bdabagia Reviews

Theodore Tugboat (1993–2000)

Decent Kids Show

[8/10 · 19 January 2007]

My three sons weren't allowed to watch much TV, outside of PBS shows, when they were toddlers. When they discovered reruns of Theodore on the local PBS outlet they absolutely loved it. The stories were sweet and simple, teachy without being preachy, and they watched every episode. They also collected all the "action" figures (such as they were) and played with them for hours, and they even had a few easy-to-read books with stories about Theodore and his little tugboat friends.

By the time they turned four, my kids had outgrown the show, and stopped reading the books, just like they did with Thomas the Tank Engine and Jay-Jay the Jet Plane, and like we all did with Captain Kangaroo and Bozo, etc.

The host, a.k.a. the Harbour Master, was played with gentle grace by Denny Doherty of the Mamas and the Papas, who died today (1/19/07). He was wonderful on the show. May he rest in peace.

S.O.B. (1981)

One of my three favorite movies ever

[10/10 · 3 November 2000]

I saw this movie when it first came out, just because of the advance publicity regarding Julie Andrews doing a topless scene. I've seen it a dozen times since, and there's always something new that catches my attention. It's got hundreds of great lines and throwaway gags, and I laugh all the way through every time I see it. Full of cameos, but the best characters were played by Stuart Margolis, Robert Webber and, of course, William Holden, in his last movie.

Cruel Intentions (1999)

Good Looking Rich People

[10/10 · 18 October 2000]

I'd heard this was an updated version of "Dangerous Liaisons," set amongst the idle rich in Manhattan. I'd tried to watch that movie a few times, and despite my wife's exhortations I could never get past the costumes and enjoy the show.

But "Cruel Intentions" was fascinating. From start to finish, I was continually surprised by what happened. Yet it all made sense, and that to me defines a great movie. I was especially impressed by Reese Witherspoon, and not surprised at all later to find out that she is married to Ryan Phillippe. Good-looking rich people and their problems are always fascinating watching, and that's what "Cruel Intentions" has in spades.

The Baltimore Bullet (1980)

Very underrated

[9/10 · 8 May 2000]

This is James Coburn at his finest, years before anyone realized what a terrific actor he can be. He also has a classic line: "I taught him everything he knows, but I didn't teach him everything I know." It's "The Hustler" without any Oscars.

Thank You, Jeeves! (1936)

Great, if you're a Jeeves & Wooster fan

[8/10 · 28 September 1999]

Arthur Treacher and David Niven were terrific in the first big-screen adaptation of P.G. Wodehouse's classic comedy series. As a lifelong Wodehouse fan, I only wish there were more Jeeves & Bertie movies with those two. (The 80s BBC series comes close.) Both were exceptionally funny, although in "Thank You Jeeves" Niven's talents were pretty much wasted in favor of Treacher's. By the way, check out Arthur Treacher's appearance in two 1964 episodes of "The Beverly Hillbillies." He's a riot!