magicinthenight

After a triumphant run on Broadway, the film adaptation of "Lost In Yonkers" was completely snubbed at all of the major film awards ceremonies. Neil Simon's classic is brilliantly written and the direction is so simple, yet very subtle. But what really makes the film work is the performances. Dreyfuss is no Kevin Spacey, but does what he can with the role. The two boys are played expertly by their respective actors. Irene Worth reprises her Tony-award winning role and I thank god for that. She is spectacular as the stern grandmother.

But the stand-out here is Mercedes Ruehl. The woman delivers one of the most underrated performances in film history as Aunt Bella. She won a Tony, why no Oscar? Seriously, she is *that* good. Ruehl delivers such a magnificent performance as the slightly disturbed woman. She really should have two Oscars on her mantle.

GRADE: A ACTING: A WRITING: A+ DIRECTING: B MVP: RUEHL

Rent Adam Pascal, Rosario Dawson, Wilson Jermaine Heredia, Jesse L. Martin, Idina Menzel, Tracie Thoms, Taye Diggs, and Anthony Rapp

Chris Columbus

PG-13

I've never seen the stage version of "Rent", and I don't have to. The movie version is enough to please me. In short, I loved it. I liked the performances, although some were flawed, I liked the songs, all though some were dragged out, and I liked the plain and simple direction.

In the song and singing department, I really liked almost all of them. My favorites would have to be "Take Me Or Leave Me", "Light My Candle", "Out Tonight", "Today 4 U", and "Tango: Maureen". All very well sung by whoever was singing them.

As for singers—everyone was pretty good, yet there were stand-outs. First of all, I'm going to say that Idina Menzel has got some lungs. She completely belts "Take Me Or Leave Me", and is quite talented in "La Via Boheme". Also a standout is Rosario Dawson—who gives us two powerhouse performances. The first is the sexy "Light My Candle" and the next is the fun and hip "Out Tonight". Wilson Jermaine Heredia is a treat, too…"Today 4 U" works because of him, as it should. Tracie Thoms keeps up with the old school crowd, and works well in "Tango: Maureen".

In the acting department, everyone does a decent job. Stand-outs are Rosario Dawson, Anthony Rapp, and Idina Menzel. Dawson is an absolute delight as Mimi Marquez, a truly complex character to play. Anthony Rapp is good as Mark, too. I don't know why he didn't get a Tony nod—maybe his perfy was different then? Probably. Idina Menzel is really good as Maureen, who is vain and self centered. Still, gotta love her.

In the direction department, not much to brag about. I did like the simple form, though. It was very…plain. Most definitely the worst part of the movie, yet it's not too bad.

GRADE: A- (The acting and the singing rocked, the direction—not so much) STARS: 3 And A Half Out Of 4.

STAND-OUTS: Rosario Dawson, Idina Menzel, and Anthony Rapp BEST SONGS: "Take Me Or Leave Me", "Light My Candle", "Out Tonight".

I was lucky enough to have actually caught this CBS pilot. It, no exaggeration, was the definition of television at it's best. The two leads were incredibly appealing, while the supporting actors were just as brilliant. Top acting honors go to Marcia Cross, Tim Daly, and Eve Gordon-they carried the whole series. The romance, comedy, and drama all blended together perfectly. An incredible television show! The show just had this ripe and juicy richness to it. You will definitely not be disappointed if you watch it! Tim Daly, Eve Gordon, Marcia Cross, Rita Taggart, And Michael Alldredge star. A Must See For Someone Who Loves Brilliant Television.