Shall We Dance? (2004)

"I mean, a straight man who likes to dance around in sequins walks a very lonely road, I got news for you."

John Clark (Gere) has a good life: a loving family and a decent job, but he isn't happy.  Life is monotonous and his wife, Beverly (Sarandon), and children are busy.  While riding the train home, he notices a rundown dance studio with a beautiful woman in the staring out the window.  Intrigued, he gets the courage to enter the studio and joins the beginner dance class with the owner, Miss Mitzi (Gillette).

The beginner class consists of three men: Chic (Cannavale) who wants to meet women and Vern (Miller) who wants to lose weight.  Also at the studio are diva dancer Bobbie (Walter) and the lonely woman that caught John's eye, dance instructor Pauline (Lopez).  As John gets comfortable dancing and begins the enjoy the experience, his life changes.  Soon Beverly and their children are noticing a change.  With an amateur dance competition rapidly approaching, can John continue to hide his secret from his family and co-workers?


I have to admit, I enjoy watching dancing and dancing movies... Yes, dancing movies don't tend to have great stories or acting, but the dancing just blows you away.  My mom enjoyed this film, and suggested it for our Girls Night, and I was pleasantly surprised.

I have not seen the original Japanese version of this film (released in 1996), but it looks like a sweet, interesting film.  And based on discussion boards for both films, seeing the 1996 version makes this film seem dull and uninspired.

Boasting an impressive cast (watch the dancers for brief appearances by Dancing with the Stars pros Karina and Tony), this film is funny and mindless... not the greatest dancing movie ever, but it works.  Don't expect too much.

Shall We Dance? (2004) 106 minutes
Rating: PG-13 for some sexual references and brief language.
Director: Peter Chelsom
Starring: Richard Gere as John Clark
Jennifer Lopez as Pauline
Susan Sarandon as Beverly Clark
Lisa Ann Walter as Bobbie
Stanley Tucci as Link
Anita Gillette as Miss Mitzi
Bobby Cannavale as Chic
Omar Miller as Vern

We're Not Married!

"Say one thing about our marriage. If there's such a thing as an un-jackpot, I've hit it!"

Melvin Bush (Moore) is so excited to start his new position as Justice of the Peace, that he marries six couples before his appointment begins.  No one catches the mistake until one couple wants a divorce and find out they aren't really married.

To avoid a lawsuit, they send letters to the remaining five couples...

• First are the Gladwyns, Steve (Allen) and Ramona (Rogers), who got married to get their own plush radio show.  They barely speak at home and fight before every show.
• Next are the Norris', Jeff (Wayne) and Annabel (Monroe), she is a beauty pageant winner trying to get sponsors for the "Mrs. USA" circuit, while he stays home and takes care of their son.  She is never around and he is frustrated.
• The Woodruff's, Hector (Douglas) and Katie (Arden), used to talk about everything, but now they have nothing to say to each other and their lives are boring.  He fantasizes about life as a single man.
• The Melrose's, Freddie (Calhern) and Eve (Gabor), are preparing for a divorce.  He is an incredibly wealthy oil tycoon, and she is planning to take it all in their divorce.
• And finally the Fisher's, Willie (Bracken) and Patsy (Gaynor), are saying goodbye.  He is going into active military duty overseas, and she is expecting a little surprise.

Give the choice, will they get married again, or choose to leave the relationship behind.

An interesting concept and an exceptional cast... and somehow, this film doesn't live up to it's potential.

The filmmakers chose to show each couple separately, with commentary from the judge about the start of their marriage and then showing the current status.  Each couple is a mini show / episode that ties back to the main theme: they aren't actually married and what future will they choose.  And while it's interesting to see the changes in the relationships over the 2 years since their fateful wedding, they could do some things better.  For example, is it really necessary to show each couple reading the letter and then showing the audience the same portion.  We still know what the letter says, we don't need to see it 5 times.  And perhaps it would be more interesting to do more flipping between couples, or at least have something that ties them together besides the judge... they wouldn't have to know each other, they could pass on the street or eat in the same restaurant, to provide more continuity between storylines.

Within each sequence there are aspects that do and do not work.  The Fred Allen & Ginger Rogers story bookends the film, and they receive top billing.  Their story works, but drags on too long.  Do we really need to see their entire morning routine to avoid each other?  A shorter sequence of their home life, followed by their fights at the station sets up their relationship, we don't need more.  The commercials for their show are funny, but drag on a bit.  Their story also has the best transition from the couple to the judge and his wife.

