Bridget Jones's Baby

"It's like the final of the X Factor. Dial 01 if you want it to be Mark and 02 if you want it to be Jack."

Bridget Jones (Zellwenger) just turned 43.  She has a great job as the producer of a television show.  She is single and tired of watching her closest friends, Shazzer (Phillips), Tom (Callis), Jude (Henderson), and Magda (Hynes) move on to serious relationships and kids.  Disappointed that her friends no longer have time for her, she agrees to weekend away with her co-worker Miranda (Solemani).  They end up at a music festival where she is rescued by American Jack Qwant (Dempsey), who she sleeps with.  A few days later, at the christening of Jude's youngest, she sleeps with her ex- Mark Darcy (Firth).

A few months later, she is pregnant and doesn't know who is the father.  Meanwhile, her producing job is at risk when the studio brings in a Alice Peabody (O'Flynn), a young woman who is known for firing employees due to their age.  Alice wants to make the show young and hip and doesn't want to cover actual news.  She tells both Jack and Mark about her pregnancy, and both believe they are the father.  Can she figure out which one is the father and find a way to keep her job?


In 1995, Helen Fielding created the character of Bridget Jones for a column in The Independent.  The column was popular enough that a year later she wrote the novel "Bridget Jones's Diary," based on Jane Austen's "Pride and Prejudice" (she even has a love interest named Mr. Darcy).  The novel was popular and won the 1998 British Book of the Year.  It was popular enough that Fielding wrote 2 sequels:"Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason" in 1999 and "Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy" in 2013.

The original novel was adapted to film in 2001, Bridget Jones's Diary.  In 2004 they made a sequel, Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason.  Fielding was credited as a writer on both films.  In 2011 they planned to make a third film in the series, with an original story by Fielding... which became this film.  This film is not based on any of Fielding's novels.  Sharon Maguire directed this film, and the original.

Renee Zellweger returns as Bridget and Colin Firth returns as Mark Darcy.  It is 10 years since the last Jones film and many things have happened in their lives since then.  The rest of Bridget's friends / family return for this film, with the exception of Hugh Grant's Daniel Cleaver.  While her parents and friends all appear in this film, they have a much smaller role.  The film focuses on Bridget and her relationships with Mark and new character Jack, played by Patrick Dempsey.  Dempsey's Jack is charming and spontaneous, and a good contrast to Firth's charming but uptight Mark.  And Emma Thompson appears as Bridget's ObGyn.

I read (and own) the first two novels and saw the first film, and I enjoyed this film.  It is a funny romantic comedy and a nice sense of closure for a character I enjoy.  I wish they didn't swear as much, but otherwise it was a fun ride.  Apparently there is an alternate ending for the film, but I have not found it yet.

After this movie was released, Fielding wrote the novel "Bridget Jones's Baby: The Diaries"... but the potential fathers in the book are Darcy and Daniel Cleaver.

Bridget Jones's Baby (2016) 123 minutes
Rating: R for language, sex references and some nudity
Director: Sharon Maguire
Starring: Renee Zellweger as Bridget Jones
Colin Firth as Mark Darcy
Patrick Dempsey as Jack Qwant
Sall Phillips as Sharon "Shazzer"
James Callis as Tom
Shirley Henderson as Jude
Sarah Solemani as Miranda
Neil Pearson as Richard Finch
Emma Thompson as Dr. Rawlings
Jim Broadbent as Mr. Colin Jones
Gemma Jones as Mrs. Pamela Jones
Celia Imrie as Una Alconbury
Jessica Hynes as Magda
Kate O'Flynn as Alice Peabody

Yours, Mine and Ours

"And speaking of children."
"We weren't speaking of children."
"We weren't?  Oh thank goodness."

Naval CWO Frank Bearsley (Fonda) is a widower with 10 children.  He has decided to take shore duty to be home for her children.  Helen North (Ball) is a Navy widow with 8 children.  She has moved her family to California and is working as a nurse at the Naval Air Station Alamed.  Frank and Helen meet when he brings his daughter into the dispensary.  The go on a date and hit it off, until they discuss children.

