Reviews
Good Advice (1993)
It started so well
I suspect that this series is not very well known because when ever you think of Shelley Long you think of Cheers. Having seen all the episodes overall this was a much better comedy sitcom than Cheers. The mini episodes that introduce the main episodes are really really good and the 1st 6 episodes are really good mainly because of the 4 central character Susan de Ruzza Jack Harold Artie and Ronny the female receptionist and they work together so well and are really very funny. However though still quite good it all changes. The receptionist has gone and has been replaced by Susans sister and there is also now a home help neither of which I found very funny. The screen time allotted to Jack and Artie is drastically reduced and quite honestly it became a girly thing. The people producing this sitcom lost an excellent opportunity to make a really good and long running sitcom by the changes they made. They blew it. But it is still well worth watching but not as good as it could have been
AFI's 100 Years... 100 Songs: America's Greatest Music in the Movies (2004)
Absolutely brilliant
When it appeared on British TV I came in on song number 26 so I missed an awful lot but having seen the 26 I am now determined to get the whole show. John Travolta as the host was made for the part and his exit to the music from his film was great. The people who commented on the individual songs were very good indeed, genuine and sincere in there comments and well known in their own right ie Andy Williams Paul Simon Art garfunkel etc and there comments were spot on. The whole 26 I saw were a pleasure to hear, Singing in the rain ole man River White Christmas and of course Somewhere over the Rainbow were just an example of the sheer quality of the contents of this programme. The hard part now is finding the whole programme any suggestions.
Becker (1998)
Excellent sitcom
If I was from the USA I would most probably call it awesome. Ted Danson was at his best in this as he was in Cheers Rude, abrasive, aggressive and funny the only thing lacking was Diane ie Shelley Long and it was a pity he didn,t have her guesting in one episode because I am sure it would have been great.
The whole cast was so funny which made for a 1st class sitcom that it seems only the USA can produce. However does anyone know if there are any plans to bring it out on DVD in the near dfuture or what. This has only jusrt appeared on channel 5 in this country so we have a lot of catching up to do.
Just Shoot Me! (1997)
brilliant
In England this show came after Cheers, Friends and Everyone Loves Raymond which are very difficult acts to follow But it did it with a resounding 10 out of 10. The 5 main character I can't fault their performances were so good. The comedy was excellent and each character had their different strengths though I suspect that Jack Gallow was the fatherhead figure. I also found that the people who made guest appearances or new characters were of top quality. However the final episode was an absolute classic and the tears on the faces I suspect were real because the series and there working together was coming to an end. Very sadly the end of era that has been replaced in the UK by repeats of Everyone Loves Raymond which doesn't seem so funny after Shoot me. I must say that the ending of Shoot me was so superior to the end of Diane Chambers leaving Cheers which was abysmal. Lets hope these people aren't consigned to oblivion after the end of the series like so many people of successful sitcoms seem to be.
Godspell: A Musical Based on the Gospel According to St. Matthew (1973)
A lovely lively happy musical
I saw Jesus Christ Superstar first and didn't like it at all but this one Gospell was so very very good, I am sure it wasn't meant to be factual but to be enjoyed. Day by Day was one of the nicest and best sung songs by Robin Lamont)I have ever listened to and was totally enjoyable, If you enjoy sort of religious music with a difference light happy and even a bit of hand clapping this is the musical for you. The beginning starts off with Prepare ye the way of the Lord and ends with the same song plus Day by Day and quite honestly is absolutely delightful, If you want something to lift your spirits this is the film for you,
Falling in Love with the Girl Next Door (2006)
On holiday in lovely Catalina Island
This film is not a classic and it doesn't pretend to be. It makes no claim to deal with serious issues but it is a lovely and thoroughly enjoyable Haloween romance. For me as an Englishman it was an education in American culture. Electric cars what are they, the traffic jam in Los Angeles was the most horrendous I have ever seen, People with their national flag hanging outside their house, and the seriousness with which they celebrate Haloween all new to me. The atmosphere during the whole film I found absolutely delightful, The two young Romeo and Juliet played their parts so nicely. The 4 old stagers 2 husbands and of course Patty Duke and Shelley Long so nice and so lovely to see them together. This is not a deep film but a lovely romance. Top marks to Hallmark for making a film like this because though there are many who will find it ucky there are many like myself who will find watching it a pure joy. For me it was like going on holiday to this island but rather sad when it finished,
The Adventures of Ragtime (1998)
Crime never pays
A film about the kidnapping of a tiny show pony that goes wrong of course. I bought this for the Shelley Long content alone. It was not a particularly funny film and I did find the family that owned the pony grated on me but it was all good clean cut fun. Shelley Long though a different kettle of fish. Hilarious tottering around on those high heeled shoes looking like she was going to fall over any minute. And that short mini skirt and black stocking and her change of hair every 5 minutes she was hilarious. When she sings my sweet potato pie with her side kick great. The best bit though is when she speaks with the phony Southern Accent you can't help enjoying it.
Diagnosis Murder: Write, She Murdered (1998)
A brilliant Shelley Long
It took me absolutely ages to get this episode but was it worth it. Diagnosis Murder as most people know is a very professionally done murder mystery and suspense and of course Dick Van Dyke is an excellent anchor man around which everybody revolves. In this episode Shelley Long alias Kate Ludow a writer suffering from writers block decides to commit the perfect murder then follow Mark Sloane around and see how he investigates the crime and write a book based on her observations. Miss Long was exceptional extremely funny in places and played her character as only she can with style. The way Miss Long speaks which sounds like she has a plum in her mouth I find absolutely fascinating and when she rolls those eyes of hers brilliant. Watch it if you get a chance on the re runs because I think you will thoroughly enjoy it.