The David & Marilyn Monroe story works well and does not drag.  They have an interesting chemistry and play off each other well.  It is interesting to see a young, less bombshell, version of Monroe.  A good sequence.  The Louis Calhern & Zsa Zsa Gabor story also works, with Calhern doing the heavy lifting, but drags on too much.  The scenes at their home and at the hotel work well, but once they are in Calhern's office it drags.  It could be shortened and still pack the same punch.  The Paul Douglas & Eve Arden storyline should have been scrapped or revamped.  It isn't interesting.  There was potential, but nothing ever happens... and the sequence with Douglas imaging his life as a single man is too long.  It might be realistic, but it was unnecessary.  The Eddie Bracken & Mitzi Gaynor story is a good story to end on.  It focuses more on Bracken and his usual shtick, but it works.

While I enjoyed the ending, if you are going to show the final decisions of the couples, you need to show all the couples.  Yes, the big finale shows the new, official weddings, but what about the people who do not choose to marry again?  It would still work to show them, since you are invested in all the storylines.

A good film... some scenes feel progressive for the 1950s time period, but none of the characters are shown sleeping in the same bed...  Interesting to see ten truly talented actors, but not their best work

We're Not Married! (1952) 86 minutes
Director: Edmund Goulding
Starring: Ginger Rogers as Ramona Gladwyn
Fred Allen as Steve Gladwyn
Marilyn Monroe as Annabel Jones Norris
David Wayne as Jeff Norris
Eve Arden as Katie Woodruff
Paul Douglas as Hector Woodruff
Eddie Bracken as Willie Fisher
Mitzi Gaynor as Patsy Reynolds Fisher
Louis Calhern as Freddie Melrose
Zsa Zsa Gabor as Eve Melrose
Victor Moore as Justice of the Peace Melvin Bush

Operation: Endgame

"How do I know for sure you are who I think you are?"
"Well, for one, we were just speaking in code. And two... I currently have a Para Carry 9mm pointed squarely at your crotch. I'm High Priestess. Nice to meet you."

A hidden underground bunker serves as the workplace for the top government assassins.  They make up two teams: Alpha & Omega, that serve as checks and balances for each other.  It is the first day on the job for The Fool (Anderson), the newest member of Omega. Before the staff meeting, the Devil (Jeffrey Tambor), the boss, is found dead in his office.  And his computer has initiated "Operation: Endgame," a program that locks down the exit and is set to self-destruct in 90 minutes.  The above ground control room cannot override the program, and watchers Neil (Michael Hitchcock), Carl (Tim Bagley), and their scary boss Susan (Beth Grant) can only watch the action in the bunker.

Everyone believes there is another secret exit, to find a way out they pair up with their mirror agent:
-Dainty psychopath Hierophant (de Ravin) is paired with burly self-absorbed Judgement (Rhames).
-Anti-social Tower (Jackson) is paired with blunt High Priestess (Q)
-The temptress Temperance (Yustman) is paired with her ex, The Fool
-The cocky Magician (Scott) is paired with angry, cursing Chariot (Corddry)
-And Empress (Barkin), the bored Alpha leader, and Emperor (Odenkirk) the by-the-book Omega leader, are forced to work together

But when the Alpha's start attacking the Omega's, all bets are off.  Who will survive?  Will anyone find the exit?  And what does the mysterious Hermit (Galifianakis) have planned?


I discovered this film on Netflix Instant streaming and it sounded interesting.  In addition, it featured a strong cast and I was in the mood for an action film.

From the opening sequence, you are greeted by a consistent stream of cursing.  At some point in the film every character lets loose a string of profanity ... unnecessary to the flow of the story and completely jarring.

All of the battles are bloody and gruesome.  The choreography is good, and the fights are intense... but be prepared for significant blood loss and other moments of nastiness.  But the level of violence should not be a surprise, since the film's description is vivid in this area: there will be blood, and if you can't handle that, I suggest staying away from this film.

The plot doesn't make sense... it's an excuse to showcase the fight scenes.  There is never a clear explanation why the agents are supposed to kill each other and destroy their fortified workplace, which they are all trapped inside.  And the ending comes out of nowhere.  Some of this confusion could come from the actors ad-libbing.  If you like Rob Corddry's brand of comedy, you might enjoy this film.

In spite of these issues, I appreciate the casting... and they got create with weaponry.  Prior to entering the bunker, each agent has to unload their weapons into a locker.  There is no weapons stash within the bunker, so the agents have to get creative... paper shredders, golf clubs, a water cooler... it gets gruesome, but at least its memorable.

If you enjoy good comedy, drama, or action ... DON'T watch this film.  Some people may enjoy it, but it's not for everyone.