They agree to be friends, but their friend CWO Darrell Harrison (Johnson) thinks they belong together and sets them up.  They can't deny the attraction, and despite their children's objections, they get married.  As a family of 20, they move into a larger home.  Frank institutes a system for bedrooms and bathrooms.  Can everyone stop fighting long enough to become a family?


In 1965 Helen Beardsley wrote the autobiographical book "Who Gets the Drumstick?" about her second marriage.  This film is based on the book, but they did make a few changes.  Frank and Helen wrote to each other before meeting on a blind date.  After they married they had 2 more children.

Before the book was released, Lucille Ball's production company Desilu Productions bought the film rights.  Ball planned to star as Helen North Beardsley, but it took some time to find the right man to play Frank.  Ball was in her 50s when the film was made and Fonda was in his 60s, Frank and Helen were in their 30s when they married.

It is an entertaining family film.  The characters are interesting keep your attention throughout.  The filmmakers chose to have different characters narrate throughout the film, with Fonda starting it out.  The kids even get a chance to narrate.  With such a large family and cast, it is difficult to give all of them fully personalities and characteristics.  You can, mostly, tell the difference between the kids, and you can name most of them, but only a few have individual stories / character traits.  The oldest two children, played by Tim Matheson and Jennifer Leak, get the biggest roles to play.  Eric Shea's Phillip is also memorable and gets a larger role.  Van Johnson gets a few laughs, and a chance to narrate, as Frank's friend and co-worker Darrell (a role created for the film).  It is funny and sweet; I grew up loving this movie and still enjoy it as an adult.

In 2005, the film was remade with Dennis Quaid and Rene Russo.  This version is a further departure from the original novel.  It is funny, but I prefer the original.

Yours, Mine and Ours (1968) 111 minutes
Director: Melville Shavelson
Starring: Lucille Ball as Helen North
Henry Fonda as CWO Frank Beardsley
Van Johnson as CWO Darrell Harrison
Tom Bosley as Family Doctor
Tim Matheson as Mike Beardsley
Jennifer Leak as Colleen North
Gil Rogers as Rusty Beardsley
Kevin Burchett as Nick North
Gary Goetzman as Greg Beardsley
Kimberly Beck as Janette North
Nancy Roth as Rosemary Beardsley
Mitch Vogel as Tommy North
Morgan Brittany as Louise Beardsley
Margot Jane as Jean North
Holly O'Brien as Susan Beardsley
Eric Shea as Philip North
Michele Tobin as Veronica Beardsley
Greg Atkins as Gerald North
Maralee Foster as Mary Beardsley
Lynnell Atkins as Teresa North
Tracy Nelson as Germaine Beardsley
Stephanie Oliver as Joan Beardsley

TV: The Batman

"Knock-knock!"

"Evening, Joker"

"You're supposed to say, 'Who's there'?"

By day Bruce Wayne (Romano) is the billionaire head of Wayne Corp and by night he protects the city of Gotham as Batman.  His trusted butler, Alfred Pennyworth (Duncan), helps monitor the city from the Batcave, while keeping both Wayne and Batman on track.  As the Batman keeps the city safe, a new brand of criminal takes to the streets of Gotham.

No one has ever seen the notorious Batman and the Gotham City Police Force does not believe he exists.  With opposition from the crazy/masked criminals and the police, can Wayne stay a step ahead and continue to protect his hometown and his secret identity?


Batman was created in 1939 by Bob Kane and Bill Finger for DC Comics.  The character quickly became a hit.  the character has starred in animated and live action TV shows and movies and is still popular in comics and popular culture.  He has also appeared alongside other DC heroes and as a member of the Justice League in various forms of media.

Every version of the character is a little different, while still being recognizable.  The animated shows are great because they can have a new look and sound for each version of Batman and his allies.  In 2004, Warner Brothers aired Michael Goguen and Duane Capizzi's version, The Batman, as part of the Kids WB.  Artist Jeff Matsuda created the look of the characters, which was radically different than in the comics... and it works well here.  It also helped to keep the tone dark, but not as dark / serious as previous versions.  This one felt like a kids show that was fun to watch, while still showing the darkness that is associated with the character, and for that reason, I enjoy this one more than the Batman shows of my childhood.

