gleeps Reviews

Queer as Folk (2000–2005)

Keep Watching

[22 February 2001]

Admittedly, critics of this show had some reason, as the first few episodes seemed to solely concentrate on the characters' promiscuity. But give the show another chance, if you gave up on it. The show keeps getting better. It's pretty telling that some of the best story lines don't have anything to do with sex. Tune in if only to see the touching believability that goes on between Justin and his mother. I've never seen the actress who plays his mother, but she has created a character of more depth than some of the guys on the show. The most boring character is that of Emmett. He has the typical role of "gay best friend" even though he's already surrounded by gay people!

No matter how you slice it, though, "Queer as Folk" is still a definite cut above prime time major network fare and worth a look if you're into edgy fare.

Diabolique (1996)

Fascinating

[8 August 1999]

A fascinating example of glossy Hollywood film-making. No, it's not good. But the movie is shot gorgeously, the score is sumptuous and oddly touching, and the movie is often hilariously campy. Some lame stabs are taken at making the material more relevant and serious (Kathy Bates character is a cancer survivor; lesbian overtones are rampant) but these just make it more absurd. Even if you haven't seen the original, you'll figure out the "surprise" ending a mile away. And a thriller could not possibly be plotted more carelessly. But you've got to give points to a movie that dares to make Sharon Stone a math teacher (at an all-boys school, no less!). Watch and marvel at how Stone gleefully tramples over doormat Isabella Adjani in every scene as if she's a drag-queen version of herself. Many will find this movie boring, but if you go in expecting a campy, silly good time, you won't be disappointed.

Dolores Claiborne (1995)

Why melodrama doesn't have to be a bad word

[8 August 1999]

Melodrama of the highest order. Bates is a marvel as Dolores, running through the gamut of emotions from frightening to heartbreaking. She's even better here than in her Oscar-winning role in "Misery." The supporting actors, especially Judy Parfitt and Christopher Plummer, are memorable as well. Much has been said about the eclipse sequence--rarely has such a great combination of cinematography, subtle special effects, acting and writing come together so successfully. The way this sequence is delayed and teased will have you riveted to the screen 20 minutes before it even begins. Why can't they make more movies this smart?

Tales of the City (1993)

Positively addictive

[8 August 1999]

This funny, ironic and surprising mini-series will have you hooked from the very start. A stellar cast (including then-unknown Laura Linney, Olympia Dukakis and Bill Campbell) brings to life the book by Armistead Maupin. Much has been made of the sex and nudity, but it's relatively tame compared to most movies. (It was originally shown on PBS--PBS!) The first part is somewhat slow, but it really picks up in part two. Although many of the main characters are gay, anyone who has ever found themselves looking for love in the big city can definitely relate. Most memorable moments: Michael entering an underwear dancing contest and DeeDee's hilarious visit to a fat farm for the rich and famous. Also, don't miss Thomas Gibson's turn as a lecherous husband, pre-"Dharma and Greg".

Cheers (1982–1993)

Best sitcom ever

[8 August 1999]

This is the most consistently funny sitcom of all time, quite a feat considering its long run. Sam, Diane and Rebecca, as the stars, were always brilliantly written and acted characters. But the extended supporting cast is what made this show. Carla, Cliff, Norm, Frasier, Lilith, Woody and Coach, along with a slew of recurring characters (my favorite: Frances Sternhagen as Mrs. Claven) were perfect creations. The secret of the show's brilliance can be found in the dysfunctions of its characters, which made them seem exactly like the friends that everyone has (except a lot funnier). A huge amount of classic episodes. My favorites that I can think of: Woody's wedding, the Thanksgiving dinner food fight, Rebecca trying to seduce Sam while drunk and "repulsive", Lilith refusing to get over the death of her lab rat, and the "snipe" hunting trip.

The Fortunes and Misfortunes of Moll Flanders (1996)

Fun and moving social commentary

[7 August 1999]

You may find yourself watching this entire 4-hour movie all in one sitting like I did. Although it is a Mobil Masterpiece Theater presentation, it is also available on video. If you think you're in for some boring English drama, brace yourself, as it is very fast-paced, erotic, and often shockingly funny. Alex Kingston (now on "ER") delves into this role with a ferocity we rarely see on the screen. Although Moll does many bad things, we root for her the whole way. Diana Rigg is also a hoot as a mother-in-law that reveals herself to be something more. Daniel Defoe's condemnation of society as unforgiving of the monsters it creates is still as relevant today as when it was written. As long as you have an open mind about sex, nudity and immoral behavior onscreen, prepare to be fascinated.

Rambling Rose (1991)

Humorous and touching

[10/10 · 7 August 1999]

Martha Coolidge's best film, this is a comedy-drama about Rose, a sexually aggressive girl (Laura Dern) who moves in with a well-to-do Southern family and changes their lives. As close to perfect as it could possibly be, this film features a top-notch cast, evocative cinematography and set decoration that brings to life the Depression-era South, and a great score by Elmer Bernstein. Standouts in the cast are Dern (no one else could have played this role) and Diane Ladd, who is heartbreaking as Rose's greatest defender. Dern and Ladd were both nominated for Oscars, the first mother-daughter to do so for the same film and in the same year.

Falcon Crest (1981–1990)

A classic nighttime soap

[7 August 1999]

I got hooked on this show after the first few years had passed. These nighttime soap operas were known for their season-ending cliffhangers and this one was no exception. The best seasons of the series were 1986-1989, when they experimented with a faster-paced style of storytelling that was quite smart and exciting. This had by far the best sense of humor of all the soaps and featured excellent acting from Jane Wyman, Ana-Alicia, David Selby and Susan Sullivan (now on "Dharma and Greg") Interesting note: during many of its later years, this show's music was composed by Mark Snow, who went on to do the famous "X-Files" theme and score. I wish they still showed reruns of this show somewhere!