1986
Tag: Frank Oz
video review : Inside Out
This Pixar presentation about a kid named named Riley deals with emotions. Each of her major emotional traits; Joy, Sadness, Fear, Disgust and Anger; is a separate character living in her head. They basically control her as they take turns and often compete attributing themselves to her overall personality.
The plot has her going thru turbulent times; she’s homesick after her family moves to San Francisco; and it’s up to the beings in her mind to help her cope. It’s a concept that could be silly, but, though Disgust seems to forget her purpose, it’s a lighthearted mixture of clever and cute, albeit more cute than clever.
my rating : 4 of 5
2015
video review : Little Shop Of Horrors
The plant, a flytrap personified, is the star of this show, but it’s the music that makes it worthwhile. Little Shop Of Horrors is based on a stage play, but it works best as a seamless collection of songs. When they’re not being performed, there’s nothing to distract from the annoying characterization. When they are, it’s a delightful experience.
From the opening theme, sang by a trio of up-dressed street urchins; the only characters allowed to eavesdrop in front of the cinematic fourth wall; to the epic closer, the tunes branch the plot in a charming sing-along kind of way. My personal favorite is Suppertime; Audrey Two’s feeding theme; a two-part act led by a psychedelic funk groove.
my rating : 4 of 5
1986
a song from Little Shop Of Horrors : Skid Row
1986
video review : The Score
Perhaps it should be The Heist. It’s a score, but only for the men involved. It’s a big one too, worth 30 million dollars. All lead thief Nick Wells has to do is make it to the basement of the Montréal Customs House, break into the safe and get away with a valuable French scepter while partner and House janitor Jack Teller manipulates surveillance cameras from the inside.
It’s not quite as easy as it seems. It never really is. That’s where layers of criminal-siding tension begin to build. Some of the characterization is overplayed; a computer hacker named Steven is particularly silly; and the romantic side story is unnecessary, but the plot, which mostly consists of compelling planning until the final third, provides a nice pay-off at the end.
my rating : 4 of 5
2001
video review : What About Bob
I’m generally amused at the thought of a person being inconspicuously annoyed by another, especially when I’m around them being around each other. So this comedy; about a psychiatrist who meets what quickly becomes his most exasperating patient; is best during its first half when doctor Leo is still trying, on some level, to hide his contempt for Bob. The more obvious Leo is with his behavior and the more likeable Bob becomes to everyone other than Leo, including those of us watching the movie, the less funny it all is.
my rating : 3 of 5
1991
a song from Little Shop Of Horrors : Suppertime
1986