The show features well-known as well as some obscure villains.  Joker is the best of these villains and is voiced with glee by Kevin Michael Richardson.  This is my favorite animated version of Joker.  He is menacing, with a smile on his face, and has an iconic laugh.  Rino Romano is fine as both Bruce Wayne and Batman.  He keeps your interested in both characters.  Tommy Kenny has the Burgess Meredith laugh down for his Penguin.  Three main villains were not permitted to be on the show: Scarecrow, Two-Face and Ras Al Ghul.  This show was happening at the same time as Christopher Nolan's Batman films, and these characters were used in the first two installments.  The Joker was permitted to be in the show, even thou he featured in The Dark Knight, since he is the most iconic Batman villain (and this version is very different from the film version).

I also love this version of Barbara Gordon / Batgirl (voiced by Danielle Judovits).  She is fun and funny, and gets introduced to the show an entire season before his usual partner: Robin.  Robin is the traditional Dick Grayson, and they also hint at both his and Barbara's future name changes (in an episode that takes place in the future with an aging Batman).

The show also features the voice talents of past Batman actors.  Adam West, the original Batman, voices Mayor Marion Grange.  Frank Gorshin, who was the Riddler in the original TV show, voices Professor Hugo Strange.  After Gorshin's death, the character was voiced by Richard Green).  Kevin Conroy, who voiced Batman in numerous animated TV shows, voices John Grayson in this show.

There were 5 seasons of the show, and each season is a little different.  Season 1 introduces Batman and his adversaries and puts him at odds with Detectives Bennett and Yin.  Season 2 puts Batman at odds with the police force and gives him an ally in Yin.  Season 3 introduces Batgirl and features a new theme song.  Season 4 introduces Robin and Season 5 brings along the Justice League.  While it was fun to see this version of the Justice League, it reduced the screen time for Batman's team and his usual roster of villains.

Definitely worth watching, especially to see a different look for the characters.

The Batman (2004-2008)
Creator: Michael Goguen & Duane Capizzi
Starring: Rino Romano as Bruce Wayne / The Batman
Alastair Duncan as Alfred Pennyworth
Danielle Judovits as Barbara Gordon / Batgirl
Evan Sabara as Dick Grayson / Robin
Kevin Michael Richardson as The Joker
Ming-Na Wen as Detective Ellen Yin
Steve Harris as Detective Ethan Bennett / Clayface
Tom Kenny as Penguin
Jesse Corti as Chief Angel Rojas
Mitch Pileggi as Comissioner James Gordon
Adam West as Mayor Marion Grange

You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown

"Why can't you eat your meal quietly and calmly like any other normal dog?"

"So what's wrong with making meal time a joyous occasion?"

A series of events in the lives of Charlie Brown (Kesten and Brando).

Charlie Brown tries to fly a kite, without much success.  He also tries to lead his baseball team to success.  His class has to write a big book report about "Peter Rabbit."  Lucy van Pelt (Smith) tries to convince Schroeder (Reinbolt) that they are in love, while teaching her brother Linus (Wagner) about life.  Snoopy (Towers) imagines that he is a fierce predator, despite his love for his bird friend Woodstock.  He also celebrates his love for supper.  At the end of the day, can


In the 1960s, Clark Gesner wrote songs based on the characters from Charles Schulz's Peanuts comic strip.  Schulz gave permission to record the songs, and that turned into a stage musical in 1967 called "You're a Good Man Charlie Brown."  The musical starred Gary Burghoff as Charlie Brown and Bill Hinnant as Snoopy.  Hinnant won a Tony for his portrayal.  It was revived in 1999 with a few minor changes (new songs and changing Patty to Sally).  The revival was also a Tony Award winning show: Roger Bart won for his portrayal of Snoopy and Kristen Chenoweth won for her role as Sally.

This film is a TV special that was adapted from the show.  Two songs from the show were removed and the songs that remained are adapted for the movie.  The show and this movie take beloved moments from the comic strip and give them new life.

Unlike other Peanuts movies, this does not have an overarching story or theme.  It is a series of vignettes in the lives of the Peanuts kids.  But that doesn't take away from the joy and innocence of this movie.  Often Schulz's comics were short stories that didn't connect on a long-term scale.

