Reefer Madness - The Movie Musical (2005) Review

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(More customer reviews)"Reefer Madness: The Movie Musical" is a meta-musical, because unlike "The Rocky Horror Picture Show" it works best based upon your knowledge of the original cinematic text, anti-drug propaganda, and certain aspects of 20th century American history. In the 1936 film "Reefer Madness" a school principal tells a group of parents the cautionary tale of two high school kids, Bill Harper and Mary Lane, who attend a party at the apartment of shady adults Jack and Mae where joints are given away free to get the kids hooked. Mary's kid brother Jimmy runs somebody down high on weed and Jack ends up framing Bill for shooting Mary.
For "Reefer Madness: The Movie Musical" the story remains basically the same, although now the Bill and Jimmy are combined so the kid in trouble is now Jimmy "the Cannibis Killer" Harper (Christian Campbell), which is an economical change. But the more significant change is that instead of an academic figure the lecture is now given by a person (Alan Cumming) with obvious but unnamed connections to the forces of government who are overly concerned with the need for vigilance. Although much is made of William Randolph Heart's efforts to stomp our marijuana because hemp producers threatened his logging interests, the lecturer is decidedly a figure of the 1950s in terms of fear mongering, casting aspirations regarding patriotism, and emphasizing decency. One of the best elements in the film's satire has an audience member taking exception to some wild claim that the lecturer has made. But every time Mr. Kochinski (Stephen E. Miller) finds something far fetched, the lecturer hits back by quoting cold hard "facts" from Heart's newspaper.
For me the part where I knew that creators Kevin Murjphy and Dan Studney were cooking with grass in this one was when they took the scene from early in the original, where Jimmy and Mary are doing their adolescent take on some lines from "Romeo & Juliet," and turn it into a running joke because Mary (Kristin Bell) is a blonde this time, which means she does not know it is a tragedy and keeps hoping that she and Jimmy end up with the same sort of happy ending Shakespeare wrote about (Jimmy assures her they have six kids). Bell provides the standout performance in the musical, which surprised me a bit because she was so lackluster at the Emmy Awards this year. No wonder they make sure her character is around for the big finish even though she is dead (being happy but hemorrhaging blood will do that to you).
Overall the production numbers are better than the songs, which means you will be more interested in watching "Listen to Jesus, Jimmy" or "Little Mary Sunshine" over and over again than in singing along (there are not subtitles for the DVD but you can turn on close captioning to get the lyrics if you insist on doing so). Beyond the two leads, both of whom are reprising their original off-Broadway roles, the rest of the cast gets to pop up in supporting roles throughout the show, so keep an eye out for that. The cast includes Steven Weber as Jack, Ana Gasteyer as Mae, John Kassir as Ralph (the piano player who laughs maniacally at the drop of a hat), Amy Spanger as Sally ("She fell down!"), Christian's kid sister Neve Campbell as Miss Poppy, and Robert Torti as Jesus. Kassir and Torti are the other two original cast members (although the other roles played by Torti are now done by Weber).
The original "Reefer Madness" is included on this DVD, so you can (re)familiarize yourself with the source material (I had already rented the original on a DVD that also included "Marijuana" and "Assassin of Youth," but I appreciate the effort). There is also SHOWTIME's short featurette on the history of the musical and the cable version, and a commentary track with directory Andy Rickman, producers Kevin Murphy and Dan Studney, and cast members Christian Campbell and Amy Spanger. Throw in the requisite Cast Biographies, Photo Gallery, and Coming Soon trailers for more SHOWTIME original movies and programming. Be aware that the CD out there is for the off-Broadway show and not the soundtrack for this version.

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Based on the propaganda film from 1936 that has become a cult hit, Reefer Madness is the height of camp entertainment! Framed as a "documentary", a straight-laced high school principal (Alan Cumming) seeks to impart his wisdom about the demon weed by telling a frightful tale about the fate of two innocent teens who fall under the spell of the drugs. Filled with outrageously funny and musical performances by Neve Campbell, Christian Campbell, Kristen Bell and Steven Weber, Reefer Madness is the feel good event of the year!