Jingle Bells (1999)
A good Christmas cartoon
If you expect this film to be of the superb quality of a Disney film you are expecting too much from it. Having said that it is a very nice film. The voices used especially for the horse are really good and of course its a Christmas sets everything right sort of film. Its for children and as an adult I would let any child watch this film without worrying about its content. A couple of the songs in it are very catchy but all are sung well. Shelley Long nicely plays the Mum and one thing with Shelley Long I have never found her in a Children's film with anything objectionable to children in it. The artwork in the film is good the characters move with a good degree of naturalness and the storyline is a typical Christmas story. As an adult I really enjoyed it
The Santa Trap (2002)
a really nice film
I must admit that the first time I saw this film I didn't think much of it but having seen it many times now I realise that it is a really nice film. Two characters Officer Calhoon and Officer Buckley are really good as are Shelley Long and Corbin Bernsen. Its a children's Christmas story so if you are looking for Gone with the wind or a Godfather type film this definitely is not the film for you but if you are looking for good family entertainment you might like this because I did. No rudeness no swearing no violence just an enjoyable film. The story has already been set out but any film with Shelley Long with children in it is always going to be a good family film
A Message from Holly (1992)
A really lovely film
When I first saw this film I wasn't to keen on it but the more I saw it the more I liked it. For me it is a film that grows on you. A woman dying of cancer Holly with a young daughter Jenny and Kate the friend whom she wants to be her daughters guardian. Shelley Long and Lindsay Wagner work so well together in fact sometimes I wasn't sure whether they were acting or being their normal self. Jenny the little girl was so well played by Molly Orr and Shelley Long as she always does with children interacts with Jenny so well that it is a pleasure to see her with Jenny. The ending is the most poignant one I have ever seen. When the flesh is the weakest the spirit is the strongest. When Holly says to Kate Are you saying goodbye Barnes its time for the hanky. However the interaction with Kate and Jenny is shown so well when at the very end of the film they are driving away in the pick up and Jenny says Can I have a parrott and Kate says that would be nice. A real pleasure to watch this film.
Don't Tell Her It's Me (1990)
Shelley Long at her best
Yes Shelley Long at her best as Lizzie Potts with a nome de plume of Vivecca Lamoreaux a romance novel writer An American look a like of the English Emma with Lizzie as the interfering sister trying to marry off her brother Gus The whole caste in this film were excellent including a little girl called Annabelle and a dog called killer. This film was a joy to watch from beginning to end and though not what I would call funny was definitely good fun. Shelley spelling out to Annabelle the consequences of eating engine oil, inhaling gas and eating bugs was an absolute master stroke carried off by Miss Long. The ending was so good because when the happy couple are flying off and you think thats it there is Shelley with a massive big pair of binoculars watching the plane and says "Alright. Two points to the Gus plusher. Oh amore amore amore". Shelley interacts with youngsters so well that you can see its something she loves doing.
Freaky Friday (1995)
A really good fun movie
I haven't had the experience of having seen the other 2 versions of this film but this one with Shelley Long and Gaby Hoffman I found was delightful. I didn't think it would be a funny movie but with Shelley Long in it I did think it would be a fun movie and it really was. Was that really Gaby Hoffman swimming and diving because if it was she is an excellent swimmer and diver. Shelley Long roller blading. Was that really her and if so she is a really good roller bleater. The film I found enjoyable from beginning to end. Ben, Gabys brother was a really good character and punk rapper "annabelles got a boy named Luke. Every time I see him makes me puke" and Shelley Longs business partner put all his soul into his part. The whole cast in it were a pleasure to watch. Getting this video in England is very difficult indeed so I had to go to America to get it and I am very glad I did.
The Women of Spring Break (1995)
A REALLY LOVELY FUN MOVIE
A film with Shelley Long is usually a fun film and this certainly is. Two excellent female co stars one with a beautiful Southern accent Two very good mature male actors one French and another one with a lovely Southern accent make up the romance interest. The icing on the cake is seeing Miss Long with her lovely smile, beautiful wide open eyes and a voice that sounds like she is sucking a plum time and time again. And the end of the film is when Shelley is reunited with her husband who she has missed soo much even though she enjoyed her holiday. This film is so easy and soo enjoyable to watch that I am amazed it isn't seen on television more. The location of the film is a lovely beach called Paradise and it is soo enjoyable that you can forsake your holiday and sit an watch this film instead and loads an loads of 20 year olds thoroughly enjoying themselves too.
A Different Kind of Christmas (1995)
A REALLY NICE FAMILY FILM
I had a delightful surprise when I watched Troop Beverley Hills and this film was a delightful surprise as well. This is not a film classic like Gone with the Wind but for me much more enjoyable to watch. As with many of Shelley Longs films it was full of heart and good intentions. It was nice to see the mayor from Spin City playing the romance interest and he was very good in that role though I would have loved to have seen more of him and Shelley Long on the screen, and Santa was good as well. If you like a film full of violence and sex this is not for you. There were moral issues raised in this film but not heavily and they were helpful and valid as well. I do recommend that you have a hanky with you in the last 10 minutes of the film because I found it a real tear jerker.
Troop Beverly Hills (1989)
Thoroughly enjoyable. Shelley Long both sings and dance.
I thoroughly enjoyed this film and to see Shelley Long sing and dance is a real bonus. The young ones who played troop members were great. The roadside disco was excellent The little bits of morality were very subtly and nicely done. The music and tunes were soo good, The only complaint that I have is we didnt see more of Shelley singing and dancing and the music should have been on longer. I cannot remember a film where everybody seemed to enjoy themselves so much. The background shots of Beverley Hills were soo good and the crowd watching the roadside discos seemed to be enjoying the disco as were the young troop members. The comments on the quality of the recently released DVD were not good but I found no problem with it at all.