As a child I loved this special and watched it often.  In college I discovered and fell in love with the musical.  I love that I can enjoy the Broadway sounds of Peanuts (in this and "Snoopy! The Musical") and still watch the comics that I love.

You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown (1985) 49 minutes
Director: Sam Jaimes
Starring: Brad Kesten as Charlie Brown
Kevin Brando as Charlie Brown (singing)
Jessie Lee Smith as Lucy van Pelt
Daivd Wagner as Linus van Pelt
Tiffany Reinbolt as Sally Brown
Jeremy Reinbolt as Schroeder
Robert Towers as Snoopy
Michael Dockery as Marcie
Bill Melendez as Snoopy/Woodstock

Snatch (2000)

"You should never underestimate the predictability of stupidity."

Gambling addict Franky "Four-Fingers" (del Toro) steals an 86-carat diamond.  He goes to London to meet with diamond dealer Doug the Head (Reid) on behalf of American jeweler Cousin Avi (Farina).  But news of the robbery reaches Russian crime boss Boris "The Blade" Yurinov (Serbedzija), who wants the diamond.  He convinces pays small-time criminals Sol (James), Vinny (Gee), and Tyrone (Ade) to rob Franky.

Meanwhile, boxing promoters and slot machine owners Turkish (Statham) and Tommy (Graham) make a deal with vicious gangster Brick Top (Ford).  Their prize fighter, Gorgeous George (Fogerty), will fight in one of Brick Top's bare knuckle boxing matches.  But George is injured in a fight with Gypsy Mickey (Pitt) who is convinced to fight in George's place.

With Franky missing, Avi is concerned and flies to London.  He hires Bullet Tooth Tony (Jones) to help him find Franky and the diamond.  Boris is willing to kill anyone that gets in his path for the diamond.  And Turkish worries for his life when Mickey upsets Brick Top.  Who will survive to find the diamond?


This was director Guy Ritchie's second feature film.  Like his debut film, Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels, he also wrote the film.  And, once again, Matthew Vaughn produced the film.  This film has a very similar style to Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels, but it is not a sequel or related to that film.

The film juggles a large cast and several different story lines with ease.  Many of the characters never meet, but their story lines intersect.  It all feels believable, to their world, and still entertaining.

The film brings back many of the stars from Ritchie's previous film.  Jason Statham is again at the center of the film, again as a petty criminal.  Alan Ford, who was the narrator of LLATSB, gets to be menacing as Brick Top.  And Vinnie Jones, who was one of the best things about LLSATB, gets to beat people up again.  Once again he gets to be funny, and violent.  Jason Flemyng has a small role as one of the Gypsy's.  Brad Pitt was a fan of LLSATB and lobbied for a part in this film.  Dennis Farina and Rade Serbedzija get to yell a lot and shoot at people, as the other primary antagonists (after Ford).

One of the main criticisms of LLATSB was the language: many critics could not understand some of the characters.  Ritchie's answer to that issue was the Gypsy characters.  The Gypsys, specifically Mickey, are indecipherable.  Pitt was unable to master a British accent, so the distinct Gypsy speech helped solve that problem.  This is also a joke in the film, as most of the characters cannot understand the Gypsy characters.

An enjoyable film, in the same vein as Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels and Quentin Tarantino's Reservoir Dogs.

Snatch (2000) 102 minutes
Rating: R for strong violence, language and some nudity
Director: Guy Ritchie
Starring: Jason Statham as Turkish
Stephen Graham as Tommy
Brad Pitt as Mickey O'Neil
Alan Ford as Brick Top
Robbie Gee as Vinny
Lennie James as Sol
Ade as Tyrone
Dennis Farina as "Cousin Avi"
Rade Serbedzija as Boris "The Blade" Yurinov
Vinnie Jones as Bullet Tooth Tony
Adam Fogerty as Gorgeous George
Mike Reid as Doug the Head
Benicio del Toro as Franky "Four-Fingers"

Alice Through the Looking Glass

"You're you again!"

"Well, if I'm not, I wish I was."

Alice Kingsleigh (Wasikowska) returns home after a 3 year journey at sea.  Life at home has changed, her father's business partner has passed away and the company is now in the hands of her ex-fiance Hamish Ascot (Bill).  He wants Alice to turn her father's ship over to him, or lose her family home.  She is unwilling to part with either piece of her past and follows butterfly Absolem (Alan Rickman) through a mirror.

