This was a comedy with some romance in it. Filled with a talented cast, it pokes fun of the entertainment industry specifically soap operas on television. It was quite ridiculous, but kept you attention throughout the length of the story. The movie was directed by Michael Hoffman who has directed other features such as Some Girls (1988) starring Patrick Dempsey, Jennifer Connelly and Sheila Kelley. The story was written by Robert Harling. Andrew Bergman and Robert Harling both worked on the screenplay.
The tagline used was: “All that glitter… All that glamour… All that dirt”
There are a number of real life issues that interfere with the production of the popular fictional television show “The Sun Also Sets” that create lots of drama and comedic moments. The story centers on Celeste Talbert played by talented Sally Field. She is an aging soap star, and constantly seeks the attention of others. One of her supporters is television writer Rose Schwartz, played by Whoopi Goldberg, who often comes up with bizarre storylines for the show. The story changes pace after her niece Lori Craven enters the picture played by Elisabeth Shue (Angelique). After old flame boyfriend Jeffrey Anderson / Dr. Rod Randall played by Kevin Kline enters the storyline, things begin to heat up for Celeste.
The jealously from Cathy Moriarty playing Nurse Nan manifests itself constantly over Celeste as she wants to become the leading lady of the series. She seeks the attention of sexually starved producer David Seton Barnes played by Robert Downey Jr. Teri Hatcher appears in this also as Ariel Maloney / Dr. Monica Demonico. Kathy Najimy plays Tawny Miller; Garry Marshall appears as Edmund Edwards, Arne Nannestad is Director Burton White, Paul Johansson is Blair Brennan / Bolt, Stephen Nichols as himself, and Sheila Kelley is Fran. Keep your eyes open for Entertainment Tonight alumni Leeza Gibbons and John Tesh appearing as themselves.
This movie was nominated for a Golden Globe for Kevin Kline’s performance; it was given good reviews by some critics and overall was quite entertaining to watch. I think you will find a few laughs from Soapdish (1991).
This is a true classic from the 1980’s. If you have never seen The Karate Kid, then you surely you must have heard of it. It was a standout picture from this decade, and brought some remember able moments in cinematic history. John G. Avildsen directed this one, and it was written by Robert Mark Kamen.
The simple tagline was “Only the ‘Old One’ could teach him the secrets of the masters”
The basic story is about a boy who grows up trying to fit in. He is lost without his former friends from where he lived before. He fancy’s a girl at school who has had a better life than him in some ways. He wants to be popular and yet surprisingly tries many ways to find acceptance at the new school he is at. He has no father, and is raised by a single mother. The character Daniel Larusso played by Ralph Macchio is mentored by the late Pat Morita who plays the infamous Mr. Kesuke Miyagi. He teaches Daniel discipline through the ways of martial arts, particularly karate. Miyagi molds Daniel into growing up with his wits and using his fists as a last resort.
Daniel loves his mother dearly, and would willingly do anything he could to help her. There are moments of teen frustration and anguish throughout the story, which most people should identify with. He meets up with Elisabeth Shue who plays Ali Mills she helps to encourage him along the way while falling for him. The final showdown happens later between Daniel and Johnny Lawrence who is played by William Zabka who does an excellent job playing a real jerk. More appearances in this include Ron Thomas as Bobby Brown, Rob Garrison as Tommy, Chad McQueen as Dutch, Tony O’Dell as Jimmy, Martin Kove is John Kreese, Israel Juarbe is Freddy Fernandez, and William Bassett is Mr. Mills. Larry B. Scott is Jerry, Juli Fields is Susan, and Dana Andersen is Barbara.
I think the characters are interesting and you get to know them well in the story, this movie spawned a total of 3 more sequels, and the entire collection is available on DVD. You will appreciate seeing this one. I recommend everyone to watch this if you haven’t already. Peter Cetera’s “Glory of Love” would later be used as the theme song in the sequel “The Karate Kid, Part II (1986)”.
Some movies you remember for their creativity, and this one was this type of a movie. Imagine a world without power? We are all so dependent on having it, that when we lose it, all hell can break loose. The tagline for this one was: “When Nothing Works, Anything Goes” I thought this one was good enough to rent or find for cheap to buy. It makes you think about how things can change dramatically for your family and friends, in an over the top situation directed by David Koepp. This was written by James Burke and David Koepp also co-wrote the screenplay.
The cast includes an underrated array of characters played by Kyle MacLachlan as Matthew, Elisabeth Shue as Annie Kay and Dermot Mulroney as Joe. They are all close friends and decide to stick together to overcome the extreme environment which they now have to deal with. They have no choice in the matter and their lives are in constant threat. Each day for them is another victory in this strangely entertaining tale.
I think some critics didn’t like this film, and thought there was something missing. Perhaps it was the choice of actors and the director’s vision. Who knows? I still think it was worthy of a watch regardless of what others thought. More often than not the so-called critics compare any older release to something fresh out in the theatres. The choices for watchable movies seem to dwindle each year. I’ve been disappointed recently in some of the upcoming releases.
There are more first name only appearances in this feature which include: Rick Worthy as Johnny, Richard T. Jones as Raymond, Bill Smitrovich, Steph, Michael Rooker as Gary, Tori Kristiansen as Sarah, and Tyra Kristiansen as Sarah. (Yes the younger girl Sarah was played by a set of twins on set) This was the girl’s only appearance known on screen.
Overall, I think you will find this one to be entertaining enough to check out. The actors seemed to make the most out of what they had to work with. It would be considered a B list or even C list movie to some. But, I thought it was worthwhile for sure. Check this one out if you want to see something with a different kind of premise.
