Tag Archives: comedy

Wedding Present (1936)

In the black and white film “Wedding Present,” Cary Grant stars as Charlie Mason, an irresponsible, happy-go-lucky newspaper reporter who’s head over heels in love with fellow reporter, Rusty Fleming (Joan Bennett). When plans to get a marriage license go awry, Rusty takes it as a sign that their marriage isn’t meant to be, and she calls it off. Not to be deterred so easily, Charlie sets out on a plan to get her back. Meanwhile, the two of them are sent out to interview the Archduke (Gene Lockhart), in town to celebrate his engagement. They take him out on … Continue reading →

Trouble Along the Way (1953)

John Wayne takes a break from westerns to bring us “Trouble Along the Way,” the story of a man named Steve Williams who used to be a football coach but got thrown out of the game. He is a single parent, father to an eleven-year-old girl named Carol (Sherry Jackson). They have a close, if unconventional relationship – she makes him coffee and orange juice every morning to chase off the hangovers he gets the night before. When Steve’s ex-wife Anne decides to make his life miserable again, she knows just how to do it – she sends the state … Continue reading →

My Name is Russell Fink – Michael Snyder

I stayed up far too late on Saturday night finishing “My Name is Russell Fink,” and I really enjoyed it. It’s written in a clever, conversational tone – think chick lit, only from a guy’s perspective and not so obsessed with shoes. Our main character, as you’ve probably guessed, is named Russell Fink and he’s a salesman for an office supply company. He’s not a good salesman—he hardly ever puts in a full day’s work and he takes frequent sick days to visit the doctor for pretend maladies—but his boss will never fire him. It seems that several years ago, … Continue reading →

Romance on the High Seas (1948)

“Romance on the High Seas” was Doris Day’s first film appearance. She stars as Georgia Garrett, a nightclub singer who has always dreamed of world travel. One day, luck finds her in the form of Mrs. Elvira Kent. Mrs. Kent (Janis Paige) has always suspected her husband of being a cheater, but she can’t prove anything. She decides to make him think she’s gone on a long trip, planning to catch him in the act when he thinks she’s not looking. She asks Georgia to go on the trip in her place, mailing her husband letters from time to time … Continue reading →

Alvin and the Chipmunks (2007)

We met them first as cartoons, but now Alvin, Simon and Theodore become real. Well, as real as singing, talking chipmunks can get. In this 2007 movie “Alvin and the Chipmunks,” we meet Dave Seville, a man who’s in advertising but really wants to be a song writer. After suffering a humiliating defeat, he’s not quite prepared for what happens next, but it happens all the same. Three chipmunks ride home from work in his fruit basket. They came from the forest and were transported to the city in a Christmas tree, found themselves in unfamiliar territory and were lured … Continue reading →

Strike Up the Band (1940)

I would be a neglectful movie reviewer indeed if I thought I could discuss classic movies without giving a nod to the team of Judy Garland and Mickey Rooney. Arguably the most famous teenaged duo of Hollywood history, these two teamed up for several films that were loved by the younger set and the older set as well. “Strike Up the Band” stars Rooney as Jimmy Connors, a young man who plays the drums in his high school band. He wants to have his own orchestra someday and play for dances at clubs, but his mother has her heart set … Continue reading →

Bee Movie (2007)

“Bee Movie” is a recent cartoon released by Dreamworks and written by Jerry Seinfeld. I watched it with my children last night and we enjoyed it. Barry is a young bee who has just graduated from college. The lifespan of a bee being somewhat short, his entire college career lasted three days, but his graduation is still a big deal. He can now choose which job he wants out of all those offered in the hive. He can stir honey. He can sweep the floors. He can clean the bathrooms. Whatever job he takes, he will do it the rest … Continue reading →

Short Circuit (1986)

“Short Circuit” is the 1986 smash hit about a robot that was built to be a weapon of war. He’s number five of five, and he’s programmed to hone in on enemy targets and destroy them with a laser. His creator, Newton Crosby (Steve Gutenberg) is a man of science who doesn’t leave much room in his life for miracles, but when Number Five is hit by lightning, that’s exactly what happens – a miracle. Once a bucket of bolts, Number Five is now alive. Accidentally finding his way out of the laboratory, he ends up at a remote farmhouse … Continue reading →

Mr. Magorium’s Wonder Emporium (2007)

At last, a family movie that we truly can all enjoy, from my husband down to my toddler. “Mr. Magorium’s Wonder Emporium” had something in it for each of us. Mr. Magorium (Dustin Hoffman) is a very old man, and I don’t just mean elderly. He’s over two hundred years old, and he’s had a great many adventures. His childlike appreciation of life has made all who know him appreciate it too, and now, in his later years, he shares that love with the customers in his toy store. His store manager, Molly Mahoney, is also is very good friend. … Continue reading →

Danny and Justin’s New Gigs

In a move that left some in tears, Danny Noriega was voted off “American Idol” Thursday night. If you were one of the many Noriega fans shedding tears for the 18-year-old take heart–a big name celeb has come to the “Idol” contestant’s aid and you could soon be hearing him belt out hits like “Tainted Love” very soon. So who is Noriega’s A-list fan? It’s none other than Rosie O’Donnell. Surprise. Surprise. NOT! The former talk show host wasted no time jumping on her soap box (a.k.a. her personal blog) to rave about Noriega’s performance and while she was at … Continue reading →