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Last Call (2002) Review

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(More customer reviews)Another great movie that I stumbled upon. I cannot believe that there was not more written about this one. The beautiful Neve Campbell delivers a remarkable performance and Jeremy Irons along with Cissy Spacek ensure that you will be taken on a highly interesting ride.
Jeremy Irons - arguably the best living actor - truly becomes "Scott" in this harrowing display of creative downward spirals with momentary glimpses of genius.
Instead of glorifying or overly romanticizing the subject, the director paints a picture of the subtle and not-so-subtle relationship dynamics among the characters; particularly the struggles of Fitzgerald and his lovely, devoted and talented assistant.
This is one of those rare finds in the world of movies that falls under the radar but once discovered, becomes a treasure to the viewer.
Very nicely done.

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F. Scott Fitzgerald spent a lifetime battling demons - alcohol and aschizophrenic wife - and yet, wrote some of the greatest novels in American Literature.Despite a tumultuous relationship with his mistress, his ailing wife, declining health, andhis daily drinking binges, Fitzgerald secretly wrote a scathing novel about the filmindustry which some call his best novel.It was his final triumph. Last Call is based on atrue story about this troubled genius, starring Oscar, Emmy, and golden globe winnerJeremy Irons, Neve Campbell, and Academy Award winner Sissy Spacek.

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The Philanthropist: The Complete Series (2009) Review

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(More customer reviews)The Philanthropist (2009), with its central theme of trying to affect change for the better, is a welcome alternative to the sea of forensic procedural dramas, and other crime and action based programming that have predominated for the last few years. The series had a limited run on NBC during the summer of 2009, and the eight episodes in this set are all that were produced. This is unfortunate, as with all the negative things happening in the world, a little good news and optimism, however slight, is not a bad thing.
The Philanthropist stars James Purefoy as billionaire Teddy Rist, co-CEO of Maidstone-Rist, a conglomerate involved in natural resource ventures worldwide. Rist's marriage breaks up after the death of his young son. Previously something of a playboy, this loss changes his outlook on life, and he now looks to use his influence and power, to improve the lives of others. The business is headquartered in New York City, but Rist is often overseas, working on some deal. Teddy's partner and best friend is Philip Maidstone (Jesse L. Martin), his wife Olivia (Neve Campbell), heads the company's non-profit foundation. Also helping Teddy get things done, are AJ Butterfield (Lindy Booth), and his bodyguard Dax (Michael K. Williams).
The adventures take place in various places, delivering a positive message of hope. A wrong is revealed, a crisis arises, or someone with a need is discovered, and the story becomes about finding a solution, no matter how difficult this may appear. Wherever he may be, Rist uses his personality, smarts, charm, and money, to get things done. There are some light moments, but for the most part, the focus is on what Teddy or the team, must do to avoid a crisis. Rist prefers to negotiate, maneuver, or buy, his way out of trouble, rarely resorting to violence. He quickly learns, that in order to accomplish tasks, he must often do them himself, usually at great personal risk. Following his conscience, Teddy is up for almost anything, rarely ever backing down.
The series makes the point that one person caring, can make a difference, that people do matter, and that making money is not the most important thing, if people are hurt in the process. This kind of idealism may not be particularly realistic, in a world concerned mostly about the bottom line. In the real life, someone would probably shoot Teddy Rist for his cash, watch, or car, and that would be the end of it. That kind of violent realism, we already have in abundance. What The Philanthropist offers, is a little refuge from that, and some small hope for a better world, in a package that features adventure and excitement, exotic locations, and a taste of other cultures. These are journeys well worth taking, that make you think, and may have you shedding a tear or two.
The stories are very well written, with attention paid to detail. Production values are high, with great editing and cinematography. Set in various places across the globe, the episodes are titled after the location featured in the story, and are usually told using flashbacks, with Teddy narrating.
Things begin in 'Nigeria (Part 1)', with the loss of his son still a fresh memory, Teddy saves the life of a young Nigerian boy during a flood. He returns, keeping a promise to deliver a much needed vaccine, to a beautiful doctor working in a remote area.
Teddy is shocked, when he learns that his company is affiliated with a company in 'Myanmar' (Burma), that is engaged in questionable human rights practices. The country is under the rule of a military junta, but Teddy arrives and boldly meets with a political leader living in exile. Meanwhile back home, one of the stockholders is making a move to kick Teddy out of the company.
Teddy encounters the latest in 'customer service' in 'Paris', as women are being trapped into prostitution, to serve the clientele of a high class hotel. When a friend of Olivia is killed, Teddy is determined to break up the ring, and bring the killer to justice.
In 'Nigeria (Part II)', when his doctor friend is taken as a hostage, Teddy tries to effect her release, with a bold gamble that involves pressuring the government. Back home, Philip is dealing with his own episode of philanthropy. Both men learn that helping is not always a simple matter, as some will take advantage of the situation.
Distrust between people, threatens to halt Maidstone-Rist's plans to build a factory in 'Kosovo'. Philip is injured in an act of deadly terrorism. Krista Allen makes an extended appearance as Teddy's ex-wife Julia, as the couple make some progress in dealing with the death of their son.