On the other side of the mirror, she is back in Underland.  She is greeted warmly by her friends, but they are concerned about Tarrant Hightopp, the Mad Hatter (Depp).  He is obsessed with the idea that his family, who died years before, are still alive.  No one, including Alice, believes him and he grows sicker by the minute.  Mirana of Marmoreal, the White Queen (Hathaway) believes the only way to save their friend is to change the past.  Alice is sent to Time (Baron Cohen) to borrow the Chronosphere to go back to the past.  Time refuses to help and says the past can't be changed.  She finds Iracebeth of Crims, the Red Queen (Bonham Carter), who also wants the sphere, so Alice steals it and sets out to save the Hatter.  Can you sets things right before all of Underland is destroyed?


In 2010 Tim Burton reimagined the Lewis Carroll's Alice in Wonderland.  Unlike the book, she is older and escaping from an unwanted engagement and she is there to save them.  For this sequel, Burton served as the producer and turned over directing duties to James Bobin.  The screenplay was again written by Linda Woolverton and the majority of the original cast returned for this film.

The film takes it's title from Carroll's second book about Alice, "Through the Looking Glass."  However, this film is not a direct adaptation of that book.  It takes the characters from Carroll's books and some of the ideas, but it is a mostly original story.

Once again it is up to Alice to save the day.  But unlike the first film, I really did not like Alice.  She is selfish and doesn't have much personality.  I enjoyed the first film, but this was ridiculous.  This film focuses more on the Mad Hatter character.  Johnny Depp is the main focus of the movie poster and movie.  It is interesting how over-the-top the Hatter looks and acts, and yet his family looks normal.  The only thing that the Hightopp family has in common is the red hair and the hatter profession.  You'd think they would at least try to make the a little more ridiculous looking to match the character they already have from the first film.

Time is interesting and Sacha Baron Cohen is a good choice for the role.  He is just weird enough to make it work.  Helena Bonham Carter is again over-the-top as the Red Queen.  The rest of the main cast returns for this film, with only the character of Dodo missing (as Michael Gough died a year after the first film was released).  The Jabberwocky appears, but does not speak (as his portrayer Christopher Lee died in 2015).  The film is dedicated to Alan Rickman, who died a few months before the film was released.

There were some good ideas, but overall I really hated this film.

Alice Through the Looking Glass (2016) 113 minutes
Director: James Bobin
Starring: Mia Wasikowska as Alice Kingsleigh
Johnny Depp as Tarrant Hightopp
Helena Bonham Carter as Iracebeth of Crims
Anne Hathaway as Mirana of Marmoreal
Sacha Baron Cohen as Time
Rhys Ifans as Zanik Hightopp
Matt Lucas as Tweedledum and Tweedledee
Lindsay Duncan as Helen Kingsleigh
Leo Bill as Hamish Ascot

The Wedding Date

"I think I'd miss you even if we never met."

Kat Ellis (Messing) is anxious about going home.  Her younger sister, Amy (Adams) is getting married.  The best man is Kat's ex-fiance Jeffrey (Sheffield), who broke her heart.  She can't face the wedding and family alone and hires escort Nick Mercer (Mulroney) to pose as her boyfriend.  She wants to make Jeffrey jealous and get her mother, Bunny (Taylor), to leave her alone.

Kat and Nick officially meet on the flight to London.  She is nervous, but Nick easily slips into the role.  Nick convinces everyone that they are crazy about each other, while impressing her step father, Victor (Egan), and befriending the groom, Edward Fletcher-Wooten (Davenport).  Jeffrey is miserable and the women, especially Kat's cousin TJ (Parish), are charmed by Nick.  Can they keep up the charade through the wedding?


The film is based on the novel "Asking for Trouble" by Elizabeth Young.  It is a basic, formulaic romantic comedy.  But that isn't a criticism.  You know what you are getting from the beginning and you know how it will end.  There are some twists within the film, but just enough to keep you invested for the entire film.

Debra Messing and Dermot Mulroney have good chemistry and are good in their roles.  The rest of the cast is good.  Overall it's an enjoyable comedy...  not overly memorable, but a fun ride.

