burger-5

So, the film lacks all of the hype of recent Tv movies. But makes up for it in good performances. I was truly impressed with John Schneider's performance. At first, I didn't even know it was him. He melts into the character of Michael Landon with ease. The film revolves around Michael Landon Jr.'s memories of his father and his life growing up as the son of a famous actor. His father is portrayed as the wholesome figure we all knew from his shows, but grows into a cheating husband and throws his families away, again and again. It was refreshing to see a different aspect of Michael Landon's life.

This is a movie that sneaks up on you when you least expect it. On the surface, it looks like a comedy. But the more you look into it, it becomes a character study of a flawed man who has bitten off more than he can chew. Steve Martin plays the main character with conviction. You are not really sure of his intentions, and that makes it more interesting. A great job by Martin. Martin is surrounded by other strong actors and the whole cast blends well together. It is like looking at a family. These characters know each other. The film features great gospel music that is a treat by itself. And the "preaching" scenes are quite funny. They are a satirical masterpiece. Enjoy this film as a comedy, but try to figure out Martin's character. That is the real key to enjoying the film.

A top notch drama enhanced by Stone's camera work. The story involves the meteoric rise and fall of a popular shock-jock. The main character's ego and opinions drip out of his pores like sweat on a hot afternoon. Stone's camera sweeps and glides around the radio studio like a hungry panther. His use of reflections turns up the heat until the whole world starts to warp and melt around the main character as his world starts to crumble. Bogosian's dialogue is sharp but sometimes preachy. The voices over the telephone seem brainwashed and generic but I think that was done with purpose to enhance the DJ's view of his audience as being mindless followers. The technical work on this film is what does it for me. It adds up to a fine film.