Operation: Endgame (2010) 87 minutes
Rating: R for strong violence and pervasive language including sexual references
Director: Fouad Mikati
Starring: Joe Anderson as Fool
Rob Corddry as Chariot
Ellen Barkin as Empress
Odette Yustman as Temperance
Maggie Q as High Priestess
Zach Galifianakis as Hermit
Adam Scott as Magician
Brandon T. Jackson as Tower
Emilie de Ravin as Hierophant
Bob Odenkirk as Emperor
Ving Rhames as Judgement

My Top Cancelled TV Shows: #10

 The Muppet Show

 "Just when you think this show is terrible something wonderful happens."

"What?"
"It ends."

The Muppet Theater houses a weekly variety show.  A slew of quirky characters perform musical numbers and comedy sketches for a live audience.  The show is hosted by Kermit the Frog, who doubles as the frazzled stage manager and is assisted by the owner's nephew Scooter.  Each week Kermit tries to keep the sketches rolling while making time to chat with the celebrity guest and keep the cast happy.  His process is hindered by the show diva Miss Piggy, the incompetent comedian Fozzie Bear, the self-proclaimed "weirdo" Gonzo, and others.  The show is heckled by two old men, Statler and Waldorf, who never miss a show from the comfort of their balcony.

It's hard to imagine life and popular culture without the presence of the Muppets.

Jim Henson and Frank Oz, and other puppeteers, had a successful TV show involving puppets: Sesame Street (which premiered in 1969).  After the success of Sesame Street, they wanted to create puppet characters for adults / families to enjoy.  During the first year of TV's Saturday Night Live, Henson and Oz had a recurring puppet sketch... but the sketch was removed by the 14th episode.  A year after SNL, Henson and company introduced a new puppet show: The Muppet Show which featured a few characters from Sesame Street.

Borrowing structure from SNL, the show had a new celebrity guest each week and focused more on the puppet characters.  The puppets were the main draw, with the guest adding something new to the mix each week.  Yes, sometimes it gets weird and sometimes the jokes / gags are cheesy... but it is always funny.  The funniest sketch has to be the Swedish Chef... he speaks incomprehensible gibberish and throws things, and the laughter is typically louder during this section as the crew can't hold the laughter in.  The Swedish Chef was performed by Henson (the voice and head) and Oz (the hands), who often ad-libbed to make sure the other could keep up.

The success of the show (it was on the air for 5 seasons and could have gone longer) led to several successful Muppet movies (like The Muppet Movie) and a spinoff cartoon, The Muppet Babies (1984), and a different puppet TV show Fraggle Rock.  After Henson's death the future of the Muppet franchise was in jeopardy, but they still managed to make a few decent films (Muppet Treasure Island and A Muppet Christmas Carol) and remake The Muppet Show into Muppets Tonight.  In recent years the Muppet films have been pretty bad, focusing more on the celebrities and introducing new characters, and releasing the films on TV instead of creating a feature length film to show in cinemas.  Later this year a new Muppet film will appear in theaters, The Muppets will be the first feature length Muppet film since 1999.  With Jason Segel serving as writer and star, I have high hopes for this film.

The Muppet Show is now owned by Disney.  At this point, they have released Seasons 1, 2, and 3 (of 5 seasons) on DVD.  I have all three seasons and eagerly await the release of Season 4, although the release date is still unknown.

*Check out the Muppet Central Website for more information about The Muppet Show and other Henson productions.

The Muppet Show (1976-1981)
Created by: Jim Henson & Frank Oz
Starring: Frank Oz as Fozzie Bear, Miss Piggy, and others
Jim Henson as Kermit the Frog, and others
Dave Goelz as Gonzo, and others
Jerry Nelson as Robin the Frog, and others
Richard Hunt as Scooter, and others

Monkey Business (1952)

"Mr. Oxley's been complaining about my punctuation, so I'm careful to get here before nine."

Dr. Barnaby Fulton (Grant) is a scientist focusing on creating a "fountain of youth."  The research consumes his life and thoughts, making him absentminded at home.  After devoting years to the research, he finally has a breakthrough, but the tests on lab chimpanzees are inconclusive.

To speed up the process, Barnaby tries a dose of the formula, which was accidentally mixed with a formula created by one of the chimpanzees.  Within moments he is acting like a teenager... ditching the lab in the middle of the day to buy a new sports car and go for a drive with Lois Laurel (Monroe), the boss's ditzy secretary.  Soon, his wife Edwina (Rogers) also wants to drink the formula... with disastrous results.  Will they figure out the truth before Mr. Oxley (Coburn), the boss, wants the formula?