The Wedding Date (2005) 90 minutes
Rating: PG-13 for
Director: Clare Kilner
Starring: Debra Messing as Kat Ellis
Dermot Mulroney as Nick Mercer
Amy Adams as Amy Ellis
Jeremy Sheffield as Jeffrey
Jack Davenport as Edward Fletcher-Wooten
Sarah Parish as TJ
Peter Egan as Victor Ellis
Hollad Taylor as Bunny Ellis
Jolyon James as Woody

Cinderella (1965)

"It would not be so bad if I saw them as fair young maidens."

"How else do you see them?"

"As contenders for a prize and I am the prize."

Cinderella (Warren) sleeps in the ashes and dreams of a better life.  She lives with her cruel Stepmother (Van Fleet) and her vain stepsisters Prunella (Carroll) and Esmerelda (Ruick), and does all of the work at home.  The King (Pidgeon) and Queen (Rogers) throw a ball to welcome their son, Prince Christopher (Damon), back to the kingdom and to introduce him to all of the eligible ladies in the kingdom.  Cinderella longs to go to the ball, but her family laughs at the thought.

After her Stepmother and stepsisters leave, she is visited by her Fairy Godmother (Holm).  The Fairy Godmother encourages her to wish for the impossible.  And soon she is on the way to the ball.  Will her impossible dream come true?


In 1957, Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein adapted the fairy tale Cinderella into a made-for-TV musical.  The production starred Julie Andrews as Cinderella.  The movie was a success and in 1965 Rodgers commissioned a remake.

The film was remade again in 1997 with Brandy as Cinderella and Whitney Houston as the Fairy Godmother.  This version was also slightly different than the previous versions, with minor alterations to the story and new songs (taken from other Rodgers and Hammerstein shows).

It was also adapted as a stage musical.  The first production of the show was in 1958.  It went through several alterations around the world.  In 2013 it debuted on Broadway with Laura Osnes as Cinderella and Victoria Clark as the Fairy Godmother.  The production won 9 Tony Awards, including Costume Design.

Rodgers served as the Executive Producer for the movie, while Joseph Schrank wrote a new script.  Most of the songs from the original production were kept, with the addition of "Loneliness of Evening" (which was originally written for "South Pacific").

They put together a fantastic cast.  Lesley Ann Warren, who was only 18, shines as Cinderella.  This was her first big role and launched her career (2 years later she made her feature film debut in The Happiest Millionaire).  She is charming and compelling.  Stuart Damon, who worked on Broadway prior to this movie, is nice but bland as the Prince.  The stepsisters are ridiculous and portrayed by fabulous actresses.  Barbara Ruick is a hoot as Esmerelda.  This is her second Rogers and Hammerstein musical; she appeared as Carrie Pipperidge in the 1956 Carousel film.  Pat Carroll is best known as the voice of Ursula in Disney's The Little Mermaid, but is funny here as Prunella.

Veteran actors Walter Pidgeon and Ginger Rogers are the King and Queen.  They don't get to do much, but bring an air of authority to the roles.  They even get a brief solo dance (to please Rogers fans).  Jo Van Fleet is haughty as the Stepmother.  And Celeste Holm brings the magic as the Fairy Godmother.

It is clearly a made-for-TV movie.  The production is good, but doesn't have the budget / production values of a feature film.  The costumes are ok... with Cinderella's gown as the main standout.  The songs are well done and the dances are good, but not grand.  It is a charming film... but I prefer aspects of the other versions of this movie: I love Julie Andrews as Cinderella, the production of the Brandy version, and the costumes/music of the Broadway version.

Cinderella (1965) 84 minutes
Director: Charles S. Dubin
Starring: Ginger Rogers as Queen
Walter Pidgeon as King
Celeste Holm as Fairy Godmother
Jo Van Fleet as Stepmother
Stuart Damon as Prince
Pat Carroll as Prunella
Barbara Ruick as Esmerelda
Lesley Ann Warren as Cinderella

A Boy Named Charlie Brown

"You know, Charlie Brown, they say we learn more from losing than from winning."

"Then that must make me the smartest person in the world."