Teddy is on the trail of a mysterious impersonator, who is doing good deeds using his credit card in 'San Diego'. Rist could easily cancel the card, but his curiosity gets the better of him, and he almost takes a beating, going to bat for a stranger.
'Kashmir', features Teddy recounting his adventures there, while a guest on a talk radio program. A college friend of Teddy's and Phillip, has a plan to help provide water to an area of India suffering from drought. But there are those who prefer the status quo remain, and will kill to maintain it. With India and Pakistan threatening war, Teddy works to forge a peace along the border.
Teddy, Philip, and Olivia, are in Haiti to try and provide relief during a food shortage. Philip's brother is a Senator there, but he is resistant to accepting outside aid. Teddy comes face to face with slavery, encountering a woman who's son has been sold by his father to pay off debts, and young girl who is a 'restavec', living as a servant slave, raised experiencing abuse. The series closes, asking for ideas how people can help.
Teddy Rist isn't perfect. He has a stubborn streak, a weakness for beautiful women, and drinks a bit, but for the most part, he is a guy with a good heart, who puts his life on the line for his beliefs. Handsome and classy, James Purefoy brings a sincerity and caring to the role of Rist, that makes him believable as a charismatic, wheeler-dealer type, who is refocusing his skills in a new direction. Teddy's dedication and tenacity, provides the impetus for this thoughtful series. The rest of the cast receive limited screen time, but Jesse L. Martin and Neve Campbell, shine when given the opportunity. Unfortunately Lindy Booth, isn't given more screentime.
Few of us can make a difference the way Teddy Rist can, and there are seldom easy answers to complex problems, but there are things that each of us can do, to make a better world, if we just give it a little thought, and make an effort.

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He\'s Teddy Rist: billionaire playboy, rebel with a cause, and the charming and unlikely hero of the thrilling series, The Philanthropist. Join James Purefoy (Rome), Neve Campbell (Burn Up, Party of Five), and Jesse L. Martin (Law & Order) in eight inspiring episodes about a vigilante philanthropist who– after a tragic personal loss– decides to use his money and power to help people in need. Traveling around the globe to some of the planet\'s human rights "hot spots," Teddy will put his own life on the line in order to save others. From Primetime Emmy Award winner Tom Fontana (Oz, Homicide: Life on the Street) and Primetime Emmy-nominated producer/director Peter Horton (Grey\'s Anatomy), it\'s the courageous series that shows how one person can make a difference in the world.

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