Change Your Image
OckGal
Reviews
Fat Actress (2005)
Finally, an unpredictable show!
Ran into the show by chance. Had no idea it was airing. I ended up becoming an instant fan of it. Sure, it could be funnier, but no show is perfect. If it were that easy to write a 100% fabulous show, then we'd never have any bad shows getting canceled or fizzling out.
What I love about "Fat Actress" is that it's not like most shows. You don't know what's gonna happen next. It's not predictable. Just when you think it's going one way, it makes a U-turn and goes another.
This show is not your typical sitcom. It does a great job at mocking people who think taking laxatives or doing crack is the best way to lose weight. It's not making fun of over-weight people. It's making fun of the insane people who think these "solutions" are beneficial.
It also contains strong language and sexual content. But if you live in the real world, you know these are common things in real life. If you're offended by such things, then take notice that the show is on Showtime and has warnings at the start of the program to give you a chance to turn the channel.
A lot of shows start out not as great as they could be, so instead of watching the first few episodes and saying "it sucks," keep in mind that it takes time for a show to find it's groove.
I hope to see much more of "Fat Actress," Kirstie Alley and all those involved in--what I think is--an amusing show. Congrats to the cast and crew for going a different route and making something a bit more rare.
Napoléon (2002)
Excellent
Not all movies have the BEST graphics, and maybe this one didn't have graphics that would blow you away, but that wasn't really the point, and it looked fine, to me.
I caught part of this on A&E, recently. I watched a few minutes, then turned the channel to watch a regular show. I came back to it, and watched the end of the first half. The next day, I ran into the second part. I missed quite a bit, but watched the last hour, or so. I started craving the rest of it. I got online and did a search, found it was out on DVD, and made a trip to my local video retailer. I got the 3-DVD set and have since made a website devoted to Christian Clavier because I thought he did a wonderful job, and this movie made me a fan almost instantly. I've always liked Isabella Rossellini, and her role as Josephine was very convincing.
I've always been a fan of Napoleon movies, and I've seen several, but this one has to be the best. The interaction between Napoleon and Josephine and the action during the war scenes had me on the edge of my seat. Most people know how the end turned out, but that didn't stop me from thinking that things would be different.
I highly recommend this movie, in DVD format for the "making of" section. I wish I had watched this in high school because I would have learned quite a bit.
Go watch this movie!
Charlie Lawrence (2003)
Political Comedy You Can Laugh At
My first trip on my own took me back to California, for a second time, where I got to see a taping of this new Nathan Lane comedy. I planned this trip prior, but it didn't go through and I was depressed about missing a chance to see this fine actor live and shooting his new show. Luck have it, I made it on my second attempt. I arrived with jet lag, and remained that way well into the next day when it was time to go to the show. After sitting in the cold rain, it was time to go in. More waiting, and finally into the studio. The show eventually started and the setting seemed quite good. A couple office rooms and the occasional other setting for whatever scenes were being shot. We were shown the pilot episode, which got a lot of laughs. It was an introduction to the characters and show. Nathan Lane plays an actor-turned-senator who happens to be gay, and several hinted jokes make it even better. The other actors do a good job as well, and the cast seems to get along and work well together. The episode they taped was entitled "If It's Not One Thing, It's Your Mother." Charlie's mother comes to visit and causes a bit of trouble. I think the guest-star angle will really help an already witty show. The wise-cracks and jokes are amusing and who doesn't wanna laugh at the political side of life? This show will be a hit to some, but a flop to others. But, you can't please everyone.