson and Ed Solomon and Peter Tolan
Story:Garry Shandling & Michael Leeson
Executive producers:Brad Grey, Bernie Brillstein
Director of photography:Michael Ballhaus
Production designer:Bo Welch
Editor:Richard Marks
Costume designer:Ann Roth
Music:Carter Burwell
Casting:Ellen Lewis
Color/stereo
Cast:
Harold Anderson:Garry Shandling
Susan Hart:Annette Bening
Perry Gordon:Greg Kinnear
Graydon:Ben Kingsley
Helen Gordon:Linda Fiorentino
Roland Jones:John Goodman
Nadine Jones:Caroline Aaron
Rebecca:Judy Greer
Cheryl:Anastasia Sakelaris
Alison:Camryn Manheim
Madeline:Nora Dunn
Liz:Ann Cusack
Running time -- 100 minutes
MPAA Rating: R...
But while the picture certainly seems very pleased with itself, it's a frustratingly one-note underachiever, succeeding neither as sharply observed satire nor raunchy sex farce.
There are definitely amusing moments to be found here, but there are more missed opportunities when it comes to mining something more astute than its tired take on the fundamental differences between men and women.
Columbia Pictures' aggressive marketing push could pay off in some solid opening business, but ultimately the film, unlike alien Shandling's humming private parts, will generate just a moderate buzz.
The story begins on H1449-6's (Shandling) planet. The alien planet is located four solar systems and several generations away from Earth. It's a highly evolved place, except for the fact that there are no women, and its empire-building ruler Graydon (Ben Kingsley) needs to propagate his adult male race.
Handed the more Earthling-friendly moniker of Harold Anderson, Shandling is chosen to find a woman and impregnate her, but not before being schooled in the art of the human mating dance and outfitted with highly mechanized genitals.
Harold quickly discovers that his crude but sincere pickup lines need about as much overhauling as his defective sexual apparatus, which sounds like a turbine engine starting up every time he becomes aroused.
While he doesn't get much assistance in the finesse department from womanizing colleague Perry Gordon (Greg Kinnear), he finally finds hope in the person of Susan (Annette Bening), a recovering alcoholic who ultimately agrees to Harold's baby-making request provided they first get married.
Meanwhile, an obsessed FAA agent (John Goodman) investigating a series of mysterious airline turbulence occurrences has picked up Harold's alien scent and is moving in quickly.
When "What Planet Are You From?" is at its best, as it is whenever alien-busting Goodman is on screen, there's a whimsical Woody Allen tone to the proceedings similar to "Sleeper" and "Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Sex." For the most part, however, there's an prevailing smugness that carries over to the patronizingly crowd-pleasing happy ending.
And while Nichols and Shandling (along with the other three writers credited for the screenplay) are enjoying themselves, the cold, hard truth is that, pump it as they may, a buzzing penis bit will only take you so far.
Fuller advantage could have also been taken of the comedically adept cast. Although Goodman has one of the funniest scenes in the movie facing off against Kingsley, Bening is essentially playing a benign version of her "American Beauty" character (when asked what she does for a living, her reply that she's a real estate agent receives chuckles from knowing viewers). Kinnear's smarmy player, meanwhile, has nowhere to go. Even Shandling's shrugging bemusement schtick works better on the small screen.
Similarly wasted are Camryn Manheim, Nora Dunn and Ann Cusack, who play that most tired of contemporary comedy conventions -- the heroine's trio of best friends, a k a the female Greek chorus who dispense not-so-witty worldly wisdom about life and love.
WHAT PLANET ARE YOU FROM?
Columbia
A Brad Grey/Bernie Brillstein production
A Mike Nichols film
Producers:Mike Nichols, Garry Shandling and Neil Machlis
Director:Mike Nichols
Screenwriters:Garry Shandling & Michael Leeson and Ed Solomon and Peter Tolan
Story:Garry Shandling & Michael Leeson
Executive producers:Brad Grey, Bernie Brillstein
Director of photography:Michael Ballhaus
Production designer:Bo Welch
Editor:Richard Marks
Costume designer:Ann Roth
Music:Carter Burwell
Casting:Ellen Lewis
Color/stereo
Cast:
Harold Anderson:Garry Shandling
Susan Hart:Annette Bening
Perry Gordon:Greg Kinnear
Graydon:Ben Kingsley
Helen Gordon:Linda Fiorentino
Roland Jones:John Goodman
Nadine Jones:Caroline Aaron
Rebecca:Judy Greer
Cheryl:Anastasia Sakelaris
Alison:Camryn Manheim
Madeline:Nora Dunn
Liz:Ann Cusack
Running time -- 100 minutes
MPAA Rating: R...
- 2/28/2000
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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