Charlie Brown (Robbins) is convinced he can't do anything right.  The baseball season is a disaster and his team always loses.  His pitchers mound is covered in dandelions, which the girls won't let him destroy, and his kite won't fly.  He talks to Lucy van Pelt (Gilger) at her psychiatry booth, but leaves even more frustrated.

The next day his best friend Linus (Gilger) encourages him to enter the class spelling bee, which he wins.  He also wins the school spelling bee.  As the school champion he sent to the National Spelling Bee in New York.  He friends give him a big send-off, but can he rise above the pressure and win the Bee?


This is the first feature film to be based on Charles Schulz's "Peanuts" comic strip.  The story is based on a series of strips from 1966, with a slightly different ending.  This film follows 6 made-for-TV movies featuring the Peanuts characters.

Like most of the Peanuts movies, this is a musical.  The songs are not as memorable as some of the other Peanuts movies, but they aren't bad.  The song "I Before E" gives kids a grammar lesson, in a fun way.

It is a fun and interesting showcase for Charlie Brown, giving him the chance to be the hero... while still keeping the aspects of him that we love.  It is an enjoyable film, but not my favorite outing for the characters.

A Boy Named Charlie Brown (1969) 79 minutes
Director: Bill Melendez
Starring: Peter Robbins as Charlie Brown
Pamelyn Ferdin as Lucy van Pelt
Glenn Gilger as Linus van Pelt
Andy Pforsich as Schroeder
Sally Dryer as Patty
Bill Melendez as Snoopy
Anne Altieri as Violet
Erin Sullivan as Sally Brown
Linda Mendelson as Frieda
Christopher DeFaria as Pig-Pen

Heavyweights

"Who wants to tell us the lesson we learned here?"

"Don't put Twinkies on your pizza!"

Gerry Garner's (Schwartz) parents (Jeffrey Tambor, Nancy Ringham) send him to Camp Hope for the summer.  Camp Hope is a fat camp for teenage boys and is run by the kindly Bushkins (Jerry Stiller, Anne Meara).  Despite being a fat camp, everyone loves Camp Hope.  Most of the campers come back each summer, and some even become coun but this summer is different: the Bushkins have sold the camp to fitness guru Tony Perkins (Stiller).

Tony wants to use the camp as an infomercial for his new fitness program.  He is followed by cameraman Kenny (Covert), who is filming the infomercial.  He also changes the staff, replacing long-time counselor Pat Finley (McGowan) with strict fitness nut Lars (Hodges).  He gets rid of the fun events and forces the campers to diet, despite the reservations of nurse Julie (Lail).  They raid the secret candy stashes of the boys and try to shame them into losing the pounds.  Can the boys find a way to beat Tony and enjoy their summer?


This is Disney's take on summer camp in the 1990s.  The story was written by Steven Brill (who also directed the film) and Judd Apatow (who also served as a producer), and it was the first film to have Ben Stiller take a comedic role.  The film has developed a following over the years, even though it wasn't a huge hit when it debuted.

Stiller is hilariously menacing as Tony.  He is intense and over the top and it works well here.  The success of this performance inspired his character in Dodgeball (where he plays very similar characters).  He also plays the role of Tony Sr.  His parents, Jerry Stiller and Anne Meara, play the Bushkins... funny but too brief.  Several stars of Disney's Mighty Ducks franchise had roles in this film: Kenan Thompson was Russ in the 2nd and 3rd films, Shaun Weiss was Goldberg in all 3 films, and Aaron Schwartz was Karp in the 1st film.  The boys give it their all and keep the film entertaining.  The film also features director Paul Feig as Tim.

The film is still funny 20+ years later.  Some things have not aged well, but the humor is still there.  You laugh, you cheer, and you have a good time.  Definitely worth checking out, especially for Stiller's performance.

Heavyweights (1995) 100 minutes
Director: Steven Brill
Starring: Aaron Schwartz as Gerry Garner
Ben Stiller as Tony Perkis
Tom McGowan as Pat Finley
Shaun Weiss as Josh Birnbaum
Kenan Thompson as Roy
Leah Lail as Julie
Paul Feig as Tim
Tom Hodges as Lars
Allen Covert as Kenny
Cody Burger as Cody
David Goldman as Nicholas