A funny film, reminiscent of 1930s slapstick, romantic comedies.  Cary Grant smoothly transitions between absentminded academic and reckless teen / twenty-something.  And he is a riot towards the end, as a child... blending in well with the child actors, including the deep voiced George Winslow (who later appeared in Gentlemen Prefer Blondes as Henry Spofford with Marilyn Monroe).  Ginger Rogers is a good match for Grant, especially as a teen and child.  Her character isn't much fun as an adult, but just lets loose after taking the formula.  She is funny, while still reminding the audience she can dance.  Marilyn Monroe shines in a small, but important role.  She is only in a few scenes, but manages to steal the show with her confused comments and interesting facial expressions.

Not the funniest movie by anyone involved, but still worth a look!

Monkey Business (1952) 97 minutes

Director: Howard Hawks

Starring: Cary Grant as Dr. Barnaby Fulton

Ginger Rogers as Mrs. Edwina Fulton

Charles Coburn as Mr. Oliver Oxley

Marilyn Monroe as Miss Lois Laurel

The Seven Year Itch

"Lately you've begun to imagine in Cinemascope... with stereophonic sound."

Book publisher, Richard Sherman (Ewell) has a vivid imagination, which makes him good for publishing.  His wife, Helen (Keyes), and son decide to spend the summer in the country... leaving Richard alone in the hot city.  Unlike other husbands who are alone in the city, Richard plans to follow his wife's rules and avoid other women.

His plan starts well, and then he meets the new neighbor (Monroe).  She is a model, leasing the apartment above his for the summer to further her television career.  She is young and pretty and friendly, and Richard is enamored.  Meanwhile, at work, he is reading a book called "The Seven Year Itch" about the desire to have an affair after seven years of marriage.  Richard is in the seventh year of marriage, and is worried that he won't be able to resist his alluring upstairs neighbor.  With his imagination running wild, what will Richard choose?


Named on AFI's 100 Years...100 Laughs list as one of America's Funniest Movies, this film is considered a must-see comedy.  And I have to say, it lives up to the hype.

Originally created as a stage show, the story was adapted (and watered down) for the screen.  The show, created by George Axelrod, was immensely popular and considered a hot commodity for Hollywood.  However, the Hollywood production codes required the producers / writers to change the script and temper the adultery theme.  In spite of all the changes, the film still manages to stand up over time.

Some aspects of the show did not translate as well to the screen.  In several scenes, Richard speaks his thoughts... something that was necessary for the stage, but could be translated better on the screen.  Tom Ewell reprises the role of Richard, which he originated on Broadway.  He is the perfect everyman living in a fantasy world.  Marilyn Monroe sells the naive but sexy unnamed Girl.  She is funny and owns the screen.  Monroe and Ewell have great chemistry and work well together.

A must-see comedy!

The Seven Year Itch (1955) 105 minutes
Director: Billy Wilder
Starring: Tom Ewell as Richard Sherman
Marilyn Monroe as The Girl
Evelyn Keyes as Helen Sherman
Sonny Tufts as Tom MacKenzie
Robert Strauss as Mr. Kruhulik

How to Marry a Millionaire

"You don't think he's a little old?"
"Wealthy men are never old."

Three single models rent a lavish apartment with one goal: to marry a millionaire.  Schatze (Bacall) has the plan and lays the ground rules for the girls: don't pick up men in the cold cuts, pick them up in the meat area.  After a failed marriage she knows exactly what / who she wants.  Pola (Monroe) can't see very well, but refuses to wear her glasses in public.  Loco (Grable) is guy crazy.

After months without success they finally snag a "whale": J.D. Hanley (Powell), an older man with investments in oil.  Hanley invites the girls to a party with other "whales" and each is paired with a respectable, wealthy man.  Schatze dates Hanley, while being pursued by the obnoxious Tom Brookman (Cameron Mitchell), Pola attracts a shady character, and Loco chases a married man.  Will the girls follow their dreams and marry millionaires, or will love get in the way?


The perfect combination of star power and humor, with three huge stars headlining a female-centric comedy.  Lauren Bacall is the right combination of vulnerable and aloof, as Schatze.  She knows what she wants and willing to do whatever it takes to get there... She is tough, but still wears her heart on her sleeve.  Marilyn Monroe, who received top billing, plays the dumb blonde... walking into things and following the wrong waiter because she wouldn't wear her glasses.  Betty Grable has spirit, but her character borders on annoying.  She is good with the other women, but abrasive with the two male suitors.

The men compliment the female characters and bring out the right characteristics.  They don't stand out on their own (with some exceptions), but they fulfill their roles.

Some aspects are outdated, but it is worth it for the performances!

How to Marry a Millionaire (1953) 95 minutes
Director: Jean Negulesco
Starring: Marilyn Monroe as Pola
Betty Grable as Loco
Lauren Bacall as Schatze
William Powell as J.D. Hanley